One and Only | Osamu Miya

Chapter 8

Day 2: Sports Day

Arishira's POV:

Yesterday's parade had been a resounding success. Thankfully, I had made it on time and secured my attendance. Now, it was sports day, and the athletes were getting ready. Osamu was at the gym practicing, and so was I. I had a table tennis match later.

My dad had taught me how to play table tennis when I was eight. He'd even told me about his participation in the nationals years ago, before I was born.

My opponents in the first match were second-year students. During practice, I kept missing the ball or failing to land it on the other side of the table. It had been two years since I last played competitively. I had practiced with my dad last night, using our ping-pong table at home, but I still needed more practice.

"OUT!" Our coach announced, referring to my missed shot. This was the seventh time already. I must have been gripping my table tennis blade too tightly.

I continued playing, my practice partner being my doubles teammate. The serve for doubles was a bit complicated, involving diagonal shots and strategic placement.

I wondered how Osamu was doing.

 

OSAMU'S POINT OF VIEW:

The team was practicing volleyball, and I stood to the side, observing. I had a break and didn't need to participate actively. As I watched, our team members kept messing up, missing crucial shots. It was aggravating.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Ari at the tennis court. They were using a ping-pong table, and she seemed quite good at it.

I had no idea she played table tennis.

My eyes were drawn to her movements, and then I shifted my attention back to my team.

"What are they doing? They're messing up!" I muttered under my breath.

"They'll get it," someone replied, but I wasn't convinced.

I rolled my eyes, still watching my team's clumsy performance. If we won this game and subsequent rounds, we might actually go to nationals again. Some of them weren't trying hard enough, and it frustrated me. I wanted more from them; I wanted the best. Ari was still playing, looking incredible. She didn't seem to notice me watching her. I focused my attention on her, captivated by her skill.

I watched her practice, hitting the balls over and over, each shot a straight line. Her shots were powerful and accurate. She was getting incredibly good at it. I wished my team could be as focused and determined as she was.

I couldn't help but be impressed. She was a natural at this sport. I continued watching, and she stopped, noticing me. Our eyes met across the distance.

How could she even notice me from so far away? Sure, I had a clear view of the tennis court from the gym.

I hadn't expected her to look in my direction. I didn't know what to do, so I awkwardly looked away. Dammit…

I was completely caught off guard. I hadn't expected her to notice me watching her. I quickly looked away, hoping she didn't see how impressed I was with her skills. I needed to maintain my composure, but my gaze kept drifting back to her. My team members were still messing up…

"This is getting annoying already…" I mumbled, heading back inside the gym.

Arishira. Ari. You're making me blush.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

 

The whistle blew, signaling the start of the volleyball game. My heart pounded as the game commenced. I scanned the court, ensuring my teammates were in their positions. I spotted Atsumu across from me, our team's ace and another setter. He had a smirk on his face, probably trying to get ahead of me.

"Let's win this one," I muttered to myself, getting into position.

I wanted Ari to see this important match. She kept me motivated, but she had her table tennis match at this hour.

The rotation changed, and I prepared to serve. I wanted a strong start to show our opponents we meant business. I looked at the opposing team and served the ball powerfully over the net. Their receive was weak. We were already in the lead.

"Great pass!" Shinsuke called out. This was going well.

I continued to serve, my serves fast and powerful. I focused on winning, determined not to let Atsumu outshine me. I served again, and this time, their receive was stronger. They had caught up.

"Don't drop it…" I muttered under my breath.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

 

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!" The spectators erupted in cheers.

The game ended with our team winning. We had out-spiked them with ease. We had won! I was panting heavily, but my adrenaline was still high. My teammates were yelling and jumping up and down in excitement.

The coach blew his whistle, signaling the end of the game and the start of the award ceremony.

Everyone lined up as the coach announced the award winners. I was third in line, behind the two spikers. I waited patiently to receive my award for winning the game.

"ARIGATOGOZAIMASU!" We all bowed and shook hands with our opponents, Shiratorizawa High, a powerhouse school.

"ALL RIGHT! We're going to the nationals!" my brother exclaimed, and I simply nodded.

 

Arishira's POV:

"Second place isn't so bad," my doubles partner, Miyuki from Class 1-B, said.

After the award ceremony, I left the tennis court and headed to the gym. My silver medal hung around my neck like a necklace. I hoped Osamu would be proud of me.

I entered the gym and saw Osamu packing up his things. I approached him and poked him, turning his attention to me.

"Osamu!" I said, taking my medal off and placing it around his neck.

"H-hey…" Osamu mumbled shyly, and I chuckled softly.

When I saw his medal, I froze. "Woah… You're going to nationals?!"

A sly smirk appeared on his face. "Yes."

I jumped up and hugged him. I could feel his body tense slightly, but he responded, hugging me back.

"Congratulations, Osamu! I love you," I exclaimed excitedly, still hugging him.

"Congrats on winning second place. I'm so proud. So damn proud," he said, his emotionless voice betraying a hint of warmth. I buried my head in his chest, feeling a surge of happiness.

Then, he spoke again, his voice softer than before.

"I love you too."