The Third Miya: Isuma

XXVIII

March 5th, 2021

So... let's just discuss that picture for a sec. Minus the hairstyle (even tho it looks so amazing on him,) I like to think that's how he looks later on during the winter break arc, assuming I do what I'm planning to do. 

Also, this chapter is heavily influenced by my friend, who loves angst a little too much to be considered a... normal person. I promise nothing terrible happens (at least in this chapter,) but just for future reference, all angst-scenes are because she's been rubbing off me, and I've only known her for like a little over 5 months.

When Inarizaki hit the 20-point mark, Kamino Academy was still six points behind. But... they weren't panicking. Isuma admired their mental stability and ability to stay calm... but, considering Tamiko's personality- at least what she'd seen- was surprising. Tamiko didn't seem like the type of person to stay calm like this. 'You amaze me, Tamiko-kun.'

Atsumu seemed to be getting more and more hyped as the game came closer to an end. And, to Kamino's disadvantage, it was his serve. Isuma watched as Atsumu threw the volleyball into the air, and then, to all their surprise, did a jump float serve.

'What the heck? Now?!' Tamiko managed to dive to the right and receive it, although he crashed into the barriers there. Hinosa didn't have time to check on him and hastily set the volleyball to Yoshi, who had been caught off-guard. Osamu blocked him, but Yoshi's spike was so powerful it broke through it. Hinosa looked over at Yoshi. "Sorry, that was my bad. You weren't expecting that."

"It's fine. Do whatever you have to, Senpai." Yoshi and the others all looked at him. "We're right behind you and Altan."

Hinosa flashed a smile. "I know you are. Thank you. Tami-chan, are you fine?"

"I'm okay." His leg seriously hurt, but he couldn't tell anyone, least of all Hinosa. They'd force him to sit out, and he couldn't leave them when things were this close. 'C'mon... just hold out a few more minutes.' Tamiko took a deep breath and straightened. "Let's do this."

Isuma could immediately tell that Kamino's setter was injured, but she didn't say anything. 'I hate it but... it's his choice. I couldn't stop him if I tried.'

She was more worried about Ginjima. Nothing had changed since he'd refused to be taken out, and Kurosu Sensei hadn't switched him out either. He seemed fine to Isuma, yet she was still worried. 'He doesn't want me to be concerned. He'll be fine... he has to be.'

She was focusing on dozens of different things at the same time. Her mind kept rotating her brothers, Kamino Academy, Ginjima's injury, Kita...

Isuma's hand went to her forehead and she murmured, "Not again..."

She couldn't think clearly and all the sounds around her dulled. Her eyes closed briefly as all her senses faded. "Nii-chan..."

(Note: when Isuma says "Nii-chan," she's referring to either one of her brothers, or sometimes both.)

"Miya? Are you fine?" Kurosu Sensei looked over at her. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. "I'm okay-"

Suddenly, everyone in the bleachers jumped to their feet, cheering. Inarizaki was at match point, with Kamino four points behind. Tamiko was breathing hard and he had sweat tracing his face. 'I won't let this game end like this. Even if we don't win... I have to make sure Hino-nii's last game in high school was worth it. This is my last chance to play with him. I have to prove myself to Hino-nii.'

"Hino-san," Tamiko said, not turning around. "I need your best right now. Do you trust me?"

"Of course," Hinosa replied. "But... they're at set point."