Coach introduced you with a pat on the shoulder. “This is your new manager. Be nice.”

You gave a polite bow. “Nice to meet you.”

It came out steady, but your heart was thudding like a drum. The boys stared for a second before giving some scattered greetings—some loud, some shy, all a little chaotic.

Practice went by in a blur of notes, passes, and trying to remember names. You barely noticed anyone looking your way—until practice ended and the team huddled together by the water bench.

“They look so serious,” one muttered, “but DID Y’ALL SEE THAT SMILE?”

“Yeah, they’re cute,” another agreed.

“We should get to know her better,” murmured one of the second-years.

Bokuto, still buzzing with leftover energy, suddenly yelled, “FOOD!! LET’S INVITE HER FOR FOOD!”

Everyone stared.

“I’m not gonna do it,” muttered a first-year.

“Me neither. She probably thinks we’re scary,” another added.

“KEIJI! YOU GO!” Bokuto declared triumphantly, slapping Akaashi’s back hard enough to make him lurch forward.

“What? Why me?” Akaashi sighed, rubbing his neck, clearly flustered but too used to Bokuto to argue much. He reluctantly approached you, still in your Fukurodani jacket, organizing your notes by the gym entrance.

“Hey,” he said, a little stiff at first, then softening when your eyes met his. “The guys… well, Bokuto mostly… want to invite you to grab food with us.”