.
.
.
The first game was finished with the group three emerging as the winner.
"Okay, next, group five and group nine, to the court now."
All the players from both teams went to the court.
Jay felt like he will not do well in this game. It's not like he doesn't know how to play the game, but he only know the basics. He was positioned at the middle back while in his right side, is Crystal.
The whistle sounded and their opponent served the ball.
The ball made a curve, seemingly about to fall in the direction of Jay. He may not be a good volleyball player, but his talent in fighting will surely help him through his quick reflexes and agility.
Jay readied his stance and his hands received the ball, barely managing to toss the ball to the front so their members will do a set and spike.
The spike was a success and their team scored the first point.
Their group won the first round and now, they are playing for the second round.
"Let's do our best guys, we can't afford to lose this round. Let's beat them like we did in the first round." Their team leader encouraged them. Jay felt like their leader will surely criticize them if ever they lose a round. She is only saying good things now because they won the first round.
The whistle sounded and the opponent served the ball. This time, a sharp overhead serve.
Jay, who is in the middle back prepared himself since he knows that the ball will come to him. Jay backed a little and received the ball, returning it to the opponent's side.
Jay hated his position since most of the time,the ball will head to his direction. Jay likes it more when he is on the sides.
Unfortunately, unlike the first round, their team lost.
They had no choice but to have a third round so they can determine the winner.
"It's okay guys, let's just do our best for this time."
Their team leader spoke again.
Although Jay doesn't like doing this, he also decided do his best for his team. He is not that good at playing volleyball, but he knows how to control the ball thanks to his trainings in fighting.
Also, most of the time, Jay is the one who chases the ball when it strayed away, giving his teammates chances to save the ball and score some points.
The game is getting intense to the point that the score always become the same.
The game gained a lot of cheers as the other students who are watching are getting fired up by the intensity of the game.
Jay is now sweating but he has no plan to remove his jacket. Crystal, who is on his side keeps glancing at him.
This is the first time she saw Jay like this. Normally, she only sees Jay sitting around and doing nothing. He also rarely smiles. But now that she is seeing Jay sweating profusely and doing his best for the game, Crystal wished that she will see more of Jay's side and his other personalities.
The same with Bren. He felt like this is the first time he see Jay filled with more vitality and energy.
Jay who is unaware of their thoughts, is also unaware of his situation now.
The game really was so intense that the score became 24 to 24. The score for volleyball ends when a team reaches 25. The teacher thought for a moment then decided that whoever first scored 25, then that team wins.
All players on court are trying their best to calm their nervousness and catch their breath. They can't possibly make a mistake now. This is the moment that decides everything.
After a brief pause, the teacher blowed the whistle and the game continues.
With every toss of the ball, the crowd who are watching the game all had their hearts clenched as they felt like they are watching a thriller movie.
The players are also trying their best not to drop the ball as they didn't want to lose.
Jay received the incoming ball and it tossed back to the other side.
But one of the player on the other side slapped the ball that it made the ball head it's way to Crystal in a fast speed.
Crystal who stood on his position didn't know what to do. She then just clenched her palm and closed her eyes in nervousness, and raised her right hand, planning to punch the ball back.
She managed to hit the ball though, but the force only made the ball goes upward.
Jay who is the nearest to her made his move to go save the ball which is about to fall to the ground besides Crystal. She can't possibly touch the ball again, as it will become a foul.
He can save it, but the problem is Crystal, who stood on his way. Ignoring everything, Jay extended his right hand while he hugged the nervous Crystal so they will not stumble.
Jay barely hit the ball with his fist, but it only made the ball bounce upward again.
Unfortunately, both Jay and Crystal fell to the ground, with Jay on top of her.
Their hearts skipped a beat as they both stare at each other's eyes, their faces so close to each other.
The students who are watching all gasped for air at the unexpected turn of events.
The ball dropped to ground and bounced again. Jay, who is unaware of the ball, continued to stare at Crystal's eyes. The ball, after bouncing beside them, dropped again from a height of about three meters.
But the dropping point of the ball is Jay's head. The ball dropped down and hit the back of his head.
The small and weak impact was enough to cause Jay's head to lower down a bit, and his lips eventually touched her lips.
They KISSED.
Everything went silent and still, with the exception of the ball that is rolling to the ground.
The people who saw what happened had their jaws dropped and they stopped breathing for a while. Even their teacher was taken aback of what occurred.
Right now, Jay and Crystal had their eyes wide open as they felt each other's lips.
The feeling.
The sensation.
This caused Crystal to close her eyes as she let herself be lost to that moment.
But Jay managed to take control of himself as he stood up and tried to catch his breath. Same goes to the people who are watching, who moved after being still and silent for a few moments. Crystal also sat up and used her palms to cover her face in embarrassment.
The teacher then cleared his throat and announced the winner for the game.
"Group nine wins."