~ Kageyama's POV ~

I looked at my phone. 9:05 pm.

Damn, I didn't realize how late I'd left the gym.

Film was a little bit longer than usual, but with Hinata's newly found rage, rotations were not where I'd like them to be. If he didn't get himself back until control, I'd have no choice but to bench him. Though his power behind the anger was impressive, it was erratic and dangerous. Nothing we could count on.

I arrived at Hinata's front door and knocked gently. Hinata's mom came to the door.

"Oh thank goodness it's you Kageyama," she sighed with relief, " Maybe you could talk some sense into him."

She practically yanked me inside and tossed me into Hinata's room. He was laying up in bed with his hoodie pulled over his head and headphones blaring so loud I could hear what he was listening to and the lights were off. The only thing lighting the room was the commemorative title trophy replica lamp he'd purchased at the last National Championship tournament.

I rolled my eyes at the pathetic sight and knocked on the wall above his head. He jolted at the sudden vibration and looked up at me. His eyes looked red and puffy.

"Had he been crying?"

He quickly looked away, "What do you want?"

"I'm here because your attitude is affecting the team." I pointed out.

"Oh... um.. sorry.. I'll do my best to have a better attitude." His voice sounded hoarse.

I sighed and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Want to talk about it?"

I regretted those words as soon as they came out of my mouth. His outpouring was overwhelming. He went on and on to say how angry he was himself for reacting the way he did and sending Vanji away. He kept babbling over and over how much of an idiot he was and how things should've been different.

I raised my fist and knocked him on the forehead. The sudden contact shut him up quickly and he began focusing on the jolt of pain.

"Hinata-" I scolded, "I don't care what was said or how you feel. But Vanji is my cousin. Your business with her only matter to me when it effects her well-being. And guess what.. she's hurting."

"S-she's hurting?" he whispered.

"If you'd get over yourself for one second, you would've seen she was practically a ghost during practice and all over campus. But at least, she knew not to affect others with her own behavior."

"She cares about you and supports you. No why can't you do the same for her?" I inquired

"It's not that I don't support her!" Hinata interjected, "No.. I want her to succeed. I want her to be the greatest I know she can be.. but.."

I heard the tremble in his voice.

"But, where's that leave us when we're at the crossroads?"

"I know she'll be great, and I already know I'll continue my volleyball career. But, where does that leave room for us?"

I sighed, "Hinata, nobody knows where that road will lead us. But.. why not just enjoy what there is now? Instead of worrying about what's to come."

Hinata gasped and looked up and I saw that familiar determination in his eyes.

"Thank you Kageyama!" He pulled me into a chokehold.

"Yep, immediately regretting this."

~~~

~Hinata's POV~

Today was our seeding match before the Spring Tournament. I still hadn't talked to Vanji the entire week.

I mean what would I even say? How would I even begin?

Vanji had sat on the bus by herself and had headphones in. She hadn't said much to anyone since arriving. She had still made she everyone had gotten their care packages for the bus ride. The team always enjoyed them, and she didn't disappoint.

When it came my turn to collect my bag, I saw the tremble behind her hands. She carefully reached out her hand and gave me a half smile. I went to grab the bag and our hands touched for a brief moment.

It felt like sparks ran up my fingertips and a warmth I hadn't felt in weeks spread through me. I watched her eyes light up like like a pond calming after a storm. She looked up at me and suddenly hid her gaze and shuffled back to her seat.

It felt like my feet were automatically drawn forward as I followed behind her. Then, I felt something stop my legs and I nearly tripped.

I looked over and Tsukishima had propped up his feet across the aisle using the empty space near Vanji. He hadn't even looked up from his book.

Before I could protest, Ukai-Sensai instructed me to return back to my seat. I huffed and sat back down.

"I'm not finished yet," I thought to myself more determined than ever.

~ Vanji's POV ~

~ Earlier that day ~

I was packing up everyone's treat bags when I barely noticed Tsukishima had walked up beside me.

I jumped a little to the feeling of a new presence.

"Oh- hey.." I said, "Sorry didn't notice you there."

"Seems you aren't noticing a lot lately," he said rather coldly.

"What's that supposed to-?"

"You think we didn't notice?" He snapped, "Vanji, you may have your guard up but Hinata is like an open book. He'd was falling all over himself between classes to get to you."

I fell silent.

Then, I heard him begin chuckling, then, roaring with laughter.

"T-Tsukishima ?"

"If had known Kageyama was letting teammates hit on his little cousin, I would've shot my chance."

I stood stunned, and, without even thinking smacked Tsukishima across the face.

We both stood silent for a moment.

"Feel better?" He asked softly.

I felt tears begin welling up and a sharp pain in my chest. I rushed into Tsukishima's chest and began sobbing. He never once questioned it or pushed me away. He just silently held on until I quieted.

I sniffled, "I'm sorry."

"Forget it," he reassured, "You're allowed to be human every once and a while. But, don't fall apart just because Hinata's being an ass."

"In fact, I think I have the perfect way to smack some sense into that runt,"

I stared confused.

~On the bus~

Tsukishima told me and the team I was to be off limits for Hinata. I didn't understand the concept but apparently everyone was on board. Even Kageyama.

Through the bus ride, any time Hinata would look in my direction, Tsukishima would move in to be near me or if he tried to wander over the guys would create barriers or detours by blocking the aisle.

I had to admit. It was kind of funny seeing Hinata get frustrated with the circumstances. And it really did mean a lot to me seeing how much the team cared about me.

~ Hinata's POV~

Why the hell was everyone making sure I couldn't get near Vanji? Why is Tsukishima being so protective of her?

I could feel my ears burning and I had to grit my teeth to hide my annoyance. Our match wasn't for another hour so there was still time.

I began to wander the courtyard trying to muster up something that would make up for the pain I'd caused but nothing seemed to come through.

I heard laughter down the hallway and I saw Tsukishima and Vanji walking together.

With his arm around her shoulder...