(chapter xxxvii)

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Yuna let out a long, tired yawn as she walked beside Tooru, the weight of exhaustion settling into her body. The start of the new school year was only a few days old, and already, both of them—now in their final year—were mentally drained for various reasons.

One of the main causes was the way their vacation had been consumed by practice. For weeks before the new year began, Yuna, Tooru, and the other members of the volleyball team had devoted nearly all their free time to gruelling training sessions, leaving little time for rest or relaxation. And as soon as school resumed, they were bombarded with responsibilities. Tooru had recently stepped into the role of captain, Hajime was the co-captain, and Yuna, still managing the volleyball team, also had taken on the responsibility of leading the music club.

Though she hadn't exactly asked for the leadership position in the music club, she was adjusting to it. Luckily, the club still maintained its usual schedule, with each member managing their own time and meetings limited to lunchtime, as most preferred to gather during that period rather than before or after school.

Tooru broke the silence with a soft chuckle, gently placing his hands on Yuna's shoulders. "That yawn of yours tells me you didn't get enough sleep last night."

Yuna groaned, dragging her feet as she walked. "You can't tell me you're not tired, too," she grumbled.

Tooru smirked, leaning closer. "Hmm, I'm definitely tired, no doubt about it. But ever since I picked you up this morning, you've been rubbing your wrist. Now, if I use my keen observational skills—"

"That's not a thing," Yuna interrupted, but Tooru continued as though he hadn't heard her.

"You went straight to the piano as soon as you got home from practice," he noted.

Yuna scoffed, shaking her head. "That's ridiculous—"

"Don't try to make excuses," Tooru teased, leaning over and adding a playful weight to her shoulders, nudging her slightly. "I'll leave the lecturing to Iwa-chan."

Yuna sighed, still dragging Tooru along with her. But when she spotted a familiar figure ahead, she suddenly pulled away, nearly causing him to stumble. With a mild skip, she moved toward the person ahead.

"Good morning, Iwaizumi-kun," Yuna greeted, her tone cheerful.

Iwaizumi yawned and gave a brief glance to the side, nodding in acknowledgement. "Where's the idiot?" he asked.

Tooru, not far behind them, let out a theatrical gasp. "Never mind, I can hear that annoying buzzing."

Yuna giggled at Tooru's dramatic antics, as he dramatically moved ahead of them, walking backwards to keep talking. He filled the walk with playful complaints and exaggerated motions, but to anyone watching them, it was clear that the three of them were used to this kind of banter. Despite the teasing and sometimes harsh words thrown around, there was an unspoken understanding between them—a deep bond that held strong even in their most sarcastic moments.

As they neared the school, Yuna waved at the two boys, preparing to head off to her own class. It was located in a building far from theirs, and she had a long walk ahead of her.

"I'll be a little late for practice today," Yuna called out as she parted ways with them.

"That's fine," Tooru said, nodding as he adjusted his bag. "The first part of practice is just a review of the schedule anyway. Good luck with whatever you've got going on."

Yuna sighed, offering a small smile. "Thanks, Tooru. I'm going to need all the luck I can get."

"Well, you know I'm the best good luck charm you could ask for," Tooru said, flashing a playful wink.

Yuna snorted in response. "Keep telling yourself that."

Tooru puffed his chest out, looking mock-offended. "I will, because I don't hear any lies in what I'm saying."

Yuna rolled her eyes. "I'm starting to think your ego grew overnight."

Tooru chuckled, giving her a light pat on the head before joining Hajime, who had been waiting patiently, not wanting to be in the way. The two boys began walking to their own building, giving Yuna the chance to head off to her class alone.

As third years, their class schedules were grouped according to their career aspirations, with Tooru and Hajime placed together in one class while Yuna was in a completely different building. Her classroom was larger and filled with more specialized equipment for her career path, which made the distance between them a bit of a challenge.

As the days passed, the reality of their final year began to settle in. The pressure of balancing schoolwork, sports, and leadership roles weighed heavily on them, but they never faltered. Each of them approached their responsibilities with a sense of purpose, pushing through fatigue and stress with the knowledge that this year would shape their futures.

Tooru, now captain of the volleyball team, took on the role with a seriousness that few saw behind his usual playful exterior. He was determined to lead the team to victory, knowing it could be their last chance to make an impact. His efforts weren't just about winning; they were about bringing everyone together, making sure that each member felt valued, and pushing them to reach their full potential.

Hajime, always the reliable co-captain, remained steadfast and focused. He took on the weight of the team's performance as his own, quietly supporting Tooru and ensuring that the day-to-day practices went smoothly. He often found himself staying after practice, helping the younger players work on their skills, and offering advice when needed. His strong presence kept the team grounded, and the players respected him for it.

Yuna, with her management and leadership in both the volleyball team and the music club, found herself constantly moving between responsibilities. She loved her roles but knew it would be tough to maintain balance. The music club, while a more personal commitment, was just as important to her as the volleyball team. Her piano practice sessions, late nights spent composing, and planning club events took up a significant portion of her time, but she couldn't afford to neglect either part of her life. Despite the strain, something was fulfilling about managing both, something that made her feel more alive than ever.

The trio's bond only strengthened as the days went by. They continued their usual banter, teasing each other and sharing laughs, but there was a deeper understanding now. They were no longer just friends—each of them was a pillar for the others, offering strength, encouragement, and even tough love when necessary. They knew this year would pass quickly, but they were determined to make the most of it, not just for themselves but for each other.

As the school year slowly progressed, they found themselves faced with new obstacles. They knew that their midterms were going to be gruelling, practice intensified, and the weight of their leadership roles grew heavier. Yet, they always found time for one another—whether it was a quiet moment before practice, a quick chat between classes, or a late-night discussion about the future. In those moments, they reminded each other why they had come this far: not just for the final year, but for the journey they had shared together.

The road ahead was uncertain, but Yuna, Tooru, and Hajime knew that with each other's support, they could face anything. Whatever challenges awaited, they would face them as a team, stronger than ever.