"Nishinoya... is literally a gift to this earth!" Yana squealed, her thumb hovering over the pause button of her phone, capturing a perfect frame of the libero's grin. She was basically vibrating in her seat.
"Okay, girl, we get it. You're obsessed," Chiho teased, sliding into the chair opposite her.
Yana didn't even look up; she just let out a dreamy sigh. "I can't help it! How is he so tiny and cute one second and then a total god-tier carry the next? I mean just look at this save!" She shoved the screen toward Chiho's face, rambling about 'Rolling Thunder' for the tenth time that morning.
"You're such a hardcore otaku, Yana-chan," Chiho laughed, but there was a fondness in her voice. Ever since Yana had discovered Haikyuu!!, she'd been a goner. She wasn't just a fan; she was the unofficial president of the Nishinoya Yuu fan club.
"I just... I need a Guardian Deity in my life, okay?" Yana whispered dramatically.
"Well, you're going to need a guardian to get you home if you keep staring at that screen. It's getting dark, let's move."
The school was quiet, save for the distant, sharp thwack of baseball bats hitting balls on the far field.
"The baseball team is still at it," Chiho noted, glancing toward the sunset-lit diamond. "Actually looks like a good game."
Yana didn't even lift her gaze from her screen. "Not interested. If it's not Karasuno or volleyball with a cute libero, I'm not watching."
"Of course," Chiho rolled her eyes, ruffling Yana's hair. "I should've known."
As they reached the gate where their paths split, Chiho stopped. "Yana, seriously, put the phone away. You're going to walk into a pole or something. It's rude to the world, anyway."
Yana gave her a bright, distracted smile. "I've got it down to a science, Chiho-chan! Besides, it's late, there's no one out to run into. See you tomorrow!"
Chiho watched her friend wander off, the blue light of the phone illuminating Yana's face in the growing twilight. A weird chill settled in Chiho's chest. "That girl is going to get herself into serious trouble one day," she muttered to the orange sky. "Why do I feel so uneasy?"
Yana was lost in the sound of squeaking sneakers and the Karasuno team's cheers. She reached the crosswalk, did a half-hearted glance at the road, and stepped out.
Suddenly, the world wasn't orange and purple anymore, it was white.
Blinding, searing white.
There was the screech of tires, a heavy thud that vibrated in her teeth, and then... nothing.
No pain. No cold asphalt.
Yana squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the agony of a car accident to kick in. But instead of the smell of exhaust and rubber, she smelled... floor wax? And chalk?
"Hikarari-san? Are you alright?"
Yana's eyes snapped open. The blinding light faded to reveal a classroom. It looked exactly like hers, yet everything felt sharper. She looked to her side and saw an older woman in a blazer, Minaho-sensei.
But then, Yana's gaze drifted to the back of the room. A shock of messy, vibrant tangerine hair stood out like a beacon.
No. Way.
"Hinata Shoyo?!" she blurted out, her voice cracking.
The orange-haired boy jumped, looking around frantically. "Eh? Me? Do I know you?"
"Hikarari-san," the teacher frowned, "Is there a problem? You seem... confused."
Yana's heart was drumming against her ribs like a trapped bird. "Sensei... is this Karasuno High?"
The teacher gave a slow, concerned nod.
Yana didn't care if she looked insane. She dropped to the floor, burying her face in her hands. I got Isekai-ed. I actually got Isekai-ed!
She stood up abruptly, a manic, beautiful grin spreading across her face. The entire class was staring at her like she'd lost her mind, but Yana had never felt more alive.
"Good morning, everyone!" she announced, her cheeks flushing a bright pink. "I'm Hikarari Yanase. Call me Yana. I'm looking forward to being in your class!"
As she sat down, her eyes drifted back to the clueless Hinata. She had a one-track mind, and she knew exactly who she had to find next.
Nishinoya Yuu, she thought, her pulse racing. Wait for me, Guardian Deity. Your biggest fan is officially in the building.