AN: Hey look! Another one in less than a week? What kind of sorcery is this?

Chapter 14: One Step Forward, One Larger Step Back

Goodbye vacation. Hello again school, my arch nemesis.

At 6 am. Because now that I'm back, things can kick fully again with the Unlimited Sound Club. And since the Culture Festival is coming ever so close, I needed to be filled in with the group's plans.

"Takeo-san and I had everything sorted out for the festival a while back," our president, Junichi, announced to us. "However, now that we've got ourselves a new member, there's obviously going to be some changes to our plans. In the end though, the decision will fall under Hari-chan as to what we should do."

"Huh? Why me so suddenly?"

"Don't worry. All we need from you right now is to choose what you'd like to do with us," Jun assures me. "You see, our original plan for the festival was to play songs made specifically for the four of our abilities. To include you, we may need to mix things up or change certain songs entirely for new ones. There was an idea Hiroki-senpai made that I think should be right up your alley."

I look towards our second-year, sitting backwards in one of the classroom chairs. He grins to me excitedly.

"Alright, so here's the deal," he begins. "We've actually never really considered doing anything relating to a rock theme, because all we got going for us is Kenta-chan as one guitar player, Masami-chan with the keys, Takeo-kun has done drums before but for some reason doesn't like using them."

"I don't like the thundering pounds they make…" I could hear the muscular third-year mutter.

"And what about you?" I ask.

"Well, apart from wind instruments, that can bring excitement into such a genre, I can also do vocals. Aaaannd I'm no pro, but I also like to write my own lyrics."

"Really?" I never would've suspected! I could only wonder what his voice is like, as well as what he writes. Lyrics are like poetry and tell a lot about the writer, so from someone like Hiroki, it should be interesting.

"Yup!" the maroon-head puffs up proudly. Masami, sitting quietly next to him, rolls her eyes. "And now that we got another guitarist, we can definitely make a rock song happen! Oh and you know what else I think would be great?"

Hiroki leaps over to sit on a desk tabletop next to mine, very much like a monkey.

"That you and I sing together!"

"Huh?" I deadpanned.

"Yeah, you sing too right? A duet would be awesome!"

"I don't oppose to this," Masami agrees.

"Uhh…"

"Let's get to the main point of this discussion first, before we go further." Junichi's tone is firm, effectively silencing all of us. He eyes at me and says with the amount of seriousness that makes my stomach churn, "Hari-chan, whether you believe it or not, you are a formidable guitar player. This is coming from someone who's witnessed you play first-hand and now the others can stand with me on that. However, the Cultural Festival is a month away. Since we all have a better understanding of your situation, the last thing we want is to pressure you, only to make it worse. That's not what we're about."

"Which is why we want you to choose," Takeo follows, but has not looked up from his writing. "There will be other opportunities that'll present to you in the future. You're not required to participate in the festival if you're not ready to, but if you choose to accept, we expect a lot of work and your very best. Only you know your limits, so please think on it carefully, but also quickly."

On reflex, I swallow, but my mouth just feels so dry. I can't give an easy answer. Though I've gotten back to my familiar old routine of practicing, there's still that gnawing sensation sitting in the dark, reminding me of the talent show and making me question my abilities. If I accept, I'd be meeting that audience again sooner than I'd like.

Hiroki places a hand on my shoulder. "You know you won't be doing this alone right? You've said so yourself, you do better on stage with others around you."

"We're a team," Masami adds. "It'll be a different experience than playing solo."

"Just like a dance crew!"

"Only we don't dance."

"Say's you! I, for one, am quite skilled with my feet!"

"The only thing your feet are good at is running away from trouble you cause."

"That's mean!"

"But true."

"M-Masamiiiii!" Our second-year breaks to cartoonish tears.

Junichi's solid leader disposition breaks away at the two's squabbles, into a calm fit of giggles. Takeo meanwhile, shakes his head, but there was a hint of a grin he tries to hide while he still writes in his book.

My expression was similar, but more open. Junichi has picked a valuable group of talented pioneers of music. A group that I'm a part of now.

Carmela's words from Monday echo in my core. And they valiantly combat the dark corners of uncertainty.

... .. …

Yamaguchi does not know what to do with his best friend. It is extremely odd, because all day yesterday, he was fine. The same old indisposed and aloof Tsukishima he knew since childhood. Now, for some reason, since meeting him on the way to practice this morning, the blonde has been…

Has been…

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" Yamaguchi attempts one last time. Fast forward and it's minutes to class is scheduled to start. And Tsukishima's still like this.

"Don't annoy me Yamaguchi."

Yeesh. Even his tone is threatening! The freckled boy remembers their teammates keeping a good distance away when they felt the bitter aura. The mood change was just as jarring to them. The blonde was even told to sit at the bench to cool off for a little bit. He did not cool off. After practice, Daichi and Sugawara tried to get him to talk privately. Tsukishima brushed them off with a, 'I'll get over it later.'

Tsukishima's head was down on his desk, face obscured from the world with his arms. Usually for Yamaguchi, pushing his friend just enough would get him to eventually open up his issues. If that doesn't work, then it's a silent waiting game until the blonde can no longer bottle it inside. Looks like it'll be the later this time. Though, whatever's affecting him like this, he won't keep it to himself for long. Yamaguchi knows this too well.

He spots the classroom door slide open and in comes a familiar head of violet hair.

"Oh, Thompson-san. Welcome back!"

"Hm? Oh hey." She waves lazily back to her classmate. "Yup. Back in this hellhole."

"Hinata said you went to Tokyo and met Kekoma's volleyball team."

"Well shoot, so he did. I'm starting to think I'm a boys' volleyball team magnet. At least here. Because it's getting kinda ridiculous." The girl glances at Tsukishima, brow arched when he doesn't move. "So what's up with him?"

"Um…" He starts nervously, not knowing what to say. "Well-"

"None of your business Goth Girl. Now leave us alone."

He whips his head toward his blonde friend, still hidden face-down on his desk. Returning to Harriet, as expected, he finds her ticking with anger.

"Wow. And to think you were done with stereotyping people. Jerks like you really don't change do they? Or can you not come up with better insults Debbie-chan?"

Oh no.

"You want insults then?" Tsukishima stands. His eyes looked dead and done. When they meet Harriet's, he appears ready to snap. "You reacted pretty well when I called you a spoiled rich kid. Perhaps you truly are one, going to Tokyo on your suspension."

Yamaguchi feels the silence in the classroom. Everyone is staring at them. This is bad. He knows he needs to stop this. He needs to stop him now or else…

"T-Tsukki…"

"I dare you to say that again." Each step of her school shoes could summon earthquakes, looking at her face as she storms to the boy's desk. Classmates stare as the two stand face to face.

"Not only are you spoiled," Tsukishima continues to Yamaguchi's horror. "But you're loud, crass and violent. The fact that you wear these traits like a badge sickens me so much. You're worse than Hinata and Kageyama combined. Someone like you…"

"Tsukki stop-"

"That's probably why you were forced to move here."

Tsukishima's shirt gets caught in a tight fist and like nothing, his back slams against the nearest wall. The blonde grimaces at the impact. Students gasp and jump from their seats in panic and in fear, surprised that such an average-sized girl can toss around the largest student in the class.

"Thompson! Wait!" Yamaguchi remembers that look. That same look from last week when she attempted to beat Tsukishima. What's more terrifying? There's no one here strong enough (or even brave/stupid enough) to restrain her this time.

"Tsukki doesn't mean any of it! He's just having a bad day today!"

"So that's what this is? Are you fucking serious?" She glowers, shoving the tall blonde harder. "You wanna know something Tsukishima? My days have been in the toilet ever since I met you. And just when I believe things can finally turn around, here comes Tsukishima ready to ruin everything once again! If I could go home I would, because you make my time here that fucking terrible. You are worse than any guy walking this planet right now."

And with words that could sting every person hearing it,

"I hope you live the rest of your life alone. No one can stand you."

"Alright, that's enough."

All heads turn. Homeroom teacher, Masato stands before the students, eyes fixed on every one of them. On Harriet and Tsukishima, the violet lets go and steps away from him like he's the bubonic plague. The blonde adjusts his clothes and fixes his glasses. Neither look at the teacher, at each other, or anyone.

"…All of you take your seats. Bring out your textbooks. Begin reading chapter four. As for you two," His finger aims at the cores of the furor. "Out in the hallway. Now."

There was nothing Yamaguchi could do now as he watches his friend and Harriet slowly exit the classroom door, their teacher right behind. The door closes and he just hopes neither of them get a severe punishment.

… .. …

"Thompson-san. You just got back from suspension, isn't that right? The day hasn't even begun yet and you're already picking a fight with another student. No matter how you analyze it, that's not acceptable behavior."

Harriet had her head down and arms crossed. She didn't bother talking back to justify her acts, because she knows he is right.

"And Tsukishima-san. I know you don't interact well with other students, but you are the last person I expect to wind up here. Needless to say, I'm surprised."

Tsukishima doesn't say anything either, looking just as ashamed of his actions.

Masato eyes both his students for a few moments before he lets out a heavy sigh.

"I don't want to assume things, but word has been spreading about you two not getting along too well. And if these misdemeanors are likely to continue, then obviously something needs to be done. Thomson-san."

Startled, she straightens, arms to her sides. "Y-Yes?"

"How's note-taking?"

Cold sweat runs down her pale skin. "Um… okay…"

"I see. Because it's important you know that exams are coming up. Considering you've enrolled here late and add that to the recent absences, even if you've taken the best set of notes in the lessons you were present in, you have lots to catch up on."

She was aware of this, but because she hasn't really been paying much attention in class, there's no way she can easily pass any upcoming exams without extra help. And if she fails, it's a step backward in keeping her end of the bargain with her father. She feels the moisture leave her as she regrets not taking their deal more seriously.

"And that's where you come in Tsukishima-san," Masato says to the speckled blonde. "You're top of the class so it only makes sense you keep her up to speed with everything taught thus far."

"A bit of a problem with that Sensei," he refutes politely. "Though what you say is true, that doesn't mean I'm a good teacher. I've done it before, and I've also discovered that I'm not very patient. This will only cause more problems."

"Then I'm afraid you'll just have to figure it out. No matter what, that display both of you made will no longer continue. Unless you want harsher punishments that'll stay permanent on your records, I suggest you stick to this, at least until whatever issues you two have is settled. Do I make myself clear?"

Harriet and Tsukishima could only grudgingly agree to his terms.

… .. …

As promised, she brought some flavors of Mexico over to Hinata.

At first, Harriet was unsure if she'd be able to find key ingredients to make what she needed, such as corn flour, avocado, habaneros and other spices. Luckily in Tokyo, Mrs. Folores introduced her to a marketplace that housed imports from all over the world. It was her go-to place for her establishment and Harriet, at the time, felt like bursting with joy. She got everything checked off on her list and more, even some Mexican candies!

So she made tacos and guacamole nachos. And for something sweet, she made bionico fruit salad. She may not have gotten any sleep before school, but it never stopped her before. Sleep is for the weak, workaholics would say, and this would apply.

Besides, Hinata and Kageyama were enjoying what she brought as the three eat together at lunch period, in the same shady spot Harriet found on her first day in Karasuno. Meanwhile, Harriet was trying to enjoy her portion.

"It's kind of weird that he snapped at you though," the setter mutters through his mouthful of taco.

"And why is that?" Harriet sulks, poking her fork in her salad.

"He didn't really acknowledge any of us during practice. There was a time he could've said something to Hinata for stepping in the way of one of his serves, but all he did was glare a few seconds and carried on."

"Oh yeah I remember that…" The small ginger shudders. "It was so hard to focus at all because of Tsukishima. One would expect that sort behavior from Kageyama. Not him."

He was earned a smack on the head from the short-tempered raven and a heated argument followed about being compared to the stingy middle-blocker. But Harriet long since zoned out on them. She no longer attempted to eat what's left. She stares out at nothing, cheek in palm.

"So he decides to take is anger out on me huh?" Her murmur was carried away by wind and drowned under the boys' yelling. She receives no answer.

That's probably why you were forced to move here.

Her free hand claws at her shoulder. The hidden scar under her shirt burns. Her chest just as much.

Loud, crass and violent.

You have gotten into enough trouble…

Allow the police to handle it!

YOU COULD'VE DIED!

I can't lose another baby…

I am a terrible mother.

Harriet heaves a heavy broken sigh. "I must be the luckiest girl in the world."

... .. …

"Tadashi."

Yamaguchi perks up at his friend hunched next to him. The two sat at one of the more empty side buildings of the school. Where they could be alone. Not much was touched in Yamaguchi's bento. Tsukishima's was left unopened.

As he thought, it really didn't take long at all.

But…

"Yeah Tsukki?"

"Why do you put up with me?"

He did not prepare for this. Tsukishima stares out across campus, not really focused on any particular thing.

"Wh-Wha-"

"Be honest. When I took care of those bullies for you that day we met, you followed me ever since. That's all I was to you right? A shield to protect you from harm."

He couldn't believe what he's hearing. "What are you saying? You know that's not true!"

"You mean you actually enjoyed my company? Even now, when you have others that treat you much better. You got a girlfriend too. So what do you need me for?"

Yamaguchi's fingers tremble on pavement beneath him. Then they ball into fists.

"Why Tsukki?" he asks through clenched teeth. "Why are you taking her words to heart?"

Tsukishima's silence only angers him.

"Did you forget why I value our friendship so much?" He tries getting through to him. "Sure I may have more friends now, but had I never met you, I doubt that would still be possible. You were the first person to acknowledge me and even cared to have me stick around. You didn't need to, but the fact that you did means more to me than anything. So why, after all we've been through, would I want to get rid of someone like that?"

There was a change to the blonde's eyes, Yamaguchi observes. Finally, for the first time today, they were not dull and empty or dark and filled with compulsive anger. They're bright and normal again. Sense was successfully knocked into him. But only after hammering the other to eat his lunch was Yamaguchi truly relieved to have his friend back.

"So, are you going to tell me why you tried to upset Thompson-san?"

The face Tsukishima makes is interesting. Yamaguchi couldn't exactly put it to words, but if he were to guess, it looked close to guilt.

"For once," he starts. "I'll admit that what I said to her was excessive. She didn't deserve it. It's not even her fault."

"So, why did you do it?"

"I…" At first it seemed like he was about ready to spill everything, but something, whatever it may be, makes him backpedal, leaving Yamaguchi with, "I was just acting stupid."

It's painfully obvious there's something he doesn't want to openly reveal. Not yet anyway. Because he will share it, even if it means playing a longer waiting game. Tsukishima does like to make things difficult and more complicated than they have a right to be and Yamaguchi is more than used to it.

"You realize you're gonna have to apologize to her right? Since you have to study together, it's only right you do some damage control."

Tsukishima scoffs. "I'm sure an apology is the last thing she wants from me. And it's not like she hasn't said some choice words of her own."

I hope you live the rest of your life alone.

No one can stand you.

"I'm still surprised you actually believed that."

"Shut up Yamaguchi." His face reddens and he shoves a large portion of rice in his mouth, a rather childish sign that he's done with the conversation.

"You know," the freckled boy continues anyway, tapping his chin. "Speaking of exams, all of our teammates would need a passing grade if they want to continue volleyball."

"I'm not helping those two idiots again."

"Bear with me Tsukki. I'm helping you out." Yamaguchi stands. He motions his friend to follow. "Come on."

"The hell are you-" He's already gone ahead. Tsukishima clicks his tongue. He packs his stuff and hurries to catch up. "I'm starting to dislike this new you."

"Get used to it!" Yamaguchi jests.

"Whatever."

… .. …

Apparently, Yamaguchi's ingenious plan involves Harriet's other cousin, Junichi Kenta. He was easily found in his homeroom, with Yachi and another girl Tsukishima vaguely recognizes as a member of Kenta's club.

"You wanna do a group study?"

"Yeah! Because honestly when it comes to Hinata and Kageyama, they'll need all the help they can get and they're sort of important assets to our team. You've known Hinata for a while so I hope you don't mind?"

Kenta laughs. "Not at all! Yachi-san's told me of her experiences trying to tutor them and it actually sounds like fun challenge. I'm in! How about you Masami-san?"

The small, almost doll-like sandy blonde unsettles the class four duo, the way those emerald eyes stare at them before they shift back to her book.

"Kenta-kun."

Everyone felt their muscles tense. There's really no way to predict the actions of this girl. What greatly worries Tsukishima is he has this foreboding feeling she's seen right through them.

"Y-Yes Masami-san?"

"Did you hear about what happened this morning? You're cousin got into trouble again."

He hates being right sometimes.

"What?!" The young musician jumps from his seat, perplexed and appears ready to sprint to find his cousin. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"It's nothing major. She's just forced to study with blonde boy over there. Another fight apparently, right before class."

Kenta moans and rubs his face.

"Yachi-chan's given me enough of a depiction on what you two are like." The girl flips a page. "Which is why I find it odd that you're going out of your way to help two of your teammates. Even if it's for the sake of the team, you'd only put yourselves up to it if you were asked or told. In this case, it's to make a situation, which the blonde has brought upon himself, less troublesome and awkward. Do you think so Yachi-chan?"

The team manager laughs mechanically, sweating profusely as she regards her boyfriend with a disheveled smile.

"Sorry Yama-kun, but that does sound about right. You shouldn't use our friends like that."

"I-I wasn't trying to!" He panics, instant guilt written on his face. "But you're right. I was mostly trying to help Tsukki. Sorry…"

Yachi melts at his sincere apology and reaches out, knees on her chair, to offer a hug. Yamaguchi greatly accepts and as big of a sweet tooth as Tsukishima is, that sight's enough to give anyone cavities. No thanks.

So instead of focusing on that mess, his eyes land on Kenta. The musician turned out to also be staring at him, critically.

"You know, I'm still baffled that after everything, you're still in one piece. Frankly you shouldn't be, but I'm glad you're not hurt. That luck can only go so far though. Trust me." Kenta huffs, looking relieved but also exhausted. "As for a study group, I think it is for the best. It'll decrease the chances of any more trouble, that's for sure. I'll talk Hari-chan into it."

Tsukishima nods, a little grateful that the boy isn't outright upset with him. At least he's willing to cooperate.

"Thank you, Kenta." Yamaguchi expresses his gratitude, but Kenta shakes his head.

"I'm only looking out for Hari-chan, just like you are with Tsukishima. So you don't need to thank me."

"So…" Yachi's arms have never left her boyfriend's torso. "When do we start?"

"We can start today, after club hours." Masami closes her book. She pulls out her cellphone and stands to leave the room. "We can arrange at my place. I just need to make a phone call."

She disappears.

"She's… pretty perceptive, figuring us out so quickly," the freckled boy comments with a nervous chuckle. "It's a little scary."

"She'll put people off sometimes," Kenta subtly agrees. "But her actions usually come with good intentions. She just wanted you guys to be honest with us."

"That's understandable. Again, we're sorry."

"Hey, no harm done."

"Yachi-saaan!"

Hinata and Kageyama were seen about to barrel through the entrance. However, upon sight of Tsukishima present in their manager's homeroom, they both skidded to an abrupt stop. The hung a good distance from the group, not daring to move closer.

"Damnit," the raven curses. "It's-"

"Emo Stingyshima…" Hinata finishes from his hiding spot behind the setter.

"Emo?" Those two will never cease to amaze the tall blonde, in all the negative ways. "What nonsense are you dolts spouting now?"

The comment made the two pause, and after a while they relax, heaving heavy sighs of relief.

"Thank god."

"He's back to normal!"

"Oi... Are you trying to piss me off?"

Yatchi finally lets go to meet the boys the rest of the way over. "You need me for something?"

"Yes! Can you help us study for exams? Please?" the ginger begs. "Your efforts won't be in vain this time, we promise!"

"Funny you mention that, 'cause we were just talking about forming a study group at Masami-san's place."

"Masami… that smaller girl you know?" Kageyama asks to be sure.

"Yup! You're both welcome to join us too."

"I can't believe this is happening. As if being forced to help one person isn't enough," Tsukishima murmurs objectively as Hinata and Kageyama begin to praise and thank Yachi nonstop.

"Well, it's like what Masami said earlier; you brought this upon yourself," Kenta states matter-of-factly, his smile unsympathetic. "And now you must accept retribution."

"He's not wrong Tsukki." Yamaguchi agrees.

The blonde had never felt so betrayed.

AN: I'll check for mistakes and edits some other time. Now, sleep.