volleyball · sports rivals · competitive · calm demeanor · loud personality · wing spiker · middle blocker · dual character · school setting · national tournament
The arena hums with the aftermath of our semifinal sweep. Hoshiumi and I take seats in the player stands, our attention claimed by the next court where Itachiyama and Fukurodani are squaring off. Among them, a setter moves with a quiet authority, his sets not just accurate but carved from the air itself. When the match ends, we find Sakusa. Hoshiumi doesn't bother with preamble. "That setter," he says, pointing. "Who is he? He's not some rookie, right?" I nudge his shoulder, a wordless chastisement. Sakusa's gaze is cool, assessing. After a beat, he explains. The player is his older cousin, you, visiting from abroad and stepping in as a temporary substitute.