With Hinata and the others' season over, everyone made it a point to attend every one of my tournaments and exhibition matches. Hinata and the others had even come to my practices to help me train in any way they could.
Kageyama pulled from whatever he could remember that I had taught him when we were kids and for the most part he was able to keep the ball in play enough for me to practice volleys.
Tsukishima helped with setting up slams for me. Also, his height definitely helped me with getting my aim to better focus on other areas of openings around the court.
Yamaguchi watched from the judges' chair focusing on my line shots and serves letting me know if anything was out or needed adjustments. All his time as the best server for Karasuno the past couple of years had definitely given him knowledge that I could utilize in my own sport.
And finally, Hinata. Watching him race back and forth across the court chasing my shots and serves.. my poor goofball. But, in his own stubbornness, he refused to back down. I couldn't help but love the determined grin on his face when he'd finally return a shot over the net to me. Eventually, the repetition led to him learning where to stand in order better receive and he actually started to give me a run for my money.
After one particularly long rally, Kageyama eventually had to shout at us from behind the fencing to call it quits for the day. We both shrugged embarrassed we'd gotten so caught up in the moment. We all gathered our things and decided to go out to grab some snacks together.
As we followed behind the others, Hinata and I held hands and I felt his thumb tracing over my knuckle repeatedly.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Hm?" he tilted his head.
"You're fidgeting with my hand. You always do that when you're overthinking," I noted, "So.. what's troubling you?"
"Oh it's nothing," he absently responded, "Just a bit tired I guess."
I knew that smile. It was the "I don't want you worrying" kind. I wanted to ask but I just couldn't force myself to bring up anything that may upset him in front of the others. So I decided to let things be for now.
We all had decided to visit Coach Ukai's shop to grab some easy snacks to eat together on the nearby bench area. After Ukai had scolded us once again for our diet choices, he laughed and sent us all on our way. I carried Hinata's paper bag of meat buns in one hand and my own cucumber sandwiches in the other. Hinata had gotten us both our favorite sodas.
We all sat together and ate our fill while listening to Kageyama and Tsukishima argue over Kageyama's sudden "expertise" in tennis according to himself. I giggled to myself and Hinata pulled me into his lap.
"H-hey.." I protested feeling myself blushing.
"What?" he teased kissing my neck.
"You're being so needy," I whined.
"Hm.. I can't shower my girlfriend in love?"
I pouted and kissed him on the lips.
He cupped my face in his hands and gave me an Eskimo kiss.
"You're so cute when your being stubborn," he chuckled.
While the others continued talking, I asked Hinata if he and I could go off for a walk together. He agreed and we both told the others goodnight. We started on our route to my house and during the walk Hinata's mind appeared to be elsewhere. He would continue to trace his finger around my wrist and fidget.
Finally, I couldn't take the suspense:
"So are you going to tell me?"
"Huh? Tell you what?"
"Whatever you're trying to keep secret. You're never this fidgety unless you're hiding something from me. So.. spit it out," I demanded.
He sighed, "Okay, okay.. but.. promise you won't be angry?"
"Hm.. fine?" I reluctantly agreed.
"So.. I've been considering my options for after high school. Of course I want to continue my volleyball career.. it's just always been a matter of location," he began.
I braced myself for whatever answer would come. I knew the pain would be excruciating but I wanted to support him no matter what.
"But.. after a lot of thought. I think I need to spread my wings for myself and discover my own talents so.. I'm going to decide on Brazil," he announced.
Brazil?
