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The sound of the whistle stretched over the court. The entire stadium erupted with cheers. They had lost, but Kageyama Tobio had never felt happier.
His breaths were heavy and his beating heart overshadowed the noise of the audience that surrounded them. The rush of adrenaline circulated his entire body. Despite the weariness, his eyes stayed locked onto the best thing that ever happened to him. His greatest ally, his greatest rival. His greatest partner.
If you get really good...
You, who’s finally here.
I promise you…
With an unconscious step forward, he reached out and gripped the net between them like he was ready to tear it all down just to get to the person on the other side.
Somebody who's even better will come along and find you.
“Hinata!”
He turned around, still wearing that bright smile of his. He was basked under the lights of glory, sweat glistening and face absolutely flushed. Kageyama felt the wind knock out of him but it didn’t hurt, he felt so alive. And somehow, Kageyama could swear that he can feel Hinata’s heart, just as loud as his, as if that was the only sound that mattered.
I’m here!
Ever since that day, it’s always been you. Never had he been more excited for mornings ever since you.
“I really…do like you.” He breathed. “I love you!”
The words slipped out and it just felt right.
For a moment, it was just them with his heart laid bare. Kageyama’s gaze was locked onto the other, unwavering and sincere. He wanted him to know that his words were unmistakable, the truest he has ever been.
The crowd was still cheering and people were still watching but his eyes were only on Hinata as his declaration settled between them.
“W-W-WHAAAT?!” Hinata became a stuttering mess, his face was even redder. It pulled Kageyama out of his trance, immediately letting go of the net and standing straight. A hand hovered over his mouth and he could feel his face getting even hotter as his words came rushing back to him.
The crowd definitely wouldn’t have heard him, neither would the people off to the sides. But there were still people close around them. And, oh god, he hopes a camera didn’t catch all of that. His head snapped up, looking around frantically.
His teammates, the opposing team, and even the referees stood in shock. And it seems the audience had started to wonder what was going on as the cheers started to die down. He blinked and bit his lip as he returned his attention to the person he had just confessed to.
“Hi-hinata, I–” He fumbled with his words, but before he could go any further, he felt a hand start to push him from behind.
Kageyama tilted his head as Hoshiumi added another hand to push him out the court. “Geez…do this somewhere else, you idiot!”
On the other side, Miya followed Hoshiumi’s example. The MSBY setter placed his hands on Hinata’s shoulders and hurriedly pushed him out as well. “Just leave the rest to us.” He said, with a smile that’s so obviously trying to hold back the laughter.
The two continued to push them with the rest of their teams following close behind, likely to help cover them, until they reached the doors.
With one last hard shove, they got thrown out into the hallway. They stumbled, but managed to not fall down.
“Don’t come back until you guys sort yourselves out!” He heard Hirugami, their team captain, shout.
“And don’t get carried away!” Meian, the Black Jackals captain, added.
“Have fun~!” Miya hummed in satisfaction before closing the door shut.
The hallway was dimly lit and empty. Kageyama turned to fully face the doors as the faint noises from the main area seeped into the halls. He sighed, that has got to be the stupidest thing he’s done in his life. Suddenly, he heard a snort from behind.
Kageyama looked back as Hinata started to laugh. That same warm and joyous laughter that can blow away any rainclouds. Before he could even realize, he found himself smiling like an idiot at the sight.
“Ahh, this is giving me some serious deja-vu.” Hinata dropped down to the floor, his entire body sprawled out. “We got kicked out like this back then too, didn’t we?”
Kageyama followed suit and sat down near him. He had his legs crossed and palms planted on the floor behind him. “We did, but that was ‘cuz we kept on fighting.”
Hinata sighed happily and stretched his arms wide, soaking in the incredible game they just had. Grinning, he sat up and looked at him. “So…” Hinata shifted, bringing up his knees and resting his arms on them.
Hinata glanced at the doors as if someone might hear him. His voice was almost a whisper, a sly smile creeping on his face. “Care to say it again?”
“I–” His face scrunched up. Does he have to say it again? This was somehow more embarrassing than saying it with the entirety of Japan watching. But looking into those expecting eyes, it’s hard to deny the urge. “Ah, I, uhm–”
Hinata crawled closer as the words remained stuck in his throat. Kageyama backed up just a bit, his eyes started to roam around anywhere but him.
On the court, where others would probably hold back, he doesn’t hesitate. But that shouldn’t have included his feelings! So why the hell did he say that back there?
And why is he struggling to say it now?
It’s not like he was completely unaware of his feelings. It was just that he believed that their bond was so unbreakable that there wasn’t any need to put it to words. No matter how much they bicker and fight, they will be fine. He doesn't know when it exactly happened. But when he heard that unwavering voice pierce through, it was like he'd known him all along. In his heart, Kageyama knew him before they even met.
Hinata has helped him in so many ways. Kageyama doesn’t think he’s thanked him enough, or at all, which he probably should. Though, he has a feeling Hinata already knows.
As long as they were together, they were invincible. Right?
But he knew that they weren’t gonna literally be together forever.
They were both skilled, in their own right. Their undying passion let them soar to great heights. Where they are now is proof of that.
And they didn’t just have each other. They’ve met so many talented and amazing people over the years.
There are many setters out there. Many other spikes.
But…
He really did love being Hinata’s partner.
He loved him. And he thinks that’s all he’ll ever need.
See you later.
They will see each other again, they will find each other no matter what. Whether in the world of volleyball or not, no distance would be wide enough to stop them.
Hinata had promised, after all. He'll be there. There was no reason to believe otherwise and Hinata made sure Kageyama knew that.
Yet, his world felt lonelier. Not like in middle school, it just felt missing.
His head would turn at the sound of a bicycle as it would pass him by. Sometimes, he'd accidentally buy more meat bus than intended. He would give the extra to his teammates with the excuse that he overestimated how much he was gonna eat.
They texted almost everyday, as much as possible. Told each other anything and everything. Before their high school graduation, that guy got mad at him for not telling him about going into the V-league. But that guy didn't tell him about Brazil either, so they were even and that petty fight didn't last long. After that, it was like an unsaid promise to keep in touch. Though, their daily communication was more than expected but it's not like he minds. However, it wasn't enough. Something in him told him it wasn't enough.
Every quiet jog, every moment without that loud voice beside him, every reminder of what's not there was a different kind of empty. It wasn't unbearable, but it made him impatient. Even the sun didn't feel like it shined as brightly as before. He thought he was crazy.
And then, he’d find himself in front of a house, not his own, but one he’s become all too familiar with. A young girl would be quick to open the door once she spotted him. She always asked why he’d visit. He didn’t know so that’s what he always answered with. Their mother seemed to be amused with that response anyways.
It was only every now and then. When he's in town, he'd just unconsciously take the long route like it was the only right answer. Sometimes, he’d buy something to give the two as reason to visit. Sometimes, he’d pass by quickly just to see it.
A force of habit, he kept telling himself. He’ll get used to it. The problem was, this wasn’t about volleyball.
He didn’t miss playing volleyball with Hinata.
He missed Hinata.
More than he could ever imagine.
“Hey–”
He saw Hinata about to say something. He didn’t hesitate then, he shouldn’t doubt himself now. He quickly leaned towards him, their faces now a breath away.
“I love you.”
His lips trembled and the floor suddenly felt cold against his palm. But, he couldn’t let this moment go to waste.
Hinata stayed silent, but his eyes never left his own. It was intense as if he was trying to find the punchline, waiting for the usual banter. Preparing himself with a comeback.
Too bad. Kageyama won’t be taking anything back. There was no mistakes in the words he spoke. And Kageyama knows Hinata knows that by now.
“I love you.” He said it again, but with a fervor that surprised even himself. But he still stayed silent. Say something, dumbass!
“And, uh, thank you. I never really got to actually say it to you, I’m sure I didn’t need to but still, you–”
He was cut off by a burst of laughter. It was a sound so wonderful, he felt his heart shaken to its core.
“You really are a king deep down! So demanding!” Hinata looked at him with the biggest, blinding smile. "We're flying higher, huh?”
“I never forgot what you said back then and—" Hinata hopped onto his lap as his legs wrapped around Kageyama's waist, causing his back to hit the wall. He giggled as he pushed their faces closer till their noses were touching. “I won’t forget your words now.”
“I love you too.”
The distance of those years finally closed between them. It was warm, filled with a different kind of hunger–a hunger that they ignored for so long. They were messy but it was certain that they've both waited and wanted this for a while now. Kageyama doesn't know if this could be called a perfect kiss, but it was perfect to him. They pulled away gradually, seemingly hesitant to do so. It was silent with only the sound of their breath between them.
As they stared at each other, something in Hinata looked ready to burst. Suddenly, Hinata went in for a hug. He hugged him so tight that Kageyama almost couldn't breathe. Slowly, Kageyama returned the hug and he felt Hinata relax, loosening his grip on him.
“You’re really unbelievable.” He heard Hinata whisper. It was so quiet that Kageyama wasn’t sure if Hinata was even talking to him. “But, it’s still you.”
He felt his heart start to still at his words. He didn't even realize how fast his heart has been going. He smiled to himself. This day couldn't get any better.
“So," Kageyama started as Hinata continued to cling onto him. "This means we’re dating now?”
Hinata let go of the hug and gave him an incredulous look. “You big dummy, you still have to ask?”
Kageyama just shrugged. He didn’t know what to say after a kiss like that, really. But he’s not gonna let Hinata know that. “So, dinner?” He diverted.
“I don’t know if my team would be too happy if I skipped out on the celebration party.” He answered with a laugh.
Kageyama huffed, remembering the fact they’re on different teams now and that he did actually lose their game earlier. Then, an idea came to mind. “Who cares? We’re celebrating my win anyways.”
“Your win?!” Hinata began shaking his shoulders. “We’re the ones that absolutely crushed your team, in case you forgot.”
“But, I confessed first so I won.” Kageyama retorted with a smirk. Maybe he should be more grateful for his reckless behavior on the court.
“What?!?” Hinata shouted, sandwiching Kageyama’s face between his palms. “Then, if that’s the case, I won because I kissed you first!”
“Hah? What–” He tried to retaliate and get Hinata’s hands off. But before any physical struggle could occur, Hinata went in for another kiss. And unfortunately, Kageyama couldn’t help himself.
After a long moment, Kageyama came to his senses, grabbing Hinata’s shoulders and lightly pushed him away. “Arghh, Hinata!”
“Hehe, that’s another win for me!” Hinata grinned as Kageyama lowered his head to breathe while still holding onto Hinata’s shoulders. He can feel his heart go crazy. All of this was still a bit surreal for him. He wouldn’t be surprised if this was just a dream.
But this isn’t a dream. Not at all. He can feel the rush of blood in his face. All his senses tell him this is real, holding onto Hinata like his life depended on it. He’s here, always and forever.
This moment, he thinks he’ll engrave it upon his very soul.
Kageyama sighed, looking back up at those golden brown eyes. They were back to staring at each other until they both started laughing. He really can’t believe that this is happening right now. Both flushed and sweating, they were an absolute mess.
Then, he noticed that Hinata started tearing up but he had a beautiful smile on his face, still laughing at this ridiculous situation. Perhaps it was instinct playing with him again as Kageyama reached up a hand to wipe the tears in his eyes. Once Hinata realized what was happening, he turned red again and replaced that big smile with a softer one. Hinata brought up his own hand to place on top of Kageyama's, humming in contentment. Kageyama isn’t sure if the tears came from laughing too much or from winning or from the confession. It’s probably all of the above. He smiled knowing he can make Hinata so happy.
“Alright, let’s talk about this later. The others are probably waiting.” Hinata said, putting down his hand and pointing towards the commotion that roared beyond the doors.
“Yeah.” Kagegama nodded, as they both stood up from the floor. He followed behind Hinata up until before Hinata could reach for the handles. Kageyama swiftly stood in front of him, blocking the way.
He stared down at the wondering look of his partner, his boyfriend. Kageyama leaned down, cupping his face with both hands and kissed him. He continued to hold him as he broke away, feeling like he could take on anything that comes his way. "Shoyo, let's play more volleyball."
The face that Hinata gave him was incredible, mouth slightly ajar and face all red. Kageyama thinks this is the first time that his face hurt from too much smiling, but he's too happy to care. "Okay?"
As soon as he said it, Kageyama let go and bolted out the door, leaving a stunned and flustered Hinata behind before he could get tackled.
“Wah! Tobio, you–” Hinata scrambled as he processed what happened. He quickly gave chase, vowing to get back at him. “Get back here!”
He loves him and he didn't need anything more. But life seems to have a way of kicking you when you're being stupid.
Now, he doesn't just have an ally or a rival. Hinata is his partner for life and he’s glad to have him, in every way. Whether by his side or across the net, Kageyama truly does feel invincible.
Well, that's one way to keep a promise.