Chapter 4: The Eagle and the Dog

"I can't believe you're here of all places." He gnashed his teeth. I could feel the tension between us already and honestly if it weren't for the crowd's cheering for the Black Jackals, I'd hear the sound of my heart beating.

"I should probably say the same thing to you too, Haru," I retorted. "Besides, isn't Nagano far? Don't tell me you went all the way here to play the game?"

"I go to Itachiyama Institute," he said as he narrowed his eyes. "I heard you're in that famous school, Seidou High School. After that shameful game you and your team had shown in your last year of middle school, it's a mystery how that school accepted a person like you."

"They know talent when they see one." I grinned. He shot me a glare but I just laugh it off.

Calm down, Eijun. You can do it.

Hyuuga Haru. My teammate in volleyball back in middle school. I've read some articles about him and that he was awarded the best setter in high school and the pros are already eyeing him despite he's still a junior in high school. I never speak with any of my teammates after I went to Seidou and I never planned to anyways until now.

"I'm going to play with the Adlers and you're the chosen player to play against us," His eyes going back and forth to the court and to me. "So like what, tired of baseball already? Finally accepting the fact that you suck at baseball? Don't get me started with your pitching." Haru laughed mockingly. It was annoying and I don't want to be anywhere near this guy but I can't let it all end here. I smirked.

"Well apparently they've heard that I'm near the area and they just haaaad to pick me. I mean, I was about to decline their offer since I'm too busy polishing my new pitch to add up to my repertoire of pitches but they're just too persistent." I stretched my left arm and do some jumping jacks in front of him. His annoyed face says it all. That's right, suffer Haru. Make fun of me all you want but suffer the consequences of my dreaded jumping jacks.

He took a good look at me as his eyebrows slowly drew together. "You and the word pitch don't look good together. Throwing away your wasted volleyball potential in exchange for such mediocre pitching and for what? To be your team's ace? You were an ace when you were with us, Eijun. Why threw it all away?"

"Uh, because I love baseball?" I said as if it's the easiest answer of all time. It actually is to be honest.

He seems baffled by my answer. The cheers from the other VIPs echoing in my ear and the constant sound of the ball going back and forth around the court doesn't help covering up this awkward situation at all. I just want to watch Shoyo-san and the others right now and dealing this nonsense with Haru isn't helping.

"Bullshit." He clicked his tongue.

"You kiss your mother with that mouth of yours?" I gasped dramatically, to ease the tension.

"After all this time you're still the same immature guy." I heard him scoffed.

"And after all this time you're still the same guy who can't get over the fact I'm now a baseball player."

"Can't get over?" He grabbed me by the collar by surprise. "You left us when we were getting ready for the championship, how does that won't frustrate me?"

I didn't say anything. I've been over this already with the help of Shoyo-san and the others last year but I'd lie to myself if I say I didn't feel bad when I left Haru and the team. Our coach was understanding and even helped me look up for any tips in baseball. Seeing how close I was with the team, I was confident they'd be supportive too just like how Shoyo-san and Tobio-san were. I was wrong. Weeks after I left the team and formed a baseball team with my childhood friends, we were met with such bad luck. The training field was sabotaged all the time so we spent all day cleaning up the mess instead of practicing, our gloves were mysteriously covered in dirt, and some days our balls would get lost or stolen. We didn't have enough time to cover up the basics of baseball let alone practice and before we know it, we lost in our first tournament in my last year of middle school. I remembered my volleyball teammates approaching me the day after the tournament.

"Ei-chan! We heard that you lost in your first tournament in baseball. It's okay! Baseball isn't for everyone after all. Say, now that you don't have to play baseball, is it okay for you to go back in volleyball with us? Haru is expecting you will go back once you retired in baseball after all."

At that moment, I realized it was actually them who ruined the fields, who made a mess out of the gloves, and stole the balls. All just so I could go back to them. I trembled in such betrayal from the teammates whom I used to play with and had faith in. I walked away from them. I could've yelled or pick a fight but I couldn't. Not to them. Not to Haru. They kept on bothering me but I didn't say anything. I just keep on playing baseball with the kids in our neighborhood most of the time. I secretly watched their final game and they surprisingly lost. After that game, they never talked to me and neither have I. It was during at that moment too I got scouted by Takashima-sensei and the rest was history.

And now I met Haru again. His eyes blazing with contempt and frustration, never letting go of his grip on my shirt. I don't know if anyone would notice us but I sure hope they won't. It's going to make matters worse. I held my ground and pulled away from his grip. He gasped by my sudden hold and I just glared the hell out of him. His eyes widened and he looked down. Clenching his fists, I could hear him whispering something.

"...hy" he said in a low voice.

"What?" I squinted as I cupped my hand on my ear, making sure I could hear what Haru has to say.

"I said wh—"

"I reckon you guys ain't friends?" Osa-san suddenly appeared and put one of his hands between Haru and I, separating us. I blinked repeatedly when he appeared out of nowhere. Did he managed to dodge those fan girls? He shot me a look of concern which Haru took noticed of and he stepped back a little.

Osa-san arched one of his eyebrows as he examined the both of us.

"So? Are ya or ya ain't?" His face was relaxed but the tone of his voice was deep and almost impatient.

"He was my volleyball teammate in middle school," I answered because I know his question was meant for me and not to Haru. "He's the one who will play with the Adlers so I guess he and I are going to be opponents later, right Haru? Nyahaha!"

Osa-san hummed as his eyes was stuck on Haru, almost seemed like he was probing him mentally. Haru hesitantly nodded as he cleared his throat. He's nervous meeting the brother of the the number two setter in the nation after all.

"So glad to meet one of the famous Miya twins," he gestured for a handshake which Osa-san clearly doesn't want to but I hit him on the elbow, making sure Haru doesn't notice it. I heard Osa-san hissing but I just ignored it. "My name is Hyuuga Haru. I am a setter in Itachiyama Institute here in Tokyo. Eijun here tells me he's very much excited to play even though he stopped playing volleyball for almost 3 years."

Oh god he's starting again. I shot him a glare while he's being goody goody with Osa-san. This guy really can't get over the fact that I stopped volleyball now is he.

Osa-san however just stared blankly but managed to hold a fake smile as he returned the handshake.

"Likewise. I've heard so much about ya, Haru-kun. I'm lookin' forward to see ya and Eijun-kun here play as opponents on the other side of the court. It's true that he's a bit ol' rusty but 'm sure he can manage. His body would remember playin' it."

I swear I heard Haru scoffed and I'm pretty sure Osa-san heard it as well. I quickly examined Osa-san's reaction but it was all blank and it's kind of hard to read him unlike his brother. Makes me wonder which twin is the oldest sometimes.

"Welp. Now that we share some greetings and the basic form of meeting someone, Osa-san and I will just take a seat over there. See you later, Haru!" I pulled Osa-san away before Haru could give more passive-aggressive remarks and Osa-san will notice it. The least I want to happen right now is to have a commotion and knowing Kotaro-san and Shoyo-san, they would jump in the chaos and it will lead into a major backfire for the Black Jackal and it's all because of me.

"You and Miya-san look so close, Eijun." Haru said with a hint of curiosity as he saw me pulling Osa-san away comfortably. I wonder what would his reaction be like if I told him that I know almost all of the Black Jackals. The thought of it would be entertaining, seeing as how he thinks I don't have any connection with volleyball.

"Close? Hah!" Osa-san put his arm around my shoulders while I grinned. You know what, this is better.

"Eijun-kun's practically like a little brother to us."

"Us?" Haru's confused look was hilarious I almost burst out laughing.

Then, something awesome happened.

Osa-san changed his playful smile into an intimidating one. He motioned his head towards where Atsu-san and the rest of the team are and back to us.

"Yeah. Us."

Nice one Osa-san.

Haru flinched a little and let out a nervous laugh. If he weren't such a dick towards me a while ago, I'd actually help him out in this awkward situation but you got to admit he deserves it.

"I see. Then see you Eijun." Haru glared at me before he turn his back away and went with where the other special VIPs are seated. Once he's no where near us, I sighed in relief.

See you never Haru.

We went to go seat in front of the bleachers. From my peripheral view, I could see Haru's eyes following us. Some curious eyes were all on us and I could hear some girls giggling and trying to get Osa-san's attention. Once we finally settled, Osa-san began to speak.

"Ya okay, Eijun-kun?" His deep and intimidating voice from before disappeared and went back to the one I'm more familiar with: comforting, a bit laid back and straight to the point.

I nodded as I watched what's happening in the court. "Nothing I could handle, Osa-san."

I finally get to see some Black Jackals action, not thanks to a certain someone a while ago. Atsu-san tossed the ball in just the right height and I saw Shoyo-san approaching it. There was a sound coming from his feet again just before he could jump and he reached the ball to spike it. The crowd and I cheered for him.

"I saw ya guys talkin' from a distance but I got a feelin' somethin' ain't 'ght so I sorta went to ya," he scratched his head awkwardly as he explained, not that I needed one but I just let him. " 'm sorry if it seemed like I've interrupted yer reunion."

I shrugged my shoulders lazily.

"Nah. You didn't interrupt anything Osa-san. We were about to end our conversation even before you came in anyways."

In fact, you saved me back there.

"I see." He sounded like he wants me to explain more. I gulped as I waited for his next question.

"Hey Eijun-kun?" Osa-san leaned forward a little, I could see concern in his eyes.

"Yeah?"

"Ya didn't answer whether or not ya guys are friends a while ago."

I quickly faced him and I feel like I was about to cry for some reason.

"Who knows." I exhaled and forced a smile.

We were but now we weren't.

He patted my head and we both stayed quiet as we watched the practice together.

A few minutes after, the team was done practicing. I asked Osa-san how come their practice was over in an instant and he told me that they only need to practice a little bit today because they need to rest for the whole morning and they need to interact with the rest of the special VIPs.

"Does that include me?" I glistened with excitement.

"You had your decent time with us a while ago. Now we need to interact with the rest of VIPs." Shoyo-san came in. The crowd shouted with excitement as he got closer to us.

"Shoyo-san! Didn't Tobio-san told you not to eavesdrop on other people's conversation?" I teased.

"He did but I did not eavesdrop on you guys. You were talking so loudly we could hear it from here, right Bokuto-san?" Shoyo-san turned around to face Kotaro-san, who was dripping with sweat. The crowd apparently like what they see when Kotaro-san wiped his sweat with his shirt, unknowingly showing off his abs in front of us. The girls (and boys) went wild.

"Change into a cleaner shirt, Bokuto. You look like a wet puppy from all that sweat." Meian-san called him as Atsu-san handed him a clean shirt. Kotaro-san nodded and listened but he took off his shirt right here, exposing his half naked body in front of us. I laughed at the expense of Kotaro-san's sudden strip show for the crowd to see and I could hear some of them whispering.

"Is this part of the inclusions as a special VIP?"
"Oh I wish I was that shirt."
"I don't know what's going on but I like what I see."
"I'd actually choose him over my girlfriend and she'd agree tbh"

Meian-san and Thomas-san hit him on the head and scolded Kotaro-san, who was oblivious for the entire time. After he's now fully clothed, he went to towards us. Atsu-san and Omi-omi-san was with the other team getting ready for something.

"Junei!" Kotaro-san rushed forward to hug me. I could feel the envy eyes locked on me. Oh I hope Haru is watching this. He released me afterwards

"Kotaro-san! You're amazing as always." My eyes twinkled as he did a victory pose.

"Thanks Junei. I'm just hype for when we play later after all." He winked at me.

I nodded excitingly. It calms me when I see everyone here having fun and enjoying the sport that they love with such passion. Half throughout their practice, I almost wanted to go back to Seidou to do some pitching but I shook my head because in the end, I know Miyuki-senpai won't let me.

"Anyways Eijun. As I was saying before we got interrupted by a strip show a while ago," Shoyo-san shot a look to Kotaro-san before continuing. "We'll get to meet with the other special VIPs here in the gym so we can't practice that much today. That's why we let you in here earlier than the rest. As soon as we're done, you guys will go to the Adlers and they will meet with the rest of you guys too. I'll pick you up after you're done meeting with the Adlers just after lunch."

"With the Adlers? Does that mean I get to meet with Tobio-san, Korai, and Ushiwaka-san?" I tilted my head. He nodded and I clenched my fists with excitement.

"Now that that settles it, we'll just be over there and talk with them now Eijun. Someone will call you guys later when it's time to head for the Adlers' gym. You could practice your tossing to kill time because it seems like you're still not good in tossing just like before." Shoyo-san waved a goodbye before he and Kotaro-san went with the rest of the team. I saw the crowd slowly forming a line and getting ready to take a picture with them. I chuckled as Kotaro-san was doing his Bokuto-beam poss for the fans. I looked at Osa-san.

"Wanna help me practice my toss, Osa-san?" I grabbed a ball near us and smiled.

"As much as I want to but I can't, Eijun-kun. I have to head out and get my stall ready. I'll meet ya later when ya guys are in the arena." He checked out his wrist watch. I stared at him and forgot that he was a businessman. Years ago, he used to be a nasty wing spiker and the ace of their team. He didn't continue his volleyball career like Atsu-san but it's a good thing they're both enjoying what they love.

"What? Afraid that ya will be all alone? Want me to print out my photo so that ya'll have someone to watch over ya?" He changed back into his playful self. I swear the twins reminded me of Miyuki-senpai sometimes.

"I didn't say that, you idiot! Go now for all I care." I shoo'd him away. He patted me again and we both laugh. I bid him farewell before he went out of the gym.

I'm now by myself. The crowd is just on the other side and the Black Jackals are entertaining the: Shoyo-san showing them how to jump and dig, Atsu-san giving some pieces of advice to some high school setters and I think Haru is there too, Meian-san tossing the balls to the fans and they pass it back, Omi-omi-san making a face as some people are crowding him and let him show off his flexible wrists, Oliver-san letting others attempt to high-five him while they desperately try to reach his hand. Everyone was having a blast.

Well, might as well practice tossing like what Shoyo-san told me to.

I went to the corner of the court, away from where everyone is and faced the wall. I closed my eyes and held the ball tight. Then I threw it up in the air and when I opened my eyes, I instinctively spiked it hard- hard enough that everyone heard it and was surprised by the impact it had caused, even me. I saw from the distance that Shoyo-san was smirking and I bowed to apologize. They went back to their usual noise after that.

I sighed. It's not like I will be the one to toss all the time later. But it wouldn't hurt just to practice a bit anyways. I gathered my thoughts and tried to remember how to do a self-practice toss, then I remembered just tossing it in front of the wall. Easier said than done. Every time I threw it on the wall, I ended up spiking it.

"Seems like you're having a hard time practicing your toss."

I ignored the person coming from behind me.

I heard him sigh but I continue to attempt a toss but I ended up spiking the ball to the wall. It ricochet towards his direction. I tried catching it but he caught it since he's like 6ft tall. He looked at me as if he wants to tell me something but I turned away and tried to get another spare ball. He put his arms in front to block me.

"Tch. I know you're ignoring me and all but when it comes to volleyball, you know I can help you out just a lil bit." Haru took a step back and held the ball with his one hand.

"What if I don't want your help? You'll just end up telling me how much I suck at tossing anyways and it's annoying." I said as I still avoided looking at him.

"Well, you're right about that," he started spinning the ball with just a finger and you got to admit it looks pretty cool.

"You were always like that. Even during middle school, you chased the ball and hit it with such ferocity it gives everyone goosebumps. Your toss suck as shit but when the ball is heading your way, I'm always looking forward to how much your body react to it. It made me think that you're going to be like the famous Ushijima Wakatoshi, who is a powerful southpaw like you."

I gulped. I didn't know that. For all I know, I just hit the ball in my way and I just enjoy the sound it gives whenever I hit it. Haru continued,

"Every time we play, it was fun and the thrill of the court was exciting. The sound of the shoes, the crowd getting hyped, the court, the opponents, the ball, everything about volleyball is amazing. When we were teammates, we were amazing. You were amazing. I thought with the help of the team, my toss and your deadly spikes, we could go beyond even in high school."

He stopped twirling the ball and went back to face me.

"All the times when we were together, we poured our sweat and tears training our asses off in volleyball and suddenly you go around telling everyone you wanted to do baseball. As if all our hard work was all for nothing to you. You gained a name for yourself in middle school, you became the ace who everyone looked up to but you left your team in the dust when we needed you the most, all for a sport that you barely know anything except pitching. And all I want to know is, why? Why did you leave us in our last year of middle school together?"

His eyebrows curved downwards and his eyes was asking for answers. He held the ball so tight that I'm worried that it might pop right away. This time I looked at him. I recalled our moments together every time we win, the times we both laugh at each other from the bruises in our arms after playing, the after school training with everyone but then I also remember what Haru and the team did to me. How they find ways to make me go back in volleyball by sabotaging the fields. I bit my lip. Haru needs to know at least, as the one to represent for the entire team. But I also need to to know their reasons too when they did that to me.

"I keep telling you for the hundredth time it's because of baseball."

"That's not enou—"

"I love volleyball and baseball, Haru. Don't get me wrong. When I play volleyball, I play because it's fun and the sound of the spike I hit always feels music to my ears. You guys keep telling me I'm good and gifted in volleyball, probably even a genius, but to be honest I don't like being called that. I've practiced and play the same time as you guys yet I'm the only one being called a genius? That's unfair to you guys. I remembered you're always the one going home late because you want to polish your toss. If anyone's a volleyball freak it would be you, Haru, and not me. You guys worked hard the same way I did, probably even harder from what I remembered."

"But when I held the rubber ball in middle school for the first time, something sparked within me. It was different from what I felt when playing volleyball. When I stepped into the mound for the first time, it feels like an engine running. Each pitch I throw was satisfying and I crave for more and more and I feel I could do better. And I realized baseball is my sport, even more so when I met someone who I want to catch for me. I admit I wasn't fair to everyone in the team that day, Haru. But seeing as how everyone was working hard, I thought 'Ah. They're really good even without me in the team because I know they can do it.' You could say that I trusted you guys."

Haru listened. My heart is beating loudly now. I'm not good in this touchy moments but I think we both need the closure we needed. I looked down as I clenched my fist. This is going to be hard.

"I was selfish for switching out in the last minute, especially right before the championship but I thought you guys knew better. I honestly thought you of all people Haru knew better than harassing my team when I left volleyball." I'm holding up my tears up to this point. I'm just frustrated.

"What?" He looked at me with wide eyes.

"What do you mean 'what'?"

"What do you mean harassing your team?"

"Are you freaking kidding me right now, Haru?" I glared at him. "Don't act all innocent."

Haru shook his head with confusion. I couldn't believe this guy right now.

"You and the team sabotaged the training grounds, made a mess out of the gloves, our balls were stolen by you guys, we didn't even had the time to get a coach or a manager because we keep on cleaning up the mess that you guys made and right after we lost in the tournament, you guys had the audacity to put me back in the team as if my love for baseball was a total joke. I never talk to any of you guys ever again since that day because if I did, I might say something that I might regret."

"Eijun," Haru sounded serious and he looked at me straight. "Do you honestly think I'd do something so petty? Hell, I didn't even know about that. If I knew, I would've stopped them."

"Wow. That made me feel better now, thanks" I forcefully grabbed the ball from him and bounced it on the court and catching it in the air. "So you mean to tell me that you don't have anything to do with it despite you were the team captain? Much wow Haru. I'd rather have you not denying it than you making up lies."

"I'm not lying." He moved forward and grabbed the ball in the air just before I caught it. He and I were quiet for a few moments before I clicked my tongue and positioned myself to receive his throw. He passed the ball to me and I received it overhand while he tried to chase it back. Before we know it, we ended up passing the ball with each other as he explained more.

Apparently, he was suspicious about the team after I left but he assumed it was all because they feel frustrated like he was. They'd arrive in the gym all covered in mud and Haru just assumed that they had a long run, not knowing that they were the ones who keep on harassing the field and the supplies. I just listened to everything what he was to say. It was all in the past anyway but I need to know. I told him what the team had told me right after I lost in my first tournament.

"And when they told me that you're expecting me to go back in the team, I was deeply upset. I thought you were the mastermind of it all."

"That's total bullshit Eijun and you know it. I hate to admit it but your eyes shine brighter when you pitch than when you play with us and that frustrated me more. Heck, the first time I saw you pitch, you suck as shit and I couldn't watch anymore because of the secondhand embarrassment."

"Geh! Mind you I improved. Heck I could try pitching the mikasa right now for you to see. Gyahaha."

"No thanks."

He want quiet for a while. All this talk with Haru finally made me feel a bit better but what the team did behind Haru's back was unforgivable. What are they trying to achieve anyways?

"We lost in the finals that day," He said. "Through my excitement of the game, no one handled my toss well unlike you did. They all hit low or even on the net. As a setter, it was my duty to set the offense well for the team but they didn't managed to score a point and I did my best to adjust everyone at their own pace. Then after the game ended, they all blamed me for having an unreachable toss and that's the reason why we lost. They keep mentioning that the reason why you changed sport was because of me and that made me mad at myself and to you."

"I was scouted by the Itachiyama Institute despite not getting into the championship. I agreed right away because I couldn't handle the team's toxicity and putting the blame on me even though I told them that I've adjusted my toss for them. Seems like they were too obsessed in going to the championship they ended up ruining the dynamics and the core of the team."

I breathe deeply. He went through a lot but he managed to became the best setter in high school despite what the team did to him. I'd say he made the right choice in leaving them. Everyone was still doing their thing with the Black Jackals and I noticed no one is using the net. I've hatched an idea. What better way to put the past behind than doing this with him.

"Hey Haru," I called him out. "Toss for me."

He smirked. "With pleasure."

We approached the net. Haru was stretching his arms while I did some legs squats. It's been a while since I jumped a lot. We borrowed a cart full of volleyballs. A little bit of fun won't hurt anyways. Everyone is too preoccupied with the Black Jackals to take notice on us that's for sure. If anyone is going to scold us, we'll just clean up the mess we made.

"Ready Haru?" I smiled.

He nodded as I threw the ball to him and he tossed it effortlessly above the net. Like a little kid chasing after a piñata, I rushed forward to jump and spiked the ball on the other side of the net. Once I went back on the ground, I stared at Haru and we both giggled like little kids.

"One more time!" I yelled excitingly and we did it again. And again. And again.

We were too focused in playing together that when I spiked again, I didn't see someone blocking it. I got so surprised I landed on butt. Haru helped me up. I stared at the person behind the net and it was another student.

"I saw you guys practicing his spike. What better way to practice it with someone blocking it, right?" The student smirked. Haru and I exchanged a look before we face the student again.

"The more the merrier." Haru smirked.

The three of us played and we were having fun. And before we know it, another person joined in. And another one, then another one. And before we know it we have enough people to actually hold a 6v6 game.

People started gathering around us and wanted to see more. I was flustered as heck because I didn't expect this at all. I saw Shoyo-san, Atsu-san, Omi-omi-san, and Kotaro-san smiling proudly at me, which made me feel more embarrassed.

"Looks like there's nothing to worry about for the next generation of volleyball freaks." Meian-san wiped a tear on his face.

"Meian-san you sound like an old person." The team teased him.

"You guys want to hold a match right now?" Shoyo-san suggested with a hint of twinkle in his eyes.

Everyone practically wanted to and I admit even me but then we were all interrupted by a person who I think is one of the organizers. He told us to get ready to head out for the Adlers' gym now. Everyone moaned in disappointment because we were looking forward to play. I glanced to the team and I mouthed them a good-bye. They waved me a goodbye as I follow the wave of the crowd.

"Hey Eijun," Haru poked me "We could play later once we get to the Adlers' gym. I'm sure they won't mind."

"I'm sure Tobio-san and them would agree as well!"

"I've noticed this since awhile ago, but it sounds like you're close to Kageyama-san. Not just him but to the other members of the MBSY as well." Haru said as we all headed to the bus.

"Oh that," I scratched my head while awkwardly grinning "uh.. it's bit of a long story."

"And this trip might take a while before we reach to the Adler's gym so I don't mind listening to your weird stories," he laughed. Haru feels different than a while ago. Is it because we played together and fixed our misunderstanding?

"Trust me, I know. They actually told me to go to their gym at 7 in the morning."

"You too huh? I honestly thought the game would actually start at 7 could you believe it?"

"Only an idiot would be stupid enough to believe that. Who on earth would let the players start at 7 in the morning anyways?" He arched an eyebrow.

I stuttered. It feels like we were back like before. All throughout the bus trip, I told him stories and my time in Seidou. I could still feel he has a grudge on me being a baseball player every time I mention it but the tension wasn't as intimidating like earlier.

We arrived in the Adler's gym. It was a bit bigger than the Black Jackals. Everyone was excited and giggling when we all gathered in the bleachers. I saw the Adlers in the middle of the court, seemed like they were done doing their practice too. Such a shame I wasn't able to watch Tobio-san practicing though. Then, everyone roared with cheers and yells as the players approached us. I grinned widely as I met Tobio-san's gaze. He smiled at me and I can almost hear his inner thoughts channeling towards me.

"That idiot Hinata took you first before I did."
"I want to greet you but I don't want to be unfair with the rest of the VIPs."
"Have you eaten already?"
"I want to see you play volleyball again. Damn it."

Ah. Even as a professional volleyball player, he's still the same old Tobio-san. I suddenly heard someone cleared his throat loudly. Everyone wondered who it was and the Adlers all eyed on Ushiwaka-san, who was emiting a strong aura for some reason.

"Since we've met our own player for later, I would like to call on the player who's going to play against us. I'm sure the Black Jackals met ours already." He said.

Everyone faced me as I was zoning out during the moment.

In the bus, I've heard that most of them didn't actually want to join in the friendly match because they don't want to embarrass themselves on live television and they just want to see the teams play and where they practice.

"I'm a volleyball player myself but I don't want to screw up in front of Ushijima-san. He looks like you dishonor him if you screwed up." a student said.

"Definitely. I was grateful you guys were chosen. Good luck later. We'll cheer you for you guys in the court, that's for sure." Another student said as she elbowed us.

And to think I felt bad for them a while ago for not being picked.

"Eijun, Hoshiumi-san's been calling you." Haru snapped me back to the present. I saw Korai waving at me. I gulped as I slowly went towards them. When I did, the team circled around me.

"Oi Ei-chan! You idiot looking all high and mighty just because you're a bit taller than me." Korai glared as he playfully punched me.

"Sawamura," Ushiwaka-san stared down and I gulped. He's still intimidating as always. He let out a gentle sigh as he patted me. "You... you should've come to the Schweiden Adlers."

"Eh?"

"You think so too right, Ushijima-san? That idiot Hinata. Still can't get over the fact he got you first than us. He pisses me off. I hate that lil runt." Tobio-san clicked his tongue with annoyance.

"You hate him so much that you let him in to your apartment last night huh?" Hirugami-san narrowed his eyes at Tobio-san as Tobio-san suddenly blushed.

"How many times have I apologized to that Hirugami-san? Besides, we only talked."

"Is that a new word for fu—" Before Heiwajima-san could finish what he was saying, he was caught off by the rest of the team. I tilted my head in confusion. The Adlers and the Black Jackals all share the same chaotic energy as always. It's nice to see that some things never changed.

"Ahem," I cleared my throat. "It's so nice to meet everyone here! It's been a long time since I've actually meet you guys in person and I look forward in playing with you guys. But..." I stared at them with confidence. Even if it's just a friendly match, I still want to give my all to it.

"We Black Jackals won't lose."

The Adlers all smirked and Tobio-san was all pumped up.

"Challenge accepted, Eijun." Tobio-san faced his hand to me, asking for a fist bump. I gladly accepted it.

Afterwards, I went back to the bleachers. Everyone all formed a line like earlier and they took out their phones and gadgets to take a photo op with the Adlers. Haru gestured me to go to the court again and I followed him. Again, we were met with enthusiastic people who wanted to play with us a while ago.

"Eijun and Haru-san, you want to play a match with the other VIPs here?" Tobio-san approached us along with Korai.

I nodded and he smiled. He called out the rest of the team to help up set the court.

"What the? We can do it ourselves, Tobio-san. You guys don't have to do this." I tried stopping them from setting up the court and placing the scoreboard. Haru and the others tried to stop them too.

"Nonsense. You guys are our special VIPs." Korai put a hand in front of us "Besides. It's been a long time since you're going to play with the other volleyball players here Ei-chan. Think of it as our lil welcome gift to you."

"You guys!"

Everyone who won't play waited for the match. They all cheered and even after our numerous attempts to put a stop on the Adlers from setting up the court, they managed to finish it and we feel a bit bad.

"This is all Haru's fault." I mutter.

"I heard that. Besides, it seems like the Adlers wants to see some game. It's my first time seeing Ushijima-san getting this excited. And it's all because you wanted to play Eijun." He faced me. "It would suck if you just play it half-heartedly right now."

"Way to go in putting me that pressure Haru," I quickly glanced at him as we're getting warmed up. "Well, I'm used to a far more difficult situation kind of pressure anyways."

It's decided we'll have a 6vs6 game. We were planning to play 1 set only but the Adlers and the audience wanted a 3 set game. Majority wins. I laughed, it's been a long time since I feel this hyped in volleyball.

With the sound of the whistle, we started playing.

One hour ago, before Sawamura went to the Adlers' gym

Miyuki's POV

"It's... awfully quiet in here, don't you agree Miyuki-senpai?" Furuya said as he threw his last pitch for the morning.

"What do you mean by that Furuya? I could hear Zono's annoying shout in the fields from here." I lied. I know what he means but I don't want to admit it.

He hummed as we both finished up. The rest of the pitchers and the catchers soon finished up too and we all went to the fields to do a situational game. Everyone gathered and fixing up the field. I checked out the area and Sawamura's not here. Is it his duty today to arrange the baseball gears?

"Sawamura-senpai's not here pouting?" Okumura looked around. Thank goodness I wasn't the only one who noticed it

We all wondered and it was indeed odd for Sawamura not to be enthusiastically active and being a loud-mouth, even if he's not allowed to pitch.

"No wonder I feel like it's quiet here. He's not shouting in the fields." Furuya said as if he found the answer he was looking for.

"Seems like he's in zen mode during training." I teased.

"Oi, Miyuki." Kuramochi approached me. I arched an eyebrow. "I thought the idiot's with you in the bullpen because he wasn't here with us doing batting and fielding exercise. Seems like he ain't with you too huh?"

"What? I thought he was doing practicing his batting in the fields with you guys."

"I just said he wasn't here."

"Could he be doing laps?" I suggested. This is Sawamura we're talking about. No way he'd skip training even if he has a day off. He could be in the gym right now or even—

"He's probably in the dorm sleeping. It's his day off so he must've taking it easy today since he pitched a lot from yesterday's scrimmage." Nabe said as he noticed the worry Kuramochi and I might've had on our faces. We sighed in relief. I guess Nabe has a point.

Coach Kataoka then went to the fields. He has an announcement for us so we all lined up and listened to what he has to say.

"The trip to Osaka has been cancelled," he said. "There was an accident to the team that we'll be facing the day after tomorrow and they sincerely apologized for the inconvenience. Although it's a shame for the sudden cancellation but we will all just hope their team is going to be all right. Luckily, there was an invitational scrimmage from another school and we will be the ones to host it so we won't have to go anywhere."

"It's a bit sudden but we will play with them the day after tomorrow still so it's no problem for the rest of you. The starting pitcher will be Furuya. Sawamura and Kawakami, I want you to be ready if I call you. That would be all."

Afterwards, the coach went to the side and discussed something with Rei-chan and coach Ochiai. I heard Zono groaned in frustration.

"What am I going to do with the souvenirs I bought for my friends in Osaka? I was excited too."

"Hey now, you know it can't be helped. You could just mail it to them, Zono. Gyaha." Kuramochi patted the back of our disappointed friend.

"I can't imagine what would Sawamura's reactions be like if he found out he's not going to be the starting pitcher now. He's probably awake by now so I should head to the room to go check and tell it to him immedietly." Kuramochi smiled menacingly.

"Now now. Let's all wait till we're done doing the situational game," I snickered. I'm actually looking forward to it. "We can all meet with him in the dining hall after we're done doing the practice. This is the last one for the morning."

We practiced the situational game. We shouted and the bucket full of sweat are dripping on our bodies but we never stopped. Half of the time, the other members are starting to take notice of Sawamura's absence in the field. We all reassured them that he's in the dorm sleeping.

We all finished the practice a little bit late but it was still fulfilling. We all head back to the dorm to change clothes and rest for the afternoon practice later.

"Gyaha! C'mon Miyuki. Let's go tell that idiot already." Kuramochi dragged me along with the other first string members to the room 5. As we slowly opened the door, we were met with nothing but Sawamura's pile of clothes on the floor. We all looked around. Kuramochi suddenly tensed. He checked out Sawamura's bed, which surprisingly was folded neatly.

"Try calling his cellphone." Kominato said while Kanemaru hurriedly dialed Sawamura's phone. I can feel my heart beating and I feel worried all of a sudden. Looking at the pile of clothes from last night, it seems like he changed and went somewhere in a hurry. But where could he be?

Ring. Ring. Ring

We all stared at one another with sweat on our faces. Sawamura's phone is here but the owner isn't. Kuramochi followed the sound of the phone and grabbed it. He looked at me with worry on his face, I nodded.

He then slowly pressed some numbers on Sawamura's phone. It feels like an eternity.

"Damnit," he bit his lip "that idiot changed his password."

We all groaned in frustration.

Where could he have run off to? Damnit. He should've known better. He could at least told me his whereabouts since I'm the team captain. Calm down Kazuya. Don't let the others know how much you're worried over your loud-mouth kouhai who might've gone missing or even kidnapped.

"You're fidgeting too much Miyuki. Stop that." Zono grabbed my shoulders. Was I?

"It's about time for lunch, he should be by the dining hall right now,senpai." Toujo tried to look for ways to ease our thoughts. He's right. He should be. We all head to the dining hall.

"Sawamura!" I called out as I opened the door wide. Everyone stopped what they were doing and I felt a little bit embarrassed.

"Sorry for shouting guys. Is Sawamura here?"

Everyone looked around and shook their heads. Okay now I'm legit getting worried over here. He wasn't in the bullpen, he wasn't in the fields, he wasn't in his room, and he's not even here eating? Where the heck is that idiot?

"He's not in the gym." Asou calmly said as he placed down his tray of food on the table. He grabbed the remote from the television and started surfing some channels.

"He's not in the indoor training facility, see?" Seki said.

"Senpai's not in our room either Miyuki-senpai." Okumura blankly stared at me.

"W-why would he be in our room anyways?" I flustered.

"He always goes there right?"

I couldn't say no. Sawamura indeed goes in our room but not at this time.

"It feels like...he's not in Seidou." Kominato concluded. The people in the dining hall all hushed when he said that. Sawamura? Not in Seidou? What the hell does that mean? The thought of it angers me.

"W-woah woah woah wait just a minute there Asou!" Zono suddenly yelled which surprised us.

"The hell Zono?" Asou glared at him.

"Go back to that channel. Hurry!"

Asou was annoyed by Zono's sudden shout but he still followed.

"There!" Zono stopped him.

We all had questions on our faces.

"Zono, now's not the time to watch TV. Sawamura's missing and we—-"

I am right here in the Schweiden Adlers' gym where the chosen players, Hyuuga Haru and Sawamura Eijun, are having a volleyball game with the other special VIPs! The Adlers' seemed to enjoy their precious fans as they all cheer for them. These two look like they mean business for this afternoon's game. Stay tuned for more, folks!

You know that feeling when you've been slapped by a rubber chicken numerous of times and no matter how many times you got slapped, you still can't believe it? Well apparently it's a thing. And everyone here in the dining hall knows it.

What. The. Fuck.