Leaning casually against the stone pillar of the gate, one figure stood out. Oikawa Tooru, third-year setter and captain of the volleyball team, was holding court. A small group of first-years listened, rapt, as he explained the merits of a proper jump serve.

His practiced smile didn't waver, but his eyes kept flicking over the heads of his audience, scanning the incoming crowd. His fingers tapped a restless rhythm against his school bag.

Then he saw her. Mako, the music club’s star, was walking up the path alone, a sheet music folder tucked under her arm. Her expression was one of serene focus.