You practiced so hard until your arms lost sensation. Even after practice last Thursday, you stayed behind with Mika and Kageyama. It was great that both of you were managers, so Keishin entrusted you to lock up after yourself. You were already tired from the practice earlier but you felt you weren't finished yet.

There's still more work to do.

"One more time." you demand Kageyama, but he was hesitant as he saw you clutching your right arm. You were breathing heavily through your mouth and you could feel sweat dripping down your forehead.

I can't feel my arm and I'll lose feeling in my leg soon. But I have to keep going.

"(F/N) don't push yourself" Mika says with concern.

This feels so nostalgic. Being with Mika and Kageyama after school. Practicing until we couldn't anymore. Trying to out beat each other. Only difference now is that I have a disadvantage. I need to catch up.

"No, toss me another one." you bellow with determination. You've never thought this sport would cause you this much pain.

"(F/N). You're already in pain. Why don't we just take a break." Kageyama suggests. He was still holding the volleyball in his hand; he was still unsure if you could handle another spike.

Every time you tried spiking the ball with full force, pain would surge down your arm. Plus, the jumping and landing afterwards would hurt your knee.

"I know my body isn't the same as I was before, but that's why I need the practice harder. You need to keep pushing me to be better." you demanded.

You didn't know what motivated you more. The fact that Mika and Kageyama were excelling faster than you or that you'd be wearing Suga's uniform. You didn't want to disappoint him or the rest of the team. It's strange that a matter of a week could change your mind about volleyball completely. It wasn't that you weren't filled with fear anymore; you were still terrified, but the fear was overcome by something else. It was frightening how a few words could change your mind

Suga's words replayed in your head: "I just wanted you to fall back in love with volleyball."

"Okay. One more." Kageyama agreed but he still looked uncertain. He tossed the ball to Mika who threw it back again to Kageyama. Kageyama made a quick set and you jumped with all your might. You combat the ball in the air and slam it downwards on the gym floor. A sharp sensation ran through your arm.

Agh. My arm!

You clutched your shoulder and started slowly rolling it forward. You start rubbing your arm, wincing in pain. You didn't want Kageyama or Mika to see that you were hurting but this time, you were awful at hiding it. Your eyebrows furrowed and you bit your lip.

"See, I told you (F/N). You're so stubborn." Mika scolded. You wanted to argue that she's just as stubborn, but the pain stopped you from letting out another word.

"Kags. I'm sorry." you murmured. With every breath the pain was unbearable.

"Don't be sorry (F/N). You're trying your best and besides, it's nice knowing you're back."

Back into volleyball or... back in his life?

You chuckle and let out a sigh. You were facing the two of them with your back against the net.

"You know, I might not be able to keep up with your spikes anymore Kageyama, but he can." you point at the gym door and Hinata entered. He was smiling holding a white volleyball.

"Heeelllooo! You guys didn't leave yet so I wanted to stay too!"

Kageyama looked down at the shrimp and made a 'seriously?' face at you. You nodded and your face read, 'yes. He's what you need.'

"You can't be serious?" Seijoh's coach yapped in disbelief. He crossed his arms and stared at Mika and you.

"Yes. I know it's unexpected, but our captain right now is unavailable. Besides, it's just a friendly practice match, isn't it coach?" Ukai nudged the other coach in the elbow.

"I guess you're right. It wouldn't mean any harm. And even if they're girls..." the coach looked up at Ukai with devilish grin, "we won't go easy on them."

"Bring what you got!" Suga smiled with his thumbs up.

Sitting at the bench, Nishinoya and Asahi were seated. They volunteered to be the temp 'managers'. Both of them were gathering towels and filling up water bottles. It was honestly a very cute sight to see.

"Asahi! Your folding is perfection!" Nishinoya threw a thumbs up at Asahi who was folding the towels into swans. You chuckled to yourself as seeing the giant doing something so dainty was oddly fitting.

"Captains! Center court please!" the ref called out. Mika and Oikawa approached the net and you can see Oikawa grinning widely at her.

"Like I said Mika-chan, I won't lose. Especially to that breaean pole."

Mika remained silent as the ref had a coin in his hand. Eager to toss it.

"Hey Mika-chan, let's have a bet." he taunted her.

"Piss off" she growled. Seijoh's team seemed to be having a good laugh. Apparently no one rejects the Oikawa the 'Great King'. The girls in the stands were squealing and giggling at Oikawa. They held up signs saying, 'Oikawa Marry me' and 'Number 1 has my heart'

How corny...

"Let's say, if I win... you have to go on a date with me." he boasted with confidence. He pointed a thumb at his chest with triumph.

"And if I win, WHEN I win... You have to leave me alone. And stop calling me seriously! How did you even get my number?!" she challenges him and sends death glares at her brother.

"What?! He stole my phone!" Hajime defends.

"Deal Mika-chan! I look forward to our daaate." he says flirtatiously

When did this become a bet?!

Facepalming yourself, you look towards Tsukishima. His expression was indifferent to the news but then again, you could never tell what he was thinking.

The ref blew his whistle impatiently and calls out, "heads or tails!"

Mika yells "heads!" and the coin lands on tails.

"Oops, sorry Mika-chan. Looks like I have the upper hand." Oikawa mocks. He joins the rest of his team and they were all sneering. You could see Hajime rolling his eyes at their rambunctious setter.

Mika's hands are in a tight fists and she stomps towards the rest of the team.

"We won't lose." she said all seriously.

Right!

The referee blows the whistle again, signalling the start of the game. Your hands become sweatier and your heart beats faster unknowingly. You adjust the earplugs in your ears and focus your attention on Oikawa who was up to serve.

I can't let my nerves get to me.

You look towards Suga who had his eyes on you. He had a reassuring smile on his face. His hazel eyes spoke truth, letting you know 'it'll be okay.'

Taking a deep breath you shout,

It surprised the rest of the team, but it motivated them to cheer louder. All of them were hyped up from your encouraging words. Everyone takes their position and prepares themselves.

I won't let them win!

~

My arms are screaming at me right now...

It was the last set. Seijoh was ahead by a few points, but that didn't waver the teams spirits. You won the first set and Seijoh the second. This last set is all that matters now. You were all out of breath and barely holding on. Looking towards Mika, she still had a fire burning within her to keep the ball in the court. Her face was scrunched up and intimidating. Hajime held the same face.

No wonder their siblings.

The thing about Mika is that she is scary when she plays. She's ambidextrous, so she can confuse the other players by playing with both hands. Downside is that the power she puts into her spikes, the more control she loses; thus, the ball doesn't always fall exactly where she wants it. Whereas Kageyama's sets are precise and fast but only a few people can keep up with it. As for you, your observant behaviour allows you to skillfully read block. Unfortunately it can only take you so far, because of your lack of height. You would have to jump much earlier than the rest of them to perfectly block a shot. It seemed impossible now that your knee is all banged up.

After a few combos that you, Mika and Kageyama practiced before hand, you were all running out of steam. However, you all had the drive to push forward, even if your legs were stiff and sore. Tsukishima, Tanaka and Hinata were still steady on their feet, but you could tell they were just as fatigued.

"OVER HERE!" Mika yells while running towards the net. She had her hand held high as she motioned Kageyama to set to her. Kageyama threw a fast one at her and she hit it with her left hand.

A faint!

The ball grazes the net as it bounces off into the opponents court, scoring a point. The whole team claps Mika in the back and the score was now inching closer to set point. It was a very close match that it was unsettling. Wiping the sweat off your brow, you could feel the fatigue in your leg and arm. They weren't fully numb yet but you felt they were close to caving.

Last set. Make it count.

You were up to serve. You didn't enjoy serving because you found it was nerve racking being the centre of attention. You hold the ball in your hands and you could feel the sweat dripping from your fingertips. Kageyama taught you how to jump serve, but you weren't confident enough to use it just yet. But at this point, anything would help. You look towards Mika and you can see desperation in her face. She wanted this badly and you did too. Lining yourself at the end of the court, you examine the yellow and blue ball in your hand. Taking a deep breath you could feel everyone's eyes on you. You felt uneasy as the gym seemed to be getting bigger. The net seemed so far away, it looked impossible for you to reach it. The referee blows the whistle, jolting you back to reality.

If I serve it hard enough, just maybe it'll go flying off their side. But if I do a service ACE, I don't know if my arm can handle it.

Instinctively, you throw the ball in the air and jump as high as your legs can propel you. You shout as your arm shot out like a cannon towards the ball. It goes soaring to the other side and just as you predicted, it hits Kunimi in the arms but the serve was too powerful for him to control. The ball goes flying off the court and past the in-line.

The referee blows his whistle and extends his arm to Karasuno's side. You scored a point.

"Nice (F/N)! Do it again!" Suga shouts from the sidelines. Pain crept up your arm, making you flinch.

I don't know if I have enough power to do it again.

Coach Ukai notices you clasping your arm and calls a substitute. Yams stepped up to court and took your place.

"Thanks Yams" you say all breathless, grabbing the number '2' in his hands.

"A-Anything t-to help!" he stutters with wavering confidence. You pat his shoulder to reassure him but he his legs were evidently shaking.

"You got this Yams!!!" you yell, walking towards the bench. You felt like you were going to collapse. As you reach the bench your leg gives in and you topple over without knowing. You've never felt so exhausted before. Seijoh's team was a challenge.

"(F/N)!" Suga ran over to you with a towel. He started wiping your forehead and offered you some water. Nishinoya and Asahi came by your sides, lifting you upwards back onto the bench. After Yams tried to do a float serve, it wasn't successful as the ball was caught by the net. Suga stops patting you dry with the towel and walks towards the court. He grabs one of the gym pinnies and Keishin gives him the 'okay' signal.

Is he taking over me?

"SUGA!" you call out to him but he already takes Yam's place in the court.

What is he doing!? His fingers are still injured!

"Don't worry (F/N), we got this!" he wasn't facing you put he gave you a thumbs up.

He's confident that we were going to win. How can he be so sure?

You wanted to run back into the court, but your leg refused to budge. You tried lifting your leg but it felt sluggish and heavy. Nishinoya patted your knee, telling you to stop.

Damn it! Why can't I move!

"It's okay (F/N), you can rest now. You did your best" Asahi said gently as he rubbed your back to comfort you. He could tell you were frustrated as you burry your face into your hands.

I feel useless.

Nishinoya also rubs your shoulder and with a sweet voice he murmurs,

"We can't thank you enough for everything (F/N). Now keep your head up. The game isn't over yet."

You peek through your fingers and in shock you see Hinata flying high above the net and in the blink of an eye, the ball slams down towards Seijoh. Everyone in Seijoh was speechless, even the girls stopped fan-girling in the bleachers. Keishin's eyes became wide as he couldn't believe what just happened.

I knew he could do it! Kags listened to me! He finally set aside his pride...

You look towards Hinata, who was bouncing up and down with joy. He still had so much energy, even though he played in every set.

to let Hinata have his moment.

"YA HINATA! THAT'S MY BOY!" Nishinoya screams from the bench like a proud father.

Looking at the score it read: Karasuno- 23 vs. Aobajohsai- 24

We're so close!

"GO OIKAWA! GO OIKAWA! GOOO OIKAWA!" the girls in the bleachers encouraged their beloved setter. They waved their turquoise and white pom poms in the air.

They are persistent....

You stare towards their setter and you could see the smirk on his face. Mika was breathing hard but she wasn't going to give up just yet. She starts yelling at Oikawa,

"Wipe that stupid grin off you perv. Once I'm done with you, say goodbye to our date."

"Awe Mika-chan you were thinking about our date? I'm glad you're looking forward to it." his grin was even wider now, which pissed off Mika even more. Both of them crouched down in a ready position. The ref blows the whistle signalling the start of a serve.

You realize it was Suga up to serve. He takes a deep breath and tosses the ball upwards.

If he doesn't get that in, the game is over...

He jumps and hits the ball and it rotates in the air towards the net.

The gym fell silent as the ball travelled in so motion. You could feel the tension in the air. You never felt so anxious as the ball comes spiralling just above the net. It hits the top the net making everyone flinch.

Which way is it going to fall!?

Nishinoya and Asahi were holding both your hands, squeezing the living daylights out of them. The ball was tipping towards Seijoh's side and the whole team was ready to dive forward.

Please fall, please fall, please fall...

Oikawa suddenly jumps upwards towards the ball, but just as he jumps, Kageyama propels himself forward. Both of them got their hands on the ball and they were pushing against each other at full force.

"I WILL NOT LOSE TO YOU BAKA-YAMA!" Oikawa yells with all his might, earning a few squeals from the girls.

Oikawa overpowers Kageyama as he pushes the ball forcefully over the net. Kageyama falls down and lands on his back. Tsukishima dove forward towards the ball but misses it by an inch. The referee blows his whistle.

It's over? We lost?

Seijoh's team was dog-pilling Oikawa and ruffling his hair. They lifted him upwards and shouted,

"ALL HAIL THE GREAT KING!"

You could see Kindaichi all excited as he whip his towels in the air from the sidelines.

Looking over at Karasuno's side, everyone was in despair. Tsukishima, who missed the receive, slammed his fist into the ground. Kageyama was still lying down and Mika was curled into a ball. Suga stood there, silent.

"I HAVE TO GO ON A DATE WITH THAT JERKFACE!" Mika sobbed into her jersey.

You let go of Asahi's and Nishinoya's hands and limp over to Mika. You try comforting her by patting her in the back.

"Hey we gotta shake hands now." you state but she was clearly still upset. She sighed then yelled,

"THIS ISN'T OVER OIKAWA-KUN!" she pointed at him with a shaky finger.

"Mika-channn, you called me by my actual name! I think you're starting to fall in love with meeee!" he teased her. He clutched his chest and his eyes widened.

Everyone lines up and you could see the disappointment in everyone's eyes. You all shook hands with the opposite team and mumbled 'good game'. As you reached the last person to shake hands with, he held yours a bit longer. A tall boy with black hair and thick eyebrows was staring at you with admiration.

"Your spikes were especially hard to block." the mid-blocker noted. He was still holding onto your hand but the look in his eye was intriguing.

Oh? He's complementing me.

"If you stayed on court a bit longer, you would've beaten us for sure." he smiled. You couldn't help but feel flustered at the complement.

I'm the worst when it comes to compliments...

"Ah, erm, well... thank you?" you stuttered. You rubbed the back of your neck in shyness.

"Ooooh looks like (F/N) has an admirer..." Hinata pointed out loudly to Suga. Suga tried to hide his expression, but he pouted while diverting his eyes from you. Kageyama was squeezing his water bottle too tightly that water squirted into Nishinoya's face.

"KAGEYAMA!" Nishinoya spat at him, which brought him back to his senses.

He finally lets go of your hand and says, "Well, it was nice seeing you. Hopefully we can play together soon." the boy smiled. Before he turned around to join his other mates he added,

"I'm Matsukawa- kun by the way, sorry I didn't introduce myself sooner." he trailed off into the other side of the court, leaving you confused.

Well that was a nice surprise? How flattering.

"(F/N), I have your duffle bag." Yams exclaimed trying to keep his balance. The scrawny boy was having trouble holding the heavy bags, you immediately went to help him.

"Thank you Yams!" you smiled and you can see him blush a bit.

You could hear Mika in the background groaning over the date this Saturday. Kageyama was trying to comfort her but she was pent up with anger that we lost. Tsukishima and Yams followed after her as she angrily exits the gym.

Walking sadly into the bus, everyone was sulking as they loaded the bags into the cargo compartment. Too exhausted to care where you sit, you chose a seat at random.

"Hello gorgeous." the voice called out beside you.

Oh why?!

The bald head glistened in the sunset and his face held a ridiculous grin. You slump over beside him and close your eyes to ignore him. After a few minutes of silence he blurts out,

"You look like Kiyoko."he was intensely staring at your face. You open one eye and peer at him. His face held a somber expression. It was different than what you were used to. You always thought of him as a perv but, this time he was serious. You didn't say anything and resume to your nap. You still had your eyes closed and yawned,

"She's my sister."

As you were about to drift into a deep sleep, he says,

"I'm in love with her."

-------------- end p. 30----------