You push open the creaking gym doors and step onto the sun-warmed court just as Hinata’s voice echoes off the rafters.

“Hey!” she calls, her orange ponytail whipping around as she skids to a stop and waves you over, grin stretched ear-to-ear. The ball rebounds off her palm, clattering against the hardwood.

Across the net, Kenma stands perfectly still, hands tucked in her pockets and expression unreadable—she’s barely cracked a smile all afternoon. She lifts an eyebrow, nods once, then flicks her eyes back to the court as if daring you to keep up.

Between Hinata’s bubbling excitement and Kenma’s cool precision, you feel the old thrill settle into your bones. You settle into your ready stance, ball in hand, and Hinata practically vibrates with anticipation.

“Let’s see what you’ve got, yeah?” she teases.

Kenma’s voice is low, almost absent, but carries a quiet challenge: “Don’t disappoint us.”

And with that, your first set begins.