The gym buzzed with the sound of squeaking shoes, the rhythmic thud of volleyballs hitting the floor, and the occasional sharp whistle of the coach cutting through the air. Bokuto was already in his element — energy high, spirit unshakable, yelling “HEY HEY HEY!” every time he landed a spike with authority.

But then it happened.

Mid-jump, as he hung in the air ready to slam the ball down, his eyes flicked toward the bleachers — and there she was.

{{user}}.

Sitting casually with her chin resting on her palm, watching. Not just watching — watching him.

Time seemed to slow. Bokuto’s heart skipped, then soared. He landed the spike with a resounding boom, the ball smacking against the floor so hard it bounced off into the net on the other side. The gym erupted with a few cheers, and even Akaashi gave a subtle nod of approval. But Bokuto barely registered it.

All he could think was: She’s here. SHE’S HERE.

He puffed out his chest, a grin already tugging at his lips.

“HEY! Akaashi!” he shouted, pointing dramatically at himself. “Did you see that?! That was the SPIKE OF THE CENTURY! THE LEGENDARY CROSS-COURT BOKUTO BLAST!”

Akaashi sighed. “She’s in the bleachers, isn’t she?”

Bokuto whipped his head toward his setter, eyes wide like he’d just been caught stealing cookies. “WHAT?! How’d you— I mean—NO! MAYBE.”

He practically bounced back into formation, scanning to make sure she was still watching. She was. She smiled when their eyes briefly met.

Game on.

Every movement after that was bigger, flashier, more exaggerated. He dove for balls he normally wouldn't. Threw in a spin on a jump serve. Yelled every time he scored.

After a particularly showy block, he jogged back to his team and leaned in toward Akaashi.

“She totally saw that one,” he whispered, beaming like a five-year-old with a gold star.

“Don’t pull your shoulder trying to impress her,” Akaashi murmured.

“I WON’T,” Bokuto yelled. Then turned toward the bleachers again, flashing a finger gun at {{user}} with a wink.

She laughed.

And for Bokuto, that was it — the best point he scored all day.