Disclaimer: I do not own Haikyu! or any of its characters. Everything belongs to Haruichi Furudate. I only own the OCs.
1. THE LAST ROAR
Silence.
The world stopped and the entire gymnasium quietened down -not a single sound can be heard as the setter of the opposing team took her position, ready to begin another nerve-wrecking rally.
Focus.
One more point -just one more point and we can catch up. One more point and we can turn things around. One more point and we can go home victorious!
Breathe. Get ready!
Hearing the screech of the whistle, every eye focused on the ball like hungry predators, every muscle tensing -anticipating the incoming serve.
"Nice serve!" Others from the opposing team screamed, boosting the confidence of their setter.
The tall player stood in preparation, inhaling and exhaling, before she tossed the ball in the air. She gathered enough momentum to lift her body up as she jumped and flew in midair. She swung her right arm and her palm collided with the ball, sending it across the net with a loud thud.
Seeing the ball get smashed to their side of the court, the libero rushed in position to connect with the ball, keeping it in play.
"Nice receive!" Shouted her teammates.
"Cover!" The libero roared, asking help from the other members after the serve hit her arms.
Immediately, her teammates rushed to her aid, passing the ball to the others; some were readying themselves to make the kill.
"Noriko!" Their setter screamed, tossing the ball at the already running player -their ace.
Noriko eyed the ball before her eyes shifted across the court to her opponents.
She felt good. The toss was in perfect height; she had a good run up and their opponents were tensed. Everything was in place yet, the moment she spiked the ball, it got blocked.
Their momentum lost.
Luckily, her teammates were able to save the ball.
"One more!" her teammates screamed at her, giving her the boost to continue.
Don't give up on me now! She hissed at her legs as it trembles from exhaustion since, they have been playing for five rounds -and every round was neck-on-neck for both teams. She ran towards the net and jumped one more time, spiking the ball across the net into their opponent's domain.
She hoped that that spike would land on Shiratorizawa's side of the court; that it will let them receive a point. Unfortunately, Shiratorizawa's libero was undeniably good at her job of keeping the ball in play.
As she saw the ball being saved, she readied her body for the incoming retaliation of the opposing team. Their ace ran up and jumped before spiking the ball however, Noriko and the others were ready to block her.
Her opponent slammed down the ball but thankfully, their libero was in position, giving assistance to the blockers.
"Sorry! It's long!" The libero shouted as the opposing team screamed "Chance ball!".
"Hit it!" The other members of the opposing team shouted once they received the ball. Others took their positions to run up the net, preparing to be the decoy.
As the setter tossed the ball to their ace, Noriko and the other middle blockers rushed across to defend their side of the court. They jumped at the same moment their opponent was ready to smash the ball to the ground and luckily, rather than hit the floor, it hit her right palm.
"One touch!" She roared as she landed on her feet and now, it's time for them to attack once more.
She took her position, eyeing the ball as she readied herself.
This is it!
She looked at her teammates, noticing how they heaved huge amounts of air, completely exhausted just like her.
Hold on… She thought, praying -more like, begging -her teammates to push forward. Just hold on for a little more.
"Noriko, it's up!" Their captain and setter shouted, offering their ace another toss. Please, Noriko. I know you're tired but, please… please… jump!
She felt her heart palpitating like it's ready to explode; her legs her shaking, barely keeping her up and don't forget how her hands were in so much pain from all the ball-smacking she has done.
She was really drained -just like the rest of her members but when she looked at her them, she clearly saw the unwavering will to continue fighting until the very last whistle. She knew that they can barely stand on their feet yet, they still forced themselves to do so.
She smiled as she ran up to the net, her hands ready to smack the ball to the other side and it did but, it was once again got blocked by the opposing team.
And everything went into slow motion…
She saw it; she saw how the ball smacked the blocker's hand. She saw how the ball went above head, back to their side of the court.
Is this really her limit?
She twisted her body and she saw what was happening and her mind kept telling her what to do -that she needed to run and move her body but, she couldn't do anything about it. Her body wouldn't move as she wanted it to.
Is it because of exhaustion?
Their libero rushed to the side in frantic -diving to the ground, in hopes that she will make it in time. However, no matter how much both teams wanted to win, only one will come out victorious.
Unfortunately for Seijoh, the ball landed on the ground even before their libero's hand can come between the volleyball and the surface.
Can she really do nothing about it?
Noriko landed on her feet at the same time the ball landed on the ground -on their side of the court.
Is this really the end?
The crowd was silent for a while, still processing the intense rally that had just happened before suddenly, they burst. Loud screams roared all over the entire stadium however, amidst the thunderous celebration were the cries of the defeated knights and whistle of the referee, announcing the end of the match.
19-17. With Shiratorizawa in the lead.
And that was it.
The end of the game.
The end of the Inter-High.
But most of all, the end of her dreams.
The entire Aoba Johsai High School was in a complete state of disarray. Everyone has heard the news and everybody was devastated. After all, both the boys' and girls' volleyball team were defeated in the final round of the Inter-High Preliminaries by Shiratorizawa, the undefeated white eagle of the Miyagi Prefecture,
Somewhere amidst the endless chattering of the students, after the end of the last class of the day, came a very familiar voice that kept on growing louder by the second.
"Noriko-senpai! Noriko-senpai! We've come to get you!" Announced the second-year student as she moved towards their ace -who had her head on her desk, still deep in slumber.
"Noriko-senpai, wake up." They tried again, this time, nudging the sleepy head a little. "Class has ended and it's time for practice."
Slowly, the auburn-haired girl shifted from her position and her eyes began to awaken. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, gradually drifting back to reality.
A moment later, she noticed the two figures looming above her head. "Hello, Reika." She greeted her tall teammate before her head shifted to the next person. "Hello, Hanako. What brings you here?"
Reika whined. "Noriko-senpai, it's time for practice!"
"Oh." A lazy yawn escaped her mouth once more.
It hasn't always been like this. It was never like this. Actually, it was the other way around; it was their ace that keeps dragging the second-years back to practice. She was the one to push them past their limits and she was also the one to encourage them to keep on improving.
When she first skipped their practice, everyone was fine -yes, a little worried for their ace -but, they know she needed the time for herself. They know that their lost hit hardest on their teammate. After all, it is the ace's duty to lead the team to victory.
However, the skipping increased day-by-day and a week passed by until they finally accepted that something was wrong with their vice-captain. Every day, they tried to convince her to attend practice -even just to overlook it but, not once did she show up.
They continued to ponder for any reason as to why she continues to avoid practice. It was not their first lost to Shiratorizawa; in fact, they've been losing to the white eagle of Miyagi Prefecture since last year's inter-high tournament and qualifier round -and maybe, even before that but, don't get them wrong, they're not very happy nor will their disappointment and anger subside any sooner about their lost. But, what was different this time?
"Noriko-senpai," Reika began, testing the waters; not really knowing where to go from there. "aren't you going back to practice?"
Noriko froze as Hanako looked at her fellow second-year with disbelief. No one has ever asked their ace that question even though some were itching to do so.
"Reika…" Hanako whispered, trying to rail in their middle blocker before she could say something she shouldn't have however, their tall player completely shut her down.
"Aren't you done mopping around, senpai?" confronted Reika, making Noriko face her with glare on her face. She has had enough of their ace's disappearance. Can't she see how much the team needs their vice-captain and ace right now? The Spring Tournament is just around the corner and now, not only do they have to watch out for Shiratorizawa but also, other teams that keep on improving. "Isn't it time for you to come back to practice?"
Unfortunately, the classroom had quietened and the rest of the students occupying the room has heard the little squabble between the three volleyball players -well, in this case, two volleyball players since, the other one was already shaken with fear the moment their ace's brows furrowed.
Noriko diverted her gaze from her teammates as she slowly gathered the things under her desk. "Go to practice, you two." Noriko ordered, still not facing the other two players as she placed her things inside her bag while leaving her phone on her desk.
"Senpai!"
"But Noriko-senpai…"
"Go back to practice or I'll call Mei to get you." Noriko threatened as she grabbed her phone. At the mention of their captain's name, the two second-years abruptly stopped and began to pale in color. Noriko sighed, she really didn't like to use her friend's name but, if it will prevent her two teammates from causing a scene then, so be it.
"Look, you're attracting too much attention." She announced before side-glancing at the rest of the class. As if on cue, the rest of the students continued to chatter with each other while some poured out of the room with their own cliques. "Also, I'll… I'll come back to the team when I can, alright?"
Still not satisfied with their ace's reply, the middle blocker was ready to protest once more however, Noriko waved her phone tauntingly with a raised eyebrow. "If you want to do what is best for the team, you will leave this classroom immediately, head to the gym and start practicing before I could even call Mei."
The two volleyball players looked uncertain at first but later agreed to let their ace have her way. After all, who would want to be on the bad side of their captain? Right? Well, it would only cost their training regime to be doubled -maybe even tripled. Yup, that would be the death of them.
Matsuoka Reika hesitated however, once she felt Fuyumi Hanako's tug on her uniform with a soft "Reika, let's just go…", she had no other choice but to begrudgingly comply with her teammates. "I… I won't give up on you, Noriko-senpai!" proclaimed the second-year as she slowly headed for the door, Hanako on her tail. "I will bring you back to the team so… so be ready for it!"
As the two players exited her classroom, a small sad smile formed its way on her face. "My cute kouhais, what am I going to do about you?"
"Oikawa," Iwaizumi Hajime called out, grabbing the attention of their captain and setter. They were on their way to the gym for practice when suddenly, Hajime's brow furrowed. He was in thought, no doubt. "do you know what's happening to the girls' volleyball team?" He inquired, remembering what happened after the end of the class earlier.
Oikawa Tooru frowned, not knowing where his best friend's question was coming from. "… No, not really." He answered casually. "Why?"
"Recently, members of the girls' volleyball team took turns in picking up Noriko and forcing her to come to their practice but every time, she continued to find a way to avoid them." Iwaizumi voiced out. After all, he had witnessed everything since, he was on the same class as Takagi Noriko. "It also happened earlier after class but, Noriko threatened the two second-years by promising to inform their captain of the whereabouts of her members." He added, waiting for his friends' opinions.
"So… does that mean, their captain knows what's going on with Noriko-chan?" Hanamaki Takahiro, one of the wing spikers of the boys' team, questioned. "I mean, if Harukawa-san is letting Noriko-chan skip practice then, she must have approved her reason as to why their ace hasn't been attending or else, she would be the one barging into your classroom and forcing her to practice."
The rest of his company stayed silent, internalizing the new-found information and more thoughts to pounder on.
"If…" Oikawa began, catching the attention of the third-years. "If their captain does know what is happening with their ace, it is best if she informs her team about it immediately." He stated, eyes gazing nowhere in particular. "Nothing good really happens to a team that keeps secrets from one another."
Silence had befallen the three third-years as they continued to stare at Oikawa. It wasn't always that their captain makes a valid point; most of the time it was his childish action that occurred in front of them.
"I really don't want to say this but, Oikawa, you can really give good advice… sometimes." Iwaizumi said with a straight face and a flat tone.
"That's so mean, Iwa-chan!" Oikawa pouted like a little child. "I'm just saying that as a team, every member should know everything about the others!" proudly proclaimed their setter with his hands on his hips as the rest of his company looked at him with blank faces.
And at the same time, the three regulars replied, "…No."
"It would be too dangerous if you know everything about us." Matsukawa Issei, also known as 'Mattsun', explained, completely joking at their captain.
"Who knows, you might use whatever information you've gathered against us." Teased Hanamaki with a wide grin on his face.
"If he does, he really is shitty to use it against his very own teammates." Iwaizumi followed without hesitation.
"You know there's no way I would do that!" Oikawa muttered, a small pout still present in his face. "You guys are too harsh."
And everyone, except Tooru, grinned, too happy teasing their setter.
"But, isn't there a way to make Noriko come back to their team?" Matsukawa asked, suddenly turning the light atmosphere back to the beginning. "I… just can't imagine a world where Noriko stops playing."
Everyone agreed. All four of them have known Noriko since their middle school days and they knew that the girls' ace has a passion for volleyball as much as they do so, her quitting never really crossed their minds… until now.
"We really shouldn't jump into conclusions but…" Iwaizumi began, lazily tucking his hands into his pockets as he led the rest to the gymnasium. "I think Noriko started skipping after the Inter-High, from what I've observed."
"So, are you saying that because of their lost to Shiratorizawa, Noriko-chan started skipping practice?" Hanamaki concluded after hearing about their ace's theory.
"Do you really think Noriko would do that?" Matsukawa asked, clearly doubting that their team's lost against the undefeated champions would hold a huge reason with their friend's disappearance. Ok, maybe a little but, he -no, they -knew how stubborn and strong-willed Noriko was. A little lost would not be the only reason. "We weren't there to watch their game since, we were playing in ours but, it's unlike her if she had given up against Shiratorizawa."
"How bad was their lost to Shiratorizawa, anyway?"
"19-17. It was a neck-and-neck game." Oikawa answered after staying quiet for a little while.
Silence befell the four once more. Accepting a lost was really hard on anyone especially if that team knew that they can win. What's worst is that they've given their all and yet, it still wasn't enough.
As the four continued their way to the gym, 'Makki', as what Oikawa nicknamed their wing spiker suddenly announced, "Oh, hey. Isn't that… Noriko-chan?"
The sounds of shoes scraping on the ground and the harsh spikes that kept on echoing inside the huge gymnasium continued to attract her no matter how hard she resisted it. It was like she was drawn to the awfully loud noise -the noise that proves how much the players are working hard -inside the gym.
Noriko misses it, she must admit.
She stood there, just observing the members of the Seijoh men's volleyball team spike the tosses of their teammates -warming up before the real start of practice.
"… Noriko?" A voice, out-of-nowhere, disrupted her reverie.
She turned her head and there, she saw the four third-year regulars. "Iwaizumi-kun, Hanamaki-kun, Matsukawa-kun," her head shifted as greeted them one-by-one. "… Oikawa-kun."
"Hey."
"Hey, Noriko."
"Hi, Noriko-chan."
"… Noriko."
They greeted her in their own ways.
Then, an uncomfortable deafening silence surrounded them. Nobody knew what to say; nobody knew where to begin. They used to have something to talked to -like volleyball -but since, Noriko started avoiding practice, they all knew that just the mention of the certain sport will merely make the awkwardness beyond tolerable.
"So…" Noriko began, a smile plastered on her face -though the regulars noticed the stiffness of her smile. "How's your practice? The Spring Tournament's coming fast…"
They definitely did not expect her to mention anything about the competitions -more or less, anything about volleyball.
Iwaizumi sighed, clearly not fond of the awkwardness. "Everything's going well. We're still practicing as hard as we can."
Noriko smiled, genuinely this time. "That's good. I'm wishing you luck for the Spring Tournament. I know you can win it!"
The rest smiled, glad that the auburn-haired girl hasn't lost her perkiness. "Thank you, Noriko-chan."
"So… Noriko, do you want to come in?" Matsukawa invited since, the awkwardness slowly dispersed. "Maybe, give the first and second-years some pointers to remember?"
She laughed. "Oh, I think your members don't need any of my pointers…" Suddenly, her gazed landed at them one-by-one. "After all, they have Iwaizumi's reliable attitude on the court, Hanamaki's sharpness and game sense, Matsukawa's skills and quick-thinking and… Oikawa's dedication and cunningness… and, I don't think they need anything more than that."
Unexpectedly, a warm feeling began to appear in the hearts of the regulars.
"…T-Thank you, Noriko."
"I did nothing. It was all on you." She beamed one more time before saying, "So, I guess it's time for you to head to practice and I'll take my leave."
But before she could even turn around and make her way, Oikawa blurted out the impending question everyone wanted to ask. "So, you're really skipping practice?"
He wasn't satisfied. How could she turn her back from volleyball? How could she just give up; just because of a single lost? He may not be voicing out his opinion as much as his friends earlier but, that doesn't me he didn't care. He was just trying to comprehend everything that's happening. Also, he, maybe, was a little touched about what she had said but, it doesn't bring her back to practice. It doesn't give any reason as to why she disappeared from their training.
And it frustrated him.
Iwaizumi, Matsukawa and Hanamaki glared at their captain as Noriko took her time to awaken herself from her shock but, when she did, her head instinctively moved to Iwaizumi. The cheery and light atmosphere completely gone and was replaced with more tension. "So, you told them what happened earlier in the classroom?" It wasn't really a question, more like an observation.
"… I did." Answered the ace, a little bit guilty. 'I'm sorry' is what Iwaizumi really wanted to say but, his tongue couldn't force it out. Also, it wasn't really their business but, as her friends -they do consider themselves as her friends since, they go way back in middle school, they felt obliged to help in whatever way they can.
"Yes, I'm skipping practice." She answered in brief and concise way. It's okay, Hajime.
I'm really sorry, it wasn't my call to say. Hajime thought.
Noriko smiled. "So, I… have to be at someplace else so…" She wasn't able to finish her sentence when suddenly, a new but familiar voice cut her off.
"Is this really the time for you to skip practice?" Oikawa Tooru asked with a flat tone, shocking everyone in their group. It was only the third time Oikawa had opened his mouth in the presence of the auburn-haired girl nonetheless, the rest of his friends really want to beat the crap out of him. "You know that the Spring tournament is just around the corner yet, you're here letting your teammates shoulder all the responsibilities." He blatantly accused, making the other regulars speechless, with their mouths hanging open.
Normally, Oikawa has the annoying and childish attitude everyone is trying to tolerate -though, others failed miserably -however, when it comes to volleyball, everyone knows that he's the most serious and passionate player out there -to the point that he even injured himself because of his rigorous training.
"You don't have time to sit around feeling sorry for yourself." He mumbled as her took Noriko's glare head-on.
Noriko clenched her fist, trying to calm herself down. She let out a heavy sigh before looking Oikawa straight in the eyes, her green ones meeting his brown ones. "…Well, I'm sorry I'm not someone like you, Oikawa." That was all Noriko said before she turned around and left the four volleyball regulars on their spot.
Once, they couldn't see even the silhouette of the young player, Iwaizumi faced Oikawa and said, "You really are a piece of crap, Shittykawa."
And the rest of their company agreed before leaving their flabbergasted captain and headed to the gymnasium for practice.
That's a lie, Noriko. Oikawa thought as his gaze never left the way Noriko took. And you know it.
AN: Hey guys! I'm alive! So, to those who don't know me yet... I'm Jeuel. Yup, just Jeuel. I've only written two stories (a Fairy Tail and a Death Note) before I posted this one. Check them out if you have the time. And to those who already know me and have read my other stories (and are patiently waiting for updates), I'm sorry. I'm still working on them. I'm just way to restless this past few days since I haven't posted in a very long time thus, this story...
Moreover, it's the start of my summer vacation (though only for two weeks)! But, I hope it's enough time to make as much updates as possible.
So, back to the story... I'm still not too sure on how I will approach the honorifics like -san, -chan,-kun in this story but, I'll figure it out (maybe before I post the second chapter). Also, I think Oikawa and the others are a bit (or, a lot) out-of-character here since, I'm still trying to familiarize myself with them so, sorry about that. Also, can you guys visualize the game in the first part? If you can't then, don't worry; it's completely my fault for being inexperience with action-ish scenes or scenes involving a lot of movement and characters. But, if you can then, good for you!
Furthermore, a little reminder... English is not my first language so, I'm truly sorry for all the wrong grammar and mistakes.
Much love, constructive criticisms and suggestions are always welcome!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
See 'ya soon,
Jeuel.