As Yamaguchi stepped forward, he felt a flicker of panic. But when he thought about Tsukishima watching him from below, a sense of calm washed over him.
A pitch-black camera was trained on his pale, freckled face under the harsh overhead lights.
Yamaguchi instinctively turned his head slightly and lowered his gaze, still not used to being watched so closely.
Kuiya observed his unease and nodded to himself. People like this were the easiest to draw out. He radiated warmth toward Yamaguchi, but the moment the interview began, that warmth vanished like an illusion.
"Yamaguchi, from what I've seen, most of Karasuno's first-years have something that sets them apart. Kageyama is a genius, Tsukishima's blocking is excellent, and Hinata's stamina is outstanding. So what about you? What is your strength. Or are you just an ordinary person?"
The calm tone struck like a blade.
Yamaguchi clenched his fists, his palms soaked with sweat. He forced out a strained smile, pretending everything was fine.
"I… I'm just an ordinary person."
The sadness on his face was impossible to hide.
Tsukishima clicked his tongue in irritation. He had known from the start that this reporter had bad intentions. The questions were getting harsher, and Yamaguchi was too timid to handle them.
This was exactly the reaction Kuiya wanted. Clearly hurt, yet still pretending nothing was wrong.
"Your expression doesn't quite match your words, but that's alright. I heard that during the match against Aobajosai, the first time you used the jump float serve, it resulted in an error. What do you think about that?"
The question struck straight at Yamaguchi's weakest point.
Tsukishima's expression darkened further as he cursed the reporter silently.
Yamaguchi's already pale face turned completely white. His voice trembled as the memory resurfaced.
The crowd. People everywhere.
Holding the volleyball, he stepped up to the service line under everyone's gaze.
"Who is that? Never seen him before."
"Yeah, those freckles look awful."
"He looks like a coward."
...
The voices flooded back.
Yamaguchi's eyes shook.
"I… I was too nervous during that serve. I'd only just started practicing the jump float, so it's normal that I couldn't do it well. And I'm not a genius like Hinata or Kageyama. I don't have Tsukishima's height or intelligence either… People like me are everywhere."
Cold sweat ran down his forehead. His back, which had just straightened, curved inward again.
Everything he said was true.
And yet, it felt like something inside him had been stripped bare.
Outside the door, Sugawara and Daichi exchanged a shocked glance. They had never realized Yamaguchi carried so much inside.
Why did he think so little of himself?
Kuiya sighed quietly. This had gone beyond modesty. It was self-denial.
Tsukishima suddenly stood up.
"Yamaguchi. Stand up straight."
His voice rang out sharply, louder than anyone had ever heard from him.
Yamaguchi froze and instinctively straightened.
He stared at Tsukishima in shock. He had never heard him call his name like that.
Tsukishima didn't understand what had changed Yamaguchi so much. He had always been timid, but not like this.
No matter what he said on the surface, Yamaguchi was his childhood friend.
And this. This irritated him.
Just moments ago, Yamaguchi had been standing straight. Now, after a few questions, he had curled in on himself again.
Ukai and Kuiya were both momentarily stunned.
Takeda quickly stood up, pulling Tsukishima back down while apologizing.
Kuiya watched with interest. He glanced between them, then raised an eyebrow as he noticed Yamaguchi's posture.
So that was where his courage came from.
Tsukishima stood rigid, staring at Yamaguchi as if trying to communicate something.
Yamaguchi didn't fully understand, but his nerves eased.
Was Tsukishima encouraging him?
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself.
"I know I embarrassed myself… but I'm more afraid of not getting the chance to play. I'll keep practicing. Even cowards have dreams."
His face was still pale, but his straightened posture gave him a new presence.
Kuiya nodded, satisfied.
Tsukishima finally sat down, though his gaze never left Yamaguchi.
"Then what is your dream?"
At that question, something lit up in Yamaguchi's eyes.
He loved volleyball. He didn't want to stay invisible forever.
After joining Karasuno, he had specifically asked Ukai about the role of a pinch server.
Ukai had given him a long look, then silently handed him a video.
At first, Yamaguchi didn't understand.
But when he saw it.
His blood surged.
The roar of the crowd echoed from the screen.
A player wearing number one stepped forward.
In that instant, Yamaguchi felt as if he were there himself.
The player jumped to serve.
With a sharp crack, the momentum of the match shifted instantly.
It was dazzling.
Unforgettable.
Later, when he asked Ukai about it, Ukai smiled.
"That was Karasuno's game-deciding server in a national tournament a few years ago. The moment he stepped onto the court, everyone believed victory was coming."
Yamaguchi etched the words "game-deciding server" into his heart.
And when he saw Shimada's jump float serve, he understood.
This was his path.
"I want to become a game-deciding server. I want to be the one who can decide the outcome of a match… I want people to look at me."
His freckles stood out beneath his hair. His slender shoulders were held straight with determination.
That day against Aobajosai, even though he failed, his appearance had still broken the deadlock.
After the match, he had been swallowed by regret and self-reproach.
He replayed everything over and over, trying to change the outcome, even though it was impossible.
He also remembered the look Ukai had given him when handing over the video.
He had thought it meant doubt. That he could never become that kind of player.
...
Ukai had been completely misunderstood.
If he had known what Yamaguchi was thinking, he would have been furious at himself for staying silent just to look cool.
In reality, that look had been one of approval. He had been glad Yamaguchi made his own choice.
He had also believed the role suited him perfectly.
Even if Yamaguchi didn't stand out yet, Ukai had always noticed his attentiveness.
Kuiya lightly tapped the microphone, smiling.
"What kind of person do you think you are?"
Yamaguchi hesitated, then smiled shyly.
"I'm a coward. I'm not good at anything. When I was bullied, only Tsukishima stood up for me. I'm really not impressive at all."
He paused.
Then his voice rose.
"But I can change. I can become brave. I'll become the person I want to be."
His face flushed red at his own words.
Outside, Sugawara smiled softly.
That was enough.
Tsukishima leaned back, relieved.
Kuiya laughed and wrote something down.
"Young hearts are sensitive. But with friendship and support, even stubbornness and timidity can become strength."
He stood and extended his hand.
"Thank you, Yamaguchi. And I apologize for my earlier questions."
Yamaguchi hurriedly stood and shook his hand.
"No, no, it's nothing."
Tsukishima clicked his tongue and grabbed him by the collar, pulling him away.
The room smelled faintly of smoke. Takeda took the opportunity to open the door, only to come face to face with Daichi and Sugawara eavesdropping.
They awkwardly laughed and quickly slipped away.
"Tsukishima, slow down."
"Shut up."
Yamaguchi laughed as they walked out, greeting Takeda like usual.
Kuiya and the staff were about to pack up when Ukai, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke.
"Takeda-sensei, call Ennoshita and Kinoshita."
"Ah. Right."
Ukai smirked slightly.
"You didn't forget, did you? You said you'd interview the second-years too."
Kuiya froze, then laughed awkwardly.
"Ah. Right. Sorry about that."
He quickly had the equipment set back up.
Ukai hadn't spoken up for exposure.
He just didn't want anyone to feel left out.
Outside, Ennoshita and Kinoshita stood in confusion.
They had never expected this.
When Ukai first mentioned it, they hadn't taken it seriously.
After all, they barely appeared in matches.
"Why are you standing there? Go in."
Takeda urged them.
They exchanged a glance, knocked politely, and stepped inside.
Ennoshita stayed calm, but inside, there was a trace of excitement.
Even someone like him could be seen.
Kinoshita, on the other hand, lit up immediately. He bounced around the equipment with curiosity.
The staff watched him in horror, their eyes locked on him like cats tracking a dangling toy.
They were terrified he might knock something over.
...
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