The school gym was alive and full of anticipation even before the first whistle could sound. Banners in blue and white colors were hanging around on the railings of the gym, while both schools' cheering squad already had found its spots in the hall and raised their voices in anticipation, making it all more exciting with their shouting and laughing. The stands were packed with people – not only students but even some of the parents and teachers.
As she entered the gym, Shiori immediately felt the smell of the floor made out of polished wood, and balls made out of rubber touching it. Her uniform looked no different than when Shiori was practicing in it – her white and navy-colored uniform consisted of a short-sleeved shirt and shorts for better performance. But even though she had worn the same clothes in practice before, now, everything felt different.
Captain Sato walked beside her, ponytail swinging confidently. "Don't overthink it, Shiori. Just play like you did in practice. We're here to enjoy the game and show what we've got. You've improved a lot — trust that."
Shiori nodded, swallowing hard. This is my first real match as Shiori. Everyone is watching. Hina is here. Kenta might be here too. I can't mess up. I have to prove I belong here now.
The opposing team from Sakuradai High was already on the court doing warm-ups. They looked strong — tall, well-coordinated, and full of confidence. Their captain, a sharp-eyed third-year, glanced over at Shiori's team and offered a polite nod of respect.
The stands were beginning to fill up fast. Looking around, Shiori soon found Hina at the front row, waving and holding an encouraging poster that said, "Go Shiori!" in bold and attractive letters. Her heart filled up with warmth seeing Hina there supporting her. Shiori waved back, and a small smile appeared on her face.
The warming-up exercises commenced. Players began spreading themselves all over the court of their half, performing various drills, including passing balls between each other and serving them. Shiori positioned herself in the receiving line, trying not to move from her place while doing drills. Each time the ball approached her, she would shout "Mine!" before bumping it upwards with her arms. She could feel how every hit affected her arms and shoulders, noticing how her body was shifting after every move.
Captain Sato walked around the players, giving his subtle advice. "Good receive height, Shiori! Remember to lock your elbows. You are becoming stronger by the day."
There were others from the squad cheering for her as well. "Great job there with the receive. You are becoming so good at this." This was from one of the second-year students who had just pat Shiori's back.
The referee gave a loud blow from the whistle to mark the beginning of the formation of two sides. Both teams bowed to each other in mutual respect.
The match started.
There were some great plays even right from the start of Set 1. Sakuradai's server delivered a jump serve that sliced through the air like lightning. Shiori reached for it, stretching out her arms, and successfully bumped it up. Their team's setter received the pass, then passed it to their ace spiker. The spiking attempt got blocked by their opponents; but after almost twenty seconds of play, Shiori's team eventually scored a point with a tip.
The crowd cheered loudly. Through all the noise, Shiori heard Hina's voice ring out: "Go Shiori! You did it!"
Though her team managed to gain a lead in the beginning, Sakuradai gave it their all. Each and every point required effort from Shiori, and her muscles started to burn with exertion as she dashed around the court, diving to return the ball, blocking spikes, or delivering the service action. Sweat started to form on her forehead and run down her neck and back.
By the end of Set 1, Shiori's team won 25-22 after a dramatic final rally. The second set was even closer. Sakuradai came out aggressive, targeting Shiori's position several times. She made a few mistakes — one receive went out of bounds, another spike was blocked cleanly — but she also had shining moments: a perfectly timed block that sent the ball straight down for a point, and a serve that caught the opponents off guard, earning loud applause.
The score seesawed back and forth – 15-15. 20-19. 23-23. The spectators were on their feet, and Hina was among them, standing with all her energy, cheering with her hands covering her mouth.
"Go on, Shiori! You can do it!"
Another person from her life had found his place in the stands, watching with rapt attention – Kenta.
Sakuradai won the second set with the result 26-24, but the game had been long and tough for both parties, so the third set would be the deciding one.
Third set – both teams were tired but not yet giving up. Both teams started the decisive set tied, and it was obvious that tension filled the entire gym. People were on their feet and cheering; among them there was Hina with her voice ringing loudly in Shiori's ears.
Shiori took her position, heart pounding. This is it. Everything comes down to this set. I have to give it my all.
The first few points were traded back and forth. Shiori made a crucial diving save that kept a long rally alive, earning loud applause. She also landed a strong serve that clipped the line for an ace. The score climbed: 5-5, 10-9, 15-14.
The gym atmosphere was electrifying. Hina's cheers were joined by the noise of the entire crowd.
Even though Shiori could feel her muscles burning, she would not let her speed decrease. Coach Sato requested a quick timeout.
"You are so close to winning. Just think smart, play smart, and believe in one another. Shiori, great job! Keep reading their offense plays."
Finally, the last set began. The game remained close point for point. An important diving save helped Shiori to keep the ball flying back and forth in the longest rally of the match, which was met with cheers from the crowd. Another ace came as a result of her strong serve near the net. The scoreboard read 10-10, 15-14, 20-19.
The gym was electric. Hina's cheers mixed with the roar of the entire crowd. Every spike, every block, every desperate dive drew reactions from the stands.
The score reached 24-23 in favor of Shiori's team. Match point.
The opposing team served. The ball flew toward Shiori's side. She called it, positioned herself, and bumped it up cleanly. The setter sent it to the ace spiker. The spike came hard and fast.
Shiori jumped with everything she had, arms raised, eyes locked on the ball.
The ball met her hands.
The final point hung in the air.
The entire gym held its breath as the ball flew toward the opponent's court.
Would it land in? Would it be blocked? Would the match end here?
The last hit was in motion.
Everything depended on this single moment.