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

chapter 19: Revelation

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#092523
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The gym buzzed with energy, the sound of volleyballs slapping against the polished floor echoing off the walls. The Karasuno boys' volleyball team—both the seasoned players and the new generation—moved across the court with determination. Their movements were sharp, but there was a shared excitement, a tangible sense of anticipation that lifted everyone's spirits.

Asahi walked in, and the reaction was immediate. Cheers erupted from the team, a mixture of surprise and genuine joy. They had missed him, and it showed.

Daichi stepped forward, a small, reassuring smile on his face. "Welcome back, Asahi," he said simply.

Asahi felt a lump in his throat, the weight of past mistakes pressing on him, but he forced a smile. "I'm sorry for being a burden before," he admitted, his voice quiet but earnest. "I won't be a burden anymore."

Sugawara, always quick with encouragement, stepped up. "Hey, you're not a burden. We've missed you. It's good to have you back."

The rest of the team nodded in agreement, their cheers growing louder. Asahi felt a warmth spreading through him. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly part of something again.

A new face caught his eye. She approached confidently, her presence calm but commanding. Daichi introduced her. "This is Aeris. I hope you know her."

Asahi blinked in recognition. "Oh... I know her," he said, a bit surprised. "I thought she was just a friend of Tobio and Hinata."

Awris smiled, a soft but assured expression. "Hi, nice to meet you properly, Asahi."

The introduction settled naturally into conversation, the team around them laughing and teasing each other lightly. There was a sense of relief, a collective release of tension that had built over weeks of uncertainty.

With everyone's spirits lifted, the team moved to start their practice. The balls flew across the court, feet shuffled on the polished wood, and shouts of encouragement filled the gym.

Coach Ukai watched from the sidelines, his sharp eyes missing nothing. Even though his expression remained mostly neutral, there was a flicker of pride in his gaze. The energy of the team, the dedication and potential of each player, was impossible to ignore.

Aeris, standing nearby, spoke softly, almost to herself. "Aren't they great?" she said, her eyes following the movements of the boys on the court.

"They are," Coach Ukai replied, his tone thoughtful. "There's a lot they still need to work on, but seeing them push themselves, seeing how they support each other... the potential is undeniable."

Aeris nodded, a small smile crossing her face. "I can see that. It's inspiring."

Takeda-sensei, who had been observing quietly, spoke up. "So... you'll be coaching them directly?"

Ukai took a moment before responding, his gaze following a particularly impressive rally. "After some thought, yes," he said finally. "I will."

A quiet satisfaction spread among the adults watching. Kiyoko and Aeris exchanged smiles, and Takeda-sensei nodded in approval. There was a sense of optimism in the air, a feeling that this team could rise again stronger than ever.

Practice continued, intense but enjoyable. Sweat gleamed on the players' foreheads, their muscles ached from constant movement, but the energy never wavered.

The older players guided the younger ones, their experience blending seamlessly with the fresh enthusiasm of the new generation. Every spike, every block, every serve carried the weight of teamwork and trust.