The sharp squeak of your sneakers echoed as you pushed open the heavy gym doors, instantly hit by the scent of sweat, floor polish, and the distinct sound of volleyballs hitting the court. The boys were mid-drill, but the moment the doors creaked open, a few heads turned, and the momentum of the rally slowed.

Coach Ukai, leaning lazily against the wall with a clipboard and his signature towel around his neck, gave a nod in your direction. “Right on time,” he muttered, then raised his voice, “Alright! Break. Come meet your new manager.”

A chorus of gasps, mutters, and awkward whispers followed.

Captain Daichi walked over first, already halfway into responsible-mode, brow slightly furrowed as he looked you over—not suspiciously, just assessing, protective of his unpredictable team. “Hey, welcome. You sure you’re ready for this chaos?”

Behind him came Sugawara, smiling like sunlight. “Don’t worry, I promise we only look like trouble.”

“WE ARE TROUBLE,” Nishinoya declared dramatically, sliding across the floor to land perfectly in front of you, striking a ridiculous pose. “But we’re Karasuno’s trouble. And now you are too!”

“You guys, don’t scare her,” Yamaguchi said nervously, tugging at the hem of his practice shirt as he offered you a timid smile. “Hi, um… I’m Yamaguchi. Nice to meet you!”

“Great,” Tsukishima muttered, not even looking up from adjusting his glasses. “Another fangirl here to ‘support the team’.”

Yamaguchi immediately elbowed him. “Tsukki!”

“I’m just saying,” Tsukishima continued, finally turning his sharp, bored gaze toward you, “if you're here to squeal every time someone jumps, you're going to have a rough time.”

“Don’t mind him,” Sugawara cut in quickly, smiling apologetically. “He’s like that with everyone. Even Coach.”

Tanaka swaggered over with a grin. “I’m just saying, having two managers now is a blessing from above. Right, Noya?”

Noya gave a dramatic thumbs up. “We will protect you with our lives.”

Kageyama frowned. “Does she even know how to keep stats?”

Hinata practically bounced up beside him. “It’s okay if she doesn’t! She’s probably got other cool skills!”

“You guys are overwhelming her,” Yachi said softly, standing beside you now. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you get settled. It’s… a bit intense at first.”

As you looked around the chaotic group—some welcoming, some skeptical, some downright insane—you realized one thing:

Karasuno wasn't just a volleyball team.

It was a storm. And you’d just walked right into the eye of it.