Chapter 2

"Tetsurou-san! I really am fine!" Hinata said, embarrassed.

Kuro's forehead was still pressed against Hinata's when he felt someone tap his shoulder from behind. He didn't even need to turn around to see who it was since he knew without doubt that only one person could glare that much enough, to sear one's back.

"Oi! What do you think are you doing?" Kageyama asked menacingly.

Hinata was so startled to hear Kageyama's voice that he couldn't stop screaming. He finally broke out from Tetsurou's grip.

"Aaahhh! Kageyama, you shouldn't startle people like that! Geez. I almost had a heart attack" Hinata said while clutching his left chest with his right hand.

Hinata finally had a good look at Kageyama and noticed that he was in a really, really bad mood. It was apparent on the frown that was etched on Kageyama's face.

"What do you think are you doing?" Kageyama asked again. But this time, the question was directed at Hinata and not at Kuro. "Do you think you have the time to slack off and skip practice? Your receives are still terrible."

"Geez, I know alright. I was just taking a break. Besides, I wanted to say good bye to Kenma and Tetsurou-san before they leave." Explained Hinata. Hoping that Kageyama would understand him.

But the effect was opposite. This explanation seemed to make Kageyama much angrier.

Kageyama suddenly grabbed Hinata's collar. "Stop spouting nonsense stupid! You don't need an hour to say goodbye to them." Kageyama argued.

Realizing that the situation was getting out of hand, Kuro decided to intervene. Since it was partially his fault that Kageyama snapped.

"Hey, you guys. Relax already." Kuro said."Honestly Kageyama-kun, Kenma and I only wanted to say good bye to Hinata. Besides we weren't doing anything wrong" Kuro lowered his voice when he said the last sentence. As he grinned knowingly at Kageyama. He just couldn't resist teasing him after all.

Kageyama's eyes widened slightly when he heard Kuro's teasing. "Crap! Does he know?" He warily thought. Kageyama realized that he was still clutching Hinata's collar and saw that Hinata's face was so close to his. Startled by the fact, he abruptly let go. "Tch!" Kageyama turned his face away from the group. Not because of how annoyed he was but because he didn't want them to see how red his face is.

"Kuro, I think it's time for us to go. Coach is already calling us from outside" Kenma said, speaking for the first time since Kageyama arrived.

"Huh? Oh yeah. Well then Hinata, Kageyama we'll be leaving now. Bye!" Kuro said.

"Bye Shouyou, Kageyama-san." Kenma also said.

"Hai. Bye Kenma, Tetsurou-san! Kenma don't forget to email me okay? Take care!" Hinata ,finally recovered, said.

"Yep. No problem. You too Shouyou." Kenma said.

"Kenma hurry up. We need to leave now. Well see ya guys" Kuro said as he dragged Kenma with him. When he passed by Kageyama on the way out of the gym he added silently "Take care also Kageyama-kun. There are lots of people who might want to steal the ochibi-chan away from you." And the two players from the Nekoma volleyball team left.

Kageyama was startled by Kuro's last statement that he didn't notice that Hinata was talking to him.

"Oi Kageyama! Are you listening to me?" Hinata asked while waving his hands in front of Kageyama's face. "Geez. Pay attention when others are talking to you."

"Tch. I was listening, stupid." Kageyama replied.

"As I was saying, I really can't wait to see Kenma and Tetsurou-san again. And when that time comes, we will meet not as friends but as opponents representing their own teams", Hinata excitedly said.

"But to be able to do that, we have to become champions in our region first so that we could advance to the nationals", Kageyama reminded Hinata.

"Of course! We will become the champion and proceed to the nationals! We will win and win and win again!", Hinata said determinedly. "It doesn't matter who our opponent is, we will still beat them!"

"Baka. Before you think about winning and all that stuff, you should really focus first on improving your skills especially in receiving", Kageyama said as he smacked Hinata in the head with his right hand.

"Ouch!" Said Hinata as he clutched his head. " Hai. Besides, as long as I have you by my side Kageyama, I know that we could beat down any opponent that comes our way. That's why all you have to do is toss and toss to me. It doesn't matter when, where and what kind of toss it is. I will surely spike it with everything that I've got!" Declared Hinata as he pointed to Kageyama.

"Tch, shut up. I got it already", replied Kageyama turning his head away as to not let Hinata see him blushing. "Geez, calm down already heart! Stupid! Stop beating so fast!", said Kageyama as he scolded himself silently.