**Chapter 3: The Weight of Expectations**

The fluorescent lights above the rink seemed to hum in sync with Piper's racing thoughts as she changed out of her gear, her mind replaying the conversation with Shinsuke Kita. It was a small comfort, but it was something to hold onto in a season that seemed to be spiraling out of control. As she walked out of the rink, the chill of the evening air hit her like a slap in the face, but she barely noticed, her thoughts still consumed by the image of Rintarō Suna watching her from the sidelines. Piper couldn't shake off the feeling that Suna's gaze had been more than just a casual glance. There was something in his eyes, a flicker of interest that had left her breathless. She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand - getting to her dorm and collapsing onto her bed. But her mind kept wandering back to Suna, wondering what he was doing there, and why he seemed so interested in her. The walk back to her dorm was a blur, Piper's thoughts consumed by the game against Kiyomizu the next day. Coach Tanaka had been clear - they needed to win, or risk being cut from the league. The pressure was suffocating, and Piper couldn't help but feel like she was shouldering the bulk of it. As she approached her dorm, Piper spotted a figure waiting by the entrance. Rintarō Suna. He was leaning against the wall, his eyes fixed on her as she approached. Piper's heart skipped a beat as she slowed her pace, unsure of what to expect. "Hey," Suna said, his voice low and smooth, as she approached him. "I saw you at practice today. You're pretty impressive out there." Piper raised an eyebrow, taken aback by the compliment. "Thanks," she said, trying to sound nonchalant, despite the butterflies in her stomach. Suna smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm not just saying that because I'm a volleyball player," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "I actually know a thing or two about sports. You're carrying your team, aren't you?" Piper's eyes narrowed, unsure of how much to reveal. But there was something in Suna's tone, a hint of understanding that put her at ease. "Yeah," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's tough. We're not exactly the most...supported team." Suna nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I know the feeling," he said. "Volleyball is a big deal here, but it's not always easy being part of the team. Sometimes it feels like we're just pawns to be used for the school's reputation." Piper felt a spark of connection ignite between them, a sense of shared understanding that went beyond just sports. "Exactly," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's like, we're just trying to play the game we love, but it's always about something more." As they talked, Piper felt her guard dropping, her defenses weakening. There was something about Suna that made her feel like she could trust him, like he understood her in a way that no one else did. And as they stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the dorm's exterior lights, Piper felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. But just as things were starting to feel more relaxed, Suna's expression turned serious. "Listen, Piper," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I need to tell you something. Something that might not be easy to hear." Piper's heart skipped a beat as she wondered what Suna was about to say. Was it something about the team? Or something more personal? She leaned in, her ears straining to hear his words. And as Suna's lips parted, Piper felt her world tilt on its axis, ready to be turned upside down. "You see, Piper," Suna began, his eyes locked on hers, "I've been watching your team for a while now. And I have to say, I'm impressed. Not just with your skills on the court, but with the way you carry yourself. You have a fire in you, a passion that's hard to find." Piper felt a flush rise to her cheeks as Suna's words washed over her. She had never thought of herself as someone who inspired others, but Suna's tone made her feel like she was more than just a player. "But there's something you need to know," Suna continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Something that could change everything. Your coach, Tanaka...he's not what he seems." Piper's eyes widened as Suna's words hung in the air, leaving her with more questions than answers. What did he mean? What was going on with Coach Tanaka? And why was Suna telling her this? Piper's mind was racing as she waited for Suna to continue, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'll tell you more later," Suna said, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "But for now, just know that I'm on your side, Piper. And I'll do whatever it takes to help you and your team succeed." With that, Suna turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Piper feeling both exhilarated and terrified. What had just happened? And what lay ahead? Piper took a deep breath, her heart still racing with anticipation, and stepped into the unknown.