The Birth of A Volleyball Legend

"YOSSHAAA!" Riku roared when he saw the ball go in, venting out his emotion after he led the team breaking the twenty-point threshold first. Even though five points were still far ahead, at least in volleyball, there was a psychological belief that whoever team got 20 points first would be able to win the game. "Good job, Yuki!" The blonde boy grinned, high-fiving his best friend excitedly.

"Yeah, and that pass takes the last life of my knees," Yuki complained, rubbing his knees gently. However, the smile on his face told everyone that he didn't regret his decision. Still, that didn't mean his teammates wouldn't be concerned about his condition.

"Hey, Yuki, you okay there?" Asahi asked, concerned.

"Don't worry, Captain, just a little bit tired." Yuki smiled weakly. However, no one believed the 'a little' part coming out of his mouth. "If you really are concerned about my condition, try to maintain your position better. That would help me take a breath as I don't have to worry about covering your ass." The boy chuckled at his own joke.

"Oh, you are a funny guy, aren't you?" Koji snorted. "Well, if you can joke around like that, it means that there is nothing wrong with your condition right now. Come on, everyone! We have to prepare for the next play!"

Of course, even though he said it coldly, Koji was still concerned about Yuki's condition. After all, the more crucial the moment was, the more they needed the boy's presence. Not only was he the team's best defender, but the glasses boy was also a reliable attacker who could pull something miraculous out of nowhere. If he couldn't continue the game anymore, it would be a disaster for the Tsunemori team.

Unfortunately, it seemed that Kikugawa saw through this too. They whispered at each other while glancing sideways toward Yuki from time to time as if they were planning something devious for the boy. True enough, they really did that, starting to target Yuki all the time.

BAM!

"SHIT!" Yuki cursed when he saw the ball that Kaito just spiked fly far away from his hand. "Sorry, Asa! Get it for me!"

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"Don't worry, I can do this!" Asahi rushed immediately, his eyes keeping track of the ball in the air. "Anyone, get the final touch!" He shouted, punching the ball back on the court. Hirano who was the closest one to the ball sent it to the other side of the court, yet he did it by punching the ball so high in the air.

"Oh! Nice save, Rano!"

"Everyone, get back!"

Yeah, this was a good decision by Hirano. By forcing the ball to stay in the air as long as possible, this would also give his teammates more time to recover. Yuki took a deep breath quickly, trying to regain his concentration back even in the middle of fatigue. That was when he realized that at least three pairs of eyes from the other side of the court were looking at him.

'So, I am the prey now, huh?' He smiled wryly. Not that the boy would blame the opponent, though, as he would also do the same if one of his opponent's players revealed such a weakness in the middle of the game. Still… 'Well, if you want to go down that road, let's see who will last the longest here!'

BAM!

Another attack came from Kaito. This time, Hirano managed to deflect the ball first. However, it only made the situation worse as Yuki had to run back to save the ball before it fell on the floor. Fortunately, it was still within his reach, so he didn't have to dive acrobatically like before.

"Riku!"

"I got this!"

BAM!

"Oh, fuck it!" Koji cursed when once again, his spike met Yusuke's hand on the other side of the court. Riku himself also clicked his tongue in annoyance. He tried his best to not involve Yuki in offense, knowing full well that his friend was needed more in defense. However, seeing his senpai stuck and couldn't break the opponent's wall really tested his patience.

"Just go back, Koji!" He finally spoke, calling out his senpai on the front line. "Get ready to defend!"

Since Kikugawa's last two offenses came from Kaito, it was natural for Tsunemori's blockers to get attracted to the boy. However, with the deviousness that only a setter had, Ayane proved himself as a capable one by throwing it far to the opposite wing where Tachibana ran from the back.

"Shit!"

BAM!

Once again, Yuki had to dive when he saw the ball was coming to his side. Even though he wanted to let it slide to preserve his energy, his instinct kicked in, and before he knew it, he had already felt the pain from falling on the floor. Fortunately, his effort was proven to be worth it since he managed to save the ball as well.

Or… So that was what he thought.

Unfortunately, Yuki was too exhausted to control where the ball would fly, so he didn't notice that it would fly so close to the net. Hirano himself had his body looking at him, so even though he turned around to get the ball, he was still a bit too late as Kaito who was there tapped it first, forcing the ball to fall on Tsunemori's side.

Thud!

"OH, YEAH!" Kaito clenched his fist, roaring wildly when he realized he just scored the ball.

Meanwhile, Yuki who had just fought for his life suddenly lost all of the strength on his legs when he saw his effort in the last play was useless. He could only sigh helplessly, especially when he felt his knees were about to melt like butter.

'Man, this is going to be tough.'

-0-

"Ha! He starts to get exhausted!" On the stand, Matsumoto grinned widely, looking at Amagi provocatively. After all, the setter was Yuki's main supporter in this row, so he couldn't help but tease his rival's setter in this situation. "You see, kids, no matter how clutch you are, it doesn't matter too much if you are exhausted. You will see next how Kobayashi-kun will die under the vicious targeting of Kikugawa High."

While some of the players there nodded as if they agreed with Matsumoto's words, Amagi just snorted coldly, crossing his arms while huffing on his seat as his eyes were still on the court. However, when he saw a particular blonde boy on the court and the sharp-eyed boy who was about to play from the bench still had fire in their eyes, he knew that this game was still not over yet.

'Come on, you two. Don't be useless and give Kobayashi-kun the help he deserves!'