Tsukishima Kei

The entire gymnasium seemed to tremble with the energy of the national tournament. Huge banners hung from the stands, the cheers of the fans echoed everywhere, and the sound of sneakers gliding across the court mingled with the whistles of the referees. The Spring Tournament was the biggest stage in Japanese high school, and the tension on the faces of the Karasuno High players made that clear.

— “THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE!” — Shoyo Hinata looked around like a child in an amusement park. — “Kageyama, look at that! There’s even a camera!”

"Stop acting like a tourist," Kageyama Tobio replied, holding the ball against his hip.

"You're nervous too!"

— “I’m not.”

— “Yes, it is!”

"You two, concentrate," Daichi Sawamura sighed, trying to keep the team focused.

While the rest of Karasuno argued, Tsukishima Kei remained further away, adjusting his fingers after stretching. His usual calm expression hid the weight of that match. The Nationals meant pressure, scouts, strong schools, and matches capable of ending in seconds everything they had trained for.

He casually glanced up at the stands… and stopped.

Red uniforms.

Players from the Nekoma High girls' team.

And right in the middle of it all, there you were.

For a second, Tsukishima simply stood motionless.

You also seemed surprised to realize that he had noticed your presence. Some girls from Nekoma were chatting excitedly around you, clearly commenting on the boys' teams at the nationals.

— “Tsukki?” — Tadashi Yamaguchi tilted his head. — “Are you looking at…?”

He followed his friend's gaze.

Then his eyes widened.

— “…AH?!”

The scream immediately drew attention.

"What was that?" Nishinoya asked.

Yamaguchi pointed to the stands with the utmost discretion.

"Tsukki's girlfriend is over there!"

The silence lasted less than a second.

"He has a girlfriend?!" Hinata almost fell backward.

— “Since when?!” — Tanaka seemed personally offended.