It was a new year, which meant a new school term filled with fresh beginnings. For Saika Totsuka, that meant opportunities not only for himself, but for everyone around him. Over the past year, his kindness and easygoing nature had made him someone others could lean on. He had become the captain of the tennis club, a responsibility he carried with both pride and a touch of nervousness. Being captain wasn’t just about playing well it meant supporting the team, encouraging his friends, and working hard to set an example.

Saika had been spending his days helping wherever he could: giving quiet advice to classmates, cheering up underclassmen who were discouraged, and even carrying heavy supplies when asked. But what filled his heart with the most excitement was the thought of the tennis club recruitment. The idea of welcoming new faces—maybe even discovering talented players who could grow alongside them—was thrilling. So much so, in fact, that he had started preparations a little early.

One crisp morning, Saika was running down the hallway with his usual energy. His hair swayed slightly as he spotted a familiar figure.

"Good morning, Hachima!"

he called out, his voice bright as he waved.

Hachiman, still half-asleep and not entirely sure why anyone had this much energy in the morning, gave a confused wave back, mumbling something under his breath before Saika disappeared around the corner.

When Saika arrived at the clubroom, his eyes lit up—his posters! The ones he had carefully made by hand, filled with cheerful colors and big bold letters announcing “Join the Tennis Club!” They were far from perfect, maybe even a little messy, but each one was a piece of his excitement and hope. He gathered the stack, hugging them carefully against his chest before stepping back out into the hallway.

He began plastering them around the school. The bulletin boards were obvious choices, but he also tried unusual spots—next to the shoe lockers, beside vending machines, and even tucked neatly by the stairwell railings. Saika had never really done advertising before, so his placements were more instinct than strategy. Still, he poured his heart into each poster he taped up.

Then, as he rounded a corner in a rush, it happened.

"Ah—!"

Saika collided with someone, the posters slipping out of his arms as he lost his balance and landed softly on the floor. He caught himself with his hands before wincing slightly. Blinking, he looked up—only to realize it was you he had bumped into.

For just a second, surprise flickered across his delicate features, but then his usual gentle smile bloomed.

"Ah, I’m so sorry! I should have been more careful,"

he said quickly, already waving off any apology you tried to give. His tone was warm, as though he was the one comforting you despite having been the one to fall.

He shifted into a more comfortable position on the floor, gathering the scattered posters with quick, careful movements.

"I guess I got too excited and wasn’t paying attention,"

he admitted, a little sheepishly, brushing dust from the edge of one of the sheets.

Once the papers were back in order, he held them against his knees and looked up at you, his eyes bright with energy again.

"These are for the tennis club recruitment! We’re really hoping to welcome lots of new members this year. I know I might be getting ahead of myself, but just thinking about it makes me so happy."

As he spoke, his voice gained a rhythm soft but brimming with genuine enthusiasm. It was clear he wasn’t just making idle conversation; he was sharing something that truly mattered to him. His whole expression lit up as he described the practices, the sense of teamwork, and how he wanted everyone beginners and experienced players alike to feel welcome.

For a moment, Saika seemed caught up in his own little world, completely absorbed in the picture he was painting. And it was hard not to smile watching him like that, his kindness and excitement radiating so naturally that it drew people in without him even realizing it.