As Queens Should

» In Reality

“IT’S A CLOSE BATTLE ON WHO CONQUERS THE SECOND SET! Niiyama doesn’t seem to have a plan on backing down from the heated rally, carrying the lead proudly, two points ahead of their intimidating opponent!”

“[N/N]-san!” Niiyama’s twelve calls out, your body responding almost instantly at the mention of your name.

How many times has the ball bounced right back to our side...I can't keep up...

Maiko watching from the sidelines bit her nail from her fingers, clearly using it to cope from the current situation. Niiyama lost the first set. The scores are currently 20-22. It looked alright, it seemed like it was, but the amount of pressure put onto your team has multiplied as points were gained.

The opponents’ techniques, their agility, the height they reach, it was all too overwhelming for someone like you who has never lasted this long in a match before. In addition, this was a burden you had to carry on the spot as you play in the nationals. And for what? To aim and be a regular just before you graduate.

When you’re focused, you can feel yourself being still, your environment almost being completely familiarized by your figure. You’re aware of what you were doing.

But everything right now seems to be falling apart.

I can’t even meet the unspoken expectations my coach set upon me, let alone exceed it.

I will never be a regular it seems.

Hell, I don’t even deserve to be a setter in this team. Kageyama was right. Nishinoya? Glorified me for nothing. My mom and dad...they’re probably watching me mess up right now.

It’s almost as if I'm getting all these praises and cheers only for playing volleyball. But I will never be bestowed a praise noted because of my ability in it.

I realize it now.

“Oh- OH?!”

“HA?”

“Haah...”

Everyone stopped and stared at you who attempted a dump set, being replied with a gentle tap of a block from the opposing team.

Ah...

Your body and the middle blockers returned back to a relaxed state with your feet landing on the floor quietly, along with the ball. Your eyebrows were aching, in a way that you feel as though your bags were filled with tears already. But they couldn't get out. Nothing was evident on your face but exhaustion.

I screwed our lead up.

“NIIYAMA'S STREAK HAS BEEN BROKEN! Ladies and gentlemen, Niiyama’s [L/N] has been denied!”

“It's fine!”

“Shake it off, shake it off!”

Your teammates huddled, patting your back and nodding off to each other. Your mental state has just crashed at this point.

You were physically tired, you were upset, you were dizzy. You could clearly see what was going on but it didn’t seem that you understood it.

You felt a hurl in your stomach and on top of that was the ache covering your whole head.

It was especially the effect of the booming noises the crowd was making, whether it be Niiyama's supporters or your opponents'.

After grouping with your team, a whistle blew which thumped your heart. Your gaze flew to your coach who looked at you with such empty eyes. A hollow look that shattered your pride.