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“ Yama, please, help me…!”
Hinata lamented, disturbing the other boy as he was just trying to enjoy his lunch. Fake and overdramatic sobs from Hinata fill the space, while a small headache was forming near Yamaguchi's temples. This had gotten to be the third week in a row Hinata had come crawling to Yamaguchi like this. Now, you may be wondering, What could be troubling poor, poor Shoyo?
School? No, even though it should, since he's failing 3 classes. You know, the classes he needed to graduate, but that would be a problem for him and Tsukishima later. When the blonde eventually has to scold (tutor) him.
Maybe it's because he's leaving for Brazil this winter? No, I mean, sure, he's nervous, but it was a problem for future Shoyo.
Upcoming nationals? No, it wasn’t that either. True spring was right around the corner, and this was his third year, so he kind of needed to make it count. However, the Karasuno volleyball team has had an awesome season thus far, scoring wins over Nekoma, Date Tech, and Fukurodani. ( He almost broke his ankle coming down from a jump during that match.)
No, what was troubling Shoyo was a certain tall, emotionally constipated, socially unaware, single brain-celled setter. Of course, it was Kagayama; nothing and nobody else could get under the ginger’s skin aside from him.
Taking another bite of his noodles, Yamaguchi stared at the ginger blankly as he went on and on about his situationship with the setter. Complaining that he wants to make it official, but every time he tries to mention the topic, Kagayama brushes him off or ignores him altogether, and blah, blah, blah. Look, usually, Yamaguchi would hear his friends out when they were struggling with something. Dating advice, homework, it was not a big deal for him. He’s just a nice guy like that. However, he has been hearing about Hinata and Kagayama’s roundabout relationship since the end of the first year!
Not last month, not last school year, since his freshman year! He was sick of it! Done! And to make matters worse, he had to watch every signal practice where the pair would awkwardly dance around their feelings; he was just about ready to kill himself!
“ I mean, I would just make a move already, but what if I mess it up! That would be like 2 and a half years' worth of progress down the drain! I can't lose him as a friend! What if he thinks I’m pranking him and kicks me into the stratosphere! You know, he’s socially impaired, I need a smart way to say this, hold up.”
Hinata pauses, finally stopping his rant so he can rummage through his backpack. Pulling out a small index card, Yamaguchi notices Yaichi’s neat handwriting. On it, it reads, ‘ To effectively convey my feeling towards Tobio.’
‘This is ridiculous.’
Yamaguchi thinks, finishing the rest of his noodles and quickly wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, in hopes of putting an end to this conversation.
“ How many times do I have to tell you, you guys are hopeless. We’re about to graduate, Shoyo, if you don’t confess now. You might as well never.”
“ Boo! That’s harsh! What type of advice is that? You’re a captain, you’re supposed to be motivating me!”
Hinata shot back, tossing a chip at Yamaguchi's face. Seriously, what advice could Tadashi possibly give that he hasn’t suggested before? At this point, Hinata must want the captain to turn into a genie and summon the two together.
“Well, what do you want me to say?”
“ Anything, something, inspires me! I don’t know!”
“ Inspire you? Inspire you, are you fucking kidding me! All the ideas I’ve given yer ass! Take him on a romantic date, write him a love letter, make him one of those elaborate promposels, for all I care!
“ We’re not even American, we don’t have proms!”
“ Then spell it out on a meat bun! ”
During their little back and forth, Tsukishima appears, most likely skipping his second period again since they don’t have the same lunch shift. Sitting down, the blonde doesn’t say much at first. He usually doesn’t. However, after listening to the conversation for a while, and ultimately deciding it’s bullshit, because c’mon, really? How many times is Tadashi going to entertain the idea of the orange shrimp having a love life?
“Are you two seriously bickering over this again?
Tsukishima quips, holding back a smirk and condescension in his tone. If Hinata didn’t know the blonde, he would assume he was just being a snarky asshole again. Unfortunately, he does know the blonde a little too well at that. And he wouldn’t be budging in unless he wants to have Yamaguchi to himself again. This greedy bastard.
“ Oh shut up, Stinkyshima! You’re not even supposed to be here right now!”
Hinata retorted; he really wasn’t in the mood to hear whatever witty remarks the blocker had in store for him. Not only was he no help, but he was Hinata’s biggest hater. ( Well, not as big as Kagayama’s. Their beef is generational; it’ll be talked about for lifetimes.)
“ Stinkyshima?”
The blonde dramatically gasps, seemingly shocked by the sudden insult. Grabbing at an invisible pearl necklace. Even though he has heard it over a dozen times before.
“All I did was ask a simple question, no need to get so hostile, shrimpy. You know, maybe if you weren’t such a pussy, and told the king how you feel. You and that tyrant would be living happily ever after by now.”
Tsukishima replied, earning a slap to the back of his arm and a ‘That was mean, Tsuki!’ From Yamaguchi. Even though the blocker words were overly brutal, he was kind of right. Hinata was being a scaredy cat, of course, hell would have to freeze over before Hinata would admit that.
" Are you crazy? It’s not that simple-"
" Tsk,tsk,tsk.”
The blonde interjected, waving his finger in front of the ginger’s face.
“The king can’t take a hint to save his life, and you wanted to date him. So why make it so complicated and just tell him this weekend? In fact, there’s a new movie dropping this Saturday, and you know, I just have two tickets to spare. And while you’re on this romantic rendezvous, you grow a pair and tell him. No tricks, nothing fancy, go to a park for something and tell him.”
He suggested getting the said movie tickets out of his pocket and forcing them into the spiker’s hands. Confused and honestly a little shocked that Tsukishima was giving him random cinema tickets, Hinata hesitantly pulls the paper into his pockets. After a brief pause, the ginger finally asks.
“ Um, why are you even helping me, Tsukishima?”
“Oh, well, you know, nationals are coming up soon, and I don't want your relationship woes getting in my way."
‘Of course.’
Shoyo thinks, waving goodbye to Yamaguchi before leaving the cafeteria. The bell had actually rung a long time ago (making Hinata very, very late to class). Luckily for Yamaguchi, he had a free period, and now it was Tsukishima’s lunch shift. Watching the boy walk off, Tadashi finally turns to his boyfriend, a smirk tugging at his lips.
“ Be honest, why are you really helping them?”
“ I can’t be nice to my friends? “
Tsukishima replied, trying to convince his dearly beloved that he was helping his good friends out of the kindness of his heart. (He wasn’t convincing anyone.) And after a beat of silence, the blonde finally confessed.
“ I accidentally paid for too many tickets and couldn’t get my money back.”
“ So, what? Are we going to be stuck babysitting them on Saturday?”
“ Nah, I booked it for two different times. We’ll be fine.”
"And them?"
"They'll figure it out."
.
.
.
After school, Hinata was walking home alone today. His usual company--Kagayama-- had to leave practice early to pick up his niece from elementary school. The spiker would have gone with him, but for some odd reason, Yamaguchi was adamant about his staying the whole practice. ( Was he still mad at him from lunch? )
Nearing his house, Hinata takes his phone out of his pocket. He begrudgingly takes Stinkyshima’s advice. I mean, the tickets were free. He might as well use them. Opening his phone, he clicks on the familiar contact.
[Messages between Hinata & Kayagama]
[7:47 pm]
[ Hinata is online.]
.
Hinata: Are you home yet?
Hinata: Hello?
Hinata: TvT
Hinata: Hello…?
Hinata: You didn’t get kidnapped did you :( ?
Hinata: C’mon, where are we going to find a replacement setter?
Hinata: Yk Kenma graduated!
Hinata: Where are we gonna find a new setter 😣
[Kagayama is online]
Kagayama:...
Kagayama: You have my location
Hinata: OMG, you’re alive \^-^/
Kagayama: And wow, is that all I am to you? A setter?
Hinata: What of course not 🙂
Hinata: You have a wonderful personality!
Kagayama: -_- Lair
Hinata: No really it’s the truth \^-^/
Kagayema: So, you replacing me with Kenma was also the truth -_-?
Hinata: What? Of course, not.
Kagayama: ;~;
Hinata: Go ahead, and ignore that last comment :)
Kagayama: What if I don’t?
Hinata: Wdym, if you don’t?
Kagayama: What if that’s my last straw?
Hinata:...
Kagayama:What if I kill myself right now!
Hinata: -_- right…
Hinata: Someone, who’s still scared of the dark wants to kill themselves.
Hinata: Sure, sure, sure
Kagayama: I’m serious!
Hinata: Shut up! No you’re not
[Kagayama, is offline]
Hinata: C’mon, Kags don’t have an attitude :(
[Kagayama, is online]
Kagayama: YOU JUST SAID YOU’D LET KENMA REPLACE ME!
Hinata: It was just a joke, bae.
[seen]
Hinata: Honey?
[seen]
Hinata: Baby girl?
[seen]
Hinata: pudding pop ;)?
Kagayama: Ew, I don’t even like pudding.
Hinata: HOW—it has milk in it!?
Kagayama: So? It’s still nasty.
Hinata: Are you serious?
Kagayama: Yes.
Kagayama: And you’re terrible at nicknames.
Hinata: I was running out of ideas ;’)
Kagayama: That fast?
Kagayama: Tsk, tsk, tsk
Hinata: Hey, don’t ‘tsk’ at me!
Hinata: What am I a pet? 😡
Kagayama: You’re close to one
Hinata: What,how!?
Kagayama: Anyways, I have to help Himiko with her homework soon. Tell me what you want.
Hinata: Awe, wait can I help too!
Kagayama: How are you going to help boke? Are you going to teleport here in the next ten minutes?
Hinata: I could!
Kagayama: Yeah, right. You suck at math.
Hinata: It’s grade school math, how hard could it be?
[Kagayama has sent an attecment]
Hinata:... Are those fractions?
Kagayama: Wow, that's your biggest concern? Not the dear aunt sally, nonsense?
Hinata: Dear aunt sally? You mean Preteniseas?
Kagayama: That is not how you spell parentheses.
Hinata: So! You don’t even know the rest of the rhyme!
Kagayama: Wdym, rest?
Hinata: You know, parentheses, exponents, multiplication,division, addition, and subtraction.
Kagayama:...Ykw? Maybe you should come over and help.
Hinata: Do you really not know it!?
Kagayama: No? I asked my sister for help when I was younger and she always did it for me.
Hinata: We had tests on it, how do you not know?
Kagayama: I never got points for that section.
Hinata: Ik you were stupid -_-
Kagayama: Wait,wait,wait, you’re judging me but don’t know how to do simple fractions!
Hinata: Hey, I do know simple fractions!
Kagayama: Really? Which ones greater 9/3 or 7/7
Hinata: Hey, 9/3 isn’t even a real fraction!
Kagayama:... Are we dead ass?
Hinata: What am I wrong?
Kagayama: Yes.
Hinata: No.
Kagayama: Yes.
Hinata: No.
Kagayama: Yes.
Hinata: No.
Kagayama: Yes.
Hinata: No.
Kagayama: We’re not doing this. Boke, just get over here and help out with the Sally thing and I'll help with the fractions.
Hinata: Fine =~=
.
.
.
So, that’s how Hinata ended up at Kagayama’s sister’s place. For the next two hours, the pair argued over math problems, which they did not know the answers to, and ended up googling solutions and simplified versions of equations. Meanwhile, little Himiko sat glued to the TV for over an hour. Luckily, her mother, Miwa, returned home early and scolded both of the boys for being such crappy tutors. (But could she really blame them? The only thing on their minds most of the time was each other and volleyball.) After that, Miwa kicked the pair out of her house, sending them straight back to Tobio’s parents' house, which was only a ten-minute walk.
On their scroll, the cool coming of spring air nips at their skin. Gently causing newly grown flowers and sprouts to swing. The leaves make a specific howl. It wasn't eerie like the dying leaves of fall, a foreshadowing of the harsh winter months to come. Instead, it was a natural, lulling hum that accompanied the two. Yet, as peaceful as the wind was, Kagayama felt the worst of it since he’d decided earlier that morning that he didn’t need to bring a jacket.
Besides, the shorter man, the setter was practically trying to ball into himself to keep himself warm. Hinata offered to stop at a convenience store so Kagayama could at least buy himself a warm drink or something, but of course, being the stoic and stubborn man he was, he declined. However, by his third sneeze and the 15th ‘damn, it’s cold’, the ginger had just about enough.
“Oh, my goodness, Bakayama.”
Hinata began to mumble as he began taking off his jacket. Sure, he was still a little shorter than Kagayama; he wasn’t the same string bean from freshman year. Besides, at this point, some warmth was better than no warmth at all, right? This act doesn’t go unnoticed by Kagayama; of course, the setter quickly goes to interject.
“ Huh—Hinata? What are you doing, dummy? Keep your jacket on!”
“ No, it’s obvious you’re cold, and I can’t have you getting sick on me. Just take it!”
“ No, I’m not taking it. We’re literally going to be home in less than 5 minutes. Just keep it. Besides, nobody gets sick from the cold anymore.”
“ Yes, they do!You said the same thing last year and had a fever for two weeks!”
“ That’s because it was almost winter, and your jacket will basically be a crop top on me!”
“ Oh, c’mon, I’m not that small, this jacket is at least a large! Just take it!”
By now, Hinata had already taken off his jacket and was trying to force it into the taller’s arms. Meanwhile, Kagayama was trying to push the jacket back into Hinata's arms, while also trying to convince the ginger that he’ll be fine and that he doesn’t have the immune system of a Victorian child. (Even though he totally does, and whenever he gets sick, Hinata would usually be the next person sick because of how much time they spend together. ) During this small back-and-forth, two pieces of slightly crumbled scrap paper fell out of the pockets. Of course, Hinata hadn't immediately noticed this, yet Kagayama did. Suddenly bending down to pick them up.
Finally noticing what the setter is holding, Hinata's body suddenly goes rigid as his confession for this weekend was sitting in his confessies–is that even a word– hands.
‘Welp, maybe Yamaguchi was right. I should have never thought of confessing.’
He thought as he watched a wave of confusion wash over the latter’s face. His eyebrows knitted in a tight brow as he tried to read the small letter font. After a beat of him attempting and failing to read what was in his hand, he turns over to ask the ginger.
“Hinata, what are these, and why are they in English?”
“ Oh, those, just tickets. They’re just old movie tickets. I meant to get rid of them, but obviously I forgot. Uh, just stuff ‘em back into the pocket. I'll throw them out when we get back to your house.”
He lies, or at least tries, until Kagayama's finger lands on another set of words.
“ You sure, because these say April 6th, 20XX, and that’s next week.”
“...Oh. You, sure?”
“Yeah.”
Well, this certainly isn't going as planned. He was supposed to invite him over text. Tell Kagayama to meet him after school at Ukai’s shop, something super casual. Maybe grab something to eat before, and watch the hopefully good film. (Even though it was in English, the pair wouldn’t have known what was going on. Thanks a lot, Tsuki.) Afterwards, they’d have a nice little stroll in the park, the birds singing, the pollen pollinating, real lovely dove stuff. Then, Shoyo would build up the courage and confess his feelings. And hopefully not get rejected. However, that’s not going to happen now. So, what will he do? How does Shoyo Hinata, the future MSYB middle blocker, ninja of the volleyball world, the best Brazilian dancer the world has ever seen, recover from this? Simple, he free balls that shit.
After a beat of awkward silence, a buildup of words begins tumbling out. They weren’t planned or organized. Rather a jumbled mess of honesty that was hopefully coherent, and as the shorter boy finished, he looked up into metallic eyes. He doesn’t know why, perhaps to get a read for the taller. Maybe, just maybe, there would be a chance of reciprocation. Maybe the ginger will get his fairy tale happily ever after, after all. Maybe Hinata could finally stop harassing Yamaguchi over his pitiful relationship woes, and maybe he’ll thank Tsukishima— actually, scratch that. His plan didn't work, so maybe he won’t have to thank the blonde after all. However, instead of immediate rejection or reciprocation, there was an awkward silence. Followed by Kagayama tilting his head to the side, seemingly confused.
Hinata, in a desperate attempt to save whatever pride he had left, immediately tried to do some damage control.
" So yeah! That's how I really feel, and um yeah. You know what, actually, never mind, ignore everything I just said. I was just kidding. Let’s just get home and forget everything I just said, okay? Okay!"
He said, trying to walk away from the shitty situation he created for himself, but before he could get far, a stronger hand reached out for him. Their expression was unreadable as the tense silence continued, which only caused Hinata to grow even more anxious. He'd have at least a rejection by now or something, not just blank staring. He knew Kagayama was a little slow at times, socially that is, but it’s not even staring anymore. He just seems generally confused.
'Great, that lovely dovey crap went over his head. Nice job, Shoyo. You might as well throw yourself in the closest trash can, too, since he already thinks you’ve lost your mind.’
He thinks, contemplating where the nearest rooftop he could jump off of is, as the setter continued to stare at him. Well, he doesn’t exactly know if he’s staring at him or the ground, or the sky for that matter, because there’s no way in hell Hinata’s looking his supposed best friend in the face again.
"Boke, what are you talking about?"
Kagayama finally questioned, after being silent for almost ten minutes, his face scrunching as he looked down at the spiker. An obvious mix of embarrassment on the ginger’s face. He really didn't want to answer Kagayama’s question; if anything, he wished he could go back in time and strangle his past self for even speaking up in the first place. Or better yet, just walk away and hunt down Tsukishima to kick his ass over this bullshit advice.
"Never mind, Kagayama, just ignore what I said and just go home. You’re still cold, remember?"
“No, I’m not.”
The taller one argued, still trying to get a better look at the ginger's face. Yet, Hinata, embarrassed and feeling kind of defeated, refused to meet his gaze. Instead, suddenly yanked his hand from the taller’s grip.
“Yes, you are. C’mon,”
He tries, walking ahead of the setter. Though Kagayama doesn’t follow. Hinata doesn’t care; he can’t care now. And just before Hinata turns the corner, Tobio calls out to him again.
" Shoyo, are we not already dating?"
"...What?"
Did he hear that right? Already dating, since when? How does he not remember going out with him? Is he just telling him this to make him happy?
“Kags, what are you talking about?”
Hinata questioned; he didn’t know why he sounded so stunned. This is what he wanted. If it were anyone else, they would have accepted it and left it at that. What was Hinata hoping for here?
" What am I talking about? Sho, we’ve been dating since second year. When we won nationals, we were crying and everything. You even jumped into my arms, and then I told you. We kissed! Boke, how do you not remember this?!”
" I, well, hey! I thought you were just really happy we won!”
“Happy we won? I didn’t kiss anyone else because we won!”
“ Well, you acted all casual after that, so I just assumed it was a one-time thing!”
“One time thing—I kiss your cheek all the time! We cuddle, we've been on lots of dates. We've met each other's parents. During the confession, I told you your smile motivates me. What about that told you we were just friends?”
" I, well, hey! You brushed me off at times, and I really didn't pay it much mind. Besides, I swear you only kissed me after we won a game!”
“I kiss you before we get to school?”
“ We race to school every day, I thought that was part of the ritual!”
“Why would I do something like that?”
“I DON’T KNOW YOU’RE WEIRD!”
The ginger stammered, trying to find a really, really good reason why he didn't pick up on this sooner. He was supposed to be the obvious one, not oblivious. Seriously, how did he not see this? As Hinata tried to come to an understanding that he was as much of a dumbass as the man standing before him. A house door swung open, and in its doorway stood a small, older woman. They couldn’t see much of her face due to an overcast shadow, but by her aura, it was clear she wasn’t very happy being woken up by the teens.
“Have you two lost your minds? Screaming and hooping and hollering at this hour?”
The older woman snapped, the duo immediately bowing in apology, even though it was only 9 pm.
“S-sorry, Granny!”
They both said in unison, the old woman slamming her door in their faces as a response. The second the coast was clear, the pair broke out into a sprint, running the rest of the way to Kagayama’s house. The cold air, misunderstandings, and their shared stupidity are long forgotten. When they finally reached home. They quickly took off their shoes and quietly crept up the staircase to Kagayama’s room, fearing to wake anyone else up that evening.
Preparing for bed, Hinata plopped onto the bed, a gentle sigh escaping his lips as memories of the past 18 months washed over him. He really was stupid, wasn’t he, while thinking that a familiar figure emerged from the bathroom with a towel around his waist and head. Sitting on the bed, he flicks some water at the ginger to get his attention.
“What are you sulking for now?”
He asked, similar to earlier, Hinata didn’t want to answer his question. However, after a beat of silence, Hinata let out a small groan before speaking up again.
" Kags, forget this ever happened."
" ...Oh, absolutely not."
He teased, laughing at the shorter boy’s flustered demeanor. He was going to remember this moment for the rest of their life.
The next day, as the pair headed to school. They’ve decided to ditch the typical races; rather, they walk hand in hand. The warm breeze, blowing past them as the first invitation to spring.
“ God, I'm such a dumbass.”
“Sometimes, but you’re my dumbass.”
Fin ♡