Chapter 6: A Club that Destines to Rise (Part II)

.

.

Once everyone was present inside the gym/auditorium for the highly anticipated secret surprise event, hosted by the Unlimited Sound Club, the clueless invited students weren't really expecting much. Or at least they didn't know what to expect. What the majority believed was once the club performs their gig, their music would somehow be loud enough to attract the students all over campus and it would somehow draw them to locate the source. This way, they gain the attention they hoped for while somehow not getting into trouble by the teachers and staff.

Apparently that was not the case. The Unlimited Sound Club's plan was better thought out than any of them had anticipated.

Their ace in the group being the infamous Saru Hiroki, the wayward prankster of Karasuno High.

The second year may not be joining the spotlight on stage, but his role is just as important, if not very. When one of them asked what it is, his answer was very simple. The maroon head smiled big and said one word with boundless exuberance.

"Hacking!"

The students gaped. He wasn't serious was he? Hiroki had nothing more to say to them as he was called backstage by Masami, yelling at him to hurry and set up. He flashed a grin at their guests before disappearing behind the curtains.

"And he said they weren't doing anything illegal," Harriet muttered to herself.

She hears Tanaka and Nishinoya shouting praise about Saru's skills, both recognizing him as the one who devised filling the vice principal's office with water balloons. That caught the others' attention and the second years relayed the events that happened during their first year. Apparently that prank wasn't all Hiroki did. That time was when the summer waves really hit hard to a point where students had trouble focusing in class. Deciding enough was enough, Hiroki devised a plan that simply involved water balloons. A lot of water balloons.

"His family owns a party store so that was how he was able to get all the supplies he needed," Tanaka said. "Oh man you should've seen it! On campus there were giant coolers filled with those things everywhere, buried in ice! It was too tempting that almost no one resisted!"

"It was a grand free for all! Everyone was soaked but because of the summer heat, no one cared," Nishinoya added. "Sadly, the vice gave him a week of detention for it and that was what led to the office filled with water balloons the next day that got him suspended. I swear that guy is a riot! Even the third years commended him for his bravery!"

"Gwaaaaaaaah, how cool!" Hinata awed. "I'm jealous! We should have done that in my middle school last year! Summer was too hot!"

"That definitely sounds like a fun way to cool off," Yachi spoke with envy. "You two are lucky."

"Hiroki-sempai should totally do that again this year!"

"He should," Kageyama agreed.

"But Hiroki-san already got in trouble for that," Yamaguchi reasoned. "Wouldn't he get into deeper trouble if he did it a second time?"

"If he's going as far as hacking today then I'm sure he won't mind," said Tsukishima. "Also, I believe it's in our best interest we don't stay here any longer."

"Huh? Why?" Hinata asked incredulously as he and the others watch the tall blond head towards the exit.

Tsukishima stops and turns his head back to them. "Are you joking? These people are insane. We have no idea what exactly they're planning and now we've discovered that hacking is involved. If this gets out of hand, do you think the school will let them off easy? Let's not forget that we ourselves are under the vice principal's scrutiny. Think about how much this will damage our club."

Harriet noticed the group tense. Even the second years were brought to silence. It made her wonder if they've gotten under a bad rap with the school before.

"As much as I hate to admit it, he's right," Kageyama spoke at last. "We can't stay here."

Hinata snapped to him. "But-"

"Do you really want to sacrifice volleyball for this?" Kageyama cut through the boy's words like a knife. The boy stood rigid, eyes wide under the piercing stare of his partner.

"Of course not!" he shouted back, meeting his glare, but then turned away contemplating. "But… Kenta-kun, I promised…"

Unfortunately that only set the raven-head off more as he loomed over to him.

"Kenta-kun this, Kenta-kun that," he fists the smaller boy's collar tightly in his grip. "Just what's so special about him?!"

"Oi Kageyama!" Tanaka stepped forward. Nishinoya right beside him.

"Answer me Hinata!"

Hinata's teeth clenched. Whenever he tries to say something, the words end up clogged in his throat. All he could do was glare heatedly back at Kageyama.

"He does have a point," a voice says very close from behind Hinata. A pair of hands was placed on his shoulders, firm but gentle. Kageyama was so surprised by the new girl's presence that his grip on Hinata's shirt slackened. Harriet uses the opportunity to pull the short boy away, creating enough distance between the two, meanwhile turning Hinata around so he could face her.

Hinata shifts a bit from her gaze. It wasn't intimidating like Kageyama's, but he could feel her analyzing him carefully, trying to read him. Those coal back eyes that showed almost no color didn't make him feel any more comfortable.

"From our conversation yesterday, I could tell you valued volleyball a lot," she continued, her voice surprisingly soft. "If you left I'm sure Jun wouldn't mind. He'd understand. So why do feel you should stay so badly?"

"W-Well…" It's weird, but he had the sudden urge to pour everything out to her. He could tell her anything and everything, and he barely knows her. It's like he's under some kind of spell. Hinata swallows and he finally finds his voice.

"Well, it's because Kenta-kun is my friend. Sure, we didn't know each other long and we don't have much in common, but he's still my friend. Despite our differences, we've always supported each other. When he told me he planned on making this club, I encouraged him. I encouraged him, because I heard him play a few times. He's amazing! His plans for this club are amazing too! I… I feel like the reason why he's made it this far was because of me supporting him. So if I leave now, wouldn't that mean that I'm abandoning him?"

His lowers his head, his arms shaking. "Kenta-kun is smart. He's also a good person. I doubt he and his friends would do anything bad. I believe that. Strongly. So… I guess that's… that's why…"

He stuttered, losing his train of thought of what he's trying to convey. A hand gently pats his head, followed by the sound of a soft giggle.

"I never knew you could be so kind Hinata-chan. Thank you for taking care of my cousin. The world needs good people like you."

The girl's words caused heat to flow on the middle blocker's cheeks.

"I feel the same way too, you know."

Surprised, Hinata raised his head. "Really?"

The violet-head nods, grinning. "I'm surprised at how much Jun has changed over the years. I can't help but feel proud of him, and I haven't heard him play yet! You are right though, he's smart. Not only that, but he always takes everyone into consideration. If this was a bad idea from the start, he wouldn't go with it. He also wouldn't get anyone involved."

There was a dark undertone as she spoke her last two sentences, meanwhile shifting her gaze to Tsukishima. The others could tell she was upset with the way he spoke of her cousin and his club, if her apoplectic glare was any indication. It caused the tall blond to turn away. It did little help. Again he could feel those eyes on him and it sent unpleasant chills down his spine. That girl definitely has the habit of getting her point across without words.

Her mood suddenly shifts as she sighs and stretches her arms.

"Geez what a pain, but I feel this needs to be done. I know I'm just some foreign new girl to you all and my earlier 'episode' makes me an untrustworthy character, but I guess when it comes down to it, I'd do anything for my cousin. So…" She bows down low. "Please stay. Anything that happens in this event, this club and I will take full responsibility. You have my word."

"H-Hari-chan!" she hears Hinata but chooses to ignore him for now.

What the hell am I doing? Harriet thought as she kept her head low and her eyes closed. She honestly couldn't care less if they stayed or not, but the club needs the support right? Even if it's a small group that's the volleyball club. Hinata's willing to stay though so really, she shouldn't care.

"And speaking of which…" she continues, straightening up. "You! Four-eyes!"

She aimed her finger at Tsukishima. He tensed.

"That's not my name," he muttered, but gave her his attention anyway, slightly apprehensive though of what she could possibly want. At least on the inside.

There was a small growl in the back of her throat, as if she's going to regret her next words. At this point, she refused to look at him, arms crossed resentfully and… was she blushing? That piqued his interest and the blond wanted to laugh at how funny she looked. He isn't stupid though or suicidal. He learned his lesson last time and only survived the girl's wrath because of Tanaka.

"Saturday," she forced out, face reddening. "On Saturday I'll give you whatever your little heart desires alright? I don't care if you're busy that day. Make room for it or I'll call it off and punch you in the face. Is that clear Tsukishima?"

It's clear to see she'd rather follow through with her threat than give Tsukishima anything he wants. The fact that she's changed her mind is a shock factor for everyone witnessing it, including the blond.

But before the blond could even voice his response…

"Oh? Now what have we here?"

Everyone's heads snapped to the person at the entrance, standing directly behind Tsukishima.

She was an average sized adult with bubblegum pink hair tied into a messy bun. Her white button up had sleeves rolled up to her elbows and were tucked under a blood red patterned office skirt.

No doubt she's a teacher. It's too late now. They've been caught before the event could even start.

The Karasuno students stood quietly in growing fear as she adjusts her glasses, eyeing them like a hawk. And soon…

"Oh my, you must be our special guests! Welcome! I hope you find everything okay!~"

Saying her bubbly greeting took the students off guard would be the understatement of the year. Unfortunately, the teacher mistook their silence for something completely different.

"Oh! Of course, where are my manners? Call me Ima! I'm a music teacher volunteering as supervisor for the Unlimited Sound Club!" She clapped her hands. "I just came back and it seems the show's about ready to start! This way, this way! VIPs always get the best seats in the house!"

No one could stop her as they were ushered to the assorted chairs in front of the stage. Tanaka, Hinata, and Nishinoya were very eager though once hearing they were VIP guests. Ima nodded in satisfaction, seeing everyone seated at the front rows. She checked her watch.

"Alright! We've got one minute left before the show begins! Do any of you have questions you'd like to ask before then? Come on, don't be shy.~"

Yamaguchi slowly raised his hand.

"Ah yes, you! The freckled cutie! What's on your mind?"

The fact that the teacher called him cute had him sputter for a moment, his face heating up.

"U-um," he stammered. "What exactly are you performing, i-if you don't mind me asking?"

"I'm glad you asked! This performance will be staring two of our famous club members, Takeo-kun and Kenta-kun! The piece is composed by Takeo-kun and the instruments they'll be using are turntables and the violin."

"Turn... tables?" Hinata asked, puzzled. He leans to whisper to Harriet. "What are turntables?"

"Otherwise known as the DJ controller," she whispers back. "That must be the instrument Takeo's using."

"He's a DJ? That's so cool!"

She shrugged. "Never would've thought either."

"Okay kids, we have time for one last question before we start, so make it count! Anyone?"

It was Tsukishima who raises his hand.

"How will this attract any listeners if we're the only ones who know about it?"

Ima chuckled, adjusting her glasses again. "Another very good question. That responsibility is left to Hiroki-kun. If everything goes according to plan, he should be done right about-"

Her sentence was cut by multiple rings and buzzes sounding all at once.

"The hell?" Kageyama fished his phone out. "A text?"

"I got one too!" shouted Hinata.

"So did I!" confirmed Yachi.

"I do too, but there's no sender on mine," says Nishinoya.

"Wait, so this was what Hiroki meant by hacking?" asks Harriet, reading the text.

Ima smiles brightly. "Oh, so you are aware! Well, since Hiroki-kun also has a knack for computer programming, we decided to put that talent to good use, by simply sending a message to all the students of Karasuno."

So it's not just them. As of right now, everyone is aware of a performance happening in the auditorium. And with everyone receiving an unsuspecting text message at the exact same time by an anonymous sender, there's no doubt some will be curious enough to want to check it out.

It's crazy stupid. Stupid enough to actually work.

"And now, my honorable guests," Ima bows respectfully. The curtains behind her begin to rise. "Please relax and enjoy the show."

.

.

"Junichi, you're trembling," says Takeo.

Junichi chuckles sheepishly. "Oh really? I guess it's because of the weight of this costume."

Though Takeo will admit that the fabric of the costumes he and Junichi had to wear were a bit heavy (and hot in the sleeves), the third year can see plain as day that it's not the cause of the boy's distress.

The boy is nervous. It's surprising to Takeo because since the day he met him, Junichi rarely ever gets nervous before show starts, at least not to this extent. Thankfully, Takeo does not need to ask to know why he's like this. After all, this started ever since Hiroki bounced up to them happily stating that their guests have arrived. He even stated with vigor that Harriet was there among them before bouncing away to return to his wire-infested little lab.

But not without commenting that the two should star in a pirate movie, giving them stupid overused nicknames and jokes before Masami had to kick him back to work. And what was once a strong-willed Junichi quickly became, I-seriously-cannot-do-this Junichi. Takeo sighed and reached to gently pat the boy's back.

"You're thinking too much. You know what happens if you do."

The boy laughed. "Yeah I know. I'll mess up. That'd be bad since I'm the president."

"You won't. You never do."

"Thanks, but it's not that. It's just…" Junichi's fingers absently idle over the wood and strings of his violin. "What if she doesn't like it?"

Takeo shrugs. "Only one way to find out. Either way, we're in far too deep to turn back. And I'm not going to be wearing this ridiculous outfit for nothing."

This time, Junichi laughs in a way that sounds wholehearted. "I think it suits you well, especially with the dreads."

"If I hear one more Captain Jack Sparrow joke, I'm leaving."

"At least you look like you fit the role! I look like a kid whose parents forced this on him for Halloween!"

"Both of you look fine!" Masami shouted, which startled the two, mostly because they didn't notice her appear. "You two don't get to judge since I was the one who had to buy these costumes and set up the stage while you two practice!"

"S-Sorry Masami-san. Thank you for your hard work," they said in unison, not wanting to incur any anger from the tiny first year.

Her expression changed back to neutral. "We're on in two minutes. You should get ready."

The two nodded and quickly got to their places. The stage was set up in what looked like "a nighttime voyage through the seven seas" as Ima-sensei likes to describe it. Even Takeo's turntables stand was decorated to give off that same vibe. His headphones are on and he begins activating the controllers while Junichi stands in front at the ready, violin and bow in each hand. They faintly hear Ima-sensei's voice at the other side of the thick curtains, conversing with the students.

Soon (too soon in Junichi's mind) sounds of ringing and buzzing fill the room, likely coming from the student's phones. Junichi gulps. That's the final cue.

Breathe Junichi. You've done this hundreds of times. He tells himself as the curtains slowly roll up. Don't think about it or you'll mess up.

He closes his eyes and steadily breathes, trying to calm his racing heart. He opens them again.

He's greeted by a small crowd in the front rows. Few he recognizes. His eyes land on Harriet. Her's on him. They lock for a few moments.

His original purpose for doing this was to gain recognition and support for the club. Now however, because of yesterday, his purpose has shifted. He doesn't care about recognition anymore.

Harriet's motivation to play was because of her father. Junichi bows in respect to the audience before positioning his violin, the bow centimeters apart from the strings. I may not be as good as him, but if I could, I'd like to bring that motivation back.

The first note draws out, echoing the whole building. Takeo follows behind on his control system, the two instruments twined together in a steady rhythm before it instantly picks up at a fast tempo. The notes are quick and precise and Junichi finds himself lost, already into the music he's making with Takeo. He doesn't feel like he's on stage anymore with people watching as he moves along with the beat. But he does know that this feeling is different from all the other times he's performed. He's putting extra effort on every note he plays so they'll be able to reach his cousin. It's not for anyone else, not to him.

He's bringing out his very best for her. He just hopes it works.

'

.

The boys are talented. That is definitely certain. More so, it feels like they've stepped into a theater rather than a normal high school auditorium/gymnasium. Even though, appearance wise, it's just two boys in silly-looking pirate costumes on a stage setting that's supposed to look like a pirate ship on sea, the music they're playing fits well with it all.

And it's good.

The boy with the violin takes lead as he moves across the stage in elegant footsteps. He's obviously the main focus, but the young man's turntable skills are accounted for as well, him responsible for the upbeat rhythm of the speakers while the violinist is the melody. Both are in tune with one another despite being so different.

Harriet watches in awe. Amazed.

Is that really Junichi? She has never seen him in this light before. This is so different from the times she's watched him play years ago. The Junichi she knew always plays the right way, but always does it without any feeling to it, as if playing a song was just another task to complete. This Junichi, her cousin, is pouring everything he has in waves, roaring ocean waves, wanting his feelings to match the people listening.

And it's working. In the corner of her eyes, she can see Hinata and the others up off their seats, which made her realize that she herself was standing. There were noises and stuff said between them and even more coming from behind her she knows weren't there before. But she's tunes them out, eyes solely on her cousin and Takeo. And as she watches, she gets that feeling, that same feeling she gets when seeing her father's band perform.

So this is Jun's full potential. This is the Unlimited Sound Club.

.

.

Today was but a peaceful day for Sawamura Daichi.

So far, there had been no trouble. Morning practice went smoothly. Fights between Hinata and Kageyama were minimal, Tsukishima was giving more effort in his blocks, Tanaka and Nishinoya were more tolerable, and even Yamaguchi was showing signs of improvement. Daichi only wishes this could happen more often whenever his team practices volleyball together, but that would be asking too much.

Other than that, today has been… very quiet. Or maybe he's just overthinking things. Still, since beginning practice, he's noticed Hinata acting a little strange. It wasn't anything bad. The first year was the same little ball of limitless energy everyone's come to know, but Daichi couldn't help but notice that Hinata seemed a bit more excited and energetic than usual, if that's even possible. Sometimes the teammates had to calm him down because he was just all over the place to a point where even Kageyama couldn't keep up with him nor understand his exuberant behavior. No one did. Daichi had discussed this with his trusting partner Sugawara after practice. The vice captain shrugged and guessed that maybe something good came up for Hinata.

"As long as he's happy, it shouldn't be a problem right?"

That's true, and Daichi decided to leave it at that.

Then later at lunch, they encountered Asahi stating that he couldn't find Nishinoya. That shouldn't be a problem either since he'd most likely be hanging with either Tanaka, or Hinata and Kageyama.

They couldn't find any of them. They checked every spot they knew the four would hang often. They checked their homerooms and asked their classmates. No one's seen them.

It really shouldn't be a problem; that's what Daichi keeps telling himself and a very worried Asahi, but they hunted down the rest of the team just to be sure. Ennoshita, Narita, and Kinoshita haven't seen them. Even worse, Shimizu was looking for Yachi and searched everywhere but couldn't find her.

And no one was able to spot Tsukishima and Yamaguchi.

Today was but a peaceful day for Sawamura Daichi, at least it was.

"C-Could they have been kidnapped?" asked Asahi, already assuming the worst.

"Asahi…" Sugawara's hand was on his shoulder, his smile tight and his grip strong, making the taller man shrink. "That's a pretty strong conclusion. The school is big, they could be anywhere."

"Y-You're right! I'm sorry!"

It was a silly assumption, but Daichi could see that Asahi's words had frightened Sugawara. Because no matter how one looks at it, the whole thing is strange. Just where could their teammates have gone to?

And then the most bizarre thing happened.

Their phones buzzed. I wasn't just them though. By the sound of it, it's like almost every phone that exists on campus began ringing and buzzing.

At the exact same time.

That can't be a coincidence.

Phone in hand, Daichi watches the students converse with themselves, looking just as confused as he was and showing each other the texts they received. A good majority were even heading… somewhere. He hasn't read the message yet, but there must be a connection.

"Oh? An event is happening today." Suga's voice snapped him out of his muddled thoughts as he reads the message from his phone. Daichi decides to open and read his own text he got.

This is a must see!
Music event happening in the auditorium from now till the end of lunch!
Don't miss out! :D

Sincerely, The Unlimited Sound Club

So that's where the students are heading. There's no name of the sender. There's no number to trace the message either. All Daichi can assume is this person is a member of this club. And this person happens to be very skilled at computers.

"I feel like I'm in an anime," Asahi mutters. "It's just like this one anime I watched where the exact same thing happens."

"I know what you mean," says Sugawara. He scratches his head. "The Unlimited Sound Club. Can't say I've heard of them. They must be new. What you think Daichi?"

"I've never heard of them either." The captain sighs and rubs his forehead. Part of his team has gone missing and now this? He knew his day wouldn't be peaceful for long, but this was beyond his expectations.

His phone buzzed again and he flipped. Thankfully, he caught the device before it could hit the ground. It was only his phone that buzzed this time, and he was happy, oh so happy, that it was just Shimizu who sent him a text and not some mysterious computer whiz. He's had enough surprises for one day.

Come to the event.
I found them.
It's hard to see, but they're at the front rows.

"What is it Daichi?" Suga asks.

"It's Kiyoko-san. She's found our teammates. They're at the event."

"Thank goodness. Now we don't have to assume they've been kidnapped." He eyed Asahi.

"I-I said I was sorry!"

"That aside, I am very curious about this event. Shall we go too?"

Daichi wasn't sure. It all seems fishy to him, especially with the way it was announced and under such short notice. But he can't deny he's curious as well.

"Let's go see it. After that, we're cornering our missing teammates so they'll tell us about their disappearing act."

Asahi gives a nod and Suga grins.

When they arrive at the auditorium, the place was packed. It wasn't just students, some teachers were there too, much to their surprise. Thanks to Asahi's towering build, the three were able to move through with some ease. Still, there were too many people, and just when they were about to lose hope, they manage to spot Shimizu in the crowd. Though she stood far from the attraction, her spot had a good view.

True to her word, their missing teammates could be seen at the very front row seats, watching the club perform. Daichi stares at them, puzzled. Could they have been here the whole time? If so, then they must've known of this event from the start. Could this also explain Hinata's chipper mood? All these questions only supported the captain of the volleyball team with a headache. He's just glad to see them all okay and nothing serious happened.

The event in his opinion is pretty good. Amazing actually. The kid up there is a natural. No doubt if he keeps this up, there'll be a bright future ahead of him.

He feels Sugawara tug at his sleeve.

"Oi Daichi, isn't that Takeo-san?" He points to the DJ on stage with the boy. Daichi raises his brows in surprise.

That does look like Takeo. He never would've expected him to be up there, much less be interested in music. In fact, none of his classmates knew much about the guy despite spending the first two years with him. He always keeps to himself, always sits at the back of the class. People like spreading rumors about him, one that's most popular is him secretly being a violent drug dealer. Most of them, including that particular one, he knew are false. It's because of his intimidating appearance and mysterious demeanor that people stay away from him.

He remembers one time him and Suga asked if he wanted to join the volleyball team, knowing his height and strength would be a good asset. Takeo politely declined, stating that he didn't have the time to join clubs. What's interesting about that moment was the dejected look on his face once he said it. Daichi always wondered what that look was for.

"I think this is the first time I've ever seen him look so happy," he hears Suga, and he has to agree.

He doesn't know if it because he's in a club or if it's the music itself, but Daichi has never seen Takeo this happy. This alive. He could tell this was his calling, what he's wanted to do but was held back by unfortunate means.

"He's quite good isn't he?" he asks. Suga nods, smiling.

"He is. I'm happy for him."

"So am I."

.

.

The music ended and screams, cheers, and applauds erupted the room. Junichi jumped back, not expecting so many people here. He hadn't paid attention to the audience the entire performance. He couldn't believe the plan worked. And he couldn't believe so many enjoyed it. He glanced at Harriet at the front and she was beaming, clapping and whistling with Hinata and his volleyball club. That bald guy with them even threw his shirt off and is waving it in the air.

This was all too good to be true. He had to be dreaming, right? No one should be this enthusiastic over something he and his group threw together even if they worked hard on it.

A hand on his shoulder made the boy look up to it's owner.

"You shouldn't just stand there Junichi." Takeo stood at his side. Hiroki and Masami had appeared from backstage and stood with them. The third year grinned. "Go give them our respect President."

Jun nods hesitantly and faces the crowd. The cheers had died down to a minimum. He cleared his throat.

"Greetings everyone, my name is Junichi Kenta, the club's founder," he speaks loudly to the audience. "Thank you for taking your time to come see us and we apologize for the inconvenience of it all. We call ourselves the Unlimited Sound Club. Our purpose is to simply make music in any way we can. We hope you enjoyed this for we plan to make more in the future. So," He bowed. "Please support us!"

"Please support us!" Hiroki, Masami, and Takeo chimed with him and bowed to the audience.

Another round of cheers erupted.

.

.

Of course their actions did not go unpunished. To say the vice principle was furious would be an understatement. The club was immediately ushered to his office, followed by their supervisor. Harriet did not hear from them since.

Again, thoughts of Jun and his club had distracted her from class lectures. The final bell made her realize she had just zoned out through the lessons and made a face at the little scribbles on her notebook. She really needs to focus if she wants to go to Paris, or else she'll have to ask her classmates for notes and study sessions.

She shudders. That's something to worry about on a later date.

She packs her stuff, determined to meet up with Jun and assess the damage.

"Oi."

She freezes midway to the exit and mentally cursed to the heavens for thinking it's funny to have her in the same class as Tsukishima.

"What do you want now?" She did not have time for this.

It would seem the tall blonde would rather be doing anything else at the moment as well, but was apparently flanked by Yamaguchi, staring intently at his back. It was almost comical.

"About Saturday, there's usually practice that day until around evening. We can meet at the mall then."

Oh great, she's completely forgot about that! Well it's not like she's planned anything specifically since she is, at the moment, in debt to the boy. She is not looking forward to the weekend. After this, she vows to never misplace her stuff again.

"Fine, whatever," she shrugs. "Just show up."

She turns to leave, thinking that would be all he had to say.

"Your cousin's good by the way."

It was quick, faint, and could've been carried away by the wind, but she heard it. Oh yes, she's heard it. And she didn't know what to think of it.

"I know," she says, tone softer than she intended, not wanting to face him. Her expression might be too easy to read and she didn't really want to see his expression either.

Feeling awkward, not wanting to be in this room any longer, Harriet makes for the door and opens it. She nearly screeches at the sight of a looming face. She reels back, hitting the broad torso of the blond behind her.

A student stands at the door, looking like Armageddon.

Until he sees the girl's startled expression and his face rapidly shifts to dread.

"My apologies miss!" he bows. "It wasn't my intention to frighten you!"

"Um… it's cool." That's all she could say right now.

"What are you doing here Daichi-san?" Harriet stiffens, feeling the rumble of Tsukishima's chest as he speaks. She moves away, tries to fight off heat rising in her cheeks.

"Right," Daichi straightens up and stares pointedly at Tsukishima and Yamaguchi. "You two are coming with me. You, as well as a few others, have some explaining to do."

Harriet sees color drain from both the boys' faces. It's like seeing two kids caught stealing sweets before dinner and were about to be reprimanded by their parents. She really wants to laugh, but that would be inappropriate.

She watches them slowly trudge out the classroom, looking like being sent to the guillotines. Daichi gave one last apologetic bow to her before he follows them out.

"Sure hate to be them right now," she mutters. That Daichi guy did not look like no pushover. Harriet wonders if he's their team captain. He sure fits the role as one.

"Oh well, I should meet up with Jun… that is, if he's still in one piece."

Turns out the boy managed to leave the office unscathed. He says the club only received detention and had to promise to next time seek approval from the school officials. And also for Hiroki to never hack while on school grounds again.

Harriet arched her brow. "He let you off that easy?"

"I was surprised too. Ima-sensei did most of the taking for us. I didn't really understand much of the conversation, but for some reason, when she mentioned my dad's name the vice principle looked terrified."

"Huh? Of Uncle Kunio?"

"Yeah. Ima-sensei told me later that my dad had apparently said some things to him in regards to my time here at school. Though, she never told me what was said, only saying I shouldn't worry about it."

"...Jun?"

"Yeah?"

"Your dad is awesome."

The boy laughed. "I guess he is."

"You were awesome too you know."

"H-Huh?"

"You heard me!" She gave a punch to his shoulder, making him wince. "Since when have you been able to play like that?! I thought I saw a completely different person!"

Jun rubbed his shoulder, his face reddening. "W-Well I did have some inspiration…"

Harriet thought back to what Hiroki mentioned earlier before the event started and it was her turn to blush. Silence stretched for about a minute.

"Hey, I've been thinking… about yesterday." Her eyes were set on the shrubs, trees, buildings, basically anything that wasn't her cousin's face. She could feel his eyes on her regardless.

"I'll give it a shot."

"R-Really?" She's still not looking at him but she feels the warmth of excitement and hope coming in his direction.

"I'm not promising anything! I'm just going to check it out. That's all."

"Of course Hari-chan! That's perfectly fine!"

Harriet huffs, tries to ebb away the warm icky gooiness she feels inside from seeing the look of happiness on Junichi's face as the two made their way home for the day.

.

.

.

AN: This theme of the event was inspired by Lindsey Stirling's, Master of Tides. It's my absolute favorite of all her works. Go check it out if you haven't seen it!