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

Chapter 72: Pride

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#110423
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Daichi, Tanaka, and Kiyoko had been walking when they noticed that the gym lights were still on. They approached the gym, and Daichi's stern expression deepened as he saw Aeris and Hinata still practicing.

"You two, it's bedtime. What are you still doing here?" Daichi scolded, his fatherly concern evident.

Coach Ukai, who was present in the gym, overheard Daichi's reprimand and decided to step in. "Let them be, Daichi. The set is almost finished. Let's watch them play."

Daichi was surprised to see not only Coach Ukai but also Coach Nekomata, Coach Yamiji, and Coach Omizu. Daichi, Kiyoko, and Tanaka bowed respectfully in acknowledgment of their presence.

Aeris spotted the familiar faces and waved enthusiastically. "Ryu, Kiyoko, Daichi," she called out.

Lev, determined to make a big play, declared, "I'm gonna ace serve this."

Aeris, always up for a challenge, responded with confidence, "Not on my watch."

Lev sent a powerful serve over the net, but Aeris's quick reflexes allowed her to receive it, earning her praise from her teammates. "Nice! Aechan," Bokuto cheered.

Akaashi attempted to set the ball to Bokuto, but the opposing team's block thwarted his attack. Once again, it was Aeris who came to the rescue, saving the play. Akaashi made another set to Bokuto, but the block was relentless. On the third attempt, Akaashi chose to set the ball to Aeris, but the opposition's block proved too strong. Hinata made a valiant effort to save it but was unsuccessful, resulting in Kuroo's team scoring.

"Nice block, Tsukishima," Kuroo complimented Tsukishima, giving him a thumbs up. The coaches and the onlookers in the gym watched in appreciation as the players' skills.

As the volleyball practice continued, the gym echoed with the sounds of shoes squeaking on the polished floor and the sharp smacks of the ball hitting hands and the floor. Aeris was determined to make the most out of every play, and her competitive spirit was on full display.

"Huhuhu, you shouldn't have given it to me, Akaashi, we could have kept the rally," Aeris said with a playful grin, playfully flopping onto the ground after an unsuccessful attempt.

Akaashi, always the calm and collected one, responded, "Oh, sorry, I thought you could break it through."

Bokuto, looking like a sad puppy, chimed in, "She couldn't break through their block."

Akaashi tried to console his fellow teammate. "It's fine, Bokuto-san, we can break through."

Aeris, not one to let the atmosphere turn sour, added, "Yeah, Kochan we can break it through, even I was the one who should be upset, but okay."

"Kochan?" Tsukishima raised an eyebrow.

Aeris giggled and explained, "He called me Aechan, so I'll call him Kochan, right, Kochan?"

Bokuto grinned and nodded. "Right, Aechan," and they shared a high-five.

"Childish," Tsukishima muttered under his breath.

Aeris, ever ready for a challenge, took a step toward Tsukishima, her competitive spirit flaring. She folded up her short sleeves, ready to face off against the tall, stoic blocker.

The practice continued, and Aeris's team was now only three points away from securing the win.

"We can do this, guys, more passion, more energy, more energy" Aeris encouraged her teammates.

Tsukishima, still as cool and composed as ever, quipped, "You're not tired?"

Aeris flashed a determined smile. "I am, but I have pride, so I must finish it."

Tsukishima, who couldn't help but admire her unwavering dedication, asked, "What's so serious about this practice?"

 "To learn, every practice is your chance to improve. Never underestimate the power of practice," Aeris said, her eyes filled with determination. Kei just scoffs

"Akaashi, one more!" Aeris shouted, and Akaashi expertly set the ball, allowing Aeris to deliver a powerful spike that hit the floor on the other side.

"Yesssss!" Hinata, Bokuto, and Aeris exclaimed in unison, exchanging high-fives and reveling in their hard-fought victory.

Coach Ukai, impressed by their performance, approached the team. "That's a good game, guys. I see why you're Kageyama, Aeris." Aeris responded with an awkward smile and a polite bow to Coach Ukai.

"See you in spring tournaments," Coach Nekomata added, expressing his expectations for the team's future success.

"Clean before you leave," Coach Yamiji reminded them as he prepared to exit.

The team collectively bowed to all the coaches as a sign of respect, and the coaches departed.

Once they were alone, Tanaka couldn't contain his curiosity. "Wooooo, Nanachan, how did you do that? Teach me!"

Aeris grinned, humbly accepting the praise. "That was a cool game, guys."

"Hehehe, I know, but anyway, that was a good game. The loser has to clean, hehehe," Aeris declared, adding a playful challenge to their post-game routine.

"Since when did we plan this?" Tsukishima asked, his skepticism clear.

"Just now. The loser always has a punishment, right, Kochan?" Aeris responded, nudging Bokuto, who enthusiastically agreed.

"Of course," Bokuto chimed in.

"Arghhh, I'll make sure that I'll beat you guys next time. I'll make sure of it," Kuroo grumbled as he grabbed a mop to start the cleaning.

They began cleaning the gym, sweeping and tidying up. After their work was done, Akaashi, Bokuto, Tanaka, Kiyoko, and Aeris said their goodnights to each other before heading to their respective rooms, tired but satisfied with their day's efforts.

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