It was another fair-weathered day near the final days of April. It was so pleasant outside that the teachers had the school windows opened. Every breeze lifted the spirits of the students, causing them to literally perk up from the fresh air. By the time lunch came around, there was a general mood of positivity throughout the school.

Hitoka turned her chair around to face Himeko's desk. The two girls pulled out their bentos, setting up their lunches for the day. Himeko had been looking forward to lunch all day. She packed a little extra treat for herself. Her uncle made daifuku last night and she was able to pack a couple in her bento.

Himeko glanced up from her bento to see what Hitoka had brought that day.

Right away, Himeko noticed that Hitoka's lunch was different from normal.

Hitoka's mother was a busy businesswoman. She worked a lot of long hours, and as a consequence, Hitoka picked up a lot of the house chores. Himeko could relate since she had to do the same when she lived with her father since he was usually too busy during play season... and outside the season with training... He was generally very busy. Himeko and Hitoka ended up making their own school lunches—and lunches for their parents.

Hitoka's lunch was normally healthy, light, and rarely had meat. Hitoka wasn't opposed to meat in general, but she had a hard time digesting it and so refrained when she could.

That day, however, there was an abundance of rolls and meatballs. It smelled amazing, but the overload of meat was curious.

Himeko gestured to her lunch with her chopsticks. "How come, um, you made all that?"

"Oh, um, I stayed up late watching Midnight Diner," Hitoka answered with a small giggle. She brushed back some of her short blonde hair. "I wanted to replicate something I saw on there, and, well..."

"Ooooh! I've wanted to—to, um, do that sometimes too," Himeko said with a big smile. "The stuff they show on food shows always looks so out of this world good."

"I know, right? Whether it's that, Iron Chef, or—"

"Ghibli," they said at the same time.

"I would give my left foot to try anything from Spirited Away or Howl's Moving Castle. It looks so much better there than in real life," Himeko said with a longing sigh. She rested her cheek on her right hand, staring out the window.

How amazing would it be to live in a Ghibli movie?

Everything was great in those movies. They even made house chores look relaxing. Cleaning looked invigorating.

Reality could not be more different. Himeko didn't mind the house chores—they were a fact of life—yet she wouldn't miss them if she never had to do them again. She was grateful her father preferred a quiet life and a small house, in spite of his status and income. She couldn't imagine having to maintain anything bigger than what she grew up with. A few of her uncles lived in absurd luxury that made Himeko nervous whenever she visited. Even their tables looked more expensive than everything in Himeko's bedroom.

If Himeko were in a Ghibli movie she'd definitely live in a cottage far away from the city.

I wonder which one I'd want to live in? Howl's Moving Castle? Totoro? Cat's Return...? Maybe all of them?

Hitoka placed a meatball in Himeko's lunch, smiling as she did so. It drew Himeko's attention with its spicy-sweet smell. "Hehe. I know these are that good, but I hope you still like them!"

"Thank you!" Himeko beamed. "I'm sure I will. W-Would you, um, like some of my apple slices?"

"Yes please! I know cutting it into a rabbit doesn't magically change the flavor, but I swear it does taste better," Hitoka said earnestly as she plucked a rabbit-sliced apple from Himeko's bento.

Himeko tapped the tips of her chopsticks against her lips. "Yeah... You know those big fancy bentos you see on T.V. from Tokyo?"

"Ekiben?"

"Yeah! I've always wanted to make one but it's so much food."

Hitoko nodded. "Yeah. I don't think I could eat one by myself. But they look really pretty."

Himeko sighed longingly. "I bet the ones in Tokyo taste amazing."

"I wanna go to Tokyo."

"Me too."

They both sighed.

დ

The Karasuno Boys' Volleyball Team always practiced in the same gym. It was a nice gym with polished wooden floors, a high ceiling, and all the equipment they could need. It was separate from the main school building, and it was smaller than the main gym. Only the boys' volleyball team used that gym, a right that was earned when the team won a national tournament a few years back. They were the only school team to make it to a national league, so the principle gave them exclusive rights to the gym.

There were other sports teams at Karasuno, but none of them really needed the gym as consistently. Mostly because the teams rarely practice. Or at least that was what Himeko heard second-hand from other students. The track and soccer teams were good about practicing every day, but neither needed a gym so it was a non-issue.

Himeko had checked out the track team, but their hours clashed with the boys' volleyball team so she chose not to pursue it.

That was fine. She'd find something else. She didn't want to rush it.

After the volleyball team had finished their warm-ups Mr. Takeda gathered everyone up. Himeko quite liked him. He had a kind, child-like face and always spoke softly. Because of his sincere, and sweet demeanor, he was easy to approach. Himeko was grateful someone like him was in charge of the boys' volleyball team. Better him than a drill sergeant!

Once everyone had gathered, the brunette cleared his throat. The demure teacher had an excited glint in his eyes. "We're doing it again this year, aren't we? Golden Week Training Camp."

A training camp? Himeko perked up. She hadn't been to one of those before.

"Yes," said Daichi. The captain folded his arms across his chest. "We still need a lot of practice."

"One more thing. For the last day of Golden Week, I've arranged a practice match."

"Awesome!"

"Woo!"

"Who's our opponent?"

"A venerated school in Tokyo, Nekoma High School. They call themselves Neko."

Shōyō tilted his head. "Neko?"

"Our former coach and theirs were rivals. Karasuno and Nekoma faced each other a lot, you could call them our destined rivals."

"Whoa, how cool!" Shōyō cooed.

"Tokyo, huh?" Ryūnosuke grinned viciously. "I'll smash those city boys to pieces."

The way he had pronounced city boys in English made it sound more like shitty boys. Himeko couldn't tell if he was doing it on purpose or not, given his energetically aggressive demeanor and mocking tone.

Kei Tsukishima let out a small heh. "He said shitty boys."

"Shut the hell up, Tsukishima!"

დ

Himeko didn't think they'd have anything else new or exciting come their way until the training camp.

She was proven wrong the very next day by Mr. Takeda.

"Huddle up. Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Ukai who will be our coach starting today."

Mr. Ukai was a tall man with dyed beach-blond hair pulled back in a headband. He had a rough appearance to him with sharp eyes, a ruggedly handsome face. He had a relaxed confidence to him that reminded Himeko of some trouble-makers at her previous school.

Surprisingly, it was a man that Himeko recognized. He ran the convenience store at the foot of the hill between the school and her aunt's gym. She had only ever spoken to the man in passing whenever she or Shōyō bought something from his store.

It was a shock—an obvious shock—for him to become their coach. Himeko wasn't the only student caught off guard, as the others slowly started to approach the coach with equally flabbergasted expressions.

Daichi blinked rapidly. "C-Coach? Really?"

"Only 'til the match against Nekomana," Mr. Ukai said flatly.

Ryūnosuke gaped. "But this is the guy from Sakanoshita Shop. He's supposed to be a coach?"

"He's an alumni," said Mr. Takeda. "He's the grandson of Coach Ukai."

"EH?!"

Coach Ukai. Some upperclassmen had sparingly told Himeko about him. He was a famous coach. He brought the team to the Nationals and even led them to victory. He was the coach when Shōyō's idol—the Little Giant—was on the team. Last year he was forced into retirement after encountering some heart issues.

Himeko chewed on her bottom lip. She didn't see how being related to someone of athletic renown made much of a difference.

Her father was famous in the basketball world. His team had won numerous awards and championships. Even now he was regularly scouted. He didn't have much more seasons left in him—his knees simply could not keep up the way they used to in his youth—but he was remarkable. Legendary.

Heck, by the time he was Himeko's age, he was already part of the Generation of Miracles along with her uncles.

He was amazing.

Himeko didn't inherit that same genius.

When she was younger, she tried her hand at basketball, but every time she fell short of what people expected of her—

Well.

There was a reason why she didn't play basketball in school.

No one could be disappointed if she wasn't there, right?

Thankfully, her father was very supportive. He never pushed her after she said no. Not that he had much of a chance. He was a busy man. Practices ran long and, well... Himeko had always been able to stay with Tōru's family after school.

She understood the team's knee-jerk reaction of awe for Mr. Ukai's bloodline, but Himeko didn't see how it really mattered. All it meant was that he had a grandfather who was good at something, and now people expected him to be just as good.

Shōyō ran up to Mr. Ukai, his cinnamon eyes wide. "But that's not the name on your store."

"The store's named after my mother's side of the family," said Mr. Ukai. He put his hands on his hips. "We got no time to waste. Let's get started. I want to see what you guys are made of. The game will start at 6:30. The opponents have already been invited."

"Huh? Opponents?" Daichi asked.

"The Karasuno Neighborhood Association Team."

დ

The Karasuno Neighborhood Association Team turned out to be a few young men—alumni of Karasuno from what Himeko gathered—who were polite and cheerful. Only four of them had been able to show up, so Mr. Ukai had a couple of the boys join them.

In fact, one of them was someone Himeko hadn't met before.

Asahi Azumane.

He was a tall boy with long brown hair he kept in a bun. He was Karasuno's previous ace, but left the team for reasons Himeko didn't yet know. He had been hanging around the gym when Shōyō spotted him, loudly greeted him, and unintentionally caused Mr. Ukai to notice the student. From there, Mr. Ukai forced Asahi to join the game.

A good thing too. It looked like Asahi really got into it. He seemed very happy to play.

Himeko loved to watch them play.

It was dark by the time practice ended. The gym had that familiar stench of sweat that Himeko had come to associate with volleyball. It wasn't foul or anything, just there. As Himeko gathered up the volleyballs to put away—the Association had already left—she heard the squeak of shoes on the floor as someone ran over to her.

"Hime," sung Shōyō, hopping over to her side.

"Ah," said Himeko. "Actually, um! Shōyō, can you do me a favor?"

"Sure," he said. "What's up?"

Himeko smiled anxiously. "Um, there's a sale today at Karada Ai and the store closes at nine—"

"Say no more!" said Shōyō. "I'll get ya there in ten minutes, let me go change real quick."

"Thank—" Himeko was about to say more but Shōyō was already zooming off. She wouldn't have thought to ask for such a favor—especially since she knew her friend had to be tired after playing such a rigorous game, but the sale was way too good to miss out on. Two for one sale on the lotions she needed, in addition to half-off prices for makeup she's had her eye on for the past month.

She had been half tempted to skip practice to go, but her sense of responsibility refused to let her do that.

It was already eight, and the store was a solid ten-minute jog away. She didn't want to go by herself in the dark.

"Where are you going?" asked Tobio.

"Karada Ai. They've got a, um, huge sale going on t-today and tomorrow. I'm afraid if I wait until t-tomorrow though, they'll get swamped and, um, I, um, don't do well with huge crowds," said Himeko, already feeling anxious at the thought. The store wasn't very big, so if there was a crowd it'd be more tightly packed than sardines in a can. She could barely tolerate tournaments; she really didn't want to have to deal with that stress if she could avoid it.

Tobio frowned. "Oh. I'll go with you two."

"Huh? Really?"

"Yeah, I need more chafe cream," he said. "If it's that good of a sale better buy in bulk."

"What's going on?" asked Daichi.

"Sale at Karada Ai," explained Tobio.

Daichi's eyes widened. "Wow, really? I need more body spray. You guys leaving now?"

"Um, the store closes at nine—"

Daichi turned around a let out a sharp whistle, drawing everyone's attention. "Hey! Sale at Karada Ai. Group of us already going, anyone else coming with?"

"Hell yeah!" Ryūnosuke exclaimed. "Need more spray!"

"Is it, um, okay if I come with—?" sheepishly asked Asahi Azumane.

"'Course it is, dummy," said Yū. "Since you're coming back, you'll need to get new stuff, right?"

Asahi smiled nervously. "Yes... thank you..."

დ

To Himeko's flustered astonishment, nearly the entire volleyball team accompanied her to Karada Ai. She had never gone shopping with such a huge group. Especially a rambunctious group. They entered the store, still loudly chatting excitedly about the game and their upcoming match with Nekorama. The store clerks gave them wide berth, warily eyeing the teenaged boys as if they were rabid animals.

"Wow this shit smells great—"

"Watch your language—"

"Hime I don't know what to get," Shōyō said nervously, holding two different types of deodorants. "My mom's always shopped for me."

"Well, which smell do you like best?" Himeko asked.

"I have no idea," he whispered, eyes wide like a deer in headlights. It was such a strange look to see on him—he was normally so confident, brazen, and energetic. Himeko couldn't help but giggle, finding it endearing.

"They have sample smells. Give it a sniff first," she encouraged.

"What do you think the Little Giant would have picked?"

"He would have picked what he liked best."

"Yeah, and which do you think that was?"

Himeko nudged him. "Doesn't matter. Pick what you like."

"Pick the ocean one, you're salty enough to go with it," Tsukishima snarked as he picked out a tub of chafing cream. The tall blond adjusted his glasses as he smirked.

"Shut up jerk-face," Shōyō snapped. "You should get the sour one 'cause that's all you are!"

"Chihuahuas sure can bark, huh?"

"Grrr—"

"Ahahaha, c-come on Tsuki," Tadashi nervously laughed as he tugged Tsukishima away. "Help me over here, okay?"

Shōyō stuck his tongue out at their retreating backs. He then looked back down at the bottles he had picked out.

"Hiiimeee," Shōyō whined. "I really don't know what to choose. Can you please pick?"

Himeko smiled. "Okay... um... here, what about this one?"

It was something he hadn't previously picked out. Himeko knew the brand—it was the same her father and uncles used as what was recommended by their dermatologist—and as soon as she saw the suggested smell she thought of Shōyō. A combination of orange and cinnamon with other warm, spicy scents. She knew the brand wouldn't make it overpowering, yet it would stay strong enough to last throughout the day and sometimes even a practice session.

Shōyō set the other options down to accept the one she picked out. His eyebrows were raised, he had clearly not expected her suggestion. "Huh? How come this one?"

"Because it'd be warm. And when I think of you, I think of warmth," said Himeko with a smile.

Shōyō stared at her with a blank expression, until suddenly he doubled over and clutched at the bottle close to his chest. He made an odd noise then said, "I'mgettingeverythinginthissmellforever."

He turned and sprinted away, and while Himeko could not see his face, she thought the tips of his ears were a little red.

"Oi, Kuroko," said Ryūnosuke. "Which do you think Kiyoko would like best? This one, or this one?"

"Ooo, maybe this one?" Yū enthusiastically asked. The two boys were shoving a variety of different smelling things in Himeko's face.

"Um," she said, taking an involuntary step back. "Um. K-Kiyoko is r-really clean-kept and organized so, um..." Himeko tried to think back to if she ever smelled something on Kiyoko. The few times they were in proximity she would occasionally get a whiff of something subtly floral. It wasn't anything identifiable—nothing obvious like roses or lavender. "Something subtle? Like, um..." she hesitantly pointed to a few oft hem.

"You really don't have to indulge them," sighed Daichi, picking out some body spray near her.

"We're a, um, a team, right? Teammates h-help each other," said Himeko.

Yū cheered. "Yes, yes, yes! What she said. Woo, thanks!"

"Make sure to get more foot spray," said Daichi. "We don't want a repeat of the last training camp."

Yū laughed loudly. "Aww my shoes weren't that bad."

"Yes, they were."

დ

May 1st after school, Himeko started to pack for the training camp. It had been what felt like a short week already. Not only did Karasuno get a new coach, but their ace and libero had returned to the team. Asahi and Yū were friendly people, if on different spectrums. Yū had as much energy and enthusiasm as Shōyō, although he was much cruder. Asahi was surprisingly shy despite his appearance.

Himeko was beyond stoked to finally go on the training camp. She had never been to one and was always envious of Tōru and Hajime when they got to go. She hated being left behind.

Now she'd get to participate. Five whole days of just spending time with the team! Maybe they could become better friends?

She felt like she was getting along with them better and better. If they saw Himeko in the hallways, they'd always say hi to her. It made her really happy.

Himeko never imagined how great it felt to have so many people acknowledge her in a friendly manner.

If she was this happy now, how happier would she be when they were all officially friends...?

It made her giddy with hope.

The training camp would be the first step to that.

Excitedly, she bounced around her bedroom, hopping from one foot to another. She had a face-mask on to soothe her skin—something she started to do once a week—and her hair soaking in a conditioner wrap. The blue-haired girl was bubbling with joyous energy, eager for tomorrow to come.

Without thought, Himeko found herself reaching for her phone. She had a strong reflex to share the good news with Tōru and Hajime.

She had already pulled out her phone and was ready to send a message when she paused.

Her urge to share was purely instinctive. Whenever she had great news, she always told them. It was the first time since the move that she was so elated and she wanted to share that ecstatic energy with them.

Yet the whole purpose of her transition was to distance herself from Tōru. She was meant to focus on herself not him.

If she reached out to him again... woudln't that be counterproductive?

But...

After talking with him, seeing him again...

She didn't want to lose him permanently.

He was her best friend for most of her life.

She wanted to love him like a friend and reciprocate his affections.

Friends didn't not talk to each other, right...?

Himeko chewed on her bottom lip, indecisive.

"I can't talk to him every day," she said quietly to herself. She simply could not allow that to happen because she knew that'd pull her right back down to the hole she had only just escaped.

She had been okay to stay in contact with Hajime. But she felt like if she only kept talking to Hajime, Tōru would be even more hurt. She already felt bad about ignoring him for so long.

She didn't know what to do.

She wanted to share the good news. She wanted to keep Tōru and Hajime in her life for the big things at least.

But she was afraid that if she let Tōru even a smidgen back in...

Her phone started to ring. She let out a small eep of surprise, rushing to answer it. It was already almost ten, so who could—?

"Did I wake you?"

Himeko blinked in surprise. "Dad? N-No. What's going on?"

"Nothing," said Tetsuro. "Are you doing okay?"

"Um, yeah, I, um..." Himeko trailed off. "I'm going to a training camp tomorrow."

"Oh? Are you packed?"

"Not yet, um... I started to pack now. How's America?"

"The same."

Silence.

"... Dad?"

"Yes?"

"I have... can I..." Himeko stumbled. "Please advise?"

"On what?"

"Relationships."

"Oh no. One moment." Himeko gripped her phone as she heard the sound of her dad talking quickly to someone in the background. She recognized Uncle Taiga's voice as well as Uncle Seijūrō. She knew Uncle Taiga would be in America, but hearing Uncle Seijūrō was a surprise.

"—she's too young for that, what do you mean she's asking about that?"

"—I don't know what to say, what do I say—?"

"—Who is it? That smug brat next door? I told you to lock her window!—"

"—No, no, they had a falling out I think—"

"—Good! She's too young to date. What, she's in elementary school, right?—"

"—No?—"

"—Really? Middle—?"

"High school."

"WHAT. THAT'S TERRIBLE. WHY ISN'T SHE HERE WITH US?!"

"—didn't want to—"

"GIVE ME THAT PHONE!"

"No."

"—Give me the phone." / "I SAID GIVE ME—"

"Shouldn't I be the one to give her advice—?"

"—Damn it, don't give it to him, he'll give her psychotic advice!"

"—I will not—"

Himeko sighed, torn between wanting to hang up and wanting to politely wait. It was surprising when she heard more of her uncles pop up, along with some of her aunts. It devolved rapidly into a yelling match that was entirely unrelated to the original issue. After ten minutes of waiting and no sign of them stopping, she hung up.

Himeko washed herself, changed into pajamas, and pulled out her duffle bag to start packing. Her father called her back.

He apologized. "Sorry. What's going on, Hime?"

"I left for a change of pace," said Himeko quietly. "I'm afraid if I talk to Ru I'll go back to how it was."

Her was silent for a minute. When he spoke, he kept a quiet, soothing tone. "That's up to you, Hime. Do you have the confidence to stay on your own path, or do you think you'll be pulled to a different one? Only you know that answer."

"I'm afraid to find out."

"Don't be afraid. Have faith in yourself and give it some thought. You know the answer already."

"Thanks, Dad."

"You're welcome," he said. "Are you doing okay in school?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Let me know if anything changes. I won't keep you, since I know it's late there. I'll call you next weekend and we can video, okay?"

"Okay. Love you."

"Love you, too."

Himeko heard a chorus of love yous from the background. Some in a mocking tone. Some with sincerity. Very standard for her uncles and aunts.

Dad's right.

That was the real question, wasn't it?

Did Himeko think she'd crumple from interacting with Tōru in any capacity? Or could she keep herself together and not be swayed? She sat on her bed, staring at her phone for several minutes as she thought.

She couldn't talk to him every day. That was a no brainer. That's what she did previously and she needed to keep that habit broken for now.

Himeko unlocked her phone.

He was still her best friend. She still wanted him and Hajime to be apart of her life.

She couldn't do every day.

But she could do the big things. The important things.

[Group Message: Setting Ducks]

Himeko: hi

Himeko: I'm going to my first training camp tomorrow! It's for five days

Hajime: grats!

Tōru: Oooooo

Tōru: make sure to pack a heating pad

Hajime: ^ and compression socks

Himeko: I don't think *I'll* be doing much training.

Tōru: It'll be multiple nights

Tōru: right?

Himeko: yeah

Tōru: the beds usually suck. Heating pack for your neck or anywhere else you wake up sore

Himeko: oooh

Himeko: Okay, I'll bring them. Thanks!

Hajime: u'll also b standing a lot more than usual

Hajime: the comp socks will help with swelling

Himeko: :( you guys seemed to have a lot of fun on your camps, were they actually bad?

Tōru: It's fun for the players.

Hajime: ye it's fun but it's also training

Tōru: Do you have better shoes?

Himeko: ?

Tōru: or are you still using those crappy ones from last year?

Himeko: D: they weren't crappy

Himeko: Dad got me new shoes this year

Hajime: did he pick them out?

Himeko: Yes

Tōru: Good. He'd get you practical ones.

Himeko: and my last pair weren't???

Hajime: they were shit

Tōru: they were shit

Himeko: ;;;;;;

Tōru: What else are you packing?

Himeko smiled to herself.

დ

This story might have multiple endings. We'll see how it grows.

Answer: Vanilla ice cream and fries. When I was in high school there was a fast food place across the parking lot where I'd order one milkshake with one thing of fries and that'd be my lunch lol.

Question: What's a must-have for you to bring on any training camp / vacation / thing-that-forces-you-out-of-the-house-for-days?

Reviews are love!