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

Chapter 56: No One Leaves

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#101423
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Aeris had been watching Yachi for a while now. Even in the short time they'd known each other, she could already see potential in the timid first-year—potential to learn, to help, to grow into the role of a manager. Because of that, Aeris had started thinking that maybe, just maybe, it was finally time for her to step back from the club.

The gym was unusually quiet for a late afternoon. The team was still simmering with frustration after their loss against Bluecastle. Sweat clung to their skin, their breaths heavy, and the air carried a dull heaviness only defeat could bring. Everyone had gathered in a loose circle in front of Coach Ukai, who looked at the boys with a mixture of exhaustion and determination.

"I know all of you are disappointed about the loss to Bluecastle," Coach Ukai began, his voice firm but not harsh. "But we have a request from Ogi Nishi High School. They want a practice match tomorrow."

A few groans rose from the team. The wound from today's loss was still fresh.

Ukai continued, "I know losing feels awful. But losing teaches you how to improve. Every loss tells you that something wasn't enough—and that you can fix it. Do you understand?"

Their nods were weak but sincere.

Then Ukai turned toward Aeris. "And Aeris-san. You okay? You've been out of it lately."

She hesitated. The boys all looked at her. Aeris pressed her lips together, then exhaled slowly. "Yeah... I'm fine. But I've been thinking about leaving the club."

Suga reacted instantly. "For the nth time, Kageyama Aeris, you're not leaving."

Aeris blinked. "You full-naming me now?"

Daichi stepped forward, frowning. "Why do you always want to leave the club?"

"Well, first of all," Aeris said, counting on her fingers, "I'm busy with my dance team. Second, I need to focus on studying."

"You can study and still join both the dance and volleyball clubs," Noya insisted loudly.

She stared at him. "You're insane. I'm sleep-deprived."

"Nobody said you can't rest," Ryu added.

Aeris rubbed her temples. "Yachi is here now. And Coach Ukai is guiding her. We talked about this already when I first joined."

"No one will be a 'comage,'" Coach Ukai replied, misinterpreting her meaning.

Aeris raised an eyebrow. "You too, Coach?"

Asahi stepped in quickly. "Come on, Nanachan, we never said that."

Aeris crossed her arms. "Okay then. What if I only join the Dance Club? Would I still be considered a member of the volleyball club?"

Takeda-sensei answered gently, "Yes, you'll still be a member."

Aeris stared at him. "Really, sensei?"

The boys stared at her with pleading eyes—big, exaggerated, desperate. She looked around at each of them, shoulders sagging.

She sighed loudly. "I swear, you're all so possessive. And stop gaslighting me."

Their smiles returned instantly, bright and relieved. The tension eased. Little by little, the loss didn't feel as suffocating anymore.

When practice ended, the team decided to head to Coach Ukai's convenience store, as usual. The air inside was warm, carrying the faint smell of fried snacks and the hum of refrigerators. Yachi stepped inside timidly, still clearly overwhelmed by everything that had happened today.