Archive of Our Own

Iwaizumi makes his way through the crowd, weaving through teams and fans alike. The Interhigh Tournament always draws a lot of people and Iwaizumi had been swept up in it, momentarily separated from his team. He looks for the familiar tracksuits and spots Kindaichi’s ridiculous haircut. Using that as a beacon, Iwaizumi makes his way through the crowd and reaches the team just as Coach Irihata slows down. 

He scans the group before locking eyes with Iwaizumi and calling out, “Has anyone seen Oikawa?”

“Think he’s outside with some girls.” Hanamaki answers from the front of the group.

“Oh god,” Kunimi says to Kindaichi, unaware Iwaizumi has made his way behind him, “I don’t have time for an Iwaizumi jealousy fit.”

Iwaizumi is about to ask what the hell he means, but Irihata calls out, “Iwaizumi! Get him back over here.”

At least Kunimi has the sense to look embarrassed, turning around to Iwaizumi like he’s in trouble. Iwaizumi ignores him for the sake of time and goes off to find Oikawa. His chest feels tight, and he breathes out harshly without meaning to.

Jealousy fit? What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Iwaizumi seethes to himself, weaving his way back through the crowd he just crossed.

It isn’t hard to find Oikawa once he’s outside. Just as Hanamaki said, Oikawa’s surrounded by girls all complimenting him and asking for photos. Iwaizumi’s scowl only deepens.

Iwaizumi doesn’t think, he grabs a volleyball from one of the various bins around and lobs it at the back of Oikawa’s head.

“Ow! Coach doesn’t even throw things at me.” Oikawa whines, turning around with a pout. 

His face morphs from annoyance to sheepishness when he sees Iwaizumi.

“Photos will have to wait.” Oikawa apologizes to the girls before walking over to Iwaizumi. He offers that smile, soft and small.

“Thanks,” Oikawa whispers quietly.

Iwaizumi grunts in response.

Neither of them say anything more as they walk back inside. Iwaizumi feels anxious. But not the normal way he gets before an important game. Usually it’s sweaty palms and a stress headache. Now it’s shallow breaths and his stomach in knots.

When has he ever had a jealousy fit? What is Kunimi even considering a jealousy fit anyway? Is it because he usually collects Oikawa when he gets swept up by his fans?

How does Iwaizumi explain he’s doing it for Oikawa’s benefit? That, ever since it started to happen, he’s been the one to bring Oikawa back. He’s the one who knows—despite Oikawa’s inflated ego—that Oikawa is sometimes too polite to ask them to leave him alone. He’s the only one who can get the hoard of fans away, and Oikawa gives him that same soft, grateful smile when he does.

How does Iwaizumi explain that without it sounding like so much more than it is?

The morning passes in an odd haze. They watch Karasuno’s match, but Iwaizumi hardly retains any of it. His mind still won’t stop replaying Kunimi’s words.

They start their warmups. An Iwaizumi jealousy fit? Why would Kunimi say that? And why did Kindaichi act like he knew exactly what it meant?

Does the whole team think he’s jealous of Oikawa? Of all the girls he has fawning over him? Or…

Iwaizumi gulps, his throat completely dry. Did he mean he’s jealous of the girls? Like, like Iwaizumi wants to be one of the ones fawning over him.

He spikes the ball so hard there’s an audible gasp from the onlookers. Iwaizumi isn’t even pleased with himself—or the bright smile Oikawa sends his way. 

He feels itchy, like everyone’s looking under his skin in a way they never did before.

Iwaizumi tries to clear his mind during the game and for the most part, he does. He watches Oikawa on the court, sweat pouring down his face, trailing down his neck until it disappears under his jersey. Oikawa’s face is set into a grin, not the fake one but the one that says he knows they’re gonna win. It sends Iwaizumi’s stomach into knots.

He channels his unease into his spikes, each one hitting the ground with a level of strength Iwaizumi usually reserves for if they’re losing. Oikawa looks thrilled every time, setting to Iwaizumi more and more with a gleam in his eye. Iwaizumi scores the final point of the second set and Oikawa bounds over, slapping him on the back with a cheer.

Iwaizumi resists the urge to flinch away. This whole match he’s had to fight himself from reacting to Oikawa’s touch. Every pat on the back and grin from Oikawa feels decidedly pointed. Like they’re all in on a joke Iwaizumi doesn’t know.

He hates it. He’s never felt like this before, never had to question his best friend’s actions around him. But right now he’s so aware of every interaction and how it could be seen by their team.

Oikawa’s hand is still on his back—his lower back—while the rest of the team cheers with them. He can’t help but glance at Kunimi as they celebrate. The other boy isn’t even watching them. He’s smiling tiredly, chest heaving with how hard he played the final set. Iwaizumi feels exposed anyway, and turns away from Kunimi.

Their victory feels hollow in Iwaizumi’s chest.

Everyone else gets on the bus in high spirits. Iwaizumi stays outside to do the headcount with Irihata while they board. Everyone’s acting normal, obviously, because everything is normal. They leave the seat beside Oikawa empty for Iwaizumi, like normal. Oikawa has one earphone out so Iwaizumi can watch whatever he puts on, like normal.

Except nothing is actually normal because Iwaizumi apparently has a visible jealousy spectrum he’s never been aware of and now he can’t stop thinking about it.

He sits down beside Oikawa with a huff.

“So,” Oikawa starts immediately, a teasing lilt to his voice, “what’s got you so worked up today? Those were your “I refuse to lose” spikes, and we already had the first set won.”

“Don’t you want to beat Shiratorizawa? We can’t do that by losing our first game.” Iwaizumi deflects. No way he’s telling Oikawa what’s been on his mind.

That does the trick though, Oikawa laughing happily, “Don’t forget about crushing Tobio-chan on the way up.”

Iwaizumi makes a noise of agreement. Thankfully, Oikawa doesn’t notice anything is off. He offers a headphone to Iwaizumi and unlocks his phone to a video he has queued up.

Iwaizumi sighs, settles further into his seat, and tries not to think.

-=-=-=-

They lose to Shiratorizawa. It’s a crushing defeat, especially for Oikawa. Iwaizumi watches him shake Ushijima’s hand, Oikawa's hand clenched with thinly veiled rage. Iwaizumi can’t hear what they’re saying over their freak middle blocker singing some kind of victory song. Whatever it is though obviously doesn’t sit well with Oikawa, and he turns around with a scowl.

Iwaizumi walks up behind Oikawa and puts a hand on his shoulder. They walk off the court and into Seijoh’s designated team space. They walk further past the team and round a corner. It’s only then that hot tears fall down Oikawa’s face.

“Fuck,” he grits out, turning towards Iwaizumi. He drops his head onto Iwaizumi’s shoulder. “I’m sorry,” 

“Shut up,” Iwaizumi answers, running a hand down Oikawa’s back, “not your fault.”

Oikawa lifts his head and runs his hands across his face. He lets out a groan, angrily wiping at his face again.

“We should’ve had them!” he exclaims, tears still flowing.

Iwaizumi nods and pulls Oikawa closer, “We will next time.”

Oikawa wipes at his face one more time with a sigh. They walk back to the team, Iwaizumi putting his hand back on Oikawa’s shoulder, a comforting weight to remind Oikawa he’s here with him.

He only removes his hand when Kindaichi seems to be staring at them a little too closely.

-=-=-=-

At lunch on Monday, Iwaizumi is still feeling weird about Kunimi’s comment. There’s no practice until Wednesday, a mandatory break after Interhigh to rest. He doesn’t have to worry about seeing Kunimi today but it doesn’t stop him from worrying about it. 

It’s frustrating, because it’s not like he’s gotten any new insight on the situation. He’s just overthinking the same things, wondering if the whole team has been talking about him and Oikawa. How long they’ve been talking about them if they have been. And, most annoyingly, he’s been suspicious of himself and every interaction he’s had with Oikawa since then.

“I’m totally getting out of here,” Oikawa says nonchalantly, digging through his lunch for pieces of chicken, “somewhere far. Like Argentina. Or Brazil. Even Italy.’

Iwaizumi frowns down at his desk as he listens. They’re discussing their plans for after high school. It’s not the first time Oikawa’s mentioned this dream of his, but it’s the first time Iwaizumi feels weird about it.

“I just want to go play volleyball somewhere new. Something that’ll test me again.”

It hits Iwaizumi that he doesn’t want Oikawa to be halfway across the world from him. 

“What about you, Mattsun?” Oikawa asks, moving on as if he hasn’t just turned Iwaizumi’s brain over.

He realizes he can’t picture his life without Oikawa in it. It’s always been a given, to have Oikawa beside him. He’s always just been there, Iwaizumi never imagined he wouldn’t be.

That same day after school, the four of them head to the movies to enjoy their afternoon off.

Iwaizumi loses their rock paper scissors battle and has to go buy snacks for the group. He grumbles but complies, staring up at the snack options above the counter as he walks over.

“Well, my shift just got better.” a voice says in front of him.

Iwaizumi looks down in confusion and is met with the cashier overtly checking him out, her eyes intense as they rake down his body.

He immediately feels his face heat up. She’s pretty, Iwaizumi thinks to himself, her cropped hair brushed away from her face to reveal sharp features that suit her perfectly.

“Momo,” she extends her hand, “pleasure is definitely mine.”

Iwaizumi takes her hand and gives it a firm shake, trying to rid his face of the blush, “Hajime.”

“What can I get for you, Hajime-chan?” she practically purrs, eyes bright and teasing.

Iwaizumi orders with faux nonchalance. Obviously she’s flirting with him. He’s never actually had someone be so overt about it before. But he’s also not about to look completely lame in front of her either.

Momo starts getting their snacks together, keeping up their conversation.

“Do you go to school around here?”

“Aoba Joshai.”

“Ah,” she sighs, “please tell me you’re graduating this year.”

He nods, “Few months I’ll be UTSSI.”

“Thank god, I’m not about to be some kind of cradle robber. I’m a first year at Tohoku Fukushi University.”

She shovels some popcorn into a bag, eyeing his jacket again. 

“Student athlete?”

“Volleyball.”

“So you must be strong. Unless all those muscles are for show?”

Iwaizumi smirks, “Definitely not for show.”

“What’s taking so long, Iwa-chan?” Oikawa asks, sliding up beside him. He has his fake smile on, eyes sharp. He slips an arm around Iwaizumi’s waist and Momo and Iwaizumi still.

Iwaizumi watches Momo’s eyes flit around to Oikawa’s arm around his waist and up to Oikawa’s face before sliding to look at Iwaizumi.

“Understood, handsome.” she says, sliding the final drink over to Iwaizumi, “Enjoy your movie.”

“Thanks.” Iwaizumi mumbles, Oikawa’s hand playing with the hem of his shirt.

Oikawa gives her another big, fake smile, “Thanks so much.” he doesn’t drop his arm from Iwaizumi’s waist until they’re walking away from her.

Iwaizumi has no idea what to say to Oikawa. He’s never done something like that. Oikawa doesn’t say anything either. Iwaizumi doesn’t want to sound crazy, but that was totally possessive of him, right? And his friends are making fun of Iwaizumi for being jealous?

His heart hammers erratically in his chest.

“Feel better now, Tooru-chan?” Matsukawa teases when they get back to their friends. It makes Oikawa and Iwaizumi both blush. Iwaizumi hands out everyone’s snacks without a word. They go find their seats, Matsukawa shoving at them jokingly to get them to go faster.

The previews haven’t started yet, just the anti-piracy warnings. Iwaizumi takes a handful of popcorn from the bucket between him and Oikawa. It reminds him of a memory he tries not to think about. Whenever he does, it leaves a weird feeling in his chest that he’s always refused to examine.

It had all started because of Oikawa. The summer before their final year of Junior High, Oikawa had grown taller, and the old ladies who sat on their porches stopped calling him cute and started calling him handsome. The girls in their class started giggling and stuttering when talking to him.

Iwaizumi knew Oikawa liked the attention at first. Oikawa would preen under their gazes, talking about his latest volleyball feat and flicking his hair just so. He’d smile this weird, fake smile Iwaizumi had never seen before (the same one he uses even now) that made Iwaizumi’s skin crawl and his neck itch.

At first, Iwaizumi waited for him. He’d stand awkwardly at his side as the girls talked about the last game they played, how perfect Oikawa set the ball.

They’d offer compliments to Iwaizumi too but it was different with Oikawa. Iwaizumi wasn’t about to have an identity crisis about it. He’d never cared much for attention like that. In the beginning Oikawa had teased him and said maybe if he didn’t look like such a grump, the girls would be all over him too. Iwaizumi thought about Oikawa’s fake smile and the ugly way it made him feel, and decided he wouldn’t be doing that.

(It was also the first time he called him Shittykawa, which he’s still pretty proud of).

And after a month it wasn’t as funny anymore. Iwaizumi’s time had been filled with awkward waiting and walking home slightly ahead or behind his best friend. Oikawa didn’t act any different when they hung out but he was increasingly surrounded by girls. It was less and less frequent that they found time just the two of them.

So Iwaizumi stopped waiting for him. He ate his lunch with their other friends while Oikawa ate standing beside a different desk with the girls.

He walked home from school with the chatter of Oikawa and the girls strolling behind him. They’d splinter off slowly as the girls went to their own houses, but Iwaizumi would be home by the time the last girl said goodbye. He sometimes took the long way around, walking with Ei and Sato who lived further away.

(Sure, Iwaizumi and Oikawa live across the street from each other, but it feels miles away when you barely see your best friend.)

When they did talk, conversation was stilted in a way it never was before. Iwaizumi was hurt, but he didn’t know how to say that to Oikawa. He wasn’t even sure how to make sense of it in his brain. He didn’t feel only mad or only sad. He felt a weird bubbling heat in his stomach that only kept growing the more time Oikawa spent away from him. He felt like someone had scribbled out all his happy feelings so he was left with only bad ones.

This went on for another two weeks until neither of them could contain it anymore.

“We’ve already seen Invaders of Planet 31 , I’ve been wanting to see Killer Cruisers since it came out.” Iwaizumi complained.

They’re at the same movie theater as the present day, finally hanging out and so far they’ve been bickering nonstop. First about which snack to get and now which movie to watch. And it wasn’t their usual bickering. This felt heated and gross, not exasperating and funny like normal.

“Of course,” Oikawa said with a scoff, “we can go see the new Kaiju one. Since you obviously like it better.”

“Yeah, I do,” Iwaizumi answered hotly, “Sue me because I'd rather watch a new movie than one we’ve already seen.”

Oikawa rolled his eyes which just spurred Iwaizumi on further.

“Maybe I don’t want to watch a movie about aliens invading and ruining the way everyone’s used to living!”

“And maybe I don’t want to watch one about monsters everyone thought were friends but try and kill each other!”

Oikawa sniffled loudly and looked across the theater away from Iwaizumi, “At this point you should just invite Ei-kun too, since you both like Kaiju movies better.”.

Iwaizumi frowned at him. “What does that mean?”

“Since you’ve obviously gotten so close lately. I’m just surprised you’re making time for me at all.”

Iwaizumi felt red hot anger burn through him.

“Making time for you? All I’ve tried to do is make time for you! You’re the one always running off with those girls!”

“You’re replacing me!” Oikawa finally exploded, tears falling as he furiously wiped his face with his sleeve.

Iwaizumi stared at him in shock.

“You’d obviously rather hang out with Ei-kun or even Sato-kun more than me! More than your best friend!” Oikawa’s face was bright red as he continued to wipe his eyes, desperately trying to erase his tears.

“What are you talking about,” Iwaizumi began, voice tight as his own eyes welled up, “all I want to do is hang out with you. You’re the one who never has time for me now. I thought you liked them better.”

Oikawa looked away sheepishly, “I mean, it’s nice to know they all like me, but I only care about what you think. I don’t know how to get rid of them without being rude. But I’d trade all of this to have my best friend back.”

Neither of them said anything for a moment.

“Friends?” Iwaizumi asked, extending his hand.

Oikawa looked at him, bottom lip worrying between his teeth.

“ Best friends, Iwa-chan.”

They watched Killer Cruisers, one giant bucket of popcorn sitting on Iwaizumi’s lap for them to share. Oikawa’s hand knocked against his once, twice, and then three times before he settled it against the arm rest. They kept their arms side by side the whole time.

The blaring trumpets of the movie’s intro draw Iwaizumi out of his memories. Oikawa’s arm nudges his on the arm rest once, twice, and then three times before coming to rest pressed against his. Iwaizumi bites down a grin.

They keep their arms side by side the whole time.

-=-=-=-

A few days later, the team is back at practice. With the few days off, Iwaizumi has mostly gotten over Kunimi’s comment. It was just one of his friends making a joke that he wasn’t even supposed to hear. So there’s no reason he needs to overthink it. 

Still, if he thinks about it too long, he feels uncomfortable at his own reaction to it, the unpleasant buzz in his skin. He and Oikawa never talked about what was up at the movie theater, and so Iwaizumi just lets it go. It’s not like he’s in the mood to psychoanalyze himself, let alone Oikawa.

Iwaizumi is walking back from the bathroom, wiping his wet hands on the front of his shirt. He comes back into the gym, thinking about the best execution of their newest play. He falters in step when he walks through the doors. Oikawa is sitting on the side of the court, hands over his face, with Coach Mizuguchi and Hanamaki on either side of him.

Iwaizumi rushes over immediately. He stops right behind Hanamaki, dropping a hand harshly onto Makki’s shoulder.

“What happened?”

“Dove for the ball weird.” Oikawa winces out.

Iwaizumi leans forward, leaning on Makki as he does.

“Dude, calm down, he’s all yours,” Hanamaki says as he rips away from Iwaizumi’s hand on his shoulder and moves out of the way.

Iwaizumi hadn’t even noticed how tightly he was gripping Makki’s shoulder. But Hanamaki isn’t blocking Oikawa anymore, so Iwaizumi kneels where he had just been and looks at Oikawa sternly.

“Why would you do that?”

Oikawa shrugs, looking away from Iwaizumi. 

“Well, you obviously can’t play anymore today.” Iwaizumi says.

“Coach already said that,”

Iwaizumi sighs, grabs Oikawa’s hand and squeezes.

“Does it hurt a lot?” Iwaizumi asks softly.

Oikawa shrugs. “Not terrible.”

Iwaizumi’s thumb trails across Oikawa’s knuckles. They stare at each other, Iwaizumi’s breath hitching. Has Oikawa ever looked at him like that before? Oikawa’s hand tenses in his own. He trails his thumb across the back of Oikawa’s hand again. Oikawa’s eyes widen a fraction, his lips parting, and Iwaizumi comes back to his senses.

He flushes bright red and finally looks away from Oikawa only to be met with basically the entire team watching them. Half of them have the decency to act like they weren’t staring but the damage has already been done.

That itchy feeling from the Interhigh tournament is back, creeping through his skin like molten lava. Iwaizumi jerks away from Oikawa, standing up in a rush. His heart is thrumming erratically as he helps Oikawa up.

Mizuguchi helps Iwaizumi help Oikawa to the bench and gets Oikawa an ice pack.

As vice captain, Iwaizumi takes it upon himself to get practice going again. Obviously, he knows their coaches know he’s more than capable, but he still feels the need to prove himself. 

Mostly though, he’s trying to distract everyone from what just happened. All eyes are on him, of course, since he’s leading practice now, but Iwaizumi is convinced the whole team is thinking about him being jealous. Kunimi’s words are blaring through his head, now mixing with Makki’s from just minutes ago. 

Iwaizumi must have looked completely crazy, hand gripping Makki’s shoulder til he moved away from Oikawa, and then going completely soft once he was the one beside Oikawa. And in front of Mizuguchi of all people, the thought makes him shudder. He probably looked like, like he was having an Iwaizumi jealousy fit. 

Iwaizumi feels his face start to heat up, and he calls for the team to start spiking drills.

Yahaba and Watari head to the net to start setting for their teammates. Iwaizumi chances a glance at Oikawa. He’s settled onto a chair, leg outstretched with an ice pack. His eyes are watching Iwaizumi and he promptly turns away when they lock eyes, face bright red.

Iwaizumi sighs, Oikawa’s face now buried in one hand but still visibly blushing. His stomach flips.

Iwaziumi tries not to focus on Oikawa but it's hard. Especially since Oikawa pouts from the sidelines, calling out things to their teammates.

“Kunimi-chan! You’ve got to give a little more effort than that! Watachi is trying so hard for you!”

“Stop antagonizing them, idiot!” Iwaizumi calls back to him.

“We need to get Mad Dog back. Yahaba! Have you convinced him yet!”

“Shut up, dumbass! How is that relevant!”

Once practice ends Iwaizumi’s father gives them a ride home since it would take too long to walk with Oikawa’s knee. Oikawa’s parents are both working late and Iwaizumi’s dad is more than willing to pick them up. Oikawa doesn’t need help getting out of the car, but he is limping his way into his house.

“God, I really pulled something today.” Oikawa says with a pained breath, lowering himself onto the couch. He carefully raises his leg onto the table, stretching it out.

Iwaizumi goes straight to the kitchen once he’s sitting. He rifles through the cabinet and looks for the tube of Icy Hot he’d given him.

“You need to stop overworking yourself,” he says, the Icy Hot exactly where he’d left it last time Oikawa had a flare up.

“It’s our last year, Iwa-chan, I’ve got to do everything I can to ensure a win.” Oikawa says when Iwaizumi comes back in.

“They’ll be no way to win if you fuck your knee up further.” Iwaizumi replies.

Iwaizumi immediately gets to work, putting a small dollop of the cream in his hand and gently rubbing it into the skin of Oikawa’s knee. 

Oikawa winces in pain, and Iwaizumi adjusts his hand more to the left. He’s been the one to help Oikawa with his knee pain for as long as he can remember. At first, Oikawa said he just “did it better”. Now, he claims it's perfect practice for Iwaizumi if he wants to go into sports medicine. 

Whatever the reason is, Iwaizumi is more than willing to comply. Sure, he grumbles and complains that Oikawa can do it himself, but he actually doesn’t mind helping his best friend feel a little more comfortable.

“Alright, no moving for twenty minutes.” Iwaizumi reminds, putting a pillow under Oikawa’s leg on the table. He settles back on the couch. He throws his own legs up on the table and an arm around the back of the couch, behind Oikawa. 

“You’re too good to me, Iwa-chan. I don’t know why you put up with me.”

“Shut up.” Iwaizumi says, fixing his attention to the show Oikawa had put on.

After a few moments of silence, Iwaizumi says softly, “I don’t put up with anything.” 

Oikawa hums quietly in response and tucks himself closer against Iwaizumi’s side.

Iwaizumi lets his mind drift as they watch. He thinks back to when Oikawa first injured his knee. He’s pretty sure he’ll never forget that moment. 

It was the beginning of their second year and they were playing a long match against Date Tech. Already on their third set, the score was 28-27 with Date Tech in the lead. If they let the ball drop, they’d be out of the tournament.

Which is why it wasn’t surprising how hard everyone was playing. Iwaizumi could barely feel his legs, his hands were slick with sweat and he was reacting slower with each play. 

There was no time to rest though, and the whole team knew it. A particularly powerful serve from Date Tech was coming their way. Yuda just barely managed to receive it, the ball flying higher up and towards the stands.

“Iwaizumi!” Oikawa yelled out, launching himself at the ball and Iwaizumi was ready for it, spiking the ball as it soared over to him and he scored the point.

He turned back to Oikawa to celebrate and his stomach dropped. He was so focused on the ball he barely noticed just where Oikawa had jumped to. He was sprawled out on the ground, chest heaving, beside a now toppled over table.

The game stopped, both coaches and referee rushing over to Oikawa. Iwaizumi was moving too, settling beside Oikawa without hesitation as the adults moved around him.

“Iwa-chan,” Oikawa said in a tight voice, eyes wide in fear.

Iwaizumi’s heart clenched at the clear pain and unbridled fear in his friend’s voice. Iwaizumi glanced down and Oikawa’s knee was swelling up fast, already a quarter bigger than his right. He knew if Oikawa looked at it it would only lead to more distress, so he did his best to distract him.

“Nice save,” he said, voice quieter than he meant, unable to get out more volume.

Oikawa laughed wetly, tears starting to fall.

“I bet diving into that table’s got all your fans swooning.”

Oikawa rolled his eyes but Iwaizumi could tell he was preening under the praise.

“It was a pretty sick save, huh? You think they were impressed?”

Iwaizumi laughed. Their coaches were busy doing something with Oikawa’s knee, and he didn’t want to draw attention to it by looking again so he didn’t.

“They would’ve been talking about you anyway, idiot.”

“Well, were you impressed? I only care what my Iwa-chan thinks.” Oikawa pressed. He winced in pain and tried to look down at his leg.

Iwaizumi grabbed onto his face, gently tilting his head up and moving his own body to further block Oikawa’s view.

“I already complimented you once, dumbass, I don’t need your ego getting any bigger.”

Oikawa’s cheeks puffed up as he tried to grin, “You were so impressed,” he teased, voice slightly garbled because of Iwaizumi’s hand.

The game continued once Oikawa was stable, sitting out with an ice pack over an ace bandage on his knee. Seijoh won, the team even more pumped up to make sure Oikawa’s injury wasn’t in vain. 

Oikawa’s injury wasn’t completely life altering. He had to sit out for two weeks back then. These days he has to be more conscious of overworking his joints and properly stretching and caring for them.

Iwaizumi traces his hand down Oikawa’s arm and sighs.

“What’s up?” Oikawa asks, turning his head up at Iwaizumi.

“I just,” Iwaizumi starts but then trails off.

Oikawa nudges him in the side, urging him on.

“I just wish you’d be more careful.” Iwaizumi murmurs.

He’s expecting Oikawa to tease him, to immediately say something like Iwa-chan, you care about me!

But Oikawa doesn’t do that at all. His eyebrows knit together, his eyes going soft and he wraps an arm around Iwaizumi’s middle.

“Okay, Iwa-chan, I’ll be more careful.” and he turns his face back to the television.

Iwaizumi’s heart feels the same as it did when they were in the gym. It embarrassingly skips a beat when Oikawa snuggles closer. He hopes it’s not noticeable.

Distantly, he hears his teammates voices in his head. He pictures the look of Oikawa’s face when he watched Iwaizumi leading the team alone. He scratches absently at his arm, the same itching feeling resurfacing.

Oikawa’s mom arrives shortly after that, warm smile and fussing over Oikawa like usual when he has a flare up.

His dad brings takeout for everyone. The four of them eat together in total familiarity. Iwaizumi’s never felt uncomfortable in their home, never felt unwelcomed. Even when he and Oikawa accidentally broke their television playing Wii Bowling, Iwaizumi didn’t worry about never being invited back. He was mostly worried that Oikawa was going to be mad at him for confessing so quickly. They even joke about Iwaizumi being their second son, just like Iwaizumi’s own parents do with Oikawa.

When Iwaizumi gets back home that night he rushes straight to bed. He knows exactly what he’s going to do, and his heart has been hammering nonstop since before he left Oikawa’s.

Iwaizumi pulls his quilt over his head, shielding himself from the outside. He unlocks his phone and opens the internet. 

He starts to type “ How to” before closing the tab and opening a private one. He can’t even imagine the embarrassment if someone were to come across this search somehow.

“How to tell you have a crush” he manages to type and search with a pounding heart and labored breath. He clicks on the first result.

5 Signs You’re Crushing Hard!

• You think about them all the time

Well, yes, Iwaizumi reasons with himself, he thinks about Oikawa. They’re friends. Best friends. It’d be more weird if he didn’t think about him.

• You do things to get their attention

Has he done things to get Oikawa’s attention? Sure, he’s thrown countless volleyballs at Oikawa to get him to focus. He’s played into countless arguments to tease Oikawa or to continue talking to him. Iwaizumi is just–well he just cares about his best friend! Of course he’d want to have his attention.

Besides, Oikawa’s usually already focusing on him anyway. The thought makes Iwaizumi's face heat up considerably.

• You notice little details about them

Iwaizumi rolls his eyes. Obviously he notices little details about Oikawa! He’s only known him  since birth. Imagine he didn’t notice how Oikawa uses that fake smile to come across as totally unaffected by nerves or to charm people around him. Or how he gives almost everyone he knows some kind of nickname, unless he doesn’t like them. How Oikawa childishly argues about little things, but finds it hard to actually voice his thoughts.

Iwaizumi realizes he’s gotten lost in thought about Oikawa, and that he’s grown increasingly hot under his blanket. He drops his phone onto his chest and uncovers his face. He takes a few deep breaths and then pulls the cover back of himself to resume his search.

• Your friends notice a change in your behavior around them

 Fuck you is Iwaizumi’s first thought. Then, Kunimi’s words are back in his mind, along with Mattsun’s and Makki’s. He can’t dispute this one even if he tried.

• You get jealous when someone else flirts with them 

Iwaizumi purses his lips. Well that’s just an annoying as fuck suggestion. Why does everything come back to jealousy? He sees people flirt with Oikawa daily, that doesn’t mean he’s jealous. Those girls don’t really mean anything to Oikawa, not in a romantic sense anyway. Iwaizumi knows they don’t.

Then he thinks about Oikawa playfully flirting with their teammates, pouting at Makki for a bite of his food or complimenting Kyoutani on his spike. That sends a surge of annoyance up his spine.

Iwaizumi bites his lip, dragging the bottom into his mouth and biting hard. He closes the tab with a frown.

He shuffles further down into his blankets, ignoring the sweat beading across his skin. He opens a new tab. This time he hesitates even more before typing. He can only bring himself to type “ How do you know” before stopping and staring at the screen for two excruciatingly long minutes.

Iwaizumi lifts his head out of his blanket a sliver, allowing air back onto his face. His hair is plastered onto his forehead and his pajamas are sticking uncomfortably on his skin. But he refuses to move any further out from his quilt. It feels like a barrier between him and the real world, like it’s protecting him. He throws it back over his head and picks up his phone.

He finally bites the bullet, typing quickly and hitting enter.

“Am I gay?”  

Links to quizzes come up, blog posts, and a few tabloid magazines. Iwaizumi clicks on one of the blogs, a forum type of website, hoping the less manufactured site will offer a more genuine response. 

Am I gay? My best friend and I are really close, but recently whenever I see her I get butterflies. She’s been my friend for ages and I don’t want to ruin the friendship by not knowing how I really feel. What if this is all just a new level of our friendship?

Iwaizumi glances at the rest, the girl going more in detail about how her friend makes her feel and what they do when they hang out. His stomach twists at the similarities. He scrolls down to the top voted comment and reads on.

What you're describing sounds like a crush to me, and it sounds like it could be a mutual thing. However, no one besides yourself can truly answer this question for you. Sexuality is fluid! It’s okay to not know. I will say though, I don’t think straight people are asking Google if they’re gay. Take that as you will.

Best of luck <3

Iwaizumi rereads the short paragraph for an embarrassingly long amount of time. He doesn’t even remember falling asleep, just wakes up to his alarm blaring and phone on 1%.

-=-=-=-

Two weeks passed since Iwaizumi did his late night googling. He’s done a lot of thinking and has come to some conclusions.

First: Iwaizumi has never found himself attracted to another boy before. He’s never even thought about it for himself. He’s known for years that Oikawa is bisexual but, besides when Oikawa first came out to him, Iwaizumi hasn’t put much thought into his own sexuality.

It was a few weeks after he and Oikawa had reconciled their friendship. They were back to their old selves, teasing and arguing and walking home together everyday. Iwaizumi learned that the girls in their class didn’t actually mind when Oikawa wanted to hang out with him instead of them, and they settled into a comfortable new system. Iwaizumi would just knock Oikawa on the back of the head, call him an idiot and drag him away, and the girls would giggle and then go off on their own.

That day, Ei, Sato, Iwaizumi, and Oikawa were all hanging out at Ei’s house. They were busy teasing each other about girls they found cute.

“Well how about you, Oikawa-kun! You could have any girl you want.” Sato says, leaning over into his friend's space.

Oikawa rolled his eyes but he was blushing as he denied it, “That’s not true.”

“Not true! Haven’t you gotten three confessions this month!” Ei points out.

“I don’t like any of them like that. We’re just friends.” Oikawa denies further. 

Something about his tone piques Iwaizumi’s interest. He’s lying, Iwaizumi’s sure of it. But he can also tell Oikawa doesn’t want to talk about whoever he has a crush on here, and as his best friend, it’s Iwaizumi’s job to move the conversation along.

“As long as Hana-chan doesn’t confess to him, right Sato?” He says with a grin and the whole group starts teasing Sato instead.

Later that night the two of them are at Iwaizumi’s house lounging on his bed while they wait for dinner. Now that it’s just the two of them, Iwaizumi can enact his plan.

“So,” Iwaizumi teases, “why were you so quiet today? Got a big crush or something?”

Oikawa kicks him in the shin but Iwaizumi sees the blush crawling up his face.

“You totally do! Who is it? Who’s the lucky girl that stole Shittykawa’s heart?”

“Shut up.” Oikawa mumbles. He looks away from Iwaizumi and draws his knees up to his chest.

“C’mon, you can tell me. Is she in our class? Does she go to our school?”

“Dude, drop it.” Oikawa says, voice stern.

Iwaizumi doesn’t listen of course. It’s fun having the upper hand on Oikawa for once.

“I won’t tell Ei or Sato, I swear.” 

Oikawa remains quiet.

“At least tell me if she goes to our school. Is she pretty?” Iwaizumi presses on.

And then without warning, Oikawa bursts into tears. Iwaizumi watches on in bewilderment, the teasing smile dropping from his lips. He’s frozen still as Oikawa tries to calm himself down.

Oikawa wipes his eyes with the back of his hand, and mumbles, “It’s not a girl.”

“Oh,” Iwaizumi says.

Oh.

“That’s okay. Guy or girl, it’s—it’s whatever Tooru. S’long as they make you happy.” Iwaizumi says after a momentary shock.

Oikawa is still sniffling but he finally meets Iwaizumi’s gaze.

“You’re not mad, are you?”

Iwaizumi shakes his head quickly. “Of course not. You liking a guy doesn’t change anything between us. I promise.”

Oikawa lets out a humorless laugh and rolls his eyes, “Thank god for that,” he mumbles. 

“Do you, uh, do you want to talk about it?” Iwaizumi asks. He’s not sure what to do in this situation. No one’s ever come out to him before.

This time when Oikawa laughs it actually sounds genuine.

“Not really, Iwa-chan. It’s just a little crush, it’ll go away.”

Iwaizumi nods.

After that, Oikawa didn’t hide the fact that he was attracted to boys too, but he and Iwaizumi never seriously talk about crushes again. The few times they have, Oikawa always rushes the conversation forward. However, he can tell the conversation doesn’t sit well with Oikawa, so he stops bringing it up.

Now, Iwaizumi has spent more time in the past two weeks thinking about his sexuality than he had in the past four years. He has finally reached the point where he can admit he’s attracted to Oikawa. And even that has been a lot to handle.

Not because he’s a homophobe, not at all, but realizing that he’s attracted to the boy who is also his closest friend has kind of thrown him for a loop. Iwaizumi has always just been secure in the fact that he was straight. He’s only ever been attracted to girls up until now. Soft features, flowy hair, round lips, those things have always drawn him in. 

Oikawa doesn’t exactly fit the bill. He’s not soft, he’s made up of hard lines and harder muscles, long legs and quick tongue. But, Iwaizumi’s spent too long recently admiring those things, getting distracted by the toned stomach and strong legs at practice that he couldn’t deny his attraction.

He’s taller than Iwaizumi, which Iwaizumi’s never found himself drawn to. But with Oikawa…he’s been picturing too many scenarios of Oikawa towering over him, tilting his chin up, caging him in. That moment in the movie theater plays in his mind, Oikawa squeezing Iwaizumi into his side like he was the perfect fit.

It’s been a lot.

His final solution? Ignore it! Yes, he’s attracted to Oikawa. But they’re best friends. They’ve known each other since they were babies, he’s not about to fuck up their friendship due to some momentary spike in attraction.

Adding to his stress has been the fact that Kyoutani has come back to the team. No question the guy has skills, he’s one of the best players they have. But he has a harsh attitude and since Iwaizumi’s one of the only ones he listens to, it’s up to him to keep Kyoutani in line. There’s also been another thing about Kyoutani that’s been bothering him.

Well, it’s actually Oikawa’s fault, as most things have been these days. For some reason, Oikawa seems to have made it his goal to pester Kyoutani.

Oikawa’s spent the majority of the practice today giving Kyoutani one on one advice, setting for him and being entirely too hands on to be normal. Like now, he’s got an arm draped across Kyoutani’s shoulders, leaning crookedly into his space so his face is mere inches from the other boys.

“Ooh, Mad Dog, all bark and no bite!” Oikawa croons.

Kyoutani scowls at him but actually lets the teasing slide, allowing Oikawa to go as far as to ruffle his hair.

Iwaizumi feels that telltale itch, but this time it’s burning his skin. It’s coiling in his stomach with a bitter twist. He stalks away from them to the other side of the court. Yahaba’s standing there with a sullen face. 

In an effort to distract himself, Iwaizumi figures he’ll help out his younger teammate.

“What’s got you in such a shitty mood?” 

Yahaba scoffs, “That’s rich coming from you.”

Iwaizumi is taken aback, eyes narrowing as he replies, “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

Yahaba doesn’t answer. He just raises his eyebrows and looks ahead. Iwaizumi follows his line of sight to where Oikawa and Kyoutani are talking. Or rather, Kyoutani is finally responding to all of Oikawa’s teasing by chasing him around the gym.

Iwaizumi scowl deepens.

“It’s annoying as fuck.” Yahaba breathes out, so quiet Iwaizumi almost doesn’t understand, “it’s like one day I woke up and he’s all I can think about.”

Iwaizumi feels rooted in place beside him. They continue to stare at the pair across the court, Oikawa continuing his teasing all while Kyoutani barks insults at him as they run. They watch them run in a tense silence. Kyoutani grabs onto the back of Oikawa’s shirt, Oikawa letting out a screech but managing to wriggle away.

Yahaba lets out a quiet huff, “I’m in a shitty mood, Iwaizumi-san, because I'm jealous of a guy getting chased around a gym.”

Iwaizumi finds himself nodding, “Yeah,” he whispers back. His chest feels tight. It’s the first time he’s admitted, however subtly, that he’s got feelings for his best friend. He manages to tear his gaze away and looks at Yahaba. He’s still watching them with a sad frown. Iwaizumi is flooded with the need to help him.

“Do you want to go out after this?” Iwaizumi asks. “Not as a date, obviously,”.

“Obviously,” Yahaba says with a small laugh.

“It might be good to talk about this, you know, with someone else. Unless you have been and don’t want to, that’s fine.” 

Yahaba laughs again, “That sounds like a good idea, Iwaizumi-san.”

When it’s time to leave, Iwaizumi realizes this will be one of the first times he hasn’t walked home with Oikawa in years. He doesn’t want to tell him why he’s going out but he’s also not going to lie.

He goes up to Oikawa who’s just finished packing away the broom and says, “I’m getting dinner with Yahaba.”

“Oh,” Oikawa says. Then tacks on in confusion, “why?”

“Kohai advice.”

Oikawa grins, “For you or him?”

“Shut up,” Iwaizumi mutters.

“Well, have fun! Don’t strain yourself too hard while trying to impart your wisdom to him.”

He flips Oikawa off in reply, walking away to Oikawa’s laughter.

They decide to go to a ramen place near the school. It’s a quick walk, both of them deep in thought. They order first, Iwaizumi paying for them both despite Yahaba’s protests.

They find a table in an empty corner of the room and sit down. It’s insanely awkward. The two of them are just sitting across from each other in complete silence. He and Yahaba aren’t the closest on the team, but they’ve never been physically unable to hold a conversation.

Yahaba clears his throat but doesn’t say anything.

Iwaizumi picks at the splintered wood of the table. After some more stretched out silence, Iwaizumi figures he should be the one to start the conversation. Not only did he ask Yahaba to get dinner in the first place, but he’s also the older one and feels a responsibility to be there for Yahaba in any way he can.

“How long have you had a crush on Mad Dog?”

Yahaba lets out a startled yelp, whipping his head up to Iwaizumi.

“I–just like that!” he covers his face with his hand, “you’re just gonna start like that?”

“Well we’re not getting anywhere with being so freaking awkward, so let’s just pretend it’s not awkward.”

“I know but,” Yahaba laughs oddly, “you caught me off guard with that.”

Iwaizumi smiles, already feeling the energy around them settling into something lighter.

“So how long have you had a crush on Mad Dog?” He asks again.

Yahaba lets out a groan, “I don’t even know. It’s like I said, one day I just woke up and he was all I could think about. Like, Oikawa told me to try and get him back on the team since we’re in the same grade. And I know how important this year is for you guys, and he is a good player even if he’s annoying as fuck. So I’ve been trying and hanging out with him more and he’s…Look,” Yahaba pauses, mouth drawn into a line, “I know you guys joke about me being shallow and I get it, I can judge people pretty quickly. And I know I judged him too fast, and I was wrong.”

Iwaizumi nods in understanding.

“He doesn’t like to be called Mad Dog, by the way.” Yahaba adds, wringing his hands together as he says so.

Something about the care in his voice when he says it makes Iwaizumi’s heart twist for the younger boy.

“Since Ma–Kyoutani joined the team have you guys kept hanging out?”

“We’re like, weirdly friends now? He’s always just there and I can’t get a second to figure out if he might like me back because one minute we’re fine and the next we’re arguing.”

Iwaizumi nods once again in understanding, the situation sounding all too familiar. Their food arrives and they take a few minutes to eat before Yahaba starts talking again.

“How about you? I actually had no idea you were even into guys.”

Iwaizumi stares into his ramen resolutely and says, “Yeah, me neither.”

“So, is it just Oikawa-san that does it for you? Or what?” Yahaba asks. Annoyingly, he seems much more at ease now that he’s out of the hot seat.

Iwaizumi looks up, rolling his eyes, “Obviously I think Tooru is attractive. So does everyone else.”

“Not everyone.”

Iwaizumi just stares at him in undeniable confusion.

“Okay,” Yahaba says, sitting up straighter, “put it this way. Most people find Ushijima attractive. Do you?”

Iwaizumi barely has to conjure up Ushijima’s strong, stoic face in his mind before he’s shaking his head no.

“So you’re into pretty boys, who cares?”

Iwaizumi balks at the phrase, his face heating up like a furnace.

“I am not .” He denies quickly.

“Alright, fine,” Yahaba sighs, “Honestly, Iwaizumi-san, it doesn’t matter who you may or may not be attracted to. The only thing that matters here is how you feel about Oikawa-san and what you plan to do about it.”

“Let’s say you have a crush on him, that doesn’t mean you’ve got to tell him if you don’t want to.” Yahaba says, as if it’s the simplest thing in the world, “Sometimes people just like other people for no real reason.”

Iwaizumi nods, “Being attracted to them doesn’t mean you’ll be good together.”

“Exactly. The question is: do you want to do something about it?”

Iwaizumi doesn’t like this line of questioning so he turns it back on Yahaba, “Do you?”

Yahaba frowns. He stares down at his half empty ramen bowl and gives it a stir before answering, “I can’t tell half the time if he hates me or not. I don’t suppose you have a way of knowing that, huh?”

Iwaizumi offers him a small, wistful smile. They’re quiet for a few minutes, eating some more while both thinking to themselves.

“I think,” Iwaizumi starts, “if I tell Oikawa how I’ve been feeling, it’ll throw everything off. We’ve been friends since before we could walk. I don’t want to ruin our friendship, and if he doesn’t feel the same, I know it’ll change things.”

“You keep acting like he couldn’t possibly like you back. Why is that so hard to believe?”

Iwaizumi shrugs, “I mean, what are the odds that I realize I…that I have a crush on my best friend,” he says quietly, “at the same time he realizes he likes me back?”

“Let me put it like this,” Yahaba says, “Oikawa-san has dozens of girls and guys give him confessions a month. You’ve said it before, after all the years you’ve known him, he’s only said yes to one. And she broke up with him because he spent too much time on volleyball. You know who’s always at volleyball? You. You know who he still made time for every weekend, even though he could’ve been going on dates with his girlfriend? You.”

Yahaba fixes him a hard look, “I’ve got to say, that sounds an awful lot like he likes you back. Has liked you back, probably before you even realized you liked him.”

Iwaizumi lets out a shaky breath. When he puts it like that it does sound obvious. 

They both finish their food soon after that. They live in opposite directions and so when they leave the restaurant they turn to say goodbye. Iwaizumi pulls Yahaba into a tight hug.

“If you ever need anything, I’m here for you.”

“Thanks, Iwaizumi-san. You should talk to him.”

Iwaizumi grins, “You too.”

-=-=-=-

Yahaba’s wish comes true the very next day. Iwaizumi and Oikawa are walking home, Iwaizumi lost in thought like usual these days.

Oikawa knocks his shoulder into Iwaizumi’s. Iwaizumi looks up and Oikawa is already staring at him. 

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed you’ve been acting weird recently. What’s up?” Oikawa says with a small, worried smile.

Iwaizumi huffs out a laugh and nudges Oikawa back, “You finally thinking about people other than yourself?” he tries to joke.

Oikawa shoves him lightly, “So rude.” quieter, he adds, “I care about you, idiot.”

Iwaizumi’s heart pulls at that and the soft way Oikawa is looking at him. 

Their houses are just a few yards down. Iwaizumi could laugh it off, keep everything to himself for longer. But…

No time like the present.

“Actually, something’s been on my mind for a while,” Iwaizumi says, exhaling a shaky breath. “A few weeks ago, at Interhigh? Kunimi made some kind of joke, right? About me being jealous of you.”

Oikawa nods, looking a little concerned but listening.

Iwaizumi rushes on, “But not like, jealous of you . Jealous of other people being around you when I wasn’t. And so I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about you and me and I just–the way I feel about you isn’t the way I used to.”

Oikawa has stopped walking now, bottom lip worrying between his teeth.

“Okay.” Oikawa pauses, “how do I make you feel now?”

“You make me itchy,” Iwaizumi blurts out and then slaps a hand over his mouth.

Oikawa laughs, the sound golden and airy. It dispels any embarrassment Iwaizumi feels. “Are you allergic to me, Iwa-chan?”

“You’re the worst,” Iwaizumi says.

Oikawa steps closer and links their arms together to get Iwaizumi walking again.

“Sorry, sorry, what were you saying? Don’t let me interrupt.”

Iwaizumi rolls his eyes but he feels safe like this, Oikawa’s arm in his. “I’ve never had to think about where you’d fit in my life because you’ve always been there. I didn’t understand at first, I just thought it was because we’re best friends.”

“Which we are,” Oikawa points out.

They reach the front gate of Iwazumi’s house. They stop right beside it, turning back to each other. Oikawa is beaming still and it makes Iwaizumi’s heart flutter.

“I realized I really want to kiss you and do all that dumb romantic shit with you that always looks so corny in movies. Because it wouldn’t be dumb with us.”

“This is the most backhanded confession I’ve ever received, Iwa-chan.” Oikawa teases, eyes bright.

“Say something then, idiot! Do you like me back or not.” Iwaizumi tries to grumble but his face is on fire and Oikawa is looking at him like he hung the stars.

“As if I haven’t been totally obvious, Iwa-chan. Of course I like you back. How could I not! Not only are you my favorite person,” Oikawa looks him up and down with a grin, “but those years of volleyball have really paid off.”

“Would you be serious for one second,” Iwaizumi mumbles, face aflame. He pushes Oikawa through the front gate and into his house.

“I’m so serious. I’d never joke around about this.” Oikawa says. He hasn’t lost his teasing demeanor but it's clear just how genuine he’s being.

Iwaizumi can’t find the words to reply, so he just ushers them upstairs to his room. Oikawa leans against Iwaizumi’s desk and watches him, head cocked to the side with a grin.

Iwaizumi feels like a blushing, stuttering mess. His body is buzzing, his skin prickling and heart thumping as he shuts the door with a shaking hand. Oikawa seems so calm and collected about all of this.

“How are you so,” Iwaizumi flails an arm at him, “unaffected right now?”

Oikawa laughs lightly, “Has it occurred to you that I’ve had years to figure out my feelings towards you?”

Iwaizumi freezes, Yahaba’s words cycling through his head, “Not really, no.”

“Well then, you’re the idiot here, Iwa-chan. Now,” Oikawa walks closer, “I've been wanting to kiss you since I was fourteen, so I hate to rush things, but,” he trails off, now just a single step away from Iwaizumi.

“Can I kiss you, Iwa-chan?”

Iwaizumi nods, eyes wide. Oikawa doesn’t rush in like he was expecting. Instead, he places one hand on Iwaizumi’s cheek, thumb caressing his cheek bone with a gentle touch. Iwaizumi’s breath hitches.

Oikawa’s other hand settles on Iwaizumi’s hip, grounding him and pulling him closer all at once.

“You’re beautiful,” Oikawa whispers.

Iwaizumi’s lost his ability to make a sound, he just places his own hands on Oikawa’s hips. The last thing he sees before his eyes flutter closed is Oikawa’s fond smile.

When their lips touch, Iwaizumi’s hands tighten on Oikawa’s hips. He pulls him closer instinctually, the softness of his lips overshadowed by the small nip Oikawa places on his bottom lip. Oikawa kisses just like Iwaizumi had imagined, playful and teasing and full of sincerity. Their noses bump, which draws a laugh from Oikawa and Iwaizumi smiles. They pull apart but Iwaizumi doesn’t open his eyes. He doesn’t want the moment to be over. How could he have let himself miss out on this for so many years?

“I’m sorry it took me so long to realize.” Iwaizumi says in a quiet voice once he opens his eyes.

“I’m not,” Oikawa smiles, “it just means we’ve got to make up for lost time.”

And before Iwaizumi can reply, Oikawa throws his arms around Iwaizumi’s neck and peppers little kisses around his face. They’re both laughing, hearty and full and Iwaizumi can feel Oikawa’s smile grow bigger against his cheek.

Yeah, they’ve got a lot of catching up to do.