Archive of Our Own

“Hey, Hinata, hey, slow down…” Bokuto quickly wrapped his arms around the small, trembling kid, holding him close and trying to steady him. Hinata’s back rose and fell rapidly due to his uncontrolled hysteria, his breathing fast, broken, and panicked. 

“B-Bokuto… I can’t… I c-couldn’t stop him-” Hinata pressed his forehead into Bokuto’s chest and gasped for air, his small, shaking hands coming up to clutch the captain’s shirt. He gripped tighter as his knees buckled and his chest heaved in a quiet, pained sob. Bokuto immediately hooked his arms under the smaller, fragile ones, holding him upright and trying to help him hold on. 

Bokuto’s heart ached for Hinata, and he wanted to sit down and cry with him right then and there, but he knew he had to be strong for both of their sakes. Hinata felt so small and fragile in his arms, like any wrong movement made and he would suddenly shatter.

Endearingly, in that moment, Hinata reminded Bokuto of a small baby bird, not yet able to fly. Bokuto’s anger grew, and his hold on Hinata tightened as he thought about who would be cruel enough to hurt someone like him.  

“Hey, do you wanna sit down somewhere-?” Bokuto started to ask before another man came into view, calling out angrily for Hinata as though he had been looking for him. The man turned, and when he saw them, a deceptive smile spread across his face. Bokuto held Hinata closer to him out of instinct.

“Ah, there you are, kid.  Was wondering where you went, thought I had lost you.”

The man stepped closer to them, talking to Hinata, but his eyes locked with Bokuto’s furious glare. It only took that one look, that one sentence to come out of that man’s mouth, for Bokuto to figure it out and put the pieces together. He stepped back with Hinata, his glare unwavering.

Don’t you dare come any closer to him. If you want to hurt him more, you will have to hurt me first. 

“Hinata… do you know this man…?” Bokuto’s voice was low, rough, nowhere near his usual tone. 

Bokuto could feel the weight of that hesitation, the fear in that glance, as Hinata slightly turned his head to look back at the person he was trying to hide from. He knew he had been found when he didn’t want to be found. Hinata wanted to stay hidden, safe in his arms, shielded from the darkness he had fallen into. Bokuto wanted to shield him; he wanted to hide Hinata’s face and tell him it was all going to be OK. He wanted to rid him of that pain no one was supposed to endure. 

Hinata looked over his shoulder, and that one look he gave the man told Bokuto all he needed to know. The boy’s grip on Bokuto’s shirt tightened, and he replied in a whisper that the Fukurodani captain could barely hear. 

“No…No, I don’t. And…and I wish I didn’t…”

10 Minutes Earlier

Hinata didn’t like to think of himself as a weak person.

While he was smaller than most, he possessed physical abilities that the others on his team told him they wished they had. Hinata could jump higher than average, and he enjoyed pushing himself to his limit, seeing how far he could really go. 

But in truth, Hinata knew he couldn’t do much on his own, and he was constantly relying on his team to carry him further. There was one person in particular who made him strong, and that was Kageyama: his rival, his setter, and his friend. They didn’t get along at first, but over time their relationship soon grew to be something unique. Kageyama was now his greatest ally, and he himself told Hinata that as long as he was around, Hinata would be invincible. 

But that was on the volleyball court; things were very different away from the net. 

That day at nationals, Hinata realized how small he truly was.

It was just going to be a quick, simple water break for him. The team was warming up before they went on for their game, and Hinata got thirsty. He let Kageyama and Daichi know he was going to get a drink from the water fountain and ran off quickly, wanting to be sure he could get back in time for the game. 

That’s all he wanted to do. It was just going to be a quick drink of water. 

Hinata never wanted to feel a hand on his shoulder, followed by a greeting from the older man he didn’t know. He hadn’t even reached the fountain.

“Hello there, young man. What’s your name?”

Hinata turned around to see a smiling, kind-looking man looking down on him. He looked to be in his late 30s, maybe even 40. Hinata didn’t know who he was, but he didn’t think much of it at the time. 

“Oh, uh, my name is Hinata Shoyou, sir.” He replied. The man nodded, his smile slightly increasing. 

“Oh, nice to meet you, Hinata.” He looked down at Hinata’s jersey and again at his face. “Quite a pleasure. I see you play for one of these volleyball teams, Karasuno. Is that right?” 

“Yeah, that’s right! I’m the team’s middle blocker and spiker too!" Hinata let his guard down slightly, figuring the man was just another volleyball enthusiast who had come to see the games and cheer on the teams. The man chuckled slightly. His face looked kind, yes, but Hinata noticed there was something off about his eyes. That smile of his didn't reach his entire face. Hinata brushed it off, assuming he was being paranoid.

“That’s wonderful! I’m sure you make a great addition to that team, Hinata. I think I did see you play one of these games. You were great out there! Aren’t you that kid who can jump abnormally high and perform that freak-quick attack with that prodigy setter?”

Hinata nodded enthusiastically, blushing a bit at the compliments he was receiving. 

“Uh, yeah, that’s me! I couldn’t do all that I do without my team, though. They are amazing, and they are the true reason we’re here at nationals!” The man smiled again. 

“That’s great to hear, young man. I’m glad to see the younger generation so passionate about volleyball." He clasped his hands. "It’s truly an amazing sport. Now I really hope you don’t mind, but could I borrow you for just a few moments? My friend is working as an interviewer here and gave me the job of going out and finding players who would be good candidates for an interview! And I was thinking you'd make for a great interview!

"What d'ya say, kid?"

Hinata blinked at this, surprised he should receive such an offer. And he knew he had to get back to his team soon, but a small interview couldn't hurt, right?

Hinata wished he had said no then. He wished he could have walked away when he had the chance. It was not like the man was forcing him to stay. But he followed him, not even considering the fact that he could be in danger.

It was really the blind leading the blind.

However, Hinata did say no when the man drove him against the wall in a dark room and ordered him to take off his shirt. They were away from the light, away from the crowds of people who were not far, yet felt like they were hundreds of miles away.

Hinata wished he had the strength to push that stranger away and escape from that room, but that didn't happen. All of the strength he thought he had seeped out of his body the moment the man put his hands on him; under his shirt, up his body, around his neck…

Hinata wished he could have made his voice heard. He wished he had tried to yell, and then maybe someone could have heard and come to rescue him, and pulled him out from drowning in that dark, cold oblivion.

Hinata wished he had fought back when the man slapped him down onto the ground after he had pushed back just a little. He wished he could forget the stinging pain of hands digging into his hair, forcing him to look up into those cold, empty eyes.

"Stop resisting, kid. Behave, and I won't have to hurt you again. Sound good?"

Hinata never said yes. He never agreed with what the man had to say. He tried to tell him to stop over and over again, but what good did it do?

He barely registered the feeling of teeth in his neck, yet the sensation consumed him hungrily.

His mind went blank; his vision fuzzed over, dizzy and grainy. He barely noticed the tears pouring down his face as well as the bruises slowly forming around his neck. He barely felt it when the man pulled down his pants, reaching and grabbing further and further down.

He tried and failed to push him away again. The man just grabbed his head and pressed it into the ground like it was no big deal. Hinata struggled to no avail.

He hated it. Hinata hated feeling so weak. He always thought that he was strong; his friends made him believe that.

But his friends weren't there. Hinata was alone, and he hated being alone.

He felt his stomach churn as those cold hands pulled back his boxers, his final piece of armor that had shielded him from the onslaught of the enemy. Hinata could barely make out the image of a smile, cruel and twisted. It was hard to see anything in that dark room, his vision becoming more and more clouded with every breath he forced himself to take. He didn't want to see any more; he wanted it all to be over.

He tried to kick again, trying once more to free himself. He thought that maybe if he tried a little harder, he could be free of this nightmare.

But the man just caught his leg and forced it down, like it was the easiest thing he'd ever done.

The man let out an empty chuckle, his legs straddling Hinata's small body, encasing it, trapping him down. One hand was over Hinata's mouth, preventing him from using his voice. The other was out in front of him, reaching… ready to grab.

"Now, now, let's not try anything more, alright? I don't want to hurt you, remember?

"This will be over soon. I need this, Hinata Shoyou…I just… need you to comply…"

No.

He wasn't sure if it was due to the adrenaline coursing through him or a new wave of fear that wracked his mind.

But in that moment, Hinata imagined what it would be like to see his team if they found out about what happened to him.

He imagined the look of sheer pain and disappointment on Kageyama's face.

He imagined the look of horror he would find on Yaichi's face, the anger on Noya's, the shock on Sugawara's, the confusion on Yamaguchi's…

Hinata knew in that moment he could never bear to see that sight. He never wanted to hear Daichi tell him that he was sorry, that it was their fault, not the fault of the boy standing before them.

Hinata knew that it was far too late. The damage had already been done. He couldn't go back in time and erase what had just happened to him.

But maybe he could ease the pain just a little. He could prevent himself from sinking further down and try to fight for himself, so that others wouldn't have to do all the fighting for him.

I have to fight back. If I can't do it for me, then maybe for them…

Without taking another moment to think, Hinata brought his mouth around that hand holding him down and bit down hard.

He could barely hear the man's yell of pain past the roaring of blood in his ears. Right then, he had only one thought racing through his brain.

He had to get out of there.

While the man was still reeling from the bite, Hinata brought his hand back into a fist and dealt a blow to the side of his head, knocking him away from his body. In that moment of freedom, Hinata finally took a breath and scrambled to pull up his boxers and pants, knowing he did not have much time at all.

And he was right. It only took a few seconds for the man to snap out of his trance and lock those deadly eyes with Hinata's wide-eyed stare.

"What the hell!?" The man cursed him vilely, his mouth stumbling over the words. "Oh, you're going to regret doing that to me, you pest!"

Hinata's mom had once told him that if he ever found himself in a situation where someone was out to take advantage of him, it would be best to forget all reasoning and fight like an animal.

Before that moment, Hinata's wings were clipped. He couldn't muster the strength he needed to fight.

Now, that strength had returned. And with it, a new hunger to survive.

Hinata kicked away the hand that reached for him, quickly swiping his jersey top off the ground and recoiling back as quickly as he could.

The sudden surge of movement only made him more dizzy, but it didn't matter; it couldn't overcome the adrenaline high he was feeling.

Before either of them could muster another thought, Hinata turned and bolted out the door into the bright halls of the facility, wrestling his shirt over his head while he ran.

Hinata heard the man yell something after him, but he didn't stop. He didn't look back. He just covered his face with his hands and kept running.

But he couldn't run from reality.

As quickly as he had left, reality seemed to sink its claws in, reminding him of everything that had just happened. The adrenaline began to dissipate, along with the numbness Hinata's mind had built up trying to block out the world.

He was left alone with this guilty, devastating feeling tearing at his heart, dragging more tears out of his eyes and down his face.

That day, Hinata learned how harsh and unforgiving reality truly was. It barely gave him a moment to breathe before plunging him back into the cold, dark waters he had tried so hard to surface from.

He tightened his hands over his face, trying to force a sob back down into his throat. It was no use. His vision was blurry with tears and nausea. Everything suddenly felt so raw, so real, as he finally realized what had happened to him.

No… this can't be happening to me. This… this is just a bad dream.

The world seemed to swim around him, and his legs buckled under the newfound weight. He had to find someone, something to hold onto.

Hinata stumbled and then broke into a run, pushing himself back into an open and crowded area of people.

I just need to find someone.

He wasn't sure where his legs were taking him; he just ran. Hinata was scarcely aware of the people he ran past and pushed aside, casting him worried glances. He probably looked like a mess to them. He didn't care all that much.

Panic consumed him. He couldn't run straight, couldn't think straight. His whole body hurt like mad.

This can't be happening. I'm going to die.

He kept running blindly until he found himself being forced to a halt, broad hands coming around him from behind, slowing his momentum.

Hands… unfamiliar… grabbing…forcing…

"No… no, not again! Let me go, I don't want this!" Out of instinct and raw fear, Hinata grabbed wildly at those hands, those arms, trying to free himself once more.

All he could picture was that man, trying to reclaim him.

"Hey hey…! Easy, Hinata, I'm not gonna hurt you!"

Those hands let go of him, but Hinata immediately stopped running. His head was spinning, but his brain was finally catching up to him.

Hinata realized that the touch was gentle and warm, not cold and commanding.

And that voice… it wasn't a stranger's voice.

"It's me… You know who I am, right?" Hinata's feet felt rooted to the ground; he couldn't move, and he felt tears stinging his eyes. The person walked around in front of him, standing in his path. His hands were outstretched like he was ready to catch Hinata if he fell.

"It's Bokuto, you're gonna be alright. Just breathe for me."

Hinata looked up at him, brokenhearted, his face tear-stained. He stumbled forward and collapsed into Bokuto's arms, who held him up because he no longer had any ounce of strength left in him to stand.

The hold around him relaxed, holding him there but not trapping him. He felt the tension within himself begin to uncoil as he leaned into that warm, stable presence. He took one breath, and then another.

It felt as though someone had dived into those stormy waters and had grabbed his hand, dragging him up and back to the surface.

But even though he could breathe again, the storm was still raging.

A sob escaped from Hinata's chest, along with a tear streaming down his face. He tried to focus on the warmth of Bokuto's arms around him; he tried to think only about the vibrations of the heartbeat so steady compared to his own. But it wasn't any good.

Fear was still coursing through his veins, and it took everything he had to not break down and collapse on the spot.

"Stop resisting, kid. Behave, and I won't have to hurt you again. Sound good?"

Hinata wasn't even aware that he was still trembling majorly until Bokuto put one broad hand over Hinata's head, urging him to look up at him. The touch was guiding and gentle, a stark contrast to the previous contact Hinata had received. He looked up slowly and almost broke down further.

Golden yellow eyes met orange, and Hinata couldn't bear to face that gaze. He shrank back, trying to retreat into himself, but Bokuto held him there, not letting him hide any longer.

"Hinata, do you want to talk about it?" There it was again. That firm but gentle voice.

Hinata looked up at him desperately. Part of him wanted to tell Bokuto about everything that had happened. He knew he could trust him; Bokuto was someone who could help.

However, he looked up to Bokuto like a mentor or a guide. Bokuto was a shining image of someone he wanted to be when he grew bigger and older. He was a star player and an inspiring athlete, not to mention an amazing person. He was the 4th best Ace in their nation for a reason, and brought with him a presence that could uplift the spirits of a whole court of players.

It was because of this that Hinata felt he couldn't tell Bokuto the truth about what happened.

Hinata wanted nothing more than to impress him. He wanted to show Bokuto how strong he could be, just like him. If he told Bokuto now about what had happened to him, he knew the ace would never look at him the same way again. Instead of viewing him with pride, he would only see him through a lens of pity and remorse. That was the last thing Hinata wanted to see.

I just want you to be proud of me… but how can you be proud of someone as pathetic as me…?

Another ugly sob shook his body, followed by another and another. Hinata hated himself in that moment. He hated how weak he was being, so weak that he couldn't even confess the truth to someone he trusted.

The tears were falling unforgivingly down his face; there was no hiding now.

Bokuto was nothing if not emotionally tuned. He knew immediately that Hinata wasn't in a state to talk, so he spoke for him.

"You don't have to tell me now if it's too hard. Just know that you're gonna be alright now. You're safe with me, I'm not gonna let anything hurt you, alright bud?"

He tried not to look too hard at the obvious marks around Hinata's neck. He could see the bruises beginning to form, and were those… bite marks?

Hinata sobbed again, trying to wipe his eyes free of the tears streaking his face. Bokuto could feel his heart racing through his skin like it would burst out of his chest at any moment. His breathing quickened ever so slightly but surely. The poor kid sounded as if he was struggling to take a breath.

"Hey, Hinata, hey, slow down."

He gathered the smaller teen to him, wrapping his arms around him and holding him there.

“B-Bokuto… I can’t… I c-couldn’t stop him-” Hinata pressed his forehead into Bokuto’s chest and gasped roughly for air, his small, shaking hands coming up to clutch the captain’s shirt. Hinata gripped tighter as his knees buckled and his chest heaved in a quiet, pained sob. Bokuto immediately hooked his arms under the smaller, fragile ones, holding him upright and just trying to help him hold on. 

I need to find a way to calm him down fast. Shit… who could have possibly hurt him like this!?

As if on cue, Hinata froze, his gaze fixed on something… no… someone behind Bokuto.

Bokuto quickly turned himself around, still holding Hinata, to face the direction where he had been looking.

Turns out danger takes many different forms.

Bokuto would never have imagined seeing an average-looking man step towards them through the crowd.

At first glance, there was nothing truly threatening about him. But then, Bokuto saw his crazed face. That face seemed to scream with desire and hate, even lust…

Bokuto knew he needed to act.

"Hinata… talk to me now. Do you know this man?"

Bokuto knew he didn't need to ask that question. But he wanted Hinata to say it for himself.

Hinata's breath hitched, and he paused for a second, yet it felt like a lifetime for both of them before he responded.

"No… no, I don't. I- I wish I didn't."

Bokuto realized he had been holding his breath and exhaled. He felt sick to the stomach with anger and shock.

"Good, thank you, that's all I need to know."

He took a step back from that man, bringing his hands up around Hinata's head, hiding it and his face from view.

"Back off. He clearly wants nothing to do with you."

The man paused where he was, the grin on his face faltering with hesitation.

"Huh? No… that's not right. That kid doesn't know what he wants. Let him come back to me, please?"

Hinata's tremors grew worse at the sound of the man's voice. Bokuto silently willed him to stay together for just a few moments longer, just long enough for help to arrive.

The man took another step forward, his face showing nothing but persistence as if he were in a trance, his movement desperate and confused.

"Stay back! I'm going to call security!"

That was just an empty threat. Bokuto knew he didn't need to call security; Akaashi was already on that task.

His friend had been nearby the entire time.

Fukurodani had been gathered in the main lobby, ready to go back to their hotel after wrapping up their final game of the day, when Bokuto spotted Hinata running through the crowd, clearly in distress. The Fukurodani captain hadn't hesitated when he ran off after Hinata, Akaashi just behind him, ready to back him up if needed.

Akaashi had witnessed the whole scene and, knowing exactly what to do, ran off to find security to help them deal with that situation. Bokuto trusted him to find some help. All he had to do now was keep Hinata safe and consoled.

Bokuto was certain he could do the first part well. That man wouldn't be able to lay a hand on Hinata, not while Bokuto was there and not while they were in a crowd full of people. But that man didn't look like he was in his right state of mind, so Bokuto wasn't about to take any chances.

As if proving his train of thought further, the man took another step forward, oblivious to Bokuto's warning. He moved similarly to a zombie; his hand reached out, and his eyes glazed over with anger and the desire for control.

Bokuto swiftly moved Hinata behind him, one of his hands holding onto the younger's arm while he held his other hand out in front of him. Hinata reached up and shakily gripped the back of Bokuto's coat, pressing his face against his back as if he were trying to hide from that nightmare.

"Don't take another step forward, I'm warning you." Bokuto found his voice was uncharacteristically low and serious. He meant every word he said. There was nothing light about this situation, nothing to joke about. Bokuto found himself becoming afraid.

What if this man is stronger than me? What if he overpowers me? What if… I can't protect Hinata?"

Suddenly, he felt a new presence arrive at his side, with a steady hand on his shoulder. Bokuto nearly jumped due to how on edge he was feeling, and immediately relaxed when he turned around and found Akaashi at his side. The setter had one hand around Hinata's shoulder, the other on Bokuto's.
A new sense of calm came with Akaashi's arrival, as well as the message he had to deliver.

"I found security. They're on their way right now."

Thank goodness.

Bokuto turned his head, meeting Akaashi's gaze. The setter's stable demeanor immediately reassured him, his eyes seeming to tell him, Everything's gonna be OK now. There's no need to worry.

Sure enough, a team of three security guards followed right behind Akaashi, bringing with them professionalism and a new chance to breathe.

But as soon as the man saw security arrive, he finally snapped, his eyes blazing with sudden fear.

"No… what have you done!? You weren't supposed to bring them here!"

He backed up hastily, tripping over his own feet in a feeble attempt to get away. But he was already spotted. Akaashi had already given that patrol a quick rundown of their situation. Two of the guards nodded and broke away from the group, chasing the predator that had just turned and scrambled out of their line of sight.

The security guard who stayed behind with them was a tough yet kind-looking woman. She gave them a small smile as the high schoolers watched the guards leave to chase after the man.

"Don't worry about that. They'll catch him soon enough. Right now, I need you three to answer some questions."

"Questions… right." Bokuto sighed and looked down at Hinata, who was still holding onto him tightly and wouldn't leave his side. He was in no state to answer any questions about what had happened.

Akaashi noticed this as well and tapped on Bokuto's shoulder.

"I think we need to find a quieter place for them to question him." He nodded in Hinata's direction, who was staring at the ground, looking very overwhelmed, one hand gripping Bokuto's, the other fiddling with his own jersey. "They're gonna need a statement from him, since he is the victim in question."

He murmured this quietly to Bokuto, but loud enough for Hinata to overhear. Bokuto nodded in agreement, squeezing Hinata's hand.

"Alright, let's get out of here."

They talked about this to the guard to wholeheartedly agreed. She led the three of them away from the lobby, out of the crowd and noise. As soon as they found a place to sit against the wall, Bokuto sensed Hinata immediately relax just a little and found himself relaxing as well.

He sat down on Hinata's left side while Akaashi settled on the younger's right. Hinata was still trembling and reached out with one hand, trying to find Bokuto's hand to hold again. He took that small, unsteady hand in both of his and squeezed lightly, trying to provide as much comfort as he could.

He frowned, noticing how Hinata's hand felt cold to the touch. The poor thing.

The guard sat cross-legged on the ground in front of Hinata, but not too close to provide any further discomfort. She gave him a small, gentle smile.

"Hello there, can you remind me of your name?" Her voice was low and gentle, nothing pressuring about it. Hinata took a breath and quietly responded.

"Hinata Shoyou, ma'am."

She nodded. "Nice to meet you, Hinata. I'm Officer Oka. You're not in trouble or anything; I just want to help you, alright? So, do you think you can answer just a few questions for me?"

Hinata nodded, making himself look up at her to meet her eyes.

Officer Oka smiled at him again and then looked at the two accompanying him. "Would you like your friends to stay here or give you space for this?"

Bokuto didn't miss the look of panic that crossed Hinata's eyes before he stuttered. "C-can, can they stay here?"

Oka nodded. "Of course they can. If that's what makes you feel safe."

Hinata let out a small sigh of relief, gripping Bokuto's hand a little tighter, like he thought that if he let go, Bokuto would disappear, leaving him all alone again. Bokuto's heart ached, and he rubbed his hand with his thumb.

Officer Oka took out a notepad, jotting down a few notes before asking the first question.

"Hinata-kun, your friend here," she gestured to Akaashi, "Told us that an unfamiliar man was chasing you through this building. Now I don't know the details; I only know what Akaashi was able to tell me. So I just need more info from you. Hinata, was that man someone you knew?"

Hinata was staring blankly, his head angled towards the ground, his eyes focused on nothing in particular. It looked like he was staring at something only he could see, memories that would soon haunt his waking memory. He hesitated before responding, fidgeting with his free hand.

"No… I didn't know him."

Officer Oka nodded and jotted a note down. "Alright. And Hinata, did that man hurt you in any way before your friends were able to find you?"

Bokuto winced, knowing that was going to be a harder one for Hinata to answer. Bokuto wasn't even sure if he himself knew for sure what had happened between Hinata and the stranger. He had a guess, but he wanted so desperately to believe it wasn't true.

Looking at Hinata now, Bokuto could see the rough state he was in. His body was still trembling, his breathing quick and uneven. His face was distraught, and Bokuto could see a single tear slip down his cheek.

"I'm… I'm not sure. I… I think he did, but not really."

"Did he do anything to you that you did not consent to?"

The final blow.

Hinata's breath hitched, and he let out a quiet sob as more tears came down his pure face. Bokuto's heart ached even further, and he gently brought his arm around his Kouhai, clasping his hand on his shoulder and rubbing it rhythmically. Hinata looked up at the woman with desperation in his eyes and answered, his voice higher-pitched and strained.

"I tried… I tried to stop him. I s-said no so m-many times, but he kept going," another sob, "and he kept touching me in places I didn't want to be touched, and he would punish me if I tried to fight back…" He shut his eyes tightly and brought his hands over his face. "I wanted so badly to get out of there, but I was too w-weak and t-too helpless to do anything about it! He kept saying to me that… that he didn't want to hurt me… and that it was all going to be over soon, but…" He breathed in sharply for air, clutching his chest.

"If he didn't want to hurt me… why did it all hurt so much!? And why me!? I never… never w-wanted this to h-happen…"

At that, Hinata dissolved into a series of sobs and coughs, his breathing quick and strained. He clutched his shirt, obviously finding it hard to breathe.

Bokuto barely noticed the tears running down his own face as he took the little crow in his arms, having him lean against him. With one hand he kept around his shoulders; the other rested on that orange head of hair. Hinata leaned quickly into him, his hands around himself, his head pressed against Bokuto's chest. It didn't look like he would be able to answer any more questions.

Officer Oka seemed to notice this and nodded slowly at his words, writing some more things down in her notepad.

"Thank you for telling me this, Hinata-kun. I know this was a hard thing to do, but you have been very brave, you hear me?" She smiled sweetly and looked at Bokuto and Akaashi. "You're lucky to have such amazing friends. All three of you did the right thing today. So don't worry anymore. We'll deal with this man, and he won't ever lay a hand on you again. Sound good?"

Hinata gave her a small nod and managed a quiet, "Thank you." Akaashi and Bokuto thanked her as she got up, tucking the notepad away.

"Does Hinata have any trusted adults or supervisors here today?" She directed this question more at the older teens, since Hinata didn't look like he would be able to answer. It was Akaashi who responded.

"His parents aren't here, but his coach is. As well as his team's advisor. We can bring him to them, though it might be a little tricky, given they might be supervising a game right now."

Bokuto felt Hinata stiffen under his grasp, his body tensing up in a sudden change of mood.

Oh… that's right. Karasuno is probably playing right now… Poor Hinata, missing that must hurt more than anything.

"It would be ideal if he could be checked in with an adult he can trust." Officer Oka continued. "Just make sure he gets back to his team safely, and provide him with any comfort he might need." Akaashi nodded, his gaze focused and intent. Bokuto just focused on Hinata, rubbing circles on his back gently as the smaller teen tried to regain his composure.

But Hinata's attempts to calm himself down did not work out the way he wanted. Just after Officer Oka left to check in with her team, Hinata reached up with one pale, shaking hand to grab Bokuto's coat. He looked up at him with a frightened look in his eyes.

"Bokuto… I feel like I'm gonna be sick."

Less than a minute later, Hinata was hunched over a bathroom toilet, retching up the contents of whatever he had eaten last. Akaashi crouched beside him, offering whatever comfort he could, steadily rubbing his back.

Bokuto hung around nearby outside of the stall in case the two of them needed anything, but in truth, he couldn't find the strength in himself to be close to them right then.

His heart hurt too much to think about everything that had happened to Hinata. And he felt stupid about it all because he was supposed to be the strong one in this scenario. He was supposed to be providing Hinata the comfort he needed.

But he just couldn't find that resilience in himself.

Not when everything seemed so wrong and messed up.

Bokuto felt like he was going to be sick as well and was dimly aware of the tears that slowly crept down his cheeks.

Why… why did this ever happen? And to someone as sweet and kind as Hinata?

None of it made any sense.

Akaashi walked out of the stall soon after the sound of Hinata spitting up came to a stop. He looked to be in a bit of a hurry.

"Watch over him for a sec; I need to grab him something to drink." He addressed Bokuto before swiftly exiting the bathroom without leaving room for him to argue.

Bokuto looked after him in slight panic before shaking himself off and heading towards the stall.

It's alright, Bokuto. He'll be right back. You can do this.

But when he entered the stall, he wasn't sure he could.

They were in a larger stall built up at the end of the bathroom. Hinata sat hunched over himself with his back against the wall, hugging his knees to his chest. His orange hair draped over his face. There was no sign of that bright spirit that usually shone within him; he looked more like a shell of his former self.

Bokuto sighed as his heart broke a little more at the sight. Closing the stall door behind him to make sure no one else came in, he crossed the space and sat down next to Hinata, but not too close to give him the space he needed. Hinata didn't look up at him as he sat down, but his body visibly relaxed just slightly at Bokuto's presence.

The two of them didn't say anything for a short while; they just sat, listening to the hum of the bathroom and the commotion of people entering and leaving the other stalls. The noise felt so far away, isolating them in their own little world.

Eventually, Hinata spoke, softly but surely breaking the silence between them.

"Bokuto… I'm sorry."

Bokuto whipped his head around to look at Hinata, dismayed that he would say such a thing.

"Hinata… why are you apologizing? None of what happened was your fault…"

Hinata shuddered and hugged his knees closer to himself, hiding his face in his arms. He looked so much smaller than usual, and Hinata was smaller to begin with. But there was something about his presence on the court that always made him appear bigger to Bokuto.

His size didn't matter, not while his spirit surpassed everyone else's.

But now there was no spirit left in him. Hinata, for the first time, looked utterly defeated.

"I know… it wasn't my fault. I understand that. But… I'm sorry for becoming such a burden to you."

A burden? That's what he was worried about!?

Bokuto shook his head and reached out, "Hey, Hinata, would you look at me?" He lightly tapped Hinata's arm, and Hinata flinched at the contact. Bokuto moved his hand away as Hinata slowly looked up at him, his eyes dull and puffy from crying. At least he is calmer now, Bokuto thought to himself. The worst of this is over.

He lifted his arm slightly, an invitation for Hinata to lean into him again. The little crow hesitated for a moment, then scooched over, tucking his small body against Bokuto's side.

Bokuto sighed and turned his gaze up towards the ceiling.

"You aren't a burden to me; you never were a burden to begin with. I'm here with you now because I chose to help you, not because anyone forced me to."

He paused for a second, thinking of the right words to say.

"When I saw you in the lobby, you looked so distraught, like a lost child." He chuckled a bit as Hinata looked up at him in a slightly offended manner. "And I know it's not fair to compare you to a child; you're a very capable person, Hinata. I realized that the first time I saw you play. You're an amazing athlete and show so much potential for your future in volleyball. I just know you're gonna be an insane player when you're older.

"But when I saw you running in such a frightened way, I couldn't just stand around. As someone you look up to, someone whose job is to mentor and guide you, I couldn't leave you there, looking as lost as you did. As 3rd years, it is our job to lift you guys up and nurture you, so that when we graduate and move on, you can stand taller than we ever did, all on your own."

Bokuto squeezed Hinata's shoulder gently, a touch that was not invasive but affirming. Bokuto could feel Hinata's heart rate begin to calm, his breathing evening out and slowing down.

There it was, some light breaking through the storm clouds.

"You are an amazing person, Shoyou-kun, and possess so many strengths. I'm here to help you realize that because you deserve to feel strong. What that man did to you was so cruel. I can't imagine how it made you feel. It's OK to feel scared. It's OK to feel hurt, but don't ever blame this on yourself, alright?" He looked down at Hinata, wanting to make sure he fully understood what Bokuto was trying to tell him.

Hinata looked up a bit, fixing his gaze across the bathroom stall, his eyes focused and thoughtful. He looked down at himself and up at Bokuto.

"You really think… I'm strong?" Hinata asked, hesitantly and unsure, but with a slight hint of hope trying to break its way through. "Even after what happened?"

Bokuto smiled down at him, ruffling his hair gently.

"The strongest. It takes guts to push and shove your way to the top from the ground up. I know you've faced many trials, and now another huge one has just been thrown in your path. But I have faith that you can come back from this. Because that's the kind of person you are. You never give up, right?"

"Yeah, right." And then for the first time that day (at least in the time that Bokuto had seen him), Hinata smiled. It was small and quick, but a smile nonetheless. Bokuto felt a huge rush of relief, the familiarity of that smile warming his heart.

It was then that Akaashi returned to the stall, holding a bottle of water for Hinata. Hinata took it from him gratefully and immediately gulped some down hungrily. Bokuto smiled and shared a glance with Akaashi, a glance that silently communicated He's gonna be OK.

"Hey, you doing alright?"

Bokuto looked up in surprise at Akaashi's question. He really didn't know how to respond, so he shrugged and murmured, "I think so."

The two of them were walking back to their hotel together, coats wrapped tightly around themselves to combat the city's chilly evening air. The sky had grown darker, streetlights and headlights from cars illuminating the roads.

Bokuto breathed in and out deeply, watching his breath fog in the air in front of him.

The world had almost seemed to quiet down around him as soon as they dropped Hinata off to a very worried Tadeka. Bokuto's worry nearly evaporated as soon as Hinata was in safe company again, and he did not doubt that Tadeka could take care of him. He didn't know the Karasuno advisor that well, but from what he had seen of him, he looked to be a kind and trustworthy man who had gained the love and respect of that entire team. Hinata was safe again with the people who would look after him. There was no need to worry any longer, and a great weight had lifted off of Bokuto's shoulders.

But that weight had never been a burden to him. Rather, Bokuto was grateful he had carried that weight. It had not been easy, seeing Hinata in such an uncharacteristic state of distress. But Bokuto was glad he could have helped, even if all he really did was calm the kid down.

The one who had really helped Hinata in the end had been Akaashi, who was walking quietly next to him. Akaashi looked deep in thought; maybe he was thinking about similar things. Bokuto always envied how he could appear so collected and serene in any situation. He would have given anything to handle the situation as well as him. Bokuto knew that he could have done better, or he could have been smarter in the moment.

Apparently, Akaashi seemed to think differently.

"You did a good job, you know."

Bokuto looked at him, eyebrows raised, surprised at the compliment. "Th-thank you? Are you sure? I mean, I don't really feel like… I did much to help."

It was true. Akaashi was the one who had found security. Akaashi was the one who took Hinata to a quieter place and gave him water when he was thirsty.

Akaashi was the one who had led them back to the gym and found Tadeka, and he had even given the advisor a rundown of the situation. And while Akaashi had done all these things, Bokuto had stood by, not quite knowing what to do. In the thick of the chaos, his mind had become overwhelmed. There was too much for him to think about, too much for him to process.

As always, Akaashi was the glue that held his wavering mind together. It didn't matter if they were on the court or in the real world. Akaashi was the dependable one, not Bokuto.

But Akaashi clearly didn't think the same. Instead, he turned his gaze to Bokuto. And was that… a small smile?

"Bokuto-san, you really are so dense."

Bokuto gaped at him, gasping dramatically. "Uwaaaa!? Dense!? Akaashi, you're so mean!!"

Akaashi chuckled a little, his breath forming little clouds in the evening air. He hugged his coat a little tighter and went back to looking ahead of him as he walked. "Yeah, you can be pretty dense. Do you really think you didn't help? I mean, come on. You helped Hinata in the best way you knew how, and it ended up being exactly what he needed in the moment. Did you see how grateful he was, just for you being there?"

Bokuto hummed a little, remembering how Hinata looked back at him when he had mentioned they were going to leave.

The sadness and sudden fear written on his face looked too much like an abandoned puppy, and nearly shattered Bokuto's heart to bits. So, to ease both of their worries, Bokuto had given Hinata his texting address so he could reach out if he needed anything or just to talk. Hinata had taken the address, and with a quivering mouth, ran at Bokuto with sudden, surprising speed. He quickly caught him in a fierce and tight hug, causing Bokuto to take two steps back to receive it. Hinata rested his forehead against Bokuto's chest, and Bokuto had a feeling Hinata was smiling.

He had brought his hands around the crow, holding him one last time before he left. And as he did so, he heard Hinata say something, his quiet but stronger voice giving Bokuto back a piece of his mind he didn't even know he had lost.

"Thank you for everything, Bokuto-San. I promise I'll make you proud."

Bokuto had smiled then, his heart aching with too much to feel. He stepped back a bit and ruffled Hinata's orange head of hair. Hinata looked up at him and smiled back at him, his face a mirror reflecting Bokuto's own emotions. Bokuto chuckled lightly, and with his hand still in Hinata's hair, leaned down so that he was on the Middle Blocker's level.

"Hinata-kun, I already am proud of you. You do incredible things every day, and you always know how to greet this harsh world with a smile. You've already done more than enough for me, and for everyone else. But I just need you to promise me one thing."

"What's that?" The boy tilted his head just slightly, looking at Bokuto with a thoughtful expression.

Bokuto sighed, exhaling any of the tension left in his body. He moved his hand from Hinata's hair down to one of his shoulders, shaking it lightly. "Do some things for yourself. Don't let this day bring you down. I would hate to see you give up on yourself, on your dream. Keep climbing, keep growing. But most of all, take care of yourself. Can you do that for me?"

Hinata smiled again. But this wasn't his normal smile that seemed to stretch from ear to ear like a contagious ray of sunshine. Rather, this smile looked more mature, more grown-up. It was relief and confidence mixed, with a newfound purpose.

"Yeah, I can do that."

That smile stuck with Bokuto as he walked through Tokyo with Akaashi, and it warmed his heart, keeping the cold at bay. He noticed Akaashi shiver beside him, trying and failing to hide the fact that he was cold. Bokuto looked to him, bemused, and took off his jacket, handing it to his setter. Akaashi looked at the jacket and then stared at Bokuto with an unimpressed and grumpy look about him.

"No thanks, I don't need it."

"Sure you do. Just take it, Akaashi. I'm not cold."

Akaashi's eyebrows lifted. "Really? You really aren't cold?"

Bokuto nodded vigorously. "Seriously, I'm not! Just take the Jacket!!" He waved it around in front of him, disrupting Akaashi's field of vision. Grumbling, the setter grudgingly took Bokuto's club jacket, pulling it over his shoulders and tucking it around himself.

When they finally got back to their hotel that night, both were warmer and in higher spirits than when they left. They had managed to make some small conversation, which was an accomplishment because there was not much to say. Part of Bokuto's mind was still processing the events of that day, and he knew Akaashi had been too. On top of protecting Hinata, they had played multiple games that day, and both of them were exhausted, both physically and mentally. Bokuto wanted nothing more than to curl up on his Hotel bed and sleep for a month.

But sleep didn't come to him easily that night. Bokuto groaned, lying awake on his mattress as his roommates snored and slept soundly around him. It felt like his mind was buzzing, alert with everything that had happened. It was being stubborn as usual, not doing the thing he wanted it to do.

Bokuto rolled over onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. He listened to the sounds of the city moving steadily by as the night dragged on. He listened to the soft sounds of breathing and the occasional louder snore. There was a rustle of blankets as someone readjusted their position as they slept.

Bokuto tried closing his eyes, but the image of Hinata's distraught expression and tear-soaked face was seared into his brain. That small but hopeful child had experienced something truly traumatic that day, and no one had been around to protect him. Bokuto felt guilt claw at his heartstrings, mixed with confusion, frustration, and a little anger.

He didn't think he could ever understand why someone would ever hurt another human like that. Hinata never did anything to deserve that treatment. Hinata hadn't asked for it; rather, he had told the man to stop. Why didn't he listen? Why did that temptation cross his mind in the first place?

It was people like him that Bokuto knew he could never agree with. It was people like him that made the world such a dark place, a place that wanted to snuff the light of anyone who shone a little brighter than the rest.

And Hinata happened to be one of those people. His energy was contagious, and he never seemed to run out of it. There was something about his charm and sincerity that captured the attention of everyone around him. On the court was where that passion of his really shone brightest, and it was always exciting to watch him play. Bokuto had never had the pleasure of playing him in an actual game, but he had played some sets against them in the summer training camp, and even those were fun.

The problem with being someone like Hinata, though, was that you could attract attention to yourself that was unwanted as well. And that was what happened today. Hinata had caught the attention of the wrong man, and everything spiraled from that point.

Bokuto groaned inwardly and rolled over on his bed to reach for his phone, charging on his nightstand. He checked the time and frowned when he saw that it was long past midnight. He set his phone down and rubbed his eyes. How long have I been lying here? How is Hinata doing? It's been a few hours since I dropped him off.

As if on cue, his screen lit up again with a notification. Bokuto quickly snatched the phone off the nightstand again and, blinking, saw a message appear on his screen. He smiled, even if it was just a number; he knew exactly who it was. He went ahead and saved the contact to his phone before going to read it.

Heeeenata: Heyyyy, is this Bokuto-san? I hope this message comes through ok; it would be super embarrassing if this was the wrong number >.<

THE Bokuto Koutarou: Yess it's me don't worry! How're you doing Hinata?

Heeeenata: Alright, that's good! I'm doing alright. We are back at our hotel now

THE Bokuto Koutarou: That's good that's good. How was the game?

Heeeenata: It went well. We won against Inzarzaki! We're gonna move on to play against Nekoma tomorrow.

THE Bokuto Koutarou: Oh nice, congrats to you guys! Inzarzaki is a strong team.

Heeeenata: Yeah, thank you. I'm just bummed cuz I didn't get to play the game. Tadeka and Ukai had me sit out for this one.

The poor guy. But Bokuto couldn't blame his coaches. Hinata was not in the right state of mind to play a game. When they had dropped him off with Tadeka, Akaashi helped Hinata explain what had happened. Tadeka had taken the news very well, which Bokuto was grateful for. But realistically, it was best to keep Hinata out of the game. He had been in no state to play.

THE Bokuto Koutarou: Mmm yeah that sucks, I'm sorry. Do you think you will be able to play again tomorrow? I know you've been looking forward to that game with Nekoma for a while.

Heeeenata: I think so? I hope so. I talked to Ukai and Tadeka about what happened, so they're worried about me, but I also feel ok.

Heeeenata: I'm still shaken up, but it's not like I'm sick or hurt or anything, aside from the bruises…

Heeeenata: I think I might be able to play tomorrow

THE Bokuto Koutarou: Alright, I'm glad you're feeling ok. Yeah, do whatever feels most comfortable for you tomorrow, alright? Don't force yourself to play tomorrow if you're just not in the right mindset. That would just make things even worse

Heeeenata: Yeah I won't. But I reeeeeally want tooo….

Bokuto smiled at his phone. It sounded like Hinata had begun to find his footing again.

He ended up talking to Hinata for a few more minutes, just checking in on how he was feeling and making sure he was handling the stress well. Naturally, he was still shaken up, as he should be. But he had his team back with him and apparently Kageyama wouldn't let him out of his sight. He had people with him to help build him back up and put the pieces together again. And Bokuto was also only a call away.

Soon enough, Hinata turned in for the night, as did Bokuto. After sending a good-night message, he put his phone away and tucked himself back into his bed for the night. Lying there again, he found that his mind relaxed, way more at ease after hearing about Hinata's recovery. He exhaled and smiled, knowing that sleep was now within reach.

Somewhere else in Tokyo that night, another boy got some well-needed sleep. He curled into his futon while the lights were still on in their motel, barely able to keep his eyes open.

His considerate friends noticed his tired state and kept themselves quiet while he fell into sleep. One friend in particular moved his futon closer to the boy's so that he could be right there if he woke up and needed anything. He ended up falling asleep too, not long after his friend. The rest of them followed suit, and their coaches looked into the room to find their whole team asleep, a whole half hour before lights were supposed to be out.

With his Kageyama beside him and his team all around him, Hinata slept soundly but dreamless. His body and mind were tired and had much to mend. And as they say, your body heals faster when it is asleep.

Hinata didn't like to think of himself as a weak person. Sure, he felt weak that day, but that only meant he had every opportunity to grow stronger in the future. He could be strong; Bokuto said as much. He would never give up on himself or his dream.

A weak person would choose to give up. Hinata wasn't that kind of weak.

So he slept, his body preparing itself to wake up again the next day and face the world and the harsh reality that came with it. Hinata knew he would break over and over again. But that was all part of becoming stronger.

Reality was far from perfect in that moment, but it was finally peaceful.