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Tooru doesn’t know what he was expecting to see in Rio, but it certainly isn’t a familiar mob of orange hair playing beach volleyball. It feels like he is imagining the figure in front of him. He couldn’t help but let out an "Is this real life?" in Japanese.
He watches the figure turn towards him after hearing the familiar language from behind him. Hinata Shouyou, the Chibi-chan he knew, lets out a surprised "Grand King". Tooru would be lying if he said he didn’t like hearing that title again. Even more so, he is happy to see a known person... in Rio, of all places. It makes him feel a little less homesick.
Tooru decides to show his gratitude by taking Hinata—no Shoyou out for drinks. He is very much looking forward to fetching some gossip from the Miyagi-run mills. "Chibi-chan, tell me what’s going on in Miyagi? Do you have any gossip for me? About the Karasuno guys and anyone else, "he asks the younger boy.
He watches as Hinata takes a moment to decide what he is going to tell him. He notices his eyes brightening as he makes his decision.Tanaka-san is dating Shimizu-senpai now. Asahi-san is a fashion designer in Tokyo. Daichi-san and Suga-san are moving in together. Daichi-san is a policeman, and Suga-san is a teacher. Noya-san is travelling around the world. "Tsukki is going to play for the Sendai Frogs, and Goshiki from Shiratorizawa is going to play for the green rockets." Hinata pauses before continuing. You probably know about Ushijima, Japan, and Bakeyama.
Of course, he knows. How can’t he? The first thing he did after leaving Japan was subscribed to the volleyball monthly website to keep receiving news about what was going on in the volleyball community in Japan. After all, he has to keep tabs on his rivals. He knows that both Ushijima and Tobio-chan are playing for the Schweiden Adlers and are part of the national team as well. He even heard rumours about Tobio-chan making his debut at the Rio Olympics.
"Yeah, I know about them." He doesn’t want to talk about them, so he changes the topic instead. "Why are you here, Shouyou?"
"I am here to train, of course," Shouyou replies as if it were obvious.
It isn’t obvious to Tooru. He never thought he would see a volleyball player from Japan in this part of the world. Europe? Sure, In South America? Not really. It doesn’t surprise him, though. He had already recognised the hunger that Shouyou had to get better and better while he was still in school. "So you are playing in the volleyball league here then?" he asks.
Shouyou shakes his head. "No, I am here to train in beach volleyball."
"Beach volleyball?" he asks. It doesn’t make sense. Shouyou is an indoor volleyball player. Why would he want to train in beach volleyball?
Shouyou nods his head. Beach, I Throughout my volleyball career, I have been dependent on Kageyama for him to make me shine. I know I can jump high, but I have always been hidden in his shadow. I don’t want to hide in his shadow anymore. He is my rival, and I want to do it by being his equal. I can’t do that unless I know how to be independent on the court. I can achieve that with beach volleyball. That’s why I am trying to go to the beach. "
Tooru feels an understanding with Shouyou after hearing his explanation. He knows exactly what he is feeling right now. Tooru has been there. He has done it before. He has seen what it is like to be overshadowed by Tobio-chan back in middle school. A rival he can’t seem to beat? Yeah, he is familiar with that too. That’s his whole relationship with Ushijima. No matter what he tries, he can never beat either of them.
"I know exactly how you feel," Tooru says, squeezing Shoyou’s hands. "I have been in your shoes. I know what it is like to be in Tobio-chan’s shadow. I also know what it feels like to have a rival that is far out of your reach. "
Shouyou’s eyes widened in realization. He seems to have understood what Tooru was trying to imply. "Ushijima-san," he murmurs.
Tooru gives him a small smile. You got it. Ushijima and Tobio-chan are two of the reasons why I moved to Argentina. I would never have been able to beat them if I had stayed in Japan. Well, that and the fact that my idol is based in Argentina. He is my coach now. I am training hard with him to be stronger. Someday I am going to beat them at a stage that hurts the most. "
"The Olympics," Shouyou says, in understanding.
"Olympics," Tooru agrees. Don’t lose hope yet. You will get there one day. You just have to be patient, "he reminds Shouyou.
Shouyou nods his head.
They spent the rest of the time drinking alcohol, eating food, and talking about mundane things. Later that night, Shouyou leads the way to Tooru’s hotel. Arigatou, Oikawa-san. I was feeling very homesick today. Meeting you and spending the evening with you helped me with it. "
You don’t have to thank me for anything, Shouyou. I loved catching up with you, " Tooru denies his thanks. He didn’t even know the younger boy was feeling homesick. He took him out for dinner because he wanted to do it. He had no ulterior motive other than his curiosity.
"Still, thank you," Shouyou says.
"You are welcome," Tooru pacifies him.
"Oikawa-san? Can I ask you for a favour? " Shouyou asks him.
"Of course," Tooru easily agrees.
Can you teach me how to set? My beach volleyball partner isn’t very good at it. If we want to win matches, we need to learn how to set. I was hoping you would be willing to teach me, "Shouyou asks, fidgeting a little.
Tooru doesn’t see a problem with helping his Chibi-chan set. He would be happy to help this little fighter in any way he possibly could. After the understanding that was created between them tonight, he sees no reason to refuse. "Sure, I'd love to," he says, and he notices Shouyou smiling as he agrees. But I have a condition. Shoyou’s face falls on hearing that.
"What condition?" he asks hesitatingly.
You will have to teach me how to play professional beach volleyball. I could also use some beach training, "Tooru winks at Shouyou, earning a laugh from him.
"I can do that," Shouyou happily agreed. He starts chatting about various rules and places where they could meet to practise together.
Tooru lets him chatter, taking solace in his company. He can’t wait until tomorrow to start playing with Chibi-chan. He thinks it is going to be a fun experience. He also knows that the experience will only make their friendship stronger with time.