Watching Shinsuke work so hard, Sorato sometimes wondered if he could ever come to love volleyball.
"Kitagawa," the black-haired boy's faint voice seemed to blend into the night as they lay side by side on the long veranda outside. "I've never touched a volleyball before, and I don't understand volleyball matches. Even if I somehow made it onto the court, I might not win. Wouldn't it be pathetic to work hard for three years and have nothing to show for it? If that happened, I would definitely..." His voice gradually faded away. He kept gazing at the distant stars and quietly took Shinsuke's hand.
Kitagawa Shinsuke turned to look at him. He was usually so noisy, but now, under the moonlight, his outline looked so quiet that he seemed almost lonely.
He didn't know what he was feeling, but Shinsuke wanted to help his confused younger brother in his own way. So he said, "I've always thought the process matters more than the result." He squeezed Sorato's hand back and continued, "At least, that's what I believe. Sorato, once you've given it your best, no one can use the result to deny your effort."
No one can deny me...?
Sorato let out a quiet laugh. "That's a great quote... I've been meaning to say this, but I'm jealous of you, Kitagawa. You live so steadily." He tightened his grip on Shinsuke's hand and suddenly sat up. "In that case, I want to enjoy my youth a little more, too."
And so, Sorato joined his high school's volleyball club. A whole new life was about to begin. Go for it, young man!
"Sorato, are you okay?"
"I'm fine... Just dizzy..."
(A conversation between Shinsuke and the silly Sorato.)
Everyone, don't get up too fast either.
Theme: A fresh start for the new year
