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

Chapter 45: Hope

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#101223
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Aeris and the team were gathered at the gym, eagerly watching their fellow teams play their matches in the Inter-High Preliminaries. As they sat there, enjoying the intense volleyball match.

The Inter-High Preliminaries Committee approached them.

"Karasuno," one of the committee members addressed the group, "I am Okawa Keito, one of the members of the Inter-High Preliminaries Committee. I have been sent by the head of the committee to deliver some exciting news."

Curiosity piqued, Kuroda-sensei, the team's coach, responded, "Yes, what is it?"

"Karasuno will be playing last in the tournament," Okawa-san revealed. The team exchanged bewildered glances.

"But why?" Kuroda-sensei asked, unable to hide her confusion.

"Because of a promise they made to Kageyama-san," the committee member stated, a hint of mystery in their voice.

They gasps. "You mean Kageyama-chan is able to play?" Kuroda-sensei exclaimed, his eyes widening with disbelief.

The Inter-High Preliminaries Committee nodded in confirmation. A wave of excitement swept through the team, yet they managed to contain their joy, hiding their emotions with a smile.

"We appreciate you informing us," Kuroda-sensei said with genuine gratitude. "Thank you."

With a polite bow, the committee member bid them farewell. As they left, the team couldn't contain their excitement any longer. They jumped up, hearts racing with anticipation, their minds buzzing with thoughts of Aeris's return.

After watching the girls observing the intense match between Shiratorizawa's Girls' Volleyball Team, they couldn't help but engage in a conversation about the formidable Shiratorizawa Girls' Volleyball Team and their impressive offense.

"They never change their tactics," Aeris remarked, her eyes fixed on the screen. "Their offensive plays are still top-notch."

Curiosity piqued, Rinko asked, "Have you ever played against them, Aeris?"

Aeris nodded, and smirk. "Yes, twice. And, believe it or not, we won both matches."

The shocked expressions on her friends' faces were priceless. Yui couldn't help but ask, "You beat Shiratorizawa? That's amazing!"

Aeris smiled, dismissing their awe. "Well, yes, but don't forget, I had an incredible team supporting me. Takenodai Girls' Volleyball Team, remember?"

"Wow! Biggest flex" Chizuru said

Natsuki, panicking, caught Aeris' attention. "But what about us? Can we compete against a team like that? We're just ordinary players."

Aeris put a reassuring hand on Natsuki's shoulder. "Don't worry, Nat-chan. We have our own strategy. Whether we win or lose, we need to remember that we're starting from somewhere. We need to put up a fight."

Yui nodded in agreement. "Aeris is right. We wouldn't be here if she hadn't believed in us from the start. Win or lose, we've made it this far."

The captain's words resonated with the rest of the team. Aeris decided to ease the pressure they were putting on themselves. "Let's not forget, girls, that win or lose, this moment is worth cherishing. We can always continue fighting. There's always a next time, and the Karasuno Girls' Volleyball Team will always be a part of us."

Chizuru couldn't help but exclaim, "Aechan, you're the best!"

They all shared a heartfelt hug, their spirits lifted by the high creativity and determination that radiated from Aeris.

"I forgot," she admitted sheepishly. Breaking the hug "Let's watch the boys playing against Aobajousai. Maybe they could give us some inspiration."

Her team nodded in agreement, and they headed towards the bench area. As they settled in, they noticed a group of girls who seemed overly enthusiastic.

"Oikawa-senpaiii!" one of the girls screamed, her voice vibrating with excitement.

"Gooo!! Oikawa-senpaiii!!" shouted another, gaining the attention of other Aobajousai supporters nearby.

It seemed that the majority of spectators were there to cheer for Aobajousai, as the bench area was not fully occupied and only a handful of Aobajousai students and other people were present.

Aeris, always competitive by nature, couldn't help but join in the cheering. "Woooo!! Karasunooo!" she shouted, her voice full of enthusiasm and determination.

To her surprise, the Karasuno Boys' Volleyball Team turned their heads towards her. They were taken aback by Aeris's loud and passionate support.

Aeris's friends laughed, understanding the situation. They knew that Aeris always brought her competitive spirit everywhere she went. It was no different at volleyball matches.

Tanaka looked at the group of familiar faces gathered in the stands and grinned. "What you guys doing here?" he asked with a mixture of surprise and excitement.

"We're here to support Aobajousai, Go Aobajousai!" Aeris replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. The rest of the group chuckled, knowing full well that Aeris was a dedicated member of the Karasuno Boys' Volleyball Team.

Coach Ukai, who had just arrived, raised an eyebrow at the scene before him. "You guys, so what's the result of your game? Did my threat work?" he asked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Yes, it did. We'll play later," Aeris said confidently, a sparkle in her eyes. The rest of the team nodded in agreement, expressing their determination to win.

"You'll play?" Tobio asked, his voice filled with surprise and curiosity.

"Yes!" Aeris replied, her voice laced with eagerness and determination. The Karasuno Boys' Volleyball Team erupted into cheers, encouraging their team member who had somehow found herself on the opposing side.

Just then, the whistle sounded, signaling the start of the game. 

"Good luck, guys," Yui called out 

"Osu!" they replied in unison, their voices filled with resolve. With a final glance back at their friends in the stands, they sprinted back onto the court, ready to put their skills and creativity to the test.

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