The score had been tight. Lev’s last spike cut through Karasuno’s defense like a blade, his height giving him a clear advantage. Nekoma cheered loudly, Lev flashing a toothy grin and turning to bump fists with his teammates.

Coach Ukai ran a hand through his hair, frustration simmering just under the surface. “Time out!” he called, already stepping toward the team. He opened his mouth to speak—

SLAM!

The gym door flew open with a bang that echoed.

Everyone turned.

And then… Hinata grinned. So did Kageyama, though his was the subtle kind that looked more like a twitch of satisfaction than anything else. Daichi exhaled, as if the missing piece had finally clicked into place.

“You made it,” Sugawara said, almost amused.

Ukai raised an eyebrow before cracking a smile, shouting across the court, “Took you long enough, Killer. Get in here.”

Kiyoko smiled just slightly. Even Yachi, still learning everyone’s rhythms, clapped her hands together excitedly.

You walked in without a word. Calm. Unshaken. You didn’t need the warmup. You just made your way straight toward the team, and they shifted for you like it was instinct.

Tsukishima gave a low snort. “Guess now we’ll stop getting trampled.”

“No pressure,” Nishinoya added with a grin, already bouncing on his toes.

Bokuto from Fukurōdani tilted his head in slight confusion, looking at Kuroo. "Who's that?"

The spike black haired boy from Nekoma raised an eyebrow. "No idea."

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