Chapter Text
Oikawa’s lungs heaved in protest, his muscles ached and sweat trickled down his brow. The crushing defeat was still fresh and the hurt had yet to fade. His knee was collapsing, despite using kneepads, he could sometimes feel an excruciating pain that stabbed deeply. The turmoil of thoughts and feelings overwhelmed him till it became to troublesome to think. He felt so tired and frustrated, yet so numb like his mind had slowly started to accept their defeat. That fleeting thought always pissed him off because truly acknowledging it would disrespect the team’s effort. Still a small, taunting voice in the back of his mind whispered, how many times had they lost to Ushiwaka-chan?
Hastily grabbing another volleyball, he readied himself for another jump serve. With unwavering focus, he started perfectly tossing the ball into the right height. But just as he was about to jump, he felt a stab of pain in his knee and slipped on the accumulated pools of sweat. The air was forced out of his lungs as his back cruelly slammed into the ground.
Eyes stinging at the humiliating miscalculation and the weariness of loss, he closed his them and gave himself to the quiet environment. The smooth whirr of the air conditioner was the only noise in the training hall. His team had since long ago departed with sullen faces and even Iwa-chan had been in a hurry to get away - his mother had been taken to the hospital. Oikawa’s lips quirked in a small self-deprecating smile; usually Iwa-chan would always scold him as well as encourage him in his weird roundabout ways so when he was not around...
It’s unnervingly quiet.
Slowly trying to stand up using his arms to heave himself into an upright position, his knees burned like fire. He hissed out in pain while biting his lips. Stinging eyes with unwilling tears started to seep out and he couldn’t help the quiet sob that escaped.
The squeaky sounds of volleyball shoes and the creaking metal doors snapped Oikawa out of his reverie. Proceeding to hastily dry his tears, he looked towards the door with a strained smile. Shadowed, curious sapphire eyes met his own, before widening in bewilderment and alarm.
’‘Senpai? Are you still practising? I thought everyone had already returned home but the gym’s lights were still on so I thought I would try to lock up....’’
Usually Oikawa would detest the embodiment of prodigies and talents like Kageyama Tobio. Still there was something about that innocent, slightly pudgy face which frowned in concern, before he started running towards him.
’‘Not everyone can be as awesome as me! I always do extra practise Tobio-chan~ Also, locking up is usually a duty of the senpais’ so no need for you to worry~ Shouldn’t you be at home by now?’’ Oikawa’s eyebrow twitched in frustration as he voice-cracked faintly.
’‘But senpai looks exhausted... and it’s not like anyone’s waiting at home,’’ Tobio-chan’s voice decreased in volume till it was reduced to a whisper.
Oikawa knew the last part was probably something not meant for his ears, but the disheartened face of his kouhai was surprisingly displeasing to him. Something unpleasant wriggled in his chest as he blurted out the first thing that came to mind:
’’If you insist upon helping me I suppose I can’t refuse!’’ He said flamboyantly, winking at the dumbstruck face before laughing exuberantly. ’‘You can collect all of the volleyballs in the baskets and take apart the volleyball net. Then put them in the storage room,’’
Tobio-chan’s raven-coloured hair bobbed enthusiastically, a determined glint lightening up his eyes before rushing around gathering the balls in record time. His vigorous shout echoed as he at last pushed the basket into the storage area.
Bemused at the easily distracted volleyball dork, Oikawa shook his head in amusement. Now the remaining problem... He tried to stand up by clutching the wall. A frustrated ‘tch’ escaped his lips, eyebrow twitching in addition to a dark, ominous smile. It seemed that his knees refused to listen to him despite that he was glaring at them. He groaned in annoyance while his arms started to tremble. When the pain assimilated drastically, his knees gave out. Soft, brown eyes widened in realisation before darting around and calculating the impact.
He was surprised by the sound of a stubborn grunt and the pressure of much smaller hands on his back, attempting to hold him up.
’‘... Senpai is heavy,’’ Tobio-chan grumbled, clearly discontent, while comically straining to support the falling Oikawa.
Bursting out in a hearty laughter for the first time that day at the ridiculous situation, Tobio-chan just looked curiously at him as the tight lid on Oikawa’s emotions slowly burst and the pressure of suffocated feelings spilled out, leaving his chest light and serene.
’‘... Is senpai alright? Shall I call the hospital?’’
’’I-I f-feel better than ever!’’ Oikawa guffawed in response.
He must have temporarily forgotten the unpredictability that Tobio-chan seemed to possess, because Tobio-chan shook his head lightly as his lips quirked into a minuscule smile. Oikawa was stunned for a brief second before clearing his throat awkwardly and exclaimed something in akin to ’I-Iwa-chan’s coming soon so it’s fine, get going!’
XXXXXXXX
’‘HAAAAAH?!’’
The coach winced at the disbelieving roars of the team as he repeated his words slowly.
’‘Oikawa is in hospital due to straining his knees, he won’t be able to practise with us for a couple of weeks. In meanwhile we’ll try to find setters who can practise with the first string (meaning all of the best players).’’
’‘That Trashy-kawa! Such an overworking, careless idiot...’’ Iwaizumi growled while cracking his knuckles ominously.
’‘Iwaizumi-senpai looks really pissed,’’ whispered Kunumi.
’’We better stay out of his way...’’ Kindaichi gulped nervously, watching the other senpais’ trying to calm Iwaizumi without success.
Kageyama was torn between the joy of more opportunities to stand on court and the disappointment of not being able to see Oikawa-senpai’s plays. Despite his overwhelming, annoying ego which was the size of jupiter and his dorky attitude, Kageyama still enjoyed seeing how the senpai analysed and configured counterattacks in the blink of an eye.
’‘...-yama-kun!’’
A voice calling him snapped him back to reality.
''Oi Kageyama-kun, you’re up!’’
Startled by the sudden shout, he stood up rigidly before slowly walking towards the court. While gazing towards the group of senpais he hoped that he would have lots of chances to play with them. The coach’s scrutinizing gaze paused on him for a moment and Kageyama shivered at the intensity.
’‘We’ll start practise receives and Kageyama-kun, pay attention next time.’’
’‘Yes sir!’’
XXXXXXXXX
Kageyama shivered as he walked home in the cool, damp evening air. It was an evening when the stars shone brightly, twinkling mischievously at him as he walked slowly down the desolated road. Ever since Oikawa-senpai told him that he practised extra Kageyama realized he wasn’t willing to lose because of petty reasons like sloth. He wanted to become better than senpai as soon as possible, and that wouldn’t be possible if he didn’t practise diligently...
Though it seemed staying till eight pm had been overkill, he grimaced at the resulting humongous headache while tenderly massaging his scalp, sighing in defeat.
Many were often singing their praises in his wake at his hawk-like focus and extraordinary ball-control that was unusual for someone his age. He smiled bitterly. The consequenses were strong; lasting headaches that assaulted him regularly which apparently gave people the impression of him being angry. It wasn’t unusual that he was rendered borderline nonfunctional for a couple of hours afterwards which was probably also partly why his average grades seemed to steadily plummet into the ground...
Startled by a grumpy car driver that hooted aggressively, he cursed in annoyance. The lights stinged his eyes, the hooting screeched like raking cutlery against plates and the driver also had the nerve to completely drench him while driving in a puddle. He glared murderously after the speeding car as it completely disappeared from his sight.
Though he was surprised when he realised that his inattentiveness had subconsciously led him to the hospital. He was studying the tall, white building in hesitation. Maybe he should visit Oikawa-senpai? The thought was smacked down as quick as it had arisen. It was already late and he would probably only be a burden.
Although honestly, Kageyama hadn’t expected the injuries to be so grave. Senpai had mostly looked alright. He was still making fun of Kageyama as usual in that childish, smug way few managed to pull off while simultaneously also having the capability of upholding a composed, professional attitude. Even though he had tried to support senpai by calling Iwaizumi-senpai and physically uphold him, Oikawa had shooed him off with a dorky smile.
Senpai must’ve been in pain but he still smile and train.
Kageyama’s resolve returned like a blazing fire. He didn’t need to stay for long, he just had to leave something to show his appreciation to senpai’s dedication... What did senpai like now again? Kageyama frowned intensely while pacing outside the hospital. The frightened squeak of a young woman and her children didn’t penetrate his contemplations and the hurried departure even less.
When the vending machine caught his eye, he got an idea. Kageyama himself always appreciated tasty food like curry. Maybe Oikawa-senpai would enjoy something like...? His dark blue eyes scanned the rows filled with plenty of packaged food and drinks before pausing upon the milk bread. His lips quirked in satisfaction, reminiscing the training camps when his senpai would always get scolded by Iwaizumi-senpai for not bringing nutritious food.
That’ll be perfect.
XXXXXXXX
Oikawa sighed heavily. He had been sitting in the hospital bed all day and he hadn’t been allowed to move around at all because of his knees. Last time he tried to sneak out he was scolded harshly by his doctor. It wasn't even a hot nurse! Looking around in the spartan, cream coloured room with barely any furniture or colour, he sighed once more.
This is SO BORING (；￣Д￣）Even listening to his ranting sisters would be better right now.
He pouted in frustration, lying down in bed once more. He had tried (and failed) many times at falling asleep and now it was soon midnight. Closing his eyes trying to relax for the 1000th time that day, his brow started to twitch as he realized how futile the action was. Ready to roll over and sulk at the how unjust the hospital was for trying to assassinate him by boring him to death, he noticed a shadow hovering over his face through out the window.
A high-pitched yelp fought it’s way up his throat as he gazed up at the dark figure in terror. It opened the window clumsily, fumbling with the handle. Chilly air flowed into the room and the sound of a light tenor voice cursing felt increasingly deja vu. Actually it sounded like...
’‘Tobio-chan?!’’
Oikawa’s eyes went wide and his jaw went slack as he stared at his socially awkward junior trying to heave himself though the window. Oikawa knew his room was on the second floor, so it wasn’t too high up, but the sight still left him dumbstruck. What was he doing?
Out of breath, Tobio-chan sat down on the cold hospital floor. An awkward silence ensued as the raven huffed. Abruptly clearing his throat loudly Tobio-chan said with a firm voice:
’’I apologize for so rudely interrupting your sleep Oikawa-senpai, it wasn’t my intention. But the nurses insisted that it was past visiting hours so I thought of just leaving this and be on my way. Sorry for disturbing...’’
Tobio-chan reminded Oikawa of his nephew when he was reprimanded. His fringe covered his usually questioning face and his voice seemed to gradually lose its confidence. He handed over a plastic bag hesitatingly while looking the other way. Accepting the small bag, Oikawa was still clueless how to handle his rival/enemy breaking into his hospital room in the middle of the night. So he said impulsively the first things that came to mind.
’‘Oho Tobio-chan I knew you couldn’t resist my irresistible face for so many days~ Even I miss looking at my handsome face sometimes, but don’t you have morning practise tomorrow? The coach is picky about tardiness and I say that because nobody should have to go through his penalty training! I have never been so exhausted in my entire life!’’
Shivering while recalling the horrible day when the coach decided Oikawa was too often stopped by fangirls and thus rarely coming on time to practise. He swear that day, he saw the phrase ‘worked to the bone’ with a new light.
’‘Senpai seems fine enough to joke at least, that’s good. The team was quite distressed and Iwaizumi-senpai was pissed. ’’
’‘... Iwa-chan is going chew me out when I get back huh? Oh well...’’
Silence laid itself as a comforting blanket over them. The tension in Oikawa’s muscles started to ease and a non-discrete yawn escaped before he could stop it. Tobio-chan’s flickering midnight eyes caught the sight of it.
’’... Ah senpai is tired. I suppose it’s late. Good night Oikawa-senpai.’’
Before Oikawa could utter another word the raven-haired junior had grabbed his school-bag and disappeared into the night. Shaking his head in wonder and confusion, Oikawa mulled over the what just happened. Frowning slightly he analysed the peculiar situation, it seemed like they were getting friendly?
The rustle of plastic pulled him out of his thoughts. Looking down at the small bag in curiosity, he delicately took out its contents. His eyebrow twitched once at the sight of the scrawny handwriting on top of the milk-bread package:
Come back soon senpai or I’ll end up taking your position as setter.
’‘That cheeky little....’’