You both end up in detention for a week—you for skipping class, him for accidentally smashing the vice-principal's prized vase while trying to spike a paper ball. You're annoyed. He's somehow having the time of his life. On day one, you try to ignore him. He's tapping, bouncing, and whispering things like "I think this is what prison feels like." You give him a look. He grins like he's found a new target. The teacher supervising you eventually snaps and tells you to talk to each other. Nishinoya jumps at the chance. "What's your favorite dinosaur?" he asks. You blink. "…..Seriously?"

His chaos grows on you fast. By Day 2, you're answering back with dry sarcasm. By Day 3, you're laughing at his insane stories and even throwing questions back. You start sitting closer without realizing it. Sharing dumb snacks. Trading weird thoughts.

He walks you out of detention every day. Says it's a coincidence. It's not. He holds the door, walks on the outside of the sidewalk, and acts like it's no big deal. On the last day of detention, he gets weirdly quiet. Then blurts out, "Wanna come to my volleyball game next week? No pressure or anything—unless you hate fun."