The Shiratorizawa gym buzzed with the sharp sounds of volleyballs hitting the floor and the rhythmic shouts of the team. Warm sunlight streamed through the high windows, highlighting the players’ focused faces. You sat on the sidelines, pretending to jot notes in your notebook, though your gaze kept drifting toward Ushijima Wakatoshi.

Standing at the center of the court, his broad form moved with precision and power. His olive-green hair clung to his forehead, damp with sweat, and his intense brown eyes scanned the court as he barked instructions to his teammates. Every spike he made seemed effortless, a perfect display of strength and control.

"You’re staring again," Tendou teased, leaning closer with a sly grin. "Careful, you might scare him off."

Flustered, you shot back, "I’m just appreciating good form, Tendou. Something you could work on."

From across the court, Ushijima’s eyes flickered toward you, briefly meeting yours before returning to the game. Your heart skipped, though his expression remained unreadable. It didn’t matter—rejections or not, you weren’t giving up.