The Coaches Daughter

17

"You guys have practiced a lot this past week! Don't strain yourself today and take it easy." My dad yelled, clapping his hands together.

Daichi pointed to the net, "Let's practice the triple front decoy."

I grabbed a ball cart and stood by the net, ready to toss to Kageyama while Kiyoko stood on the other side.

After a slow paced practice Daichi stopped and let everyone get a drink while my dad pulled out the whiteboard and went over the plays.

"Alright guys, let's end practice early." Daichi said after his coach finished talking.

"Get plenty of sleep tonight." Ukai added.

"Alright let's go!" Tanaka shouted, throwing his fist up in the air in excitement.

"Wait! Kiyoko also wants to say something." Mr. Takeda stopped everyone and looked over to Kiyoko. My interest had peaked, as Kiyoko doesn't give speeches to the boys very often, I could tell the others were also curious.

Her and Mr. Takeda climbed to the balcony with a black cloth in hand and let it fall over the banister as they tied it in place.

Cheers rang as everyone read the banner. It was simple but reflected the team and the school, 'fly.'

as i read it a certain orange haired first year popped into my head. I smiled, knowing this would be his first tournament where he'll get to play with an experienced team.

Daichi pulled me out of my thoughts as he asked for everyone to give their attention to Kiyoko.

"You... You can do it." She said, blushing profusely, then running to get down, away from the attention of the others.

It was quiet for a moment and the second and third years before bursting into tears, filled with more enthusiasm than before.

They went wild and cheered along with Hinata, who was confused but still hyper. The other first years were only the former as they stood, looking at their upperclassmen.

I broke away from the boys to go try and help Kiyoko calm down, "That was really sweet Kiyoko. Even the first years are pumped up."
I smiled, looking at the team.

"Th-thanks. I wish I had said more though." She frowned slightly.

"I think you did perfect." I pat her head and smiled down to her.

She smiled back and let out a sigh as she looked at the boys.

After getting changed and locking the door to the club room i heard Asahi talking to his other third years.

"After we stop at the store we should go to the park and hang out." He suggested as they walked out of their club room.

"I don't think that's a very good idea. We have a game tomorrow." Daichi said as he walked down the stairs.

Asahi looked at sugawara with a defeated look in his eyes, not wanting to disagree with the captain the white haired boy shrugged, "Maybe next time buddy."

Asahi stood at the top of the stairs hunched over and pouting.

I felt bad and walked up slowly so i wouldn't scare him, "You alright? I can go with you if you want." I pat his back.

He looked up at me then to his friends who were standing at the bottom of the stairs with raised eyebrows, "Uh yeah sure..." He said hesitantly.

The comforting smile on my lips started falling as i realized he might have just been wanting to be with his teammates. I was about to say something else but he walked down the stairs to catch up with the other two.