In-between
Kurai hands Jaden a tissue and he wipes his eyes as Coach Haruki smiles.
"You guys did amazing on that court, I think it's safe to say you guys have the potential to make Nationals" Kurai pats Jadens back. Carlos thought to himself, his hand to his chin. Jazz groans slightly as his stomach rumbles. Owen focuses on Haruki and Liam stretching and popping his knuckles.
"Each rally was a testament to your development and growth and I see a bright future for you young athletes, our next match will be soon, until then, get some rest and eat, but don't overeat" Kurai nods.
"That goes for you, Jazz" Jazz looks up.
"What? I'm hungry…" Kurai exhales as Haruki claps.
"Meet me once our 2nd round match is announced, you're dismissed" everyone spreads out as Kurai stays. Haruki packed a bag, then stopped.
"Need something, Kurai?" Kurai looks down at her.
"Are you comfortable with your role as coach?" Haruki looks up, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah? Of course, I'm still getting used to the coaching aspect of it, but Yeah… why?" Kurai looks at her.
"Slow down… take coaching one match at a time and don't try to over strategize a game, it's supposed to be fun after all" Haruki nods and walks side by side with Kurai off the court, passing the crowd of people.
"Where'd this come from?" Kurai shrugs.
"Don't know…I-" Haruki puts a bag down and rests a hand high on Kurai's shoulder. 'Jeez, forgot he's a giant'
"This advice isn't for me, Kurai… sometimes, a wise man's advice isn't meant for others, but meant for himself, he who is smart must also learn from themselves once and a while… Kurai" Kurai gulps as Haruki continues.
"Slow down, take it one match at a time, and when it comes time for you to choose what you do after graduation, I'm sure you will make the proper decision" Haruki turns around and walks away leaving Kurai standing there.
"I'll make that decision when I get there, huh?" Kurai chuckles a bit. 'I guess… in my strive to bring this team to Nationals… I was rushing the process… you're right, that advice wasn't for you, Coach… it was for me and I just rejected that it was for me…' Kurai laughs.
"You're such a good Coach, glad we have you on our side, Coach Haruki"
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"Yes, I'll take a small cheeseburger… no onions please, I'm allergic" Jazz grabs out his wallet.
"That'll be 2 dollars, sir" jazz whistles a bit and hands the cashier the money.
"We'll have it ready for you shortly, sir" Jazz nods and sits down at a table.
"Just 2 spikes and a receive… Hah…" Jazz plops his face into his arms on the table.
"I'm useless on that court" Jazz's hair covers his dry eyes, but he wasn't tearing up or crying.
"Sir? Your plate?" jazz jumps a bit.
"Already? That's fast service" The lady smiles and places the food, walking away after waving. Jazz exhales and looks at the burger. His eyes look down as he takes a slow bite of the burger, chewing it up and swallowing without a word.
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"Jaden? Why were you crying after the match?" Jaden looks up at Owen and swallows his bite of protein bar.
"My brother made a promise to me when I was younger and it's finally coming true" Jaden takes another bite. Carlos looks over.
"What was his promise?" Jaden looks down and slowly chews. Carlos gulps.
"Y'know what- sorry I asked in the first place-" Jaden exhales after swallowing.
"No… You're fine… he promised me he'd revive the OPU volleyball team… but he never got to it because he died in a violent car crash only a few years later… so I came here to fulfill his promise but the team was dead and I lost motivation… but now we've made it to the second round and there's a chance we can go to nationals" Owen looks over.
"You and that Kurai dude were well together," Carlos laughs.
"He's played with us for several months, don't just call him 'Kurai dude'!" Owen nods. Jaden smiles.
I guess we do, huh?... but it's probably because he's a member of the Monster generation, he's probably changing his skill level to match ours so we work well as a team" Carlos exhales.
"All the more reason for us to get stronger so he doesn't have to hold back" an ominous glow radiates from Carlos's eyes, shocking Jaden slightly. Looking down and smirking.
"Yeah, what do you say, owen?" Owen looks up, his purple eyes shining under the long hair that covers his face. An ominous glow radiating from the table where the three of them sat.
"Let's do it"
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Liam taps his fingers on his chin, looking down at his phone.
"How do I do that?" He lifts his hand and moves it as if to spike the ball. Tilting his hand.
"How would I move my hand to curve the ball like that?" Liam's eyes glow ominously as if in the zone without even playing volleyball.
"I should ask Kurai since he can do something similar" liam stands and turns around, locking eyes with Kurai.
"Did you need me?"