The next day I went over to Hinata's and helped him and his family with some early spring cleaning. Our mothers had already met both of us and I think they were both thrilled their kids had found something else to talk about other than sports.
Hinata's little sister was elementary aged so she always had tons of questions regarding my relationship with her big brother. Whether having a boyfriend was fun or if Hinata and I saw ourselves getting married. Both questions earned her a hunting down by an steaming Hinata.
I laughed at how defensive he became about us. But, I couldn't shake the feeling that the upcoming future was going to strain the happy glow we had existed in so far.
After dinner, Hinata and I spent some time outside. He asked if I would set the ball for him, to which I obliged.
"Sorry about Natsu," he groaned, "Ever since she got into grade school she's very interested in everyone's personal business."
"No worries," I smiled, "Actually, there's something I needed to talk to you about"
He continued volleying the ball, "What's up?"
I tensed, "You know.. spring's coming soon and.. my club will begin opening registration."
"Yeahhhh?" he sounded confused.
"What's going to happen once I start competing again? You know.. to us?" I asked.
At my last toss, he stopped the ball midair with one hand. The clap of the sound startled me.
"What do you think will happen?" He asked quietly.
"I.. I don't know." I muttered, "I mean you and I both need to focus, you've got your important seeding matches soon and I've fallen behind most of my competitors. So that'll mean we can't always have time for each other.."
He grimaced, "So.. it sounds like you don't have faith that we can work past this."
"No Hinata-" I reached for him.
He pulled away further, "Maybe you should just go."
With those few words, he seemed so cold, distant.
"Hinata I never said we couldn't try." I pleaded, "Just please can we talk about this?"
"I think I need some time alone Vanji.."
I felt tears welling up in my eyes, I turned and stormed off.
~~
Classes felt even slower than usual. I could barely understand the voices around me. Everything seemed dimmer and out of focus. I wandered through the halls between classes.
Hinata had avoided being near me. He didn't walk with me to my classes, or sit with me at lunch. I had sat with Yachi who noticed my gloomy attitude,
"Do you want to talk about it?" She inquired cautiously.
"What is there to talk about? He made it clear that he's upset with me." I grumbled.
"I don't think he's angry with you.." explained Yachi, "Just confused."
"I think we're both better off focusing on our own things," I sighed, "He's got so many offers already for the professional volleyball league. I've still got a ways to go.. it's better this way."
I stood up and thanked Yachi for her concern and hurriedly rushed to the restroom before tears began sliding down my cheeks.
~~
During practices, Hinata seemed to play more ferociously. His slams were much harder and almost intent on burning holes into the hardwood.
I'd noticed some of the team members almost avoided his shots out of fear of feeling their wrath. He barely spoke during play and his eyes almost appeared flaming. He was much more irritable and when he made a mistake he would become much more vocal and demand another attempt.
Kageyama had some suspicion it had to do with us no longer speaking but chose to stay out of the matter. He warned Hinata that any more outbursts would lead to him being benched for the upcoming match.
To that, Hinata scoffed and stormed off.
"Vanji.." Kageyama called.
Great..
"Yeah Kageyama?"
"What happened?"
"We talked about registration.."
"And?"
"That was it."
"I'll talk to him.."
"Tobio, don't.."
"It's not your decision. I'm the captain of Karasuno's Volleyball Club and one of my players isn't performing to his standard."
I tensed.
This was my fault.
"Don't you go thinking this is all on you. Hinata told me he understood the risks of beginning a relationship while on this team. It seems he needs a reevaluation. Plus,"
He nudged my shoulder, "You're still family. And no one messes with my little cousin."
"Heh.. is that an attempt at being the protective big bro?" I chuckled.
"Believable?" He asked curiously.
"Haha absolutely not," I giggled wiping away some tears.
