Chapter Text
The Japan sun bathed Miyagi in its golden glow, turning the streets into a postcard-perfect vision of paradise. In his sun-soaked room, Hinata Shoyo’s life sparkled as brightly as his smile. And today, his smile was radiant, as wide and dazzling as the initial necklace he wore that was gifted to him by his little sister Natsu. Hinata glanced at the reflections of his friends Kozume Kenma and Kuroo Tetsuro in his vanity mirror. He sat on a tan-skirted stool with faux fur trim that matched the comforter on his bed, where his Chihuahua, Tanaka, was comfortably resting. No barking out of him today, but he assumed it was yet to come or he had picked up the wrong dog at the groomers.
Hinata had met Kenma the first day and had pretty much been inseparable ever since. Their extrovert-introvert relationship worked out surprisingly well. The only reason Kenma had any sort of social life was when Hinata would begrudgingly drag him outside of the dorm. How he ended up in a fraternity when they had first met Kenma claimed that there was more space for his gaming set up which turned out true. Kuroo was also somewhat of a social butterfly and they hit off as well. Hinata had a tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve a little too much so everybody practically adored him. He sighed at the thought of leaving everyone this upcoming spring. It was all becoming too real.
Kenma got up and shut the curtains and curled back into his bed. Promptly interrupting Hinata’s day dreaming. Hinata winced and turned on a nearby lamp.
“He’s blocking the only natural light in this room,” Hinata whispered to Tanaka, who looked up sympathetically. Both Tanaka and Hinata had heard Kenma’s video games countless times before and his usual need for darkness wasn’t really a problem for Hinata. He was always out and about the house socializing with others and only really ever came in for sleep. Even then sometimes he’d be passed out drunk on a couch. Kenma relished this fact.
He couldn’t stand the silence anymore; he was jittering with nerves and excrement. “Have you guys totally forgotten? Tonight could be the night!” Hinata exploded getting Kuroo, Kenma's best friend, and Kenma’s attention. Surprisingly they both popped out of their individual worlds and redirected their attention. “I need to be perfect. I want everything to be exactly right tonight!”
“Of course we didn’t forget,” Kuroo said, pulling the plug on Kenma’s game, earning him a hard glare. “I even have a Cosmo tip for you. I read that you can put someone at ease by matching their body language. It makes it easier to pop the question!” Hinata eased at the sound of that. He and Miya Atsumu, or better known as Tsumu to him, had been dating for the past three years. Today marks their third. Hinata loved him, truly and he couldn’t imagine marrying anybody else. They had both met through mutual friends at a party and from there couldn’t get enough of each other. Atsumu strided over, a stone cold fox if you will with the description, and teased Hinata about his tiny stature.
But there was no malicious intent behind those amber eyes, plain amusement and fondness. Hinata ofcourse chided back claiming that Atsumu was nothing but insecure since despite his tiny stature he had more charm and ladies feening for him then Atsumu had ever. Hinata had nearly forgotten about their interaction towards the end of the night, too drunk to care and had talked with probably everyone at that party when a distant ping came from his phone. It was from Atsumu.
Over time it shifted from texts, to calls, to study “sessions”-more like dates. Hinata couldn’t take it anymore one day when they were sitting in his dorm together. He stared at him and when Atsumu finally met his eyes he had done the most bold thing he had ever done. He grabbed his face and smashed their mouths together. Their make out session abruptly ended when Kenma had barged in. Disgust quickly filled his face as he turned around silently. Atsumu placed one more kiss onto Hinata’s head before asking him to meet them at the Ivy the next evening for dinner.
“Miya has to propose to you tonight, Shoyo,” Kenma chimed in. “Not only is tonight your third anniversary, but I checked your stupid astrological chart. Why you listen to Yachi’s superstitions? I'll never know, but your masterful Saturn has begun a long transit through Taurus. It’s your time to ‘make life-altering decisions’ apparently.” Hinata appraised his appearance once again in the mirror and decided he needed a bit more flush to his cheeks. Studying for mid term exams had made even him look a little dead. He pinched them hoping his natural flush would come back.
He tucked back vibrant ginger hair, which was often tousled and spiky, perfectly matching his fiery spirit. His large, expressive brown eyes spilled toward the rims with curiosity and determination, always full of life and emotion. There was something undeniably enchanting about Hinata, a magnetic force that seemed to draw people towards him effortlessly. His bright orange hair, almost like a beacon of light, bounced with every step he took, reflecting his boundless energy and enthusiasm. His eyes, wide with an almost childlike wonder, shone with determination and joy, making it impossible not to be charmed by his infectious spirit.
Hinata’s smile was his most potent weapon. It wasn’t just a simple curve of the lips; it was a radiant expression of genuine warmth and kindness. When he smiled, it felt like the sun breaking through the clouds, casting a warm glow that lifted the spirits of everyone around him. His laughter, so pure and unrestrained, had a way of dissolving tension and bringing people together.
Despite his short stature, Hinata’s presence was larger than life. People naturally gravitated towards him, drawn in by his unwavering optimism and relentless drive. classmates, rivals, and even casual onlookers couldn’t help but be moved by his passion and dedication. He had a way of making everyone feel important, of seeing the best in people and bringing it to the surface. His words of encouragement were like a balm, soothing doubts and igniting confidence.
Kenma reached over his bedside and threw a bag into Hinata's lap. “In fact, I’m way ahead of you, Shoyo,” Kenma said nonchalantly, placing the wire back into the cable and bringing his attention back to the game.
“Look what we picked up today, small-fry!” Kuroo squealed, giving Hinata a bag as he held his own copy of VBall magazine.
“Oh my God!” Hinata shrieked, taking out his own. Hinata loved and always will love volleyball but he found passion behind it in Sports physiology. He took it upon himself to go to University and pick up the needed skills and tools to set the foundation of his future career. He reached in again and a clean, crisp white button up and navy slacks appeared.
“Jeez Kenma, how did you afford this?” He took a look at the expensive brand name and clearly non hidden price tag. He felt a dent in his own bank account.
“I told you to take off the price tag!” Kuroo swiped his palm down his face in aggravation.
“Oh opps.” A small smile fell upon his lips before regaining his blank composure.
“Guys this is too much! Really!” Hinata sighed, he couldn’t accept this gift. Hinata was great at giving to others but accepting things could be difficult sometimes.
“Hey I didn’t pay for it! Prime suspect is right here.” Kuroo threw an arm around Kenma’s shoulder.
“Please Shoyo, let me treat you. You’re always doing things for me.” Kenma loved and cared for Shoyo so much. He truly did. Hell this was the least he could do. But the story of Kenma’s appreciation and care for Hinata could be delved into another day.
Gratefully, he ran and crushed Kuroo and Kenma in hugs and got ready for dinner. “What would I do without you guys?! I can’
✸✸✸
With a final pump of cologne, he unbuttoned the top two bottoms and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. A voice over the fraternity house intercom suddenly interrupted them just as Hinata was about to pull out the latest issue of VBall magazine: “Miya’s here, Hinata.”
“Keep your fingers crossed!” Hinata said to Kenma and Kuroo as he checked his reflection again, still unsure about the outfit his friends had chosen. “Are you sure this is it?” he asked her friends for the fourth time.
“Maybe you should go with orange. It is your signature color,” Kuroo said. “Ow!” Kenma had given him a sharp elbow to the ribs. Hinata stood frozen, suddenly unsure of his choice. What if it looked dated and stupid?
“No, Shoyo, that’s it,” Kenma said. “I’m positive! You look more mature.” Hinata smiles fondly at a memory of himself fresh out of highschool. Joining the fraternity hastily and then staying for all four years. He wasn’t nervous about making friends but the nerves had got to him so he threw a dart and it seemed to hit a bullseye seeing the position he was in now.
“Well, I don’t want to look like I expect anything.” Hinata tucked his smooth ginger hair behind her ears. He adjusted his sleeves once more, checking that the watch Atsumu had given for his birthday was securely in place.
Kenma took attention off the game and looked Hinata in the eye. “He’ll ask. You know it’s coming, Shoyo,” Kenma said, sounding mildly annoyed.
“Anyways, Kenma is right. The white is better.” Kuroo chimed in. A grave of a smile touched Kenma’s lips as he stared at Kurro, a glint of something appeared in his usually dead eyes but disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared in cat-like eyes before returning back to his game.
Huh, Hinata thought.
Atsumu stood waiting in the foyer. His tall, blonde, and handsome looks never failed to leave all of Hinata’s common sense out the window. As Hinata approached him, he pulled him close to him with one arm while smoothly holding a dozen long-stemmed shell pink roses in the other. Hinata snuggled against him; his smile lit up the room as his delight to be with him radiated from Hinata. He was completely absorbed in the moment.
“Tsukishima, will you put these in a vase for me?” he absently asked his friend, who was standing at the bottom of the stairs. Tsukishima wasn’t exactly his friend, they’d had a rough start the first couple weeks but eased on eachother. Hinata still wasn’t immune to Tsukishima being a jerk to him but he was Yamaguchi’s best friend, another one of Hinata’s close pledge brothers, so he would have to deal with it for now. Crap he hadn’t even meant to give it to him but he was the only person around. This was the most awkward interaction he’s ever had with anyone and he was a pretty good people person. The awkward beat of silence had begun to stretch out to an uncomfortable increment. Tsukishima glared at him about to open his mouth and say something crude but to his surprise, and relief, Kenma and Kuroo seemed to have been going downstairs.
“Yeah I’ll do it,” Kenma said, stepping in front of Tsukishima. “Miya, you look cleaned up for once. Anything special planned for tonight?” Atsumu looked slightly amused by Kenma’s comment and gave him a devastating smile.
“Every night is a special night with Shoyo,” he said. He gave Hinata a smile, and squeezed his hand. Kenma huffed as he put the flowers into a nearby crystal vase.
“What’s up with you, Tsuki?” Kuroo acknowledged the sour expression that graced his face. Tsukishima pushed up his glasses in annoyance,
“For the last time don’t call me that!” He spit out. “Besides you don’t live here anymore, why don’t you go out and play adult for once”
“You clearly haven’t been getting laid. Want some help?” His lazy eyes wandered toward a new figure who had walked into the kitchen, Yamaguchi. Kuroo let out a low whistle
“I’m disengaging from this conversation.” But Kuroo was already howling with laughter as Tsukishima stomped up the stairs, beet red. He clutched his stomach and wiped a tear before turning towards Atsumu,
“Bring Chibi-chan home at an appropriate hour this time, Miya. No funny business.” He shook his head and crossed his arms.
“Kuroo, please stop talking, it's embarrassing.” Kenma huffed, his eyes now trained on his switch.
“It’s called respecting your senpai! Something you should learn to do!”
“I’m good, thanks.” Kuroo groaned in annoyance.
“Kuroo, I’ll be fine, I appreciate you looking out-
“I’d like to think that Sho can handle himself with me.” He placed a palm around Hinata’s neck giving it a soft squeeze. That spot also happened to be one of his sweet spots and he had to hold in a moan. He could not let it out in front of Kenma and Kuroo and now Yamaguchi who was still in the kitchen.
“C’mon, I don’t want to be late.” As Atsumu guided him through the front door, Hinata looked back over her shoulder at Kenma and Kuroo, who were giving him a big thumbs-up.
Atsumu held the door of his black Mercedes convertible for Hinata, and he slid into the plush oyster-colored leather seat. He gazed up at the sky to make sure the stars were in alignment, as Cosmo had promised they would be. They were. Suddenly he felt completely sure that tonight was the night. They drove for a while in contented silence, the cool air of a Japan October night blowing the orange strands of his hair.
“I hope you won’t be disappointed, Sho,” Atsumu said as he exited the freeway. “I know you wanted to go to our favorite place, the Beach House, but I thought we should go to the Ivy tonight, since it’s the place where this all began.” He smiled at Hinata in all his perfection and placed his hand high on his thigh.
“You could never disappoint me,” Hinata purred back. He glowed as he placed his unadorned left hand on top of Atsumu.
“Our first date was one of the most amazing nights of my life.” They were stuck in Tokyo traffic under a Calvin Klein billboard. The model loomed over them, a bronzed work of art. Hinata stared at Atsumu’s golden profile with adoration and thought how lucky he was and how he’d be even luckier by the end of this glorious night. There could be nothing better than spending the rest of his life with Miya Atsumu.
Hinata’s entrance into the Ivy caused a stir. His sweet smile made him stand out. Several men and women tried to get his attention as he and Atsumu made their way to their table. Atsumu wore a look of satisfaction as he observed the other men admiring Hinata. A waiter of the Tokyo variety, who really considered himself an actor, came to take their order with an annoying dramatic flair. Before he could say anything he was interrupted.
“Actually, we’re ready to order,” Atsumu said abruptly without looking at the menu or the waiter. Hinata and the waiter exchanged puzzled glances, and he began to protest, but was silenced when Atsumu ordered a bottle of Cristal. He must be so nervous, Hinata thought, and immediately felt sorry for him as he got ready to ask the biggest question of his life.
He lowered his head and looked up through his lashes. “Tonight is so wonderful, Atsumu, and you should know, I plan to keep the celebration going all night.” He leaned forward seductively, expecting Atsumu’s amber eyes to meet his smoky stare, but to his amazement, he was gazing distractedly around the room.
“Is something wrong, Tsumu?” Hinata asked as the waiter headed toward their table with the champagne.
“Nothing at all, Sho,” Atsumu replied, patting his hand as his attention returned to him. He motioned the waiter to pour the champagne. “In fact, things couldn’t be better. The reason I wanted to come here tonight was to discuss our future” He smiled and took a deep breath.
“And I am fully ready for that discussion” Hinata just knew this was it. Maybe it was a little odd that Atsumu wasn’t waiting until after dinner, when the ring could be nestled in crème brûlée, but, he reasoned, he must be too overcome with nerves to wait.
“Shoyo,” he began in a low, confident voice, “the last three years with you have been perfect.” Hinata sighed in agreement. “Tonight, I want to share the best possible news with you.” Hinata’s heart skipped a beat, and he took a deep breath to control the urge to blurt out, ‘Yes! Yes I will marry you!’
Atsumu paused and waited until the waiter finished filling their glasses and left them alone again. “Well first, I have something I want to give to you.” Hinata closed his eyes and tremulously extended his left hand to Atsumu, hoping this would help him slip that “something” on his finger. He could hear the pealing of wedding bells in his head until Atsumu’s voice invaded his reverie. “I want to give you this reminder of our time together,” he said gently.
Hinata frowned, somewhat disconcerted by the use of the word “reminder.” Why would he call an engagement ring a “reminder”? he wondered. He closed his eyes again, only to open them again in confusion as he felt Warner turn his left hand over so the palm faced up.
“Atsumu, what are you doing?” Hinata demanded as he stared at the Cartier ID bracelet he had given to him on their second anniversary. It had been engraved with a fox on it.
“I thought you’d want me to return it,” he replied sweetly as he closed his palm and brought it to his lips.
“Return it?” Hinata said, jerking his hand back. “Why would you do that?”
“I mean we’re having a lot of fun now-but things are gonna be different when i’m at Law School. It’s gonna be a completely different world. I need to be serious, Shoyo.” He let his words trail off and licked his lips as he looked around. Hinata stared at him in disbelief. His words began to blur and he shook his head to clear his thoughts.
“My family expects a lot from me. And I expect a lot from me. I plan on running for the office some day. But the thing is, if I’m gonna be a senator by the time I’m thirty — I can't keep dicking around. What I mean is, I thought now would be a good time to give it back. We’re not going to be together forever, Shoyo. You know that. It was a sweet thought, but I’ve decided to turn my life around and get serious. I think we should make a clean break before I leave for Tokyo Law School.” He paused, waiting for him to respond. When he didn’t and just stared at him he continued quickly. “Oh, right, did I forgot to tell you I’ve decided to go to law school next year? That’s the good news I wanted to tell you.” Hinata’s mouth was dry. He reached for the champagne flute, but realized his hands were shaking and he couldn’t safely hold the glass without risk of spilling it on him.
“What are you talking about?” Hinata’s voice was louder than he intended. Atsumu looked around the restaurant nervously. “When you said you’d always love me, were you just being optimistic? And when you said you’d never felt this way about anyone before were you lying? And how could you make a decision about your life, our lives, like law school without telling me? How long have you known?” His voice was shaky and suddenly his sobbing was uncontrollable.
“I didn’t lie, Shoyo,” Atsumu whispered, trying to make sure the people tables away couldn't hear them. Before Hinata could respond he took her hands in his. “Listen, this is really hard on me. Can’t you see that? You know how much my family expects of me and the high standards I have for myself—” Hinata interrupted him by yanking his hands away from him. He glared at him in anger and disbelief, but Atsumu continued on.
“I had to ask myself, Atsumu, is it worth it to go through any more of my life with a boy who will never be serious enough?’ Do you know the courage this took, Shoyo? How hard was it for me?” He paused for a moment and clutched his chest “Really hard,” he added. He looked down, apparently wounded by his own high standards. “I need someone, well in the American terms…Less of a Marilyn and more of a Jackie, excluding the blonde bit though the ginger certainly takes its place. As cute as you are Sho, you aren’t what I need.”
“You’re breaking up with me?! What because I'm too-i’m too GINGER!?” He was shouting now as his sobs wracked with grief. “I thought you were proposing!”
“Proposing? Shoyo, if I'm going to be a senator by the time I'm 30, I need somebody serious by my side.”
“So when you said you loved me you were just dicking around?” Atsumu was looking nervously around the restaurant.
“I do love you, Shoyo. I just can’t marry you. You have no idea the amount of pressure on me right now with my parents. My dad graduated top 3 at the University of Tokyo’s Law school.” Hinata stared at him aghast, tears streaming down his face. He left the table and turned angrily on his heel, leaving Atsumu fumbling for his wallet so he could escape the restaurant without any further embarrassment. He threw some money on the table and hurried after Hinata. He stumbled down the sidewalk, sobbing. Atsumu pulls up alongside in his convertible. “C'mon. Let me take you home.
“No.”
“Sho — it's twenty miles back to campus.” Hinata stops, thinks a minute, then gets in, still crying. After what seemed like an eternity to Hinata, the car screeched up. Atsumu barely gave Hinata time to close his door before he turned up the volume on the radio and merged into the Friday night traffic. Hinata could not believe what had happened. He stared at Atsumu’s perfect profile.It's a starry, romantic night. Everything should be perfect. It's not. Hinata sits, still in shock, as tears continue to eke out.
“This is not happening, how can it be the right thing if we're not together?” Hinata sobbed when Atsumu had finally pulled up in front of the house.
“Shoyo, believe me, I never expected to be doing this, but I think it's the right
thing to do. I have to think about my future. And what people expect from me.”
“So you're breaking up with me because you're afraid your family won't like me?” He shouted through his tears, “Everybody likes me!”
“I told you, Shoyo. I need someone — serious.”
“I’m seriously in love with you — Isn't that enough?” Atsumu looked away. Hinata grabbed his cheek forcing Atsumu to look at him. To look at the tear drops still falling down his cheeks and his eyes now bloodshot.
“I'm sorry.” When he noticed Hinata waiting for him to come around and open his car door as he always had before, he leaned across him, opened the door, and gave Hinata a quick kiss on the cheek. “See ya, Shoyo,” he said with his hand resting on the shift already in first gear. Hinata stumbled out of the car and into the house entirely devastated. Atsumu walked him toward the stairs to the door one last time. Hinata turned about to object one more time but was stopped by the tender kiss Atsumu had gone in for. Usually Hinata would melt into his touch and claw at the back of his neck. But this wasn’t one of those times. He grabbed onto Atsumu’s shoulders for balance because he would’ve fainted from the exhaustion of crying.
Atsumu pulled away and finally looked down towards Hinata. And for a second true sadness flickers in his eyes and he could feel a tear fall down his cheek as well. Hinata looked completely broken as Atsumu wiped away a couple of his tears before turning back to his car.
✸✸✸
When he reached the top, he turned back to look at him. His perfect cheekbones highlighted by the streetlamp. Atsumu met Hinata’s eyes, pained, but determined. Then pulled away, leaving Hinata alone at the steps.
Trying hard to hide his devastation, Hinata entered the spacious TV room, not expecting Hinata to come home for at least a few more hours, Kenma and Kurro were completely engrossed with whatever drama was on. Glued to the television, they didn’t even hear Hinata’s sniffling noises or see his tear-stained face until finally Hinata blurted out,
“Some friends you are, aren’t you supposed to be my best friends.” Kenma and Kurro looked at their friend and gasped. Tears streaked Hinata’s blotchy, anguished face as he fell onto the couch. “Atsumu…broke…up…with…me!” He shouted, his words broken by uncontrollable sobs.
“You didn’t get the ring?” Kuroo asked, astonished. He looked as if he might start crying too. “Did he cheat on you? The scum bag, where is this douchebag!” He began walking towards the door.
“Kuroo, forget it. It’s too late.” He sank deeper into the leather couch, resting his chin on his knees, his eyes brimming with tears. “It’s o-o-o-over.” Kenma and Kurro stared at Hinata, then at each other in genuine disbelief. If Hinata and Atsumu weren’t getting married, what would become of Hinata? Everyone knew Hinata and Atsumu were perfect together.
Or so they thought.