A/N: New chapter! Let me know if you're enjoying the story!
Well, he got the match he wanted. Of course, he didn't expect it to be against the two other new first years. It was unexpected but it all worked out in the end. Not only had they won the game, he had also been able to confirm his belief that Hinata was a complete idiot.
An idiot that could hit his toss but an idiot, nonetheless.
He hit the ball with his eyes closed.
Who does something like that?
They two of them, as well as Tanaka, had practiced every morning and every night for days. Tobio had forced himself to actually listen to Hinata and try to work with him. Had listened to the advice Suga (his vice-captain and the current main setter) had given him. And they had won. They were on the team. So were the other two first years – Yamaguchi and Tsukishima.
He wasn't exactly happy that Tsukishima was there. That snarky bastard. At least he was tall.
He was breathing a sigh of relief when a man suddenly ran into the room. Tobio stared at him with a frown as the man doubled over with his hand on his knees. He really shouldn't run if his stamina was that bad. "It's decided! It's decided!" The man gasped out loudly as he stood. His eyes were shining behind his glasses. "The practice match! It's against one of the top four teams in the prefecture!" He breathed out with a bright smile. Tobio blinked at the words. One of the top four teams? Who would want to have a practice match with us? Karasuno hasn't been one of the top schools in years. "Aoba Johsai High School."
No.
Tobio took a step back and shook his head. Maybe he heard that wrong. He had to have heard that wrong. They wouldn't – why would they want to have a practice game with Karasuno? It didn't make any sense!
"The one nicknamed Seijoh?" Suga questioned in surprise.
I knew it! They've never done this before! Why would they want a match now of all times?
"Yikes," Tsukishima muttered. Damn. I hate agreeing with that bastard.
But Hinata didn't seem to know any better. "A practice match with one of the top four!"
"Aoba Johsai," Tobio muttered darkly, a certain setter flashing through his mind. The feel of his hand, tight on his shoulder. The wall at his back. The words that were growled at him. "I hope you are not considering going to Aobajōsai. You've already destroyed one of my teams. I'm not letting you destroy a second one." He shivered and stared down at the gym floor. He didn't want to see him again. Not this soon. Not yet.
He was so into his own thoughts that he apparently missed the next part of the conversation by the man with the horrible stamina because Hinata leaned over into his personal space. "Who is he? A teacher?"
"I don't know," he responded, his mind still overtaken by floppy brown hair and hard eyes.
"I'm the volleyball club advisor starting this year," the man said walking over toward them. "I'm Takeda Ittestu."
"Hello."
"I have no volleyball experience, so I can't help you with your technique, but for anything else, I'll do my very best," Takeda said with a smile.
Useless.
Daichi and Suga walked up then and Tobio listened in interest as the two boys asked how a powerhouse school agreed to a practice match with Karasuno. As soon as Takeda mentioned the fact that Seijoh had a condition, Tobio tensed. None of it made any sense. And the only person that would know anyone on Seijoh's team was him. Would Oikawa really-
"Kageyama-kun must play setter the entire game."
-he would. He really, really would.
"What's this about?" Tanaka demanded. "It's like they aren't interested in Karasuno at all. They just want to assess Kageyama."
Yes. That is exactly what they wanted.
Well, exactly what he wanted.
"Well, that's not quite how it is."
"Sounds good," Suga commented and Tobio felt himself freeze. Suga. The team's official setter. The person that he was going to be replacing in this practice game because of Seijoh.
Was this Oikawa's way of sabotaging him even with Tobio not following him to Aobi Johsai?
"We don't get a chance like this often," Suga continued as Tobio continued to stare at him in horror.
Tanaka didn't seem happy about the events either. "You're going to agree to that, Suga-san? You're the official setter of Karasuno, Suga-san!"
Tobio felt his hands clench at his sides. He wanted to play. But he couldn't let what happened in Junior High happen again. He wanted…he wanted them to like him. He didn't want Suga to be another Oikawa.
"I-" Suga started as he looked up and met Tanaka's eyes. "I want to see how effective Hinata and Kageyama's attack will be against a top four team."
Tobio felt his eyes widen in surprise. So…he wasn't… angry? His mind flashed back to the game in Junior High his first year. The one where he was put in in place of Oikawa. And what happened after. The feel of Oikawa's hand gripping his uniform. Pulling his other hand back. Tobio closing his eyes in anticipation of the punch.
The disappointment on his mothers face when she saw his school marks. The furious gaze focused on him when she saw the words on his arms. The sting of her hand against his face.
"Sensei, may we have the details?" Daichi asked.
Tobio shook the thoughts from his mind as Tekada answered. "Sure. The schedule is rather sudden but it's set for Tuesday next week." Next week?! "It'll be after classes, so there will only be time for one game. We'll rent the bus after school. Make sure you aren't late."
"Yes," they chorused though Tobio wanted to keep his own mouth shut.
He didn't want to go.
He didn't want to see them. Any of them.
Even Iwaizumi. He had always liked the older boy but this…this was too horrible.
Oikawa was going to destroy his volleyball career before it even started.
He waited until practice had finished and then followed at a slow pace behind his senior. He needed to do this but he kept thinking of the last time he tried to talk to his senior setter one on one. Even after only knowing Suga a couple of weeks, he knew he was nothing like Oikawa. But he had never thought Oikawa would be… like he was either. Maybe Suga was just hiding it. Regardless, he had to do this. "Sugawara –san!"
Suga turned in surprise as Tobio jogged toward him. "I have to play setter by default this time," he told the older boy. "But from now on I will earn my place." Please don't hate me because of Oikawa.
"Huh?" Suga questioned with a small smile. "Oh, I thought you weren't concerned about me at all. I wasn't expecting that."
Now Tobio was confused. Why wouldn't Tobio be concerned? "Why would you think that?"
"Because you're superior to me in athleticism and talent," Suga said bluntly and Tobio felt the anger burn in his chest at the words.
"You can't make up for a lack of experience that easily!" He growled out as his mind once again flashed to another third year setter. "And also…"
Tobio cut off as three voices called out to the older boy. They both turned sharply and saw Daichi walking toward them with Hinata and Tanaka. Tobio scowled and turned back toward Suga quickly. He had to say this. "I h-have to earn the t-t-trust of the other team members." He forcefully shook his head to rid himself of the image of the ball falling onto the court, no one there to hit it. Of his team turning away from him. "Therefore, I will never give up!"
He was shaking as Suga stared at him with wide eyes. Damn, was that too forward? Did he just blow it? Was this going to be a repeat of Junior High? "Yeah," Suga said finally, a smile crossing his face. "I won't give up either." The smile slowly fell off of his face as his eyes stayed locked on Tobio's, despite the fact that the other three were running toward them and yelling something about pork buns. "Aoba Johsai is where most of the athletes from Kitagawa Daiichi move on to, right?" He finally questioned and Tobio felt his entire body stiffen. He didn't want to talk about this.
"You could say that," Tobio confirmed anyway.
"So…" Suga continued, looking a little uncomfortable himself. "I'm just wondering if you might be uncomfortable with that."
Yes.
"I might be if they were on the same team," he answered. Suga didn't need to know of his previous issues with his teammates. "But if they're my opponents, I'll fight with all I've got."
Tobio watched as a genuine smile crossed Suga's face. "I see. I suppose you would."
…was that a compliment?
That was when Tanaka decided it was time to cut into the conversation. "But are you alright with that, Suga-san? I…I just can't accept that!"
They were already turning against him.
But Suga was still smiling, "Sure, I'm a little frustrated," he said and Tobio felt himself wince. "But," Tobio jumped in shock as the third year moved and placed a hand on his shoulder. Why was he touching him? "I also want to show them that Kageyama's completely different from his junior high days."
…completely different…
"That's true," Daichi showed up with bags of food in hand. "Plus, we'll show them that Kageyama's not the only one they need to worry about. Right, Hinata?"
The attention turned to the short boy only to see him stuffing his face full of food and not paying the slightest bit of attention. This was the guy he was supposed to play with? "Why are you eating first?!" He and Tanaka both yelled out. However, a man came out of the store beside them and yelled at them for being loud. Tobio apologized as he let Hinata's shirt go. When had he even moved toward the other boy?
He quickly moved over toward Suga and asked for a curry pork bun. This was perfect. He had somehow run through the allowance for this week and he hadn't been sure if he was going to find a way to eat anything for dinner. He probably had milk but he needed actual food as well. He would have to make sure to properly thank Daichi.
They moved into the store and Tobio focused on his food. It turned out he was able to not eat just one bun but two. He really, really needed to make sure to thank his captain. "Hey, Kageyama, after you're done eating could I ask you something?"
"Sure," Kageyama responded through a mouthful of food. What would they want to know?
"I was wondering about Hinata's position for the upcoming practice match," Daichi responded. "What do you think?"
Tobio put his food down as he focused his thoughts on the redhead and volleyball. "Middle blocker," Tobio finally responded.
"Huh?"
"He's fast. And he can jump. The way he moves – he'd be in a good position to use our quicks. And to draw the attention of the other team. Middle blocker. Decoy. The way he jumps around will confuse the other team and will let us make plays before they even know what's going on."
Daichi and Suga exchanged a quick glance and then Daichi slowly nodded. "Alright. If that's what you think."
The idiot better not mess this up.
Tobio hurried home shortly after he finished eating. The house, as always, was cold and silent. He didn't even pause as he made his way past the main room. He was never in there. He usually focused on three rooms – his bedroom, the kitchen, and the bathroom.
The rest of the house might as well have never been lived in.
He moved toward his room and instantly moved toward his desk. He placed a disk into his computer and quickly pressed play. He then focused on the game in front of him the rest of the night.
After all, if he was going to beat Oikawa, he needed to know how their team worked.
It was the next day that Daichi revealed the set up for the practice match. Tobio made sure to keep his face blank as Daichi told Hinata that he would be a middle blocker. He didn't want the other boy to know that he had anything to do with it.
But he did need to make sure that Hinata was aware he was also the decoy. It wouldn't matter if the other boy didn't do it right.
Apparently he put too much pressure on the other boy. Oops.
They continued with practice and Tobio found himself sighing more and more as he worked with Hinata. It was a good thing the boy was quick. He sucked at everything else.
It was three days before the match that Tobio woke with his ankle aching. He gasped and threw he blanket off of himself as he looked down. It was swollen and irritated.
What happened? Did I do something yesterday? Did I land wrong? Did I hit something? What the hell?! I have a match soon!
He stood quickly, wincing when he placed pressure on his right foot. It hurt but it was like…a phantom pain.
You have got to be kidding.
Tobio looked at his bare arms quickly.
What the hell?!
Oops! Don't worry though! I'm fine!
This doesn't seem to be fine!
Stop fussing. I'll be able to play.
Tobio groaned. Why did the one with the pretty writing always seem to do something to hurt himself? There wasn't time for Tobio to deal with this! With a frustrated cry, he pulled himself down the hall and into the kitchen to grab a cold wrap. Hopefully this would help calm it down so he could practice this afternoon.
It did indeed calm down enough that he could practice. His soulmate hadn't been lying – this was nowhere near as bad as the knee. By the time practice came around the only thing he felt was a slight twinge when he jumped.
By the time Monday came around he was ready to play. Well, physically anyway. Mentally – well, he still didn't want to do this. It was the first time in his life he didn't want to play volleyball.
At least he was better than Hinata.
Tobio was staring in complete shock as the small redhead tried to put his jacket on – by stepping into it. "Kageyama, is Hinata going to be all right tomorrow?" Daichi whispered as Tobio continued to stare in complete shock at the other boy.
"Will he be alright?" Tobio answered. No. No, I don't think he will. "What do you mean?" He asked instead.
"Hinata's only experience is at that one match in junior high. I think he's really anxious and worried because of that," Daichi explained while Tobio continued to watch in horror as Hinata struggled to get dressed. "That's why I think he might be nervous. "
"But everyone feels nervous-" Tobio started before Suga jumped in with a glare.
"There, see? You make light of the anxiety we cowards feel!"
Tobio took a startled step back and had to freeze as he ran into the shelves behind him. He hated it when people snapped at him like that. He wasn't trying to make light of what they were feeling, he just didn't understand why they would be so anxious.
"No matter what I say, it adds pressure," Daichi sighed.
Tobio leaned against the shelves and crossed his arms over his chest protectively. They needed to understand. "You can't help it at first," he told them. Before he could say anything else his attention was drawn to Hinata. The boy was slowly making his way toward the door and Tobio was afraid the kid was actually going to pass out. "I think it's best to leave him alone," he finally said.
"I wonder," Dachi sighed once more.
Tobio wondered if maybe he should have said something to Hinata. The boy had actually thrown up on Tanaka on the bus ride to Aoba Johsai and he looked as if he was going to pass out. Tobio let out a sigh as he took off his jacket and quickly checked his arms. No writing was visible. Good. He had cover up in his bag if something had been noticeable but it was always better when he didn't have to use it. There was a chance on it rubbing off during the match. He was just lucky his soulmates had decided not to communicate today.
He let out a deep sigh as he saw Hinata trip over his own feet. It was bad enough that he and a few of the other guys had heard two of the other team commenting on their team. It was worse that one of those two was Kindiachi. But this – this was not good. He needed Hinata to be on his game for their strategy to work.
They lined up for the match and Tobio's eyes traced over the team in front of him. Oikawa wasn't here. How was Oikawa not here? His eyes landed on Iwaizumi who was also looking down the line. He finally rested on Tobio and the corners of his lips twitched upwards as he bowed his head slightly. Tobio bowed his own in return. He always liked Iwaizumi – he was the only third year during his first year of junior high that had even bothered with him. The others ignored him. Well, besides Oikawa. But Oikawa certainly had never been nice.
Where was he?
They moved into their positions quickly and Tobio heard Kindaichi commenting on Hinata's height. He smirked. Yes. Focus on Hinata.
"What's Kageyama doing at Karasuno?"
That was Iwaizumi. Tobio stiffened. He didn't need to listen to this. Instead, he focused on Hinata. The kid really needed to calm down. "Just like the three on three!" he told the still shaking boy.
"I-I know that!"
Right… "Are you sure?"
He didn't have a chance to answer as the game began. The other team served first and the ball flew right toward the captain. But before he could get it, Hinata stumbled in his path and messily received it. "Idiot, that obviously wasn't your ball!" Tobio couldn't help but snap.
"I'm sorry!"
Tanaka moved in to spike and Tobio dove toward the ball as it bounced off the block. He cursed as the ball hit the floor before he could reach it. Tobio stood as he stared at Hinata. The boy was almost green.
This guy…he's completely overwhelmed.
He was proven correct as Hinata continued to make a complete mess of things. He slammed into Tanaka, almost tripped Tobio, and even ran into the ref stand. Ennoshita actually had to hold him back as he moved toward the smaller boy furiously. This was not how this was supposed to go! He was supposed to prove himself to his old teammates and Hinata was ruining everything!
After a few more mess ups from Hinata, Tobio couldn't stand it anymore. He stormed toward the redhead and grabbed his jersey. "Hey, you! That's enough nervousness!"
"Give me another chance!"
Daichi pulled the two apart and turned to Tobio. "Let's get the points. The next up to serve will be-" he trailed off as he realized what Tobio had already seen.
Hinata was up to serve.
Well, this couldn't be timed worse…
Tobio turned and focused in front of him as Hinata moved into position. "Kageyama, is he still breathing? Can he do this?" Tanaka asked quietly beside him.
"How am I supposed to know?" Tobio snapped back. Could Hinata usually do this? Messily but yes. Could he do it right at this moment? Based on how he had been acting this entire game, no.
The whistle blew and Tobio prepared himself for Hinata's serve to miss.
He didn't prepare himself for the feel of the ball against his head.
The ball slammed into his head and he felt himself fall forward. He had to take a step to keep himself from hitting the ground. From somewhere across the net, he heard a muffled curse. But Tobio didn't bother with that. Instead, he stood fully and turned toward the hellion that had been destroying their chances during this match.
Hinata was staring at him blankly. Apparently, he couldn't believe it either. It was then that Tanaka and Tsukishima began to laugh, throwing in comments as they did so. It only enraged Tobio further. He was tired of people laughing at him.
Tobio began to move toward Hinata and the other boy slowly backed away, his hands up in the air, as he stuttered, "W-w-wait! Once we talk about this, you'll understand!" The boy was shaking as Tobio continued to move forward. "Kageyama!"
Tobio moved forward until he was right in front of the boy. "Just wondering…" Tobio started, his voice low.
"Y-yes?"
"Why are you so intimidated?" Tobio asked, leaning closer and making his voice lower. If he needed to scare Hinata to get him to focus, he would do it. "Why are you so nervous? Is it because your opponents are tall? Is it because this is your first practice match?" He leaned closer with every question and watched as the boy's eyes grew wider and wider. Tobio slowly brought his hand up and began to hit himself in the back of the head as he spoke. Each hit made his head ache as he continuously hit the spot the ball had slammed into a few moments before. He heard more cursing somewhere behind him. "There is nothing scarier than hitting a serve into the back of my head. Is there?"
"I can't think of anything," Hinata responded.
Tobio continued to hit his head, "In that case, you have no reason to be nervous any more, do you? Because you've already done it. The scariest thing possible." He stopped hitting his head and pointed toward the court as he began to shout, "Get back to normal, you jackass!"
Tobio turned around and quickly moved into line with a scowl on his face. They had lost the first set. They just needed to win the second.
Damn, his head hurt.
He heard Tanaka being "inspiring" as he talked to Hinata and Tobio had to roll his eyes. He was pretty sure Hinata was alright now. He didn't need any more help. But then Tanaka said something that actually surprised him. "On this side of the net, everyone is your ally. It doesn't matter if you're lousy! It doesn't matter if you're a nuisance. You can slow us down. But to make up for those things…that's why you have your team and your senpais!"
Idiot. It was good until the end, anyway.
The next set started and Hinata was much more calm than he had been previously. Good. They could start now.
Or not.
Tobio had thrown the quick to Hinata…and he missed. Damn. "If you can't spike a ball like that," Kindaichi whispered toward Hinata. Whispered. Right. Tobio was obviously supposed to hear this. "The king will get mad."
Wait…didn't Tanaka say Hinata ran into Kindaichi before the match. Did he…
"Hinata!" Tobio said loudly, more loudly than he intended. Hinata jumped and turned toward him, Kindaichi smirking as his own eyes travelled toward him.
"You see?"
Tobio kept his face blank as he continued, "My bad. That toss was too high."
He walked away with a smirk. He had seen the shock that had crossed Kindaichi's face and the way Kunimi's eyes had widened. "I guess I can forgive you!" Hinata squeaked. The smirk fell from Tobio's face as he turned quickly and his hand shot out to grip Hinata's hair. "Ouch! Ouch! Kageyama!"
"I already apologized, idiot!"
They moved back into position and Tobio knew what he needed to do. Hinata jumped and Tobio tossed it into Hinata's hand. The ball flew forward, slamming onto the opposite court before any of the blockers knew what was happening. "Alright," Tobio announced to his team. Hinata is back in action. Time for a counter attack."
Tobio glanced to the other team and saw Iwaizumi staring at him with narrowed eyes. Tobio turned away from him quickly. Why was he looking at him like that?
It continued throughout the set. Tobio forced himself to turn his attention away from the third year and onto the game. He didn't know what was going on but Iwaizumi would have to wait. Maybe he was just studying him for Oikawa or something.
That seemed like something the other setter would have his soulmate do.
The set was going well, very well. The only hiccup was his little spat with Tsukishima. He really couldn't stand that guy. What the hell did he mean that his tosses made him sick?!
It didn't help when he and Tsukishima jumped to block one of Iwaizumi's spikes. The ball slammed to the ground and Tobio couldn't help but call out in happiness. Iwaizumi was staring at him from across the net, a smirk on his face. But then Tsukishima had to open his damn mouth.
"Hey, I'm the one that blocked it."
Tobio forced his eyes away from Iwaizumi. "What? It hit my hand too!"
"That's enough, you two!" Daichi screamed from behind them, making both Tobio and Tsukishima flinch.
"It did hit your hand," Iwaizumi agreed from the other side of the net, earning himself a glare from Tsukishima and a confused frown from Tobio. But his attention quickly moved to the laughing boy a little ways away from him.
"What are you grinning at?" Tobio snapped at Hinata.
"Kageyama! Stop it!"
They won the second set and Tobio felt extremely uneasy as they stood on the sidelines during break. "I'm glad they don't have another serve-hitter like Kageyama," Enoshita commented and Tobio felt his anxiety kick in. He felt as if those words had just cursed them.
"Yeah," Daichi responded with a smile. "I must admit our team is not good at receiving."
"We can't let our guard down," Tobio cut in as his eyes darted around the room. "I'm thinking that maybe," definitely, "their setter wasn't their main setter…"
He broke off as loud screams started to ring around the gym.
No.
Tobio felt his eyes widen and his mouth drop open as he saw the person responsible for the screams. There he was. Oikawa Tooru.
"Oikawa, you're back," the coach commented. "How's the ankle?"
…ankle?...
Tobio's eyes flickered toward Iwaizumi to see his reaction. But the other boy was not staring at his soulmate. He was still watching Tobio. Tobio looked away quickly. What the hell was his issue?
"It's fine. I can go back to regular practice," Oikawa said with that fake smile of his. "It was just a light sprain."
"For crying out loud, be careful!" The coach growled out. "You're the one that asked to play against Kageyama. What do we do without our official setter?"
I knew it!
"I'm sorry," Oikawa apologized before he smiled and waved at some girls yelling down at him.
Tobio felt a snarl cross his face. Why were these girls here, anyway?
"Kageyama-kun, who's that nice guy?" Tanaka asked creepily and Tobio took a startled step back. "I find him unpleasant."
You and me both.
"He's the captain of Seijoh," Daichi answered instead.
"Oikawa-san is a super aggressive setter," Tobio cut in. They needed to know more than the fact that he was the team captain. There was so much more to him than that. "His attack power is probably among the top of his team. And he's got a terrible personality," Tobio continued with a snarl.
"You're saying that?" Hinata gasped and Tobio ignored the comment.
"Maybe even worse than Tsukishima."
"Wow, he must be really bad."
"Do you know him from Kitagawa Daiichi?" Tanaka asked.
"Yes," Tobio answered, flashes of his first year running through his mind. "He was my senpai in junior high."
It was at that moment that Oikawa turned toward them with that fake smile plastered on his face once again. "Long time no see, Tobio-chan?" He said with a wave. "Nice to see you!"
Lie.
"You still doing the king thing?"
Bastard.
Tobio didn't bother responding to him. He turned back toward his team. "I learned serving and receiving by watching him," he commented. "His skills are extremely high." He saw Hinata blanch from the corner of his eye and he turned toward the other first year. He couldn't freak out. Not again. "But we have to focus on the match now. We're going to win the final set for sure."
"Right."
Tobio turned around and saw Tanaka using that face of his to try and intimidate Oikawa. Tobio flinched. The one thing they didn't need to do was piss him off. "Tanaka-san, please stop with intimidation!"
Oikawa smirked at him one last time before he turned and went to warm up. Tobio hurried to get into position. They needed to win this. Quickly. If they didn't win before Oikawa got put into the game…well, there chances of winning decreased drastically.
They were focused and were winning the game easily. Well, not easily, but they were winning. They were close to winning it completely when Oikawa moved onto the court. Tobio cursed and wasn't surprised with Iwaizumi looked at him with a smirk.
Tobio frowned and took a step back. He watched in apprehension as Oikawa pointed to Tsukishima. Just what was he planning? The ball few toward the blonde and Tobio knew that this was it. He had to shut it down quickly or Aobajosai would take this round. Oikawa got the ball back in hand and smirked, "Just as I thought. I watched part of the match…you, number 6, and you, number 5. You're not good receivers, are you?" He asked with that sickly grin. Tobio's entire body tightened at the sight. He knew that smile. It never meant anything good. "You must be first years. Okay, let's score another one."
And score he did, serving right toward Tsukishima.
"Oh, one more point and we're tied," Oikawa said brightly as he got the ball once again.
"Hey! You! Great King!" Tobio turned to Hinata, eyes wide. What the hell was he doing?! "Aim here! I'll receive it! Don't underestimate me! Aim here!"
…idiot.
"Stop raising a fuss, it's embarrassing!" Tsukishima snapped. It was probably the first time Tobio agreed with the blonde.
"What did you say?" Hinata growled. "In volleyball, everyone on this side of the net is your ally!"
Tobio fought back a smirk at the disgust on Tsukishima's face. Trust Hinata to quote Tanaka at the irritating blonde.
"Alright, all of you scoot toward the back. Tsukishima, you go closer to the sideline," Daichi commented.
They did as instructed and Diachi prepared himself for the serve he knew was coming. Tobio felt something like pride toward his captain – it wasn't everyone that made himself vulnerable to Oikawa. "You can't defend it by yourself!" Oikawa said as he served – once again toward Tsukishima. But he got it up this time and Tobio saw Oikawa smirk. The ball flew toward Aobajosai and Oikawa received it cleanly. The setter set it to Kindaichi and Tobio watched as Hinata was there to block it.
"It's up!" Tobio yelled out as he ran forward to intercept it.
The second Hinata landed he took off to the other side of the net, ready to spike. I can't catch up to him if I'm one step, one second behind, Tobio thought. The only thing I can do to catch him… He tossed the ball quickly, knowing Hinata would be there. And he was. Hinata hit the ball, spiking it right past Oikawa's shoulder. Tobio felt a moment of pleasure at the pure shock on Oikawa's face. For the first time, that fake smile was gone and the irritation was there for all to see as he turned slightly to look at the ball that was rolling on the floor.
Karasuno had won. Tobio hurried to the sideline where Takada was waiting and bowed toward him with the rest of his teammates. Takada gave a speech that might have brought tears to Tobio's eyes for a moment. Or maybe that was the way Oikawa was still staring at them from across the court. Iwaizumi was standing next to him and seemed to be talking to him quietly. Tobio flinched as both their eyes fixated on him. Well, he finally had the attention he had craved from them in junior high…but he had a feeling it wasn't a good thing.
He stepped out of the gym quickly to avoid their eyes and saw Kindaichi a moment later. He took a deep breath and moved forward. Maybe, just maybe, if he made up with Kindaichi…maybe he could at least start to repair things. He had been a friend at one point. "Kindaichi," he said, intending to continue with his apology. But the moment he stood facing the other boy, that memory returned. Of him tossing the ball and no one being there to spike it. He shook his head and opened his mouth. He had to do this-
"Don't apologize!" Kindaichi snapped loudly. Tobio jerked back at the words. "Because I won't apologize either!"
Well, that wasn't going to work. "Okay," Tobio replied.
"You're still an oppressive king, as far as I'm concerned," Kindaichi continued. "You're irritating, and there's no one I want to crust more than you."
"Yeah," he could see that.
"So don't apologize!"
"Yeah."
"I'm not reconciling with you! We weren't friends in the first place."
We weren't? Oh. "Yeah."
"And the next time, we'll win for sure!" Kindaichi took a step forward.
Well, Tobio couldn't agree with that. "The next time…" he broke off as he heard Hinata moving toward them, singing about going to the bathroom of all things. He saw Hinata round the corner and then duck back when he noticed Tobio and Kindaichi standing there. Tobio rolled his eyes and continued on, determined to ignore his teammate for the moment. "Kindaichi, the next time we battle, we will win again." Kindaich reared back and Tobio turned around walked toward Hinata.
"Did you cry?" HInata asked cheekily.
Tobio frowned, "Of course I didn't cry, idiot! Now go use the toilet!"
"You can't fool me, Kageyama-kun!" Hinata said with a grin.
"Hinata, you dumbass!" Tobio cursed, smacking the other boy in the head.
He had hoped that that was it. That they would all be able to return home and he wouldn't have to deal with Oikawa again until their next game together. He really should have expected Oikawa to be waiting for them at the gate. "Spoken like a true captain," Oikawa said with a smirk. The entire team stopped moving at the imposing figure. "You know your stuff." He gave them a haughty smirk and Tobiofrowned as half of his team recoiled.
"The Great King makes his entrance!" Hinata said loudly. Tobio turned to him with a frown. The Great King…?
"You got a problem?" Tanaka asked Oikawa, walking forward with Hinata ducking behind him.
"Wanna fight, huh?" Hinata questioned. Dumbass.
"Don't be so hostile," Oikawa said, that fake grin once again plastered on his face. "You, little one," Hinata paled, "your last one-touch and broad attack were amazing."
"Oh…" Hinata said with a blush.
Tobio scowled when he saw the look on Oikawa's face. It was the same look he would get right before he tore Tobio down during training in junior high. The look that always made Tobio feel like he wasn't worth anything. "Let's give it all we got the next time, right from the start," Oikawa continued. "You didn't get to see our set up. Oh, yes, and we'll be improving our serves, too," he said with a grin at Tsukishima. "It's true, your offense was amazing but your receives aren't polished. You'll reach your limit very quickly. I'm not the only one who hits powerful serves." He began walking forward, "The Inter-High preliminaries are coming up soon. Don't get eliminated, okay?" He stopped right in front of Tobio. "Because I…" he pointed and Tobio blanched as the glare hit him full force. "…want to pulverize my dear underclassman, setter-on-setter, in an official match."
Tobio's gaze narrowed in on Oikawa. He was aware that Hinata had spoken but he didn't know what the other had said. He was hyper focused on Oikawa. The other boy moved, walking right by Tobio, less than a hair between them and making Tobio flinch. It was after he passed that Tobio tuned back in, hearing Oikawa's parting comment. "There's not much time left till the tournament. I look forward to seeing you there."
Tobio panicked as the boy disappeared. If his team let Oikawa into their heads, if they let him tear them down the same way he had done to him in junior high, everything they were working toward would be lost. "Please don't listen. He likes to razz people like that."
But Daichi laughed. Tobio wondered if Oikawa really had broken his captain. "It's true. We don't have much time before the Inter-High preliminaries. But he should be coming back soon."
"Who's coming back?" Hinata questioned.
"The Guardian Deity of Karasuno," the captain answered, making Tobio's brow furrow in confusion.
The what now?
Tobio stayed quiet as they went back to Karasuno and began to clean the gym. Just why was Iwaizumi so focused on him during the game? Yes, they had known each other years ago but he didn't think he had ever seen the third year that focused on anything. Tobio shook himself out of the thoughts as he made sure Hinata didn't fall asleep standing up and then went to the store down the street for buns… but they were out. The man at the counter threw them bars and Tobio bowed in thanks. He had panicked for a moment, wondering what he was supposed to eat that night. A power bar was better than nothing.
He walked home with the other club members, eating quickly and listening as Tanaka questioned why Tobio was at Karasuno. He answered truthfully that he had never received a recommendation to enter Shiratorizawa and had failed the entrance exam. He explained that Coach Ukai had been the reason he joined Karasuno, but Suga explained that Coach Ukai had collapsed and wouldn't be coaching them.
He kept the rest to himself. That his original plan had been to enter Aoba Josai and he had decided against it after the championship game and the words from Oikawa. He had decided to get into Shiratorizawa because of the rivalry. Because Oikawa would be forced to see that he had changed if he beat him. But when that failed as well, Karasuno had seemed like his best bet. He thought that with Coach Ukai, there would be a chance that they would make it to Nationals. That was the goal, after all. He needed to forget about this stupid thing with Oikawa and focus on getting to Nationals so he could finally meet his soulmates.