𝟭. 𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙎𝙄𝘿𝙀 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔 || 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐲𝐮𝐮 [✔]

Chapter 16: Aftermath

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#092323
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The bus ride back from their match against Aoba Johsai was filled with a sense of melancholy. The Karasuno team was somber, feeling the weight of their loss.

"I hope that game made you all realize that you're a mess," Aeris said sternly. "And this is also the reason why I haven't started teaching you yet. I needed to observe and see where you guys need to improve. I'll let you know what we need to work on when we get back."

The whole ride back was quiet. The team was lost in their thoughts, reflecting on their performance and Aeris's words. 

𖤐 — ᡴꪫ ִ₊‧⁺˖๋࣭ ⭑ ᡴꪫ — ִ ࣪𖤐

⊂•Gym•⊃

They arrived at the gym, a bit exhausted.

"Alright kids, sit down," Aeris said. They all followed, and Aeris crossed her arms. "So, a lot of you are really messy, super messy. What's the catch? Do you guys have a coach, and he's quiet because y'all are messy?"

"We never had a coach. Our previous coach retired," Daichi said.

Aeris looked shocked. "Hmm, okay, sorry about that. You upper years are good but not great. You guys are very greedy and a bit hesitant, as if you're carrying a heavy burden. And Tobio, Hinata, are you guys a pair or what? Tobio doesn't like that he has to toss it to Hinata, and Hinata is trusting his life with Tobio, which is also weird. Why are you closing your eyes? Do you not trust Tobio? There are a lot of good teams out there. Yes, Aoba Johsai is one, but imagine competing against them times ten. Y'all should think about it. This is not an individual task, but a team effort. If we're not working as a team, then what's this about? And lastly, our communication on the court needs work. We were sometimes unclear about who should take the ball, and that led to a few missed opportunities. We need to be vocal and decisive in our plays."

All of them looked down. Aeris sighed. "I'm sorry for being frank, but I know Karasuno. I used to watch them during my middle school years. You guys were flying, and you should continue flying. You should be unstoppable, and I believe in that."

"Hands in for believing you'll fly again," Aeris said, and one by one they put their hands together and shouted, "OSU!"

They all stood up to clean. Aeris, Kiyoko and Takeda-sensei were standing alone.

"And lastly, I did agree to be their coach, but when a coach is ready to coach them, that would be better. I'll step aside," Aeris said.

"Why not be their coach for the meantime?" Takeda-sensei asked.

"It would be an honor, but I don't think it's my time," Aeris smiled and bowed.

After cleaning the gym, they arrange some stuff, and they decided to stop by Coach Ukai's shop to grab some food. Aeris generously paid for their meal, and as they ate, the conversation naturally turned to Coach Ukai.

"Coach Ukai is a legend around here. He used to be Karasuno's volleyball coach and still helps out when he can." Tanaka said in a serious voice "Yeah, he's a bit unconventional, but he knows the game inside and out." He added

As they shared stories about Coach Ukai and enjoyed their meal, the team's spirits lifted. Despite the loss, they knew they had a strong support system, including the enigmatic yet wise Coach Ukai and their temporary coach, Aeris.

« ֪ ׅ ֹ =͟͞ ♡
𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 ♡