The Enduring Libero

Chapter 2

Practice with a Smile

"So, did you get in?" Kamiko, one of my close friends, asked the next day. Her brown eyes were filled with excitement, so there was no way I was going to make a joke about it.

"Yes, I did." Her joy made my own excitement seem pale in comparison.

"Kuho, that's amazing!" She jumped in front of my desk, catching the attention of other students. She didn't care, and neither did I. I never really paid attention to my other classmates, not because I disliked them, but because I tend to be a little shy. As it was, I couldn't tell you who was and wasn't in my class.

"I know!" I smiled. "It isn't the same as playing it myself, but at least I'm near it. You know?"

"No." Kimiko shrugged. "I still don't understand why you didn't stay with the girls team." I opened my mouth to try explaining again, but she held up a hand. "I don't want you to go over it again. I've just decided to support you."

"Thank you." I said, putting two books in my bag.

A mischievous look entered her eyes, and immediately I was on guard. "Are any of them cute?" She asked, lowering her voice only slightly.

I felt my face growing red. "I don't know! I was only there for a short amount of time. I can't even tell you their names, let alone judge their appearance."

She sighed, grabbing her bag. Instantly she began pouting. "Oh well, I guess you'll be single forever. That means you'll have to watch as Yuki and I date and get married someday."

"Oh come on!" I stood, giving her a playful shove in the shoulder as we made our way out of the classroom. "I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself. And besides, I didn't join the team to date someone. I just want to help with the team."

"Right," Kimiko laughed. "Well next time you have a game that allows visitors, I'll come watch. But I do expect an update on their appearances."

"Geez, Kimiko." I scoffed. "I never knew you were so shallow." We stopped outside. To our left was the volleyball gym, and to the right was the way out of school. I could already hear sneakers squeaking from the building.

"I am not shallow." Kimiko snorted. When I didn't answer, she waved a hand in front of my face.

"Oh, sorry!" I jumped. "What did you say?"

"Hmph." She crossed her arms. "Forget it, your mind has already been taken over by volleyball." Kimiko waved her hand in farewell. "See you tomorrow, Kuho."

"Uh," I sighed. "Sorry, and bye!" Despite my guilt, I turned around quickly. I ran forward without waiting for her response, heading straight into the gym. Inside, most of the team was already there, but Mr. Takeda and Coach Ukai hadn't arrived yet. Yachi was there, and so was Kyoko. The guys were all doing individual practice, or at least as individual as pairs can be. I grinned and took one step forward before halting, the smile gone just as quickly as it had come. For a moment I had forgotten which court I was on, which team I was with. I swallowed and turned to the right, heading in the direction of the supply closet. No one noticed me as I quietly pulled out a folding chair.

Or so I thought. As I turned around with the chair, I came face to face with the orange haired boy from yesterday. I squeaked and backed away two steps.

"So did you get the job?" He asked, grinning widely.

"Y-yes!" I hugged the chair.

"Cool!" He gave me a thumbs up. "I'm Shoyo Hinata!"

"It's nice to meet you..." I blinked. "Are you taller than me?"

His expression was amusing, both eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "What do you mean?" He looked down at my feet and then up to my eyes.