My first match happened to be against a girl from Nekoma High. I found it funny. Hinata always talked about his friends from Nekoma: Kenma and Kuro. Both had already graduated but I always wanted to meet the two.

In fact, the girl I played looked quite similar to what Hinata had described Kenma to look like. Almost cat-like. I shook my head to regain focus.

I watched as the girl tossed the ball into the air and leaned into her first serve. I barely had time to blink and I felt the whiz of the ball fly past my face and slam into the fence behind the service line.

What.. what was that?

"S-Sorry!" a small voice chirped, "Still working on my serves.."

How the hell did she serve that hard? Her second serve bounced in and I went in for the attack. Corner shots were my specialty.

I hit the ball aiming straight for the further right side expecting an easy point.. but, out of nowhere, she had met my shot and returned it.

My eyes widened. Who was this girl?

~~

Our set seemed to last for ages. We kept tying up at deuce multiple occasions. Our set count was 4-5. I was actually losing. I could feel my frustration boiling over inside me. Yet, this girl never lost her cool composure. Even on amazing shots she never cheered or celebrated. She only shrugged and moved on.

Me, on the other hand, I was panting and could feel myself shaking.

I can't lose. If I lose, there's no way I'll come back from this.

It was my turn to serve. Our game 40-30. This serve could tie up the set. I squeezed my eyes shut and began to focus. I kept thinking about something to aim for.. anything but I couldn't shake the feeling that I beginning to crack under the pressure.

I closed my eyes and I could see Hinata's cheerful grin. I felt his voice telling me, "Focus, just breathe."

I nodded and turned back to my opponent. I took a deep, calming breath, lifted my toss into the air, and reared back into my serve. I felt the familiar pop of the ball and watch as the topspin on my serve soared through the air. It collided with the concrete and as the girl went to return, I knew.

There it is..

The ball hit her racquet and cut into the opposite direction. I couldn't believe it. I tied up the count!

I felt more determined than ever. It was a break in between sets so I sat to cool down and recollect my thoughts.

This has to work. You've gotta take this chance and run with it.

I looked up to observe my opponent again. She still had that overly calm demeanor. It looked like she'd barely broken a sweat. I had to beat this girl. I could hear my coach making suggestions but my focus was on her.

The line judge called a warning for our break so I stood. I thanked my coach and confidently smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

He laughed, "That boy would be proud to see how you look today."

I jumped at the comment, "W-what do you mean?"

"You both have that same look, the sheer determination and passion," he emphasized, "I've seen news reports on that boyfriend of yours and he seems like a real powerhouse. But, you.. you've got something to compete with his stamina. Now, go show him up."

I laughed, "Yes sir."

~~

40-All.

This was it. I was up. Match point.

Everything hurt so badly. My lungs were on fire. My legs felt like cinderblocks. I'd put everything I could into this. There's no backing out now.

I reared back and followed through with my first serve.

Net..

No..

I followed up with my second serve and that went in. The screech of our shoes echoed throughout the courts. It felt as everyone had gone silent. Even the surrounding matches.

I went into a cross court shot, but, she easily returned it and had barely lobbed the ball over the net. I had to sprint hard to barely catch the ball before it had bounced a second time. But, when I hit, my leg caved out from under me and I slipped for a brief moment.

Shit!!

I turned to see her grin and her eyes focused on the back court line. She sent the ball soaring towards the line behind me.

There's no way.. I can't make it.

I scrambled for the ball. I could see gravity beginning to pull the ball towards the earth.

*pop* One bounce...

No.. I can't.. I won't make it in time...

"OIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!" A voice cheered.