Serve's Up: Who Do You Choose? [Abandoned - Unfinished]

Chapter Sixteen

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"You need to straighten up your back Nishinoya-senpai! You're going to hurt your back if you continue to sit like that!"

"(Last Name)... It's too early to be so bright and energetic..."

I couldn't help but gasp at this.

"Nishinoya-senpai... I thought you were known as the energetic one... The one who always had energy to smile for the pretty girls."

Flashing a smile, I couldn't help but feel a bit bad about pulling this on Nishinoya. But now that I can finally put this card out of my bag of tricks, why put them to waste...?

Knowing Nishinoya got this pep talk from a 'pretty girl', he immediately perked up.

"Yes ma'am!"

"That's the spirit!"

Turning, I noticed Asahi looking nervous as he ate.

"Stop your hesitation! Accept your anxieties and work on getting past them!"

The entire morning, I went around to the various teammates, helping anyone that seemed to need motivation. While I wasn't a fellow teammate anymore, I had been able to get a special connection with each of them since I had been a teammate and now I'm their assistant coach.

I never thought being a coach would be so satisfying. Even though I know I'm not the one on the court, I feel as though their victories are my victories.

Except we haven't won a single game yet...

"Don't lose faith guys! Today's the day we win a game! Just focus on what you know and trust in the skills you guys have as a team! It doesn't matter how good one person is if they're up against an incredible team!"

While I'll admit I'm new to this whole pep-talk deal... It seems I was able to get everyone ready for the practice matches. Even Tsukishima seemed slightly enthusiastic, which is saying a lot for him.

"You're the best coach ever!" Hinata praised, his eyes shining like a young puppy's.

"Um... Thanks..." I muttered, my cheeks heating up.

Do coaches usually get this kind of praise...?

"Hinata, I think Kageyama's looking for you so the two of you can warm up." Tsukishima mentioned, seeming to have popped up out of nowhere.

"Oh, thanks!"

And just like that, Hinata was off.

I had expected Tsukishima to head off as well, but he didn't.

"You're... You're feeling better, right?"

Tsukishima wasn't facing towards me as he asked this, but the tone said everything.

He... Was concerned about what had happened...

"Yeah, I'm feeling much better. Getting a good night's rest was just what I needed. Thanks for your concern."

He still didn't look at me.

"It's nothing."

And just like that, he was off to participate in the warm-ups. Guess I should go help with whatever I can.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Let's go..."

With defeated groans, the team went around the gym to take their 'punishment' lap for losing.

I feel so bad for seeing them like this... And unlike the running punishment, I can't really participate in this activity...

"Wow, I must admit I feel bad for those guys."