- Chapter 12 -

At the end of the day, Karasuno still won null out of ten rolling matches and that concluded the third practice day. Or so Suzuki thought.

While all the teachers and coaches had gone out of the gym, she only learned that the female managers were getting ready for the group dinner, she noticed that none of the athletes were close enough to pack up their shoes and head back to the school. Instead, they all dispersed into different groups in different gyms, getting ready for their own free practice.

"Oi, Suzuki, can I talk to you?" Kageyama called her. "So, Suzuki…," he trailed off. "Say, what do you see when you throw a basketball into the hoop?"

"What do you mean?"

"Where exactly are you aiming at? A-and how do you make the ball go in?" The setter muttered roughly. "I thought a toss is similar to a basketball shot, so, yeah maybe you can tell me 'bout it."

"Heh, Osama is asking for advice?"

"I wasn't even talking to you, asshole."

"Tsukishima, cut it out." Suzuki shook her head. "I think they are not exactly the same, Kageyama. The purpose is different too. In basketball, I rely on the parabolic movement and the final landing of the ball, into the hoop. But with your toss, you are aiming at the highest point for a spike contact. Something like that, right?"

"True enough." Kageyama nodded. "So how do you precisely make the ball fall into the hoops? How do you know that it's going in?"

"Um, feelings?" She answered slowly. "I visualize where the hoop is, where I stand, and project how much power and flick of the wrist I should make. I know it's cliche but honestly, it's feelings… and getting used to it. I mean, there's a reason the basketball court is marked with a line. I could just memorize where I stand and project where to shoot. Now it becomes muscle memory, really. I don't even think of it, I just do."

"I see."

"Um, is there any problem with your toss?"

"Just trying a technique that I've never tried before. Killing a ball at the exact peak point is fucking difficult."

Kageyama, she had learned, had always been very literal with everything. He tended to be very blunt and straightforward (even more than Tsukishima), and sometimes it came out as foolish and insensitive, like using the word fucking difficult. But she understood his struggles nonetheless. Watching Kageyama already continued practicing his aims with the bottles, meant he really was determined to make the best of the toss for Hinata.

Suzuki had heard of their fist-fight few weeks ago. And even now the two of them were still in a bad place with each other. Sure they were still being paired up, Kageyama after all was their regular setter and Hinata was their best decoy strategy. But the tension was there and it grew every time they failed to achieve their new kind of attack. Perhaps that was his way to raise up for the challenge, knowing very well that Hinata relied on his toss as much as he relied on Hinata's ability to attack with his set.

In the end, just like how she relied on Mirai's best precisely controlled rebound shot, they both wanted the best for each other.

"Do you know what he's actually trying to do?" Yamaguchi asked her after listening to the previous conversation. "Yachi explained it to me but I still don't see the difference from his usual quick toss."

"Not sure. I think Yachi called it a dead-toss. It's like you add a spin to the upright toss and when the spin stops, the momentum of the ball stops in midair. But I could be wrong though."

Both Tsukishima and Yamaguchi looked at each other and shrugged cluelessly, not fully in the same understanding.

Suzuki suddenly stood up. "Actually, I wanna watch and see what exactly he's talking about. Do you wanna watch too?"

Yamaguchi nodded. "Sure! I want to do more float serve too. Maybe I can share the gym with him again. Last night he didn't mind much."

"Sweet. Tsukishima, do you wanna come? Or are you going to tuck yourself into the bed already–"

"Actually, no. I-I need to go to the other gym." The taller boy responded. "I already have an arrangement with someone else. Uh, a practice arrangement with the other teams."

"Oh." It took a moment for Suzuki to process what he had just said. "Oh! That's cool. Who are you practicing with?"

"Bokuto-san and Kuroo-san. Y'know, the captains from Fukurodani and Nekoma."

Suzuki blinked. And only then she realized what he was talking about, she grinned. "Oh! Wow, you actually do something about him."

"Yeah, I guess." Tsukishima smirked, that was a recall to their past phone call. "Anyway, I'll see you around then."

Yamaguchi clearly didn't understand their inside joke, he knew by now that they had plenty; there was always something they talked that only they knew and he didn't. But that was quite alright. Anything to make Tsukishima talk, or smirk, or snicker or something; anything to make him less like a cynical zombie every now and again. He was very thankful that Suzuki had made it to join their camp, knowing that she could very well do that to him.

"You know, if you want to go to him instead, you can just go." Yamaguchi nudged her.

The girl just stared at him, questioning his motive. But then she yelped when Yamaguchi grabbed her by the shoulder and from behind, began pushing her out of the gym. "Last night they went to gym 3 so maybe you could try there."

"Wait, whoa—wait, hang on. Kageyama is that way." She frowned. "I thought we're going to see Kageyama?"

"I want to see Kageyama. You, on the other hand…" Yamaguchi snorted. "You want to see him, right? I'm sure that's mainly the reason you come anyway."

"Him who?"

"Tsukishima, of course."

"I—" He rolled his eyes when she hesitated. It was too obvious now, and her reddened face fail to cover her. "Then see him. You might be surprise you know, seeing how he does now."

Her eyes perked up slightly. "What do you mean?"

"He surprised me when I found him staying around with the other players last night, and then during some break time I found him again talking with the seniors—you saw that too, right? Well, for once, him willingly going for another round is already a miracle." He said. "But I know Tsukishima… the fact that he came all the way to trouble himself for this means he's taking this seriously, like a whole different level of seriousness."

Yamaguchi realized he just went on for too long and let out a short laugh, nervously scratching the back of his neck. "In the net, he will always be the one doing the thinking, but now he did it… more carefully. I- I can't really explain it but he changed. And you should see how he does it."

Suzuki turned to him, eyebrows furrowed. "What exactly did you tell him last night after our call?"

"I'm not telling you. Why don't you ask him yourself?"

Yamaguchi was already running towards the other side of the gym ground, leaving her clueless and confused, but not without direction. He was right, something changed him somehow. Hearing that Tsukishima actually involved himself in any sort of attempt to be part of the team, that was gleeful news for her. It got her relieved and excited, and she wondered what kind of attempt he had in mind to keep himself in check.

In any case…

The plate Gym 3 staring back at her, along with the beetle perching on it.

The door was closed when she got there and she definitely heard the screeching of shoes and boys' laughter, but she didn't dare to open. Wanting to see him was one thing but then… would she be welcomed there? Would they welcome her? Would he be alright?

"Hello," a voice caught her off guard. Another player had walked up to the gym and only stopped when his doorway was blocked by the unfamiliar girl. "Can I help you with anything?"

Quickly she backed away from the door. "Oh, I, um… I'm looking for someone from the Karasuno Team. Someone said he'll be here." She was startled. "I'm actually looking for Tsukishima, middle blocker. The tall one. Blonde, with glasses–"

"Oh, yes. I know him. And I think he's already in there." He said. "Why not just come in?"

"I—uh, I am not sure if I'm allowed… to watch."

"Of course you can. Doesn't hurt to have extra spectator anyway. Come with me then, I'll introduce you to the guys as well." The guy casually waved to her to follow. "I'm Akaashi. Fukurodani setter."

"Oh, hai. Suzuki-des. Karasuno… student. Nice to meet you."

Entering the gym, she felt a surge of dominance coming from the guy who was warming up a jump serve and another guy who was receiving on the other side of the net. That jump serve was so strong, she thought, and so was the precise receive.

But of course, all of them was a blur, as the first thing her eyes found was Tsukishima who was blatantly tying up his shoelace on the corner of the view, trying to be unnoticed. When he finally did notice her, again the same confused look lingered briefly, and for a moment both of them shared a similar glance of greeting, as they usually did.

Hey Tsukishima.

Hey Suzuki.

- Chapter 12 -

Bokuto went in for another jump serve, this time he intentionally made it to the far corner of the court to trick Kuroo passing the ball as 'out'. However, Kuroo's judgement was spot on to think it was in fact a game and received it nonetheless, and honestly, he received it quite easily too. "Mo ikkai, Kuroo-kun!" The Ace tried once more, he scratched the idea of precision and just went in for a stronger serve spike. This time Kuroo's receive timing was a bit off and the ball bounced off his arms… and a girl effortlessly caught it when they all realized the ball was going in her direction.

"Oya? Hey! Hello there!" Bokuto had made a dash right to the door where the pair of Akaashi and a girl he didn't know was standing by. "Who are you? Have we met?"

Before she could answer. Kuroo beat her to it. "Oh, you're from Karasuno too, aren't ya? I think I saw you with the team a bit earlier."

"H-hai. Suzuki Taomi-des." She nodded, suddenly feeling rather insecure about given spotlight, bowing a little. "I-I'm here to see Tsukishima. I've been told he is practicing here, so um yeah–"

"Yo Akaashi look! She is taller than you! Ha ha!" The white-haired ace ignored her completely and went to ask her back. "You! How tall are you?"

Suzuki flinched slightly at the sudden outburst. "Eh, um… 184 centimeters. Last time I checked."

"Whoa! Do you play volleyball too? Can you block for me too, so I can have a three-man block."

"Ano… ie, I'm not a volleyball player, Bokuto-san." Suzuki quickly answered.

"Huh!" Bokuto raised an eyebrow. "So what do you play then? You look like you're playing something at least."

"Um, basketball?"

"Ooooh, that makes sense too! Hey!" he nodded and quickly grabbed the ball from her hands. "Anyway, alright Akaashi is here. Let's start!"

This is the top-five Ace in Japan?

"Heh, sorry for that. Bokuto can be a bit unnerving. No, actually a lot." The other guy, the one a bit taller with spiky black hair, said to her. "There's no way to shut him up, other than blocking him of course." She noticed at the last part of the statement, he intentionally stole a glance at Tsukishima, sending the underlying order. "I'm Kuroo, from Nekoma."

"Hai. Nice to meet you, Kuroo-san…. so, um, do you mind if I watch you guys train?"

"Of course! Now that you're here, maybe he would be less likely to mess up the block, right, Four Eyes?"

"Hai, sure." Tsukishima answered boredly before fixing up his knee pads and walked back into the court.

Truthfully, Suzuki was surprised that these three, supposedly rival students, had all the intention to help out Tsukishima. The other middle blocker, Kuroo, was definitely more experienced with read-block, and he even physically demonstrated how to keep arms up while jumping, or how to shift the angle while in the air. Yamaguchi was right, even Tsukishima's body language change whenever Kuroo explained something to him. Instead of the typical bored and uninterested expression, he listened to him, whole and mindful.

To the naked eye, he blocked all the same, always watching and particularly calculated. But she knew it was different type of block now. Everything became much different. She couldn't see it—she felt it.

Watching Tsukishima really gave it all meant something about his perspective had changed. Something moved him, to the point that, it literally moved him. Inwardly, she smiled. I wonder what Yamaguchi said to him.

"Drink anyone? Here." Being the only one not doing anything, her sportsman trait moved her to give water bottles and towels to them while they were taking a break. She gave Tsukishima last. "Bokuto-san has a really scary spike. Especially the cross-spike."

"Yeah, I know," he said, after taking a gulp. "That's why I'm only focusing on his straight. I'll let Kuroo-senpai handle the cross."

"Kuroo-senpai, huh?" Tsukishima narrowed his eyes on her, which she was never intimidated by. "But he taught you well. I can see your block is getting more persistent. That's good."

"I guess so." He was always reluctant, but she knew he meant it too. "Anyway, why are you here? I thought you went to see Kageyama."

"I did but then… you, however, are a special case."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"For a guy who, quote-on-quote, has enough of training," she purposely air-quoted the last part, which he quickly clicked his tongue at. "You choose to train with these guys and honestly that really catches my attention." Suzuki saw an idle volleyball. She took it and decided to dribble it. "So I wanna see where these insights and advice are coming from."

Feeling somewhat misjudged, he clicked his tongue again and tried to steal the ball from her hands. But with basketball being her expertise, she easily threw him off by dribbling it over, under and between her legs. He sneered. "Show off."

She let out a laugh. "Here."

Before she could toss the ball back to Tsukishima, Bokuto had already jumped in front of her to grab it, startling both of them. "Suzuki-kun. Do you want to try and practice with us?"

"Eh! Um, I don't know If I can. I mean," Looking down at her chucks, she shrugged. "I'm not exactly wearing proper shoes."

"You don't have to jump. Come. Come!"

"Actually, Bokuto-san… she's played volleyball before, for a good amount of experience."

Tsukishima! "Wait, no–that's not true."

"She was a middle-blocker too."

"Heyo! Even better! Come on, block me. Tsukishima-kun, Kuroo-kun, help her out! Let's definitely try a three-man block." Bokuto said, already marching up into the court with a ball on his arm.

Suzuki blankly stared at Tsukishima who casually placed down the bottle and towel and walked past her. Of course, she landed a quick jab on the arm, annoyed. He smirked. Of course, he already saw that coming.

"I thought he said I didn't need to jump." Tailing behind Tsukishima, she frowned. "I'm not sure if I can do this, honestly."

"Relax. We're only trying to narrow the Owl-head's area of spike with three-man blocking. Four Eyes said you've played before." Kuroo reassured her. "Bokuto has great aim and I don't think he would actually aim for your hand just now. But if he does, then… well, just brace it."

This would be the first time in a long time, she was standing right in front of a net in a blocking position with arms raised above head, ready. Kuroo then called for the two Karasunos. "You two watch his straight spike. You know what a straight shot is, Zuki-kun?"

Ignoring the nickname, she confirmed him. "Hai."

Bokuto threw the ball first to Akaashi and then the calmer setter tossed it. The Ace was already in the air and the sight of incoming force startled her. In the end, she missed her cue to jump and the ace saw a great gap and went for a straight. At the speed of the attack, she yelped slightly.

"Oh, I'm sorry." she was startled, unconsciously hugging her own chest. "That was, uh… that was actually scary."

Tsukishima quickly turned to her. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." laughing a little, she shook her head. "I forgot how fast this could be."

"It's quite a rush, isn't it? Do you wanna have another go?" Kuroo smiled.

Looking at Tsukishima for a response, Suzuki decided to nod.

The second time, both Akaashi and Bokuto had slowed their speed, but to her it meant no different. It was still just as intense. Come on, I've already agreed to this. No fucks given. Her eyes locked on the ball followed by Bokuto's hand who was already waiting in the air. Jump! Suzuki moved her legs, Fucking jump! And the three-man block suddenly became real blockade. She didn't hit any block but the three-man block was enough to make Bokuto rethought his spike. Kuroo, being the most experienced in Bokuto's spike, had a perfect read on his hesitation and blocked his cross.

"Weee!"

"Damn it, Kuroo!" Bokuto shrieked. "You two have amazing high jumps. I didn't expect that, that one threw me off. Ha! – Just don't forget to extend your fingers too, Suzuki-kun. Don't wanna bend your wrist too much while blocking."

"Oh, h-hai. Basketball habits, I guess." He noticed my hand, while in the air? I didn't even. Cool.

Suzuki went on with some more blocks after that. All of them, she didn't hit any, that job was solely for Kuroo and Tsukishima. She only stood in the middle of them, doing as the addition of a wall. Looking about, she felt she was just as tall as their jump. She even tried to glance at Tsukishima while in the air, feeling as tall and proud as his with their high block. Suddenly, she felt a certain adrenaline rush jumping together.

Though she gave up on the seventh run, she started to feel a slight discomfort on her feet. But that was an entirely fun experience.

She felt a nudge on her arm; Tsukishima had offered her a drink. "Are you okay?"

Happily she took it. "Yeah, I'm fine. That was fun, though. Never thought I would actually perform a block again. I thought I would have forgotten how to do it by now." She smiled. "Kudos to you to put it up for a while."

"Tch, yeah." He wiped a sweat off his face. "I'll admit you have a good reach. I didn't think you'd manage actually."

"Did you just underestimate me?"

"No. I know you will be able to jump high. I mean, you're a basketball player after all," He sneered. "I just thought you wouldn't be able to catch up."

"You are underestimating me, huh."

"Maybe. Hey, like you said you haven't done this sort of thing in a while. Stop blaming me–and certainly stop spurting water at me." Tsukishima stepped away before Suzuki could aim the water bottle at him. He snatched back the bottle, earning a rough snort from her. "You're so childish."

"And you're so dull."

"Are you two done flirting?" Kuroo said between them, wrapping an arm around Tsukishima and rested his other arm on Suzuki's shoulder. "Enough of jibbers-jabbers, come on, we're going to check on some serves. Tsukki, I know you still need to work on your receive too. Zuki-chan, wanna join this one?"

Suzuki shook his head, and slightly moved away. "Oh, thanks but no, I don't think my shoes can handle anything else. But I'll help with any strays."

The more Suzuki watched, the more she learned that these guys were actually really taking care of Tsukishima and in exchange of that, he actually listened to them for any tips and tricks, even hacks. Kuroo even hands down showed him how the proper receive hands and arms position was.

Truthfully, after Yamaguchi called and told her about Tsukishima's lack of ambition and initiative towards the team, she was never worried about him. The things she said to Yamaguchi, about the fact that Tsukishima was never going to be as ambitious and aspiring as the others, was true. Tsukishima, as she had come to get to know him more, was always the type to stand back and watch and then made the decision by himself. He wanted to be in control with his actions and telling him what to do would only stop him from actually doing anything. And she believed he would eventually work things out with the pace and the way he wanted to be.

Seeing how Tsukishima now somehow soothed her, in a way that it comforted her and pushed back her worries. He's gonna be fine. A smile carved on her face as they went. on.

...

With the arrival of Hinata and another tall Nekoma player, (judging by his unusual European features, this must be the tallest mixed-race newbie, Tsukishima had told her before on the phone), they all went for a three-on-three match between the Owls and Cats. And Suzuki watched from the sideline, being a referee and whatnot, updating the point every time someone made a score. He was definitely taking this to a whole other level of blocking, I can see it now. Suzuki acknowledged again, watching Tsukishima easily block Hinata's spike. Yes.

Their match ended quickly after a couple of managers had come up to invite all of them for dinner. And before Suzuki could politely decline and reasoned about her curfew, Yukie and Kaori, both Fukurodani managers had already wrapped an arm on her and walked her into the cafeteria.

Now that all players were in the same room, Suzuki could finally see everyone; starting from Shinzen High, Nekoma High, Ubugawa High (Tsukishima was right, they all look like old men), Fukurodani Academy and their respective teachers and coaches. Despite the tension of rivalry in the gym, they all shared the same hunger and respect when it came to food. All of them mingled with each other; even Hinata shared the same table with a couple of Nekoma and Ubugawa players.

That of course, except Tsukishima and Yamaguchi who decided to occupy the furthest table in the room. And that was where she was heading.

"Ano, Daichi," Kuroo said between meals. "What's going on between those two? Four Eyes and that new girl?"

Daichi glanced at the topic of interest. "Hm? They shared the same class together, with Yamaguchi too. I think she and her friends also helped out with Hinata and Kageyama's grades."

"Your Four Eyes acts differently when she comes around, unlike yesterday. I wonder, who invited her over?" Kuroo asked again.

"Not sure. Yachi, maybe. I know Yachi was asking Shimizu and she then talked to Takeda-sensei and Ukai about it, and then the other managers which they permitted." Daichi nodded. "What do you think?"

Kuroo snickered. "Just an interesting couple. Well, like, are they, you know, a thing?"

"If I have to be honest, I thought so too. But no, I don't think they are." Daichi admitted. "You know, Kuroo-san, is there something you can do about them?"

"Hm?"

"You've succeeded in provoking Tsukishima into training. Maybe you can inspire him again with her. Just saying."

"Well, I suppose…" Kuroo paused, rubbing his chin. "Is she staying over too, or what?"

"Wait, you're going home? Why?!" The senior table turned to Hinata, who happened to strut past the first-years table, overheard them.

"What do you mean why? I have to go home, you know. I already told my brother I'll be home at nine." They heard her retort.

Hearing this, Kuroo nudged the Crow Captain. "Is there something you can do about that first, Daichi?"

Laughing, Daichi had gotten up and marched towards the first-years table, an idea already planned.