Jump float serve

Warm up seemed to ease some of the tension though. Slowly but surely Yamaguchi's attention got swapped away into volleyball. By the start of their first game he opened up and got into it. He promised Terushima to have fun today. More than that he promised himself to not get swayed by the Tsukishima's presence. Smile on his face grew, eyes followed the ball. Squat. Receive. Set. Jump. Hit. Yamaguchi smiled at Nishinoya, who picked up almost impossible spike, "nice one!" His voice rung throug the air, getting a wide grin in reply.

"Squat deeper!" coach Ukai commanded, looking at Hinata, "look how Nishinoya does it!" He switched attention to Asahi, "move faster, you need to keep up with the change of pace."

Yamaguchi jerked his head up to look at him. He studied the look on Ukai's face for a few moments, before a ball flew dangerously close to his face.

"Boys, concentrate!" Ukai's voice roared again, annoyance creeping through every word, "we won't get into nationals at this pace!"

Comment snapped Yamaguchi back to reality. Nothing has changed. He was foolish to believe it will. Karasuno was still much more different from Johzenji. They chased the dream of getting into nationals and taking first place in every possible competition.

"Tsukishima!" Ukai's voice got harsher the longer practice match went, "put strength in your blocks! Stop slacking already!"

Yamaguchi tried to relax, but nothing seemed to work. He served again and again and again. It isn't that hard! He almost did the jump float serve with Johzenji. He practiced and it meant there was a chance he'll do it today. Jump. Hit. Repeat.

Coach met his eyes after another failed attempt, "what are you trying to do exactly? Put more strength in your palms, jump higher!"

Yamaguchi gritted his teeth. I'm trying! He wanted to say, but nodded silently instead. He had to find a way to calm down and recollect himself.

Minutes ran by, but Yamaguchi still couldn't stop fighting his inner self. He didn't like it here. Harsh comments and shouting. New season were coming. Everyone felt on edge and boys were visibly exhausted. It was always like this here. It felt suffocating. Last time, let's do it one last time. Yamaguchi breathed out, recollecting himself. He tuned out everyone else, eyes following the game. He jumped, finding a point on the other side of the gym to hit. Ball flew with higher speed, curving a little, but not yet enough. 'Much better' Kazuma's words rang out in his head, making corners of Yamaguchi's lips curve a little. He can do it after all. Successful receive. Almost as successful block. Joy filled his eyes. After a few long minutes Yamaguchi got a chance to serve again. 'Try concentrating more on the hit than your jump.'

Yamaguchi bit his lower lip. Let's try again. The moment fingers touched the ball, an electric spark ran through his body. He didn't hear coach Ukai's comments about his stance or strength in his arms. Yamaguchi could care less about all of that. He finally got feeling closer to the one he felt at Johzenji's practice. His body moved on the instinct, jumping as high as possible, locking gaze at that one far point in the corner of the field. "Here it goes," Yamaguchi smirked as ball left his palm with a thud.

Tsukishima watched as it flew straight to his hands and squatted down a little, preparing for yet another boring receive. His eyes lazily followed the ball, when it suddenly changed it direction. He let out a gasp as it curved and ball hit the far left corner of the court. Tsukishima's eyebrows shot up, gaze settling back at Yamaguchi. Freckled boy stood wide-eyed and visibly shocked too.

"That's my boy!" everyone's eyes flicked to the gym's entry. Yamaguchi turned to face Terushima. Older boy stood not far from him, leaning on to the doorway with a wide grin.