Archive of Our Own ^beta

Basta-me um pequeno gesto,

feito de longe e de leve,

para que venhas comigo

e eu para sempre te leve

Timidez, Cecília Meireles

⛰️

Tobio is five years old when he meets the sun for the first time.

He watches in awe that orange, floating ball behind the clouds whenever he goes to train with his grandfather, its golden beams kissing him good morning and peppering his skin with curiosity, but he doesn't know exactly what that thing is.

“That's the sun, Tobio,” Kazuyo-san explains gently. “It's a big star that brings warmth and energy to us. We wouldn't be alive without it.”

Tobio continues to stare at the big star with wide eyes, amazed by the concept of a simple golden sphere being so important in his life without him knowing.

“Let's go or we'll be late,” Kazuyo-san’s hand is clutched around Tobio’s, wrinkled skin warming his. Tobio wonders if that's the feeling of holding the sun in his hands.

The Little Falcons’ gym has the same color and smell as usual, just the way Tobio loves. The scent of air salonpas mixed with the woody floor and the grass outside reminds Tobio of home, so he inhales deeply and lets that aroma linger in his lungs. Tobio always feels more at home in that gym than in his own bedroom, he always feels embraced and welcomed by that smell.

Still thinking about the sun, he wonders if it smells as good as in here.

Tobio closes his eyes for a brief moment, enjoying the breeze that carries the scent he loves so much. His small eyelashes flutter open to the sound of soft footsteps, and now his attention is focused not on the court, but on the figure that has appeared next to him.

“Good morning, Kageyama-san,” Tobio turns and his gaze lands on an unknown short woman with dark curls. She has the gentlest of the smiles on her face, curly hair shimmering under the few sunbeams entering the gym. She appears to be holding something by her left side but Tobio can't visualize what it is. “Thanks for letting us join your training today!!”

“Oh please, Hitomi! You can call me Kazuyo!” Kazuyo-san replies with the same gentle smile, crouching to stroke the top of Tobio’s head. “This is my grandson, Tobio. He loves volleyball, is very responsible and dedicated for his age.” He looks at Tobio with pride written all over his features. “I hope our boys can get along well, I'm sure Tobio would love to have a friend with the same passion as him.”

Tobio blinks once, twice, confused. He looks at Kazuyo-san with big, shiny eyes but doesn't utter any words. Friend? A boy? Someone with the same passion as his? He doesn't understand who they're talking about, but Tobio also doesn't know how to ask.

Some answers arrive as soon as his grandfather’s acquaintance speaks out again.

“Nice to meet you, Tobio-kun!! My boy is very energetic, you know?” The woman giggles. “I brought him to learn about volleyball so maybe he falls in love with it just like you. Come and say hi, Shoyo.” She takes a step to the side and finally reveals what she’s been holding: a chubby hand similar to Tobio’s, but the boy who appears there looks nothing like him.

Shoyo has curls like his mother, but instead of being dark they're an intense orange tone, a color as striking as freshly-picked tangerines. He's a little taller than Tobio and his eyes present a unique shade of honey, so flashy that it's kind of intimidating. They're focused on Tobio as if he were an alien. Shoyo also seems confused, though, mirroring Tobio’s silence. His expression only becomes braver when Ms. Hinata squeezes his hand, fondly ruffling his curls.

Shoyo puffs out his chest and cheeks as he says, “My name is Hinata Shoyo!!” His voice is thin and a bit loud, which startles Tobio. “I love lots of sports, like baseball, basketball and football, and I wanna love volleyball, too, so please teach me how to play!!!!” He bows exaggeratedly, his tiny hand still attached to his mother’s.

Kazuyo-san grins gently at the mysterious boy and takes Tobio’s hand in his to show that everything is okay. Go ahead and make friends with him.

Tobio blinks again, still confused. Who is that boy? Why is he so orange and loud? And why does he seem like a fluffy tangerine? He still doesn't understand what's happening, but before anyone else can say anything, Shoyo lifts his head again.

“I don't know why my hair is orange,” he says in a lower tone, sounding sort of sad. Tobio feels an unknown sentiment lingering in Shoyo’s voice, like a huge desire to be accepted and become a part of his world. “But please, don't make fun of me. I swear it won't burn if you touch it!!”

“Oh, dear! We already talked about this,” Ms. Hinata crouches until she's almost the height of her child. Shoyo looks up at her with a pout, but his expression softens as soon as his mother caresses his messy curls. Her gaze is just so fond and full. “You were born from me, but also from the sun! That's why you're ginger, cute and fluffy like this.” She squeezes Shoyo’s face so gently and presses many smooches all over his chubby cheeks, making innocent laughs escape his lips.

At that moment, Tobio realizes that that boy must not be from this world. It's not possible for there to exist someone with such energy, a boy who really seems to be a child of the sun.

He is entering Tobio’s world out of nowhere, and for some reason he can't close the doors anymore.

The two spend the whole morning in the free zone of the court, just passing the ball to each other. Shoyo seems extremely overjoyed to be playing here with Tobio, to be living through his first volleyball experience with him by his side. Tobio can't fully understand him, but he sort of identifies with Shoyo. Some kids at school tend to make fun of Tobio because he only cares about volleyball and loves being on the court most. It's different with this sunny boy. It's different and wonderful in the little world where they just pass the ball back and forth as if they were playing with stars in the sky. Tobio feels something in his heart. He feels like he's also having fun with that strange, tiny human being.

It's a mutual feeling from day one.

A thousand rays of sunlight are coming out in spectrums from within Tobio, as if bottled emotions can flow naturally just by being here, playing with the sun. Just by sharing his passion with another vehement human.

Tobio is so excited by his inner joy that when Shoyo accidentally throws the ball too high, he takes the distance to run and spikes it with his tiny, chubby hand. Tobio does exactly as Kazuyo taught him: breathe, focus and fly. As it is a lighter ball, he can sink it into the floor with a soft sound, leaving Shoyo completely wonderstruck.

“Wahhhhh!!! You can fly!!!” He exclaims in awe, big, brown eyes twinkling in a vast spectrum of colors and adoration. “Tobio, you can fly!!!” Shoyo repeats his words as if he'd just discovered a treasure, like a pink pearl inside an oyster.

Tobio stares at him and feels all fuzzy inside. “I only jumped.” He picks up the ball and turns to Shoyo so they can continue passing the ball, but the orange boy seems to have other plans in mind.

“Nooo, you flew!!! I saw with my two big eyes!!” He beams. “I wanna do that, too. Please, teach me how to fly!!!” Shoyo is jumping up and down now, his face almost split in two due to how wide his smile is.

Tobio feels something in his heart. He kind of wishes he had someone flying with him, maybe hitting his sets.

“Okay,” he caves. Tobio has the slight impression that it's difficult to refuse anything when the sun is burning so pleasantly on his skin and heart. “Let's practice like this: you throw the ball to me, I set it high and you run to spike it.”

Shoyo sways from side to side like a dandelion in the wind, way too excited. “Got it!!!!!”

The morning flies by with them training in the spot most highlighted by the sunbeams. It had been a long time since Tobio had sounded and had so much fun during a simple morning training. He runs the back of his hand across his damp forehead and notices Kazuyo-san watching them surreptitiously, a subtle smile on his lips. Once again, that warm, fuzzy feeling tickles Tobio’s tummy as his cheeks flush pink.

Tobio looks away and keeps throwing the ball to Shoyo. His jumps are good but he still can't get the timing right for his palm to meet the ball mid-air. Shoyo is upset, taking a deep breath while leaning on his knees, but Tobio praises his jumps and rekindles the warm flame that usually burns in his features.

Yes, they just met but Tobio is already used to the genuine happiness that usually shines from that boy.

When the whistle blows in the distance, the sound announcing the end of the girls’ training, Tobio creates a scenario in his head and visualizes himself on the court, in an official match. Shoyo throws the ball to him, more confident this time, and starts running without fear. Tobio realizes that he is not afraid when he is around Shoyo. He feels like he can do anything with that boy, anything anywhere in the world as long as they're together.

A flame lights up inside him and he calmly inhales as the ball kisses his fingertips and Tobio sends it skyward in a flawless rainbow. The sunlight that streams through the large windows’ glass hits right where the ball reaches, but it is the silhouette of Shoyo jumping, no, of him flying towards the ball that leaves Tobio almost blind. It's as if a thin golden veil is floating in the air when Shoyo’s palm finally meets the ball gifted by Tobio, the sound ringing in his ears and imprinting into his soul.

Just like Tobio did before, Shoyo manages to send the volleyball straight to the other side of the court in a perfect, smooth spike. He lands shaking on his feet, in disbelief at what he just did. It's his first volleyball training session and Shoyo had just accomplished a striking feat. Tobio is amazed. Shoyo not only has very good jumps but he can also catch up to Tobio anywhere and fly in any direction he wants, just to reach his sets.

Just to reach him anywhere.

They will always meet halfway in heaven and on earth, it seems.

When Shoyo beams at him again, all pink, sweaty and radiant like the sun, toothy grin showing off an adorable teeth-gap, Tobio also feels capable of chasing that sun over and over again, just to meet him in every single universe possible.

☀️

Shoyo is ten years old when he becomes an older brother.

He was born on the first day of summer and little Hinata Natsu comes into this world on the last day of the season. She smells like talcum powder and is as small as green seedlings in spring gardens. Shoyo now understands the nicknames his mother gave him over the years. Sunshine, sunflower and tangerine—Natsu is all that and much more. She makes Shoyo’s chest swell with unbreakable fondness and his eyes water from the first time he held her in his arms. She has little ginger curls like his, and skin as pale and warm as homemade buns.

Shoyo feels like he could stop the whole world if it meant protecting her.

“There, there, Nat-chan,” he rocks from side to side on the living room sofa, holding his tiny sister with much care. She is all bundled up in a cloth with embroidered bunnies, her sleep-heavy eyelids falling little by little. “Your big brother is incredible and will defend you even in your dreams.”

Natsu smiles in her sleep and Shoyo can swear she's dreaming with him. He feels again a mix of feelings in which he wants to protect her, like he wants to protect everyone he loves.

Hinata Shoyo is a short, 10-year-old boy who loves volleyball and goes to great lengths to defend his loved ones. Shoyo’s knees are covered with bandaids, but the scars there are the result of acts of courage, in Shoyo’s words; or shenanigans, according to his mother.

He would like to hold Natsu a little longer, but just as she lulls into a peaceful slumber, their mother appears to pick her up and says that Shoyo can invite Tobio to dinner after their volleyball training with Kazuyo-san.

Shoyo doesn't go to the same school as his best friend, but he often goes there just to meet him at the exit. Tobio was by his side when Natsu was born, and Shoyo tells him all the details of how he has taken care of her since she arrived home. She still can't eat anything other than breast milk, but when she grows up I will prepare many yummy meals for her , that's what Shoyo said.

Still thinking about Natsu, Shoyo stops at a drinks machine and grabs a bottle of strawberry yogurt (Tobio’s favorites). He smiles non-stop as he passes through the school gate. It's already fall and maple leaves pave the way in shades of brown, orange and yellow. The wind no longer carries warm notes and it's pleasant enough to drink hot chocolate under the covers. Maybe Tobio wants to do that with Shoyo tonight. They can share the same blanket in front of the fireplace while holding hot ceramic mugs and chatting about the teams they play for.

Shoyo is humming, thinking about a caramel hot chocolate recipe, when he finally spots Tobio in the hallway. His back is turned towards him as he talks to three other children, who Shoyo thinks are classmates, and they all hold colorful portable video games in their hands. Shoyo approaches with a big grin, but stops upon noticing Tobio’s rigid body.

Even though he can't see his face, Shoyo feels something off.

“Hey, Tobio!” A boy with spiky, dark hair says with a smirk. “Is it true you don't have any video games?”

Tobio curls his fingers around his backpack straps, searching for a place to hold on to. “Yeah…” He mutters.

“Wow! Not even a single one?” The kid insists. Shoyo doesn't like his tone for some reason.

“Not one,” Tobio replies under his breath.

Suddenly, the spiky-haired boy and the other two burst into laughter.

“You're kidding!!” A boy with bowl-cut hair teases. “That’s so lame!!!” They all continue laughing in contempt and Shoyo feels he must do something.

They don't understand Tobio like he does. He is the coolest and most talented child in Shoyo’s eyes.

He clutches the bottle of yogurt to his chest and stomps forward. Tobio startles at the sound of his steps and Shoyo stands still in front of him like a shield, heart pounding intensely and pulsing with courage.

“Tobio isn't lame at all!!!” Shoyo pipes in and gestures with his hands, almost as if he's dancing awkwardly. “He is quite the opposite ‘cause he plays volleyball which is the coolest thing ever, and his sets are the best in the whole world!!! He's teaching me volleyball, and even if we play on different teams, we'll reach the world stage together one day!!”

No one says anything for long seconds. The sound of Shoyo’s labored breathing is the only symphony here as Spiky-Hair gapes at him.

It's Bowl-Cut boy who comes to his rescue, “Aren't you too short to play volleyball? Also, I caught Giratina just yesterday so I'm way cooler!!”

Shoyo pouts. “But have you ever set the ball to an incredible spiker and made him feel like he was flying? Have you ever done any service ace? Have you had a volleyball jersey since you were eight years old?” Shoyo puffs out his chest and feels a wave of pride wash over him. Tobio is undeniably so amazing, how do they not realize that?

As none of them respond, Shoyo continues, “I think you haven't, right? Now leave my friend alone, please.” He bows in a perfect 90° angle and turns to smile at his best friend. “We're gonna play a funner game soon!! Right, Tobio?”

It's the first time of the day Shoyo locks eyes with him, and he's frozen in place. His mouth is slightly open in surprise and his big blue eyes are focused on Shoyo, twinking with subtle sparkles. There's a faded pink dusting his cheeks and Shoyo wonders if it's the same shade as the yogurt he holds. Tobio still grips the backpack strap tightly and Shoyo fears that he might be uncomfortable or even scared, so he pulls him by the hand.

“Come on, silly,” he laces their fingers together and starts walking away, no longer caring about the other children there.

To Shoyo’s delight, none of those kids are quarrelsome so they don't follow him and Tobio on the way out of the school. Their hands remain warm and inseparable even when they stop under the shade of an apple tree. Some white petals swirl in the air and land on Shoyo’s disheveled curls, standing out against the copper tone. Shoyo smiles calmly, knowing that Tobio is safe now, and remembers that he’s still holding something in his other hand.

“Ah!! I forgot to give you this,” he reveals the pink yogurt bottle and offers it to Tobio. “I picked it up on my way here. It's your favorite!!” Shoyo beams.

Tobio looks at him with an unreadable expression. He pouts and takes the yogurt reluctantly, looking away soon after. His round cheeks are still colored with light pink and Shoyo wonders if it's the effect of the sun.

“Why did you do that?” Tobio grumbles after a while and lets go of Shoyo’s hand. “They could have kicked your ass.”

“I wouldn't let them hurt your feelings!! They were insulting you, Tobio! How can they do that when you're so gwahhhh and amazing??”

“I don't care what they say. You could have gotten hurt, dumbass,” he says in a lower, softer tone. He doesn't meet Shoyo’s eyes as he uncaps the bottle of yogurt and starts sipping it.

Shoyo stares at him without knowing what to say. He just wanted to protect Tobio, nothing more. He wanted to protect his honor and show that he will always be by Tobio’s side. But now… his shoulders are heavy with guilt for making his friend worry. Shoyo feels a little selfish about it, yeah, but knowing that Tobio cares so much about his well-being warms his heart and massages his insides with peaceful comfort.

“I'm sorry, Tobio,” Shoyo says after a while, the wind playing with his curls and kissing his warm skin. “I promise I won't get in trouble. But if someone dares to insult your honor, let me defend you! I can be your personal bodyguard!!”

“I don't need a bodyguard,” Tobio takes one last sip of yogurt and throws the bottle in the nearest trash can. “I just want someone to hit my sets. Think you can do that?”

Shoyo’s smile grows wider. “You bet!!!”

“Good.” They start walking down the sidewalk and Tobio opens a tiny smile. “Hey, Shoyo.”

“Hmm??”

Tobio squeezes his backpack straps like he did earlier. Perhaps it's a habit when he's nervous or can't pick the right words to voice. “Thanks for the yogurt. And, well, for defending me.”

Shoyo feels like he's about to explode with joy. “Anytime for you, pal!!!” He winds an arm around Tobio’s shoulders and gives him a tight, side hug. “Want to have hot chocolate at home after training?”

“Only if your bumps are good enough.”

“NO FAIR!!!” Shoyo whines. “You know I still suck at receiving!!”

The corners of Tobio’s lips tug up in amusement. “Just do one proper dig and I will come over.”

“Deal!!!” They quicken their steps and soon start racing to the gym where Kazuyo-san is waiting for them.

Shoyo always feels stronger when he's around Tobio. Sprinkles of hope always pepper his soul whenever they are together, and that day, Shoyo realizes that he'd go to the ends of the earth if it means having Tobio sound and safe by his side.

⛰️

Tobio is 13 years old when he finds out that Kazuyo-san has a rare disease.

He should have noticed that the number of times his grandpa went to the hospital was quite high. Tobio thinks he should have told Kazuyo-san that it was okay if he couldn't watch his games; that was okay if he just wanted to rest at home. He could have done more for him... Tobio feels he could have been a better grandson. But now it's done and he can't do much. Kazuyo-san says he's doing okay despite being sick, but Tobio feels like he doesn't want to reveal his real condition to him.

Kageyama Kazuyo has always been a very selfless person after all.

“It looks like Kazuyo-san is going to be hospitalized again,” Tobio says under his breath, staring at the sunset in front of them. The warm, deep tones tend to soothe Tobio, but with everything that's been happening, he feels like he's being sucked into the vast horizon along with the sun.

Shoyo sighs next to him, “Miwa-san told me.” He brings his legs together and hugs them, chin now resting on his scraped knees. “How’re you feeling about it?”

There's a beat of silence stamped only by the wind blowing. “I just want him to get better, nothing else,” Tobio replies without meeting his gaze. He also doesn't want to be sucked in by the immensity of Shoyo’s honey-brown eyes.

“Can we visit him? Mom mentioned she wanted to talk to him, too.”

Tobio nods, albeit reluctantly. He doesn't know quite what else to say, or even do. Sometimes it's hard to remember how to breathe and live.

Sensing his distress, Shoyo moves closer until their sides are pressed together, and wraps an arm around Tobio’s neck.

“Don't worry, friend!!! He squeezes Tobio’s shoulder and does his best to smile big. Shoyo is also worried, Tobio can feel it, but the desire to make him feel good overshadows any fog of anguish and brings back light to his and Tobio’s eyes. “Kazuyo-san will get better soon and watch more and more of our matches!! He needs to see me win the award for best elementary player after defeating you!!”

To his own surprise, Tobio smiles. “Dumbass. As if I'm going to let you win.”

“You won't let me, but I'll achieve this feat anyway!!” Shoyo cackles until the edges of his eyes are wrinkled in joy. He buries his smiling face in his shoulder and Tobio turns slightly, just enough for Shoyo’s curls to tickle his nose and Tobio’s lungs to fill with the scent of shampoo and fresh fruits.

"We'll see,” it's the last thing Tobio says after flickering his gaze back to the sunset. Somehow the warm colors no longer sadden him.

Shoyo suddenly stands up and throws his arms up in triumph, proclaiming how beautiful the view of the green mountains framing the sun is. He's beaming up there, with the fall wind playing with his unruly curls and turning his cheeks rosier. It looks like he's shining like a star; like he's conquering the world stage and opening a path towards the heavens just so Tobio can find happiness again.

At that moment, Tobio feels like his eyes are sparkling just as much.

He was five years old when he met the sun for the first time.

Tobio is 13 years old now and his personal sun still makes a unique feeling blossom within him. Butterfly wings tickle his belly as his heart beats faster and swells with unwavering devotion.

With a soft smile painting his lips, Tobio agrees that the view from the top is undeniably, unconditionally, and strongly beautiful.

☀️

Shoyo is 14 years old when Kazuyo-san passes away.

Summer skies in Miyagi often present a light shade of blue with sparkles of gold. The clouds are like cotton candy and travel leisurely up there, spouting tranquility to anyone who rests their gaze on them. The air is pure, warm and citric, freshly-picked persimmons always painting the dwellers’ straw baskets during this season.

It's supposed to be a normal day in Shoyo’s life. He'd wake up early to go to school and his mother would frame his freckled cheeks while he eats breakfast, leaving traces of flour and cinnamon on his skin. Natsu would accompany Shoyo to the genkan and wave goodbye as she yawns, reminding him to have lunch at the right time. Shoyo would cycle towards the morning sun as the first beams of light massage his features, and reach Tobio’s house in no time.

They still go to different schools, but their routine has been the same since they were both five years old.

Shoyo would smile at his friend as soon as Tobio left the house and chatter all the way to their destinations. He's always been a good listener and Shoyo has always felt very comfortable sharing the fond words that come out of his mouth. He'd pout upon noticing that Tobio is getting bigger and stronger every day. Shoyo used to be taller than him until a few years ago but now... Tobio is more robust and slender, his silky, dark hair and smooth skin highlighting his natural beauty. Those blue eyes are as intense as ever, an ocean holding little treasures that shine whenever Shoyo locks eyes with him.

The stars in his eyes are a sight to behold, but unfortunately, their gleam is painfully dimmed today.

It's the perfect season to play volleyball, to race along fenced forest trails surrounded by freshwater streams and fruit buds; and even so, the sparkle in Tobio’s eyes fades after that heartbreaking news reaches his ears and soul.

They don't go to school that day. Shoyo’s eyes are puffed out and heavy from crying. He would still be shedding tears if his mother hadn't been the one to tell him yesterday about Kazuyo-san and hug him right after. Shoyo held Natsu tightly in his arms and felt bad for making her cry, too, but it couldn't be helped. There was a lump in his throat and heart, a knot that tightened further with every distant childish laugh in the neighborhood that reminded Shoyo of Kazuyo-san and Tobio.

And if the knot was tight before, it gets worse on the wake’s day. Shoyo feels in shambles again as a single thought crosses his mind.

Tobio.

He and Shoyo wear similar suits and ties, the black fabric hugging their tired bodies and matching the dark circles around their eyes. Many loved ones and friends come to the ceremony and bathe their tatami room in a sense of farewell that no one wants to voice. White and blue hydrangeas frame the picture of a smiling Kazuyo hung on the wall, which feels like the only source of life in the room. He presents a toothy grin as if he had a crescent moon on his lips and the brightness of the stars. Kageyama Kazuyo is such a good man and always will be.

Shoyo refuses to talk about him in the past tense.

He also refuses to leave Tobio’s side, even though his friend seems to want to go astray and get away from everything and everyone throughout the ceremony. Shoyo’s mother and Miwa-nee talk in the living room while Shoyo holds Natsu in his arms. She is already five years old and bigger to be held, but she is still the same sleepy baby in Shoyo’s eyes. Good thing she's sleeping peacefully and unfazed. Shoyo couldn't bear to see Natsu cry any more, so he kisses the top of her head and promises that everything will be okay soon.

Shoyo certainly wouldn't like to see Tobio crying either, but he would be there to wipe his tears if necessary. He would be there for his best friend to share some of his pain until it becomes bearable. Shoyo would and actually is here right now, not only for Kazuyo-san and Miwa, but for Tobio, too.

Thus, Shoyo doesn't think twice when he sees his best friend sneaking out the back door and heading towards the backyard, ignoring the crowd of relatives in the hallway. He follows Tobio’s footsteps until the two of them (and Natsu) are alone in that nostalgic backyard.

The wind still blows warm outside. Natsu squints when the warmth touches her cheeks and plays with her red curls as she turns into a sleepier tiny ball, tightening her arms around Shoyo’s neck. Tobio is staring at the midday sun and doesn't notice that Shoyo is watching him. He looks painfully beautiful with his tired countenance, surrounded by the summery vegetation.

After long painful beats of silence, Shoyo clears his throat and says, “Tobio.” His call comes out weak, and Shoyo fears that more unwelcome tears might run down his cheeks.

But no, he can't cry right now. Shoyo is here for Tobio and Tobio only, and he needs to be strong to lift his friend up regardless of the arduous scars that paint his heart. 

When Tobio turns around, his gaze is not filled with tears, but with emotions Shoyo's never seen on his face before. It's a mix of pain, anger and despair, a burning chemical solution that blocks Tobio’s throat and prevents him from unleashing his sentiments. Shoyo can't even weigh the amount of pain he's been holding on his shoulders.

How long has he been holding in all this anguish and not allowing himself to scream for help?

Shoyo approaches slowly, his footsteps crunching the grass and emitting a sound of rustling leaves. Tobio still hasn't opened his mouth and his eyebrows are furrowed, tired eyes begging for a good night of sleep.

“What?” Tobio finally voices something, though it comes rougher than Shoyo expected.

“I-I'm so sorry,” he blinks his tears away. “I'm really sorry, Tobio.”

Tobio’s frown grows deeper. “For what? You did nothing wrong.” His gaze migrates from Shoyo’s face to the baby he holds carefully in his arms. “Don't cry, dumbass. Natsu might wake up and get sad.”

Shoyo gapes at him with big, brown eyes, sniffling. He can't believe what he's hearing. It's Tobio who should be comforted now, not them; how dare he ignore his own pain to ease the bleeding wound in the hearts of others?

“Are you kidding me?” Shoyo stomps forward. “Don't worry about me or Natsu now, we are here for you!!! Your well-being is what matters to me!!”

“Well, I'm not crying, am I?” Tobio says in a hoarse, tired voice. His eyes darken in the sun and highlight the many sleepless nights on his pale countenance. “Why don't you just go back inside and let me be alone for a while?”

“Because you deserve to voice your feelings when you're going through too much!!!” Shoyo hisses louder than he intended. Now it's done—He explodes. “Because you deserve to be happy, Tobio!!! You deserve to smile and cry fearlessly ‘cause I will be there to hold your hands. You deserve everything so don't isolate yourself, please. I know it's selfish of me but I don't want you to walk away and hide from the world. To hide from me…” Shoyo hiccups and nuzzles himself against Natsu, looking for an anchor to hang on to.

Silence stretches for longer seconds that feel like hours. Shoyo keeps his face buried in the top of Natsu’s head, not looking at Tobio, but he can feel the weight of his gaze. Shoyo’s heart drops and sinks into his stomach, heartbeats speeding up and ringing in his ears like a deafening cacophony.

“Shoyo,” Tobio mutters weakly, regret laced in his voice. Shoyo raises his head again, ready to tell Tobio that he shouldn't blame himself for anything, when another person joins them in the backyard.

Hinata Hitomi steps onto the grass with a welcoming motherly smile. Her nose is red and some black curls escape her loose bun, but she still looks as stunning as the midday sun up there.

“I was looking for you, boys,” she says in a weak but radiant tone. Maybe it runs in the family, being able to smile even in the most difficult times. “Actually, I came to pick up Natsu.” Her eyes zero in on Shoyo. “You've already spent a lot of time with her, son. Let me watch over her now so you can stay with Tobio a little longer.”

None of the boys voice any words. Perhaps they are both blinded by such lightness exuding from a single human being.

Still smiling, Shoyo’s mother approaches until she places a hand on Tobio’s shoulder. Being small also runs in the family, as she barely reaches the height of Tobio’s chest. Of course, something as silly as height doesn't stop Ms. Hinata from tiptoeing to kiss Tobio’s forehead and turning him into a blushing mess. She turns to Shoyo with a fond gaze and kisses the top of his head, taking Natsu from his arms shortly after.

“I'll wait for you both inside,” she snuggles against her daughter and presents her with a gentle forehead kiss as well. “Tobio’s parents are making chickpea curry for dinner. A good meal is very important on days like this.”

Mother bows slightly at them and walks back towards the door, disappearing inside the house.

Now Shoyo truly finds himself alone with his best friend, and still he doesn't know what to do. He absently caresses the mop of orange hair kissed by his mother and opens a tiny smile—the first one of the day. 

“Hey, Yama,” Shoyo meets Tobio’s eyes and almost melts in the face of so much melancholy. “Sorry for pressuring you before. Want to talk?”

“Not now,” Tobio sighs. “I just need to be quiet for a while.”

Shoyo smiles in understanding. “Okay. Can I be quiet with you?”

Tobio’s eyes run over Shoyo from head to toe and he feels a shiver down his spine as he notices his expression softening. “Maybe. As long as you're not being annoying,” he teases with a faded grin.

To Shoyo’s surprise, he finds strength in himself to chuckle. “For your information, I'm never annoying. Ever!!!” He lightly punches Tobio’s arm and thanks the heavens for the lightness that blooms around them at that moment.

The air becomes calmer as time passes by. The two lean back over the garden fence and watch the summer sky and all its beauty. Shoyo sighs as he watches little cranes migrating to the mountains, and snuggles closer to Tobio’s side. He is so warm and cozy. Shoyo feels like clasping their hands together to sense if there is as much heat stored between his fingers.

“I miss him,” it's Tobio who breaks the silence. Shoyo looks up at him with inquisitiveness, giving him a comfortable, safe space to talk about whatever sentiments are troubling him. “I don't know how it's gonna be without Kazuyo-san. I… I didn't know a world like this could exist.”

Shoyo swallows hard, “Neither did I.”

Tobio goes quiet again and his breathing gets heavier. He closes his eyes as he enjoys the wind that kisses his face and bathes himself in a rare inner peace.

Once again, Shoyo is going to be selfish. He doesn't care much about the means now, he just wants to demonstrate to Tobio that he can open up at any time. Words are not necessary, since even in the painful silence, Shoyo will be there to hold his hand and never let go.

Shoyo leans against Tobio and rests his head on his shoulder. It's annoying how much taller he is now—Shoyo can barely rest his chin on his chest. Tobio’s breath itches and he looks down at Shoyo, clearly confused. It's quite adorable.

“He will be eternal in our hearts. Forever,” Shoyo smiles. “Would it be okay if I hugged you now?”

They hold eye-contact for a few seconds. The blue of Tobio’s gaze shines with unshed tears and sprinkles of affection, a shade as beautiful as the hydrangeas that decorate Kazuyo-san’s altar. Those flowers are his all-time favorites, and Shoyo can't help but wonder if Tobio also loves them.

“Yeah,” Tobio breathes out shakily, a whisper lost in the wind.

Just like every word Tobio says, Shoyo bottles them up and smiles like he's the coolest guy in the world. Shoyo straightens up and stands in front of Tobio, hopeful. He may be way taller than him now, but just like his mother taught him a few seconds ago, Shoyo ignores the ‘height’ detail and pulls Tobio by his nape until his friend finds a home against his shoulder. Tobio holds his breath and goes stiff, not knowing how to return the hug. Shoyo gives him all the time in the world and strokes his hair between his fingers, burying his face in the top of his head. Tobio sighs in comfort and finally curls his arms around Shoyo, snuggling closer against his friend’s body.

“I’m here, Tobi,”  Shoyo murmurs into his scalp. “I’m here.”

“Dumbass,” Tobio chuckles weakly. “Thanks for being here.”

The wind continues to blow around and wrap them like a cozy blanket. They remain lost in each other’s arms, just inhaling their natural scent and listening to their mixed breaths. Shoyo’s heart beats faster and he feels lighter after hours of agony not knowing what his future with Tobio would be like from now on.

It turns out that a lot of things will change, and even so, a lot will still be the same, since they have always been and will remain together.

When they break away minutes later, Shoyo believes their tomorrow will have tears and smiles, sadness and happiness, but as long as they are together, they will be fine. He beams up at Tobio and runs the pads of his thumbs across the damp skin of Tobio’s cheeks.

“I'm always here. For you,” Shoyo repeats with intensity, sealing the first of several promises that would mark his story with his one and only partner.

⛰️

Tobio is 15 years old when he finds out what love is.

He may have had contact with love in its purest form when he was born and Kazuyo-san was the first to hold him in his arms. Tobio may have found love when he held Miwa’s volleyball for the first time before he even turned one year old. He also found love once he stepped onto a court at the age of three, the smell of wood, sweat and sun becoming familiar and welcoming like his grandfather’s hug.

During Tobio’s 15 years of life, he felt and found love in various forms and situations, most often related to volleyball and his family. He felt love run through his veins every time Kazuyo-san held his hand on the way to practice, or even when Miwa offered him a bowl of warm katsudon for dinner. Tobio really thought he'd felt all possible forms of this sentiment, that he had already explored love in all its layers.

But in the same way that Hinata Shoyo came into his life as the embodiment of the sun, he once again bestows Tobio with a new golden veil of this feeling that makes him unconditionally fall in love yet again.

And it feels way different this time.

It's spring of freshman year of high school. Cherry and plum blossoms dance like ballerinas in the air and welcome Shoyo and Tobio at the entrance ceremony based in the school garden. The wind is fresh with remnants of winter as the sky shines with all the pinkies and whites of the season’s flowers.

Falling in love wasn't in Tobio’s High School To-Do List in any means, and yes, he may be misinterpreting things; but the way his heart flutters that day feels way too different. Butterflies take flight in his stomach and throw a party that sprouts a beautiful bouquet of warm feelings. It's as if flowers are being born inside Tobio, painting his insides with a mix of comfort, longing and desire.

It's like… Tobio wants something.

He wants and longs for Hinata Shoyo.

Tobio wants to belong to his best friend albeit the insecurities regarding his sentiments. He is insecure and scared, yes, but his feelings for Shoyo are not new. They have been slowly filling Tobio’s heart for years and years, until it finally overflows today.

“I’m here,” Shoyo shouts from the top, flying as the sunbeams bathe him in butterscotch light.

As always, Tobio follows his call and sends the ball straight into Shoyo’s palm. He spikes it with all his might, enough to sink it on the other side of the court; the Karasuno captain, Sawamura Daichi, not arriving in time to receive it.

After scoring, Shoyo turns to face Tobio with unwavering determination, sweat running down his reddened skin. He looks right into Tobio’s eyes and swears that he will reach all of his tosses anywhere and at any time. Everywhere. Because you're the one who allows me to fly, Tobio.

I want to stay on the court the longest, is what Shoyo vows afterwards, which is also Tobio’s desire ever since he discovered volleyball. He wants to breathe, sweat and feel alive on the court, doing what he loves most. This is a future Tobio sees clearly before him, and because Shoyo wishes the same for himself—for both of them, in fact—it swells Tobio’s chest with hope for a tomorrow where he experiences the best of volleyball alongside the person he now knows he loves.

Damn. He loves and wants Shoyo to love him back and visualize their future with renewed lenses.

“Earth to Kageyama Tobio,” Shoyo snaps his fingers in his field of vision and brings Tobio back to reality. “Hey, are you listening to me?”

Tobio blinks in bewilderment, resuming eating his bento soon after. “Yeah,” he says simply. What else can he say? Tobio has just discovered that he likes his best friend, no, that he loves Hinata Shoyo in every possible way.

Tobio may have introduced him to volleyball, but Shoyo introduced him to a new layer of love that Tobio never imagined he would feel.

“Liar!!! Don't ignore me, geez,” Shoyo shifts on the bench and sighs to the sky. “Playing with you today made me so happy, Tobio. I hadn't won a game in a long time. Even better, it was against that stupid Tsukishima!!”

Tobio can't suppress the soft chuckle that leaves his mouth, “He deserved that.”

“I know!!” Shoyo beams confidently. “Now he understands he can't mess with us. And honestly, it's good to have taller people on the team.” His smile is still sparkling on his lips, but Shoyo sighs dreamily to the clouds, brown eyes shining with hope.

Tobio takes the last piece of sunomono to his mouth and frowns, suddenly upset.

“Oi, quit thinking about being super tall so you can be the ace,” Tobio flicks his forehead. “Haven't you seen the potential you have, distracting all those blockers and scoring with your speed?”

Shoyo opens and closes his mouth like a fish, “W-What? I wasn't thinking about… I mean…” He exhales when Tobio’s gaze grows heavier. “Okay, maybe I was thinking about being a few centimeters taller… But just a few!!!”

Tobio scoffs, “Dumbass.”

“Don't call me a dumbass, dumbass!!!” Shoyo sticks his tongue out at him. “Anyway, I was also thinking about how lucky I am, to have a setter like you by my side, giving me the best tosses in the whole world!!!”

“Don't be clingy.”

“I'm not.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Nah, I'm just telling the truth,” Shoyo smiles at Tobio as if he were the creator of all the wonders in existence, the painter of all the stars in the sky.

Tobio feels butterflies in his stomach as heat creeps up his skin, his face turning cherry pink and warm. He really wants to tease Shoyo just to annoy or make him laugh again, but he can't. His limbs are frozen in place, heart pounding intensely and growing too big for his chest. Tobio can't react to this new feeling, he cannot bare his heart to the sun nor the moon yet, so he just stares back at Shoyo with his fists clenched over his knees.

After many heartbeats and labored intakes of air, Shoyo’s gaze flickers downward to his white knuckles and he frowns. “Tobio! Your hands are so pale,” Shoyo rests his hands on Tobio’s and squeezes them carefully. “Are you sick?”

He's not sick now but could faint at any moment. “What? Of course not,” Tobio manages to say, but it's impossible to pull his hands away. Shoyo’s palms are so warm and inviting, the calluses on his fingers nostalgic in some way.

Tobio wishes he could just intertwine their fingers together and run his thumb over the small scar Shoyo has on his index finger. He wishes he could kiss that little mark that was born after Shoyo fell from a tree at the age of seven.

“We better go to the infirmary,” Shoyo continues, eyebrows drawn together as he keeps stroking Tobio’s hands. He has no idea that Tobio will need to be admitted to the ICU if he continues touching him like that. “I don't want you to get sick.”

Tobio finds the strength to pull his hand and flick Shoyo’s forehead again, harder this time.

“Ouch! Stop, I'm just worried about you!!!”

“Worry about yourself,” Tobio smirks, finding the red hues coloring his friend’s forehead quite amusing. “Let's go back. I wanna go home sooner today.” He gets up and Shoyo mirrors his movements, big eyes full of glimmer as he strokes his reddened forehead.

“Is our study session for tonight still on?” When Tobio nods shyly, Shoyo cheers. “Yayyyy, I miss Miwa-nee so much!!”

“Are you going to study or to see my sister?”

“Both!!” Shoyo giggles. “And of course, I wanna spend more time with my bestie, too.” He grabs onto Tobio’s arm and squeezes it, still smiling up at him.

“Idiot,” Tobio mutters, but there’s no bitterness in his tone. They walk back down the hallway and Shoyo only lets go of Tobio when he leaves him at the door of his classroom.

His warmth lasts in Tobio’s body; it tingles his skin like soft leaves and makes him miss Shoyo immediately. He hopes to be able to bask in his natural, welcoming energy later and even bottle up that beautiful smile to keep forever in his pocket.

Tobio is 15 years old when he finds that he's in love with his best friend.

And he will certainly continue to love him for all the springs, summers and any seasons that this world still has to offer.

☀️

Shoyo is 17 years old when love hits him like a truck.

If truth be told, the sentiment may have been hidden inside him for many years, but it is one night that Shoyo finally manages to give those mysterious, intense heartbeats a name.

Such a feeling is even quintessential, having remained in hibernation for so long and entering Shoyo’s life in the most exquisite form. It's sort of painful to feel your heart swell with so many sentiments out of nowhere. It's spine-chilling, a beautiful mystery, but Shoyo allows himself to feel extremes if it means he can love and perhaps be loved by Kageyama Tobio.

“Your hair is getting longer and longer, Hinata!!” Yachi smiles gently at him after the end of today’s training. Her ponytail dances as she throws a volleyball into the basket, sunset casting a bright light in her blonde locks. She used to be so afraid and insecure to step on the court. Seeing her more confident here makes Shoyo’s heart warm. “The curls are so beautiful and voluminous.”

“No! I mean, yes!!!” Shoyo blushes and slurs his words. “Thanks, Yachi-san!!”

“It looks more like a bird’s nest,” Tsukishima mocks from the wall he leans on, and Ennoshita sighs next to him.

“It looks great, Hinata,” the Karasuno captain compliments with a soft grin. “Now, let's finish packing everything so we can stop by Sakanoshita market. Today’s buns are on me.”

The entire team, with the exception of Tsukishima, celebrates jumping up and down in anticipation. Winter is already here and they all should be on vacation, but as their time with the third years is running out, everyone is doing their best to make the most of it.

Coach Ukai ends up spoiling his energetic children and giving free buns to the whole team. He praises Ennoshita for his good work throughout the year and for being an inspiration to the next captain, Yamaguchi. The aforementioned person smiles and even bows before Ennoshita, shouting that he will do his best for Karasuno with the teachings that were passed on to him. Nishinoya and Tanaka approach to hug Ennoshita, one on each side, as soon as he starts to tear up a bit. Shoyo feels his own eyes water, too, thinking with fondness how Daichi must be super proud of them as well.

Another year has ended, and another one is about to start. New beginnings are scary but exciting like recently developed feelings, heart-warming like falling in love. At least that's how Shoyo imagines the sensations to be.

He and Tobio are the last to leave the market and walk home together. Shoyo takes the last bite of his bun and exhales hot breath into the cold air, sounding pretty much delighted.

He throws his used napkin in a public trash can and tiptoes to whisper in Tobio’s ear, “Hey, Yama.” Tobio is startled by the heat of Shoyo’s breath against his ear, and Shoyo laughs, pulling away a little. “Let's play more volleyball later at my place. Natsu complained it's been a while since we've done that.”

Tobio touches the shell of his ear with his fingertips as his mouth tugs up subtly, “She's right. It's been a while…” he repeats under his breath, pink on the cheeks. A few snowflakes accumulate on his long eyelashes and seem to make the blue of his eyes crystallize beautifully. Shoyo feels like pushing the snow away with his thumbs, but fears that Tobio’s smile might disappear with it.

He can't take the risk.

“It’s settled, then!!” Shoyo cheers.

They leisurely head towards the road that leads to the mountains, right where the Hinata’s household is located. Shoyo takes his bike next to him as he walks by Tobio’s side and yaps freely in the sunset winter. His friend wears a dark blue scarf and thick gloves, seeming so warm all bundled up like a burrito. Shoyo wears a green scarf and mittens, his now longer red curls serving as a toasty cap, which is perfect for the season.

It may look like a fluffy bird’s nest, but there are evils that come with good.  And Shoyo loves his hair so he's cool with it.

Natsu pops up running to meet them as soon as Shoyo slides the door open. Just like seven-years-old Shoyo once was, Natsu has the same burst of infinite energy and the wide smile on her face—a little girl in search of new adventures.

“Nii-chan!! Tobio-nii!! I was waiting for you guys,” she giggles and shows off her lovable teeth-gap, curling her chubby fingers around Tobio’s wrist. “Come on, Tobio-nii!! Nii-chan just wants to have you for himself and won't let me see you anymore.”

“Don't be dramatic, you sneaky bean,” Shoyo chuckles and kicks his shoes off at the genkan. Tobio does the same without breaking away from Natsu’s hold and the girl starts jumping up and down in anticipation.

She has always been very attached to him. Tobio feels insecure as he doesn't know how to deal with children, but perhaps he has a secret gift and a soft spot for Natsu, since the two get along so well. Both Shoyo and Natsu love having Tobio around, and he feels vastly giddy by how his little sister trusts her soul to both of them.

“Shoyo, are you home?” Mom suddenly peeks out from the tatami room with a steaming cup of tea held between her palms. Her hair is also longer and the rebellious curls give her a more youthful appearance. Perhaps it runs in the family to remain in the springtime of life even as you grow older. “Ah, Tobio!! Welcome home, boys.”

Tobio bows politely. “Thanks for having me.”

“Tadaima, mom,” Shoyo takes off his gloves and starts walking down the hallway. “The three of us are gonna play volleyball before dinner, kay?”

Mom sighs, smiling. “Well, there's no way I can stop you, right?” She cards her fingers across Shoyo’s curls and scratches at his scalp like she used to do when he was younger. “Don't stay out too late. It's very cold and I don't wanna see anyone fainting before eating the miso soup with tofu I'm preparing!”

“We'd never do anything to avoid eating your food,” Shoyo promises. Then, he turns to Tobio and Natsu again and smiles triumphantly. “Let's go you two, otherwise you will be eating dust!!!” He dashes towards the back door, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps behind him.

There is no visible green in the rural landscapes outside. The backyard’s grass is all covered in snow, and the few visible bushes are dry. Despite the pale climate, the three begin to pass the ball to each other as some stars twinkling in the nighty sky watch over them. Shoyo decides to start light so that Natsu feels more confident playing. She improved a lot in the few months she started training at school and home. Both Shoyo and Tobio are proud of her trajectory so far, and seeing that optimistic child taking her first steps in volleyball is nostalgic. It reminds Shoyo of when he met Tobio years ago and fell in love for the first time. He fell in love with flying and being free, and Tobio was always good at making him feel like that—strong and invincible.

“You gotta pay attention to where the volleyball is falling and adjust your body,” Tobio turns words into actions and puts his hands up, teaching Natsu some good hand movements to do when setting high. “Relax your fingers and form a triangle above your head. Position your feet properly, and bend your knees. Then, just let the volleyball meet your fingers in a smooth movement.”

After he says this, Natsu throws the ball high into the air and Tobio sets it elegantly. Shoyo can't resist and jumps to spike the ball, smiling big until it hits the snow like a round stamp.

Natsu’s eyes glow in awe, “I think I get it.” She puts her hands up and imitates Tobio, making an adorable pout.

Tobio chuckles fondly, “Yes, that's right. You're doing well, Natsu.” He looks at Shoyo out of the corner of his eye and smiles mischievously. “Better than your brother.”

Shoyo was also memorizing Tobio’s teachings by heart but he rolls his eyes after the insult.

“Idiot, I could be a better setter than you if I wanted to,” he turns up his nose.

“You wish.” Tobio continues to teach Natsu and Shoyo can't take the provocation any further.

Shoyo catches himself smiling goofily as he stares at his best friend with a fond gaze. Tobio is such a great inspiration in Natsu’s life, and in his as well. Shoyo understands that he is a better player now because of Tobio, who always believed he could fly higher.

Honestly, the universe could not have given a better person to cross Shoyo’s life. 

And it’s quite endearing to see that Tobio is loved by the whole family.

Just like her children, Mama Hinata also thinks fondly of him. She serves the soup an hour later, smiling nonstop while the three eat and hum between spoonfuls. The small dining table is full in that peaceful winter, filled with affection and love stored in those dishes. The chocolate pie with green tea is a delicious surprise and the cherry on top to end their dinner with a flourish.

Shoyo thought about going back to play a little more, but his belly is so full that fatigue falls on him. Tobio also feels the same way, Shoyo can tell. It's clear from his slightly lowered eyes and the serene expression he wears. Tobio is always drowsier after eating.

Shoyo laughs softly to himself, amused by his soft countenance, and Tobio turns to face him.

“What?” He pouts. They are sitting side by side in the back doorway, feet covered in thick socks as they play with the snow outside. It's supposed to be cold, but Shoyo feels extremely warm with Tobio’s body pressed against his.

He can't hold himself back so he leans against his friend’s shoulder, seeking for more of his warmth.

“Nothing. Just thinking how you're extremely goofy and soft at the end of the day.” Shoyo smiles into his sweater. Tobio smells like chocolate and sun. “I like it.”

It's difficult to see Tobio from this angle; Shoyo can only hear his breath catching in his throat.

“Says who, dumbass?”

“Says me, of course.”

Tobio snorts, “You're an idiot.” He wants to sound grumpy but hasn't pushed Shoyo away yet, which is proof that he's indeed softer tonight. “And you're the goofy one here. All the time.”

Shoyo hums. “Am I soft too?”

“No. Just annoying,” Tobio voices such a sweet, almost inaudible tone and rests his chin on top of Shoyo’s head. Shoyo snuggles closer against him and inhales his natural homely scent.

Soon, Tobio’s trembling hand reaches out to brush some unruly curls away, tickling Shoyo’s skin with warmth. He giggles into Tobio’s shoulder and nuzzles himself against his neck, suddenly wanting more and more. Shoyo wants to hug Tobio and dive into his embrace, he wants Tobio’s fingertips dancing across his scalp and playing with his curls.

Ambition wins at that moment and Shoyo does everything he's been craving for. He throws himself against Tobio and his weight causes him to fall backwards onto the wooden floor, a disheveled Shoyo grinning sheepishly above him. Tobio grumbles as they lace their fingers together in a fight for the upper hand—a fight that he loses for now. Shoyo can't stop laughing and a few low laughs escape Tobio’s mouth, too. He just hopes that the noise doesn't reach his mother and Natsu’s ears, who have already retired to sleep.

“See? You're really soft tonight, Yama,” Shoyo teases and squeezes both of Tobio’s hands. “Soft-Yama Tobio-kun is your new name!!!”

He should have thought about the dangers before letting that provocation come out, but it's too late. In the blink of an eye, Tobio grabs at Shoyo’s sides and flips him until his back meets the floor. Tobio rushes over and pins him there, fingers crawling up Shoyo’s palms shortly after as their fingers intertwine yet again. Shoyo is already breathless from laughing so much and the feeling of that familiar warm skin squeezing him makes his heart leap in his chest.

“Who is the soft one now?” Tobio whispers, breathlessly. His lips are parted and puffs of hot breath hit Shoyo’s face like a tiny fan.

Their faces are just inches apart and Shoyo swallows hard. “It's still you, Tobio,” he murmurs. “It's always been you.”

Neither of them says anything else for long seconds. Night is now filled only by the sound of their labored breathing. Reluctantly, Tobio frees himself from one of Shoyo’s hands and reaches out to cup one of his rosy, lovingly tracing the tiny freckles with his thumb. Shoyo’s face is actually red now. It's burning. He feels an intense fire being lit in his body and expelling flames to all his organs.

It's winter but Shoyo burns more than the sun. He is reborn like a phoenix beneath those tender fingers and melts into a puddle in the face of those oceanic eyes.

Oh. It's love that hits Shoyo that night, stronger than a snow avalanche. It's love that makes Shoyo sigh, blush and allow himself to be transparent in front of that boy he's known since childhood. It is solely and exclusively love that makes Shoyo feel lost and more alive at the same time. It is the love for Tobio that makes him smile awkwardly after such a discovery, and makes him slowly rise to throw himself into Tobio’s arms; into his home.

Shoyo says nothing. He doesn't pronounce his feelings so that the moon and nature hear him; and still, it's enough for him for now.

Tobio doesn't question the unexpected hug and just winds his arms around Shoyo, breathing in the natural scent stored in his hair. Shoyo smiles against his chest and explodes into millions of stars, his heartbeats confirming that what he feels for Kageyama Tobio is love in its most genuine form.

Shoyo is seventeen years old when his love for his best friend blooms even in the infertile soil of winter.

And this feeling will continue to flourish in every season, for every year, until the last beat of his heart whispers one last I love you to his partner of all lives.

⛰️

Tobio is 18 years old when he graduates from high school.

Spring is the stage for the graduation ceremony with its cherry and plum trees at their peak of flowering, and its characteristic coral pink filter. It's late March and the blooming landscape symbolizes a new beginning with the arrival of the season. A new phase is ending, making room for another to begin soon.

Tobio can't say he's nervous about it. He's calm akin to the pinkish branches rustling in the wind, a boat sailing with the water flow. Everyone says it was obvious he'd be recruited by a team in no time, and here he is, with an invitation to join the V.League next month as a starting setter. Tobio has been a fan of the Schweiden Adlers since his childhood, as he used to watch the team’s games on an old television with his grandfather.

It couldn't be better, right? Tobio will be playing professionally soon, and Shoyo will be taking a year to train, study and save money before heading to Brazil. His friend said he'd train beach volleyball and indoors as well, so Tobio is confident that they will indeed face each other one day at the highest point of Japanese volleyball. Just like their promise once vowed.

Despite being oceans away, Shoyo will stay strong, healthy and keep in touch with Tobio, returning home in two years.

Kazuyo-san would be proud of him.

Tobio also feels pride swells his chest. He just wonders if Shoyo feels the same emotions towards him—pride, devotion and love as well.

Shoyo is a person who's hungry for his passions, someone who always tears his heart bare when playing volleyball and flying in search of Tobio’s sets. He is passionate, and Tobio couldn't love him more for that. He knows he's special to Shoyo in some way. It's just that... Just like Shoyo, Tobio's also hungry. He’s a greedy, yearner being seeking for more and more. Tobio wants everything from him. He wants his smiles, his joy and touch; he wants to trace the wrinkles at the edges of Shoyo’s eyes whenever he beams. Tobio wants to hear his laughter and feel the warmth of his body whenever they lean against each other on winter nights, the caramelized hot chocolate that Shoyo makes especially for Tobio melting him under their shared blanket.

Tobio longs for Shoyo and wants Shoyo to long for him, too. Not only because they are childhood best friends and have a written past. Not only because they have been intertwined by an invisible thread since they were five years old. He wants their future to be written together because both Kageyama Tobio and Hinata Shoyo choose each other daily, claiming the other as theirs with each dawn and dusk.

I'm here for you, and you for me, is what is written between the lines in the various promises cemented between them over the years.

At least that's what Tobio’s heart also screams every time he utters that Shoyo can fly even higher.

“Here, dumbass,” Tobio holds his palm out to Shoyo and reveals a small gold button with a carved cherry petal. “Take it.”

Shoyo blinks at him and then at his hand, astonished. He looks extra fluffy with long hair, some curls falling like orange waterfalls down the sides of his face and forehead. He's grown a little bit, too, and even his muscles are more defined. A sliver of skin peeks out from his white button-down shirt and Tobio can see his chest moving up and down with his breathing.

He feels like poking at Shoyo’s collarbone just to sense the heat that creeps up there.

“Why?” Shoyo breathes out after many heartbeats, wide-eyed.

His and Tobio’s blazers lay side by side on the floor, wrapped around their diplomas. Of course, the court would be the last place they would meet on the last day of school. They may have known each other since childhood, but it was with everyone at Karasuno that both Tobio and Shoyo blossomed from the concrete.

“Because I want you to take it, of course.” Because I want you to have a part of me, because I want you to remember us even when I'm not around. “You don't complain that I don't give you sentimental things?”

“Yeah, but…” Shoyo flushes a vivid cherry pink and caresses his nape. “This seems really big .”

Tobio frowns, “It's only two centimeters long.”

Shoyo chuckles nervously, the air he's been holding coming out in parts. “Ah, Tobio. I will miss talking to you every day.” His voice is filled with anticipatory longing, colored with affection in its prettiest form.

Shoyo tries to contain a smile while biting his lower lip, and finally reaches out to grab the golden button.

His fingertips are warm against Tobio’s palm, sending shivers down the back of his neck. Tobio admires as Shoyo plays with the button between his fingers, wonderstruck and sparkling as if that tiny thing were pure gold.

As if symbolizing a piece of Tobio’s heart.

“Thank you,” Shoyo mutters without looking at him. Tobio bends down a little to try to read his eyes and is met with the most beautiful golden stars glimmering there.

Tobio could have stared at that honey dripping from Shoyo’s gaze all day, but he is interrupted when Hitoka appears at the gym’s entrance. She calls all the Karasuno first years (who are now graduated) to gather in the school’s orchard and take some photos. Shoyo smiles from ear to ear the whole way, and continues to smile as they take the pictures.

Tadashi, Kei and Tobio stand side by side behind Hitoka and Shoyo, who are in the front because they are the smallest. Shoyo tries to argue by saying that he has grown up but Tobio holds his shoulders tightly to keep him quiet. Tobio’s fingers caress Shoyo’s shoulder here and there, the corner of Tobio’s mouth curving into a subtle smile as he senses how tense Shoyo is under his palms. He may have grown up, but Shoyo will always have a certain shyness that reminisces Tobio of their childhood days.

Shoyo sheds a few tears as he bids farewell to Hitoka and Tadashi. The emotions bubbling up within him flow along with the petals twirling in the wind, shining just as brightly. Kei refuses to hug them but Shoyo manages to get a handshake from him and convinces the lamp pole to do the same with Tobio.

Talk about being persuasive.

Maybe it's just his imagination, but Shoyo doesn't keep eye-contact with him even when they are alone again, walking toward Tobio’s house. Shoyo doesn’t comment on the piece of gold he holds in his clenched fist, and Tobio doesn't question it further. He is uncommonly quiet. Silence is rare between them as Tobio is used to hearing Shoyo chattering about any subject all the time.

Petals sprinkle the streets as they walk side by side, and the wind blows a sweet citrus scent. Tobio stops for a moment and closes his eyes, inhaling the fresh, natural fragrance of the countryside. He's moving to Tokyo in a month and figures he should enjoy the little things his hometown has to offer. Nature, family, and friends are included, and in some ways he feels that Shoyo fits into more than just these roles.

When Tobio blinks his eyes open again, he finds big brown eyes looking deep into his soul. He feels so transparent under Shoyo’s gaze; vulnerable and breathless even.

“Hey, Tobi,” Shoyo says under his breath as his long curls play in the wind. His cheeks are rosy and there is a hidden melancholy in his teary eyes. Tobio feels the urge to frame his face and kiss the tears away until Shoyo turns into a giggling, blushing mess between his palms. “Thank you for being my partner since forever.”

Tobio’s heart flips in his chest. He's the one turning into a stupid, blushing mess now. “Shouldn't I be the one saying that?”

“Well, no ‘cause you're the one who introduced me to volleyball and made me so happy all these years!!”

“You also did that, dumbass.”

“But I'm sure you make me happier!!!”

“Not possible…”

“It actually is!!!” Shoyo beams up at him. He brings a trembling hand to his chest and rips off the second button on his shirt—a golden piece similar to the one Tobio gave him. “Take mine, too… You're the only one who can have it.” He pushes the small button against Tobio’s chest and makes the air rush out of his lungs.

Tobio stares at Shoyo’s trembling fist and slowly closes his fingers around it, coaxing him to reveal that piece of gold. His skin is hot and soft. He feels like clasping their hands together and walking home with Shoyo’s warmth stored in his palm. 

“Thanks,” Tobio only takes the gift instead.

Shoyo opens a small smile, then opens and closes his mouth as if he wanted to say something else, but his words are interrupted. A drop suddenly falls on his cheek and makes him squint adorably. He and Tobio look up and meet more drops of an approaching rain, the cool water pleasant against their warm skin.

It's spring and a chill rain is now falling over them.

“Where's your umbrella?” Tobio asks, already reaching into his crossbody bag to pull out his.

Shoyo runs his fingers across his cheek to wipe some raindrops away. “Hmm, I lent mine to Natsu this morning. There was a forecast of light rain but I wanted to make sure she didn't get home soaking wet.”

Tobio hums in understanding. Without thinking twice, he unfurls the umbrella over them until the raindrops are falling against the fabric only.

“Let's go,” he says, sticking right next to Shoyo.

The sun is half hidden behind the clouds like a golden shell while the rain falls in delicate drops all along their path. It's a peaceful day where birds sing in the distance and Shoyo’s warmth soothes Tobio further. Little by little, Shoyo starts to talk more and tells about the breakfast he prepared with his mother. He invites Tobio to spend the night at his house tomorrow so that they can cook together. Tobio turns his face away to hide a smile and the pink tingling on his cheeks.

He will sure miss their domestic moments, but not even thousands of miles can take this feeling away.

“I'm going to miss playing with you every day,” Shoyo looks at the horizon and sighs dreamily. “In Brazil I will improve my emergency sets so one day you can spike one of them!! At the Olympics!!” He smiles at him.

“Dumbass, one step at a time,” Tobio snorts, though his belly flutters in anticipation.

“I'm serious! We can do this,” he flicks his gaze away and bites at his bottom lip, buzzing in joy. “Promise me you'll wait until then!!”

Tobio hums. His gaze lands on a familiar corner of his neighborhood and he feels a sense of relief. Shoyo’s words have a powerful effect on him, and if he keeps talking and looking at Tobio like that, he fears he might do something that would ruin their friendship.

The street they're on is pretty quiet, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the rain falling softly around them. Suddenly, Shoyo curls his fingers into the hem of Tobio’s shirt and squeezes tightly, forcing him to stop. Tobio frowns and looks down at him to meet pleading brown eyes filled with unspoken promises.

“I'll still defeat you one day. My words still stand, you know?”

Tobio locks eyes with his in equal intensity, “Don't think it will be easy.” 

“I wouldn't expect anything less from you.” Shoyo giggles. His eyes still have that hopeful glow, but there's a certain melancholy behind their glimmer. “Yama… What did you mean when you gave me this button?”

Tobio gulps, heart suddenly thundering in his chest. “I said I wanted you to have it, didn't I?”

“Why?”

“Because…”

“Tell me the truth,” Shoyo orders, twisting Tobio’s shirt and pulling him closer. God, he's so annoying when he wants to get his hands on something.

Tobio feels like an idiot for not being able to refuse anything Shoyo desires.

He will later blame the lightness sprinkled in the air for the way he easily responds to Shoyo’s wish. “I want you to have something of mine when we're apart. To keep us in your mind,” Tobio breathes out as if a weight has been lifted off of him, a secret he was hiding finally being revealed. “That's all.” He continues, although there is much more to be said and done.

Shoyo keeps staring at him, craving for this ‘more’ he knows Tobio is hiding. In fact, Shoyo himself seems to be hiding something so Tobio is also curious to unearth his hidden sentiments.

“There’s actually more, but I don't know how to tell you,” Tobio admits in a vulnerable tone.

Shoyo sighs, smiling weakly. “‘S okay. I will never judge you. Plus, I've been hiding something, too.”

Tobio’s eyebrows quicken up in curiosity. “What is it?”

Even in silence, Shoyo is loud with his actions, and hungry with that look. He stares back at Tobio, searching for something in his features. Tobio fears that he can hear the crazy beating of his heart and sense the furnace in his skin. Love is written in his blue eyes now, only for Shoyo to read and accept.

Shoyo’s skin also burns when he gently rests a palm on Tobio’s cheek. “Tobi… Is this okay?” He asks, breathlessly. Soon, his other palm frames Tobio’s face and holds him as if he were the sun reincarnated.

“Yes,” Tobio says through his parted lips. There is no reason to lie under his touch.

“I like you,” Shoyo says at once, squinting his eyes afterwards. He trembles as he holds Tobio’s face between his palms; as he bares his soul and heart before him. “I've liked you for a long time now.”

At first, Tobio doesn't know what to say. The whole world seems to have gone silent. The person he loves the most has just confessed he has genuine feelings for him, but it still feels like a fever dream. It seems too good to be true, loving the sun and being loved back by it.

“I know we'll be apart soon, but I want us to be together somehow. I want you to be mine, Tobio!!” Shoyo’s voice is sincere and desperate, like a wish made to the stars.

And well, Tobio’s insides are exploding into stardust and cosmic powder, so he's not going to let Shoyo go through this alone.

“Me, too,” he murmurs. Another confession.

Shoyo opens his eyes and stares at him, mouth agape. “Really?”

“I wouldn't lie about it, dumbass,” Tobio pinches Shoyo’s cheek in retaliation until he gets a ‘ yep’ in turn.

Despite the cold rain falling around them and the weak sunlight peeking from behind the clouds, Shoyo bathes Tobio’s vision in a yellowish-orange filter—in affection-centered colors.

“I like you, you stupid moron,” Tobio can't suppress the small chuckle that escapes his lips after many confessions uttered right now. “And I want you to be mine, too.” That's all Shoyo needs to tiptoe and pull Tobio down so their lips can finally meet.

At first, Tobio only feels a slight taste of green tea and persimmons. Shoyo’s breath is warm and inviting, clumsy movements mirroring Tobio’s. It starts with a series of lingering pecks that make Tobio’s toes curl and he forgets what day it is. Damn, Tobio even forgets what he ate for breakfast now that he's tasting the sweetness hidden on Shoyo’s lips. His mind goes even blanker when Shoyo tilts his head to the side and deepens the kiss, still framing Tobio’s face with much care. Everything is slow, warm and calm, and soon, their lips dance fluidly amidst the soft fall of raindrops.

Tobio squeezes Shoyo’s cheeks with both hands and forgets about the umbrella he was holding, letting it fall to the ground and bringing the rain back to them.

The water is cold but given how warm and cozy it is to kiss Shoyo, Tobio doesn't have time to care. It tickles and moistens their skin, and he kind of likes it. Tobio finds captivating the way Shoyo smiles against his lips and brings a hand to stroke his hair, playing with the humid strands at his nape as he keeps kissing him earnestly. Once more, Tobio mirrors his movements and brings a hand to the copper hair he loves so much, to the curls he played with in the silence of the night in sleepovers whenever Shoyo found a home to sleep on Tobio’s chest.

Even as they pull apart to catch their breath, soaked hair plastered to their foreheads, Tobio and Shoyo press multiple pecks to each other’s mouths and smile with each devoted touch. Yes, Tobio is also smiling between kisses. He can't bottle up his feelings anymore, not when his best friend kisses him back like he's drinking in the taste of fresh fruits and rain. Not when he holds Tobio’s face as if he were the rarest jewel in the world, as if he were treasuring the sun and the stars.

They rest their foreheads together and breathe in the rainy air mixed with wet grass. It's hard to get home when they both try to keep kissing and laughing like idiots, but they manage it somehow.

Tobio hugs Shoyo tightly and buries his face in his damp curls as soon as they step into his bedroom. Shoyo chuckles as he wraps his arms around Tobio’s waist, caressing his back through the wet fabric and finding a home against his heartbeats.

“Hey, Tobio. I think I lied,” Shoyo muffles into his chest. “I actually really and truly love you.”

Tobio’s smile is so wide that not even Shoyo’s long curls can cover it.

“I always knew it,” he teases. “I love you, too,” sits uneasy on Tobio’s tongue, a prayer craving to be vowed. But only his actions speak loudly at this moment.

For the first time in years, Tobio is thankful that no one is home.

He has Shoyo in his arms, all for him to love and worship, and now Tobio wants to know what it's like to hold and taste every single fiber of his one and only sun.

***

Tobio pulls two towels out of his closet and tosses one to Shoyo, instructing him to dry himself off quickly. Grumbling, he runs the cloth over his face and wet hair until the strands are all messy and disheveled. It's hard to do that when your heart is still beating a mile a minute and your lips are itching with memories of breathtaking kisses.

Peeking from behind his towel, Tobio frowns as he notices Shoyo standing motionless in front of him, not moving a finger to dry himself. A few drops fall from the ends of his curls, and he is still flushed pink despite the cold rain.

“Dumbass, what are you doing?” Tobio growls and stomps forward. “Towel your hair already or you'll get a cold!” He snatches the cloth from his friend’s hands and begins to dry his hair unceremoniously.

As if on cue, Shoyo brings his hands to the top of his head and helps Tobio with this task. Tobio’s hands speed up and Shoyo’s head starts to move from side to side aggressively. Then, Shoyo starts giggling under the towel, curls now stuck to his forehead like a wet dog. He looks extra fluffy with rosy cheeks and the corners of his eyes crinkled in joy.

Instead of just drinking in the sight of Shoyo’s beauty, Tobio discards the towel in the laundry basket and cups his warm cheeks affectionately. He runs his thumbs across the length of Shoyo’s smile and presses his fingers against the small freckles sprinkled all over his face. They look like little stars in the morning sky.

“It tickles,” Shoyo whispers as soon as Tobio starts playing with a few curls tucked behind his ears.

“Yeah?” Tobio bends down to plant a peck on his lips; a warm, soft touch.

Shoyo hums. “Yeah… Do it again.”

And so Tobio does: he opens a wee smile that makes Shoyo’s eyes sparkle beautifully before kissing him again, slower and sweeter this time. Shoyo gasps and melts between his palms, reaching out to clutch Tobio’s damp shirt for an anchor to hold on to. His hand rests on the small of Tobio’s back and Shoyo hums again, completely satisfied. Tobio himself is making some noises, too, panting between kisses and grumbling every time Shoyo teases him in a false attempt to pull away.

They sit on the edge of the bed, not caring about their wet clothes, and hold each other’s faces, always demanding more and more. Shoyo detaches their lips and angles Tobio’s face to kiss his jaw and neck, the air getting thinner in that room with each touch of hungry lips against skin. Tobio sighs under his touch and curls his arms around Shoyo’s waist, pulling him closer. He squeezes a patch of skin beneath Shoyo’s wet shirt and Shoyo chuckles into Tobio’s neck.

“Hey! I'm ticklish there!!”

Tobio smirks and presses a kiss to the crown of his hair. “You're ticklish everywhere.”

“I bet you're more ticklish than me, tho!” Shoyo challenges, resuming with wet smooches all over his neck.

“‘M not…” Tobio replies weakly through his parted lips.

It feels like the humid wind is blowing against Tobio’s skin, and when that mouth touches a specific point near his shoulder, he squirms.

Oh. Tobio is now chuckling, too.

“See!???” Shoyo giggles stupidly. “You're ticklish-yama!!!” He continues laughing as he kisses Tobio’s neck in that sweet spot that makes him shiver the most.

Soon, Tobio is lying on his back while Shoyo tickles his waist and drinks in all the soft giggles flying freely from his mouth. It's been a long time since he felt his stomach hurt from laughing, or his chest swollen from so much love. It feels good to let your sentiments fly while feeling light, floating on a blissful cloud. Shoyo became his personal sun when Tobio was five years old, and to this day, he feels strongly attracted by his orbit.

After lots of laughter and kisses, Shoyo lies down next to Tobio, the two of them staring at the ceiling breathlessly and with their jaws aching from how wide their smiles are. Tobio tilts his head to the side to look at him at the same time as Shoyo, and the two hold a loving gaze. Shoyo leans in even closer, smiling, and rubs himself against Tobio’s chest, pressing a soft kiss there. Then, he moves up and frames Tobio’s face again, pulling him against his own chest. Automatically, Tobio dives deeper into his embrace and wraps his arms around Shoyo’s waist, bodies now connected like magnets.

They are entwined from head to toe now and Tobio wishes these seconds would stretch into hours, days or months.

“You smell good, Tobio,” Shoyo murmurs into Tobio’s hair.

“Hmm,” Tobio breathes in Shoyo’s natural scent until the smell of rain and home is imprinted into his lungs. “You smell okay, I guess.”

Shoyo chuckles into his scalp and Tobio follows him with his own muffled giggles.

Everything sounds and smells like a dream. Not only did Shoyo declare his feelings for him today, hold and kiss him, but he's now keeping Tobio safe in his embrace, acting like they've been dating for years.

Wait... dating. Is that what they're doing now? Tobio doesn't know. Yes, he said he wants Shoyo to be his and he wants to belong to Shoyo, too, but does the label boyfriend apply to them? Tobio has never thought about it. He's always loved Shoyo but never really thought about exactly what he wanted them to be.

Now he wants to know. Tobio needs to know.

Gathering all the courage in his body, Tobio pushes back a little until they are holding each other’s gaze again. He can't help but notice once more how handsome Shoyo is. His curls are long enough to tie into a ponytail, and his skin is still dusted with a beautiful cherry pink. His button-down shirt is a few buttons undone, so a sliver of his chest is showing; an inviting, broader patch of warm skin.

Tobio can't hold back again and leans forward to press a lingering kiss right on his collarbone, making Shoyo shiver and sigh brokenly.

“Shoyo,” Tobio rubs the tip of his nose against his chest and kisses another patch of skin further down, and at that Shoyo gasps heavily.

“Y-yes?”

“I meant it when I said I wanted you to be mine. I want you and I want to be yours.”

Tobio can hear Shoyo’s breath catch in his throat. His lips tremble slightly as he reaches out to frame Tobio’s warm face, big brown eyes attentive to everything he has to say.

“I need to know what you want. Are we boyf—I mean… Are we partners now?” Tobio asks, unsure, his heart suddenly too big for his chest.

Shoyo stares back at him for painful seconds in silence. He opens his mouth and closes it again, until a nervous chuckle comes out.

“I thought we were already partners, Kageyama-kun?”

Tobio pouts. “You know what I meant.”

Shoyo opens a tender smile and pretends not to understand. “You need to be clearer.”

“Are we dating or not?” Tobio grumbles. He still has a pout and is insecure. As always, Shoyo has to be a stupid dumbass and make everything difficult.

“If you want us to be.”

“I do,” Tobio confesses right away.

“Then, we’re dating cause I also want us to be boyfriends ,” Shoyo blushes even more as he says that word, but he smiles, amused by the way Tobio stiffens at the sound of it.

“G-Good,” he stutters.

Shoyo laughs freely now and leans in to kiss Tobio again.

It takes a long time for them to come downstairs and make dinner, but every second they spend lost in kisses and in each other’s arms is worth it.

☀️

Tokyo, 2015

District of Koganei

Night is warmer with the approaching summer so Shoyo decides to prepare massao salad for dinner. It was a good day of volleyball practice, and his muscles ache deliciously with the memories of his jumps and spikes.

Shoyo takes a shower, puts on a fresh button-down shirt, and heads to the kitchen shortly after, facing it like it's a video game boss. (He'll blame Kenma later for making that analogy.) He takes a mix of fresh green leaves from the fridge, slices some cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado and kani-kama. Then, he prepares a sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil and a touch of lemon, humming happily as soon as he tastes it.

There is something liberating about having improved his cooking skills. Since moving to Tokyo a month ago, Shoyo has become increasingly confident that the path he is on will work out. He goes to work every morning, trains in the afternoon and sets aside time to study at night. He is also saving money so he can travel to Brazil next year, in April. His Portuguese has improved a bit, although he can only read and understand if he writes it on paper before. But Shoyo will get there. He trusts himself, and so does Tobio.

Speaking of which, the sound of the door swinging open reaches Shoyo’s ears and he smiles in anticipation.

“I'm home,” Tobio’s tone is sleepy and low, but it's enough to make Shoyo’s insides vibrate with joy.

“Welcome home,” Shoyo sing-songs as he washes his hands. He's already so used to their routine living together that he counts the minutes until Tobio gets home.

Tobio appears at the kitchen entrance with a training bag slung over his shoulder. His eyes are a bit downcast as drowsiness splashes across his features. Tobio always looks cuter when he's sleepy. Every morning is a resistance test for Shoyo to get out of bed and leave his shirtless, sleepy boyfriend behind. Most of the time all he wants to do is keep his hands around Tobio’s waist while he hugs him from behind. Shoyo loves burying his nose in the back of his neck and brushing his mouth against the warm skin there until Tobio gets goosebumps.

Now that they're both home, Shoyo hurries to dry his hands and walks towards him, dying to reach Tobio, to hug and cover him with many smooches and love.

“Hey,” Shoyo greets, smiling big.

It is Tobio who hums and bends down to present Shoyo with a welcoming chaste kiss. I am home. In our home, is what lingers in that soft touch of lips.

“Hey,” he murmurs against Shoyo’s face, hot breath burning his heart with affection.

Unable to remain still, Shoyo pulls him face down for a longer, sweet kiss. Tobio hums into his mouth and Shoyo smiles, feeling way too giddy and light, warmer than the nighty wind blowing outside.

When they pull apart, Shoyo is wearing a large grin that brings a wee smile to Tobio’s lips as well.

“I made massao salad for us. Need to take a shower first?” Shoyo asks as he buries his face into the crook of Tobio’s neck, breathing in his fragrance. He smells like lemon soap, freshly-cut grass and home.

“I already took a shower in the locker room,” Tobio winds his arms around Shoyo and kisses the top of his head. “Let's eat.”

They decide to have dinner in the living room while watching TV on their couch. Shoyo watches from the corner of his eye as Tobio eats the salad and hums between spoonfuls. Tobio involuntarily leans against him until their bodies are pressed together. For some reason, sharing a home-cooked meal with someone you love always becomes a special moment, no matter how mundane it feels like.

Once they're done eating, they place their bowls on the coffee table and cuddle closer on the couch, wrapping their arms and legs around each other. Tobio now rests his cheek flat on Shoyo’s chest while Shoyo places his chin on top of his head, playing with his boyfriend’s silky hair. Summer feels more intense now with the heat of their bodies mingling together. Shoyo lazily watches a random food show that flashes on TV and almost succumbs to sleep at the way Tobio caresses his waist, fingertips barely brushing at the patch of skin that peeks from beneath his shirt.

What a flawless way to start the weekend.

Shoyo could spend the whole night and weekend melting in this embrace, breathing in Tobio’s natural essence and boiling with his heat. His boyfriend suddenly leans forward and rummages through some books and notes spread out on the small table, eyebrows now drawn together adorably.

“You have to improve your handwriting,” he deadpans.

Shoyo chuckles and shoves Tobio slightly, "You're the only one who doesn't get to say this stuff to me, you know? Your handwriting looks like a mountain of poop.”

“And yours look like shit.”

“Vulgar, Kageyama-kun!!” Shoyo grumbles and wrinkles his nose in disgust. “I can't believe you kiss me with this mouth!!!”

The corner of Tobio’s mouth curls up into a smile. Shoyo pouts and Tobio turns around again to kiss him slowly, chuckling softly against his lips.

“You're such a dumbass,” Tobio kisses him again, the taste of lemon and sea lingering on his lips, and Shoyo has to hold on to the couch to keep from melting completely. “What is written here?” Tobio holds up a piece of paper with beautiful handwriting (yes, very beautiful!) between his fingers.

Shoyo has to blink a few times to compose himself and return to reality. “Oh! These are my Portuguese notes that I need to review. This one says: volleyball supremacy and Kageyama Tobio is a dumbass .”

Tobio keeps playing with the paper between his fingers as he rolls his eyes. “Even when you study you don't stop being silly.”

Shoyo sticks his tongue out, “I just can't get you out of my head, querido.” He teases with an affectionate pet name he learned in Portuguese the other day.

Instead of fighting back, Tobio blushes adorably and mumbles something under his breath. It's Shoyo’s turn to smirk and press a wet kiss against his cheek, brushing the tips of their noses together soon after.

“Look at this one, too,” Shoyo takes another note from the stack of papers and shows it to Tobio. “Can you read it?”

Tobio blinks and cocks his head to the side in confusion, cheeks still flushed pink.

“Eu ano… Hmm. Eo ano, ” he tries again, unsuccessfully. “What the hell, of course I can't understand it!” Tobio pouts in defeat.

Shoyo throws his head back in laughter and Tobio grumbles again. He leans over Shoyo in anger and squeezes his cheeks with both hands until his mouth looks like a goldfish’s. Tobio is still pouting, so Shoyo keeps giggling between his palms as he looks at him, eyes glimmering with affection. He simply loves Tobio too much.

“No problem, Tobio-kun!!! I'm here to help,” Shoyo looks at the paper again and bites his lower lip. A slight blush suddenly rises up his cheeks and ears. His heart races in his chest at the meaning of those words, but he really wanted to show Tobio the new vocabulary he has acquired. “It says: Eu te amo em qualquer universo ou planeta.”

Now it seems that Shoyo really truly burns after uttering those words, the silence that follows after only emphasizing the loud beating of his heart. Tobio still frames his face, softer than ever, and his blue eyes travel over every point of Shoyo’s skin, searching for the real meaning of those words.

“Okay. What does this mean?”

“Something really clingy and gay.”

Tobio huffs, “No surprise coming from you.”

“You're the gayest here!! The only gay!!”

“Whatever. Just tell me what it means.” Tobio decides to play dirty by briefly brushing his lips against Shoyo’s.

At his soft tone and gaze, Shoyo sighs and finally reveals what is written on that paper and in his heart, “I love you in any universe or planet. T-that’s what’s written. And that’s how I feel about you.”

The air catches in Tobio’s throat and his lips part, cheeks dusting a similar shade of pink to Shoyo’s.

“You're not lying,” It's not a question. Tobio can feel the genuineness in his voice.

“Of course I'm not, silly,” Shoyo reaches out to frame his boyfriend’s face just as Tobio lunges forward to kiss him breathlessly, paper notes now lying on the floor as Shoyo is pushed back against the couch and Tobio drinks in whatever other declarations he has treasured on his lips.

Tobio continues to kiss him multiple times, but not just on the mouth. He kisses Shoyo’s cheeks, eyelids, the tip of his nose, his forehead, and brushes his mouth from his jaw to his collarbone, where he leaves yet another kiss near his heart. Shoyo can only cling to his back as he tries to inhale the now thin air around them, feeling overwhelmed with so much love and unwavering devotion.

“Tobi…” Shoyo sighs in delight as Tobio kisses his neck again and murmurs sweet nothings against the freckles sprinkled there. “I love you so so much. Thanks for staying by my side all these years.”

The kisses suddenly stop and Tobio lifts his head to stare at Shoyo. His lips are red and swollen; his pupils are blown-wide behind their haze and his hair is a bit tousled. Shoyo combs a few strands between his fingers and smiles despite his heavy breathing.

“I'm the one who should say that,” Tobio says with a broken voice. He sounds so vulnerable, as if he's allowed himself to be cared for and held by Shoyo forever. “You saved me, Shoyo.”

A few tears begin to gather in the corners of Shoyo’s eyes and he tries to blink them away.

“I think we can both be grateful for having each other.”

Tobio runs his thumb over the corner of his eye and wipes a tear away. “Sounds good to me.” He leans down to kiss the other edge of his eye and Shoyo chuckles softly, flooded with tenderness.

“Good,” Shoyo pulls Tobio close again and holds him against his chest. He kisses the top of his boyfriend’s head and wraps his arms and legs around him, not giving him a chance to escape.

They both know that neither of them would do that after all.

“Shoyo…” Tobio breathes out into his neck and Shoyo feels both of them lulling to a peaceful slumber soon. “I love you, too. In any existing language.”

It's all Shoyo needs to let the tears flow at will. He smiles and now understands that in any universe or path he takes, he would not stop loving or being loved by Kageyama Tobio.