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[A bustling living room decorated with mismatched tinsel, a lopsided tree in the corner, and a fire hazard amount of fairy lights. Everyone has somehow been roped into a "friendly" Christmas party hosted by none other than Takeda-sensei and Saeko Tanaka.]
[Coach Ukai's Living Room]
Hinata runs in circles around the tree holding a string of lights while Kageyama attempts to stop him by waving a broom like he’s chasing a raccoon.
Kageyama: (yelling) HINATA, STOP MOVING! THE TREE’S ALREADY TILTING!Hinata: (laughing maniacally) I’M MAKING IT BETTER! IT NEEDS MORE SPARKLE!
Nishinoya and Tanaka are perched on the couch, wearing Santa hats and chucking popcorn at Bokuto, who’s trying to balance on one leg while holding a star meant for the top of the tree.
Bokuto: Hey, hey, hey! You’re gonna mess up my form! This is important!Nishinoya: Form? You’re literally just standing on a chair, Bokuto-san.Bokuto: Exactly! You think it’s easy being the star guy? It’s all about balance, baby!
Across the room, Suga is gently trying to intervene as Asahi hides in a corner with a mug of hot chocolate, nervously watching Kuroo and Daichi argue over the placement of the presents.
Daichi: No, the presents should go under the tree!Kuroo: (smirking) But if you scatter them artfully, it looks more “holiday chic.”Daichi: This isn’t a Pinterest board, Kuroo!Kuroo: Exactly why you need my expertise.
[Meanwhile in the Kitchen]
Yachi and Yamaguchi are attempting to make gingerbread cookies, but they’re clearly out of their depth. Kiyoko supervises with a serene smile, while Lev and Kenma are seated nearby. Lev is trying to coax Kenma into helping, to no avail.
Lev: C’mon, Kenma! At least try frosting one of them! It’s fun!Kenma: (deadpan) Watching you all ruin them is more fun.Yamaguchi: Hey, they’re not ruined! They’re just… (he looks at a gingerbread man with one arm much shorter than the other) …creatively shaped.Yachi: I think this one’s waving!Kiyoko: (trying not to laugh) That’s definitely a broken arm, Yachi.Lev: Looks like Tsukishima. Put glasses on it.
Meanwhile, Tsukishima, standing in the doorway with Kuroo, overhears this.
Tsukishima: (flatly) If I see one gingerbread nerd with glasses, I’m leaving.Kuroo: (grinning) That’s a shame, Tsukki. I was going to make mine “extra salty” in your honor.
[BACK TO LIVING ROOM]
Saeko bursts in, wearing a bright red reindeer onesie and carrying a karaoke microphone.
Saeko: ALRIGHT, WHO’S READY FOR CHRISTMAS KARAOKE?!Everyone in unison: (panicked) NOT AGAIN!Bokuto: I VOLUNTEER!Hinata: ME TOO!Kageyama: (horrified) Please no.Daichi: (to himself) This party is already spiraling out of control.
Saeko claps her hands.
Saeko: Perfect! I knew you kids wouldn’t let me down. Now—who’s got the Mariah Carey pipes?!
Everyone freezes. Silence. Then suddenly, Nishinoya and Tanaka leap to their feet.
Nishinoya and Tanaka: (yelling) “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOUUUUU!”
Chaos ensues as Saeko cranks up the karaoke machine.
Tanaka and Nishinoya have commandeered the karaoke machine, passionately screaming “All I Want for Christmas Is You” into mismatched microphones. The sound quality is questionable, and their voices? Even more so. Everyone else is either laughing, covering their ears, or bracing for the inevitable disaster.
Kageyama: (yelling over the noise) Can someone unplug them?! My ears are bleeding!Yamaguchi: (ducking as Tanaka throws in an ambitious spin move) Do you think they rehearsed this?Hinata: (cheering) NOYA-SAN, YOU SOUND AMAZING!Tsukishima: (deadpan, arms crossed) Amazing? Sounds like two dying cats in a dumpster fire.Kuroo: (leaning toward Tsukishima with a smirk) Wow, Tsukki. I didn’t know you were such a fan of holiday spirit.Tsukishima: I’m a fan of earplugs, which I don’t currently have.
Nishinoya throws himself to his knees, belting out the high notes with all the drama of a Broadway performer. Tanaka, meanwhile, jumps onto the coffee table, narrowly missing the lopsided Christmas tree.
Daichi: (panicking) TANAKA, GET DOWN FROM THERE BEFORE YOU BREAK SOMETHING!Tanaka: I CAN’T HEAR YOU OVER THE SOUND OF MY AWESOMENESS! Daichi: (to himself) I should’ve just gone to bed.
In the corner, Bokuto is hyping them up like an over-enthusiastic sports commentator.
Bokuto: YES! GIVE IT YOUR ALL! SHOW THE WORLD WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF!Akaashi: (sipping a mug of tea, completely calm) Do you think they know they’re not actually singing on beat?Bokuto: WHO CARES ABOUT BEAT WHEN YOU HAVE THIS MUCH PASSION?!
Kageyama tries to sneak toward the outlet to unplug the karaoke machine, but Saeko blocks him, wielding a candy cane like a weapon.
Saeko: (grinning wildly) Oh no you don’t, Tobio-chan! Let the music flow through their souls!Kageyama: (visibly confused) What souls?!
Kiyoko, ever the multitasker, is frosting cookies with steady hands while subtly keeping an eye on the mayhem in the living room. Yachi and Yamaguchi, however, are failing spectacularly at assembling a gingerbread house. Lev watches with unhelpful commentary.
Lev: Why is your roof collapsing?Yamaguchi: Because someone— (glares at Yachi) —put too much icing on one side.Yachi: (nervously) I thought it would hold it together!Lev: (snickering) It looks like Hinata built it.Kenma: (scrolling through his phone, not looking up) That’s an insult to gingerbread houses everywhere.
Kiyoko suppresses a smile as Yachi groans and Yamaguchi tries to salvage the roof. Tsukishima appears in the doorway, eyeing the gingerbread carnage.
Tsukishima: I see Lev’s personality is as useless as ever.Lev: (grinning) I’m helping! It’s called moral support.Kenma: It’s called being annoying.Tsukishima: A rare moment of agreement between us.
Yachi, determined to save the gingerbread house, grabs more icing and starts slathering it onto the broken pieces. Yamaguchi sighs but doesn’t stop her.
Yamaguchi: (resigned) At least we’ll have something to laugh at when it collapses again.
Back in the living room, Nishinoya and Tanaka have finished their performance to a mix of cheers, groans, and stunned silence. Bokuto looks like he’s about to cry from sheer joy.
Bokuto: That. Was. BEAUTIFUL. You two should go on tour!Hinata: Noya-san, Tanaka-san, you’re my idols!
Kageyama grabs Hinata by the arm, looking desperate.
Kageyama: Don’t encourage them! Do you want this nightmare to happen again?!Saeko: (grabbing the mic) Alright, who’s next? Don’t be shy!
Everyone immediately looks anywhere but at her. Even Bokuto suddenly finds the ceiling very interesting.
Saeko: (grinning) Fine. If you’re all too scared, I’ll pick someone.
Nishinoya and Tanaka exchange a mischievous look, then point directly at Tsukishima.
Tanaka and Nishinoya: (yelling) TSUKKI WANTS TO SING!Tsukishima: (expressionless) I’d rather chew on tinsel.Nishinoya: We’ve got some right here!Tsukishima: That wasn’t a challenge, dumbass.
Kuroo, sensing an opportunity for chaos, walks up to Tsukishima with an exaggerated grin.
Kuroo: Come on, Tsukki. Sing us a little Christmas ditty. I bet your voice is just as warm and inviting as your personality.Tsukishima: (adjusting his glasses) I’ll sing when you grow two inches, Kuroo.Kuroo: (gasps in mock offense) That’s low, even for you!Bokuto: (confused) Wait, Kuroo’s not taller than him?Kuroo: (shouting) I AM TALLER!Hinata: (to Bokuto, whispering) Tsukishima’s winning the battle.
Meanwhile, Daichi and Suga are desperately trying to restore some order as Saeko revs up the karaoke machine again.
Daichi: (to Suga) Why did we agree to this?Suga: (shrugging) Because we have a habit of making terrible life choices. Daichi: We’re f*cked.
[Back in the kitchen]
The gingerbread house is now beyond repair. It looks like it was hit by a natural disaster, with walls sliding apart and the roof caving in. Yachi is desperately trying to hold it together while Yamaguchi contemplates throwing it out the window.
Yamaguchi: At this point, it’s a metaphor for my life.Yachi: (earnestly) We can fix it! We just need more icing.Tsukishima: (leaning against the doorway, smirking) Or a prayer.Lev: (snorting) You’re not even trying to help, Tsukki.Tsukishima: My help would be throwing it in the trash, where it belongs.
Lev picks up a candy cane and starts gnawing on it, completely unbothered. Kenma, still scrolling on his phone, glances at the disaster and shrugs.
Kenma: You know, the more you try to fix it, the worse it looks. It’s kind of impressive.Yachi: (near tears) We’re trying our best!
Kiyoko, ever the peacekeeper, steps in and gently pats Yachi’s shoulder.
Kiyoko: It’s okay, Yachi. It’s still edible, and that’s what matters.Lev: Yeah, because it sure isn’t winning any awards.
Before Yachi can spiral further, Asahi walks in holding a tray of steaming hot chocolate. The mugs are mismatched, and marshmallows threaten to overflow.
Asahi: (nervously) Uh, I made hot chocolate. Thought it might calm everyone down.
The room goes silent for a moment as everyone stares at the tray.
Yamaguchi: (softly) You’re a hero, Asahi-senpai.
Everyone grabs a mug of hot chocolate, and for a brief moment, there’s peace.
[The living room]
Nishinoya and Tanaka are still on a post-karaoke high, despite Daichi’s increasingly loud protests. Saeko has somehow roped Bokuto and Hinata into a Christmas dance-off. The living room furniture looks like it’s been rearranged by a tornado.
Hinata: (spinning wildly) Bokuto-san, you’re going down!Bokuto: IN YOUR DREAMS, SHOYO!
They both attempt a dramatic spin, but Hinata crashes into the sofa, knocking over a bowl of popcorn. Bokuto strikes a victory pose, only to trip over the coffee table and fall into a pile of pillows.
Kuroo: (laughing so hard he’s crying) This is the best Christmas ever.Suga: (from the corner, sipping hot chocolate) And the most dangerous.
Daichi finally loses it and grabs a whistle from who-knows-where, blowing it like a referee.
Daichi: TIME OUT! EVERYONE, SIT DOWN BEFORE SOMEONE ENDS UP IN THE ER!
Surprisingly, everyone freezes. Bokuto and Hinata collapse onto the sofa, still laughing. Tanaka and Nishinoya collapse on either side of them, looking proud of themselves.
Daichi: (pinching the bridge of his nose) How did I end up responsible for all of you?Suga: Because you’re too nice to abandon us.Daichi: I’m rethinking that right now.
Kageyama, still visibly annoyed from earlier, glares at Hinata.
Kageyama: You have the energy of a caffeine-fueled squirrel but the spatial awareness of a blindfolded toddler... Baka.Hinata: It’s called enthusiasm, Kageyama! You should try it sometime.Kageyama: (deadpan) I’d rather eat the gingerbread house.Yamaguchi: (walking in, holding what’s left of the gingerbread mess) You sure about that?
Lev pops into the room, holding his mug of hot chocolate and looking way too pleased with himself.
Lev: Hey, where’s the marshmallow stash? I need more.Kenma: (without looking up) You don’t need more. You’re already 90% sugar.Lev: At least I'm not 90% tired.
In the middle of the chaos, Ukai and Takeda are sitting near the door, watching the mayhem unfold. Takeda looks worried, while Ukai looks like he’s debating sneaking out.
Takeda: (nervously) Should we step in?Ukai: (lighting a cigarette) Are you kidding? They’d eat us alive.Takeda: (looking horrified) You’re not going to smoke indoors, are you?!Ukai: (grinning) Relax, I’ll go outside. But if they burn the house down while I’m gone, that’s on you.
[LIVING ROOM - SECRET SANTA TIME]
The group is now gathered around the lopsided Christmas tree. Hinata is buzzing with excitement, Bokuto is hyping everyone up, and Daichi is trying to keep the “gift ceremony” from devolving into chaos. A few stray ornaments have already fallen off the tree, and Kuroo is currently taping one back on while smirking at Bokuto’s antics.
Daichi: (clapping his hands) Okay, everyone! Let’s try to keep this organized. One gift at a time—Bokuto: (interrupting loudly) LET THE GIFT EXCHANGE BEGIN!Daichi: (sighing) —And now we’ve descended into chaos. Great.
Hinata grabs the first present, which is haphazardly wrapped with way too much tape and a ribbon that’s barely hanging on.
Hinata: (bouncing) This one’s for me! Who had me?
Kageyama shifts uncomfortably, trying not to make eye contact.
Kageyama: (gruffly) Just open it.
Hinata tears into the gift like a tornado. Inside were the latest edition Strikeforce shoes.
Hinata: (eyes sparkling) KAGEYAMA! This is awesome!
(He examined it rattling off their qualities : superior grip, extra ankle support, sleek, lightweight, breathable, customised with his favourite color orange, inside the box was a note : If you break them, I'm not buying you another pair.)
Kageyama: (awkwardly) It’s… practical. Don’t make it weird.Hinata: (already making it weird) You DO care about me! I knew it!
Kageyama turns bright red and starts yelling profanities while Hinata hugs the shoes like they're his long-lost sibling.
Nishinoya: Hinata, I thought I was your favorite teammate!Tanaka: Yeah, what about us?Hinata: You didn’t buy me the shoes!Tsukishima: (dryly) And the bar is officially on the floor.
[NEXT GIFT - BOKUTO’S TURN]
Bokuto grabs a large, suspiciously heavy box wrapped in sparkly gold paper. He rips it open with unbridled enthusiasm.
Bokuto:
YES! What is it?
Kuroo leans in, smirking, as Bokuto pulls out a box filled with protein bars, a pair of owl-themed socks, and a ridiculously oversized plush owl wearing a volleyball jersey with “Ace Supreme” stitched on the back.
Kuroo:
(grinning) It’s from me. You’re welcome.
Bokuto:
(tearing up) BRO. THIS IS PERFECT.
He immediately throws the socks around his neck like a scarf and hugs the plush owl tightly.
Bokuto:
(dramatically) I WILL PROTECT YOU, VOLLEYBALL OWL!
Kuroo:
(snickering) Oh, there’s more.
Bokuto dives back into the box and pulls out a headband embroidered with “#1 Owl Ace,” a shiny gold whistle shaped like an owl, and a framed photo of Kuroo doing finger guns with the caption: “To my number one hype bird.”
Bokuto:
(ugly crying) THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER.
Chaos ensues as Bokuto insists on wearing all his new gear at once, including the headband, while carrying the plush owl around like a trophy.
[KiYOKO’S TURN]
Kiyoko carefully unwraps a beautifully wrapped box. Inside is a soft, hand-knit scarf in Karasuno’s colors, accompanied by a photo book filled with candid shots of the team, their matches, and heartfelt notes on every page.
Kiyoko:
(smiling softly, running her fingers over the scarf) It’s lovely. Thank you.
The room collectively “awws.” Yachi looks like she might faint from happiness.
Yachi:
(whispering to herself, clutching her face) I’m so glad she likes it.
Tanaka and Nishinoya:
(dramatically clutching their chests, near tears) KYOKO-SAN IS AN ANGEL!!!
Kiyoko:
(calmly, holding up the scarf) It’s perfect for the winter matches. Thank you, Yachi.
Yachi:
(barely containing her emotions) I just… I just wanted you to know how much we all… (bursts into incoherent happy noises).
Kiyoko:
(gently) Thank you, Yachi. (Looking around) Now, who’s next?
Tanaka and Nishinoya:
(in unison) US!!!
[NOYA’S GIFT]
When it’s Nishinoya’s turn, he pulls out a small package wrapped with black paper and a glittery bow.
Nishinoya: This one’s from Kenma! What is it?
He tears it open and finds… a handheld gaming console with a note taped to it.
Note: "This is so you stop screaming about not having anything to do during bus rides. You’re welcome."Nishinoya: (beaming) KENMA! THIS IS AMAZING!Kenma: (still staring at his phone) It was on sale.Nishinoya: You’re the best. I’ll protect you forever.Lev: What about me?Nishinoya: (without hesitation) Absolutely not.
[TSUKISHIMA’S GIFT]
Tsukishima reluctantly opens his gift, which is a small box wrapped in obnoxiously bright red paper with glitter everywhere.
Tsukishima:
(grimacing) It’s already annoying, and I haven’t even opened it.
Inside is a sleek, noise-canceling pair of headphones and a snarky little note that reads, "For when the team gets too loud (which is always)."
Yamaguchi:
(nervously) It’s from me! I thought you’d appreciate something practical.
Tsukishima:
(pausing, then carefully trying them on and adjusting the fit) Huh. They’re not terrible.
Yamaguchi:
(grinning) Really? You like them?
Tsukishima:
(deadpan) I said they’re not terrible. Don’t push it.
Hinata:
(loudly) HEY, WHAT DID YOU GET, TSUKISHIMA—
Tsukishima:
(turning on the headphones and pretending not to hear) Finally, some peace and quiet.
Yamaguchi:
(proudly) I knew you’d like them!
Tanaka:
(laughing) Wow, Tsukki’s version of a thank you is not insulting something!
Tsukishima:
(smirking slightly, under his breath) Merry Christmas, Yamaguchi.
Tanaka gets a pair of ridiculous reindeer antlers from Ukai, which he immediately wears for the rest of the night.Akaashi receives a leather-bound journal from Bokuto, complete with motivational quotes scribbled inside like "You’re the best, Akaashi! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!"Kuroo gets a novelty tie with tiny cats wearing lab coats from Lev, who is excessively proud of his “genius” gift.Kenma receives a custom controller skin with pixelated volleyballs from Hinata, who declares, "Now you’ll never forget us while gaming!"Ukai is gifted a gourmet coffee set from Takeda, who cheerfully adds, "So you can stay awake during those extra practices!"Yachi receives an adorable snow globe with a miniature Karasuno inside from Kyoko, who says softly, "For when you want to remember how special this team is."Asahi opens a cozy cardigan from Daichi, with a tag reading, "Because you’re always cold and need to dress like an old man anyway."Takeda gets an elaborate desk organizer with motivational quotes engraved from Suga, who quips, "Now you can keep track of all your inspiring speeches."Kageyama is gifted a volleyball-shaped stress ball from Akaashi, who says knowingly, "You need this more than anyone else here."Lev receives a box of limited-edition chocolates from Nishinoya, who says, “You’ll need the extra energy to keep up with the rest of us!”
Yamaguchi
receives a custom-made volleyball-themed keychain from Tanaka, who grins, “So you can always remember where your heart belongs!”
Daichi
receives a new, high-quality water bottle from Tsukishima, who mutters, “For when you’re running around like an overworked teacher.”
Suga
receives a collection of cute cat-themed sticky notes from Tanaka, who adds, “I figured they’d go with your ‘purrfect’ organizational skills!”
The room is now filled with laughter, crumpled wrapping paper, and a chaotic energy that only this group could produce. Somehow, everyone is smiling, even Tsukishima (though he’ll deny it if asked).
[POST-GIFT EXCHANGE]
[OUTSIDE – IN THE BACKYARD]
The chaos has spilled outside. Snow blankets the field in the backyard of Ukai’s family cabin. A ragtag volleyball net has been set up, and the group has split into teams for a game of “snow volleyball.”
Hinata: (jumping up and down) THIS IS THE BEST IDEA EVER!Kageyama: (grumbling) No, it’s not. This is going to be stupid.Bokuto: (already rolling a massive snowball) STUPIDLY AWESOME, YOU MEAN!Daichi: (trying to impose order) Okay, everyone. Snowball volleyball rules: You serve with a snowball, you volley it like it’s a real ball, and if it breaks, the other team scores.Nishinoya: Finally, a sport where I get to throw snowballs at people’s faces.Asahi: (visibly nervous) Please don’t throw them at my face.Yamaguchi: (to Tsukishima) Are you going to play?Tsukishima: (deadpan) I’m not stooping to their level of ridiculousness.Lev: (grinning) You’re just scared I’ll beat you.Tsukishima: (adjusting his glasses) Fine. Prepare to lose, giraffe.
The teams are formed. On one side: Hinata, Kageyama, Bokuto, Lev, and Saeko. On the other: Nishinoya, Tanaka, Asahi, Tsukishima, and Yachi. Everyone else stands on the sidelines, some bundled up in blankets, some ready to referee (or heckle).
Kuroo: (grinning, arms crossed) This is going to be a disaster. I love it.Akaashi: (muttering) Bokuto is already trying to eat a snowball. This will be over in five minutes.
[GAME STARTS]
Kageyama serves first, launching a perfectly packed snowball over the net. Lev dives for it, misses entirely, and crashes into the snow.
Lev: I got it! Wait, no, I don’t—AAAAH!Hinata: (yelling) COME ON, LEV! WE’RE A TEAM!Lev: I WAS DISTRACTED BY HOW AWESOME YOU LOOKED!Tanaka: (laughing) That’s a point for us!Tsukishima: (dryly) This might be the easiest game I’ve ever won.
Next serve. Bokuto grabs the snowball, winds up dramatically, and spikes it over the net with all his might. The snowball immediately shatters mid-air.
Kuroo: (shouting from the sidelines) BO, YOU CAN’T KILL THE BALL!Bokuto: (confused) But I thought destruction was the point?Akaashi: (pinching the bridge of his nose) It’s not.Hinata: Wait, does that mean we lose a point?!Daichi: (refereeing) Yes, it does.Bokuto: (dramatic gasp) NOOOOO!
The next rally begins. Nishinoya performs an insane diving save, sliding across the snow and tossing the snowball back up with one hand.
Nishinoya: WOO! CALL ME THE FROST LIBERO!Asahi: (panicking) Don’t throw it at me—Nishinoya: (ignoring him) ASAHI, IT’S COMING FOR YOU!
The snowball smacks Asahi squarely in the face. He falls backward into the snow with a defeated groan.
Hinata: (cheering) THAT WAS AWESOME!Yachi: (helping Asahi up) I think you’re supposed to hit it, not absorb it.
At some point, the game completely devolves. Hinata and Lev are building a snow fort mid-game for “defense.” Bokuto is trying to serve with a snowball the size of his head. Nishinoya is pelting everyone indiscriminately. Tsukishima is just standing at the net, blocking every attempt with the grace of a glacier.
Saeko: (laughing) This isn’t volleyball anymore! It’s just war!Kiyoko: (smiling faintly) I think they’re having fun, though.
Kageyama finally decides he’s had enough of losing and teams up with Hinata for a quick attack. Kageyama sets a snowball perfectly. Hinata spikes it with an acrobatic leap over the net, sending it hurtling toward Nishinoya.
Nishinoya: (yelling) NOT TODAY!
He dives dramatically, but the snowball breaks against his outstretched arms.
Daichi: Point and match! Hinata’s team wins!Hinata: (jumping up and down) WE DID IT! KAGEYAMA, WE DID IT!Kageyama: (smiling despite himself) Yeah, yeah. Don’t hug me.
Hinata hugs him anyway. Kageyama looks horrified but doesn’t push him off.
The group collapses into the snow, laughing and panting from the sheer energy of their chaotic “game.” Snow is everywhere—on faces, in hair, and somehow even inside jackets.
Kuroo: (shouting) Who wants hot chocolate?Everyone: (in unison) ME!
They trudge back inside, leaving behind a snow-covered battlefield that looks more like the aftermath of a blizzard brawl than a volleyball match.
Meanwhile in the Chaos-Free Zone (Or So They Thought)
Inside the Ukai cabin, the warm, cozy living room contrasts with the snow-covered battlefield outside. Not everyone has ventured into the snowball madness—some stayed behind to relax, plan, or avoid imminent injury.
[Back in the LIVING ROOM - THE SNACK COMMAND CENTER]
Suga and Tsukishima are stationed by the snack table, assembling makeshift hot cocoa kits. Suga’s setting up toppings with enthusiasm, while Tsukishima stands off to the side, looking less than thrilled.
Suga:
(smiling) You know, I thought you'd be more excited about this. It's hot chocolate!
Tsukishima:
(dryly) Yeah, nothing says “holiday spirit” like warm sugar water. Real thrilling.
Suga:
(laughing) Oh come on, it’s for the team. Everyone loves it. Even you.
Tsukishima:
(sighing) I’ll make the hot chocolate, but I’m not pretending to be festive.
Suga:
(grinning) Sure, Tsuki. You can be the Grinch, but just know—everyone’s getting extra marshmallows on their drinks.
Tsukishima:
(grimacing) I hate you.
Suga:
(smirking) no you don’t.
Kiyoko and Saeko are in the kitchen with Takeda and Ukai Sr., who are busy prepping snacks for the post-snowball game crowd. Meanwhile, Saeko is convincing Ukai Sr. to let her use his “ancient secret family recipe” for spicy ramen.
Saeko: (grinning) Come on, old man. Let me spice it up. Literally.Ukai Sr.: (gruffly) The last time you spiced something up, we had to call the fire department.Kiyoko: (diplomatic) Maybe just a pinch this time, Saeko.Saeko: What’s life without a little danger?Takeda: (nervously stirring a pot) Danger doesn’t sound very digestible…
[CORNER OF THE LIVING ROOM - GAMING ZONE]
Kenma has commandeered the corner of the room, where he’s set up a gaming console. He’s not playing, though—instead, he’s supervising Hinata’s younger sister Natsu and Tanaka’s little niece, who are deeply engrossed in a cooperative game.
Kenma: (calmly) Don’t hit that button. It’s a trap.Natsu: (focused) Got it!Tanaka’s Niece: Can we throw a bomb instead?Kenma: (blinking) That’s...probably overkill. But yeah.
Kuroo wanders over, holding a half-eaten bag of chips.
Kuroo: Babysitting, huh?Kenma: It’s quieter than the snowball game.Kuroo: (grinning) You’re going soft, Kenma.Kenma: (deadpan) If by soft, you mean not freezing my fingers off, then yes.
Suddenly a loud commotion from outside draws everyone’s attention. Someone crashes through the door, covered in snow and looking bewildered.
Lev: HELP! KAGEYAMA SNAPPED AND IS USING SNOWBALLS LIKE THEY’RE SERVES!Ukai Sr.: You kids are going to destroy my house.Hinata: (bursting in, triumphant) KAGEYAMA, YOU STILL CAN’T HIT ME!Kageyama: (storming in after him) STAY STILL SO I CAN PROVE YOU WRONG!
Everyone collectively groans, knowing the chaos is far from over.
Hinata, still dripping snow and grinning from his skirmish with Kageyama, suddenly stops as his phone buzzes. He grabs it out of his pocket, wipes it with his sleeve (because snow), and squints at the screen. The notification is from Ushijima.
Hinata: (reading aloud, confused) “Watch. I am playing against Oikawa. You will learn something”
This immediately garners attention.
Yamaguchi: Wait, Ushijima sent you a message?Kageyama: (snorting) What could you possibly learn? How to stare blankly for three hours?Hinata: (ignoring him) Did I miss a match announcement?
Takeda Sensei steps forward, somehow already equipped with the necessary context.
Takeda: (excitedly) Oh, I can explain! Ushijima and Oikawa agreed to this special exhibition match! It’s being held to showcase alumni talent and promote volleyball between high schools and pro-level players.Ukai: (interrupting) It’s not that simple.
Everyone turns to him, intrigued.
Ukai: Oikawa refused to play at first, claiming he was too busy training overseas.Nishinoya: Sounds like him.Ukai: (grinning) But then Ushijima said, and I quote, “It’s a shame your skill can’t compete with mine even now,” and—Daichi: (wide-eyed) Oh no.Ukai: Oikawa immediately booked a flight back to Japan and scheduled the match the next day.Sugawara: Okay, this I have to see.
Hinata scrambles to the TV, snow still falling off him as he grabs the remote and flips to the sports channel. The screen lights up with the image of Ushijima warming up, his expression as stoic as ever. Oikawa, on the other hand, is grinning with the kind of energy that promises chaos.
Kenma: (from his corner) This is already exhausting.Lev: Ushijima looks so cool!
The living room, once buzzing with activity, quiets down as everyone settles in to watch. People grab snacks, pillows, and blankets, cramming into every available space. Even those who were busy before—Suga with his hot chocolate, Kiyoko with her origami—pause to watch.
[ON SCREEN]
The match begins with a brutal opening serve from Ushijima that nearly takes off one of Oikawa’s teammate’s heads.
Hinata: Whoa!Kageyama: That’s just a normal serve for him.Tsukishima: (snorting) If “normal” means destructive.
Oikawa, unshaken, expertly sets the ball for his spiker, who slams it down just inside the line. The crowd in the arena erupts in cheers.
Yachi: (awed) They’re both so intense!Nishinoya: (fist-pumping) Oikawa’s setter swag is still unmatched, huh?Asahi: He’s scary in his own way.
[BACK IN THE ROOM - THE COMMENTARY BEGINS]
As the match continues, chaos ensues among the spectators.
Lev: I want to block Ushijima someday!Yaku: (dryly) You? Against him? I hope you like hospitals.Kenma: I think Oikawa’s just trying to annoy Ushijima into making mistakes.Kuroo: (grinning) Classic strategy. Gets under the skin of guys like him.Tendou: (snickering) I like to think Ushijima doesn’t even have skin to get under. Just layers of volleyball muscles.Hinata: Look at that spike! It’s like a meteor!Takeda: (tearing up) This is why I love volleyball.
As the match heats up, the room grows louder. Cheering, groaning, and commentary fly around as everyone gets absorbed in the drama. Even the usually quiet ones like Akaashi and Kiyoko can’t help but react.
Yamaguchi: (panicking) Did you see that block?! How is Oikawa’s team still standing?!Kageyama: (gritting his teeth) He’s just lucky.Hinata: He’s so COOL!Kageyama: STOP SAYING THAT!
The match comes down to the wire: Oikawa’s team trails by one point, and it’s match point for Ushijima. The crowd on screen is on their feet, and so is everyone in the living room.
Nishinoya: This is it! This is where legends are made!Sugawara: (clutching a pillow) I can’t take the suspense!
Oikawa tosses the ball for his serve, and the screen freezes for a commercial break.
Everyone: NOOOOOOO!
Cue pandemonium as they scream at the TV, while Kageyama silently prays for Oikawa to lose.
The commercial break ends, and the match resumes. The camera pans dramatically across the court, catching Ushijima’s intense gaze and Oikawa’s smug smirk. The living room is dead silent, save for the occasional crunch of a potato chip from Nishinoya.
Hinata: (whispering) It’s match point...Yamaguchi: (clutching Yachi’s arm) I can’t breathe.Yachi: You’re cutting off my circulation!Ukai: This is where it gets real. Oikawa’s serve could either tie the game or hand Ushijima the victory.
[ON SCREEN]
Oikawa tosses the ball into the air, his form perfect, his focus unbreakable. The camera zooms in on his face as he serves. The ball flies over the net like a missile, dipping just enough to catch Ushijima’s team off guard. They scramble, but the ball lands just inside the line.
Hinata: (exploding) WHAT?!Kageyama: (seething) LUCK!Nishinoya: That wasn’t luck, Kageyama! That was setter sorcery!Tsukishima: (mocking) How poetic.
The score is tied, and the tension in the room and on the court is palpable.
[BACK IN THE ROOM]
Kuroo: (grinning) Oikawa’s not letting Ushijima walk away with this one. Gotta respect it.Kenma: (sipping a soda) I still think this whole match is just a petty grudge disguised as sportsmanship.Tendou: (cheerfully) Oh, 100%. That’s what makes it great!Daichi: (exasperated) You’re not wrong, but can we focus? This is volleyball history in the making.
Everyone leans closer to the screen as Ushijima takes the next serve. His spike-like delivery sends the ball rocketing across the court, but Oikawa’s team manages to dig it up. The rally is fast, furious, and filled with impossible saves.
[ON SCREEN]
Finally, Oikawa makes a bold decision. He feints a set, tricking Ushijima’s blockers, and sends the ball spinning into the corner of the court. It lands.
Takeda: (shouting) Oikawa scores! He’s one point ahead!
The living room explodes into chaos.
[BACK IN THE ROOM]
Hinata: (jumping up and down) DID YOU SEE THAT?! HE TRICKED USHIJIMA!Kageyama: (gritting his teeth) It’s just one point.Yamaguchi: (grinning) But it’s one glorious point.Asahi: (nervously clutching his knees) I don’t know how they’re still standing. I’m stressed just watching.Sugawara: (soothing) Deep breaths, Asahi. We’re all in this together.
[ON SCREEN]
The final rally begins. Ushijima smashes through Oikawa’s defenses with raw power, but Oikawa responds with agility and precision. It’s neck and neck, both teams refusing to back down. The rally goes on for what feels like an eternity.
Finally, Oikawa sets up his spiker for a decoy, drawing Ushijima’s blockers. Instead of spiking, the spiker tips the ball lightly over their heads. Ushijima dives for it but misses by inches.
The whistle blows. Oikawa’s team wins by one point.
[BACK IN THE ROOM]
The room erupts into chaos.
Hinata: (screaming) HE DID IT! HE BEAT USHIJIMA!Kageyama: (slumping in disbelief) ...Unbelievable.Nishinoya: (dancing) Oikawa just became a legend. Someone get him a crown!Lev: (confused) Wait, what does this mean? Does Ushijima have to wear Oikawa’s jersey now?Yaku: (smirking) Oh, he absolutely does. And I’m living for it.Tendou: (cackling) I need photos. No, I need posters. No, I need a mural.Kuroo: Imagine Ushijima walking into Shiratorizawa in an Aoba Johsai jersey. The drama, the betrayal...Kenma: (dryly) Volleyball is exhausting.Takeda: (tearing up) This is the beauty of the sport!Ukai: (muttering) This is the beauty of spite.Hinata: (determined) One day, I’m going to play in a match like that!Kageyama: Not if you keep screwing up your receives.Hinata: HEY!Nishinoya: (grinning) Okay, let’s recreate the rally right now. Who’s in?
And just like that, the chaos resumes, this time with everyone diving into their impromptu reenactment of the match. The living room is filled with laughter, shouting, and flying cushions, proving that no matter how intense the volleyball world gets, the real joy is in the shared madness of it all.
The cushions are mid-flight when the knock on Ukai’s door cuts through the noise. For a moment, there’s silence.
Ukai: (yelling over the chaos) Someone get the door!Daichi: (dusting off his pants) On it. Everyone, try to act civilized for once.
Daichi opens the door to reveal the karasuno girls team, each carrying gifts and food. Yui Michimiya stands at the front, looking slightly amused but hesitant as she surveys the raucous scene behind Daichi.
Yui: Uh… did we come at a bad time?Daichi: (sheepishly) Not at all. Welcome to the circus.Mao Aihara: (grinning) Oh, we brought popcorn. Looks like we won’t need it for the movie.Manami Aoki: (peeking in) What’s happening in there? Why is Nishinoya standing on the couch?Nishinoya: (striking a pose) I’m about to save the world, obviously. Someone’s gotta be the hero of this mess.Nozomi Watabe: (dryly) Right, and I’m sure standing on the couch is a vital part of the rescue plan.
The girls enter, setting down their contributions on the table, which is already groaning under the weight of snacks and drinks. Ukai, who has been watching the entire scene with mild horror, approaches the newcomers.
Ukai: Ladies, welcome. Please ignore whatever nonsense is happening over there. That’s... ongoing.
Meanwhile, Hinata notices the new arrivals and bounds over excitedly, dragging Kageyama behind him like an unwilling hostage.
Hinata: Yui! You’re here! Did you see the game?! Oikawa beat Ushiwaka by ONE POINT!Yui: (laughing) We just caught the end of it. Looked intense.Kageyama: (grumbling) It was rigged.Chizuru Sasaki: (crossing her arms) How exactly was it rigged? Did someone steal Ushijima’s jump?Kageyama: (glaring) Don’t mock me.Mao: (nudging Yui) Oh, he’s fun when he’s cranky.
The girls split up—some joining the chaos, others chatting by the table.
Michimiya: (approaching Ukai) So, how’s it going? Have they broken anything yet?Ukai: (sighing) Give it ten minutes. I’ll be surprised if we still have a coffee table by the end of the night.Rinko Sudo: (holding up her phone) Well, at least you’ll have evidence. Do you mind if I record? This is gold.Takeda: As long as no one mentions it at the next school board meeting, I’m fine with it.Chizuru: What’s the fun in that?
Back in the living room, the chaos resumes. Mao, Nozomi, and Manami jump into the reenactment, joining Nishinoya, Hinata, and the others in a comical slow-motion recreation of Oikawa’s final point.
Nishinoya: (narrating dramatically) And then... with the force of a thousand suns...Nozomi: Stop exaggerating! He tipped the ball.Nishinoya: SILENCE, REALISM RUINS ART.
Meanwhile, the calmer girls—Yui, Rinko, and Chizuru—find themselves cornered by Lev and Yamaguchi, who are enthusiastically pitching a rematch of the snow volleyball game.
Lev: Come on, it’ll be fun! We need fresh players.Yui: I’d rather not lose a tooth tonight, thanks.Rinko: Or a limb. Have you seen how Suna throws snowballs?Chizuru: (grinning) I’ll play if Yui plays.Yui: (groaning) Why do I always fall for that?
Over at the snack table, Ukai watches as Takeda gets roped into a debate with Kenma and Tendou about the physics of volleyball.
Kenma: Technically, the trajectory of that serve was borderline impossible.Tendou: Impossible for mortals, sure. But Oikawa is basically a volleyball warlock.Takeda: (clutching his head) Why do I feel like I’m back in a science lecture?
The snow volleyball game resumes outside, with the girls and a few of the boys joining in. Meanwhile, the rest of the group crowds around the TV, where a replay of the match is playing.
Hinata: Wait, wait, I missed this part! Look at Oikawa’s face—he looks like he’s plotting world domination!Kuroo: (laughing) That’s just his default expression.Kenma: It’s the eyebrows. They’re sinister.Yachi: (timidly) He has nice eyebrows...Tsukishima: That’s the weirdest compliment I’ve heard all night.
The laughter echoes through the house, blending with the sound of shouts and laughter from outside as the snow volleyball game heats up again. The chaos, as usual, reigns supreme.
As the snow volleyball match winds down and the living room descends into a semi-calm state (emphasis on semi), Hinata suddenly springs up, his phone in hand.
Hinata: Guys, guys! Let’s FaceTime our seniors!Yamaguchi: (looking skeptical) At this hour?Hinata: It’s not that late!Tsukishima: It’s past midnight.Hinata: (grinning) Exactly. Peak bonding time.
Kageyama groans but secretly perks up as Hinata dials. The rest of the room quiets down—only slightly—anticipating the call. The phone rings... and rings... and rings. Finally, Akiteru Tsukishima’s face appears on the screen, blinking groggily.
Akiteru: (yawning) Hinata? Why are you calling me?Hinata: (beaming) To wish you Merry Christmas, obviously!Akiteru: At— (checks his clock) —12:30 a.m.?Hinata: Love doesn’t sleep!Tsukishima: (deadpan) Neither does stupidity.Akiteru: (spotting his brother behind Hinata) Kei! You’re there? Why didn’t you stop him?Tsukishima: (shrugs) Stopping him requires effort.
Suddenly, Takinoue and Shimada join the call, rubbing their eyes but smiling. The group cheers loudly, the kind of sound that makes you think someone just scored a championship point.
Shimada: (grinning) Alright, what’s the occasion? And why do I hear Nishinoya yelling something about glory in the background?Nishinoya: (off-screen) BECAUSE GLORY NEVER RESTS!Daichi: Ignore him. He’s had too much sugar.Takinoue: Looks like quite the party. Where’s Ukai?
The camera shifts to Ukai, who is sitting on the couch with his head in his hands, looking every bit like a man who’s been babysitting 20+ teenagers.
Ukai: Present. Barely.Shimada: (laughing) Hang in there, champ. They’ll clear out… eventually.
As the chaos ebbs and flows, the alumni start trading jokes with the current team members.
Takinoue: So, who’s the best spiker now? Still Hinata?Kageyama: (grumbling) He’s lucky, not skilled.Hinata: Say that to my face, Kageyama!Takinoue: (laughing) Ah, the bromance lives on.Akiteru: And Kei? Still the king of sarcasm?Tsukishima: It’s not sarcasm if it’s accurate.Hinata: (pointing at the camera) It’s me! I’m the best!Akiteru: (teasing) Sure, buddy. I’ll believe it when I see it.
The girls join the conversation, Michimiya stepping forward to wave at the screen.
Michimiya: Merry Christmas! Don’t let the boys hog the call.Shimada: Yui! Long time no see. Are you keeping them in line?Michimiya: I’ve given up. It’s like herding cats.Takinoue: (laughing) Classic Karasuno. Some things never change.
The conversation turns nostalgic as the alumni share stories of their time at Karasuno.
Takinoue: Remember the training camp when Ukai made us run up that hill in the pouring rain?Ukai: (grinning) Still do it. Builds character.Nishinoya: (grinning) Builds misery, you mean.Shimada: And don’t forget the time we got lost on the way to that practice match. We had to hitch a ride in a truck full of cabbages.Hinata: (wide-eyed) Cabbages?! That’s legendary!Takinoue: (laughing) It smelled terrible, but we made it.
As the call winds down, everyone gathers around the phone, squeezing into the frame. The chaotic energy of the room is palpable even through the screen, but there’s an undeniable warmth beneath it all.
Akiteru: (smiling) Merry Christmas, everyone. Keep the Karasuno spirit alive, yeah?Shimada: And don’t break Ukai. He’s our only coach.Ukai: Thanks for the concern.Takinoue: Seriously, though. You’re all part of something special. Cherish it.
The call ends, and for a moment, the room is quiet. Then Hinata, ever the sunshine, breaks the silence.
Hinata: We really are the best, huh?Daichi: (rolling his eyes) Don’t let it go to your head.Yachi: (smiling) But he’s not wrong. This… this is pretty special.
The group exchanges smiles—some bashful, some proud. Then Nishinoya, never one to let things get too sentimental, stands on the couch.
Nishinoya: GROUP HUG!
Cue groans, laughter, and, inevitably, chaos as the Karasuno crew collapses into one another, a tangle of limbs and laughter.
The snow falls gently outside, the warm glow of Ukai’s house spilling into the night. Amidst the chaos, it’s clear: this is what makes volleyball more than a team. They’re a family.
The End.