The lights and sound of upbeat music filled the atmosphere. I tugged on my jacket sleeve. I should be used to the dressier attire we had to wear for formal events. But, I could never get past how short the fitting of the skirts were. "Image" is what are stylists emphasized.

I snorted under my breath. My friend Samantha playfully smacked my back, "Quit fidgeting Vanji! You look great!"

Samantha and I were roommates and teammates during my time at UCLA. We both played girls singles and on occasion grouped up for doubles matches. She and I had become really close through everything. She even knew about my struggles with PTSD from my rape. She always so kind and caring even during the late nights she'd wake to my cries. She never once judged or complained.

I stuck out my tongue towards her and winked. She giggled and moved closer as we lined up in the entrance tunnel to the stadium.

"So.. do you think you'll see him?" she whispered in my ear.

"Who?" I sighed.

She punched my shoulder.

"Ow!" I yelped, "Samantha, what the hell?"

"You know who, Vanji!" she scolded, "Hinata!"

I grimaced and ducked my head to hide my expression. I felt heat flood my cheeks:

"I don't know. I know he earned a spot on the team, but, that's as far as I know.. we don't exactly.. talk."

"Then, maybe we should fix that," Samantha winked, "No better time than now since we'll all be stuck here together."

I shrugged, "Yeah. I'll pass."

Samantha began to say something but a loud booming voice over the intercom overpowered her voice.

"Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics! We will be presenting each nation's representing competitors and would like to wish everyone an amazing games!"

I gulped.

Well, here goes nothing.

~~~

Hinata's POV

I stood amongst many of Japan's top athletes. I couldn't help but feel both excited and extremely intimidated. I shook my head trying to rid myself of my nerves. I earned my place just like everyone here. I couldn't be timid.

The sound of the announcer interrupted my thoughts:

"And now, the United States!"

I glanced over as the teams marched to the center stage. In my time traveling for volleyball, I had met a few American players so I began searching to see if I recognized any familiar faces.

I caught sight of a few players I'd met and thought about calling out their names, but, my words got caught in my throat before I could make a sound.

Vanji?

I stared in awe. In the time that had passed, she was still able to stun me. She'd grown a bit taller, her hair had grown out and was pulled into a high ponytail. Her eyes shone brightly in the spotlight and flashing camera lights. My heart felt like it would burst through my chest.

"That her?" a voice interjected snapping me out of my trance.

"Huh?!" I yelped.

Ushijima stood behind me and gestured towards Vanji's direction.

"That the girl everyone mentions you had dated?" he asked bluntly.

"Y-yeah," I chuckled nervously.

"Hm... strange," he shrugged.

"What's that mean?" I inquired.

"Nothing. I just suppose it's strange a beautiful athlete like her took interest in a guy like you," he deadpanned.

Kageyama overheard his comment and burst into laughter.

"Oh my god she'll love that," he wheezed.

I glared in his direction, then, went back to watching Vanji and her teammates. I noticed she was talking to one girl a lot. I assumed a friend she'd gotten close to. She was smiling, vaguely, but still, I was glad to see she hadn't closed herself off.

Maybe, I could talk with her after the opening ceremonies.

~~~

I knew we weren't really supposed to enter other teams dormitories, but, after how I'd left things. I needed to at least see Vanji.

I wandered the halls, careful to avoid detection by officials. Once I finally reached the U.S. team dorms, I bumped into those friends I'd met during volleyball.

"Hey! If it isn't Ninja Shoyo!" a voice called.

"Alex!" I grinned, "How are you? Long time no see!"

"Yeah right?" Alex chuckled, "Awesome to see you earned your spot in the Olympics! Man, there's no one else I'd rather go up against!"

"Heh, thanks! That really means a lot," I shrugged, "Hey, I've got a question actually.."

"Sure! Shoot!" he said.

"Do you happen to know Vanji Kageyama?" I inquired.

"Oh!!! Yeah!" Alex replied, "She's on the tennis team. Looks harmless but that girl is a BEAST on the court. I'd hate to be matched up against her."

I grinned thinking to myself, "That's my girl."

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh.. uh.. I know her from way back when and I wanted to wish her a proper congratulations and good luck," I stammered.

"Of course!" he smiled, "She's in the dorms down the hallway and to the left. They should all still be unpacking so you'll be able to catch her."

"Thanks a ton Alex!" I chuckled, "Well, I'll see you on the court!"

"Sure thing! See ya!" he waved.

I jogged down the next hallway and rounded the corner as I overheard voices.

"Hey Vanji can you help me get these bags?" a female voice called.

"Yeah! Coming!" she replied.

I ducked behind a stack of suitcases and peered around to see Vanji and her teammate moving baggage into their room.

My heart stopped as I gazed at her features. I couldn't believe it'd been so long since the last time I'd seen her. It felt like I was seeing sunlight for the first time. I hadn't even realized I had unknowingly begun walking in her direction, like something else was controlling my feet.

She was bent over picking up another duffel bag, when she straightened up our eyes met.

"Umm.. hi," I choked out.

"Hi?" she raised a brow.

"I'm sorry I.." I rambled, "I saw you during the entrance ceremonies and I had to see you you know so I-"

"You figured you'd sneak past all the Olympic staff and security to come see me?" she snarked.

"Just like old times huh?" I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Heh," she smiled, "Yeah."

That smile..

Somehow we'd gotten closer, our faces inches from one another.

"Hinata I-" Vanji began.

I couldn't think, I reached to cup her cheek when I felt something slap my hand away.

I recoiled and took a few steps back and looked for what had hit me.

Tsukishima stood glaring at me, "You think you can just waltz back here now that she's better?"

"Tsuki, I've got this," Vanji snapped.

His gazed shifted to her. Vanji nodded and Tsukishima huffed, "I'll see you later okay?"

"Okay," she replied.

He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. I clenched my fist as he shoved past me.

"We need to talk," Vanji grabbed my hand and pulled me into her dorm and shut the door behind us.