Hearts on The Court

The tension in the air was thick as Misaki High arrived at the tournament venue. The gymnasium buzzed with the energy of competing teams, coaches strategizing, and the hum of excited spectators.

Renji adjusted the straps of his kneepads, his hands steady despite the anticipation thrumming in his chest. This was it—their chance to prove how much they had grown.

And standing in their way was Seiyo High.

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Match Setup: Misaki High vs. Seiyo High

The tournament had brought together some of the strongest teams in the region, and Misaki High had fought their way through the early rounds with grit and determination. But now, they faced Seiyo High, a powerhouse known for its aggressive offensive style.

At the center of that offense was none other than Kenjiro Morita—the spiker who had taunted Renji during their last joint training session.

From across the court, Kenjiro smirked, rolling his shoulders as he made eye contact with Renji. "So, you're still standing, huh?"

Renji met his gaze evenly. Not just standing. Ready.

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Tactical Breakdown: The Umbrella Formation

Coach Fujimoto gathered the team for a final briefing before the match.

"We're using the Umbrella Formation," he said, his tone firm. "Seiyo relies on Kenjiro's diagonal spikes to break through defenses. Our job is to take away his comfort zone."

Renji nodded, feeling the weight of his role settle on his shoulders.

The formation was designed to funnel spikes toward the libero, making Renji the last line of defense.

"Yuuto," Coach continued, turning to their setter. "You control the tempo. Make sure we don't fall into their rhythm."

Yuuto smirked, stretching his wrists. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Asuka looked at Renji, offering him a reassuring nod. "We've got this."

Renji exhaled, his focus sharpening.

Time to put everything they had learned to the test.

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The First Set Begins

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the match.

Seiyo High wasted no time. Their setter delivered a sharp, clean toss to Kenjiro, who soared into the air, his arm pulling back.

Here it comes.

Renji's breath slowed. His body moved before his mind finished processing—he tracked Kenjiro's form, the angle of his shoulders, the shift in his wrist.

The spike rocketed toward him.

Left corner. Deep angle.

Renji dug it cleanly, his arms absorbing the impact as the ball arced perfectly into Yuuto's waiting hands.

The crowd erupted.

Misaki High counterattacked instantly, with Yuuto setting up their ace for a powerful kill shot.

1-0, Misaki High.

Kenjiro's smirk faltered.

Renji, still kneeling from the dig, allowed himself the smallest grin. Not so easy now, huh?

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Emotional Beat: Asuka's Excitement

The first set ended in Misaki High's favor, 25-22.

As the team returned to the bench, Asuka rushed toward Renji, her eyes bright with excitement.

"You did it! That dig was insane!"

Before Renji could react, she threw her arms around him in an overjoyed hug.

Renji froze.

His brain short-circuited.

The warmth of Asuka's arms, the weight of her leaning into him—it was overwhelming.

Behind them, the rest of the team stared. Yuuto coughed into his fist, looking away, while some of their teammates smirked.

Asuka quickly realized what she'd done and pulled back, her face turning red.

Renji, equally flustered, scratched the back of his neck. "…Uh, thanks?"

She cleared her throat. "I-I mean, good job!"

The moment passed, but Renji's heart still pounded.

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Setting Up the Next Set

Seiyo High wouldn't go down without a fight. Kenjiro was already glaring, determination burning in his eyes.

But Misaki High had something stronger than skill alone—they had trust.

Renji clenched his fists.

They weren't done yet.

And he was ready for whatever came next.

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End of Chapter 23

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To Be Continue