~Back In The Game~

~Chapter Twenty-Four~

-Last Time-

"Uh, our opponents...?" Daichi asks,

"Yep! The Karasuno Municipal Team."

--

"Dammit! Shoulda guesses I wouldn't be able to get everybody at this hour on a weekday." Ukai says, closing his phone. Some people walk into the gym and Ukai greets them. "Thanks for showing up on short notice, guys!"

"When he said municipal team, I expected a bunch of middle-aged dads." Tsukishima remarks while looking at the newly arrived guys who are around the same age as Ukai.

"Me too." Yamaguchi agrees.

"Hey. Be nice, you two." You say while walking past.

"Okay, folks! Let's get this started!" Ukai announces.

"Yes, Coach!" The boys reply heading onto the court. Nishinoya doesn't move and Ukai notices and looks at him questioningly.

"You there. What's wrong?" Uaki asks, getting Noya and Daichi's attention.

"Ah! I'm sorry, Coach. He has reasons not to..." Daichi tries explaining.

"What. Can't play? He's hurt?"

"Uh, not exactly..."

"Then what is it? So he's not hurt, but he can't play for you guys... Can't say I get it, but ah well. How 'bout he joins the municipal side? Our libero's stuck at work and can't come."

"Um, that might work, I guess." Daichi says as Nishinoya starts walking to the municipal team's side.

"Okay. We need two more people. Maybe I can pull some guys off the bench...?"

"Ah!! It's Asahi-san!!" Hinata shouts, causing everyone to look at him in surprise and causing Nishinoya to stop dead in his tracks. You look to see Hinata hanging from the metal bars of the window. You walk over to the window and sure enough, Asahi is walking by. Tanaka is soon at the window with the two of you.

"Asahi-san!" Hinata says excitedly.

"Asahi-san!" Tanaka says even more excitedly.

"Geh! You again." Asahi says frightened.

"Hi, Asahi!" You say waving with a smile. Asahi calms slightly until he notices Hinata staring at him. The gym door slides open and Ukai pokes his head out.

"What, somebody's late?! Lazy punk! What's your position?!" Ukai questions.

"Um! W-Wing Spiker...?" Asahi answers, scared.

"We're short bodies! Get yer butt in here and get warmed up! Now! Move! Move!!" Asahi takes his shoes off and enters the gym nervously with his head down. Nishinoya stares at Asahi, who doesn't look at anyone. You go up to Asahi.

"Hey..." You begin, causing him to look at you. "It'll be okay. I'll be here for you." You finish with a smile and a comforting hand on his arm. He looks at you with a blush and thanks you.

"All that's left is a setter. I'd do it, but I've gotta stay out and watch." Ukai thinks aloud. He looks over at Suga, Kageyama, and Hinata. "Could you guys send one of your setters over to the municipal side?"

"..." Suga and Kageyama are silent before Suga starts walking over to the municipal side.

"Suga-san?!" Tanaka exclaims.

"You'd better not be doing this to give me the position." Kageyama states, causing Suga to stop. "You're just giving up and backing down so I can move up... I'm not going to accept that."

"Kageyama... when you joined the team... part of me was ready to have a battle over the starting position." Suga begins. "But another part of me... was relieved I didn't have to do it anymore."

"Suga..." You whisper sadly.

"The setter is the axis of a team's offense. They have to be the toughest player on the team. But I... I lost all my confidence, I was afraid of setting." Suga continues as everyone looks at him. "I couldn't help but fear I was setting my hitters into a block. But with you here, Kageyama, I could hide in the shadow of your massive talent. I... was relieved! I have to admit, watching one of the balls I set get smacked down in a block... is still going to scare me. But! I still want one last chance to set the ball for you... Asahi!" Asahi looks at Suga in shock. "That's why I'm going over to this side, Kageyama. I won't let you have that spot without a fight." Suga says, looking back at Kageyama.

"I won't be backing down either." Kageyama replies.

"Nishinoya, I'll be counting on you for great follow-ups." Suga says cheerfully.

"You bet." Nishinoya replies before glancing at a troubled Asahi. Nishinoya doesn't say anything but instead heads onto the court.

"Wow..." You say catching Kiyoko's attention. "Suga is awesome. It's great that he isn't giving up. And his speech was incredible." Kiyoko looks at you and smiles before agreeing with you.

"Hurry and warm up!" Ukai yells.

"Asahi-san is back! That's awesome! Right?" Hinata exclaims happily.

"He's back for now, yeah." Kageyama replies.

"Kageyama~ Don't think like that, have faith." You say whining a bit. He looks at you before refocusing on the game that's about to start.

Starting Order.

Karasuno:

Back Left-Ennoshita, Back Middle- Tsukishima, Back Right- Kageyama, Front Left- Daichi, Front Middle- Hinata, Front Right- Tanaka

Municipal Team & Others:

Back Left- Shimada, Back Middle- Mori (Noya), Back Right- Suga, Front Left- Uchizawa, Front Middle- Takinoue, Front Right- Asahi

"No getting nervous!" Kageyama scolds Hinata.

'We get to play...against The Ace!!' Hinata thinks excitedly, ignoring Kageyama.

"This is going to be good!" You whisper.

~To Be Continued~