Archive of Our Own ^beta

Yachi took in a deep breath as the elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, revealing the bustling heart of Karasuno Inc.'s headquarters.

I can do this. I can do this.

Her internal mantra steadied her nerves just enough to coax a small, polite smile onto her face as she stepped onto the sleek, modern floor. Bright natural light flooded in from floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the open-concept workspace filled with muted tones and sharp edges. Desks were arranged in neat clusters, phones ringing off the hook, keyboards clacking rhythmically, and employees exchanging papers with hurried efficiency.

Yachi’s eyes darted from one corner to the next, soaking in the whirlwind of productivity, but she couldn’t stop the nervous gulp that tightened her throat. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, studious libraries she had spent so many late nights in.

Today is my first day. No pressure or anything.

“Ah, you must be Yachi,” a warm voice cut through her thoughts like a lifeline.

She turned sharply to find a man standing a few paces away, dressed smartly in a tailored blazer with a subtle, forest-green tie. His tousled, dark hair had a slight wave, giving him an approachable air, while the freckles peppered across his nose and cheeks softened his otherwise sharp features. He carried himself with an ease that came from experience, his kind smile managing to put her at least somewhat at ease.

“Y-yes!” Yachi blurted out much louder than she intended, cringing inwardly at the echo of her voice in the open office. She quickly shifted the small box in her arms to her left hand and stuck out her right for a handshake, silently praying her palms weren’t embarrassingly clammy.

The man didn’t seem to notice her awkwardness as he firmly shook her hand. “I’m Yamaguchi, the Senior Advisor,” he said warmly, his tone patient and encouraging. “It’s great to have you on board. Come on, let’s set your things down first, and then I’ll give you the grand tour.”

“Thank you!” Yachi replied quickly, her voice still slightly too high-pitched. She adjusted her box again and followed as Yamaguchi gestured for her to walk with him.

Her heart pounded as she trailed behind him, her eyes flitting to every detail. Modern light fixtures hung from the ceiling, casting a gentle glow that balanced the natural sunlight. The air buzzed with energy, the kind of electric hum that came from success. This was Karasuno Inc., one of the top players in the industry. A company with a reputation for innovation and excellence, a name that dominated headlines and inspired awe.

I’m really here. I actually made it.

Months of relentless studying, sleepless nights, and fine-tuning every possible answer for countless interviews had paid off. The dream that had once seemed impossibly far away was now her reality.

Yamaguchi led her to a sleek desk in a quieter corner of the floor, perfectly organized with a brand-new computer monitor, crisp notebooks, and a small pot of succulents sitting by the edge. “Here we are,” he said, gesturing to the workspace. “This’ll be your spot. Get comfortable, and once you’re settled, we’ll take a proper tour. Sound good?”

“Yes, thank you!” Yachi replied earnestly, setting her box down with care.

As she straightened up, her chest swelled with equal parts excitement and nerves. Day one at Karasuno Inc. The first day of her new life.

I can do this.

The office buzzed with activity, the faint hum of keyboards and low conversations creating a backdrop that made Yachi’s nerves feel even louder. Yamaguchi walked beside her with an easy smile, his hands tucked casually into his pockets as he led her through the sleek, modern halls of Karasuno Inc.

“Don’t worry, Yachi,” Yamaguchi reassured her. “Everyone here is nice… well, mostly.”

She wasn’t sure if that was comforting or terrifying.

Their first stop was at a glass-walled meeting room where two men stood discussing something over a tablet. One of them, tall and broad-shouldered with an air of authority, glanced up first. His sharp gaze landed on Yachi, and she immediately straightened her posture.

“Daichi, Sugawara,” Yamaguchi began brightly, “this is Yachi Hitoka, our new coordinator.”

Daichi inclined his head in greeting. “Welcome to Karasuno Inc., Yachi,” he said firmly, his tone professional and no-nonsense. “We’re glad to have you on board. I trust you’ll adapt quickly.”

Yachi nodded furiously, her nerves threatening to choke her. “Y-yes, sir! I’ll do my best!”

“Relax, Daichi, you’re going to scare her,” the other man said with a soft laugh, stepping forward. With his kind eyes and warm smile, Sugawara’s presence instantly eased some of her anxiety. “Hi, Yachi. I’m Sugawara. If you ever need help—or just someone to vent to—my door’s always open.”

Her shoulders loosened slightly. “T-thank you,” she stammered.

Sugawara winked. “We’re all a team here, so no need to be so formal.”

Daichi cleared his throat pointedly. “But don’t mistake that for an excuse to slack off. This is a fast-paced environment.”

Yachi nodded again, her head bobbing like a broken doll. Yamaguchi patted her shoulder and steered her away before Daichi could drill her with any more expectations.

Their next stop was a cluttered desk piled high with papers and books. Behind it sat a tall, blonde man leaning back in his chair with an air of disinterest. Tsukishima barely glanced up as they approached.

“Hey, Tsukki,” Yamaguchi began, undeterred by the palpable aura of irritation. “This is Yachi, our new—”

“Not interested,” Tsukishima interrupted, waving a dismissive hand at them. “Go away.”

Yamaguchi sighed and shook his head, but Yachi was already half a step back, mortified.

“Don’t take it personally,” Yamaguchi muttered as he gently pushed her toward the next stop. “That’s just how he is.”

Their journey took them to a quiet corner where a striking woman sat with perfect posture, her hands typing effortlessly on her laptop. Yachi’s breath hitched as the sunlight streaming through the windows seemed to frame her like a painting.

“Shimizu,” Yamaguchi called softly, and the woman looked up, her calm, composed expression softening into a faint smile. “This is Yachi Hitoka, the new coordinator.”

“Hello, Yachi,” Shimizu greeted in a gentle voice. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope you’re settling in.”

Yachi managed to find her voice, though it came out embarrassingly high-pitched. “Y-yes! It’s an honor to work with you!”

Shimizu tilted her head slightly, her serene demeanor putting Yachi at ease. “You’ll do fine. Let me know if you need anything.”

As they walked away, Yachi whispered to Yamaguchi, “She’s amazing.”

“Yeah, Shimizu’s great,” Yamaguchi agreed. “Everyone loves her. And no, she doesn’t have time for your crush.”

“I don’t have a—!” Yachi spluttered, but Yamaguchi’s grin silenced her.

They stopped by a sleek, empty desk sitting just outside a large glass office. A nameplate read Shoyo Hinata – Executive Assistant.

“Hmm,” Yamaguchi mused, glancing around. “Looks like Hinata’s not here.”

“H-Hinata?” Yachi asked.

“Yeah, he’s Kageyama’s assistant. I’ll introduce you to him later. I think you’ll like him. He’s great with new hires.”

Before Yachi could respond, Yamaguchi caught sight of someone through the glass office. His eyes lit up. “Oh, look, the CEO’s here. Let’s go see him instead!”

Her heart sank. “T-the CEO?” she stammered.

Yamaguchi grinned mischievously. “Yup! Come on. You’ll be fine.”

Yachi swallowed hard as Yamaguchi held the door open for her. 

I’m going to die.

“This over here is our CEO, Kageyama Tobio,” Yamaguchi announced as they stepped into the expansive, glass-walled office that seemed to hover over the city skyline.

Yachi nearly stumbled as her eyes took in the sight before her. She had read all about him—how he had shattered industry records, redefined benchmarks, and revolutionized practices across the field. He was hailed as a prodigy in countless articles, gracing the covers of industry magazines with a piercing stare that practically screamed authority. But no amount of glossy photos or carefully curated interviews had prepared her for seeing Kageyama Tobio in person.

The man was devastatingly handsome. His sharp, angular jawline looked like it could cut glass, and his sleek, jet-black hair fell slightly over his forehead, framing his impossibly symmetrical features. His piercing blue eyes, like shards of ice, snapped up at her the moment she entered, locking her in place. Yachi felt like she’d been caught under a spotlight, every imperfection exposed. His tailored suit hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, emphasizing his lean, athletic frame.

He wasn’t just attractive—he was intimidating. The kind of man who could silence a room with a glance, command respect with a single word, and make you question every life choice you’d ever made with a subtle arch of his brow.

Yachi gulped audibly, her throat suddenly dry, as his gaze bore into her.

“H-Hello!” she blurted, immediately folding herself into a deep bow. “I am Yachi Hitoka. I am excited to join the team.”

Kageyama stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable, before his eyes drifted back down to the report on his desk. “Yachi, nice to meet you,” he said curtly, his tone cool and clipped, as if her introduction was just another item on his endless to-do list.

The room fell into an awkward silence, the weight of it pressing heavily on Yachi’s shoulders. She shifted uncomfortably, feeling more like a schoolgirl being reprimanded than a new hire meeting the CEO.

Yamaguchi, ever the mediator, quickly stepped in. “Yachi comes to us as a new graduate from the University of Tokyo,” he offered with a polite smile, trying to fill the void.

“Good,” Kageyama said without looking up.

“She was top of her class—” Yamaguchi began, but Kageyama cut him off with another brusque, “Very good.”

Yachi felt her cheeks flush as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, unsure of whether she should say something or simply disappear into the floor.

Kageyama’s eyes flicked up briefly, his tone unchanged as he said, “Can you send Hinata in when you leave?”

Yamaguchi nodded quickly, shooting Yachi an apologetic glance. “Yes, sir.”

As they exited the office, Yamaguchi leaned toward her and whispered, “He’s usually like that. Don’t take it personally.”

Yachi nodded silently, her thoughts a chaotic jumble of nerves and relief to be out of Kageyama’s direct line of sight.

When they stepped back into the main office, Yamaguchi glanced toward the desk that was no longer empty. Now there was a cheerful, orange-haired man seated. This must be Hinata. She thought. 

How did Kageyama know that he was here already?

“Kageyama wants to see you,” Yamaguchi called out.

Hinata’s head popped up instantly, a wide, beaming smile spreading across his face. “Great! Thanks, Yamaguchi!”

Yachi watched in astonishment as Hinata bounded to his feet, practically glowing with enthusiasm. How did someone so cheerful manage to work so closely with someone as intense as Kageyama?

Yamaguchi gave her a small smile. “You’ll get used to it,” he said gently.

Yachi nodded again, clutching her box a little tighter as she followed Yamaguchi, silently hoping she would.

As Yamaguchi led her out of the grand office, Yachi’s attention snagged on something behind the glass walls. She slowed her steps, her eyes locking onto Hinata who had entered the CEO’s space.

The bright-haired man stood across from Kageyama, looking unnervingly casual for someone standing before a CEO known for his icy demeanor. Yamaguchi’s voice droned on beside her, but Yachi’s focus was now entirely on the scene unfolding in front of her.

Her breath hitched as Kageyama abruptly pushed back from his desk. He stood, looming over Hinata, his expression sharp and terrifying. His jaw was set tight, and his face was flushed with frustration, a deep red spreading from his neck to his cheekbones. His piercing blue eyes bore into Hinata, who didn’t even flinch.

What is he doing? Yachi thought, her stomach twisting.

“And so, your first task will be assisting with the quarterly reviews,” Yamaguchi explained, oblivious to the tension crackling through the glass walls behind him. He gestured casually to the folder in her hands. “That’ll give you a good sense of our structure here at Karasuno Inc. We’ll need those wrapped up by the end of next week, but no pressure—”

Kageyama yelled something, his voice muffled by the glass but still loud enough to make Yachi jump.

Her heart sank. Poor Hinata. Kageyama’s face was thunderous now, his brows furrowed as he gestured aggressively with his hands. His sharp words—whatever they were—lashed out in Hinata’s direction.

“Did you write this with your eyes closed?” Yachi heard Kageyama’s muffled voice through the glass walls as he gestured to some papers on his desk. 

To her horror, Hinata didn’t back down.

In fact, he fired something right back at Kageyama, his hands on his hips as if he were scolding the CEO himself.

Yachi felt her blood run cold. Was he fighting back? Against the CEO?

She clutched the folder tighter as Yamaguchi carried on, blissfully unaware of the spectacle behind him. “...And we’ll also get you set up with access to the financial databases. It’s pretty straightforward, and I’ll walk you through it step by step—”

Yachi could barely hear him over the pounding of her heart.

Hinata was pointing now. Pointing at Kageyama . The sheer nerve! She could hardly breathe as the CEO’s expression darkened further. The accusing finger seemed to throw gasoline on the fire. Kageyama snatched up a thick stack of papers from his desk, gripping them tightly as he stepped toward Hinata.

Yachi watched in frozen disbelief. Kageyama’s mouth was moving again, his sharp words partially audible now: “ Dumbass! ” and “ Idiot! ” cut through the soundproofing like tiny daggers.

What was happening? Was this normal?

No—if Kageyama treated his employees this way, the entire office would have been miserable. Yet, when she glanced around, no one else seemed the slightest bit concerned. The energy outside the glass walls was brisk, even cheerful. Employees hustled with purpose, their expressions determined, their postures relaxed.

What was she missing?

“...And don’t forget to submit your ID for your building pass,” Yamaguchi continued, clearly oblivious to her spiraling thoughts. “That’ll get you access to all the floors. Oh, and Friday is casual day—”

Yachi barely heard him. Her eyes darted back to the office.

Hinata was gesturing wildly now, his orange hair practically glowing under the overhead lights. Kageyama waved the stack of papers like a weapon, his mouth set in a tight, frustrated line. And yet, somehow, Hinata seemed unfazed, his expression defiant.

Yamaguchi finally noticed her distracted state and glanced back, following her line of sight. When he saw the scene in the CEO’s office, he only chuckled softly.

“Oh, don’t mind them,” he said, turning back to her with an easy smile. “That’s just how they work things out.”

“ Work things out? ” Yachi repeated weakly.

“Yep. Happens all the time,” Yamaguchi shrugged as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Yachi blinked, her brain scrambling to process what she was seeing. Kageyama had closed the distance between him and Hinata, pointing a finger right back at him as their argument escalated. Yet, not once did Hinata look cowed. If anything, he seemed to relish the sparring.

With that, Yachi watched as Hinata spun on his heel and walked towards the exit. 

The door swung open, with a loud clang. 

“You’ll break the door, dumbass!” Kageyama’s voice was thundering out into the office now that the door was wide open. Yachi flinched, wanting to cry on Hinata’s behalf. Hianta stormed out. 

“You’re mean!” Hinata snapped back. Yachi felt like she was going to faint right then and there. No way Hinata would not get fired after this. 

“Close the door.”

“Ok fine.” 

“ And don’t write your reports like a three-year-old -” Yachi couldn’t hear the rest because the door was now closed. 

Yachi was as Hinata walked back to his desk, completely unphased. As if he did not have a verbal spat with one of the biggest industry titans. 

The folder in her hands felt heavier now. Yachi wasn’t sure what she had walked into, but one thing was clear: this wasn’t the kind of workplace she had expected.

“...You’ll get used to it,” Yamaguchi added, as if reading her mind.

Will I, though?  

“Oi, Hinata!” Yamaguchi waved over. Hinata’s face lit up instantly, his bright grin stretching from ear to ear. If Yachi didn’t know better, it looked like he was having the best day ever. As if he did not just walk out of a nasty verbal spat with the CEO. What is with this guy?

“Come meet Yachi.” Yamaguchi gestured toward her. “She’s joining our team.” 

“Hiya!” Hinata beamed, practically bouncing in place. “Welcome to the team!” His voice was cheerful, almost too cheerful.

“Y-yes. Hello. I am Yachi Hitoka,” she introduced herself, her voice faltering slightly as she tried to keep up with his energy.

“She’s from the University of Tokyo,” Yamaguchi added, giving a quick summary.

“Guaaaaaah!” Hinata’s eyes widened dramatically, and Yachi was taken aback by the genuine shock on his face. “You must be like, really smart!” Hinata gushed, his tone full of awe.

Yachi blinked, unsure how to respond. “I-I…” Her words caught in her throat, her face burning with a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

“Don’t mind him,” Yamaguchi chuckled, clearly sensing her nervousness. “Hinata Shoyo is the Executive Assistant to the CEO.”

Yachi froze. Wait. What? The CEO? As in Kageyama? The same Kageyama who had just been in the middle of a yelling match with Hinata?

How could this guy, this Hinata , be the assistant to a man he clearly didn’t get along with? To a man who seemed to despise him just as much? This made no sense.

It had to be a recent hire. That was the only explanation. There was no way someone could stick around that long under those circumstances.

“I…I see,” Yachi muttered, trying to push down the growing confusion in her mind. “How long have you been working with the CEO?” she asked cautiously.

“Three years!” Hinata replied without hesitation, his grin never wavering.

Three years?

Yachi blinked rapidly, trying to process what she was hearing. Three years? How could two people—two people who clearly fought like that—work together for three years? How could they even be employed at the same company, let alone work closely day in and day out? And how on earth were they still alive after all those shouting matches?

Before she could recover from the shock, Yamaguchi let out a small chuckle. “That’s not right, Hinata.” He corrected him, causing Yachi to let out a quiet sigh of relief. Of course, there had to be some mistake .

“You were working as Kageyama’s assistant when he was still a VP. So that makes it six years in total.” Yamaguchi clarified.

“Ah, yeah, you’re right,” Hinata hummed thoughtfully, scratching his head. “I thought she meant when he was just CEO. But yeah, six years. Next month, it'll be seven!”

Yachi’s mind went completely blank. Six years? Seven?! How? How were they still standing after that long? After the verbal explosions she had just witnessed? After all the tension, the frustration, and the bitterness that could practically be seen in the air between Kageyama and Hinata?

Yachi tried to piece it together, but it was like trying to connect dots that didn’t match. Her brain couldn’t make sense of the logic behind it.

“Are you okay?” Yamaguchi asked, noticing the stunned look on her face.

Yachi blinked again, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. “I—I’m fine,” she said, though she didn’t feel fine. This doesn’t add up at all.

“We’re going to grab lunch. Come join us, Yachi,” Yamaguchi suggested, not seeming to notice the inner turmoil Yachi was going through.

Yachi nodded eagerly. Anything to get out of this confusing mess. Lunch. Lunch makes sense. At least that’s something I can understand right now.

“Top o’ the morning, Yachi!” Hinata’s voice was as bright and energetic as the sun streaming through the office windows. He bounded over to her desk, his steps light, almost like he was hopping.

“Don’t say stupid stuff so early in the morning.” Tsukishima groaned from his cubicle, his voice gruff and muffled, clearly not a fan of the early hours.

Yachi blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of her grogginess. It was barely 8 a.m., and she could feel every minute of the long commute she’d taken the day before still clinging to her bones. How was it possible for someone to be so bright and cheerful so early in the morning? How was Hinata always like this? His enthusiasm was a sharp contrast to her exhaustion.

She forced a meek smile, her eyelids still heavy with the need to sleep. “Morning, Hinata,” she replied softly, the words coming out slower than she intended as she fought back another yawn.

“Gee, you look tired!” Hinata exclaimed, his eyes widening as he took in her slumped posture and droopy eyes. He didn’t seem fazed at all by the early hour.

“First time taking the commute,” Yachi sighed, stretching a little and rubbing at her eyes. “I got home so late last night and I got up so early... I’m just... trying to adjust.”

“Yeah, it’ll take some time getting used to,” Hinata sympathized, nodding with that characteristic optimism of his. His words sounded like a promise, and it made her feel a bit better about the whole ordeal.

“I hope so,” Yachi laughed lightly, her voice still a little flat from fatigue.

“Oh! I know what’ll wake you up!” Hinata’s voice suddenly lifted, his eyes lighting up with that familiar spark of excitement. He raised both hands, as though presenting the greatest idea in the history of all ideas.

Yachi’s brow furrowed slightly. “What are you talking about—”

“Coffee!” Hinata interrupted with a shout, his enthusiasm a little too loud for this early hour, his arms flung wide like he had just discovered fire.

“Shut up!” Tsukishima groaned again, his tone a mix of irritation and disbelief. “It’s 8 in the morning—”

Yachi blinked, trying to adjust to the volume of Hinata’s voice in the otherwise quiet office. She could feel the sudden burst of energy surrounding him, as if he could power the whole room with his optimism.

“Yeah, I can grab a coffee from the kitchen,” Yachi muttered, not fully processing the conversation yet as she tried to focus on the half-open report in front of her.

“No, no!” Hinata shook his head vigorously, cutting her off, his excitement only growing. “We’re going to the nice coffee shop in the lobby. Just gimme a sec—”

Without another word, Hinata spun around on his heel, his sneakers squeaking against the floor as he dashed off toward... the CEO’s office?!

Yachi blinked, her thoughts stalling. Wait, what? She watched in stunned silence as Hinata made a beeline for the one office she’d been trying to avoid. Don’t do it, Hinata. Not now, not after yesterday...

Her stomach dropped as she recalled the heated confrontation between Kageyama and Hinata. Was he really going to walk into that office? Right after the CEO had been yelling at him like that?

“Oi Baka-Yama!” Hinata called out boldly as he whipped open the CEO’s door. He didn’t even bother to knock. 

He just called him Baka-Yama!

Is this guy insane?

Yachi’s eyes were glued to the scene unfolding before her. As expected, Kageyama whipped his head up from the stack of papers in front of him, his expression darkening. He let out a growl of frustration. 

“Why are you so loud so early in the morning?!” His voice boomed, reverberating in the otherwise quiet hallway.

That was what Kageyama was mad about? The volume? Not the fact that Hinata had just barged into his office, called him ‘Baka-Yama’ to his face, and was now demanding coffee like he owned the place?

Hinata, undeterred, didn’t miss a beat. “Treat us to coffee,” he demanded boldly, his hands on his hips as if he were the one in charge here.

Yachi’s mouth fell open. Is he serious? She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. What was he thinking?

Kageyama’s eyes narrowed as he glared at him, clearly less than amused. “Why are you making so many loud demands so early in the morning?” he shot back, his voice strained with annoyance.

“For team building!” Hinata declared, his grin wider than ever, as if he had come up with the best excuse in the world.

Kageyama scoffed. “That’s a stupid excuse.”

“C’mon! Don’t be lame!” Hinata persisted, his excitement not fading in the slightest. He wasn’t backing down.

"Buy your own damn coffee," Kageyama said coldly, his arms crossed in that way that always made him seem like he was preparing to be both stubborn and unmovable.

Yachi felt the tension building to a breaking point and, without thinking, she stepped a little further into the office, her hands held out as if trying to intervene before things escalated further. I can’t watch this turn into a full-blown argument , she thought, panic rising in her chest. If this goes on, someone’s going to throw something…

But it was too late.

“No!” Hinata’s voice was louder now, and there was a playful defiance in his words. “I want you to treat us.”

Yachi froze, a wave of dread crashing over her as she realized she had underestimated how quickly this could get out of hand. Oh no. This is definitely escalating...

Kageyama glared at Hinata, his lips pressed into a thin line, clearly struggling to hold onto his no-nonsense composure. “No,” he said firmly, his voice as cold as ice.

Hinata leaned in even closer, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, and his hands came up in mock pleading. “Pleaaaaase?” His tone was almost sing-song, his eyes sparkling with amusement, but there was something about the way he asked that made it clear he wasn’t going to let this go.

Yachi was watching this with wide eyes, half in disbelief, half in complete fascination. She couldn’t believe this was happening in front of her. This wasn’t how any normal office should operate.

Suddenly, Kageyama threw something in Hinata’s direction. Yachi gasped, her heart leaping into her throat. Was it a paperweight? A coffee mug? What could have been thrown with such force?

But to her surprise, Hinata caught it with ease, holding it up triumphantly.

Yachi exhaled a sigh of relief before she could stop herself. “What the…?” she muttered under her breath. Was Hinata really this casual about everything?

Without missing a beat, Hinata turned around and rushed back toward Yachi, his footsteps light and fast, as if he had just won a race.

“I got us the corporate credit card!” Hinata chuckled, holding up the card like a prize. “Let’s go get us a free coffee, courtesy of our dear CEO!”

Yachi stood there, blinking, her mind whirling. She was still processing what had just happened. The CEO just handed over the corporate credit card like it was nothing? And Hinata, of all people, was the one to ask for it? No - he demanded it!

She glanced at Tsukishima, whose glare was fixed on the pair. Although, he looked unsurprised. As if this was business as usual.  Yachi couldn’t help but laugh a little, though it was mostly out of pure confusion. This was far beyond what she could’ve ever imagined. How could a company function like this? How could anyone work with these two and not be completely lost?

“You’ll get used to it.” Sugawara whispered with a wink as she walked by. “Oh- and grab me a soy latte.” 

Yachi nodded a little too eagerly as she followed Hinata down the elevator bank. 

“Yachi, I need your help.” Yamaguchi’s voice came from across the office, and Yachi’s heart skipped a beat. She straightened up in her chair, eager to show that she was ready and capable.

“What is it?” she asked, trying to sound confident. She wanted to make herself useful, especially after the whirlwind of the past few days.

“I got pulled into something urgent,” Yamaguchi continued, his tone laced with a slight edge of panic. “I need you to help take meeting minutes on my behalf.”

Yachi nodded without hesitation. “You got it!” She wasn’t about to back down now, even though her stomach was starting to twist into nervous knots.

“Thank goodness,” Yamaguchi sighed in relief. “I owe you big time.”

Before Yachi could respond, Tsukishima’s voice cut through the air like a razor-sharp blade from his cubicle. “Better hurry up. Oikawa will be here any minute.”

Yachi froze, the name hanging in the air like a thunderclap. “Wait… Oikawa… as in…?”

Tsukishima turned his chair with an exaggerated, almost amused roll of his eyes. “CEO of Aoba Johsai,” he said dryly, almost as if Yachi should have known that already.

Yachi’s mind went into overdrive. Wait, we’re meeting with him? Her thoughts raced as she tried to process the bombshell Tsukishima had just dropped. Oikawa Tooru. The CEO of one of the most powerful corporations in the industry. The man was a titan in the world of business, and the idea of him being in the same room made her heart race. This is a big deal. What did I just get myself into?

“It’s a pretty high-stakes meeting,” Tsukishima added, almost as if reading her mind. His tone was casual, but there was a sharpness to it that suggested he wasn’t oblivious to the pressure. “It’s a massive land negotiation. It's critical to the expansion of Karasuno Inc. They’re expecting results.”

Yachi’s vision blurred for a moment. I’m going to die right here. Her breath caught in her throat. A land negotiation? Her thoughts swirled in a panic. Critical to the expansion of Karasuno Inc? What am I supposed to do? I’ve only been here for two days!

“I’m sure it’s not that bad!” Yamaguchi interjected, trying to offer some comfort. His eyes were wide with concern but still optimistic. “Hinata and Kageyama will be running the meeting, so you just have to take notes. You can do that, right?”

Yachi’s world tilted for a moment. Wait. Those two? Her mind stammered to a halt. What if they start fist-fighting in the middle of the meeting? What if they blow up at each other? What if… what if they ruin everything? She couldn’t help but imagine a chaotic scene in her mind, with papers flying and people shouting, the tension escalating to absurd levels. This is bad. This is really bad.

If this meeting failed then Karasuno couldn’t expand.

Does that mean Karasuno would fail and go out of business? Would Yachi be responsible for the downfall of one of the industry’s greatest titans? 

She swallowed, her throat dry as she tried to compose herself. "I—I’ll do my best," she said, though she felt like she was just sentenced to her death. 

“Thank you, Yachi!” Yamaguchi said brightly, flashing her a grateful smile before he bolted out of the office, clearly relieved to be escaping the pressure.

Yachi stood frozen in place for a moment, her mind still reeling from the unexpected twist. I’m doomed. Her thoughts were frantic, but no matter how much she wanted to flee, she had no choice but to march into the lion’s den.

From behind his desk, Tsukishima’s voice drifted toward her again, laced with amusement. “Lucky you,” he teased, his eyes glinting with humor. “It’s only your second day, and you get to see the freak-duo in action.”

What the hell is that supposed to mean? 

She felt her legs tremble slightly as she gathered her papers and headed toward the meeting room. Please, just survive this, Yachi. Please.

Yachi sat at the far end of the conference room, her fingers tapping out the minutes of the meeting. She tried to focus on the task at hand — the numbers, the agreements, the motions being made — but it was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate as she glanced up at the dynamic unfolding before her.

Hinata and Kageyama. Together. And it was driving her absolutely insane.

Oikawa was smug with his team beside him, his smirk playing at the edges of his lips as he leaned back in his chair.

"Alright, Tobio-chan, here’s what I’m willing to part with: the West Lot, Seijoh Plaza, and the northern development lands. A bargain, really, at 80 million. I’d call it generous."

Yachi’s pen hovered over the paper as she quickly jotted down the terms, but her eyes couldn’t stray far from the pair. Kageyama’s gaze was fixed, sharp as ever, but then he spoke.

"Generous?” Kageyama replied without missing a beat,  “The West Lot is prone to flooding. Hinata." 

Hinata kicked into gear and immediately slid over a document, "Environmental impact report, page three. Drainage issues could take two years to fix, with costs exceeding 5 million. The quote from the third-party vendor is on page four, paragraph two."

Yachi's jaw nearly hit the table. What? She had barely even registered that Hinata had pulled up the document — it was like he’d just materialized it out of thin air. And Kageyama... Kageyama had just thrown the ball over to him like it was the most natural thing in the world. This was not what she expected when she joined Karasuno’s team. The way they worked — in tandem, so effortlessly — was... unsettling.

Kageyama placed the document firmly in front of Oikawa. "We’re not paying for your mistakes."

Yachi couldn’t help but admire how smoothly Kageyama’s words landed. There was no hesitation, no second-guessing. He was on it . And Hinata was still right there beside him, ready with more information.

Oikawa raised an eyebrow, however Yachi noted that he looked less smug, "A minor inconvenience. The Seijoh Plaza property alone makes up for that. Prime location, high traffic—"

"Declining traffic." Kageyama interrupted coldly. 

Yachi almost choked on her breath. Kageyama didn’t even blink as he shot Oikawa down. And then — of course — Hinata was there, sliding over another paper, looking completely unfazed.

"Foot traffic reports show a 15% year-over-year decrease, likely due to newer developments in the area pulling customers away,” Hinata explained casually. “ We confirmed it through third-party data."

She couldn’t stop herself from staring. They were a unit . Like two pieces of the same puzzle, each filling the gaps the other left without even needing to communicate it out loud. Kageyama was cold and precise, and Hinata was warm and enthusiastic, but together? They were unstoppable.

Kageyama’s eyes locked with Oikawa’s, "You’re selling us declining assets at inflated prices. Try again."

And Yachi’s mind was racing. The way Kageyama leaned forward, the way Hinata’s fingers twitched with anticipation, how they moved together without a single word — it was like they were the perfect team , and Yachi was stuck on the sidelines, watching it unfold. The realization made her stomach twist.

Oikawa leaned forward, his smile grew tighter “Tch. Tobio-chan, you’re as stiff as ever. Fine, let’s adjust. Say, 70 million. That’s more than fair."

"Not when the northern development isn’t zoned," Kageyama replied, unwavering. 

Hinata slid another document over, no hesitation in his movements.

"And rezoning applications were denied twice already." He slid another document over. "We cross-referenced city planning records. Your chances of approval are slim without significant changes to your proposal."

Yachi’s heart was racing now. She could barely write the words down fast enough as they rattled off facts and figures, their voices blending into one perfect rhythm. What the hell? Was this really happening?

And Oikawa? He was cracking . Slowly, but surely. Kageyama was unyielding, but Hinata was like a spring, adding just the right touch of warmth to make sure Oikawa knew they weren’t bluffing.

Oikawa paused, tapping his fingers more rapidly "Hmph. I see you’ve come prepared. But let’s not act like this land isn’t essential to Karasuno’s expansion plans. Without it, you’ll be boxed in by competitors."

Kageyama leaned forward, his voice sharp."You’re wrong. It’s not essential. It’s convenient. And we’re not desperate. Forty-five million for the West Lot and Seijoh Plaza. You keep the northern lands. Take it or we walk."

Yachi felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Kageyama’s commanding voice, his unshakable confidence... and yet, it was paired perfectly with Hinata’s ever-present energy, as though nothing could faze him.

Oikawa was chuckling. But even she could see that his facade was cracking. "Walk? Oh, Tobio-chan, you’re bluffing."

“Nope!” Hinata cut through with glee. “We’ve already scouted alternatives. The Kitaichi properties in Fukurodani are cheaper, zoned, and move-in ready." Hinata replied brightly, yet he seemed a bit on edge as if he was waiting for the final strike. 

"Forty-five million, Oikawa.” There it was. Kageyama’s final strike. “ This is your best offer."

And then, in that moment, Yachi realized that Kageyama and Hinata were a dangerous team. 

Oikawa paused as he glared at the two of them"...Fine. Forty-five million. But you better take care of my precious West Lot, Tobio-chan."

"We’ll do what’s necessary," Kageyama replied as he began to stand up. 

"We’ll send over the finalized agreement by tomorrow. Thanks, Oikawa-san! Always a pleasure doing business with you." Hinata grinned as he gathered all his papers together. 

Oikawa forced a smile but his voice dripped with sarcasm. “Oh, the pleasure is mine, always, Hinata-kun."

As the deal was sealed and the two of them stood there, exchanging quiet words and leaving Oikawa to stew, Yachi leaned back in her chair. Her head was spinning.

“How’d the land negotiation go?” Yamaguchi asked, his cheeks flushed with excitement as he returned from his lunch meeting. He had a lightness in his step, a small smile tugging at his lips, as if he already knew the answer, but was eager to hear it confirmed.

Yachi blinked, still reeling from the whirlwind of the meeting that had just transpired. Her mind felt foggy, as though she were still caught in the tension of the conference room. She looked down at her notes again, her eyes scanning the pages in front of her, as if they could anchor her to the reality of what had just happened. Did that really happen? The numbers, the deals—they felt almost surreal.

“It was…” Yachi hesitated, trying to form the words. Her voice wavered as the adrenaline from the meeting still pulsed in her veins. "They got almost 50% off the original asking price!" She nearly shouted, the excitement spilling out of her before she could catch it.

Yamaguchi’s eyes lit up with surprise, and then he laughed, his face breaking into a grin. “No way!” he exclaimed, clearly impressed. “Aoba Johsai didn’t stand a chance!” He threw a playful punch into the air as if the victory had been his own.

Yachi could hardly believe it. The negotiation had been so quick, so aggressive, it had felt like watching a storm sweep through a city. How did they do that?

“You should’ve seen what they did to Date Tech,” Tsukishima chimed in, his voice dripping with dry amusement. He leaned back in his chair, arms folded across his chest, as though he were recalling a particularly satisfying moment of victory. “Those guys didn’t even know what hit them.”

“I hear they’re still recovering from the hit.” Yamaguchi snickered. 

Yachi flinched slightly at the mention of Date Tech. The name sent a chill down her spine. Date Tech? She’d heard about them—another powerhouse in the industry, a company with a reputation just as strong as Aoba Johsai’s. To think that they had been taken down by the same team she had just witnessed in action made her stomach flip. Did they fall victim to the freak-duo as well?

Yachi’s gaze drifted over to Kageyama’s glass office, where he and Hinata were standing, the meeting clearly wrapping up. She watched in stunned silence as Hinata suddenly threw his hands up in the air, a wide grin spreading across his face. Kageyama, the ever-aloof powerhouse, mirrored him with an exaggerated high-five. The smack of their palms resonated through the glass, and for a moment, everything felt frozen in time.

It made sense—after all, this was a big deal, a huge success for the company. But watching them celebrate like that—watching the two of them, who seemed like opposites in every sense—just made it feel so… strange. It’s like they’re two different people when they’re together. Yachi’s mind was spinning, trying to make sense of their chemistry. How can they work like that?

“I don’t get it,” Yachi muttered under her breath, mostly to herself. She couldn’t quite wrap her head around it. The high-energy antics, the odd dynamic between the two of them—it was as if she were watching a well-choreographed performance, but one that was still so foreign to her.

“You’ll get used to it,” Yamaguchi chuckled, his tone light and reassuring. He leaned in a little, as if sharing a secret. “It’s just how they are. After a while, you won’t even bat an eye at it.”

Yachi just stared, still processing. It felt like she had just been thrown into an entirely different world, one where the rules were rewritten, and everything was unpredictable. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for this.

“I mean, it’s super gross though,” Tsukishima added, his voice thick with sarcasm. He shot a look at Yachi, his lips curling into a small smirk, as if he were enjoying a joke. 

Yachi could only manage a small nod, the reality of her situation settling in. I’m never going to get used to this, she thought.

On the third day, Yachi found herself sitting stiffly in the boardroom with the rest of the team, her nerves wound tight. The air was heavy with unease, and it wasn’t hard to see why. The headlines had been relentless:

Nekoma Corp Releases Plans to Pull Their Investment from Karasuno Inc.

Nekoma was Karasuno’s biggest partner, and their most critical investor. If they pulled out, it wouldn’t just be a blow—it would be catastrophic. Yachi's mind churned with worst-case scenarios: massive budget cuts, restructuring, and the loss of countless jobs. Her job.

The rest of the team mirrored her anxiety, exchanging hushed, worried whispers while stealing glances at the door. No one dared to speak too loudly, as though acknowledging the situation might make it worse.

Finally, the door opened, and in strode Kageyama, his cool, commanding presence filling the room. He carried himself with that same impenetrable confidence, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered team. “Good morning,” he said curtly, setting his leather binder down with precision. “I’m sure you’ve all seen the news.”

The murmurs erupted again, louder this time, a wave of unease washing over the room.

Kageyama silenced them with a pointed look before turning toward the screen at the front of the room. He pressed a button, and a slide flickered to life. “We have an approach,” he announced, his voice calm but firm.

He gestured toward the first slide, his tone unwavering. “Today, we’ll meet with Nekoma to convince them to retain their investment—at least 60% of it. The team will coordinate with finance to recover the remaining 40% this fiscal year.”

The team nodded cautiously, murmuring their agreement. It wasn’t ideal, but it was something. The plan could work, and while it would hurt, Karasuno could recover. Slowly but surely, it could be done.

That was when a voice cut through, clear and sharp:

“Oi,”

Yachi’s head snapped toward the source, her eyes widening. It was Hinata. He straightened in his chair, his usually bright and cheerful demeanor replaced with something entirely different. Determined. Calculated.

“What is it, Hinata?” Kageyama snapped, irritation flickering in his eyes.

“This is stupid,” Hinata said bluntly, his words slicing through the room like a blade.

Yachi almost fell out of her chair. Had he lost his mind? She darted glances at the others, expecting similar shock, but no one else seemed fazed. Her heart pounded as she scrambled to process what she had just heard.

“No, it’s not,” Kageyama retorted, his voice cold. “I’m trying to keep our biggest investor from walking away.”

Hinata shook his head, his defiance palpable. “You’re scared,” he said, pointing a finger directly at Kageyama.

Yachi’s jaw dropped. He just pointed at Kageyama.

“And because you’re scared, you’re slacking,” Hinata continued, his tone unwavering. “This strategy is awful, and it’s way beneath you, Yama.”

Yachi flinched. Yama? How many nicknames does he have for his superior?!

Kageyama’s eyes narrowed into a glare that could have cut steel. “I don’t want to hear it. This is our strategy.”

“No,” Hinata countered, his voice sharp. “If they pull out, it’s their loss. They need to know that.”

Kageyama stared at him, his brow furrowed in frustration. “What are you saying?” he asked slowly, as if trying to make sense of madness.

“I’m saying it’s their loss, and they’re making a mistake,” Hinata replied, his tone unwavering.

“You’re telling me,” Kageyama said, his voice rising with incredulity, “that we should tell our largest investor that they’re making a mistake?”

“Bingo,” Hinata said with a grin, unbothered by the mounting tension.

“Everyone, get the hell out,” Kageyama barked suddenly, his voice cutting through the air like a whip.

The room erupted into motion, chairs scraping against the floor as the team scattered like frightened mice. Yachi barely had time to grab her notebook as she scrambled for the door, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Not you, Hinata,” Kageyama said sharply.

Hinata froze mid-step, his back straightening as he turned to face Kageyama.

“You stay.”

The door clicked shut behind Yachi, cutting off whatever conversation was about to unfold. Standing in the hallway, her hands trembling slightly, she clutched her notebook to her chest. A part of her feared for Hinata’s life—no one talked to Kageyama like that and survived unscathed.

“I need you to take the meeting minutes for this upcoming meeting.”

Yamaguchi’s words hit Yachi like a ton of bricks. Her heart skipped a beat, and her mind immediately went into overdrive. “W-What?” she stammered, her voice barely audible. “But that meeting is—”

“Yeah, I know it’s with Nekoma Corp.” Yamaguchi interrupted, waving his hand dismissively as though it was no big deal. He didn’t seem at all phased by the gravity of the situation.

“I-I don’t think…” Yachi faltered, her stomach twisting into knots. She wanted to protest, to say that she wasn’t ready for this, that she didn’t even know the first thing about corporate negotiations, but the words stuck in her throat.

“Relax,” Yamaguchi said, his voice light and reassuring as he leaned closer, flashing a quick smile. “Kageyama and Hinata have a plan.”

Yachi’s eyes widened, her gaze flickering toward the glass-walled office where the two of them sat. “It doesn’t look like they have a plan!” she said, her voice rising in panic. “They couldn’t even see eye to eye during our Boardroom meeting! They were bickering over everything!” She could still feel the tension from earlier in the day, when Kageyama had shot down one of Hinata’s ideas with a scoff, and Hinata had just as quickly retorted, throwing up his hands in exasperation. How are they supposed to work together for something this important?

Yamaguchi gave a nonchalant shrug, clearly unbothered. “It’ll be fine, they always pull something out of their hat. Trust me.” He patted her shoulder reassuringly before straightening up. “Don’t worry, you’ll do great. Just take good notes.”

Yachi blinked, still frozen in place as her mind raced, but before she could respond, Yamaguchi was already halfway down the hall, his voice fading as he called out over his shoulder, “I’ve gotta run. Good luck!”

He disappeared around the corner, leaving Yachi standing there, rooted to the spot, her thoughts spinning.

Oh no. Her breath caught in her throat as a cold wave of dread washed over her. The thought of sitting in on a high-stakes meeting with Nekoma Corp where the financial state of Karasuno was relying on was terrifying. But to take minutes for a meeting that Kageyama and Hinata were in charge of? I’m doomed.

The tension in the boardroom was palpable, though Kenma Kozume didn’t seem to notice or care. He lounged in his chair, fingers lazily tapping the polished mahogany table. His gaze flickered between the documents in front of him and the two Karasuno representatives seated across from him. Beside him, Kuroo leaned back with his trademark smirk, exuding an almost taunting confidence.

“We’ve decided to shift priorities,” Kenma said calmly, his tone almost bored. “Diversifying our investments is the smarter strategy moving forward. Nekoma will be pulling out after the next quarter.”

A heavy silence followed his words. Kuroo’s smirk widened as though he were savoring the drama, waiting for cracks to form in the duo before them. But neither Hinata nor Kageyama flinched.

“You’ll lose more than you gain by pulling out now,” Kageyama said, his tone cold and sharp.

Kenma raised an eyebrow, his mild intrigue not quite reaching his expression. “Oh?”

“You’re walking away from a 20% projected ROI in the next fiscal year,” Hinata said brightly, his voice steady and focused. “Karasuno isn’t just another project in your portfolio—it’s your strongest one.”

Kenma blinked slowly, as though he was digesting the statement. Beside him, Kuroo chuckled, the sound low and dismissive. “ROI projections are cute,” Kuroo drawled, “but they don’t mean much when the market shifts. We’re hedging our bets.”

“You’re hedging wrong,” Kageyama retorted, leaning forward slightly. His words cut through the room like ice.

“Wrong?” Kuroo repeated. “You have some nerve telling your biggest investor that they're ‘wrong’.”

 “The other investments you’re considering don’t have our scalability or adaptability. Nekoma won’t find another partner with Karasuno’s growth potential.” Kageyama continued. 

Hinata slid a report across the table with practiced ease. “Page seven,” he said, his tone brimming with quiet confidence. “We’ve expanded into three new markets in the last quarter, with profit margins increasing by 15%. That’s a direct result of your capital. You walk now, and you’re leaving exponential growth on the table.”

Kenma’s gaze flicked over the report as he turned the pages, his expression remaining unreadable. But Yachi, watching silently from the corner of the room, noticed the faintest shift in his demeanor. His usual air of indifference was fading, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. His eyes lingered on Hinata as if he were seeing him in a new light.

“Impressive,” Kenma said softly. “But profit margins aren’t everything. Diversification keeps us safe.”

“Safety isn’t profitable,” Kageyama countered bluntly. “Risk is.”

Hinata grinned, the edge in his smile unmistakable. “And we’re the smart risk. Every yen you’ve put into us has paid off, and it’ll keep paying off. Doubling your investment now won’t just increase your returns—it’ll cement Nekoma as the leader in this space.”

Did Yachi hear that correctly?

Did Hinata just tell an investor who was ready to pull out that they should double their investment instead? 

Kuroo leaned forward, his smirk faltering just slightly. “Doubling the investment? Bold ask, Hinata. What makes you so sure you can deliver?” 

Yachi did hear them correctly!

Without hesitation, Hinata replied, “Because we already are. You’ve seen our numbers. You’ve seen how we’ve outperformed every single one of your other ventures. What we’re asking isn’t a risk for you—it’s a shortcut to the top.”

Kenma tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on Hinata. “You’re very confident,” he murmured.

“Because we’re right,” Kageyama said, his tone steady and unwavering. “And you know it.”

Kenma set the report down, steepling his fingers as he studied the two of them. After a long pause, his lips curled into a faint smile. “It’s rare to see this kind of conviction,” he said. “Most people just fold when the stakes are this high.”

Hinata’s grin widened. “We don’t fold. We win. And we want you to win too.”

Kuroo glanced at Kenma, sensing the shift in his mood. With a chuckle, he said, “Looks like you’ve got Kozume’s attention.”

Kenma’s smile lingered as he leaned back in his chair. “Fine. Double the investment,” he said. “But if you slip even once, we’ll reconsider everything.”

“You won’t regret it,” Kageyama replied as he stood, calm and commanding.

“We’ll make sure of it!” Hinata said brightly, gathering the documents. “Thanks, Kenma-san, Kuroo-san! This is going to be great!”

As the meeting concluded, Yachi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She watched as the Nekoma executives stood to leave, but Kenma lingered for just a moment. His eyes remained on Hinata, a faint but genuine smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Keep staying interesting, Shoyo,” Kenma said quietly, almost as if speaking to himself.

Hinata blinked in surprise before breaking into his signature grin. “Oh, I plan to!” he replied.

Kenma turned and followed Kuroo out, his calm expression firmly back in place. Yachi, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that Hinata had just earned himself a new fan—or perhaps a formidable admirer.

Slumping back in her chair, Yachi shook her head. Together, Hinata and Kageyama could move mountains—and, apparently, captivate even the most indifferent CEOs.

“Great work today, Yachi!” Hinata beamed, his grin wide as he patted her shoulder with enthusiasm. His energy was infectious, but Yachi could only manage a nervous nod.

“Oh! I didn’t really do anything,” she mumbled, her cheeks flushing as she glanced down at her notebook.

“Nonsense!” Hinata waved off her protest, his voice bright and unwavering. “You took all the notes! Kept us on track! You were key to our success today.”

Yachi opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Kageyama’s sharp tone sliced through the moment. “Stop talking and let the poor girl go home.”

Hinata blinked, then laughed. “Oh, right! Good point.” He turned toward Yachi with a sheepish smile before suddenly perking up, as though struck by a brilliant idea. “Oh, wait!”

Before Yachi could process what he was about to do, Hinata spun around and called out, loud and clear, “Yamayama! Give Yachi a ride home!”

Yachi froze, her face draining of color. Yamayama? He just called the CEO ‘Yamayama’?!

Her stomach twisted, and she felt the blood rush to her ears. “N-no!” she stammered, throwing her hands up in a panic. “It’s okay! I’ll just take the train.”

Hinata turned back to her, his expression full of determination. “It’s late!” he exclaimed, his tone almost scolding. “And you were working late because of us!”

“N-no, really, it’s fine,” she insisted, her voice shaky. She could feel her pulse racing in her temples.

“Yama, give her a ride,” Hinata insisted, turning back to Kageyama like it was the most natural request in the world.

Kageyama crossed his arms, fixing Hinata with a cold stare before letting out a sigh. “Fine,” he muttered, his tone begrudging but firm. “Let’s go. My car is over here.”

“R-really, I can manage!” Yachi squeaked, her voice nearly cracking. She wanted to melt into the floor, but Hinata was already nudging her toward the door with a wide grin.

“Come on!” he chirped, practically ushering her forward. “It’s not a big deal.”

As Yachi shuffled out of the office, her mind was a whirlwind of panic and disbelief. Did he just casually boss around Kageyama? She glanced nervously at the CEO, whose expression remained impassive, though his sharp gaze flicked briefly to Hinata with something resembling annoyance—or maybe begrudging respect.

Yachi sat stiffly in the backseat of Kageyama’s sleek black Mercedes-Benz her hands clutching her bag like a lifeline. The soft leather seats smelled expensive, and the glowing dashboard controls made her feel like she was sitting in a spaceship. If I even breathe wrong and scratch something, I’ll probably get fired, she thought in a panic.

She tried to make herself as small as possible, barely daring to move. Meanwhile, in the passenger seat, Hinata looked as if he owned the car—or at least as if he had ridden in it a hundred times before. Maybe he had. He was fiddling with every button he could find, adjusting the seat, lowering and raising the window, and flipping through radio stations as though the high-tech controls were a game.

“Stop that. It’s annoying,” Kageyama scolded from the driver’s seat, his voice sharp but calm.

Hinata ignored him, grinning mischievously as he pressed another button. “There’s no good music on here. Let me plug in my phone.”

“Absolutely not, dumbass.” Kageyama’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “I’m not listening to that garbage you call music.”

“Experimental Dubstep is not garbage!” Hinata shot back indignantly.

Kageyama rolled his eyes. “I’m not listening to that nonsense.”

The bickering between the two was strangely casual, like siblings squabbling during a road trip. It was bizarrely intimate for a CEO and his employee. Yachi couldn’t help herself. The words tumbled out before she could stop them.

“Hinata, how did you even get hired?”

The silence that followed was deafening. Yachi’s face burned with regret as the weight of her question sank in. “I—I’m so sorry,” she stammered, hands raised in defense. “That’s not what I meant—please forget I said anything—”

To her shock, Hinata burst out laughing, a loud, carefree laugh that completely disarmed her. Kageyama remained silent, but there was a flicker of something in his expression—was that amusement?

“I’m going to die,” she whispered to herself.

“Relax!” Hinata turned in his seat, flashing her a grin so bright it could melt glaciers. “We get that question a lot.”

“Because you suck so bad, everyone’s shocked you haven’t gotten fired yet,” Kageyama cut in dryly, though this time there was an undeniable hint of humor in his tone.

“Says the guy who needs me!” Hinata retorted, his voice full of mock offense. And to Yachi’s utter amazement, Kageyama didn’t argue.

Still grinning, Hinata turned back to her. “But to answer your question, Kageyama inherited me.”

“Inherited?” Yachi echoed, confused.

“Yup!” Hinata nodded enthusiastically. “I was actually the assistant to the former CEO—Kageyama’s grandfather.”

Yachi’s eyes widened. “You worked for his grandfather?”

“Great man,” Hinata said fondly, his expression softening for a moment. “Anyway, when Kageyama was old enough to take on an executive position, the deal was that he’d get me as his executive assistant.”

“I was devastated ,” Kageyama admitted flatly. “My first plan of action was to fire him when I took on the position.”

“Man, you should’ve seen his face when he heard the news!” Hinata laughed, throwing his head back. “Believe it or not, Yachi, we didn’t get along at first.”

This is their version of ‘getting along’? Yachi shivered at the thought.

Hinata suddenly leaned over and poked Kageyama in the arm. “But hey, you’re CEO now. You can fire me anytime. No one can stop you”

“I’m not doing that,” Kageyama replied quickly as if the very thought of it offended him.

“Why not? You were so ready back then,” Hinata teased. 

“Because…” Kageyama trailed off, gripping the wheel a little tighter.

“Because what?” Hinata pressed, leaning closer like a curious child.

Kageyama’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, locking onto Yachi’s. The intensity of his gaze made her want to shrink, but there was an unfamiliar softness in his expression, something almost vulnerable.

“My grandfather was right,” Kageyama finally said, his voice quieter but firm. “He said I needed someone better by my side to succeed,”

Yachi blinked, trying to process the words. She thought she understood—but then again, she wasn’t entirely sure she did.

Before she could think too much, Hinata reached out and patted Kageyama’s hand, his face splitting into a mischievous grin. “Awwww, Yama! That’s so sweet of you.”

“Forget I said anything,” Kageyama snapped, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.

Yachi stared out the window, stunned into silence. The dynamic between the two was nothing short of extraordinary—and a little terrifying.

As the sleek Mercedes eased to a stop in front of her modest apartment building, Yachi fumbled with her seatbelt in her haste to get out. She turned in her seat and bowed deeply, her hands gripping the strap of her bag like a lifeline.

“Th-thank you for the ride!” she blurted, her voice louder than she intended.

“No problem!” Hinata chirped from the passenger seat, grinning as if he had been the one behind the wheel. “See you tomorrow!”

“Good work today, Yachi,” Kageyama added from the driver’s seat, his tone calm and steady. Yachi thought she might die again for the hundredth time this week. 

“Thank you….G-goodnight,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Goodnight!” Hinata called back, entirely too loud, as the tinted window began to slide shut.

Yachi stepped back onto the curb and watched the car pull away. She was just beginning to exhale in relief when she caught the faint sound of Hinata’s unmistakable voice, slightly muffled by the closing windows:

“Now take me to McDonald’s, driver!”

Her jaw dropped, and despite herself, a laugh bubbled out of her. The absurdity of the night left her standing on the sidewalk, shaking her head and smiling as the taillights of the Mercedes disappeared into the distance.

Yachi stepped out of the elevator hurriedly, heart racing as she glanced at her watch. The office was dark, the only light coming from the flickering emergency exit signs. Night had fallen, and everyone had likely gone home by now.

Yachi should be home by now too, enjoying some well-deserved rest after a long day. But in her rush to leave earlier, she had completely forgotten her phone. Cursing under her breath, she scurried to her cubicle, hoping no one would be around to see her awkward return.

“Hello?” A voice suddenly echoed from the shadows.

Yachi froze, her heart leaping in her chest. Her eyes shot up to meet a familiar patch of bright orange.

“Oh, Yachi!” Hinata’s wide grin appeared from the darkness, and his wave felt oddly warm for the empty office. “What are you doing here?”

Yachi blinked, trying to shake the dazed feeling creeping over her. “Forgot my phone,” she muttered, suddenly feeling self-conscious. As she glanced at Hinata, she couldn’t help but notice how… flushed he looked. His cheeks were rosy, and his hair seemed a little wild—like he had just run a marathon or been exercising.

“Who is it, Shou?” A deeper voice, slightly annoyed, came from behind.

Yachi whipped her head around, and her eyes widened in shock as she locked eyes with Kageyama. His tall frame was half-hidden in the shadows, his blue eyes glinting eerily in the dim light.

“Kageyama-sama…” Yachi gasped, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

“Don’t creep out of the shadows, creep,” Hinata teased lightly, though his voice was unusually hushed as if the tension between them was more than just playful bickering.

Yachi's eyes drifted between the two of them, and something in her stomach twisted. Kageyama looked almost... disheveled. His hair was damp, clinging to his forehead, and his shirt—barely tucked in—looked like it had been hastily put on. His usually sharp, authoritative demeanor seemed off, like he wasn’t fully present, as if something else was on his mind.

She bit her lip, a nagging feeling crawling up her spine. They must've been working late, she assumed. Or perhaps—Yachi quickly shook the thought away—arguing over something trivial. The air felt thick, like the remnants of a long, heated discussion. A small, almost imperceptible tension lingered in the air between the two of them.

“Were you guys working late?” 

“Yep,” Hinata replied a little too quickly. “Come on! We’ll walk out with you!” Hinata’s voice broke through her racing thoughts as he clapped a hand on Yachi’s shoulder. He practically ushered her toward the elevator, his usual energy bouncing back full force.

Yachi shuffled awkwardly, nerves still crawling under her skin. As much as she was starting to figure out their dynamic, it didn’t stop the intimidation she always felt when they were together. There was something... off about their presence, an undercurrent of something unsaid.

Her eyes drifted back to Hinata as he led the way. She couldn’t help but notice the way his shirt was half unbuttoned, the collar hanging low and exposing more of his neck than usual. His flushed face, the slight tremor in his movements—was it just her imagination, or had something been off ?

“Your shirt isn’t buttoned correctly,” Yachi muttered, feeling a strange heat creep into her own cheeks as she realized how awkward she sounded.

Hinata froze for a second, his face turning a shade redder as he quickly tried to fix his shirt.

“Dumbass…” Kageyama muttered under his breath, though there was no real anger in his tone. More like the kind of exasperation one might have for someone they were endlessly familiar with.

Yachi gulped, suddenly feeling a little dizzy. She took a deep breath to steady herself, but her mind kept racing back to the quiet tension she’d just witnessed in the office. The way Kageyama’s sharp gaze followed Hinata’s every movement, the way Hinata seemed almost... unsettled.

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. There was no way—no way—that they could be that close. It was just her overthinking things again.

They must’ve been working late and got into another heated argument.

But as the elevator doors slid shut, Yachi couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still hanging in the air between them, unspoken and unsettling.

Was this something she could get used to? 

After that night, Yachi found herself more confused than ever. Kageyama and Hinata’s dynamic was still a mystery. They fought like usual, loud and brash—just the other day, Kageyama had called Hinata into his office and thrown a stack of papers at him, which Hinata had dodged effortlessly with his trademark grin. But that wasn't what left Yachi puzzled anymore.

No, it was the little things.

She noticed how they whispered to each other before the morning meetings, the conversation hushed and too intimate for the mundane office environment. Kageyama’s laugh had become more frequent, a deep, unrestrained sound that she could only recall hearing when Hinata said something into his ear. A laugh that felt like it was meant for no one else but him.

And then there was the way their hands brushed when they sat together in the cafeteria. It was an accident, sure, but it never felt like it lasted long enough to be considered an accident. The way their fingers lingered just a beat too long, brushing with a tenderness that made Yachi’s heart skip a beat.

What was this? This wasn't just boss and assistant. Was it?

“Have you figured it out yet?” Tsukishima’s voice broke through her thoughts, his usual bored tone turning sharper as he stood with his coffee in hand, Yamaguchi beside him. Yachi’s gaze darted to Kageyama and Hinata, who were sitting at the conference table just ahead, their heads bent close over a tablet. Kageyama leaned in a little too much for it to be purely professional. His arm brushed against Hinata’s, but neither pulled away.

Yachi felt a flutter in her chest and quickly looked away.

“Figure what out?” She asked, trying to keep her voice steady, but her stomach was twisting.

“She knows,” Yamaguchi said with a grin that hinted at something Yachi couldn't quite place.

“I want to hear you say it.” Tsukishima’s smirk deepened as he leaned forward, his sharp eyes trained on her.

“W-What?” Yachi felt the heat rise in her cheeks, a nervous laugh bubbling in her throat. No way, she thought. No way was she going to say it out loud.

“Say it.” Tsukishima pressed again, leaning in even closer. His voice was low, almost playful, but there was an undeniable challenge in it. “Tell me what you think is going on over there,” he said, jerking his thumb in Kageyama and Hinata’s direction. “What’s really going on?”

Yachi’s breath caught in her throat, and her mind screamed for her to say something—anything—to escape this moment. But the truth, the truth she had been too scared to admit, was right on the tip of her tongue.

“I-I…” Yachi stuttered, glancing nervously at Kageyama and Hinata. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t say it.

“Stop that.” Sugawara’s voice came like a gentle breeze, cutting through the tension. He stepped in between them, his presence a quiet but firm wall of protection. “That’s not very nice.” He gave Tsukishima a pointed look, one that was more disapproving than anything.

Tsukishima huffed and pulled back, but not before throwing one last smirk in Yachi’s direction. “She’ll come around,” he muttered, turning back toward the office.

Yachi exhaled, relief washing over her. She hadn’t been able to face Tsukishima's teasing, let alone admit her suspicions.

“See ya, Yachi!” Yamaguchi waved with a grin as he followed Tsukishima back into the offices.

Yachi stood there, her heart still racing. She hadn’t figured it out yet. Not fully, not until she could bring herself to acknowledge it. She still wasn’t sure if she had imagined it all, or if it was real. 

Yachi had been in the office for a few hours, buried in her work, when she heard the door to Kageyama’s office open. It wasn’t uncommon for Hinata to pop in and out, but this time was different. Yachi hadn’t expected to overhear the conversation, especially not the part that made her blood run cold.

She was just finishing up a report when she heard Hinata's voice. It was muffled, but the tone was unmistakably light, teasing even. “You sure you don’t want me to stay?” he asked, his voice lingering in the air like he was waiting for something.

Kageyama’s reply was equally soft, but it made Yachi’s heart skip a beat. “I’m fine. Just go,” Kageyama said, the words clipped but not unfriendly. But then, there was a pause—an almost uncomfortable silence—and Yachi’s gaze drifted to the door, unable to help herself.

“Alright,” Hinata’s voice came again, a little quieter now, almost conspiratorial. “Don’t work too late.” There was a slight emphasis on the words, almost like a warning. But it wasn’t the words that got to Yachi—it was the way Kageyama responded.

“I won’t,” he muttered. But then, as though unable to help himself, Hinata added something that made Yachi freeze.

“Text me when you’re on your way home,” Hinata said, his voice low, almost like a command, but with an edge to it—something personal. Yachi blinked, the words striking her like a slap in the face. 

Kageyama grunted in acknowledgment. 

And then, Yachi heard the faint sound of the door closing, followed by a soft exhale from Kageyama. The tension in the room seemed to linger, and Yachi was left in stunned silence.

She was still processing the exchange when Hinata reappeared, walking out of the office with a small smile on his face. But something was different this time. The way he looked at Kageyama’s office—his eyes soft, almost affectionate—made Yachi feel like an intruder in a world she hadn’t been invited to.

It hit her all at once, and she felt her face flush in a mix of embarrassment and realization. What was going on between them? The way Kageyama had spoken, the subtle affection in his tone, the lingering goodbyes—they were too familiar. Too intimate. It was all slipping out, piece by piece.

This time, she couldn’t ignore it.

“I can’t take it anymore!” Yachi cried, practically bursting through the kitchen door, causing Yamaguchi and Tsukishima to jump in surprise.

“What’s wrong—” Yamaguchi began, but Yachi didn’t give him a chance to finish.

“Shut up!” she snapped, her voice high-pitched with frustration, making both boys flinch. “Those two are together, aren’t they?”

Yamaguchi opened his mouth to speak, but Yachi was on a roll now, unable to hold back her thoughts. “The fighting, the touching, the glances! Heck, those boardroom meetings are practically foreplay for those two! They like each other! They're involved! They're together like...romantically!” she ranted, her chest heaving with indignation.

The kitchen went silent. It wasn’t just the quiet that caught Yachi off guard—it was the lack of surprise on Tsukishima and Yamaguchi’s faces. The weight of the silence hit her hard, and for the first time, she realized the absurdity of her outburst.

I’m so getting fired.

Her palms went clammy, and she took a shaky step back. “I-I didn’t mean—”

But Tsukishima’s mocking voice cut through her panic. “Took you long enough,” he said with a snicker, clearly amused.

Yamaguchi glanced at his watch nonchalantly, his tone casual but with a hint of amusement. “Exactly one week and three days. We owe Daichi 3000 yen.”

Yachi’s eyes widened. “What?”

“We were betting on how long it would take for you to figure it out,” Yamaguchi said, a grin tugging at his lips. His laid-back demeanor was at odds with Yachi’s spiraling thoughts. “You were pretty close, though.”

Her heart dropped. “So it’s true?” she whispered, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. The realization was hitting her all at once, the confusion, the shock, the unspoken tension she'd been ignoring for weeks, suddenly making sense.

“Unfortunately,” Tsukishima grunted into his coffee, the bitterness in his tone uncharacteristic. He looked as though he had swallowed something sour, his eyes briefly flickering to Yamaguchi, who seemed to be savoring the moment.

“They’ve been together for years now,” Yamaguchi added. 

“I can’t decide if its better or worse now that they’ve gotten together,” Tskishima muttered mostly to himself. 

“Oh way better.” Yamaguchi nodded. “Remember the fighting because of the unresolved sexual tension? Their fighting has really toned down. Must be nice to finally find someone who can match your freak.” 

“Freak?” Yachi repeated, almost offended, but Yamaguchi just gave her a gentle smile.

“They’re both weird and intense in their own way,” he said. “And I think that’s what makes them so… perfect for each other. But, yeah,” he added, glancing at Tsukishima, “it’s still disgusting to watch. They’re like a trainwreck.”

“Disgusting,” Tsukishima muttered again, taking a long gulp of his coffee as he tried to erase the mental images from his mind. “Just don’t make me watch them in action. I don’t need more mental trauma.”

Yachi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, feeling both disturbed and oddly relieved that others saw it too. “I… I don’t know how to feel,” she admitted. “They’re together…”

“Yup.” Yamaguchi nodded again, his grin widening. “And it works great,”

“It's still disgusting though.” 

Yachi’s mind reeled. She couldn’t bring herself to process what she was hearing. The mental image of Kageyama and Hinata together, not just as colleagues, but something more... intimate, kept flashing in her mind. She was on the verge of losing it when the door swung open, and her stomach sank.

“What’s going on in here?” A cheerful, too-bright voice cut through the tension. It was Hinata, entering the room with a grin so wide that it seemed out of place considering the conversation. He looked impossibly…normal.

Yachi’s breath caught in her throat, but before she could respond, Tsukishima, ever the troublemaker, leaned back and casually announced, “We’re talking about how you’re screwing the boss.”

Yachi’s face blanched, her eyes widening in horror as she whirled toward Tsukishima, desperately hoping he hadn’t just said that. But to her shock, Hinata didn’t look the least bit flustered. In fact, he gave Tsukishima a playful smack on the arm.

“Don’t be gross!” Hinata chuckled, but there was no sign of denial, not even a slight shift in his posture. He wasn’t denying it.

“You’re the gross one!” Tsukishima bit back. 

Yachi could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Her heart was racing, and she barely registered the sound of her own whimper as she tried to comprehend the absurdity of it all. Her eyes darted from Tsukishima’s smirk to Yamaguchi’s knowing grin, and finally, to Hinata, who looked entirely unfazed.

Before she could speak again, a sharp voice rang out, cutting through the stillness. “OI!” Kageyama’s voice was cold and commanding, his figure looming in the doorway. “Why are you so loud?”

Yachi froze. Was it happening? Was this it? The moment she was about to get fired? But Tsukishima didn’t even flinch.

“We’re talking about your relationship with Hinata,” he drawled, his tone almost teasing as if daring Kageyama to react. There was a knowing glint in his eyes, and Yachi’s stomach churned.

Kageyama blinked, then shrugged casually. “Oh. Carry on.” Before walking away. 

Yachi’s jaw dropped. Carry on?

What the hell was going on in this office? Was this normal? She turned back to the two of them, sitting across the room, and the reality began to sink in: Kageyama and Hinata, the CEO and his assistant, weren’t just colleagues. They were... together.

Her mind couldn’t wrap around it. Nothing in her entire career had prepared her for this kind of office culture. And she wasn’t sure if she was more confused, mortified, or in complete disbelief.

In a daze, she backed out of the kitchen, her head spinning.

“What’s with this place?” she muttered to herself, unsure if she was even speaking aloud or just trying to sort through the mess of emotions crashing inside her.

“Ah, don't worry about it,” Yamaguchi chuckled, his voice light as though he was discussing something entirely normal. “Just try not to work too late. Those two sometimes get frisky after hours.” He added with a knowing whisper, his grin widening.

Yachi’s blood ran cold. Her heart skipped a beat as the words sank in. Frisky after hours?

A flood of memories rushed back in a brutal wave. Her heart pounded in her chest as she recalled that night when she had gone back to the office to grab her phone. The office had been dark, the air heavy with something unspoken. She remembered walking in, the odd tension between Kageyama and Hinata, their flushed faces, the way they had looked at each other with something more than just annoyance.

Oh my god…

Yachi’s stomach twisted painfully as the images from that night hit her in full force. She had walked right into it— into them . The whispers, the unspoken tension that had always lingered between the two of them… now it made sense. It wasn’t just casual fighting or bickering. It was something else entirely.

How could I have been so blind?

Her throat went dry, and for a moment, she couldn’t find the words. The horror settled deeper, gnawing at her insides as she realized what she had inadvertently witnessed. She had walked in on them... What had they been doing? She could hardly bear to think about it.

Yamaguchi’s chuckle continued, oblivious to the inner turmoil now brewing within her. Tsukishima, on the other hand, was watching her with a knowing expression, his smirk still lingering as he sipped his coffee.

"Wait..." Yachi asked. "I just don't understand how those two could get together..."

"Ah..." Yamaguchi stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That's a story for another time." He added with another chuckle. 

"It's a disgusting story." Tsukishima cut through, adamant on articulating just how grossed out he was of the nature of their relationship. 

“But don't worry. You’ll get used to it, Yachi.” Yamaguchi chuckled. “It's just business as usual here.” 

Yachi blinked, her hands trembling.

How could I ever get used to this?