Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

Kiyoko stood in her room, frowning at the collection of clothes laid out across her bed. Despite reminding Hayato to prepare for their trip, she herself had only half-packed.

"Maybe... one outfit for today and two backups?" she murmured, holding up a white and blue color-blocked set she'd shown Hayato once before. After a few minutes of back-and-forth decision-making, she tucked everything into her suitcase and zipped it shut.

It was Thursday, and thanks to an extra afternoon class, the Volleyball Club had barely any practice time. Their flight departed at 9:55 PM from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, heading straight to Honolulu. Factoring in the train ride from Miyagi and the transfer to the airport, they'd planned to leave around 6:30 PM.

Coach Ukai had been surprisingly understanding. After hearing the circumstances, he gave them a casual thumbs-up and wished them a good weekend.

By the time Kiyoko descended the stairs at home, suitcase in hand, Hayato was already waiting in the living room — chatting amiably with her mother.

"Oh, our Kiyoko is going overseas for the first time," her mother cooed warmly, eyes filled with fondness. "Take good care of her, alright?"

"I will," Hayato promised, bowing his head respectfully. His answer earned him a smile that could only be described as one of approval — maybe even pride.

As her mom left the room to "tidy the bath," her knowing chuckle trailed behind her.

"She's always been like that," Kiyoko said, face slightly flushed. "You remember, right? She used to lecture us nonstop when we were kids."

Hayato chuckled. "Of course. Like when we caught bugs in the summer and she wouldn't let us bring them inside. Except back then, it was you taking care of me."

"Heh… that's true."

Kiyoko had dressed casually for the trip — blue jeans, a white tank top layered with a plaid long-sleeved shirt, and white flats. Her ponytail swayed as she moved. Hayato complimented the outfit, saying it suited her perfectly.

With luggage in hand, the two left together, smiling and chatting like old friends — or maybe something more.

After the whirlwind of subways, Shinkansen, and airport check-ins, they finally boarded the plane.

"Whew... going abroad is more work than I thought," Hayato said, leaning back in his seat.

The flight was over eight hours, and although they both came prepared to sleep, neither of them was in a rush. Hayato browsed a volleyball magazine while Kiyoko laid out snacks on her tray — chocolate mushrooms, potato chips, and other treats.

"Help yourself," she said cheerfully. "I brought extra."

When they finally grew tired, they tucked in with blankets and neck pillows. Both were fast asleep within minutes, their heads gently resting near each other in the dimmed cabin lights.

When they woke, the sun was rising over the Pacific, but their watches said 5:55 AM Tokyo time — meaning it was still the previous morning in Hawaii.

Kiyoko rubbed her eyes sleepily. "So weird… it's morning again?"

"Time zones are magic," Hayato replied.

Outside the airport, the Hawaiian heat hit them instantly. The air was thick and warm — the kind of heat that made you blink and squint at the horizon.

"It's hot... here."

"I've got you." Hayato pulled a straw hat from his bag — the same one Kiyoko had admired back in Japan — and gently placed it on her head. It had a neat black bow tied around the crown.

"Thanks," she said softly, adjusting it. "I should've put on sunscreen earlier."

They found a taxi with Japanese signage, and Hayato helped load their bags before the two climbed in. The driver, a cheerful Japanese-speaking local, greeted them with surprise.

"Hey, are you two visiting? On vacation?"

"We won a shopping district raffle," Hayato replied smoothly. "This trip's on the house. Figured we'd make the most of it."

The driver grinned. "Honeymoon trip? Your wife is beautiful — you two look perfect together."

Kiyoko opened her mouth to respond, but Hayato quickly squeezed her hand, gently intercepting. "Yup — newlyweds. We almost went to Osaka, but this came up."

The driver laughed, wishing them a great time.

After arriving at the hotel and grabbing a business card from the driver for the return trip, Kiyoko finally turned to Hayato, arms crossed.

"What was that all about? Wife? Honeymoon?"

Hayato put his hands up, grinning. "Sorry, sorry. I figured if he thought we were just high schoolers, he might overcharge us. You know how it goes."

Kiyoko narrowed her eyes. "Still…"

"But hey," Hayato added, lowering his voice with a teasing smile, "it's not like it's not going to happen someday."

Kiyoko's ears turned bright pink. She looked away, muttering under her breath.

The hotel room left them speechless. A king-sized bed sat beneath a grand chandelier. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the sparkling blue sea, and the bathroom was outfitted with a luxury massage bathtub.

Kiyoko froze when she saw the bed. "T-there's only one?!"

Hayato offered to go ask for a twin room, but she stopped him after a long pause.

"It's fine," she said, flustered. "Just… don't cross the line."

"I promise," Hayato said quickly, hand over his heart. "I won't lay a hand on you."

"…Absolutely not," Kiyoko whispered under her breath — though whether she was reaffirming her warning or talking to herself, even she wasn't sure.

They unpacked, freshened up, and despite the time difference, still had energy to burn. Kiyoko applied sunscreen, grabbed her parasol, and locked up her wallet and room key.

Together, they stepped out into the tropical streets of Waikiki — the sun shining, waves crashing in the distance, and the first adventure of their short getaway just beginning.

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POWER STONE!!!

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