The crowd starts to cheer again and I glance up, seeing that we’re once again being featured. The three of us crowd around the Ninja, waving at the camera. Even Kei gives the tiniest smile though immediately after, he rolls his eyes and looks away.
Mister Ninja, who really, I should probably have asked for his name so I could know who he is in chat, runs into the aisle and does a cartwheel. We all cheer him on as he moves through the stands, saying hi and stopping to take pictures with kids.
The next set happens and even though we lose this one, Maki pulls off an amazing play. The ball goes off Daniel’s arms, flying backwards from a powerful serve. The play isn’t over until the ball hits the floor and Maki, with his amazing armspan and speed, somehow manages to fling himself across the floor and get an arm under the ball. It sails up high enough for Bo to get under it and send it back over.
The entire team works so well together. Any time there’s a mess up, they all crowd around the person, slapping their back and telling them to focus on the next point. It’s incredible to watch.
Maki’s somehow made me into a volleyball fan. I can see myself getting addicted to this excitement, to following this team. I want to learn everything there is to know about the sport so that I can better understand it and better encourage Maki.
Maki and I have been on one date, but already, I can see this blooming into something really special. I really, really like him. Maybe heis‘my man’. I should talk to him about that tonight, after the game. I can ask him to officially be my boyfriend.
During the fourth game, we get to see Sullivan come into the game. He’s a pinch server with braces who smiles at his teammates through a mouthguard. Kei explains he’s known for his jump floaters which means when he hits the ball, it comes slower, floating around in the air before landing. They’re really difficult to receive because you never know how it’s going to hit your arms.
Sullivan holds the ball in his hands, spinning it around before the whistle blows. He does an approach, tossing the ball into the air. When he jumps up, it’s more reserved than some of the other servers. He connects with the ball and from this angle, I can see it wiggle and wobble through the air. It’s incredible!
The Scouts aren’t able to connect to it properly, giving us a point.
“That’s called a service ace,” Kei says, pointing up at the big screen. “Sullivan has gotten 67 service aces this season so far.”
“Wow,” I breathe out. “That’s really incredible. Isn’t the season only halfway through?”
“Yeah. His floaters are some of the best in the league.”
Sullivan gets two more aces before they’re able to finally return the ball. I giggle to myself as the screen shows a giant 69 next to Sullivan’s name. A few of the players seem to notice it as well, teasing Sullivan down on the court. His cheeks are bright red when he’s finally subbed back out when it’s the Scouts’ turn to serve again.
This game feels like it’s going on forever. Somehow, the score is 31-30 with us one point away from winning. Oli and Kursten jump up for a block but the spiker on the other team hits it lightly right over their arms.
“Shit,” Kei hisses out.
Somehow, Maki dives forward, just barely able to get his arms under the ball but he hits it too hard. The ball sails up into the air, back over Kurstin and Oli. The spiker jumps back up, slamming the ball down again. Maki has to twist himself to the side in order to make contact but somehow he manages.
“Fuck,” I say, watching with wide eyes as the ball sails up into the perfect range for the spikeragain.
Thankfully, this time, Kurstin is able to get a hand on the spike. The bad thing is it hits the side of his hand. It looks like it’s going to hit out of bounds over by the benches.
Maki is moving so quickly I barely notice him until he’s there, sliding across the floor, feet first. His foot makes contact, hitting it back up into the air towards his team. There’s no fucking way he’s getting back on the court in time for another receive.
Oli somehow manages to underhand the ball across the court to a very excited Bo. Bo jumps up and hits the ball pastthreeblockers. When the ball hits the floor, it bounces back up so high it lands up in the stands afterwards.
The crowd is silent for a moment before all hell breaks loose.
“Jesus Christ,” Kei murmurs.
“Yeah,” I say back with a nod.
“Listen,” Rodney says softly. “I know he’s your man but I think that was probably the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m half hard in my pants right now from watching him.”
I gasp out, shoving at my best friend. “Hey! He’smyboyfriend!”
Kei smirks. “Oh yeah?”
“Fuck,” I say, covering my mouth, my eyes wide. “I didn’t mean to say that.”
“You’re socutewhen you’re being all jealous and possessive,” Rodney says, cooing at me.
“I’m not being jealous and possessive,” I say but my voice sounds flat even to my own ears. Who am I kidding? Of course I’m being jealous and possessive. Can I really be blamed though? I like Maki. I like him a lot and seeing him participate in the thing he’s so passionate about? Seeing him being so fuckinggoodat it?
Yeah. I want him. I want him to be mine.
