Here is the new chapter, I hope you will enjoy it! Thank you to everyone who followed, favorited and reviewed! :D
PhantomSeekerz255 : I'm veryhappy you liked the story even if I don't know how far you went. Hopefully, Kiku and Hajime will keep being as cute as ever in your opinion~! ;) I'd love to make a complete list of Hajime's list of everything he likes about Kiku, but the thing is.. it's almost endless. He won't stop adding new things to his list even after they start datng, or even years after they've been together. He always falls a little more in love with her, so, I can't post the entire list because it'd be several books for Hajime and an endless list~! :)
Aquafin : I loved adding Bokuto and Ayaka, their itneractions with Seijou were so interesting to write! :D
ren-hatake : Thank you for yuor word,s it made me very happy! I love writing about evolving characters ad I'm just as impatient to post the new stories soon for Kuroo and Oikawa! ;) Aaah, you got a spoiler for Bokuto and Ayaka but well, my characters all get a happy ending, so~! First-time ought to be a clumsy, also it's adorable, isn't it~? ;)
FANFICTION
HAIKYUU! : QUIET VOICE
CHAPTER LIV : The King and his Ace
"When I love, I love: wholly, thoroughly, completely, drowning in everything. Every glance can be a conversation, eyes just playing and saying what needs to be said. Silence is loud, and the air becomes heavy. I want you. I want all of you."
— Warsan Shire
"Kiss me with your eyes."
— Andy Warhol
"We were madly, clumsily, shamelessly, agonizingly in love with each other; hopelessly."
— Vladimir Nabokov
"You are so good. So good, you're always feeling so much. And sometimes it feels like you're gonna bust wide open from all the feeling, don't it? People like you are the best in the world, but you sure do suffer for it."
— Silas House, This is My Heart for You
"Everyone has talent. What's rare is the courage to follow it to the dark places where it leads."
― Erica Jong
"Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine."
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
"You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once."
― Robert A. Heinlein
"Some people think to be strong is to never feel pain. In reality, it's the strongest people who feel it, understand it, and accept it."
— Unknown
"My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthened me."
— Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
"The truth is that monsters are real, and ghosts are real, too. They live inside us, and sometimes they win."
— Stephen King, The Shinning
"Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together."
― Marilyn Monroe
"There are only two people who can tell you the truth about yourself – an enemy who has lost his temper and a friend who loves you dearly."
— Antisthenes
"For surely a king is first a man. And so it must follow that a king does as all men do: the best he can."
― Cameron Dokey, The Storyteller's Daughter: A Retelling of the Arabian Nights
Hajime and Kiku glanced at each other, smiling widely with flushed cheeks. Sparkles and flowers surrounded them, even though they were standing several meters away and they were in the middle of practice.
Oikawa, Hanamaki, Matsukawa, and pretty much the whole team, couldn't help but stare at the two curiously. They had spent the last few days like that – always smiling like idiots, sparkling and being so happy it was overwhelming everyone.
"…Are they going to be like that for a long time?" Mattsun asked, getting tired of seeing them so happy-go-lucky all the time.
Oikawa shrugged just as Iwaizumi came back – most of the first and second years went away, pretending to be busy and not at all curiously staring at him. They had duties to attend to, after all.
"Oikawa, coach gave me the lists for the month's supplies," he said, still smiling happily.
Oikawa took the paper, staring firmly at his friend who glanced over his shoulder at Kiku – who was glancing at him as well.
"Did you two have sex?" Hanamaki asked bluntly.
Hajime startled, freezing and turning a bright red.
"Y-you! W-what–! H-how…!" He stammered.
"I knew it," Makki said, showing his hand that Mattsun tapped.
"Okay, you won the bet this time." He mumbled annoyingly.
"Did you two seriously have a bet on whether or not we had…!"
His voice trailed off, cheeks getting even redder before he covered his mouth with the back of his hand, unable to look at his friends. Happy for him, and definitely not dropping the teasing atmosphere now, Hanamaki and Matsukawa continued:
"Oooh~ He's blushing, how cute~!"
"How was it~? Did you enjoy it~?"
"Of course he did, look at that smile! Look at this blush! He probably did lots of sinful things to our adorable and innocent manager-chan~!"
Iwaizumi gritted his teeth, unable to find anything to answer, he was too embarrassed but that, but they continued, commenting on his red cheeks and embarrassment and how he had become a man. They didn't realize that Irihata and Mizoguchi had appeared behind them, hearing everything and staring, unamused, at the group of teenagers. Oikawa was the first one to notice them, gasping and suddenly patting on Makki and Mattsun's shoulders who froze as well:
"Y-you don't have to know any details on how Kiku and I's first time was! It was nice and perfect and yes I'm blushing but it's obvious when we've just lost our virginity! Stop making fun of me or I'm going to–"
Hajime's voice trailed off when he noticed the others remaining silent, and not smirking anymore. He followed their gazes and froze when he saw the coaches. They stared back at him as silence went on and on…
"I… w-we didn't… I-it was just a figure of speech…" He stammered.
Irihata rolled his eyes at that.
"How stupid do you think I am? I didn't need to hear your rambling to understand that you had done it with how obvious you are…" Irihata mumbled, walking away while Mizoguchi mumbled about 'teenagers these days'…
Hajime turned around towards the others with wide eyes:
"I'm obvious? Really?!"
"Please." Hanamaki simply said, sighing and shaking his head in despair.
They all laughed at the face Iwaizumi made, slowly realizing that he might have been a little obvious in his happiness these last few days…
"Gather around!" Mizoguchi shouted suddenly.
Everyone ran to their coaches, Iwaizumi carefully avoiding staring at either of them, or at Kiku.
"We received the pamphlets for the Spring High, so we know what teams we'll face first. Nothing to worry about, I'm certain you will go far, as usual." Irihata said with an encouraging smile.
Papers of the Spring-High's pamphlets were distributed around for everyone to see the different teams. Everyone's faces were serious, the mood sparkling with determination to win and go to the Nationals.
They discussed the pamphlets for a little bit before practicing. Kiku could tell that they were all more tense. Receiving the pamphlets made the competition more real, it was closer and more than anything, it was the last chance for the third-years to win against Ushijima and Shiratorizawa. Even though, they had all the other teams before to vanquish.
At the end of practice, or rather once Oikawa had stopped his own practice because Iwaizumi forced him to, they quickly locked the changing-room before joining Kiku who was waiting for them. Hajime slipped his fingers with hers and they started walking quietly.
"You're okay?" He asked her after a while.
She startled, looking up at him and Oikawa:
"Y-yeah, but… are you?" She asked, squeezing his hand for comfort.
Their brows furrowed, understanding the real question behind this.
"We'll win," Iwaizumi said with a strong voice.
"Our team won't lose another time against Shiratorizawa." Oikawa added.
Kiku nodded before smiling and jumping in front of them:
"I know you'll win! You worked hard for that! There's no other alternative!" Kiku exclaimed confidently.
"Thank you, Kiku-chan," Oikawa said, patting her head before pointing at the other side of the road, "I'm going home ahead. See you tomorrow, you two~!"
"See you tomorrow," they answered, going into another way so Iwaizumi could walk Kiku home.
The moment the couple was out of view, Tooru lost his smile, shoulders tensing once again as he headed home. The last Spring-High, the last high-school competition, the last time he'll play with this team, his team, Aoba Jousai. The last chance to win against Shiratorizawa and go to Nationals.
The days of intense practice, to polish their skills, to get stronger, to refine their tactics, turned into weeks and before they knew it, the Spring High preliminaries started. All the strongest of Miyagi Prefecture were here, the top sixteen teams, the best of the best of the entire prefecture and all eyes were on Shiratorizawa and Aoba Jousai.
"Kiku! Are you done filling the bottles of water?" Iwaizumi asked as they gathered their stuff before going to warm up for their first match.
"Y-yes! The first-years helped me!" She exclaimed, nervous for them.
He nodded then zipped his bag and stood up:
"I'm going to the bathroom, Oikawa, handle the–"
"Wait for me, Iwa-chan! I need to go to the toilets too! I don't want to go alone!" He exclaimed, hurrying to get next to his friend.
Iwaizumi rolled his eyes before turning towards the rest of his team:
"Anyone else need to be accompanied to the toilets like a child or will you survive?" he asked in a hard voice.
They all snickered while Oikawa gasped at the insult.
"You go and enjoy your toilet break, I'll watch over the team," Kiku said with an amused smile.
"What is enjoyable about a toilet break?" Iwaizumi asked, eyes looking up at the ceiling.
Hanamaki and Matsukawa coughed loudly at that but the Ace decided to ignore them to go to the bathroom, followed by Oikawa who was occasionally glancing around at the other teams and various supporters who had come. When they walked past a group of three girls from Shiratorizawa, Oikawa couldn't help but glance over his shoulder, staring firmly at them before looking back in front of him, a light pout on his face. Remembering everything he had recently learned about his best friend's (mystery) love life, Iwaizumi blinked, glanced quickly at the girls then back at Oikawa:
"She might be already in the seats for Shiratorizawa," he said, "If you want to go have a look, you can–"
"No. I'm not going into enemy territory." He answered with a hard voice and stubborn look on his face.
"Aren't you exaggerating a little? We're not at war… And I know you said you didn't want to hold onto her because of the impossibility of you two having a relationship, but shouldn't you at least try a bit more?" Iwaizumi continued, feeling sorry that the only girl who had interested his friend was in Shiratorizawa Academy.
Oikawa didn't answer, apparently pondering the question. Iwaizumi could tell he was tempted to see her, but his pride kept him from going to the Shiratorizawa seats and try to find her. She might not even be here considering today was a school day and not everyone had come.
"…I'll wait for the finals." He said, not quite saying whether or not he'd actively look for her – especially that Iwaizumi knew that on the finals day, Oikawa wouldn't have this girl in mind but he'd focus on the match instead.
It'd be difficult to find or see her, even less talk – and it wasn't even considering the outcome of the match. Iwaizumi was about to voice this outloud when Oikawa's blinking eyes caught his attention. Almost immediately a pout appeared on his face as he stopped, a few meters from the bathroom and hands on his hips:
"Whatcha doing here?" Oikawa asked with a big smile.
Karasuno's number ten turned around, took in the view of the two tall players of Aoba Jousai, then jumped out of his skin, shaking so hard they could hear his teeth.
"I heard you defeated the two-meters guy. Well done." Iwaizumi said calmly, trying to reassure him a little before he'd have a heart attack.
"Y-yes! No!" He exclaimed, turning towards Iwaizumi.
"Which is it?"
Before he could answer though, Oikawa put on his devilish mask on, smirking down at the poor number ten.
"This little shrimp is a handful during the matches, why don't we go bury him somewhere now?" He said in a threatening voice, leaning down towards him.
"P-pardon me!" Hinata cried out, trying to run away while Iwaizumi stared, unamused, at Oikawa for scaring the poor boy like that.
The scream of pain from number ten when he hit someone attracted their attention back on him. Oikawa and Iwaizumi immediately tensed when they saw who he had bumped into. Ushijima Wakatoshi looked down at the shrimp.
"Hinata Shouyou." He said, making the poor thing shriek in distress, then looking up at his rivals, "And Oikawa and Iwaizumi."
"What's with this timing?" Oikawa hissed, glaring at him.
"Hell if I know!" Iwaizumi answered, just as dark.
Hinata glanced between them while Ushijima continued, annoyingly calm and unfazed:
"So this will be your last tournament in high-school. I wish you well." He said as if he was talking about the weather.
The bad grins on their faces, and the veins popping angrily at their foreheads was nothing compared to the anguish they felt within themselves to hear such annoyingly confident words from the Super Ace.
"You seriously piss me off…!" Oikawa hissed.
"We're going to Nationals, so it's not going to be our last!" Iwaizumi added on the same tone.
Ushiwaka blinked, mildly confused:
"Only one team from the qualifiers can go to Nationals." He answered calmly, honestly saying that to give them the right information.
Both Iwaizumi and Oikawa had to hold back the sudden urge to kick him, or hit a volley ball into his face for these words, their entire bodies tense and trembling in rage. Oikawa's hands were that close to reach out to strangle him.
The fact that he's not saying that just to be mean… is even more infuriating…! They both thought in the same time.
With the confrontation, and the dark aura around them, a few passerbys started noticing the group of teenagers glaring at each other.
"What's going on?"
"Woah! It's Shiratorizawa and Seijou! Did we just walk in on a tense situation?"
"Who's the guy in the middle?"
"It's that guy! From the team that beat the two-meters guy, Karasuno! It's the number ten from Karasuno!"
"Is he trying to pick a fight with Seijou and Shiratorizawa? Holy crap!"
Being in the middle of the conflict, Hinata was sweating bullets but when he heard these whispers, he couldn't help and try to pipe in:
"A-anyway…! Karasuno's going to win… EEEK!" He screamed when all three players looked down at him threateningly.
He probably lost a few years of his life then, immediately stepping away to try to calm them, doubled as an escape attempt, before he would really get buried somewhere. He hit someone else, turning around and screaming when he met, once again, one of his fateful foe.
"I-I'm so sorry!" Hinata exclaimed, stepping away from Datekou's main blocker, Aone Takanobu.
Ushiwaka then turned away from them all.
"Whoever it is, we'll gladly accept your challenge." He said in a hard voice before stepping away, probably to find other toilets somewhere else.
Iwaizumi and Oikawa stared as he walked away, the giant of Datekou and Hinata greeting each other. Huffing annoyingly, Oikawa entered the toilets, followed by his friend.
"He's as annoying as ever…!" Oikawa hissed, "At the very least, I can find comfort in the fear we put into this shrimp's heart!" He continued.
Iwaizumi sighed, glancing over his shoulder and seeing that said-shrimp wasn't entering, either he was talking with Datekou's blocker, or he got too scared to enter these toilets and was trying to find others somewhere else.
"I'm surprised his bladder held on, though," he said with an amused smile.
Oikawa chuckled but they quickly darkened once again.
"We're going to beat them all and go to Nationals," he said in a hard voice.
Iwaizumi made a sound of agreement but yet again, the determined atmosphere switched to a more ridiculous one when Oikawa suddenly turned around and ran into the nearest stalls.
"But first! TOILETS!"
Iwaizumi rolled his eyes.
A few minutes later, when they got back with their team, they were still tense and quickly shared with the others the encounters. It had the effect for everyone to focus on the matches to come and soon enough, the various teams lined up for the first round.
Seijou had a first match against Dewaichi High-school on the first day, which they easily won even if Dewaichi put up a good fight. Then, the following day, they had two more teams to face: Datekougyou High-school, and if they won, they'd later face whoever would win between Karasuno High-school and Wakunan Minami High-school.
Despite its Giant setter, Datekougyou's plays was all over the place, it was a new team, with second and first years and against the experience of Aoba Jousai, and mostly Iwaizumi's unwavering strength, they lost.
The real match was against Karasuno high-school – before their match against Datekou, Aoba Jousai had seen Karasuno's Captain getting hit violently by one of his teammates and they had considered the possibility it'd break the team. But they didn't and the crows beat Wakunan Minami. Aoba Jousai intended to win once again against Karasuno and then… it'll be Shiratorizawa's turn.
After a light lunch, Aoba Jousai was warming up before the match, everyone silent for once, intensely focused on the match to come. Kiku couldn't help but worry. It was the fourth of finals, Karasuno had easily won against Johzenji, a top four team of the last inter-High and despite the Captain of Karasuno being injured, they won against Wakunan Minami, one of the powerhouse of late. She didn't doubt her boys' capacities or determination, but because they had won once against Karasuno, she hoped they wouldn't underestimate them and their obvious progress.
Kindaichi went to get some water, attracting Kiku's attention.
"You're okay, Kindaichan?" She asked him worriedly – he was always focused before a match but now he was more tense than usual and she didn't like that.
He seemed surprised by her question, blinking and she thought he'd start stammering like he sometimes did, but instead, he just frowned.
"I'm fine. We're facing this guy again."
"Kageyama-kun… isn't it? I know there's bad blood between you all, but, you don't have to worry. You won against him once, you will win again!" She said confidently.
Kindaichi seemed to relax a little, smiling to her before nodding, boosted by his manager's words:
"Y-yeah, thank you, Akiyama-senpai!" He exclaimed.
Feeling less pressured, he went back to practice receives with his teammates. Then Kiku's eyes traveled around the gymnasium and she saw the third-years, except for Oikawa and Iwaizumi who were discussing with the coaches. She wanted to encourage them, knowing that more than anyone they felt the need to win against Karasuno. More than anyone they wanted, needed to get to the finals against Shiratorizawa to finally get their long-awaited revenge on Ushijima. But before she had time to tell them anything, Oikawa turned around:
"Gather around!" He called.
Everyone dropped their balls and whatever they were practicing to move towards their Captain and Vice-Captain.
"We're going to go on the court for the common practice with Karasuno. Then, we're going to win! We beat them once, we'll do it again!" Oikawa exclaimed to encourage his teammates.
"OSSS!"
"SEIJOU! FIGHT!" He shouted.
"OOOSSS!"
They started moving, and Kiku gathered her stuff before swiftly going next to Oikawa and Iwaizumi. She slid her fingers through his while they were walking in the hall, discreetly attracting his attention on her while they still could.
"Hey… um, you know I believe in you?" She said in a voice low enough he'd be the only one to hear.
His green eyes widened slightly, as if surprised by the sudden words but then he smiled, his pride and confidence boosted by these simple words and her reassuring smile.
"I'd love to see the Sky Tree with you," he answered, just as quiet.
She smiled brightly and he squeezed her hand in his, looking straight into her eyes.
"I promise you we'll beat Karasuno and Shiratorizawa, we'll go to the Nationals and we'll visit the Sky Tree together, just you and–"
"Are you planning a trip to the Sky Tree already? We haven't won, yet, Iwa-chan~! It's been our dream in so long, though! I already know everything we'll do and see in Tokyo!" Oikawa exclaimed when he overheard a few words.
Iwaizumi glared at him for interrupting him while Kiku sighed, smiling in amusement.
"I was about to say 'just you and me', but I suppose you'd tag along anyway." He grumbled.
Oikawa looked at him, he didn't seem shocked but there was some sort of un-surprised hurt and melancholy passing quickly into his eyes. Then he smiled, something light but sad.
"We've been talking about visiting the Sky Tree together for years now… but I guess your priorities have changed. But we'll go there." Oikawa said with a strange confidence.
Iwaizumi stared at him, suddenly feeling guilty when he remembered that he and Okawa had spent years dreaming of going to the Sky Tree together when they'll go to Nationals. But with Kiku… things have changed for Hajime, his priorities have changed. It didn't mean he hadn't forgotten his promise with his best friend, though.
"…Oikawa, I–"
"Oi, what are you doing? We're waiting for you!" Hanamaki called from afar.
Oikawa smiled at the couple, patted Iwaizumi's shoulder then hurried to guide his team onto the court. Hajime and Kiku remained behind, the young girl glancing between the two friends before reaching for her boyfriend's arm with her other hand, making him look up:
"He understands, you know. And I understand too… I'd actually rather see the two of you on top of the Sky Tree, conquering Nationals, than have a romantic date with you there."
Hajime blinked then grinned sheepishly.
"Geez… and here I was trying to be a gentleman, inviting you on a date and all…"
She chuckled at his grumpy, but thankful expression after her words.
"Don't worry, we'll get our Tokyo date someday." She said.
She went on her tiptoes, quickly kissing his cheek before stepping behind him, pushing him forward:
"Come on, go be your team's pillar, Ace! Before something goes wrong with your pack!"
He chuckled then stepped forward. Kiku didn't have to keep pushing him so she just watched as he moved on, steps confident, back straight and chin held up high. Her heart beat a little faster and she smiled to herself. Really, she would never get tired to see him as the strong and confident Ace of Aoba Jousai.
On the court, while Karasuno and Aoba Jousai warmed up, determination sparked on both sides of the court. Both teams eyed the others to find out how much progress they had gone through in the last few months. Both were trying to impress their opponents.
"Karasuno definitely seems different…" Oikawa murmured to himself, a light smile at the realization just as a ball arrived to his feet.
He bent down to retrieve it, but another hand reached for it. Looking up, he froze in the same time as Kageyama before they both started pulling for the same ball.
"Well, well!" He exclaimed loudly, making everyone glance at the scene they were causing, "If it isn't Tobio-chan, who was miserably defeated last time!"
"We've come to win this time!" Kageyama replied, pulling stubbornly at the ball.
"I depressed the hell out of you last time! All that's left is this bastard Ushiwaka! I'm gonna have you get out of the way again, Tobio-chan!" He exclaimed, spreading his arms wide.
Kageyama gasped, falling backwards as Oikawa laughed in mocking victory.
"MWA HAHAHA! Take that! AHAHAH!"
"Is he really a third-year?" Hanamaki muttered while Iwaizumi glared.
"This idiot…!" He growled before whipping towards a chuckling Kiku, "Oi! Don't encourage him! Hanamaki, give me a ball!"
When his friend ignored his request, he went himself against Oikawa, pulling him away from Kageyama and scolding him while the rest of the team went back into some sort of order. Until Yahaba tried to show off in front of Karasuno's managers, but was put down by the one wearing glasses. Once again, Kiku found herself chuckling, even if Yahaba liked to think it wasn't because of his lame attempt at flirting. All laugh and light-hearted atmosphere died when he bumped into Kyouken-chan though. When the two glared at each other, Kiku glanced between them and decided to intervene, considering Iwaizumi was still scolding Oikawa:
"Be nice, and don't cause any problem," she told them.
Yahaba seemed embarrassed but nodded, always so polite to his senpais and ladies. Kyoutani glanced at Kiku then huffed and walked away with a tiny "ooss" escaping his lips.
"I still can't believe Akiyama-senpai isn't afraid of Kyoutani…" Kindaichi said as he helped up Yahaba.
"Aah… at first I thought it was because she's dating Iwaizumi-san, but it's just because she beat all of us at arm-wrestling, including Kyoutani…" Yahaba answered, shoulders dropping.
Kindaichi tried not to be too embarrassed at the memory, remembering the bitter defeat from a few weeks ago when their cute manager had decided to join them in their arm-wrestling contest. And easily won against everyone, the only one she had difficulty with being Iwaizumi who finally won and kept his title of champion of Aoba Jousai. They had all forgotten that their innocent-looking manager was a gymnast who could hold and lift her entire body weight and helped her father at the bakery, including transporting extremely heavy bags of flours.
"She's… definitely impressive…" Kindaichi admitted.
After some niceties exchanged between the two Captains, it was decided that Karasuno would receive Seijou's serve first. The two teams lined up, Kiku's nerves getting the best of her. She glanced at her boys lined up, and mostly at Hajime. They all stared at Karasuno from across the court with determination and unwavering confidence.
After a quick speech from the coaches, Oikawa moved in front of his team, hands on his hips and spoke up:
"I hate to admit it, but Karasuno is a formidable opponent…"
"I'm surprised you're being so honest," Hanamaki said.
"I definitely learned from last time. If we let our guard down, we'll get swallowed up. So we need to go all out from the start!" He said with a smirk and hard voice.
"Oooss!"
Everyone got their spirits lifted up by his guiding words just as he started entering the court, casually shaking his wrists to keep his hands warmed up.
"All right! So… I believe–"
"We believe in you, Captain!" Iwaizumi, Matsukawa and Hanamaki exclaimed.
Everyone blinked, the most surprised being Oikawa himself while his friends grinned, glad to have surprised him. There was a moment of stunned silence, where everyone silently acknowledged Oikawa's skills and strength – the reason why they could believe in him so faithfully – and the friendship between all the third-years. By the time Oikawa was about to answer, probably something more dramatic than it should, Iwaizumi had already stepped forward and interrupted him with a hand on his shoulder:
"We believe in your serves. If you miss, you owe us ramen." He said without even glancing at him, but even if his words seemed mocking, they all knew he believed in Oikawa for everything.
"I want extra chashu pork in mine." Hanamaki added, hand on his shoulder as he walked by.
"I'd like a side of gyoza with mine. No serve that just happen to get over either." Matsukawa finished, Oikawa still frozen.
While Oikawa was trying to not get annoyed by the way they were using him, and his serves, just for ramen, they couldn't help but grin:
"Come on, first-years, second-years, you guys can request, too!" Hanamaki said good-heartedly.
"Seriously?!" They all exclaimed joyfully.
"Mmm!" Was all Oikawa said, hands going on his hips – but that was probably the only thing he could find to say, and there really was no need for any more words after that.
Seijou's team, still teasing, went on the court while Kiku chuckled, sitting down on the bench next to Mizoguchi.
"Thanks to them, the team has relaxed!" She said.
"Yeah, it was a nice proof of trust they gave him just now. Exactly what they all needed!" He agreed, Irihata nodding.
The two teams lined up and saluted each other before moving, Oikawa going for a serve right from the get-go.
"Nice serve!"
"Shoyu!" Iwaizumi added.
"Tonkatsu!" Hanamaki echoed.
"Tantanmen!" Matsukawa said, even from the sidelines.
Everyone sighed at their shenanigan while Oikawa turned to them all:
"Do you want me to get it over, or to miss?!" Oikawa exclaimed annoyingly.
No one worried about the result though, and as the whistle resonated, everyone felt their hearts and confidence fly as their Captain jumped high, sending the ball over to Karasuno's side with as much vigor and precision as expected.
Unfortunately, Karasuno's Captain annoyingly managed to receive the ball, Kindaichi would have pushed the ball over the net if Kageyama hadn't received it. Aoba Jousai faltered yet again when the libero, Nishinoya, went for a libero toss – obviously having learned from their Watacchi – and their Ace marked a point.
While Karasuno cheered, Aoba Jousai remained frighteningly focused.
"Don't mind!" Kiku screamed to them.
They got the next point, but only thanks to Kageyama's serve being out. The plays and points carried on, intense serves and incredible plays one after another. They were neck-to-neck and if the players were calm wile giving their all, Kiku's heart was already about to burst from anxiety. She clicked her tongue in annoyance when Iwaizumi's spike was touched by Karasuno's blockers.
"Stop getting in the way of my boyfriend's spikes!" She mumbled, munching on her pen.
"That's… the whole point of the game…" Mizoguchi murmured to her.
It was even worse when Karasuno's number ten went and got a point that seemed to revive even more all the crows, and in turn, making Aoba Jousai grit their teeth.
"Tch, they've picked themselves up. But that's only thanks to my advice!" Oikawa hissed, glaring at Kageyama and Hinata from the other side of the court.
"Those two getting more confident is hardly a good thing." Iwaizumi answered.
"I know. Let's take our time and form a strategy." Oikawa answered with a dangerously calm voice.
A few plays later and when Matsukawa rotated in, Oikawa's words became the inevitable reality: they managed to stop the super quick by forcing the number ten at spiking straight spikes. Little by little, the teams got over the 20s and closer to the end of the first set. When the rotation brought Oikawa to the serve, his intense focus sent chills of excitement or chills of fear down the spines of his teammates and opponents alike. He tossed the ball, jumped and– the other side's receivers didn't get a chance to even see the ball as it hit the ground with a tremendous sound.
Everyone turned silent. Kiku felt herself pale at the mere strength he had put into this serve. It wasn't just a serve, it was as powerful as a spike, it was– frighteningly impressive. The whistle resonated and Karasuno and Aoba Jousai respectively sighed in relief or swallowed back their bitterness when the serve was out – they couldn't blame their Captain for failing just this once, when this much power was put into the serve. They knew that when he used that much power, it was risky, and they also knew he wouldn't let such a mistake happen again.
"So close!"
"Don't mind!"
"Argh… now Karasuno is at a set point…" Kiku mumbled.
"Kiku." Irihata simply said, and she knew what to do, "This is no time to panic. They need to get out there and fight."
She pulled out the card with the number thirteen and Irihata asked for a change in players as soon as Iwaizumi got the point and got Aoba Jousai that close to catching up to Karasuno and get the set.
"Right now?" Oikawa murmured to himself with a grin as Kyoutani switched in, taking Kunimi's place.
Karasuno was wary of Kyoutani, as they should be, and the following play, when Oikawa tossed for Kindaichi, Kyoutani suddenly rushed in. He jumped and spiked with amazing power, everyone stunned by his sudden appearance and the way he had invaded the court with his mere presence so quickly.
When the whistle called the ball out, everyone on Aoba Jousai stiffened in annoyance. Kiku hit her forehead with her notebook.
"That's dangerous!" Iwaizumi shouted, hitting Kyoutani hard on the head.
Everyone startled and Kiku looked up from behind her notebook, blinking. Then everyone was, yet again, as per usual, in awe at their Ace for having the courage to not only scold the difficult lone-wolf of the team; but hit him to strengthen the meaning of his words.
"Yeah, that's it! That's how to start!" Oikawa exclaimed proudly.
"Oh, uh, I'm fine…!" Kindaichi piped in hesitantly.
"I was feeling stressed because I hadn't been put in the match." Kyoutani answered, annoyed to receive a scolding from the only senpai he respected at least a little bit.
"That's not a valid reason!" Oikawa hissed.
As they went for drinks and towels, Kiku hovered near Kindaichi:
"Are you okay? You didn't get hurt when you fell?" She asked him worriedly.
"Ah! No! I'm fine!" He exclaimed, startling and flushing a little.
She smiled in relief before immediately whipping towards Kyoutani, frowning and slapping his arm with her notebook:
"And you! What were you thinking?! What are these manners?! Don't steal others' balls or put others in danger just because you're frustrated – especially to fail! There's no reason for you to be on court if you're going to lose us points!" She scolded.
"…Sorry…" He grumbled, frowning and looking away.
She huffed, still glaring while Iwaizumi crossed his arms over his chest proudly, and everyone backed of one step away from the power-couple, impressed and mildly scared. Only they could scold and hit Kyoutani and survive it.
Once back on court, Oikawa gave him a few more words:
"You're more or less free to do as you want, but if you interfere with us, you'll be back on the bench." He told Kyouken-chan.
He barely acknowledged the Captain while Iwaizumi stepped froward:
"Just don't do any unnecessarily dangerous play." He added.
"Right." He answered with a nod.
"Why do you only reply to Iwa-chan or Kiku-chan?!" Oikawa hissed, feeling betrayed he wouldn't obey his Captain.
Kyoutani only huffed in answer, but they all knew it was because only Iwaizumi and their sweet manager had the guts to look him down and have the strength of mind to not back away.
But thanks to Kyoutani's powerful play and the new, erratic rhythm of Aoba Jousai that Karasuno wasn't familiar with, they got many points, accumulating them. Putting Kyoutani in was a dangerous bet, but so far, it was working just as expected.
"Oikawa-kun is truly impressive… being able to use Kyouken-chan so effectively even if he's not good with the rest of the team…" Kiku murmured, the coaches nodding at these words.
"I wouldn't have trusted anyone else to use Kyoutani, if Oikawa hadn't insisted." Irihata agreed.
Despite a few mistakes and shouts here and there, the rest of the set continued in favor of Aoba Jousai slowly racking up points, even if Karasuno was close behind. They switched in their other setter but not to replace Kageyama, like for the match of the Inter-High, but to use new tactics and strategy with the two setters working together. But it still wasn't enough and now panicking with the points difference getting wider, Karasuno called in his pinch server.
"I remember him, he missed his jump floater during the Inter-High… The poor thing had looked so devastated…" Kiku said, almost wishing for him to get his serve right – but immediately regretting betraying her support for her own team.
Still, when he took his time to serve and got it over the net and when it went long but that at the last moment, it curved back and was in. Everyone cheered – except, of course, Aoba Jousai, but Kiku couldn't help and be happy for Karasuno's pinch server, his pride and joy contagious.
"Oi, whose manager are you?" Mizoguchi mumbled, annoyed by the point Karasuno had gotten that had been important enough to lift their spirits, "Don't let Iwaizumi see you support the other team or he'll get angry."
She was about to answer when a glare from Iwaizumi attracted their attention. She startled, unable to meet his gaze in shame while Mizoguchi couldn't help but smile at that:
"Too late," he remarked.
She looked away sheepishly while the pinch server got ready for another serve. And it was another point for Karasuno. And then another – they had received the float serve but Karasuno's spiker got the point.
"Now it's starting to annoy me…" Kiku mumbled, almost tearing apart her notebook after Iwaizumi's spike had been stopped.
At that, Irihata stood up, breaking the momentum with a time-out.
"That number twelve… that was a really bold receive." Iwaizumi muttered annoyingly that his serve had been (somewhat) received by a puny first-year.
"That wast just luck, though!" Oikawa answered.
"Don't mind, you'll get the next point and stop his serves!" Kiku said, handing him a water bottle.
Iwaizumi looked down at her, still annoyed by his last spike being received, and still a little jealous of her initial reaction. He huffed, grabbing the water bottle.
"Of course we will!" He exclaimed.
"You're… um, not angry at me, are you?" She asked shyly.
"Why would I be?" He grumbled, lips around the water cup.
She glanced around hesitantly but before she could answer, he gave her back the water bottle and quickly put his hand over her head.
"You're kind to everyone and I know it. That's why I admire you so much. So there's nothing to be angry at. Except if you switch to the enemy's side, then I'll be really pissed off!" He said, matter-of-factly.
She looked up at him, eyes glowing in awe just as Oikawa couldn't help but pipe in:
"As long as you keep encouraging him, and that you have eyes only for him, Iwa-chan won't hold it against you, Kiku-chan~!" He exclaimed.
"Oi!" Iwaizumi growled, getting embarrassed.
"How could I possibly look away from the Ace of my heart?" She said, sending her boyfriend a teasing glance.
He pouted as he flushed, pretending to be tougher than that but his best friend and girlfriend chuckled at the tender heart they knew he hid under his rough appearance. As soon as the time-out was over, though, everyone was focused once again. They would not let Karasuno and this first-year get any more points.
Unfortunately, after a net-in, Karasuno caught up with Aoba Jousai. Just two more points and they'd win this match.
A sudden fear that they might not win wrapped around Kiku's heart and she watched worriedly on the court as the team got more and more tense. It couldn't be their last match, not now, not like that. Not when they had their revenge to take, not when they deserved to go to Nationals…
"All right! Let's calm down, now!" Oikawa exclaimed, even if his words didn't seem to make much of a change in the players' hearts.
"I am calm." Iwaizumi answered.
"That one couldn't be helped." Hanamaki shrugged.
"We'll get the next one," Matsukawa agreed, tapping his hand.
"That's it, you guys! You guys are too great, you make your Captain sad!" Oikawa added for good-measure, trying to have the final word.
They walked back into their positions, ignoring his blabbering… and smiling. Thinking back on their three years with this guy, thinking back on all the time spent together, their friendship and common goals… and if it left a smile on their faces, even at the edge of defeat, then Kiku could only relax and smile as well. Victory or defeat, it was in their own hands and they wouldn't regret a single play.
But after a long rally, the ball blocked by Seijou was out.
"M-match point for Karasuno…" Kiku realized, fingers on her lips in disbelief.
She immediately glanced at Hajime, worried, but he was as serious as ever. Nothing would break his concentration. She admired him for that but… but…
Another serve, received by Watari. Oikawa served for Iwaizumi's back attack – perhaps their last one, perhaps their last play together, perhaps–
The timing, the angle, the strength, everything was perfect. They were in perfect synchronization, like always and the pinch server couldn't receive Seijou's Ace's spike.
"All right!" Iwaizumi shouted, closing his fists tightly.
"Nice kill!"
Kiku sighed in relief, almost falling off her seat.
With this point, Seijou was back in the game and even if they were neck-to-neck with Karasuno, they caught up and didn't let them get the match. Just as they were equal and absolutely needed to get the point, it was Oikawa's turn to go for a serve. He had failed his last tries but it didn't scare him for putting so much power into his serve that Karasuno's brilliant libero couldn't get it and they finally turned it around, turning it into a set point!
"Nice kill!" Kiku exclaimed, standing up, as excited as Mizoguchi.
"Damn it!" Karasuno's libero shouted.
The following point weighted so much, Kiku could hear her heart beating. Oikawa tossed the ball up, hit it strongly. It was received by Karasuno's Captain and as soon as Oikawa got the opportunity to toss, he trusted the ball to Iwaizumi who, without fail, got the point that allowed Aoba Jousai to win this set.
"All right!" He shouted, everyone surrounding him proudly.
While they were taking a break in-between the sets, a little more relaxed now that they knew they hadn't lost yet and would still have a chance to fight in a third set and win this match, Kiku made sure to distribute water bottles and towels to everyone.
"I almost thought for a moment that Karasuno might win…" Kiku murmured, worry and nervousness in her voice.
"We haven't won yet." Iwaizumi answered darkly, ready to go all out in the last set.
It didn't reassure her but she caught sight of the excited light shining in the players' eyes. Her gaze glanced at the banner of Aoba Jousai, the constant cheering for the team in the background.
"Rule the court." Kiku said.
Iwaizumi turned to her, lips falling open, surprised by her determined tone. Oikawa, and the rest of the team heard her as well and they all smirked, reinvigorated by their manager's words.
"As the queen wishes~!" Oikawa said as he turned towards the court, followed closely by his team, "Let's win this match!"
"OOSSS!"
The third set started as intensely as the match had been until now. If anything, everyone was more determined to grab victory. The only problem being that Kyoutani was making more and more misses and it was slowly throwing off the team's balance. Finally, he was forced to switch out, letting Kunimi back on the court.
"Calm down if you want to go back on the court," Irihata told him.
Angry, Kyoutani turned around and threw the panel with his number at Kiku who barely managed to receive it before storming towards the sidelines, everyone stepping away in fear to be on the receiving end of his anger. She looked at him worriedly but didn't have time to think of anything to do before Yahaba was the one to intervene: from afar she saw him talk with Kyoutani and then grab him and push him against the wall. She started standing up, afraid they'd get into a fight but they talked, harshly from the expressions on their faces. The others were keeping their backs away from the argument, making sure to not acknowledge it and bring trouble to the whole team if the referees noticed anything.
"Sit down," Mizoguchi said, eyes on the game, "They're only saying what needs to be said."
Kiku hesitated, but obeyed his words, sitting down and glancing occasionally at the players. Yahaba wasn't holding Kyoutani any longer, they were back with the rest of the boys, encouraging their teammates… and a new determination was shining in Kyoutani's eyes.
"I… suppose they did…" She agreed, still staring from afar.
Irihata noticed this as well and soon after, Kyoutani got another chance into the game. This time, he played well and the team surrounded him proudly. Kiku smiled, glad that it had turned out all right, especially when she noticed the gleam of joy in his eyes.
"I was worried that he might not get along with the rest of the team and it'd cause trouble once Iwaizumi-san and the rest of us would be gone but… he'll be all right. They'll be all right." She said.
"They will be," Irihata confirmed with a smile.
It made Kiku a little sad to know that the third-years weren't needed anymore for Aoba Jousai's team to continue… but it was also reassuring to know that no matter what happened with this match, who would win and move to the next stage… the third-years could smile and move on with their lives without having any doubt or regret.
Kiku's attention was drawn back on the court when the number ten's voice resonated loud enough for her, and everyone else, to hear:
"But! When I'm here, you're invincible!" He exclaimed to Kageyama.
Everyone stared at him in awe, and Iwaizumi was the first to react:
"That's super awesome!" He said – and Kiku was willing to bet he'd try to use this sentence as well.
"Seriously…" Oikawa agreed, but with a hard voice, sensing the challenge Hinata and Kageyama were unknowingly sending them.
"All of your spikes kept getting picked up, so what are you talking about?" Kageyama replied without remorse.
Kiku had to hold back her laugh but her amusement died down when she noticed the look on Iwaizumi and Oikawa's faces. These were the looks that said "we're accepting your challenge, and WE will be the strongest duo!" and she was glad to not be the one confronting them when their switches were turned on and they were ready to go all out. Because no matter who was challenging them, no one would beat Oikawa and Iwaizumi when it came to teamwork and invincibility.
But Karasuno got the following point anyway, because of an incredible move from the super quick's duo – Hinata flicked his wrist after a toss close to the net.
"He finally made a move, this number ten…" Iwaizumi grumbled, frowning darkly.
"Yeah… those two never cease to surprise me…" Oikawa agreed.
Iwaizumi turned towards him, about to say something to make him snap back into his usual confident self, not wanting him to get self-doubts because of Kageyama's genius now. But he didn't have to, because Oikawa looked straight into his eyes with a victorious smile:
"But… a volleyball team with six strong players is stronger."
They stared at each other, the same memories of what had happened three years ago going through their minds. The silent promise that had been sealed back then, and was being renewed today.
They wouldn't fail, they wouldn't lose. Because they had the strongest team.
"If you understand that, then it's good." Iwaizumi answered, turning back towards the net.
Oikawa couldn't see his expression but at this moment, Iwaizumi let out a sigh, his mask of unwavering confidence shaking just lightly. Not because he doubted the statement, but because he had realized that, even if Oikawa had been following this mantra for the last three years… he was finally flying with his own wings. He still wanted to win against Ushiwaka and go to Nationals, he still disliked Kageyama… but he wouldn't let it get to him any more. He wouldn't let it get in the way of his career. Which meant that Oikawa didn't need his pillar of strength anymore. He didn't need Iwaizumi anymore… and frankly, even if it had been what Iwaizumi had wished for all along… he wasn't sure how he really felt. Taking care of Oikawa, guiding him, supporting him, pushing him forward or pulling away backwards depending on what he needed – it had been his role for years, it was his way to focus and perhaps he had been relying on Oikawa just as much; but now that his best friend didn't need him anymore, that he'll go his own way… he felt at a loss.
But still, Hajime smiled. Because he didn't have to worry about him, he could focus on his own career and not rely solely on Oikawa. It was a relief, and it felt sad, but it was the best for both of them.
The whistle reminded him that they were in the middle of a match. He'll get emotional and reminisce on the past later. Right now, they had a match to win.
The point were played one after another, Karasuno catching up with Seijou and the rallies getting longer, both teams more desperate to not let the ball fall on their side. Aoba Jousai got into their 20s first, which was a boost for the morale of the team.
After a few more amazing plays, and thanks to Oikawa's incredible serve, Aoba Jousai was at match point. Just as Karasuno was one point away from catching up, they switched in their other setter. With a block with a sudden jump from the wild beast that was number ten, they marked another point, catching up with Aoba Jousai. This following point might weight the entire fate of the game, and with this other setter, they knew something might come but thankfully, he got the first touch. Karasuno went for a synchronized attack but no spiker hit the ball as Kageyama made a second-hand attack. Upon seeing it, Oikawa ran with all of his strength and jumped down to pick it up.
"You little brats!" He shouted, falling on the floor.
The ball landed right in front of him. He looked up at Kageyama, pure rage on his face as he glared at the first-year genius setter. Memories of everything he had been through, all the efforts he's put into training, into getting stronger, into his trauma and fears flashed in his mind, overwhelming him so suddenly he felt like chocking. For a moment, Tooru didn't breathe, gaze dark and hidden by his hair while Karasuno cheered, the sound resonating in his ears and rattling his soul, as if trying to open up the flow of his fears and doubts all over again.
"I know…" He whispered harshly, slowly standing up, almost painfully, "But… I won't lose." He said, staring right ahead of him, unwavering resoluteness set on his face.
One more point, and Karasuno would win this match.
A time-out was asked by Aoba Jousai, the players going back to their water bottles and towels.
"Damn it, it pisses me off!" Iwaizumi exclaimed – he had been close to go for the ball but hadn't reacted in time to receive this second-hand.
"That's definitely Oikawa's junior…" Hanamaki said, glancing quickly at Kageyama at the other side of the court.
"He's got a setter's disposition, staying confident in a moment like that." Yahaba muttered, helping out Kiku with distributing the towels and bottles, "I'd love some of that…"
Oikawa listened to their words, then remembered something from a few years ago, that a coach had told him, and just as much as Iwaizumi's support, it had guided him for a long time now…
"Have you found the limit of your abilities? Even though your technique, body, and mentality aren't complete? People who are naturally better than you have been different from you ever since they were born. It's impossible to turn that around, no matter how hard you work, how well you strategize, or who your teammates are. You can complain about that, once you've actually done everything you possibly can. Rather than despairing and giving up because you're not a genius, believe that your strength is not limited to this, and to continue on the path ahead of you… It may be harsh to say so, but…"
"…Today might be the day to grasp the chance to let your talent bloom." Oikawa continued outloud, slowly, carefully, thoughtfully, grasping a new sense of these words as if he was hearing them for the first time all over again.
He paused, earning the attention of his teammates as he continued:
"Maybe tomorrow, the day after, or next year… maybe even when you're thirty. I'm not sure if physique has anything to do with it, but if you think it'll never come, it probably never will." He finished, confident steps taking him forward.
Kiku watched the team getting ready for the last line until victory or defeat, the third-years giving advices and instructions to their kouhai to be certain everyone was ready and knew what to do. She wanted to say something but she had nothing to say anymore. They knew she was supporting them, and she knew they could win.
They went back on court for the last few plays, a strange sense of calm guiding them for whatever would happen next.
Another serve from Karasuno's second setter, received by Iwaizumi, Kyoutani spiked the ball but it was received and a back attack from Karasuno's Ace almost got them the victory. Hanamaki saved the ball, but it was off. Oikawa ran after it, he pointed from across the court at his pillar, his Ace, a quick glance silently telling him "it'll be yours". Iwaizumi got ready as Oikawa ran for the ball and jumped, tossing while turning around. Everyone's eyes widened, mouths falling open. A super-long and fast set-up from across the court. Iwaizumi jumped to spike it just as Oikawa fell into a pile of stuff, immediately getting up and sliding down before running desperately back on the court.
Talent is something you make bloom! Instinct is something you polish!
Right on! He realized with satisfaction when Iwaizumi's hand hit the ball at the perfection.
But Karasuno's Captain received the ball, when it was off, Mizoguchi jumped in happiness, Kiku following his example, clenching tightly her notebook. But their relief was short-lived when the ball was saved and went back towards the court.
Six who are strong are stronger!
Karasuno's Ace spiked it in the air, it flew over the net and Watari got it, but it went right into the net. Everyone's hearts stopped beating for a moment when it rolled and almost fell down but Kyoutani saved it. Kindaichi spiked it past Kageyama's arms and it hit the other's setter face but it was in the air once again.
"Give it to me!" Hinata shouted, started a run up.
Come on, come at me with your ultimate weapon, Tobio!
Kageyama ran under the ball while Iwaizumi, Kindaichi and Kyoutani jumped to block the number ten. The toss was sent towards Hinata who spiked it. It hit the blockers' arms and then flew. Oikawa saw it, a step aside, his arms advancing forward and already, the ball was hitting his arms. It bounced off and flew behind him. His eyes followed it desperately as it fell on the floor. It bounced a little, no one had had time to react, no one had been behind to save it.
Silence.
A long, agonizingly long silence even though it didn't last any longer than any other silence on court, even though they already knew the result – it only made it all the more painful to wait for the final whistle. It didn't even resonate, covered by Karasuno's ecstatic cheering and the crowd's shocked screams.
Some fell down on the floor, others just remained standing and Oikawa slowly stood up, still staring at the still ball. If only he had moved a little further, if only he had read the move better, if only–
The whistle indicating the end of the match resonated and a few steps around reminded Aoba Jousai that they had to move. Oikawa turned around and saw Kageyama at the other side of the net, glowing in his ecstatic joy to have won, sharing this happiness with his teammates. Even if everyone moved to line up, Oikawa walked in the opposite direction, catching the eyes of Kageyama who looked up at him, separated by the net.
They stared at each other for a while. Even though there were many untold words and still bad blood between them, everything they had needed to express was known to the other.
Oikawa wished he would have felt at peace, now that he had confronted Kageyama twice, that he knew his own strength and his, that everything that had needed to be done was done. But he wasn't. He wasn't feeling at peace, the only reason why he wasn't breaking yet was because reality hadn't caught up yet, because he wasn't satisfied with this outcome. It wasn't supposed to be like this, he hadn't worked so hard for it to end like this…!
Face scrunched in a mix of disgust and bitterness – at Kageyama's genius, Ushiwaka's power and mostly, at himself, Oikawa spoke up in a stern voice:
"Now we're at one loss, one win. Don't get on your high horse."
Kageyama's brows furrowed as he answered:
"I won't."
They turned away from each other to join their teammates. They bowed down, thanking their opponents for this match, and shook hands before going to see the coaches, not really hearing whatever Karasuno's coaches had to say. Then they went to Aoba Jousai's coaches, too ashamed to face them in the eyes when they had had so much expectations for them. What would they say? They had lost – against Karasuno! They wouldn't get another chance, their competition was finished now.
"Say what you will, but the results are what you see. There's no way your disappointment will subside. I'm sure there are even some plays you regret. With that in mind, let me just say something…" Irihata started.
Kiku, eyes filled with tears, glanced at Iwaizumi who was keeping his face scrunched up, holding back the emotions and the tears. His fists and jaw were tight and he was trembling. It wasn't just the end of the competition for him, or the other third-years. It was the end of his high-school volleyball career, their last match together, their last match with this team, their last chance to go to Nationals… gone.
Irihata took a deep breath.
"You fought well."
The tears spilled over, and they started crying, trying to cover their eyes and hold back their sobs, without luck.
Hajime closed his eyes tightly, letting tears roll down his cheeks but before Kiku could move towards him, Oikawa's strangely calm voice resonated:
"Let's go greet the people in the stands."
His team moved automatically towards the crowd that had supported them for this match.
Hajime's steps slowed down, as he thought back on his last spike. The timing had been perfect, despite the toss being sent from the other side of the court and yet… and yet…!
How can I be the Ace when I couldn't even make that?! He thought bitterly, angry at himself for not being strong enough to get this one point that might have changed everything.
He bit on his lower lip, tears and pearls of sweat rolling down his face. Suddenly, his back was slammed by Oikawa. Then by Hanamaki. Then Matsukawa. No words needed. Just unwavering faith in their Ace. Unwavering faith in the Ace Oikawa had had his entire life.
Ashamed of his tears, of his defeat, of letting down his teammates, Hajime wiped away his tears with his jersey. His teammates and friends were here, supporting him and counting on him despite everything. He couldn't believe it had been their last match, and they might have lost, but at the very least… they had played with everything they had, and it had been a glorious defeat.
He joined the rest of the team. Oikawa glanced to make sure he was here and as all right as he could be then they all looked up at the stands.
"Thank you very much!" He exclaimed, bowing down.
"Thank you very much!" His teammates echoed while they were applauded by the crowd.
The third-years remained a little longer like that, bowed down and branding this moment, this feeling into their memories.
Rule the Court.
It was their final bow.
They moved to stretch and get dressed. They got their bags and exited the courts, the only one staying back being Oikawa. The moment he'll step away from the court, it'll be all over. He stared firmly at the scene of Karasuno's triumph, then turned around to leave without another glance.
Kiku hurried after the boys' long legs, taking them away from the courts. She caught up with Haijme, glancing up at him sadly but not knowing what to say. He glanced very quickly at her but immediately looked away and went to a stop, glancing around. When he didn't see Oikawa, he stopped, letting his bag down. They all went to a stop, waiting for the ones who went to the toilets and were scattered around the gymnasium.
"Are you…"
Kiku's voice broke, knowing very well he wasn't okay. He didn't say anything as she reached and softly tugged at his shirt.
"…I need to find Oikawa… where did he go…" He mumbled, pushing himself off the wall to find his friend.
Kiku tightened her lips as he tried to step away but her arm surrounded his waist, stopping him there.
"You… don't have to take care of him. You have the right to take time for yourself too." She said in a low voice, "You're hurting too…" She added, voice breaking once again.
She hated seeing him like this. Shoulders down, lost gaze, wet trails of tears on his cheeks, reddened eyes, body tense and trembling from holding back his frustrated sadness… He shook even more against her arm. She looked up just as he closed his eyes tightly, tears shining in the corner of his eyes. Hanamaki and Matsukawa looked away, letting a few more bitter tears roll down. Everyone ignored their Ace breaking a little, because they shared the same feelings.
Kiku slowly reached up for his shoulders and pulled down Hajime, caressing his hair. He took a few shaky breaths in, tears wetting the shirt on her shoulder as he silently cried, holding onto her with trembling hands.
A first-year went to look for Oikawa who gave him some instruction. Then he turned around and froze, face-to-face with Ushijima Wakatoshi. After some wary eying, Oikawa decided to ignore him but as he walked past him, the Super Ace spoke up:
"This is a warning, Oikawa. Don't choose the wrong path again. You chose the wrong path. There was a place where you could have realized your full potential. Because of your worthless pride, you didn't choose it."
There was a moment of silence where Oikawa thought deeply about these words that hit a little too closely his heart to remain calm. Ushijima thought for a short while that he might just ignore him and keep walking but then, the setter spoke up:
"So you're trying to tell me that I should have gone to Shiratorizawa instead of Seijou, right?"
He paused quickly, putting his hands on his hips as he thought back, bitterly, at the results of the day.
"No team is guaranteed victory."
"If nothing else, I can say that my team is the strongest one here." Ushijima answered with unwavering confidence.
Oikawa stared at him with wide eyes, not believing the nerve he possessed to say that.
"AH! I see you're still laughably confident!" He exclaimed accusingly.
He closed his eyes quickly, smiling a little sadly.
"Worthless pride, uh?" He repeated in a low voice, "That's true…"
Silence then he opened his eyes, staring at his rival:
"Listen up, Ushijima, I never thought my decision was wrong, and my volleyball hasn't ended at all. Don't you ever forget this worthless pride of mine!" He said in a strong, hissing voice, his features twisted by the raw determination shining in his eyes.
Ushijima didn't react to it, knowing very well how prideful this man could be. Oikawa then shrugged, relaxing a little now that his slightly threatening promise of not giving up was pronounced:
"Oh, yeah. If you keep all your attention on me, you're going to get stabbed from the direction you least expect."
"What do you mean?"
"My kouhai isn't smart, and isn't even close to my level yet… But now that he's not by himself, he's strong." He explained with a hard gaze and challenging smirk, "When crows flock, they might even kill a huge, white eagle."
Ushijima frowned as Oikawa walked away, smile dropping and even if his shoulders remained relaxed and his walk calm, his hands in his pockets trembled and he clenched his fists.
Once everyone was in the bus, they went back to Aoba Jousai, an unusual quietness filling the way back. Everyone felt a little numb from the exhaustion, and the unexpected defeat was still difficult to wrap their minds around. They had a reunion with the coaches, the third-years feeling even heavier than before then the whole team went to eat ramen together. Even Kyoutani joined, despite leaving first, followed closely by Kunimi.
"Kiku," Irihata called after the coaches had paid for the boys' well-deserved meal, "I'll drive you back to your parents. I'll wait for you outside."
Kiku hesitated, glancing at the boys who were half-crying, half-eating, and trying to forget their bitterness with an overwhelming amount of bad jokes. She stared at Hajime who was currently trying to help out Kindaichi who was still crying and sobbing. She wanted to be here for him, for the whole team, but she also knew that Hajime, and no one else, really needed her help or comfort. They had been defeated years after years and always got back on their feet. They would do it again. She had been their manager for only a few months, it didn't mean much but… she just knew that right now, they needed team-time. The team they had been for the last three years.
Waltzing quickly towards Hajime, she patted his shoulder.
"My uncle wants to drive me home, do you um, need a ride? Or do you want me to stay with you?" She asked.
"Ah, uh…"
Hajime hesitated, glancing around, then at Oikawa, then back at her. His eyes were still a little glossy after all his tears.
"It's okay, you should go home. I'll make sure no one makes a mess here. I'll call you tonight."
She stared at him firmly but he avoided her gaze. He wanted to be alone with his team, with his best friend and setter, with himself. Kissing his forehead, she made a sound of agreement before leaving, saying goodbye at whoever would hear her between their sniffles. Hajime watched her leave before focusing back on the conversation going on, even if no one really maintained a conversation other than a bittersweet recall of the day's match.
By the time everyone was done with their food, the second and first years departed and the third-years went their own way, talking to each other a littler longer, to try for the end of the day to be later.
"Cheer up, Hajime!" Yuda Kaneo exclaimed, a fellow third-year, "The crease between your brows is incredible!"
"I know…!" He mumbled, but being told that only made him frown even more.
"Sawamura-kun's receives, monk cut-kun's follow ups, beard-kun's spikes, Watacchi's receives, Kyouken-chan's folows ups, Tobio's direct tosses, Kindaichi's blocks…" Yuda continued, remembering every play, "Everyone gave it 120% at that time."
It almost cheered Hajime up. Almost. But as Ace of the team, as the pillar of the team, he shouldn't have given just 120% of himself, he should have given 200% but now, it was too late and he could only bear with his regrets.
"And when you add them up, Karasuno was just a bit higher at that moment!" Oikawa said, frowning darkly at the memory, "Just a bit, all right!"
Oikawa then turned towards his Ace:
"But rather than that, you should be praising yourself for hitting that toss perfect timing, Iwa-chan." He said, proud they had managed to hit so perfectly such a set-up.
There was a moment where Iwaizumi pondered this, but then he frowned and after a deep breath, let it all out – everything he hadn't said until now, that they all knew he felt, but he needed to say it out loud to acknowledge it:
"The fact that the toss and timing were perfect makes it that much more frustrating!" He exclaimed, trying hard not to let his voice break.
"That's true!" Oikawa exclaimed, startling him, before slamming his own hand against his chest, the sensation burning against his skin even through the shirt, "But I should be the one feeling down since I was the last one to react and couldn't return it! I'm the one who's frustrated, okay!"
Annoyed that he'd belittle himself so much, when he had reacted more than he did, Iwaizumi grabbed Oikawa and pushed him away, no one really minding their usual banter. It was nice to see their Captain and Vice-Captain letting out the steam and be the same as they always were.
"What are they competing about?" Mattsun asked.
"Oh, well, same old, same old." Hanamaki said with a shrug.
"…But, y'know…" Matsukawa continued, an amused smile on his face, "Weren't we heading home?"
The group of third-years all looked up at the gymnasium they had instinctively gone back to. They didn't really think about anything as they entered it, put up everything as it always was then started training, improvising a match together.
"Shit, the ramen! I'm gonna hurl!" Hanamaki whined after a while, doing too much exercise after eating too much ramen.
"My sides are killing me!" Iwaizumi added.
"Quit going all out with your serves, Oikawa!" Matsukawa scolded after a failed receive.
They continued their usual shenanigan until they felt too sick and too tired to keep playing.
"Let's start cleaning up slowly before the patrol comes," Iwaizumi said.
Before they could seriously clean up, Oikawa looked at them before speaking up:
"…Can I have your attention for a second, guys?" He requested.
Immediately understanding his intentions, Hanamaki tried to keep him from opening his mouth:
"Oi, knock it off! We're going out of our way to finish things off on a high note! Let's just end this peacefully!"
"SHUT IT!" Oikawa shouted, startling him.
Hanamaki froze then glanced at the others and they all waited for their Captain's words. Oikawa looked at each and every one of them before taking a deep breath, tears filling his eyes. He thought back on the day they first entered this gymnasium as intimidated but determined first-years. He thought back on the hours and hours of practice and training they spent there. He thought back on the friendships they created, and the bonds they deepened over the years.
"You chose the wrong path."
His lips trembled, but a smile widened on his face. Regardless of the results and how many regrets and bitterness he still held in his heart… how could this possibly be the wrong path?
"Thanks for the past three years!" He exclaimed, flows of tears rolling down his cheeks.
His teammates and friends all teared up and it was their turn to start crying again.
"…What'd I tell you…" Hanamaki muttered in a broken voice.
They cried and cleaned up the gymnasium. They wiped their tears and smiled, thinking back on the memories they had from this place.
On their way back home, slowly walking under the moonlight, not having anything to say, Oikawa and Iwaizumi thought back on everything that had happened and they had done today…
"You probably won't be happy until you become an old man." Iwaizumi suddenly said.
"What? What kind of curse are you placing on me all of a sudden?!" Oikawa exclaimed, not understanding what he was trying to say.
"Regardless of whatever tournament you win, you'll live chasing volleyball your whole life without being perfectly content, because you're a real troublesome guy." Iwaizumi continued calmly.
"Don't stick an insult in there at a time like this!"
Iwaizumi ignored him to finish:
"But keep moving forward without hesitation."
Oikawa glanced at him as he went to a stop. Then Iwaizumi smiled one of these rare, honest smiles and for once, everything he said came from the heart:
"You're my partner that I can be proud of and a really incredible setter. Even if our teams change from now on, that won't change." Iwaizumi said with a proud smile to have seen his best friend become such an amazing player, "But when we compete, I'll take you down!" He added with a determined frown.
Oikawa stared at him, stunned by his honest words. Even if he knew Iwa-chan thought of him as his partner and an incredible setter, just as he thought of the same about his Ace, it was the first time he was saying the words outloud. Perhaps they had never expressed it before because before there has never been an end to them – but now… Now this was the end of a part of their life and a new chapter to get to. They won't be on the volleyball club of Aoba Jousai any longer and starting next year, they'll play in different prefectures. For the first time in their lives they will play with different players.
"…I wouldn't want it any other way." Oikawa answered.
They stared at each other, thinking back on everything they had lived together. Watching volleyball matches on tv as children, learning to play volleyball in the park, Kitagawa Daiichi, Aoba Jousai… For as long as they could remember, they had been together and they had played together. It felt strange, imagining it won't be the case any longer…
Like they had done so many times before, they lifted up their fists and bumped them together.
…But they would always be partners, the King and his Ace.
The last part witht he 3rd eyars is from a bonus chapter from the manga + it will be in the movie for Karasuno VS Seijou. I hope you enjoyed this final, glorious match of Aoba Jousai! I can't bleieve we have to tell them goodbye, i'm stil not okay with this... There is a beautiful amv on youtube called "Final Bow", watch it, it's definitely worth it! ;)
Also, with the Sping High arc (practically) over, I'm going to go back to posting on Sowlmates and try to keep the two stories' chapter posting rhythm more or less similar! :)
In a few weeks in the QV's story, there is the National team training camp which is Sowlmates' next arc that I'm posting right after this one, so, you can see more of Oikawa, Iwaizumi AND Ushijima~! ;)
NEXT CHAPTER : TURNING POINT
Yours Truly,
May