Author's note:
Few chapters onwards are entering the Summer Camp Arc,
which for a personal reason, have been my favorite to write so far!

Thanks for dropping by,
enjoy!

- Chapter 11 -

"Tsukki, I want to work on my serve. Do you want to join me and Asahi—"

"I'm going to bed after cleaning up." He quickly declined.

"I see, well…" Yamaguchi paused for a little. "I was only wondering if you're going to do any training. We have spare time and Shinzen School has multiple gyms for us to use. So, uhm, yeah. I was just wondering."

"Nope. I'm going to bed." He interrupted. "We've already had too much training. One more serve or spike or whatever isn't going to change anything."

"Oh, yeah, I guess that's true."

"Ja ne." Leaving Yamaguchi feeling defeated, Tsukishima had already bolted out of the gym.

He was already tired and worn out, he realized that, which was why it was only logical for him to know his own limit; unlike most selfish people here. His thoughts immediately went back to the freaky pair, the hotblood Hinata and egocentric Kageyama who thought they could do better at everything. Well, look what happened to them now, not even on speaking terms.

Look what happened to Akiteru then.

"Hey, Karasuno guy. You, with glasses!" Tsukishima stopped his track. Another pair of other team players were warming up by the door. "Can you block us a bit?"

"I have called it a day, actually. But thanks—"

"Hey, he might not look like it, but this guy is in the top five spikers in the country." Kuroo escalated quickly. "Aa~and since you're a mid-blocker, you can surely skill up your poor block, am I right?"

Tsukishima often made bashful comments and jabs towards people, to get them riled up. So he knew one when he heard one; and surely that was annoying.

That said, this grey-haired guy, Bokuto, could surely spike. His spike was strong and yet surprisingly very precise. Tsukishima tried to read his approach; a straight, cross, whatever. He managed, somewhat. But still, his massive power brought the ball very heavy to block. Another to be said was that this Nekoma captain could surely block. If Tsukishima thought he was already calm and quiet to read-block, then Kuroo was fast asleep only to easily wake up for a kill-block. Even though he looked like a whiny guy, Kuroo was actually very quick in terms of read-blocking and decision-making, and also body-manoeuvring.

Bokuto called him after another spike blocked by Kuroo. "Y'know Megane-kun, you're very good at reading the ball but you're still weak. I could definitely spike your wrists and snap them in half."

Hey fuck you, Owl-head.

"You better watch out then, Four Eyes. That squirt will steal your light." Kuroo taunted. "You both share the same position, right? And I heard he is practising his freaky attack whatsoever. Just wait until Hinata pushes you out of the court."

Tsukishima frowned bitterly. Knowing one's own limit was one thing; letting people brag about it was another different assurance. It was never assurance; it was in fact an insult.

"Pfft, yeah, that I can't do anything about." He replied casually, waving his hand off. "Hinata is way more gifted than I am. If he does beat me then so be it. That can't be helped." Oh, how much he did not want to say that. But that was, in all honesty, a clean and true opinion coming from Tsukishima himself.

Walking back to the school building, after visiting the cafeteria for a quick lone dinner and a nice quiet bath, Tsukishima lay down on his mattress and stared outside the window. The pale-yellow moon shone brightly, illuminating below. Of course, he realized Hinata was far from an actual athlete league; technical-wise, he flopped. He was favorable solely because he had speed and could jump higher than most of his body height. And the fact that he wanted to become The Ace irritated him. He honestly thought, with all due respect to Akiteru, that was pointless.

" Moshi moshi." Once the ring had changed into a voice, he switched the audio speaker into a headset. "Oh, Tsukishima! Good to hear from you."

"Yeah. Ano, Suzuki, did I interrupt anything?"

"No. As a matter of fact I was just done cleaning up the house." (On the other side of the call Suzuki quickly bolted into her room once she had read the caller ID, leaving the mop to Takari, ignoring the looks from her family.) "So how's Tokyo?"

"Just so you know, we're not in Tokyo actually. We're in Saitama." He told her. "The camp week is at Shinzen High School not in Nekoma."

"Oh, why?"

"Dunno, just how it is."

"Hmm, Saitama… alright. So, how's the first day going?"

"Dreadful, as always." He clicked his tongue. "The penalty for losing was worse."

"Really? What did you have to do this time? What sort of cardio?"

"Uphill and downhill sprints."

"Sprints? That doesn't sound too bad."

"Do that ten more times and you'll see what's bad."

She let out a laugh. "I get that you lose a lot again, huh."

"Yeah, I guess." He snorted through the mic. "Have you had dinner yet by the way?"

"Uh huh, just so. My dad is home so we have a dine-out." Suzuki explained and Tsukishima had already rested his arms behind his head, eyes closed, listening. "There's this really good barbecue place just opened near the park we studied at, remember?"

"Uh hm."

"It's a Brazilian barbecue restaurant and they have all kinds of menu. Apparently, the meat is cooked Brazilian style with skewers and roasted on a rotisserie. Hang on, I think I have a picture." He heard a ding, he would check it later. "My favorite flavor is honey glazed. And their roasted ribs were so good too."

"Hm?"

"Oh! They also have this roasted pineapple with cinnamon seasoning. It looked weird at first but it was really good, sweet and sour, kinda. But not too sour, you'll like it." She told him. "Well yeah, that was nice and we had a new-store discount. That's the best way to have a barbecue, don't you think?"

"Hmm… yeah."

There was a pause on the line. "Tsukishima, are you sleeping already? Hey, wake up!"

"I'm not. Stop yelling." He purposely turned the volume down when she began calling him out.

"Are you that tired? No, don't answer that, you always are." He visioned her rolling eyes at him. He smirked. "How are you already asleep? Where's Yamaguchi?"

"He's practicing that float serve again."

"And you're not helping him?"

"Nah, he had back-up, I guess. He was with Asahi-san, and I think other seniors had joined as well."

"Oh." She responded. "Then why are you sleeping already? I mean, shouldn't you be practicing with them too?"

"Not you too." However, his mumble didn't escape her.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." He sighed. "Doesn't feel like having extra training. It's only the first day anyway."

"I guess. If you say so." Fortunately for him, she didn't push back. "Tell me about the other teams, Tsukishima."

"Hm, the team composition doesn't change at all. The four Kanto clubs are still around." He went on. "There's this player from Ubugawa High, he looks like a man. Actually, almost all of their players look like old dudes. Even Asahi looked like a baby compared to them."

She snorted. "You know when I ask that, I mean how they play or perform, not really what they look like."

"Just to give you some ideas who we're facing up against." He reasoned casually. "Well, I only found out Fukurodani's ace is one of the best five."

"In Tokyo?"

"In Japan, actually. Bokuto something, or something Bokuto is his name. He, uh, I tried to block his spikes but he's just too strong. I feel he's stronger than Asahi and Tanaka, in technique at least."

"Te-he, leave Asahi-senpai alone. He's already scaredy as is." She laughed. "I have a feeling you're going to do something about this Bokuto guy. I can tell you don't like him already." You're still weak… she had a point. "But then again, you never really like anyone anyway."

"I can't help it. If you get on my nerves, then I don't like you."

"Do I get on your nerves, Tsukki?"

"You?" Tsukishima paused, smiling. "You're the worst."

"Aww." Suzuki let out a cute sound. "Screw you."

Tsukishima went on, next about Shinzen High and their unorthodox way of practicing serve ace, Nekoma and their new lineup, specifically he talked about the tallest player in the training camp, the Russian Haiba and his 194 centimeter height and lack of skill and everything.

By the time the boys had returned from their free practice session, Tsukishima had already fallen asleep, still with his headset on, and still connected with the other side of the line, a soft snore as well.

- Chapter 11 -

Tsukishima had sworn to Suzuki he would leave Asahi alone, but something about Asahi's thoughts and words struck him. " Hinata is not the baby bird he used to be anymore and that's great… But of course, I would never let him overshadow the real Ace." On their next practice where Asahi took over some undelivered tosses and spiked them nonetheless, it showed greatly that he was still Karasuno Ace after all, despite there being this ball of fire creeping and waiting behind him.

But what surprised Tsukishima most was the fact that Hinata was actually waiting for Asahi instead of the ball. He strained himself from taking over the spike unlike the last time where they ended up bumping on each other. Perhaps Hinata wasn't as stupid as he looked. He had to admit now, he was improving, willingly.

Though Hinata and Kageyama kept missing a chance of their usual freak attack and instead they were still trying the tempo'd dead-toss, whatever it was. That was stupid and still pointless.

"Tsukki, are you alright? Here, take a drink!" Yamaguchi offered a bottle. "Ano, I heard you practice with the Fukurodani and Nekoma captains last night. Are you going again?"

"No." He quickly replied and took a drink.

"Oh, um alright." He hesitated. "Tsukki if you want—"

"Oy! Megane-kun!" The two crows turned to Bokuto walking by. "Megane-kun, block me again tonight."

It was more of a request rather than a question, but it all the same to him. "I'm already heading out. But, thanks."

Bokuto blinked and shrugged, and then went to find other people, supposedly Kuroo. However, came into sight of a glimpse of orange hair Tsukishima tried so hard to ignore. "Hey idiot, why did you do that for?"

"Who are you calling an idiot? Idiot!"

"Do you know who that was? He was the captain of Fukurodani Academy. Not to mention he is one of the super aces. He just asked you to practice and you said no. Why?"

"You're so loud." Tsukishima retorted. "I don't have as much stamina as you guys. Shut up."

"You turning him down is a stupid move, Bakashima!"

"If you want to practice with him then go for it. No need to brag about it to me. Now piss off." Tsukishima pushed him off his way.

" Baka! Stoopid~ heh, Tsukishima is an idiotic, stupid dumbass." Hinata blatantly mocked him, jealousy lingered.

Yamaguchi, who was watching the whole scene from the side, frowned. He knew Tsukishima, perhaps better than anyone in the room right now. He knew his issues and his cynical behavior towards everything, especially volleyball, yet he couldn't muster up any courage to come at him and say something about it, like a friend should do. Yamaguchi was already worried about this situation even before the beginning of Tokyo Camp, where the team dynamic was somewhat disheartened just because Tsukishima declined any extra practice after their training sessions. He felt that. Everyone must have felt that. Even Ukai and Takeda too.

Yamaguchi overheard the short-talk between Coach Ukai and Takeda-sensei, where it became a possibility to switch Tsukishima with Narita in order to keep the good balance of the team. If that really happened…

Akiteru was passionate enough yet he didn't make it in the team. Tsukishima was too pessimistic and that made him lose the team. Then… History would only repeat itself. And then what else would he believe in?

And what could Yamaguchi do?

" Moshi moshi." After a few rings, the other side of the line answered him. "Oh Yamaguchi?"

"Suzuki, ano… are you busy?" The pinch server had cornered himself by the wall outside, sneaking a phone call during a break.

"Sorry, I left my phone in my room just then, I didn't hear it. So, what's up?" Suzuki said, already flopping herself on her bed.

"Umm, well, I'm a bit confused about something very specific. I wanna ask about your opinion."

"Oh, this sounds important. Is there something wrong?"

"A-ano, it's about Tsukki."

"Is he okay?" (Immediately as he said that, Suzuki had already risen from the bed to sit up straighter.) "Did anything happen to him?"

"He is fine. I just… ehm, how to say it…"

"Yamaguchi, what's wrong? Is he alright?" She said, and he noticed there was a demand and worry lingered in her tone.

And so Yamaguchi told Suzuki what was wrong, what had gone wrong and what could have gone wrong. He decided to skip Tsukishima's moment of finding the truth, as it was his story to tell, but nonetheless Yamaguchi told her how Tsukishima always felt inferior towards anything or anyone, regardless of what he could actually do, and eventually that brought potential downfall to the volley club and eventually his own future.

"Honestly, Yamaguchi, this is beyond my understanding of him." Suzuki finally responded after a rather lengthy query. "I mean, I'm still surprised you came to me about this. I barely know the guy."

"You know him long enough these past months. Surely by now you know how he thinks."

"No one can know what that guy is really thinking." She laughed. "Besides he never told me anything, y'know."

"Well, yeah but I mean… the point is," he let out a terribly shaky sigh. "I really don't know what to say or do to him." He paused. "What would you say to him, Suzuki?"

There was a pause from Suzuki, as if she was thinking this through. "What would I actually say to him? Hm, quite frankly, nothing." she finally said. "Whatever we do, we aren't talking about how to change him at this point. He values little of himself and that's where he already draws the line between what he could and should do. Telling him to change won't do much. The change has to come from himself." She concluded for him. "Well, at least that's what I thought."

First Hinata, then Suzuki. This type of answer he did not expect either. "So you'll say nothing?"

"Again, I don't know him more than you do so that's the safest bet." Suzuki leaned back on her chair, propping her legs on the side of the bed. "What I really think, though? I think you already know what you want to say yet you're scared that it would only ruin your friendship with him. That's what you are really worried about."

Yamaguchi frowned. "A-actually, yeah, maybe." That might have been true. "I don't want Tsukki to think that I never believe in him. I don't want him to think I'm betraying him, or belittling him, or something like that."

"No, he would think none of that. Besides, if he was to be bothered by whatever you would say, that meant he was thinking about what you said to him. What you said would matter to him. Don't you think so? Like I said, we could never know what's on his mind. Might as well just give it a go." She nodded along. "You know, Tsukishima actually told me how you two met."

This caught his full attention. "Did he?"

"Yeah. He said you were bullied by a group of kids in elementary school. And then he mentioned something about meeting you again in the kid's volleyball club. You were always watching him practice in awe, sometimes complimenting him too. One too many." He couldn't help but chuckle slightly. She went on. "He found that annoying, at first. But then you became the only cheer when he failed to spike or receive. I asked how he felt about it and he admitted he felt that was reassuring." she said. "So, you don't have to worry about Tsukishima suddenly hating you. Because he won't. You matter to him too, you know."

Yamaguchi started to reminisce about their elementary days, long before Tsukishima became who he was now. Some times during youth club practice, young Yamaguchi was amazed at how young Tsukishima was always quick with his high blocks; and whenever the taller kid failed to land a proper serve, Yamaguchi just gave him thumbs up and a promising smile.

He values little of himself and that's where he draws the line. That didn't make sense at all. Tsukishima would never think that, not when Yamaguchi always looked up to him. If he already felt he was at the bottom of the ladder, then where was Yamaguchi placed in this world? Buried Underground?

And did he not want to go up, at all? Not even one step, for himself?

What more motivation did he need? What did he need?

What more do you need other than pride?!

- Chapter 11 -

His throat dried. His breath hitched. His heart just skipped a beat. He felt that, physically, a heavy weight across his chest, it could've easily been mistaken as a heart attack. Yamaguchi gave him that. Years and years of knowing him, this would be the first ever time the timid freckled kid yelled at him. No, he screamed at him. Yamaguchi had outlandishly thrown it into the table: This is something you shouldn't be happy about. You have nothing to be proud of. Clear that smug out of your face. Lame!

Pride. The feeling of winning one's achievement, the admiration of oneself, a relief pat on one's back, per say. Of course, Tsukishima had that. All the things he did, all the choices he made, he did to secure his own satisfaction, his own pride. Sure, it was not much to what Hinata and Kageyama wanted to achieve, perhaps compared to Yamaguchi too, his motives were still vague.

What was wrong with being overly impassioned about training? Don't get him wrong, Tsukishima did not have any grudges towards volleyball and training. Well his apathy towards his brother was one thing; but in all honesty, he still thought about playing in general, as a hobby, as a habit after school.

If he did train harder, then what?

Would it change anything at all?

Should he care so much about this?

I can't plainly accept this.

Swallowing the bits left of his dignity, Tsukishima bolted to the other gym. And before he regretted the action, he blurted out. "Can I ask you guys something?"

Bokuto and Kuroo shared a scheming look, before nodding to him. "Yeah, sure. Shoot."

"Ano, so I know that both of your teams are considered good."

"Wait, what? Considered good? Just good?!"

"And you've made it into Nationals a couple of times, which is definitely still very difficult." Tsukishima went on, ignoring the irritated looks from the two players. "You must have achieved everything, yet I don't understand why you always try so hard to be better? Isn't everything enough? Barre wa tada no bukatsune."

Bokuto's light brown eyes went darker. "What did you say?" Tsukishima tried to maintain the sharp glare, but he had goosebumps due to the sudden heavy tension coming from the ace. Did he say the right thing to him? The grey-hair scrunched his face, thinking. "Who is that?"

"Huh?"

"Tada Nobukazu, that sounds like someone's name. Who is that?"

"That's not a name, dumbass. He said 'it's just a club', tada no bukatsu!"

"Oh, so that wasn't a name then. Huh! I thought it sounded off."

Tsukishima blinked. Did he ask the right question? Did he ask the right person, Kuroo and Bokuto? Were they really just that dumb? "Should I say something to stop them?"

"No. It's too late. It'd go on forever." the Setter, Akaasi-san, reminded him of how actually stupid they turned out to be.

"Oh! Megane-kun!" Bokuto suddenly called him. "Answer this: is volleyball fun?"

"Uh… it's alright, I guess."

"You hesitate. Isn't that because you're still weak?"

Whoa, fuck you too Owl-head!

"Listen, Megane. I've been playing volleyball my whole life, right. I've been in so many games and competition yet I only started enjoying volleyball recently, believe it or not." Bokuto began. "There was this match and the other team kept blocking my cross-spike, which I'm better at. So I've been training straight shot since then. We met again and I spiked straight at them, and then that was when I knew I just ate the opponent in front of me alive! That moment made me feel like I can do everything 120% better! Ha!" He laughed very loudly and lively too.

"Well, that was my experience. It might not apply to you but I'm telling you that could happen. So I don't understand when you say volleyball is just a club. Well maybe you're not entirely wrong but... to me, volleyball is a moment." Bokuto went on. "So, when that moment comes, live it, Tsukishima. That would be the moment you fall in love with volleyball."

Before he could process anything, Bokuto and Kuroo had already pushed him further inside of the gym. And there was no way out at that point. With that, he found himself blocking Bokuto's spike all over again.

Come to think about it, Tsukishima never really had that specific moment throughout his volleyball matches. Yes, he blocked some spikes before and he was pleased with that, but never fulfilling to the point that he wanted more. Yes he won some matches, but then he went home, listening to some music along the way and then the win already forgotten.

Come to think about it, he never actually pondered on what he had done and celebrate on what he had achieved. He just did something and if done, then it was done. Not exactly living the moment, was he?

Volleyball is a moment. A moment of heart-pounding and finger-shaking just before going into the court. A moment of silence just as about to serve. A moment of exhilaration of chasing a ball and rebounding it before it hit the floor. A moment of disappointment when own spike was too far out of the line. A moment of relief when the opponent's spike was netted.

A moment of great spike, a diving save, a service ace, or an impenetrable block.

There was a moment when he blocked Hinata's numerous attacks…

…and just then he held his arms high for Bokuto; that one moment when Tsukishima precisely calculated their jump and made a block. A moment when Bokuto rethought of his spike only to get away with a feint. Both of them showed the face of disgust and shock at being blocked and Tsukishima inwardly smirked. Live it.

At least make a try, you damn lame-ass.

"Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi!" Tsukishima nudged his friend when he spotted Yachi walking towards them during one of the practice match's breaks. "Yamaguchi, can I talk to you, right now?"

"O-oh! Yes, sure."

Yachi nodded. "By the way, Tsukishima-kun, nice block!"

"Uh, hai." Tsukishima's eyes followed them as they shared a quick talk before walking out of the gym, his eyes narrowed. That was a scheme between Yachi and Yamaguchi which was weird because those two didn't seem to be able to make decisions on their own. He ignored them as leaned back against the wall and dried the remaining of his water bottle. Although once again Tsukishima found himself wondering why Yamaguchi and Yachi still hadn't returned for the next match.

"Tanaka, nice serve!"

The middle blocker fixed his glasses and readied up for the start of the game, covering the back of his head just in case of the worse outcome from the serve; not that he didn't trust Tanaka, it was only preventive motion.

The serve ball had been spiked into Shinzen's side and Tsukishima's eyes quickly scanned the possibility of attack. Who is it he's going to toss to? Wait, is it another sync attack? Wait! Hang on—

Tsukishima jumped but the ball had already flown across, barely passing his tightened fingers. He was late on the jump. "Um, that was my mistake. I was cut short with the timing of the jump." Tsukishima bowed slightly, which Daichi automatically brushed off.

"Don't mind, don't mind. We'll get to the next block."

"Hai." Tsukishima nodded and went to his position. One last glance at the side of the court, where Yamaguchi and Yachi had returned to the gym; and trailing behind them was Suzuki Taomi. – wait! Hang on—what is she doing here?

- Chapter 11 -

" Hey, uh Yamaguchi… I heard your camp is in Saitama." She started slowly. "I was actually thinking if I could come and watch one of your practice matches."

"Oh, you're in Saitama too? What are you doing here?"

"My uncle lives here and we are all visiting him for a few days."

"Oh! Oh! Of course! Sure you can come, definitely."

"A-are you sure? I mean, I thought this was like a private camp. I don't think I am allowed to come, do I?"

"Well, let me talk to Yachi and she would ask permission from the other managers. But I really think you're welcome here." Yamaguchi said excitedly. "You know what, Suzuki, let me talk to Yachi after this."

"After you talk to Tsukishima, that is." She reminded him. "Don't you think I can let that one slide."

"Hai. Hai. Hai. I will talk to both of them right now."

Suzuki tried to maintain a straight face despite the fact that her legs were sort of shaking. I shouldn't have come. Ishouldnthavecome!

Something about the idea of a random girl just barging into the school didn't fit in her original Saitama's visit plan. To start off, Shinzen High School was big, way bigger compared to Karasuno, she was already lost coming into the school grounds. The security guard was kind enough to show her to the main gym area where supposedly some athletes were working on practices, but as she took a step, she became unsure. That was when she met a new face.

"Ohayou! You must be Suzuki. Yachi said you'll be coming today." The new girl greeted her. "Welcome to Shinzen High! I'm Mako, Shinzen's volleyball club manager."

"Oh, hai, Mako-san. Suzuki Taomi-des. Thank you for having me. Uh, I wasn't so sure if I'm allowed to be here but I'll do my best to help out."

"Taomi, is it? That's fine, Taomi-san. We're all here to have a great time. Come on, just so happens that Shinzen and Karasuno are having a round with each other." Mako said, pulling the girl closer to the bench. "And it looks like Shinzen is winning."

The gym, packed with so many people with different color schemes; white on green, white on black, black on red, blue on white, yellow on white; not to mention various hairstyles - she didn't realize Tokyo high schools allowed mohawk and hair dyes. Despite everything that was going on in the courts, when she first stepped in, her eyes went directly to him, with all his blonde hair and bored face glory; Tsukishima Kei, just missing a block. Suzuki couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, I can see that."

Mako had walked back to her bench and for a moment Suzuki didn't know where to go. That was until Yachi waved her a seat next to their bench. Suzuki nodded and walked up to the spot, just as Takeda called for a time-out.

"What are you doing here?"

Suzuki looked up to the source of the question and smiled. "You don't sound too happy." Tsukishima opened his mouth but he didn't say a word. A little pleased with his wordlessness, she took a drinking bottle from the container by her side and offered it to him. Silently he took it and drank quickly. He was speechless, he really was. She smiled to herself, watching the middle blocker go back into the game.

Suzuki didn't think Tsukishima had mentioned anything in particular about Shinzen High on their phone call; but this team had a tremendous amount of patience. Pulling off a really in sync synchronized attack at a remarkable speed was already too hard, but they did it with dead-on precision as well; and not to mention all of their five players to spike were strong and steady.

That said, Tsukishima managed to touch the ball, and sometimes entirely blocked their offence. Calm and collected as usual, but now with an addition of a certain desire to actually block. She watched him taking a dash right in front of the spiker, taking a deep breath and then jumped and kill-blocked another spike. That was a higher jump than the last. Suzuki noticed this already. He plays differently now.

Not long after, their game was over and Suzuki found herself walking behind the group out of the gym and into a different plane of ground. In front of her, a massive inclined hill possibly about thirty meters in distance between the base and the peak. "Suzuki, can you help us with the drink? I asked Yachi to take another container to the cafeteria." Shimizu asked. "We'll need to refill the drinks immediately when they have come down. They all tend to finish in one gulp."

Confused, she already kneeled down to help, filling up cold drinks. "What happened to a lap of a diving drill?"

"Oh, so you knew about that? Well, this one is just more interesting, isn't it?" Shimizu said just as Daichi had yelled out 'go' and the whole twelve players took off and sprinted to the top of the hill.

"Hai. Wow." This time it was her moment to turn speechless.

So Tsukishima wasn't even joking. Uphill and downhill sprint was their punishment and man oh man it was tiring enough just to see them run. Having said so, that blonde needed to put up better cardio, she thought to herself, watching Tsukishima already panting very heavily, the most she had ever seen him do. Quickly she grabbed two water bottles and went up to him and Yamaguchi. "Here boys. Bottoms up. You need it."

"Thanks Suzuki." Yamaguchi, despite being out of breath, warmly smiled at her before taking a drink.

The other boy, not so much smiling now. "Th-thanks." He muttered, snatching the bottle from her.

"Heh, you guys look terribly suffering." Suzuki said to no one in particular. But she knew Tsukishima was listening in. "You should win at least one, you know."

"Shut up, will you?" He said menacingly, panting.

Ah, there he is… back to his normal-self, chuckling, Suzuki offered a towel for him, which he still gladly snatched. "Who are you going to face next?" She asked.

"Whoever wins that one." Yamaguchi pointed back to the inside of the court, a match between Fukurodani and Nekoma. "The blacks are Nekoma by the way, remember? The Tokyo school we faced in May?"

"Oh, yeah, I remember. You lost the whole six sets."

"Things haven't changed much. If anything, we lost a lot more than six in this camp." Tsukishima blurted out his usual cynical comments.

"Yeah, but I think we're getting better at least. The score isn't as bad as yesterday—hey I'm going to watch that match. One of Fukurodani pinch servers is actually very good at a float serve. So I wanna see him. See ya!" Yamaguchi had already excused himself to go to the other court, following a couple of Karasuno's seniors who were also sharing similar intentions.

Tsukishima however decided against the idea and just lingered outside for a bit, feeling the breeze of wind. Suzuki was about to ask if he wanted to come inside when he was already going for a little water fountain by the gym building. "Can you hold this really quickly?" Instead, he asked her, already handing over his glasses to her.

He was visibly drenched, and the air of Tokyo summer heat did not help at all. At one point he had taken off his glasses while the other hand was wiping any sweat off his face and neck, perhaps he wanted a quick cool face wash. Seeing his slight tussle, she grabbed his glasses and secured them on top of her head. Deja vu, isn't it? Tsukishima advertently looked at her, thinking about the similar conduct she pulled off during the school sports game last week.

"That last block was quicker." He heard her over the run of water. "You've read the setter before the ball was set. And you are perfectly in line with the spike."

"Yeah, but still didn't block it though."

"But still, it was a solid read." She told him. "Have you done something to improve your block?"

"Don't think it has improved when I still missed it." He turned the water off and stood. He still thought that was a bad block. So he was slightly wondering if the training with Bokuto and Kuroo was worth telling, as he hadn't really accomplished anything fancy. "But I've had some insights and advice from others I could put into good use." He went with that.

"That's good, right. The more you learn, the better blocker you'll be."

"Hm, yeah I guess…" He trailed off. "You know, you never told me you're going to come. What are you doing here?"

"It was unintentional. Going to my uncle's house around here is a last-minute decision. So when I heard you guys are in Saitama too, well, it doesn't hurt to pay a quick visit as well."

"Does Yamaguchi already know? He doesn't seem to be surprised to see you."

She quipped quickly. "And you are?"

"I, uh, yeah – you're the last thing I expect to be here. You didn't mention anything about it. I didn't even know you had an uncle in Saitama."

"Pfft, well, surprise~" She sang out loud, waving her hands open to him; which he of course rolled his eyes at. "But, yeah I've only arrived this morning. So when Yamaguchi informed me I could go-show, I decided to drop by."

"Oh, I see. My glasses please?"

"Sure, take 'em." Instead, she lowered her head slightly. Shrugging, Tsukishima grabbed the glasses from her head, unintentionally being careful not to get them stuck with her– "Ow! My hair."

"Sorry." He muttered quickly, already freeing them from her flyaways and wore it. Now her face was much clearer, she was fixing that loose hair from the tussle, her cheeks flushed red from the heat and/or the embarrassment.

(or the fact that his hand was so close to her face that, even when she should have expected it, it was still a surprise the funny feelings in her stomach couldn't cope.)