After moving cities halfway before her second year in junior high, Ayame Kokoro mostly kept to herself. One evening after dinner, she comes across Tetsurō Kuroo and Kenma Kouzen playing volleyball, a sport she fell in love with after watching the 20...
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It was one thing being a spectator, but being one of the athletes it felt like a totally different experience. I stood in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Letting out a deep breath to calm the nerves inside of me, I entered with the rest of the team.
"Okay everyone," Yua gathered us around, "We're going up against Kiyose Higashi High School. They are not known for anything, but are a strong school all around. Remember everything we've worked towards."
We entered the court and I took my spot. The stands were filled with people. Our school's banner with the words 'Connect' as our motto. A part of me wanted to hide away from the crowds, but I also wanted to put on a show.
The whistle blew and the opponents served first. The ball was going straight to me and I received it perfectly to a roaring crowd. We scored the first point. Twenty four more to go.
What I've learned from past games that I have gone to was that it was important to focus on one point at a time versus one set. If you focused on the the game as a whole, it would distract you from the present.
"Chance ball!" I shouted and passed the ball to Akari who did a setter dump.
The other players were shocked, "Setter dump?"
The whistle blew winning us the first set. I wiped away the sweat falling down my face. i thought of Kuroo and Kenma. The boys team was also competing at the same time meaning I couldn't watch his games and vice versa.
"Number 11 seems to be watching you," Aoi said.
When I looked sure enough number 11 was watching with her amber eyes. She seemed to be their ace based on her strength. Each time she tried to attack, I was there to pick the ball back up and keep the game going.
"Their team has gotten some past me," I say casually.
"I guess not enough," Himari chuckled, "Come on, let's win this next set."
The whistle blew and I placed my hands on my knees. My first game in high school was definitely intimidating, but I felt the energy of the crowd motivate me. My face filled with joy as the final whistle blew. We had one in straight sets.
"Yes!" We celebrated and Okamoto passed out some bananas for us.
"You did awesome Ayame," Yua said to me, "I knew you would be an awesome teammate. We're so lucky to have you."
"I'm glad to be here," I admitted, "I'm having so much fun."
"I'm glad to hear that," Yua said.
Our next round was against Kitamurei Academy. They were on the other side of the net wearing yellow jerseys. We gathered around Coach Okamoto before the match started.
