Sugar Cookie

61

You stare in shock. There was no way this really happened, right?

The last time Karasuno and Aoba Johsai played together, Karasuno suffered defeated. But, here they are now. The score wasn't lying. They did it. Karasuno finally beat Aoba Johsai. You stayed frozen in place, unable to believe that it really happened.

Tomorrow, Karasuno would have to face Shiratorizawa in the prefecture finals.

Once they win that, they'll be able to get to nationals. This information sunk in. That's when you started cheering, joining in with the rest of the crowd. You felt pride for your team. They finally beat the team that crushed them in the inter high qualifiers. You jumped up, quickly turning to hug Yachi once your feet hit the ground. You hadn't felt so excited for them before. You knew they got stronger, but now you finally see how much their hard work has paid off. You felt tears building in your eyes.

"They finally did it." You let out a breath, the tears starting to fall from your eyes.

You watched as the team celebrated before lining up and finishing with everything they needed to do after this game. You saw how sad the other team looked, feeling a little bad for them. You and Oikawa made eye contact briefly, then you shifted your gaze to Sugawara. Oikawa understood what that meant. A sad smile formed on the Aoba Johsai's captain's face. He felt defeated in more than just volleyball. It hurt him, but he wasn't going to let this drag him down. He vowed to work harder, become a better volleyball player. Maybe one day, you could end up as his again. Until then, he wasn't going to stop until he won everything.

Sugawara looks up at the second floor, meeting your gaze. He smiles mouthing the words "we did it" to you. You nod your head, your smile spreading wider as the tears kept streaming down your face. You watch as he hugs his fellow third years, patting them on the back and saying a few words to them.

The guys soon gather and leave the stadium. You all head home, getting yourselves ready for the big match that would be taking place tomorrow. They would have to give it everything they've got if they want to go to nationals.

They were determined. They were going to beat Shiratorizawa.

***

You felt nervous. The Shiratorizawa cheer squad was intimidating.

You stood on the second floor with Yachi, Karasuno Alumni, plus the older siblings of Tsukishima and Tanaka. You cheered for every good play the boys made, feelings happy whenever they managed to score a point against the biggest powerhouse in the prefecture. You watched, anxiety coursing through you. You wanted them to win.

But Shiratorizawa was unbelievably powerful. They were stronger than you imagined. They scared you a little bit.

And things only got worse in the later sets. Tsukishima got hurt, so defense was down. You stayed in the crowd, not taking your eyes off of the game. You needed to be there, to see every moment of this game. You prayed that Karasuno would win, no matter what.

But things were going back and forth. If things followed that pattern, they might lose this set and won't be going to nationals. You hoped they could gain the flow of the game, that Tsukishima would be able to return to the game and add to the defense once again. Right now, Karasuno needed it's starting players. They were the strongest ones, the only ones that had a serious chance at defeating this powerful team before them.

You felt relief wash over you when Tsukishima comes back, almost demanding to be put back into the game. Yachi comes back to stand beside you. She was also hoping that this game would end in Karasuno's victory.

Soon, things turned in Karasuno's favor. And eventually, they won the game.

The whole building as silent for a few moments. The shock of the outcome setting in. But, soon, everyone on Karasuno's side was cheering. You cried, along with the third years who were yelling and hugging each other. You almost couldn't believe it.

You turn to Yachi. "We're going to nationals. We'll be going back to Tokyo."

She nodded, crying and cheering for the team. "You guys did it!"

No one on the Shiratorizawa side could believe that the team lost. It was a great match, but no one thought that the prefecture's undefeated champions could ever lose. Especially not to Karasuno. Yet, they did.

You ran down, running up to the Karasuno boys. You hug each and every one of them. You kiss Sugawara, after hugging all the other boys on the team. "You guys did it! I'm so proud of you all!"

They all kept celebrating. This was a victory they gave their all to win. There were some points when it seemed like they would lose. But they won.

The future was looking bright for the Karasuno boys' volleyball club.