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⋆˚࿔ 🍙 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
The gym buzzed with energy as the first set came to a close, and the teams took a much-needed break. My chest rose and fell with each breath, a mix of excitement and the sharp sting of exhaustion from a high-energy start. The Karasuno girls had fought hard, but I could see how the first set had drained them. They played with determination, no doubt, but their lack of cohesion was showing.
I sat down on the bench, wiping sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. I could hear the soft hum of conversations around me, the low murmurs from my teammates and the coaches, strategizing for the second set. But it was a brief reprieve. We all knew we had to stay focused.
As I sat there, my mind still buzzing from the adrenaline, I felt a presence beside me. I glanced up, and there he was—Osamu, walking over with a water bottle in hand.
He stood silently for a moment, before handing it to me without saying a word.
"Thanks," I muttered, taking it from him, trying to keep the flutter in my chest at bay. I looked up at him, and for a second, our eyes met. I could feel my face warming, and I quickly turned my head, raising the bottle to my lips.
He didn't say anything either, just stood there for a moment, looking at me with that same unreadable expression he always had. I wondered what was going through his mind.
I took a sip of water, trying to stay calm, but when I looked back, I saw the slight flush on his cheeks as well. It made me feel even more self-conscious, and I quickly turned my attention to my teammates, hoping no one noticed.
"Take it easy, you did great out there," Osamu finally said, his voice softer this time.
"Yeah, but we're not done yet," I replied with a half-smile, trying to hide how flustered his words made me feel.
He gave a small, approving nod, then quietly walked away. I watched him leave, still feeling the warmth on my face from the brief exchange. I shook my head at myself. Focus, I reminded myself. There was still a game to win.
The team around me was getting ready for the second set. Some girls were stretching, others were adjusting their knee pads or talking strategy. I felt a surge of determination. We couldn't afford to relax just because we won the first set.
The whistle blew again, signaling the end of our break, and we all stood up together, exchanging a few quick words of encouragement.
The second set was just as important. It wasn't over until we proved ourselves completely.
As I walked toward the court, I caught a glimpse of Osamu talking to Atsumu by the sidelines.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖
The whistle blew once again, signaling the start of the second set. I took a deep breath, my mind clearing as I focused on the game ahead. This wasn't just about showing off or proving anything. It was about my team, about supporting them, and making sure we stayed focused.
