Archive of Our Own

 “We’ll beat you next year,” Rintarou says, pausing to shake Osamu’s hand under the net. 

 “Ya say that every year, Sunarin,” Osamu replies. “Good luck.”

 “I should be saying that to you,” he says. 

 As always, Inazawa North Middle School, representing Aichi Prefecture, has lost to Yako Middle School, representing Hyogo Prefecture. In the two years Rintarou has been at Inazawa North, they’ve never beaten Yako Middle. Not in practice matches, not during that one training camp and not at Nationals. It’s only in part to the monstrous Miya twins. Yako was a force to be reckoned with before the Miyas stepped onto its court. Now it’s a top contender for the championship title. 

 “You’ve got Yurisei Middle next,” Rintarou says.

 “Just watch,” Osamu says, heading away to join his team. “We’re walking away the winners this year.”

 Rintarou doesn’t point out that Osamu tells him that every year. They’ve yet to come home with the title. But the Miyas are on top form. They really might have a chance this year. 

 Rintarou watches from the stands with the rest of his team after that.

 Yako struggles against Yurisei, but they’re another top contender. They fight through Yurisei and Hoshiumi is fuming when he steps off the court, grumbling and huffing about the twins. Hirugami looks pretty annoyed by the outcome too. Sometimes Rintarou thinks losing by a hair is something worse than losing by a mile. He’s sure Hoshiumi and Hirugami made the same promise Rintarou had. They’ll beat the twins next time. Although, Yurisei might have a better chance of it. 

 It’s Shiratorizawa that takes down the twins in the quarter finals. It’s almost satisfying to see them glaring up at Ushiwaka from the other side of the net after he utterly destroyed their carefully laid plans and defences with brute strength. Not even Hoshiumi’s loud cheers - and sort of threats, because how dare the twins who beat him lose to anyone - from further down the stands can save them.

 Rintarou gets it. Satisfying as it is to see those monsters brought to their knees by another of their own kind, it’s a lot more satisfying to say you lost to the eventual winners.

 “Good game, twins,” Suna calls. 

 “That’s the worst thing ya could say, Sunarin,” Atsumu huffs.

 The twins are buying snacks and souvenirs - the told him their first year that they’re ‘for poor Aran-kun, because he picked the wrong middle school’ and Rintarou is at least aware of top middle school ace Ojiro Aran from Hyogo, from Kazanari Middle that sometimes make Hyogo’s second representative. Osamu already has a half eaten banana in his mouth and Atsumu has a sports drink, both with plastic bags around their wrists. 

 “We didn’t play good enough,” Atsumu says.

 “Didja come to find us specifically?” Osamu says.

 “Wanted to make sure the two of you aren’t getting in your heads,” Rintarou replies. “You get too worked up and annoyed about your losses.”

 “What?” Atsumu sneers. “So we’re friends now or somethin’?”

 “Maybe I just want to say I know the Miya twins,” he says.

 “Sounds ‘bout right,” he says. “Yer more interested in our reputations than us. Like everyone else.”

 It must be lonely being a Miya twin.

 “Whether it’s fake or not, do you want to watch the semis together?”

 “Let us share yer food an’ sure,” Osamu says.

 “Sure.”

 So they end up high in the stands together, away from their teams and all the other teams, only identifiable as former competitors by their club jackets. Yako’s hideous citrus yellow and Inazawa North’s grey blue that isn’t much nicer. They share their food between the three of them, as they’ve actually done every tournament since their first when Rintarou bumped into them trying to avoid his pestering captain. For all Atsumu’s hostility - he sorta gets it, Atsumu and his team don’t seem to get along off the court, much as they play amazingly on court - Rintarou sorta hopes they know they’re kinda friends. They haven’t given each other their numbers or anything, but they always meet at Nationals. They always sit together and watch the matches. Osamu always sees something interesting in Rintarou’s hand and just takes hold of his wrist so he can pull it over to his mouth. Atsumu always calls him an ill mannered pig who’d make their grams so disappointed for it.

 Rintarou would rather be with the weird, lonely twins than his own team, if he’s honest.

 He hasn’t told the twins - because it sounds stupid, right? - but he’s going to apply for Inarizaki High. It’s the top school in Hyogo. It’s where he expects the twins will go. And it’s one of the top volleyball high schools in Japan, of course. He does wonder sometimes what it’d be like to play on their side rather than against them.

 Of course, that’s really a thought for after he beats them next year. 

 Atsumu receives a best setter and best server award.

 Osamu and Suna both get an outstanding athlete award. 

 “See you next year, twins,” Rintarou calls as they split up at the end of the tournament. “We’ll definitely beat you.”

 “As if,” Atsumu laughs. “We’ll be rid of those stuffy third years draggin’ us down by then. And then we'll take the entire thing!”

 Rintarou frowns as Yako’s third years glare at Atsumu’s back and Osamu sighs and smacks his shoulder. Atsumu really is something else. But, it’s Osamu Rintarou always finds his gaze drawn to. Quieter and more sarcastic, absolutely brutal when crossed. Far more Rintarou’s pace.

 Yako Middle and Inazawa North both make the Inter-Middle in Rintarou’s third year.

 Rintarou shoves his hands in his pockets, glancing around the gymnasium entrance hall where they’re all gathering. He’s used to this by now, but a few of their first years are looking terrified. Their captain is busy trying to calm them, but Rintarou is looking around for Yako’s tell-tale lemony uniform. 

 “Nii-san, you’re looking distracted.” 

 He glances down. His younger sister, Ruko, is glaring up at him in her own golden jacket. Tamayori Girls will be representing Aichi in the girls’ league. The Sunas are going to make as much a name for themselves as the Miyas if this continues.

 “Looking for the twins,” Rintarou says.

 “You’ll see them in the opening ceremony anyway, right?” Ruko says.

 “Let’s go, Suna,” her coach calls. “We’ll be heading in soon.”

 “Good luck, nii-san,” Ruko says.

 “You too,” Rintarou says as they part.

 Rintarou is taking off his jacket when Yuriseu Middle comes past. Hoshiumi’s looking even more intimidating than usual and Hirugami is getting more unfairly huge every time Rintarou sees him. Hoshiumi catches his eye and pauses.

 “Oi, Suna,” he calls. “You seen the twins?”

 “I haven’t seen Yako at all yet,” Rintarou replies. “I’ll tell them you’re looking for them when I do.”

 “I’m not having those twins turning into cowards and hiding from me,” Hoshiumi declares. “This is the year we finally beat them in an official match.”

 “Not if we get there first,” he says.

 “Hey-”

 “Kourai-kun,” Hirugami says. “We’re going.”

 Hoshiumi turns away and follows his team out while Rintarou focuses on arranging his own team with their captain. He’s not sure some of these first years will even make it out there without fainting. 

 Rintarou does his best to watch for the twins when they line up but there are just too many people to really see. And Rintarou is not the tallest player. He hopes Hoshiumi is mature enough not to try jumping above everyone to try and spot them. With his vertical he might manage but he’d also draw way too much attention.

 “Hey, you Kobe guys.” Rintarou’s attention is drawn by Hoshiumi’s voice as they’re leaving. He turns and there’s Hoshiumi, backed up by the giant Hirugami, confronting Yako Middle. “Where are the twins?”

 Rintarou tilts his head. Even from their distance at an opposite bus stop, he can tell the twins aren’t there. As if any team would throw the twins off. Even if they can be jerks, they’re excellent players. No coach would throw them off rather than try to tame them. And no way the twins would quit. Where are they then?

 “The Miyas were involved in an accident,” the new captain says, stepping in front of his team. “They can’t play.”

 “What kind of accident?” Hoshiumi demands, voicing Rintarou’s thoughts. “When are they coming back?”

 The captain clicks his tongue and tilts his head, glaring down at Hoshiumi. “They not.”

 “Huuuuh?!”

 “What do you mean they’re not?” Hirugami says.

 “I mean they ain’t comin’ back,” the captain says. “No one’s sorry to see that jerk Atsumu go, sure, but it’s a shame ‘bout Osamu. Atsumu just gets everythin’ handed to him still.”

 “What’s that mean?” Hoshiumi snaps. 

 “Atsumu’s only problem is the timing and that he’s expected to care, he’s pretty much ready to play again the second he gets a chance,” he replies with a shrug. “Osamu’ll be lucky to walk again, let alone play. No one woulda cared if it was the other way, but instead Atsumu gets off for bein’ a jerk and Osamu’s life is ruined.” 

 Osamu can’t play? He’ll be lucky to walk again?

 “Everyone woulda been happier if Atsumu was the one that died. Mighta saved Osamu.”

 What the hell?!

 It bugs Rintarou all day. Eventually he has to give up and look up the details. It doesn’t take long to find articles on it. A tragic traffic accident. And then the gruesome pictures of the aftermath that make Rintarou put his phone down and bury his head in his pillow. Osamu might never walk again. Might never play again. Just because of some stupid accident. Some freak accident no one could control. How is that fair?

 It plays on Rintarou’s mind all night. He struggles to sleep. And the next day, he’s curled up in his jacket with Ruko leaning next to him as they watch the games waiting for their own. He can’t get those images out of his head. His own match isn’t until this afternoon. He watches Yako Middle with a frown, wanting desperately to destroy them on court.

 “Open, nii-san,” Ruko says.

 “I can feed myself, Ru,” Rintarou replies. 

 “You’re watching the game too much,” she says. “And with that frowny face. Open.”

 Rintarou sighs and opens his mouth, letting Ruko feed him. Frowny face, huh? He doesn’t want to put those thoughts in her head, but he can’t stop thinking about it. How could their team mates say that sort of stuff? He knows Atsumu isn’t the most friendly person but is he really that bad? Rintarou never had thought like that about him. 

 Then again Rintarou only met the twins for at most a few days every year.

 “Oi, Suna.” Rintarou tilts his head and Hoshiumi is standing behind him with Hirugami. “You’re the twins' friend, right?”

 “Something like that,” he says.

 “I saw you watching our discussion with Yako Middle yesterday,” Hirugami says.

 “What do you know about this accident?” Hoshiumi snaps, slumping into the seat next to him.

 “I looked it up after hearing them last night,” Rintarou says. “I suggest you don’t.”

 “Too late,” Hirugami says.

 “Who are we watching?” Hoshiumi says.

 Rintarou nods at the courts. “My little sister at Tamayori. We’re not that close as friends, I'm afraid. I didn’t know before I heard you ask them. I don’t have any contact with them outside of meeting them here.”

 “It pissed you off though, right?” he says. “Hearing them say that stuff? Atsumu’s a jerk, but who wants him dead? What’s with that? And Osamu not being able to play again? That’s such a waste.”

 “I think Kourai-kun is trying to offer condolences in his own way,” Hirugami says.

 “I haven’t beaten them yet,” he groans, pulling his hands down his face. “I can’t wait ‘til high school to beat them. Do you know where they’re going?”

 “Inarizaki probably,” Rintarou replies. “They’re a powerhouse school and in the right area for the twins.”

 “Well, at least that means I’ll get a chance to play them again. But uuuuurgh! If Osamu can’t play again! They can’t go to high school before I’ve beaten them. And Osamu can’t stop playing before I’ve beaten them. That’s just not fair.”

 “If Atsumu can play and the problem is just timing, he’ll probably be back on the court as soon as possible,” he says. The other two nod. “I’d expect him here for the Spring Tournament.” 

 “That makes sense,” Hirugami says.

 “We should swap numbers,” Hoshiumi declares, holding out his phone to Rintarou. 

 “We should?” Rintarou says.

 “Yeah, that way if either of us finds out anything, we can tell each other,” he says. Rintarou frowns at him for a moment before nodding. Yurisei plays Yako more regularly than Inazawa North. “So that’s a deal, right? Any of us find out anything and we’ll tell each other.”

 “What makes you think I’ll find out something you wouldn’t, Kourai-kun?” Hirugami says.

 “You might!” he replies. 

 If Rintarou hadn’t already decided Hoshiumi has way too much energy for his liking, he might be deciding so right now. How did he always end up with the pair of weirdos? Still, he puts his number into Hoshiumi’s phone and gets a message seconds after handing it back. He saves the contact and just as quickly gets a second message from Hirugami. He really should have asked for Osamu’s- the twins’ numbers before. Now he can’t even let them know he’s thinking of them and how sorry he is about their parents and their situation. As if he actually understands their situation.

 Yako Middle goes out in the second round.

 Inazawa North goes to the quarter finals and Rintarou takes home another award.

 Yurisei makes the semis and Hirugami gets an outstanding athlete award.

 Tamayori Girls takes the championship.

 And just a little while later, Rintarou receives recommendations from a handful of major powerhouse schools. Most notable Inarizaki, Shiratorizawa and Fukurodani. As expected, Hoshiumi doesn’t restrict their contact to non-existent updates on the Miya twins. A lot of the time Rintarou ignores it or sends a bland response, but it is actually useful to know Hoshiumi and Hirugami will be going to Kamomedai High. Rintarou decided a long time ago he’d try for Inarizaki High. The situation with the Miyas makes him want it more. The recommendation makes the process easy.

 Atsumu will be at Inarizaki. Even if Osamu can’t play, there’s no way Atsumu will stop. If anything, he’ll play harder, as if he can make their dreams come true by playing himself. It’s a pretty twin idea - that one could live their dreams through the other. 

 Hoshiumi demands Rintarou report everything he learns at Inarizaki while Hirugami wishes him luck.

 There’s not much to report at Inarizaki, if he’s honest. He takes a trip down there on his own, to stay the weekend at the guest rooms in their dorms, meet some of the team members and other potential members and get in a few practices over the weekend. There’s no sign of the twins. But there is Ojiro Aran. 

 Rintarou waits until the last minute to approach him. He’s sitting with the scary manager Kita - who apparently is actually a libero but hasn’t ever played an official game - and most of the upcoming members are preparing to leave for the dorms, to pack up and head back to their schools. But Hoshiumi won’t be happy if he doesn’t at least try, and that’s just annoying.

 “Aran-kun?” he says. 

 Aran tilts his head and his eyes widen. “Ahh, Sunarin, right?”

 “Ya know each other?” Kita says. 

 “The twins,” Aran says. Kita nods slightly. “Kita Shinsuke, Suna Rintarou.”

 Rintarou nods politely before turning back to Aran. “Do you know anything about what’s happening with them?”

 “Haven’t seen ‘em since the funeral, to be honest,” Aran says. “And even that was painful. It’s an awful thing to say but… Osamu looked so pathetic in that wheelchair it was hard to even look at him.”

 “I know it feels awful,” Kita says, “but it’s not unusual. Yer friend is in pain, o’course it’s painful for ya to see him like that.”

 “I heard Osamu won’t be able to play again,” Rintarou says. 

 “Last I heard, he was in physiotherapy,” Aran says. “Apparently it’s not that he won’t be able to play again, just that it’s gonna be hard for him. Most people wouldn't bother. But if there’s anyone who can put in all the effort and has enough determination, it’s a Miya. I’ve really not seen ‘em since the funeral though. They stopped answering my calls and messages too.”

 Rintarou nods. His aunt is a physiotherapist, she’s constantly complaining about how people expect her to do all the work and want to know why they’re not recovering but aren’t committed to their own recovery in their own time. He doubts that’s a problem for Osamu. Probably a bigger problem is convincing him not to overwork himself. That’s good news though. It means Osamu is working towards recovery. 

 The lack of replies is a bit more concerning though.

 “I assumed they’d be coming here,” Rintarou says.

 “I hope ya didn’t come here just hoping to see ‘em,” Kita says.

 “No,” he replies. “I want to be at a school that can win. The twins were just a bonus. To be honest, I’m disappointed it seems I’m not going to beat them before leaving middle school. I’d hoped to beat them before ending up on the same team.”

 “If they are coming here, they’re probably a special case,” Aran says and Kita nods. “We probably won’t find out about it ‘til they turn up.”

 “Unlikely they’ll be at the Spring Tournament then,” Rintarou says.

 “They ain’t at Yako anymore anyway,” he says. Rintarou frowns at him. “Their parents died. They’re living with their mother’s family now. They ain’t near Kobe. Not sure where, but not here. They said somewhere rural, I think.”

 Rintarou nods slowly. No chance of finding them before high school then. Aran gives him the twins’ numbers, once again warning him they’re not answering, but that’s fine. It’s something. It’s a start. 

 Rintarou sends Osamu a message when he gets back to Inazawa. It’s awkward and tentative, letting him know he got his number from Aran and just wanted to check he was ok after so long. There’s no reply. It stays unread. 

 Hoshiumi is way too excited when Rintarou texts him that he’s got the twins' numbers from someone at Inarizaki even if there’s no sign of the twins themselves. So excited he even calls Rintarou while he’s catching up on homework.

 “Hey, Sachirou’s here,” Hoshiumi declares way too loudly. Hirugami says a quiet hello. “You’ve gotta tell us everything.”

 “There’s not much to tell,” Rintarou replies. “The twins aren't in Kobe anymore. No one knows if they'll attend Inarizaki or not. General opinion is they’ll turn up or not and that’ll be that.”

 “So we have literally no idea where they are?” he says. “That sucks. We’re just not gonna know anything until they turn up or don’t?”

 “Basically,” he says. Hoshiumi lets out a frustrated, muffled yell. “I texted Osamu but haven’t got an answer. Aran-kun says they’ve barely answered even him since their parents’ funeral.”

 “Who’s Aran-kun?” Hirugami says.

 “Inarizaki’s upcoming ace,” he says. “Friends with the twins. They went to the same volleyball classes as kids. He saw them at the funeral but has barely heard from them since.”

 “Ahhh, this sucks!” Hoshiumi huffs. 

 “Anything else?” Hirugami says.

 Rintarou sighs and relays everything he’d learnt. It’s not much but the idea that Osamu is in therapy and potentially working towards playing again perks up Hoshiumi. The idea that they might come back is as pleasing to them as it was to Rintarou. 

 It’s disappointing but not surprising when the twins are nowhere to be seen at the Spring Tournament.

 Just as disappointing is that Atsumu and Osamu are nowhere to be seen on Inarizaki’s large campus.

 Atsumu doesn’t just turn up to volleyball practice.

 Aran looks just as disappointed, his gaze flickering to the door and to the coaches constantly. He wants Atsumu to burst in, dramatic and loud as ever, just like Rintarou does. But he doesn’t. They don’t.

 The twins have slipped through their fingers.

 Hoshiumi is as pissed as Rintarou expected.

 It’s when they reach Nationals there is finally some news. Rintarou is sitting with the second years, watching the Itachiyama game, when Hoshiumi appears over his shoulder with a grin. It scares the shit out of everyone but Kita.

 “You’ll never guess what I just heard,” he says. 

 “Hoshiumi-kun,” Kita says. “And Hirugami-kun. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

 “They’re in Miyagi,” Hoshiumi declares, ignoring the questioning looks. “I heard your coach and Washijou talking. They’re in Miyagi. Some school called Karasuno, some coach called Ukai or something.”

 “Slow down,” Akagi laughs. “Who’s where?”

 Hirugami sighs and tugs Hoshiumi back but his collar. “The Miya twins are playing volleyball in Miyagi for a school named Karasuno.”

 “They’re playing?” Aran says.

 “Apparently,” Hirugami replies. “Coach Washijou said he offered Osamu a place as Shiratorizawa’s setter and Atsumu was offered a place at Inarizaki. They’re instead playing at Karasuno High School.”

 Rintarou is already looking them up on this phone. “Top sixteen at the Inter-High Qualifiers. They’ve got the best libero in the prefecture. Lost to one of the top four teams, that then lost to Shiratorizawa in the end. Reached Nationals a few years back, got to the third round.”

 “So they’re not bottom of the heap,” Hoshiumi says as the pair take a seat behind them. “But they’re stuck under Shiratorizawa. Washijou said Ukai is supposed to be out of hospital soon and should be back at Karasuno by the summer. He said they’ll be a real threat by the Spring Qualifiers.”

 The Spring Qualifiers, huh? Rintarou looks up the dates quickly and turns to Kita, who’s already sighing like he knows what Rintarou is going to say.

 “It doesn’t clash with ours. I want to go see them.”

 Kita gives him a look and Rintarou narrows his eyes. He knows exactly what he’s thinking and he doesn’t like it. Kita can keep his matchmaking and gossip to himself. He gets enough of that teasing from Hoshiumi. 

 “Their second and third rounds will be on Sunday,” Kita says at last. “We could probably work it out.”

 “We’re coming too,” Hoshiumi insists, then glances back at Hirugami. “Right?”

 “Well, you seem to already have your mind made up,” Hirugami replies. “If it doesn’t clash with our Qualifiers either, there shouldn’t be any reason we can’t go watch their second day.”

 “But, first we need to focus on our own games,” Kita says. “Yer not gettin’ away with poor performance ‘cause yer thinkin’ ‘bout the twins. Any of ya.”

 “Right,” Akagi laughs sheepishly.

 Kamomedai are in the top eight.

 Inarizaki finish third overall.

 Itachiyama takes the crown.

 Rintarou, somehow, ends up going out for dinner with Hirugami and Hoshiumi after the awards ceremony. He has a little time between finishing up and going back to the hotel and he honestly wants to be away from their team and the commiserating. At least these two lost even earlier. Plus, somehow, he might have developed some kind of fondness for the pair over the year they’ve been searching for the twins. 

 “Hey, Hoshiumi, Hirugami, hey.” They look up from their ramen. Itachiyama’s damn frustrating libero is making his way over. He grins and slips into the booth with them without even asking for permission. “Ah, and Suna, right? What a weird group.”

 “Komori-kun,” Hirugami says. Komori’s grin widens and a waiter is on his way over. “Are we really so strange?”

 “You two, not so much,” Komori says. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you two apart from each other. I just didn’t expect you guys to be friends with Ina High’s grumpy Suna though. You seem like the kind of guy who’d keep to himself.”

 “We’ve been hunting the twins together,” Hoshiumi says.

 Komori hums and orders his own ramen before turning back to the group. “Hunting the twins?”

 “They Miya twins,” he says, nodding quickly. Komori makes a little ‘oh’. “Didn’t you notice? They just vanished last year, right? And no one’s seen them this year either. It’s a mystery.”

 “Is it though?” he says. “Weren’t their family involved in an accident? Last I heard Osamu was in a wheelchair. Sakasu was lamenting it. No matter how hard you try to prepare and work your hardest to avoid injury or illness, a freak accident like that can strike any of us any time. I swear he was this close to refusing to leave the house for a while.”

 “Aran-kun said he was in a wheelchair at the funeral,” Rintarou says. “But he also said last he heard from the twins Osamu was in physio.” 

 “And Coach Washijou offered him a setter position at Shiratorizawa,” Hoshiumi says.

 “Ooooh.” Komori nods along with a smile. “Does that mean we’ll be seeing him setting Wakatoshi next year? When he’s properly recovered? Oh, what about Atsumu?”

 “Atsumu was offered a spot at Inarizaki,” Hirugami says.

 “Then where is he?” he says, turning to Rintarou.

 “That’s the thing,” Hoshiumi says, a little loudly and leaning forward. “They didn’t accept.”

 The waiter comes back and puts a bowl of ramen in front of Komori, who thanks him politely before turning back to them with a grin. “They declined them?”

 “They’re playing for some team called Karasuno in Miyagi,” he says, nodding eagerly.

 “Karasuno?” Komori says, eyes widening. “Coach Ukai’s Karasuno?”

 “You know it?” Hoshiumi snaps.

 “Of course I know it.” He grins at them and Rintarou frowns. “Damn, the Miyas with Coach Ukai, that’s gonna be insane.”

 “Stop being mysterious and tell us!” Hoshiumi yells.

 A few patrons look over and Hirugami smacks the back of Hoshiumi’s head with a polite smile. “Sorry about him. Keep it down, Kourai-kun. People are trying to eat.”

 “I’m trying to eat,” Rintarou says. Komori hums and nods. “So? What do you know? Why do you seem so excited?”

 Komori’s grin returns. “Karasuno were a powerhouse until recently. They weren’t the top, there’s Shiratorizawa out there, of course, but they were pretty damn impressive. they could definitely rival them for a while. They’re known for thinking outside the box. Their teams are like a ragtag bunch of misfits, and when they work they’re unstoppable. Lots of V League players come from them because they’re not all cookie cutter players.”

 “You know a lot about it,” Hirugami says.

 “One of the best liberos in collegiate volleyball came from them,” he says. “Inuaki Shion himself.”

 “Oooh, I heard of him,” Hoshiumi says, nodding quickly. “He’s being chased by lots of pro teams, right?”

 “Yep,” he says. “He came from Karasuno. The same team that went to Nationals a few years ago. Him and that Little Giant ace were a terrifying pair. I watched it on TV live as a kid.”

 “Wait wait wait,” he snaps, waving his hands. “Little Giant?”

 “Mmm, Karasuno had a tiny ace back then,” Komori says. “Udai, I think. Liked to tool off the blocks like you. Had a ridiculous vertical too. Seems he didn't carry on after high school though. Or if he did, he's not made much of an impact.”

 “That’s so unfair!” 

 “Kourai-kun,” Hirugami sighs. 

 “So, what you’re saying is a maverick coach with a liking for ridiculous plays now has the Miya twins?” Rintarou says.

 “And the best libero in Miyagi,” he adds.

 “That too.”

 “Well, not so simple,” Komori says, shaking his head. “See, just after Karasuno went to the Spring Nationals, when his two best players were just starting their third year, Coach Ukai collapsed. Karasuno couldn’t get back to Nationals that year. But, I’ve heard rumours he’s finally been cleared to go back to coaching, if he takes it easy.”

 “You’ve got all the best gossip,” Hoshiumi groans, then shoves his phone at Komori. “Number. Now. You’ve gotta keep us up to date too. Oh, we’re going to Miyagi to watch their Qualifiers, if you wanna come too.”

 Komori laughs and takes his phone. “Am I part of your little detective squad now?”

 “You got anything better to do?” Rintarou says.

 “I could probably convince Sakusa to come,” he says. “He’d be eager to see Wakatoshi play. Mm, send me the details later and we’ll see if we can sort something out.”

 And just like that, Komori, one of the most infuriating players Rintarou has ever played, joins the group with some of the other most infuriating players he’s ever played. Rintarou can at least hope the feeling is mutual. But, it’s not so bad to eat with them into the evening. 

 The conversation slowly veers away from the safe topic volleyball and onto their family lives and more personal matters. Hirugami is the only one who doesn’t want to go pro - or at least play seriously in college - after high school. Apparently being expected to go into volleyball because his family is, doesn't sit well with him. He’s not sure what yet - ‘something with animals, maybe,’ he says and that gets Komori’s attention. Apparently his family has dogs and just like that they have videos to watch of Sakusa trying to give their dogs baths and being incredibly insulted that they’re not on his wavelength about it. 

 By the time it’s dark and they all have messages from their captains to return to their hotels, they’ve all exchanged numbers and Komori has given them all cute nicknames on their contacts and Hirugami has given Komori advice for Sakusa on how to convince their dogs to cooperate with his clean freak tendencies. Rintarou has also come away sure that ninety percent of what Komori says is flirty or bitchy hidden behind the fact that he’s a cute little shit and can get away with it. He’s also ignoring that, along with cute nicknames, Komori puts a sun or moon emoji next to each name. Which is annoying, because not everything is about relationships and sex, and even more so because he hadn’t actually asked. Rintarou doesn’t know if it’s a guess or he’s picked it up somewhere like the sneaky gossip he is, but Komori is right. And that’s just so much worse.

 “Rin-tan,” Komori says as they’re walking, because apparently their hotels are the same direction. “Why are you really so set on finding the Miyas?”

 “I know where this is going, and you’re wrong,” Rintarou says. 

 “Hmm?” He tilts his head and raises an eyebrow. “If you say so.”

 Rintarou tilts his head to consider Komori. “Why are you so interested?”

 “Because you’re pretty my type,” Komori says bluntly. “Not like I couldn’t grow fond of Osamu too.” He glances at Rintarou. “It is Osamu you’re actually interested in, isn’t it?”

 “He was the one I was closer to,” he says. “Atsumu was too loud of my liking and hard to just ignore, unlike Hoshiumi. And you haven’t even asked-”

 “I saw you looking at my phone when I put in your contact. You would have corrected me if I was wrong, I’m sure.” 

 Rintarou glances away. He would have. And he didn’t see any point arguing with Komori over it at the time just to confirm he was right. This guy is definitely annoying. Maybe even on a Miya level.

 “Think about it,” Komori says, coming to stop at a junction. “There’s no rush, right?”

 “Right,” Rintarou replies.

 “I’ll message you about going to Miyagi when I’ve got the details about Tokyo’s Qualifier,” he calls, heading down the street. “Bye, Rin-tan.”

 They do end up all managing to go to Miyagi. Komori and Sakusa are waiting for Rintarou at his station, although Sakusa is glaring at everyone who comes within breathing distance. Komori has proven to be just as much a little shit as Rintarou first suspected, but he’s at least the sort of little shit Rintarou could tolerate.

 “Rin-tan!” Komori calls, waving to him. 

 “Komori,” Rintarou greets, joining them. He nods at Sakusa, who nods back. “Sakusa.”

 “Suna.” 

 “We’ve got an hour before Hoshiumi and Hirugami are due in,” Komori says, already leading them away. “We’ll get drinks or something while we wait. Then half an hour before our train to Sendai.”

 “I hate the subway,” Sakusa grumbles. 

 “It’s quicker though,” he laughs in reply. “Want a quick trip with a lot of people or a longer trip with slightly less people? It’s all about averages, Sakusa.”

 Sakusa rolls his eyes and Rintarou shrugs, following them toward the subway. He’s not familiar with Tokyo. His experience with it is restricted to visits for tournaments and being in middle school for most of those, he wasn’t really allowed to go far and explore. So he trusts Komori to lead the way to the station where they’re picking up Hoshiumi and Hirugami, and apparently the same station they’ll leave from soon after. They sit on the platform with drinks and snacks, chatting as they wait. Sakusa had given Rintarou a face mask within five second of meeting him and he imagines Hirugami and Hoshiumi will get the same treatment. But other than that, Sakusa seems perfectly nice, if a little distant. 

 “Do we know who Karasuno is playing?” Komori says, leaning on his knees.

 “Wakutani South, the team they lost to last time, in the morning,” Rintarou replies. “Then Shiratorizawa in the afternoon, assuming they both win.” Sakusa lifts an eyebrow at them. “I know, it’s unlikely Shiratorizawa would lose, especially before the finals.”

 “Oh, there they are!” Komori calls.

 Hirugami towers above a lot of the crowd and Hoshiumi appears out of the crowd moments later. And yeah, Sakusa is holding out face masks for them straight away. Hirugami mutters a thanks and there are quiet pleasantries all round before the Kamomedai pair go for their own drinks and they settle down to wait for their train up to Sendai. So much travelling. They’d better get to see those damn Miyas play after all this.

 They reach Sendai far later than they planned and all they can really do is collapse into their rooms and hope things go well tomorrow. 

 They get to the gym early enough to see everyone warming up and arriving. There are a few odd looks from people who clearly think they recognise some national level players but no one approaches them without their club jackets to identify them.

 “What do we know about Wakutani anyway?” Hoshiumi says as they find seats near the court. “Other than they beat these guys last time out?”

 “Apparently their new captain has a style a lot like Hoshiumi’s,” Komori replies. “And a really solid defence.”

 “So a low level us, huh?” he laughs. “Well, if you’ve got to copy someone, copy the best.”

 “Ah, but that’s us,” he says.

 “Really tenacious,” Rintarou says. “Just keep going and going.”

 “Like if we put Hoshiumi in Nekoma,” Komori says.

 Rintarou has no idea who that is but Sakusa shudders at the apparently horrifying thought. “Never say that again.”

 “Who’s Nekoma?” Hirugami says.

 “A team in Tokyo,” Komori says. “A low level powerhouse, they’re a bit up and down. Their old coach retired and they struggled a bit until he came back with one of his old students to help him out and they’re picking up again. Got one of the best liberos I’ve ever seen. And they’re known for their defence.”

 “The ball just never drops,” Sakusa grumbles. “Yaku Morisuke picks up even my spikes and serves like they’re nothing. He’s a demon. He’d be dangerous at any other school.”

 “For you to be saying that they must be monsters,” Rintarou says.

 “They are,” Komori says. “And their second year middle - Kuroo, I think - he’s really smart too. One of the best blockers I’ve seen outside of Nationals regulars. Not big, but he’s got this aura. And real smart.”

 “And their reserve setter,” Sakusa says.

 “Urgh, that setter. He doesn't come in much, but he'll probably be their regular next year. He’s the really dangerous one. Tiny little thing. Not like height, although he’s not tall or anything, but really frail looking. I hate watching Sakusa hit spikes at his blocks. He’ll break the poor thing’s arms.”

 “But his eyes give me the creeps.”

 Komori nods quickly. “He’s got that look like a cat in the night. Just watching you. Always. Like he can see what you’re thinking and is planning a million ways to murder you and get away with it while he sits there with that totally passive face. Bit like Sakusa, actually.”

 “Me?”

 “Huuuh, sounds like a pain in the ass team to play,” Hoshiumi grumbles. 

 “They’re not going to make it until they’ve got rid of their third years at the very least,” Sakusa says. “And depends on their new intake. And they’re unlikely to take the second representative spot from Fukurodani until Bokuto’s gone and he’s getting annoyingly consistent with that new setter.”

“Alright, first years stop looking so nervous,” calls a cheery voice. A group in white and teal are being herded into seats by a pretty boy who's probably their captain. “You’ve already made it through the first game now, there’s nothing to worry about. Just relax and enjoy some good sport until we have to go warm up. I don’t know why you’re all looking so nervous. I’m the one who’s just been made captain.”

 “You don’t look nervous at all though,” one of the other replies.

 “I’m nervous on the inside, Watachi,” the pretty boy replies. “You just can’t see it. On the inside-”

 “He’s preening,” one of the others laughs. “On the inside he’s even more smug. Always.”

 “He was waiting to get rid of the third years and take over,” another agrees.

 “He’s a real shitty guy,” another says.

 “Iwa-chan, don’t be so crude in front of their first years!” the captain cries.

 The team in white pick out their seats a little way off, obviously intending to watch Karasuno and Wakutani’s game too. Whoever the pretty boy captain is, he slouches in his seat with a trio around him. They look like the most experienced of the group. For all he’s playing the caring, flakey captain, there’s something in the way pretty boy slouches that says he’s dangerous. 

 “Oikawa Tooru,” Komori whispers. “New captain of Aoba Johsai, second best school in the prefecture. Former captain of Kitagawa Daiichi, second best middle school in the prefecture, best setter in the prefecture and the guy famous for rejecting Shiratorizawa because he wanted to prove hard working normal guys could overcome natural talent like Wakatoshi.”

 “I like that guy,” Hoshiumi says.

 “Doesn’t seem to be working though,” Hirugami says.

 Komori smiles bitterly. “We’re pretty familiar with them from the amount of times we’ve seen them play Shiratorizawa in the finals. They basically only ever lose to Shiratorizawa and keep them sharp, I think. Must be frustrating though, to just have someone slam the ball through all your best laid plans and strategies.”

 “Really?” all three reply, glaring at the Itachiyama pair.

 What would they know about having a ball smash through their defences? They’re one of the biggest culprits of that! 

 Komori at least has the decency to realise and look sheepish.

 Sakusa just ignores them.

 There’s noise below and the teams are coming out for warm ups. Wakutani South comes out in pink and white and there’s loud cheering from one end of the court. They turn and what looks like a family is there. They have a family watching, huh? Rintarou thinks his family watches him on TV where they can, but he doesn’t think they’ve come to watch him since  elementary school. Even less chance of it now he’s living in dorms out of the prefecture. He’s not sure if that’s nice or embarrassing. The closest he gets - and probably wants - is his sister when she’s also playing.

 “Let’s go, you guys!” 

 There’s a yell from the other end of court and there’s Karasuno in black. They look like a wild bunch. There’s a sturdy kid with a kind face leading them, reminds Rintarou a lot of Kita. Probably solid and calm but not to be crossed. Their coach doesn’t look anything like a coach. He slumps on the bench while their manager, who is rather stunning, and another student organize everything. What a sorry state for the Miyas to have landed themselves in. 

 “Did anyone get a program?” Hoshiumi says.

 “Here,” Hirugami says. 

 There’s a fluttering of paper behind them. “Oooooh, they’re mostly first years.”

 “They are?” Komori says, turning slightly.

 “Yeah, #1, the captain, #2 is a setter so probably on the bench for Atsumu and #3, looks like a way too big wing spiker so probably the ace,” Hoshiumi says, leaning on the back of the seat with the program. “Everyone else is a first year.”

 “That’s a weird mix,” Rintarou says. 

 “Wonder why the twins picked Karasuno in the first place,” Sakusa says. “It seems like their coach isn’t much of a coach-”

 “That’s not Coach Ukai,” Komori says, shaking his head. “I met him once. He’s way scarier.”

 “Seems like a weird place for them when there’s way better schools in the area,” Hoshiumi says. “Who turns down Shiratorizawa and Inarizaki for this? Even if there’s supposed to be some awesome coach.”

 “Coach Ukai collapsed again,” Oikawa calls. They turn to him. “He went back for their summer training but collapsed towards the end of the summer. It’s unlikely he’ll be back. But, the main obstacle between Karasuno and victory isn’t skill, it’s their confidence. They’re a school used to losing.”

 “The fallen champions,” one of the others says.

 The one next to him nods. “Flightless crows.”

 A practice ball ricochets off their libero’s arms and comes flying at the group in white. The one apparently called Iwa grabs the ball from the air before it hits them. The Karasuno team are glaring up at them before their captain smiles.

 “Sorry about that,” he calls.

 “Not a problem, captain,” Oikawa replies with a matching smile, tossing the ball back. They turn away and Oikawa laughs. “I think they heard you, Mattsun, Makki.”

 “Shut it, Shittykawa,” Iwa grumbles.

 Rintarou tilts his head. What an odd four. 

 Rintarou lifts his phone to record as Osamu lines up to hit the next spike into their libero. “So much for never being able to walk again.”

 Atsumu’s sets are as disgustingly perfect as always and Osamu slams the ball down at their little libero. Aran’s going to be glad to see this. They’re holding nothing back in warm ups. Probably because they’ve already lost to Wakutani South.  Wakutani hits hard too. Rintarou thinks they might be trying to psyche each other out with how much they’ve improved since their last match. 

 “Huh?” Hoshiumi jerks forward as they’re taking their positions. “Osamu’s playing middle not opposite?”

 “Their captain is solid enough in defence to be a libero,” Oikawa tells them. Annoying as it is to have someone listening in, it’s useful to have someone with more experience with these teams to fill them in. “But his attack isn’t nearly as strong. It’d be pointless to have him switch in and out with a libero. Osamu-chan is one of the tallest players on the team and has an attack solid enough to carry them and a defence strong enough that switching him won't weaken the back row either.”

 “You know a lot about them,” Hirugami says.

 “It’s important for me to keep an eye on the competition,” he replies with a smile. “And Atsumu-chan is incredible, what’s wrong with me supporting a fellow setter?”

 The other three laugh loudly at that. Something about poor Kageyama that gets Oikawa defensive.

 “He likes them because he refused Shiratorizawa,” Iwa says at last.

 “Hmm, Tooru’s issues with Shiratorizawa get everywhere,” Makki says.

 “I blame all the sexual tension between him and Ushiwaka,” Mattsun says.

 Sakusa’s head jerks up.

 Oikawa goes red and he lurches forward, held back by Makki. “There is no sexual tension. The only tension is rivalry. Rivalry, you hear, Mattsun!”

 “Shut it and watch the game, Shittykawa,” Iwa snaps.

 “You’re all so awful to me,” Oikawa whines. “If I didn’t need you all for volleyball I wouldn’t tolerate this.”

 “C’mere, idiot,” he mutters and drags Oikawa down into a brief kiss. 

 “Disgusting,” Sakusa mutters.

 The whistle goes and they pair instantly break apart to watch the match. Which, of course, kicks off with a ridiculous jump serve from Atsumu that snaps off the libero’s arms. It’s nasty. Komori gives a low whistle and leans forward.

 “He only had the jump float last time we saw him,” Hirugami says.

 Rintarou nods. He’s not surprised Atsumu’s got better and added a second serve to his arsenal. He never stops. What a monster. Atsumu takes aim at the libero again, and this time it goes up. And Wakutani scrambles. It looks chaotic to outsiders, but Rintarou follows the play. Combo plays like this are just annoying.

 “Pineapple head,” Hoshiumi says as pineapple head moves from the back.

 “#1,” Rintarou replies.

 “#4,” Hirugami says.

 “I thought you guys would be more focused on reading as notorious blockers,” Komori sighs.

 It’s #11 who smacks straight into Osamu and #8’s block for the point. Wakutani’s captain tilts his head, considering Karasuno before regrouping his team. Oikawa makes a pleased hum, leaning forward on the back of the sears. Rintarou thinks he understands the look both captains give Karasuno. They’re not a team that looks like they’re expecting to lose any second. They’re a team that looks hungry to win and knows they can.

 It’s a hard fought battle. Wakutani’s #1 uses nasty angles to beat the blocks and pineapple head is a surprisingly big hitter. And their jump serves might not be at the twins’ level yet, but they’re not to be sniffed at. They’re not flustered or worked up and their defence is solid. Frustrating for a team like Karasuno who seems to want to just slam down the ball. 

 Not that Karasuno isn’t giving as good as they get. 

 Their big #3 is impressive. Not by Nationals standards - he’s not Aran and definitely not Sakusa - but not bad. A double block is child's play for his power and he even slams through less solid triples. #8 is completely overshadowed by Osamu as a middle, but that’s not surprising. He’s decent enough. Their captain and libero really are pretty fantastic on floor defence, although Rintarou doesn’t think he’s seen the captain attack once. Their coach seems to be being ordered around by the pretty manager. He does as she instructs and swaps their players in and out. They might look like a wild and rowdy bunch, but Rintarou is reminded of what Komori said about Karasuno and Coach Ukai; he made teams of misfits and when they worked, they were unstoppable.

 The game goes to full sets until Karasuno finally clinches it 37-35. 

 Everyone is exhausted and breathing hard when the ball finally hits the court. The team in white left a while ago and Rintarou thinks he sees them warming up on the far side of the arena. Hoshiumi lets out a deep breath and collapses against the back of Rintarou’s seat.

 “That was too tense,” he groans. “I can’t take it.” 

 “You’re starting to sound like Bokuto,” Sakusa says. 

 “That’s one each,” Karasuno’s captain says at the net down below.

 “Let’s do it again in the finals next year,” Wakutani’s captain says. 

 It’s when the Karasuno team are lining up to thank the audience that Rintarou realises Karasuno has no cheering section or banner. They’re completely alone. Their coach walks away quickly and the manager takes over organizing the team. They head out together, all in black and Rintarou stands. 

 “Rin-tan?” Komori says.

 “I have to see them,” Rintarou says. 

 “Me too,” Hosiumi says but Hirugami pulls him back to his seat. “Sachirou?” 

 “Shiratorizawa’s first game will be starting soon,” Hirugami says. “We should see how they’re playing. Karasuno will play them this afternoon.”

 Rintarou is grateful at least someone has some delicacy. He heads down the steps and back into the main floor, searching for the black jackets of Karasuno. He finds them after five minutes or so of searching. They’re actually with Wakutani - making quite a sight as their black mixes with the pink and white - sharing food between them. They all look exhausted and some of Wakutani are in tears, but they’re smiling through it. 

 And Rintarou realises Karasuno has found their rivals. 

 “Don’t you guys have to go watch Shiratorizawa?” one of them says.

 “What are we gonna learn?” Atsumu laughs. “That Ushiwaka’s smacking the ball like a demon?”

 “We’ve got our own monsters to match though,” Karasuno’s baldy laughs. “You twins and Noya are gonna destroy him, right?”

 “Y’know even when we were playing at Nationals, we’ve never beaten Shiratorizawa?” Osamu says.

 Atsumu huffs. “Been two fuckin’ years since we last lost to him an’ he still plays the same damn way.”

 “We’re going to be here cheering you on though,” Wakutani’s captain says. “If only to keep these bentos coming.”

 “We should see about some practice matches next year,” Karasuno’s captain says.

 “We’d love to,” he replies.

 “Ah, we’ve got our own Little Giant joining us next year if the twins get their way,” the libero says.

 “Right, the spunky shortie with the jump from the Inter-Middle?” baldy says. “He’s coming to Karasuno?”

 “He wants to be the next Little Giant,” Osamu says.

 “He just sucks at the moment,” Atsumu laughs.

 “Rin-tan?” Rintarou turns to Komori, who smiles. “You ok, Rin-tan?”

 Rintarou shoves his hands in his pockets and nods. “We don’t need things like memories.”

 “Oh,” Komori says, tilting his head to consider the group. “Is that why you lost? Because you’re too stuck in the past? And they've let go and are thriving, huh? Sounds too thematic for my liking.”

 “Maybe,” he says, tilting his head. “Hoshiumi? Do you want to go declare your rivalry now?”

 “Karasuno!” Hoshiumi yells, appearing between them. 

 Of course none of them would actually wait in the stands. Hirugami sighs behind them. Karasuno and Wakutani turn. The twins jerks up to their feet and everyone is staring as Hoshiumi grins and stomps over to the two teams.

 “You guys are interesting,” he declares, hands on his hips. “Make sure you kick Ushijima’s ass and come to Nationals, ok? I want to beat you guys and those damn twins.” He grins and points at Wakutani. “You guys are interesting too, so do your best too. Next year. Don’t lose to anyone but me from here!”

 “Who’s this guy?” Karasuno’s baldy snaps.

 “Hoshiumi Kourai,” Atsumu says, subtly putting himself in front of Osamu. Rintarou doesn’t even feel the sting of rejection at the move, it’s just acknowledging what Rintarou had been starting to suspect for a while; they’re just not part of the twins’ small, private world anymore. “He’s an old friend.” He glances back at the trio waiting back. “They all are.”

 “Huuuuh? More city boys-”

 “Tanaka,” their silver haired #2 sighs. “Stop calling people that. It’s embarrassing.”

 “Don’t worry about it,” Komori says pleasantly. “We don’t tend to be offended by the words of a team who can’t even reach prefectural finals.”

 Baldy bristles. “Who the hell-”

 “The libero the reigning champions and All-Japan Youth candidate,” Karasuno's libero says. 

 “Hi,” Komori says with a wave. “Itachiyama’s Komori Motoya, at your service. Sakusa is watching Wakatoshi play.”

 “Hirugami Sachirou from Kamomedai,” Hirugami says with a polite nod. “And our upcoming ace, Kourai-kun.”

 “Upcoming?!” Hoshiumi snaps. 

 “Suna Rintarou, Inarizaki,” Rintarou says. 

 “They’re all national level powerhouses,” Wakutani’s captain says.

 “Inarizaki?” Karasuno’s ace says, blinking at the twins. “So, you three would have been team mates?” 

 Osamu tilts his head away and Rintarou really hates how guilty he looks. “Sunarin-”

 “Don’t look at me like you’ve done me wrong somehow,” Rintarou says. Osamu brings his arm to his chest, holding his wrist gingerly - a nervous tick he’s never had before. “I want to win and Inarizaki is a real contender. It’s the best place for me to grasp the title without having to work with this smug bastard and his asshole ace of a cousin.”

 “I think you like me, Rin-tan,” Komori laughs. 

 “Then why are ya here?” Atsumu snaps.

 “Maybe I wanted to see what kind of state you’d got yourselves in that you couldn’t meet us at Nationals for two years now,” Rintarou says.

 Atsumu growls and moves further in front of Osamu. “If yer here to rub our noses in it, Sunarin-

 “Never mind that,” Hoshiumi snaps, getting Atsumu’s attention back on him. “Hurry up and come back to us, you idiots. We’re waiting to beat you! We’ve got to at least do that before high school’s over!”

 “Ya'd need high school to last another fifty years for that,” Atsumu sighs, waving his hands. “Be grateful we’re in one the only prefectures capable of keeping us out of Nationals or we’d be humiliating ya just as much in high school as we did in middle school.”

 “But you are in Miyagi,” Komori says. “Ah, so your humiliating defeats to Wakatoshi are a little less public, right? You should be glad too.”

 “Well, I think that’s enough pleasantries,” Hirugami says. “We’re staying to watch your second match, Karasuno. Good luck. Kourai-kun.”

 Hoshiumi stomps after Hirugami. The Karasuno and Wakutani captains herd their teams away to the stands to finish their food. Wakutani promises they'll stay and cheer Karasuno on and that they should meet the captain’s family. Rintarou watches them trudging away. They’re a good team. The twins are in a good place. And sure, Rintarou’s a little disappointed it’s not at Inarizaki. With Inarizaki. With him. But they’re a good team. The twins deserve that. He’s never forgotten how vile Yako had been. He’s never forgotten them wishing Atsumu dead. And he’s certain this team and these rivals never would.

 “Rin-tan?” Komori calls. 

 Atsumu and Osamu are lingering and Rintarou sighs. “Call Aran-kun, idiot twins. He’s worried about you. His number hasn’t changed.”

 The twins nod and Rintarou turns away. Komori smiles sympathetically and drapes his arm over his shoulder as they head back to the stands. No one says anything more about the encounter. What is there to say? They twins don’t need to hide from their team with other monsters any more. They’re not scary beasts who overwhelm everyone around them anymore. Rintarou is happy for them, even if it’s a little bittersweet. And he does his best not to watch the pink, black and white group sitting on the other side of the arena high in the stands too much.

 Shiratorizawa wins in no time. Even at quarter final level, there’s barely any resistance to Ushijima’s ridiculous power. 

 Unsurprisingly, the semi-final will be Karasuno vs Shiratorizawa.

 Atsumu is complaining when Karasuno heads onto the court. He has knee pads in hand and dumps them on the bench before heading to warm up again. Atsumu never wears pads. Neither of the twins ever had. Osamu is in long knee pads and arm sleeves, hiding so much of him, and that seems like a normal thing from what they've seen so far. But that Atsumu has knee pads out too is interesting.

 “You’re looking thoughtful,” Komori says.

 “Knee pads,” Hoshiumi says.

 “You noticed that too?” Rintarou says.

 “He never wears them,” he says. 

 It’s weird the things you notice about your opponents.

 “He’s worried about Tendou-san,” Hirugami says. They turn to him and Hirugami gestures to Shirotizawa’s most annoying blocker. “I think he’s expecting to be setting beneath the block a lot this match.”

 Rintarou wrinkles his nose. “This disgusting set.”

 He vividly remembers the first time he saw it in his second year. Atsumu dropped beneath his block and turned a perfect stuff block into a set for Osamu on completely the opposite side of the court. Of course he’s perfected it since then. Rintarou has seen a few setters try to copy the move, very few find any kind of success. Because it’s not just skill that allowed Atsumu to set like that. It takes a lot of dedication and guts to throw yourself to your knees beneath a block to save a ball and get it up to your hitter.

 “Good luck, idiots,” Rintarou mutters as the teams step onto the court.