Chapter Text
The halls of Karasuno high school used to be brimming with laughter, joy, maybe even nerves for an upcoming test or an important match.
But on this day, it was smothered in blood.
And guts, limbs, maybe the occasional abandoned textbook or even a whole backpack, tossed carelessly to the floor as an attempt to block the path of the monsters chasing them. Screams heralded the deaths of youth as they were torn away from their futures.
Tucked away from the chaos, three friends sat close, linking arms and muttering prayers. They got lucky. Locking themselves in a cleaning closet. Safe but not a permanent solution. A boy with frazzled dark hair leaned his head against the wall, sneaking a glance to the boys on his left.
They were already looking.
Did they expect him to break the silence?
In a way, he was a leader. Captain of the volleyball team to be exact.
So yeah he probably should say something.
“I never thought i’d literally be in a closet.”
The voice of the vice-captain broke the silence. Sugawara eased his grip on their hands and turned to each boy. A small smile curving his lips though his brown eyes shone with uncertainty.
“Not the time, Koshi.”
Daichi let go of his hand and ran his fingers through his hair. Dusty air and the stench of cleaning supplies banged through his head, making it throb. Just minutes ago, the three were talking about nationals. Asahi was about to do his usual speech, Suga was commenting on their progress, Daichi was happy.
Then there were screams and, in the panic, Daichi brought the three into this cupboard.
The other member of the trio had his back against the door, shivering even though it was Summer. Asahi curled into a circle, shrivelling into himself like a snail within its shell. The cries from outside started to subside though they were just being replaced with animalistic snarls and shrieks.
There was no escaping this hell, was there?
“We need to get out of here.”
Suga watched Daichi, the attempt at a smile wiped clean from his face. He tugged at his sleeve in disbelief.
“We can’t leave Daichi, outside there’s…we’re safe in here.”
“For how long. They’ll find us soon.”
“You don’t know that.”
Aggression twirled in Suga’s tone. His eyebrows furrowed and he faced Daichi, fingers flicking with adrenaline. Daichi’s headache was growing, he couldn’t think straight.
Not that he ever did.
“Well, I don’t want to be stuck in here. I’m losing my damn mind.”
“And you think we aren’t? Asahi is in the shape of a Mikasa ball for fuck’s sake!”
Daichi was aware of Suga’s ‘passionate’ rants, though he had never been on the receiving end of one. It felt like a sharp breeze that messed up your perfect hair, a hissing swan baring its wings at children who ventured too near to the riverbed. It felt like his totally secret affections for his friend had been cut apart in a shredder.
“Guys…”
A quiet voice spoke but was ignored.
“Do you think we can camp out here until we’re rescued? The police can’t find us in here.”
“So we should go into the hallway and get munched on by the undead?”
“No! We’ll fight through them, y’know, like in the movies.”
“You’re unbelievable!”
“It…T-They’re louder now…Please…”
He attempted to speak once more but was once again forgotten.
“Can you even kick above your ass?”
“No but I used to do boxing.”
“Ah yes because a sport where you fight with your bare hands is really going to help us here.”
Asahi shakily got to his feet, holding onto the door as support. His heart bounced in his chest at every raspy growl from outside. Slowly, he advanced towards the quarrelling lovers, wishing to stop their argument before anything could happen.
Unfortunately for him, something did happen.
A zombie tore through the window on the door. It grabbed his shirt and tugged him back. After it had reeled in its prey, it chomped down on his neck, blood spurting onto Asahi’s clean uniform. A satisfied smile covered the zombie’s face, its teeth painted red. He opened his mouth to scream but all that came out was a familiar tune.
Daichi recognised it but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
Was it from that one advert that always played on the radio? No not quite. How about that song that Suga recommended him? Not that either.
Then it all clicked.
It was his alarm.
---
He jolted awake, his breathing harsh and unsteady. He took a couple minutes to relax and he glanced around. His room had always been quite simple. He believed that all you need is a desk, chair and bed to get by. There was the occasional certificate and group picture of course but in summary it was pretty plain, pretty bland. Just how he liked it. Daichi’s eyes sculpted into a frown and he glanced to his alarm clock.
6 am. He was going to visit the shrine today, New Years and all that.
Daichi rubbed his eyes. He got ready at a steady pace, ensuring that he followed each step of his morning routine as usual. All ready to go, he pushed his phone into his pocket and glanced to the only picture that stood on his desk.
It consisted of himself, Suga and Asahi. They looked young and giddy and their arms lay around each of their shoulders. It was taken in their first year, they had just got their Karasuno volleyball team tracksuits. Daichi had begged one of their upperclassmen to capture the memory for them. This was before their souls had been crushed by their hopeless elders.
If only they knew what the team would become. In about a year, the fallen crows had reclaimed their crown, leaving the other teams of the Miyagi prefecture in the dust. Now they would fly on the national court alongside other teams that represented Japan.
In Tokyo, fucking Tokyo!
He felt himself smile as he tied his shoelaces. Their hard work would finally pay off, the whole country would see what they could do. He twisted the handle of the front door and closed it behind him. He double checked that it was locked. All good. He turned on his heels and stepped onto the street.
The walk to the shrine had been a peaceful one. He left earlier than he should have so he knew he would get there early too. He let his eyes close as he inhaled deeply. Cold air coated his body and he smiled, enjoying his morning walk.
Dew dripped from the grass and the final leaves of autumn crumbled at his feet, winter leaving the trees skinned of their leafy coat. The drum of footsteps echoed on the pavement, each step reminding him that he was alive. Not trapped in a cramped cleaning cupboard.
He is going to live.
Relief sprinkled his stance and he felt his gait hasten.
Daichi Sawamura will live.
The shrine winked into view. Daichi glanced down at his phone.
8:56 am.
It was early yet the residents of the town made their way up the steps, forming a two-by-two line as if Noah was waiting at the summit. All Daichi could do was camp out and wait for them to arrive. Except, they were there too.
Asahi and Suga stared in disbelief. Asahi turned to his phone, double checking that he was in-fact early and not accidentally late. Suga smiled cheerfully. Wind swam through his hair and he tilted his head an inch. The morning sun lay on his cheek, smearing half of his face with light rays.
He was beautiful, stunning even.
Daichi was relieved that Suga wasn’t a mind reader.
“I thought I arrived early.”
“You did, we did.”
Asahi nodded at Daichi as he cupped his hands to his mouth and exhaled. Warm steam escaped between his fingers. Suga sighed in contempt and he stood next to Daichi.
“You look tired.”
He inspected his face carefully, his eyes lingering longer than Daichi had expected.
“No I just had a weird dream.”
“Weird huh?”
Suga muffled a giggle into his sleeve and he shook his head, not wanting to embarrass the captain.
“Yeah, we were at school then there were a bunch of zombies, Asahi got bit.”
“W-Why me…”
“You were probably killed because of your hair. It’s a well-known fact that zombies prey on those with man buns, it’s like their fetish or something.”
“Who declared you the zombie expert Suga?”
“George Romero.”
Asahi burst into gleeful laughter, accompanied by Daichi’s chesty chuckle. A girl cleared her throat and the three quickly turned to face her.
“Sorry, I didn’t realise I was late.”
“Nope, we were just early.”
Daichi shrugged and Kiyoko nodded with minimal movement. Her grey eyes moved up to the shrine, contemplating what exactly she wanted to wish for.
“Happy New Year.”
She said with a sweet tone. The boys repeated the familiar greeting back to her.
The four friends made their way up the steep stairs of the shrine, the sun illuminating their path.
---
Kenma Kozume never understood why New Years was such a big deal.
Put up the new calendar, use a new number at the end of the date. It didn’t change anything about himself. He still had dyed hair, he still loved games and he still had an overbearing best friend.
The person in question sat on Kenma’s bed, yawning as he fought the final boss of an area in his game. The bed head middle blocker cushioned his head with his hands.
“Kenma.”
He didn’t dignify him with a response. Instead, his fingertips pressed buttons on a controller. Kenma knew what Kuroo wanted to say. Why is he wasting time playing games when he could be practicing with him and the rest of the team for nationals. The midday sun tore through as Kuroo adjusted the curtains. Sunlight poured onto his screen, making Kenma scowl, reluctantly lifting his face off the screen to glare at Kuroo.
“Don’t look at me like I just broke your psp.”
“I know it was you and not the neighbour’s cat.”
“It was the cat I promise! Anyway, I wanted to ask you something.”
Kenma sighed in disappointment, his fingers curled across the bridge of his nose and squeezed.
“Busy. Ask me later.”
“Come on Kenma, it’s important!”
“Fine, what is it?”
A mischievous smirk crept on Kuroo’s face and he rummaged through his bag, He fished out a molten ball and wiggled his eyebrows. It didn’t take long for his younger friend to respond.
“No.”
“Please, Kyanma.”
Kuroo whined and spun the ball on a singular finger. Kenma rolled his eyes and looked away, hoping that he wouldn’t spot the blush dotting his cheeks.
“Don’t call me that, it’s embarrassing.”
“You’d practice if the shrimp was here.”
“But he’s not here.”
“Should I call him, he’d be devastated he knew you were ditching practice for your games.”
Asshole.
“Fine.”
Kuroo cheered victoriously and led him out of the house. Their street was brimming with neighbours. They chattered away about New Year’s resolutions and other things that Kenma didn’t bother to pay attention to. He flicked his hair in front of his face and allowed his friend to guide him to the field where they would always practice together.
It was practically empty which was strange. Usually, they would barely have enough space to practice at all but they had the whole place to themselves aside from the occasional dog walker. They kept to the borders of the field, forcing them to work right in the middle.
“Alright, we’ll pepper for a bit then we can practice hitting.”
“We? I’m not a hitter and there’s no net.”
“We can improvise.”
He gestured towards a couple trees. It was pretty pathetic but they didn’t have the money to rent a court at a sports centre and Nekoma’s volleyball gym was closed for the holidays.
Kenma kept his thoughts to himself and he set the ball with trained precision. The rally had gone on for a minute or so, the two players sinking into the rhythm of set, receive, hit. Kenma quietly admired his friend’s eyebrows that twitched with concentration, his sharp and kind eyes glued to his ball, covered in dirt from past practices. Kenma didn’t understand why he cared so much for his features. He tended to analyse strangers while they weren’t paying attention to him but he didn’t have to stare at Kuroo. He basically had his appearance imprinted on his brain because of how long he had known the older boy.
Kenma allowed a small smile to escape his lips and he set the ball back to him, his fingers tingling with a familiar feeling of longing.
---
“I’m going now!”
“Good luck Shoyou, don’t forget to buy mum and I souvenirs.”
“I won’t, bye bye!”
A small boy with fiery orange hair beamed and hopped out of the house.
His holiday went as expected. He went with Yamaguchi to the shrine on New Year’s Day, he invited Kageyama though the meanie had declined. He then spent the rest of the day playing games with members of the volleyball team. Tanaka was babbling about Saeko being annoying then Daichi came up to them and started asking questions about zombies and cleaning cupboards. Hinata, in that moment, realised that Daichi was the strangest member of the team after all.
The days after he spent keeping up his fitness, practising his receiving and hitting technique. Hours upon hours of sweat and injuries all leading up to this moment.
Hinata rode as fast as possible, speeding past the buildings of his hometown that melted into a mountainside. He was finally going to see Kenma and Lev and maybe meet people from other teams too. This was going to be awesome!
As soon as his bike crossed the entrance gate, he hopped off his bike and carried it to a railing. Hinata tied it down with gentle hands.
“I’m gonna be gone for awhile but I’ll be back soon! You better stay right here until I get back.”
“Why are you talking to a bicycle?”
Hinata froze and closed his eyes. He wasn’t talking to him was he? No, he definitely wasn’t referring to the person who was talking to his bike.
“Idiot, I can see you.”
He puffed his cheeks in defeat and turned around. Kageyama was adorning running clothes, his cold eyes glared down at him, making Hinata hold up his fists in self defence.
“Y-You heard nothing! Last one to the bus has to carry the other’s bag all around Tokyo!”
He blurted out and sprinted towards the bus. Kageyama shouted angrily and chased after him.
Wind soared through his ears, bracing the floor as his feet tore the dirt apart. Hinata’s nose twitched, intaking as much mountain air as possible. Two hands planted themselves on the bus at the same time. A tie.
“No way, I really thought I was going to beat you this time!”
“Try harder.”
But he has been trying harder. Hell, he even took the role of ball boy just so he could spectate a training camp. He was going to show him and anyone else who wants to challenge him.
Shoyou will defeat them all.
Noya bounced up to his juniors, grinning as if they had already won the tournament.
“Good to see you’re both in the competitive spirit.”
“Good morning!”
Kageyama mumbled something under his breath.
“Huh? Don’t think I heard you there.”
“Good morning.”
Noya’s grin widened and he slapped their backs encouragingly.
“Yeah yeah, can’t believe we’re the first ones here. Even Asahi isn’t here yet…”
“He’s probably with Daichi and Suga!"
“Probably.”
His face changed slightly though Hinata did not think too much of it. Footsteps drew near, voices drifting through the quiet school grounds.
“Hey Tsuki, is Akiteru coming?”
“I told him not to come but he’ll be there. He won’t be at the entrance ceremony or anything, but he said he’ll be at some of our later games.”
Excitement galloped through Hinata’s veins and he waved his arms, his loud voice booming towards them.
“Hey guys!”
“Hi.”
Yamaguchi smiled softly at his friend and Tsukishima simply scoffed, turning away from them.
“Tsuki don’t be mean, today’s a special day.”
Yamaguchi crossed his arms as if he were tutting a young child.
“Good morning idiots.”
He used the sickly sweet tone that he usually used when he wanted to irritate someone.
“You really are the worst.”
Hinata stuck out his tongue and Tsukishima rolled his eyes, wishing that the rest of the team would show up. He didn’t want to be stuck with the idiots and Yamaguchi for much longer.
Well, he doesn’t mind Yamaguchi’s company so just the idiots can go.
Hinata felt joy rising to his face every time he spotted on of their teammates. The third years chatted amongst themselves, their conversation consisting mostly of what fortunes they got from the shrine.
“Asahi got a bad luck fortune.”
“D-Daichi it’s not funny.”
“It’s kinda funny.”
“Suga!”
Asahi looked to be horrified but a tinge of warmth reflected in his eyes. Daichi laughed along with Suga. Did he always laugh that loud?
“Alright kids, is everyone here?”
Ukai yawned through every word, the English teacher stood by his side and flashed a familiar smile to the students.
“No sir, the girls and some of the 2nd years aren’t here yet!”
Yamaguchi smiled but his tone was etched in worry.
“S-S-Sorry we’re late!”
A bundle of nerves crashed into the group, her blonde hair swishing around as she spoke. Kiyoko followed behind her, watching her underclassman with a concerned expression then she bowed alongside her.
“Don’t worry, you’re not late.”
Takeda hummed and unlocked the bus. The students piled inside, finding the seats they had planned to take nights before. The teachers shoved their luggage into the bottom compartment, each suitcase lining up neatly like sardines.
As they had finished up packing, the rest of the 2nd years arrived. Tanaka rubbed his eyes and flopped down next to Noya.
“Hey bro, you can sleep on my lap if you want.”
Noya winked cheekily. Laughter erupted from Tanaka’s mouth and he nudged his teasing friend.
“I might have to take you up on that offer!”
He dramatically stretched out his arms and fell onto his lap. Noya patted his beautiful bald head encouragingly, laughter escaping his body with every head pat.
Every student was seated. Daichi sat with Suga and Asahi near the front, the latter tugged a pack of playing cards out of their backpack. Yachi was blabbing to Kiyoko about what she had done with her mother over New Years, Kiyoko nodded along when necessary. Yamaguchi closed his eyes and listened to the music that Tsukishima had put on for the two of them, their matching bags cushioning their feet. Takeda drove carefully, not going too fast or too slow. Ukai chatted to him from the seat behind, itching for a smoke. Kageyama slept on Hinata’s shoulder, his scowl still imprinted on his features.
Hinata looked out of the window, watching Karasuno high school disappear from view.
No going back now.
---
In a different part of the country, another boy was looking out of the window.
He was really hoping the green fields and zooming cars would distract him from his brother’s antics, but to no avail.
“’Samu, you sure Omi will be there?”
“Yeah, they’re Tokyo’s first representative.”
“They’ve got better, haven’t they?”
“Maybe but we’ve been training too.”
Atsumu looked hopeful and he shifted position, turning to talk to Aran and Kita. Osamu Miya liked volleyball, but he didn’t love it. He realised this early in their volleyball career. The other kids couldn’t breathe without volleyball. Regardless, he understood them. He felt that way when he cooked at home with ma. Today they were being shipped away to play at nationals, all the best high school volleyball teams would be there. No big deal.
He wondered how far they would go. It would be embarrassing to lose in the first round so they’ll last longer than that. Losing at the third round would be enough for him but he knew that his brother would still be desperate to play. Was there a middle ground?
“Who do you think’s gonna win the tournament?”
A familiar voice spoke, looking down at him from the seat in front. Suna’s hand fiddled with the curtain beside the large bus window, his gaze staying on Osamu.
“No clue, Itachiyama maybe.”
“Hmm, what about that school from Miyagi? They beat Shiratorizawa and all.”
His eyes scanned his phone screen, his spare hand still gripped to the curtain. Suna knew that Osamu’s passions didn’t lie in volleyball so the question he raised was strange. His lips quirked into a smile as he watched a recording of the Miya siblings fighting.
“Hey, you remember this right?”
Immaturity beamed in his tone and he turned the phone screen to face Osamu. He pretended to look unimpressed but his face was adorning a similar look of amusement. Suna’s eyes widened slightly when he noticed Osamu’s slight smile. He wanted to absorb as much of it that he could. Osamu’s expressions were infectious, toxic to Suna’s rational thinking.
Maybe if they win this thing, he’ll ask him.
---
“It’s beautiful, ‘Kaashi look!”
Bokuto’s large golden eyes focused on the large building that loomed before them. The Tokyo Metropolitan stadium. It almost looked like a UFO had landed in the middle of Shibuya. Flags from each school were planted across the main courtyard, the Fukurodani flag standing proud next to Nekoma and Itachiyama.
“It looks lovely, Bokuto.”
His companion’s spoke, leaning slightly into Bokuto’s arm for warmth. The older boy smiled fondly and he wrapped his arm around him protectively. They couldn’t be happier.
“Okay lovebirds, stop cuddling in front of the arena. It’s bad luck.”
“Wait really?!”
“Would I ever lie to you?”
Kenma watched his childhood friend in disappointment. He wondered why he allowed himself to be dragged here. They were gonna come here a lot anyway so why visit before the tournament has even started?
Kenma shivered under his coat, wishing he had put on another layer before he had left the house. Lev had joined them but had wondered off to explore the rest of the stadium. Bokuto had reached an agreement with Kuroo that as long as Akaashi didn’t hug him back, it didn’t count as a proper cuddle.
“Akaashi and I did some research on this place, it’s got a bunch of stuff!”
“Well, there’s a swimming pool, training rooms, fitness studios.”
“It’s the perfect home for every sport!”
Bokuto’s face softened when he felt Akaashi’s lips press gently on his jaw. Kenma wondered how it would feel to have someone’s lips on his face. It sounds gross yet people like Bokuto turn to mush at the small action. It’s an invasion of personal space so how could someone like Kenma enjoy it?
Kuroo sneaked a glance at his friend. He reached into his own pocket and he carefully took out a hand warmer. He gave it to his setter who tried to question him but before he could, he had ran off to find Lev.
Kenma looked down at the dog-shaped hand warmer that lay in his palm.
Butterflies soared through his stomach.
---
The hotel Karasuno was staying at was simple and far from the venue.
Daichi leaned on the balcony, watching the bustling streets with a curious expression. He was a country boy through and through so going to a city always felt exciting and new. The team had checked in and were left to their own accord. The opening ceremony was tomorrow at midday. Tomorrow they would meet the rest of the teams competing, both old faces and new. Tomorrow they could show the whole of Japan what Karasuno had become.
He was dragged away from his thoughts when he heard two voices talking below him.
“Kanoka?”
“Mhm, hey Ryu.”
“It really is you! I haven’t seen you in ages!”
A winter breeze played with her hair and she smiled shyly, her cheeks projected a bright blush. She was really, really tall. Her short black hair tucked neatly behind each ear, exposing them to the harsh weather. Her body was engulfed in a large white coat, it stood out in the shivering streets of Tokyo.
“Are you staying at this hotel?”
“No, my hotel is a couple blocks away.”
“You’re here for nationals too right?”
She nodded slightly, her eyes lingering on his face.
“I should head back. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Amani waved and ran back the way she came. Tanaka waved until she could no longer be seen. He froze, a deep chill sticking to his spine.
Did he really just talk to a girl?
No, Amani isn’t a girl, he’s known her since they were kids though he hasn’t seen her for awhile…
Fuck, that was a girl!
In seconds his face turned a loud crimson that spread to his ears. He shoved his beanie down, covering his face and he dashed back into the hotel, knocking into a couple walls and other guests on the way.
“Ah, young love.”
Suga sighed tunefully, joining Daichi on the balcony.
“Where have you been?”
“Exploring the city, it’s pretty nice.”
“I can imagine. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of time to sightsee during the tournament.”
“When you go out lemme know, I’ll invite Asahi too. Maybe even Kiyoko will come.”
“Sure, you can show me what you’ve already discovered.”
It’s a date.
Was what Daichi wanted to say, but didn’t. There was a lot going on for the both of them, so he was willing to wait. He had plenty of time to sort out his feelings for the setter.
“A-Aren’t you guys cold out here? I can’t feel my toes.”
Asahi squirmed and joined them, closing the door to the balcony behind him. The three friends stood side by side. Their arms instinctively linked together, creating a chain that was unbreakable. They were surrounded by buildings that knew nothing of them, people that they would never meet. Mocked by a future they may never get.
“You can say the thing now.”
Asahi turned to the captain, confusion shining in his eyes.
“Oh yeah! You always try and do this lame speech. Well, now you can say it.”
“Wh…Why now?”
“We’re in Tokyo, we’re going to compete against the best teams in the country. We finally made it so now is the right time.”
A comfortable silence drifted through their ears.
“Uh ok.”
The ace cleared his throat and he turned to his friends.
“This could be our last tournament together. We’re third years now so soon high school will be over, we’ll go our separate ways.”
His gaze shifted to the warm lights of lanterns that lined the street before him. He could smell cigarette smoke and Takoyaki wafting from the restaurant next door. This was one of their last moments before they would be streamed to the entire country. One of the last times where they can just be normal students. Boys who only had to worry about volleyball, homework, entrance exams.
Maybe even a high school romance.
“Thank you both, for being my friend all these years. For reminding me of my love of volleyball. For reassuring me when I needed it. I couldn’t be here without you two by my side.”
Silence returned to the group.
Then tears.
A shit ton.
“Asahi that…God…”
Suga desperately rubbed at his eyes.
“That was great, Asahi.”
Daichi patted his back, pride emitting from his fingertips as they rubbed against the fabric of Asahi’s coat. Suga scooped them into a hug. The three had mirrored smiles, holding onto each other’s arms, never wanting to let go.
Daichi burrowed his face into Suga’s shoulder, finally allowing tears to stain his crush’s jacket.
---
The high school volleyball teams of Japan finally settled for the night.
The Nekoma room was brimming with students, each smothered in blankets to shield their bare skin from the cold.
Kenma had poked hair pins through the front parts of his hair. It would be difficult to play his games around so many people but no one was gonna stop him from trying.
Kuroo was already fast asleep, he lay on his front and his head was sandwiched between two pillows. Weirdo.
Thoughtlessly, he played his game under the covers. He listened to Lev’s sleep talking, Kai’s gently snores. Even the usually energetic Yaku was still, his consciousness whisked away to a dream world.
Kenma paused his game and lay back. He closed his eyes, picturing all the plays they would demonstrate during the tournament. It was a battle he was ready to fight. Alongside his friends, he’ll defeat each boss battle.
Maybe in another timeline, life would be that simple.
Tucked under warm blankets, Osamu felt relaxed. Atsumu was snoring beside him, the rest of the team sleeping peacefully. From the corner of his eye, he spotted the flash of a phone screen. A tired smile crept onto his features as he simultaneously yawned. He wondered what Suna was looking at. He would never know.
Laying on his back, Osamu’s eyes turned to the ceiling. Being here with his teammates felt right. He wasn’t as dedicated as them, but he still fought by their side. He was a key part of their success, an important piece of the Inarizaki puzzle.
No regrets. No memories.
As they grey haired boy eased into a deep sleep, a boy his age stirred.
Something had changed since he had slept. He sat up quietly, careful not to disturb his teammates and he glanced around. The futon closest to him was empty. His face remained unmoved though possibilities were soaring through Keiji’s head. No, he was ok. Bokuto was always ok.
He zipped up the jacket he was wearing and he carefully slipped his feet into his sliders. He thought he was wearing his own tracksuit jacket but after further inspection, feeling how big it was on his shoulders, he realised he had slept in Bokuto’s jacket. He had no memory of putting it on in the first place. Nerves bubbled in his mind but they subsided when he saw familiar white spikey hair.
The captain was stretching in front of the hotel. He leaned down to hold onto his toes, instead smacking his hands on the concrete floor.
“Bokuto, you need to be more careful when you’re stretching.”
He leapt in surprise and turned around, he looked afraid though as soon as he saw his soulmate’s face, he felt his muscles relax. He chuckled and rubbed his palms on his thighs.
“Hey hey! I…I thought you were asleep Akaashi!”
Keiji didn’t like his hesitation.
“I woke up and you weren’t in bed, so I went to look for you.”
“Well, you found me!”
“Are you nervous?”
Bokuto’s large eyes widened. He subconsciously held his breath and he looked at his feet. He wished that Akaashi would never have to see him like this. The setter had never known Bokuto to be an anxious person. Of course, everyone had moments of dread when approaching a big exam or for some, even ordering food at a restaurant can be hard. Bokuto’s shell was cracking. His glue stood beside him expectingly.
“Bokuto.”
Akaashi muttered his name with a particular fondness that only those in love would understand.
“You’re human. It’s ok to get scared. This tournament is a big deal. As long as we do what we always do, we’ll win.”
“Keiji…”
Tears welled in his eyes and he pulled him into a soft embrace. Bokuto’s jumper tickled Akaashi’s cheeks, it made him nuzzle further into his chest. The older boy squeezed his eyes shut and he played with Akaashi’s hair. Cold fingers twirling through each dark strand with delicate movements.
Who knows how long they stayed in that position. If sleep wasn’t a necessity for humans, they would stand like that all night, curled into each other’s touch as the sun would creep over the horizon.
This was perfect bliss. If only time could stop. It’s a brutal force, one that traps precious moments in dark depths of memories. Soon, this will be a forgotten thought, the events of the tournament would be all that remained, but not for reasons that anyone would expect.
---
Amani liked Tokyo.
She has only been a small handful of times but each time, it felt like she was experiencing the city all over again.
She let her feet drag her through side streets that oozed with personality. She didn’t expect to see Ryu at all. She had simply gone exploring and stumbled upon him by chance.
Fate? No, that’s childish.
It’s a nice thought, a kind lie that she wanted to erase from her thoughts.
The street leading to her hotel felt darker than usual. Goosebumps grew from her limbs as she walked under a flickering streetlight. The wind tore through her hair and she stumbled for a moment, wondering how it was so cold in the middle of the city. Her white coat illuminated in the black night. She could barely see where she was going. A hand from hell went to grab for her, to tug her deeper into the abyss. It was shunned away by running footsteps.
“Kanoka! Thank goodness you’re back. Get to your room immediately.”
“Is something wrong coach?”
She was quickly led into the hotel. Her teacher didn’t say much after that. Her eyes looked distracted, panicked. Amani was worried but she didn’t want to pry. She followed her instruction and she walked into the hotel room. There, she saw a sight she never believed she would see.
All the girls sat on the floor, surrounding their captain who smiled and attempted to reassure her teammates but her whole body was shaking, sweat slipping from her forehead. Amani’s closest friend turned to the door, relief straightening her eyebrows and she leapt over to her.
“Thank god you’re back. Kanoka, I was so scared you…Captain got hurt. She went out to explore a little before you did and she…”
Maiko paused. Thoughts processed through her brain. What was she meant to say?
Humans weren’t programmed to accept tragedies.
“On her ankle, she got injected with something.”
The fear every girl had. Amani’s mouth gasped open in shock, she turned her head slightly and spotted the small dot on their captain’s ankle. It was a blessing that the third year had made it back to the hotel, who knows what would’ve happened to her if she collapsed on the street.
Chill settled on their necks. None of the girls in that room slept that night. Some of them would never sleep again. Fear was eating them alive. If only they knew.
It was only the beginning.