HINATA

A MONTH LATER

It is mid september and school is kicking our ass already. The bookstore was busy as most classes start late August and throughout September. Kageyama agreed to go to the bar two weeks after classes started. He said he is stressed and needs to relax a little. Not sure how going to a gay bar is going to help but whatever. I will take it. I'm sure he was referring more to the drinking aspect of it than the dating part. I decided to wear some cute light denim jeans with a fitted red tee shirt with red All Star sneakers. Kageyama is wearing some dark jeans and a white tee shirt. He looks cute but not like he is trying too hard. He selected the right outfit. White looks so good on him. It takes me back to the off white sweatshirts he wore in high school during our team's winter practices.

"I can't believe you have me doing this," he mutters as we head towards the bar. The parking lot is not even half full yet which is nice. I dislike parking so far for safety reasons.

"Ah, ah," I reply. "You agreed to this. You have got to try this at least once." He should be feeling more confident. Kageyama has gotten better at kissing. We have had a few makeout sessions but nothing further than that. I swear those lips are made for kissing. Kageyama is very hands on. He tends to massage my skin when we are making out. My favorite is when he cradles my face as if I'm the only person in his world. It's very intimate, slightly loving. Kageyama glances at me.

"Your cheeks are rosy," he points out. "What you thinking about over there?"

"Nothing," I lie. "Just a little excited is all." Excited is one way to put it. I'm not sure if Kageyama caught on or not. He is not picked up on the signs of me being horny which is good. I don't want him to know that. It would make things weird. Kageyama clicks his tongue as we walk into the bar. I glance around seeing it is not busy yet as it is 8pm. It will pick up around 10. I like this bar for the fact the dance floor is in the center. They have booths on two of the walls while the remaining space has tables for people to sit at. The outer area it very dark with exception of the dim light above the booths. The dark corners are good for privacy in my opinion. The booths go fast but they are the seats I enjoy the most. I see a few open thanks to us arriving early in the evening. "Come on." I say signaling Kageyama to follow me. We get to choose where we want to sit. I slide into my seat as Kageyama does the same sitting across from me.

"I'm surprised the seats are comfy," he states. The booths are made of this medium dark wood color. It's not too dark and not too light. The pleather material is a nice chocolate brown color.

"Right," I replied glancing around the bar. "I don't know who the owners of this place are but the upkeep is incredible. The bathroom looks nice too." Kageyama looks surprised to here that. His eyes begin to scan the room seeing mostly guys but some girls as well.

"I feel so out of place," he admits lowly.

"You're fine," I reply grabbing a menu handing it to him. "Don't think too hard. Let's get some drinks in you. It will help loosen you up."

"All I need is a light buzz," replies Kageyama picking up the menu. He begins to look it over. "I prefer to be in my right frame of mind."

"You always are," I reply. "You are overthinking again." Kageyama hums in response. He is so stubborn. He is going to continue to think too hard about this.

"What's good here?" he asks.

"Everything," I reply. "Depends on what you like?"

"I'm not much of a beer person," says Kageyama. I nod knowing he isn't. I can do beer but I prefer light beer.

"They have ciders too," I explain. "I usually get the mango beer." Kageyama looks worried causing me to chuckle.

"Mango beer…" he says slowly. I already know what he is thinking. It doesn't taste anything like mango but it does have a hint of sweetness but is light. It's why I enjoy it.

"It's good!" I exclaim. A server walks up. I place an order for two mango beers. Kageyama looks tense suddenly. "I won't steer you wrong. It's a light beer."

"Okay," he replies. "I had another reason for coming out tonight." This catches me off guard. It is rare Kageyama does anything without telling me. "I got a new job. I start in a month." I am shocked. I knew he was applying for jobs but I didn't think he would get one this quick. I guess that is a given seeing Kageyama is in the tech field.

"Tobio, that's great!" I exclaim. I smile so hard my cheeks hurt. "We should order shots."

"No," says Kageyama. "Beer is fine." He chuckles blushing a little. "I can't believe I got the job. It's downtown but the pay is nice." His smile disappears.

"What's wrong?" I inquire.

"I realized I won't be working with you anymore," he replies sorrowful. I am saddened by this as well. I can't let him see that.

"You are moving forward in life," I explain. "It was bound to happen at some point."

"I know," he replies. "We need to get you out of the bookstore." I agree with him. The job is not terrible. Pay is okay, could be better. It is not going to be the same without him.

"I am trying," I reply trying not to whine. Looking for a real job, a career is so hard. These people are so picky. They want someone with experience. How can that happen if they won't fucking hire me. "I'm not getting a lot of offers."

"Keep looking," says Kageyama positively. "I know something is out there for you." I smile as our drinks are delivered. Kageyama thanks the server before taking a small sip. He starts grinning.

"I told you," I reply before taking my first sip. Oh yeah, I needed this.

"This is so light and smooth," he replies. "Holy shit, this is good." I begin to chuckle.

"Take your time because the alcohol volume will sneak up on you," I warn him. "You are going to get out there and dance aren't you."

"What?" asks Kageyama almost coking on his beer.

"I want to dance," I explain. "It would be nice if my best friend joined me. Plus who knows. The guy of your dreams could be out there." I take a sip of my beer.

"Hinata," mutters Kageyama with his cheeks flushing.

"We will have to finish our drinks because we will loose the table," I reply. "Or one of us can hang back."

"That would be me," states Kageyama. Is he seriously trying to weasel his way out of this.

"No way!" I exclaim. "You're getting out there on that floor!" Kageyama frown realizing he is not going to win this battle. He begins asking me what am I doing in regards to applying. I am doing what everyone else is doing. Submitting my information. Kageyama requests to see my cover letter and resume. I probably should have Kageyama review my work. I can't rely on Kageyama for everything. I think my resume looks good. Although I do feel my cover letter could be better. I'm assuming it is my field and lack of experience that has me being overlooked. We are both distracted as the server sits down two more beers. "We didn't order these."

"It is compliments of the gentlemen over there," explains the server pointing across the room. Kageyama and I look to see where he is pointing. We see Akaashi raise a glass.

"Thank you," says Kageyama as the server nods walking away. "That is really nice of him."

"For sure," I agree. "He is either sending us drinks as a friend or he is interested in one of us." Kageyama neck snaps back towards me.

"Are you sure?" asks Kageyama. "I mean we are friends."

"Friends?" I inquire. "You barely spoke to Akaashi." Kageyama frowns.

"Grab your drink," I reply. "We are going to go over there and find out." Kageyama appears nervous.

"I thought we had to save the booth?" he inquires.

"Don't worry about it," I reply knowing he is trying to get out of this. Kageyama reluctantly stands up grabbing his beer. Akaashi is sitting at the table with his legs crossed. He is sipping a drink that I think is a gin and tonic. He smirks as we get closer.

"I didn't think you all would come over," says Akaashi.

"Of course we have to say thank you for the drinks," I reply. "Is it okay if we sit?" Akaashi stares off behind us.

"Mid as well since your booth has been snatched up," he replies. Kageyama turns around seeing some girls had grabbed the table we were just at. Akaashi sips his drink. "First timers?"

"Kageyama yes, me no," I reply. "You?" I sip my beer.

"I use to come more often," replies Akaashi. "It's been a while. Work has been draining me."

"Really?" I inquire. "I didn't think you being a hair stylist, would keep you so busy."

"Oh yes," he replies. "Everyone wants to look good for back to school." He smiles. "It will slow down and then pick up for the holidays."

"Makes sense," replies Kageyama. Akaashi smiles at him. Well I guess we know who he is interested in. That was not his normal smile.

"I saw you all on TV," says Akaashi. "It's a shame about your lost." Kageyama and I frown instantly. "I guess I shouldn't have brought that up."

"It's fine," I reply with a hint of attitude. "Not how we wanted to things to go."

"Clearly," he drones. "That one team member would have got his ass beat by Bokuto." Kageyama and I chuckle as we agree with that course of action. We know which team member he is referring to. I can only imagine what Bokuto would have have done if he knew the guy was fucking up on purpose.

"Violence is not the answer," I reply trying to be reasonable.

"It's not but it would make him feel better," snorts Akaashi. Kageyama likes that response. I can see it in his eyes. "What brings you all out tonight?"

"Just wanted to get out," I reply. Kageyama drinks from his glass not saying anything.

"I see," Akaashi replies.

"Kageyama is also starting a new job," I reply. Akaashi looks impressed.

"Congrats," he says to Kageyama. "What will you be doing?"

"Oh you know computers," he mutters. The music starts bumping. Akaashi glances towards the dance floor.

"They are starting up early tonight I see," he states.

"No kidding," I reply. More people have arrived as it almost 10.

"Do you dance?" asks Akaashi.

"No," scoffs Kageyama when I hit him under the table. Kageyama glances at me as I look away twirling a curl around my finger.

"Tobio is a great dancer," I reply. Akaashi looks shy all but for a moment. "Kageyama can you come with me to the restroom?"

"Why would I…" Kageyama stops short seeing my glare. "Excuse us. Little guy can don't anything without me." Akaashi giggles as Kageyama walks over to me. I ignore his dig making my way over to the restrooms. We aren't going inside though. I stand off to the side trusting Akaashi not to turn around as he is on his phone.

"Tobio!" I exclaim. "What the hell are you doing! He is clearly into you!"

"I was getting that vibe but I don't know…." mutters Kageyama shifting his eyes. I put my hands on my hips.

"He is quiet," I explain. "Keeps to himself, he doesn't gossip, and he understands volleyball. Like come on, it can't get any better than that."

"I'm fucking nervous!" exclaims Kageyama with his hands shaking. I have never seen that before. I grab his hands.

"Tobio, look at me," I demand. Kageyama stares at me holding on to my hands tightly. "You got this. You are a good person. Jump out there and see how things are. No one is saying you have to be with Akaashi." Kageyama nods his head. I let his hands go.

"We should use the restroom while we are right here," he suggests.

"Okay," I reply following him into the bathroom. The restroom is pretty empty. We both choose a stall handling business. At the sink washing our hands I can see Kageyama is looking like himself once more. That's a good sign. We head back to the table sitting down.

"Sorry about that," says Kageyama.

"It's okay," replies Akaashi. "You have nothing to apologize for. Besides, I got to be on social media for a little bit." He waves his phone a little showing he was Facebook.

"I am barely on there," replies Kageyama.

"Neither am I," says Akaashi. "Facebook is slowly becoming MySpace."

"MySpace?" I question.

"Yeah," replies Kageyama glancing at me. "MySpace was a big social media hit. It was more for upcoming artist, producers, DJ's. At some point everyday people caught on, then teens and it blowup. You could customize your page, add music, links, cool backgrounds."

"MySpace was before their time," says Akaashi. "I can't believe the creators of MySpace fucked that up."

"Right," chuckles Kageyama. I feel so lost. It sounds like old social media for sure. Don't get me wrong I heard of MySpace but never looked into it. Appears I missed nothing. Kageyama can see I am lost. "It's okay. Techy talk to a certain extent. I'm surprised you know about MySpace." Akaashi shrugs.

"I like looking stuff up for fun," he admits. "Most of this generation only knows about YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok."

"I hate TikTok," drones Kageyama.

"Same," says Akaashi as they both begin to laugh.

"What about Twitter?" asks Kageyama.

"Keyboard warriors," snorts Akaashi. "Ninety percent of those people wouldn't dare say that crap in person." Kageyama smiles and they begin to laugh. The server walks up just in the nick of time. I am beginning to feel like a third wheel.

"We would like two mango beers and what he is having," says Kageyama motioning to Akaashi. I hold in my smile feeling so proud of Kageyama. He is taking the lead. "Akaashi do you come here often?"

"When I feel like it," he replies. "Bokuto is usually with me but he wasn't in the mood to get hit on."

"Does that happen a lot here?" asked Kageyama.

"Depends on the person," he replies. "Bokuto is tall, muscular, good looking, open to conversation. The guys fucking love him. He doesn't play on my team though." Akaashi finishes his drink. Our drinks Kageyama order arrived at the right time. The bar has become a bit more packed. Akaashi sips his drink.

"I think I'm ready to dance now," he replies. "These drinks certainly loosen these hips." He giggles at his joke as I do the same. I think the drink has helped in that department.

"Tobio would love to dance," I reply. Kageyama shoots me a look. I had to do it. Kageyama is so anxious I don't think he would have said anything. Akaashi chugs the rest of his drink standing up. "I will keep an eye on the table until you return."

"You got fancy footwork?" inquires Akaashi staring at Kageyama.

"Hardly," he says bluntly standing up from the table. Akaashi laughs as I watch them disappear onto the dancefloor. I can't believe this is going well. I feel like my baby bird is starting to fly. I bob my head to the music pulling out my phone scrolling social media as I sip my beer. After some time I noticed Kageyama and Akaashi have been gone for a minute. I would like to get out there myself to dance. I will go whenever they decide to come up for air. In fact, where are they? I scan the door floor for Kageyama and Akaashi but at this time it is packed. It's a little after 11. I spot that noticeable blonda hair.

Miya! My heart skips a beat as I didn't think he would be here. I smile standing up when I notice Yaku walking up to Miya grabbing his hand. Um, what….. Yaku leans in whispering something in Miya's ear. He smirks before kissing his neck. They travel to the bar to order drinks, I'm sure. I sit there stunned.

We aren't in a relationship. I know this. For me it the fact they are acting like a couple. He was holding his hand. Miya has never held my hand. He is so affectionate with him. I chug the rest of my beer slamming it on the table. What makes Yaku so special. Miya said I'm favorite. Yet he is here with Yaku doing shit he never did with me. The more I stew in my thoughts over this the worse I get. How long have they been hooking up? Who else is Miya hooking up with? Does Miya even want a relationship? Does he want a relationship with me? I feel like I'm going insane. I flag down a server requesting 3 shots of patron. I'm not sure if that will be over kill or not. Whatever, I don't have shit to lose right now. Once the server walks away I try to keep myself busy but I can't. All I can think about is how Miya really doesn't care about me. That hurts…..

I finally manage to spot Kageyama and Akaashi in the crowd dancing. Akaashi is smiling along with Kageyama. It's a rare sight to see my best friend smiling the way he is now. A small smile comes across my face. I'm happy one of us is having a great time. Akaashi leans into Kageyama ear whispering. I wonder what he is saying. It's not long before my eyes wonder where I find Miya once more. He is hard to miss. Him and Yaku are dancing across the dance floor from Kageyama and Akaashi. I don't know how they can call that dancing. Miya is behind Yaku with him shamelessly grinding his ass on Miya dick. Miya buries his face into his neck, probably kissing him. Yaku looks like he is in heaven as he tosses his head back. They appear so intimate as Miya hands grip Yaku waist. Miya suddenly lifts his head locking eyes with me. I immediately look away. I was hoping he wouldn't spot me.

"Here you are," says the server setting the shots on the table. I snatch one shot tossing it back and grabbing the 2nd shot instantly. I shake my head feeling the patron a little. I think I will wait to drink the 3rd one. I need to see how these hit first. I look back up to see Miya and Yaku walking over to me hand in hand. They're holding hands still! This is making me feel so ill since I never get this kind of affection from Miya.

"Hey Hinata," greets Yaku with a wide grin. He is wearing a fitted black tee shirt with destroyed jeans with black and white vans. "Fancy seeing you here." I swallow my feelings down.

"Yeah," I replied casually. "I like to get out, mingle from time to time. My first time seeing you both here."

"Are you kidding?" Yaku laughs. "We come here all the time." I look at Miya who chuckles looking slightly uncomfortable. "Looks like your night is off to a great start." Yaku motions towards my shots.

"Something like that," I say sliding my hair off my damp forehead. Those shots got me sweating.

"Can you go and grab us something from the bar?" asks Miya. "Tell them to put it on my tab of course."

"Anything new or the same old same old?" asks Yaku.

"Surprise me," he replies. Yaku smirks walking away as Miya watches. I am unsure if he is gazing at Yaku or making sure he is far away. Miya turns his attention back to me. I take my last shot wishing this shit would kick the fuck in. Miya is looking all good in his black tee and dark jeans. I can't be eyeing him when he doesn't care for me.

"What's bothering you Shoyo?" he asks. I hate that he knows me this well. I want him to go away.

"Why do you think something is bothering me?" I ask trying not to snap at him.

"You don't usually drink like this," he states gesturing to my empty shot glasses.

"We're celebrating Tobio," I reply. "Not that it is any of your business." He chuckles.

"Are you mad because I'm not here with you?" he inquires.

"No," I replied. I don't want him to think I am begging for him. That I am jealous of him spending time, doing things we never do with Yaku. I refuse. Miya shakes his head.

"I don't believe you," he replies firmly.

"That sounds like a you problem," I reply. Miya appears surprised by my response. I'm usually very friendly, inviting. Not today.

"We're not in a committed relationship, Shoyo," he replies. He is just throwing sand in my eyes. He knows why I am upset. I must hold everything in. I refuse to give him the satisfaction. I will not confirm that he is the reason I'm upset.

"I'm aware," I reply. "Go back to your partner for this evening. I want to continue mine."

"Am I disturbing you?" he asks as if insulted.

"Yes," I admit glaring at him. Miya actually laughs.

"I can see you are in your feelings," he replies. "I'll talk to you later." I frown watching him meet Yaku half way. He grabs his hand before they disappear onto the dance floor. He's so heartless. I didn't want him to know I like him as more than a friend. He has to know that now. Fuck! I spot the server raising my hand. They make their way to my table.

"Water please," I request. I can feel the alcohol coursing through my veins. Need the fluids to ensure I'm not hungover tomorrow. As I sit there staring out at the dance floor, I can feel the sadness threatening to overtake me.