Smart Girl | Ushijima x OC

Chapter 8: A New Feeling

The bus had finally arrived at the college building and everyone had gotten off, relieved at the chance to stretch out their legs. The buzz of pre-game excitement was evident as everyone was sharing tips and reminders for the game ahead of them.

They all walked in a big group into the building, greeted by a few people who expected their arrival. Hana separated from the boys as they were escorted into a changing room, and sat down next to the coach on bench outside the gym doors.

"Watanabe, I expect you've rehearsed yourself in the game concept and rules? You don't need me to fill you in on anything do you?" He asked with a expecting gaze. She shot the look right back at him, knowing he was trying to push her buttons.

"No sir. I'm completely clued in on all the rules and regulations of volleyball, memorised the positions and their functions, matched them to the team players, and also typed up a short essay on the brief school history of the sport. I think I'll be alright without your 'fill ins'. He smirked at her, acknowledging her determined, defensive undertone. He expected this from her.

"That's a relief. You seem to be taking your role very seriously. I'm glad. Please continue with this amount of effort in the future." He said before sauntering into the changing room to check on the boys, leaving Hana fuming on the bench. 'Stupid old fart, I'll show you effort all right, you big piece of sh-'

Hana broke her train of thought as she noticed the swarm of boys pouring out of the changing room, all in their team uniform. She joined them as the door to the gym was pushed open and they were immersed in the cool open air of the large hall.

The opposing team had just arrived also, and they were just beginning the warm up. Coach Washijo started barking orders to the guys to start theirs too, and Hana took action as well, getting a volleyball cage in position for the players.

Everyone continued to run back and forth for a while, until eventually a whistle was blown to signify that the match was about to start. Both teams lined up and faced each other, bowing with thanks, before dispersing again.

Hana made her way to the score board, as she was obligated to keep count. The players got into their positions, and the match finally began.

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Hana knew that her school was good, but she never knew they were this good. Their team was completely thrashing the competition. The game was on its second set. Shiratorizawa were winning by 5 points, and if they win the set by 2 or more points they'd win the game.

The guys were just moving so fluidly, like they were all in perfect sync. Yamagata would receive the ball, it gets passed to Tendo, he shoots it up into the air, and... then Ushijima.

She wasn't sure what was wrong with her, maybe it was the buzz of the anticipation, but as soon as the ball made contact with his hand, and it zoomed like a crack of lightening onto the other court's ground, it was like a switch flipped inside her.

She suddenly had a rush going through her brain, making her want to do anything and everything, like she had the willpower to write a 10 page essay, or run a marathon. She'd never felt that motivated in her life.

The way his face stayed completely calm, even when destroying his opponent. How his arms swung to the ball like he was so secretly determined to score that one point. How his feet would root the ground, knowing he'd achieved what he set out to complete, it left her staring.

She was so shaken up, Hana almost forgot to add a point to their score. They only needed two more to win now. The opposing team's middle blockers didn't even pose a threat to her team, they were still miles behind them on the score board.

It didn't take long before the final point was scored, and Hana had that feeling again. The whistle blew and Shiratorizawa jumped for joy at their win. Hana stood by the coach and watched as the guys cheer and congratulated each other, smiling at their excitement.

It wasn't long before tendo ran towards her and dragged Hana towards the large group.
"So Hana-chan, do you like it? The feeling of victory with your team? Hm??" Tendo exclaimed excitedly. She was reluctant to reveal the smile that was biting to spread across her face, as she calmly responded,
"Yeah.. it's not so bad I guess. You guys did a really good job."

They all laughed at her cold praise, yet accepted it nonetheless.
"Alright whatever. Remember, this is just a practise match. Now go and line up to greet the other team before we go." Both teams gave their thanks for the game, and ushijima and the other captain shook hands before both teams retreated to the changing rooms to refresh themselves.

~~~~~~~

The bus ride back to the school was quiet. Most of them had fallen asleep, yet Hana sat, still wide awake. Everyone was sat in the same seats as the journey there, and she seemed to be the only one awake in her row of six.

She turned and looked up at Ushjima, who was weirdly sitting up fully straight, his eyes closed and his breathing steady. Hana was still stuck on the feeling she kept getting every time he scored, the sudden rush of adrenaline, the burst of motivation.

And why was it just him? She knew she was going to have to test her theories to find an explanation, and being manager made it a lot less complicated.

Yet there was nothing she could do at that moment, so Hana ignored her thoughts, just for a moment, so she could enjoy this time with her team, before she decided to drift off as well.
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A/N: Hana's first match 🥺🥺 thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this this chapter, make sure to vote, comment, and share with your friends!! :))