Chapter 6 - Our Partnership

“Center!”

I tossed the ball to Ezra’s direction and he easily spiked it which leads to another score for our team. “Nice toss!” He raised both of his hands at me as if waiting for me to do something, he’s anticipating. However, I tilted my head as I feel confused by those actions. What does he want from me? 

He chuckled. “It means high-five.” Ezra made me raise both of my arms and he did the high-five with me. I blinked thousands of times as I don’t get what does that meanwhile I stare at both of my hands which are now redder than usual. “Don’t you need to tie your bangs? I think it’s getting in the way.” 

Ezra tried to sweep my bangs to the side but I immediately turn away and ignored his remarks. It’s fun to play with him, I admit that. But I still don’t like him being touchy. 

I took a deep breath and the smell of sweat lingers in my nose. I’m also covered with sweat, but I don’t hate it. The sound of the ball falling on the other side of the net gives me such a sense of achievement that I haven’t felt for so long. 

My heart’s beating louder as I could feel a smile forming on my face. Am I being happy just by playing right now? 

“Nice serve!”

Everyone’s serious yet I could see how much they’re enjoying this just like I am, I think? Their movements are clear and speedy that it would make people wonder when all of them are this good, how did they fail to become the champions? Being in the same court as these people makes me nervous yet excited. 

This all seems like a dream, but the friction between the floor and the player’s shoes creates this squeaking sound that keeps reminding me that I am the one who’s playing with these people. 

“Center!”

After hearing Ezra’s voice, I automatically tossed it to him and as expected he scored the winning point and that leads us to victory. What an amazing player he is. 

No setter would feel stress if he’s their spiker since he hit everything so easily and he always takes a point from the other team. Now I understand why he was in the newspaper like what Mitch said. 

Ezra suddenly pulled me in a hug and said, “What a tasty toss!” Which baffles me and made my body stiffen. He then quickly breaks away from the hug which causes me to blink three times. 

I wasn’t even able to comprehend what’s going on within the game, but my whole body’s screaming for more. I want to play more. I want to toss more. 

Dwight approaches us while clapping. “Your chemistry is scary.” His eyes widen. “It’s the first time I saw Ezra spike a ball like that.” Huh? Does that mean he’s usually not like that? If not, then how was he became a topic in the newspaper?

Dwight pretended to cry. “Is this the light that would lead us to the nationals?”

Ezra laughed as he slaps Dwight’s back which made Dwight glare at him and said. “You’re a volleyball player. Please don’t underestimate your strength like that.” Dwight rubbed his back as he crouches. 

Instead of saying sorry, Ezra just giggled. “I don’t know why but his toss is so easy to spike. It makes me feel all giddy inside.” He placed his arm on my shoulder while he flashes his widest smile. 

I don’t understand why he’s being touchy towards me. “We suit each other. Don’t you think so too?” Ezra gazes at me and that’s when I realized that I am the one he was asking that. 

I didn’t need to answer because Mitch pulled me away. I’m thankful for that. But the next thing he did wasn’t nice either. “Lexi is mine. He’ll toss for me.” Mitch said while wrapping his arms around me. Why are they all doing this to me just because they’re tall? I don’t understand why they like me so much. I’m not even doing anything for them. 

Mitch pouted. “I want to hit your tosses too.” 

“Before asking for a toss, why don’t you hone your skills first?”

Mitch blinked three times as he moved away from me after hearing what Royce said. We could see how his eyebrows snapped together and his nostrils flared. The tension between them didn’t die down, instead, it became even more stressful to stand in the middle of the two. 

Though I wonder why Royce is hostile towards Mitch. Since Mitch is an outgoing and cheerful guy I thought he’ll be able to get along with everyone. I must have thought wrong. 

“Here’s a towel.” Our manager said as she gave us each a towel to wipe our sweats. I remember that her name is Angelica, and she’s the only manager here. If I would describe her, she’s friendly and easy to talk to type of a person. 

She’s also pretty with her smooth and silky brown hair that’s mostly tied up into a ponytail. She also talks to us newcomers and would ask what kind of drink we like. I’m not uncomfortable with girls because I’m used to being with them. 

But I notice that she’s always looking in Royce’s direction, even now. Her brown eyes were sparkling as they stare at Royce who’s drinking the water she gave. She must be interested in him.

It’s not like there’s any dating ban in the volleyball club so it would be okay for her to date him. 

The next match begins while I sat in the corner and watch them in silence while drinking water to hydrate myself. I could see how they’re all having fun playing, and it makes me wonder if I looked the same before. 

Oh right, no one would know because they can’t see my expression. What am I even thinking? It doesn’t matter if I enjoy it or not. I’m only here for Lia. 

As soon as my body relaxes, I let out a yawn but suddenly felt something cold on my cheek which made me jump. “You should have seen your face— Though I didn’t see it too.” Ezra chuckled as he handed me a cold drink. I couldn’t reject it even though I already drank. He then sat beside me. “I think our partnership is great.” 

I ignored what he said. “Thank you for the drink.” 

Ezra stared at me for more than a minute after I’ve said that. What’s wrong with him now? I wonder what goes in his mind whenever his face becomes serious like that. “I sometimes forget that you can speak.”

I was left dumbfounded after I heard that. How rude. Of course, I know how to speak. I only avoid it because I might say something that could hurt or offend people and I don’t want that. 

He smiled at me again as if what he said was something that he can casually say to a person he’s not even close with. “When did you start playing volleyball?” After low-key dissing me, he’s now starting an interrogation? Great! I don't think I would be able to get used to him and his randomness. 

“Since elementary school.” 

His face brightens. “Whoa! Me too! I wish we’ve met before so that we could train together.” He wouldn’t want to train with me if he knew how bad I was in playing, although I don’t think I’m any good right now either. 

“It was just a hobby before. I’m not good at it.” 

I was surprised after I said that myself. I wonder why I spouted those things and to Ezra even more. I’m used to bottling all of my feelings and I would rather keep it all in than tell it to other people because I don’t want them to feel pity towards me. 

I was surprised when Ezra patted my head like I’m his dog. “You’re too humble. I think you’re already a great player.” He said with that soft and calming tone of his. The way he straightforwardly says those embarrassing things amazes me. “I hope we can get along well since I really like your tosses.” 

I wasn’t able to say anything back again because Mitch sat in between us and interrupted our conversation. “I’m sorry if I’m disturbing but I hope Lexi could toss for me too.” He smiled which made Ezra burst out laughing. “Huh? Why are you laughing?” Mitch looked back and forth between me and Ezra with his clueless face. 

“It’s because I’m excited. I haven’t felt like this ever since we lost—“

“Ezra.”

He couldn’t finish what he was saying when the Captain calls his name as if stopping him from talking about the past. “Why don’t you start cooling down?” The captain suggested though it sounds more like a command. 

Ezra stood up with a frown on his face. “But we have another match right? Winners vs Winners!”

Captain Leroy didn’t bother listening. “No. If you overexert yourself you might receive a scolding from the coach. And worse, he might ban you from joining the training camp.” Ezra was devastated as he falls to his knees. “Mitch and Alexis, help that guy.”

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Author's Note:

I will try to upload every wednesday.