Days passed, and quickly it was Friday—only two days remained until the match against Sakuraoka.
Izumi found himself in his classroom. Mizuho Kazami, his homeroom teacher was taking attendance of the class.
"Tanahara-Kun," she called.
"Present, ma'am," replied Tanahara.
"All done, so no one absent today, good work class" Kazami-Sensei said with cheerful smile.
With that she closed the attendance sheet (file/notebook), and soon it was time for the class to dive into their lessons, or so they thought!
"All right, good thing you are all present today!" Kazami-sensei cheerfully remarked. Her comment raised curiosity among the students.
"Why did you say that, sensei?" inquired one of the teacher's pets.
Kazami-sensei's smile widened as she casually dropped her announcement, "Oh, good thing you asked. Because today, we are having a quiz."
The word "quiz" was met with mixed reactions. Some students couldn't hide their dismay.
"You mean a surprise test?" one student voiced the concern that was probably on many minds.
"Precisely," Kazami-sensei confirmed, seemingly unfazed by the students' reactions. "Now, isn't that a great thing?"
"But we haven't prepared for anything like that? You should have told us about this sooner, Sensei!!" a random girl complained.
"Come on, Rina-chan, if I do that, then it wouldn't be a surprise test anymore," Kazami-sensei responded with a mischievous grin.
"But..."
Anxious protests filled the classroom, with students lamenting that they hadn't prepared for such a test, while the eager bookworms appeared excited.
For Izumi, the impending surprise test sparked disinterest, and he couldn't help but feel that there were more important things on his mind, like the upcoming volleyball match.
'Just get it over already. Why can't this Sunday just come quickly?' Izumi's thoughts wandered to the upcoming volleyball match as the classroom filled with anxious students.
The chatter and protests die down as Kazami-sensei slammed the duster on the blackboard and soon everyone settled into their seats, after which the teacher started distributing the exam papers.
In terms of academics, Izumi fell into the category just above average. If the average score was around 75%, he usually managed to score around 80%.
The top students consistently scored 95%, with Rin being one of them. Izumi typically ranked within the top 30 students out of a total of 160 in the school. While he might not be the top scorer, he was no slouch in his studies.
The subject of the surprise test was English. The exam had gone surprisingly smoothly for Izumi. He had always held a keen interest in not just the language itself but also in learning about various cultures around the world (including his birth country)
As a result, his knowledge of English, which was the international language, was above average. While he might not have been the best in the class, he was certainly one of the most proficient students— in English.
After completing the exam, he handed over his answer sheet with a sense of accomplishment. With a few minutes of the break remaining, Izumi leaned back in his chair, feeling content with his performance. It was during this brief respite that Rin, his best friend approached him.
"How did the test go?" Rin inquired.
"Pretty good, how about you, Miss Topper?" Izumi responded playfully.
Rin shot him a quick glare. "It went well, and don't call me that."
"Alright, alright," Izumi chuckled. "Anyway, did you hear about the new transfer student?"
Izumi's question piqued Rin's interest. "Not really, what happened?"
"Oh, nothing much," Izumi replied. "Someone apparently overheard Kazami-Sensei talking to Kazushiro-Sensei about a transfer student coming to school on Monday. A new student. I wonder who it might be?"
Rin contemplated this for a moment. "Just check who it is on Monday. Why bother thinking about it from today?" Izumi's practical approach resonated with her.
Rin inquired about the upcoming match. "Anyways, I heard that you have a match on Sunday. Can I go to watch?"
Izumi looked a bit surprised. "How do you know that?"
Rin seemed equally surprised by his reaction. "What?"
"About the match?" Izumi asked
Rin replied, "Oh, your mother told my mom, and then my mother told me."
"Huh! Our mothers have become quite close friends, haven't they?" Izumi remarked.
"Yeah, they've been talking a lot on the phone after they met at the party. They're even going on a shopping trip tomorrow," Rin revealed.
"They are?" Izumi was genuinely surprised.
Rin steered the conversation back to the match. "Yeah, anyway, you still haven't answered my question."
Izumi understood. "About coming to see my match?"
"Yeah, that one. Can I come?" Rin inquired.
Izumi smiled. "Sure, why not?"
Rin was delighted. "That's great! I can't wait to see you play, so you better give your two hundred percent all right"
"I'm already planning on doing just that"
...
Soon it was Sunday, the much-anticipated matchday.
Izumi woke up in his room, glancing at the clock, which read 7:06 AM.
Excitement coursed through his veins as he prepared for the day ahead.
After a refreshing shower, Izumi heard his mother's voice echoing from downstairs, "Izumi! Wake up already!"
"I'm up, I'm awake, Mom!" he replied enthusiastically, hurrying to get ready for the day.
As he descended the stairs, the delicious aroma of a home-cooked breakfast filled the air. His mother, Iori, had prepared a hearty meal, knowing he needed energy for the big match.
"Thanks for the breakfast, Mom," he said with a grateful smile.
Iori ruffled his hair affectionately. "You're welcome, Izumi. Make sure you eat well and get ready for the match."
Izumi nodded and began to enjoy his breakfast, savoring each bite. He knew that today was a significant day, and he needed all the support he could get.
"So when will you leave for the club?" Iori asked as Izumi enjoyed his breakfast.
"Probably around 9," Izumi replied. His excitement for the match was evident.
"The match will start at 10.00, right?" Iori inquired, double-checking the time.
"Yeah!" Izumi replied with enthusiasm. "So you've got some time because you're going to the club, right?"
"That's right," Izumi confirmed.
"What are you planning to do until then?" Iori asked curiously.
"I'll probably play some games on the PlayStation. Anyway, where's Dad?" Izumi questioned.
"Oh, he went to check something at the mall," Iori explained. "There's a new shipment coming in, but he said he wants to finish it quickly because he wants to watch your game."
Izumi's eyes lit up. "Oh, you're coming to the game?"
"Of course! We want to see our son being a badass!" Iori replied, using a term that Izumi didn't fully understand at his young age.
"What's 'badass'?" Izumi asked.
Iori chuckled. "Nothing important, Izumi. You'll learn about it later."
"Alright," Izumi nodded obediently, focusing on finishing his breakfast before the big match.
"Rin said she'll be coming to watch me play," Izumi shared.
"Not only Rin-Chan, but Aoi-Chan will come too!" Iori added.
Izumi was surprised. "What?"
"Yep, we decided it when we went shopping yesterday," Iori explained.
"So you guys are coming together then?" Izumi asked.
The mother-son duo's conversation continued, and after a pleasant breakfast, Izumi enjoyed some gaming time with Mario before heading to his big match.
When the time was 8.45, Izumi returned to his room to gather the things he needed for the club.
When the clock struck 8:45, Izumi returned to his room to collect the essentials he needed for the club. His heart was racing with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming match. As he carefully selected his gear, his mind was filled with thoughts of the game and the challenge that awaited him.
Just before the clock hit 9:00, he found himself outside the house, perched on his stationary bicycle. His mother, Iori, stood at the door, a proud and loving smile on her face. The morning sun cast a warm glow around her, emphasizing the deep bond between mother and son.
"See you at the match, Izumin," she called out, her voice filled with encouragement and love.
Izumi turned to look at her, his heart touched by the unwavering support he received from his mother.
"Alright, Mom, I'm off then," he replied, ready to face the day's challenges.
But before he could pedal away, Iori's hand gently landed on his head patting him him, a reassuring gesture filled with love. She leaned down and softly whispered, "Do your best in the match."
Izumi's heart swelled with warmth and determination. With a heartfelt smile, he looked up at his mother and said, "Yes, Mom," knowing that her support was the source of his strength as he set off on his bicycle, ready to give his all in the match that awaited him.
Soon, Izumi was on his bicycle, pedaling through the quiet neighborhood on his way to the club. After just five minutes, he reached the entrance gate, where he spotted his teammates, Riku and Yuki, approaching from the other side.
"Riku, Yuki, morning," he greeted them with a friendly smile.
"Good morning!" Riku responded, and Yuki echoed with a simple "Morning."
"Are you guys excited for the match?" Izumi inquired.
"You bet I am," Riku replied enthusiastically.
"I'm pumped too!" Yuki chimed in.
"Good to hear that! Let's get going," Izumi said as they continued their journey to the club.
Once inside the club, they wasted no time and started their warm-up routine in preparation for the upcoming match.
At 9:40, the players from Sakuraoka Academy arrived at the gym. All the members of Rixe Volleyball Association gathered in front of the Sakuraoka players, bowing respectfully, and Izumi spoke on behalf of his team, "Thanks for playing with us."
The Sakuraoka players reciprocated the gesture and then began their own warm-up routine. The anticipation in the gym was palpable as both teams readied themselves for the exciting match ahead.
While both teams were engaged in their warm-up drills, Izumi found himself across the court from his rival, Ushijima. The air was thick with anticipation, but there was a palpable respect between the two athletes.
"Ushijima-San it's been a while," Izumi greeted his formidable opponent with a nod.
Ushijima's response was equally respectful, "Indeed, Miyamura-Kun. I've been looking forward to playing against you, though I never thought we would play against each other this soon," his expression mostly stoic.
Izumi agreed, "Same here too, but I'm glad for this to happen."
Ushijima's eyes showed a glimmer of anticipation. "That's exactly my thoughts. I can't wait to see how much better you've become since the summer tournament."
Izumi, mirroring the competitive spirit, met his gaze with determination, "You'll have plenty of surprises waiting for you on the court. You better have stepped up your game since then,or you won't be able to keep up ."
Ushijima looked at Izumi and said with a determined expression, "Don't worry, whatever new tricks you may have up on your sleeves, I will make sure we win."
Izumi met his gaze and replied confidently, "Nah, this time we will be the ones winning."
Their exchange was filled with mutual respect and unspoken challenge, setting the stage for an intense and thrilling match between two formidable opponents.
Their exchange conveyed the competitive spirit burning within both of them, setting the tone for an intense showdown on the volleyball court.
The toss of the match happened, and Sakuraoka won the toss, choosing to serve first.
Izumi, now the captain of the Rixe Volleyball Association team, gathered his teammates for a brief but motivational speech.
The coaches and decided to make Izumi captain after seeing his remarkable leadership skills displayed during the summer tournament.
The loss to Sakuraoka had hit the team hard, but Izumi's ability to motivate and inspire his teammates after that defeat set him apart.
With determination in his eyes, Izumi reminded them of the previous summer tournament's final match, which they had lost to Sakuraoka.
"Listen up, everyone," Izumi began, his voice filled with conviction. "This is our chance to payback Sakuraoka. We haven't forgotten that final match. We've trained hard, and we're going to give it our all. It's time to show them how far we've come and that we're not the same team they defeated. Let's play with all our hearts and bring home the victory!"
...
[Voleyball Dreams Extra]
Rin stood in front of her closet, contemplating her outfit choices for Izumi's volleyball match. After trying on more than ten outfits, she turned to her mother, who was sitting on the sofa.
"Hey, Mom what do you think about this outfit for the game?" she asked, seeking her mother's opinion.
Aoi smiled and said, "You look perfectly beautiful in every outfit, dear."
Rin sighed, "Ahhh, that's not helping me at all."
"Rin, you've changed more than ten times already! Just pick something random."
Rin shook her head, "I want to look my best."
Rin's mom sighed, "Honestly, Rin, you're taking longer to choose an outfit than Izumi does to play a whole match!"
"What are you even talking about mom?"
Her mother chuckled, "You've been at it for half an hour already, and Iori-chan will be here to pick us up anytime now. You'll look great no matter what you wear, so choose quickly."
"All right, allirigt just give me five minutes more"
{20 minutes later}
Rin finally emerged from her house, having taken more than the promised five minutes. Iori had been waiting for the mother-daughter duo for quite a while.
"Aunty Iori, how do I look?" Rin asked, showcasing her choice of outfit - a beautiful red dress.
Rin's red dress was a knee-length, sleeveless design that suited her perfectly. It featured a gentle A-line silhouette that flattered her figure, with delicate lace accents at the hem. The rich crimson color of the dress brought out the warmth in Rin's skin tone and made her look radiant.
A matching thin belt cinched at her waist emphasized her hourglass shape. The overall look was elegant yet not overly formal, making her stand out without overshadowing the main event - Izumi's volleyball match.
Iori smiled and said, "Absolutely stunning, dear. Let's get going to Izumi's match."
"Yeah, Let's Go"
...
[A/N- anthor filler like chapter, but the action is right around the corner, next chapter will be pure voleyball]
[Note: We are targeting for 100 power stones this week and we are currently at 84/85, so let's do our best and smash the target]