Chapter 2:
Raging Nerves and Unsettling Jitters
Oikawa's eyes squinted as he adjusted to the blinding spotlights situated at the arena's ceilings.
The noise was surely deafening and he couldn't help his gaze pacing hastily around the arena. Not a single chair was left unoccupied in the bleachers. It was a sea of dark blue and white in the left part and the colors of the opposing team dominated the right.
It was a series of kaleidoscopic events. Fans were cheering and jeering their hearts out, the sport has really reached the limelight with each generation of players setting up the stage for the upcoming ones.
Volleyball is a team sport with six players playing inside the court. But with the atmosphere enveloping the arena's premises, both teams felt like they have found their seventh man in their respective crowds.
The umpire blew his whistle, making Oikawa cringe faintly. It signaled the start of his eight-second allowance to figure out where he's going to put and what kind of serve he's going to make.
Oikawa heaved a deep breath, his surrounding slowed in motion as he scouted the six players on the other side of the court.
Where? He whispered to himself as his gaze met Daichi Sawamura. Of course not! He mentally admonished as he chuckled at his own silliness. True enough, he can't give his serve - no matter how powerful it is - to Daichi, he has always been a steady defensive player for his team.
When you serve, always give it to the weakest link and in this case, it's not Sawamura.
The match between Kitagawa Daiichi and Izumitate Junior High is extended to a five-setter. Each team pushing the other to the brink of defeat, but not one of them thought of ever holding back.
A championship would mean a prize for the seniors as they move on to High School, and Oikawa, Iwaizumi, Daichi, and Ikejiri all knew this.
Since it's the final set, it's a race to fifteen points. But the scoreboard reads 14-14. A deuce. One team has to lead the other by two to bag the championship for themselves.
Oikawa was ready to toss the ball high enough for his signature jump serve, his peripheral vision caught the glimpse of a dark-haired boy. His disheveled locks fitting his looks perfectly.
Iwaizumi Hajime smiled at his best friend reassuringly, it was a smile that calmed down Oikawa's raging nerves and unsettling jitters. The moment Iwaizumi smiled at him, Oikawa knew everything will be alright.
Oikawa swung his arms backward and lunged directly at the ball, arching his back for maximum power, using his left hand as pointer and guide for him to make the perfect serve.
He grunted through gritted teeth as he looked at the opposing team's libero passing his powerful serve flawlessly.
The other team was able to execute a nice play, but Kitagawa Daiichi's defensive ace kept Izumitate from scoring.
The ball was high up and Oikawa positioned himself for the set. He eyed Iwaizumi, and it was as if their hearts spoke to each other, no verbal language was needed, their strong bond and connection spoke for themselves.
Oikawa tossed the ball up high and Iwaizumi went for the kill. But the blockers read him very well, his attack was converted into the other team's point courtesy of the defensive end.
A look of frustration was plastered on Oikawa's face. His heartbeat more frantic than before. The other team is now at championship point.
"Sorry Iwa-chan. Was the toss high enough?" Oikawa muttered softly as he hung his head low.
"No Shittykawa! I just messed up my timing, I picked up the ball late that's why I was under it, making it harder for me to penetrate the block. The toss was good as always, but in the next play, give me a B-quick!" Iwaizumi instructed, pumping his fists due to sheer excitement.
Oikawa stared at his best friend in awe, admiring the tenacity and the confidence oozing from Iwaizumi. "We'll get that point back Oi, we got this!" Iwa's hand landed on his left shoulder and Oikawa couldn't help but look at it as he flushed bright red.
"Yeah, we can." He replied calmly as he shrugged the unwanted thoughts away.
Sawamura was on deck serving and luckily, it was a safe serve which the libero received easily.
Iwaizumi hid himself behind the sophomore who's going in for a quick. He ran past him as the ball landed on Oikawa's palm and jumped right behind him, achieving the B-quick he asked a while ago.
The arena erupted as the scoreboard hit deuce again. Iwaizumi lunged directly at the chocolote-haired lad and lauded his toss.
Oikawa chuckled nervously as he shifted his weight on both his legs, trying to balance himself while Iwaizumi was on top of him.
"Let's score some more, Oi!" Iwa exclaimed encouragingly, much to Oikawa's delight.
Iwaizumi noticed that Oikawa was quivering while he was up front waiting for his teammate to serve. He knew there's a lot of pressure in Oikawa's sleeves right now, and the sight of him uncomfortable made him feel the same as well.
He grabbed Oikawa's hand in a comforting manner and squeezed it gently, calming him down for the nth time. He saw Oikawa flush bright red and he found it cute.
No need to worry. We'll finish this together. He thought, never letting go of Oikawa's hand and his gaze.
The next few minutes passed by so fast that Oikawa lost track of what was happening. The next thing he knew, white confetti showered in the arena like a swarm of butterflies. The loud beating of the drums brought by the cheering squad echoed louder and louder as each second passed by.
His face landed on Iwaizumi's chest as his best friend enveloped him in a tight hug. It sure was what he needed after everything they've been through to get here.
They've done it. They won the championship. They defeated Izumitate in the finals.
"We did it Shittykawa! We did it!" Tears brimmed Iwa's eyes as he chuckled heartily, still not letting go of Oikawa.
"Iwa-chan! Oikawa! Senpais! Thank you!" Their underclassmen approached the two seniors and lowered their heads out of gratitude and respect.
"No, thank you!" The two exclaimed in unison and the team gathered for a huddle.
They were greeted by lots of supporters in their way out of the arena and into their shuttle. Extending their greetings to them for being the champions.
Iwaizumi hastily sat down the window-side, leaving Oikawa pouting. "Iwa-chan! I want to sit by the window!"
Oikawa's whine elicited a chuckle from him, "No Oi, I was here first!" He said firmly but in a joking manner.
"Iwa-chan!" Oikawa squealed like a baby and Iwaizumi chuckled even more. He stood up in defeat, giving space to Oikawa as he sat by the window.
"I really can't resist your baby antics. You're like my baby!" Iwaizumi exclaimed making Oikawa flush bright red.
He sure can't understand his best friend. This is probably one of the rare events where he displays his soft facade. Iwaizumi was always mean to him, but nonetheless, he deeply cared for Oikawa.
"No, I'm not a baby!" Oikawa rolled his eyes at him and Iwaizumi scooted closer, Oikawa can now smell his perfume, still clinging to him after the grueling match.
"Sometimes you are. Sometimes you become my baby." He teased and Oikawa wasn't sure if he gave emphasis on the 'my baby' part or not.
Being this close to Iwaizumi made Oikawa feel something unusual. He felt giddy and an exhilarating feeling swooped inside. He couldn't understand what it was, he couldn't formulate and put it into words. But he is sure that he was happy. So happy.
They were interrupted when Iwaizumi's phone beeped. It was a message from his mom, and he opened it immediately.
"Congratulations son! You did it! Bring Oikawa with you here at home! His parents are here, we need to celebrate!" Iwaizumi read the message softly but audible enough for Oikawa to hear.
"Yehey!" The boy on his left squealed and he eyed him stoically. "Stop being so cute!" Iwaizumi hissed and Oikawa's eyes widened, much to the delight of Iwaizumi.
Him being caught off guard and left dumbfounded was Iwaizumi's guilty pleasure. It's very rare to see him like that, because he was always messy and annoying.
The ride was long and quiet inside the shuttle and Iwaizumi unconsciously rested his head on Oikawa's shoulder. A smile crept up on his face as he saw his best friend, sleeping soundly by his side.
