After that night, Hinata and I agreed we'd both keep the events quiet. But, we felt, since the team already knew about the relationship, there was no need to hide it any longer.
When we had our most recent team meeting after practice, Hinata stood in front of the team and announced that he and I were, in fact, dating but we didn't plan to have our relationship affect the team.
Of course the entire team dog piled on him. They congratulated us both and made Hinata swear up and down he wouldn't screw things up to which he gave a "man's word".
I giggled and rolled my eyes at hearing that. Kageyama and I had been working on different layouts of team building before league camps began and I had begun attending practices for my tennis club.
Shortly after Friday practices, I'd have rush over to the local club sports courts to begin my own training. Mostly, Kageyama and Hinata would accompany me. But on occasion, Tsukishima and other team members would follow.
Their very first time attending one of my practices could only have gone as well as anyone would've thought.
~ Flashback ~
All the boys rushed the chain link gates and stared at the court set up. While they waited, Kageyama attempted to explain the basic principles. I was in the changing rooms when I heard the boys' overwhelming chatter.
I peeked out and saw them ogling some other girls players that were across the courts. I rolled my eyes and stepped out onto my court. That's when I heard the boys begin whistling and catcalling. I had totally forgotten. The boys hadn't seen me out of volleyball team uniform. Tennis uniforms were a completely different get up. I had to wear a skirt and tank top. All white might I add. I looked up to see Hinata drooling:
*sigh* This is gonna be a disaster.
My coach was a bit confused by the fanfare but when I explained he chuckled and said, "Well, I suppose the courts could use a little more life."
He had me working one on one with serves and line work. My body was screaming in discomfort at the long forgotten movements but I knew I had to push through. The longer my practice went on, the more the guys began thinning out and going home. But, not Hinata.
Every time I lifted my gaze in between drills, his eyes were focused on my every movement. I blushed feeling his eyes on me and decided that it was my turn to do the showing off. It was my turn to receive during volley exercises and there was a brief window where the ball had soared up into the air. The perfect opportunity for a slam. I reared back and leapt forward sending full motion into my forehand and heard the satisfying snap of the ball hitting the center of my racket and pop of the ball hitting the backcourt line.
My coach applauded and I smiled cheekily and turned to Hinata. The look on his face was priceless. He had the biggest grin and looked ready to leap over the fence. I giggled and once my coach gave me permission to head out for the day, I rushed over to Hinata.
"Vanji— how— where?" Hinata stammered excitedly, "That was amazing!"
"R-really?" I blushed.
"YES! It looked just like when we spike in volleyball! The ball was like -WHOOSH-!" he jumped up and down barely able to contain his excitement.
I smiled and leaned into the fencing between us, "I gotta get changed but I'll be out to join you in just a moment."
"Awww.." he pouted, "You're taking it off?"
"Um.. yes Hinata, I'm all sweaty," I explained.
"Pleaseeee, I don't get to see you in outfits like these," he whined.
"Ughhh.. fine but don't blame me if I stink," I said as I stepped out of the gate.
He smirked and pulled me into his chest, "Never. You're mine. And everything about you is beautiful."
I blushed profusely, "Shoyoo—"
He laughed and kissed my forehead, "Come on. Let's go get you something to eat. You've earned a treat after how hard you practiced."
He wrapped his arm around my waist and led the way to the convenience store.
~Flash forward~
The week of my first matches happened to fall on the same weekend Hinata was attending The Japan Youth Camp. I was extremely devastated when I realized he wouldn't be able to attend.
But, I figured we both needed to be at our best so I couldn't be selfish. Of course, he texted me right when we both woke up:
Hinata: Goodmorning baby :) I'll be running drills all day but I know you're going to do great today! I love you!! Do your best!!
I smiled thinking about it. As I was finishing up getting ready, I felt my body getting jitters. This first match was going to set the foundation for everything. If I screwed it up, there would be no second chances.
Suddenly, my name and court number bellowed over the PA system.
It's time...
