KAGEYAMA

I am standing beside Ukai watching his team as they play Nekoma. They are doing pretty good at holding their own. I remember struggling our first 2 years to beat them and that was just in practice matches. I look at the current Karasuno team and I most impressed with shrimpy and Sugawara. They have amazing stamina and accuracy. I frown as I watch the shortie try and hit a toss that was clearly going to someone else. I would need to address this. I am surprised Ukai has not noticed this. I watched the whole game in silence taking everything in. They won a set and lost another.

I see the little guy running up to me with his red hair now having less movement due to the sweating he did during the game.

"How did we do?" he asked. He is very eager to know my thoughts. This is not the place to discuss it.

"I will let you know once we return to our gym" I reply. He looks disappointment but nods before running off to join his team mates in cleaning up.

"What do you really think?" asked Ukai once the kids run to hit the showers.

"They have a lot of potential" I reply. "A few things need to be changed to make them very powerful."

"What do you think of Hinata?" he asked.

"Impressive for someone of his height" I replied walking towards the outside of the gym and Ukai followed.

"I am glad to hear that" he replied. "Sounds like there is something you don't like about him." I smirk because he knows me so well.

"He is trying to carry the team" I replied. He is a great player without a doubt. But him always trying to catch the ball, running back and forth down the court. He is going to need to put a stop that if he expects to win the spring tournament." Ukai nods.

"Hinata was not always that way. He took the loss last year harder than anyone else on the team." I find that very believable seeing him in action today. I can at least see that he is very into volleyball, just about as much as I use to be.

"I do think he could create some power combos with his setter Sugawara" I explain now outside. "I would like to start working on some things for them and the team. We must create some plays to help them become a unstoppable force." Ukai started grinning.

"I knew I called the right person!" he said balling his hands into fist. I chuckle seeing him getting so worked up. Once the kids were loaded onto the bus I was getting annoyed with Hinata fidgeting. I could see him watching me most of the time on the bus ride. Everyone else drifted off but him. It's weird but I could feel every single time he was looking at me. Like his eyes were burning into my skin. We arrive back to the high school quickly climbing off the bus.

"Team" exclaim Ukai. "I know you are tired but I want Kageyama to speak with you all real quick. We want to tell you what we saw." We walk into the gym and I can tell they are eager to hear what I have to say.

"You did good today" I reply, starting off with the positive. "There is however room for improvement. I want you all to be able to work the ball coming in your direction from your spot on the court. You also need to step up the communication a bit more. Let your team mates know you have the ball that is coming your way. Congratulating each other when a job is well done can go a long way as well." I clear my throat because of the memories start to come back to me from my time playing. "I will be joining your afternoon practices so that we may fine tune your already amazing skills that we will turn incredible."

"Oys" the team yells.

"Sugawara and Hinata, I want you two to start working on combos. I have some great things in mind for you. Are you willing to allow me to help you?"

"Of course!" exclaimed Hinata not evening thinking.

"Yes, I would like that very much" smiled the silver haired boy.

"Good" I reply. "I will see you all on Monday afternoon." Ukai dismissed them. We share a few more words before I head outside making my way to my car. I look over and notice Hinata. He is over in the field practicing with a volleyball by himself. I smirk remembering how much practicing I put into the sport myself. I can't help but walk over. He doesn't notice me as he is focusing on hitting the ball every time it comes down. Looks like he is trying to practice receiving the opponents serve.

"Oi" I say making my presence known. "You can catch a cold out here." He turns his head which results in the ball coming down and hitting him on the head. "Dumbass!" I see him fall to the ground. I run over pulling him into a sit up position. I am hold his face examing his face or head for damages. I see his eyes open slowly.

"Kageyama" he says softly. I feel myself blushing but I don't know why. It could be the way I was holding him, the way he looked at me or maybe the way he said my name.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah" he replied sitting up on his own rubbing the spot where the ball hit him. "You caught me off guard."

"Sorry" I apologize standing up. I lend him my hand pulling him up off the cold ground. "I just wanted you to know you could get sick out here practicing." Hinata shifts from one foot to the other.

"I know" he replies. "I just don't want to hold anyone up by staying in the gym so I just come out here to practice some more." On the inside I am smiling. He thoughtful but determined to be a better player. "You were really good." I look away blushing at the compliment.

"That was a while ago" I state. "You on the other hand are extraordinary. Given your height, I am very impressed with your skills. Once we get you to narrow in on some things you will be a force to reckon with." Hinata smiles making my heart flutter slightly.

"Thank you, that means a lot to me coming from you. I will do my best to make you and my team proud!" Hinata runs to grab the ball. "I am not as focused now." He laughed. "I am going head home now."

"Sure" I reply feeling silly for holding him up. "Me too. You take care and I will see you on Monday." Hinata waves and I watch him jog over to a bike. Who rides a bike in this weather? I get into my car pulling over feeling more curious about the shrimpy kid with red hair.