When they returned to school after the winter break, Tetsuo Kuroo keenly noticed that Akihito Matsukaze, his deskmate, was not in the right state.

Recently, Shōnen Sauce was particularly fond of spacing out.

"She's already fair, but she's not talking. I feel like I can make a lot of money by selling her to a sculpture collector."

Tetsuo Kuroo finished the last bite of the rice ball and aimed at the trash can in the corner. He crumpled the wrapping paper into a ball and threw it.

Oh my, I hit the target!

"I'm going to tell Shōnen Sauce that Little Black wants to sell her." After hearing his words, Soliton Lapping said while playing the game.

Tetsuo Kuroo glanced at the game his childhood friend was playing and smiled at him, showing two rows of white teeth, "Then I'll go tell her that Lammo bought a new game but didn't tell her."

Soliton Lapping retorted, "I didn't."

Tetsuo Kuroo spread out his hands, "Oh, if you say you didn't, then you didn't."

Soliton Lapping looked at Tetsuo Kuroo with disdain.

"But that girl, something is really not right …"

Tetsuo Kuroo had been deskmates with Akihito Matsukaze for four years, so he thought he had some understanding of her.

Her appearance was recognized as beautiful, her smile was very cute, and her personality was very good.

Her grades were also very good, but she was not a bookworm who only knew how to study.

Her volleyball skills were also very good …

Tetsuo Kuroo stopped before his thoughts drifted away. He picked up the volleyball beside him and rested his chin on it, "Well, if I ask directly, I might be perfunctorily answered."

A gray "Failed" icon popped up on the screen. The game character's health was zero, and she was lying on the ground motionless.

— — Looks like I have to try again.

Soliton Lapping put down the game console and stretched his neck.

"Lammo, what do you think?"

"… I don't think so," Soliton Lapping restarted the conversation and said, "Little Black, you seem to be very concerned about Shōnen Sauce?"

"Huh?

There's nothing I can do about it. Who asked me to be friends with that girl? "

If she got a perfunctory answer, then she would snatch all of her lunch.

Tetsuo Kuroo rubbed his chin and fell into deep thought.

"Kuroo?" A soft and sweet voice pulled Tetsuo Kuroo back from his thoughts. He turned to look at his deskmate.

"I feel like you've been getting distracted lately. What's wrong?"

Akihito Matsukaze tilted his head and looked at Tetsuo Kuroo. His pair of phoenix eyes were as clear as a spring in the mountains.

Tetsuo Kuroo gave her a kind smile and said, "Shōnen Sauce is the one who's been getting distracted lately."

Akihito Matsukaze said, "Oh, is that so?"

Tetsuo Kuroo smiled and said, "Yes.

If you give a perfunctory answer, you'll have to bear the consequences, Shōnen Sauce. "

Akihito Matsukaze couldn't help but smile, revealing her white teeth. Her smile was so sweet and cute that it was hard to take one's eyes off her.

Tetsuo Kuroo inexplicably felt his face heat up.

Akihito Matsukaze crossed her hands on her knees and sat up straight. "Kuroo, are you concerned about me?

I'm a little happy. What should I do? "

"I can't tell at all." Tetsuo Kuroo rubbed his neck. "Shōnen Sauce, it's useless to change the subject."

"Mom and Dad are going through the divorce procedures recently. I'm just wondering why they got divorced." Akihito Matsukaze rested her chin on her hand and answered casually.

"… Sorry." Tetsuo Kuroo was slightly stunned.

"There's nothing to apologize for.

It's their problem. "

Akihito Matsukaze shrugged. "I heard from Grandpa that Mom and Dad got married very suddenly, so it's normal for them to get divorced suddenly."

"It's just that I want to know the reason, but they won't tell me." Akihito Matsukaze shrugged.

"… Shōnen Sauce really doesn't have the unreasonable behavior of a primary school student." Tetsuo Kuroo couldn't help but complain.

"Soon, we won't be primary school students anymore.

Kuroo should be more mature. "

Tetsuo Kuroo: "If you say that again, I'll bite you."

Akihito Matsukaze: "…" Kuroo is so childish!

Tetsuo Kuroo quickly changed the subject. "Which middle school are you going to study in?"

Akihito Matsukaze thought for a moment. "It should be Shiratorozawa Elementary School in Miyagi Prefecture."

Shiratorozawa … Tetsuo Kuroo knew about this school. After all, Shiratorozawa's men's volleyball team was very strong.

The middle school team was the strongest in the prefecture, and the advanced team was always in the national competition.

"Dad originally wanted me to stay in Tokyo, but Mom didn't agree. She wanted me to go back to my hometown in Tohoku with her."

Tetsuo Kuroo pondered. "If that's the case … then your surname won't be Matsutake anymore, right?"

"… That's such a rude question."

Akihito Matsukaze made a face at him, but still answered. "Matsutake is my grandfather's surname."

This sentence was a bit confusing. Tetsuo Kuroo thought for a moment before he understood. "Well, anyway, it's good that you're fine.

Although we're not in the same school, we can still keep in touch. "

"I'm so touched that Kuroo is so considerate." Akihito Matsukaze wiped her tears.

Tetsuo Kuroo smiled at Akihito Matsukaze. "I feel sad when I think about how I can no longer steal Shōnen Sauce's bento."

"Also, if you're touched, why aren't you crying?"

Before Akihito Matsukaze could answer this question, he saw his classmates enter the classroom in groups of three or five.

"Ring ring ring —"

Tetsuo Kurobi suddenly turned over and sat up, turning off the alarm clock beside the bed.

He yawned lazily. Ah, really, why am I dreaming again?

It seems like I'm still dreaming about my childhood.

Tetsuo Kuroo made his bed, yawned, and put on his slippers to wash up.

"Ah Lang, breakfast is ready. Today is the first day of school, don't be late." Kuroo's grandmother's voice came from downstairs and into the bedroom.

"Okay, I'll be right there." Tetsuo Kuroo took the time to respond to his grandmother. He adjusted his red and white striped school uniform tie, packed up, and went out of the bedroom with his backpack. He went downstairs and went straight to the dining room.

As for his messy and strangely styled hair from sleep … Tetsuo Kuroo took a few minutes to tidy it up and decisively ignored it.

"I'm going out."

"Be careful." Kuroo's grandmother showed a gentle smile.

Sitting on the tram, Tetsuo Kuroo couldn't help but yawn again.

I wonder how Otokumo's volleyball team is doing?

And Grind … If there's a freshman joining the volleyball team, that guy will probably need a while to get used to it.

He's really worrisome.

Tetsuo Kuroo's thoughts took a turn, and he couldn't help but think of Akihito Matsukaze.

At the elementary school graduation ceremony, he, Grind, and Zhaoyan took a group photo together. This photo was still well preserved in his photo album.

But since that day, although they talked about LINE almost every day and sent each other gifts on birthdays or holidays, he and Grind had never met Zhaoyan again.

Grind and Zhaoyan should be more in touch than him. After all, those two guys were teammates who played games together.

Tetsuo Kuroo clicked his tongue. She only knew how to play games. Recently, she didn't talk about LINE with him. Really — — could it be that he couldn't compare to Game?!

Being compared to Game, Tetsuo Kuroo felt very unhappy.

But Tetsuo Kuroo's mood quickly became cheerful again.

She's back in Tokyo. I wonder which high school she'll go to?

After arriving at the station, he followed the flow of people off the tram and became a member of the school uniform army. Tetsuo Kuroo patted his face to make himself more energetic.

When Tetsuo Kuroo walked into the classroom of the first grade, the first thing he saw was Akihito Matsukaze sitting by the window.

At that moment, Tetsuo Kuroo only felt that his heart was filled with joy.

It turned out that she was studying Otokumo. She actually knew how to read Otokumo!

Although there were only a dozen or so students in the class, even if the class was full, she would still be the focus of the crowd.

Compared to when she was in elementary school, she had become prettier and colder.

With the same ponytail, Akihito Matsukaze wore a dark gray suit jacket with a red and white bow, and a dark gray school uniform skirt with black stockings. Akihito Matsukaze's outfit looked more refreshing and stunning.

Her skin was still as fair as ever, and her delicate and bright eyes had already matured. However, there was still a hint of childishness between her eyebrows. Her pure black phoenix eyes were still as clear as ever, and there was a hint of charm in them.

Tetsuo Kuroo actually didn't understand the concept of "charm". He only felt that Akihito Matsukaze's eyes had a hint that he couldn't understand.

She was still used to using her right hand to support her chin, and she looked a little lazy.

Her fingers were long and slender, and her nails were round and beautiful.

She was clearly just sitting there, and her expression was very relaxed, but her body was surrounded by a kind of cold aura that kept people away.

When Tetsuo Kuroo saw her, she also saw Tetsuo Kuroo, and immediately smiled at him.

— — This girl is still so beautiful when she smiles …

— — Why do I remember Akihito Matsukaze so clearly?

— — Why can't I help but pay attention to news about her?

Tetsuo Kuroo raised his eyebrows, stopped for a moment, and continued to walk into the classroom. Finally, he stopped next to Akihito Matsukaze's seat.

There was already a very healthy boy sitting next to Akihito Matsukaze.

"Sorry, would you like to change seats?" Because Tetsuo Kuroo's voice was a little rough because he was in the middle of puberty.

"Why, why?" The boy was obviously shocked by Tetsuo Kuroo.

Tetsuo Kuroo was already a little taller than his peers, and standing in the backlight naturally gave off a sense of oppression.

Tetsuo Kuroo smiled politely, but his words were not polite at all. "Of course, it's because she can only sit next to me."

The boy's neck stiffened. "I, I won't change seats!"

Tetsuo Kuroo raised his eyebrows and did not say anything more. He took two steps forward and sat down at the table behind the boy. He reached out and pulled out the empty chair next to him, and then smiled gently at Akihito Matsukaze, who had been looking at him.

Akihito Matsukaze blinked and obediently changed seats.

The boy: "…" F * ck, I'm so angry!

"Shōnen Sauce.

Long time no see. "

The smile on Tetsuo Kuroo's face disappeared, and his half-opened dark golden eyes were smiling.

"Long time no see."

Akihito Matsukaze said with a smile. "Kuroo has grown a lot taller, but his hairstyle is still as strange as ever."

As soon as she said this, the unfamiliarity that lingered around the two of them immediately disappeared.

"Please take care of me in the future, Shōnen Sauce." Tetsuo Kuroo said as he reached out to pinch Akihito Matsukaze's cheek.

Oh, it felt better than before.

"Ouch!" Akihito Matsukaze reached out to slap Tetsuo Kuroo's hand away, but Tetsuo Kuroo had already retracted his hand.

Akihito Matsukaze showed a resentful expression and rubbed her red face.

Tetsuo Kuroo was immediately satisfied.

The classroom was gradually filled with students. Tetsuo Kuroo looked around and didn't see anyone else he knew.

"Shōnen Sauce, let's have lunch together."

Tetsuo Kuroo quickly made a decision. Akihito Matsukaze looked a little angry, but she didn't raise any objections.

She seemed to be more obedient than before. Was it because she had grown up?

Tetsuo Kuroo couldn't help but smile.

The boy sitting in front of them: "…" After all this time, they were actually boyfriend and girlfriend!

Then why did she say "long time no see"?!

When they lined up to attend the opening ceremony, Tetsuo Kuroo realized that Zhaoyan was only half a head shorter than him.

She stood diagonally to his right. Her body was slender, her back was straight, and she looked straight ahead. Her shiny, thick hair was tied into a ponytail, and she looked very capable.

"Do you see that girl?

The one with curly hair in a ponytail! "

"I see her, I see her. She's so pretty, and her figure is super good …"

"I think she's from Class 2. Do you think we should hit on her later?"

"She doesn't look easy to get close to. Why don't you give it a try …"

The two boys couldn't suppress their excitement and whispered. Tetsuo Kuroo listened to the entire conversation without missing a word.

That girl was so popular … he felt a little unhappy.

Tetsuo Kuroo's lips curled into a naughty smile.

Akihito Matsukaze was famous for being faster than Tetsuo Kuroo expected.

After school at noon, Tetsuo Kuroo went to the bathroom. On the way, he heard the boys from other classes talking about Akihito Matsukaze. The content was mostly about her appearance, figure, and personality. Of course, there were a lot of people talking about her appearance and figure.

In fact, it was the same in middle school. Good-looking girls were always one of the boys' topics. In high school, the boys were even more presumptuous than middle school boys.

Tetsuo Kuroo basically didn't participate in this kind of discussion. If he had the time, he would rather watch a couple of volleyball games.

However, when the boys talked about Akihito Matsukaze, Tetsuo Kuroo felt unhappy.

"What happened?"

Akihito Matsukaze looked sideways at Tetsuo Kuroo's frown. "Frowning too much, Kuroo. Be careful not to get wrinkles."

Tetsuo Kuroo: "I just suddenly don't want to have lunch with Shōnen Sauce."

Akihito Matsukaze glared at him. "Liar."

"If you don't want to have lunch with me, you shouldn't have invited me in the first place. What's the use of regretting it now?"

Tetsuo Kuroo shrugged. "I can't help it. I was fascinated by your beauty."

Akihito Matsukaze stopped and stared at him for a long time. "Kuroo means that Kuroo thinks I'm good-looking?"

Tetsuo Kuroo met her clear eyes and was a little dazed for a moment. After a long silence, he said, "Let's go. Otherwise, the lunch break will be over."

Akihito Matsukaze angrily turned around and left.

Tokyo in April?

It was a good place for cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms were more brilliant than anywhere else. The crimson red was eye-catching.

The two of them were in the cherry blossom forest, looking for a place to sit down along the tree-lined path.

Wild cats of different colors could be seen everywhere on campus. It was a unique scene on campus.

The two of them finally found a bench.

Tetsuo Kuroo reached out and brushed away the petals on the bench. He gently wiped it and found that there was no dust. "Sit down. It's quite clean."

"Thank you." Akihito Matsukaze sat down obediently.

"Kuroo really loves saury deeply." Akihito Matsukaze glanced at Tetsuo Kuroo's lunchbox and saw two salt-roasted saury.

"Don't you still like Chinese cuisine?" Tetsuo Kuroo glanced at Akihito Matsukaze's lunchbox and quickly picked up a piece of chicken with his chopsticks.

Akihito Matsukaze calmly moved the lunchbox closer to him.

As soon as the chicken entered his mouth, Tetsuo Kuroo's eyes lit up. The meat was tender and juicy, soft and delicious … "Delicious!"

Akihito Matsukaze was just about to eat when Tetsuo Kuroo blinked and dragged his voice. "Shōnen Sauce —"

Akihito Matsukaze had no choice but to put some meat and vegetables into Tetsuo Kuroo's lunchbox.

Tetsuo Kuroo showed some hesitation on his face. He slowly picked up some saury and put it into Akihito Matsukaze's lunchbox with an expression that said, "I'll share the delicious food with you too."

Akihito Matsukaze: "Is Kuroo a child?"

Tetsuo Kuroo raised his eyebrows. "Shōnen Sauce knows best whether I'm a child or not, right?"

Akihito Matsukaze: "…" Wait a minute!

Why did he suddenly say that?!

Tetsuo Kuroo looked at her slightly red cheeks and revealed a naughty smile. "What I mean is that I'm older. Shōnen Sauce, what strange things are you thinking?"

Akihito Matsukaze: "… Let's eat!"

Tetsuo Kuroo was in a good mood. He decided not to tease her anymore and focused on eating.

After lunch, Tetsuo Kuroo tidied up the lunchbox and opened the small bag next to him. He took out a bottle of yogurt and handed it to Akihito Matsukaze.

Akihito Matsukaze was stunned for a moment. She took it with both hands. "Thank you."

Tetsuo Kuroo helped her poke the straw. "Children have the privilege of drinking yogurt."

"Kuroo!" Akihito Matsukaze's face flushed slightly. She glared at Tetsuo Kuroo fiercely.

Tetsuo Kuroo pretended not to see it. He only cared about poking the straw into the carton of milk.

Akihito Matsukaze casually let go of her hair. Her waist-length black hair was as smooth as silk. Under the scattered sunlight, it was dyed with a thin layer of gold.

A few naughty strands of hair fell on the side of her face. It made her skin look even more snowy and her lips were bright red.

Tetsuo Kuroo glanced at her. He reached out to tousle her hair, but after thinking about it, he felt a little reluctant. He put his hand on the back of Akihito Matsukaze's chair and unconsciously hugged her.

He felt a little uncomfortable and asked, "Shōnen Sauce, what club do you want to join?

The volleyball club? "He knew that Zhaoyan was in the volleyball club in middle school. She had done well in the past three years.

Akihito Matsukaze pulled her hair behind her ears. Her voice was a little lazy. "I don't plan to join any club."

Seeing Tetsuo Kuroo's puzzled expression, she smiled and said, "I joined the volleyball club in middle school because of a friend.

But now I'm not in the same school as her. I don't plan to continue playing volleyball. "

For three years, she had not lost a single match. She dominated the country. She had pushed the Shiratorozawa women's volleyball club, which had not been taken seriously, to the same position as the men's volleyball club. She actually said that she did not want to play volleyball …

"You're as capricious as ever, Shōnen Sauce."

"What about Kuroo? Or the volleyball club?" Akihito Matsukaze very calmly ignored his ridicule. "Otokumo's volleyball seems to be very strong?"

"Although it has declined in recent years, it can still be ranked in the top 16 in Tokyo."

Tetsuo Kuroo crushed the empty milk carton. "It's a pity that I can't see Zhaoyan play volleyball."

"You'll see it in P.E. class." Akihito Matsukaze also drank the yogurt. "Hot-Blooded Kuroo."

"Then I look forward to your performance, Miss Zhaoyan, the capricious girl."

"Let's go back to the classroom." Akihito Matsukaze stood up and went to the back of the bench to tidy up her clothes.

Tetsuo Kuroo rolled up his sleeves, revealing his strong forearms. He put the drinks back into the bag and picked up their lunchboxes. "I can take a nap with Shōnen Sauce."

"No." Akihito Matsukaze blushed and flatly refused.

"Why?

Shōnen Sauce is shy? "Tetsuo Kuroo chuckled and bent over to Akihito Matsukaze.

"It's because Kuroo's sleeping posture is too bad." Akihito Matsukaze showed a look of disgust.

Tetsuo Kuroo: "… If you don't talk about this, we can still be friends." Sleeping posture? It's completely a dark history, okay?!

Akihito Matsukaze was satisfied that she had won back one round.

"Speaking of which, I always thought that Shōnen Sauce would be studying in Miyagi High School."

Akihito Matsukaze clasped her hands behind her back. "Dad and mom got remarried.

So … "

Tetsuo Kuroo: "…" Should he say congratulations?

He coughed lightly and decided to change the topic. "I haven't congratulated you yet, Shōnen Sauce."

Akihito Matsukaze: "What are you congratulating me for???"

"Being able to study at Otokumo High School and being my deskmate." Tetsuo Kuroo said matter-of-factly.

Akihito Matsukaze: "You're so thick-skinned!"

Tetsuo Kuroo narrowed his eyes slightly. "Hm?

What did Shōnen Sauce just say? "

Akihito Matsukaze: "… No, I didn't say anything just now."

Tetsuo Kuroo placed his hand on Akihito Matsukaze's shoulder in satisfaction and put most of his weight on her.