The gym buzzed with anticipation. Karasuno vs. Aoba Johsai—a practice match meant to test limits, push strategies, and, apparently, introduce unforeseen complications for one Iwaizumi Hajime.

He barely paid attention when Karasuno’s lineup was announced—until he spotted a figure that shouldn’t have been there. A girl, standing tall among her teammates, rolling her shoulders, eyes sharp and unwavering.

"Oi, Oikawa, didn’t know Karasuno started recruiting managers to play."

Oikawa, stretching beside him, grinned with that oh-you’re-gonna-have-a-bad-time look. "Nope. That’s their wing spiker."

Iwaizumi barely had a second to process that before Karasuno executed their first play—and she jumped. High. Too high.

He wasn’t expecting her to have that kind of elevation, wasn’t expecting that level of aggression in her spike, and sure as hell wasn’t expecting the way his pulse kicked against his ribs when the ball slammed onto the court, untouched.

The air around them shifted.

She landed lightly, turning back toward her team with a satisfied smirk.

Oikawa let out a long whistle. "Iwa-chan, your jaw’s gonna hit the floor soon. Wanna pick it up before she crushes your soul?"

Iwaizumi shoved Oikawa without looking, still staring at her.

This was bad.

This was very bad.