Over the next few weeks, I attended multiple practices, scrimmages, and workouts as Karasuno's volleyball manager-in-training.

I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy having something to occupy myself until spring arrives. Many members of the team were friendly and accommodating and were always willing to escort me to my classes.

Sometimes, it felt more that they were fawning over the fact they had a new female teammate to gawk over. Boys could be so immature. For the most part, though, Kageyama kept everyone in check when it came to behavior around Hitoka-Chan and myself.

The same didn't apply with Hinata though. His constant need to tail my every move had become somewhat of a nuisance. He always had to ensure he was there between every class to ensure I would "make it safely" to every subject. I felt like such a child at times.

But, the fact of the matter was, I had grown accustomed to his annoyances in the small amount of time we'd known one another. If he didn't show up to walk me to after-school practices, my heart would skip a beat and I'd assume the worst. Even though, it wouldn't be but seconds later he'd come barreling down the exit apologizing profusely for his tardiness. To which, I'd shrug and lead the way.

This weekend would be our first travel away match as a team. I had already packed a small travel tote with essentials and a first aid kit and additional play boards to ensure we were prepared for whatever situations arose.

Fortunately, I had even remembered to pack snacks the night before for the team for anyone who would get hungry on the ride over. I beamed at the job I had accomplished and had even forgotten how much I had originally despised the idea of being team manager.

Maybe..

I quickly shook my head. What was I thinking? I've already got a goal and this is just a minor detour. Nothing more. Hurriedly, I gathered my bags and rushed to campus to get things packed onto the bus.

~ A few hours onto the road ~

After the boys had had their fill of their own snacks and those Hitoka and I had provided, most of them were already snoring away. It was 4 a.m. after all so I couldn't really blame their exhaustion. The only problem was, my seat had already been stolen by a pair of one of the guy's legs as a prop as he slept. I sighed. I guess the middle row flooring should be fine.

"PSST, Vanji.." a voice whispered. "You can sit with me."

I gazed into what little light lit the bus surroundings and recognized immediately through the darkness Hinata's grin.

"O-oh um.." I stammered, "It's okay. I don't know want to get you into trouble."

He chuckled, "It's no trouble, we're just sitting together. Plus, it's still another few hours until we arrive."

He patted the seat beside him, "Sit."

I sighed. What choice did I have?

I carefully slid beside Hinata and could feel heat radiating off of him. I grew puzzled by the sudden warmth.

"Are you ok Hinata? You feel kind of warm."

He laughed, "Oh, its probably because I jogged a few laps around the parking lot before everyone boarded the bus."

Laps?? It was 4 a.m. How did this guy manage the energy?

He continued, "I always get so pumped before matches no matter the time I have to get in a jog or lunges to manage my energy."

I smiled at that. He instantly took the slight gesture as a compliment.

"See! I knew you could smile! Kagayama is such a liar, you're no stick in the mud."

I scowled at the comment. I'd get the Royal brat for that one.

While I got more comfortable, Hinata offered to share his ear buds with me during the ride. For his energy level, the music he was listening to was oddly soothing. Almost rhythmic. Like a slow heart beat. My eyes lulled to the sound and before I'd noticed. I had dozed off.

~~

I woke to the sound of the bus slowly screeching to a halt. As I began to stretch, I felt something warm across my lap. I looked down to see a light blanket covered my legs and looked over to see Hinata fast asleep and was leaning against the window.

He must've given me his blanket after I'd fallen asleep and fallen asleep himself. When I went to wake him, I realized there was also something gripping my hand. I felt flames rush up my stomach and into my cheeks. He was holding my hand!!

I yelped and that caused him to startle and bump his head into the window.

Suddenly, I felt a gaze on us.

Tsukishima grumbled half-asleep, "Geez, if you two are going to do it, the least you could do is wait until the bus is empty.."

Both our faces turned bright red. Hinata began stammering explaining we had just fallen asleep and with that Kageyama marched over to our seats.

"Oi! Hinata do I need to reprimand you for harassing our female team members?" he chastised.

Tsukishima began snickering, "Wow Hinata.. never took you for some kind of pervert."

"I am not!!" Hinata cried out.

By this point everyone was awake, and Takeda-Sensai had instructed everyone to get off the bus.

We unloaded all the gear and began filing into the gymnasium while the players began their warm ups.

As Hitoka and I stood on the sidelines, I could feel her eyes watching me and her smile was almost infectious.

"Just ask," I groaned.

"What was that about?!" She practically shrieked, "Are you and Hinata...?"

"Absolutely not!!" I blushed.

"Well, I think you may want to express your concerns. Hinata is a passionate person no matter what it concerns. I'd hate to see him get his feelings hurt." she commented.

A whistle blew warning the start of the match and Hintaka smiled and waved herself off to the bench.

There's no way. We both have so much going for us in our own lives. There's no time for ridiculous endeavors like relationships.

And with that, the match began.