Chapter Text
The arena buzzed with the electric anticipation of the Spring High Tournament. Atsumu Miya leaned casually against the wall near the court, arms crossed and golden eyes scanning the sea of players warming up. His signature smirk lingered on his lips, a picture of confidence that toed the line of arrogance. And why not? He was one of the best setters in Japan, and he knew it.
As his gaze roamed, it landed on a familiar face, a player on the opposing team. Atsumu’s brow furrowed slightly. That guy. The name didn’t immediately come to mind, but Atsumu recognized him from the youth training camp. Kageyama Tobio.
Atsumu’s lip curled. Well, let’s see what the so-called “King of the Court” can do against me.
His eyes shifted again, catching the orange-haired kid warming up with Kageyama. Atsumu scoffed audibly. The kid was short, absurdly short for volleyball.
What’s he even doing here? This is a stage for real players,Atsumu thought, shaking his head dismissively.
But once the match began between Karasuno and Inarizaki, Atsumu’s assumptions were shattered.
It wasn’t Kageyama who caught his attention. The orange-haired player, Hinata demanded it with every move. His speed, his explosive jumps, and his unwavering determination were mesmerizing. The sheer force of his presence on the court left Atsumu stunned.
“What the hell…?” Atsumu muttered after one of Hinata’s impossibly fast quick attacks.
The ball was barely visible before it slammed into the floor. Atsumu’s smirk faltered as he stared across the court.
“This shrimp’s got no business being this good.”
And yet, as the match wore on, Atsumu’s annoyance began to shift. He couldn’t stop watching. Hinata wasn’t the tallest, strongest, or most polished player out there, but he shone like no one else. His energy was infectious, his movements unpredictable, and his sheer willpower undeniable. He made everyone around him better, including Kageyama.
For some reason, Atsumu found himself unable to look away from Hinata.
How’s he making me feel like this?
When Inarizaki lost, Atsumu stood motionless on the court, his hands clenched into fists. The sting of defeat burned in his chest, but mixed with it was a strange, electrifying thrill.
Karasuno had been good... better than good. But it was Hinata who lingered in Atsumu’s mind, his blazing energy and sheer will etched into his memory.
As Karasuno celebrated on the other side of the net, Atsumu’s feet moved before his mind caught up.
He had to get a closer look. His twin, Osamu, noticed immediately.
“Oi, ‘Tsumu,” Osamu called, frowning. “Where’re ya goin’? The match’s over.”
“Shut it, ‘Samu,” Atsumu muttered, not slowing down.
Hinata was in the middle of laughing with Kageyama when he noticed Atsumu approaching. The smirk on Atsumu’s face was unmistakable, and it made Hinata pause, blinking in confusion.
Kageyama, standing next to him, frowned. “What do you want?”
But Atsumu ignored Kageyama entirely, his focus locked on Hinata.
“Hey,” Atsumu said, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of everyone nearby. “Oi, Shrimp!”
Hinata curiously tilted his head. “Huh? Me?”
Atsumu stopped a few feet away, his smirk firmly in place. He crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly as he studied Hinata.
“One day,” Atsumu declared, his voice carrying across the court, “I’m gonna set to ya.”
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, everyone froze.
Osamu, standing a few steps behind Atsumu, stared at his twin like he’d grown a second head.
“What the hell are ya talkin’ about, ‘Tsumu?”
Kageyama’s frown deepened, his sharp gaze narrowing. “Why would you even say that?”
Even Hinata looked stunned, his eyes wide as he tried to process what Atsumu had just said. “You… you want to set to me?”
The initial smugness on Atsumu’s face began to waver under the weight of Hinata’s gaze. There was no annoyance in Hinata’s tone,only genuine surprise and excitement.
Hinata’s lips slowly curled into a wide, radiant smile, the kind that lit up his entire face. “Really? You’d do that?”
Atsumu blinked, and for a moment, he forgot how to speak. That smile... it wasn’t just infectious, it was disarming. The confidence he’d worn like armor softened, melting into something gentler.
“Yeah,” Atsumu said, his voice quieter now, the edge gone. “I’d do it.”
Hinata’s grin widened. “I’ll be waiting for that day!”
Atsumu suddenly felt his heart skip a beat. For a moment, the sting of loss or the frustration it all faded away, replaced by something brighter.
Osamu, still watching from the sidelines, shook his head in disbelief. “Yer losin’ it, ‘Tsumu.”
Kageyama scowled now, crossing his arms. “Don’t get any ideas. I’m his setter.”
Atsumu smirked, recovering enough to shoot Kageyama a challenging glance. “We’ll see about that, Kageyama.”
But when he looked back at Hinata, his expression softened again.
Because in that moment, Atsumu wasn’t thinking about rivalry or pride.
He was thinking about the day he’d finally get to set to someone who shone like the sun.
Atsumu rolled his shoulders, exhaling slowly as he leaned against the gym wall. The post-match atmosphere buzzed with chatter, the clinking of water bottles, and the occasional burst of laughter. Even though the game was over, the energy lingered in the air, an electric charge that refused to fade. Atsumu could feel it thrumming in his chest, along with something else he couldn’t quite name.
They’d lost, sure, but that wasn’t it.
His golden eyes now scanned the gym, taking in the sea of players and coaches milling about. His gaze landed on Karasuno, and almost instinctively, it locked again onto the small, orange-haired player in the center of it all.
Even now, after an exhausting match, Hinata’s energy hadn’t dimmed. He laughed easily, his voice cutting through the noise like sunlight breaking through clouds. He didn’t know why exactly, but there was something about Hinata that made it impossible to look away.
Atsumu’s smirk faltered as his gaze shifted slightly. He could see the way Hinata looked at Kageyama with a smile that seemed effortless, warm even.
There was definitely a closeness between them, a familiarity that felt... different. Kageyama’s response was subtle, barely a twitch of his lips but it was there. Adoration.
Atsumu clicked his tongue, annoyance suddenly prickling at him. He’d met Kageyama before, of course, back at the training camp. The guy was talented, no doubt, but he was a tough read, serious, focused, and distant. Atsumu had never felt the need to dig deeper. Kageyama didn’t seem like the type who wanted to connect with anyone outside of volleyball, and Atsumu wasn’t the type to bother trying. Their interactions had been brief, professional, and nothing more.
But now, watching Hinata with Kageyama, something felt off. All throughout the match, Hinata had been singing Kageyama’s praise, complimenting his sets, his serves, his precision. And now, seeing them together, it was obvious the admiration went both ways.
Shaking it off, Atsumu pushed away from the wall, his usual cocky grin returning. He caught sight of Hinata moving around, bouncing on his feet as he now flitted from one teammate to another. His laughter bubbling from the small group.
It was that same bright, unrestrained energy that made it hard to ignore him. Hinata was too magnetic. And Atsumu had to talk to him again.
He made his way over, trying to make it look casual, like this wasn’t something he’d been considering for a while. As he neared, he watched Hinata’s face light up when he caught sight of him.
“Miya-san! What’s up?”
“Not much, just... Ya did good today.”
"Oh! you too. That was a great match, huh?”
“Yeah, yeah. It was.” Atsumu shifted on his feet, then glanced at his phone in his hand, tapping the screen a few times.
“Hey, ya on Instagram or something?”
Hinata blinked in surprise, then nodded. “Yeah, I am! Why?”
Atsumu suddenly felt an odd surge of uncertainty, but he didn’t let it show. He always had an easy time with this kind of thing.
"Well, I figure... we can’t exactly keep all this rivalry stuff going forever, right? Might as well follow each other and keep up with what’s happening outside of the courts. Ya know... just for fun.”
Hinata raised an eyebrow. “You wanna follow me?” he asked, as though it was some kind of challenge.
“Yeah, why not?” Atsumu shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m pretty entertaining.”
“Alright, then,” Hinata laughed, pulling out his phone with the same easy confidence, tapping in his handle. “I’m @shoyohinata, just so you know.”
Atsumu quickly entered it into his phone, reading the name on the screen. Shoyo Hinata. Oh—so that was his full name. Something about it made Atsumu oddly happy. Without thinking, he tried it out.
“And here’s mine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Shoyo-kun.”
Hinata took the phone, his grin never wavering. If anything, he looked even more amused.
“I’ll make sure to keep an eye on you, Miya-san.”
“Oh, I’m sure you will. Just don’t get too obsessed with my posts, alright? I wouldn’t want ya to get distracted from yer big game.”
Hinata gave him a playful nudge, a bright gleam in his eyes. “I’ll manage,” he said, flashing that same infectious smile. “I’ll be sure to keep you posted on my updates.”
For a brief moment, Atsumu found himself just staring at Hinata, the grin on his face slipping into something a little softer. Hinata didn’t seem to notice, but Atsumu couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was more to this than just the playful banter. That something inside him had shifted, though he didn’t quite know how or why. It was almost like... he was seeing Hinata in a different light. And that didn’t sit right with him.
But before he could figure it out, Hinata was already tapping away on his phone, oblivious to the storm of thoughts racing through Atsumu’s mind.
“Well, I’ll be seeing you around, Miya-san. Maybe we’ll get to play together sometime.”
Atsumu snapped back to reality, forcing his usual grin back into place. “Yeah, I’ll make sure to set for ya one day.”
Hinata laughed, a bright and carefree sound, before turning to join his teammates.
The buzzing in the gym faded as Atsumu shook his head, trying to clear the strange thoughts swirling inside him. He had just exchanged Instagram handles with Hinata.
It didn’t mean anything, right? Just two volleyball players, being friendly. So why did his heart feel like it skipped a beat when he saw that smile?
Shaking his head, he quickly followed after his own team. He couldn’t afford to get distracted, not now. But Atsumu found himself pulling up Instagram without even thinking about it, his thumb hovering over Hinata’s profile.
—
It wasn’t planned. Not really.
Atsumu was sprawled across his bed, the soft glow of his phone lighting up the darkened room. He wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just aimlessly scrolling to pass the time.
That’s when he saw Hinata’s story.
It was a shaky photo of Karasuno’s gym, the kind of thing most people wouldn’t give a second glance. But the caption caught his attention.
"
Another long day! But we’re getting better!”
Atsumu’s lips twitched into a smile. He could almost hear the excitement in those words. It was so Hinata.
Before he could overthink it, his thumb moved.
Atsumu: What’s this about getting better? Ain’t ya already at the top?
The message sent before he could stop himself. He stared at the screen, heart pounding, suddenly regretting every life decision that led him to this moment.
But suprisingly, Hinata read it almost instantly. Three dots appeared, then disappeared. Atsumu’s stomach dropped. He could practically see Hinata’s confused face, trying to figure out why the setter from Inarizaki was messaging him out of the blue.
Hinata: Miya-san?! Wait... are you actually messaging me?!
Atsumu let out a soft laugh, rolling onto his back and holding his phone lazily above his face.
Atsumu: Obviously. Why else d’ya think I asked for yer handle? Or d’ya think I just collect people’s accounts like trophies?
Hinata: No! I just... didn’t expect you to actually message me, that’s all.
Atsumu could practically see Hinata’s startled expression, wide-eyed and flustered. The image made him grin, the corners of his lips tugging up despite himself.
Atsumu: What, ya thought I was too scary to send a text?
The reply came almost immediately, just as Atsumu had predicted.
Hinata: No way! You’re not scary! Just... uh... surprising, that’s all.
Atsumu: Surprising? In what way? I’m a friendly guy, ain’t I?
The typing bubbles appeared, disappeared, then reappeared. Atsumu smirked, already imagining Hinata scrambling to find the right words. He waited, thoroughly entertained, until the message finally popped up.
Hinata: Well... you’re, like, really popular, right? I mean, your stories are full of cool stuff. And you’ve got so many followers!
Atsumu blinked, then laughed out loud, the sound filling his otherwise quiet room.
Atsumu: Oh, so ya have been checkin’ out my stories, huh?
Hinata: What?! No! I mean—yes, but not like that! I just saw them, okay?
Atsumu: Who wouldn’t wanna look at my profile, anyway?
Hinata: You’re so full of yourself.
Atsumu: What can I say? The people love me.
For a moment, the chat stilled, Atsumu’s screen dimming slightly as he stared at it, still smiling. Then, another message popped up.
Hinata: Um, sorry if this sounds weird, but I saw your recent story—the one with all those girls around you. Do you always have that many people crowding around you?
Atsumu blinked, his grin quirking into something softer. He glanced at his own story, a short clip of him and Osamu laughing in the gym, followed by a photo of him surrounded by fans.
Atsumu: Jealous, are ya? Can’t help it. People just can’t resist my charm.
The typing bubbles lingered, then disappeared entirely. Atsumu chuckled softly, imagining Hinata’s internal debate over whether or not to respond. Finally, the reply came.
Hinata: No! I’m not jealous! It’s just... weird. I don’t know how you deal with that kind of attention.
Atsumu: Weird? Nah. It’s called bein’ popular, sunshine. You wouldn’t get it.
Hinata: Hey! I’ve got plenty of charm! Just... not like that.
Atsumu snorted, thoroughly amused. There was something undeniably endearing about Hinata’s honesty, his blunt, clumsy way of expressing himself. It was so different from the polished exchanges Atsumu was used to. For some reason, it made Atsumu’s chest feel a little lighter, and a little warmer, than it had all day.
And damn if that didn’t make it even harder to stop thinking about him.
—
Atsumu never intended for things to go this far.
At first, it was nothing more than idle curiosity, a quick scroll through Hinata’s Instagram stories during breaks or on sleepless nights. A harmless habit, he told himself.
But somewhere along the way, it turned into something else. Something he couldn’t ignore.
Now, checking Hinata’s profile has become second nature. At least once a day, without fail, Atsumu finds himself tapping on that familiar icon. He knows it’s ridiculous, bordering on obsessive, but he can’t seem to stop. There’s a strange comfort in seeing Hinata’s world unfold through his posts, a warmth that pulls Atsumu in every time.
Hinata’s stories are a perfect reflection of him. Chaotic, vibrant, and full of life. There are snapshots of practice sessions, playful selfies with his Karasuno teammates, and candid glimpses of his everyday life. Atsumu finds himself grinning at a photo of Hinata mid-laugh, his caption declaring, “Volleyball is life, but snacks are a close second!” Or the time Hinata tried to balance a volleyball on his head, proudly labeling it as his “new secret skill.”
But as much as Atsumu enjoys the lighthearted posts, he begins to notice something detailed if anyone or someone would appearing often in Hinata’s updates.
There was small, blonde girl with a kind smile. She’s always there, in group photos, standing by his side, her presence almost constant. Atsumu pieces it together, her name is Yachi, Karasuno’s team manager.
At first, it doesn’t bother him. Not really. But over time, he finds himself lingering on the pictures a little too long, his chest tightening with a strange, unfamiliar irritation. He brushes it off, it’s not like it matters to him who Hinata spends time with. He’s just curious, right? That’s all.
But then, something shifts.
It’s not just about scrolling through Hinata’s updates anymore. Atsumu realizes he’s started to anticipate them. He catches himself thinking about it during practice, wondering if Hinata posted something new. And when there’s nothing, when the little circle around Hinata’s profile remains empty, it feels like his day is missing something. A subtle, nagging emptiness that he can’t quite shake.
He tries to rationalize it. It’s just Instagram. Just another player he’s curious about. But that explanation feels more hollow with each passing day. Because it’s not just about the posts, it’s the way they make him feel.
The goofy selfies, the candid laughter, the snapshots of Hinata’s world, they light up something in Atsumu that he didn’t even know was there.
Atsumu catches himself smiling at his phone, warmth blooming in his chest. It’s a ridiculous reaction, but it happens every time. And slowly, a quiet truth begins to settle in. This isn’t just curiosity or admiration. It’s more than that.
He likes Hinata in the way that he shouldn't.
Atsumu leans back against the wall, his phone resting on his chest, and exhales a long breath. His heart feels strangely full yet vulnerable, like he’s carrying something precious and fragile. He doesn’t know what to do with this feeling yet, but he doesn’t mind holding onto it for now.
Maybe, just maybe, he could get used to this, seeing Hinata’s world unfold, piece by piece, and feeling his own heart fall deeper with every glimpse.
Over the following weeks, Atsumu found himself texting Hinata more than anyone else on his following list. It started with a casual message here and there, but now, their chats stretched into the early hours of the morning, neither of them seeming to care about the time.
Atsumu: Oi, Shoyo-kun. Ya ever think about how lucky yer teammates are to have ya?
Hinata: Huh? Where’s this coming from?
Atsumu: Just sayin’. I’d love to have a little bundle of energy like ya on my team. Bet ya make practice fun.
Hinata: Haha, only sometimes! But thanks, Miya-san. That’s really nice of you to say.
Hinata wasn’t shy about texting first, either.
Hinata: You ever see a dog chase its tail and then fall over?
Atsumu: Shoyo-kun, what are ya even talkin’ about?
Hinata: I just saw it happen outside my window. It was the funniest thing ever.
Atsumu: Yer life sounds like a cartoon.
Hinata’s laughing emoji came through immediately, and Atsumu smirked, satisfied.
What Atsumu didn’t expect was how much he looked forward to Hinata’s messages. He’d catch himself checking his phone between practice sets or glancing at it during team meetings, hoping for a new notification. And when there was one, it felt like the highlight of his day.
Hinata: Miya-san! I just pulled off a crazy jump! You gotta see this!
The message was followed by a blurry video of Hinata spiking in practice.
Atsumu: Nice jump. Bet ya fell on your face after, though.
Hinata: Did not! ...Okay, maybe a little. But it was still awesome!
Their conversations shifted over time, becoming more personal. Hinata had a way of bringing up things that made Atsumu pause, things he didn’t usually talk about.
Hinata: Do you ever get nervous before big matches?
Atsumu: Me? Nervous? Nah. I’m Atsumu Miya. Confidence is my middle name.
Hinata: You’re so full of it.
Atsumu chuckled but hesitated before typing again.
Atsumu: Alright, maybe a little. Not ‘cause I think I’ll lose, but ‘cause I don’t wanna let my team down.
Hinata: Yeah... I get that. I feel the same way.
Atsumu paused for a moment, then quickly typed, his fingers tapping the keys with a grin.
Atsumu: Good luck on your big match tomorrow. Kill ‘em out there, Shoyo-kun. I know ya’ve got this.
Hinata: Thanks a lot, Miya-san! I need that right now :)
It wasn’t just about volleyball anymore. They talked about everything, childhood memories, their favorite music, what made them nervous or excited for the future. Atsumu discovered that Hinata had a fascination with the stars and always wanted to visit an observatory, even though he didn’t quite understand the constellations. He also shared how he’d once tried to cook a full meal, only to burn everything and set off the fire alarm.
In return, Hinata learned things about Atsumu that few ever did. Like how Atsumu secretly loved old romance movies, or how he still had his childhood stuffed animal hidden away in a drawer.
The more they shared, the closer they became. And with that closeness, Atsumu couldn’t seemed to made his feelings go away.
One night, after another easy conversation that drifted from topic to topic, Atsumu found himself staring at his phone. A small smile curved his lips as he reread Hinata’s latest message. He wasn’t sure when it had happened, but somewhere along the way, talking to Hinata had become the best part of his day. The idea of going through a day without hearing from him, without the lightness he brought, felt… wrong.
Atsumu rolled onto his side, tapping out a quick message before he could second-guess it.
Atsumu: Ya know, Shoyo-kun, talkin’ to ya is kinda my favorite thing now.
Hinata’s reply came almost instantly.
Hinata: Haha, really? Same here. I like talking to you too, Miya-san.
Atsumu hesitated but his fingers too eager to send the words.
Atsumu: Hey, ya ever think about hanging out outside of matches? Just the two of us.
Hinata: That sounds awesome! I’d love that!
Atsumu’s heart gave a strange, unexpected lurch. For the first time in a long while, he realized something. He doesn’t want this feeling to go away any moment.
—
Atsumu didn’t want to admit it, but the suddenly constant posts with Kageyama were starting to get under his skin.
Hinata’s stories had seemed innocent enough at first, a series of snapshots from their hangout. There was Kageyama struggling to juggle oranges, a photo of their lunch spread, and the one that hit hardest, a candid shot of Kageyama’s hand resting lightly on Hinata’s shoulder as they both laughed.
Atsumu stared at the photo longer than he cared to admit, the easy camaraderie between them igniting a strange pang in his chest. It wasn’t that he didn’t expect Hinata to be close with Kageyama, he knew the Karasuno setter was an important part of Hinata’s volleyball journey. But seeing the two of them like this... it felt like an intrusion on something Atsumu hadn’t realized he wanted for himself.
When he texted Hinata later that night, he couldn’t help the slight edge in his tone.
Atsumu: Looked like ya had fun today.
Hinata: Oh, yeah! Kageyama and I hung out after practice. We haven’t had much time to just chill lately, so it was nice.
Atsumu: Yeah, ya looked real cozy.
Hinata: Huh? What do you mean?
Atsumu clenched his jaw, hesitating. What did he mean? He wasn’t about to say he’d been glaring at Kageyama’s hand on Hinata’s shoulder like it was some kind of personal affront.
Atsumu: Nothin’. Just sayin’ ya seemed close. That’s all.
Hinata’s reply came quickly, almost too quickly as if he’d been waiting for it.
Hinata: Well, we are! We’ve known each other forever. He’s like... my rival, but also my best friend, you know?
Atsumu huffed a laugh, though it lacked humor. Of course, Kageyama would hold such a prominent place in Hinata’s life. Still, the thought of being sidelined by their bond left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Atsumu: Guess that makes sense. Rivals can bring out the best in ya, right?
Hinata: Exactly! Honestly, I don’t think I’d be half as good without him pushing me.
Atsumu’s stomach twisted at the genuine admiration in Hinata’s words. He forced himself to type out a response, keeping it casual.
Atsumu: Yeah, well, don’t let it go to his head. He’s already got that sourpuss face down pat.
Hinata sent a string of laughing emojis, and Atsumu found himself smiling despite his lingering unease. But as the conversation continued, a thought kept nagging at him.
Why did it bother him so much?
It wasn’t like he and Hinata were anything more than friends. Sure, they texted every day and shared more of themselves than Atsumu usually did with most people. But Hinata had his own life, his own friends—and Kageyama, who clearly meant a lot to him.
Still, Atsumu couldn’t shake the feeling. Seeing Hinata smile like that, with someone else, made something twist in his chest.
As the days went on, Atsumu found himself paying closer attention to Hinata’s posts, especially the ones that featured Kageyama. He couldn’t stop himself from analyzing every interaction, looking for something he didn’t even know what.
Atsumu had always been the confident type, the kind of guy who could shake off any insecurity with a smirk and a clever retort. But the increasing frequency of Hinata’s posts with Kageyama was testing that self-assuredness in ways he didn’t expect.
Then came a photo that made Atsumu's blood run cold, a shot of Hinata and Kageyama standing in front of a ramen shop, Hinata holding up two bowls while Kageyama leaned into him slightly, his usual deadpan expression softened just a little.
The caption read, “Guess who ate the spiciest bowl and survived? Not Kageyama :P.”
Atsumu’s jaw tightened. He clicked on the comment section, reading through the flood of reactions.
@NekomaKenma: “Lol, you two are hilarious.”
@bokuto_bokuto: “Rivals to best buds, huh? Too cute!”
@Yachi_kaori: “Are you sure you’re not secretly dating?”
@Tsukishima_Kei: “Do you two ever stop being dramatic?”
@Kageyama_Tobio: “Shut up, Tsukishima.”
He tossed his phone down again, running both hands through his hair.
This was ridiculous. Atsumu didn’t get jealous... he didn’t get jealous. But this... this felt different. But the sinking feeling in his gut wasn’t going away, no matter how hard he tried to shove it down.
He tried to brush it off. "Don’t be stupid," he muttered to himself. "Yer overthinkin’ it."
There was one of them walking through a park, sunlight streaming through the trees. Another of Kageyama handing Hinata a water bottle, with the caption: "Best setter ever!" And finally, a short video of the two of them at a cafe, laughing over something Atsumu couldn’t hear but could the strange closeness.
It wasn’t just a few posts anymore. It was too much.
Atsumu’s frustration reached its peak. After another scroll through Hinata’s story, this time featuring a clip of Kageyama adjusting Hinata’s jacket Atsumu couldn’t take it any longer. Without thinking, he opened their chat and typed.
Atsumu: Oi, Shoyo-kun. Ya and Kageyama, like, a thing or somethin’ now?
The message felt blunt, but Atsumu didn’t care. He needed to know. The dots appeared almost immediately, then stopped, then started again.
Hinata: Hahaha, what? Why would you think that?
Atsumu frowned at the screen. Why do ya think, Shoyo-kun?he thought, but he didn’t type it.
Atsumu: Dunno. Just seems like yer always postin’ about him lately.
The dots appeared again, this time for longer.
Hinata: Well… yeah. I guess it’s kinda obvious, huh?
Atsumu’s chest tightened.
Atsumu: So it’s true?
Hinata: Yeah it’s still new, though. We’re figuring it out. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure how people would take it, so we’ve been keeping it kinda lowkey.
The words hit Atsumu like a volleyball to the gut. He leaned back against the couch, staring at the screen.
Atsumu: Yeah, guess that makes sense. Congrats, Shoyo-kun.
Hinata: Thanks! I mean, it’s kind of weird, right? We used to fight all the time, but I guess that’s what makes it work.
Hinata: Ans Kageyama’s important to me, you know?
Atsumu forced out a laugh that sounded hollow even to his own ears. He tried to ignore the pang of jealousy curling in his gut, the nagging thought that maybe he should’ve said something sooner... done something sooner.
Atsumu: Guess opposites attract, huh? Don’t let him boss ya around too much, though. Ya gotta keep that sunshine energy.
Hinata: Haha, I won’t!. You’re always so nice to me. I’m glad we’re friends.
There it was. Friend. The word felt heavier than it should, but Atsumu swallowed the lump in his throat and sent a thumbs-up emoji before tossing his phone aside.
As he stared at the ceiling, Atsumu let out a long sigh. He’d missed his chance, and now all he could do was hope that Kageyama knew just how lucky he was.
The texts that once flowed effortlessly now feel heavier. Atsumu finds himself hesitating every time he drafts a message. Slowly, he stops initiating conversations, even his replies still polite, but it lack the playful energy and flirtatious tone that used to define their chats. He convinces himself it’s the right thing to do, to respect Hinata’s relationship and protect himself from further heartache. But every quiet moment between their exchanges feels like salt on an open wound.
It doesn’t take long for Hinata to notice the change. One day, during a casual conversation, he finally brings it up.
Hinata: You’ve been kinda quiet lately. Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?
Atsumu hesitates, staring at the screen. A part of him wants to spill everything, his feelings, his frustration, the way he’s been haunted by thoughts of what could’ve been.
But he quickly pushes the idea aside. Hinata’s happiness is with someone else, and Atsumu refuses to complicate that.
Atsumu: Nah, Shoyo-kun. Just been busy with training and stuff. No big deal.
Hinata: Oh, okay. I just wanted to make sure. You’re always so fun to talk to, so it felt kinda weird.
Atsumu’s heart twists at the sincerity behind the words, but he forces a smile and types out another light response.
Atsumu: Don’t go missin’ me too much, now. Can’t have ya gettin’ all clingy, ya know?
Hinata sends back a string of laughing emojis, the conversation shifting back to safer ground. But even as they chat, Atsumu can’t shake the lingering weight in his chest. Hinata’s warmth is still there, but it feels just out of reach...like sunlight behind a cloud.
As the months pass, the silence between Atsumu and Hinata becomes the new normal. What was once a lively back-and-forth filled with banter, teasing, and late-night chats has dwindled into sporadic messages. Atsumu tells himself it’s better this way, it’s not like they were that close to begin with, right? Just two players with a shared love for volleyball. That’s all it was.
But even he can’t deny the small pang of loss when he scrolls through his messages and sees their old conversations buried under unread threads.
Hinata seems to move on as well, his posts filled with photos of matches, new teammates, and more frequent moments with Kageyama. Atsumu doesn’t double-tap on them anymore, even when he catches himself pausing to stare a little too long at Hinata’s smile. He forces himself to move past it, shoving the thoughts down every time they creep up.
One day, Atsumu opens his app and sees a photo of Hinata and Kageyama at a dinner table, surrounded by teammates, with the caption. "Best team, best guy." It’s casual and simple, but it feels like a quiet confirmation of the distance that’s grown between them.
He debates sending a message, something simple like nice pic or a volleyball-related joke. But his fingers hover over the keyboard before he locks his phone. He hasn’t been part of that version of Hinata’s life for a while now, and reaching out feels more like an interruption than anything else.
Over time, Atsumu stops checking Hinata’s posts altogether. It’s not out of bitterness, it’s self-preservation. Distance doesn’t always heal, but it makes the ache bearable. He throws himself into training, focusing on his game and his team, convincing himself that this is what matters.
And it works, most days. But every so often, he wonders what might’ve been if he’d spoken up sooner. If he hadn’t held back. If he’d let himself chase the sunlight instead of stepping away.
—
Years later, Atsumu finds himself stepping into the MSBY Black Jackals gym for the first time, his sharp eyes scanning the court. It’s a new chapter in his career, and he’s determined to make it count. Over time, he’s honed not just his skills but his confidence and self-awareness, channeling his emotions into his craft.
Yet, no matter how much he’s grown, there’s still a small corner of his mind that holds a faint memory of a bright-haired whirlwind named Hinata Shoyo.
Hinata had left for Brazil years ago, pursuing his dream of playing beach volleyball, and from Atsumu’s perspective, it felt like Hinata had disappeared from his world entirely.
Atsumu doesn’t dwell on it, not anymore. Life moves forward, and so has he. But sometimes, in the quiet moments between games or late-night scrolls through his feed, he notices something odd, Kageyama doesn’t seem to appear in Hinata’s posts anymore.
At first, Atsumu doesn’t think much of it. Maybe it’s because of the long-distance strain or the natural drift of time. But it’s hard not to notice when someone who was once such a fixture in Hinata’s life suddenly fades into the background. There are no cryptic captions or public declarations, just a gradual absence that feels strangely significant.
Still, Atsumu shakes off his curiosity. Whatever happened between Hinata and Kageyama is their business. And anyway, Atsumu has his own life to focus on his new team, his goals, and the delicate task of building chemistry with his teammates.
One of those teammates, Sakusa Kiyoomi, is a challenge all on his own. Stoic, meticulous, and deeply particular, Sakusa isn’t the easiest person to read or connect with. Atsumu takes it as a personal mission to break through Sakusa’s walls, throwing in his usual charm and relentless enthusiasm.
“Yer killin’ me, Omi,” Atsumu groans one afternoon after a particularly grueling practice. “Do ya ever crack a smile, or is that against yer rules too?”
Sakusa barely spares him a glance, wiping his hands with a disinfectant wipe. “I smile when it’s warranted.”
Atsumu laugh. “Guess I’ll just have to keep tryin’ until I earn one, huh?”
Despite the teasing, Atsumu respects Sakusa’s precision and work ethic. Over time, the two begin to develop a quiet understanding, a rhythm that works on and off the court. Atsumu pours his energy into this new dynamic, knowing how crucial it is for their team’s success.
But even as he focuses on the present, the ghost of his curiosity lingers. Every now and then, he catches himself wondering about Hinata, not with longing, but with genuine interest.
What’s he doing now? Has he finally found the success he worked so hard for?
For now, Atsumu doesn’t chase those thoughts too far. The answers, if they ever come, will arrive in their own time. Until then, he has a team to lead and a future to build. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll cross paths with Hinata again someday. But for now, he sets his sights firmly forward, determined to make the most of the life he’s chosen.
—
It was a regular practice session at MSBY Black Jackals, the usual grind of sweat and loud grunts filling the air as the team worked through drills. The sound of shoes skidding on the polished gym floor, the thud of balls being slammed into the net, and the rhythmic swish of the ball through the hoop was like background music to Atsumu’s focused concentration. He was in his element, mind fully on the next drill, pushing himself to stay sharp.
The practice had just wrapped up, and the players were dispersing to grab water and catch their breath. Atsumu was still bent over, busy adjusting the tape around his fingers, the tape slightly frayed from the intensity of the drills. He didn’t notice the gym door creak open at first, nor did he notice the manager stepping inside, clipboard in hand.
"Alright, listen up, everyone!" the manager called, his voice cutting through the hum of conversation like a whistle. Atsumu, still bent over, didn’t think much of it at first. Another change-up in the lineup, some new recruit or a temporary fill-in. Nothing that warranted more than a passing glance. His fingers worked the tape tighter, half-listening to the announcement.
"We’ve got a new player joining us today," the manager continued, his tone deliberate, catching everyone’s attention. "He’s just returned from training abroad, and I expect you all to give him a proper welcome."
Atsumu didn’t even look up, rolling his wrist in the tape as he muttered to himself. Yeah, new guy. Probably some fresh-faced recruit trying to make a name for themselves. Let’s get this over with.
But then, there was a slight rustling noise, the unmistakable shift of weight from the manager stepping aside, and that's when Atsumu’s mind caught up with the situation. His fingers froze mid-motion. His breath caught, and his heart skipped a beat.
Standing in the doorway was Hinata Shoyo.
For a moment, everything else in the gym faded into the background. Atsumu's world narrowed to just that image of the person standing in the door way, the very same Hinata who had once burst into his life like a force of nature, brimming with energy and always wearing a smile. But now, years later, Hinata stood before him, taller, stronger, and more composed... yet unmistakably the same Hinata Atsumu remembered.
His orange hair was a bit longer now, falling in messy waves rather than the spiky tufts he used to have. But that smile...the same wide, infectious grin....was exactly as it had always been.
Atsumu felt a lump form in his throat. For the first time in years, he was speechless.
Hinata’s gaze swept across the gym, momentarily locking onto Atsumu. and the familiar grin split his face wide open.
"Hi, everyone!" Hinata greeted loudly, his voice as full of life as it had always been. "I’m Hinata Shoyo! I’ll be joining as an outside hitter. Hope we all get along!"
Atsumu finally blinked, his breath catching in his chest. The polite applause and murmured greetings from his teammates barely registered.
Hinata’s here. He’s really here.
And then, as if no time had passed at all, Hinata turned directly to Atsumu. His eyes were shining as if they were still the same two people who used to chat late into the night.
"Yo, Miya-san!" Hinata called, his voice ringing out across the gym.
Atsumu snapped back to reality, scrambling to recover from the unexpected surge of emotions. He stood up, forcing himself to look cool, plastering on his trademark smirk.
"Oi, Shoyo-kun! What’re ya doin’ here? Thought Brazil had ya for good!"
Hinata laughed heartily.
"Nah, I’m back to take on Japan now. Heard you’re here too, so I figured we could finally team up"
Atsumu’s chest tightened at the words, but he quickly shrugged them off, letting his smirk widen. "Well, ya better keep up with me, Shoyo-kun. This ain’t no pickup game."
Hinata’s grin only grew, unbothered by the teasing. "Just wait, Miya-san. I’m better than ever."
Before Atsumu could respond, Hinata turned to address the rest of the team, his voice booming with enthusiasm.
"Hey, I’ve gotta say hello to someone!" He scanned the gym, eyes landing on a familiar face in the crowd. "Bokuto-san!" he called out, his voice full of energy. "How’s it going, you big oaf? Long time no see!"
Bokuto, who had been waiting for his turn to talk to Hinata, immediately walked to him as he flashed a wide, toothy grin. "Shoyo! You’re finally here!" Without hesitation, he bounded over to him, scooping the shorter player into a bear hug, lifting him off the ground.
Hinata let out a surprised laugh but quickly relaxed into the embrace, the warmth between the two obvious. "I missed you, man!" Hinata said with his usual bright grin, his voice full of affection. "I’m so glad we get to play together again!"
"Same here, Shoyo! This is gonna be epic!" He clapped Hinata on the back with a grin so wide it was almost infectious.
Atsumu watched the reunion with a small frown, his mind racing as he took in the way the two seemed to pick up right where they left off. Despite his earlier teasing, a part of him couldn't help but feel the weight of the past.
The rest of the team watched the exchange with amusement, but for Atsumu, it felt like a shift had taken place in the very air around them. Seeing the way Hinata and Bokuto interacted with such ease made something stir in him, memories, maybe, or feelings he’d long buried.
As the introductions wrapped up and practice resumed, Atsumu couldn’t help but keep sneaking glances at Hinata.
There was something undeniably different about him... Hinata seemed even more handsome than before.
The practice session continued, but Atsumu struggled to keep his focus. Each time he glanced over, his gaze inevitably landed on Hinata. And he saw how much he had grown, how his energy seemed to fill the space around him. The same fire, the same unyielding spirit, but now there was a new self-assuredness, a kind of certainty that only time could bring.
The years have been kind to him, and he’s a different person now... someone who’s clearly evolved, someone who’s found his place in the world. But to Atsumu, he’s still the same person who once held his heart, a person who had slipped away just as quickly as he had come.
Atsumu forces himself to focus, to shake off the weight of memories and emotions that have been simmering beneath the surface. He can’t afford to let this affect him especially not now, when everything’s been going so well. But even as he tries to suppress it, the truth lingers like a shadow in the back of his mind.
After practice, the team heads to the locker room, and Atsumu finds himself walking toward Hinata without thinking.
“Guess ya really did make it big, huh?”
“Ofcourse Miya-san. But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without your advice.” Hinata tease casually, though there was a sincerity, a vulnerability that Atsumu wasn’t expecting.
Atsumu smirked, though it feels forced. "Yeah, well, don’t let it get to your head. Ya still gotta prove yer worthy of MSBY’s roster.”
Hinata chuckles. "Ya never changed huh? You promised you would set to me, remember? I’ve been working hard. You better be ready to deliver, Atsumu."
Atsumu is momentarily shocked, his expression faltering. "Ya actually remember that?" he asks, caught off guard by how much it clearly meant to Hinata.
Hinata just laughs, a little more serious now. "How could I forget? You said I could do it, and I’m not backing down from that. I’ll show you what I can do.”
Atsumu’s chest tightens at the familiar banter. It feels good, but it feels like too much all at once.
His smile falters for a split second, and Hinata notices, but he doesn’t press. Instead, he flashes Atsumu a grin, the same bright, unguarded smile he had given him during their very first meeting. It’s a gesture that feels both familiar and disarming, effortlessly bridging the years that have passed between them.
“Let’s grab some food later,” Hinata suggests, his grin widening. “You, me, and the rest of the team. I owe you one for all the advice you gave me.”
Atsumu nods, his voice quieter than usual. “Yeah, sure.” He watches as Hinata turns to join the others, feeling a mix of warmth and unease settle in his stomach.
He can’t tell if he’s ready for this, or if he’s even allowed to feel what he’s feeling.
But one thing is for sure, no matter how much time has passed, no matter how much he’s tried to move on, Hinata still has the ability to make his heart race. And that’s something Atsumu isn’t sure he can ever escape.
—
Atsumu finds himself unable to ignore the pull of Hinata's presence. It’s not just the way he soars through the air or how his spikes seem to defy physics, it’s the intangible energy he brings. Hinata’s laughter echoes through the gym, his enthusiasm contagious, and Atsumu catches himself smiling more often than he’d like to admit.
Yet, it’s not the same as it was years ago. Hinata isn’t just the bright-eyed, excitable player Atsumu remembers. He’s sharper, more deliberate in his movements and words. There’s a quiet confidence beneath the surface, a maturity that wasn’t there before. It’s in the way he reassures teammates during tough moments or how he handles critiques with grace.
And, occasionally, in unguarded moments, there’s a flicker of something deeper in his eyes, a hint of the challenges he faced in Brazil, the struggles that shaped him.
Their interactions are natural at least on the surface. Hinata greets him every day with the same wide grin that hasn’t changed, and Atsumu finds himself responding with his usual playful banter.
“Oi, Shoyo-kun,” Atsumu calls during one break, tossing a bottle of water at Hinata. “Don’t get too full of yourself just ’cause ya look all pro now.”
Hinata catches it effortlessly, laughing as he unscrews the cap. “Thanks, Miya-san! You never keep your eyes off me, huh?”
“Someone’s gotta keep ya on your toes,” Atsumu retorts with a smirk, but the teasing feels different for him. He wonders if Hinata notices the hesitation that sometimes creeps into his tone, the way his smirk falters when Hinata’s laugh lingers too long.
Meanwhile late at night, when Atsumu is alone, he finds himself replaying their moments in his mind, dissecting every glance, every smile. There’s something about being around Hinata that makes him feel alive again, but it also unearths emotions he thought he had buried long ago.
One evening, after practice, they sit on the bench together, cooling down. The gym is quieter now, most of the team already gone. Hinata stretches his legs out in front of him, a soft smile on his face as he gazes at the empty court.
“Feels good to be back,” Hinata says, breaking the silence. “I missed playing in Japan. Missed being part of a team like this.”
Atsumu leans back, tilting his head to glance at him. “Yeah? Ya looked like ya were livin’ the dream out there in Brazil.”
Hinata laughs softly, the sound tinged with nostalgia. “It was amazing, but it wasn’t easy. I had to push myself harder than ever. There were days when I thought I couldn’t keep up, but... I guess that’s what made it worth it.”
There’s a flicker of vulnerability in Hinata’s voice that catches Atsumu off guard, and for a moment, he’s struck by how far they’ve both come. He wants to say something meaningful, but the words catch in his throat, replaced instead by a teasing grin.
“Sounds like a Shoyo Hinata kinda story,” Atsumu says, nudging him with his elbow. “All guts, no breaks.”
Hinata laughs, bright and unrestrained, and Atsumu’s heart aches at the sound. He smiles back, but it’s tinged with bittersweet longing. The door he thought he’d locked is now cracked open, and he’s not sure how to close it again.
After that moment in the gym, Atsumu and Hinata began to find themselves lingering after practice more and more. At first, it was simple things, helping the manager pack up, tossing a few more serves, or chatting about upcoming matches. But soon, those casual moments stretched into shared dinners or long walks through the city, neither of them in a hurry to go their separate ways.
“Oi, Shoyo-kun,” Atsumu called out, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “There’s a sushi place a few blocks from here that’s open late. Ya hungry?”
Hinata’s face lit up, his energy never waning despite the long practice. “Always! Let’s go! But I’m warning you, I’m eating more than you tonight.”
The dinners became a habit. Atsumu would show Hinata new place, hidden cafes, bustling izakayas, even a cozy takoyaki stall he swore by.
Sometimes, Bokuto and Sakusa joined in, their group dynamic both chaotic and hilarious. Bokuto would ramble excitedly about a new drill or strategy, while Sakusa sighed in exasperation but stayed anyway.
“Shoyo! Tsum-Tsum! You guys are gonna love this place,” Bokuto said, practically dragging them along.
Sakusa, trailing behind, muttered, “This better be worth it.”
As they grilled meat and argued over who had the best spike during the game, Atsumu found himself glancing at Hinata more often than not. He’d laugh at Bokuto’s antics, cheerfully flip meat for the others, and somehow keep the mood light and effortless. It was magnetic, the way Hinata lit up every space he entered, and Atsumu couldn’t help but be drawn in.
When it was just the two of them, Atsumu started to notice things he hadn’t before. Hinata would forget to bring an extra jacket on cooler nights, so Atsumu started keeping one in his bag, just in case. If Hinata’s favorite dish wasn’t available, Atsumu would offer up his portion without hesitation. And when they walked to the restaurant, Atsumu would instinctively steer Hinata away from busy streets or groups of rowdy strangers.
“Oi, don’t walk so close to the curb, dumbass,” Atsumu muttered, tugging Hinata’s shoulder to guide him.
Hinata blinked up at him. “Huh? Oh, sorry, Miya-san! I wasn’t paying attention.”
“It’s fine,” Atsumu grumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets to hide the way his fingers twitched with the urge to ruffle Hinata’s hair. “Just don’t make me babysit ya.”
Hinata laughed, completely unaware of the protective undertone in Atsumu’s voice. “You’re always looking out for me, huh? Thanks, Miya-san!”
Atsumu shrugged it off, but the warmth in his chest lingered. He told himself it wasn’t a big deal, that he was just being practical. But as time went on, it became second nature to watch over Hinata. When they walked through crowded areas, Atsumu would position himself slightly in front, shielding him without a second thought. If Hinata looked tired after practice, Atsumu would offer an energy drink before Hinata even asked.
Hinata, ever the oblivious one, never noticed the subtle shifts in Atsumu’s behavior. To him, Atsumu was just being a good teammate, a dependable friend.
“Man, you’re the best, Miya-san!” Hinata said one night as they shared a bowl of ramen after practice. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Atsumu froze for a second, then quickly masked his reaction with a smirk. “Damn right, Shoyo-kun. I’m the best setter and friend you’ll ever have. Don’t forget it.”
Hinata grinned, slurping his noodles happily, while Atsumu found himself staring at the steam rising from his own bowl. Somewhere along the line, things had shifted, and Atsumu wasn’t sure if he could pretend it was all just friendly anymore.