|| Undivided || Haikyuu fanfic ~ Wip ~ AU ~ Oc story

(If Yamaguchi had a younger brother!) Chapter 13

It was a few rallies later when I finally felt relaxed now, and the scoreboard had now reached 15-11 in Tokonomi's favour for the first set.

"Sheesh, since the last time we played them, they've gotten even better!" Coach Ukai, observing our team's struggle, paused to look deeply into each player's eyes before drawing a conclusion. "I think our team still has enough stamina and strength to last just one last set." He folded is arms and relaxed his shoulders. "Next serve, I'm replacing Masako with you. Please be ready to play properly without having to think about Hotaru, Yamaguchi."

"Coach, are you talking about Masato?" I looked at him with confusion in my eyes. 

"Its Shinji Masako! I told you his name earlier in our conversation! Didn't you listen?? He was our official setter before you came!"

"I must have forgotten-" I laughed it off.

"Ah, your brother did remind me you can't remember that well, should have known."

*Whistles*

[Player substitution!]

Stepping onto the court, I was met with that familiar intense glare from across the net. 'Hotaru, your intimidation won't work on me anymore. I am far more capable than you'll ever be, and I hope you're ready for it.'

I met Hotaru's glare with one of my own, our eyes locked in a silent exchange as if we were communicating a secret message only through our stares. Uchi, Shigeo and the rest of our team had came over towards me to welcome me back into court. 

"Welcome back, Yamsy!" Uchi patted me on the shoulder.

"It's great to see you back, Yamaguchi!" greeted Katsu.

"Hey, Yokota," Shigeo said in his usual shy voice.

"Hey hey!" Waved Yoshimoto. 

Hotaru's grimaced face backed away as he retreated to his position to serve. 

"Hey everyone. I'll try my hardest this match!" I reassured everyone as I walked to the left-hand corner of our side of the court. 

"Haven't you always been doing that?" Masato mentioned just as he appeared behind Katsu.

Katsu jumped and frowned, "Stop scaring me like that Masato!!-"

"Guys! Get into position! The game's about to start and we need those points back!" Coach Ukai shouted from the sidelines.

"Yes, sir!" 

(Miyoko Kawazaki's POV)

Before the rally began and Yokota stepped onto the court, I found myself discreetly listening in on the conversation between Coach Ukai and Yokota. It seemed they were discussing about someone from the opposing team, I presumed. Scanning the faces of Tokonami, my heart sank the moment I recognized one of them.

'Isn't that Yokota's former coach from middle school?' 

I informed Chika and Mari that I would step out to the lobby to get a drink and then return. After departing from the benches, I wandered into the lobby and purchased a drink from the vending machine before walking back inside. Rather than rejoining the others to watch the match, I quietly made my way to Tokonomi's side of the court behind their benches to observe Hotaru for a while.

'Ah, why of all teams did we have to come across Tokonomi in the next round?!' 

Yokota had been substituted and replaced Masako for setter whilst I was gone. When the rally started, Hotaru was the one to serve, in which his ball was sent flying over to Yokota. Fortunately, he received the ball almost perfectly, but unfortunately, it would limit his plays against the other team.