Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

After calling home to say they'd arrived safely in Hawaii, Hayato and Kiyoko followed the map to a restaurant run by Japanese locals. With many Japanese patrons around, they could pay in yen without exchanging money — a convenient relief. Cards were accepted too, for those who preferred.

Hayato ordered a large Loco Moco — a Hawaiian specialty featuring a crispy, juicy pan-fried hamburger patty nestled on steaming white rice, smothered in rich secret sauce, and topped with a sunny-side-up egg. The patty was made with ground beef, thick and flavorful.

When the golden yolk broke, it spilled over the sauce and rice, blending perfectly with the fragrant onions and mushrooms served on the side.

Kiyoko chose glutinous rice fried chicken with macaroni. The chicken thigh, skin-on and marinated with a special seasoning, was coated in sticky rice flour, deep-fried to golden perfection, and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Each bite was juicy and tender, with a subtle sweetness beneath the crisp exterior.

Still hot from the fryer, Kiyoko struggled to cool her food, blowing on it clumsily but adorably.

"Hey, Kiyoko-nee, yours looks delicious too. Let me try some."

Hayato leaned forward, and since the table was small, it was easy to reach across. Kiyoko, feeling at ease in the relaxed atmosphere full of strangers, carefully held a piece of chicken with her chopsticks and fed it to him.

In return, Hayato offered a spoonful of his Loco Moco. They fed each other like this a few times, sharing smiles and enjoying the moment.

Later, they ordered an açaí bowl and a small cup of shaved ice topped with colorful syrup, ice cream, and sweet red beans.

The açaí berries — small, dark purple fruits similar to grapes — were mostly a garnish in the bowl, which was filled with bananas, strawberries, and pineapple. The shaved ice carried a tropical pineapple flavor that melted refreshingly on the tongue.

After their dessert, the two rested for a while, paid the bill, and headed back to the hotel. Since it was their first time here, naturally, they wanted to enjoy the beach.

Waiting for the midday sun to pass, they stepped out in the afternoon with swimsuits and a ground cloth in hand.

Hayato rented a parasol and changed into his swim trunks and sun-protective shirt while Kiyoko got ready in the changing room. Though he had seen her in a swimsuit before, Hayato couldn't help but admire her again.

"Hmm, Kiyoko-nee, you look absolutely stunning in that swimsuit."

"You said that already the other day."

"But it's worth saying twice."

They found a spot on the beach, laid out the ground cloth, and set up the parasol. Hayato was ready to take Kiyoko into the sea, and with sunscreen already applied at the hotel, there was no awkward "beach benefits" moment.

"Hayato, come lie down here," she called, taking sunscreen from her bag and patting the cloth.

Instead of the expected moment, Hayato found himself the one getting sunscreen applied.

"Uh, Kiyoko-nee, I don't think I need this."

"You'll get sunburned if you don't. The sun is strong even in the afternoon."

Unable to protest, Hayato lay down. Kiyoko squeezed sunscreen into her palm and began spreading it evenly on his back.

"It's a little cold," he admitted, shivering when her cool hands first touched his skin, but warmth followed quickly.

"Your back is really broad," Kiyoko commented, fingers playfully poking at his muscles.

"Well, I have to be," he joked. "Big frame and all."

Kiyoko giggled and finished applying the sunscreen, then warned him, "You can do the rest yourself."

Hayato grabbed the bottle and casually applied sunscreen to the rest of his body.

"Be serious! The sun is still strong," Kiyoko scolded, flicking his forehead.

"Got it~~" he dragged the words playfully, making Kiyoko smile.

With sunscreen done, Hayato tugged Kiyoko toward the ocean. Their feet were submerged in cool water, and the sensation was refreshing.

On the crowded beach, the two drew attention — especially Kiyoko, who radiated a classic Yamato Nadeshiko grace. Hayato's presence kept most admirers at bay, though the blonde, blue-eyed tourists were less shy.

A volleyball flew over to Hayato, kicked off by two tall, buxom blondes who invited them to join the game in English.

Hayato politely declined, explaining he didn't know how to play and needed to stay with his girlfriend.

The girls left disappointed but kept glancing back at him. Kiyoko, fluent in English, caught his words and grinned before splashing water at him.

"Not time yet for 'girlfriend,' and he won't play. Such a smooth talker."

Hayato dodged her splash and retaliated with a playful splash of his own.

"I'm serious! If I didn't say that, they wouldn't give up."

"Maybe we should make the beach our next training camp," Hayato said thoughtfully. "Beach volleyball is great for building leg strength."

Kiyoko crossed her arms and thought for a moment.

"Good idea, but our activity funds are tight. Probably impossible."

Remembering the fundraising posters for their last training camp, Hayato sighed, "Yeah, our funds won't cover a whole team trip to the beach."

They played for a while longer, cooled off with iced drinks, and packed up as the sun began to set.

Watching the sky turn a fiery orange, Kiyoko sighed softly, reluctant to leave.

"If you like it here, we can come again someday," Hayato offered.

"You're dreaming. How could two high schoolers afford this if we hadn't won the prize?"

"Then when we're adults — we'll come back," Hayato smiled.

Kiyoko looked at the glowing clouds, then at him, her smile radiant.

"You're right. If we get the chance, we'll come again."

On the sunset beach, Kiyoko leaned forward slightly, hands clasped behind her back, her smile pure and brilliant — like a masterful painting, impossible to look away from.

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POWER STONE!!!

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