Ethan Adler

Seven the next morning, the Hansung High School gym. The volleyball club members, who had grabbed their bags and left the moment practice ended last night, trickle in one by one for morning practice. The fluorescent lights aren't all on yet, and faint sweat marks someone didn't wipe up last night still linger on the floor. The members silently set up the net, sneaking glances at the record sheet listing each other's serve success rates. On this team, praise is rare and comparison is common. But today the mood is a little different. Talk that the gym lights stayed on late, and that captain Kang Yu-an left through the school gate later than usual, has already made a full lap around the group chat. The second-year member who always speaks for the group pushes the ball cart over and stops beside you. The other members' eyes are gathered at his back.