KAGEYAMA
THREE MONTHS LATER
I am pissed off. We lost. No, it wasn't because of the team. One player literally screwed us. We found out he was paid to lose our game. No amount of money would make do some shit like this. One of our teammates overheard him on the phone when we were in the locker room. He didn't even wait until he left. Trying to hide in the stall on the phone. He was that greedy he called as soon as he could. This mother fucker had the nerve to cry like he was upset when we were on the court. Bitch are you serious. It took everything in me not to knock his ass out. Hinata slams his locker before adjusting his bag on his shoulder.
"You ready to go?" he asks.
"Yes," I reply standing up. Our coach walks into the locker room. You could cut the tension with a knife it is so thick.
"Team, I know this is a shock but it important we don't let this information get out," he replies. "We will be dealing with him." I fight not to roll my eyes. "Does everyone understand!"
"Oui," the room replies in different tones. I pull out my car keys walking out of the room. We played in the sports center at our school. We were only in something one would consider the playoffs. We were 1 game away from going to the finals. Hinata and I leave the locker room grateful to leave. We can see the sorrowful faces on those running around to clean up the stadium.
"This is fucking ridiculous," hisses Hinata lowly balling up his fist.
"Let's wait until we get inside the car," I tell him. "All I know is I want to get fucked up tonight." I'm pretty sure I would be having sex tonight if I had someone. Alcohol will do for now.
"I am so right there with you," says Hinata before his phone rings. "Hey Miya. I don't want to talk about it." I can only imagine what Miya is saying. In his eyes no one has a reason to lose. "I know I was great. I can't fucking carry this team. There is a reason this is a team sport. Everybody needs to do their fucking part. My last fucking season to play and this shit…..look I have to go. No, I am staying with Kageyama tonight." I glance at him feeling fuzzy at the way he said staying with me. I know he hasn't been training or hanging out with Miya as much in the past 2 months. We had to focus on our game. Usually when Miya calls, he is running off with him. Nothing wrong with it but just something I noticed. I ran into Miya with some girl a few weeks ago. He sure does seem to be a playboy. I'm not assuming. He was going into a love motel. "I'll let you know when I want to meet up. I'm going to need some time." Hinata finally wraps up his call.
"This wasn't your fault," I reply as we finally reach my car. Thank god most of the crowd is gone. It should be easier to leave. We are parked where players and staff are to park. If not, you will either be fighting for a parking space or dealing with fans. I sigh. Interviews was rough after the game. We didn't know about what our teammate did at that time. I wasn't in the mood to be pleasant. I hate losing. Hinata is good about learning from losses. He was fine until well we found out the real reason behind our lost. The locker room was tense for obvious reasons. Usually, it is not this bad.
"I know," he huffs. "It still sucks. What if the MSBY Black Jacals think I had something to do with this."
"They look at players on individual level," I reply. "Don't worry so much." Hinata sniffles in anger.
"Fuck!" he snaps. I unlock the car putting our bags in the truck. Some way to start our senior year. We get in the car.
"Ramen?" I ask. We tend to get ramen after our games. Although it is usually because we won.
"Yes," he replies. "Not sure if I'm hungry though."
"We will be later," I note. We burned any calories we had in that game today. On the drive home I am busy with my thoughts while Hinata is in his phone. I know he is looking up what people think about the game. I pull up to the ramen house glad I ordered to go.
"Can you grab some sake while you're in there," request Hinata.
"I know we have some at the house," I reply.
"We are going to need more," he states looking so serious. He sounds like he wants to get shit faced. I do want to drink but not to the point of losing control of my thoughts or will. I know some people can blackout or not remember events from when they are drinking. I remember everything. I'm more honest with myself when I drink. No need to give me a lie detector test. Just get me drunk and I will answer all questions. I head into the ramen shop grabbing our food and more sake as Hinata requested. I put the food in the back seat behind me. I know the contents won't spill.
"It smells so good," says Hinata glancing up from his phone. I can see the tears in his eyes. The comments online must be brutal. Believe it or not the younger fans are the worst. They berate us when we lose. They don't seem to understand sometimes the other team may be better or have good coaches. I pat Hinata leg to calm him before getting us home. Soon as we pull up to the house, I take his phone from him with no warning.
"Wha…"
"No phones," I say sternly. "We got this good ramen to eat, we going to drink sake and let out our frustrations. You know I will understand you more than most." Hinata nods as we get out of the car. He must be really upset because he usually would argue with me on this. We grab our bags walking into the house to see Yamaguchi, Tsukishima, Asahi, Daichi, and Sugawara in the living room. I didn't know they were here. I know Hinata wasn't aware as he looks just as surprised. They glance at me and Hinata as we stand in the entry way. They all run over to us.
"You were great!" exclaims Sugawara. His gray strands bouncing looking freshly washed. Being on the team together for one year it's one thing I noticed about him.
"Totally!" exclaims Yamaguchi smiling brightly. He has cut his hair shorter for a more professional look for work purposes. I must admit it makes his freckles stand out a lot more.
"Sorry you guys lost," drones Tsukishima. At least he said he was sorry about the lost. I really don't feel like talking about it. I just nod knowing that team member purposely cost us the game.
"Yeah…" says Hinata. I know he is holding back how he really feels as well.
"I see you picked up your ramen," says Asahi. "I'm surprised. I got new ramen bowls if you guys want to use them."
"Thanks," I reply sliding out of my shoes.
"Is it okay if we go put our stuff up and change?" asks Hinata.
"Of course," replies Daichi. Daichi has got a little taller making him more handsome. He had so many girls asking him out in college.
"We will be right back," I reply. We head upstairs going to our rooms. I toss my dirty clothes in my dirty bin heading to my draw. Let's see what I feel like changing into. I am thinking about wearing my dark gray shorts and a black tee shirt. I am distracted by soft crying. I immediately close my draw knowing my best friend is hurting. I'm hurting too but Hinata is more emotional than I. I rush to his room being greeted by the door. I don't want to alert our friends downstairs. I speak softly but loud enough for Hinata to hear me. "Shoyo….."
"Tobio, you can come in," he says with a shaky voice. I walk into the room losing my voice. It is dark in here. Hinata side table lap is on but he must have it dialed down as it is dem. Hinata is standing by his closet shirtless. He is holding his shirt face wet with tears. He hasn't even finish undressing yet. I close the door not wanting anyone to hear him. "I don't like people seeing me like this but it's okay if it's just you." It breaks my heart to see him this upset. I walk over to him hugging him. I bury my face into his hair. "Tobio….."
"I know….." I whisper with tears beginning to leak from my eyes. We were robbed. That team member robbed us. Hinata hand comes up gripping my back as he begins to sob. "Let it out…." Hinata cries in my arms. I begin to weep as well being swept away in Hinata's emotions. I hate crying too but it's Hinata. He's loud, messy. I don't know how long we are crying but it feels like forever.
"I'm sorry Tobio…I'm sorry," he stammers pulling out of arms suddenly. I feel cold without him in them.
"You know I understand," I reply. "It's best we get this out before seeing our friends."
"You're right," he agrees. He sighs. "Let me finish getting changed although I don't feel much like company."
"Same," I reply. "Let's finish getting changed and I will take care of the rest." Hinata chuckles removing his shorts revealing his toned legs. Damn he looks good. Legs smooth, no hair in sight, toned, wait. When did his ass start sitting like that? It's so round and soft. I find myself wanting to touch it.
"I don't know what you got planned but I will take it," he replies. "I hate to disappoint our friends but yeah I need the space. Is it okay if I stay in your room tonight? For old time, sake." Hinata glances at me. "You okay?"
"I'm good," I reply before clearing my throat. "You can stay in my room. No big deal. I'll meet you downstairs." Since we live in the same house we don't sleep in the same bed. The thought excites me. I quickly exit his room. Holy shit. I was about to get hard. It doesn't help that lately I have started to think about sex. I'm not dating anyone, still a virgin, it is out of the question. I get to my room changing my clothes quickly. Hinata is still in his room gathering himself as I go downstairs. "Thanks for waiting."
"Not a problem at all," replies Sugawara. "Are you guys okay?"
"To be honest no," I reply. "Hinata and I are so thankful you came by but we kind of need some time."
"I bet," says Daichi. "That one team member was messing up so bad. He was acting like a 1st year in middle school." I just nod to keep from saying anything walking into the kitchen.
"You did good on the interview," replies Tsukishima folding his arms. "I know that had to be really hard to do with the loss being fresh." Oh, he has no idea. The team almost jumped that guy when we found out what he did.
"Being trained to do interviews is a part of this world," I reply getting the bowls to set up our ramen. Asahi selected a really nice set.
"I admire you and Hinata for still playing," says Sugawara. "You guys have more enthusiasm than you did in high school. As much as I enjoyed it on that level it was too much for me."
"Only those who have true passion will make it," I reply. "Not to say you had any less."
"I know what you meant," says Sugawara.
"Did you guys watch the whole game?" I inquire.
"No, we just watched the highlights," drones Tsukishima with his arms folded. Yamaguchi slaps his arm reminding me of something Hinata would do.
"Shut it!" I hiss causing our friends to laugh.
"We will get out of your hair," says Yamaguchi. "I will be spending the night." I nod.
"You guys are lucky to be renting this place together," says Daichi. "Koshi, you remember that dingy apartment we had our freshmen year."
"I don't even want to remember," he replies shuddering.
"And that is why I stayed at home," I reply finishing up the ramen. Hinata comes down the stairs.
"Sorry I'm late guys!" he exclaims sounding like his usual bright self.
"You're not late," replies Yamaguchi. "You guys ready for senior year."
"Yes and no…" mutters Hinata.
"We are so over it," I reply. "Hinata I'm going to take the food up." He nods before talking to the guys some more. We don't eat upstairs often. Something tells me during this last year of college we will have to. Writing papers is not our strongest point and I feel like that is all we do now. I spent so many nights looking up information for essays. I was warned junior and senior year was full of writing but come on. I grab the TV trays I purchased 2 months back. I have everything set up going back to get the sake.
"It has been a lot of fun," replies Sugawara. "About to head home."
"Do you work tomorrow?" I ask.
"God no," he replies. "I'm sleeping my happy ass in." We all laugh bidding Daichi and Sugawara goodbye.
"What are you guys going to do?" asked Hinata already having the sake and two glasses in his hand.
"We were just going to watch some scary B rated movie," says Tsukishima.
"At least try to sound excited," says Asahi putting his hands on his hips. Hinata giggles.
"I'm not excited," replies Tsukishima. "It's going to be some stupid teenager dying because they want to fuck." I blush while Hinata and Asahi bust out laughing.
"Tsukki, cut that out," says Yamaguchi. "This one doesn't have teenagers, it's adults." He rolls his eyes.
"Even worse," he drones. "I don't know how I let you drag me into these situations Tadashi." I laugh quickly walking over to Hinata taking the glasses out of his hand.
"We will see you guys in the morning," says Hinata. "Try not to be too scared!"
"Unless botched plastic surgery counts, I doubt it," replies Tsukishima. "I'm with them." He gestures to me and Hinata. "Where is the liquor." We head upstairs going into my room.
"That was funny as hell," says Hinata as I close the door.
"That's Tsukishima," I reply. "God I'm fucking tired. Going to sleep good tonight."
"Same," says Hinata stretching before sitting down. "Thanks for getting the extra egg and pork."
"We deserved it after that shit," I reply. I pour the sake before sitting the bottle on my nightstand out of the way. Hinata laughs. We begin to eat and drink.
"I don't think I will ever get tired of ramen," he says with a mouth full. "So delicious." I smile beginning to eat. If I had the time to learn how to cook ramen I definitely would. I can cook really good homemade ones with the pre packets. Yes, I'm super proud of that.
"The extra pork is certainly making the flavor richer," I admit. I eat some of the egg with my noodle this time around. We eat in silence for a little while before Hinata breaks the silence.
"When did you notice how he was fucking up on purpose?" asks Hinata. Hinata knows I don't miss a damn thing on the court. It is one of my valuable assets to being a setter. I sigh because I noticed in our 2nd round. However, we came back in the 3rd and 4th leading me to think it was fluke. That 5th round is when he really started messing up.
"The 2nd round, you?" I ask.
"I didn't notice until the last round," he admits. "I was too focused on winning the game. I wanted to ensure we got ahead and stayed ahead. I just thought maybe he was burnt out or something along those lines by the 5th round. You know how people who can't keep up their stamina make the worst mistakes."
"Facts," I note before tossing back some sake.
"I just might punch him in his face if I see him again," hisses Hinata.
"I doubt we will," I reply. "No doubt he is going to be expelled. Who knows what else they are going to do to him? He was on scholarship after all."
"Fucking idiot," snaps Hinata. I lean over kissing the side of his head before I can think. Hinata doesn't notice and I am so glad. What the hell is wrong with me. He is my best friend. I shouldn't feel this way towards him. We finish our meal feeling full a well on our way to be drunk. We are not there yet. Hinata and I made our way under the covers with my TV on. I am not even paying attention to what is on. Hinata glances at his phone. "My mom wants to see me tomorrow. Ugh, I know she wants to talk about the game."
"You know she does," I reply. I'm sure his mom wants to comfort him.
"She wants you to come too," he chuckles. I look at him in disbelief.
"Really," I reply. "That's shocking."
"You're like family," he replies slapping my arm. "Don't act all surprised." I chuckle because I did stay over at their home a lot. It always amazed me how different our family is. His home felt like a home. Warm, loving and fun. My home was rather cold and lacked emotions of any kind.
"I am just a little," I reply. Hinata grins at me. He reaches over me grabbing the remote. Usually, I would care but his body is so hot against mine. I haven't even had the time to get off preparing for the game tonight. His shirt lifts slightly allowing me to feel his skin. I groan at the connection.
"Oh, did I hurt you?" he asks. Thank god, it's dark in here and he can't see me. My cheeks would certainly would have given me away.
"No but I could have gotten it for you," I reply.
"Why?" he asks. "I was capable of getting it. I don't need you doing everything for me." He can be so stubborn. He goes to one my streaming services. We look towards my door hearing the guys downstairs laughing. "Are they really watching a scary movie?"
"Probably watching one of those weak ones," I reply. "It must be a good one to still be going. I thought the movie would have been over by now."
"Maybe they decided to watch another one," stated Hinata as he is flipping through the selection.
"Perhaps," I reply with a shrug. It sounds like they are having a lot of fun.
"Man, it's like I want to watch something but what is really going to lift my spirits at this point," he replies.
"Not much probably," I admit. I clear my throat. "I think now is a good time to bring up when we are going to go to the bar." Hinata sits up fully leaning over me.
"What!" he exclaims. "Your excited to go now?" I blush.
"I'm still nervous as hell," I reply. "I'm really conflicted." Hinata tilts his head. I can see the confusion in his eyes.
"How so?" he asks. God, I need to stop being so shy. The alcohol is helping to make me feel relaxed.
"I don't speak of this often as you know….."
"Tobio, it's okay if you don't have a lot of experience," says Hinata softly grabbing my hand. His eyes soften I stare at him from my laid position in bed. "My thing was getting you to be comfortable with yourself, trying to jump out there."
"I don't want to look stupid…." I mutter. I whimper feeling the alcohol coursing through my system. "I don't any experience, I haven't really kissed, or touched anyone. I am a damn 21 year old virgin." Hinata squeezes my hand.
"So!" he exclaims looking down at me with fire in his eyes. "I will be right here to help you." I raise an eyebrow.