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They knew this day would happen, but they didn’t think it would happen so soon. They thought they still had time, had another tournament together. The team was strong, so how did they lose? The second the ball touched the floor, it ended. This team being together, playing in a match together, volleyball to be over for them.
When Yamagata couldn’t get the ball, he felt his lowest. He was the libero he should have gotten that. Why didn’t he? He’s the reason the team lost. If it weren’t for him, if only he did better then maybe the team would have won.
Walking to coach after they lose, some crying some holding back the tears. It was funny how he didn’t change, he told them they all would do 100 serves. The familiar sense of it was comforting. The ride on the bus was quiet only small whispers, normally it would be loud(mainly Tendo) but it was quiet. Everyone sitting next to their partner/friend.
Ushijima and Tendo, Yamagata and Taichi, Semi and Shirabu, Goshiki and Reon (friends). Yamagata was leaning against Taichi's shoulder trying not to cry, he will later but not now, not in front of the underclassmen. He needs to be strong for them. Sounds of soft crying can be heard, it’s the only thing you can hear in the bus.
It feels like an eternity until they arrive back at the school and get over with the team huddle. When they got back Tendo asked if people wanted to watch a movie and eat some food. Everyone went and they put on a random Studio Ghibli film, no one was paying attention. Soon enough after they all had eaten and gone to the dorms, Taichi and Yamagata stayed behind.
They stayed quiet not talking. They weren't that near to each other but since no one was there, Yamagata moves closer to Taichi and rests his head on his sloulder and starts to cry. He’s be holding it in for a while now, even though Taichi is a underclassman he is still his boyfriend.
While Taichi doesn’t really like physical touch and PDA but when it comes to Yamagata he will because he knows his boyfriend likes physical touch. Taichi wraps his arms around the third year and hugs him. “It’s okay Hayato, I’m here”. He says and places a soft kiss on the liberos hair. “It’s my fault, I should have got it, that's one of my whole jobs, to save the ball and I couldn’t even do that, I shou-” “No, no, listen to me, It’s not you’re fault, I don’t think anyone could have got that, not even the best libero”. Taichi’s not sure how much was true but he needs to comfort his boyfriend. One thing was true and that is, it’s not his fault.
“Karasuno was just better, which I don’t know how that happened but it did and there is nothing we can do about it now. Look on the bright side, volleyball will have less practice in it so we can hang out more, with the team or just us”. What Taich was saying was true. Yamagata was feeling a bit better, the tears were slowing down until it was just a little bit. “It’s not your fault or mine or Ushijimas or Goshikis, It’s no ones fault because we are a team and we go down together”. Yamagata giggles “Thank you, you’ll make a great captain” Yamagata laughs as Taichi makes a face. “I will not be a captain but vice and it’s not the same”.
They sit there together for a while talking about old memories and having a laugh. The time Goshiki was talking with Tendo and walked into a pole. Tendo getting knocked over by a volleyball. Reon getting chased by a sheep at the farm. Ushijima not understanding a dirty joke. During camp, everyone drew on Shirabu’s face. Semi losing in Uno and threw the cards everywhere.
They went on and on about it until they got to themselves. Yamagata fucked up a self-haircut and tried to hide it by wearing a hat but during practice. Coach made him take it off and the whole team had a good laugh about it. They still won’t let him live it down. Taichi not being able to pick Yamagata up but Yamagata can pick Taichi up. Just random silly things about them.
“Even though I will graduate, I will always talk to you and see you, I love you. We’ll make this work, you’re my boyfriend, and I’ll do anything to make it work” Taichi isn't the best when it comes to words. So he hugs his boyfriend tighter and kisses his hair. “Want to come back to my dorm, I’m sure Shirabu won’t mind, we can watch a movie or just cuddle”.
Yamagata just smiled and nodded “I’d like that, come on, I’m tired”. They walk to Taichis dorm and walk in, Shirabu is at his desk working on what looks to be homework. The eldest walks over and snatches it away.
“Hey!” he sounded to tired to actually care. “Nope, you get your ass to bed right now, we had a long game and I know you are tired”. “Fine but not because you told me to but because I want to”. The third year rolled his eyes. Tachi and Shirabu both got into their own beds (Shirabu on the top bunk, Taichi on the bottom). Yamagata turned off the light and hopped in bed with his boyfriend. He kissed him on the lips and said
“Love you”
“Love you too”
“Ewww, PDA get a room”
“Oh be quiet, you are jealous”
“Of you? No”