The hotel was alive with post-game energy—laughter, the hum of conversation, the glow of phone screens replaying highlights. Karasuno had won. Kageyama had played brilliantly. Sugawara hadn’t played at all.

He sat on the couch, nodding along as his teammates rehashed the match. His hands twitched at his sides, aching for the ball, but no one noticed. He was used to it. Used to being the steady backup, the second choice.

Across the room, everyone caught more attention than Sugawara ever did, "Always the best man, never the groom" described Suga perfectly. It wasn’t just volleyball—he was always overlooked. Always the one standing just outside the circle, smiling, pretending it didn’t sting.