- Chapter 6 -

Go, go! Let's go! Let's go, Datekō! The bleacher had sung.

Tsukishima internally groaned. Their cheering had become increasingly annoying since he last heard of them. And they were not Karasuno's opponent yet.

Perhaps soon, since on what he engrossed from the current match, Tokonami High was slowly tripping in scores. With his last block against the Tokonami's spiker, it was an easy first set for Karasuno, and soon to be the same for the second set. That said, during the break, Tsukishima's eyes wandered to the neighboring court where Date Kōgyo was playing.

Datekō, for all his Iron Wall glory, has a strong offense. Their lead blocker, the one Hinata called no-eyebrows, the one Azumane scared so much, was fast and agile even for his stature. And their ace, jersey number 1, had done powerful spikes. Not only that, but their floor defense was also decent, able to follow through some receive and blocks.

Continuing on their match against Tokonami, as he had predicted, the second set was another easy win and so was Datekō's win. 25-7 and 25-8. Tsukishima pitied Datekō's current opponent. One last time he scanned the white and teal; they did not look tired at all. In fact, they looked ready for another fight.

Someone else caught his eyes. Far away from one side of the bleacher, where Shimizu had gone to untie Karasuno's Banner for the break, were a couple of familiar figures helping her. I failed against Datekō. But you still have the chance. You must win, Tsukishima. He remembered her message this morning. I'll be watching you. He reluctantly smirked at that.

Karasuno was resting in a vacant lobby, stretching their body and relaxing their mind, when Takeda-sensei and Shimizu returned with their bento lunches, with the help of two visitors from the other club.

"Oh, Aoki! Suzuki!" Hinata exclaimed.

"Hello!" Aoki smiled and bowed to the seniors around her, while handing over their food. "Congratulations on your win, senpai."

After receiving humble nods and thanks from the seniors, they turned back to the first-years. Suzuki offered them their pack. "Here. Eat up, winners!"

"Azas!" Hinata nodded, taking his bento. "This is my first win in my first official match. It was so exciting."

Kageyama agreed curtly, taking his own food. "How long have you been watching? Where's Mirai?"

"Yeah, Mirai couldn't come, she has band practice. But she wishes best of luck to all of you!" Aoki said to them. "But we didn't see the whole match, barely missing the second game set. But we will definitely see the next one. Date Kōgyo, isn't it?"

"That's right!"

"Ma, I just walked past them. Their players are scary!"

"Did you see that one of them got no eyebrows?" Hinata went on.

"Yes, yes. The tallest one and white haired…"

All while Suzuki sat down nearby Tsukishima. Though they didn't say anything, their shared glances were already a conversation on their own.

You really came, huh?

Of course. I told you, I'll be watching.

"Suzuki, I didn't think you'd be coming." Yamaguchi said out of the blue. "I am really glad."

"Fellow athletes of Class 4 need to support each other." She smiled. "Besides, I only want to make sure you win against Datekō."

"So it's like a revenge match? For you last match?"

"Is it not a revenge match for your team too?" she glanced at the seniors, particularly number 3 and 4. "Tsukishima told me Karasuno also lost to them a few months ago. So it is, isn't it?"

Quickly Yamaguchi eyes the quiet boy across from her. He was about to grin widely but when Tsukishima already coldly glared at him, Yamaguchi held back and coughed instead. "Right, that's kinda right."

Fortunately, Suzuki didn't bother to learn their exchange and went on to listen to Aoki and Hinata instead. Mostly to Hinata as he told them about his quick set as well as regular set, which he started to get the hang of.

While they were all listening to the story, Tsukishima ate peacefully, thinking. This was, in fact, the first time he saw Suzuki outside of her usual school uniform and basketball outfits; dressed in casual tucked-in t-shirt, jeans and sandals, and complemented with a flowy cardigan. She wore her hair differently too. Her usual high bun or tail had gone in exchange for dark curls framing her face. He only just saw her hair was that long, almost reaching her back. Has she always worn a necklace?

He felt a nudge on his leg and briefly looked away to see Tanaka-san had sat down next to him, a bright innocent grin on his face. The buzz-cut senior wiggled his brows, while stealing a look to the first-year girl and back to him. Tsukishima frowned.

After lunch, the team dispersed. Some took it outside to have a little warm up (that some were none other than Hinata and Kageyama), others decided to look around the gym; the fitness area, swimming pool, a famous wall decoration in the shape of a face, and other facilities within the Sendai City Gymnasium. Tsukishima decided to just lay low; to watch over the bags, per say.

"Can I sit here?" Suzuki had just returned from the restroom when he found him alone. He reluctantly moved some bags.

"How are you doing?" She asked.

"Just so."

"Just so?" Suzuki raised an eyebrow. "How was the match?"

"I am sure Hinata has told—"

"I know what I heard. But I want to hear it from you." She commented.

She was playing his own game, he replied with a smirk. "It was okay. The opponent wasn't that difficult to read. The win was predictable. Two straight sets won."

"You don't sound as happy as the others."

"Hm, the day hasn't yet ended. There's still one match to go."

"Date Kōgyo." She summarized for him. "Are you nervous?"

"Not really."

"Really?"

"Maybe."

Suzuki squinted her eyes at him. "That was nervous. You are nervous, aren't you? It's okay to admit that, you know."

"Nervousness is only a mindset. It should not affect the real physical being."

"But you do have that in mind."

"Of course. Everyone has." Tsukishima glanced at her and sighed, leaning his head back against the wall. "But I try not to think about it too much. Like I said, it shouldn't mess you up."

"I can only conclude that you are great with keeping your head clear. Not many people can do that and go on with life smoothly." She stated.

Tsukishima approved her conclusion, and a sly smirk came across. "I like the sound of that."

"But I wonder just how clear your head is while in the game. Especially with the Iron Wall blocking your summit." She suddenly said, "Would you dare to spike against them?"

"If the game needs me to spike then I would."

She smiled softly. "Nice. I will look forward to that part."

He let out a smirk. "We'll see."

Mere minutes left before the official call-out and the Karasuno team decided to go in and have a quick warm up. The boys readied up their shoes and bags, and parted with the two girls.

"Shimizu-san, let us tie the banner instead." Aoki offered, taking over the black cloth. "You must always stay with the team, Manager."

"Ah, ne. Arigatou ne, Aoki-san."

Going back into the court, the atmosphere was different. When the Datekō team arrived at their bench, the air felt thicker, the tension was hotter. Tsukishima knew that this match would not be as easy as their first round. Things were starting to get very serious. Go, go! Let's go! Let's go, Datekō! - and that stupid song again.

But between the background of the back-and-forth cheers and Nishinoya's new rolling thunder again technique, Aoki and Suzuki were already at the bleachers, their banners tied strongly on the rails. Tsukishima looked up and received a thumbs-up from Suzuki. They locked eyes briefly.

Ganbatte ne!

Thanks.

- Chapter 6 -

"Suzuki-chan! Did you see that?! Did you see what Hinata just did?"

Suzuki could not believe her eyes. That was fast, way too fast. She remembered the boys had mentioned Hinata and Kageyama's super quick set, but she did not expect to be that quick, at all. From the looks of it, Datekō players were as bewildered as her.

"So that's the freaky quick set, huh?" Suzuki exclaimed, laughing. "I know Hinata can jump. But I never thought of this kind of spike. And Kageyama's dead-on ball toss. That's awesome!"

Continuing the match, the Libero made a switch to their middle blocker and he went up to the front line. The middle blocker had a pretty cold conversation with Kageyama but Suzuki didn't bother with it much. That middle blocker was Tsukishima and Suzuki instantly smiled. Aside from the bickering, a toss from Kageyama later and Tsukishima had jumped and performed a spike, earning them a point. "That was a pretty strong spike too." She mused quietly.

Another of those freaky quick sets from Hinata, Aoki shook her head. "This combination is too crazy. I can't keep up. That was insane."

"Yeah, they are amazing." Suzuki agreed.

That being said, their enemy was Datekō, a formidable opponent with a strong history and miraculous ability like its nickname. One score for one team and the other caught on immediately on the next game. For a while their points raced each other, without giving any potential gap.

A sound of the ball made contact with the palm of his hand. That number 7 Iron Wall managed to keep up one of Hinata's regular sets and block him. Datekō was getting a read out of him.

"Number 7 has a really long reach." Aoki stated. "He is big and quick. And his no-eyebrow look makes him scary. He should be a Center instead."

Hearing this random thought, Suzuki snickered. "Stop with the basketball, Aoki-chan."

"Just saying."

During the break, Somehow Aoki had gotten acquainted with the Volleyball girls' team who had joined their side of the bleachers, after Aoki randomly yelled out "go Karasuno!". That also caught the attention of a couple of other spectators, two men who introduced themselves as former players, Shimada and Takinoue (Suzuki thought the name Shimada was somewhat familiar. Tsukishima mentioned him briefly but she now couldn't recall much).

The news of the demon quick attack versus the Iron Wall spread like butter. And suddenly the bleachers on their court became occupied by curious cats. Going into the second set, people started to talk about Hinata's unusual spike and Number 7's unusual block reaction. That being said, Suzuki's eyes wandered to the black and orange team, specifically the one in jersey number 11. One thing she realized about Tsukishima play; he certainly maintained his composure during the match, patiently watched and waited for any opportunity to block and spike. He kept his focus steady and his mind clear for any chain reaction.

At the same time, Tsukishima had jumped and his hands blocked the number 7's spike. Suddenly, her smile just grew wider. That's one really precise strong block.

24 - 22, a match point for Karasuno.

"That long-haired one needs to score this." Suzuki heard one of the alumni say to the other one. "But this rotation is the strongest of Datekō's blockers." She agreed to them. Hinata was way too at the back to perform any set. Their only hope was Number 3 Asahi.

The rally was really intense. Spike after receive after spike after receive followed along as a loop. No team wanted to lose, no team wanted to give up. However, there was a shake in Karasuno's defence. A block by three-man Iron Wall sent the ball to the backside of the court. Karasuno's libero was quick to save but the position of the ball was off for Kageyama to set to. When Asahi tried to spike it, it became a push-off above the net. And Number 7 had the better jump and advantage. The ball was pushed down, aiming to the floor.

Suzuki remembered Tsukishima had told her about their libero, Nishinoya. And she had seen him a couple of times. The shortest, rowdiest player in the team. He told her he was Enma in the volleyball team and she quickly caught on to the idea, already having a mental image of Nishinoya's personality. He also told her, despite all of that, he was actually one of the best liberoes he had ever seen. So when Nishinoya stopped the ball with the quickest reflex of his foot, she couldn't hold an amazement.

That save was the turning point for Karasuno, as Kageyama delivered the final ball set for the Ace to spike hard and through. When the ball had bounced off the tape of the net and fell into Datekō's floor, Suzuki let out a very deep, very heavy sigh of relief. No one cared how dreamy she sounded just then. She was tired. She didn't remember volleyball matches were these intense and nerve racking. Well, she never really watched an actual official match but still, just watching the ball rally was tiring enough.

And Karasuno had won.

Suzuki felt her body shaking. Aoki had jumped at her, hugging and cheering excitedly, a celebration for victory. The girls' volleyball team also shared similar conduct. And so did the alumni. They all applauded and cheered, when the Karasuno had lined up and bowed to the bleachers. Suzuki's attention was solely on one person; Tsukishima who was looking up back at her; his hair damp, face draining in sweat, his glasses sometimes slid down. And in his eyes, a glimpse of satisfaction.

You did it! You actually did it, Tsukishima.

We won, Suzuki.

Suzuki and Aoki found the Karasuno team cleaning up near the exit from the court. "Hinata!" Aoki's voice boomed. "You never told me you could do that kind of attack. That was so awesome!"

"Te-he, thank you Aoki-chan."

Immediately, Aoki and Hinata began their question and answer session, with the addition of the loud Nishinoya who became the topic of interest. The others shook their heads at the high jinks, but all of them were in a great victorious mood. Perhaps Daichi would let this one slide.

Suzuki spotted Yamaguchi and Tsukishima standing at the back of the group, taking care of the bags. She approached them. "Second win for the day, huh?"

"I can't believe it myself. We won against Date Kōgyo. Yosh!" Yamaguchi exclaimed excitedly. "The game gave me chills."

"Oh my. Yes, I felt it too. I was very nervous for all of you." She said, nodding. "As Class Head, I am very proud of you boys."

"Ehe I didn't even do anything. Tsukki, here did everything."

"Not everything." He instantly rolled his eyes. "I didn't do anything major. I blocked, spiked, sometimes served, sometimes received. That's it." Tsukishima tried to point out. "No special moveset whatsoever."

"You took the match pretty seriously, though." Suzuki laughed. "Have a little cheer, Tsukishima. Don't be so hollow at heart."

Suzuki caught his eyeroll again, only then followed by a mere smirk. She saw that. "Anyway, I'll take this as my cue to leave."

"You're not staying?" Tsukishima then added. "Until Seijoh's match?"

"Actually I can't. I need to go home soon." Suzuki shrugged. "Aoki is staying though, maybe."

"I see." The corner of his lips turned down only slightly. But she saw that too. "Well you should be—"

He was interrupted when his phone rang inside his jacket pocket. He excused her to take the call.

("Excuse me, Suzuki." Once she had backed away, he frowned at this unknown caller. "Hello?"

"Tsukishima-kun~ why don't you be a gentleman and accompany your girl for a bit?" The voice belonged to none other than... Tanaka? Tsukishima's eyes widened and quickly glared at Tanaka who had already stood next to Yamaguchi. Since when Yamaguchi left? "You do that, Tsukki-kun, or I would personally come down there and talk to the girl. What's her name, Yamaguchi? Ah, Suzuki Taomi-des!"

"Shut the fuck up." He cursed quietly and frowned deeper when he only heard Tanaka's laugh from the phone, as well as a few feet from him. Knowing Tanaka, this was not a bluff. This was something he could do in a very straightforward manner. Hanging up the phone, Tsukishima maintained a sharp glare at the pair; both of them sharing the same idiotic grin across their stupid faces. Now I have two morons I need to watch over, damn it!)

She noticed his face hardened. "Is there something wrong?"

"Oh it was nothing. So," he said quickly. "You're going home now? By what?"

"I'll take the bus back to the school."

"O-kay." He said suddenly. "Lemme w-walk you out."

Huh? Suzuki blinked, too stunned to speak.

He rolled his eyes at the silence and cleared his throat. "You told me I could just say it to walk you home. But obviously I can't do that now. So, let me walk you out to the bus stop, instead."

"Oh, you don't have to, y'know. The bus stop is only a few blocks away. Honestly, I'm fine."

"Good to know that I don't need to walk far. Come on."

With a tug on her cardigan, Tsukishima had pulled her to walk. She resisted at first, still unsure about the whole deal. But eventually, she smiled and walked next to him to the main entrance.

"You know what, it was really relieving to watch you play and win against Datekō." Suzuki began after a while. "You achieved something that I couldn't do."

"Hm, are you still moping around?" He sneered. "I told you it didn't suit you."

"N-no. I think. I don't know." She paused. "Selfish of me maybe but our recent loss to Datekō's still stuck in my mind. So when you guys won, that was so soothing." She added with a light in her eyes.

"I see." Tsukishima nodded, hinting a soft smirk. "Glad you enjoyed the match."

"Your block is strong too, you know. You can read the ball and the spikers. You keep up with their plan of attack." She commented. "You have a steady spike as well. Though, I still see you and Kageyama having a hard time finding the timing and the ball position."

(She noticed that?) Tsukishima hummed. "I always forgot you played volleyball before."

"I still don't consider that a play. It was only for a few years. And elementary level. Too basic. Not at all reaching what you guys are doing now." She confessed nonchalantly.

"Still, you've got sharp eyes." Tsukishima mused. "Osama's toss is too fancy, too mechanical. I don't like it. I don't work with that."

"Osama? I thought I heard you mention him as King of The Court." She posed. "He didn't like that name very much though."

Suddenly Suzuki saw what she could say as the most annoyingly pleasing grin Tsukishima had ever pulled off. With that, their walk to the bus terminal disputed the topic of Kageyama and his Crowned Court. Listening to his mockery of him; it was very clear like a day that Tsukishima still didn't like Kageyama - which was understandable since all they did during practice was either swearing after name-calling after body-shaming, and so forth; or not talking to each other at all.

Despite the obvious dislike, she concluded one thing. Tsukishima was handsome when he rambled on about something he enjoyed talking about. Suzuki listened to him, trying to hide her own grin.

- Chapter 6 -

Her hands were white and numb, but she couldn't let go of the railing.

The first set was… dreadful.

Their blockers had a very quick reaction. Their wing spikers delivered powerful spikes. Their libero was quick. And their setter, he conducted the ball to his team precisely to accommodate the attack; Suzuki glanced at the three fangirls by her side - and he was quite handsome too.

Aoba Johsai was good, really, really good. And Karasuno was struggling, really, really struggling.

There was a slight shift of tone when Kageyama was substituted with Sugawara, a third-year setter. Instead of the usual fast pace, Karasuno played slow; a good slow. It gave them time to read and think the opponent better, and breathe. And then attack. Coming into the second set, the table had toppled and turned in Karasuno's favor. One thing Suzuki realized during the second set, Kageyama had finally found his rhythm again. His toss was better and he looked to be less under pressure. That was, well, until Tsukishima rotated forward.

Yesterday she told Tsukishima about their dynamic and she thought he knew that. And now watching both of them, she'd like to think Kageyama was aware of this hindrance too. At this stage Suzuki acknowledged that Tsukishima was not the type to have direct conversations with. He liked to walk around people first, to gauge whether that person deserved any of his time, to conclude his reaction. She admitted his choice of replies was very unpredictable and a couple of times unpleasant. Perhaps she had gotten used to him by now. It was considerably funny watching the mid-blocker look flustered when Kageyama finally approached first.

Whatever they talked about down there was enough to synchronize themselves. A feint? That is so Tsukishima. she murmured, catching his smug-ly prideful look. The corner of her lips twitched, giddy. His constant attacks won them massive points and a set, and a moment of winning. And for the whole team that was a good comeback. They look happy and pleased, and more relaxed. They looked more comfortable playing the ball, more confident as well. And most importantly, they enjoyed the game.

The thing about happiness though, it could vanish with a blink of an eye. Or a drop of a ball.

Her hands were white and numb, but she couldn't let go of the railing. If there's a winner then there's also a loser. You can't help it - Tsukishima's words rang inside her mind. Did he remember his own statement? Did he care enough? Tsukishima, she learned, was always good with keeping emotions to himself. While it was very obvious that the other players were very disappointed with the outcome, Tsukishima just stood along the line-up, unreadable. Does he care at all?

Suzuki frowned when none of the players even dared to look up to the bleachers, despite the humble cheers and applause that greeted them respectfully. From the alumni, to the fan girls, all the way to other spectators; they shared the same respect towards the players. But, no. Not even Yamaguchi and his freckled warm smile.

"Sometimes I wonder what we looked like losing." Mirai mumbled quietly. "Now I know and I despise that even more."

"Um, what should we do now?" Aoki asked. She and Mirai looked at each other.

"Let's clear the banner for them." Suzuki said finally, already untying the strings.

The three girls quietly walked downstairs to the lobby. They saw Takeda-sensei first, talking to one of the official staff. And then the team by the seating. Hinata's usually bright orange hair dimmed beneath a towel, his head hung low. In fact, they were all - shadowed by the burden of guilt and failure.

"Ohayou." They turned slightly to the source of the call. It was Shimizu. "I thought I saw you three above. But I wasn't so sure."

"Hai, Shimizu-san. We came in the middle of the first set." Aoki nodded. "Um, we have already taken this off."

"I can help you with that, thanks." the manager said, gesturing for the banner. "It means so much that you guys came to watch. Domo arigatou ne."

Mirai began, slowly. "How's… how's the team holding up?"

"They are stronger than you know. They'll be fine." Shimizu smiled reassuringly. "Do you want to see them?"

Mirai shook her head. "N-no, I don't think this is the right time."

"Nonsense. The boys will be happy to see you. Especially the first-years. Please, join us."

The three girls glanced at each other, sharing a hesitant look, before nodding all the same.

Suzuki took a glance to the lounge, to the blonde boy who just sat down; headphones on, unbothered.

Even so, no songs came to play on the audio device. It wasn't even plugged in, what an idiot. Tsukishima let out a sigh and leaned back to the chair. He couldn't remember any of his past matches reaching above thirty points. This was the first time he had done such a match and it was really draining. Physically and mentally too; for all players, judging by how gloom the faces on each of them were.

LTanaka and Nishinoya flopped down on the ground, who once were the most chaotic ones had shut down. The third-years had taken over a bench on the far corner of the room, not wanting to be disturbed their already torn minds. Kageyama had excused himself outside. Hinata still froze on his own chair. Even Yamaguchi took interest in staring at something, hugging a ball to himself.

And Tsukishima… he looked up to the face sculpture on the wall.

Frankly speaking, every time he watched the rallies from the sideline, whenever that Oikawa setter made a change in the air, he had a feeling they would not make it. Frankly speaking, that was how he went on with life; expecting the worst outcome, whether it was failing classes or losing matches, so that if it indeed came he wouldn't be bothered too much. He thought he was unbothered by this. He shouldn't. He used to not.

And yet somehow, that face decoration irritated him so much. Its smirk shaped eyes and mouth staring back at him, mocking him boldly: loser.

"Everyone, we're having a meeting. Please gather the others." Tsukishima heard Takeda-sensei calling out. One by one, the players had returned and took a seat whenever they liked; a chair next to him, the floor, standing - it didn't matter. It wouldn't change the day.

"When you lose a big, important game, you feel like the world has turned on you. You all feel down and wonder why this had to happen." Takeda-sensei started. "And then you'd like to think it is your fault. I believe that's what you all are thinking right now, right? Can someone please answer me? Hm, anyone?"

The boys shifted uncomfortably.

"And when defeat becomes your fate, hold your tongue and never hate. Just smile and wait, for luck will come on another date."

At the rhyming words, the players all slowly lifted their heads.

The teacher went on. "Instead of focusing on the lost, why don't we take this opportunity as a learning process. As I said before, you are all strong. Karasuno is strong." Takeda nodded, hand of a fist. "Rise your head and spread your wings again. Get up and serve better, receive faster, spike stronger, jump higher – be it volleyball or basketball, or whatever you're fighting for, the moment we will play again, we will fight again!"

Basketball? Tsukishima and the rest of the players turned around to a new group they didn't realize was standing behind them. Shimizu and Ukai had returned with an addition of three players from the other club. He watched their expressions, and he would like to think that Takeda's speech was aimed at all of them. All of Karasuno's defeated athletes.

Suzuki approached him after the meeting was over. "Hey."

"Hey." he nodded as she sat down next to him. "You didn't text me, you'd come."

"I know. It was sudden. We were at Aoki's house when we decided to drop by and see what's up."

"You picked the worst game to watch."

"So I've seen." she nodded, smirking. "But it's fun watching from above. Feint shots? That was really sneaky."

"Hm, yeah. I liked that too." he admitted, recalling his own trick.

"Yeah, figures." She chuckled softly. "Ne, a-are you okay?"

"Oh, yeah. I'll be fine." (so he's not okay, she thought.)

"You're not going to be sulking over this, are you? Are you going to cry?" She snickered. "Don't eat your own words, Tsukishima."

"You're hilarious." He rolled his eyes.

"Whatever you say. Hm, want some?"

She held out a pack of remaining three pieces of bubble gum. Lazily he took one piece and put that on her hand, while pocketing the pack of two.

She looked down and scrunched her face at the stealing conduct. "That wasn't very nice."

"Oh, I know." He immediately took a drink, to hide a smile.