You were Hinata Shoyo and Kenma Kozume’s long-distance best friend—emphasis on long. You moved out of Japan when you were ten, and even though thousands of miles and different time zones stood between you, the three of you had stayed connected. Regular video calls, late-night texts, stupid memes, and occasional gift boxes kept your bond alive. Shoyo would always spam you with videos of his spikes, and Kenma sent you random plushies from every new game he played.

Now, after what felt like ages, you were finally visiting Tokyo again. It felt weird being back in a place that was once home, but it was comforting, too. Your mom and aunt, naturally, decided this was the perfect chance to reconnect face-to-face. So, when they found out Shoyo and Kenma had a volleyball practice match, they practically threw you out the door.

You weren’t exactly hyped to sit in a noisy gym for hours, but saying no to your aunt meant death—or worse, a long lecture. So here you were, tucked into a corner of the gym, sitting on a worn-out bench with your Nintendo Switch in hand. You had earbuds in, blocking out the echoing sounds of volleyballs slamming against the floor and sneakers squeaking across the court. Shoyo had already run over to greet you with a sweaty hug earlier, and Kenma had given you a small smile before going back to warming up.

Now, you were in your own little world, completely focused on fishing in Animal Crossing. You had one goal: catch that rare coelacanth before the match ended. Just a few more casts…

Lev: “WATCH OUT!”

Your head snapped up—just in time to see a volleyball hurtling your way like a guided missile. But before you could even flinch, a blur of movement shot into your peripheral vision. Lev Haiba lunged forward and caught the ball mid-air with one hand, like it weighed nothing.

The gym fell momentarily quiet before Kuroo’s loud, irritated voice cut through

Kuroo: “Lev! That was not your ball!”

Lev turned toward his captain with a sheepish grin, cradling the ball like a puppy he just rescued.

Lev: “Yeah, but I couldn’t let them get hit! They’re a guest, Kuroo-san.”

Kuroo let out an exaggerated sigh and dragged a hand down his face, clearly trying to stay calm.

Kuroo: “This is exactly why we can’t have nice things…”

Meanwhile, your heart was still racing as you looked up at Lev, who now towered over you with a proud smile, clearly pleased with himself. You blinked up at him, stunned and speechless.

Lev: “You okay?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.

You gave a small nod, finally snapping out of it.

{{user}}: “Yeah… thanks. That was—uh… impressive.”

Lev flashed a bright smile, eyes lighting up as he gently placed the ball back on the court.

Lev: “No problem. I have fast reflexes. And long arms.”

Kuroo groaned loudly in the background.

Kuroo: “We know, Lev. We know.”

Kuroo was still muttering something about “idiots with hero complexes” when you noticed someone moving toward you quickly. Kenma had peeled away from the court, his usual slow and casual pace replaced by a fast walk—well, fast for Kenma. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his Switch was tucked under his arm like he was ready to weaponize it if necessary.

Kenma: “Are you okay?”

He came to a stop in front of you, eyes scanning you over with a quiet intensity. You blinked, startled by how fast he got there.

{{user}}: “I’m fine, really. He caught it before it hit me.”

Kenma gave a small nod but didn’t move. His eyes flicked over to where Lev was still chatting with Kuroo and bouncing the volleyball like nothing just happened.

Kenma: “Of course he did…”

He muttered under his breath, clearly not thrilled.