Haikyuu (OC x Shimizu)

Chapter 8

Kenma makes another mistake, leading to another point for Karasuno.

Kuroo: "Kenma, calm down. Alright, all we have to worry about is receiving when that number 2 is serving. So let's focus up and take the second set back."

Kenma takes a deep breath, steadying himself with Kuroo's encouragement. Kuroo steps up to the front row, ready to take control.

Kuroo: (thinking) "No matter how much of a genius or talent he is, he's still a high schooler. If we stay calm, he'll make mistakes."

Meanwhile, on Karasuno's side, Hinata is in the middle of his own evolution. His movements are sharper, his jumps higher, but his excitement threatens to get the better of him. Kenji notices and gently taps Hinata on the back.

Kenji: "Stay calm... Don't rush, Shoyo."

Hinata: "Okay."

The whistle blows, and the game resumes with renewed intensity. Kuroo, determined to regain control, goes for a quick spike. Tsukishima, with his keen sense of timing, leaps to block it, but Kuroo fakes him out, sending the ball to the opposite side. The ball flies past the Karasuno blockers, scoring a point for Nekoma.

Kuroo: grinning "That's one point back. Let's keep it going!"

Nekoma's confidence starts to rebuild, and Kenma's tosses become more precise, finding their mark as his mind clears. Kenji, now at the back row, watches closely, his instincts sharp as ever. As Kenma sets up another attack, Kenji reads the play, predicting the direction of the spike. He dashes to the right spot and digs the ball out just before it hits the ground.

Kenji: "Tobio!"

Kageyama: "Yes!"

Kageyama quickly sets the ball high, and Hinata, with a fierce expression, soars into the air. The entire gym seems to hold its breath as Hinata, eyes focused, slams the ball down with all his might. The ball ricochets off Nekoma's blockers and lands out of bounds, securing another point for Karasuno.

Daichi: "Great job, Hinata!"

Kenji looks over at Hinata, seeing the fire in his eyes, and feels a surge of pride. But he knows the match is far from over.

Kenji: (thinking) "This is the kind of battle I live for I don't want this to end."

The match continues with both teams pushing their limits. Kuroo attempts another fake, but this time Tsukishima is ready, blocking the ball cleanly and sending it back onto Nekoma's side. Kenma, now fully focused, manages to set a perfect toss to Fukunaga, who spikes it hard. Noya dives, barely getting the ball up, but Kageyama is already in position to set it once again.

Kageyama: "Kenji-san!"

Kenji charges forward, his eyes locked on the ball. He jumps, swinging with all his strength, but Kuroo anticipates the attack. The two clash in mid-air, and the ball spins off their hands, teetering on the edge of the net before falling to the ground on Nekoma's side.

Kuroo: breathing heavily "Damn... He's really something else."

Kenma: panting "He just won't let up..."

Kenji lands, feeling the adrenaline pumping through his veins, and flashes a confident smile at his teammates.

Kenji: "Let's finish this, Karasuno! One more push!"

The intensity reaches a peak as both teams dig deep, refusing to give in. Nekoma fights back fiercely, but Karasuno, with Kenji leading the charge, matches them point for point. As the final moments of the set approach, it's clear that neither side is willing to back down.