Chapter Twenty

"My intuition has never been this sharp before," said Tendou to Ushijima as they sat together on the bus ride to the tournament. He was staring at his hands, feeling the white-hot itch of an electrical current at his fingertips. "It's as if I'm suddenly staring at the cosmos under a magnifying glass and" – he paused with a frown – "gesundheit," he said to Shirabu.

The setter eyed him strangely from across the aisle. "What?"

Sure enough, not two seconds after he spoke, Shirabu sneezed into the crook of his arm.

"Ugh! Would you stop doing that?" He exclaimed, irate. "It's creepy!"

Tendou blinked in awe. It was just one of the many instances in which his intuition proved correct, a phenomenon that was becoming increasingly consistent as of late. In fact, just last night he was able to convince Kawanishi to call home, claiming that something was going on with his parents. To everyone's shock, Kawanishi soon discovered his father had stepped on a nail and had to be rushed to the hospital for a tetanus shot.

The doctor says he'll be fine, he assured them once he got off the phone. A nail broke through the sole of his shoe when he was crossing a construction site. He's still coming to the game tomorrow.

The entire team stared at Tendou, spooked.

How'd you know? Kawanishi asked.

Tendou shrugged his shoulders. Just a hunch, he said. Your mom usually calls the night before a scrimmage game to wish you good luck. I thought it was strange she didn't call this time…She's very devoted to her Taichi-Waichi.

Kawanishi tensed, his ears turning bright red.

Really? Reon asked amusedly. She calls you before every practice match?

Drop it, he snapped.

From that moment on, the team behaved as if they had a powerful clairvoyant in their midst. Which, to say, was with a great deal of annoyance.

May I please come back to the game? Tendou pleaded with the team moments later. He had been banished to a chair in the far corner of the common room, removed from their Tuesday Night Card Game.

That depends, said their captain sternly. Are you going to stop predicting how everyone will die?

The entire team shot him reproving looks over their cards.

It was a joke, I swear! Tendou insisted dramatically. I don't have that kind of power! No one does!

Then explain how you knew Yunohama's great grandmother died in a fishing accident!

Yamagata and Jin were comforting the first year who looked positively traumatized.

Tendou winced.

Yunohama, I'm so sorry! I didn't know!

The sea…it's plagued my family with fear for four generations, said Yunohama in a misty voice. None of us will ever know what it's like to throw a harpoon like my Great Grandma Oki. My mom won't even go to the community pool. She thinks she'll get sucked into the drain.

The team all glared at Tendou, this time shaking their heads in disappointment.

Tendou knelt on the floor in a show of deepest regret.

I'm so sorry!

He was forced to remain in time-out until Yunohama forgave him for prophesizing a fatal encounter with a swordfish.

"Since when is Tendou telepathic?" Semi asked with a critical glance over his shoulder. "This is way worse than his usual antics."

"Isn't it obvious?" Jin commented from their place at the front of the bus. "He's infatuated. Ever since the night of the barbeque, he's been acting strange."

"You mean Hanamura has something to do with this?" Semi jabbed a thumb at Tendou, curious.

Jin and Reon offered him disparaging looks.

"You're kidding, right? Did you not see his drunken stumble to the dorms the other night?" Jin asked. "He tried climbing through a window, thinking it would be easier than using the front door!"

"So?"

"It was on the second floor!"

"Yeah, then we had to pry him off of Izakaya," added Reon, "otherwise, he would have gone on and on about how reality is just an illusion, and anything is possible with the right mindset. I've never seen Izakaya dart so fast up the stairs."

"Then he tried breaking into the kitchen for some ice cream," said Jin.

"– and walked out of the showers without a single stitch of clothing on," finished Reon with a small shake of his head. "How he didn't get caught by the hall monitor, I'll never know. He should be suspended right now."

Semi pinched his chin in thought.

"So it's true…he and Hanamura…they're a thing now," he reiterated, lifting a brow.

Reon stared at him blankly. "You're just now putting this together? Where have you been?"

Semi scoffed.

"Well excuse me! I never expected him of all people to be the latest heartthrob of Shiratorizawa! Since when has he become so popular with the ladies?"

"You sound jealous," said Yamagata.

"I am not!"

"Well I am," said Yamagata, unabashed. "I've been pining after Sasakura for a year."

"We know," they all three responded emphatically, causing him to flinch.

"We know," Reon repeated, patting his shoulder in pity. "Trust me, we've already discussed how you're going to make your first move. It's time to put this to rest – for all our sakes."

Yamagata turned pink, horrified by the idea of being forced to act on his feelings. He removed himself from the conversation by staring out the window. "Some friends you are," he grumbled.

"Anyway," continued Jin in a low whisper, "whatever Hanamura did, it's got Tendou locked in this hyper-drive indefinitely. Welcome to the new normal."

They shot Tendou furtive glances from their spot on the bus. He appeared to be pestering Shirabu who was caught in the middle of a sneezing fit. Tendou kept offering blessings in twenty different languages much to Shirabu's growing frustration. He looked to Ushijima for help, but the ace was busy reading a pamphlet, appearing deep in thought. Behind them, Yunohama was fast asleep.

"I suppose we'll know who to thank when we find ourselves at Nationals this year," said Semi. Then, after a moment of consideration, he added, "Thank god he's the only one smitten."

"Yeah," said Jin, shaking his head. "Could you imagine if Ushijima was dating?"

There was a significant pause.

"Don't ever joke about that," said Semi, grave. "One is bad enough."

Jin made a gesture in the air as if warding off evil spirits. He directed it at Yamagata.

"Agreed."

. . . . . . . . .

Morning sunlight spilled over the Sendai City Gymnasium, turning its courtyard solid gold. The boys' volleyball team filed out of their bus to the excited clamor of news reporters and photographers stationed outside the entrance.

"Look alive, boys," said Washijo, hands clasped behind his back. "You're about to make the morning news."

He spoke as if they were the main event. Other schools paraded into the gym as well, but it was a tradition of sorts that only the powerhouse schools received such glorious fanfare. And with their marching band and cheer squad in tow, Shiratorizawa made the grandest entrance of them all.

"Just wait until you hear our new material," said the band director as he sidled up to their captain. He was a tall third year with shoulder-length hair, brandishing his conductor's baton as if he conducted life at large. "Something to get the opponent really quaking in their shoes when you all charge into the fray. Do what you do best. We'll deliver the cinematic score for your victory."

The brass and percussion sections raised their instruments in a parting salute.

Behind them, Kazane led her squad across the yard. Isami and Makoto were close at her heels, dressed in matching pleated skirts. The cheerleaders all had ribbons in their hair and sparkly yellow pom-poms, but they moved with the militaristic grace of a black ops unit, causing several rival teams to gawk in awe.

"Alright, ladies," said Kazane in her deep voice, "Remember the three C's of cheerleading: Coerce, Command, and Captivate. We'll have the whole gym coughing up blood by the time we're done with them. Am I right?"

"RIGHT!" The squad shouted back in unison.

"Excellent. Let's do some reconnaissance," she ordered with a grin.

The squad fanned out, prepared to sweep the courtyard in a powerplay of intimidation. But before Isami could get too far, a voice stopped her.

"Hey, Sasakura!" Reon called out, causing her to pause. "Our libero wishes to say something–"

He grabbed Yamagata by the scruff of his collar and thrust him to the front of the group. The others stepped into position, creating a barricade as he stumbled, looking deeply betrayed. He clutched his duffle bag, his mouth opening and closing in a silent plea for mercy.

"Wish her luck," Reon gritted through his teeth, smiling. "Quickly now."

Yamagata turned, finding Isami waiting patiently as she tucked a strand of honey-brown hair behind her ear. The sunrise cast her in a rose-gold hue, giving her an angelic glow. The morning breeze tugged at her hair ribbons, and it was fitting that a flock of white doves stirred from the nearby trees, taking to the sky behind her.

Yamagata gulped.

"S-S-Sasakura!" He forced out with fists clenched at his sides. "G-Goose…Goop…Good Luck!"

He stared at her, mortified.

It was then that the leering face of Makoto came into view. The third year hooked an arm over Isami's shoulders, her eyes filled with cat-like intensity as she scrutinized Yamagata with a grin. She was the only cheerleader on the squad who had short-cropped hair that flipped out into elvish spikes, her face equally impish.

"Shouldn't we be the ones saying that to you?" She asked musingly. "You're the one playing in the tournament after all."

Yamagata stiffened, his bag slipping down his shoulder and tangling around his feet.

"Oh. Uh…well…I…"

Before he could formulate a response, Isami promptly shoved a pom-pom in Makoto's face.

"Please excuse her," she said with a closed-eyed smile. "She likes to poke fun at others' expense." She shot Makoto a frosty look, but the cheerleader was busy rubbing her nose, chastened. Returning her gaze to Yamagata, she said, "This is my first official game, so thank you! I'll be working extra hard to cheer you on from the stands. Good luck to you too!"

She flashed him a radiant smile that only served to further agitate him.

"Tankoo!" He bit out. "I mean – Thank you!"

Yamagata buried his face in his hands.

Isami softened at his blunder, her countenance changing considerably. Taking a few steps in his direction, she reached down for his duffle bag and placed the strap back on his shoulder.

"You know, whenever I start to stutter really bad, I find that thinking intense, murderous thoughts really helps," she disclosed to him suddenly. "It works on nerves too. Just picture yourself carrying a scythe or a hatchet everywhere you go. Suddenly, the world doesn't seem so scary."

She winked at him.

With that, she turned and dragged Makoto into the growing throng of players, sunlight glinting off her shiny plait as they joined the others across the yard. Yamagata could do nothing but stare after her, his lips locked in a grimace. When he turned to the team, his face was simultaneously gaunt and feverish with adoration.

"You're all dead to me," he croaked.

Reon smacked him on the back.

"Well done," he said. "Now it's up to you to do well in the games."

"Why?"

"Because Sasakura will be paying special attention to you from now on," said Jin with a wiggle of his brows.

They both grinned, leaving Yamagata visibly sick to his stomach.

"Intense, murderous thoughts, huh?" Tendou mused as he came to stand beside him, scratching his chin in thought.

"Nope. Nuh-uh. No one needs you pretending to carry a hatchet, Tendou." Their captain cut in immediately. "Though, it would explain why she looked so eager to hit you that one time."

Yamagata rounded on Tendou, vehement. "Yeah, I too had murderous thoughts that day. You've just reminded me."

Tendou slowly backed away, not wanting to induce further conflict. It was fortunate that the loud crack of a whip broke their sudden standoff.

"WHAT'RE YOU DOING JUST STANDING THERE? WE'RE NOT HERE TO PLAY HOPSCOTCH! LET'S MOVE!"

Washijo was already at the main doors, his shouting causing several reporters to jump from fright.

"Oh thank goodness," said Tendou with a grand show of relief, "for a moment, I was afraid he was going to be discreet this year. Could you imagine?"

Yamagata merely glared at him in response.

As they entered the gym lobby, it was immediately apparent to the team that competition nerves were already festering in full force among the participants. There was a heavy, intense atmosphere as everyone continued scoping out their rivals. Team Shiratorizawa followed their coaches to a spot near the windows. It was there that Washijo turned to address them.

"We're off to check in with the judges," he said, looking polished as ever in his pristine white tracksuit. His gameday mannerism was proud, entitled, and completely ruthless. The same as every day, only amplified to the maximum degree. He surveyed the lobby, looking deeply unimpressed. His contempt must have rubbed off on their lieutenant coach for Saito straightened his glasses with a self-assured grin.

"Wait here until the matches are announced," he said. "We'll rejoin you after our meeting. Make sure to stay out of trouble."

"Or else," barked Washijo.

"YES SIR!"

When their coaches disappeared into the throng, their captain took over, facing them with a powerful expression on his face that promised an equally powerful speech. His jacket draped his shoulders as he crossed arms over his chest, posturing like a war general.

"Right, gentlemen," he intoned, "We should take this time to" – his manner changed, becoming immediately disconcerted – "hang on, where's Ushijima?"

The team glanced around, realizing there was a noticeable gap in their lineup.

"He was here just a second ago," said Shirabu, frowning. Kawanishi and Yunohama were still starstruck by their encounter with the reporters near the entrance. Their captain massaged his brow as he uttered a long-suffering sigh.

"Tendou, I thought I told you to watch him?" He said with a dark look.

Tendou raised his hands in protest.

"You know how excited he gets at these things, Captain. He's probably greeting the other competitors," he said with a wave to the crowd. "He likes to make the rounds before the tournament starts. It's his way of being cordial."

"There he is," said Reon, pointing to the opposite side of the lobby. Sure enough, they spotted their Great Ace standing among a smattering of high school teams, his body language and facial expression anything but friendly. In fact, he was behaving much like a schoolyard bully. His hands were balled into fists and he glared at anyone who made direct eye contact. The other teams looked anxious, inching away slowly, wondering if he was trying to pick a fight.

"I don't think 'cordial' is the right word," said Semi, "Antagonistic seems to be the operative term here."

Just when it seemed impossible for their star player to look any more threatening, the team watched in horror as Ushijima's face split into a smile of pure, maniacal joy.

"Oh dear god," said Jin. "He's grinning like a madman!"

"Jekyll and Hyde!" Kawanishi blinked rapidly.

"Uh oh. That can only mean one thing," said Tendou. "Trouble has arrived."

They watched as several of the competitors shrank back from fear. Amidst their retreat, a rival team in white and turquoise tracksuits sauntered forth. A boy, a particularly handsome youth with curling brown hair and sharp eyes, worked his way to the front. They could see he was visibly marked by a smug, princely earnestness that cloaked him like an aura.

"Seijoh," cursed Yamagata.

The first years looked to their libero, curious.

"Who?"

"Aoba Johsai, House of Oikawa the Great," Yamagata elaborated. "Miyagi's Master Setter."

At this, Shirabu studied the newcomer with a frown, intrigued by this mysterious new rival. Semi shared in his scrutiny. "I would watch that one very carefully if I were you," he said to Shirabu. "Don't let his golden charisma fool you. He's a first-class tactician."

Shirabu scoffed.

"So am I," he said brazenly. "Why should I be so worried about him? He looks like he spends more time on his hair than he does his serves."

Semi shared a silent glance with Tendou. How innocent. How naïve. Their first-year teammate had no idea the destructive force of Oikawa's serves, a classic rookie mistake. If Ushijima had a cannon for an arm, then Oikawa had a bazooka – a highly dexterous, portable rocket launcher that could shoot with one hundred percent accuracy from the other end of the court. Shirabu was in for a rude awakening.

"Let's just say if this were a sports manga, Oikawa is our arch-nemesis," explained Tendou, narrowing his gaze. "He's pledged to vanquish Ushiwaka ever since junior high. As a result, we always find ourselves pitted against Seijoh in the final match."

They surveyed the other team, sizing up their competition like vultures waiting for an animal to eke out its last breath. They were all suddenly very hungry.

"Better go retrieve our ace before he starts a brawl," ordered their captain.

Tendou grinned. "With pleasure, sir."

As he strode across the lobby, multiple gazes trailed him, and Tendou made sure to dial up the Guess Monster persona to its highest setting. Those who had played against him last year regarded him with open hostility, but he reveled in the attention. Knitting fingers behind his head, he wove through several groups, baring his teeth in an unsettling smile here and there until he stood alongside Ushijima.

"Well hullo! What a pleasant surprise," said Tendou, draping an arm over his friend's shoulder. He addressed them with the same warmth as a host greeting guests at a party. "Exchanging some niceties and pleasantries before the show?"

The Seijoh team visibly reacted to his presence, but Oikawa remained cool.

"Oh, Tendou. I thought you might be skulking somewhere nearby," he said coldly, smirking. "I overheard there's a cathedral in France missing a gargoyle. Any plans to return home?"

Tendou smiled, flexing his fingers.

"What a coincidence. I too thought of you the other day."

Oikawa simpered. "Oh? Trying to figure me out at last, were you?"

"No," said Tendou. "Your face always reminds me to take out the trash."

Oikawa's smile faltered. His teammates were all squirming with tension now – Iwaizumi looking particularly torn on whether he wanted to pummel Tendou or Oikawa first. But the Seijoh setter pressed on, his golden aura dimming just a bit.

"Always the joker," he sneered. "Perhaps you'll enjoy this then. I was just telling your…Miracle Boy…over here that I came for a battle of wits, but he's completely unarmed."

Oikawa gleamed, looking especially pleased with himself at the delivery of such an insult. If it was directed at anyone else, say Date Tech or Johzenji, it may have had the desired effect, but Ushijima merely stared at him, unfazed. When he spoke, it was with the steadfast tone of someone immune to verbal injury.

"Wit is no indication of skill, Oikawa," he said plainly. "Only skill will get you to Nationals."

Everyone, including Tendou, gazed at him in unbridled shock.

"Wakatoshi!" Tendou exclaimed with raised brows. "That was savage!"

Oikawa made a noise similar to air being let out of a balloon. He wheezed.

"Are you saying I lack skill?" He said barely above a whisper.

"No. I'm saying you should've–"

"DON'T YOU DARE! DON'T YOU DARE SAY IT!"

Oikawa was triggered. The golden aura had vanished, replaced by a suffocating black cloud of hatred. Iwaizumi was rapidly shaking his head with a hand motioning at his neck, signaling for Tendou to curtail his ace. Tendou did no such thing.

"Say what, Wakatoshi?" He asked lightly.

Ushijima turned to him with a furrowed brow. "That he should've come to Shiratorizawa."

The setter howled with rage.

"ALRIGHT – THAT DOES IT! Iwa, hold my bag!" Oikawa ordered, shoving his duffle at his friend. He pushed up the sleeves of his jacket as he made for the Great Ace. "I'm gonna wipe that arrogant smirk off your face once and for all, Ushiwaka! You'll have to play with two black eyes and a missing tooth when I'm done with you!"

Ushijima frowned, confused. "I fail to see how this is a battle of wits."

"I WILL DESTROY YOU!"

Oikawa lunged for Ushijima, sounding like a feral animal, but Iwaizumi caught the setter from behind, shouting "No you don't!" and hooking his arms over his shoulders. The others sprang into action, grabbing his legs to prevent him from lashing out at the Great Ace as they quickly dragged him away. Tendou and Ushijima remained where they were, watching as Seijoh bolted for the doors leading into the courtyard. Oikawa cursed Ushijima, his mother, his grandmother, his paternal ancestor, all while being lugged out of the lobby like a prized boar from a hunt. Their last sighting of Oikawa the Great was of him shaking his fist at the heavens.

"Well," said Tendou, dusting his hands with satisfaction, "that was fun." As they made their way back to the team, he turned to Ushijima and smiled. "It's nice running into old friends, isn't it?"

Ushijima returned his look with a slight raise of his brows.

"Ah."

. . . . . . . .

That evening, Hanamura turned on the television in the spare bedroom, surfing through the channels as her sister, Mei, came in with a bowl of fresh cantaloupe. They had returned late from their swimming trip to the creek, both sporting damp hair and fresh sunburns.

"Yikes, it's stuffy in here," said Mei, yanking the windows open to let the cool evening air into the room. The lone windchime danced on the eaves of the house. "Today's the last day of the tournament, right?"

Hanamura nodded, her eyes glued to the television screen. "Gosh, I hope we didn't miss it! He said they were playing their last game tonight." She flipped past a car commercial, two soap operas, and the evening news, before arriving to a gymnasium full of screaming fans. "Aha! I found it!" She exclaimed triumphantly. She dialed up the volume until the dull roar of applause filled the room.

Mei passed her the bowl of cantaloupe, and they both settled in to watch the game.

Welcome back to our live coverage of the Summer Nationals Qualifier at the ornate Sendai City Gymnasium. A broadcaster greeted them as he presided over the game. Our camera crew outside is watching a blood-red sunset behind the gym as we keep our eyes glued to the exciting match between Shiratorizawa and Aoba Johsai.

That's right, folks. Another broadcaster joined in the commentary. If you're just now joining us, it's been a climatic evening as we watch these two volleyball giants go head-to-head in a final battle for supremacy. Both teams are tied with two sets apiece. Lots of posturing from coaches Washijo and Irihata who share a long history of crossing paths in the final bracket of the tournament season.

Yes, chairs have been flung. Towels tossed. Two tigers pacing the sidelines, hungry for blood!

Hanamura and Mei took in the wide-angle shot of the court with its blue partitioned walls. It was twice the size of a school gymnasium, and its ceiling was an intricate lattice of steel rafters. Giant drum lights drenched the floor in a glossy sheen, making the players stand out in contrast.

"Wow, it's so official," said Mei.

Hanamura marveled at the people sitting high up in the bleachers. "And it's a full house too!"

Boy, I would not want to be on the losing side with coaches such as these, the broadcaster continued, sounding concerned. You can really feel the death threats coming from the Shiratorizawa head coach who supposedly forced his entire team to jog back to campus after falling short at Nationals last year.

The camera zoomed in on the Demon Coach who appeared to be cursing his players vehemently.

Ah, we see here that Washijo is shouting at his team setter, a promising freshman by the name of Kenjiro Shirabu, who has just delivered a feint that was successfully picked up by the prolific wing spiker Hajime Iwaizumi – Seijoh's junior ace.

Aoba Johsai is now setting up to what promises to be a devastating return as master setter, Toru Oikawa, takes hold of the wheel on this highway to hell – there it goes – up in the air and heading straight for wing spiker Takahiro Hanamaki who's already in position–!

There was a loud roar from the crowd.

Criminently! Do my eyes deceive me? Was that divine intervention? Shiratorizawa's middle blocker Satori Tendou makes another tremendous save – breaking the ball's path with a brush of his fingers. I swear, that boy leaps before the ball has even been set!

He has the grace of an angel but the face of a demon, agreed the other broadcaster. Look at that grin!

The camera zoomed into a closeup shot of Tendou smirking at the opposing wing spiker. His mouth was moving tauntingly, no doubt adding further insult to injury as Hanamaki clawed the net.

One Touch for Shiratorizawa. Shirabu flicks it to Ushiwaka who goes in for the kill!

The camera pulled back, and Hanamura and her sister were left captivated as the Great Ace sent the ball hurdling across the court. The camera was barely able to capture it in real-time. The ball whizzed past the other team like an apparition. In fact, the impact was so powerful, the ball managed to dislodge a single wooden plank from the floor.

The broadcasters both gasped.

Sweet Mother of Pearl!

Such instinct! Such unimaginable precision!

The Eighth and Ninth Wonders of the World, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Shiratorizawa's Guess Monster and Great Ace at it again!

The television screen was flooded by the roaring faces of the crowd, and Hanamura spotted Satsuki and her grandson, Daisuke, screaming amid the spectators. They were dressed in matching maroon robes with paper megaphones waving in the air. Satsuki had bright red lips and a shirt that said I Heart Ushiwaka. The Shiratorizawa marching band broke into a sweeping battle anthem as the cheer squad shouted on the steps. The sound of their cheering gave Hanamura goosebumps.

Meanwhile, the camera returned to the players, showing Tendou congratulating Ushijima while the others swapped high fives in the background. Hanamura's pulse quicken at seeing Tendou in his uniform. It had the same visual effect as a man in a finely tailored suit; he was smartly dressed with an overpowering sense of control. Though his face was drawn by exhaustion, he was overflowing with confidence: his eyes sharp, his grin wily. She found it thrilling to watch him in his natural element.

Mei looked to her suddenly. "Is that the boy you were telling me about?" She gestured at the television screen. "The redhead? The one that's scary beyond all reason? That one?"

Hanamura nodded.

"Isn't he wonderful?" She sighed, leaning her chin against her palm.

Mei studied her shrewdly.

"Yeah…in an evil, conniving sort of way. Sure." She said at last. "They're calling him a demon."

"Well, he's not," said Hanamura. But as she thought on it a moment longer, heat spread across her face and she was quick to amend her statement. "Well…not entirely."

Mei flicked a piece of cantaloupe at her.

"Honestly, Suzu. Leave it to you to go off and entice the most dangerous-looking boy at school! What would Mrs. Yamauchi think?"

Hanamura defiantly popped the melon into her mouth.

"It was Mrs. Yamauchi who said to go big or go home, Mei," she said. "I'm just following her advice."

Aoba Johsai is shooting glares at Shiratorizawa, and the animosity between these two teams is palpable here, folks! The broadcaster continued, drawing their attention back to the game. I've never seen more sparks fly than between Oikawa and Ushijima. If this were Verona, I'd say we'd have ourselves a proper duel between the Capulets and Montagues!

It certainly feels like we're witnessing history, doesn't it? Agreed the other broadcaster. Alexander the Great marshals his army as Genghis Khan prepares to serve. The vanguard at the net brace their heads for impact. Ushijima fires the ball – MY GOD – it's been picked up by freshman libero Shinji Watari! The boy looks to have nearly snapped his spine catching that left-rotating comet, but it's headed back over the net as a chance ball for Shiratorizawa!

Hanamura and Mei watched as the entire team assembled.

Clockwork at its finest, Ladies and Gentlemen! Wing spiker Reon Ohira receives – Tendou lunges for a spike but wait! He sets it to Ushijima who barrels down the net, his cannon arm sending it into a perfect straight. CAUGHT! Caught by Iwaizumi, but it's high in the air, folks!

Oikawa is working overtime tonight. It's so close to the net. Icarus reaches for the sun, but already the blockers are hovering in the air – he sets it to Issei Matsukawa – how unexpected – he spikes! Libero Yamagata dives for the ball but – what's this? It's out of bounds! SHIRATORIZAWA SCORES!

Hanamura and her sister sat riveted, the cantaloupe long forgotten as they leaned closer to the television set. The points were flying off the scoreboard. At the eighteenth point mark, the teams took their final mandatory timeout before they proceeded to enter a match-point duel that took the game into nearly half another set.

"Who are these guys?" Mei demanded, blowing the bangs out of her face. "They're brutal!"

The rival team, Aoba Johsai, pushed on relentlessly. Though Hanamura and her sister knew little of the sport, it did nothing to detract from the incredible sportsmanship taking place on the screen. The rival setter was lost in the game, his eyes glazed over in acute concentration. He managed to manipulate his team like the pieces of a chessboard, using every player's unique strengths to his advantage.

Conversely, Hanamura watched as Tendou trained his gaze on the rival wing spiker, Hajime Iwaizumi. There was something about the player that had captured his notice. As the other team prepared to serve, he whispered discreetly to Shirabu and Ushijima, his mouth thinning into a smirk.

"He's made a guess," she murmured, anxious.

As if sensing the climax of the game, the marching band broke into a rising crescendo of drums and trumpets. People leaped to their feet in the stands. Hanamura felt an overwhelming rush of adrenaline and knew for certain Tendou was experiencing the exact same feeling as he battled for the final match point.

"I can't look!" Mei exclaimed, watching through the gaps of her fingers.

Hanamura held her breath, her stomach writhing with nerves.

But just when the game grew unbearable to watch – something happened. It happened so fast, they both rubbed their eyes to make sure they had seen correctly. The ball caught right above the net, held in place by Tendou and Iwaizumi who were both completely off the ground. The entire gym pivoted on the head of a needle as the two players vied for the upper hand. It was then that Tendou did something so slight, so subtle, so miraculous, it was as if the ball had a mind of its own. He rotated his wrist a fraction of an inch and, by doing so, freed it from Iwaizumi's grasp.

Everything happened in a millisecond: Seijoh dived after it in a mad frenzy, Iwaizumi striking out a leg, Matsukawa lunging with hands outstretched, Oikawa shooting across the floorboards in a last-ditch effort to save the ball, but it was all too much too late. The entire team was brought to its knees, staring up at Tendou with open looks of despair.

The gym froze.

The band cut its score.

The referee gaped, the whistle hanging limply around his neck.

A crushing silence descended over the whole crowd as everyone reeled from the aftershock.

Tendou dropped his gaze to his hands, then to the gym lights high up in the rafters. His chest heaved from exertion, strands of hair falling across his creased brow. He was the spitting image of a warrior left standing at the end of a long, difficult battle. When the enormity of the moment finally settled on his shoulders, he looked to his teammates who were all gazing at him in barefaced amazement.

He had done it. He had won the game.

The referee quickly recovered, blaring his whistle and motioning to the victor.

SHIRATORIZAWA WINS! Screamed the broadcaster. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, SHIRATORIZAWA WINS!

A JOUST! THE TOURNAMENT WAS DECIDED BY A JOUST! BY JOVE, HE DID IT! SHIRATORIZAWA'S GUESS MONSTER CLAIMS VICTORY OVER SEIJOH'S JUNIOR ACE!

The Sendai City Gymnasium drowned in a wild uproar. The cameras panned in as Washijo strode onto the court with arms wide, ready to receive Tendou in an unimaginably rare embrace. It wasn't long before the others swooped in as well, Ushijima smacking Tendou so hard across the back, he lurched forward into a coughing fit. The others caught him in a chokehold, their faces all flushed and sweaty and tear-streaked by the time the official announcer declared Shiratorizawa the tournament victor.

Mei sprawled onto the floor, exhausted.

"That was the craziest thing I've ever seen!" She said, her eyes wide and dreamy.

Hanamura flopped down beside her, bewildered.

"I've never seen him play like that before," she said, stunned. "He never hesitated. Not even once!"

"Just imagine the pressure he must have felt in that single moment," agreed Mei. "All that tension boiled down to a split-second decision…this new beau of yours is frightening."

Hanamura grew silent. Her sister's words echoed in her mind with a new sort of thrill. She rolled over onto her side, blushing. Was that what he was now? Her beau? Had she arrived at that moment in their relationship where she could claim him as hers? The idea still seemed oddly forbidden to her. Everything was still so fresh and new between them.

Mei observed her with a curious look.

"What?" She nudged her with a foot. "Did I embarrass you?"

When she didn't answer right away, Mei took stock of her red face and laughed.

"Oh, Suzu. You have it bad," she said, drawing out the word ominously. "And I'm not referring to your sunburn."

Hanamura rolled onto her stomach and buried her face in her arms.

"I've never felt this way about anyone," she confessed to her sister. "It's all so new to me. Half the time, I feel like I'm coming down with a fever – or my heart's about to give out. Then the other half the time, I feel so restless, I don't know what to do with myself. It's maddening!"

Mei snickered, looking half-amused, half-exasperated. "Why do you think they call it lovesick?"

Hanamura kicked her legs in the air, issuing a classic, girlish sigh to sum up her turmoil. But her efforts at melodrama were quickly interrupted by a female voice coming through the television screen.

Satori Tendou, you managed to block nearly half of Aoba Johsai's spikes this evening! This is beyond the expectations of a seasoned middle blocker. What do you attribute to tonight's major success?

Hanamura perked up, surprised he was being interviewed so quickly. She sat up and tuned in once more, curious what he might have to say about the game. Tendou loomed over the petite sports reporter, his hair windswept and eyes bright as wildfire. He was still caught in a trance, flexing his fingers absently. The reporter held her microphone to his face, but he had to bend down in order to speak.

Someone's watching me tonight, he answered smoothly, I didn't want to disappoint her.

Oh my, said the reporter in response. You're saying there's a sweetheart involved?

Hanamura burned. Her whole body went up in flames. She covered her mouth.

Tendou was shown mulling the idea with a slow grin.

She's actually more of a rival, but yes. He turned to the camera, waving. Hullo, Suzume!

Mei was staring at her slack-jawed. "Did he just–?"

Hanamura's phone lit up, making them both jump.

Ooh la la! Someone certainly knows how to woo a lady, wrote Asano with sparkles and hearts. Ushijima just Morse-coded a message to Akiko using his water bottle. Did you see it? She's beside herself right now. She's holding Argus like a pillow.

She sent a picture of her sister who, sure enough, was burying her face in a happy, smiley Argus as they sat in front of a small laptop in their room at the haunted inn.

I'm pretty sure it was a haiku, but she won't tell me, added Asano.

Hanamura laughed. So that was what Tendou had in mind at the train station – a way for his friend to communicate in secret. It was genius, given Ushijima remained so stoic during the game. Had they both planned this in advance?

Izakaya's unicorn avatar appeared on the screen.

Oh my god! Did you see Ushiwaka take out that first year? He texted her. I'm surprised that kid isn't paralyzed! They keep replaying the moment his spine twisted. Over and over again in slow motion. It's horrifying…Also, look what I made. He sent her a picture of a three-headed turtle. I'm calling it Cerberus.

The sight of it made Hanamura grin from ear-to-ear. She was glad to see he was making progress.

Hot damn, sent Rumi almost immediately afterward, looks like you won't be needing my services anytime soon. What a catch! Her text message was followed by a cryptic combination of a ninja, a flower, and a skull with crossbones. Cheers to the happy couple! Does this mean you two are official?

Hanamura pressed a hand to her forehead, her blush undulating in waves. Tendou had caught her by surprise, speaking to her directly through the television like that. Though they were miles apart, he still had the ability to get a rise out of her even from afar. Now anyone watching the game would know the precise nature of their relationship. He was so confident, so matter-of-fact, so…proud.

There would be no running away now.

"A rival, huh?" She murmured. Switching to a different text thread, she pulled up their conversation from last night, returning to the picture he had sent her of the team passed out in their hotel room. By the looks of things, Shirabu had barely made it to his futon, a sock hanging halfway off his foot. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she typed.

Challenge accepted.

She pressed the send button, her heart still leaping in her chest.

Where is he? Where's my boy? WHERE'S MY SATORI?

A sharp, elderly voice took over the news reporter's recap of the game, and Hanamura looked up just in time to see Satsuki assail Tendou with kisses all across his cheeks, leaving red lipstick on his face. There appeared to be tears in her eyes as she hugged him close. Daisuke stood behind her, holding her purse and gawking at the camera, his face also covered in lipstick.

Hanamura stood up.

"Suzu?" Mei looked at her curiously. "Where are you going?"

"I need some air. I'll be right back," she said.

Excusing herself from the room, she wandered into the backyard to catch her breath. She sat against the nearest persimmon tree, willing her heart to slow down as she hugged her knees. The night air felt cool on her burned skin, but her sister was right, she was now afflicted with a very different kind of heat.

Tendou's message was loud and clear. By declaring her a rival, he was inadvertently daring her to rise to the occasion. It was a gesture of high esteem – to be deemed an equal. Any lingering doubt in her mind finally gave way, replaced by an unshakable confidence she could place her trust in. If Tendou could be unapologetically himself, even in the midst of a televised match, then so could she. It was time to let go of the things that were holding her back. No more doubting. No more waiting. No more fear of failure. It was time to act.

She returned to her feet, feeling ready to return to Shiratorizawa – to her friends. But if she was going to do things differently, she would have to commit to the enterprise fully. Starting with herself.

Hanamura returned to her room and riffed through her suitcase, fishing out the manuscript Tendou had placed in her hands at the train station. She had read it over and over a dozen times by now, the pages dog-eared and spotted with tea, but never with a waning sense of euphoria. It was this she brought with her to the bathroom. Flipping on the light, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

"She was a thistle in full bloom," she whispered, quoting her favorite line by heart, "There was beauty in her, but wild and intense and unpredictable."

Hanamura reached for the scissors in the drawer, angling her face this way and that way. She watched the bathroom light cast shadows over her face, highlighting her cheekbones. She couldn't remember the last time she cut her hair. The bangs had grown out so much, they hid her eyes from view. In fact, half of her face was now obscured. Taking hold of a dark lock, she snipped it clean near the roots.

"Nana always said when a woman cuts her hair, she's about to be reborn."

Hanamura smiled at her reflection.

"Let's show them who you really are, Magpie Girl."

A/N: This chapter is a whirlwind. XD

"Austenland Symphony: IV. Rondo" - Ilan Eshkeri

"Azukita" - Gaga Symphony Orchestra

"Bad Guy" - Blanks Remix

Thank you for being so patient! My update schedule has been thrown off a little now that we're nearing the holidays, but rest assured, we're moving right along. I'm excited to get us back to Shiratorizawa now that Tendou and Hanamura are gaining momentum.

A big heartfelt thank you to everyone following this story!

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