The gym buzzed with energy as the team prepared for their first scrimmage since the Kawasaki Tech match.
But there was tension in the air—and it wasn't coming from the opponents.
Renji noticed it in the way Yuuto kept checking his phone. In the short, clipped responses. The lack of his usual fire.
Coach Anzai's whistle cut through the noise. "Two sets. Keep it clean. Keep it sharp. Let's see who's improving."
Renji adjusted his knee pads, glancing over at Yuuto.
Whatever was eating at him… it wasn't just nerves.
---
A Step Forward
The first set began with Renji taking charge again.
He called out cover formations, read the blockers, even shifted their serve-receive midway through the set.
And it was working.
Their plays flowed better. The first-years responded faster. Even Arai, known for his reckless dives, seemed more measured.
Then came the crack.
---
Yuuto Slips
A cross-court set was clearly meant for Yuuto. Renji's toss was perfect—low and fast.
But Yuuto mistimed the jump, sending the ball into the net.
Silence.
Then a quiet groan from the bench.
Yuuto clenched his fists, face tight.
Coach raised a brow. "You good, Yuuto?"
Yuuto gave a curt nod. "Yeah. My bad."
Renji didn't push. But something was definitely off.
---
Off the Court
The scrimmage ended with their side taking both sets.
Still, Coach Anzai didn't smile.
"Decent showing," he said. "But some of you need to remember that volleyball isn't won in your head. It's won here—" he pointed to his chest, "—and here." He tapped his temple. "Get focused."
Renji showered quickly and waited outside, expecting Yuuto to walk past.
Instead, he found Yuuto seated on the gym steps, head down, phone in hand again.
"You've been weird all day," Renji said gently, sitting beside him.
Yuuto didn't look up. "Scouts."
Renji blinked. "Scouts?"
Yuuto nodded. "From Kaisei High. They came to our last match. Saw me screw up."
Renji paused. "That was one game. You're still—"
"It's not just one game," Yuuto snapped. "It's this season. I'm supposed to be the ace, remember? The one they build plays around. But lately… I'm just a name on a roster."
Renji didn't speak.
Yuuto let out a breath. "You've gotten better. Way better. Everyone's noticed. And I… I feel like I'm getting left behind."
---
Not a Rival—A Teammate
Renji finally spoke. "You're not being left behind. You're just… stuck. It happens."
Yuuto looked over. "You think I'm stuck?"
"I think," Renji said carefully, "that you're used to being the best. And now, when things don't come easy, you panic."
Yuuto frowned. But didn't argue.
"You don't have to prove anything to me. Or to scouts. Just… find your game again. The one that made people notice you in the first place."
Yuuto let the silence linger.
Then nodded. Slowly.
"Maybe I forgot why I started playing," he said. "I got caught up chasing future things."
Renji smiled faintly. "Let's just chase the ball for now."
Yuuto chuckled. "That's the cheesiest thing you've ever said."
"Probably."
---
A Flicker of Fire
The next morning, Yuuto was the first one in the gym.
Renji blinked in surprise as he walked in and saw Yuuto already mid-drill—jumping, spiking, breathing hard.
"Morning," Yuuto said between breaths. "Let's chase it."
Renji smirked.
Maybe they weren't just teammates anymore.
Maybe they were building something stronger than rivalry.
---
End of Chapter 59
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To Be Continue