Chapter Text
The sun peered from the cotton-like clouds. Summer had acquired its peak, rays of sunshine dancing in Miyagi just like it always did.
Hinata had packed everything ready, because of course he would rather die than risk forgetting anything related to volleyball.
His mother had pestered him the night before; have you packed spare clothes in case it rains? Have you remembered the sunscreen? What about towels? The weather can change drastically so make sure to have some extra hoodies! etc.
Yes, that consisted of Hinata's prior night. He did not harbor the right to complain, moreover his mother was the reason Hinata tended to remember all of his belongings.
He could be very absentminded and clumsy at times - Kageyama was sure to remind him of that on numerous occasions.
Hinata's amber eyes were engrossed with resolve, aspiring each day to defeat the king of the court. He was not going to be stranded behind.
Kageyama was a perfectionist on the court, however, the boy could be antisocial, have no commutative skills, and be graceless too - Kageyama would never admit that though. But that was fine for Hinata because he was going to show Kageyama that he can fight in the court. He was going to prevail no matter what!
Hinata gathered his pace, scrambling to the kitchen where his mother had prepared his breakfast and lunch. Being Hinata, he basically never had time to eat peacefully like an ordinary person. And mostly on this special day; he had no time to waste because they were all waiting.
Karasuno was going on a beach trip to practice beach volleyball for enjoyment.
Hinata's eyes glimmered at the thought. He'd fantasize about all the frivolity, the water, Kageyama truly struggling for once, Daichi berating them to listen, Nishinoya's swift receives, and then Hinata could finally play with his teammates before the third years graduated high school.
It was a bittersweet trip because they all knew an era had come to an end. This whole year had blessed Hinata with so much joy and in truth...Hinata was a little fearful of the ending to arrive. He'd grown so close to what Karasuno symbolizes right now, and after this trip, their team will feel a void, somebody missing.
Although Hinata hid these worries underneath his sunshine smiles, he couldn't help but think and think, toss and turn that whole night.
What would happen if things were going to change? This was Hinatas first friends he could call family, a warmth nobody could ever fathom. He loved Karasuno so much and he loved volleyball with all his soul.
No, Hinata wasn't going to waste this trip on tiresome worries. He was going to play volleyball and he was going to keep moving forward.
"Shouyo, I packed you a big bento for the bus ride." His mother expressed as Hinata entered the kitchen to sit down and munch on his breakfast which consisted of tuna onigiri and some regular side dishes the Hinata family loved having in the mornings. "How long will you be on that trip again?" His mother added as she sat down next to him.
Hinata beamed dazzlingly, "I will be gone the whole weekend, but I think I'm sleeping over at Sugawara's place from Sunday to Monday! His parents allowed us to have a night together before they graduate..." His warm smile twisted into a small frown, eyes narrowing at the food in a somber manner.
Hinata recalled when Sugawara first invited them over. He was looking so overly cheerful, however, both Daichi and Asahi expressed another emotion. It was that dismal smile because graduation was approaching.
No, I have to make it the best experience ever!
The third years have done so much for us
"Alright, I'm glad you have so many friends, Shouyo." Hinata's mother had ceased worrying about him having a good time in school.
As a child, he was consistently bouncing around with energy, yet he never had a certain group of friends he could call his own. He was usually swaying from groups and she did distress...but Hinata appeared much happier now that he could play volleyball every day.
Everything was okay.
After eating a wonderful and healthy breakfast, Hinata was fueled and ready to take on the day. His bicycle was settled outside their house, ready to swarm the mountain once more.
The mornings were probably Hinata's favorite because the world had yet to fully awaken, and the mist lingered beneath the sunlight. The birds sang their remedies and once Hinata arrived at Karasuno High, he was filled with joy and pure bliss.
Today was no different and Hinata scurried off on his bike to meet up with his friends. It was still very early, thus why Natsu was still asleep when Hinata left. He wished he could cuddle her goodbye before he departed, but there was no need for her to be up at 6 o'clock in the morning. He'd have to play a bunch with her once he arrived from the beach trip!
"Tanaka, don't yell! It's still early and most people are asleep." Just before Hinata crossed the corner to the gym, he could perceive Daichi's shouting voice. Even though the boy told Tanaka to be quiet, Daichi was particularly loud himself, but nobody dared correct him.
Hinata scampered forward and sprung in the air, "I'm here!" He announced his arrival quite noisily (even though Tanaka just got scolded for the same reason)
"Shouyo, hey!!" Nishinoya awarded him the identical vibrancy, bouncing in the air to high-five him proudly. Daichi made the attempt to grab the two-spirited boys but was halted by Sugawara who shook his head with a kind smile.
"Morning, everyone." Sugawara proceeded with a closed-eyed grin. "We are just waiting for the coach and manager to get here." He informed and Hinata instantly gazed around to realize that he was indeed the last player to arrive.
"Oi, what took you so long this morning?" A shadow loomed over Hinata's body, one he knew extremely well. "I got here way before you, again." Kageyama's scowl was pretty evident on his features.
To the other players, this might seem like a usual interaction between the two, however, Hinata recognized a distinctive tone in Kageyama's words. It wasn't the competitive 'I got here before you, so that makes 406 wins for me!' In fact, Kageyama was questioning why Hinata kept coming a little later these past few days.
Hinata pouted slightly, biting the inside of his mouth in dismay because his hated losing to Kageyama of all people! And having him standing there, looking all gloomy and mad just made him want to argue back. But Hinata couldn't do that because Kageyama was right.
"I was just - just trying to get some extra sleep this week so that I can beat you in beach volleyball!"
Now, that was not entirely true, but the verity came from the fact that Hinata had not been able to sleep properly. Waking up before the sun was just too difficult this week and Kageyama had been left wondering why Hinata was acting a little strange.
"Okay, dumbass." Kageyama's expression did not seem to alter, but he at least (for Hinata's sake) let the topic pass by. "No matter how much rest you get, I'll still be better than you." He offered a calm gesture to Hinata's shoulder, which made his skin boil.
"No way!" Hinata shouted, pointing at his setter with a furious look. "You don't even like the sand. You kept complaining because the sand got into your eyes, the unstable footing makes your tosses more inaccurate and the list goes on! I got this in the bag." Hinata showed off his superior grin, knowing it would tick Kageyama off.
Instantly, Kegayama's hand was pulling Hinata's soft and newly washed hair. "Say that again, I dare you!"
"Ow, ow - Bakeyama, you are making me go bald!!" Hinata struggled against his setter, trying to pry him off but to no avail. Not until Daichi smacked both of them simultaneously, eyes red with anger. Hinata had to shriek back because he was deadly terrified of Daichi's wrath.
"Enough, you two." Daichi glared, hard. "I want both of you to sit quietly in the back of the bus for the whole trip. Am I making myself clear?" He crossed his arms in a firm manner, not joking around it seemed.
Both Hinata and Kageyama touched the sore spot Daichi had smacked them. They knew if they kept on bickering, it would not be a pleasant trip awaiting. "Clear." They replied to their senpai while staring down at their feet in shame.
Kageyama gave Hinata the side glare, cursing at him underneath his breath. Hinata wanted to explode back, but Daichi's presence kept him at bay. "Alright, the trip will take about an hour so make sure you have everything before we depart." Their senpai clapped his hands, gesturing for everyone to start getting ready to step onto the bus.
Coach Ukai and manager Takada arrived a while later, impressed that the whole team was set to leave for their desired trip.
"Okay, everyone, I hope you have remembered to pack up because we won't be able to head back until Sunday evening at most," Takeda stated after the Karasuno players were mostly settled into their seats.
Hinata propped a thumbs up at the statement, getting all giddy and itchy just to leave already. When was the last time he had swam in the ocean? It had been at least three years surely.
"Shouyo! Let's take a picture together." Nishinoya popped his head in front of Hinata's seat.
Nishinoya was sitting with Tanaka whilst Hinata sat in the back next to Kageyama. At first, he disapproved of sitting next to the setter because they always caused so much havoc, but Kageyama had dragged his orange hair yet again, forcing him to take a seat anyway.
"Come on, Bakeyama! Try smiling for once!" Hinata nudged the other boy with his elbow while propping a peace sign. Nishinoya took a selfie with them all and grinned with joy once he looked at the results.
"Damn, Kageyama looks like those kids who are forced to go kindergarten by their parents." Nishinoya laughed, body shaking and bubbling. Tanaka took a look at their picture and fell into a fit as well.
"Sh - Shut up! I always look like that! It's stupid Hinata's fault for forcing me to smile!" He jabbed at Hinata again which he somehow managed to dodge swiftly.
"Senpai, let me see!" Hinata clung onto their seats, ignoring the fume Kageyama was emitting by this point.
He just had to see this picture immediately and save it for the love of God. Was it one thing Kageyama hated, was foolish pictures of him, and Hinata was definitely going to misuse it once Kageyama's 17th birthday strolled around. He did the exact same thing when he turned 16 last semester, and dare he do it again? - well, it was worth all the brawling and hair-pulling.
"I'll send it to you, Shouyo! It's too good." Nishinoya pressed for Hinata's contact info and sent the picture. "Make sure to save it for - you know." He smirked wickedly because posting dreary photos on Kageyama's facebook page was certainly not only Hinata's suggestion.
"I'll murder you if you post shit like that on my birthday again!" Kageyama fumed again, waiting for Hinata to find his phone.
Hinata opened his bag, ready to see the picture already. He tossled through his belongings. Pens and notes were found - no phone in sight though. His nose scrunched with puzzlement, thinking he had left it inside his bag last night before going to bed. But as his bag was almost turned upside down, it dawned on Hinata that his phone was indeed left at home.
"What is it, dumbass? Can't find your phone now?" Kageyama frowned, leaning over his shoulder to try and see if Hinata had magically misplaced it.
Hinata's face turned pale - there was no way he could have forgotten his phone on a day like this! His immediate response was to leap onto his feet, crossing over Kageyama's body to reach the floor of their bus. Luckily, they had not left the school premise yet which gave Hinata a moment to think. What should he do? He was going on a trip for a whole weekend with no way of contacting his mother. She will be so worried and Hinata knew better than to risk it. He had no other choice.
"Coach! I need to get off the bus!" He leaped forward to the front, leaving behind confused and surprised glances.
Ukai shifted around, staring at Hinata like he had lost his mind. "What are you saying? We are leaving in five minutes." He expressed with certain displeasure.
"Please, I have to go home and retrieve my phone!" Hinata bowed down respectfully, knowing what this meant. However, the karasuno player already made a plan in his mind - hoping his mother would be so kind to drive him to the beach instead. It was a gamble, but he could not leave like this.
"Hinata, are you sure? You are going to miss out on the trip." Sugawara situated himself next to Hinata, eyes narrowed with concern because he knew how much this trip meant to Hinata. He had been an exciting ball of sunshine the whole week prior to this.
"I know...I know you can't wait for me because the reservations are at eight." Hinata stared up at his senpai, "But I will find another way there. I promise I will come back." His amber eyes offered a sense of security - dead set on making it back so that they could all play as a team.
Ukai sighed wearily, closing his eyes for the moment. "It's up to you first year. We need to leave soon and if you can't make it, then we won't be able to help." Ukai said with a tiresome tone, it was early morning after all.
After that was settled, Hinata's teammates wished him good luck and told him that they will be waiting for him to join later in the day. Hinata put on a bright smile in return because he knew - he was going back no matter what struggle. This trip was the last for Kyioko, Daichi, Asahi and Sugawara. Hinata refused to miss this for the entire world.
This was just a little setback.
"Oi, dumbass." Kageyama had grabbed his sleeve just when he was about to leave after picking up his bag. "Make sure to be there." His deep blue eyes were intent and that is when Hinata knew - Kageyama was dead serious.
Hinata's gaze stiffened in return, not removing his arm away from Kageyama's touch. "I promise I will come to you."
The bike ride home was infuriating none the least. The mountain seemed heavier hence Hinata had just ridden through it this morning. He cursed himself a myriad of times - how could he be so foolish and forget his phone? He did not even remember where he placed it last. Maybe even Natsu had taken it to play some games or whatever. It was still Hinata's fault for not checking everything before he left, even when his mother did ask.
Agh - how annoying!!
A weak smile grew on his face once his house finally came into view. Hinata jumped off his bike, still breathless and muscles all aching once he opened the door.
"Mom, it's me!" Hurriedly, he tossed off his shoes, stumbling through the hall and into his room. His mother came running towards the unexpected ruckus, finding her son in complete disarray.
"Shouyo, what on earth are you doing back here?" Her face was painted with bafflement, only watching as Hinata threw his clothes around to try and find his phone.
"I managed to forget my phone and I couldn't leave without it!" He stressed back, still not finding his phone. His mother then gaped in awe, running off suddenly. She came back a few seconds later with his phone in hand and Hinata's face lit up.
"You left it on the couch last night. You had already gone to bed and I decided to charge it in the living room." She ambled over with his phone, placing it in his hands. "I'm sorry, dear. I should have remembered it for you." She apologized quickly.
"No, no. It was my fault for not checking everything before I left home." Hinata frowned sadly. The question now was, how was he going to get back to his team? He wanted to ask his mother for a favor, but at the same time, he did not wish to disturb her. She also had Natsu at home...
"You need me to drive you there instead?" The question made Hinata blink with perplexion. Had his mother really suggested that just now??
"Can you, really?!" His eyes sparkled with hope, fully knowing that his mother wouldn't suggest it if she did not intend on making it true.
"Yes, I can. I know how much this trip means to you. " She put on a sweet smile, settling her hand onto her son's cheek to caress him tenderly.
For so many years she spent worrying that Hinata would never truly find a place he could 'fit' in because there was nothing wrong with him. He had all the right to find his own place, people that cherished his bubbly personality and pure kindness.
"And I know how much work you put into volleyball, Shouyo...even if your father believes it is a waste of time, I will support you if that's what you want."
Hinata's eyes narrowed softly, smiling at his mother's kind encouragement. It was true, that Hinata's father never truly supported him in playing so much volleyball - or made it his future plans. His father had no objections when Hinata was younger, thinking it was good for a boy to play sports and socialize. However, as the time passed, the more Hinata spent training and training, morning and night, he thought it had gone too far. There was no reason for Hinata to take volleyball so seriously because he wasn't going to become a pro athlete, right?
He had discouraged Hinata on multiple occasions, leading to many arguments in the Hinata household. So much that Hinata always went to bed in tears, rolling in his bed and wondering why the world gave him so many drawbacks when it came to volleyball. He was short, not fit to be a spiker in the long run - never good enough. But...Hinata still kept pushing through those words because he remembered the burning sensation on his hand after spiking a ball. The adrenaline of jumping, seeing the top of the summit, and finally feeling free.
That was volleyball to Hinata and he loved it with his heart and soul. He does not want to do anything other in life, this was his home.
"We are going to see the top, together."
Kageyama had said on the night they stayed behind to practice. It was shortly after they exceeded their new quick attack and Hinata had felt he could reach any heights with his partner again.
Yes, this was Hinata's dream.
After getting everything ready, Hinata was sitting inside the car with his mother and Natsu in the back. "Are you sure it's okay to bring Natsu? Maybe she should stay with grandma while we're away?" Hinata peered at his sister with a worried look. She was still very young and it was still too early for her to be up and traveling. Or maybe it was just Hinata's big brother instincts kicking in for no particular reason again?
"Don't worry, dear." His mother settled into the driver's seat with a huff, starting the engine of the car. "It's good for her to get out of the house and explore once in a while, right Natsu?" She twirled her head to grin at Natsu who was munching on an onigiri ball.
"Haii!" Was her response, eyes closing as she raised one hand in the air to show her enthusiasm.
Hinata was put at ease. At least he was not burdening his mother and little sister during his time of forgetfulness. To think he could be on the bus with his friends, already on the way to the beach.
Oh well, everything happens for a reason, right?
Another mere 30 minutes passed by as they drove through the forest. Hinata had gotten the address from manager Takeda before driving from Miyagi, so they were on track at least. Natsu had fallen asleep in the back. She was always a deep sleeper so Hinata was not surprised she slept like a rock since the car started moving.
His amber eyes were trained on the infinite blue sky, trying to imagine what the sand will feel like beneath his fingers, how the water waves will sound as they splashed on the shore and how much laughter will be flying in the air.
Hinata texted Yachi a while ago, asking how far they'd gotten down the road. She still hadn't replied so she was probably sleeping or in a deep conversation with Shimizu about some girl stuff.
Hinata looked at the picture Nishinoya had sent again, a trail of chuckles washing out of his lips. Nishinoya and Tanaka were both grinning like idiots while Kageyama looked sour as ever in the back with Hinata who posed his signature peace sign. It was a sweet picture altogether. Hinata came to realize that he did not own many pictures of his senpais or Kageyama. He has to ask Yachi to take as many as possible during this trip. Maybe even grumpy Tsukishima will join? That would be golden.
The car rumbled on the road, getting higher in the mountain, and Hinata's eyes peered at the beautiful scenery. He drew the car window open to feel the warm breeze splash his face and hair. The sun was just so warm today, so comforting and-
"Huh...Sh-Shouyo?" Hinata was abruptly dragged out of his daydream when his mother slowed down the car. "What's...oh god" She mumbled as her features grew white as snow.
Hinata sat still on his seat, eyes expanding with pure horror once he witnessed what he thought must be a living nightmare.
"Th - That's...no!"