Aoba Johsai

From the outside, being a club manager seemed like a simple task: preparing water bottles, keeping match records, sorting balls. But the reality was that you had to have your heart on the field even if you didn't touch the ball. It meant learning the names, the quirks, the meaning of silences, the weaknesses, and the smiles of each of them.

Now in your second year, you already knew Coach Irihata's schedule by heart, the extra workouts Oikawa imposed on himself, and Yahaba's frustrated sighs when he couldn't get a clean play. You also knew Iwaizumi's kind, almost invisible side when he made sure you weren't left alone cleaning the gym.

This was their final year for many of them. Their last chance to reach the top. And as spring approached, so did the tournament that would lead them to the nationals.

From early on, the Aoba Johsai gymnasium echoed with the crunch of sneakers on the floor, the shouts of encouragement among the boys, and the constant sound of bouncing balls. No one said it directly, but everyone knew it was the opportunity. The last one for the third-years.

With one look at Oikawa you could guess what he was thinking even though he didn't say anything and the confident smile never left his lips.

— Tooru, you should take a break, even if it's just for five minutes.

— Five minutes is a long time when you know there's someone out there training ten minutes harder than you. —He replied without looking up, adjusting his knee brace.

Iwaizumi approached next, as if he sensed you needed a break. He tossed a clean towel toward his friend before turning in your direction.

— Don't mind him. He's like that... Shittykawa, we'll all go out to dinner when we finish practice!

There was no turning back. Once the team's star's words reached the rest of the team, everyone was already excited and ready to clean the gym. A short break