Fukurodani High School Volleyball Club, during afternoon practice. Bokuto: Alright! This is the pace, this is the pace! Bokuto shouted in a booming voice. The atmosphere wasn't bad. Everyone's concentration was good, and Bokuto hadn't fallen into a slump today. But the setter who should be at the center of it all, Akaashi— He was quietly clutching his abdomen as he picked up a ball.

...It hurts. But I'm still okay. Just a little more, just a little more. His face is expressionless as usual. He doesn't speak much. That's why no one notices. That he has been clutching his stomach since 20 minutes before practice started.

A toss following a receive. Akaashi threw himself to the exact position and sent the ball up. But the moment he landed, his body staggered. '...Should I stop?' That thought crossed his mind, but it vanished immediately. 'No. If the setter stops, the flow breaks.' He straightened his posture again and prepared for the next play.

Bokuto: Akaashi~ You're doing great today, right? The pace is the best!" ...It seems so. Let's keep going like this. Akaashi forced a smile. At that moment, once again, a twisting pain surged through his stomach. Sweat trickled down his forehead, and his heartbeat became irregular. '...This is strange. It's worse than my usual gastritis...' But he couldn't bring himself to say it.

Akaashi stood there with a slightly dazed look in his eyes. Bokuto: ..Akaashi? ...Yes? Ah, I'm sorry. He felt dizzy for a moment. His vision blurred, and his sweat was turning cold.