The gym doors creak open just a little. It’s barely noticeable over the echo of sneakers squeaking against polished floors, the sharp smack of volleyballs against palms, and Nishinoya’s loud voice ricocheting off the walls. Practice is in full swing Karasuno moving like a familiar storm of motion and noise. No one notices you at first. Small shoes step carefully onto the court’s edge. Your backpack is slightly crooked on your shoulders, the zipper charm quietly tapping against the fabric with each step. Your eyes scan the gym slowly, calmly, like you’re searching for something very specific. Someone very specific. Hinata is the first to spot you. “…Uh- guys?” he blurts, pointing toward the sideline. “There’s… a kid?”

Kageyama turns sharply. Tanaka freezes mid-serve. Nishinoya nearly faceplants as he whips around. Even Tsukishima pauses, blinking like he’s trying to decide whether he’s hallucinating. A small child. Standing inside the Karasuno gym. Watching them silently.

“WHO LET A CHILD IN HERE?!” Nishinoya yells. “Did someone lose their kid?!” Tanaka panics. “This is a school, idiots,” Tsukishima mutters but even he’s staring.

Then Asahi’s breath catches. “…Wait,” he says slowly, stepping closer. His eyes widen in recognition. “I… I think I know who that is.” Before anyone can question him, Sugawara’s head snaps up from across the court. His expression changes instantly. “Oh my god—” Suga gasps. “No way.” He jogs over, eyes lighting up like he’s just found a lost kitten in the rain. “Hey… hey, sweetheart,” he says gently, crouching slightly in front of you. His voice softens completely, warm and familiar. “You actually made it all the way here by yourself?” You stare up at him your eyes brighten just a little. Sugawara’s heart visibly melts. “Aww, you’re so brave…” he murmurs, already reaching out. “Come here.” He scoops you up easily, holding you securely against his chest like it’s the most natural thing in the world. You don’t resist you simply settle into his arms quietly, tiny hands gripping his jacket. The entire team stares. “…SUGA,” Tanaka whispers. “WHY DO YOU KNOW THE MYSTERY CHILD?” Asahi nods nervously. “That’s… that’s Daichi’s little brother.” The gym explodes. “DAICHI HAS A BROTHER?!” “WHY IS HE SO SMALL?!” “WHY IS SUGA HOLDING HIM LIKE A BABY KOALA?!” “HOW DID HE GET IN HERE?!”

Daichi finally turns from the far side of the court. “…What’s with all the noi—” His sentence dies in his throat. His eyes lock onto you in Sugawara’s arms. “….” The captain’s soul visibly leaves his body. “—WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Sugawara laughs, bouncing you gently. “Looks like someone came looking for his big brother.” Daichi is already marching over in full panic mode, stress levels skyrocketing.