Fly (Keishin Ukai) - COMPLETED

39 - The Inter-High Tournament (Part 2)

The semi-finals were against Aoba Johsai. The team considered second-best in the prefecture. The team that knocked Karasuno out in the last tournament. It was a revenge match. Yuki kept her eyes on the Aoba Johsai's captain, Oikawa. He alone was a powerful component Karausno had to deal with. Keishin was right; it would be a hard match.

Due to the match feeling more important than the other's Yuki could not help her excitement. When Yú successful did his Libero jump set, Yuki slapped Keishin's arm multiple times, squealing 'Did you see that? That's my brother!'. And when Hinata was able to complete his quick attack despite being blocked before and when they lost, Yuki punched Keishin's arm repeatedly. He realised quickly, by the end of the match, his arm would be numb.

Though Karasuno won the first set, Yuki's jaw was practically touching the floor, but not for a good reason. Oikawa's serves, she could not believe her eyes; they were so powerful. Despite his first attempt being out of bounds, Yuki nervously swallowed, suddenly worrying for her little brother who was going have to receive them, she unconsciously scooted a little closer to Keishin on the bench.

And that was not all. A new player subbed in for Aoba Johsai. He had short blonde hair with black stripes. And before he touched the ball, she knew he would be trouble, and he proved her right through the second set. He was chaotic, dangerous even for both sides, but he could score points with ease. He threw a spanner in the works.

"He's powerful but unreliable..." Yuki muttered to Keishin.

"Yeah, explains why he didn't start the match, he's a double-edged sword."

As the match contuied, it was as close as the first. Back and forth, but Karasuno were on the back foot as the set was coming to an end. Keishin decided on putting Yamaguchi in as a pinch server which proved to do well. He got 4 points for the team; however, it was not enough, because Aoba Johsai took the second set 26 - 28.

Unfortunately, Yuki had no words to give the team before the third set. She balled her hands into a fist frustrated; she was feeling useless again, the pressure was getting to her; she could not think straight, let alone get any words of encouragement out. She knew something, anything from her could help the team, but once again, like always, her mouth opened and closed like a gaping fish.

"Fuck..." she muttered to herself, annoyed.

"It's okay, relax."

"It's not okay! I don't know how to help. I'm useless!"

"I said it's okay." Keishin gave her a stern look. She did not argue back, simply accepting where she was - complaining was not going to help either.

Yuki was close to silent in the third set. It started rough for Karasuno, but around halfway through the boys were able to bring it back. However, it continued to be back and forth. Yuki watched with eagle eyes, every move, every spike, every receive but her brain could not think of any idea's to give her team the advantage.

Yamaguchi once again subbed on as a pinch server, though he was limited to only one service that time, but not to any fault of his, Aoba Johsai was just a strong opponent. Yuki watched Yamaguchi as he came off the court, his shoulders hunched forward, and eyes focused on the floor.

"Yamaguchi," Yuki said as he walked past, he turned to look at her, "that was not your fault. You did a great serve." His frown disappeared, and chest rose, there was still disappointed in his eyes, but her words meant a great deal to him. He gave a polite bow before returning to his team.

Yuki relaxed slightly, maybe she could not help the team at the time, but at least she could make one of them feel better. She needed to remember her words could change the team's mood instantly, only if she could yell out to them when they needed it though.