Two Week's Time

Nine Days Remaining

Nine Days Remaining.

I watched the team practice from the sidelines. Hinata was doing much better now. He delivered stunning quicks, and his focus was laser-sharp. It was nice to see him back again. Everything almost felt normal. Save for the glares Tsukishima keeps sending me...

Truthfully, I didn't blame the blonde. I would do the same in his shoes. Keeping your distance was the wisest move, after all. As long as he chose it... I wouldn't approach him. It was best for the both of us.

I eyed the water next to me. My body craved it, but it wasn't a necessity. And I don't want to take more from them... I relocated the bottle without a second thought.

The coach blew the whistle. "Raven, you're in kid! Show us what you got."

I jerked to my feet. Almost immediately, all eyes turned to me. They're angry... My eyes were trained on the floor as I slunk forward, taking the spot next to Kageyama.

The setter eyed me warily, releasing a deep exhale. I gave him a meager smile. He turned away. Slowly, my head dropped in defeat. Do I really have to do this right now..?

My ears released a throb of pain as they were infiltrated by the whistle's shrill blow. I dropped into position. Serve's on them, I noted. And Tsukki's up. It was blatantly obvious who he would aim his shot at. He wasn't playing to win, he was playing to get me out.

"Got it!" I called the ball, diving to the right.

Oomph. Air rushed from my chest as I collided with a hard surface. I went flying backwards, skidding under the net. My head slammed into the ground.

My thoughts went blank. Pain raced up my skull, making my teeth grind. A snicker occurred nearby. Coach Ukai blew the whistle, eyebrows knitting in confusion.

"Tanaka, what the hell was that?" He demanded.

Tanaka apologized, staring down at me. For a moment, I half-expected him to reach down a hand. He never did. I grit my teeth and pulled myself up.

"Sorry, Coach," Tanaka apologized, dipping into a light bow.

"Raven, sit out for now, that was a nasty fall." His eyes never left Tanaka as he gave me the order. I nodded, navigating off the court. Eyes burned into my back. That was probably on purpose, I noted despondently.

The game continued. To the right, the coach slowly made his way towards me. Ukai dropped  down on the bench.

"You alright, kid?"

I nodded sheepishly. Ukai sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I'm not sure what's gotten into them," he muttered. "They seem so on edge today. It wasn't your fault, kiddo, so don't beat yourself up about it."

"Yes, sir," I mumbled, trying to keep my voice low.

Ukai stared down at me. His gaze was critical. I shrunk beneath it, eyes flicking uneasily between him and the floor.

"Do you have an older brother by any chance?" He asked, staring down at me.

"Ah, no. May I ask why, sir?"

Ukai shook his head, chuckling under his breath. "You look really similar to someone I knew back in high school."

"Really?" I leaned closer, intrigued. Did he know me when I was alive?

"Mhm. Best damn player I'd ever known. Not much of a people's person, but a real stand-up guy." A solemn look crossed his face.

"Guess it was nothing, then." Ukai reached over to ruffle my hair. "Give it a few minutes and I'll put you back in."