Since the end of his second year, Kenma's had a lot to think on. When Coach Nekomata came up to him the last day of the semester and asked if he would be willing to take on the role of captain next season, he nearly fainted. His immediate reaction was to ask if Tora and Fukunaga had already declined. When Nekomata replied that he was the first one asked, Kenma tensed. He had never cared to doubt his coach's judgement, but this confused him. Rather than objecting, he looked away and managed a small "Why?"
"You aren't Kuroo Tetsurou. You don't have his charisma, and you think it rules you out. But I am not asking for Kuroo. I am asking for Kozume Kenma. Think about it. I don't need you to say anything now" Nekomata said with a smile, walking away.
So Kenma thought. And he thought. And he knew he'd need more practice, more energy, more stamina...just...to be more...if he had any hope of doing what was asked. He thought it'd be nothing short of insane to accept the position, but he was also oddly drawn to the idea. Mustering up some courage, he called the first person that came to mind.
"H-hey, Shouyou" he started. Great. This was already turning out great.
"Kenma! Oh gosh, you don't ever call. Are you hurt? Are you in trouble? What happened?" Hinata's enthusiastic response came.
"Er-no, it's fine. Thank you. It is just…how busy are you this month?" Kenma asked, a bit taken back yet flattered over the other's concern.
"We are going to visit some family for a bit, but other than that I am gonna be so bored. What's going on?" Hinata questioned. Kenma couldn't blame him for that reaction. Even he was shocked.
"If I got you some train tickets to Tokyo, would you be able to stay here and help me practice?" the words flew out before he could even reconsider.
"Are you sure you're feeling alright?"
"Yes, yes. Ah, forget it, I-" he began with a groan and went to hang up. He knew this was a huge mistake.
"Wait! You never let me answer. That'd be awesome. Your sets are some of my favorite. It's crazy, because I always feel like I am begging you to toss to me and now this is happening. That is all. What made you change your mind?" Hinata said, a chuckle lacing his voice. The line stayed quiet for a minute. "Kenma?"
"I'll tell you later" was all he could say before actually hanging up. Shouyou was being silly again. He'd always known the tiny redhead had an affinity for making him toss, but favorite? That is a bit much. Besides, he wasn't sure he was ready to tell him about Nekomata yet.