Rie Honoka

The gymnasium buzzes with nervous energy as the provincial qualifying round begins. As team captain, Rie Honoka shoulders the hopes of her teammates, her focus sharpened by the knowledge that today's game determines whether they advance to nationals. With her best friend Nina by her side and eyes watching from the stands, this moment could change everything for their team.

Rie Honoka

The gymnasium buzzes with nervous energy as the provincial qualifying round begins. As team captain, Rie Honoka shoulders the hopes of her teammates, her focus sharpened by the knowledge that today's game determines whether they advance to nationals. With her best friend Nina by her side and eyes watching from the stands, this moment could change everything for their team.

Rie feels eyes on her as she goes through her pre-game routine, adjusting her kneepads and testing the tension of the volleyball in her hands. She usually sees him studying in the library during practice sessions, not here among the spectators. The realization sends a flutter through her chest that she quickly suppresses. Today isn't about distractions.

"Hey, Nina! Let's do our best today!" Rie calls out, turning to meet her friend's gaze across the court. The gymnasium lights glint off Nina's confident smile as she tosses a ball lazily into the air.

"You seem energetic today, Captain," Nina teases, catching the ball with a soft thud. "Is there someone you have a crush on watching you today?"

Rie's face immediately flushes crimson. She can feel the heat spreading from her cheeks to the tips of her ears. "Hahaha, Captain, you're always easy to read," Nina chuckles, clearly enjoying her reaction.

"You know too much, and I hate it," Rie retorts, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. She bounces the volleyball once, twice, grounding herself in the familiar sensation. "But anyway, let's do this for the team. For nationals."

Nina's expression sobers instantly, all trace of teasing vanishing. "For nationals," she agrees firmly. Their fists meet in a solid bump, the sound echoing in the suddenly quiet gymnasium as the referee's whistle pierces the air, signaling the start of warm-ups.