Chapter Text
The morning after their intimate wedding reception, Atsumu stood backstage, adjusting his tie with a level of focus that belied his nerves. Today wasn’t just another media event or a typical press conference. Today, he was about to address something personal—his marriage, his wife, and the reasons behind their decision to keep her identity private. He knew that the reporters would want answers, but he wasn’t ready to share everything. Not yet.
He had his reasons, and they were good ones.
Atsumu took a deep breath, pushing aside the remnants of nervous energy that had crept in. He was a professional, after all. He had spoken to the press countless times, but this was different. Today, he wasn’t just speaking as an athlete. Today, he was standing up for someone he loved, someone he was trying to protect. His heart gave a quiet thud at the thought of Sora—and the danger they had faced not too long ago.
As he walked toward the front of the room, the cameras began flashing, and the air felt electric. He could see the eager faces, the reporters all ready to pounce with their questions. He wasn’t going to make this easy for them. Not today.
Atsumu took his seat at the podium, his posture tall and his face calm, though a slight tension lingered behind his eyes. This wasn’t just about his marriage—it was about protecting the woman he loved.
"Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice steady but firm. "Thank you for being here today. I know you have questions. I’m here to make a statement and answer as many as I can."
A hand shot up immediately, and Atsumu’s eyes narrowed as he nodded to the reporter.
"Atsumu, congratulations on your marriage! But we noticed that your wife wasn’t present at the reception. Why is that?"
Atsumu kept his gaze level. He knew this question would come first, and he was ready for it.
"Thank you," he replied. "I want to address this directly. Yes, I am married. But as for my wife’s identity, I’ve decided to keep it private. She’s not a public figure, and I want to respect her privacy. We’ve made this decision together, and it’s important to both of us."
The room shifted slightly, a soft murmur of curiosity passing through the crowd. Another hand shot up. The same reporter pressed on.
"But why? Fans have been following your career for so long. Why not share her with them, especially since so many people are curious?"
Atsumu’s gaze flickered briefly to the side, then back at the sea of reporters. He knew he had to be careful with his words. This wasn’t just about keeping a secret—it was about safety.
He paused, his jaw tightening as his mind briefly flicked back to that moment—the terrifying phone call, the anonymous threats, the unsettling messages that had started to surface after his relationship with Sora became public. The obsessive fan who had crossed the line. The way that one person’s actions had almost shattered everything they had built. He would never forget the way Sora had looked, the fear in her eyes that he couldn’t erase.
Taking a breath, Atsumu’s voice softened but remained resolute. "The reason is simple. We’ve been through a scary time. I’m not going to go into all the details, but there was an incident not too long ago where a fan tried to harm my wife. They tried to break us apart, and it went too far. My wife and I have worked hard to build a life together, and I need to protect that life. That’s why we made the decision to keep her identity private—for her safety and for our peace of mind."
A heavy silence fell over the room. The reporters, who had expected the usual story, now sat with a quiet understanding of just how serious this was.
"I’m sure you all can understand that my number one priority is keeping her safe," Atsumu continued, his voice firm but tinged with emotion. "We’ve gone through things that no one should ever have to face. And I’m not going to let anyone jeopardize what we have, not now, not ever. She deserves her privacy, and she deserves to be free from the dangers that come with being publicly linked to someone in my position. So I’m asking, very respectfully, that everyone respects our decision."
A few reporters shifted uneasily, their pens still poised but their words faltering. A moment passed before another reporter spoke up, their voice more cautious this time.
"Does that mean you won’t ever reveal her identity? Will you always keep her out of the public eye?"
Atsumu’s expression softened, but his resolve remained. "I can’t say what the future holds. But for now, the answer is no. We want to be able to live our lives without the constant fear that someone will try to interfere with it. I hope you can understand that. This is about our peace, our safety, and our happiness."
Another hand went up, and this time it was a reporter from a well-known sports outlet. "Atsumu, you've been so open about everything else in your life—your career, your challenges, your goals. Why is this different? Why is your personal life suddenly off-limits?"
Atsumu looked around the room, meeting eyes with several of the reporters. He knew what they were getting at—it was a natural curiosity. People were invested in his life because he had shared so much with them. But this wasn’t just a decision about fame or privacy; it was about a real threat.
"I’ve always been open about my life because it’s part of who I am as a player. But there are lines that need to be drawn, and this is one of them. My wife and I have both agreed that this is the right choice. It’s not about hiding her from the world. It’s about keeping her safe. I’ve made that promise to her, and I intend to keep it."
There was a long pause as the reporters digested his words. No one seemed eager to press further; they had all heard the seriousness in his voice. Atsumu wasn’t just a volleyball player today—he was a man trying to protect the love of his life.
Finally, a reporter asked one last question.
"So, will we ever meet her? Is there any chance we’ll see her at a game, at an event?"
Atsumu’s lips quirked up into a small, knowing smile. "That, I can’t say. But if it happens, it’ll be on our terms, and only when we feel it’s safe for her. That’s all I’ll say for now."
The room was still for a moment longer before a few of the reporters nodded, recognizing that they had reached the limits of what Atsumu was willing to share.
"Thank you," he said, standing up. "I appreciate your understanding and respect for our wishes."
As he turned to leave, he could hear the final clicks of cameras and the hum of quiet conversation. The reporters would write their stories, and people would speculate. But Atsumu knew that the truth of the matter was simple: his wife was his world, and no one would take that from him—not now, not ever.
-----
The press conference had ended, and Atsumu found himself back in his quiet locker room, his mind still processing the events of the morning. It had been emotional—an intense mixture of relief, pride, and nervousness. He wasn’t one to show vulnerability to the world, but today had been different. He’d opened up about his personal life, about his decision to protect Sora, and the thought of keeping her safe was the only thing that mattered.
Sinking into a chair, Atsumu finally pulled out his phone. The screen lit up with an avalanche of notifications: dozens of messages, comments, and tags from fans and friends alike. His heart gave a small flutter. His public life had always been under scrutiny, but now, after the press conference, things were about to change. He had no idea how the media would handle his decision to keep Sora’s identity a secret, but at least now, he could start putting his energy into their future—into keeping her safe.
He scrolled through his messages. There were the typical congratulations from his teammates, many expressing their excitement for him and wishing him happiness. Some of the messages were more heartfelt, while others were playful, as expected.
Oliver: “Tsumu, you big softie. Congrats, man. I’ll keep the party going for ya—don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans on who your wife is. For now 😉.”
Joffe: “No way! Keeping your wife's identity might be tough but you can do it! Man, that’s a huge step! Congrats to you and your beautiful wife. Looking forward to meeting her someday!”
Meian: “Happy for you, Miya. Make sure you take care of Sora—she’s lucky to have a guy like you. But don’t get too soft on us now, alright?”
Hinata: “Atsumu-san!! Congrats! I’m so happy for you!! You and Sora-chan are both amazing!!”
His smile widened as he read through each message, but one stood out. A message from her. From Sora. The one he had been waiting for, even though he knew it was coming.
Sora’s Message: “I’m proud of you. We’re in this together. Forever.”
His thumb hovered over the screen as he reread it. Her words. So simple, so Sora. It made his heart swell in a way that all the congratulations from fans and teammates couldn’t match.
Atsumu's lips quirked up, a quiet chuckle escaping him as he leaned back in the chair. "Forever," he repeated to himself, a sense of peace washing over him. There was something about the way Sora had written it that made him feel like everything—every decision, every sacrifice, every moment they’d been through—had led to this.
It wasn’t just the privacy, the press conference, or the media frenzy that mattered now. It was the two of them, choosing each other in a world that often didn’t make it easy. He realized then that, despite the chaos of his public life, Sora was his anchor, his constant. And she always would be.
He quickly typed a reply, his fingers moving swiftly over the screen as he grinned to himself.
Atsumu’s Reply: “You’re my everything, Sora. Forever and always. Can’t wait to see you later ❤️.”
Before he could send the message, another notification popped up on his screen. His social media was bombarded with more comments and messages, but this time, they were from fans across the globe. His heart skipped a beat as he scanned them. The outpouring of support was overwhelming.
Fan Comment 1: “Congratulations, Atsumu-kun! We support you no matter what! Wishing you and your wife all the best!”
Fan Comment 2: “You deserve all the happiness in the world, Atsumu-senshu! So glad to see you in a loving, committed relationship. We’ll always be behind you.”
Fan Comment 3: “You’re a role model, not just in volleyball, but in how you protect the ones you love. Respect. Congrats on the marriage!”
He smiled at the comments, his heart warmed by the love and positivity from his fans. But there was something in him that made him stop scrolling for a moment. For a second, he forgot about the noise, about the thousands of eyes watching him. Instead, his focus shifted back to the simple message that meant everything: Sora’s words.
He typed a little faster now, sending the reply off, before he could lose himself in the flurry of notifications once more.
Atsumu’s Reply to Sora: “I can’t wait to see you. I love you, always.❤️”
He hit send and leaned back in his chair, a deep exhale leaving his chest. Despite all the flashing cameras, the press conference, and the whirlwind of public attention, in this moment, it was just the two of them. Atsumu wasn’t a superstar athlete right now—he was just a man in love, waiting to return home to the woman who made everything worth it.
-----
The news broke out soon after the press conference. Atsumu had done everything he could to protect Sora’s privacy—keeping her identity a secret, staying out of the public eye as much as possible—but some fans weren’t willing to let that go so easily. Momoka, one of Atsumu’s most obsessive fans, had always been a problem, but things had taken a dangerous turn in the past few months.
It started with disturbing messages, then escalated to her trying to gain access to Atsumu’s private life, showing up uninvited to his matches and even attempting to confront him during team events. But it wasn’t until she took things further—going after Sora—that the situation got truly alarming.
One night, after a few too many close calls, Momoka showed up at Sora’s apartment, hiding in the shadows, waiting for her chance to confront her. It wasn’t long before she broke into the apartment, and in the chaos, Sora was knocked down, injured by the fan’s reckless behavior.
Atsumu was immediately contacted, his heart racing in panic as he learned what had happened. His worst fears had come true—his wife, the woman he was trying so hard to protect, had been harmed. Thankfully, Sora’s injuries were minor—a few bruises and a sprained wrist—but the emotional damage ran deep.
Momoka was arrested the next morning. The police tracked her down, and after a brief standoff, she was taken into custody for invading Atsumu’s privacy, assaulting Sora, and causing general distress.
The whole ordeal was harrowing, and it made Atsumu realize just how fragile the life he and Sora were building together could be. It wasn’t just about keeping Sora’s identity hidden—it was about keeping her safe. No one would threaten their happiness, not now, not ever.
-----
The days after the incident felt like a blur. Though Momoka was arrested and the threat seemed to be over, Atsumu couldn’t shake the fear that had gripped him. He had always been fiercely protective of those he loved, but seeing Sora hurt, seeing the toll it took on her, made him realize just how vulnerable they both were. Still, they both promised to keep moving forward, stronger than before.
And now, after another long day of practice with the team, Atsumu was walking back to the apartment they shared, his body sore and fatigued from the physical exertion. His mind still buzzed with thoughts of everything that had happened—the press, the chaos, the drama of the past week. But despite it all, there was one thing that always anchored him, that always brought him peace: Sora.
When he opened the door, the familiar warmth of their home wrapped around him. The soft scent of dinner in the air. The light from the kitchen cast a soft glow, and there she was—Sora, standing in the entryway, a soft smile on her face, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.
“Okaeri, my sweet husband,” she greeted, her voice tender and full of warmth.
Atsumu’s tired face immediately softened as he dropped his bag by the door and walked over to her. The weight of the world seemed to lift with each step. He had been carrying so much lately—his worry for Sora, the pressure of the public eye, the burden of his past mistakes—but now, in this moment, all that mattered was her.
He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing her cheek, and leaned in to kiss her softly. The kiss was slow, lingering, as if he was trying to take in every moment, every inch of her presence. When he pulled back, he looked at her with a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude.
“I’m home,” he whispered, his voice a little hoarse.
Sora’s smile widened, her hands resting on his chest as she gazed up at him. “You look tired,” she said softly. “Come on, I made your favorite tonight. You need to relax.”
He nodded, feeling the weight of the day fall away with her words. There was something about her, something so calming, that made everything feel like it would be okay.
“I’ve got you,” Sora added, her voice steady, filled with the quiet confidence that had always grounded him. “No matter what, we’ve got this. Together.”
Atsumu felt his chest tighten at the sincerity in her words, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. “Yeah,” he murmured into her hair, “together.”
They stood like that for a long moment, the world outside their little home fading away. It was just the two of them now. And no matter how much chaos had surrounded them, no matter what had happened or what would happen next, Atsumu knew that as long as Sora was by his side, nothing else really mattered.
-----
The evening was settling into a peaceful rhythm, and as the two of them sat down to eat together, the world outside seemed to fade into the background. The kitchen, dimly lit and cozy, was a sanctuary for them both—a place where the noise of the world could not reach. Only the soft sound of their utensils clinking against plates and the distant hum of the television filled the air, offering a gentle comfort.
Sora had made their favorite meal that night—something simple, yet warm and heartening. There was nothing fancy about it, just a bowl of hot ramen with a few side dishes, but it was perfect in its simplicity. Atsumu noticed the little touches: the garnish she’d added to the broth, the way she carefully sliced the veggies, the way she always made sure the bowl was just the right temperature when it was served. It wasn’t just the food—it was the love she put into everything she did for him.
As they ate in content silence, Atsumu couldn't help but let his mind wander for a moment, reflecting on how much had changed in such a short amount of time. It felt like just yesterday that he was living a chaotic, unpredictable life—running from one game to the next, surrounded by fans and expectations. But now, things were different. He had Sora.
His gaze flickered over to her, the way the soft light of the kitchen made her look like the most peaceful person he knew. Her presence calmed him in a way nothing else could. She was the quiet center of his storm, the one who always knew how to ground him, to make him feel like everything would be okay.
Sora met his gaze across the table and smiled, her eyes lighting up when she saw his soft expression. There was a moment of quiet understanding between them, an unspoken communication that only the two of them could share. It was a look that said everything—about the love they’d built, the challenges they’d faced together, and the future they were going to carve out for themselves. It was a look that reminded him, in that quiet moment, that they’d come through everything as a team.
“Thank you,” Atsumu murmured suddenly, his voice soft and sincere, almost as if he hadn’t meant to say it aloud but couldn’t hold it in any longer.
Sora blinked, caught slightly off guard, and set her chopsticks down. She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. “For what?” she asked, her voice gentle.
Atsumu paused, considering his words carefully. He swallowed, suddenly feeling a wave of emotion that he hadn’t expected. His tiredness from the day was still there, but the exhaustion of his mind had started to ease, now that he was in this moment with her.
“For everything,” he said, his voice thick with meaning. “For being there when I needed you. For sticking with me through the mess of it all. For not running away, even when everything got so complicated. I… I just want you to know how much I appreciate you.”
Sora’s expression softened as she reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. The warmth of her touch sent a surge of comfort through him, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to melt away. She didn’t say anything right away, just held his hand, her thumb lightly tracing the back of his hand in a soothing rhythm.
"You know, it hasn’t been easy," she said after a long pause, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "But I don’t regret a single second of it. I’m proud of us. We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?"
Atsumu nodded, his heart swelling with a kind of quiet pride. He had always been someone who was used to moving fast, to reacting on instinct, and rarely took the time to reflect on where he was. But now, with Sora by his side, he was learning to appreciate the small moments, the slow, steady rhythms of life.
“We’ve been through a lot, but it’s all been worth it,” he said, squeezing her hand gently. “I’m just glad I have you, Sora. We make a good team.”
Her eyes softened, and she gave him a smile that was filled with so much love, it made his chest tighten. “We always have,” she said simply. “And we always will.”
For a moment, Atsumu was overwhelmed by how much she meant to him—how she had always been there, even when he was at his worst. Through the chaos of his career, the stress of his image, and the danger from his obsessive fans, Sora had been his constant. She had given him a sense of peace he had never known before, and in return, he would protect her with everything he had.
The silence between them wasn’t awkward; it was comfortable, intimate. They didn’t need to fill every second with words. Sometimes, just being in the same room was enough.
Atsumu’s eyes lingered on Sora, noticing the way she seemed to glow, the way her lips curved ever so slightly in a knowing smile. It was moments like these that reminded him why he was fighting so hard for their future together. He had everything he needed right here, right now.
“I’m not perfect,” Atsumu added quietly, his voice tinged with vulnerability. “But I’ll keep trying, Sora. I’ll keep trying for you. For us.”
Her smile softened, and she squeezed his hand in return. “You don’t have to be perfect, Atsumu. You’re perfect for me.”
There was a weight to her words, a sincerity that wrapped around his heart. She meant it—she really did. And in that moment, Atsumu realized that maybe perfection wasn’t the goal. Maybe it was simply about showing up for each other, day after day, through the highs and lows, the easy moments and the hard ones. As long as they had each other, they were doing just fine.
They finished their meal together in comfortable silence, the peacefulness of the moment settling in around them. The light from the kitchen grew dimmer as the evening went on, but in their hearts, it felt like everything was brighter than ever.
Afterward, Sora stood and began clearing the table, but Atsumu didn’t move from his seat. He just watched her, a soft smile on his lips. He had everything he needed right here.
His wife. His partner. The person who made everything worth it. The person he could always count on.
“I love you,” Atsumu said suddenly, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.
Sora stopped what she was doing, looking at him with a softness in her eyes that made his heart race. “I love you too, my sweet husband,” she replied, her voice full of affection and warmth.
Atsumu’s smile widened as he stood up and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her hair, feeling the steadiness of her heartbeat against his chest.
For the first time in a long time, he felt truly at peace.
- The end -