Once Mina had returned to the bleachers, the stadium had almost reached max capacity. The atmosphere had also shifted from earlier, anticipation had the audience on edge – no one had assumed Karasuno would make it this far. Whispers on who would win had echoed throughout the space, teams who were defeated earlier had also found themselves staying to satisfy their curiosity.
"God, they are so annoying." Saeko was referring to the Aoba Johsai cheer squad who was unfortunately situated right beside them. "The game hasn't started and I'm already sick of hearing it." The blonde cast a glare in their general direction, one that had caused some students to cower in fear.
"Maybe lighten up? They are kids after all." Shimada softly added, although he too was becoming a little annoyed with their close proximity.
"Have you heard Shiratorizawa's? They have a whole anthem dedicated to the boys volleyball team." A gentle laugh had parted Mina's lips as she recalled the game, she attended just months prior. The stakes were much higher now, she mentally noted. The third years journey would end here or continue on to Nationals. She hated the idea of either side losing. Groaning, the brunette shoved her palm against her face, attempting to regain her composure. The game didn't even begin and she was already fixated on the end.
"Shiratorizawa… That's who Karasuno would have to go up against if they win this." Takinoue mumbled under his breath, Ushijima wasn't the only one on that team who would prove to be a problem. Under Coach Washijo's direction, Shiratorizawa could easily be considered a monster threat.
"They're about to start guys!" The winged spikers older sister squealed; her mood suddenly elevating.
On the court the captains were called by the referee to determine who would be receiving, commencing the beginning of a long-awaited battle.
The first set was secured by Karasuno as Seijoh struggled to adjust to the new skills acquired by their rivals. Small failures – such as Oikawa's serves – also helped pave the way for a win. But Mina knew that the tides would be changing the second Aoba Johsai released their secret weapon. Kyotani, otherwise known as 'mad dog', had entered the court at game-point. However, his inability to control himself had brought the first set to a close.
"We did it! We took the first set!" Yachi squealed, throwing a fist into the air excitedly. The five-person cheer squad would certainly not drown out the entire orchestra beside them, but they would at least try.
On the court Seijoh's Ace begun lecturing the loose canon while Oikawa flailed around in confusion. Mina pressed her lips together to contain her laughter, it was clear her beloved had made no progress in creating a relationship with him.
"That guy… He doesn't seem to fit in well with the others." Shimada was the first person in the group to notice how Kyotani's presence had changed the atmosphere on Seijoh's side of the court. "I wonder how Karasuno will adjust to him. This may throw them off. They haven't played against him yet, right, Saito?"
"No. This is their first time…Kyotani doesn't show up to practices either. It's a rare occasion when he'll show his face." Nibbling at her bottom lip, Mina's gaze wandered from one side of the court to where her team was. Despite winning the first set, it was no secret that they were alarmed by the new player.
"They'll be okay, right?" Yachi directed the question to the older girl, her bright irises were begging for comfort. There was no way Mina would allow her to fall into one of her anxiety melt-downs.
"Of course. You know us! I'm sure Noya is buzzing right now, waiting to hit one of Kyotani's spikes! Don't you worry."
The answer had satisfied the first-year manager for the moment, but Mina had failed to convince herself.
Karasuno had spent the second set failing to adjust to the changed environment, it was miraculous how one person could change the entire flow of a game. Yamaguchi had been subbed into the game to secure a win, but even so, the second set was stolen by Seijoh. Between Oikawa's perfected serve and Kyotani's unpredictable movements, Karasuno had lost confidence within themselves, and not even Sugawara could completely change that. Although, the loss had given them a newfound passion. It was now or never.
The pounding within her chest had only quickened in speed during the third set. To help manage her anxiety, the brunette would randomly stretch her arms, once almost hitting poor Yachi in the face.
"Uh… Saito, you okay?" The eldest of the three girls had shuffled closer to the brunette before draping an arm around her shoulder. "Must be hard seeing your boyfriend get his ass kicked, huh."
"Uhhh, I don't think you're helping." Takinoue chuckled, leaning forward on the railing.
"I can't watch anymore. I feel like I'm going to throw up." Pressing a palm to her forehead, the brunette pinched her eyelids closed. The score was 24-24. This was it. Either way, someone's journey would end.
A forced smile had reached Mina's lips as the final two points were gained by Karasuno. Her heart ached for Seijoh, but she was also incredibly proud of her friends. Sugawara had glanced up to the spectators pit, providing a thumbs up motion with that dazzling smile of his. Mina strived to reciprocate the movement with the same level of energy – whether she was successful or not was questionable.
"Let's go congratulate our winners!" Saeko had an arm hooked through Yachi's and another through Takinoue's, against his will, of course.
"I'll meet up with you guys, okay?" Mina bowed in respect as she excused herself. The second she had turned the corner, she increased her speed, right now she needed to be there for Oikawa. Volleyball was everything to him, there was no chance he would take this loss lightly. She was almost at the exit when her hazel irises spotted him. Surprisingly he was alone.
"Hm?" A defeated smile was presented towards her, and within seconds she had launched herself at him, tugging him into a hug. With her arms wrapped around his neck, she led his cheek to press against hers. "I am so proud of you. That last set was probably the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Her words could not heal the wound that had penetrated his heart, yet they did help lighten his mood. Encompassing his arms around her waist, he accepted the love she was offering. "Oh really? I thought I was the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?"
"Psh. You're the prettiest person I've ever seen." Detaching their faces, she began peppering kisses over his slightly swollen features, accidentally tasting the tears that clung to his skin. Instinctively, he allowed his eyelids to flutter shut. Dropping a final kiss to the tip of his nose, Mina settled onto her feet, refusing to break the hug.
"Thank you, Mina-chan. But you should go back to your team and celebrate. They did win after all." He really did try to withhold the bitterness on his tongue.
"I know… But, I want to be there for you." Closing the distance once more, she buried her face in his chest.
"I'll be fine. My journey won't end here, I'm just getting started." Tenderly he patted the top of her head, as she grumbled something about not being a dog.
She trusted his words, but she knew better than anyone how much it hurt to lose.
A/N: Sorry for not updating sooner! I had a busy af weekend. ANYWAY. ENJOY!