Chapter 12 — Bridge Yard Beats

Before leaving to attend the regional Olympic qualifiers, coach Kiet decided to register the couple Vy - Long to attend the national championship that took place just a week earlier, seeing this as the final test to evaluate their performance and mentality before entering the important international tournament.

The national championship brings together most of the strongest couples in the country, creating a competitive playground no less fierce than the international arena. Vy and Long entered the tournament with a completely new mentality - not only as close teammates, but also with a sweet secret about their budding relationship.

"Do you feel different, playing as..." Long hesitated during the warm-up before the first group stage match, not knowing what to call their relationship in front of their teammates.

"Your secret lover?" Vy completed the question for him, a mischievous smile appearing on the corner of her mouth. "Yes, I feel much more nervous, but also more secure, because I know you are always here for me, in a much deeper way than before."

The first group stage match went smoothly, the couple Vy - Long won an overwhelming victory over an emerging young couple. The chemistry between them, after their feelings were confessed, seemed to become even deeper — every look they exchanged, every coordinated strike exuded a near-perfect understanding.

"I've noticed that the two of you have been playing much better together recently," Phong commented after the match, his eyes filled with suspicion and curiosity. "Is there anything I need to know?"

"It's just that we practice harder," Vy replied, trying to keep a neutral expression even though she couldn't avoid glancing quickly at Long.

Long also remained silent, just smiling mysteriously, making Phong even more suspicious but did not dare to ask further questions due to both of their reticence.

In the quarterfinals, the couple Vy - Long faced another veteran couple who had won the national championship many times in the past. The match was tense and dramatic down to every score, but thanks to good coordination and fierce fighting spirit, the young couple finally won and advanced to the semi-finals.

During the break between matches, Long took the opportunity to spend rare private time with Vy, both sitting in a quiet corner in the backstage area of the gym.

"You know," Long said, gently holding her hand, "I never thought that competing with someone you love would bring such a special feeling. Every time I see you score, I feel twice as proud as before."

"Me too," Vy replied, resting her head lightly on his shoulder for that brief moment. "It feels like, every victory is now not just an athletic achievement, but also a testament to the love we have for each other."

The semi-final took place on the afternoon of the same day, the opponents were another promising young couple of the national team, also in the process of training for future international tournaments. The match was dramatic, with both sides chasing closely in all three sets, but in the end, experience and outstanding chemistry helped Vy and Long win, officially reaching the final.

"We're in the finals!" Vy screamed with excitement when the match ended, hugging Long in joy of victory.

"Only one more match left," Long replied, his eyes sparkling with undisguised pride. "We've come a long way since that first bumpy day."

The final took place the next evening, the opponents were the number one seeded domestic couple - the current champions with many years of experience playing at the top. This will be the toughest test for the Vy - Long couple before officially entering the regional Olympic qualifiers.

The stadium was packed with spectators that night, the atmosphere was rare and exciting for a national final. Coach Kiet and Mr. Trinh Bao Son sat in the direction area, their eyes tensely watching each shot. Vy's mother, the first time she had the opportunity to go to the city to watch her daughter compete live, sat with her younger brother Nguyen in the audience, unable to hide her excitement.

The first set was extremely tense, the defending champion pair showed outstanding class with delicate handling and extensive experience helping them always maintain the initiative in key situations. Vy and Long, despite fighting hard, still lost the first set with a relatively clear gap.

During the break between two sets, Coach Kiet approached, his eyes serious but still full of encouragement. "The kids are doing better than the numbers show," he said. "The opponent is exploiting your impatience in long balls. Be calmer, wait for the opportunity instead of rushing to finish."

Vy nodded and took a deep breath to regain composure. Long gently held her hand under the recliner, his eyes conveying a silent encouragement that only the two of them could understand the deep meaning of.

"We still have two more sets to go," he whispered. "Remember all we've built together. I believe in you, I believe in both of us."

In the second set, Vy and Long played with a completely different spirit - more patient, more calculating, taking full advantage of the smallest gaps left by their opponents. Each point gradually narrowed, and with a series of excellent shots at the end of the set, the young couple won the second set, equalizing the score, bringing the match to the deciding set.

The stands seemed to explode in cheers and the tense atmosphere reached its peak when both teams entered the third set. This is a set where experience and bravery will play a decisive role.

The third set was breathtakingly dramatic, with both sides closely chasing every point. In the most stressful moments, Vy and Long constantly communicated and supported each other, showing their chemistry that had been forged through many months of hard training together.

In the final decisive score, Long performed an excellent defense from the back of the court, pushing the ball up high, creating an opportunity for Vy to close to the net. Not missing the opportunity, Vy made a quick smash, the ball crashed straight into the opponent's court before they could react.

The referee confirms the score, and also the overall winning score. The whole stadium burst into cheers, Vy and Long hugged each other in the middle of the field in extreme happiness, officially becoming the new national champions, marking an important milestone right before the regional Olympic qualifiers.

On the medal podium, Vy could not hide her tears of happiness as she received the championship trophy, her eyes looking for her mother and younger brother among the crowd of spectators. She stood there, waving, her face beaming with pride that couldn't be expressed in words. Nguyen stood next to her mother, shouting her sister's name loudly, her voice hoarse from cheering throughout the tense match.

After the award ceremony, the whole team gathered to take souvenir photos with the championship trophy, a joyful atmosphere spread throughout the backstage area. Coach Kiet, who rarely shows his emotions, could not hide his bright smile as he hugged and congratulated both students.

“This is a great start,” he said, his voice filled with pride. "But remember, this is just a stepping stone. The Olympic qualifiers are really the most important destination."

"I understand, teacher," Long replied, his eyes steady. "We will not be complacent with this victory. This is just motivation to continue trying harder."

Mr. Trinh Bao Son approached and patted his son's shoulder proudly. "I've never seen you play with such confidence and comfort. Perhaps, love really has more magical power than I ever thought."

Long was stunned by that meaningful comment and glanced at Vy with a confused expression. "Dad... what do you know?"

"A father always recognizes changes in his son's eyes," Mr. Son smiled, unable to hide his satisfaction. "I congratulate you both, not only for winning the championship, but for finding each other."

Vy blushed at Mr. Son's sophistication, not expecting their secret to be discovered so early. But instead of feeling worried, she felt a warm sense of relief, knowing that Long's family fully supported their budding relationship.

That evening, before returning to rest and prepare for the early flight tomorrow, the whole team celebrated their victory together at a familiar restaurant. A happy, warm atmosphere enveloped the entire table, marking an important milestone before entering the most decisive phase of the whole journey - the regional Olympic qualifiers that were waiting ahead.