The sound of volleyballs hitting the gym floor echoes through the air as Karasuno High's boys' team runs through their drills. The late afternoon sun streams through the windows, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. Sweat drips from Daichi's brow as he leads his team through warm-up laps, his captain's armband visible on his wrist.

When a familiar knock interrupts their practice, Daichi sighs inwardly. He recognizes that pattern of knocks - three quick raps followed by two slower ones. He breaks away from his team, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, and jogs toward the door.

Opening it reveals the girl's team captain standing on the other side, volleyball bag slung over her shoulder and determination set in her expression. The scent of summer heat and freshly cut grass wafts in from outside, contrasting with the cool gym air behind him.

"No," Daichi says firmly before she can even speak, "you can't use the gym today. It's our turn." He holds up a hand, palm forward, signaling her to leave. Despite his words, he can already see the argument forming on her lips - the same argument they've had three times this week alone.