Keeping Up with The Jocks (boy x boy)

Part 3

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"Confidence is power" This is what I've been holding into all through the years of being insecure about myself. Most of the time we tend to look tough and believe nothing will break us but we are wrong. My heart was heavy from the hurtful words and actions of those jocks, but I knew I had to face them. They might have thought they were perfect, but I refused to let them break me.

Thankfully, TJ was with me. He's a friend I can rely on, and I have his back just as he has mine. We joined our new teammates who were warming up, and naturally, TJ and I partnered up. We started stretching before initiating ball drills.

As we stretched, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider. TJ had already made friends with some of the players, but it would take time for me to get to know them. But I reminded myself of my goal: to be the first libero for this team.

The assistant coach assigned me to do drills for libero, and I was introduced to Wainwright Reed, my competition. He seemed like a decent guy, and we were of the same height and built. However, he didn't seem interested in teaching me the workout routine given to us by the coaching staff. Instead, I did my recent routine, with TJ checking in on me from time to time.

Suddenly, Reed asked, "Is he your boyfriend?" referring to TJ. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed, as it seemed like everyone was assuming that we were a couple. My body felt stiff and sore from the intense stretching, and the soreness made me feel uncomfortable.

As we were called to do ball drills, TJ and I were paired up, which made me feel more at ease. But I couldn't shake the feeling that my teammates didn't like me. TJ noticed my unease and tried to encourage me, "You came here to play volleyball, not to be friends with them. Fuck them." His words boosted my will, and I thanked him for having my back.

The coaches then paired us into two teams to play against each other. I was paired up with TJ and four other spikers: Gant Ryan - Setter, Ransom Tommy - Middle Blocker, Welton Everett - Wing Spiker, and Winokur Benjamin - Opposite Spiker.

Reed was on the other team, along with his colleagues to play as their libero. His teammates were Springborn Grayson - The Captain, Cueva Eric - Open Spiker, Foley Sterling - Wing Spiker, Geissman Owen - Setter, and Guy Riggs - Middle Blocker.

I took the time to get to know my teammates aside from TJ to understand our strategy for this match. Ryan seemed cool but snobbish, while Ransom was tall and dorky but cool. Benjamin and Everett were talking to TJ, so I didn't have much to say about them. I knew TJ was a great spiker and captain, but this was my first time playing with these other jocks, and I needed to figure out their skills.

As the game began with our team serving, Benjamin served a floater that Reed dealt with well. It was put up for Grayson, who bounced it off TJ's block, resulting in their first point. Despite the setback, I reminded myself that I was there for a reason, and I had the confidence to help my team win.

I could feel the awkward tension between our team as we didn't huddle before the game. I went up to TJ and shared my ideas on how we could block Grayson's attacks solidly, and he nodded in agreement. It was Eric from the other team who served first, and unfortunately, I missed the receive. His serve had a lot of spins, and I underestimated it. I closed my eyes and apologized to my teammates, but I couldn't help but notice the smug look on their faces. They were waiting for me to make a mistake, and I knew it.

TJ sensed my frustration and moved closer to me, whispering some words of encouragement to lift me up. I looked at him with fear in my eyes, but his words gave me the courage to snap out of my disappointment. The coach whistled, signaling the start of the game, and I prepared for another loaded serve aimed at me. This time, I was more relaxed, waiting for the ball to make contact with my arms. I deflected the ball into Ryan's position, who set the ball to TJ. He smashed the ball, passing his blockers and giving us our first point.

Ryan complimented me on my pass, and I awkwardly thanked him. From that moment on, the match continued with intense rallies and moments of frustration. Grayson was a challenge to face, putting pressure on us with his deep cross-court shots. He made avoiding blockers look easy, and I could only touch some of his hits, but it was a broken set for us.

Our middle blocker served again, and I positioned myself cross-court, knowing Grayson was on the opposite side. The ball was set high to him, and I positioned myself to where he likes to put the ball. I was surprised when it came to me super fast! I passed the ball to Ryan, who set Pipe for TJ. My teammates shouted when we took the point, and TJ ruffled my hair, the way he does when he's happy and brings us a point. I was getting used to Grayson's attacks, and it was a good sign for me.

"Looks like Reed has competition after all," Ryan boldly stated. I ignored the squeaking of these jocks, not wanting to boast or let my ego get in the way. Winning this game wasn't about impressing anyone; it was about being a team player and contributing to our success.

We took the first set, and it gave us an advantage, as we had the momentum on our side. The second set was even more intense, with their setter making use of their tall middle blocker. But we fought back, and I tried to dig as many hard balls as I could, while TJ attacked superbly, just as I knew he would.

Reed surprised us all with his speed, reminding me of Seth with his good reflexes. Grayson was an alpha just like TJ and Riggs, and they were like titans who killed the ball for their team. But their team underestimated us, and we were just as consistent as they were during the match. In the end, we won the game 2-0, and TJ came to me cheerfully, happy with our performance. He scored most of our points, qualifying him for the first six of our team as the Balboa Bay.

We walked hand in hand earlier, a sign that we make a good team for the under 17 roster tournament we were to compete in. With my performance today, I hope it changed their impression of me as weak, soft, and embarrassing. We thanked them for the match and continued practicing. TJ and I ate the bento I cooked at lunch as the day went on, feeling proud of our win and excited for what's to come.

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Author's Note:

Hi, I'm back!!!! 

After so long I was able to update. OMG, I was super busy these past few months, I wanted to continue writing but nothing comes to my mind.

Anyway, I am here again. I hope to update this book as soon as possible because I have a lot of teachers things to do. 

So What do you think about this chapter? 

Let me know and comment! 

Vote too! Thank youuuuuuuuuuuuuu