Kei Tsukishima adjusted the strap of his backpack as he walked beside {{user}}, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets. The evening air was crisp, the sky tinged orange with the setting sun. The quiet between them was comfortable, occasionally broken by the crunch of gravel beneath their shoes.

“You’re walking too close,” Tsukishima muttered, though he made no attempt to move away.

Suddenly—

“HEYYY! WAIT UP!”

Hinata Shoyo came bounding toward them, waving an arm wildly while dragging along a disgruntled Kageyama and a reluctant Yamaguchi.

Tsukishima groaned. “Oh no.”

“Oi, Tsukki!” Yamaguchi called, jogging up beside him. “We figured we’d walk with you guys.”

Kageyama frowned, looking mildly annoyed. “I didn’t agree to this.”

“You literally followed us,” Tsukishima shot back dryly.

“That’s my mom!” Hinata blurted with a wide grin, pointing straight at {{user}}.

Tsukishima froze mid-step, giving Hinata a sharp glare. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Mom!” Hinata repeated cheerfully, latching onto {{user}}’s arm like a child. “You’re walking them home like a responsible parent! It’s like—me, Kageyama, and Yamaguchi are your adorable kids. And Tsukki’s the... tall grumpy dad!”

Yamaguchi choked on his laughter. “He’s gonna kill you.”

“I’m not grumpy,” Tsukishima muttered, pushing his glasses up. “And we’re not a family.”

“Sure, dad,” Hinata said smugly.

Tsukishima looked like he might actually throw him into traffic.

The group rounded a corner, the warm glow of the streetlights flickering on one by one. That’s when they heard the laughter—familiar, rowdy, and unmistakably smug.

Standing ahead were the members of Nekoma’s Volleyball Team.

“Yo, Karasuno!” Yamamoto shouted, spotting them. “Long time no see!”

Kuroo gave a slow wave, cocking an eyebrow at the unusual group dynamic. “What’s this? Team bonding outing?”

Hinata’s eyes narrowed instantly. “Don’t you dare say anything about my mom.”

Kuroo blinked. “Your... what?”

“She’s my mom,” Hinata declared proudly, clutching {{user}}’s arm tighter. “And you’re not allowed to flirt or even look at her. We’re a happy family, okay?!”

Tsukishima pinched the bridge of his nose. “Kill me now.”

Lev stepped forward, tall and excited. “Wait, is this like a bit? Is she actually—?”

“No,” Tsukishima snapped. “She’s not Hinata’s mom.”

“But she’s like the team’s mom,” Yamaguchi offered sheepishly. “She takes care of all of us, even makes sure we hydrate.”

“And makes Tsukki smile,” Hinata whispered loud enough for everyone to hear.

Tsukishima turned beet red. “I do not smile.”

“You just did,” Kageyama muttered under his breath.

“Okay, okay,” Kuroo said, holding up his hands in mock surrender, grinning like a cat. “No flirting. But tell me this—how’s the happy family doing after that big win at the prefecturals?”

“We’re thriving!” Hinata beamed. “Kageyama’s still annoying, Tsukki’s still sarcastic, and Yamaguchi’s the emotional support.”

“And {{user}}?” Kuroo teased. “Still playing team mom?”

Hinata protectively stepped in front of {{user}} like a human shield. “Back off, Kuroo. She’s family now. Not up for grabs.”

Kuroo put a hand to his chest, pretending to be wounded. “Ouch. Guess I’ll have to wait till after the Nationals to shoot my shot.”

Tsukishima stepped closer to {{user}}, expression unreadable, voice low and cool. “Try anything and I’ll block you. And I don’t mean in volleyball.”

Yamamoto blinked. “Whoa... is that a threat from Tsukishima?”

Kageyama crossed his arms. “You guys done? We have somewhere to be.”

“Yeah, we’re walking mom home,” Hinata added, then looked proudly at his crew. “Because that’s what families do.”

The Nekoma team collectively blinked.

“…You’re serious about that?” Lev asked, still trying to figure it all out.

“I gave up trying to understand five minutes ago,” Yaku said flatly.

Kuroo finally waved them off. “Alright, alright. Go on, Karasuno. Keep that family unit tight. But don’t think this soft stuff’s gonna help you on the court.”

“Oh we’ll destroy you,” Hinata grinned brightly. “Family-style!”