Take Me With You

"Left!" "Toss the ball to me!" "Captain!" "Kei! There's a spike coming up!" "I know!" "YESSSSS!" The ball landed with a loud 'thwap!' on the ground and heavy breathing from the players were heard. The court was then filled with cheers and screams from the people watching the game when the scoreboard flashed the points. "TUBAITO, HIGH - 28 SKEYZ HIGH - 26" They won. That means their school has qualified for finals where they face the top 1 powerhouse in their prefecture, Pinzacki High. After the awarding, he walked home, biting the golden medal in the process. He is extremely happy because it's the first time in how many years they've qualified for the finals. If they win, they'll get the chance to compete for nationals. A sudden realization hit him which caused the small frown slowly forming on his face. "My brother didn't come to watch my game today, eh?" he said, tone hinting sadness. "He's always busy with work," he added. Swinging the door open, he saw his brother facing his computer again, probably typing something related to his work, as always. Keiji rolled his eyes and stumped his feet loudly, asking for some of his brother's attention. His brother looked up from the screen and fixed his glasses, his lips curving into a small smile. "Hey, Kei. How's the game?" "It's fine. I managed to block more than 5 spikes," he replied with a sour tone in his voice. "That's impressive! So you guys, won?" "What do you think?" Keiji realized that was a little bit disrespectful for him to say so he slowly lowered down his head, preparing to say sorry when his brother cut him off. "I'm sorry, Kei. There's just a lot of stuff going on right now and I have to fix them as soon as possible." Keiji looked up, telling himself not to cry but his eyes seem to betray him for they're starting to gloss with tears. "But I watched your game on a livestream. You were the best. I'm so proud of you," his brother added. Without further ado, he ran towards his big brother's arms and hugged him tight. If there's one person he loves the most, it's his brother. His brother took care of him ever since their parents died. He only has him and he will do anything not to lose the only person who loves him just as much. "It's okay, Keiko. I know you're out here supporting me anyway. I'm sorry for acting all stubborn." "It's fine, Ji. Anyway, I cooked something for dinner as your prize for winning the game!" "Yay!" - "What's up, Kei?" one of his teammates asked. "You've been on your phone since earlier. Is there something wrong? The game's about to start." He put the phone back in his pocket and heaved a deep sigh. He ran his fingers on his hair, convincing himself it'll lessen the frustration he's feeling at the moment. "I'm fine. I'm just waiting for my brother. He's not answering my texts." "Maybe he's on his way here! Just wait. He'll arrive any minute from now." There's a pint of worry blooming in his chest but he chose to ignore it and focus on the game that's about to start. Their coach called for them for a small discussion before they played. He took one last glance at the entrance. His brother still hasn't arrived. - "Captain!" "Quick attack!" "Chani!" "Keiji!" "Triple block!" With every hand touching the ball, there's another hand stabbing a person's stomach. "Argh!" "I'll give you my wallet, just s-stop!" "And let you report me to the police? No." "No, I won't! I just want to watch my brother's game- AH!" . Keiji suddenly felt his heart fasten its beat. He thought it's because of the adrenaline or excitement in the middle of the game but he felt anxious and worried instead. With his mind wandering outside the court, he almost missed the ball coming his way. Fortunately, his body was there to receive it and his members were quick to save the ball. "1st Quarter : TUBAITO HIGH - 25 PINZACKI HIGH - 22 2nd Quarter : TUBAITO HIGH - 24 PINZACKI HIGH - 26 3rd Quarter : TUBAITO HIGH - 25 PINZACKI HIGH - 20" There are only two sets left but Keiko is still nowhere to be seen. Keiji is starting to question his brother's whereabouts but the fourth set is about to start. He glanced at the entrance once again. His brother still hasn't arrived. The members are starting to lose their stamina resulting in a few substitutions in the middle of the game. The coach let Kei rest for a while before the fifth set started. On the other hand, Keiji seems restless. His legs are shaking in worry for no particular reason at all. His coach noticed it and tapped his knees. "If you win the fifth set then you're qualified for nationals." The fourth set ended with a score of 25-23,in favor of Pinzacki High. Keiji stood up and felt the coach's tap on his shoulders. "Do your best to win but don't forget to enjoy the game. Your brother would love to see you being happy doing what you love." He nodded at his coach's words and stepped on the court with greater determination. "I'm going to win this for you, Keiko." — "Congratulations Tubaito High for being the champion of this year's Sports Interhigh, beating the 3-year defending champion, Pinzacki High! Please come here forward for the awarding ceremony." This is what he's been dreaming for ever since he started laying his hands on a volleyball and playing with it inside the court. Going straight for nationals has been his main priority and he has finally got it right now. … but why does it not feel right? Why is he worried? anxious? restless? Why can't he join the team in celebrating their win? Following his instincts, he went down the stage and ran outside, searching everywhere for something he is yet to realize. For a split moment, he remembered. "Keiko..."