scars・bokuaka

three・darkness

The next match soon began with the deafening shrill of the whistle. Akaashi was watching from the sidelines, fiddling his fingers as he always did when he was nervous. He was still filled with nervousness and the disappointment he held earlier, but something else bubbled inside of him. Determination was slowly taking over. As well as a new kind of emotion. A feeling he's never experienced before. What is it, he had asked himself but has yet to figure out the answer.

He quietly and carefully observed the match. He took mental notes on the opposing team's strengths, weaknesses and their style of play from what he could see. In his mind, he conjured up several different strategies that could be used to win against the opposing team. He even predicted when Bokuto would possibly grow irritated and the chances of going into his emo mode. He truly was the brains in the team, thinking and planning out. It showed in his plays, but since he wasn't on the court, it was hard to show it. So in his place, the one gifted with the skills and brains stepped up. It was the one and only, jack-of-all-trades Konoha.

Aside from Bokuto, Akaashi had always looked up to Konoha. He admired his quick thinking and ability to play any position in volleyball. He thought of Konoha as someone worthy of greatness and deserving to play side by side Bokuto. And for that, he couldn't help but feel envious. He wished to possess such smarts and incredible athletic ability. To be someone deemed talented. Someone who can play on the court no matter the circumstances, a player who's teammates can rely on.

Akaashi was capable of reaching Konoha's level but there was a mysterious force that was telling him he couldn't. Convincing him that he wouldn't be able to do it. Deep down, Akaashi had a small spark of hope that he could improve yet he knew, that goal was almost out of reach. It infuriated him. It left him with a damaged self-esteem and almost no self-confidence.

"Toss to me!" Bokuto's booming voice called out to Konoha, who refused. Instead, he tossed the ball to Komi, who managed to spike past the blockers. Bokuto pouted at Konoha, whining. "Why don't you toss to me, Konoha?!"

"I don't want to," He snapped, smirking at Bokuto. This got a reaction out of him, which was exactly what Konoha wanted. Akaashi felt his heart beating faster after watching the small exchange between his teammates. What was this feeling, he wondered.

Time passed and Fukurodani had won the match. Loud, boisterous cheers filled the court.

"I really am the best, hey hey hey!" Bokuto cheered, jumping with excitement. Akaashi sighed in relief knowing that Bokuto's morale didn't waver while he was gone. Yet, an odd feeling nagged at him. Eating away at his happiness. He lowered his head, and shut his eyes tight. His hands balled into fists, knuckles turning white. He was still not over the fact that he had nearly let everyone down. That he had nearly given a loss to the team. That he nearly failed Bokuto. No- not nearly- he did fail Bokuto. And Konoha. And the whole team. He didn't deserve to be on the team. Tears blurred Akaashi's vision, which soon faded to black.

"Akaashi! High fi-" Bokuto stopped mid-sentence as he stared at Akaashi, horrified. His setter was on the ground, unconscious with a tear-strained face. He let out a yelp. Konoha heard and quickly turned towards the two. He felt his heart stop for a moment. He forced his body to move forward to check up on Akaashi.

"Akaashi! Akaashi, can you hear me?!" He called out to him, gently tapping on his arm. He checked for a pulse and breathing. All was fine. There weren't any new injuries sustained. So why did he black out?