Thread by @nyanayuki

"Ah--I..." His own cheeks flushed as he struggled to find the words for Hinata, who was blinking at him with,

'...very pretty eyes--gah! Be cool, ya scrub!' He berated himself internally.

His eyes caught the loose end of the tape around Hinata's finger. "Your finger got loose."

Hinata's eyes immediately crinkled in mirth. And that's when Atsumu paused and rewinded. He lowered Hinata's wrist and took his hand between his, bowing his head so Hinata could not see his embarrassed expression.

He mumbled, "I meant let me fix it for ya."

Atsumu was gentle in unwrapping and taping it back securely. His senpai's skin must have really hurt and must be tender from all the strong hits he had blocked.

"Your hands are very gentle, Atsumu-kun." He looked up at Hinata after he finished. "I wonder if it's a setter thing."

Atsumu laughed. "Or maybe we just want ya to take care of yer fingers too, Shōyō-senpai. Can't hit our sets if ya don't."

Hinata's eyes blazed. "I can always use my foot. Or my head."

He was about to reply when a pair of arms wrapped themselves around Hinata's shoulders.

"Shōyō~"

Atsumu blinked the same time as Hinata. They both looked at the person who draped himself on Hinata's back.

"Tooru! I thought your team left." Hinata was surprised.

"Weeeell~ post game meetings can go long but who's this? Is he asking for your number, Shōyō?"

"I already have Shōyō-senpai's number." Atsumu scowled.

Hinata gestured with his hands. "Right, right! He's Atsumu-kun, the new setter in MSBY. Atsumu-kun, he's To--uh, Oikawa-san. You already saw him as Argentina's setter but we became close friends when I trained in Brazil."

Oikawa smiled sweetly at him and waved one arm. "Yahoo~! It's nice to meet a rookie setter like you, Atsumu-kun~!"

Atsumu grinned sharply. "It's nice to meet ya too, Oikawa-senpai. Hope I'll get to play ya soon." Rookie setter or not, Atsumu knew a challenge when it's given.

[ Reminder:

"Long Story Short" rating is Mature. It contains some innuendos and suggestive content through art and words. Future content might be locked in links. Please be a responsible reader.

As a courtesy to some, this may be more HinaAtsu than AtsuHina ☺️ ]

Hinata laughed & maybe Atsumu was kind of glad he removed Oikawa's arms around him too.

"Okay, I've been through enough Setter Tension and this isn't the time to be sandwiched between you two."

Atsumu let out a croak. Oikawa raised an eyebrow then gave a salacious grin at him.

"Ohoho, Shōyō, now look at what you've done to our poor Atsumu-kun~."

He could feel his cheeks get warmer when he saw Hinata realized what he implied and turned to him. The spiker's eyes glinted with some kind of emotion before they returned to a placating gaze.

"Toto, el autobús está aquí!" An Argentinian player called out to Oikawa.

"Oops! Chau, Shōyō."

And to Atsumu's complete surprise, Oikawa bent down to hug and drop a kiss on Hinata's cheek, to which Hinata didn't pull away from.

Oikawa waved at him. "Laters, Atsumu-kun~!"

He saw Oikawa say something to Iwaizumi & Kageyama but his mind was on the kiss on the cheek.

'Were they...?'

Hinata seemed to hear his internal question & smiled. "That's how you greet a close friend in Argentina. It's the same in Brazil. We call it beijo. Un beso in Spanish."

"O-oh. I knew that." Atsumu looked away. He totally didn't. But Hinata gave a light chuckle anyway.

"So where are you all staying?" Hinata asked.

"A hotel in Negishi. Near a station. Are ya," he licked his lips as a nervous tick, "leaving immediately after the last game here?"

Hinata tilted his head up and squinted as if looking at his schedule in mid-air. "Uhm, no. We have three days before we leave for the next pool games in Bulgaria. Why?"

His blond hair blew across his face as he shook his head. "Just wonderin'."

"It's been busy for both of us."

"Yeah but yer in the middle of the VNL season. Ya need rest in between flights, Shōyō-senpai."

"Atsumu-kun, are you worried about me?" Hinata tilted his head.

"'Course I am!"

Hinata pat his shoulder lightly and laughed. Atsumu would love to hear that as many times as he can.

"Ah, our bus is here." They both watched the black bus stop by the curb while they walked back to the others.

They all said bye to each other. Aran gave him a one-armed hug since he was carrying a bag with his left. Bokuto reminded he'll see them soon.

Hinata got his bag too.

"We'll cheer louder tomorrow, Shōyō-senpai." He assured Hinata.

Hinata paused from walking to the line & stared at Atsumu. "Maybe next time," he muttered.

Atsumu blinked. "Hm?" Next time?

The spiker shook his head with a teasing smile. "Don't break your voice, Atsumu-kun."

📱📨 [ Inunaki Shion sent a photo to the MSBY Black Jackals Group Chat ] 😏

⚡️

After 3 days of back-to-back competition, the last match had finally concluded for Pool 7.

Japan lost their match yesterday against Brazil 0:3 but today, they were able to snag the 5th set from Iran. That gave them one win in three matches in this leg of the competition.

Atsumu watched the players in the court bow to the crowd. He laughed along with MSBY when Bokuto twirled on the court after and kept shooting his "Bokuto Beam" in all directions.

"It's like seein' an endlessly charged-up battery." Meian shook his head and Inunaki snickered.

"I can't wait to play with Bokuto-senpai in the team someday!" Touya said.

Beside him, Atsumu nodded. Yeah, he definitely would love to play with Bokuto soon--whether it was with MSBY or in the National Team.

His eyes darted to the orange-haired player being interviewed.

"Ah, hey, isn't that...?" Adriah gestured in front of them. There were two men waiting by the railing that divided the VIP & upper seats.

Atsumu perked up. "OI! Omi-omi! Komori-kun!" He saw the taller guy jolt and the brown-haired one turn around to look at who was calling them.

"Ah! Atsumu-san! Hey!" Komori waved back.

They went down the steps and greeted each other. Atsumu saw Touya looking at them both in awe and decided to introduce them.

"Touya-kun, this is Komori-kun. He's a Libero for EJP Raijin. The guy lookin' like he wants to run is Omi-omi."

Atsumu got his arm smacked by Inunaki. "Ow-! I wasn't kiddin'!"

"I-I'm Hiroyuki Touya. It's nice to meet you both!" He bowed. He looked so flustered and Atsumu snickered.

Komori shook hands with Touya but when Omi only stared, Touya looked even more nervous. "Don't mind Sakusa.

He just likes his space and is very meticulous about hygiene." Komori explained.

"Nn." Sakusa grunted. He had his mask on & his hands stuffed inside the pockets of his jacket. Touya understood and gave a smile instead.

"So, ready to be part of the team, Omi-kun?" Meian grinned.

Sakusa nodded. His paperwork was almost done. He did have university but since it was well-versed with student athletes who wanted to pursue higher education, his trainings and competitions will be well-handled along with his course.

"Coach Foster kept in touch." Sakusa said.

"Wooh! More spikers to handle!" Atsumu pumped his fists in the air and looked mighty proud. Sakusa just gave him an even darker withering stare. "Oi! Ya totally agree my tosses are one of the best!"

"Don't make up stuff, Miya."

Atsumu balked & everyone laughed. "That's mean!"

After a while of catching up, Inunaki & Komori were asking questions about Touya and his journey from Libero to Outside Hitter. Meian, Adriah, and Barnes were discussing things about the recent matches on the other side.

Sakusa and Atsumu were looking at the players doing their

cool-down stretches on the court. The others were still being interviewed or signing autographs.

"I thought ya said you had classes and wouldn't go? Tch. Liar~!" Atsumu sneered.

"I wasn't. Komori dragged me." Sakusa said.

Atsumu noticed where his eyes were focused on though.

"Komori dragged ya, huh? It wasn't Wa-ka-to-shi-kun?" He waggled his eyebrows when Sakusa gave him a pointed 'Shut-up.' glare.

"Heard of your date with Hinata. Is that why you came all the way here?" Sakusa was wearing a mask but he definitely saw the snide smirk thrown his way.

"It wasn't a date! And--where did ya hear that from?!" Atsumu flushed.

Sakusa ignored his question. He wouldn't tell Atsumu he had his own source of news in the form of one Ushijima Wakatoshi.

"So? Did you finally tell him?" Atsumu was startled with the question. "Hinata."

"T-tell him what?" Atsumu knitted his eyebrows.

Sakusa stared. Atsumu sweated even more.

"You're an idiot."

"Ha?! Ya didn't even explain what ya meant!"

"You're still an idiot." Sakusa repeated.

"Hmph." Atsumu crossed his arms on the rail and tucked his chin on top of it. He watched as Hinata motioned with his hands while explaining something to the interviewer. He was all smiles and glowing with happiness at their win.

'He can make anyone laugh.' Atsumu thought.

Sakusa glanced at Atsumu. It was like looking at a puppy waiting for his owner to come home. He shook his head. 'Wakatoshi-kun was right.' He looked down at Hinata.

-- flashback to a video call between Ushijima and Sakusa --

"You are friends with Miya Atsumu, are you not?" Ushijima asked.

Sakusa blinked and paused rubbing the hand cream on his hands. "...Yes?"

"It seems Hinata is fond of him."

Amused, Sakusa tilted his head with a smile. "I didn't think you'd be one to gossip, Wakatoshi-kun." He saw Ushijima's face flush a bit & laughed.

Sakusa may prefer isolated corners but it doesn't mean he wasn't curious about what's happening around him. "Why do you think that?"

"I haven't seen Hinata give this kind of attention to anyone besides..." Ushijima shook his head. "He even went to accompany Atsumu after Spring High to Skytree."

"Oh. That's... interesting." And it was. Sakusa didn't know they had grown that close. He hummed. "Are you worried?"

Ushijima paused then shook his head. "I am not sure."

"I think..." Sakusa smiled at Ushijima, "It's better we let them figure it out. Miya isn't really the kind of guy who gives up easily."

Finally, Ushijima laughed. Sakusa felt comforted by it.

--end of flashback--

"Miya."

"Hm?" Atsumu turned to Sakusa curiously.

"Don't take too long figuring things out." Sakusa said seriously as he gestured with his chin down to where Hinata was.

Atsumu tilted his head then turned to where he gestured. Sakusa could see the tips of his ears going red.

"...I don't know what yer talkin' 'bout." He mumbled.

Sakusa smirked. "Of course you don't. You're an idiot after all."

'A little push wouldn't be too bad either, Wakatoshi-kun.'

"They're going out for drinks after the team's dinner." Sakusa told him.

"Oh? Wakatoshi-kun invited ya? Are ya actually goin'?" Atsumu glanced at his friend in surprise.

"...Yes." Sakusa avoided Atsumu's knowing look. He knew his cheeks were coloured warm beneath the mask.

"They're leaving for Bulgaria for the next pool in a few days. They won't be back in Japan for three or four weeks more."

"Oh... yeah." Atsumu sobered, remembering that the National Team would be travelling from country to country for the remaining pools.

"Aren't you joining?"

"Che. I ain't a party-crasher." The older Miya twin pouted. He didn't get invited and, contrary to people saying that he was rude--he's just blatantly honest!--he wasn't the type to crash a party uninvited. Even though Aran was there...

"Oi, Atsumu!" They both turned to Meian.

"Bokuto just invited us to come celebrate with them after their team dinner. Somewhere in Shinjuku. Told him we're all goin'."

Inunaki gave a wolfish grin by Meian's side. "'Hinata-senpai' is going to be there, 'Atsumu-kun.'"

They all laughed when Atsumu's face turned red.

⚡

It was 10 in the evening. The streets were alive with the crowd, and lit with all the restaurant and shop signs.

They chose a place that Kuroo suggested. It was a bar in one of the known hotels in Nishi-Shinjuku. It wasn't as noisy as or crowded like a nightclub.

Atsumu almost thought he wasn't dressed well enough when he heard where they're headed and almost ran back to their hotel to change (again). An eye-roll from both Touya & Inunaki stopped him though.

The live DJ music was good. The drinks were amazingly crafted by the bartenders.

His Captain and his two other senior playmates were joined with Aran and Kuroo by the end of the table laughing.

Ushijima and Sakusa were on the other end talking with the editor named, Akaashi.

Bokuto was talking animatedly with Kageyama and the tall blond man with glasses.

He didn't catch the name of that person yet but Kenma told him he was a former Middle Blocker in Sendai Frogs.

Speaking of Kenma, he and Hinata had gone away from the table with their other friends. 'Probably gettin' more drinks.' Atsumu thought.

Touya tapped his shoulder. "Hey, Wan-san and Komori-san are asking if we want to go with them to the floor? They like this DJ a lot."

"Nah, I'll stay. Ya go ahead. I'll get a drink." He answered.

"Don't be drinking your sorrows."

"Go already." Atsumu shoved Touya with a laugh.

He wandered to the bar where bartender asked him what he'd like. He was given a fancy menu list of drinks... that he didn't really understand. Even if he was an athlete, his taste buds never adjusted to it unlike Osamu.

"Do you like it sweet?" He felt a gentle touch on his back.

He turned to see Hinata stand beside him. "Shōyō-senpai."

"Hey, Atsumu-kun. Can't decide on a drink? Want me to get you a mild one?" He nodded & Hinata smiled.

While Hinata ordered, Atsumu couldn't help but stand still. Hinata's hand was still warm on the curve of his back.

"Here. It's non-alcoholic." Hinata handed over a pale drink with lemon & orange slices on the rim.

Atsumu thanked him and took a sip. The tang of the citrus was there but it was also sweet & ...bubbly?

"'S good. What's it called?"

Hinata tilted his head. "Virgin Caipirinha."

COUGHS.

Startled, Hinata pat his back and looked at him in worry. "Atsumu! Wah! Was it too strong for you?"

Atsumu shook his head wildly. His face was suddenly much warmer. He cleared his throat and rubbed it slightly. The drink definitely went down the wrong way.

"'M okay. Just... You took me by surprise—I mean the bubble. Drink!" He explained shyly.

Hinata laughed & gave one last rub down his back. "It's made with Ginger Beer. It's what I order back in Brazil if I'm out with friends but have a game the next day."

Atsumu flushed. "Oh."

"Ah, the game. Yer amazin' today, Shōyō-senpai." Atsumu said.

Hinata's lip curled at the corner. "You don't think I'm amazing any other day, Atsumu-kun?"

"Wha—? That's not what I meant! Yer always amazin'! I mean—" he floundered but stopped when he saw Hinata laughing.

"Yer unbelievable. I was tryin' to compliment ya but yer just laughin' at me." He huffed. He could feel his ears getting hotter.

Hinata waved a hand in front of his face in a placating manner. "My bad. Thank you for your compliments, Atsumu-kun!"

They both laughed.

When Atsumu put down the drink on the bar, Hinata glanced around and saw more people joining the floor to dance. His friends looked like they were having a good time too. He checked his phone for the time. 10:11.

"Want to get out of here?" Hinata asked.

Atsumu blinked. "Huh?"

⚡

"Sent! I texted Bokuto-san and Meian-san that you're with me in case they'll look for you. Your hotel is nearby isn't it?"

Atsumu nodded. He and Hinata have been walking around the streets of Shinjuku, checking out the buzzing nightlife. Hinata said they've done most of

The celebration so they were technically free to go anywhere.

Still...

Looking to his side, Atsumu saw Hinata was almost touching the side of his arm with how close they stuck to each other while navigating through the crowd.

"Oh, careful." Hinata pulled him closer when

a group of friends passed by.

"Thanks."

"Look! It's still open!" His senpai cheerfully said.

Atsumu saw the red building with a bunch of crane games at the entrance. It was an arcade. He grinned wolfishly.

What do you get when you put two competitive athletes in an arcade?

"Shōyō-senpai, this is our last coin!" Atsumu stared at their coin in horror.

"We'll get it! The last 19 tries were just practice!"

"WOOOH! THERE! THERE!" Atsumu cheered as Hinata focused on getting the claw to grab the gacha ball—His tongue peeked out from between his lips.

When the claw got a hold of the ball, they held their breath as it moved to the hole.

PLOP!

The claw successfully dropped the prize in it!

"AHHHH! WE DID IT!!!" They shared a high five and jumped around together. Hinata reached for the prize excitedly.

"What did ya win?"

"It's a..." Hinata held it up.

Atsumu laughed out loud the dropped down on the floor. His hand messed up his hair as he wailed. "ALL THE COINS FOR A KEYCHAIN?"

Hinata laughed. "It's cute though."

Atsumu looked up when Hinata thrusted it in front of his face.

"It's yours."

Atsumu stood up so quickly he thought he'd get a head rush. He waved his hands frantically. "Ya won it! Why are ya givin' it to me?"

Hinata just took Atsumu's hand and placed the cute Orange keychain (that looked like an M'nM character) on it.

"I wanted to get you a prize."

Hinata scratched his cheek and made a funny face. "Sorry. I'll try to get you a better one next tim—"

Atsumu grabbed the keychain and held it close. "This is the best prize!"

"Eh?" Hinata jumped in surprise.

Atsumu didn't care if it was small or a rip-off from M'nM,

or his face was red. Shōyō-senpai had wanted to win him a prize by trying different crane game twenty times—heck, Atsumu didn't even win anything for Hinata!

"B-but I'll get ya a better prize when we play next time!" Atsumu grinned.

Hinata's eyes softened. "Okay."

It was half past eleven and Atsumu knew Hinata had to go ride a train back to their hotel soon. They stopped by the vending machine on the way to the station and Atsumu got drinks.

"This was fun." Hinata bumped his shoulder against Atsumu's arm while they sat on the bench.

Atsumu grinned. "It was. Didn't think the night would be this fun." He looked up at the night sky. There weren't much stars in the city, unlike in his hometown. But the glow of the street lights, buildings, and automobiles made for a distinct city vibe.

"I'm glad you came."

Atsumu turned to Hinata. "Having you and the others watching gave us a lot of drive to win today's match."

"Like I said, yer play was amazin' today, Shōyō-senpai. Yer gettin' the hang of that wicked left-handed spike. It's almost as fast as yer right-handed spikes now."

"Hahaha! All thanks to training and practicing with Ushijima-san." Hinata stood up and stretched. "There's still a lot more to improve. The game with Argentina and Brazil showed us that much."

Atsumu stood up as well then threw their bottles in the recycling bin. "Yeah."

They both resumed walking towards the station. There wasn't much of a crowd anymore unlike an hour ago, just a few people passing by or trying to get to the station.

"What time are you all leaving for Osaka?" Hinata asked.

"'S three in the afternoon. After we check out,

We're headin' straight to the station. Then we got until Sunday to rest up before practice starts again."

Hinata hummed. "How's your new Opposite Hitter, Hiroyuki-kun?"

"Touya-kun? He's adjustin' well. He's excited to play in matches. Omi-omi is playin' with us soon too."

Atsumu saw Hinata nod. The station was getting near. He could already see the stairway.

"Yer leavin' on Monday already, right, Shōyō-senpai?"

"Yeah. We're give just enough days to fix our stuff and pack for the next few weeks. It'll be long before we return."

"Mm."

Hinata chuckled. "The Club Championship is happening after VNL. Maybe this time I can watch your games."

Atsumu blushed but his eyes shone brightly with excitement. "Yeah! That'd be so cool, Shōyō-senpai!"

They stopped when they got to the station's entrance.

Hinata took out his wallet to check on his IC Card and Atsumu took out his phone to check the time.

"I can take it from here, Atsumu-kun. You don't have to see me off to the platforms. It's getting late too. Are you walking back to the hotel?" Hinata's brows furrowed.

"Are ya sure? It's just a few minutes walk from here. I don't mind." Atsumu explained.

Hinata shook his head. "Just message me when you get back to the hotel."

"Okay." Atsumu pouted. "So... See ya in a few weeks? For the games?"

Hinata smiled. "Yes. In a few weeks."

"Take care of yerself, Shōyō-senpai!" Atsumu waved his hand then turned around to walk back down the stairs.

"Atsumu-kun." Hinata called out.

"Hm?" Atsumu turned around.

Atsumu's breath caught in his throat as Hinata leaned close.
⚡
#AtsuHina
🎼 - Chiisana Koi No Uta

Before Atsumu could do or say anything, Hinata pulled away and looked at him.

"Tchau, Atsumu-kun." His senpai smiled again at him before he walked away to the turnstiles.

His eyes caught Hinata wave at him after getting inside the station and he waved back.

When he could no longer see Hinata, he touched his cheek near the corner of his lips.

He knows that wasn't a romantic kiss.

'It just like what Oikawa gave Shōyō-senpai that time.' His mind supplied. 'Then why...'

Atsumu placed his palm against his chest and swallowed.

Why was his heart beating fast? Why did he feel happy and sad? Why did he want to run after Shōyō-senpai?

...

He released a breath. His cheeks were warm with the flush reaching his neck.

"I like... Shōyō-senpai."

⚡

The train was about to close its doors. Hinata sat on the seats since there were only few people around.

He rested his head against the window and looked up.

Atsumu's face...

His hand clenched against his phone and he brought the other one to cover his eyes.

"Merda..."

⚡

It's been almost two weeks since the train station incident. Hinata & the whole National Team were in another country competing for the remaining pools to vie for a spot in the Semis & Finals.

Atsumu heard the whistle of their Manager echo through the gym. Training was over.

He looked around and saw Touya and Sakusa talking with each other. He grinned. Sakusa finally arrived & joined the team officially for trainings. He was surprised that Touya was already allowed within Sakusa's circle of personal space.

'It's the cleanliness thing.' He thought.

Their trainers passed around the towels and handed each of them bottles of isotonic drinks. Today, Coach Foster had them do heavier training with rotating serve-spike-jump blocks and the dreaded two-on-two.

Atsumu kept drinking while their Athletic Trainer kept talking about

The statistics of their previous matches and who has been improving the weak points they had discussed.

They were all dismissed and sent off to the showers.

"Wow. My thighs are killin' me." Meian sighed.

"Thank heavens tomorrow is our day off." Inunaki stretched his arms up.

"Training's really getting more intense now that we're closer to the Asian Games." Touya hummed. "Maybe they're already selecting the players who'll make up the First String."

"Yeah. Probably. Ya think yer gonna play already, Omi-kun?" Atsumu asked while he opened his locker.

Sakusa grunted. He got his shampoo, liquid soap, cleanser and another towel before he went off to the corner shower stall.

Touya laughed at Atsumu's face from being brushed off. "I don't think anyone will be allowed to use that stall anymore. Omi-san practically claimed it."

When Atsumu went to shower, he couldn't help but think whether Coach will send him out as a First String Player this time. In the V. League tournament, he only got substituted in for their other Setter after an injury.

He wants to be chosen to as the Starting Setter.

He was a little hard on himself but no one ever said Miya Atsumu was no stubborn volleyball idiot.

After rinsing and washing off his facial cleanser, he wrapped a towel around himself and went back to the locker area to change into his clothes.

Sakusa & Touya were already done.

He was about to grab his bag and close the locker door when he heard two of the MSBY players beside him.

"Did ya see the new article from Sports World?"

"Oh yeah! The one with Hinata-senpai! He looked hot there!"

BANG!

The players in the room looked over at Atsumu.

He mumbled a sorry and just used the towel to cover his face as if to wipe it.

"You okay?" Touya tapped his shoulder. "You're all flushed."

"'M fine. 'S nothin'." He mumbled.

Sakusa continued to fix his bag. "He's like that because he heard Hinata-san's name."

"Oh, you mean Sports World? You haven't seen it yet?!" Touya asked in surprise. "Miya Atsumu missing an update on a Hinata Shōyō feature?"

"Hey, I don't follow everythin' 'bout Shōyō-senpai!" Atsumu barked.

He didn't! Well, not as much now because... he shook his head wildly.

"Dry your hair and stop spraying it around like a dog, Miya." Sakusa grumbled.

Atsumu got his phone from his bag to check out the article they were talking about.

It was a lengthy interview of Hinata's aspirations & thoughts on Team Japan and about his contract with Asas.

Atsumu scrolled down as he read then inhaled sharply. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to update himself about Hinata after all.
.
(Happy HinaAtsu/AtsuHina Day!)

⚡️

It was the last match of Pool 20 in Italy. Only six teams qualified for the Finals in USA. Japan lost their last match and didn't make the count for the Top 6. So Hinata watched from one of the private bleachers--observing & learning.

He heard a familiar laugh beside him.

"Figured I'd find you here, Shōyō."

Hinata blinked. "Tooru."

Oikawa raised an eyebrow at him and gave a smirk.

"Something on your mind?" Oikawa asked as he leaned back on his seat.

Hinata laughed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Come now, Shōyō. It's been a while since you called me that. Is it about not qualifying for the finals?" Hinata watched as Oikawa crossed his long legs.

"That too. I wanted to make us better this year." Hinata pursed his lips. And they were better. It's just the other teams also got a lot better as well.

"I wanted to take Argentina to the Finals too. Our Captain took it hard." Oikawa sighed. "World Championship in a few months."

They quietly watched as the match progressed. Both of them gave comments, and sometimes made a sound of awe (Hinata) or disgust (Oikawa) when there was a remarkable play.

The match was won by Poland in the third set.

"Shōyō."

Hinata looked up at Oikawa.

"Let's have dinner."

⚡

They left PalaLido Arena & went for an aperitivo in Ripa di Porta Ticinese. Oikawa explained it was an Italian tradition to prep the stomach for the actual dinner. Hinata told him he knew about it since Kageyama took the team out before.

Then they walked to the steakhouse.

Hinata tilted his head in surprise as he listened to Oikawa talk in Italian. When they passed by the tables to get to their seats, Hinata almost salivated at the smell and the food being served.

'Huh. I did get hungrier.' He thought.

The interior of the restaurant was lovely.

It had tones of grey, cream, black but the furniture were made of wood and modern in design.

"Oikawa-san, have you been practicing your Italian?" Hinata prodded.

Oikaw rested his cheek on his palm and smiled. "Why? Do you think I can give Tobio a run with how fluent I am?"

Hinata laughed. Of course it's competition with Kageyama. "Well..." He teased.

Oikawa's smile turned into a frown & he scoffed. "Che. You're supposed to be siding with me, Shōyō!" He crossed his arms. "Well, if I can't beat him in speaking, I'll just do it in SuperLega."

Pause.

"Eh?" Hinata blinked.

Oikawa's smile turned wide.

Hinata's eyes widened. "Que ótimo! You're playing for the SuperLega?!"

Oikawa nodded. "Just for a season. That's why I'm here in Italy. Papers and everything. My team's heading back home from Germany tomorrow."

"Wow..."

"Kageyama doesn't know yet, does he?" Hinata snickered.

The brunet stuck his tongue out cheekily. "It's going to be a good surprise."

The thought of Oikawa spending a season in the Italian League meant Hinata won't be able to see him as frequently back in Brazil.

"I'm happy for you, Oikawa-san. Though," Hinata lightly chuckled. "I think I'll miss us crossing countries to visit each other."

Oikawa's eyes softened. Their food arrived & they gave thanks. Hinata was about to drink when...

"So... something going on with you & Miya Atsumu?"

Hinata looked stunned at Oikawa's question. He rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. "I supposed I should be asking why you're asking me that."

Oikawa gave a shrug. "Come now, Shōyō. You know I can tell when someone's crushing on you or not."

"It's really not like that."

"But you want that?" Oikawa's eyes sharpened and he smiled knowingly.

"Tooru." Hinata levelled Oikawa with a look and shook his head.

"Shōyō." Oikawa tutted. "You're not answering my questions. It's as if you don't know ME. Come on. Is it one-sided then?"

Hinata shook his head and muttered, "Falar abrobinha." He yelped when he got kicked on the side of his shoe. "Oikawa-san!"

"Che. You know I understand you." Oikawa rolled his eyes. "And you're the one who's not making sense. Here I am just trying to help you out." He pouted.

"You're nosier than before." Hinata groaned.

Oikawa just sliced his steak and popped it into his mouth. "That's because I have to be if I want you to tell me about it. I doubt you'd say any of this to Tobio-kun. Or maybe Yachi-chan knows?"

"Não! Look... Atsumu-kun and I

We're friends..." Hinata explained everything from when he met Atsumu during All-Japan Youth Training Camp.

.

"He... promised to toss to you?" Oikawa asked.

Hinata nodded.

"And he said he'd stand on the same court as you?"

"Yeah."

"¿Ah sí, mirá vos? ¿Te aplaudo o que?"

Hinata pinched his nose. "Oikawa-san. I can also understand you."

Oikawa gave him a flat stare. "That's the point. Is this the effect of staying too close to Ushijima & Tobio-kun?"

Hinata moved to kick Oikawa's shoe in return but Oikawa moved his foot to the side.

Oikawa sighed. "Fine. I'm getting the gist of things." He wiped his mouth a napkin. "So let me ask this instead," He reached over to wrap his hand around Hinata's hand.

Hinata looked at him.

"If Atsumu-kun did in fact like you as more than friends, how would you feel, Shōyō?"

Hearing that question made Hinata look down. "It's not that easy." He took his hand from Oikawa's hold.

He smiled up at his friend. "I don't want to make any assumptions on Atsumu-kun's feelings. He's..."

He remembers Atsumu giving him a cap, buying a Chef's Knife for Osamu,

Promising him that he'll toss to him someday, playing volleyball like the court was empire, looking so bright-eyed when they parted ways in the train station when Hinata kissed his cheek...

"...someone who wears his heart on his sleeve."

Hinata saw the way Oikawa frowned & looked at him as if he realised the reason. Oikawa understood him after all.

"Shōyō, I hope this isn't what I think it is." Oikawa shook his head. "Your past relationship doesn't have to keep holding you back. Maybe it's worth trying again."

⚡️

The both of them decided to take a stroll by the canal. Restaurants & bars had more people dining even though it was nearing midnight. The conversation in the restaurant was pushed to the back of Hinata's mind.

He saw Oikawa put his phone down with a pout. "You have to go?"

Oikawa made a pained face and Hinata laughed. "Hngh! It can't be helped. There's still a few minutes but it'll do."

Hinata blinked when Oikawa took a small box from his pocket and gave it to him. "What's this?"

The brunet laughed. "A gift."

Tilting his head in confusion, Hinata took the small box. "But I didn't get you anything?"

Oikawa laughed even harder. "It's a birthday gift. ¡Feliz cumple, Shōyō!"

His eyes brightened. "Wha?" Hinata laughed. "I totally forgot! Thank you! You didn't have to get me one!"

Seeing the joy in Hinata's face made Oikawa ruffle his friend's wild orange hair. "Eh. It's fine, it's fine. Take it as a memoir from Argentina. I asked Mattsun for his opinion too." Oikawa waggled his eyebrows.

"I'm curious now. Can I open it?" Hinata asked. He was so giddy!

Oikawa nodded. His got his phone to record. "Go ahead."

Hinata took off the lid of the box. "EEP! Tooru! YOU--" He immediately closed the box. He could feel his whole face becoming hotter.

"HAHAHA!!! YOUR FACE!" Oikawa howled. "Iwa-chan, Mattsun, and Hanamaki will love this!"

"Y-you asked for Matsukawa-san's opinion on this?! Tooru!" Hinata felt the embarrassment. Now more people knew! And Oikawa was still laughing.

"Relax. You don't have to use it immediately. Up to you." Oikawa brought Hinata into a hug before walking off. "See you soon, Shōyō!"

Hinata shook his head in disbelief. Oikawa really just took off after giving him an almost heart attack. He felt his phone vibrate so he checked it. His lips twitched into a smile.

⚡️

Atsumu was just about to go shower and prepare for training when his phone lit up. It was an insta notification. He pouted a bit. Maybe he was expecting it to be from Hinata. He did get a little nervous sending that greeting.

His cheeks felt warm again.

The setter opened his SNS and and let out an indignant squawk. Atsumu's cheeks were definitely red now. Osamu tagged him. Not just in any photo either. "Samu, ya arse!"

Then he saw the drop banner notification. Shōyō-senpai replied to him!

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