Firefly

Chapter 1: Karasuno High

Hotaru's POV

*BZZZ BZZZ BZZZ* My phone buzzed under my pillow, rousing me from a dreamless sleep. 7:00 am, I got to sleep in today - if you can call that sleeping in. Usually, I'd be up at 6:00 sharp to make morning practice on time.

Rolling out of bed I tiptoed across the hallway to the bathroom. I examined my face as I brushed my teeth. Curly brown hair puffed up around my head and my eyes were still clouded with sleep. I picked at a pimple that was starting to form on my forehead, already regretting it - acne scars stand out more on dark skin.

After washing my face, I returned to my room to get dressed and put in my contacts. This was my first time trying on my Karasuno uniform since I switched schools. The skirt was a little short but the leggings I wore under it took care of any issues I had. I wrestled with my hair for about 10 minutes and managed a slick low ponytail. At 7:45 am, I grabbed my phone and backpack, quickly tiptoed downstairs and left the house.

As I walked, I pulled up the route to Karasuno High School on my phone again. It was a quick transfer from my old school, made under unusual conditions but it was a good school from what I'd heard. I sped up on my walk, stepping in time with the song playing on my headphones. The walk was about 20 minutes if I hurried, 30 if I was taking my time. I decided I could afford to take my time today and not be late.

To my delight, I wasn't. I arrived 20 minutes before homeroom started and found my way to the receptionist.

"Hello, I'm new here...Tsuyu Hotaru?"

The receptionist looked up at me, "Oh, hi! Yes we've been expecting you, you're early! I'll print you your schedule and we have a student arriving soon to give you a tour of the school."

More human interaction? No thanks. "Oh, that's really not necessary-"

"No no, honey, the principal insisted." Oh well, I guess there was no getting out of this one. After about five minutes, I was sitting on a chair looking my timetable trying to memorise it. I might as well pass the time waiting for my tour guide.

Kei's POV

When morning practice ended, I was rolling the volleyball cart back into the storage closet, trying to drown out the idiot duo's arguing. Yamaguchi caught up with me, holding a few balls we missed.

"Hey, Tsukki, aren't you supposed to give that new kid a tour today?"

"Don't call me that, Yamaguchi."

He laughed weakly with his hand on his nape, "Gomen, Tsukki." Speaking of the tour, I needed to get changed and get to the receptionists' office. It wasn't that I was particularly excited to do it, I just didn't feel like being scolded by Mrs. Ono first thing on a Monday morning. I glanced at the clock - 10 minutes. I could finish up in the gym, take my time changing and make it to the office on time.

Yamaguchi's question broke my train of thought, "What do you think they're like?" I shrugged because frankly, I didn't care. As long as they weren't annoying like the idiot duo, this tour would at least be tolerable. I left my bag with Yamaguchi after I changed and started the walk to the office. I walked in and saw the receptionist at her desk, typing away as usual.

"Mrs. Ono?" I said trying to get her attention.

"Oh, Tsukishima, right on time!" she got up and led me to the waiting area, "This is Tsuyu Hotaru." When she heard her name, the girl in the chair looked up and stood up quickly. The first two things I noticed: Her eyes. One was deep brown and the other was a vibrant forest green. What, kami-sama couldn't just pick one? Her green eye did create a striking contrast with her brown skin - it made her interesting to look at. The second thing that hit me was her height. Jesus, she was tall for a girl- probably six feet. Well at the very least, I didn't have to break my neck to look her in the eye. I also couldn't shake the feeling that there was something familiar about her.