Returning to school the next day meant a return to club activities, which proved a bit awkward at first. Both Machi and Nakagawa seemed to be walking on eggshells around each other; each trying a bit too hard to be overly courteous. The first few days were the worst, when Machi wasn't quite sure how to act and ended up ignoring him most of the time. It wasn't until Kaido stepped in and gave them both a much needed smack on the head that things started to improve. Maybe it was because he felt a bit responsible for their failed date, but Kaido couldn't stand seeing his two closest friends not talking. After the third day in a row of painfully awkward club practice, Kaido had pulled the two aside and forced them to see sense. And it seemed to do the trick. Things weren't quite the same, Machi still found herself holding back where she would have normally replied with a sarcastic comment or joke, but they could at least hold an almost regular conversation.

One thing that did change for Machi over the course of the next few weeks was the amount of time she began spending with a certain gray-haired third year. Not only were they walking home every evening after practice and texting almost constantly, but they had also begun sitting together at lunch as well. This, of course, was to the great delight of both of Suga's friends, who were more than happy to welcome Machi, Tadashi, and Tsukki to join them. Asahi and Daichi were both overly curious to witness the less angry side of Machi that Suga had told them so much about, and were not disappointed. She was a bit surly at first, wary of the new company; but the more Suga encouraged her, she slowly began to warm up to them. Asahi almost fell off his chair one day when Machi sat next to him and started teasing about his man-bun. And Daichi had to hide his grin under his hand the rest of lunch when she sparked a conversation with him about jump serves.

Naturally, with so many volleyball players at one table, it was only natural that their conversations were often dominated by talk of the sport. And now that Asahi had rejoined the team, there was a lot of excited discussion of Nationals. Machi didn't seem to mind when they would run off on these tangents, in fact it made her smile; her cousin wasn't the best at making friends, besides Tsukki, and so it warmed her heart to see him talking so freely with his fellow teammates.

Occasionally, as self-designated wing-man, Daichi would try every once in a while to push Machi and Suga together during these afternoons, but nothing ever came from it. Suga seemed too anxious not to scare Machi away, or make the same mistakes as Nakagawa, while Machi didn't seem to notice anything at all. She was still getting used to the idea of having someone other than her cousin who wasn't afraid of her that she often wouldn't pick up on the implications of Daichi's comments. And after Suga had confided to Daichi about the new complication of her father's strict rules, the volleyball captain decided to lay off his more obvious attempts, at least for now.

There were however, some who did take notice of the new changes. Almost half of the upperclassman were beginning to talk: loner and most-terrifying-student-at-Karasuno, Machi Harada was talking with people, and laughing. At first there were rumors flying around that the volleyball players she sat with were actually more delinquent than they originally appeared; what else could explain how friendly they were being with someone so frightening? Some students even began avoiding the third years in the hallways to keep from imposing their wrath. However the rumor died down fairly quickly; there was something about associating the word "delinquent" with someone as sweet as Asahi that just seemed comical. So the formation of the newest clique remained a mystery, and the group of six were able to enjoy their growing friendship without too much judgement.

"You are coming to the Nekoma game, right Machi?" It was a sunny Thursday afternoon and they were lounging under a shady tree. Daichi and Asahi were discussing strategies that Coach Ukai wanted to use for the upcoming practice game. Tadashi was leaning against the tree watching Machi as she tossed an apple in the air and explained to Suga how taekwondo tournaments worked.

"Are you kidding? I'm not missing it!" She threw the apple at him, "Especially since I bailed the last time. You're going to need my cheerleading this time around."

"No. If you're coming to the game you have to be quiet." Tsukki argued adamantly, covering his ears at the memory, "No noise makers or bullhorns. Not again."

"You seriously brought a bullhorn to a volleyball game?" Somehow Suga wasn't surprised, but chuckled nonetheless. Machi gave him a proud grin and ruffled Tsukki's hair. The chiming bell could be heard in the distance, and Machi and her volleyball posse slowly made their way back to the main building.

"Just waving a banner wasn't enough, I had to step it up." Matching her stride with his, Machi decided to regale the entire story much to Tsukki and Tadashi's dismay. By the time they had reached the school, the upperclassman were roaring with laughter and both first years were pink faced as Machi described the loud cheers she would lead the spectators in, and the homemade jersey with glitter paint she had donned to every game.

"Could you maybe, leave the jersey at home this time?" Tadashi mumbled quietly, running a hand over his bright red face. He was grateful she left out the part about how she painted giant hearts on the jersey with his and Tsukki's names in the center, but if she wore it to the game he would never live it down. "Please?"

"Aw, don't worry little bro, I don't have one for the Karasuno team." Her smile was sickly sweet, but with more than a hint of mischief, "At least, not yet." When Tadashi tried to complain Machi only shoved him playfully forward and ruffled his hair like she did for Tsukki, making Suga smirk. This was the side of Machi that he had been longing to see again. It had taken longer than he had hoped, but she was finally starting to show her true colors as the girl with the snarky attitude and quick wit, who didn't hide her smiles or peals of laughter. The one who wore a grin so radiant it lit up her entire face and transformed her flint-like eyes to the color of the softest spring grass. It was hard to look away from. And he didn't want to.

Suga was so entranced he didn't feel the gaze of his be-spectacled companion silently assessing him. Tsukki raised a hand to push his glasses further up the bridge of his nose, curiosity piqued. His analytical eye didn't miss the sudden interest Suga was showing Machi. Not that it was a terrible development, but it was definitely unexpected. Trying not to look like he cared too much, Tsukki snapped his headphones snuggly over his ears to drown out the noise of Machi teasing Tadashi, but making a mental note that he'd have to watch more closely in the future and keep an eye on the vice-captain's intentions.

***

"Hey, who's that in the stands and why are they so...sparkly?"

The fated re-match against Nekoma had finally arrived, and the nervous energy the team seemed to have during the Aoba Johsai game was replaced with a fierce determination. They had been preparing for this game, and with the addition of Coach Ukai, felt confident they could finally win a game against their rival.

"What, you don't recognize your own classmate?" Tsukki tsked, making Ennoshita do a double take and instantly pale when he realized it was Machi who stood near the balcony, pulling out miniature sparkling orange pennants to wave. Tadashi's eyes gleamed when he spotted her decked out in orange and black, finally here to watch them play. She gave him a thumbs up and waved the #12 flag enthusiastically.

"You know, she's really not as bad as you think Ennoshita." Tadashi shrugged as they began warming up their serves. "She's actually pretty cool if you take the time to get to know her."

Curious to test his theory Tsukki raised his voice, trying and succeeding at gaining the attention of the vice-captain, "Yeah, just ask Suga," sarcasm lacing his words, "he and Machi are great friends now."

Hearing his name, Suga broke off his discussion with Kageyama to glance at Tsukki, before following his outstretched hand to the stands. The room started to feel very warm all of the sudden when he spotted Machi with a wide grin, a large sparkly #2 emblazoned on the flag she was waving. Returning her grin with a flushed smile of his own, Suga gave her a small wave. He couldn't hide how thrilled he was to see her here to rooting for him. Even though a small part of his heart ached knowing she'd be cheering for someone on the bench, he hoped it wouldn't make her think twice about his skill as a setter.

Machi proved to be just as colorful a spectator as anticipated. She didn't seem to care that it was a practice game and cheered like they were already playing at Nationals, waving her homemade flags vigorously as she shouted support for her three favorite players. Machi had to admit, the team was good. Hinata and Kageyama's quick attack was impressive, and she was a bit surprised to see the timid Asahi playing so strongly as the ace. Excited to see her cousin play, she would keep glancing to the sidelines, eagerly anticipating when he or Suga would be switched into the game.

Yet as they progressed into the second set, Machi started to get pissed that both had yet to play at all. Tsukki was in the starting lineup, which made sense since he was a literal skyscraper, but Tadashi and Suga both remained on the sidelines. She continued to cheer for the rest of the team as they played set after set, despite the growing frustration she was feeling. Machi had never seen Suga play, but he should have seniority over that grumpy looking first year. But she knew Tadashi definitely deserved a chance to play, especially if all the other first years were. As the final game started to wrap up, Machi shoved the flags back into her bag and stalked off to wait for the team, trying to determine if it was worth making a scene to yell at the coach for his obviously poor choice of starting lineup.

Rather than wait around the locker rooms, Machi elected to stand outside, arms folded tightly against her chest and a foot resting against the building as she stewed angrily. Eventually the two teams started to appear, their once heavy auras of rivalry replaced with friendly competition. Spotting Daichi talking to Nekoma's captain, Machi pushed herself off the wall and was about to march up to him and demand to know why her cousin and his best friend didn't get a chance to play. But as she took her first step towards him a soft hand suddenly appeared on Machi's shoulder, pulling her away from the rest of the students and around the corner of the building. Instinctively Machi pulled an arm back to retaliate, but her punch paused mid-strike when she heard Suga's panicked voice.

"Sorry I should have said something, don't hit me!"

Dropping her hand and re-crossing her arms Machi glowered up at him. "What the hell, don't scare me like that! Why are you being all sneaky anyway?"

"I saw you glaring at Daichi and figured you were about to go yell at him about the team lineup." He had seen that glare before; it was the same look she gave him when they first met and he'd hit her in the head. And as much as she had been smiling lately, her glare didn't lose any of its severity.

"You're damn right I was! It's not fair! You're a third year and I bet just as talented as that idiot Kageyama." As much as Suga loved to see her defend him, her voice was starting to carry, catching the attention of a few of the Nekoma players. "And what's the deal with Tadashi being the only first year on the bench? I was gonna talk to your coach, but Daichi is your captain so I thought I'd give him a piece of my mind too."

Lowering his voice in hopes she would follow suit, Suga placed both hands on her shoulders and gave a gentle squeeze. "I know. I know you're upset and we are too, believe me. But it won't help make Yamaguchi feel better to remind him of it." A little guilty that she visibly deflated under the truth of his words, Suga added more cheerily, "Honestly he was just happy to have you here this time. I think we all appreciated it, you are definitely the most enthusiastic fan we've ever had."

He was right of course, no matter how much she hated to admit it. Slowly she felt the tension leave her shoulders as she pouted. "Fine you win, I promise I won't say anything." Relieved Suga threw a casual arm over her shoulder and they strolled back to join the rest of the team. Leaning down to her ear he gave her an encouraging whisper, "See? He's just glad to see you."

Suga's other hand was pointed at Tadashi, who was hurrying over to them, a big grin spreading across his freckled face. "How did you like the game? Can't believe Nekoma agreed to play all those extra sets, but we could use all the practice we can get. Oh! And Daichi wanted to say thanks for leaving the bullhorn at home. Something about it being a major distraction, but I actually kinda missed it." His smile was bright, but both Suga and Machi picked up on the glass-like fragility that hinted in his eyes, and she was immediately thankful for the third-year's intervention.

Instead of the fierce tirade she had originally planned on his behalf, Machi was much softer in her reply and avoided the elephant in the room, "Yeah well, Daichi better learn to get used to it, because once you start playing real games all bets are off."

Tadashi exhaled in quiet relief, unaware until this moment just how worried he had been of her biting commentary. Still desperate to avoid any mention of it, he quickly came up with an excuse to leave. "I'll go find Tsukki then we can all walk home together." His words jumbled together in his rush to leave before Machi changed her mind and demanded to know why he was a benchwarmer. As he hurried away a pang of worry coursed through Machi and she bit her lip anxiously. She hated seeing him trying so hard to hide how upset he was, and she hated herself more for just how close she had come to making it worse.

"What do I do Suga? I don't know how to help him." She whispered, sounding just as defeated as her cousin clearly felt.

Machi had forgotten Suga's arm was still resting comfortably over her shoulder until his hand began rubbing up and down her arm. "Just keep doing what you're doing. Show up to games and show that you care. He's smart, he'll find his stride on the team soon."

"What about you?" Looking up at him as she asked, she didn't miss his slight grimace.

"What about me what?"

"Don't be a smart-ass." He gave a nervous laugh when she slapped his shoulder. "You can't be cool with The Grinch taking your spot."

They were following Tadashi and Tsukki down the road now, Suga slowly retracting his arm when he got an awkwardly stern glare from the blond. "I'm not, but he's a better setter than me." It was difficult to mask the feelings of inadequacy when she asked such a straightforward question. "I told Coach Ukai it was alright, but I don't want to give up just yet. I love volleyball too much." At first Suga worried his confession might have been too heavy, but Machi's eyes sparkled with an unexpected determination.

"So you need a workout partner. Someone to help you improve enough to beat out Kageyama." The toothy grin she gave him now unnerved Suga just slightly.

"Uh, I guess so? Machi, you aren't thinking—"

"Perfect! We start next week." Machi cut him off, clapping her hands together. She had said it so matter-of-factly, like it was the simplest solution in the world. "I have my first regionals tournament this weekend but should have more time once it's over." Before he had a chance to refuse, Machi spoke over him again, "You can't convince me otherwise Suga. We both need to train. I can't really help with the specifics of volleyball, but conditioning is something we both need." When Suga's only response was a defeated sigh, Machi's grin grew wider. "This is gonna be fun."

***
Monday

To: Machi
Good morning sunshine! How was the tournament? Can't wait to hear all about it at lunch, and to hear what your plans are for the "Super-Awesome-Conditioning-Workout" as you called it.
Sent: 7:45am

To: Machi
Are you at school today? Didn't see you at lunch, not that I'm the only one who was asking. Asahi was worried too.
Sent: 1:32pm

To: Machi
Is everything alright Machi? Are you not feeling well?
Sent: 4:09pm

Tuesday

To: Machi
I ran into Yamaguchi this morning and he said you didn't walk to school with them, I'm getting a little worried now. Text me back to let me know everything's alright?
Sent: 8:08am

"Still nothing from her?" Daichi was munching a french fry without really tasting it, his attention on Suga as he stared unblinking at his phone, hoping that if he stared long it enough it would show a text from Machi.

"It's weird right? She hasn't been at school either and it's starting to freak me out." He didn't want to voice it out loud, but Suga was terrified that this had something to do with him. And the longer her radio silence lasted, the more convinced he was. "Has she talked to you at all Yamaguchi? She hasn't said anything about what might have upset her?"

But Tadashi shook his head, radiating the same worry. "She hasn't responded to me either." Suga was afraid that might be the case and chewed at his nails anxiously. They spent the rest of the lunch hour in a tense silence, all efforts at conversation overpowered by everyone's growing concern for their missing friend. Suga checked his phone every few minutes, but each time was disappointed when the only thing he saw was the lock screen picture of last year's beach vacation with Daichi and Asahi. When the rest of the day continued in a similar manner, Suga grew more concerned, and finally determined that if she wasn't at school again the next day he would try stopping by her house after school and hopefully get some answers.

Wednesday

To: Machi
Please say something, you're freaking me out. Everyone is really worried too, you haven't talked to anyone this week. Tell me what I can do to help?
Sent: 7:54am

Still nothing, and now Suga had transitioned to full on panic. Maybe something happened at the tournament and she got hurt? The very idea of Machi sitting in a hospital with a broken leg or concussion made his head spin and stomach churn. Clutching at the front of his uniform, Suga told himself that if there was no news by the end of the first period he was skipping club and running straight to her house after school.

"Hey you're Sugawara right?"

An unfamiliar voice broke through Suga's thoughts and he looked up to see a stocky blond grinning uncomfortably in front of his desk. "Yeah, who wants to know?"

"Aw shit, sorry, I forget people don't know my name." He laughed awkwardly, "I'm Kaido Kimura, I'm in the martial arts club with Machi."

At the sound of her name Suga scrambled to sit taller in his seat, "Do you know if she's alright? I haven't been able to reach her all week." He wasn't bothered about downplaying the worry he felt, remembering Kaido now from Machi's sparring match.

"Well damn, I was hoping you knew. She hasn't been at club either and since things have been a little tense between her and the captain, he—I was worried it might have something to do with that." Both looked over to Nakagawa now, who was failing at pretending to listen to music and most definitely paying close attention to their conversation.

A new voice joined them now as Daichi slid into his seat next to Suga. "I just walked by her teacher in the hallway, apparently her dad sent in a sick note for the whole week. Food poisoning I think." Four voices let out a collective sigh of relief and Kaido ran a hand through his hair.

"Thanks man, glad to know it wasn't anything Naka-I-I mean I, glad it wasn't anything I did to upset her. I'm just gonna go now..." And just as awkwardly as he appeared, Kaido tripped his way back to his desk and gave his friend a small thumbs up.

"So what excuse would you like me to give to Coach Ukai?" Daichi knew better than to think Suga would wait around until after practice, but was taken aback when Suga contradicted him.

"I'll be there Daichi, we have preliminaries soon and I think Ukai would murder me if I ditched. Plus if she's really sick then I don't want to disturb her." Though he had a nagging thought in the back of his brain that kept telling him something wasn't right. If she were sick, why didn't she tell someone? A simple text to him or Yamaguchi would have been easy enough. There was something else going on and he needed to know what it was. Distracted by his own theories of what it might be, Suga spent the entire morning twirling a pencil in his hand and completely ignoring the lessons, at least until Daichi stabbed him with his own pencil and forced the vice-captain to pay attention.

When the lunch bell finally rang, Suga and Daichi both gathered their bags and were standing to leave when someone cleared their throat next to them. Kaido had returned, bouncing on the balls of his feet, dragging his sullen friend by the elbow, "So Daichi you spoke to Machi's teacher right? Did she say if anyone had picked up her homework yet, cuz if not we would be glad to bring it to her." His smile was kind as his eyes travelled to Suga, and cocked an eyebrow at him, almost as if silently questioning Suga's level of interest.

"That's alright Kimura, Suga and I are stopping by her classroom to pick it up right now, but you're a good friend for being so concerned." While it was Daichi that responded to him, Kaido's eyes never left Suga's as he gave him a satisfied nod, "That's what I figured. Well if you see her, tell her she's missed." Kaido shoved Nakagawa forward now towards the door, but not before leaning his head back once more to give what could only be described as an approving nod to Suga. If it wasn't going to work out for Machi and Naka, Kaido was at least glad to see the guy she was into was worthy of her time.

***

The evening light was starting to fade as Suga stood outside Machi's home, armed with a bag full of her schoolwork and a large container of his mother's miso soup. He had texted his mom during lunch to see if she could make a batch and then sprinted home to pick it up before jogging to Machi's. Now standing in front of the door he took a few moments to catch his breath before finally raising his hand to knock three times. For some reason, he was incredibly nervous about what he would find when she answered the door. As terrible as it made him seem, Suga really hoped she was actually sick, and not avoiding him or everyone else for some other reason. He had tried sending another text before volleyball today, letting her know he'd stop by with her homework, but was met once again with zero response.

After what seemed like an hour, Suga finally heard the lock scraping in the door and he smiled widely, desperate to see her in person.

"Who the hell are you?"

Suga's smile faltered as he stared up at someone who was definitely not Machi. He had the same dark hair, but it was peppered with bits of gray, and he wore a scowl over his face that rivaled a movie villain's.

Clearing his throat, Suga gave the man a polite bow, "Hello sir, you must be Machi's father. I'm Koushi Sugawara, a friend of hers from school." Reo crossed his arms angrily, arm muscles bulging. Suga gulped, "I brought her the homework from the past few days and some of my mom's miso soup to help her feel better." He held the items out now, relieved to see that his hands weren't shaking even though his heart was racing uncomfortably. "If she's feeling up to a visitor I would love to say hi."

But his hopes were quickly dashed when Reo snatched the bag and soup from Suga and gruffly refused. "She doesn't need visitors, you'd just be a distraction." Without so much as a thank you, Reo slammed the door in Suga's face, leaving him standing in the semi-darkness, entirely more confused and worried than when he arrived.