Work Text:
My heart is already chasing after you,
And burning with small embers;
As my entire heart burns,
I’m afraid that only black ashes will remain
─ Anti-Romantic – TOMORROW X TOGETHER
I don’t know who loves me
Hinata is convinced that this one’s a real idiot.
From the span of the 3 years that the two of them had been schoolmates, teammates and not to mention; friends, Hinata is convinced that this is the most stupid he has seen Kageyama yet. Well, he is not the least bit smarter than him but he claims he’s at least a bit more of an intellectual than the setter.
I mean, when someone gives you flowers; you would assume that they were confessing to you right?
Hinata facepalmed so hard when he heard Kageyama’s response being, “But there isn’t a funeral at home?”
The girl that gave him the flowers stiffened and slowly lowered the flowers in her hand. She profusely apologized and bowed multiple times before running up to god knows where. Hinata reckons he saw tears brimming up her eyes.
Hinata sighed and looked at Kageyama who looked confused as hell. Hinata rubbed his temples in dissatisfaction. He will tell on him to the others.
And that’s how Tsukishima and Yamaguchi were found hollering in laughter later that afternoon during their practice. Yachi looked concerned and Hinata looked tired as hell.
“I take it back Hinata. He’s much more of an idiot than you are” Tsukishima said and laughed. “I know I’m stupid but not THAT stupid” Hinata sighed.
“What flowers was the girl about to give him? Maybe he was confused because of that” Yamaguchi asked. “I think it was tulips with a sunflower”
“That means good luck though” Yachi said. Tsukishima and Yamaguchi laughed again at her answer. “Yacchan, I don’t think the king knows anything about the language of flowers”
“Good point” Yachi giggled as well. “I don’t plan on telling him that he’s a stupid idiot at interpretations and is denser than a sea rock” Hinata argued.
“Yeah, don’t. This is prime entertainment for us non-idiots” Tsukishima said. “It is painful in a way though. Sorry for that girl” Yamaguchi said.
Yachi sighed, “I have a feeling that it’s just the start”.
Hinata couldn’t help but shudder.
And I don’t care, it’s a waste anyway
This romantic feeling
Every time Hinata walks down the hallways during break period, he could see a load of letters stuck on the edges of Kageyama’s locker. And when break period is over, all of them would be gone. No sweat.
It lasted for a whole damn week before Hinata decided to finally ask him about them.
It was in the wee hours of the night; practice had finally ended. They were finishing up on their cool downs when Hinata had remembered about it.
“Hey Kageyama” He called making the other look at him.
“What is it?” Kageyama answered.
Hinata hummed.
“I always see a bunch of letters on your locker every day. Do you read them all?”
“Huh? No, I don’t”
Hinata froze. He could also feel Yamaguchi freeze up on his side. The two of them sat up immediately. They also saw their other teammates and their manager confused as hell.
“Why not?” Yamaguchi asked. “I just don’t”
Tsukishima groaned at his answer, “They could have spent hours writing those and you don’t even read them?”
Kageyama looked at him in confusion, “I mean, I read one and all it said was they wanted me to teach them volleyball so they could impress someone else. I didn’t want to be bothered with it so I threw it away”
Hinata crawled next to him, “And the others?”
Kageyama looked up, seemingly in thought. The other members looked at him expectantly.
“I assumed they were all the same so I threw them out” He nonchalantly said and resumed his cool downs.
The entire gym was in silence. Their teammates were looking at their setter in disappointment.
“Why the hell would you assume they were all the same?” Tsukishima was damn frustrated, along with everyone else honestly.
“The envelopes were all the same so I figured less”
Yamaguchi sighed and just stayed silent. Tsukishima as well. Everyone did too.
Hinata dejectedly shrugged away from him. Afraid that stupidity can be transferred.
“I mean, some people can’t just be good at volleyball, be good looking and be smart at the same time, right?” Yachi heard their libero, Sato whispered to one of their outside hitters; Fujiwara.
“Well, Kageyama-senpai proves it to be” Fujiwara answered with a light chuckle.
Yachi sighs. Agreed.
I feel a little scared
The start of Inter-High is and will always be full of energy. This marks the start of a great season and if you do well here, you bet that you’d have good chance in the coming plays.
Karasuno High school’s Volleyball Club sauntered inside Sendai Gym. And for the seniors, it felt as if they were once again entering the gym for the first time. It felt fresh and good.
Yachi could see their first years being nervous; well like Hinata once was, but yeah, she tries to calm their nerves. As they walked further inside the gym, they could see the other teams in the league that will compete with them.
Yamaguchi being the team captain was upfront with Tsukishima and Kageyama. And with Hinata being the very sociable person he is, he was already off chatting with a few of his friends.
Hinata dragged Koganegawa from Date Tech and Goshiki from Shiratorizawa to rant somewhere.
“How much of an issue is this that you had to drag us away from our teams?” Goshiki asked him. “Maybe he needs the bathroom. And he needed our company?” Kogane murmured.
“You remember what I told you last time right? About Kageyama being an idiot?” Hinata asked.
Goshiki hummed, “Which one of those?”
“All of those?” Kogane said making Hinata nod.
“And then? We have long established that he’s a big idiot, what more is there?” Goshiki inquired.
“I feel bad for those who wrote him letters though” Kogane frowned. Goshiki patted his head affectionately.
Hinata was about to rant about another incident when they heard loud cheers somewhere from the gym. The three of them looked around and saw a herd of what seems like, female volleyball players from other schools and other supporters from different schools hoarding over someone.
“Why do I feel like an idiot is in the center of that crowd?” Goshiki whispered. Hinata grabbed his and Koganegawa’s wrist and pulled them to the center of the crowd.
“Like I said” Goshiki whispered when they saw Kageyama at the center of all the screaming. The chatters from all the screams were making their heads spin.
“Oh, there’s Tsukki!” Kogane said and pointed off somewhere. The three of them sauntered to where Tsukishima and the rest of Karasuno were.
“How the heck did this happen?” Hinata said with an exasperated look on his face.
“Kageyama-senpai wanted to go on ahead and buy milk but he got blocked by the crowd and he happened to be a charmer, so there’s that” Hasegawa, their opposite said. “He looks scared though” Sato said.
“Huh?” Hinata said and looked at where their setter was, whose blood had drained from his face.
“He’s an idiot, no shit” Tsukishima snickered. “We’ve established that Tsukki but what do we do about it?” Kogane asked.
“Honestly, there’s no hope for him” Goshiki said and sighed. “Hinata, we’ll just talk to you later. Help that one first” Kogane and Goshiki separated from them and went to their respective teams.
“Why is he even scared in the first place?” Yamaguchi asked. “I might have an idea, but for now let’s get our idiotic setter” Hinata said and marched to where he was. The team followed along.
“Oi, Kageyama!” Hinata yelled making him and a few of the crowd look at him. Kageyama hurriedly went to their side and hid behind the shorter, “Where were you?!”
“I was talking with Goshiki and Kogane. And what were you even doing?” Hinata asked him as they made their way to their waiting area. The crowd is still following them.
“I just wanted to get some milk but then they appeared. They spooked me before I could even get to the vending machine!” He complained.
“What’s so scary about people screaming for you?” Yachi wondered making Kageyama look at her.
“I felt like they were booing me Yacchan!” Kageyama told her making the whole team sigh. “Kinda like Azumane-san when he played” Takeda sensei reminisced.
“They were cheering for you, you big idiot. Honestly, do you live under a big rock or something?” Tsukishima groaned. “Wait, really?” Kageyama asked.
“Patience is virtue” Fujiwara mumbled from somewhere.
“Kageyama-kun, you do know that you are quite famous right? You always get invited to the under-19 All Japan Youth Camp and our team is one of the leading powerhouses of the league. You’re bound to get a few cheerers from somewhere” Yachi carefully explained to him so he could comprehend easily.
Their first years; Sugimoto, Miura and Haruno looked at him expectantly. Waiting for him to understand.
“Oh, really? Wow, I’m dumb” Kageyama mumbled and went off to change in his jersey. The others looked at his back as he left for the changing rooms.
Nakahara, a pinch server scratched his head in amusement, “He’s a dumbass. Don’t tell him I said that though”.
“We won’t hold it against you” The seniors chorused, all sporting an exasperated look.
Sweet and bitter chocolate;
The ending is always the same
Everyone loved Christmas.
What’s better than parties, gifts and lots and lots of food, right?
It was a cold Tuesday and it so happens to also be their Christmas party. Both for their classes and their club. Morning was allotted for the classes and afternoon for the club.
Hinata happily walked to their gym for their club party. The class parties had just ended over lunch and everyone was proceeding to their club rooms.
When he arrived, he saw them crowded around a table full of chocolates. His eyes gleamed in delight so he ran as fast as he can towards it. He was about to grab a pack of Pocky when Tsukishima slapped his hand away.
“It’s not for you Hinata” He said and rolled his eyes making Hinata frown at him. “Just one Tsukishima! You’ve a lot there!” he whined.
“It’s not mine though” He said and sat down on one of the chairs lying around. “It’s King’s”
Hinata perked up and further inspected the sweets, “That’s too much for one though. You reckon he’d give us one?”
“Hopefully, he believes in sharing is caring” Yamaguchi said as he eyed the matcha flavored one. “Let’s ask kindly!” Yachi said as she too was eyeing the bundle of white chocolates present.
The man of the hour then entered with yet another bag of chocolates. He dumped them on the table and proceeded to get a drink from the table.
“With that much chocolates, I’d doubt he wouldn’t share” Sato said. “Don’t jinx it please. I want a taste of that strawberry flavored chocolate” Fujiwara wacked his head.
“Oi, king! We’ll take some chocolate, thanks!” Tsukishima making the team holler and they all ran to get the sweets they want.
“Leave some for Kageyama okay?” Coach Ukai called. “How nice of you to give them some Kageyama-kun” Takeda sensei commented.
Kageyama looked at him.
“The girls gave me too much” He answered making everyone pause. They slowly looked at the chocolates in their hands.
“I’ve enough to last before the Valentine’s wave comes in” He sighed. The others slowly put the chocolate back and complained about their setter being too much of a charmer.
“I don’t even like sweets that much” This sentence made everyone take the chocolates back and started eating immediately to avoid being stopped by another wave of their setter’s words.
“I refused them though. But they stuffed them around my seat and above my lockers and yeah, here in the gym so I’ve no choice”
“I was planning on giving them all to you since I don’t want to eat them”
Coach Ukai and Takeda sensei looked at each other, “Why not?” Ukai asked.
Kageyama shrugged, “I don’t want a sore throat at our games”. With that he proceeded to eat the snacks on their table.
Their team looked grim as they ate the chocolates.
“If ever I decided to go pro, I’ll make sure that I’m the best looking on the team so I don’t encounter someone like him” Nakahara whispered.
“Maybe you should try looking for a team with less idiocy. That ought to be easier” Sugimoto commented earning him a smack on the head.
Like sad movies;
Tears well up my eyes
Them being seniors and a bit dramatic, they decided to have a sleepover at Yachi’s place to just enjoy the moment. After graduation, there was no doubt that they’d separate so they wanted to relish the moment.
They decided on Yachi’s place because her mom cooks real good, her place is big and because they want to watch a movie and she has the biggest TV from all of them.
They boy sat on the floor while Yachi hogged the couch all to herself. They snuggled up on the blankets they brought and sighed happily at the warmth of the hot chocolate Yachi’s mom made for them.
“Enjoy yourselves guys. I won’t tell you to not stay up late but just don’t push past your limits too much” Yachi’s mom said and headed towards her room to let them have their own time.
“Yacchan, your mom is so cool” Yamaguchi said. “She made lots of snacks” Tsukishima commented.
“We should have done this since first year” Hinata groaned. “We can always do it again sometime. Just match our schedules” Yachi told him.
“What are we watching by the way?” Kageyama asked as they skimmed through Yachi’s Netflix.
“Mystery?” Tsukishima
“Horror?” Yamaguchi
“Romcom?” Yachi
“Kogane told me he watched this one romance anime and he loved it so much. He bawled and bawled for hours. Me and Goshiki had to call him to calm him down” Hinata said and giggled.
“Let’s watch that. Do you remember what it was called?” Yamaguchi asked and took the remote from Kageyama’s hand.
“Tenki No Ko (Weathering with You)? I think?” Hinata said. Tsukishima hummed, seemingly familiarized.
“That one’s really famous though. I watched the previews and all but haven’t watched the whole thing” He told them. Yamaguchi found it immediately so they all got comfortable in their seats.
In the midst of the movie watching…
Kageyama’s murmurs can be heard as they watched;
“How stupid is he to find a job without an I.D.?”
“What kind of area never stops raining?”
“Why the fuck is she turning to water?”
“Where the heck did, she disappear to?!”
Yamaguchi abruptly stopped the film. The four others looked at their noisy friend who looked frustrated as hell.
“Why’d you stop it?”
Tsukishima rolled his eyes, “For fuck’s sake king, you’re too goddamn noisy”
“Can’t you like, I don’t know; not be loud?” Yamaguchi asked. “Especially since the scene looks like its reaching the best part”
Hinata and Yamaguchi moved to the couch on both sides of Yachi. Tsukishima pulled Kageyama next to him. “You, shut your hole. Those three will probably get in their feelings later so don’t ruin it for them”
Kageyama grumbled, “Fine, I’ll just whisper my shit to your ear”
“Please don’t”
Hinata hastily grabbed the remote and pressed play, “Less talking, more watching!”
Minutes later, sniffles could already be heard echoing through the living room. Tsukishima sighed and stood up to get the tissues from somewhere. He handed each of the three a few sheets.
He sat down again and gazed to his side and saw Kageyama with half lidded eyes, sleepiness soaring through.
What do I even expect with him… He sighed and focused on the film instead.
Hina: But, if I come back; it will rain again!
Hodaka: It’s okay!... It’s okay…
Hina: Eh?
Hodaka: Who cares if we never see the sunshine again? I want you more than any blue sky!
Hodaka: The weather can stay crazy!
Tsukishima agrees that those lines are definitely a tear-jerker. Considering that his three friends at the back are doing so. He looked at them and saw he three cuddled up together in tears, tissues crumpled in their fists.
He smiled lightly. He looked at his seatmate and saw him looking confused.
“I’d want the sun more though” He whispered making Tsukishima whack his head.
“It’s supposed to be romantic stupid”
“But then again, would you want a never-ending rain than the sunlight? That’s not very smart”
“You’re not very smart you fucking idiot. That’s the whole plot of the movie”
“Hmph” Kageyama rolled his eyes and focused on the screen. Soon enough, the ending came to view.
Hodaka: Hina-san!
Hina: Hodaka!
Hina: Hodaka? Are you okay? Why are you crying?
Hodaka: Hina-san, this time… I know; we’ll be okay!
As the ending credits rolled in, a new wave of cries was heard from behind them. Tsukishima took it upon himself to get them water to drink so they don’t die from dehydration. When he came back, he saw the three on the couch looking grim as hell; looking as if they hadn’t cried a bucket load.
“Why are you all suddenly not crying?” He asked as he handed them a glass of water each. He side-eyed Kageyama, giving him a what the fuck did you do look?
“He fucking asked about the whole plot again and asked why the heck did they not just let Hina be sacrificed. As if he did not fucking watch the whole god damn film” Yamaguchi said, expression unreadable. “Tadashi, language” Tsukishima scolded earning a tight-lipped smile from the shorter.
“Maybe we should let Tobio-kun pick the next movie” Yachi said and handed him the remote. Kageyama hummed as he browsed the app for something to watch. The four looked at him from the back with an unreadable expression.
“This is why Miwa-nee told me not to watch movies with you” Hinata sighed.
I can see the entire ending
It will be difficult, worse than a hangover
Out of impulse, Hinata headed for Tokyo. Well, not exactly out of impulse. Just out of stress and frustration. And also, for a last-minute trip before the New Year’s vacation ends.
“I am surprised to see you here Shoyo” Kenma greets once him and Akaashi spotted him in the café where the youngest asked them to meet. Atsumu also came rushing through the doors behind the two.
“Yeah, I don’t reckon you as the type to suddenly schedule a trip to Tokyo with no calls beforehand” Akaashi said as the three setters sat down on the table. A waiter then came to take their orders.
“Sho-kun, what’s up with ya? Yer lookin’ a bit sad” Atsumu asked once the waiter had finished asking for their orders. “Well, rather than sad; ya look frustrated”
“That he does, doesn’t he?” Kenma said making Hinata frown more. “I reckon this has something to do with his favorite setter in the whole world”
“Ew, Kageyama ain’t my favorite” Hinata argued earning snickers from the three. “But we never said any name Hinata” Akaashi grinned at him.
Hinata cursed himself.
“Ya can’t keep anythin’ from these two. Better just tell ‘em what’s gotten yer boxers in a twist” Atsumu said with a sly smile. “I also want sum gossip, especially comin’ from ya”
Akaashi hummed, “Is this a good or bad thing?”
“Both” Hinata answered as he took a sip of his latte. The three perked up and urged him to tell more.
“My fucking crush is a fucking idiot. Much more of an idiot than I reckoned he’d be”
The three setters looked at each other before laughing in chorus. Hinata frowned, “I am appalled that you find happiness in my misery. How good seniors you are really”.
“Look Shoyo, we have very much established that. We’ve heard your stories; unless you have a new one. So, I don’t understand the need to cross provinces to tell us this” Kenma said, a small smile on his lips.
“I do in fact have a new story. It happened like, a few days after Christmas” Hinata started and proceeded to tell the tale of the cursed movie night with his friends.
That made the three laugh even more.
“Sho-kun, this is what I got ta say. Ya don’t got no fuckin’ chance on ‘im. He’s too much of an idiot” Atsumu told him earning a groan from Hinata. “I didn’t mean ta be rude but, ‘m right”
“I don’t hold it against you” Hinata nonchalantly answered making Atsumu laugh again.
“Wait what’s the good point of this story?” Kenma asked.
“If he’s as idiotic as he is for some time, I can be complacent that nobody will date that fucker. That I got no competition” Hinata answered earning a hum from Kenma.
“Strategic. Okay so what’s bad about it” Kenma asked making Hinata sigh.
“If he’s as idiotic as he is for a long time, I don’t think I’ll ever date that fucker. Like Atsumu-san said. And I worry about his future if he can’t fucking flirt or something” Hinata snickered and took a big bite of his steak.
“I mean, you can just move on” Akaashi told him. The other three looked at him in confusion. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Akaashi-san, that’s easier said than done” Hinata told him.
“Keiji, that’s not actually a good solution” Kenma said.
“Akaashi-kun, just cuz ya got a man for yerself, doesn’t mean that the rest of us are gonna ‘ave it easy” Atsumu groaned. “Ya don’t think I tried that maself? I fuckin’ failed and fell harder ya know”
Akaashi thought off, “Well Kenma did never get to get over Kuroo-san”
Kenma perked up, “Oi Akaashi Keiji, you make it sound like we broke up. Fucktard, he’s dating me now”.
Hinata snickered, “I hate stable relationships”
“Right that Sho-kun”
Kenma and Keiji looked at each other before giving the two a sly smirk, “Sucks to suck, we know”; they chorused.
Akaashi shrugged, “Why don’t you just leave it be for now? You’re leaving in a few months right? That’ll be easier for you to forget about him”
“I kinda don’t want to” Hinata answered. The three stayed silent, waiting for his explanation.
Hinata lightly smiled and twirled the water on his glass.
“I mean, these were the things that made me attracted to him. Him being oblivious as hell, a fucking dumbass at times, his determination, his passion, how he patiently helps me improve, how he yells at me when I did something wrong, when he stays by my side whenever I get frustrated. These things made me realize how much I want him to be with me. Just be with me every time. Even as friends”
Hinata sighed before smiling even brighter.
“I don’t want to just simply let go of this feeling. It may be the first time I’ve felt it but; I still consider this feeling as something to help me keep on going. With him, I feel the need to be even better. Better and better until I can say to myself that I’ve caught up to him. And that I’m able to say that I like him”
The three smiled at him.
“So no, I don’t want the easy way out of this. No matter how far I go, I know that this will follow me. If I’ll forget about him, then I hope it’s through the hard way. It’s not just me being prideful as fuck, it’s also me accepting that I like him, wholeheartedly”
Atsumu sniffed, “Damn Sho-kun, ya got me tearin’ up. That’s gotta be one of the most romantic I’ve heard in foreve’”.
“I understand Hinata-kun. I know how much you like him and I won’t hold you anything against it. I just hope you will be happy with this” Akaashi said with a smile.
“Of course, I’m happy Akaashi-san! He’s my happiness” Hinata told him, cheeks heating up.
“But aren’t you scared? Of being hurt? Like I get what you’re saying but, there’s no risk that you won’t hurt yourself in the process” Kenma asked him making Hinata smile more.
“I’ve already accepted the fact that he’ll hurt me for being too much of an idiot. I just hope his head gets better in a few years or so” Hinata giggled. The three setters laughing as well.
“We’ll definitely pray for it” Kenma told him and took a sip of his latte. The other setters nodded as well.
Hinata smiled and looked outside the window. He sure hopes so.
So stupid this sweet love song
An extravagant rom-com
Kageyama Hate Club (4)
Yacchan: Hinata, he’s not that dumb anymore!!!!
Tadashi: Apparently, Hoshiumi-san drilled all the things he doesn’t know into
his brain.
Tsukki: Thank fucking god for him.
Ninja Sho: I am not getting my damn hopes up.
Ninja Sho: The last thing I need is a goddamn broken heart.
Tsukki: LMAO gl with that
Hinata rolled on his bed. He kept on thinking about what Yachi had said on their chat. The first thing the girl had said to him after he had landed himself on a spot on a pro-volleyball team.
“Can’t believe they didn’t tell it to me sooner? I could’ve prepared earlier” Hinata groaned.
A knock goes on his door and it reveals Atsumu and Bokuto on his door.
“Hey Sho-kun! Do ya like yer room?” Atsumu greeted as the two olders jumped on his bed making them all wiggle on top of it.
“Very much Atsumu-san! And the dorm is very lively” Hinata giggled.
“Hinata! I never imagined I would play with you someday!” Bokuto said and gave the younger a hug making him laugh.
“Bokkun, don’t fuck with me. I know ya’ve been wantin’ this” Atsumu told him off making Bokuto frown at him.
“I do mind that both of you are dating though. I hate stable relationships” Hinata said making the two laugh at his sourness.
“Sucks to suck” The two chorused before throwing to a fit of laughter once more.
Atsumu then stops, “Déjà vu. A few years ago, Keiji-kun an’ Ken-kun said the same thing to ya”
“Nice of you to remind me that mind love life has not progressed since then” Hinata sarcastically said.
Bokuto looked at him in confusion, “You aren’t dating anyone Hinata?”
He shook his head, exasperated look on his face.
“Why?” Bokuto wondered making Atsumu laugh once more.
“I fucking hate you Atsumu-san” Hinata told him with his sweetest smile.
“I love ya too Sho-kun! Now Bokkun, cmere. I’ll tell ya a tale about idiots” Atsumu started making Bokuto nod at him fervently.
“I hate this story” Hinata groaned and tossed his phone which landed on Atsumu’s side.
“Ya know Bokkun? Our dear Sho-kun ‘ere liked a big idiot since his high school days” Atsumu said.
Bokuto looked over his shoulder to Hinata, “Was it Kageyama?”
Atsumu laughed and laughed, “Ya got it! That one apparently does not know how to flirt an’ shit. He’d think wrongly of those flirtin’ with ‘im. So, our lil’ crow had not gotten a chance to confess to the love of ‘is life fer complicated reasons”
Bokuto looked sad for Hinata, “I’m so sorry for that Hinata but then again it’s your fault for falling for the wrong guy”
“Yeah thanks” Hinata sarcastically said.
“You just happened to be in love with an Anti-Romantic Shoyo” Adriah’s voice then was heard. The three looked at the doorway and saw Adriah and Sakusa leaning on the frame.
“Omi-kun, Thomassan! How nice of ya ta hear this sad story” Atsumu gleamed as him and Bokuto sat properly as to give space to the two. Adriah and Sakusa sat on the foot of the bed.
“I was just about to ask how Shoyo has been settling in but me and Kiyoomi happened to overhear your conversation. Sorry for that” Adriah said and scratched his nape.
Sakusa clicked his tongue, “It’s honestly Atsu’s and Bokuto’s fault for not closing the door”
Atsumu sheepishly grinned, “And I take responsibility for it”
Hinata smiled, “It’s fine. You were all bound to know this story one way or another”
“Tsumu would’ve babbled once he remembers it one day” Bokuto said making Atsumu frown.
“Ya sound like ya have no trust in me” Atsumu snarled.
“We don’t” Sakusa told him.
“Oh shit, even the boyfriend’s in it” Adriah whispered as he moved a bit from the two who have started arguing immediately. Bokuto was egging the two of them on as Hinata watched them with mild disgust.
“You jealous?” Adriah smirked as he asked.
“Thomassan, not you too please” Hinata groaned.
Adriah laughed, “I mean, I’m not the one in love with Schweiden Adlers’ starting setter Kageyama Tobio who happens to be your high school setter, you’re best friend and an anti-romantic”
Hinata sighed and laid back, “I want a boyfriend”.
“The one you want is an idiot as you have relayed” Sakusa said, the argument with Atsumu finished with the blond pouting.
Hinata hummed, “Well Yacchan said that Hoshiumi taught him how to not be an anti-romantic anymore so there’s that”
Atsumu shrieked, “Sho-kun! This is yer moment! Ya gotta go fer the gold!”
“Is that a reference?” Adriah wondered as he remembered the Adlers’ team colors.
“It’s time to not be single Hinata! Snatch him up real good and flex that you got a hot boyfriend!” Bokuto cheered.
“Did this one check him out?” Adriah wondered.
Hinata sat up straight, “I don’t wanna! I am not opting for a heartbreak before I even get to debut in an official match!”
The three loomed at him.
“Why not after you debut then? It doesn’t have to be immediately” Sakusa advised.
“I don’t wanna get hurt” Hinata whined and whined.
Atsumu perked up.
“Two years ago, ya said and I quote: “I’ve already accepted the fact that he’ll hurt me for being too much of an idiot” so why’re ya chickenin’ out now?” Atsumu asked him.
“Damn he remembers the exact words from two years ago…” Adriah wondered as he awaited their conversation to progress.
Hinata sighed as he looked at his phone’s lock screen, a picture of him and Kageyama taken on their graduation.
“So what if he’s not an idiot anymore? I’ll just jump on him immediately? I’ve established that I do very much like him and I still fucking do but what about him?”
The three stayed quiet.
“I have no idea how he sees me. Sure, we’ve known each other since way back but I have no idea if he likes me back. And I have a strong feeling that he doesn’t. If he’s just figured out how flirting works then I can assure you that he did not notice any one of my slight flirts back then”
Adriah nodded, “Well yeah if you put it that way, you’re just setting yourself up for a broken heart”.
Bokuto giggles, “Aww, Hinata I never pegged you for the hopeless romantic type”
“That’s the best description for him” Sakusa commented.
“It’s not like I have a choice! That idiot is turning me into things I did not realize I’ll ever be! Oh fuck, I’m going crazy” Hinata groaned and buried his face on his pillow.
Adriah affectionately pats his back, “Well if it helps, your debut match is with the Adlers so there’s that”
Hinata raised his head from the pillows. The three were smirking at him.
“Go get yer idiot Sho-kun” Atsumu encouraged.
They make it sound so fucking easy, Hinata frowned and screamed at his pillow.
I want to run away, far away
But my heart is already chasing after you
This is it; game day.
Hinata kept fidgeting in their bus towards Kamei Arena and his seatmate, Inunaki could not sleep peacefully with him being nervous as hell.
Inunaki sighed, “Fuck’s sake Shoyo, calm your tits for a moment. We have 2 hours more of ground travel before we get to Sendai so I suggest you chill for the time being”.
Hinata froze, “Sorry Wan-san. I’ll switch seats with someone because I do not think I can stay still”.
Inunaki laughed, “Do what you want then. But please leave it off court. We don’t want your big day turning bad right?”
Hinata smiled and stood up from his seat. He looked for someone to switch with but alas no one’s awake.
“Thomassan should be half asleep. You can wake him up. Tell him I said so” Inunaki said and Hinata made his way to Adriah who was sleeping with his head hanging low. He shook his shoulder slowly.
“Thomassan, can I switch seats with you? Wan-san can’t sleep” Hinata whispered. Adriah slowly looked up and hazily nodded. He stood up yawning and slowly walked to where the libero was sitting.
He did miss the seat with him mindlessly walking around the bus. Inunaki had to pull on his jacket to lead him to his seat.
Hinata sat down and looked at the window. It was rather bright and sunny outside through the dark tint of the windows. Hinata finds the road nerve-racking, inching closer and closer to his demise.
Demise is a very strong word. Maybe the climax of his life would sound fitting.
“Sho-kun, stop lookin’ at the goddamn clouds and get off of the fuckin’ bus. Yer destiny is awaitin’” Atsumu’s boisterous voice made Hinata snap out of his reverie. He glared at him hard and stood up to arrange his things.
He didn’t even notice the bus had stopped.
They all walked to the lockers assigned for them. Hinata opted to stay in the middle with Oliver towering over him. Hiding.
“What the heck are you doing there Hinata?” Oliver asked. The other members laughed at the two.
“Ollie-san, he’s hiding. The whole time he was awake on the bus, he was so goddamn nervous” Inunaki rambled making their laughs louder. Fans that were on the hallways looked at them curiously.
“Let’s try not to get everyone’s attention before the game starts, please. Lockers are to the right Koutaro” Meian said. Everyone entered their locker rooms to prepare.
“Do ya’ll think that Sho-kun will embarrass himself today?” Atsumu wondered earning a flying empty bottle towards his head.
“You sound so happy over me being nervous!” Hinata yelled. “I do find it funny too” Sakusa sidelined making Hinata’s shoulders sag.
“I mean, you’re friends, right? That shouldn’t be a problem” Meian told him. “And it’s not like you’re confessing, are you?” Adriah added.
“Yeah, well; I guess” Hinata mumbled.
“Yeah, he’s hopeless” Sakusa concluded. “Let’s just get your debut day started already” Sakusa added.
“Yeah, let’s win this for Shoyo!” Inunaki cheered with the others following along.
Then they entered the court.
The lights were exhilarating and the cheers were beyond wonders. Maybe the liveliness of the court lightened up Hinata’s mood as his brain starts to forget about someone.
Well, that is until that someone approached him.
“You’re finally here”
Badump… Badump… Badump…
Hinata breathed hard before turning to his back where Kageyama Tobio stands towering over him. Arms crossed, smile smug and eyes twinkling like stars.
Fuck this tall ass piece of shit, Hinata cursed in his head. He composed himself in a split-second before giving the taller his own smirk and gleam in his eyes.
“Sorry to keep you waiting then” Hinata remarked as he looked straight into Kageyama’s blue eyes. Very pretty blue eyes if he might add there.
“Are you ready to lose again Hinata?” Kageyama asked and gestured to his team mates. “I happen to have Ushijima-san, Hoshiumi-san on my team. And I’m sure you know who Romero is right?”
Hinata looked at the Adlers team and saw Ushijima and Hoshiumi looking at them while stretching. Hoshiumi waved at him when their eyes met so Hinata waved back with a grin.
He looked at Kageyama again, “How are you so sure that I’ll lose again Kageyama? My team happens to have 2 of the Top 5 Aces of our Batch and the best high school setter on his run. Plus, the whole team is very very good”.
Kageyama snarked, “My team is at the top of the league Hinata. Adding new players wouldn’t just turn the feat around easily. Plus, I know how they play”.
Hinata smirked, This motherfucker is as cocky as ever huh.
“But have you seen me play?” Hinata said, smirk turning proud. Kageyama didn’t reply making Hinata laugh.
He turned his back to go back to where his team was. A few steps in, he craned his back to look at the setter.
“I’m not who I was years ago Kageyama” With one final smile he turned back and headed to where his team was warming up.
The Jackals gave him a thumbs up when he approached. Hinata’s legs gave out making him stumble to the ground with a heavy sigh.
“He’s still as scary as ever” He mumbled and leaned on Bokuto’s back. The others laughed at him.
“Well yeah, we heard. You two are scary” Inunaki said. “Too much sexual tension if I do say so” Atsumu told him.
Hinata glared at him.
“I need to win. I’ll show him how I’m different now” Hinata announced as he stood up. The bell blared signaling the start of the game. They all gathered in a circle.
“For Shoyo and his hopefully soon to be existing relationship with his favorite setter!” Meian started making Hinata sound out a “NO!”
“YEAH!” The others yelled and high fived each other with big grins. Hinata grimaced and just let them do their thing.
“Time to win it then” Hinata said to himself and grinned.
To the surprise of well, not Hinata; they won!
3-1 with the MSBY Jackals coming out victorious and defeating the top of the league. Talk about power.
The whole stadium was wrapped in cheers for the winners with the whole team in a group hug (no not Sakusa but he’s there with them), still on the court. When they separated, they faced the audience and bowed with gratitude.
Hinata saw his old team waving at him, especially his seniors (Sugawara looked like he just cried). Yachi, Yamaguchi and Tsukishima were also with them sporting big grins on their faces. Yamaguchi gestured to Hinata’s left.
He whirled his head and saw Kageyama standing next to him, also waving at their old team mates. Kageyama looked at him when he noticed the shorter staring at him for a while.
He offered his left hand to shake.
“Good game Hinata” Kageyama said with a small smile. Hinata reluctantly shook his hand, cheeks flaring up in a light blush.
The hand shake lingered for a while and Hinata can confess that he is still fucking in love with this setter. If the cheers fading and eyes focusing on the taller’s only aren’t enough proof then he doesn’t know what is.
“Oy, Sho-kun! Get over ‘ere fer a sec!” Atsumu’s boisterous voice made the two of them broke off with a hurry. Hinata looked back towards his team mates and saw them grinning menacingly at him.
“You can flirt again later! After dinner maybe!” Adriah yelled making the others laugh. Hinata blushed before running towards the team and launching himself on top of them resulting in a pile of Jackals on the floor.
“Aww, our baby crow is growing up! He’s learning how to blush” Inunaki teased. Hinata groaned and hid his face in his hands. He felt an arm around his shoulder.
“We won our match and Hinata’s destiny is approaching! Celebratory Dinner!” Meian yelled with the team hollering in howls. Their coach and manager just sighed before laughing at the team’s antics.
“I’ll just say hi to my friends in the audience first” Hinata said.
“Yeah, me too. Akaashi is there! And Kuroo!” Bokuto said before speeding off.
“I’m gonna get sum Onigiris from Samu first. I think Toya-kun and Sunarin are with ‘im” Atsumu told them and ran to where he saw his twin with a platter of Onigiri just for him and the team.
“We’ll be in the lockers!” Adriah yelled to them before stretching and heading straight to the lockers with Sakusa. The rest of the team following them.
Sorry I’m an anti-romantic,
I didn’t believe in being romantic
Unknown Number:
Hey Hinata? It’s Kageyama. I got your new number from Yacchan. Atsumu-san mentioned that you will leave for Osaka again after lunch tomorrow. I was just wondering if you wanted to catch up for a bit after your team dinner?
Unknown Number:
No pressure though. I’m sure you’re tired from the game.
Hinata:
Hey Kageyama! Yeah, sure but I’m not familiar around Sendai anymore so there’s that.
Kageyama:
It’s okay, I’ll pick you up then. Just send me the address and time and I’ll get you.
Hinata:
Pick me up around 9 in XXX. See you.
“ATSUMU-SAN, I HATE YOU!” Hinata wacked the back of his head.
Atsumu laughed at him, “What did I do?”
“You literally set me up with him! Using my phone! And what do you mean I’m not familiar with Sendai anymore? I was literally born around here!”
The team laughed at the two’s antics. Meian sighed, Thankfully, we’re in a private room.
“I deserve a thank you fer that Sho-kun. You should freshen up. Almost 9” Atsumu told him and handed him a comb and some perfume.
“We’re expecting some good news when you come back Shoyo!” Oliver said, everyone agrees with him.
Sakusa then suddenly returned from outside as he was out ordering another set of food for the team.
“There’s a tall ass setter outside. Maybe Shoyo should go on and check on him”, he said and the others squealed; mainly Bokuto and Atsumu.
Shoyo’s eyes widened. He hastily arranged his hair and grabbed his things.
“Wish me luck! Fuck you still Atsumu-san!” He said and rushed out.
“Get a bae!” Inunaki’s voice tuned out as he ran outside. From the big windows of the restaurant, he could see him standing outside; phone in hand.
He hurriedly went outside and stood beside him. Kageyama looked at him in surprise.
“It’s still a bit before 9. Why are you here already?” Hinata asked.
Kageyama shrugged, “We were in another restaurant nearby so I figured I’d just ditch them and wait for you for a bit. I wasn’t even here for that long”.
“I doubt that. You would’ve waited for a bit more if Omi-san hadn’t seen you out here and told me”
“It’s fine. I was the one who suggested it in the first place. Plus, I’ll be happy to wait for you. Not like I haven’t been doing it for the past two years”
Hinata stared at him. What the fuck
Kageyama looked at him and smiled. He held Hinata’s back and ushered him to walk on. Hinata averted his gaze from him and look to his side. He could see the other’s fingers holding on to his arm.
This is not normal…
“Does coffee and some cake sound good? Or are you still a bit full for that?” Kageyama asked him as he removed his arm from his back. Hinata doesn’t want to admit that he misses it a bit.
“That’s fine. I can handle that” Hinata answered making Kageyama laugh at him.
Did this motherfucker just laugh? What the hell is happening
“I forgot that you’re stomach is a black hole. Let’s go to a café then” he said and went on ahead leaving Hinata behind.
They found a seat in a cozy café just down the street. The place had only a few people left as it was already night time. They sat on an empty couch seat on the far side of the café.
“I’ll order for us” Kageyama said and proceeded to the counter to order. Hinata opted to open his phone with their group chats blowing up.
Atsumu’s and Bokuto’s chat were the most prominent. Asking about how their “date” is going. With Hinata replying that “It’s not a date!!!”
“Here” Kageyama said and laid a small orange cake and a glass of iced coffee in front of him. He then sat next to Hinata, with the other wondering why he didn’t just sit adjacent to him.
They both started eating, an awkward silence surrounding them.
“So, how have you been?” Hinata was surprised that Kageyama was the one to initiate a conversation. Very different from what he remembers.
“Good. I did 2 years of beach, almost won a whole tournament. Worked a few part times. Met a lot of cool people and hung out a lot with Oikawa-san when he visited Rio. Also taught some juniors about indoor volley. Wait, I did do a lot in 2 years” Hinata wondered off making Kageyama chuckle.
“Look at you shuffling to do all those things at once. Back then, the only thing you think about is spiking” He reminisced. Hinata looked up at him.
“As you can see, it’s not the only thing I can do now” He bragged.
Kageyama smiled, “Yes, I did see. More than anyone else on that court did”.
Hinata squinted his eyes at him.
“You’re nicer than when I left huh. And you actually smile more often? Looks like something did change in you” Hinata told him making Kageyama hum.
“Well, I do need to smile to my fans every now and then, right? Especially to the kids. Plus, Hoshiumi-san has been a very prominent influence ever since he joined” Kageyama answered making Hinata freeze.
Apparently, Hoshiumi-san drilled all the things he doesn’t know in his brain…
Hinata looked away from him as he remembered Yamaguchi’s text. He composed himself as to not let his mental stability be overtaken.
“Huh, good for you then. Are you much less of an idiot from when I left?” Hinata teased, hands clammy.
Kageyama clicked his tongue, “Of course I am. I’ll have you know that I know a bit more than I did back then. Thankfully”.
“You sound relieved to learn something new huh” Hinata said.
Kageyama scratched the back of his head, “Well, Yamaguchi and Tsukishima were in the ramen house me, Hoshiumi-san and Ushijima-san were at so Hoshiumi-san invited them to sit with us. And well, he asked too many questions about me and Yamaguchi was too polite to not answer truthfully. Tsukishima bitched about me a lot”
“Thank god for them then”
Kageyama glared at him, “When Hoshiumi-san heard about those things, he made it his mission to educate me because apparently I’m an uncultured swine with a pea-sized brain. He even made me listen to stories about his love life with Sachirou-san and about Ushijima-san and Tendou-san’s. I had to watch a whole lot of romance movies to get my romantic bone jiggling; according to Captain. And the rest comes after”.
Hinata cackled loudly, “Honestly, how much of an idiot were you for Hoshiumi to go through all those lengths?!”
Kageyama rolled his eyes, “You make it sound like I was hopeless back then Shoyo”
“In my eyes, you very much were Tobio” Hinata snared.
The two looked at each other intently, a massive stare down between the two of them. Neither of them wanting to back down from the other.
Kageyama smirked at him, “You wanna kiss me so bad?”
Hinata blushed but nonetheless, “And what are you gonna do about it Tobio?”
Kageyama blinked and Hinata felt himself smiling.
Hah! I fucking wo…
Hinata swallowed up a laugh as he felt the air in his lungs construct. A flare in his cheeks rising up and his eyes dilating as he took in the split-second their two lips collided.
When the other separated, Hinata can’t deny how he still feels his lips lingering with his.
Kageyama’s ears reddened up he hastily moved away from Hinata. Leaving a distasteful look on Hinata’s face.
“Fuck, Shoyo. I’m sorry I-”
Hinata decided to just fuck it and crossed the distance to his idiot. He grabbed him by the collar and pulled him even closer. To the point of feeling his heavy breathing against his own.
Hinata gave him a lopsided grin, “You don’t just kiss me and say sorry you fucking idiot”.
“I-”
“You own up to it Tobio” he smiled before connecting their lips again.
He could feel Kageyama sinking in to the kiss, lips tugging into a smile. Hinata sighed as he felt Kageyama’s arms wrap around his waist. He took it as an initiative to grab his nape and deepen the kiss.
Hinata smiled. He reels back to all the times he felt how his feelings were hopeless in the face of his crush. How every detail either raised his confidence or made him sob at night. To him questioning himself, “How far can this feeling take him?” and up to here. Finally.
This was what he has been waiting for.
To finally have Kageyama Tobio right where he wants him to be.
The two separated. Eyes dilated, breaths heavy and cheeks flushed. Quiet and yet, loud all the while.
Hinata smiled at him. Kageyama smiled back.
“You’re here”
Next to me. As you should have always been.