In between- Spoke x oc!Fem

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The gym was buzzing with excitement as my team, and I warmed up for our first game of the tournament. Eight teams were here, all fighting for the top spot, but all I could think about was the court in front of me. I knew this match was going to be tough—our opponents were strong, and we'd have to be at our best to win.

The first set kicked off with a burst of intensity. Right from the start, it was clear this was going to be a close game. We traded points back and forth with the other team, neither side able to pull ahead. My heart pounded as I spiked the ball, set up plays, and dug out tough serves. Every time we scored a point, the other team came back just as strong. The scoreboard reflected the tightness of the match: 10-9, 12-11, 15-14. It was like we were locked in a dance, each team refusing to give an inch.

As we neared the end of the set, the score stood at 22-21 in their favor. I could feel the pressure building, but I tried to stay calm and focused. We rallied hard, and after a tense exchange, my teammate delivered a killer spike that tied the game. The gym erupted as we managed to secure the next two points, winning the set 25-22. We huddled together, celebrating our victory, but I knew we couldn't let up. There was still a lot of volleyball left to play.

The second set was brutal. The other team came out swinging, clearly determined not to let us take another set. They were faster, more aggressive, and we struggled to keep up. The score stayed close, but this time, we were the ones trailing. I dived for a ball, barely keeping it in play, only to see it slammed back down by one of their hitters. We lost the set 25-21, and the match was tied.

The third set was an all-out war. We fought for every single point, neither team able to build more than a two-point lead. The intensity in the gym was overwhelming—every dig, every set, every spike felt like it could make or break the game. The score was 24-23 in our favor, but we couldn't close it out. They tied it up, and the set went into extra points. My nerves were shot as the score kept climbing, but we finally managed to pull ahead and win the set 29-27.

We were exhausted by the time the fourth set started, but we knew we had to dig deep. The other team wasn't going to make it easy for us. They played like their lives depended on it, and we found ourselves behind early on. We fought hard to catch up, but they held their ground, and we lost the set 25-23. It was 2-2 now, and it all came down to the final set.

As we got ready for the fifth set, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. This was it. Everything was on the line. The set started, and once again, we were neck and neck. The score was 13-13, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me. Just as I was about to serve, something caught my eye in the stands.

I glanced up at the stands and noticed a tall guy with curly blonde hair watching our game. He stood out, his intense focus on the match catching my attention. He was cute, but I had no idea who he was. I shook off the distraction—there was no time for that now. I focused on my serve, sending the ball over the net, and the rally began. It was intense, with both teams refusing to back down. Finally, my teammate set me up for the spike. I jumped, everything slowing down as I swung my arm, and the ball slammed into the floor on their side.

14-13.

One more point. We gathered ourselves for the final push. The serve went over, and the rally started again. This time, they made a mistake, sending the ball into the net. The game was over.

15-13.

We won.

The gym erupted in cheers, and my teammates and I hugged each other, barely believing we'd pulled it off. Our first game in the tournament, and we'd won.

As we celebrated, I couldn't help but glance back at the stands. The curly-haired guy was still there, smiling as he watched us. He was cute, no doubt about it, but I had no idea who he was. Not yet, anyway.

But there was something about him that felt oddly familiar, like I should know him. Shaking off the thought, I turned back to my team, ready to soak in the victory. The tournament was just getting started, and I was more determined than ever to see how far we could go.

Our first game was at 9 am, and since it was over an hour and a half long, it was currently 11:30am. My team and I decided to go and have a snack at the little café the tournament had provided in the gym.

I got an iced coffee and a cinnamon roll. As I was paying it I saw the familiar boy from the stands. He was absaloutly gourgeous. He was tall, about 6'3. Had blond curly hair, blue eyes and had a really beautiful smile.

I didn't realize but I was staring at him, until my teammate, Sarah brought me back to reality when she said he was starring at me back. I looked at her and then back to the mestirous boy who was now on his phone. I decided to look away and joined my team on the bleachers to wait for out next game, which was against a team we've never heard about.

While we were waiting for the game that was playing out on the court we were going to play on, I got a discord message.

It was spoke.

Spoke:

Played really well out there

I'm not so confident that my schools gonna beat you now

Avery:

You were watching??

This is so unfair you should have shown me what you looked like beforehand

Well well well

Would you look at that?

Not so confident now huh

I smiled as we continued talking back and forth. The game that we were waiting for to end, finally ended, making my team and I get up and warm up.

Avery:

Hey!!

I'm about to play again on court 2

Come and watch?

Even though I don't know what you look like

OH!!

Wave at me so I know it's you!!

I shut off my phone not waiting for a reply, since my coach was looking at me with the face that said, "Avery Williams get off your phone now and go warm up."