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It was Sugawara who noticed first what was going to happen.
Wakunan had returned the ball, it was falling down just behind the net on Karasuno's side. Tanaka had made an enthusiastic jump and was about to get the ball up in the air again.
And then he saw someone else jumping. But not just someone - it was Daichi himself. Karasuno captain, base of their defence, most important team member to hold up concentration - and most important person to Sugawara. He never told him, but it was the truth. After that loss against Datekou, Daichi was there when nobody else was. He always knew what to say to steady the team, during practice as well as during matches. And he somehow never lost hope, at least he didn't show it. Everyone knew Suga and Daichi were best friends, alongside with Asahi, but deep inside his heart, Sugawara had noticed a change of his feelings some time ago.
Sugawara wanted to shout something so one of them would recognise what was happening - but then the point would have gone lost, an important point for Karasuno's moral. But if they crash, that could end up really bad and they needed both Tanaka AND Daichi.
While all these thoughts crossed Sugawara's mind, he wanted to open his mouth – but he was too late. The moment had just flown by and Daichi had crashed into Tanaka, lying on the floor motionless.
The whole team was shocked; it was Tanaka who said something first, followed by Asahi and Nishinoya. Sugawara wanted to be first to ask Daichi if he was alright, wanted to run on the court to look after him, but he wasn't allowed to do this due to six players being on the court already. In that particular moment, he hated not being first setter anymore.
Soon, Daichi got up but needed to go the emergency room.
Their base of defence was vanished within an blink of an eye - but Sugawara had to stay calm, to keep the team calm as he used to do so many times before. The only exception was Ennoshita, who also didn't just freak out like Nishinoya, Tanaka or the wild first-years. He was now on duty as long as Daichi was absent. They needed to win the next points without Daichi to stay in the tournament. The one they wanted to win so much to go to nationals. The last one of the third years.
The match was won after the third set - but how about Daichi? The next opponent would be even stronger, and at the end, chances were high that Shiratorizawa would be waiting, the strongest team of the prefecture. Without Daichi, they wouldn't have a chance to win against them, his receives were the best of the whole team.
But soon after Sugawara had finished that thought, Daichi walked towards the hall accompanied by Yachi-san - wearing a slight smile on his face, mumbling a short excuse.
Sugawara could feel the team's relief when they saw him, and the most relieved one was probably himself, which he wouldn't show in public. To act normally (the way the team knew him), he gave Daichi some pinches in the stomach, what Daichi didn't like at all. Deep down, Sugawara wanted to talk to him alone, hug him, comfort him, just to know he was going to be alright... And Asahi saw that slightly desperate look on Suga's face once he had stopped teasing Daichi, although Sugawara tried to hide it.
Asahi had thought a few times during the last weeks that his friend was hiding something behind his wide smile for some time now, and now the scales fell slowly from his eyes. He cared for Daichi in a way he wouldn't admit in front of the team in public by now.
Asahi always had thought that Suga and Daichi fitted well together - they wanted to train as first years when everyone else didn't want to anymore, they stayed with the volleyball club after that loss against Datekou (unlike himself), they took care of those chaotics Hinata and Kageyama, they got the team together as dad-captain and sunshine vice-captain. And outside the gym they always sat together for lunch and walked home together too, since Asahi's way parted first. It was like the two just had to meet and go along together, arranged by fate.
Now one part of that duo was hurt, and so was the other, even when not visibly. And to be fine again, Sugawara Koushi needed to be the one who could take care of Sawamura Daichi, for the sanity of both. Asahi decided to talk to Suga alone after they returned back to Karasuno school, to give him the opportunity to get rid of his thoughts or whatever was on his mind without facing his situation directly towards the one he was probably in love with.
The bus tour was quiet, everyone was sleeping after two tiring matches. Coach Ukai kept the meeting short afterwards, so the group parted soon. As all stood up, Asahi pulled slightly at Sugawara's jacket and murmured "Hey Suga, do you... do you mind talking alone in the club room in five minutes?"
"No, of course we can.", Sugawara responded, a little worry seeking up his face.
Asahi waited in the club room when Sugawara arrived soon after.
"What's wrong?" he asked, the worry still in his face.
"Nothing on my side, don't worry - are you alright?" Asahi replied.
"Y-yeah, why not?" Sugawara stumbled, obviously confused by Asahi’s question. "We've beaten Seijou and are in the final round to qualify for nationals." he tried to cheer, but his worries concerning Daichi's accident choked his usual enthusiasm down.
"Suga," Asahi said in a calm voice, "I know you for almost three years now. We've spent a lot of hours in this gym together and with Daichi you're one of my best friends. And as best friend, I recognise that something... someone is worrying you, right?"
"Guess you got me at this point…" Suga answered without going into detail while trying to escape Asahi's now worried look. "When did you notice?" he asked back.
"When Daichi returned and you just teased him to act normally before the others. You didn't really want to tease him, did you? I saw your shocked look when Daichi left the court and your relief when he came back" Asahi concluded.
Suga just looked at the floor in unease, slowly realising where Asahi's explanations were leading.
"It... I..." Suga started, made a short pause to sort his words and started again, "in a blink of a second, I realised what was going to happen. I wanted to shout at them to pay attention, but then the point would have been lost, and when I decided to shout anyway it already had happened and I was too late and couldn't-- "
"save the owner of your heart from harm?" Asahi finished Suga's sentence. Suga felt a blush appear on his cheeks, but also felt relief that Asahi seemed to understand. It took him another moment to realise the meaning of Asahi's half-sentence before stuttering "H-how do you know?", now in full consciousness that Asahi had figured out his feelings towards Karasuno's No. 1.
"Listen, Suga, first, no one could have seen that crash coming and reacting in time to avoid it. Daichi was just really enthusiastic like all of us winning the on-going match, and this happens sometimes. Remember when Hinata crashed into me during the training matches after the loss against Seijou? He was ok soon after that, and for Daichi it will be the same. That's the easy part. More difficult is how you want to deal with your feelings towards him in the future, because you can't and shouldn't hide this forever. For me, you two make the perfect match and-- Suga?" Asahi didn't finish his last sentence, which didn't seem to matter anymore as he saw Suga trembling slightly before him.
"You... you think we are the perfect match?" Sugawara repeated, slowly realising that Asahi supported his feelings he had for Daichi since... he didn't really know when the friendship turned into affection, it must have been sometime after the loss against Datekou during their second year. Everything seemed to fall apart, but Daichi stayed right next to Suga, although he still was convinced that his sets were the reason Karasuno had lost to the "iron wall".
"If not you two, who then?" Asahi said, surprised by Sugawara's emotional reaction. He wanted to add something to encourage his friend a bit but didn't get the chance as a very familiar voice shouted "There you went!".
Within 0.1 seconds Sugawara knew whose voice they just heard - dark-haired, handsome, always gentle and slightly injured Sawamura Daichi came around the corner, looking into the club room and smiling at his two teammates, making Sugawara's heartbeat rise up in an instant.
"Da-daichi, since... how long have you been standing there?" Sugawara asked obviously shocked while the blush lighted up his cheeks even more. Asahi's expression widened in shock as he didn't intent to bring his friend in trouble. Of all possible ways, this was exactly the one Suga did not want to be the way Daichi got to know about his feelings.
Dammit, Koushi, you could have seen this coming, it's the sports club room after all. Need to get rid of that heat in my face, otherwise he may figure out why I’m blushing...
"I just came by, saw the lights and combined you two have gone here since I couldn't find you anywhere after the meeting. Is everything alright? You two look at me like I am some sort of ghost. Is there something I need to know?" Daichi said, seeming like he did not hear one word of Suga's and Asahi's conversation, much to the relief of both of them.
"No, we..." Asahi started but was afraid to blab something he definitely did not want to, "we just talked about the matches and the day... a very exciting one thanks to you." Suga replied with a little smirk in his face, calming himself a bit with that cheeky answer and rescuing both Asahi and himself from the intimidating situation.
"Yeah, um, guess you're right..." Daichi replied a little caught up by the sudden change of Suga's mood.
"Was that a blush in Koushi's face? What the hell did the two really talk about? I’m sure it was not only about the matches…" Daichi thought to himself silently. He could sense some tension in the air, but had no clue what the cause could've been.
"We should all go home now, next match is gonna be our toughest." Daichi responded a bit later, pushing his thoughts away and not having a slight hint what Sugawara had felt after the incident or was feeling for him.
"Yeah." Sugawara and Asahi answered, exchanging one last look where Asahi put on a little gentle smile to calm down Sugawara (at least this one time), though this was normally Suga's part before the matches. Sugawara smiled back for a short moment before he returned to his thoughts and Asahi thought he had seen some sign of gratefulness for doing the talk.
Asahi was the first one to separate from the mostly quiet walk home. He said goodbye to both of them, leaving them alone in the starlit night. Sugawara and Daichi continued walking since they had another ten minutes before their ways parted, too.
Daichi recognised Sugawara was a lot more quiet than usual, and also looked more… concerned? No, it was more like Sugawara’s mind was somewhere far away. Daichi's first thought was that he was just tired and thinking about tomorrow's match against Shiratorizawa, which would demand even more of the team than the other matches. But no, a match alone wouldn't turn sunshine Suga this quiet.
"Everything alright, Suga? You're more quiet than usual..." Daichi asked straight forward. Sugawara stopped, looking at Daichi in some kind of disbelief of what he just heard.
Daichi asks ME if everything is alright? He was the one who crashed on the court and had to leave bleeding! And I'm not gonna talk about that mess of feelings I have because of you because... it would ruin everything, wouldn't it?
Still not having gotten an answer, Daichi just watched his best friend in the dim light of the street lamps and the stars. He recognised again that Sugawara's light-hearted smile was missing, to be honest he hadn't seen it the whole day since his crash with Tanaka. Just some cheerful grins when the team made points and the smile of relief when Hinata had made that last point against Seijou, but not the decent smiles Suga seemed to spare just for Daichi, the ones which Daichi liked the most.
"What is bothering him so much he wouldn't tell me?" Daichi thought before being put back to reality by Sugawara himself. Out of a sudden, it broke out of Suga.
"YOU ask if I'm alright?! You were the one who crashed on the court, you needed to leave it bleeding, scaring the whole team to death, and now you ask me? I should be asking you, you baka, because I-- I really-- " but he couldn't finish his sentence as his voice broke and tears started flowing down his face. A short moment he thought if Asahi had heard him yelling, but the thought was pushed away soon by his overwhelming feelings.
Daichi gazed at his best friend in surprise. That was a side of him he had never seen before, he never had seen him crying, not even after that horrible match against Datekou, and it made his heart skip a beat. Because it showed something Daichi had never believed of happening, that Suga cared for him. Cared for him not only as volleyball teammate or classmate, but as a person who is dear to someone’s heart. The same way he cared for Suga... for Koushi without telling him, because he couldn't figure out if his vice-captain would feel the same way. And to keep the friendship up, Daichi had pushed away his feelings ever since he realised what they truly meant to stay a good classmate as well as the steady captain of the volleyball club. He stepped forward, putting his arms around Suga's body and pulling him close to his. They stood like this a couple of moments before Daichi began to speak.
"Koushi," he started, surprising Suga who was called hardly by his first name, "I'm sorry." Short pause. "I’m really sorry. I didn't mean to scare anyone of you, especially not you. I focused a bit too much on the ball and saw a bit too late that Tanaka had already made the jump. Promise it'll never happen again. I don't want you to be worrying and crying because of me 'cause I love you and have been falling for you for a while now and should make you smile more instead. Because when you smile, everything's alright."
The just spoken words rang in Sugawara's head, not fully aware of what he just heard.
"...'cause I love you and have been falling for you for a while now and should make you smile more instead. Because when you smile, everything's alright." ...love you ...falling for you ...smile
Did Daichi just confess his love in front of him? Out of nowhere, whereas he had thought about a million ways how to tell Daichi and never brought up the courage during the last months? And Asahi was right after all?
"What?" was the only response Suga could manage between his thoughts and tears.
"Sugawara Koushi, I love you and want to be your boyfriend. You're the most precious person to me and I want to share my daily life with you, want to be there for you and protect you and your perfect smile. I wanted to wait to tell you until the qualification tournament is over, but well, not all plans work out." Daichi said with his calmest and softest voice.
Tears still streamed down Sugawara's face, and it took him another moment until he finally caught his voice again.
"Daichi..." he whispered, getting his whole attention, "I... I love you, too." He tried to stop crying, but it only worked out halfway. "I... I wanted to tell you first."
Daichi looked at him in surprise again. "I liked you since our first weeks in first year, but after that Datekou match, you were the one who stayed with the club. Stayed with me... and gave me the strength to continue during the time Asahi and Noya were absent. And luckily, our two special first year duos arrived to revive the team... our team." It took up until now for Suga to realise Daichi had wrapped him in his arms. He felt his warmth against his body, making him feel comfortable and secured.
"Of course I stayed," Daichi said, "because I love volleyball and could spent more time with you."
A little sob escaped Suga after those words and he still cried, but the tears got fewer, and by now, those were tears of happiness when he realised that the guy he loved loved him back. That they could be a couple and spent their whole days together. A smile started to return to Sugawara's face, but before he could face Daichi, Daichi leaned down to give him a kiss. It felt warm and soft, and he returned it softly. Sugawara felt the butterflies in his stomach swirl around and wished to be able to stay like this forever. After some time, Daichi slowly broke up, wiping the last tears out of Suga's face.
"Everything alright now?" Daichi asked again.
Sugawara gently pushed one elbow into his side to show he recognised the repeated question before answering "Yes, I'm alright now... with you."
"Tomorrow we smash Shiratorizawa on the court, yeah?" Daichi asked with a wide grin.
"Of course" Suga replied, "We want to go to nationals! And with you by my side, I believe we can go anywhere we want." Sugawara concluded, a slight blush returning to his face, but Daichi just gave him another short kiss. He smiled at Daichi who smiled back at him, and slowly they began walking home the rest of the way. Again in silence, but in one filled with happiness as Daichi and Koushi held hands the remainder of the way.
+++ BONUS +++
Soon after returning home, Sugawara had settled on his bed, a bit sad he had to part from Daichi to get some sleep, but also with a warmth inside his body that filled him with pure happiness.
Sawamura Daichi, his best friend, best captain, best classmate, best listener during lunch, best receiver of Karasuno's team at this point, best... just everything of him was perfect, shared the feelings Sugawara had for him.
Hopefully you let me get some sleep, Dai, otherwise I'm a mess tomorrow.
But before putting himself to sleep, Suga decided to text two persons. First one was Asahi:
Hey Asahi, thanks for the talk in the club room.
Daichi caught me overthinking, I told him crying, he confessed to me and I guess we're dating now.
See you tomorrow.
The response came shortly after:
Congrats, Suga, I'm happy for you!
Don't dream too much 'bout him now, ok?
We need you at your best tomorrow, but I guess a certain someone already paved the way for that.
Good night!
Suga couldn't help but smile about Asahi's response. In the meantime until Asahi’s response arrived, he had written another message:
Hey Dai, thanks... for everything. For you being as you are.
I'm the happiest person on earth and I already miss you.
Can't wait for tomorrow.
xoxo
Daichi's response came shortly after Asahi's and made Suga's heart melt in an instant:
Koushi, I'm the one to thank you.
You care for me like no one else, you bring sunshine to my life every day, you give me strength to handle every challenge.
I'm happy you feel the same for me as I do for you. See you tomorrow.
Love, Dai
Suga felt the happiness flooding his whole body once again - it all seemed too good to be true, but here he was, looking at the two messages that proved him otherwise and put him on cloud nine.
He fell asleep soon after this exciting day, with a wide smile tucked to his face.