I woke up groggy and sore. The hospital lighting stung my eyes and the smell of sanitizer and disinfectant made me nauseous. Slowly and begrudgingly, I sat up and turned to check my surroundings. It looked like mid-day by the positioning of the sun in the sky.

My mouth felt parched and my stomach cramped.

"Oh, look who's awake," a voice chimed in.

I flinched at the sudden sound and tried glancing in the direction of the doorway. The light still hurting my eyes and blurring my vision.

"Sorry sorry, I um... forget that."

I rubbed my eyes to adjust my vision.

"T-Tsukishima?" I replied.

"Y-yeah," he muttered.

He carefully sat beside my bed in the chair placed next to me placing something on the floor out of view.

"How long was I asleep?" I asked.

He looked upset when I asked that, "Vanji, you've been unconscious for 3 days."

My eyes widened, "M-my mom, Tobio!"

"No, hey hey," he reached for my hand and rubbed it soothingly, "They're fine. Don't worry. They just stepped out for some air and to grab something to eat."

I swallowed a breath. I expected to react to the contact, but, for some reason, his touch put me at ease.

Tsukishima awkwardly rubbed the back of his head and reached for what he'd placed on the ground, "Um.. these are for you."

He presented a bouquet of daisies.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Don't thank me.. Yamaguchi picked them out. You know me, I'm not a sentimental guy," he grumbled.

I rolled my eyes, "Sure, that's why there's a small plush dinosaur tucked into the arrangement here."

"Wait, what?!" he exclaimed.

I giggled softly, "I'm kidding."

"Vanji," he growled, "Not funny."

"I'm sorry," I apologized still grinning.

Suddenly, I was yanked into his embrace. I could feel his heart racing.

"I'm so sorry," his voice trembled, "But, when I heard what'd happened, it felt like the entire world stood still. I was so angry with myself. I wasn't there to protect you, I'd said all those things to you and that could've been the last things we'd said-"

"Tsuki," I held him tightly, "It's okay. I'm alright."

He pulled back slightly and brought his gaze to my eyes, "Are you?"

I felt my breath hitch and my shakiness betray my statement.

"Vanji, I swear.. we will never let anything or anyone hurt you ever again."

I nodded, tears running down my cheeks. I heard footsteps enter the room. Tobio came in and, seeing I was awake, hurried over checking me over and asking if I was alright.

"I'm okay," I sniffled, "Thank you for being here for me and Mom."

"Of course," Kageyama grinned, "I had some help too, the team came by and Tsukishima and Yamaguchi have stopped by any chance they could."

It meant so much that everyone had come to support me. But, one name hadn't been mentioned.

"A-and Shoyo?"

Both Tsukishima and Kageyama grew silent.

"Guys?" I tilted my head.

"He umm.." Kageyama began.

"He's back with MSBY," Tsukishima snapped.

"Tsukishima!" Kageyama scolded, "Don't add to her stress!"

He turned to me and sat in the bed beside me, "He did come.. but.. you went into an episode of severe psychosis and the doctors had to tranquilize you.. and I didn't see him after that."

Tsukishima gritted through his teeth, "So her pain is too much for HIM?"

Kageyama and Tsukishima began bickering.

I pulled my knees to my chest and buried my face and tried to drown out their noise.

Did I scare him? Or was I not important enough to even merit a visit?

I could feel my heart shattering all over again. I bit my lip- no not again.

I quickly wiped my tears, "T-that's okay. I don't want to be a burden to anyone."

"Vanji-" said Tsukishima and Kageyama.

"Guys, I'm fine.. honestly."

~~~

After two more weeks in the hospital and lots of psychiatric evaluations and sessions, I was released. I had to regularly attend therapy sessions and slowly re-enter my regular routine.

Kageyama reluctantly returned to his team after I reassured him I'd be alright. That didn't stop him from calling every evening to check in though. He may be stern towards everyone else but.. with me he'd always be my protective wannabe brother.

Tsukishima and Yamaguchi offered to drive me to practices and pick me up whenever I needed to go out. I begged them not to but there was no convincing them otherwise.

Soon after, I watched as the guys all moved on to colleges, jobs and team offers. Finally, it was my turn.

I gazed at the letter I'd received a couple of weeks ago while I was in the hospital:

"To Miss Vanji Kageyama,

We are deeply saddened to hear of your recent ordeal and our team is wishing you healing and offers their condolences.

We hope this letter finds you well and we would like to extend this offer to you to attend our university on a full athletic scholarship for our tennis team that is known for producing Olympic competitors.

We understand your current situation is very difficult and ask that you take all the time you need, but, please, consider our offer.

We hope to hear from you soon!

~ The Staff and Team of UCLA"

I gripped the letter in my fingers and felt the slight crinkle of the stationary.

I'd repeatedly explained my decision to myself and everyone why I had decided to move to Los Angeles. My tennis career needed the support that UCLA could provide and.. I needed to breathe on my own, regardless of how terrifying the whole thing sounded.

If he could it, so can I...

~~~

Flash forward 3 years later

Hinata's POV

I couldn't believe it. I was headed to Olympics. We all had come so far. Many of my teammates on the Olympic team were those I'd played with and competed against. Now, here we were representing our country.

I couldn't help but be ecstatic. Kageyama and I had become roommates in the month prior to Olympics for training. We'd worked hard together over the years so it only made sense that we continued the dynamic.

Although, since we'd seen each other throughout our matches against one another, Vanji never came up surprisingly. I knew she'd recovered and even moved to the States to pursue her degree and continue with tennis.

I was shocked when I got word from Yachi. But, I couldn't blame her. Vanji was someone who always needed something to zero in on to regulate. It tore me up to know she'd be so far away. But, considering I'd basically done the same, I couldn't really pity myself.

I never texted or called. But, I did follow her social media. I saw all the titles and awards she was winning at such an incredible pace. I couldn't have been more proud of her.

The news articles even took to calling her the "Queen of the Court". I chuckled when I first read that name. Only thing appropriate for a Kageyama. As much pride as I felt, in her photos, Vanji never held that expression. She may have smiled in a few photos, but, those didn't hold a candle to the smile I once knew. I couldn't figure out why, when she had so much going for her.

Why did her eyes always seem so sad?

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"Hey dumbass! We're loading up on the shuttle busses to get ready for ceremonies!" Kageyama called.

"Oh! Coming!" I rushed out the door.