AN: OH MY FUCKING GOD I'M BACK! I AM BACK. LOOK AT ME!

Never thought I'd be back, but some time ago I was surfing through my old files and found this chapter. It was halfway done and was collecting dust. I decided to finish it. I also went through my entire story and tweaked some errors here and there. FINALLY. Some mistakes I kept seeing were driving me crazy I had to do something about them!

But anywho, without further ado, please enjoy this update!

Chapter 12: La Carmela

Around the time when the sun barely ascends its glowing light above the horizon, Scott sneaks out the hotel room while his cousin still sleeps. He makes sure his note is visible for her to see before he leaves. Fighting back a yawn, he descends an elevator and travels straight to the hotel's parking lot to pick up his van. He gets inside and buckles up with a grin.

He's got a busy day today and he's been preparing for it for weeks. Now is when it all comes together.

Controlling his giddiness, he drives to his first destination.

"Yo. I know you're there."

There was a gasp, but the figure hiding behind a tree refuses to move and reveal themself. A young man tilts his head and stands from the bench, guitar in hand.

"Hey, I don't bite. Never to a lovely audience such as yourself," he encourages. They still don't move and he frowns. Thinking, he eyes the instrument in his hands and grins, an idea conjuring up. Positioning his guitar he decides to continue playing.

The song he sings is another Spanish song, "Amanecí Entre Tus Brazos" by Javier Solis. His tone was slow and alluring as the lyrics talk about waking up in a lover's arms. As the boy sings, he steps closer to the girl's hiding spot. Just as he was close enough to catch a glimpse of her face, she moves around the wooden structure to further hide from him.

Though surprised, he doesn't relent and it was a game of cat and mouse between the two youngsters, one singing to beckon the maiden and the other, shy and nervy yet very intrigued at the stranger she came across.

The boy quickly turns to a direction where he's sure he would run into the girl face to face, but the space was empty. He stops singing and looks around, but no presence of the girl could be found. It was like she vanished.

Then, he felt a tap on his shoulder. And it made him jump. He trips on a root and with a cry, he falls on his back.

"Ouch…" Groaning, he sits up slowly, eyes twisted shut at the minor sting from the impacted spot.

He hears a giggle and a hand suddenly meets his vision. Surprised, he looks up.

And is instantly captivated by what could only be the face of an angel. At least in his perspective.

Honey brown eyes stood out most of all, beautifully, with her light tan skin and her rosy pink lips smiling kindly. Chocolate locks twined in a single braid down her back and flowers that crowned her head made her look like she was Mother Nature herself.

The boy could only stare, entranced at such beauty. Though he has met many beautiful girls so far in his young life, now, none of them can compare.

He just sits dumbly on the ground, eyes wide and mouth agape, making the girl uneasy until she finally willed herself to speak.

"Um… you're very talented."

That broke whatever spell the boy was under and he stands up quickly, making the girl jump back.

"Oh really?" He forces a laugh, trying to appear cool and calm. "Well in truth, I don't really play the guitar that much. It's just a hobby."

"Oh, well despite that… it sounded really nice. I even recognized all the songs you played." She looks down and plays with her fingers. "It's rare to hear Spanish music you know."

"No kidding."

Relaxed enough at the other's presence, the two sat together at a bench and simply talked.

"Now, I can tell you're not from around here. So what's your story, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I don't mind," she smiles. "Part of my family runs a business here and eventually, my parents and I moved from Mexico to help, since it was slowly becoming successful. My parents are currently working in Kyoto while I'm here to assist my grandmother."

"Bet it took some time to adjust."

"It did. I was only ten when we moved out the country. During middle school, I still had trouble understanding Japanese and I had just as much trouble making new friends. I wanted to go home so bad, I cried in the first few weeks." She giggles at the memories. Then, she peers at the boy. "So why don't you tell me your story now that I've told you mine?"

"Okay, but it's not that interesting," he says with a shrug. "I've only been here for about a year so far. Lots of stuff happened back in good ol' Cali, but my dad married a Japanese businessman so like you, we moved here to continue it."

"A year? This is the first I've ever seen someone like you here in Tokyo. What school do you go to?"

"Karasuno, up in the Miyagi Prefecture. Been hoping to score a few gigs here, but alas, the life of a DJ is a hard one." He flashes a charming smile at her. "Although now I can say this trip wasn't all for naught, after meeting such a lovely girl~"

"Oh stop," she laughs and punches his shoulder playfully, her cheeks dusted red.

"But I'm serious. When I have the time, I would love to come see you again."

She looks to him, surprised. "R-Really?"

"Yup! This can be the start of a beautiful friendship between two foreigners of Japan." The young man holds his hand out to shake. "Scott Thompson milady. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is mine Señor Thompson." The girl takes his hand and the two shake. "My name is Carmela Flores."

XXXXX

Since it's the early hours of the morning, the streets aren't as robust. Scott drives with ease and parks in front of a round archway in between tall venue structures. Despite it's out of place design and its bright sand color contrasting significantly with other buildings surrounding it, most would pass by and think nothing of it.

Scott enters through the long dark archway to the other side. There, he was met with a wide open space, filled with bush gardens, large clay pots, tables, chairs, and a gazebo. Paper lanterns and lights hung skyward.

At the left stood a unique structure of the Mediterranean style built with similar round arches. Moving in and out through the double door entrance were employee workers. Any other day, they wouldn't be up at this time, but today was a special occasion as they were setting up preparations. They weren't even dressed in their usual uniforms today, but were instead in their casual wear. Upon seeing Scott, they all gave him a warm welcome.

"Ah Scott-san! Buenos dias!" a man booms, coming to greet him. He's Japanese, but has taken an interest in Spanish culture since he was young and thus, perfected speaking the language. Often, he speaks in a mix of both Spanish and Japanese. He's now the co-owner of the establishment.

"Buenos dias Señor Nobuo!" Scott greets back and the two shake hands.

"I hope the journey wasn't rough."

"You worry too much! I'm more than used to the travels by now. Nara is a lovely place by the way. I recommend you visit sometime."

Nobuo chuckles while shaking his head. "I'll keep that in mind. Meanwhile, try not to keep giving your parents a heart attack from all these long solo trips by car."

"Lesson learned! My parents nearly strangled me for that one! Oh, speaking of solo trips, I got big news to share with you and Abuela-san!"

Hours pass and its past noon. At a university in Tokyo, a girl had just finished up her last class for the day and instead of returning to her dorm to tackle her newest chemistry assignment project, today is a break day. It is a special day that includes spending time with family and friends she hasn't seen since adjusting to her new life as a college student.

She makes a quick stop to her dorm to get ready, surprised to find a gift left for her by her roommate. Smiling, she stores it in her room before hurrying, else she'd miss her scheduled train ride.

She would then be seen outside, jogging towards the campus exit in a hurry to get to the station in time. However, as she passes the gates, she suddenly stops upon hearing an all too familiar voice, singing a familiar Spanish song.

Suddenly feeling ten times lighter while her heartrate slowly skyrockets, she slowly turns behind her. Upon seeing the young man's face, a face she thought she wouldn't be able to see today, she had to ask herself if she was dreaming.

Seeing her look so surprised, Scott gave her a warm sincere smile and spoke in a teasing voice.

"What? Did you really believe I wouldn't make it today? Abuela-san must've made a very convincing lie-"

His breath was knocked out of his lungs as the young lady barreled him into a crushing hug. He's able to laugh, despite the pressure, and returns the embrace the best he could with his guitar wedged awkwardly between them. It was uncomfortable, but manageable.

"Happy Birthday Carmela," Scott says into her soft brown head decorated with flowers. He fights back the ticklish feeling when the girl nuzzles into his shirt.

"You jerk," her voice gets muffled as she speaks. "Granny said you got injured during your job again."

"Seriously?" He scoffs humorously. "Hey, those were her words not mine! And I don't always get injured. Not seriously anyway. Mosh pits happen beyond my control and how can you not join in when it does?"

"And that's why you always get injured," she says matter-of-factly and pulls away. She peers close and pokes and a spot on his arm, making Scott flinch. "And this obviously proves that Granny wasn't lying!"

"Okay okay so I got banged up a little, but it wasn't from work this time!" Scott gently rubs the bruise, one of many that had yet to disappear. He chuckles. "Instead I may have sort of pissed of my cousin, but I can confidently say that it was worth it!"

"What did you do?" Carmela's voice was stern, but her bright eyes and knowing smile gave away her excitement to hear another one of Scott's stories about his family, especially his little cousin.

"Oh you are going to love this one." Scott gives his signature grin and pulls her close with one arm around her shoulders. Carmela fails to hide her blush as he leads them to the direction of the station.

And so, Scott steals her away from her initial plans to visit her home and instead they have a little date. Unbeknownst to her, Scott was distracting her until preparations were finally done and once given the okay through his phone, he could escort her to her surprise party, where everyone will be waiting.

In the meantime, Scott takes her to a fancy-looking little kiosk café he remembers running into and once they ordered (him paying for two of course, despite her protests), he filled her in on everything that's happened during Harriet's time in Japan. As expected, Carmela soaked it all in like a sponge, listening intently while eating her crêpe as if she were watching a movie. It's funny when he could easily read her expressions at some parts.

When he talks about Junichi's club debut and how it motivated Harriet to continue her dreams to pursue her father, Carmela practically glows with elation. Then, when he tells her about how Harriet got her suspension, she nearly drops her crêpe in horror and then expresses her understanding, being met with her share of unfair punishments in the past.

And then Scott got down to the more interesting parts, about Harriet's run-in with a guy at her school (going by the stories Jun and his friends told him), the experiences they've witnessed at the mall Saturday, as well as his actions to confront the scene himself, the unexpected call, and the beat-up that came after.

In the end, Carmela was found laughing, both at Scott's idiocy and at Harriet's and Tsukishima's misfortune.

"That was terrible Scott!" she manages to say between giggles. "I can only imagine what that call was about. Poor guy."

"Ah he'll be fine… wait." Scott ponders. He then smiles guiltily. "Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if Aunt Lily tries to gather information about him. She tends to do that when something or someone piques her interest. Sort of a bad habit of hers."

"It can't be that bad… right?"

"It wouldn't be… if it weren't for the fact that her parents were detectives and private investigators and she grew up learning a lot of tricks from them."

Carmela stares at him before lifting her hand. She forms it to a fist and gives a good solid punch to his arm. Scott howls in pain, the impact nearly made him fall off his chair but grabs the table in time before he could.

"Ooowww I know, I should've thought that through, but did you have to do that?!" he whines. She even punched at one of his bruised spots.

"That's just to make sure you won't make a mistake like that again," she says with a huff. "Harriet might have a chance with this guy, but thanks to you he'll get too scared, knowing her mom will be tracking down his every move!"

"Welp, what he doesn't know won't hurt him," he attempts to shrug. "Also question… do you think she's really into him? I mean I will say this move has made her mental psyche flip a little bit, because she's interacted with more people than she's ever had back in the US. Plus there's the fact that she's been a lone wolf in the music department but is now part of a music club. And then all of a sudden she's having boy issues, like actual conflicted boy issues, for the first time ever. And it's weird because ever since she was six and found her mother's collection of French dramas, she's been devoted to that bizarre dream like a nun!"

Scott slump in his seat and rubs his temples. "I dunno, just seeing that suddenly change is… it's-"

"Worrying?"

"I am not worried." Scott defends pointedly.

Carmela smiles and leans close enough to pierce her gaze into his eyes and says, "You're worried."

Scott's defense crumbles a little and he had to turn away when it got too much. "Okaysomaybeimalittleworried." He coughs and plays it off. "Now answer my question."

"Well…" Carmela taps her chin. "I think of it this way, she's already starting to build a foundation here, whether she's aware of it or not, and despite its ups and downs, things have improved for her tremendously. Things that were broken that she never thought could be fixed are slowly repairing and things she never thought she'll experience are unfolding before her. And the longer she stays, the more her foundation will start to grow. Soon the thought of building a new foundation somewhere else will sound less appealing because that would mean leaving everything she's made behind."

"So… that's a yes?"

Carmela giggles and shakes her head. "Yes. I think it'll be good for her if she's feeling something for the boy. She should give it some thought before disregarding it. Granny always did say that God is the one who plans our lives and we only think we do." She sighs and rests her chin on her palms. "Now I really wish I could meet your cousin. I would treat her like my own little sister and it sounds like she could really use one."

Scott pauses mid-drink from his hot latte and grins big. "Oh really? Well ain't today your lucky day! I didn't originally plan this, but poor Harriet has to do something during her suspension or else she'll just hole herself in her room doing nothing."

"R-Really? You mean…"

"I don't know where she's occupying her time right now, no doubt she's touring around the city. Shopping is also a definite-Woah!"

He shouts as the impact knocks his chair backwards enough for him to catapult to the ground, taking Carmela with him. He's winded for the second time as the girl in his arms nuzzles him affectionately while squealing. If people were eyeing them nearby, he could care less.

"Haha, well someone's happy. I'm starting to think you might like Harriet more than me."

"Silly." She pokes his side playfully.

The two just lie there on the concrete floor, not bothering to get up just yet, content with each other's closeness. Being separated at far distances can do that, so no one can blame them.

"Oh yeah, that reminds me," Scott breaks the silence. "I should call Kuroo and let him know I'm here."

Back at the Miyagi Prefecture, the boys of the Karasuno volleyball team had just finished up their last rounds of practice and were all in the clubrooms getting ready to change, pack up, and head home.

The group chatted amongst themselves, the major topic of the day being what their homerooms will be doing for the annual Cultural Festival taking place in the next month. Hinata, while struggling into a fresh non-sweaty shirt, was engrossed into Tanaka's story on how his and other second-year classes decided on doing a reenactment of the Trojan War, but also plan on making a game out of it where other people can join. Weapons for the battle included water balloons and color powder to spice up the game, as was suggested by Hiroki.

"Hey Hinata, someone's calling you!" Nishinoya called, waving the younger's phone.

"Huh? Who is it?"

"Let's see…" The libero checks the caller ID and gapes in surprise at the name as well as the ID picture of the familiar punk girl, supporting a flirty wink while blowing a kiss. "No way, you have Thompson-chick's number?!"

"Y-Yeah so? What of it?" the first-year stammers, embarrassed that someone saw the selfie Harriet took when she gave him her contact info. "Friends give each other their numbers right? What's so wrong about that?"

"Yeah, because flirting with each other definitely counts as something friends would do," came the all-knowing sarcastic tone of Tsukishima, focusing his attention on stuffing his dirty clothes into his bag.

"We don't f-f-fl-flir- w-we don't do that!" The little decoy flushes hard and seeing this, the tall blonde gives a smirk.

"Oh? Could it be that Hinata has a crush on Thompson?"

Yamaguchi, ever the supporter of his friend's jibes, snickers beside him. Meanwhile Kageyama, who hadn't really paid attention to most of the conversation but somehow heard Tsukishima loud and clear, nearly choked in his water and turns his head quickly to the small ginger.

"You… you do? Since when?"

"I do not!" the poor boy shouts, his face steaming like a hot kettle. "She just teases me sometimes and that's it! And like you're the one to talk Tsukishima, because you have her number too!"

"Technically I do, but that's only because you decided to give her my number, without my permission mind you," he voiced with irritation. He still hasn't forgiven Hinata for that. He goes back to smiling. "So you can't use that against me."

A good handful of the team would've made a comeback to that, concerning what they've witnessed last week Saturday. But nobody would dare voice it, not because they believe Tsukishima would do anything to them if he found out they had spied on him and Thompson. However, Thompson might if she finds out, and they all saw the damage done to Scott that day. It wasn't worth it. Plus, Yamaguchi forbade them to say anything about it.

"Aww how cute!"

The boys froze.

"I wasn't expecting to attract this much attention by simply calling, but surprise surprise~ And I haven't been gone a whole day yet!"

All heads turn to Nishinoya, who wore a fox grin as he holds up Hinata's phone, call answered and turned on speaker. Out of the group, Tanaka was trying hard not to burst from hysteria.

"Dude you did not."

Nishinoya puffs with pride. "I sure did."

The third-years, plus Enoshita, Kinoshita, and Narita, could already feel a migraine coming, because this could end very, very drastically.

"H-H-Hari-chan!" Hinata squeaks, because oh god she heard the whole thing. "I… t-th-that was… I-I mean… I don't- I-"

"Don't worry Hinata-chan! Don't you think I know Debbie-chan well enough to know he'd pull something like that? He's just jealous I that I like to pour all my attention on you, because you're a sweet sugar honeybun that deserves to be loved~"

Everyone watches with a mixture of amusement and pity for the small decoy as he hides his face with his hands, inwardly wishing to make like a chameleon and disappear.

"I have no reason to be jealous of Hinata," Tsukishima counters with a grimace. "And I'd rather avoid getting any attention from you."

A rather sinister giggle is what greets the team in response, like an evil sorceress about to cast her deadly curse, and it brought all of them to shudder.

"Funny you say that Deb-bie-chan~" she starts. "You didn't seem to mind the way I spoiled you Saturday evening."

At this, everyone got to witness Tsukishima tense and flush crimson. It's a shock factor, because this is the first time anyone has ever seen the middle blocker like this- with the exception of Yamaguchi, but even for him these instances are rare to encounter.

"In fact, your behavior that day surprised me! You were so compliant I almost thought something was wrong with you! Too bad my stupid cousin had to come in and ruin it. I was honestly having fun with that different side of you~"

Words seem to die in his throat as he stares agape at Hinata's phone in Nishinoya's hand, Thompson's ID picture only adding salt to his wounded ego. Whatever snarky remark he had was blown away like dust, never to recollect.

"Anyway, this is probably a bad time to talk right now so I'll call you again later Hinata-chan. I'll send you pictures too okay? Look after Junichi for me! Smooches!"

As soon as she hangs up, the once chatty clubroom was rendered to silence. Almost no one knew what to say about this development as they were torn between wanting to laugh and wanting comfort their two unfortunate teammates, for they were both in a state of 'I-Really-Wish-I-Could-Hide-From-the-World-Right-Now-and-Never-Return'. And this was all because of a foreign new girl most knew little to nothing about, only knowing from rumors and stories that she's a force not to be reckoned with.

Eventually, Nishinoya breaks the silence, flashing Asahi a huge grin. "See? I told you this chick is awesome!"

I hang up with a sigh. Well that was fun, but in the end I failed to get the information I needed. I called Junichi first to no success, because he talked so much about the Cultural Festival coming in November, that it was impossible for me to change the subject. Thinking about it though, he probably wouldn't know much anyway.

So Hinata was my next best option, since he's in volleyball so he should be familiar other rival teams. I was hoping that he might know Nekoma, that he might even know Kenma.

Ugh, yes despite trying hopelessly not to care or think too much of it, I still can't get that name out of my head. Kozume Kenma. Meeting the guy, I know I've never seen him before so why does the name stand out? Did I read it somewhere? My god this is going to drive me insane!

And that's not even the main issue I'm dealing with here.

So apparently not only Kuroo knows me, but the entire Nekoma team does as well! Can you imagine how I felt, having a bunch of strangers you've never met before know you? I wanted to punch something so bad, but the source of my frustration and reason for my predicament was currently 'busy' with his 'errands' at the moment. The team captain, who seemed to enjoy my suffering when he introduced me to his team, is looking to be a nice replacement though.

I sigh again as I lean against the wall while watching the sun slowly set and change the colors of the sky. Some time ago, the boys were done with practice and went to the clubrooms to change. So I stood outside waiting. I really want to find Scott, but fuck knows where he is right now. He hasn't even answered my calls! I swear, when I find him I will-

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Medusa-chan."

I turn my head and there were the Nekoma boys, all of them dressed casual for this party I still know nothing about. And like a ringleader of a gang, Kuroo stood at the front. I glared, expressing my sour mood, and almost all the boys turned away nervously, Kenma literally making himself scarce behind Lev. Sadly, the glare I was aiming at only tilted his head quizzically.

"Something wrong?" he asked. Fucking rooster head trying to play innocent huh? Fine.

I changed my expression to a sweet smile. "Oh nothing. I just can't wait to reunite with my lovely cousin, so that I can kick his nut sack so hard his new job will be singing in the opera."

All faces turned white, including Kuroo's, and my spirits were lifted.

"So what are we waiting for my new buddy pal friends," I continued, all peppy. "Lead me to Scott's doom…"

And so they did, and with their guidance, I began my trek through the city streets to where Scott said we should meet. While the team chatted amongst themselves, Kuroo (for some reason) decides to start a conversation with me.

"So, you really don't know what's going on. He hasn't told you anything?"

"Jack shit," I answer, shoving my hands in my pockets. "So are you gonna reveal the big mystery or am I really gonna have to beat it out of Scott?"

"Is violence your answer to everything?"

"It's worked for me thus far."

He shakes his head. "How Scott's managed to survive around you for so long is beyond me, but I guess I'll save him from his grueling fate. We're heading to a Mexican Restaurant."

My eyes were wide. "There's Mexican food here?"

"Very few and hard to find, but they exist. An old lady and her granddaughter runs the place we're heading to. The granddaughter used to be our senpai until she moved on to college. Kenma and I knew her since middle school, and that restaurant became one of our favorite spots to grab a bite. We bring the Nekoma team for various occasions, such as celebrating a successful win, and they've all come to like the foreign food."

"I see." It's still hard to believe Mexican restaurants exist here, even if they are very rare. "So what's the occasion this time?"

"Carmela Flores, the granddaughter, it's her birthday today and Abuela-san's setting up a surprise party for her, inviting all of us, including Scott. Meanwhile, Scott's tasked in distracting Flora-san long enough so everything can be ready. Shouldn't be hard for him. The only worrying factor about this plan is the two getting so distracted with each other, they complete forget there's a party waiting for them."

I stare blankly at the last sentence. Distracted with each other?

"What?"

That amused expression returns on Kuroo's face. He grins down at me.

"Come on. You can't be that clueless as to what I mean by that. Well, I can't blame you, honestly. Back when I first met him, hanging around with Flora-san as her new friend, I was wary he would take advantage of her. Needless to say, Kenma and I didn't like him very much, neither did Abuela-san. But surprisingly over time, he was able to gain our approval. And now those two refuse to separate every time they schedule to meet. I swear it's like watching a romantic comedy."

It probably took a little longer than normal for me to process what he just said. I mean, I definitely understood what Kuroo's implying. What's difficult is the fact that Kuroo's implying that Scott is in a relationship with this girl.

That can't be right.

"We're talking about the same Scott right?" I had to ask, because the Scott I knew back in America never took relationships seriously. He was one of those skirt chasers, commitment never part of the equation. So to hear this is very… off-putting.

That and I can't imagine anyone willing to put up with that brainless idiot.

Kuroo had the gall to laugh. "We sure are! It's close to two years now since they've been together."

"…EEEEHHHHHHH?!"

It's past midnight in the state of California.

Tia had a long weekend, excited yet nervous that her team got selected to compete for the sem-finals in the dance championship. Her family had never been more proud and chose to celebrate, but Tia knew if she really wants to win and compete for World, she'll have to practice harder than she's ever done.

But tonight's the night for some well-deserved sleep and once she hit the mattress, Tia was out like an elephant hit by a dozen tranquilizer shots. One would guess that nothing, not even a massive earthquake, could wake up the snoring girl.

Her phone buzzes while its ringtone loudly fills the air around the dark room. Tia wakes with a groan and without lifting her head from the pillow, blindly grabs for her phone, which lay a bit far from her reach on her nightstand. But with the right amount of stretching, she grabs it successfully. She turns her weight so she's facing the ceiling and slowly lifts her sleeping mask, mindful of the screen's blaring light.

Oh, it's her pen pal. He's sent a message.

Then came another.

And another.

Tia yawns, stretching her arms. Knowing her friend's habits long enough, he usually doesn't text in such a flurry like this, meaning the subject must be important.

Rubbing the remaining sleep from her eyes, she sits up and proceeds to open the chat box. There, she reads the messages.

[Your friend, Harriet.]

[She's here.]

[In Tokyo.]

[What should I do?]

Tia blinks at the screen. Blinks again to be sure she's read it right.

Well then. She quickly types a reply.

{Did you run into her? If so, did she recognize you?}

[I didn't have much of a choice.]

[She said my name sounded familiar, but no she didn't recognize me.]

Tia expands her cheeks, looking like a chipmunk. It made sense, thinking about it. The last time Harriet ever saw his face were from his middle school pictures. Still, the only difference in appearance now would be his hair color. Plus, she talks about him a lot with her. It shouldn't be too hard to connect the dots.

It's just one of those moments where her dear friend Harriet tends to be forgetful.

[But I fear Kuroo might spill enough hints for her to figure it out.]

[What should I do?]

And after receiving a sticker of a cute animated cat panicking, Tia fights the urge to chuckle. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to tell Kenma all the stories of Harriet beating guys left and right due to her overprotectiveness. She had a feeling he'd end up thinking she'll disapprove of him and will wind up like the others, which is highly untrue! She types.

{Kenma you'll be fine!}

{Trust me when I say this, Harriet really likes you and will totally want to get to know you more once she does figure it out lol.}

{She'll be a lot to handle, but she's very respectful and knows when to not push boundaries.}

{She… might ask a few embarrassing questions tho. Haha.}

Tia waits patiently, more awake now than she was recently. Due to Kenma's lack in the social department and wary of interacting with new people (especially with types like Harriet), she really hopes the boy will take her words to heart. A minute feels like an eternity before she gets a reply back.

[I see.]

[What kind of questions?]

Thankfully he does believe her! Tia would've expressed relief if not for the second message. She thinks long and hard on how to answer this, thinking back to the conversation she had with Harriet the weekend before. The memory makes her blush.

{I wouldn't worry about it. It's not important lmao.}

[You're lying.]

{It's not anything bad! Really! You won't find it interesting anyway.}

[Hm.]

[Alright.]

At this, Tia could feel herself finally relax. If he were to press the subject further, she would have absolutely no idea what to say.

[It's late there, isn't it? I'll let you sleep.]

[Sorry for disturbing you.]

{How many times do I have to tell you I don't mind?}

{I always look forward to speaking with you no matter what time it is.}

[…]

[You just got back from competing.]

{I did and we're on to the semi-finals!}

[Oh. Congrats.]

This time he sends one of the kitty with pompoms cheering.

{Thank you!}

Tia sends a sticker of two kittens hugging.

{How's volleyball?}

[Difficult.]

{Pfft. You always say that!}

[The first-years are giving me stress.]

{Be more assertive!}

[That's too much work.]

{Kenma}

{You achieve S+ Rank on Splatoon. S+. RANK. You can be assertive!}

[That's different.]

{Kenmaaaaaa}

[Tiaaaaaaaaa]

Trying not to laugh too loud is a struggle, in fear she might wake up her parents. But her pen pal can be too ridiculous sometimes.

{You... you know what}

{I give up DX}

[lol]

[I'll talk to you later ok?]

{Lmao. Okay!}

[Sleep well.]

{I will :D}

She lands her head back onto her pillows, a content sigh escapes through her lips.

"So Harriet is spending her suspension in Tokyo huh," Tia murmurs, followed by a heavy yawn, sleep quickly coming back. "Hope she has a good time…"

Scott was correct to say the place was well hidden. If one never knew a restaurant lays just beyond the archway tunnel, no one would have guessed nor bothered to go inside.

The grandeur of the place almost made Harriet believe she's not in Japan anymore, but back in North America. It's breathtakingly beautiful, especially with the added decorations.

"Woah…"

"Pretty cool huh?"

A speechless nod is all Kuroo receives and the captain chuckles.

"Ah, you boys finally arrive," came the voice of an old lady as she strolls up to them, wearing a plain white button-up and a multi-color patterned skirt that reached her ankles. A red carnation is pined beautifully on her gray hair.

"Buenas noches Abuela-san!" The Nekoma boys all greet her respectfully. It shouldn't be all too surprising, since Kuroo mentioned they've come here often. Still, hearing the Spanish term from them took Harriet off guard.

"Dios Mío! You must be Harriet!"

She tenses. On the spotlight again. Great.

"Scott warned us the last minute that he brought you here with him. It's just like that boy to drop news like this unexpectedly. Such disrespect!" Though the woman outwardly expressed displeasure, her jovial smile told a different story.

"Hari-chan is apparently having it worse than all of us at the moment!" one of the players, Inouka spoke up.

"Yup. By chance, if Kenma and Lev hadn't found her earlier, she wouldn't know anything about this at all," Kuroo adds. He smiles and pats the girl on the head. "At least until she reunites with Scott, but he'd likely end up in the nearest hospital if that were to happen."

"I am right here. I have a mouth. I can speak for myself." She ducks away from the large hand. "Weirdo."

"Why am I a weirdo?"

"Be glad I didn't call you a creep. You haven't yet tipped that scale."

"Well, I'll grow on you eventually. All ladies do." Kuroo fires his signature lady-killer wink.

Harriet remains unimpressed and even reels back a bit further away from him. "Keep telling yourself that."

Abuela-san's laughter was enough to break up the interaction and bring the attention back to her. Something about her reminded Harriet of her own grandmother.

"Regardless, since the day I heard of your move, I was hoping to meet you one day. My granddaughter Carmela will certainly be super exited to see you as well!"

A girl Harriet has never met before wants to see her? To the purple head, it didn't make sense. She wonders what sort of lies Scott's been telling her. What sort of lies has he been telling to everyone here? Were they to make himself look good? That…

That doesn't sound like him.

Low as he could be sometimes, Scott isn't THAT big of a jerk. He's never the type to deceive people.

Then what else can explain this?

Harriet's head began hurting too much to even try to piece this mystery together. At least she's got some questions answered. Sadly, the answers only seem to pile on more questions.

In the end, she decides not to think anymore and just see what unfolds through this birthday party to end. It'll take a strong sense of will doing this.

Hopefully, she'll survive.

AN: And that concludes the chapter! Just gonna point out now that I am not from Mexico and I know little Spanish. I'm just an African American. So if there are some things wrong here, PLEASE respond respectfully. I will do my best to make adjustments if there is need for any.

Other than that, hopefully, I will post another chapter soon. Hopefully.