YOU'RE IN MY HEART. 𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘺𝘢 𝘺𝘶𝘶

24 | we're going to the nationals

SAI'S NOTES: Hi hi hi! I'm back, yet again, this week because I had a sudden urge to continue this aka my creative juice for writing came back! Alright, let's go~

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

The ball hit the net, descending in slow motion, reminiscent of scenes from movies. Daichi stared at it, feeling the searing burn in his legs. "I know... I know it's going to fall right there, but!-but my legs won't move!" he thought desperately, attempting to will his body into action. However, his veins and muscles resisted.

Then, like a scripted intervention, Nishinoya dove onto the floor, rescuing the ball. "Nishinoya!" Daichi shouted in gratitude. The ball soared across the court, met by Goshiki's powerful spike. Yet, Nishinoya rose to the challenge, receiving the ball once again, setting it free. "Nishinoya!" Sugawara, Tanaka, and Yamaguchi yelled, their eyes welling with tears. The team, fueled by determination, knew they had to secure this victory.

"Yuu," the black-haired girl whispered, her body tensing in response to the nail-biting exchange. Witnessing the libero's exceptional play left her in awe.

As the pivotal fifth set unfolded, Hinata unleashed a potent spike, rebounding off Kawanishi's arm and seemingly bound for Shiratorizawa's territory. Ushijima, however, exhibited extraordinary reflexes, saving the ball and signaling for Shirabu to set him up. Tsukishima and Asahi leaped to block, but Ushijima's mighty spike sent Hinata sprawling. Tanaka skillfully delivered the final hit to Kageyama, reassuring Hinata of his safety.

The intense rally continued, with Tsukishima and Hinata grappling with the pressure of facing Ushijima. Daichi dove for a crucial receive, and Asahi attempted a spike, only to be met with a resilient block. The entire gymnasium fell into an eerie silence, disrupted only by the resonating thud of the ball hitting their arms.

With the ball hurtling towards the back, Tanaka intervened, saving and redirecting it to Kageyama. In a suspended moment, Hinata soared mid-air, perceiving the game in slow motion as he unleashed a decisive spike past the blockers. [First Name] found herself too stunned to process, her perception slowing down much like Hinata's.

Yamagata made an effort to save the ball, but it succumbed to gravity, meeting the ground. As the sound reverberated throughout the gymnasium, speechlessness enveloped everyone. The referee's whistle pierced the silence, signaling Karasuno's victory. [First Name] slowly rose, her eyes fixed on the scoreboard. Karasuno had triumphed, defeating Shiratorizawa, and earning their ticket to the Nationals.

A radiant smile broke across her face, tears welled up, and she glanced at Kiyoko, who shared the emotional moment. Turning her gaze to the three third-years on the court, huddled in a tearful embrace, [First Name] marveled at the unexpected surge of excitement coursing through her. She cast a sympathetic glance at the defeated side, feeling both joy for her team and empathy for the vanquished opponents. After all, this dream was shared by all.

"Hey, it's time to line up," Kageyama urged, his eyes on the visibly shaking Hinata. [First Name] laughed silently, already planning a treat for the team after this remarkable game. It was a reward they truly deserved.

"I-I can't stand up!" Hinata whined, his legs betraying him.

"C'mon, Shoyo!" Nishinoya grinned, pulling Hinata to the line, while Kageyama assisted with a hint of annoyance. "You can do it!" Nishinoya encouraged the tangerine-haired boy. [First Name] watched, silently laughing at the endearing interaction between the trio.

The culmination of their relentless efforts brought tears of happiness and a whirlwind of emotions to Karasuno. In that triumphant moment, the team embraced their victory, acknowledging the hardships they had conquered. The taste of success ignited a renewed determination, and with resolute hearts, they turned their focus to the imminent Spring High Tournament, eager to conquer new challenges and etch their names into the history of high school volleyball.