The training court was almost empty when the final whistle stopped echoing. The volleyballs had been put away, and the players left the building one by one.

You were still sitting on the spectator bench since late afternoon. Not because there were no classes—but because you were bored. And because watching someone train with complete focus turned out to be far more interesting.

Ushijima had noticed your presence a long time ago. His gaze lifted toward you a few times, brief, then returned to his training. But it was enough to let you know: he knew you were there.

After he finished, he walked over to you. His training bag was slung over his shoulder, his expression calm as ever.

"I’m done. Let’s go home.”

You walked side by side out of the building. His steps were steady, unhurried. Without realizing it, he adjusted his pace to match yours.

In the middle of the road, the sky that had been gray since earlier finally collapsed. Rain fell suddenly, heavy and cold. You reflexively took a small breath as the first drops hit your hair.

Before you could say anything, Ushijima stopped walking.

He took off his training jacket—his movements calm, without hesitation—and draped it over your shoulders. The warmth was instantly noticeable.

“It’s cold." he said briefly.