You quickly regretted your decision to join the volleyball team at Shiratorizawa Academy. Inside the gym were tall men who towered over and looked at you with an obvious interest in their new manager.
"L/n will be our new manager starting today, and I say we're quite lucky to have her here since we've been struggling to find a manager suitable for our team," the team's second coach, Saito-san, enthusiastically stated.
"Um. I don't know If I'm suitable for the team or not, but It's a pleasure working with you!" You bowed down slightly. The nervousness that you felt made you shy.
"It's fine. Suitable or not we'll all learn and evolve to become better for the team, right?" Ushijima stepped in and greeted you with a close-lipped smile.
"Ushijima-kun, you're really empowering you know! We've only met yesterday but I have a good feeling we're going to be good friends." A tall, red-haired boy slapped Ushijima on the shoulder playfully.
"Yeah," he replied back and gave the red-haired boy a nod.
"Alright. Please introduce yourselves to our new manager." Coach Saito clapped his hands together to gather the boys' attention. Slowly, the boys introduced themselves just as ordered. The red-haired boy's name turned out to be Satori Tendou. His striking red hair stood out the most. You had never seen such an odd, yet interesting colour before. It reminded you of the fall season. The more they introduced themselves to you, the more you found out that they are rather friendly and nice. It's just that the intimidating aura surrounding them doesn't make it seem so.
A smaller and older white-haired coach walked in. The friendly environment had suddenly turned serious. Why wouldn't it change when the infamous coach finally walks in the room? You and the rest of the team bowed to him as a sign of respect.
"I see you've already started Saito." The head coach, Washijo Tanji, greeted all of you with a serious expression on his face.
"I'm glad that we have quite a lot of first years in our team this year..."
"I'm sure you kids already know that Shiratorizawa is a powerhouse school and that I only accept those who fit my standards. Some say my standards are too high, but those were the standards that made Shiratorizawa the strongest in our prefecture. That being said, you all should be proud of this achievement, getting in the team that is...
"Anyways, I believe that strength, height and power make our team the strongest one in our prefecture so I want you guys to practice diligently and prove to me that you are worthy of a spot in this team," the head coach concluded. Staring at each player from eye to eye, he makes sure his words were completely understood.
"We will coach!" The team captain replied to the coach energetically. He's known for his enthusiasm, bright and cheerful appearance.
Coach Washijo looked at you and quietly orders you to come to him. You walked with an increased heart rate, holding your hands together to ease the nervousness.
"I'm sure you're aware of what managers do, correct?" asked the coach. His intimidating persona made it hard for you to admit that you had not one bit of clue about the rules of volleyball or the rules of managing a club at all. Still, you had to do it.
"I-I'm sorry. In all honesty, I have no idea what club managers do since it's my first time, but I'll make sure to learn!" you replied. The motivated look on your face made him smile-- well, the corners of his lips lifted slightly in interest.
"I like your honesty, and since you've realized that there's nothing to worry about. Your most important job is to keep track of all the conditioning, practices and each player's strengths and weaknesses. That way, I'll know how to keep them in shape. It may sound like a lot but if you feel like backing out, you may do it now." Coach Washijo raised a brow.
"N-no, coach. I won't back out. I have made the decision to be on this team," with a drop of courage, you replied. You didn't know where you got it from, but witnessing how friendly the boys were made you feel at ease.
"Then, from now on you'll be our manager. Do your job correctly else I'll replace you." You pursed your lips together and breathed in. No wonder many students were intimidated by this tiny man. His intimidating aura and passion for volleyball make up for his lack of height.
Somehow, your mood lightened up. After hearing his threat you were far more motivated in this managing job than ever. "Yes sir!" unknowingly, you yelled your reply. Your loud voice shook both the coaches and the players who were busy--well, used to be-- busy practicing their serves. Now they're all busy holding in their laughter at your adorable mistake. Your face immediately heated up as soon as you turned around and saw their faces. Embarrassed, you immediately bowed down to apologize.
"I'm so sorry!" you added. Coach Saito placed both of his hands in front of him as he attempts to reassure you.
"I-it's okay l/n" He chuckled and reassuringly patted your shoulder. You looked up at him with a gentle smile.
'Great, what a way to make a first impression,' you scolded yourself.
~
The two coaches decided to hold a practice match to see their players' abilities. It's a well-known tradition in every sports team. As the team warmed up, you hurriedly write down the members' names and appearance so you wouldn't forget. Stuff like 'cute ash white-haired boy' and 'tall energetic captain' was written inside. You still couldn't get used to the sounds of the ball getting spiked and volleyball flying everywhere, but you figured its something you needed to get used to.
The game then began, and the atmosphere immediately turned serious and competitive.
"Ushijima-kun!" Tendou Satori, who was the setter for this game shouted and set the ball over to Ushijima.
With his feet pounding against the wooden floors, Ushijima took three steps forward and jumped high up to spike the ball, leading them to a point. The impact of the spiked ball was far greater than what you've ever seen all your life. It was intense and breathtaking. You imagined the effect of the impact on an innocent bystander and cringed. That poor person would have their head-injured if they ever came across Ushijima's spikes.
Your eyes widened in awe, so do the two coaches. A satisfied and proud smile appeared on the head coach's face. You remembered how bored you used to be when watching any volleyball match, but after watching the Ushijima score, you realized the effort and endurance it takes to play what looks like a simple game from afar. Volleyball from a distance or on television didn't seem that interesting to you, but now that you're up close and personal, you feel as if you've gained enlightenment. The more you stared at Ushijima, you suddenly remembered his comforting words.
"I'm sure you'll get over Oikawa and I'm sure you'll love volleyball again..."
Your eyes focused only on him as landed on his feet. It was as if he was moving in slow motion. From the gentle wave of his olive-green hair to his feet landing perfectly on the ground. It was all in slow motion. You couldn't understand this feeling: the way your heart raced a beat, the tingling sensation in your stomach and the way you're staring at him in awe. You couldn't understand it at all. 'Wh-what was that feeling?' you asked yourself.
Ushijima's side celebrated the successful spike, which made you snap back to reality. And, as if on cue, the whole world returned to normal. You shook your head to rid of the distraction and quickly changed the score, but the lingering emotions inside you made you confused.
You placed your hand over your chest and felt that the heart was beating faster than ever. You looked over to Ushijima. His face had a proud and satisfied smile as he strangely stared at his left hand. He was standing close to you that you felt as if you had forgotten how to breathe.
"Go-good job Ushijima-kun. That was amazing!" you attempted to compliment him, but your voice sounded like a whisper.
Still, he smiled at you in return and finally went back to the court. As the game resumed, his spikes continued to blow your mind. No one was able to stop it and you quickly took note of his strength and ability to force a score with great strength. While you were writing you suddenly remembered his smile. It was so kind and gentle, but you forcibly made yourself focus on the task at hand.
'Ah... I'm in trouble' you whispered to yourself. As strange and confusing as that feeling was, you felt as if it was familiar. Like you had already felt this before, yet you couldn't grasp your mind around it.