FOREIGN ATTRACTION (COMPLETE)

CHAPTER 20: FLEETING

Everyone is on their feet. Silently focused on the game. After a tiring day, the UP Volleyball team has arrived to the final battle. We are now at the last set. Whoever wins the game, will be declared as the champion for this year's University meet.

The tension in the gymnasium is palpable as both teams aim for victory in the final set. Every player is laser-focused, their determination etched on their faces. It's been a grueling day, but here we are, on the brink of glory.

This is so similar to our gameplay with the alumni, last set and both 14 scores. Just one point and that dictates the victory.

The opponent serves, and the gym falls silent, save for the sound of sneakers squeaking on the court and the players' steady breathing. Our coach's strategic decisions have brought us this far, instilling a sense of belief in each one of us.

All throughout the game, he decided not to put me in Liam at the same time. So if I'm in, Liam is out, and if he's in, I am out. But at this last match, he let us in both. He said he believes in us.

FEU's serve is powerful, catching Maku off guard, but Ran quickly recovers to set the ball. Before he can release it, both Liam and I instinctively call out, "Give it to me!" Yet, Ran chooses to trust me with the set. With determination, I adjust my stride for the perfect jump. Despite the lingering ache in my foot, I push through, focusing solely on the ball.

As I soar through the air, I notice Liam jumping alongside me, but I refuse to let his presence distract me. Channeling all my strength into my arm and shoulder, I time my spike perfectly, spotting an opening in the opponent's defense. The ball sails toward its target, but before I can even revel in the moment, I landed safely, but was hit by the strong body of Liam which sent me to the ground. He's about to launch a punch on me out of temper when the crowd starts shouting and everything becomes slow.

I saw my spike entering their side, their libero diving in to catch it, but it's too late. My hit is fast and calculated. So that means, we've won?! Liam has been swept away by our teammates going in to me. They're clapping and cheering. Ran is hugging me as he helps me stand up.

Amidst the chaos, the crowd erupts into shouts and cheers. It's only then that I realize my spike has secured the victory for us. Teammates swarm around me, congratulating and celebrating our triumph. "See, we need you! Another MVP for this year", Ran, ever supportive, whispers words of encouragement, his hand gently stroking my back.

Tears well up in my eyes as the magnitude of the moment sinks in. This is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Glancing at the crowd, I spot my aunt and uncle, their proud smiles warming my heart. I offer them a grateful wave, wishing my parents were here to witness this moment.

"I wish you were watching, mom," I said to myself. "And Dad...", I murmur quietly, my thoughts drifting to cherished memories of playing volleyball with my dad in the park. My parents have always been my biggest supporters, and even in their absence, their love and encouragement continue to inspire me.

Just as I was basking in the moment of victory, the coach approached me, accompanied by a sharply dressed man. Despite my elation, his demeanor conveyed a sense of urgency, immediately tugging at my curiosity.

"Congratulations, Gelo," the coach began, his hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder. "But before you revel in your triumph, there's someone who's been looking for you." I turned to the man beside him, my mind racing with questions about his purpose.