*Ding~

Bzzt. Bzzt.

Penalty 2:

《Get slapped by Oikawa Tooru》

Reward: 55 points
Failure results in INSTANT DEATH.
Time limit: 51 hours, 14 minutes

Good Luck!
≥3≤

-

"Akiri M/N, Libero."

WAIT WHAT?!
What the heck? Did I just hear my name???

Immediately snapping out of my daze, I looked at Coach Yushi in alarm. And despite meeting my gaze, the coach only ignored my pleading distressed look opting to walk away as he was done with his announcement.

It was only then did I begin to notice other people's reactions. And gauging from their expressions of shock, anger(in some), and confusion, I was the only first-year that was in the starting lineup.

"Congratulations for making it into the lineup for tomorrow's practice match" Kunimi pulled a lazy grin as he tiredly gave a thumbs up.

Kageyama on the other hand gave me a teary look of admiration as he looked at me, face full of yearning.

"I'm not playing setter Tobio-kun", I shook my head. (And yes, I've upgraded to first name basis heheh.)

Hearing my words, Kageyama looked less watery for a moment and his attention was immediately diverted. Now instead towards Oikawa as Kageyama stared at him his soul filled with determination and respect.

Seeing Kageyama's face full of reverence towards Oikawa, I frowned. This only meant that trouble is brewing.

Was there a chance that tomorrow's match would be that one?
And why does the school name sound so vaguely familiar?

-

"They would be arriving in 10 minutes, which is very soon. I want you all to do your best and soak up all the experience!" Coach Yushi announced as M/N and the other starting players of the match, including the rest of the team were doing their warm-ups.

A few minutes later, in came Oikawa leading the other school students into the gym. However as the players from Kentoyuri Middle School entered, M/N's eyes bulged as he noticed a familiar ash coloured hair.

'No wonder the school's name sounded familiar' M/N thought to himself as he admired Semi from where he stood.

.

When Semi and his team were escorted towards Kitagawa Daiichi's gym by the other school's captain, Oikawa Tooru, Semi's face held a small scowl. For some odd reason, Semi held a small distaste towards Oikawa. Paired with the overly perky and friendly tone he used, Semi didn't like Oikawa that much.

However, once Semi stepped into Kitagawa Daiichi's gym, he was pleasantly pleased to spot M/N amongst the opposing team players. A small grin tugged on the edges of his lips as he eyed M/N. Which garnered a few shocked looks from his own teammates as they've noticed their setter's instant mood improvement (essentially less grouchy).

M/N gave Semi a small wave along with a radiant smile, which Semi returned back an equally passionate smile with a small wave of his hand.

"Eita!!!" M/N yelled as he ran across the court to engulf Semi in a warm hug.

"Hello M/N." Semi greeted as he returned the hug back.

"It's been a while" M/N spoke as he snuggled deeper into the crook of Semi's neck.

"Yeah, we've been too mutually busy to meet up recently," Semi answered back.

"I actually was quite surprised to see you here."

"Eh why? Were you not informed of the practice match you guys have with my school?" Semi looked confused for a second.

"Um yeah, we were...but-but I may or may not have forgotten which middle school you're in" M/N sheepishly replied.

Semi sweatdropped at M/N's words as he eyed M/N with a face looking absolutely unamused.

"Only you can forget things like that" Semi shook his head as he let out a disappointed sigh.

M/N could only look away awkwardly as he knew Semi spoke of nothing but the truth. Feeling slightly embarrassed, M/N gave Semi a quick 'talk to you later' before scrambling away from Semi, and towards his team to escape.

Seeing the friendly exchange M/N had with their opponent, Oikawa let out a loud gasp.

"What are you doing frolicking with the enemy, M/N?", Oikawa cried out as he placed a hand on his chest dramatically.

"He's my friend" M/N answered simply.

"Friends or not he's now the opponent GRRRRR. He better not think he can steal you away from this team. Stay away from him!" Oikawa exclaimed.

"Don't be ridiculous Trashykawa!" Iwaizumi sighed as he dragged the wailing captain away from M/N.

"That was interesting..." Kunimi spoke as he continued to watch his senpai drag his other senpai away.

M/N only nodded unblinkingly.

Kindaichi randomly decided to pop up asking, "So, who's the guy?"

"Friend."

"Only a friend?" Kageyama questioned.

"Huh? What?" M/N was confused for a moment before his mind went running south.

"W-what else?" M/N felt internally flustered.

"Best friends maybe?" Kageyama innocently inquired.

"OH. OH." M/N let out a breath of air in relief, as did Kunimi and Kindaichi(Clearly you know who's the unholy ones around here).

.

Coach Yushi blew a whistle, causing a shrill tweet to happen, which caught all of the people in the gym's attention.

Standing beside Coach Yushi was Semi's school coach(which shall now be dubbed as Coach K cause why not?).

"I want a fair match. Starting players please get into position and let the game commence!" Coach K announced.

-

'Okay, what the actual fuck is going on?' I thought as I made another dive to save the ball, body slamming onto the ground.

Currently, we were in Set 2 with us winning the first set, 25-22. It was a close match but we won, so I don't really care.
Plus I'm not surprised, Semi is pretty good, thus I'm assuming his team should be at least decent too.

However, Oikawa didn't take this lightly. I can basically sense the tension between him and Semi from like a mile away.

"Yah! Trashykawa focus! Calm down." Iwaizumi called out.

"I'm fine!" Oikawa huffed out.

Looking on at the scene before me, I could feel the vast amount of agitation radiating off Oikawa along with Iwaizumi's concern.
I knew what was about to happen. I knew. I could tell. Oikawa's newfound setter rivalry with Semi coupled with the brooding pressure of Kageyama just at the sidelines waiting for the opportunity to substitute him was clearly affecting him.

Oikawa's plays were getting more aggressive, less strategic, more daring. Straying further and further away from his usual plays. Despite Iwaizumi trying to rein and anchor him, it wasn't enough.
Our score gap was getting bigger and bigger. Until it happened.

TWEET!

A player change.

I guess what must happen, will happen.

__________________

Author's note:
I'm in a good mood today, hence the update. 🥳 Heheheh.
Also, we're reaching the peak of Oikawa and Kageyama's drama explosion... God, I'm scared to write it T0T.

Anyways, please don't mind any errors, vote, stay safe and

Stay happy readers! ♪ \(^ω^\ )