Shina winced in pain as she carefully bandaged her slight wound on the shoulder. She got it from their fight earlier. And as always, she didn’t want anyone to worry, Shina tried to treat it herself even though she doesn’t have the slightest idea in curing.

Kohaku, the youngest member of their group, Vindex, has entered the room where she was to tell her that Raiden is looking for the group leader. He noticed the injured shoulder of the Ronin making him panic in worry and came to her aid.

“Ronin-san, where did you get that cut?!” he exclaimed, worry flooding his tone and the way he looked at her.

Shina ignored his cry and finished patching up her skin. “For sure you entered my room for reason” the red velvet girl spoke sending a direct stare at Kohaku. The boy gave her a worried look before his eyes trailed to her now covered injured shoulder. “Kohaku” Shina’s call snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Raiden-san is looking for you. He says Tamotsu-san is asking some firewood from us” Kohaku stated his reason for entering the Ronin’s room.

Shina used her sword to help her stand up, slinging it back behind her and dismissed her member to leave. She proceeded in meeting up with Raiden outside, at the backyard of their headquarters where a tall tree stood. It caught Shina’s attention for a second before turning to Raiden who already got tons of firewood in his arms and gave Shina some.

“For the first time in a while, Tamotsu had customers. And a bunch of them” Raiden mentioned walking over to his motorcycle where Shina rode at the back. He started the engine and stepped on the gas, making their way to Tamotsu’s Ramen Shop. “Hey Tomoe, say something will ya?” Raiden was becoming impatient of the girl’s silence.

Shina sighed and predicted Raiden will just end up annoyed and bored if she didn’t entertain him with talking. Sighing, she replied to her right hand. “A bunch? Is it a gang?” of course, that’s the only thing Shina thinks about.

Raiden rolled his eyes. “Stop thinking about gangs and fights will ya? Nagaki’s left Miyagi already. And no, it’s not a gang. It turns out that one customer of Tamotsu invited his club to eat there” he explained, focusing ahead at the road.

“So, they’re a bunch of high schoolers?” Shina cursed under her breath and sighed. “What a drag… kids…”

“Oh? You’re one to talk Tomoe! You’re just the same age as them!” Raiden looking back at the girl where she pushed his face back in front.

“Focus on the road. You’ll drag us in an accident” Shina scolded but the calm tone on her voice didn’t show any weariness.

Raiden sighed at her leader. “Stop isolating yourself to other teens. You’re still a young girl who has a life ahead of her. Why won’t agree with Gina-san when she told you that she’ll be enrolling you for high school?” the Ronin’s eye twitched as she drowned in her own thoughts, remembering her conversation with the elderly that’s currently looking after her. So he heard that huh?

“Even before I was born, there was never a future for me. So it’ll be useless to attend school” Shina uttered, brushing the idea of going back to school. Throughout middle school, she was expelled in eight different schools because of fighting. She knew it’ll be the same if ever she enters high school. “Besides, the only thing I need to think of is Vindex (gang name). That’s my only priority here…”

The 20 year old kept quiet and quit insisting her for this time as they arrived at the ramen shop, hopping of the motorcycle. Raiden was the first one to go inside, leaving the girl in thoughts since he knew that mentioning about her focusing on her future might have bothered the Ronin and decided to let her think.

Shina stood on her ground for a few minutes, thinking about her mother’s last words before her tragic death. She was young back then and couldn’t save her mother in their burning house. Live on, Tomoe. Shina’s mother’s voice echoed in her head, bringing uneasiness and pain back to the girl’s mind and emotions. She didn’t like the feeling and thought of forgetting about it by helping Tamotsu in his shop for the day.

She and Raiden come to the ramen shop occasionally, if ever they have the time or if Tamotsu orders things to them like bringing firewood or even buy ingredients for him.

Entering the shop, Shina wondered why several pair of eyes was glued on her, when Raiden burst out in laughter. “Oh my, oh my! What mischievous fate we have here! Look, Ronin, these were the same guys we saved yesterday!” grinning, Raiden can’t help but remember yesterday’s scene after their saving. “And here’s the guy who proposed to you!”

With that, the volleyball club members’ reactions where priceless. Almost everyone’s jaw dropped, with Nishinoya blushing to the death and can’t help but feel embarrassed at the reactionless Shina who was blankly staring at them. The third years’ jaw dropped except for Azumane who was hiding from the Ronin under the table.  

Tsukishima and Yamaguchi snorted before a loud cackle of laughter.

Hinata was out of words and was shocked to see the girl who saved their ass yesterday while Kageyama was trying to calm down his senpai.

“Ni-Nishinoya-san your face is steaming!!” the setter exclaimed at the trembling libero.

“Wait, Tamotsu-san, you know these two?!” Tanaka who was to blame again, for meeting up with two gang members again, adding the 40 year old man who was secretly Shina’s left hand, gaped in surprise.

Tamotsu didn’t understand what was happening and only reacted: “Wait, someone proposed to Tomoe?!” indeed, it was shocking. No one had the guts to do that before, and Nishinoya was the first one to volunteer as Shina’s groom. Even the toughest gangsters don’t even want to court the swordswoman.

“Don’t repeat it!!!” Tanaka shouted only to see a fainted Nishinoya on the floor. “Noya-san!!!”

Tsukishima glanced at Shina and noticed something about her face. His eyes widened as she pointed at her. “Hey…” he called, catching everyone’s attention. Shina looked at him questionly. “Why do you have a stain of blood on your cheek?”

With that, everyone freaked out except Raiden. It was normal for him to look at Shina with others’ blood.

Tamotsu panicked and handed Shina tissue to wipe her face clean. Azumane’s trembling worsened.

“What is happening?! And why are you trembling like a new born baby lamb over there Asahi?!” Sawamura shouted, his head going nuts. “Every single one of you settle down before I triple your training tomorrow!!!!!” Sawamura slammed his hand on the table to pacify his club members, while the three gangsters watch their commotion.

“I think you should place the firewood in the kitchen first…” Tamotsu suggested in a whisper before the other two nodded in agreement.

Sugawara successfully made Azumane go back to his seat, and Nishinoya finally woke up, sitting all fidgety at his spot.

“Why are we involved in their ruckus anyway…?” Tsukishima complained.

 “We didn’t do anything wrong…” Yamaguchi added.

“Tamotsu, can I help you out in the store for today?” Shina out of nowhere after putting the wood under the grill. Both Raiden and Tamotsu were surprised at her sudden volunteer. They knew she didn’t like interacting with people.

“Hmm? Is it okay for you? I mean…” Tamotsu hesitated but the look on the girl’s eyes said she was sure. “Well, okay. How about you Rai-chan?”

“Erm, no thanks. I’ve got to fetch Gina from the clinic” at the mention of the old woman, Shina flinched and exited the room with Raiden watching her from the corner of his eye.

“What’s wrong?” Tamotsu noticed the tension between the two. Raiden wave it off with a laugh. “You know, the typical problems of Tomoe~ Well, I better go! See ya!” he bid goodbye, escaping the chance of getting questioned by Tamotsu. He walked out at the back of the shop to avoid freaking out the customers before riding on his motorcycle to do his errands.

“So that’s what happened” after Tanaka explained the event yesterday, his captain and the others who weren’t with them finally understood who the girl was and who was with her.

Tsukishima can’t help but laugh at Nishinoya’s proposal and teases the poor libero. “I can’t believe you proposed to her. Do you want to be a battered husband or something?” he laughed hysterically together with Yamaguchi.

“Tsukishima teme!” Nishinoya cursed him while blushing.

“Didn’t I tell you I hate noisy people?” a voice spoke, making a shiver run down everyone’s spine.

It was Shina who carried a tray with her where their ramen orders were put on. She gave them their bowl one by one; ignoring their different expressions.

“There. Just call if you need anything” she said simply.

“Umm, Noya-san says he needs you”

“TSUKISHIMA!”

Shina watched the tall blonde tease his opposite height senpai before omitting their existence and went back to the kitchen where Tamotsu is.

“Well, let’s just eat our meals okay?” Sugawara eased with a sheepish smile. They all agreed and muttered an ‘Itadakimasu’ before digging in.

“So, this is the second time you’ve seen the shorty huh?” Tamotsu came talking with Shina who was casually sitting at the counter. Judging by the tone on Tamotsu’s voice, Shina can sense he was implying something. “It is. Together with the other three” she answered nonchalantly, completely unbothered by the teasing voice of the shop owner.

“Hmm, you mean Ryu-kun, the other shorty and the tall guy with a nasty glare?” Tamotsu recalled the faces of the students who were shocked to see the Ronin again. She nodded her head in response. “That guy, Nishiya, was it?”

“It’s Nishinoya” Shina corrected.

“Oh! You remembered his name! How lucky of him!” Tamotsu chirped receiving a glare from Shina. He flinched, a sweat running down his cheek. “Can’t you be teased without getting mad?” sighing, Tamotsu leaned on the table, crossing his arms. “By the way, Gina mentioned something about enrolling you to high school. Have you made up your mind about that?”

And Shina thought she can forget about that if she focuses on helping out in Tamotsu’s shop. “Yes” she answered shortly, catching Tamotsu by surprise who thought she agreed. Shina rotated her neck to look at him. “I’m not attending” then again, her decisions always surprise her gang members.

“Eh?! Why is that?!” Tamotsu exclaimed.

“It’s useless. I’ll get expelled again” Shina presumed.

“How can you say that if you don’t even try?” Tamotsu exhaled. “Then simply just stay out of trouble” he advised. Shina looked at him again.

“I can’t” she stated passively.

“Are you that of a war freak?!” Tamotsu’s jaw dropped. “Or maybe because of your short temper?”

“I can’t help it that there are many impure people in school”

“So you purify them?”

“I teach them a lesson”

Tamotsu gave in with his shoulders collapsing. He excused himself to check up on the customers and left the kitchen room, leaving Shina alone to think. I’m sorry mom. I can’t fulfill your one last will.

 “Oh, Tamotsu-san, what is it?” Tanaka, who was busy eating, paused from his continuous gobbling of noodles.

“Just wondering if you need anything else” Tamotsu replied.

“Nishinoya-san says he needs a Ronin to serve him” there it is again, Tsukishima messing around with Nishinoya, leaving the poor boy blushing.

“Tsukishima! I told you to shut up, didn’t I?!”

“Didn’t she say she hates noisy people?” Tsukishima reminded, his glasses fogging. He snorted again. “You really want her to come at you, don’t you?” the tall blonde still didn’t stop teasing.

Sawamura sighed at their scene and turned to Azumane who has yet to calm down. This guy is a total coward…

“So, are you guys all fine?” Tamotsu asked one last time before Tanaka assured that they were alright, and thanked for the food. They were already done so the shop owner called his helper, Shina to get their dishes to be washed, that caused Nishinoya to fidget.

“The goddess will come back again? Crap! I should lower my voice when talking to her! Also I should—”

“Ne”

Nishinoya stopped his babbling when a tissue appeared in front of his face. It was none other than the “goddess” Ronin, who handed him that to wipe his face clean.

“Gah!” Nishinoya blushed in embarrassment, taking the tissue from her and turned around so she couldn’t see his flustered look.

Tamotsu watched the scene and turned to Tanaka, asking him a question. “Does your friend like Tomoe or something?”

“Eh? I wouldn’t say that. Noya-san only met her yesterday. It’s true that he proposed but that was only star struck. It’s impossible for him to like her” Tanaka’s talking was cut off when he heard Nishinoya’s loud voice again.

“Goddess! Do you want to go out with me?!”

Seriously?! 

“Oi, Nishinoya that’s enough!” Sawamura trapped the shorter one with a headlock and made him bow down in apology to the girl. “We’re sorry for his forward attitude!”

“It’s okay” Shina said curtly, looking down at the bent bodies of the two volleyball players. The two raised their heads in confusion. “You’re not mad…?” they didn’t know why they haven’t been punched yet by the girl. Knowing her violent background, they expect her to discipline them with a good punch. Shina shook her head. “No. I’m not” she cleared her calm state before disappearing off to the kitchen to place the dishes to be washed.

“So she is a goddess! Both inside and out!” Nishinoya confirmed.

“Did you forget that she almost knocked you out with the tip of her sword?” Kageyama sweat dropped at the libero who forgot all about yesterday.

The way Shina talked to him rudely, and how she picked him up easily like she wanted to throw him away.

She was in a bad mood when Toyo came messing with the four and Raiden kicks in, saving them. Shina wanted to take out her anger on someone and it happened to be Toyo.

“After what happened yesterday, I actually thought Ronin’s a violent person but right now…” Tanaka trailed. “Tamotsu-san, why didn’t she punch Noya-san?”

Tamotsu gave a weird look because Tanaka sounded like he wanted his friend to get hit. “I actually don’t know what you’re talking about but… Shina’s not that of a fighter. She just hates it when people mess with her people. That’s all” Tamotsu’s statement astonished Tanaka.

“But yesterday she…”

“Ah, well yesterday wasn’t a good day for her. Toyo came in the wrong time again” Tamotsu explained and sighed. The others watch both Sugawara and Sawamura calm down their teammates. Both Nishinoya and Azumane couldn’t stay still because of one person. Well, the ace was scared at her while the libero was head over heels.

Tamotsu stared at Nishinoya in amazement that he’s not even afraid of the girl. He can see how the others look whenever she appears. “Ne, Ryu-kun, what school do you go to again?” he asked out of nowhere.

“Huh? Karasuno, why?” Tanaka answered yet he wasn’t sure why he was asked that. He saw a smile curl on Tamotsu’s lips as the man rubs his chin as if he was planning something. Shina, on the other hand, went outside to get some fresh air. It’s been a while she’s been interacting with people. She felt weird.

That short guy is somehow a loud person. I don’t know why I had to encounter him again. Shina thought to herself, sitting by a large tree at the shop’s backyard. Worse is, I can tell his bald friend is as loud as him. She ran a hand through her hair, at the same time, pulling off her hair tie, letting loose of her long red velvet hair the swayed through with the wind. She looked up the tall tree and decided to climb it as one of her habits. She noticed the volleyball club already leaving and Tamotsu bidding them thanks and goodbye. She caught herself staring at Nishinoya and his weird attitude that’s been annoying her for two consecutive days.

“This is the last time…” Shina spoke. “This is the last time I’ll see that guy” relieved, Shina let out a deep sigh of contentment and sat on one of the branches, watching them leave.

The last thing I want, is to see them again.

Yay another update :D Lol it took me a while to type this xD I have to blame writer's block aaand my addiction to Black Butler that I watched all day instead of typing new chapters. Now, I only had the chance to update this rather than finishing other chapters as well--Welp, that is how my laziness works! But I hope you liked this chapter :D