A/N: I just wanted to mention that Ren is pretty well known in Tokyo compared to any other area due to her dad being from there and them living in Tokyo for most of their lives with the exception of moving around back and forth for his games. Soo that's why many don't know of her being his daughter in other prefectures such as Miyagi. That's all, enjoy the chapter :)
October
"Naka-San you alright?" A voice causes me to jump as I stuff the note in my jacket pocket. I turn to see a concerned Yaku and Kai.
"H-hey guys. I'm alright, just tired that's all!" I wave off with my hands giving them a small smile.
Both boys give each other a look as if not believing my words but decided not to push it.
"So are you excited for the Spring High Playoffs next week?" I change the subject the smile not leaving my face.
"Yeah we are! I have a good feeling that we'll be able to qualify this year considering they bring three teams from Tokyo," Yaku smiles excitedly.
"Lucky, only one team in the girls league will qualify," I let out a stressful sigh a I run a hand through my brown locks.
"Is your dad coming to watch you play?" Kai asks.
"Yup, which is why I need to get as much practice in as I can, so I'll see you both later," I pick up my gym bag turning on my heels away from the two boys.
"Wait Naka-San!"
"Yeah?" I turn my head to look at Yaku.
"Don't overwork yourself, alright? None of us want a repeat of what happened two weeks ago, He mumbles the last few words.
My eyes widen at his words to when I think back to the time I fainted due to exhaustion in the gym after hearing about my nomination.
"I won't, I promise," I smile turning back towards the direction of the gym.
I couldn't help but feel a big pit in my stomach as I felt as if I just lied to two of my genuine friends.
Opening the gym doors I stop in place as I spot Kimura practicing her serves by herself.
We haven't said a single word to one another ever since the day in the gym making it really awkward between the two of us. I tried talking to her but it didn't work as she ignored me every single time resulting in me giving up.
I watch as she throws the ball in the air following her own routine as she hit the ball at a crazy power to which causes it to go out of bounds.
As her feet fall to the ground she lets out an annoyed groan looking at the ball then darts her eyes to me as if she felt my presence.
My best friend eyed me for a quick second before grabbing another ball from the cart.
"Maybe try starting a bit further back from the line when serving," I walk towards the bench placing my bag down giving a genuine smile to her.
The former ace grumbles something to herself as she takes a few steps back. Taking a deep breath she tosses the ball in the air taking a few steps before hitting the ball with the same power but this time just going in bounds.
"That was amazing Kimu! As good as any of my serves!" I exclaim looking at her proudly.
Kimura stiffens at my words looking at the volleyball till she finally makes eye contact with me, "We both know that's a lie Ren."
"W-what do you mean?" My eyebrows furrow in confusion.
"We both know that you're ten times better than me at volleyball so stop trying to make me feel better." She takes a step forward her now glaring face looking into mine even more intense. "I mean you have an amazing volleyball player as a father so it makes sense that you have all this pressure to be the best. I've noticed how hard you've been practicing recently to meet those expectations."
Kimura takes a few more steps towards me closing the distance as I sweatdrop at her conniving expression. "But it won't stop me from getting back what's mine ace."
"Y-you're the one who wrote the note," I stutter my eyes widening at her words that were the exact same as the threat I found in my locker.
"Oi what are you two doing?!" A voice suddenly yells causing me to jump back glancing in the direction of the voice to see coach eyeing the both of us.
"Ren I thought I told you to stop overworking yourself," Her eyes move to me, "You need the energy for next week if you want to have any chance at playing your best."
"G-gomen coach!" I bow at her still scared of the dark aura consuming the girl beside me. "I'll go, see you K-kimu," I grab my gym bag speeding towards coach who was at the gym doors.
"Ren!" A voice echos down the halls and I slowly turn to see coach jogging up to me. "How are you? You seem a bit off lately."
"I'm alright coach, just stressed about next week."
"How about your family?"
"My family?" I tilt my head at her.
"I've heard that your parents have been fighting lately and I just wanted to know if this newfound stress is also due to that as well," She gives me one of her rare genuine smile.
"Yeah no it's not that, I just don't want to let everyone down, especially my father," I drift off those last few words hoping coach wouldn't hear.
"Don't be Ren. You having amazing skill and determination that I haven't seen in someone for quite a while. Just play to please yourself, not others."
Those words spoken by coach were ones that I took to heart, but not enough to let the events that happened next not get the best of me.
--
"Mum, will you and dad be there in time for my games?"
"Oh sorry sweetie I have a last minute meeting that I cannot cancel so I won't be able to make it," She puts a hand on my shoulder a small frown on her lips.
"O-oh it's alright!" I wave off trying to hide my emotions, "But dad will be able to make it right?" My eyes look into hers pleadingly as I wait for her reply.
She ruffles my hair a small smile now on her lips. "Of course he'll be there. He can't wait to see his amazing daughter play."
As if on cue a slamming noise suddenly sounds in the house as footsteps near our way.
In view dad places his gym bag on the floor his eyes showing signs of tiredness.
"Hey dad, how was practice?" I ask to which he looks my way his light brown orbs looking into mine.
"It was fine."
An unknown tension fills the air as I watch mom lock gazes with dad to which he does so as well. The two stare into each others eyes as if they were doing some sort of communication with one another.
"So I told Ren that you would be able to make it to her matches tomorrow and that you are very excited," Mum speaks up eyeing her husband intently.
"Yes I will be attending her games," He stares back at her before looking my way. "Have you practiced yet Ren?"
I let out a gulp as I gaze into dad's intense eyes. "N-not yet. Coach told me to gβ"
"Well lets do so now. Still have lots to practice on."
"Haruto. I think you should let Ren rest. She can't waste her energy."
"Nonsense Yui. I think I know what's best for our daughter and her health," He walks up to both of us. "Right Ren?"
"Y-yes," I stutter scared of his change in tone.
β
"Alright girls this is our first game. The biggest thing I ask for you is teamwork and communication because that is what will lead us to victory," Captain tells us as we're all huddled up in a circle. "Coach, have anything to say?" She turns to her.
"Just make sure to not rely on other players to do the work for you. Also Renβ"
I look in her direction from the crowd as she looks at me intently.
"These are important games for you. Everyone will be watching you expecting the best. Especially some of the audience since you are one of the nominees for the award, so you must be on your best game. Got it?"
I feel everyone's eyes on me my anxiety beginning to get the best of me as sweat trickles down my face. "Yes coach."
The whistle blows signaling the start of the match as we do our own cheer, the starters walking onto court.
"Here we have Nekoma face off against Nohebi. This will be one interesting match as we have Haruto Nakamura's daughter Ren Nakamura playing in the position as Nekoma's ace. Ren is also nominee for female volleyball player of the year in the entire country so there is a lot riding on her and her performance," An announcer says as both captains exchange a few words and a handshake.
Glancing up at the stands those familiar light brown eyes are no where to be seen a small frown coming to my lips.
"Oi Ren you ready?!" A voice calls and I look away from the crowd to see captain tossing me the ball as I was first to serve.
I give her a playful salute as I catch the ball in my other hand.
Looking down at the ball I let out a deep breath bouncing it a few times.
With the whistle blowing I toss the ball in the air hitting it with full force as I aim for my target.
β
"Wow look at Nekoma's ace Ren Nakamura! She is on her a game scoring most of the points for her team winning the match against Itachiyama as she brings them to the finals against FukurΕdani. This girl is using her entire energy and we love to see it from the Nakamura bloodline!"
Chugging my bottle I once again look up in the audience to still not see my father in view.
Bringing the bottle away from my lips I let out a sigh as I sit down on the bench, my body feeling tired.
"Hey Ren, your dad is here!" Ino tells me pointing in the direction of my father who was talking to a man with a clipboard.
He looks familiar.
Standing up from the bench I slowly walk towards the two who noticed me right as I was beside them.
"Ren this is Riku Arai, a college friend of mine and coach for the women's volleyball team at the University of Tokyo."
The male smiles at me warmly as he extends his hand. "It's really nice to meet you Ren. I've been watching you play for quite a while now and let me say that your skill is amazing."
My eyes widen at his words as I shake his hand a smile coming to my face. "Wow thank you sir! I love watching the Women's Team, their skill is out of this world!"
"Well I'm glad you said that," Riku chuckles at my excitement, "Because I'm thinking of giving you a full ride to University of Tokyo if you continue to exceed at this skill level. That's once you graduate of course considering you're in your second year still."
"I-" Is the only word I can muster at his words.
I feel a nudge on arm as dad looks at me with those stoic eyes.
"Wow thank you so much sir! I'll be sure to play to the best of my ability!" I finally say, the smile on my face growing even wider.
"That's great to hear! Well I have to make a call but I'm excited to see you play in the finals Ren," Riku smiles giving a small wave to me and a nod to dad as he walks away putting his phone to his ear.
"You better not mess up Ren," A voice startles me as I turn to see my dad with a blunt expression. "Don't let me and our name down," and with that he walks away to go talk to another one of his other friends.
-
"Tch Ren stop using all of your energy. Pace yourself," Coach exclaims as I hit a strong spike as we warm up for our match.
"Gomen coach! I will," I lie giving her a reassuring smile.
Walking to the back of the line an arm suddenly pulls me. "You better not mess this up for everyone Ren. I'll be here when you fail," The familiar voice whispers and I look up to see Kimura giving me a smug smile.
I only gulp in response as she lets go of my arm as she starts to talk to the other girls.
After warming up the FukurΕdani Girls do their own routine and I couldn't help but notice their extremely powerful block. Most of their players were over 170cm with the exception on their libero.
After their warm up we huddled up as captain was gave her mini speech. "Alright girls this is our last match to qualify for Nationals. Put in everything for this game and we'll dominate the court. FukurΕdani is known for their height which also means that they have amazing blocks. So as a setter I will make sure to give you all the perfect sets and don't be afraid to tell me if something is wrong. Alright, Nekoma on three!"
We do our cheer all the girls excited but I couldn't help but feel a big wave of stress and lack of energy come over me.
Walking onto court all the FukurΕdani's Girls eyes were on me as they whispered to one another.
"Alright everyone this is the final match for today! We have two top three teams in the prefecture facing each other! Nekoma being known for their amazing offense and FukurΕdani known for their amazing defense. This is going to be one competitive match!"
β
"What amazing power from Ren Nakamura as she slams down a left handed spike sealing the win for the second set making it 2-0. Her change between both her left and right handed spikes have confused FukurΕdani's blockers giving them the advantage."
My feet fall to the floor panting in exhaustion. My body was definitely not prepared to use that much energy and we were two sets in out of five.
Just one more set Ren, you can do this.
Taking a deep breath I walk to the bench to see coach and captain looking at me with a worried expression.
"Ren, I get that you want to play your best but you have to pace yourself or you're not going to have any energy left," Captain puts her hand on my shoulder reassuringly.
"She's right Ren," Coach adds.
"Captain, coach I'm fine I promise," I give them the biggest smile I can as I chug down another water bottle.
The ref blows the whistle signaling the start of the 3rd set. As I was walking onto court a hand grasps my wrist.
"Ren if you're at all tired we have Himari who could sub in for you," Coach tells me.
I glance at the girl I thought was my best friend who's eyes perked up at coaches idea. Her eyes look into mine her lips forming a small smirk.
"I'm fine coach, I can play," I grit out to which Kimura widens her eyes at my bitterness as I pull my arm out of coaches grip walking towards the court.
-
"Ace Ren Nakamura seems to have gotten shut down for the first time as she lacked power in her hit. Might this be a turn of events?"
"Ren take a deep breath," Captain comes up to me holding my hand in hers. "Like coach and I said we're not going to force you to be subbed out with the scout watching you but you have the option to."
I look down at her hand that gave mine a light squeeze and I smiled at her genuinely. "Thanks Captain."
Walking back to my postion on court I feel eyes on me and glance up from the ground to see FukurΕdani's opposite hitter who I also noticed as one of the nominees for the award grinning at me.
"Seem to be out of energy, huh ace."
β
"FukurΕdani has taken not only the 3rd set but now the 4th as we go into the 5th and final set! FukurΕdani has now been able to block almost every one of Nekoma's spikes, especially shutting down their ace. Will Nekoma be able to seal the win or will FukurΕdani continue with their tremendous comeback?"
"Alright girls I need everyone to calm down. They have started to target mostly Ren who is our main spiker taking all of the energy out of her," Coach looks around all of us till her eyes stop on captain. "Set less to Rβ"
"Coach I'm fine, captain keep setting to me," I cut her off looking at both who had shocked looks on their faces.
"But Reβ"
"Captain, I promise you that I still have energy. We're going to win this," I cut her off determination in my voice.
She only nods in response as the ref blows the whistle signaling the start of the 5th and final set.
"I wonder if Nekoma can pull themselves together," I can hear one mumble is the audience.
"Yeah... their ace seemed to have lost her energy."
__
"That's another blocked spike hit by Nekoma's ace Ren Nakamura sealing the win for FukurΕdani!" The announcer says as I fall to the ground in defeat.
"FukurΕdani will advance to nationals!" He continues as the girls on the other side of the court erupt in cheers.
"Why is she even the ace?" I overhear one of my teammates whisper.
"Doesn't even live up to her father," Another one says.
I look up from the ground ignoring the voices looking for the one opinion that mattered the most to me.
Easily spotting my father he's nodding his head in disappointing a frown etched on his face.
My body then stiffens as I notice all eyes on me.
Some were whispering to one another staring directly at me whereas other were glaring.
Letting out a shaky breath I get up from the floor walking towards my coach and the rest of the team.
"Well girls you tried your best, but luck just wasn't on our side," Coach sympathizes gazing in my direction. "But you all tried your best"
I couldn't even bare to look up to her feeling defeated.
"We would've done better if Naka didn't keep getting blocked," One of them quietly mumbles only loud enough for me to here.
Not being able to take all the words sent my way I grab my gym bag and run towards the doors my eyes getting glossy.
Opening the doors I see him.
"Dad," I croak out his back facing to me.
He slowly turns around a stoic expression still there. "You're a disappointment Ren," and with that he walks away.
I stare wide eyed as he disappears in view and fall to the ground my body trembling.
I let out sobs not being able to hold it in anymore.
I failed him.
β
Walking out of the stadium tiredly I walk towards the street as there was a bus stop on the other side.
Father texted me saying that he had a 'team meeting me that he had to attend' which I only felt was an excuse for not wanting to see his disappointment of a daughter.
Wiping the excess tears off my face I was about to cross the street when a hand suddenly grabs my wrist forcefully and turns me around to meet their eyes.
"Why did you do that Ren?!"
"Kimura?" I look at the girl who's eyes were staring into mine with anger. "W-what do yβ"
"Oh you know what I'm talking about Ren! First off you steal my position in the starting line up, then you take my role as ace and finally you had the audacity to use up all your damn energy just so that you wouldn't let me play!" She seethes out like poison on her tongue.
"Kimu its not like t-that! I'm so-"
"Oh please just drop the happy facade already. You're nothing but a self-conceited bitch who only gets praise because of your father," She almost laughs out moving a step towards me causing me to move a step back.
We were so close to the edge of the road to which cars were speeding down.
"Ki-kimura the roaβ"
"Like honestly Ren I really don't understand what people see in you!" Tears well in her eyes, "All the boys on the volleyball team love you to death. Especially Kuroo who I thought you knew I had a gigantic crush on."
My eyes widen at her words as they surprised me even more. "I never knew you liked him that," I mumble quietly.
"Of course you didn't because you were too focused on yourself! At least I was able to get most of the girls on the team to hate you considering all the attention you were getting compared to the them. Except for coach and captain who always had a soft spot for you."
I could feel more tears already falling down my cheek as I looked at the broken girl in front of me.
Was I really the cause of this? Did I really break her that much without noticing?
"I
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