ONLY ME || Haikyuu x Male

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

Karasuno was a team of crows, always adapting to the opponents that were thrown at them, never allowing themselves to be backed into a corner. That was what Ren had signed up for. What he was currently looking at was a gaggle of stiff, clumsy geese who were the exact opposite of what he thought his team had grown to become.

Within the first five points of the game, all of which were claimed by Shiratorizawa, Karasuno had practically fallen apart. They were all anxious out of their minds, and it had gotten so bad that no one even moved to attempt receiving an incoming serve despite the fact that both Asahi and Tanaka called for it. It was agonizing, watching his friends falter like this. They were all extraordinary players, but it seemed as though their faith in themselves was wavering. Ren, more than anyone, understood what that felt like, and he wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy.

If they keep doubting themselves like this, then we might lose before we even have the chance to fight.

Chewing on his lip, Ren racked his brain for ways to return his team back to their usual state. He couldn't be substituted in, not when it was this early. That would be a sign of weakness, a signal to the other team that they were already cracking under the pressure. But how else could he be of use to his friends? His strength was the only tool he had, wasn't it?

"CALM DOWN YOU FUCKING IDIOTS!"

H u h

The incredible volume of Sugawara's voice nearly burst Ren's eardrums, and he winced as his teammate barreled on, lecturing the six players on court in the most frightening and absurd way possible. "There's no time for you all to self-destruct! What the hell are you so nervous about anyway!? The TV crews? Quit messing around!"

Given how disruptive the shouting was, it came as no surprise when the referee side-eyed the Karasuno substitutes with a massive amount of annoyance. For fear of being disqualified, or worse, Ren hurried to slap a hand over Sugawara's mouth, hastily trying to calm down the raging third year. "Please be quiet! You're going to get us in trouble before Tanaka, Noya, or the first years really have the opportunity to fuck us over!"

In spite of his reprimanding words, however, he was secretly glad that the debacle had taken place. The team seemed to relax, embracing Sugawara's message, though whether that was because they believed in it or because they were petrified, Ren didn't know. Either way, it was effective, and he could see his friends physically relax, shaking out their tense muscles and focusing their attention back onto the game.

Go team !

Their energy certainly picked up, and they received Shiratorizawa's serve effortlessly, even managing to execute their own offensive play in return. But unfortunately, they still had yet to adapt to the intimidating Ushijima, and Noya was unable to properly receive the guy's monstrous hit. It glanced off of the libero's arms, hurtling towards the gathered reporters like a bat out of hell.

For a brief moment, he worried for his best friend. Noya hardly ever missed a shot, meaning he wouldn't be accustomed to the shame that came with it. There was a reason the guy was Karasuno's Guardian Deity, after all. But really, Ren should have known better. Without a sliver of hesitation, the libero approached Daichi and Asahi, confidence exuding from every fiber of his being. And then, in a stable, clear voice, he made his declaration.

"Give me three. I promise I'll get used to it."

That's my Yu !

Pride burst out in colorful explosions throughout Ren's mind, and he couldn't suppress the grin that spread across his lips. He made sure to cheer especially loud for his best friend's efforts as the game continued on, fueling Noya's resolve and burning the excess energy that was accumulating from his team's gradually growing success. It wasn't long before they scored their first point, Tanaka managing to get a hit off of the Shiratorizawa blockers. Karasuno only improved from there, though they weren't able to fully catch up by the time of their first technical time out.