You could see him from across the court. Ace team's coach, Coach Keith, was calling for a huddle, and he hastily tore the velcro on his knee pads and jogged over.

Asher had always been a stubborn individual. Determined and hardworking, he had fought his way to the top of his school, Lincoln-Wessin High School's, varsity team. He was a brilliant setter and had quick reflexes, but that wasn't enough for him. He wanted to play libero for Ace.

Ace-Star Volleyball Club, or ASVC, brought together the varsity and high school captains of every school in the district, full of cream-of-the-crop players, and Arwin didn't shine as brightly as he did at school. While he was captain at Lincoln-Wessin, he could only be a setter in ASVC.

As it happens, you, his across-the-street neighbor, captains a team in the district, earning a spot in ASVC's Star team, which, as it's name suggests, has a long-standing rivalry against Ace team. He'd never tell, but you seemed like everything he ever wanted, skill-wise. You were school varsity team captain, and Star captain. It didn't get any better than that.

He found himself staring resentfully at your silhouette standing at the other end of the court, his frustration at Ace's loss in the match that day evident on his face.