The smell of the gym reeks with pure intense competition as the two teams started warming up for the semi finals game. The team won their previous game before winning against Date Tech earlier and now they will be facing the fearless Karasuno team. This isn't my first game anymore but I'm pretty sure that this game is different from the other teams that we've faced.
The warm up ended and the starters of both teams are being called.
Aoba Johsai Starters
Team Captain Oikawa, Setter
Iwaizumi, Wing Spiker
Kindaichi, Middle Blocker
Hanamaki, Wing Spiker
Matsukawa, Middle Blocker
Kunimi, Wing Spiker
Watari, Libero
Karasuno Starters
Team Captain Sawamura, Wing Spiker
Azumane, Wing Spiker
Tanaka, Wing Spiker
Hinata, Middle Blocker
Kageyama, Setter
Tsukihima, Middle Blocker
Nishinoya, Libero
The crowd went wild as the starters made their way on the court. Each school were chanting their cheers to lift up their players as the winner of this match will grab a ticket to the finals against the very dominant Shiratorizawa team.
Oikawa served to start the match.
"Make it count Oikawa!" his teammates cheered
"Missed that and you'll treat me tonkotsu!!" Iwaizumi said
"Shoyu Ramen for me!" Matsukawa added
"Do you want me to screw this or what?" Oikawa complained as he felt the pressure his co-starters has given
For us near the court who heard the boys just laughed. How can they still manage to joke around a time like this? I asked to myself.
The referee blew the whistle.
Oikawa served a very strong one as usual but the Karasuno's captain was able to receive it but was returned to us immediately. Kindaichi reacted to it fast so as Hinata resulting for a joust. Though Kindaichi was able to outpowered the small middle blocker and tipped the ball on the opponent's side, Karasuno's setter was quick to respond and was able to make the first touch. The team was able to shut the Karasuno's fast quick play but it was the libero Nishinoya who set the ball and four attackers were ready to execute the play.
"Synchronize attack!"
The ace Azumane at the back smacked the ball hard and Kindaichi wasn't able to block it on time. The first point went to Karasuno.
"This is Karasuno reborn!" The cheerers of Karasuno went wild.
The first set was a very tight one. Each time a team makes a point, the other is makes sure to get it back. It was then the score was 16-15 and Karasuno was able to make a break making the score to 17-15. Aoba Johsai managed to score some points time after time but Karasuno's not letting them get near.
23-22 in favor of Karasuno and Oikawa is up again to serve.
"Smash it Oikawa!" his fans exclaimed.
He let out a deep breath before serving.
"Bring it ooooon!!!" The players on the other side shouted.
"Mind the back of your head." Iwa-chan said to Maki
"Eh?" The freshman asked in confusion.
I shivered in fear as I imagined myself being hit by Oikawa's serve.
"I'll pass out for sure." I mumbled
Oikawa gave the ball a good tossed and jumped for it, making a very powerful serve again.
"OUT!" The referee yelled.
24-22, Karasuno now is at match point!
It's now Kageyama Tobio's turned to served.
"He was under Oikawa when they were in elementary." I said to myself.
It was a very powerful jump serve too just like what his senpai has done earlier, though Oikawa's more powerful. Watari was able to received the ball and Oikawa executed a play being Kindaichi as a decoy and tossed it to our reliable ace, Iwa-chan.
"Nice Kill Iwaizumi!" We cheered by the sidelines.
We need one point to even the score and extend this set. Coach signaled for a substitution replacing Kunimi for Kyotani, our sophomore hitter.
The game resumed as Iwai-chan is now up to serve. The opponent received it well and was able to set a play but was deflected by our blockers.
"Oikawa!" Iwa-chan yelled as he got the first touch.
He tossed the ball to the middle for Kindaichi to hit but the newly subbed Kyotani barged in for a powerful spike.
"OUT OF BOUNDS!" The referee shouted.
The first set went to Karasuno.
Oikawa was out of words as that point was an important one and yet they lost it.
"THAT WAS TOO RECKLESS!!" Iwa-chan scolded Kyotani, while smacking his head to wake up the player.
"Yeah, yeah! Well said Iwa-chan." Oikawa agreed to his vice-captain.
The second set started soon after and the team was on a roll. Kyotani made up to his mistakes and was giving Karasuno some hard time. The boys didn't seem like they lost the first and was giving their all on the second set snatching it to Karasuno on the score of 28-26.
Of all the practice games and matches that I have seen, this is probably the most intense and heart pounding. I can't barely focus on the match and give words of encouragement to them because I was too nervous! All I ever did was to tossed them towels and hand them refreshments.
"Kioko-chan."
"Please calm down, were gonna win this." Oikawa said it kinda made me at ease.
I nodded. "I believe you." I said.
The third and final set started. The winner of this set will proceed to the finals game.
"I know the team can win this." I muttered.
"They will win this!"
The players where still the same. Kyotani's the bench right now and I think will be subbed later. Karasuno on the other side didn't make a change on their starters either even though they were switching their players at some point during the last two sets.
This set was incredibly close just like the first two sets. Nobody dared to back down making the scores even from time to time.
Sweat are pouring down as the players were gasping for air. They all look exhausted but it didn't matter, scoring now is what matters.
10-11, in favor of Karasuno and Tanaka made a point through the block making it 10-12.
Kyotani was subbed in as expected making two consecutive scores right away, pulling Aoba Johsai even with Karasuno.
With Kyotani's helped, the team managed to keep close with the opponent but the surprised plays on the other side is what making them fall behind.
Score 24-24.
I closed my eyes. I can't watch this. I said to myself.
I held my hand and muttered a prayer.
"We're gonna win this." I can hear Oikawa's voice in my head.
I gently opened my eyes and a very painful scene was laid in front of me. The ball was smashed by the very deadly freshman, Hinata Shoyo. Oikawa was there for coverage but wasn't able to received it properly and it bounced off of his hands.
26-24 and Karasuno has won.
The crowd was silent as the ball landed on the floor. Everyone was shock and couldn't believe that a mighty team who's been in the finals for so long has been defeated by the rebuilding team Karasuno. My heart was shattered as I looked to see a crying Iwaizumi.
More than anyone else in this gym, the boys really wanted to win but it didn't happen.
The bus ride to school was a quite or rather a painful one. Everyone is awake yet no one dares to speak a word, even the very noisy and annoying Captain was clearly not in the mood to talk. The coach knew what to do to somehow boost the team's morale after that painful loss, he decided to treat us.
"Oi, oi shittykawa chew your food properly!" Iwa-chan somehow now managed to be normal again scolding Oikawa who's now eating like there's no tomorrow.
"I'm gonna miss those two." Kindaichi cried, he has a high respect with his senpais, I thought to myself.
"Are you okay Kioko? You seemed quite." Hanamaki asked.
I shook my head. "I'm okay makki-kun, it's just that I cannot find the right words to console you. I know this is very important to all of you."
"Sometimes, not saying a word to console someone can be more comforting." Kunimi said
xxx
After the meal, the team went separate ways. Kioko decided to go home early too except for the third years.
"Shit!"
"Shit!" Oikawa cussed
"That's your 53rd shit today." Iwaizumi stated
"Cause it's frustrating as shit! Isn't it?" the boy replied still pissed
"Cheer up Hajime! The crease between your brows is incredible!" Shido said to calm down Iwaizumi who is now pissed.
The loss maybe has been starting to sink in by now. He thought
"I know!!" he yelled
"You should be praising yourself for hitting that toss with perfect timing, Iwa-chan." Oikawa said comforting Iwaizumi for a change but he's triggered even more.
"The fact that the toss and timing were perfect makes it much more frustrating!!" he reasoned out
"That's true!!" Oikawa yelled back. "But I should be the one feeling down since I was the last one to react and couldn't return it. I'm the one who's frustrated, okay!!!" he added
The two are now brawling and made the others confused as to what are they competing about.
"Loss or a win, those two are really unpredictable." Hanamaki said"But you know, aren't we heading back home?" He asked as they realized they're now in front of the volleyball gym.
The boys went in and played their hearts out. It was like their way of consoling their selves on that painful loss against Karasuno.
"Arrrgghh!!" Oikawa grunts as he released a very powerful served that his teammate couldn't handle.
"Oikawa!! Quit going all out on your serves!!"
"My sides are killing me." Iwaizumi grunted
Though they were coming off a match, playing until the sun came down wasn't a problem at all. Or more like they were savoring this very last moment as the they will graduate soon and will go on different colleges.
"Let's start cleaning up before the patrol comes." Iwaizumi said
Everyone was silent. They knew that a single sentimental word can make all off them weeping.
"Everyone." Oikawa said, breaking the silence. "Can I have your attention for a sec?" he asked
They looked at Oikawa at were shocked to his state.
"Hey, knock it off!! We're going out of our way to finish things off on a high note, let's just end this peacefully!!" Hanamaki complained as he saw now their crying captain
"Shut up!" Oikawa interrupted.
"Thanks for the past three years!!" He yelled as his tears flowed out of his eyes.
As everyone saw how Oikawa was trying to stop his tears from falling but ended up crying, they got emotional as well. This is their reality now; they lost the game but the fact that that was their last game together made it even more painful for them. It has been three years indeed, three long yet very memorable years.
"What did I tell you?" Makki complained as the the gym filled with sobs and the sounds of them weeping their hearts out.
xxx
"Oikawa, Iwa-chan." I was waiting for them outside . I went home early but I couldn't keep myself still and decided to go look for them. I was right though, they were playing at the gym and decided to let them be if that's their way to go and release what's been welling up on their insides.
"Kioko-chan I thought you went home."
"I was, but I'm worried about you two." I said
"Sorry we made you worry." Oikawa said tapping my head.
The three of us walked like the usual, except that this walk is quite than the usual.
"You probably won't be happy until you become an old man." Iwaizumi broke the silence.
"What!?" Oikawa reacted. "What kind of curse are you giving on me all of a sudden?" he complained but Iwa-chan didn't make that one a big deal this time.
"Regardless of whatever tournament you win, you'll live chasing volleyball your life without being perfectly content, cause you're really a troublesome guy." He said.
I slowed down my walking to leave them both some privacy, but I can still hear their conversation.
Oikawa really love volleyball that much . I thought to myself after hearing what Iwa-chan just said.
"Don't stick an insult in there at a time like this." Oikawa complained.
"But."
"Keep moving forward without any hesitation." Iwa-chan added that made Oikawa fluttered for a bit. I too, who was listening behind them was a bit shock.
The two suddenly stopped walking.
"You're my partner that I can be proud of and a really incredible setter!" Iwa-chan exclaimed. "No matter what team you'll be in, that won't change."
"But if we happen to compete, I'll take you down." He added challenging Oikawa.
"Well, I wouldn't want it any other way." He said accepting the challenge by his best friend.
For a moment, they made their fist bump with smirk on their faces as they both accepted the challenge that the future has offered them and it made me smile.
They're really are good as team but with the both of them playing against each other can be more interesting! I thought to myself and went in between the two.
"My, my it looks like I'll be having a hard time cheering for you two on the sidelines if you happen to compete against each other." I said
"Well, I'm sure you'll be cheering for me Kioko-chan." Oikawa said as we continued walking home.
"What made you think that?" I asked
"Because you'll be girljsaFHa'/'gdsighasg." I couldn't understand what Oikawa has to say because he was interrupted by stray cat who suddenly appeared and scratched his pants.
When he finally shooed the cat, I asked him. "You were saying?"
"Pssh, nothing. I'll tell you some other time."
"I bet that was just another pick up line." Iwa-chan said and I laughed at that. We continued walking home, teasing each other as usual.
xxx
>> Iwa-chan
Where are you? I'm with shittykawa today.
Kioko<<
I thought you didn't want to watch the finals?
>>Iwa-chan
I also thought that, but I got curious.
Kioko<<
Who won?
>>Iwa-chan
Karasuno.
I took a deep sigh as Iwa-chan and I finished texting. It must've been more painful for them now. They couldn't beat Shiratorizawa and yet Karasuno just did that! I mean yeah, Karasuno is good but of course I'll be biased with my team!
"I wonder what I can do to console those two." I asked myself.
>>unknown
I'm offended Kioko-chan, how come
Iwa-chan has your number yet I don't?
I chukled.
Kioko<<
Sorry! I wanted my phone quiet and
Peaceful.
>>Oikawa
You're making it worse!
Kioko<<
Ha ha ha. Gomen!
Can you both come here at my house?
>>Oikawa
Why? You miss me already?
Kioko<<
I changed my mind.
>>Oikawa
Oi, oi don't be like that!
We'll be there in 30 minutes.
xxx
"Kioko-chan I thought you'll cheer us up, why are we going grocery shopping with you?" Oikawa complained pushing the cart slowly.
"Sorry, I wanted to cook you guys some food but I realized our fridge was empty." The girl explained
"Is your mother not at home?" Iwaizumi asked.
"Yes, Dad is at Tokyo right now dealing some business stuff she wanted to support him. They'll be going home tomorrow early though so guys don't have to worry."
"How about we spend the night at yours?" Oikawa suggested.
"hmmmm." The girl thought about it.
"That would be fun! We can invite Yumi too!" She excitedly agreed. "We should shop more fooooods!" she added
As soon as they finished the groceries, the boys headed home to get some clothes and to ask for permissions to their parents as well. After all, they'll be staying at a girl's house.
When they arrived at Kioko's, Yumi is already there helping the girl prepare the dinner.
"Wow Kioko-chan, you really are good at cooking!" Oikawa exclaimed as they all gathered at the table filled with "western foods"
"I haven't tasted any of these dishes before." Iwaizumi added
"Yup! That's Kioko for you guys, she may not have enjoyed the outdoors but has sure enjoyed indoors." Yumi boasted.
"he he, this is not a big deal you guys. I hope you enjoy the food." The girl nervously laughed because even though she loves cooking, some of the dishes she has prepared wasn't easy at all!
"Thank you for the food!" They all chanted and chowed down the food in front of them
"Wow, it really tastes amazing!" Oikawa squealed
"Really, this is very good." Iwaizumi added munching his food.
The compliments made the girl blush in embarrassment but is very as well that her friends liked it. After they finished eating and washed the dishes, they decided to watch a horror movie. The house was filled with screams and laughter as they were teasing each other time for being a sacredly cat.
"Surprisingly, for a girl who has heart complications Kioko-chan didn't let out a single scream all throughout that scary movie!" Oikawa said
"Well, it was very surprising as well Oikawa that you had screamed the most." The girl replied
"Duhh, the ghost was very ugly!" And they all laughed.
They were all talking, and sharing stories as each and one of them passed out. Yumi was the first to sleep who is at the bed with Kioko, followed by Iwaizumi who shared a comfy mattress with Oikawa on the floor.
"Kioko-chan are you still awake?" Oikawa asked looking at Kioko who is now closing her eyes.
"mmmm." The girl hummed half asleep
"Thank you." He said.
"mmmm."
"Thank you being here with us. Iwa-chan and I really appreciate your effort." He said
The girl slowly opened her eyes and was a bit flustered to see the boy's face leveled to hers. He was on his knees intensely staring at her.
"You're right Kioko-chan." He said "It is really amazing amazing how a single moment can change your life in an instant."
"Good night Kioko." Oikawa said as he kissed the girl's forehead before laying down to sleep.
The girl was speechless.
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
It was her tracker. Her heart was beating so fast even her tracker reacted to it. She immediately turned it down to avoid the other's from waking up.
She looked at Oikawa who is now in bed covering his eyes and is already asleep.
"Phew, I guess he didn't hear it." She said to herself.
Oikawa shifted on his side and let out a smirk. He heard it, loud and clear.
"Socute." He whispered as he shifted to his side and hugged Iwaizumi tight as hewas feeling really happy, he made the girl's heart flutter.