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- Alright, it's an hour left before we're facing off against Nekoma. Try to be on your best behaviour until then, alright?
With no further ceremony, coach Ukai left the changing room, leaving the Karasuno team alone to kill the time. To face off against their rival school was a huge deal, and Hinata wasn't entirely happy that Ukai was talking to them like they were just a bunch of rowdy children. Of course, he was right, but Hinata still didn't have to like the fact.
Well, there wasn't much to do than to do their best not to get too nervous. Of course, they'd practised their asses off, but so had Nekoma, so the mood in the changing room was a rather tense one. Even Tanaka and Nishinoya, who usually took everything in stride, looked a little less confident. Asahi was doing breathing exercise to calm his nerves, while Yamaguchi looked like he may have been saying his final prayers. The only ones even remotely calm were Suga, who could have hidden anything behind that casual smile of his, and Daichi, who simply couldn't afford to lose his cool as the team captain. Kageyama had left to buy milk, but at least his return rate from milk shopping was higher than your average deadbeat dad's, so Hinata wasn't too worried. And Hinata's stomach wasn't hurting for once, so that had to be a positive sign, right?
- Well, I guess it's time for last minute strategising, Daichi said. - Nekoma is not going to make this easy for us, so best be prepared for anything.
- Do we know what their starting line up is going to be? Asahi asked. - It would help to know what to expect.
- Oooh, I know! Hinata piped up. The perks of being good friends with Kenma and Lev who didn't care too much about their team secrets getting revealed. - Kenma's going to be setting, and let's see... Yaku's the libero, then Kai and Taketora as wing spikers, and the middle blockers are Kuro, Inuoka, and Lev.
The rest of the team nodded along as he spoke, rather expecting these players. But at the mention of Lev's name, their faces suddenly dropped, and a collective groan of discomfort rang in the changing room. Hinata stared at them befuddled, as his teammates averted their gazes. Tanaka rubbed his neck awkwardly, and Yamaguchi and Asahi had suddenly turned a shade of red. Nishinoya grit his teeth, and Daichi coughed awkwardly. Suga was the only one calm, but then again, nothing short of an atomic bomb could have wiped off his usual grin, so that's wasn't saying anything.
- What? Hinata asked confused. - What's wrong with Lev?
He didn't get this, in his opinion, rather extreme reaction. Hinata and Lev had been good friends since their time at the training camp, and sure, Lev could be a bit of trouble-maker, but it was always in good fun. And he wasn't any more of a troublesome player compared to the rest of his team, so Hinata didn't get why Lev was being singled out.
- Oh, nothing wrong with him per se... Suga said, waving his hand placatingly. - It's just, well...
He looked at the others, most of them still avoiding looking at him. Eventually, Daichi crossed his arms, and sighed.
- ...Let's just say we all have a bit of history with Lev.
- History? Like in class? Hinata frowned. - But wait, Lev's never gone to Karasuno, right?
He felt his cheeks heat up as the others looked at him wryly.
- ...Were you born this way or was it all those head smacks before Takeda-sensei told us to stop? Tanaka grumbled.
- Hey, no shaming Hinata for having a medical condition, Daichi said, and Hinata felt confused. He shouldn't have any medical conditions except for the ADHD he kept forgetting to take his medication for. - Let's just explain this to him.
Nodding, Tanaka took out his cellphone, and looked at Nishinoya meaningfully, With a sigh, Nishinoya leaned back, and began explaining.
- So, let's get facts out of the way: yes, Lev is insanely hot, and no, it's not gay to acknowledge that, Nishinoya looked at the others, and when getting no objections, continued. - And Lev's aware of that too. So, he likes to... make passes at fellow volleyball players.
- Well yeah, you're supposed to pass the ball to your teammates, Hinata nodded.
- What Noya's getting at is that in the volleyball circles, Lev Haiba is infamous for being a massive flirt, Asahi clarified. - He likes to text other players and flirt by linking them different songs. And when he manages to seduce someone...
- ...he'll add the song that got them to his Spotify playlist, Tanaka said, showing the screen of his phone. - For example, Nekoma's Kuro is “Chemicals React” by Aly & AJ. Apparently he and Lev had a quick burn romance a while back. Don't ask me how they manage that now that they're exes on the same team.
The playlist on-screen was titled “Lev's Laylist”, and Hinata's cheeks heated up at the innuendo. But what shocked him even more was the sheer amount of songs on the playlist, certainly more than he would have expected out of a first-year high school student, even an attractive one! Hinata had no idea how Lev would have the time to get together with this many people!
- I... I had no idea, Hinata whispered. - Lev's never tried anything like this with me!
- It's probably because you're friends, and he doesn't want to break that, Asahi said. - He hasn't tried anything with Kenma either for the same reason.
- That said, a good number of high school volleyball players have ended up on the list, Daichi shook his head. - I don't really know why he does it, but he's damn good at what he does. Even Karasuno players...
He paused, and looked at the others awkwardly, receiving shrugs of sympathy and agreement. Hinata's eyes widened at the implication.
- W-w-wait! Hinata exclaimed. - Does that mean that even some of you...?!
- Haha, yeaaah, kinda useless to hide it, Yamaguchi laughed awkwardly. - Actually, Lev and I used to date for a while. I'm “Fuck Away the Pain” by Divide the Day on the playlist.
- Ooh, starting spicy! Tanaka grinned, as he tapped on the song in question. - Never expected you to be behind such a naughty song!
- It's a long story, Yamaguchi sighed as an admittedly very sexual played in the background. - See, Lev and I started texting while Tsukki and I were still together, started kind of casual, then friendly flirting, and... I dunno, Lev's just had this great sense of humour, and he'd make me laugh even when I was crying after another fight with Tsukki. Lev and I exchanged songs pretty often, but then Tsukki and I got into THE fight, and you know how that ended up.
Nods and sympathetic looks ensued. It was pretty difficult to forget the absolute shitstorm that had led to Tsukishima quitting the volleyball club entirely.
- Anyway, Lev was helping me through the aftermath, but I was still feeling pretty crap, and THEN... He hits me up with that song and I... y-y'know...
- You let him fuck away the pain? Tanaka asked with a teasing grin.
- I lost my virginity and at least five years of my life expectancy that night, Yamaguchi said, his face red like a tomato, but with a smile on his lips. - My only regret is that we didn't go crazy enough for me to lose another five.
- A pretty standard reaction to Lev Haiba for sure, Suga chuckled. - That must have been before my time, then. When I met Lev, he wasn't nearly on that level yet.
- You dated Lev too?! Hinata asked.
- “Dating” is too pretty of a word for what we did, Suga waved his hand dismissively. - But yes, I'm “E.T.” by Katy Perry. Like with Yamaguchi, Lev and I exchanged songs for a while before I gave in. Stuff like “Troublemaker” by Olly Murs, “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, “Take It Off” by Kesha... It was kind of charming how quickly he pinned my preferences, really. And I'll admit, it was flattering how insistently he pursued me. So I decided eh, what the hell, I'll give the kid a chance to impress me.
- So how was it, in the end? Tanaka asked as he put “E.T.” to play.
- ...Back then, he was definitely more eager than experienced, Suga shrugged. - But not the worst way to spend an afternoon.
- Umm, Suga? Asahi called out, looking a little flustered, and Hinata could understand why. The songs Suga mentioned weren't exactly squaring with their image of the sweet and supportive team big brother. - No shame or anything, but these songs are kinda... raunchy? But you said this is what got you interested in Lev...
He stopped when Suga laughed, his usual friendly laugh, but now with a teasing tinge.
- Awh, is it so surprising that I don't tell you guys ALL my secrets? I have a life outside the club too, you know, Suga smiled sweetly. - How to put it... An angel in the volleyball club, a demon in the night club?
- I think the saying is “an angel in the streets, a demon in the sheets”, Nishinoya said.
- That too!
Suga chuckled at the horrified looks on Asahi and Nishinoya's faces. Daichi decided to cut in before Suga made even more of a scandal of himself.
- Lev is a huge fan of one-off conquests, so my and Suga's experiences are the norm, Daichi said. - I'm honestly a bit surprised he and Yamaguchi actually dated. That's definitely an exception.
- The best three months of my life with the most exceptional man on earth, Yamaguchi sighed dreamily. - I have no idea why I broke things off with him.
- Could it be because of the five other guys and three girls he was texting while you were together? Nishinoya asked sarcastically.
- Eh, he was honest about it, so it was all very above board, Yamaguchi said. - I'm sure we could have made it work.
The way Yamaguchi sighed with his eyes closed, it wasn't hard to guess where his thoughts had drifted to. But Hinata didn't let that distract him, as his brain had just caught up on the implication in Daichi's words.
- Wait, Daichi, what's that you just said? Hinata looked at Daichi in shock. - Don't tell me you also...?!
- Yup. I'm “Take a Chance On Me” by ABBA, Daichi said. - Lev was pretty relentless when pursuing me, honestly. I tried to maintain professionalism, but he kept trying... When he sent that song, it honestly felt like he was at the end of his rope. Normally, I'd be stricter about maintaining boundaries, but like Yamaguchi said, Lev just has that little something... I was a little curious about how it would feel like.
- Aaaand? Tanaka said. - C'mon Captain, don't leave us hanging!
- Eh, it was alright, Daichi said. - But honestly, I was way more excited about the leftover cake we ate afterwards. But the experience got me to realise some things about my sexuality, so I don't regret it.
While others nodded in understanding, Tanaka leaned back, and let out a long sigh.
- I mean, valid, but also, boooooring! At least Yamaguchi knew how to make the story sound sexy!
Then, Tanaka grinned, and with a determined look, he pulled himself up again and began scrolling through Lev's playlist.
- Well, worry not! The Great Tanaka-senpai will show you how to tell a compelling story of an encounter with the one and only Lev Haiba!
- No way! Hinata nearly jumped in the air in surprise, and even Noya's jaw dropped. - You too, Tanaka?!
- Heck yeah! I'm “I Kissed a Boy” by Cobra Starship! Tanaka smirked as he put the song in question on. - Though we didn't get there the conventional way... Actually, I thought Lev was trying to pick a fight, since he kept sending me songs like “You're Going Down” by Sick Puppies, you know, fight songs! And then he switched over to songs like “Punkb!tch” by 3OH!3 which on hindsight has a bit of a sexual undertone---
- You... didn't pick up on the sexual undertones? Asahi asked, pointing at “I Kissed a Boy” playing on the phone. - No offence, but just looking at the title---
- Hey, at that point I was fully geared up to kick his puny city boy ass, I wasn't paying attention! Tanaka huffed. - Anyway! So then Lev sends this song, yes, I didn't look at the title and just listened to the words which were all about starting a bar fight, so when Lev told me a time and a place, of course I went! My pride as a man was on the line!
- So did you fuck? Suga asked.
- NO, Suga, I'm not a slut like you. And stop getting in the way of my story! Tanaka glared at Suga, before carrying on. - Anyway! So Lev and I start throwing hands, and we kinda ended up trashing the place. The fucker even managed to throw me in the air, and I smashed right into a table! Fractured at least two ribs that night! But of course, when you have two guys duking it out at full strength, things get kinda hot and sweaty. So by the time Lev pins me to the floor – only possible because of the fractured ribs, otherwise I would've kicked his ass! – we're both flushed and out of breath. And Lev just kinda looks at me, panting like crazy, before suddenly crashing his lips against mine. And at that point, I'm just too tired to think, so what the hell, let the guy shove his tongue down my throat. You should've seen the look on the cops' faces when they found Lev and I making out like the world's about to end in the middle of all that rubble!
Suga punched Tanaka playfully on the arm, muttering “nice” with a smile, and Tanaka fell back with a proud smile, looking at the reactions his story had garnered. Asahi fanned his shirt, definitely looking a little hot and bothered, while Yamaguchi quickly pulled out his phone and began typing, likely writing the scenario down for later. Even Hinata had to admit that he DEFINITELY saw the appeal in the story, maybe even getting some role play ideas... Only Nishinoya looked shocked, as he stared at Tanaka slack-jawed.
- But Tanaka, I thought you're straight? Nishinoya whimpered.
- I am, but even I can admit that guy knows exactly what he's doing with his tongue! Tanaka laughed.
- As you can see, Hinata, the power of Lev's flirtations is tremendous, Daichi said, with a bit of a warning look on his face. - When Lev sets his eyes on someone, their fate is sealed. He WILL find a way to charm them, unless they're saved by some freak accident.
Having said that, Daichi looked over at Asahi and Nishinoya. Asahi's face went red again, his gaze fixated on the floor, while Nishinoya sighed jaded and crossed his arms. The way Nishinoya looked at Asahi was almost scolding, and Asahi took a deep breath before speaking.
- Yeah, okay, so, Lev definitely tried to pull a move on me and I didn't realise. I thought we were just having friendly chats! Asahi whispered shyly. - But then, he links me this song, “3 Sum” by Mark Dohner...
- Umm... I'm guessing that song isn't about maths? Hinata asked innocently.
With a sigh, Tanaka put the song in question on, and they all listened for a while. When the song got to the chorus, Hinata's face turned hot, and he could barely get a word out as the song continued, repeating the explicit chorus over and over again until Hinata felt like not even a shower could help wash away this dirty feeling.
- O-Okay... That song definitely isn't about maths, Hinata said meekly once the song finished.
- Yeah, it's not, Asahi said, burying his face in his hands. - And Lev even followed the link up with a message, saying “You, me, and Noya? ;)”, so when I listened to the song and realised what it was about, I---
- Asahi panicked and blocked Lev's number, Nishinoya said with a jaded expression and a flat tone. - Thus ending any chances for Lev to sandwich me between his and Asahi's hot as hell bodies.
- I... What? Asahi looked at Nishinoya baffled. - Wait, are you upset that I turned Lev down?
- No, of course not, Nishinoya said, in a tone that wasn't fooling anyone. - I am only upset at Lev for not being considerate of you being allergic to fun.
- Noya, you can't seriously suggest I jump to bed with a man I barely know, with my best friend at that?! Asahi looked absolutely scandalised. - And aren't you straight as well? Why are you so upset at me?!
Before things got out of hand, Suga got up and diplomatically sat between Asahi and Nishinoya. With the two a safer distance away from each other, Suga took out his phone, and began tapping.
- Either way, Asahi and Noya dodging the bullet is definitely an exception, Suga said. Nishinoya looked awfully forlorn for a man who'd supposedly lucked out. - Tanaka, why don't you tell Hinata about the guy Lev nabbed with Eric Saade's “Popular”?
- Ooh, yeah, that's a good one! Tanaka grinned. - So, Lev definitely knows his worth, and isn't shy about the fact he has high standards. So if he comes across someone you'd consider an elite, you bet he's gonna take that as a challenge. And who is the most elite high school volleyball player in Japan right now?
- Hmm... Well, probably Mr. Japan--- Err, Ushijima from Shiratorizawa, but--- Hinata's eyes flew wide as realisation dawned on him. - WAIT. You don't mean...?!
- Yup. The moment Ushijima was chosen to represent Japan in the Youth World Championships, Lev painted a target on his back, Tanaka said, and tapped the song “Popular” to play. - Don't ask me where he got Ushijima's number from, but no context, Lev just linked him this. And not a month later...
Tanaka looked at Suga, just in time for Suga to show his phone screen for everyone to see. It was an older picture from Lev's Instagram, showing Lev straddling a man who was unmistakeably none other than Wakatoshi Ushijima, with the caption: “Reeled in a big one today, and no, I don't mean his fame LOL”.
- Wow... Hinata said, because what else was he supposed to say upon witnessing such undefeatable rizz? - Lev is on a whole another level, not just in volleyball, but in life...
- As said, once Lev declares a target, it's a matter of when, not if, Daichi said, before shivering a little. - I'm just glad he never set his eyes on you, Hinata. Considering how big a misunderstanding Lev caused between you and Kageyama when you were just inspired by him, who knows what a mess he would have created if he had actually flirted with you...
- Who's flirting with Hinata?
Hinata's heart jumped a little as they all turned to look at the door. Kageyama had returned, frowning a little as he walked next to Hinata. Kageyama was carrying a bottle of chocolate milk and, to Hinata's surprise, a bottle of aloe vera drink.
- Here, for your stomach, Kageyama said as he threw the aloe vera bottle onto Hinata's lap, before looking at Daichi. - Answer the question. What were you talking about?
- Ah, nothing. Just hypothetical situations that luckily never happened, and about what a massive slut Lev Haiba is, Suga chuckled as he came to Daichi's rescue.
Although Kageyama looked confused, the suspicious frown smoothed out, and he nodded disinterested as he sat down. Hinata was still staring at the bottle on his lap, his heart admittedly beating a little faster as his brain was starting to process that Kageyama had actually gotten him something. Something thoughtful to boot, Hinata realised, face flushing at the thought that Kageyama had taken notice of his constant pre-match stomach craps enough to want to get something to alleviate it. Sure, it may have just been to ensure the star decoy of their team wasn't out of commission, but still. Coming from Kageyama, it spoke volumes.
Hinata was just about to thank Kageyama and assure him he was feeling quite fine at the moment, when Hinata suddenly had a thought that had his stomach knotting in concern. Daichi had said Lev had courted several Karasuno players, and even if some, like Asahi and Nishinoya, hadn't actually gone for anything with Lev, it sure as heck sounded like Lev had tried it with everyone who wasn't Hinata. So it went to reason that he would also have tried to flirt with---
- Hey Kageyama, Lev didn't try to do anything with you, right?! Hinata looked at Kageyama panicked.
- Hmm? Kageyama took a long sip from his chocolate milk before replying. - Trying what?
- Oh, we were just talking about how Lev's flirted with like every guy on our team, Tanaka said. - Come to think of it, have you received anything like that from him, Kageyama?
- No, of course not, Kageyama said. - And even if he had, why would I ever play along? I've no interest in the guy.
Another loud sip of chocolate milk by Kageyama covered up Hinata's sigh of relief. Not that he had seriously thought Kageyama would be into Lev, but if Lev had managed to seduce even Ushijima, Hinata couldn't be too careful. Kageyama wasn't exactly used to being adored, so if Lev had showered him with attention like he'd done with Yamaguchi, Suga, and Daichi... Hinata's heart clenched at the thought that the rare shy Kageyama smiles that his compliments sometimes elicited could have been given to someone else. But Kageyama had said Lev hadn't flirted with him. So it was fine. Totally fine.
Deciding a calming drink was just what he needed after all, Hinata unscrewed the bottle Kageyama had brought him, and took a sip. But then Kageyama said something that almost had Hinata spitting the drink right back out.
- But there's something weird about that Lev guy. He keeps texting me these messages obviously meant for some girl he's after, even though I've told him endless times he's got the wrong number. Pretty stupid, if you ask me. How anyone would be into a dolt like him is beyond me.
Instantly, Hinata was on his feet, staring at Kageyama with such intensity even Kageyama's face dropped a little.
- Kageyama, let me see your message history with Lev, Hinata said, and a little too late added: - Please?
Although Kageyama looked like he had several questions about Hinata's strange behaviour, he nonetheless complied, unlocking his phone and handing it over to Hinata. Fear bubbled in Hinata's stomach as he saw his worst suspicions confirmed, as scrolling back in the message history revealed song link after another. The very first message from Lev was a link to the song “Ice Queen” by Trish Thuy Trang, and Hinata didn't need to click the link to know exactly why Lev had sent this song to Kageyama.
The lonely Ice Queen, no one is ever good enough it seems.
I'm just a little shy, misunderstood.
You think that you can melt my heart? Then break the ice.
Because yeah, under the surface of the “King of the Court”, Kageyama was just an exceptionally socially inept idiot who just wanted to belong, even Hinata could tell how easily Kageyama jumped at any opportunity to show he could fit in. But people kept treating his attempts as jokes, or worse yet, considered them weird. Not Hinata though. He thought he'd been the only to see what Kageyama was like under the surface, but now...
With a bitter grit of the teeth, Hinata looked at the text Lev had sent immediately after.
This you? How about I come and break the ice? ;)
For once, Hinata was grateful for Kageyama's ignorance of social cues, because he'd just replied with “wrong number”. But Lev hadn't stopped there, oh no, not in the slightest. The message history went back four months, and at least three days a week there was a new song. Hinata's face flushed with anger when he saw familiar boy band songs such as “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles, “As Long As You Love Me” by Backstreet Boys, “It's Gonna Be Me” by NSYNC, and “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction. The contents of the songs were obvious by the titles alone, even if Hinata hadn't been familiar with each and every one of these songs. Which he was, for the record, and thus Lev's intentions were crystal clear to him. Only Kageyama's outstanding obliviousness had spared him from becoming victim to the most shameless song-based seduction scheme Hinata had ever witnessed, but that didn't erase the fact that Lev had tried to steal Kageyama's heart. To take Hinata's partner away from him.
And add insult to injury, every single song Lev had sent to Kageyama was a song Hinata himself had saved to a private playlist, to wait for the day when Hinata maybe, maybe would try his luck in seeing if Kageyama was interested in being partners off the volleyball court as well. And now Hinata could use none of them himself.
Hinata's hands clenched in rage, and Kageyama looked worriedly at the hand holding his phone.
- Hinata, please don't murder my phone, they're innocent, Kageyama pleaded.
Taking a deep breath, Hinata handed the phone back to Kageyama, and was spared from further conversation when Ukai returned, promptly drawing everyone's attention to himself.
- You boys been good? The match's about to start, Ukai said. - Let's get out there and show them what we're made of!
The coming confrontation with Nekoma was enough pull everyone's minds back to the match, and obediently, the team lined up and followed Ukai out of the changing room. Only Hinata remained oddly stiff, enough for Kageyama to notice, and he touched Hinata's shoulder gently.
- Hey, is something the matter?
Slowly, Hinata turned around, before hesitating halfway through and turning his gaze back in front of himself. Hinata's face had become obscured in shadows, and Kageyama could not see what kind of face he was making.
- I'm fine, don't worry about it, Hinata said, and Kageyama had never heard Hinata's tone be this cold. - Now let's go out there and win this thing.
* * *
Things were going just peachy in Lev's book.
Not only had he been able to add another song to his playlist yesterday night, but he could finally play against Karasuno again like he'd been looking forward to! Lev had of course known about the match way in advance, which had given him plenty of time to do his usual scouting of his future opponents. Kuro may have sighed about his tactics, but even he had come to admit it paid off – case in point, when the players had lined up to greet each other, nearly all of the Karasuno team had turned red as they saw Lev. Yamaguchi, the flatterer, had looked like he just might faint when Lev had smiled and waved at them. It was a little frustrating Kageyama hadn't been among those affected by his presence, the boy had turned out to be a tougher nut to crack than Lev had anticipated, but that was alright. Lev loved a challenge.
What Lev loved less was the way Hinata had been acting. Honestly, Lev had looked forward to seeing his friend again, a good rivalry always elevated a game to a whole new level. But Hinata had just stared at him emptily, and hadn't said any of the fun challenges that Lev had come to look forward to. Lev would have asked Hinata if he was alright, if the referee hadn't just then told everyone to get into position.
- Alright, this is it! Kuro said to his team before entering the field. - You know the drill: while Lev acts as a decoy, the others will use that to score as many points as possible. Kai and Taketora, I'm going to need you two on your A game today. Kageyama is still a killer setter, and Tanaka and Azumane can do real damage if they get going.
- Question! Yaku raised his hand, and glared at Lev. - Is it a good idea to rely so much on him being a decoy? I think you're overselling what an effect he's had on the Karasuno team.
- Mr. “Take A Hint” from Victorious may kindly take his opinion to the trash where it belongs, Lev said, smirking as Yaku turned red from rage. The kid was never going to get over that all his advances towards Lev had only been met with a single song of rejection. - Captain, you said you were worried about Tanaka and Azumane? Let me take care of that.
Lev looked over to where the two wing spikers were, his eyes locking with Tanaka. With a seductive grin, Lev licked his lips slow while punching one of his fists against his palm. Ready for round two? his gesture asked. Immediately, Tanaka turned red, turning his gaze and trying to make himself inconspicuous, but the way his chest puffed on instinct like a peacock flaring its tail to impress gave him away. Bullseye.
Next up, Lev looked at Asahi, who was doing his very best to avoid looking him in the eye. Luckily Lev had a way to get around it, and he turned to look at Nishinoya instead. Once Lev caught Nishinoya's gaze, he nodded towards Asahi while holding up three fingers. Nishinoya immediately whimpered needily, and when Asahi turned to look in concern, he saw the gesture Lev was making. With both of their flustered gazes on him, Lev puckered his lips into an air kiss whilst twitching his fingers in an inviting gesture. The offer still stands, and by the way Asahi and Noya both quickly looked away with their faces red, Lev knew he'd sunk them too.
- And there you go. Three for the price of one, too, Lev turned to smile sweetly at Kuro. - Aren't I generous today, Captain?
- Not as generous as I know you could be, but this'll do, Kuro grinned, and winked. Lev chuckled: the people who wondered how he handled being captained by his ex clearly underestimated the power of mutual break-ups. - Okay, into your positions now. Volleyball, I mean, Kuro clarified and looked at Lev. - I see you trying to turn this into a sex joke, Lev.
Lev laughed, and the others joined in while shaking their heads amused (save for Yaku, who was sulking with his arms crossed). Stepping onto the court filled Lev with the unique excitement only volleyball could bring, and he was feeling giddy at the thought of getting to test his strength and that of his team once more. Standing with Kuro on his right and Inuoka on the left, Lev felt invincible: they were ready to send Karasuno home packing.
Which was why Lev was stunned when the first ball Kuro sent over the net shot back to their side of the court, nearly grazing Lev's ear on the way, almost the moment it flew onto Karasuno territory.
The sound of the ball landing on their side of the field and marking a point for Karasuno hardly mattered. Lev stared at Karasuno's side of the field shocked, and he knew Kuro and Inuoka were too. It should have been a clear point in their favour. There had been no one in that spot that Kuro had aimed for. All the Karasuno players had been too far away to dash for it, and yet...
And yet, there Hinata was, standing with his arm still stretched out, leaving no doubt as to who had hit the ball. Lev's stared at him like at a ghost, and he wasn't the only one: even Hinata's teammates were staring at him, too shocked to even cheer for scoring the first point so fast. Had Lev just underestimated how close Hinata had been? Then again, Lev swore he hadn't even seen Hinata move...
And that's when Hinata looked up, and Lev recoiled at the look on Hinata's face. Hinata's gaze was completely void of light, lips drawn to a serious line as he stared Lev dead in the eyes. As Lev stared back, Hinata slowly lifted his hand to his own throat, curling the hand to a fist so only his thumb was standing out and then quickly drawing the thumb across his throat.
You're dead.
Is what the gesture was supposed to mean, but surely, it was just Hinata being dramatic? It must have been just one of his silly little challenges, Hinata was too sweet to actually want to---
And then the ball swished past Lev's head again, with a larger margin to be fair, but still close enough that Lev staggered a few steps back.
- What the fuck? Inuoka so eloquently whispered. - What the actual fuck just happened?
Lev seconded that notion. That serve had definitely gone to Tanaka, who, being wrapped around Lev's finger as he was, shouldn't have been able to produce such a powerful strike. Yet it hadn't been Tanaka who had hit the ball. Somehow, against all odds, Hinata had managed to dash from his position and manoeuvre himself in front of Tanaka in just the right way to be able to spike the ball and send it back. It shouldn't have been possible. There was no way anyone would have the time to run, position themselves, and aim for the opposite side of the court fast enough not to crash with the person the serve had been meant for.
And yet, that was exactly what Hinata had done, to the surprise of even his own team.
- Hey, what the hell man?! Tanaka exclaimed. - That was my score!!
But he fell quiet and even took several steps back when he saw the look on Hinata's face. As Tanaka and the others stared at Hinata horrified, Hinata just returned to position, ready to move, that dead expression still on his face.
Was it just Lev or was it suddenly a little cold in here?
Yaku managed to stop the next serve, just barely, but it was enough to return some fighting spirit to the Nekoma team. But the longer the match went on, the more obvious it was that Hinata was a completely different beast than before. It wasn't like he was even running anymore, more like teleporting as he'd manifest from thin air to receive Nekoma's spikes and send them back. With how fast he was moving, it was like he was suddenly handling the duties of a spiker, blocker, and libero all at once, and his own teammates had to practically fight against him to get any participation in the match. And the worst part was that it was still working: just thirty minutes into the match, Karasuno had already scored 18 points, and Nekoma was sweating and panting like they'd been working out for hours. The five points they'd scored was hardly lifting their spirits, and even that felt like a miracle considering the demon on the other side of the field. Even Kageyama was staring at Hinata in terror, and Lev swore Kageyama was now actively avoiding setting for Hinata. Honestly, that might have been the only reason Nekoma was still hanging in there.
It was Karasuno's turn to serve again, and Lev braced for blocking the ball. As long as they could slow down the moment of the ball, there was a chance they could score a point, or at least keep Hinata from getting the ball again. It was hard adjusting to this inhumane speed, but as long as they could divert the ball to the other Karasuno players, it wasn't unthinkable Nekoma could recover their momentum in the second set, possibly forcing the game onto a third set. It was a slim hope, but that was all they had.
The ball was served, and already Lev could tell that Hinata would be getting the ball. Lev prepared to jump. As intimidating as Hinata was just now, he was still just a boy. Even the fastest strike would mean nothing if it was blocked. And Lev sported 190 centimetres of muscle and reflexes honed squarely on stopping Hinata from making a further fool out of the Nekoma team.
Hinata's hand moved to strike the ball, and Lev flexed his legs. But just then, Kuro called out, his voice pitched in panic.
- WAIT! DON'T BLOCK!
Surprised, Lev and Inuoka stopped mid-motion, letting Hinata hit the ball unobstructed. Had Kuro seen something they hadn't? Was the ball maybe on track to go out of bounds or---
And then Lev felt a crackle of electricity as the ball zoomed past him, followed by shocked shouts from his teammates. Lev turned around, and seeing the ball, his eyes widened thunderstruck. But it wasn't because of Karasuno scoring yet another point.
No, it was because that was a genuine, honest-to-god skid mark on the floor where the ball had landed.
If Kuro hadn't warned them, if the ball had hit one of them at that speed...!
And the ball had almost hit Lev in the head!!
Trembling in a cold sweat, Lev swore he was going to have a heart-attack. This wasn't even human anymore. Even calling Hinata's sudden speed and strength demonic would have fallen short of the sheer god-like bending of reality Hinata must have been engaging in to achieve this.
- Oops, Hinata said, and Lev turned to look at him. Hinata's voice was as emotionless as his eyes. - My hand slipped.
Never before had Lev been more grateful for their coach as when he heard the old man call out:
- Time out! Boys, get over here!
To say their team was in an utter panic as they gathered in a circle off field would have been an understatement. Only Kuro and Kenma still retained some semblance of calm, and even they had turned white as sheets. The rest were expressing various states of shell-shock, the worst of it being Taketora, who was nigh hysterical as he was the first to open his mouth.
- What the hell was that?! How is it even possible for one guy to do that?! Taketora screeched, pointing in the direction of the skid mark. - How are we supposed to fight against that?!
- Alright, everyone just calm down, Kuro said. - If we think about this rationally and come up with a plan---
- Unless you have a plan for us all to gain whatever super power Hinata's got, what can we even do?! Taketora cried out. - For fuck's sake, I'm not gonna die for a volleyball game!!
- I don't think that's a concern, Kenma said. - Hinata would never go that far.
- Did we fight the same guy?! Taketora glared at Kenma. - I swear I was gonna be sent home in a body bag!
- Kenma's right, Taketora, Kuro said. - Hinata was not trying to kill you.
- Do ya need glasses, cap'n'?! Didn't ya see how those balls were coming at us?!
- Kuro's right, you know, Kenma said, then pointed at Lev. - Because Hinata aimed those balls at Lev, and no one else.
Instantly, all eyes where on Lev, and for once, Lev didn't love being the centre of attention.
- What... What did you do to Hinata? Inuoka asked with a whisper.
- You didn't flirt with him too, did you? Yaku asked bitterly.
- Never! Hinata's my friend, and friends are sacred! Lev said, holding his hands up defensively. - Well, I suppose many of my lovers eventually became friends... Point is, I may have flirted with every other Karasuno guy, but never Hinata!
Aside from Yaku's disbelieving glare, everyone else nodded, looking mighty confused as to what could explain Hinata's sudden rage. Then, a look of realisation spread on Kuro's face.
- Lev... Did you say you have flirted with every other player on the Karasuno team? Kuro asked. For some reason, there was a hint of terror in his voice.
- Umm, yes? Lev said. - You know I'm a completionist, Kuro.
- Does that mean you flirted with Kageyama, too?
Suddenly, Lev felt a chill down his spine, like someone was watching him. The others looked to have gotten the same feeling, as they gazed over at the Karasuno team, only to suddenly yelp in horror. Lev turned around quickly, blood freezing in his veins as he saw why: Hinata's head had done as close to a 180 degree turn as a human body could, and he was now staring at the Nekoma team with that same unnerving expression he'd worn the entire match. The chatter in the hall looked to die down the longer Lev looked into Hinata's eyes, the lights suddenly fading and Lev's vision growing blurry. If Inuoka hadn't grabbed him by the arms and forced him to turn his head, Lev wasn't sure he'd been able to escape.
- Lev, PLEASE tell me you didn't try to go after Kageyama! Inuoka asked panicked.
- Err... So what if I did? Lev asked, a little defensively. - C'mon, Kageyama's good-looking, and a stellar player too! You know that's my type!
- Lev, Kenma said seriously. - Everyone knows Hinata has a massive crush on Kageyama.
The words hit Lev over the head like a baseball bat, and for a moment, he just stared as his brain processed this new information. He... hadn't known that actually. And suddenly, it all made sense. Lev wasn't above going after people who were taken, but that was only in extreme cases, like when poor Yamaguchi had been utterly neglected by that brute in glasses Yamaguchi had called a boyfriend. And either way, people Lev's friends were interested in were off-limits. Lev may have been a slut, but he wasn't a bastard, thank you very much.
But now he had unintentionally gone against that rule by making moves on Hinata's crush.
And considering what a betrayal it must have felt like, coming from a guy Hinata considered a friend...
Oh dear.
- So uh, Captain? Lev looked at Kuro desperately. Panic wasn't something Lev felt often, but now, it was all he could feel. - What's our plan for winning?
Lev's stomach sunk when instead of reassurance, Kuro laughed.
- Winning? Lev, this isn't about winning anymore, Kuro gave him a pitying look. - It's about survival.
Lev wanted to protest, but just then, he heard a horrifyingly familiar voice from behind:
- Hey, you guys.
Lev yelped, and he and his entire team took several pre-emptive steps of retreat before turning around to see Hinata standing there. His eyes were still empty, but there was now a small smile on his face. Somehow, that made him all the more terrifying.
- The referee said time's up, Hinata said, cocking his head to the side in a near perfect 90 degree angle, giving him the appearance of a hanged man. - Let's play.
No one dared to move or speak, until Kuro managed a small nod. But even then, Hinata didn't move, continuing to stare at them with that crooked smile of his. Kuro's eyes shifted between his teammates, Hinata, and the field.
- Okay, we're going to back away slowly and get into position, Kuro said. - Do not take your eyes off him.
- H-Hey now, that's a little excessive, don't you think? Yaku asked. - It's not like he's a weeping angel, you know.
- Do you really want to take that risk? Taketora hissed.
That effectively shut Yaku up, and without further objections, the team began backing away. When everyone was on the field, Lev quickly looked over his shoulder to see if he'd reached his position yet. When he turned to look in front of himself again, he saw that Hinata had disappeared, and looking around, Lev saw that he'd somehow manifested back in his position on the other side of the net.
- Alright everyone, new plan! Kuro called out. - Everyone else, stay a safe distance away from Lev! And Lev...
Kuro looked at him, his expression exasperated at first, before he sighed in remorse.
- And Lev... Pick a god and pray.
- What?! Lev gasped. - Captain! You're giving up on me?!
- Sorry, babes, Kuro smiled weakly. - But you fucked around, and it's time to find out.
With that, the match continued, and only eleven minutes later, the first set was over with a resounding Karasuno victory. The second set finished in a record 26 minutes 09 seconds, in the most humiliating defeat Nekoma had suffered in all its history. By the end of it, a third of the volleyballs brought out for the game had been rendered unusable by excessive wear and tear, and the court was in the need of a new flooring.
Lev's clothes clung to his skin with sweat, and he swore he had invented a new dance routine with the speed at which he'd been dodging Hinata's strikes. The whistle of the referee to declare the match over was like the sweet song of angels, delivering Lev from his damnation. His head was spinning from far too many close calls and a critical lack of oxygen from how much he'd been screaming and running for his life. He didn't even want to think about what this performance was going to do to his image. But at least it was over. Appearances would mean nothing if he was dead.
But just as Lev stood straight to take his first proper breath since the second set had begun, he saw a flash of orange fast approaching from the other side of the net. A cry of horror froze in Lev's throat as Hinata jumped in the air, grabbing the top of the net and spinning around in the air before reaching out his hand and grabbing the top of Lev's head to stabilise himself. The grip was like a vice tightening around his head, but what really had Lev's heart rate skyrocketing was the way Hinata looked at him. As Hinata hovered in the air on top of the net, for once, Lev knew what it felt like being literally looked down on. There was a sweet smile on Hinata's lips, but the look in his eyes was still cold.
- Stay in your lane from now on, Hinata whispered, in a voice that dripped both honey and venom at once. - And maybe we can still be friends.
The grip on Lev's head loosened as Hinata dropped back on the ground. As Lev desperately tried to remember how to breathe again, Hinata skipped over to his teammates. The coldness on Hinata's face was suddenly gone, replaced with the most radiant smile as he hugged Kageyama's arm, while Kageyama immediately froze stiff.
- Kageyama ~ You were so fantastic out there! Hinata giggled, rubbing his cheek against Kageyama's shoulder. - Those sets were just what I needed ~ And has anyone told you that you look especially handsome today?
- Th-thanks, I guess... Kageyama mumbled, his weak smile only highlighting the frightened look on his face. - And you... were terrifying.
- Awh, thanks!
- That wasn't a compliment.
There wasn't a single brain cell left in Lev's brain left to compute what he was seeing. At this point, he was just glad that when they lined up to shake hands with their opponents, he was shaking hands with Yamaguchi, and not Hinata. Lev liked his hand where it was now, thank you very much.
It was only after the Karasuno team had left the court and Hinata had become squarely Kageyama's problem to deal with that Lev found the head space to assess the damages. Against the odds, everyone was alive, even if Yaku had had to be rushed to the infirmary after one of the balls had bounced from the floor and the wall and hit him to the back of his head. But Yaku's IQ couldn't possibly get any lower, so Lev wasn't too worried about that. Lev himself was mostly unharmed as well, he'd gotten worse scrapes and bruises than this on his average Saturday night. Well, he was bound to receive a big scolding from Kuro, but honestly, they wouldn't have dated for as long as they had if Lev wasn't at least a little into it. Kenma would probably be disappointed in him for a while for having, albeit unwittingly, gone against his morals, but Lev was sure that Kenma would forgive him eventually. All in all, not a bad state to be in. Definitely better than what Lev could have hoped for just a half an hour ago.
With the adrenaline slowly fading, Lev suddenly felt something in his hand. Looking down, Lev realised that Yamaguchi had slipped him a folded piece of paper during their handshake. Unfolding the paper, Lev read the note scribbled inside.
Miss you <3 Call me sometime <3
Chuckling fondly, and more than a little relieved at being alive, Lev figured he just might take Yamaguchi up on the offer. It wouldn't add a new song to his playlist, but after today, Lev decided it would be better for his health to sail on safer waters for the foreseeable future.