The match between Aoba Johsai had already been anticipated to be a close match. After so many rallies, we were in set three with what seemed to be no end in sight. Even though this entire game was meant to be a practice both sides seemed to be fighting as if their title was on the line.

Hitoka-San informed me the prize for this match was pride. She made a point. Kageyama had a reputation to uphold since defeating one of Aoba Johsai's golden setters, Toru Oikawa. Who happened to be attending the match in what appeared to be a half-assed version to be what he called a disguise. Sunglasses and a pullover hood and a turtleneck scarf. I rolled my eyes at the display and focused back on the match at hand.

Everyone was performing at their absolute best. Kageyama with multiple service aces and Tsukishima with endless blocks. Hinata, however, seemed to be holding back and letting the newer underclass man have their chance at spiking and scoring.

This confused me. I knew he could definitely score many points in one single match with his and Kageyama's sets alone. But, he almost seemed to be allowing multiple potential points go past him to allow the others have a chance to assess them and work to find a way to handle the situation.

Here we were at match point.

Karasuno: 31 Aoba Johsai: 30

Kageyama and Hinata were up front and one of the newer teammates was up to serve. I knew he had been nervous because this was only his second week as a starter. Once his serve left his fingertips, I saw the direction of the ball was going directly towards Aoba Johsai's outside hitters.

"Not good.." I thought, "He's going to get it directly to their ace."

As I thought, they began setting up for a spike and I tensed readying myself for a major slam.

A flash of fiery orange..

Before I could blink, Hinata had leapt up and spread his hands to the incoming ball and a loud thunk resounded through the gym.

"He.. he blocked it.."

A whistle blew and the enormous roar of victory filled the entire gym and the team began piling onto Hinata.

I was stunned. Not by just the show of sheer skill. But, it was the look in his eyes as the ball approached. A clear vision of focus and intense focus. Almost piercing through the ball, the opponents. I had seen Hinata perform many times, but, I guess I had never paid enough attention to the looks he had during play.

Everyone rushed to the sidelines and began lining up to thank the opposing team and fans.

"Hinata-" I whispered.

I'm not sure if he heard me or it was simple coincidence but I saw his eyes look towards me and he winked.

~~~

As the guys cleared out, Kageyama and I were going over performance notes I had written throughout the game for him to review to note needed improvements. While we were looking over, Oikawa approached.

"Heya Mr. King," he jeered.

"Oh hey Oikawa," Kageyama hardly looked up from my notes, "Nice outfit."

Oikawa flinched and began defending his get up.

"Who's the chick? You're new fangirl?" he inquired.

"Hardly," I snorted, "I'm Vanji- Kageyama's cousin and Karasano's new assistant manager."

I held out my hand to shake his.

He grinned, almost creepily, "Ahh so Karasano has more cuties on the roster."

I instantly yanked away. Kagayama gave him a warning look.

Oikawa chuckled, "Oh don't worry I would never pursue a girl so close to Kagayama. But.."

He placed his hand on my cheek, "If you became a fan of mine, I don't know if I can keep any promises at that point."

Before I could respond, I felt something like the wind brush in between us and a wall place itself in front of me.

I looked up and saw Hinata placed firmly between Oikawa and I. He had a look on his face.. just like the one I saw during the final point.

Piercing, almost burning like fire.

Oikawa burst into laughter observing Hinata's menacing look, "Ohhh I see, you already have a fan yourself."

He turned and waved, "Well, great game Kageyama , Hinata."

Kageyama muttered something and went back to my notes. I reached to tap Hinata on the back, but when I neared him, he jerked away and stormed off without saying a word.

I looked down and felt sick to my stomach.

Kageyama walked over and grabbed my hand, "Let's go. Everyone else has gotten back on the bus."

I nodded and followed.