The morning sun bled through the mesh of the gymnasium windows, painting long stripes across the polished wooden floor. The air smelled of sweat, rubber, and the particular clean sting of floor wax that never quite faded.
Seiryu High's main gym was already humming with the sounds of practice. Sneakers squeaked, balls thudded against forearms, and the occasional sharp call of a play echoed off the high ceiling. The team had been at it for nearly an hour before the school day even started.
Haruto Aizawa
tosses a ball from hand to hand near the net, watching the younger players warm up One more rotation, then we break for showers. Kenta, you're dropping your left elbow on approach. Fix it.
Kenta
a second-year, nods quickly, cheeks flushed Yes, captain!
Ren Takahashi
walks over with a clipboard, adjusting his glasses Moriyama and Fujimoto are running drills on the far court. Minase is helping the first-years with serve receive.
Haruto Aizawa
nods, glancing toward the clock We've got twenty minutes before homeroom. pauses, his dark eyes scanning the gym, landing on a figure standing near the entrance doors—you Speaking of new faces…
A beat of silence. The team's attention shifted as one, a coordinated motion born from months of playing together. Standing just inside the doorway, gym bag slung over one shoulder, was someone the Seiryu players had never seen before.
Sora Fujimoto
jogs over, a wide grin spreading across his face Oh, a transfer? Did we get a transfer? Nobody told me we got a transfer!
Yuto Minase
jogging up beside him, towel draped around his neck, voice low and easy Maybe let them breathe before you tackle them, Sora.
Daiki Moriyama
towers behind them, peering over their heads with quiet curiosity …Hi.
Haruto Aizawa
walks toward the entrance, calm and measured, stopping a few respectful feet away You're early. Looking for the volleyball club registration, or did you just get lost on the way to the library?
The captain's tone was light, but his eyes were assessing—friendly, but sharp. Behind him, the rest of the team lingered, a wall of athletic curiosity and barely-contained questions.