What I want to be

Simons POV

Three days after Noahs visit, school started again. We were shocked by the impact he left, but we didn't want that to influence our work at the trainings.

„Hey, focus captain!"

But I wasn't able to fully recover from what he said and I knew the other ones couldn't too.

„It seems like something's bothering you."

„Don't act like you'd not know."

„What?"

„Just say it, goddammit! We all know that this guy would be able to kick our buts! And there are 4 other teams even stronger than his! We are too weak, aren't we? We don't stand a chance! Why even...try it?"

Everyone looked at me in disbelief. The first one able to move was Timo. And he did. The next thing I felt was a punch into my face. It wasn't too hard, but it showed his anger.

„Why even try it? Why even try it? The f*ck is wrong with you? You're the captain of this team, do you know what that means? Why would you say something like that?"

Mei recovered from the shock and tried to push him away.

„Leave him alone! I can understand you, but Noah really is another league! And you didn't even saw him playing!"

„I don't care!"

„Leave him Mei. Im scared, that's a fact. I want to give up! But you can continue! You can..."

He punched me again and grabbed my shirt.

„That's my Point! doesn't exist for you! It doesn't exist for any of us! You're the captain! You are not allowed to give up! Leo, your sister, the boys and also me! All these people still believe in you! You are not allowed to give up! A captain does not leave his ship, even if it's going down! We need our captain!"

He was right. I knew it. But my mind was blocked by the fear I felt.

„Excuse me."

„Simon, w-wait!"

„Is this the end? Before it even started"

„Simon..."

At Simons house:

„Damm!"

I knew that what I did was wrong. But something hold me back from going back to the team.

„Shit! I'm sorry! Seems like I can't hold my promise."

„They shall never call you hopeless losers again!"

„Leo, Im sorry!"

„All these people still believe in you!"

„Sorry, Timo!"

„You are not allowed to give up!"

„What am I doing here?"

I felt tears running down my face, but I didn't care.

„What kind of captain am I, giving up so easily? What kind of friend am I?"

I wanted to go back, but I was unable to move. One big question was filling my mind.

„What do I even want to be?"

The next day:

Timos POV

„He hasn't come to the training yet."

„What's wrong with that guy?"

I was still disappointed from what he said the last day.

„It's his decision. If he doesn't want to fight, he may. We'll find someone else."

Mei looked at me, angrily.

„What do you mean by that? Just replace him?"

„It's better to find someone less experienced, than sticking with someone who'd leave the court as soon as he sees a strong opponent in front of him!"

The door was opened.

„( So he decided to come back. )"

Simon was standing in the door, breathing heavily.

„Simon. What do you..."

„My name is Simon! I'm 17 years old and I just decided what I want to be!"

He took a deep breath.

„I WANT TO BE SOMEONE WHO NEVER RUNS AWAY AGAIN! I WANT TO BE SOMEONE WHO NEVER DISAPPOINTS HIS FRIENDS! I WANT TO BE...YOUR CAPTAIN!"

....

That was really unexpected. And somehow, I felt like I want to say something too.

„MY NAME IS TIMO! AND ONE DAY, I WANT TO BE AN ACE ANYONE CAN DEPEND ON! I WANT TO PLAY IN NATIONALS!"

I saw Niki, who was also opening his mouth.

„MY NAME IS NIKI! I WANT TO PLAY MANY GAMES WITH YOU GUYS AND ONE DAY, I'LL EVEN BLOCK THE STRONGEST SPIKES!"

Now, Felix was moving too.

„MY NAME IS FELIX! I WANT TO GUARD THE BACK OF MY TEAM, WHICH TOOK ME WITHOUT ANY QUESTIONS AS I AM!"

Jack was also screaming now.

„I'M JACK! I WANT TO BE A SETTER, WHO'S ABLE TO GIVE EVERYONE THE TOSS HE NEEDS TO PLAY HIS BEST!"

David still looked like he wouldn't care, but I saw a little smile on his face.

„You all know my name. I want to block people to help my team."

Even Mei was joining us.

„ MY NAME IS MEI! ONE DAY, I WILL BUILD THE STRONGEST GIRLS TEAM WHICH HAS EVER PLAYED IN A LEAGUE!"

....

„We were breathing heavily, but we couldn't be happier. Exhausted, but happy.

„You see? It's not that hard!"

Simon looked at us.

„Would you take me back, after what I did?"

„Just promise to never run away again! Dumbass!"

„YES!"

1 week until the national championship qualification starts.