~ Hinata's POV ~

"Geez Kageyama," I sighed baffled, "Did I umm.. say something??"

"Idiot.." Kageyama shrugged off to his next class.

Man.. I really must've screwed up. I mean, I was only trying to help. She needs an extracurricular and we need a trainee. Maybe if I try a lighter approach next time. This girl is definitely a resemblance of Tobio Kageyama.

~~ Vanji's POV ~~

Thank goodness. Morning classes are over and it's finally time for lunch. I avoided the crowds as much as possible and found a more secluded spot near the vending machines on a lone bench.

"Finally," I thought, "Some peace and quiet."

Suddenly, I hear groaning near the vending machines.

"Dammit.. I forgot my bento AND my money. I'm gonna STARVEEE."

I flinch.

No, please, not so soon. I haven't even begun to think of what to say to him.

Hinata freezes once he comes from behind the vending machine.

"U-ummm.. I-.." he sputters, "I-I'll just leave you be."

"NO WAIT!!" I shout.

He stops and turns to face me, almost appearing petrified by my sudden outburst.

"I um, I'm really sorry about this morning." I soften, "You.. you didn't deserve that."

Hinata rubs the back of his head chuckling.

"N-no it's okay. I can sometimes be a bit much around new faces," he smiles.

"W-well it's just." I pause, "You were so nice to me and I only repaid you with my bratty behavior."

We're both staring at our feet and I can tell I'm honestly embarrassing myself.

"How about to repay your kindness, I buy you some lunch?" I offer.

His eyes became saucers at the mention of the meal.

"REALLY?" His grin widens.

"My treat." I smile.

Hinata rushes to the vending machine and points to his selection. Cup of instant ramen.

"Very original," I think to myself.

After his meal is warmed, Hinata makes no hesitation to plant himself next to me and begin asking more and more questions. More so just simple inquiries about my age, where I'm from, how it was growing up with Tobio,etc.

Before I knew it, lunch hour was almost over and I felt more at ease with how our encounter was going. It was nice to enjoy conversation with someone who carried the conversation so easily.

I even learned a little bit more about this team Kageyama had been playing with. Kurasano had won the National championship title Hinata's first and second year with himself and Kageyama.

It was amazing to think that not only Kageyama had established himself as a mere first year. But to think, someone like Shoyo Hinata was able to cooperate with Tobio Kageyama.

Hinata rose to his feet as we heard the school bells ring: "Thanks Vanji for the meal!! Also, it was really nice meeting you!!"

I smiled, "No problem."

"And, Since you're new to Karasano, I think it's only fair that I introduce you to some friends of mine," he reached down for a notepad from his bag and began scribbling and handed me the note, "Here's my cell. Meet me at the gymnasium. I want you to meet the team! And I won't take no for an answer! See ya!!"

He strode off before I could even object. This guy..

~ After school ~

I was struggling with the decision of what I was going to do. I told myself that I wasn't going to get involved or overly attached to anything dealing with Karaseno. We move too much and I have to stay focused on my end goal- Nationals.

My phone buzzed as I was contemplating.

Unknown: "Hey it's Hinata!! :) Hope to see you soon!!"

I groaned.

Buzzz.. another text??

Kageyama: "Hinata won't shut up.. you dug your own grave on this one. It's just like when we were kids, you fed the sad little puppy and now you're stuck with him."

Damn Kageyama..

I grumbled and began my walk to the gymnasium.

~~ In Karaseno's gym~~

The lights flared and the smell of rubber filled my nose. Volleyball. Still foreign to me but I could remember most of the concept thanks to Kageyama.

A blonde short haired girl runs up to me.

"Hiya! I'm Hitoka Yachi!" She smiles, "You must be Kageyama's cousin, Vanji."

"Yeah that's me," I grimaced through a smile.

"Hinata's been going on and on about you to everyone who will listen." She giggled, "Sorry, I know he can seem excitable, but he means well."

I couldn't argue with that. Even though we'd just met, Hinata had a way with making things seem so natural in conversation and just was a relatable person.

A whistle sounded and the team all began gathering their things and cleaning up supplies from practice. Shortly after clean-up, I was rushed with a towering group of underclass man all asking similar questions to Hinata's.

Amidst all the chaos and jabbering, Hinata resounded above the noise.

"Okay guys line up!" He bellowed.

Simultaneously, they obeyed.

Kageyama entered the main floor.

"Everyone needs to be prepared, we face our first practice match this weekend and we still have a lot to work on between now and then," he spoke sternly, "So, I expect everyone here for laps at the track tomorrow morning bright and early, are we clear?"

"Yes Captain!" The team resounded.

"Dismissed." He waved.

As they exited, each player introduced themselves to me and offered to help me with anything I needed around campus. I smiled through their introductions, but, was confused by their eagerness to help out.

That's when Kageyama approached me and gripped my shoulder and gave me one of his domineering looks:

"Welcome aboard, Miss Manager."

"EXCUSE ME?!!" I shrieked, "Says who??!"

"Myself, and your mother." He continued, "You weren't making any decisions on an extracurricular so I went to the administration and requested your submission as manager. They approved."

I was stunned. Yet, again, more decisions being made for me.

He could sense my glaring rage and continued explaining, "The off campus club you're looking to join requires passing grades in ALL CLASSES, including extra curriculars. If you don't join, you don't play."

I froze. I didn't realize how focused I was on my own self-pity that I didn't see how it was affecting my judgment and chances to join the tennis club.

Embarrassed, I simply nodded to him. He almost seemed pleased with my cooperation.

"Hitoka will help you with training, and Hinata will help you with anything else you're needing." Kageyama instructed, "Now go home, you've got to be up with the team tomorrow morning to help with workouts."

I bit my lip and bowed my head, "Thanks."

"Whatever." He rolled his eyes, "Hinata!"

Hinata jogged forward after replacing some equipment.

"Walk Vanji home. I've got some things to take care of to prepare for the practice meet." he instructed.

"You got it!" Hinata saluted.

Hinata smiled and offered his arm to me. I shook my head and marched forward.

This got a chuckle from Kageyama as Hinata chased after me.

~ Kageyama's POV ~

I watched as Hinata hopelessly chased Vanji out the door as she stormed off.

"Just like a lost puppy," I thought.

Hitaka looked just as intent watching the two, "Hinata seems to be really intrigued by Vanji. And it seems she has her focuses on something much further than what's in front of her."

"She's a prodigy. She doesn't have time for distractions," I noted.