We both agreed we'd meet up after practices. During my entire drills, I was on pins and needles. I'm sure everyone could read it across my face judging by their snickering. As soon as the coaches and trainers called it a night, I bolted to the showers and sped through getting washed up and changed.
I overheard my teammates' catcalls and teasing as I bolted out of the locker room:
Geez.. I'm really about to make a fool out of myself.
I made it to the gardens where Hinata and I had agreed to meet. I didn't see him anywhere. I anxiously bounced up and down on my heels trying to search for any sign of him.
"I swear if you stood me up-" I grumbled to myself.
"Aw why would I even dream up standing you up?"
I jumped startled by the sudden sound and was greet by a bear hug.
"Owowow Shoyo, Shoyo! Too tight!" I squeaked.
"Sorry, sorry!" he loosened his grip and let me down, "I'm sorry.. I was just.. really excited to see you again."
I blushed crossing my arms over my chest, "It's okay.."
"So, ready to have some fun?" he smirked.
"What do you have up your sleeve?" I asked suspiciously.
"Nothingg," he winked, "Can't I have a fun night out with a good friend I haven't seen in years and have no ulterior motive?"
"I suppose so," I sighed, "Lead the way Mr. Olympic All-Star."
"Of course Miss Queen of the Court," he fired back offering his arm to me.
Begrudgingly, I wrapped my arm around his shoulder.
Just what game are you playing at, Shoyo Hinata?
~~
Hinata led us both to a garden area lit with strands of lights and surrounded by fountains. The smell of freshwater and lilies filling the air and the lights twinkling in the water's reflection made a truly magical atmosphere.
"Wow.." I said breathlessly, "This is beautiful."
"I figured we could get away together, enjoy a nice evening under the stars, and catch up," Hinata said.
"Well, it IS a beautiful night," I smiled.
"Then, let's enjoy it," Hinata chuckled, "Come on, sit with me."
I nodded and we both sat on a gazebo bench overlooking the garden area. For a while, the only sound heard between us was the sound of rushing water and the occasional summer cricket chirp.
"So," Hinata began.
"I saw Natsu is starting her first year in middle school," I interrupted.
"Oh! Yeah!" he smiled.
"And following in the footsteps of her thick headed older brother," I teased.
"Hey! That's not fair! Cheap shots against me were not part of the deal!" Hinata shouted.
"Okay, okay I'm sorry," I giggled.
"And you? Keeping the stoic Kageyama family name proud?" he snickered.
"Oh that 'Queen of the Court' crap only started thanks to Tobio still letting reporters call him that," I rolled my eyes, "The last name just comes with the branding."
"I think it suits you," Hinata leaned forward and held his gaze on me.
"And Ninja Shoyo?" I inquired, "That still your M.O.?"
"Heh, nah I think I've grown from that name," he said stretching his arm across his chest.
"How about Striker Shoyo?"
"Hmm.. nah," he shook his head.
"Speedster Shoyo?"
"Nuh-uh."
"Super Shoyo?"
"Oh come on.. that sounds like a knock off super hero,"
"Hmph.. shithead Shoyo," I muttered lowly.
"Hey I heard that!" Hinata scolded, "You take that back!"
"Make me," I challenged.
"I will," Hinata licked his lips deviously.
Before I could react, Hinata hoisted me over his shoulder.
"Come on!" Hinata grunted, "Take it back."
"Never!" I cried.
"Okay then, you asked for it," he shrugged.
He began walking towards an area of large fountains.
"Hinata," my eyes widened, "What are you doing?"
"Oh," he feigned ignorance, "I don't knowwww. Maybe I thought we both could go for a swim.."
"Hinata, nonono I'm sorry I take it back!" I pleaded.
"Sorry!" he said in a sing-song tone, "Can't hear youuuu.."
"Hinata no!" I begged.
"Too late!" he charged forward.
I felt the lukewarm waters rush over my back and head and screamed.
"Shoyo!!" I cried.
"Haha what?" he managed to say between laughs.
"You jerk!!" I pouted.
"Ohhhh you poor little thing," he teased, "You shouldn't have picked on me."
I stuck out my tongue to him and began ringing my hair out to no avail. Suddenly, I felt a splash of water.
"Hey!" I yelped.
Hinata laughed and began kicking water in my direction. I couldn't help but return the favor. We both kicked and splashed water in every direction laughing like little kids until we both retreated under the cobblestone gazebo that stood nearby completely soaked.
Hinata pulled me into his chest and held me close. I could feel his heart racing.
"You're still stubborn.." he said breathlessly.
"And you're still an idiot.." I said burying my face into the warmth he was radiating.
He gently brought his hand to my cheek and we were both trapped in each other's gaze. My heart pounded in my ears.
Like gravity, I felt myself drawn in closer to him and before I knew it my lips were against his. The familiar softness of his kiss, his calming scent, and gentle grasp of his embrace. Something I could never get enough of.
I slowly pulled back, "Shoyo.. I.."
"Please.. don't.." his eyes saddened, "I don't want to talk about then.. what I threw away.. how badly I hurt you.. I just.. want us to feel what's going on RIGHT NOW."
He gently lifted my hand to rest on his chest, "Vanji, what do you feel NOW?"
I smiled tenderly, "Home."
~~~
Afterwards, Hinata insisted I dry off my clothes so we both awkwardly stood in the facility laundry room stripped down to our underwear.
It wasn't like we hadn't seen each other before, but, since our relationship status was still pretty vague, it didn't really feel appropriate either.
I nervously covered my chest with my arms and awkwardly crossed my legs in a feeble attempt to have some decency.
"You know it's nothing to be ashamed of," Hinata spoke up.
I blushed profusely, "I get we've.. you know.. but it's not like we're supposed to be in our underwear in a public laundry mat."
"It's specifically for athlete use only, so it's not really public," Hinata argued, "And trust me.. we're wearing more clothes than some of our competitors here."
"What does that mean?" I raised a brow.
"Have you not SEEN what the men's' swim teams wear?" Hinata grimaced.
I snorted, "You're so immature."
"Oh I'M immature," Hinata scoffed, "Says the girl blushing like a schoolgirl."
"Shut up!" I hissed turning away from him.
The chime of the dryer timer rang announcing our clothes had dried. I heard Hinata opening the dryer and pulling out clothing.
"Uh ohh.."
I whipped around quickly, "What's uh-oh?"
"Umm.." Hinata bit his lip and lifted up my shirt.
Or.. what WAS my shirt. Somehow it'd shrunk 3 whole sizes and now looked like a crop top.
"Oh my god.." I groaned, "What am I supposed to do.. I can't go back the dorms like that.."
"Umm.. here!" Hinata panicked tossing me his button up.
"Shoyo what about-"
"I've got an undershirt so I'll be fine. You can borrow this so you don't have to walk in half clothed," he insisted.
"O-okay," I nodded and began slipping on his shirt.
We both got redressed and when I looked up Hinata had the goofiest grin.
"What?" I laughed.
"Nothing.. it's just.." he softened, "It feels so good to be here with you again."
~~~
I made it back to the dorm around midnight. I figured by then everyone would be asleep. I carefully unlocked my dorm room door and slowly tip-toed inside. It was dark so I had figured Samantha was sleeping.
As I was getting into my bunk, the lamp light flipped on.
"Sooo.. want to explain why you're back so late AND wearing a man's shirt?" she said using her best 'parent' voice.
"Leave it Samantha I'm tired," I groaned.
"Hmm well what activities did you partake in that would leave you feeling so exhausted?" she jeered.
I growled and pulled the covers over my head.
"Pretending your asleep means I'll only bug you in the morning," she threatened.
"Ughhhh.. nothing happened ok??" I huffed, "Just a minor wardrobe malfunction."
"One that merited you coming back in Hinata's clothes?" she leaned out from her bunk.
"Yes! Okay? Now goodnight!" I barked.
"I WILL uncover the truth Vanji!" Samantha vowed.
"Whatever but just leave it alone at least so we can get some sleep," I mumbled.
"Fine!" she pouted and returned to her bunk.
This was utterly the stupidest thing I could've ever done.. but.. I couldn't get past this feeling I had spent the night with Hinata. I couldn't be this happy again after one night, could I?
