The air was crisp and cool. With each exhale, a cloud of breath left her lips and brushed against the top of her nose. Dried leaves crunched under her steps as she paced back and forth, ignoring the delicate flurries pattering down from the sky.

Emiko read over the text message Hinata sent. For some reason, she felt like this was done on purpose. It wouldn't be the first time her orange-haired friend had something sneaky up his sleeve.

"Say, Tobio," she called over her shoulder, "you saw him yesterday, right? Did he look sick?"

"No, he was fine." Kageyama played catch by himself with the volleyball. "But he didn't wear a jacket after training. Stupid Hinata."

"Shut it, he's my favourite. He's not stupid."

"Stupid," Kageyama murmured. Then, much louder, "Stupid."

Emiko rolled her eyes and sent Hinata a get well soon text. She figured that was better than blaming him for having ulterior motives. He had begged her to cancel plans with her friend Kyotani so they could hang out at the park today and teach her how to spike a volleyball. Now, here she was with Kageyama.

Hinata messaged her two minutes ago that he couldn't make it because he was 'burning up'.

"What are you doing here?"

Emiko looked up. Tsukishima was walking towards her. His head was covered by the hood of his jacket, but she could see his beady eyes judging her from behind his glasses. "Tsukki! My guy, what are you doing here?"

"I came on a walk. Needed to clear my head. What are you doing here?"

"Hinata ditched me. But forget about that, you sound like you're having an existential crisis. Fear not Tsukki, I am a certified life coach. I can guide you through this."

"No thanks," he murmured. He looked around at the empty park and then noticed Kageyama walking around aimlessly, setting the volleyball to himself. "I'm not interrupting a date, am I?"

Emiko gagged. "The only date you're interrupting is Tobio with his volleyball."

"Right."

"Anyway, you're here, I'm here. Let's chill."

"I'd rather not."

"Come on," Emiko whined. She dropped on the bench and patted the seat beside her. "I'm your manager, aren't I? We can't have you going to nationals with whatever it is still bothering you. Vent to me, come on, I'll help you."

Tsukishima was tempted to turn around and leave. He hadn't established that close of a friendship with Emiko yet and if she read half the things he said about her in the group chat between the second years, she'd definitely put him in a chokehold.

But she was reliable. He thought back to that day when they came across the article in Monthly Volleyball about Mirae. She was surprisingly mature about the ordeal.

"Fine," he sat down, "only because you're her friend."

Emiko blinked. Then, she cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled across the park. "Tobio! Don't come here, we're having a moment!"

Kageyama did the opposite. He sprinted towards them and then dropped down on Emiko's left side. "I want to be part of this moment too."

"I literally said don't come here, why are you such a weirdo?" Emiko tried and failed to push him away.

"I'm never included," he grumbled, "I want to have a moment too."

"You two are disappointments," Tsukishima narrowed his eyes and shifted away. "I'm leaving, you two can share a moment together."

"Absolutely not," Emiko clung onto his arm. She graced him with a beaming smile. "You can't leave without letting me have this moment. So, go on little Tsukki. What's been bothering you?"

"Don't call me little Tsukki," he snapped. He rubbed his eyes from behind his glasses and then sat back and stared at the sky. "I like Mirae and she doesn't like me."

"Oh." Emiko bit her lip. She knew this not-so-secretive secret.

"Huh?" Kageyama leaned over with a puzzled expression. "Huh? What? When did this happen?"

"God you're so oblivious."

"I've liked her since the first day of school."

Kageyama sputtered out nonsense. "But- protection? And the squad? How did this? What? And Akaashi told- but then yesterday? Huh?"

Emiko snorted. "We broke Tobio. Lol, this is great. We need another setter."

"Suddenly I don't feel like talking about this anymore. Goodbye."

Emiko grabbed his arm and pulled him down again with her entire weight. "No, please I need this moment. We'll behave, I swear." She turned her body and pointed a finger at Kageyama. "If you ruin this for me, I swear to God you're dead. Good luck setting a volleyball when I've bit off your wrists."

Kageyama abruptly sat on his hands.

"So you like Mirae. What's the problem?"

"The problem is that she doesn't like me."

"Says who?"

"Mirae."

Kageyama nodded his head. "That is a big problem."

"Wrists," Emiko snapped. He turned away from her, humming.

She rolled her eyes and turned back to Tsukki. "I had a conversation with her a while ago. I asked if the reason why she avoided you was because you weren't her type. She said and I quote, 'no, that's not it'. In conclusion you are her type."

"I thought Kindaichi was her type?" Kageyama asked.

Emiko turned around. She drew upon her ancestor's powers to muster the harshest glare she could at him.

"Don't blame him, it's true."

She whipped her head back and forth between the two. "No, no, no. I know my best friend and that charred onion is not her type."

Tsukishima sighed as he counted on his fingers. "Kindaichi doesn't intimidate her. He doesn't provoke her. He definitely makes her smile more. In conclusion, he's her type."

"He makes her smile the same way that Shoji makes her smile, and I can guarantee you that she doesn't have romantic feelings for him. Look, my dude, she's single. I heard with my own two ears that you are her type-"

"No," Kageyama interrupted, "she didn't give you a clear answer."

"Whose side are you on you loser?" Emiko pushed his shoulder and he nearly toppled onto the ground. "This is Tsukki we're talking about! He's handsome, he's funny, he's confident, he's smart, he's- he's, Tobio, quick, give me more adjectives."

"He's a boy."

"Yes, excellent observation." She face-palmed. "My point is that you have all the qualities that a good boyfriend would have. Mirae needs someone like you, not Kindaichi."

"But that is who she's interested in."

"That doesn't matter. He is not going to make his move. Trust me, it's part of who he is. And unless you see an engagement ring around her finger, she's fair game."

"Mirae is not a game." Kageyama leaned over again and nodded at Tsukishima. "I don't get along with Kindaichi because of our past in junior high. But he is a good guy. I also know Mirae, and if it's between you or him then it has to be you."

"Why?" Tsukki provoked. "What makes this my choice? My decision?"

"It's your decision because she hasn't chosen yet. Steer her in your direction dude, because she hasn't picked Kindaichi."

"You want me to manipulate her?"

"Hey, all's fair in love and war."

"I feel like I've already lost her." Tsukishima grabbed his phone from his pocket and turned it on. He showed a Snapchat to them. It was on Kindaichi's private story. He was holding up a peace sign at the camera. Mirae was sitting against the sofa in the background. Kunimi was leaning against her, wrapped in a yellow blanket so you could only see his eyes.

Emiko felt a pang in her chest. The three of them were hanging out without her again and she didn't know why this hurt. No, she did know. She wanted to be included because they were her friends too.

She scoffed and looked away. "Kunimi is with them too. They're not alone."

"Still. It won't work between us."

"Then stop complaining and move on," she snapped. The air stilled between them and even Kageyama shifted away. She ran a hand through her hair and apologized. "If it won't work between you two, then give up. Let her make her choice even if it takes ten years."

"It will take ten years," Kageyama nodded, "Kindaichi isn't the type to make a move. In junior high, he liked a girl, but he never did anything about it. Our classmate asked her out a while later and he got all sad about losing her. But he never did anything."

They chose to ignore him.

Tsukishima turned so his body was facing her's. He then asked, "What makes you think I have a chance?"

"Easy, love is about taking risks. You and Mirae are a risk."

"And that's a good thing?"

"That sounds unhealthy."

Emiko rolled her eyes. "My mom and dad married because it was the safest choice. My mom wanted to leave home and my dad needed a wife so he could please his parents. They met through friends and a week later were married. To this day I've never seen them even hold hands. It was the safest choice for their futures, a convenient arrangement. My mom could leave Japan and my dad's name was added to the family will."

Kageyama tapped her arm. "Are you okay?"

She flashed him a smile. "Never been better. My point is that Mirae doesn't need safety. There's no passion there. She needs someone who is the opposite of her."

"The opposite?"

"Tsukki," she grinned, "do you know what your problem is?"

"My problem?" he is asked feeling offended.

"Maybe you're in love. Do you know what love is?"

"I'd say it's when you're attracted to someone and you care for them. Though, I think you've got a different idea."

"Love is something that messes with your head. Hell, you can't go into the supermarket without thinking about them and wondering what snack to get them. You wake up smiling like an idiot in the morning because they're the first person that you think of. And sure, you have competition, but you know you have to run for it."

"That sounds irresponsible."

Emiko threw her head back and cackled.

"So what? Love makes you want to run into the rain and jump into puddles and track mud into your kitchen floors because there is no escaping it. You want to run through snow and let the winter air nip at your skin because you know their touch will warm you to the core. You can sing and scream and yell knowing that they can take it because they match your crazy and your passion."

"This is Mirae we're talking about."

"Come on," she rolled her eyes. "Maybe she's not the one you expected but that's the point! She's making you see things you never thought you could see, feel things you never thought you could feel. It's sudden and scary because you're anticipating heartbreak. That anticipation just means that there is passion, and where there is passion it means you care, and if you care then that heartbreak is just another hurdle to get over. It's another chapter in your story."

"You're saying love is an accident?"

"No. I'm saying you've accidentally fallen in love. Come on, doesn't that single moment of breathlessness make the danger worth it? She doesn't need diamonds or fancy dinners. She needs a love that is heart wrenching, different from her everyday encounters. Everyone has a past filled with people who betrayed them and Mirae is no different. You say your feelings are an accident and she won't like you back? I say you're wrong. Love is like a flame in your chest. So, make yourself noticeable with a bit of gasoline, a spark, and a match. Don't back down."

He sighed. "What if I'm not enough?"

"You won't be perfect for each other so don't go thinking there's a recipe for success. To win at this game, you need to be a genius and that entails being crazy. Crazy enough to risk everything, crazy enough to set the world on fire just to make them pissed off but daring enough to tame the flames so they never hurt her."

Emiko kicked her legs out. She didn't know if she was allowed to share this story but at the moment, with Tsukishima wanting to make a move, she figured it was necessary.

What Mirae didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

"Mirae was involved with a guy in her first year of high school. Before she came to Miyagi. I don't know the details, but I do know that he hurt her. I think that's why she's so cautious about relationships and why she's attracted to the idea of Kindaichi. He's safe, but it's an illusion."

"An illusion?" Kageyama asked. "What do you mean?"

"If Kindaichi messes up, he'll apologize and Mirae will forgive him because she won't want to fight. If she messes up, she'll apologize and he'll forgive her because he's predictable. Soon enough those little things they try to forgive and forget will pile up until they can't do anything but regret it. She needs someone who will force her to confront the issues."

He contemplated her answer and then stared at her with a bit of concern. It was rare for Emiko to say something that made sense. "Still," he mumbled, "I don't know if I can protect her from her past."

"You don't need to build a shelter for her Tsukki. You pick up those hypothetical bricks that have hurt her and face her with a cheeky grin as you chuck them at those responsible."

As Emiko and Tsukishima continued their conversation, Kageyama sat back and took in their words.

He found himself staring at Emiko's face; the way her brows would scrunch together and then pull up when she was surprised, the way she pouted her lips when she was thinking, the way she ran her hands through her hair.

Emiko was never safe. Ever since middle school, she was a nuisance that he could not get over. She was like a hurricane that came ripping through his world, causing chaos and changing everything, before she left.

He thought about her too much. That was a problem.

He couldn't even begin to count the number of tosses that were messed up because he wanted to make sure that she was watching him in the gym. It was embarrassing and no matter how much he tried, it was his body reacting without thinking.

And the number of times Hinata caught him smiling at his phone was embarrassing. He couldn't help it though, the pictures sent of her daily dramatics to the group-chat made him feel happy. It was the only way to describe the feeling.

Of course, they fought. Verbally and sometimes physically. It was a normal part of their relationship and he didn't hate it. It didn't make him feel guilty because the next day she would come bounding towards him with a goofy grin.

Kageyama looked down and noticed that his hand was reaching for hers. He snatched it back.

"Send her the text," Emiko nearly screamed. "Do it, I'm rooting for you. Hell, I'll pray to my ancestors if it'll make you feel better."

"What if she turns me down?"

"Then she turns you down, but trust me, she won't."

They spent the next few minutes hovering over his phone, typing, deleting, searching up synonyms and typing a message. Once Tsukishima hit send, he hid his phone in his pocket and stood up from the bench.

"Thanks. I'll let you know what she says."

"My ancestors are rooting for you!" Emiko grinned, offering him a thumbs up. Once Tsukki had left the park, she turned around and smacked Kageyama's shoulder.

"What?" he blinked.

"I want to go on the swings."

"So?"

"So," she grabbed his arm, sending a jolt of spark down his spine. She tugged him off the bench and started running to the swing set. "Tobio, come and push me! I'm too short so my feet won't touch the ground."

He stared at her figure. Her hair danced in the wind. She laughed over her shoulder and once she was at the swings she looked back at him. "Come on, what are you waiting for?"

Kageyama didn't have a choice. Dropping the volleyball, he ran towards her.

Kindaichi was not a violent person but he was tempted to yank his friend off the sofa and throw him outside in the cold.

He'd even take the blanket as a final petty move.

"Stop wallowing," he snapped. "Instead of infringing on our movie night, go and text her and figure all of this out."

Kunimi peaked out from under the blankets, lowering it enough to stick his tongue out and then quickly hide again.

"I'm going to take the blanket from you."

"Shut-up," he grumbled and leaned further into Mirae's side. "She's comforting me."

Kindaichi had to hold himself back from yelling. The smug look in Kunimi's eyes revealed too much and none of it showed that he was stressed or anxious.

He just wanted to infringe on their movie night.

"Let's fix his problem so he can leave."

Kunimi turned his body so that he was laying down on Mirae's lap. Kindaichi's face went red.

"She just needs some time," Mirae continued, oblivious to the death glares being sent between the two. "She's an idiot, you know that, and I know that. Sure, I was surprised when she admitted she liked both of you but it's nothing too crazy for someone like her."

"We can force her to pick, can't we?"

"No," Kunimi murmured, "we can't. Kageyama has a better chance with her."

"What makes you say that?"

"They both go to Karasuno," he grumbled. "He walks her to and from school. Even in junior high, she always gave him more attention. Face it, they'll date for a month and because it's Kageyama they'll break up and I won't be able to make my move for a full year."

"What?" Kindaichi frowned at the logic. "Why a year?"

"She'll need that time to cope." Mirae rolled her eyes. "Don't you remember last week's episode?"

"No, I remember. But Yua knew the guy since they were babies. Emiko met these two not even four years ago. She won't need that long. I have an idea," Kindaichi sat up, "she can date them both for a week straight. After the two weeks, she can choose which guy she liked better."

"This isn't the bachelorette," she patted Kunimi's head. "Not to mention, I know my best friend and Kageyama is not her type."

"Really?" his eyes widened. To Kindaichi's relief, he pulled away from her and sat up. "What makes you say that?"

"Emiko needs someone safe. She's insecure about a lot of things and the perfect guy for her has to be open and honest."

"I doubt she has thought that far ahead. If she wants a relationship, it's for the moment. It would fit her whole YOLO lifestyle."

"You know, my parents were like that." The smile on her face dropped. She began to wring her hands together. "They were young and took a risk despite being opposite in every way possible. They married and a couple years after my sister and I were born, they split up. They're still moving through the divorce to this day. My point is, they risked it on passion and teenage romance and now it's their biggest regret. Emiko is my friend and I don't want her to feel that way down the road. She needs someone safe."

Kunimi sat up and stared at her from under his bangs. "I'm going to be honest, I don't pay attention to Yua Loves Eichii. I'm only pretending to be invested so you guys don't yell at me. It's a terrible show, the plot is so predictable and it barely makes any sense half the time."

"Get to the point," Kindaichi snapped.

"How can you tell it's love and not some temporary lapse in judgement?"

"The hell do you mean lapse in judgement?"

"I don't know?" he shrugged and pulled the blankets tighter around himself. "I've had these feelings for months now but who knows? I could wake up tomorrow and be over it."

He was trying to sound nonchalant; his tale tell sign for being nervous.

Mirae bit her lip. She wanted to help and not just because he was her friend. Love was something that she always believed in.

As kids, her sister used to fall back in laughter and mock the princess movies where prince charming came to the rescue and everyone lived happily ever after. Her own mother in a drunken state of emotions and hard liquor seethed of love as an illness.

There had to be exceptions though. There had to be truths.

"Love is something that comes your way like a miracle when you think you're ready to give up," she said. Both boys stopped their bickering to stare at her. She shrugged and continued. "It could happen by chance, by fate, or destiny, I don't know. What I do know is that when you meet this person, everything you thought you could hold in and face alone, changes. Your emotions come bursting out. It's like your soul remembers more than you do. It's scary because the small trickles of affection become a hard downpour. When your eyes connect for the first time, you know this is it. It's them. They are your one in a million and you went through everything just to meet them. Some greater force intended for it and you know you can trust this."

"She did come in like a whirlwind," he nodded. "I never expected to meet her again. The thing is though, while I'm certain about my feelings for her, I don't know if she can feel the same for me."

"What makes you say that?"

"You speak of destiny and it makes me wonder if Emiko's destiny is impossible to align with mine. She's always struck me as the type of girl who pushes herself to go further and in the process, she leaves behind a lot of people. We're fine now I guess, but five or ten years down the road, we'll have changed. I don't know if I could keep up with her."

"Well you want her and you're not hiding it. Fate might take her away, but the bond you two have secured can change that. You can make your own destiny, Kunimi. Take control of what you want because you want it badly enough to know that when she falls for you, you'll be the safety net that catches her. It's not going to be easy, especially not with Emiko. You can try to push through but there will be tides against you. That's why there is an unknown force that helps. Take that leap of faith, knowing what you know, with the intention that these irrational feelings will be enough to help because you trust each other. If everyone else will hurt you, you know you won't hurt each other."

"No," Kindaichi interrupted with a shake of his head, "they'll definitely hurt each other. It'll be sarcastic comments and bluntness galore ending with a terrible breakup and a restraining order."

"He's right." Kunimi deadpanned. "I can't give her a compliment without including a mean jab. Besides, she just thinks of me as a friend."

"That's the ideal!" she threw her hands in the air. "Friends to lovers! It's the innocent relationship where you're both walking home and thinking a million things, desperately itching to say something but then that single moment where your fingers brush on accident, changes everything. It's suddenly enough to have them just there beside you. It's nice enough to have a friend. Then, you start spending more time together. Like, in the early mornings before your limbs are awake and late nights where your brain barely works. Silly questions lead to deeper intimate conversations and before you know it, you're leaning into each other and convincing yourself that it's because you're friends."

"Uh-huh," he drawled, "get to the lover part."

Mirae fought back a smile. "They know you, with all your flaws and perfections, and accept them. They make this almost sacred promise that it's you and it will always be you. They tease and torment you because your friendship is based on that innocent competitiveness. And sure, as you get older things change, but it's always them you come back to because they are your trust. They're your safety."

His brows were furrowed as he reflected on her words. They were friends. Good friends. He knew things about her and she knew things about him. What things? Well, lots of things. From silly trivia about each other's likes and dislikes to more serious conversations about school and family.

He teased her when he could because it made her laugh. She didn't laugh as much, he noticed. It was the stress she had said. They were on the roof underneath a moonless sky. Her eyes were closed, her nose was pink, her breath made a cloud of fog where it escaped her lips.

He wanted to keep her there forever where the worry lines faded from her skin. Then her phone rang and it was over.

"I was talking to Oikawa about this," Kunimi explained. "His advice really hit me in the face and that's why I asked her out."

"What'd he say?"

"Kunimi-chan!" Oikawa's face popped up on the screen. It was night time in Japan but Oikawa's skin was glowing bronze in the sunlight somewhere in Argentina. His phone was propped up somewhere on a sandy beach and Oikawa was lying down on his chest, holding up peace signs. "My favourite Kohai has decided to call his favourite senpai!"

"No," Kunimi grimaced. "I'm calling you because Hanamaki didn't pick up."

Oikawa blinked and then threatened to end the call. Both of them knew that he was bluffing.

"Anyway, what's up?"

Kunimi sighed, his eyes skimming over the notes he had written. None of it made sense and he couldn't read his own handwriting. "I need advice."

"Yes?"

"It's about Emiko."

"Yes!" he beamed, throwing a fist in the air. "Yes, you should definitely get married in a chapel! Make the colour theme purple, it'll match the both of you so well."

"I don't think she's Catholic."

"She can always convert."

"Oikawa-san," he narrowed his eyes, "I'm going to hang up now."

"No! Please don't do that, I'm sorry. I got sidetracked."

"Right." Kunimi realized he had to get to the point fast or this conversation would go in ten different directions. "I want to ask her out, but I don't want to ruin our friendship."

Silence, then, "That's dumb."

Kunimi raised an eyebrow. Oikawa stilled and apologized again.

"Kunimi-chan, she's a really pretty girl. She won't stay single forever. Make up your mind. Do you want her as your friend or as your girlfriend?"

"My girlfriend, obviously, but I don't want to ruin our friendship if it doesn't work out."

"Okay, then stay friends. No harm in that right?" Before he could answer, Oikawa screeched and shoved his face closer to the screen. "Wrong, Kunimi-chan! Wrong! If you stay as her friend, then she'll get a boyfriend who is not you. Then what? Can you make those jokes with her? Can you tease her? Can you have the same friendship with her that you do now without making her boyfriend jealous?"

"No-"

"Emiko will always prioritize her boyfriend over her friends. You'll have to step back. Oops, what just happened?" he gasped sarcastically, "Kunimi-chan you're no longer her friend. Your friendship is ruined!"

As Kunimi tried to come up with a retort, Oikawa's phone fell backwards and he heard a yell.

"Watch where you're spiking that ball!"

"Stay away from our court!"

Oikawa growled as he came back on screen. "Sorry Kunimi-chan, my teammates are being idiots. Anyway, what were you saying?"

"Why'd your girlfriend break up with you?"

He was taken aback. "Um, which one?"

"Don't lie to me. The entire volleyball team knew you only ever had the one girlfriend."

His cheeks blushed. "Right. I can't hide anything from you guys. Well Kunimi-chan, it was because I focused on my passion. I didn't have time for her. But I trust you enough to know that won't be the problem."

"Right," he drawled. Oikawa was yelling at someone off-screen in a different language and Kunimi realized that he was probably in the middle of training when he picked up his call. "I should get going," he excused himself. "Thanks for the advice."

"Of course! I'm always here for you, now, say it for me: Oikawa-san is my absolute favourite Senapai-"

Kunimi rolled his eyes and pressed the end button.

The people he asked advice from supported Oikawa's idea. Whether it was Hanamaki who he texted later that night or Iwaizumi who he had met up with a few weeks ago. They supported him.

"I'm glad you're here," Kunimi turned his head and glared at Kindaichi. "Unlike someone. I appreciate your help. Let me know how I can make it up to you."

"You're sweet," she smiled. Then, her phone went off. Mirae reached over the table and picked it up. Reading the text message, she blushed.

"What's up?" he leaned over and cast a glance at what she read.

Tsukishima
Remember when you said Miyagi is boring? Well, can I show you the right places?

Mirae stumbled off the couch, holding her phone to her chest. "I- um, sorry, I have to- bathroom. Yup. Bathroom." And she bolted.

Kunimi sighed and threw himself back. His head hung off the sofa as he watched his friend with disinterest.

Kindaichi looked like he was going to murder him.

"You're going to make your move, right?"

He scoffed. "What?"

"You. Mirae. You're going to do something, right? Something, anything?" Kunimi groaned when he didn't respond. "You're losing dude. Karasuno's middle blocker just asked her out. I read the text. He was pretty smooth, not gonna lie."

Kindaichi stood up only to drop back down. "What? What?"

"Yeah, I thought so. Dude she likes you. Can you please stop ruining my life and just do something about it?"

"How is this ruining your life?"

"Because your jealousy is lethal. I can feel my life shortening with each glare."

"I'm not- no- I'm not jealous."

Kunimi blinked. "I'm gonna kiss her."

Kindaichi chucked a pretzel at him. "Don't you dare."

"Knew it. You obviously like her and you're an idiot if you don't think she likes you back. Hell, if you weren't too busy murdering me in your head and actually listened to her, you'd realize she was basically describing you the entire time."

"No she wasn't."

"Yeah? Who else do you take up to your roof to stargaze and then take secret photos of? You do you freaking creep. Now make it official or I'll kiss her. Not going to lie, she seems like a much better choice than Emiko."

Three seconds passed.

Kunimi unwrapped the blankets from his body and stood up.

"I should run now, shouldn't I?"

"Yeah," Kindaichi shoved the table away and glared. "You should definitely run now."

Mirae leaned against the bathroom door. Her eyes swept over the text message that was sent a minute ago. Her first thought was how did Tsukishima write this so eloquently? Her second thought was a question, what the hell do I say?

It had been nine months since she met him. Nine months since she had told him off for giving her attention because she was attractive. For most girls, that would be a compliment. For someone as handsome as him to take interest in a girl like her would be a dream come true.

Back then, maybe Mirae was being selfish or maybe she was being shallow. Whatever it was, Mirae from nine months ago didn't want him.

Now though? She could not help but feel differently.

Even after giving him a terrible attitude, Tsukishima respected her enough to give her space. He didn't pull a move or force himself on her as countless others had. Instead, he became a friend.

A friend is all she would ever be for Kindaichi.

She thought it was obvious that she liked him, but he only ever treated her as a friend. They'd stay up late at night talking about nothing and everything and just as she thought something would happen, he'd pull away.

It was frustrating because he was Emiko's friend. So, why else would he ask to hang out with her and not Kunimi or Emiko? Why was it only ever the two of them?

Now though, even after being turned down nine months ago, Tsukishima was making his move. Mirae had a hard time believing that he wasn't nervous before sending this text. He was prepared to make it awkward for their team dynamic just to have a chance with her.

As she rationalized what to do, she remembered her words to Emiko and why Emiko and Kageyama could not begin a real relationship.

You're his manager, she had said, it'd be inappropriate.

The situation with Tsukishima didn't seem inappropriate.

Perhaps it was because even if they teased each other, they didn't cross any lines and were mature and respectful.

Tsukishima was her friend. She bit her lip as she read the text again. Perhaps, he could be more.

Mirae opened the bathroom door just as Kunimi sprinted past and four steps behind him was Kindiachi. They ran into the kitchen where she heard various shouts and bangs.

"What happened to you two?"

Kunimi was on one side of the table. His hair was disheveled, eyes wide. Kindaichi was growling at him from the opposite end, his shoulders pushed up.

"He's going to kill me!" Kunimi shrieked. He was chased around again, but this time he grabbed Mirae and hid behind her.

"Wait," she pressed her arms against Kindaichi's chest, forcing him back, "why do you want to kill him?"

"He's a sneaky bastard."

"Lies, you have no proof."

"Yutaro, please."

Kunimi froze. Heat crept up Kindaichi's neck. The boys stepped away from her.

"You just called him by his first name."

Mirae frowned. "Yes, I have been for a while now."

He stared between the two of them. Mirae looked genuinely confused as to why this was being talked about. The look on Kindaichi's face showed that he was guilty of hiding this little fact.

Kunimi scoffed. He wrapped his arms around Mirae from behind and steered her towards the living room.

"I need to be comforted again. I'm still sad," he mumbled to her. He threw one last scowling look over his shoulder that told Kindaichi, make your move or risk losing her forever.

And so, ends the first installment of Karasuno's Managers: Little Ukai and the Runaway.

Emiko Suzuki is a loud, dramatic, and cheeky person who uses humour to cope against a dictating mother. Mirae Ando is a volleyball prodigy who downplays her skills and tries to blend in with the crowd.

Both heroines are caught up in love triangles and multiple factors affect who they choose and who they reject. Rest assured, neither one has yet made their decision.

It comes down to their philosophy of love.

Emiko wants a love that is irresponsible and wild. The special someone has to be willing to put it all out on the table; their flaws, their imperfections, their good and especially their bad. It is a process to love someone, but at the end of the road when she looks back, she'd see the results.

Mirae wants a love that is safe and pure. The special someone should be her solace and her haven in a world that is so cruel. They would be patient and genuine and stubborn and honest. It is an honour bestowed by a higher power to love someone, a revelation of soulmates.

Love is a journey, and this is just the start.