My playlist blasted in my earbuds. I had been up since 4 a.m. In that amount of time, I had unpacked my bags, organized my clothes and toiletries, gotten a light breakfast, and was now jogging on the treadmill.

I tossed and turned all night. I couldn't stop thinking about everything that had occurred. I was here at the Olympics for goodness sake. And here I was losing my mind over a guy I'd dated through high school.

I was so frustrated with the whole situation. How does Hinata manage to flip my life upside down every time our worlds collide?

I stepped off the treadmill and looked at my phone. 7 am.

Geez.. I need to grab a shower.

As I rounded the corner, I overheard voices discussing upcoming events. One voice sounded vaguely familiar.

"Hey isn't that short kid the one you played against in high school Oikawa?"

"Oh Hinata? Yeah, shrimpy and I go way back. Even during his time in Brazil. So don't sweat it guys, we can take them no problem."

"Still as cocky as ever aren't you?" I laughed.

Oikawa turned and smirked, "Oh ho, I heard you'd be here, Miss Manager."

"Not manager, competitor," I corrected.

"Oh no offense intended," he chuckled, "It's just last I saw you you were Karasuno's little team manager. But, don't worry. I've heard just how much of a force you are on the court."

"Damn right," I crossed my arms.

"Well then," he stretched, "You guys go on ahead. If you don't mind, I'm gonna have a little chat with an old friend."

The others nodded and headed in different directions.

"So," Oikawa's voice became serious, "Has Hinata seen you yet?"

"And that's your business because?" I snapped.

"Ohhhh dead giveaway missy," he snickered, "You wouldn't be so defensive and on edge if he hadn't. So.. am I correct in saying that the duo is back once again?"

"I-" I hesitated.

"Look, I heard what had happened. Despite your original experience with me, I'm not a total jerk. I am truly sorry that you went through that," he expressed.

I was shocked to hear Oikawa being so genuine. Something completely opposite from what Hinata and Tobio had always described to me.

"But," Oikawa clapped his hands together, "Don't let what happened then destroy something that's right in front of you. That kid really does love you, you know?"

I blushed, "How do you know that?"

He chuckled and leaned down bringing his lips near my ear, "Because he never stopped. He STILL wears that bracelet to all the matches. In face, he's never even taken a second glance at all the fan girls practically falling at his feet."

I couldn't help but crack a smile at the thought.

"Then again," he whispered roughly, "Do you think he'll wait forever? A pro volleyball player.. Olympian at that.. he can have his pick of the lot. Will you take that chance?"

I gulped nervously, "What.. what should I do?"

He grinned mischievously, "Let me tell you EXACTLY what you should do."

~~~

Hinata's POV

I was still reeling after last night. I hardly slept at all. I felt like I was on Cloud Nine. Vanji and I hadn't seen each other in so long. Yet, it felt as though nothing had changed.

I couldn't believe my luck. Everything felt like it was falling into place.

"Hey! Shrimpy!"

Oh great.. I definitely spoke too soon.

I turned in the direction of the voice calling.

Tsukishima stood out in the crowd, still a towering height above me, with that damn mocking smirk.

"We need to talk," he said, "I think you know why."

I grit my teeth, "Fine let's go."

I followed closely behind Tsukishima through the village square.

"So," he clicked his tongue, "I take it Vanji snuck out with you last night."

"Snuck out?" I raised a brow, "What does she have a curfew?"

"No," he deadpanned, "But, she neglected to tell anyone where she was going or when she'd be back so.. I'd call that sneaking out."

"What are you her guardian?" I muttered under my breath.

"Well, unlike somebody here, I actually care enough to make sure she's safe," he snarled.

"Hey!" I retaliated, "Don't you dare think for a second I didn't care about her or what happened that night!"

"Then, WHERE WERE YOU?" he shouted.

His question was the same that one had echoed into my thoughts every waking moment since the day I'd seen her in that hospital bed.

"During the nights she screamed herself awake thinking she was being attacked… crying the days she did nothing but stare out a window loathing her reflection.. the meals she turned away because she would rather wither away than fight for herself.. where were you?" Tsukishima whispered.

"I-"

"I was there… every second.. WE were there holding her up during rehabilitation. Drying her eyes during therapy. Yet.." he paused.

He looked at me again. Only this time, I saw something I'd never witnessed before in all the years we'd known each other. I saw tears in his eyes, ones of genuine pain.

"In all those moments, her eyes kept darting towards the doorway of whatever room we were in. Even unconsciously, she was searching… for you, dammit.."

I was stunned. I'd never known Tsukishima to admit his feelings like this. But, somehow, Vanji had brought this openness out of him that I'd never known.

"I knew.. in that time, she was never mine and never could be.. she'd made her choice.. through and through.. she loves you. That's never faltered. Even through all this bullshit.. she loves YOU," he scoffed.

"Tsukishima, I-"

"Look, I'm going to say this once. So don't make me repeat it," he snapped, "Don't let her slip away, not this time."

I didn't know what to say.

What should I do? Was Tsukishima.. giving me his.. blessing?

"Hey," he interrupted, "Get it together Ninja Shoyo.. you've got a match to attend to.. and some other unfinished business.

He turned quickly and set off in the other direction headed back to the Olympic Village quarters.

"Hey! Sucky-shima!" I called out.

He froze in place and looked around glaring at me intensely.

"I won't fail her.. never again," I spoke confidently.

He shrugged, shaking his head and took his leave. For a moment though, I could've sworn I saw a genuine smile on his face.