Solar Eclipse [A TsukiHina Fan Fiction]
The Silent Storm
The squeaking noise from the volleyball shoes against the wooden planks was accompanied by their heavy breaths. The training was harsh.
Hinata had just hit a first tempo attack with Fukurodani's setter.
When the opposing team's player, Tsukishima, jumped to block it, the ball grazed his arm and slammed down to a straight.
Kuroo huffed as soon as Tsukishima's feet hit the ground.
Tsukishima felt himself flinch. He knew what was coming.
Kuroo
If you're gonna block him, do it right.
Kuroo approached him, his voice turning low and hushed.
Kuroo
You wouldn't want to lose to the small fry, now, would you?
Kuroo's provocative words crawled through Tsukishima's ears.
He glanced at Hinata, squinting from the heavy unsettling feeling he caught from Kuroo's obviously provoking statement.
Hinata
Nice toss, Akaashi-san!
Hinata's eyes gleamed as he high-fived Akaashi.
Akaashi
How was it for you? Is there a need to adjust?
Akaashi responded with a warm smile.
Not giving Hinata a chance to respond, Bokuto butted in.
Bokuto
Akaashi! That was a good toss! It went like, BAAAM!
Bokuto let out a loud laugh, resting his hands on his hips as he lifted his chin up.
Bokuto
You better throw me a good one next, too!
Tsukishima watches them behind the net. He saw Hinata's face, still managing to gleam.
It annoyed him that he lost against Hinata. That he got through his block and scored a whole point.
Kuroo slapped Tsukishima's back in an attempt to wake him up.
Kuroo
Let go of that long face.
Tsukishima groaned, now drilling holes in Kuroo's face.
Tsukishima
What long face?
Tsukishima spoke sarcastically.
Lev
Yeah, you DO have a long face on right now.
Lev yelled out from behind Kuroo as he threw the ball to the other side.
Tsukishima took a heavy sigh and steadied himself for another go.
Bokuto was serving this time.
Bokuto
Get ready, Lev! I'm aiming for you.
Bokuto hysterically laughed as he spun the ball in his grasp a couple of times.
Without another word, Bokuto's serve travelled through the air, and near Lev's feet.
Luckily, his hands were ready. He hit the ball up, though he was sent back a bit.
Bokuto clicked his tongue and ran inside the court.
Hinata ran to receive the ball to Akaashi's direction, and right above his head.
Hinata
Ah, sorry! It's a little low!
Akaashi hummed, and took a split moment to glance at Bokuto who was itching to make his march.
As soon as he let go of those words, his fingertips turned to Bokuto's direction, tossing the ball to him.
The toss was high, steady, and beautiful.
Bokuto smiled brightly as he ran in and jumped.
While he was in the air, he took quick looks to where he could hit.
But as he was about to make his attack, Tsukishima jumped in, with a serious look in his face.
Now taking Bokuto off-guard.
Bokuto hit near Tsukishima's fingertips instead of making a proper attack. The ball flew up, high enough to be saved in time.
Bokuto hissed as he saw the other side preparing to attack.
Lev received the ball, but it was unstable.
Kuroo ran to the ball, groaning.
Kuroo
This is why you should've train with Yaku instead!
Kuroo angrily tossed the ball to Tsukishima.
Kuroo
Get the last hit, glasses!
Tsukishima's gaze faltered a bit as he ran to the net, to where the ball was set.
He jumped. Though the jumped wasn't high, nor was it too low.
It was just enough to hit through.
Akaashi guided Hinata to jump at the right timing.
Just as Tsukishima hit the ball, he was blocked by Hinata's arm.
He was blocked by Hinata.
Tsukishima let out a steady breath as he landed on the ground.
Hinata jumped, his face gleaming once again.
Hinata
Thank you, Akaashi-san!
Akaashi smiled at Hinata. He took a moment to breathe, then turned to Bokuto.
Akaashi
Why did you hold back, Bokuto-san?
Akaashi crossed his arms when Bokuto approached him and Hinata.
Bokuto
Well, Lev is a still a novice at receiving.
Bokuto lifted his chin up with a confident grin. His tone seemed really confident, too.
Bokuto
Haha! I won't hold back next time, Lev!
Lev ran to the net and held onto it as he spoke to Bokuto.
Lev
Don't look down on me!
Kuroo laughed in result, and approached the group.
Kuroo
What did I tell you about running away from Yaku's training?
The rest of the group took a friendly laugh.
Tsukishima wasn't really laughing, though. He felt a bit heavy.
He never really cared for winning against Hinata, but despite Hinata's careless nature, he still managed to win a point against Tsukishima.
Yet he didn't know why he felt like it was a competition all of a sudden.
Tsukishima was slapped back to reality by Kuroo's voice. He gritted his teeth as he found it annoying that it was the voice that enjoyed provoking him so much.
Kuroo
You were blocked by the chibi.
Kuroo remarked, laughing as he rested his hand on Tsukishima's shoulders.
Tsukishima
I can't beat Hinata.
Tsukishima spoke, his tone nonchalant and empty.
Hinata stared at Tsukishima. His gaze burned through Tsukishima's skin.
Bokuto clapped, hooking everyone's attention and reeling them in.
Bokuto
Let's have dinner. I wouldn't want to get locked out from the cafeteria.
Bokuto gloomed as he remembered last night. They were all training their blocking and attacks, and they lost track of time.
The managers intentionally locked them out of the cafeteria and only caved when Bokuto, Hinata, and Lev begged hard enough.
Hinata
Right! I'm pretty hungry!
Hinata chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.
Everyone else got their training jackets and got ready to leave the gym.
Kuroo
We'll see you there.
Kuroo hummed as he saw Hinata in deep thought, and Tsukishima tired from the last attack.
Lev
Don't be too late! We'll hold the door open for you.
Akaashi waved and dragged Bokuto out of the gymnasium, leaving only Hinata and Tsukishima inside.
Bokuto
Hey, why'd you do that?! I can wait for them, Akaashi.
Akaashi sighed as he rested his hand on Bokuto's back, leading him to the cafeteria despite Bokuto's desire to wait for his 'disciples'.
Akaashi
They can walk on their own. It's not like they were born yesterday.
Kuroo laughed playfully at Bokuto's mumbling to Akaashi's statement.
Kuroo stole a glance at Akaashi, his eyes squinting a bit as he realized Akaashi felt it too.
That the air was heavy between Hinata and Tsukishima.
Akaashi's eyes met Kuroo's, with both of their eyes widening a bit. They shared a silent exchange, nodding silently as they understood.
The looks 'You felt it too?' were passed on to each other.
They knew it wasn't their place to get in between of Hinata and Tsukishima. They were enemies training together, but they knew better than to make things worse.
Though Kuroo already contributed to the negative side of things.
Bokuto
Ah! I'm hungry. Kuroo, Akaashi, hurry up!
Bokuto and Lev bolted inside the cafeteria, with Kuroo and Akaashi behind him.
The silence didn't sit well with Tsukishima. He felt uncomfortable that Hinata wasn't talking a lot than he used to.
He knew he'd rather not speak to Hinata, but sometimes, it's easier to occupy the gnawing silence with stupidly annoying remarks from him.
Just as he was about to break the silence, Hinata spoke.
Hinata's back was turned to Tsukishima's. He stood still, with his jacket resting on his shoulder.
Tsukishima spoke in his usual tone.
Hinata approached him, gripping his jacket over his shoulder.
He looked up at him with a determined expression. It's like he wanted to pry someone for answers. Answers he failed to understand.
Tsukishima's gaze faltered as he saw the look in Hinata's eyes. He knew whatever he was going to say, he was going to hate it.
Hinata
Why did you hesitate?
Hinata's expression was empty. His eyes sparked as he waited for Tsukishima to answer.
Tsukishima knew what was coming, yet he was still caught off guard. Hinata's look of bitter curiosity nibbled on his patience.
Tsukishima
What do you mean?
Hinata dived in as soon as he heard Tsukishima.
Hinata
Why didn't you attack properly?
Tsukishima felt his patience grow thinner as Hinata kept speaking.
Hinata
I know you are capable of doing more. And I know you know that too.
Hinata's brows furrowed as he looked at Tsukishima.
Was it out of pity? Or was it just Hinata's stubbornness speaking?
Tsukishima
If you're worried I'd drag the team down, I won't.
Tsukishima slipped in his jacket.
Hinata angrily lurched closer to Tsukishima. He was caught off guard by his sudden movement.
Tsukishima
I'm not a monster like you, Hinata. Nor am I a machine.
Tsukishima turned around and kept his back to Hinata as he continued speaking.
Tsukishima
No one is as gifted as you.
Tsukishima bit inside his cheek as he realized his own words. He never wanted to say that.
Of course Hinata knew that others had limitations. But he didn't let Tsukishima go out so easily.
Hinata had always been like this, and they have played matches together for a while now. They won some, they lost some.
So why was Tsukishima's attacks a bother to him now?
Hinata
I'm not saying that!
Hinata shouted, his arms wailing in the air as he expressed himself with his limited vocabulary.
Hinata
When we were up against Seijoh, I saw how you played.
Hinata's tone was calm, but sharp.
Hinata
I saw how high you jumped and how strong you attacked.
Tsukishima's eyes widened as he kept listening to Hinata's words.
He turned around to finally face him.
Hinata
But you didn't attack like that earlier. Or the other nights.
Tsukishima gritted his teeth when Hinata stopped talking. The silence crawled back to them, filling the entire gymnasium with gloom.
Tsukishima was smart, snarky, and straightforward. The both of them knew that.
But he couldn't find the words he wanted to let go of. To tell Hinata.
Tsukishima
I have my limits.
Tsukishima stared down at Hinata, his expression cold and untelling.
Tsukishima
And I know you aren't that dense to not understand what limitations are.
Hinata's eyes widened, and his lips pursed.
He knew that Tsukishima wasn't his usual self right now, though he didn't understand why.
He didn't understand why Tsukishima wasn't his usual cocky, and collected self. That, alone, made him feel indifferent.
The look Tsukishima couldn't read.
Tsukishima was leaning at the latter.
Hinata wanted to speak more. He wanted to tell Tsukishima that he can do better. He wanted to tell Tsukishima that he is more capable than he thinks.
But Tsukishima knew it was coming. And he didn't want to hear it.
Tsukishima walked pass Hinata, leaving him cold on the court. His words echoed throughout the gymnasium.
Tsukishima left the gymnasium without another word.
The Muffled Thunder
It was Kuroo's turn to serve.
Kuroo took a deep breath, allowing himself to ease up. He held onto the ball tightly and waited for the whistle to let him spike the ball.
As soon as the whistle ringed through Kuroo's ears, he threw the ball into the air and went for a jump serve.
Nishinoya exclaimed, raising his hands to the air then holding his hands together into position. He received the ball steadily.
Kuroo clicked his tongue. He held back subconsciously, and by the confused expression on Nishinoya, Kuroo knew that he knew it too.
The ball was way above Kageyama's head— just the height that any setter would want a received ball to be.
High enough that brought them enough time to think and plan out what attack they will launch next.
Hinata jumped up near the net at minus tempo, while Asahi managed with a first tempo leap.
Nekoma's players were quick to run to Asahi, but they soon realized that they judged wrong.
Kageyama's posture had thrown them off.
And before the blockers could run to the other side, where Hinata was, the point was already scored. A whistle interrupted the short rally.
Hinata punched the air out of joy.
He turned to Kageyama and gave him a grin.
Kageyama turned around, leaving Hinata annoyed by his words.
Hinata
I didn't even say anything!
Hinata continued punching the air, but this time, out of frustration rather than joy from Kageyama's statement.
He was especially happy for scoring this one, though. It was because it was the best attack they executed so far ever since they came to camp here in Tokyo.
Kageyama
Don't get ahead of yourself. We're far from winning.
Hinata
You're so negative, Kageyama!
Kageyama
How can I not be negative when you're in my team, idiot?
Hinata lurched towards Kageyama, gritting his teeth.
Just when Kageyama was about to get closer too, Tsukishima pulled him from behind.
Tsukishima
We're in a middle of a match.
Tsukishima had switched with Nishinoya, and now they had some defense.
Tsukishima's blocks weren't bad, but neither was it perfect. But it was enough to help the team get back on their shoes with a one touch ball.
Tsukishima shot a glance at Kageyama, then at the back row where Asahi would be serving next. He walked towards his spot in front, not bothering to spare a glance at Hinata.
Hinata's eyes darted to Tsukishima's tall figure. Hinata felt frustrated that Tsukishima wouldn't even look at him.
He didn't like that the air between the two of them felt heavier than usual.
Sugawara
Asahi, nice serve!
Sugawara yelled out from the bench.
Asahi dribbled the ball, then jumped to spike it. The power used on the spike was strong enough to send Nekoma's libero, Yaku, back.
Kuroo ran to the front row, where Kenma tossed a ball to him.
Tsukishima and Hinata ran towards Kuroo, jumping at the same time as to try and block his attack.
Tsukishima didn't get to jump with full power.
Kuroo's spike hit Tsukishima's fingertips, tilting his palm back. The ball flew high, and the referee called for an outside ball.
Tsukishima groaned as he heard the second whistle. That had only meant one thing.
Tsukishima shook his hand as he felt his feet land carefully on the wooden floor. He saw Kuroo, on the other side of the net, grinning at him.
Tsukishima lifted his head up and stared at Kuroo as if he was about to bombard him with Shakespeare insults.
His expression was soon replaced with a smile. But that smile reeked of bad intentions.
Tsukishima
Sorry, sorry. I guess I'm just so easily distracted.
Tsukishima rubbed the back of his neck.
Tsukishima
Can you blame me? I thought I was about to get attacked by a rooster.
He hummed with a wide grin, pointing to Kuroo's choice of hairstyle. Tsukishima always wondered why he decided to do it like that.
Tsukishima was all smug now.
Kuroo, on the other hand, wasn't.
Hinata looked at Tsukishima, then at Kuroo. He didn't want to keep the awkward air between them.
So he decided to join in.
Hinata
I think your hairstyle is cool, Kuroo-san.
Hinata smiled gently at Kuroo. It seemed that Hinata knew how to win people's hearts.
Kuroo
See? Thank you, chibi.
Kuroo let out a proud laugh when Tsukishima turned around to leave. I guess not everyone's hearts.
Hinata's eyes darted to Tsukishima's back. He didn't spare a glance to Hinata.
Hinata wondered if it was just because the conversation would lead nowhere, or if it was because of what happened last night.
He followed behind Tsukishima and finally spoke up.
Hinata
Don't mind, Tsukishima.
He expressed, referring to Tsukishima's mess up earlier. Hinata's voice shook a bit, but he got the words through.
Tsukishima stopped in his tracks, with his back still to Hinata.
The silence was gnawing, yet again.
He nodded, before walking towards Kiyoko and Yachi, to grab a water bottle and a towel.
Hinata was startled. He expected Tsukishima to make some sort of snarky remark, but he didn't.
And that answered Hinata's question.
Hinata was snapped out of his trance when he heard Daichi's voice.
Daichi clasped his hand together. As if out of instinct, everyone else gathered around him.
Except Hinata was a bit late.
Daichi
It's time to do driving drills.
At this point, Karasuno was used to having to do either diving drills or laps up that grassy hill.
So they let out a defeated sigh as all of them did some dives on the wooden floor.
Everybody had finished their diving drills, but they had some time before lunch.
Asahi, Daichi, and Sugawara was gathered in their usual circle. The three of them were panting from the drills they had just done.
Asahi looked over at Daichi and Sugawara. They could tell that Asahi's tone was rather worrisome.
Asahi bit the top of his bottle, contemplating whether he should tell them what he thinks.
Asahi placed his water bottle on the bench and regrouped with Daichi and Sugawara.
He had a weird expression plastered on his face. His eyes were on guard, and his lips were bent to a small frown.
Asahi
I might just be overthinking things.
Asahi
So I don't really know what I'm talking about.
Asahi
It just feels a bit different, you know.
Asahi
I might just be overanalyzing everything around me.
Sugawara
Get to the damn...
Sugawara and Daichi backed each other up. The two of them crossed their arms as they looked at Asahi.
Sugawara and Daichi burned holes through Asahi with their glare. He was dragging this on for so long.
Asahi
It's about Tsukishima.
Sugawara's eyes widened a bit at Asahi's words. Since he was benched, he got to observe more than everyone did. Or at least, better than those that weren't benched.
Asahi
I feel as if something is wrong.
Asahi
It's not because of his last block. He just feels...
Daichi furrowed his brows.
Sugawara
I know what you mean.
Sugawara shrugged, sighing a bit loudly as he continued.
Sugawara
He's always confident in making moves.
Sugawara
In both attacks and defense.
Sugawara
But earlier, that collected nature was replaced by hesitance.
Daichi rested a finger on his chin as he listened to Sugawara speak. He didn't notice any of this because he was so focused on the match.
Daichi
Come to think of it, I saw him talk to Hinata at that last play.
Asahi's eyes darted to Daichi as he continued speaking.
Daichi
Tsukishima didn't even bother to look at Hinata. Which seemed a bit weird to me. He would normally mess with Hinata for every little thing he did.
Sugawara
Do you think something happened between the two of them?
Daichi took a moment of silence, before speaking up again.
Asahi decided to continue on.
Asahi
I saw him talk to Kuroo after the match. They seemed to be joking around. But when Hinata tried to join in, Tsukishima just shut himself down.
Asahi
Tsukishima's "anger" for Hinata isn't really serious, but he still acts like it is.
Asahi
So normally, we would think it's nothing. But this time, it felt...
Sugawara interrupted Asahi's story.
Sugawara
I feel it, too. There's this weird thing.
Sugawara
It's like the air is heavy.
Daichi finally decided to break his silence and spoke up.
Daichi
Although I am worried about the freshmen...
Daichi
I don't think it's our place to interfere. At least, not yet.
Daichi
This feels like a problem that they should solve within themselves, right?
Daichi glanced at Sugawara, then at Asahi. His expression was full of worry, but he wanted them to somehow melt that feeling away.
Sugawara
Rest easy, Daichi.
Asahi
Right. I'm almost positive they'll solve it themselves like adults.
Sugawara managed to let out a soft sigh.
Sugawara
It'll be fine. We had fights when we were in our freshmen year, too.
Sugawara
And we got through it well.
Sugawara rested his hand on Daichi's shoulder. His gaze was fixed on him, easing up the feeling that Daichi had.
Asahi smiled at Sugawara and Daichi.
Hinata's walk to the gymnasium was long and quiet. He never walked with anyone there, nor does he care too much about walking with someone there any time soon.
The silence left him with an unsettled feeling that he didn't understand.
Why is he so bothered? And about what?
Bokuto was floating in the air, about to hit the ball. But Lev's voice was too distracting.
Bokuto exclaimed as he was still midair. The ball that was set to him bounced on Bokuto's head, earning a groan from him.
Akaashi sighed and turned to Hinata. He waved casually.
Kuroo
Yo, chibi. Get in here.
Hinata didn't hesitate to run inside the gymnasium to start stretching.
But as soon as he got inside, he noticed something.
Hinata
Where's Tsukishima?
Hinata's words slipped out without him thinking. He really didn't want to think of Tsukishima right now.
But it stung him that Tsukishima missed practice with the elites because of him. Because of what happened the night before.
Now, Hinata was well aware of what was bothering him so much.
Bokuto
What? I thought he was with you?
Bokuto exclaimed, groaning loudly. Akaashi chimed in.
Akaashi
He said he was exhausted and wouldn't be able to come tonight.
Kuroo
Really? That weak four-eyes.
Kuroo laughed, his words obviously sarcastic and playful. Hinata knew it was a joke, but he felt the need to say something.
Hinata
He's not weak. He just needs the motivation.
Akaashi, Kuroo, Bokuto, and Lev darted their gazes at Hinata. They were shocked at his statement.
It sounded serious and mature.
Not really very 'Hinata' like.
Hinata
Sorry, Kuroo-san, Bokuto-san, Akaashi-san, and Lev.
Hinata's eyes were filled with determination. But frustration hid behind those walls.
He knew Tsukishima's absence to the training had nothing to do with being exhausted. Hinata knew that well.
Hinata
But I think I'll pass on training today.
Hinata rubbed his nape uncomfortably. He wanted to go find Tsukishima, and talk to him.
He didn't want things to get so serious that the two of them would be avoiding each other the entire time.
They had a whole team to fight for.
Hinata
I'll be sure to make up for it tomorrow night.
Kuroo only sighed. Akaashi smiled.
Kuroo
Alright. You'll be doing twice as much blocks tomorrow, though.
Hinata huffed, determined from Kuroo's words. He knew he had to try and mend things with Tsukishima now if he wanted to work well with him in the team.
Lev
Haha! Too bad, Hinata!
Kuroo
You'll be doing it too, Lev.
Kuroo shut down Lev's little celebration.
Hinata waved at the four, leaving the gymnasium.
He needed to look for Tsukishima.
Hinata roamed outside the gymnasiums, peeking through the open doors as to try and find Tsukishima.
Unsurprisingly, Hinata didn't find him in a gym.
Instead, his eyes caught a tall figure near the building where the teams' rooms were located.
His gaze was reeled in to the silhouette.
It was dark, and he could barely see who it was. But Hinata knew that it had to be Tsukishima in front of him.
His words came out sharp.
The tall figured stopped walking. Hinata knew he guessed right.
That is Tsukishima in front of him.
Tsukishima was silent. He was submerged in the darkness, as if he wasn't even there.
Hinata
Why did you skip practice?
It annoyed Hinata. He hated being shut out like this.
Hinata
Was it because of me? Because of what I said?
Hinata's pursed lips formed words he didn't know he could form. His tone remained sharp.
Hinata didn't know why he was so hotheaded right now.
Hinata called out to him again, this time, his voice loud and clear. Tsukishima could hear him clearly. Very clearly.
Hinata
Are you serious? Just because I pointed out your laziness, you're suddenly shutting me out?
Hinata
You never did this when the other team members gave their opinions!
Hinata's feelings were getting in the way of his words. He didn't want it to. But it did.
Hinata
Yes, you're damn lazy! You don't know your potential!
Hinata gritted his teeth.
"I should probably stop talking now."
Hinata thought to himself.
Hinata
So how do you expect to advance with that?
Hinata
How would you get anywhere if you let me talk you out of things so damn easily?
Tsukishima was dead silent.
Tsukishima huffed a heavy groan. You could hear him trembling through each breath he released.
Tsukishima knew he shouldn't let Hinata's words affect him.
But right now, all it's doing is affecting him.
The Raging Lightning
Tsukishima knows it well.
He knew that he allowed Hinata's words to affect him.
He wasn't really the type to break down because of someone's comments. But somehow, Hinata's words affected him more than he thought it would.
Tsukishima felt like his chest was on fire.
Tsukishima
Look, pipsqueak.
Tsukishima finally broke through his long silence.
He walked towards Hinata, now allowing the moonlight to shine on his face. The moon revealed his expression.
It wasn't annoying. It wasn't cocky. It wasn't cool.
Tsukishima
I don't know what it is to you, but why do you care so much?
Tsukishima's tone matched Hinata's initial tone. It was sharp.
Tsukishima
I've told you before.
Tsukishima
If you're worried about me dragging the entire team down, I won't.
Tsukishima
I'm not perfect but neither are you. At least I'm not unstable and reckless.
Tsukishima's voice got a lot harsher now as he continued. His "calm" but angered tone slowly developed to something grotesque.
Tsukishima
I'm not a damn machine.
Tsukishima
I'm not like you, or Kageyama, or Bokuto-san, or anyone else!
Tsukishima's feelings were overflowing.
Hinata just stood still, his eyes widened the entire time. He didn't expect Tsukishima to break down like this.
Tsukishima
I can't always give it my all, Hinata!
Tsukishima lurched forward, his eyes turning a bit red from his frustration.
Tsukishima
I can't! There's just no way!
Tsukishima
It isn't possible, at least for me, to always have that mindset.
Tsukishima
That annoying mindset that I always have to give it my all when all I want is to take things easy, and to take things at my damn pace!
Tsukishima took a moment to breathe heavily, recovering some energy to keep talking again.
Tsukishima
And you don't know how fucking hard it is for me to abide unrealistic standards thrown at me.
Hinata wanted to speak up. He wanted to, so badly.
But Tsukishima never gave him the chance.
Tsukishima
Call me stubborn, but I can't do shit if I keep forcing myself to go all out when I know I can't!
Tsukishima's explosive anger and harsh language caught Hinata off guard. He never expected something like this from Tsukishima.
Hinata looked down, squinting as though he regretted everything that had led up until that point.
Normally, Hinata would yell back if it was Kageyama in front of him. But right now, he couldn't. Hinata couldn't say anything.
His eyes remained fixed on the concrete, staring at Tsukishima's shoes resting firmly on the ground.
Tsukishima
I'm not like you, Hinata! I can't always keep up with everything you do!
Tsukishima's voice was loud, but he was trembling. His hand gripped a fist.
Before Hinata could speak up, or even look up, he saw Tsukishima's shoes move away from him.
Hinata's eyes still clung onto the concrete.
Hinata knew that he had gone too far. He knew that he let his feelings get the best of him.
He knew he was in the wrong.
Hinata couldn't move for a while. His eyes were getting weaker, in an attempt to distract himself from this heavy feeling of guilt.
When Hinata finally got the strength to move, though, he looked around to see that it hadn't even been five minutes yet.
Time felt so long at that very moment.
Hinata didn't know what to do. He didn't know if he could salvage his mistake.
Hinata didn't know if he could do anything to save his relationship with Tsukishima for the team's sake.
Hinata's mind was clouded.
That was until the sun came and cleared his mind.
"There's only one person who knows Tsukishima more than anyone else."
Karasuno had the main gymnasium for their training tonight.
The entire team, including Yamaguchi, were practicing their serves and receives.
Nishinoya
Come at me, Yamaguchi!
Nishinoya exclaimed, as he fixed his posture. He was waiting for Yamaguchi's serve.
Yamaguchi gulped. He knew what he had to do.
Yamaguchi jumped, and hit the ball across the net.
The ball floated across, and it was hard to predict where it was going. Just when the ball looked like it'd go further, it stopped in its tracks and fell short.
It was right in front of Nishinoya.
Nishinoya hissed, but smiled at Yamaguchi.
Nishinoya
I need to train more.
Nishinoya screamed out as he kept receiving balls that the team had spiked towards him with their full power.
Yamaguchi decided to take a well deserved break after almost an hour straight of training. His arms were already getting sore.
He sat on the benches, drinking from his water bottle.
Hinata arrived after a while at the main gymnasium. Luckily, some of his other teammates were there.
And luckily, Yamaguchi was still there.
Hinata spoke, as he called out for Yamaguchi.
He began to walk towards the bench that Yamaguchi rested on as he continued to talk.
Yamaguchi turned to his direction, with the two of them now sitting beside each other.
Yamaguchi noticed the serious tone in Hinata's voice. He didn't know where this would lead.
Yamaguchi
Sure. Do you want to speak somewhere else?
His tone contradicted Hinata's. He smiled at him, allowing Hinata to rest easy for now. Yamaguchi sensed that something was wrong, and didn't want Hinata to feel ignored.
Hinata turned his attention to his other teammates, busy with their training. Nobody could really overhear them right now.
They were focused in trying to improve. Unlike—
Yamaguchi
Okay. What's up?
Yamaguchi rested the water bottle on his thighs as he turned his attention to Hinata.
Whatever Hinata was going to say, Yamaguchi wanted to help him out.
Just like Hinata had always helped him out before.
Hinata
Uh, before anything.
Hinata fidgeted with his fingers.
Hinata
I'm really sorry. My emotions kind of just, took over.
Yamaguchi was shocked. He didn't really know what Hinata did, but now, it was making him nervous.
He was starting to think Hinata did some sort of crime, or something.
Yamaguchi let out an awkward chuckle.
Hinata's eyes remained on his fingers, while it rested on his thighs. He hesitated, but soon enough, finally continued.
Hinata
Tsukishima and I fought.
Yamaguchi expected this, and yet, he was visibly shocked. He didn't expect Tsukishima to be the type to be involved in some sort of quarrel.
Especially not with Hinata.
Hinata
It was my fault. I let my feelings drown me out.
Hinata chewed on his bottom lip.
Hinata
I shouldn't have. I really shouldn't.
Hinata
I pissed Tsukishima off. He's mad.
Yamaguchi didn't know how to respond. He wanted to ask many things, but decided to start with this.
Yamaguchi
How did he respond to that?
The word "shocked" would be an understatement to Yamaguchi's expression right now.
He didn't know what to say. Yamaguchi never expected Tsukishima to be explosive type. He never was.
Even when they were younger, Tsukishima never did that.
Tsukishima never acted the way Hinata was describing him now.
He wondered now if Tsukishima had hid his feelings so well that even Yamaguchi never caught on.
He was, indeed, good at that.
Yamaguchi took a moment to think. He focused on Hinata, still fidgeting with his fingers as he explained to Yamaguchi everything that had happened earlier.
Soon enough, he found the right words to advise.
Yamaguchi
Tsukki had always seen you as a rival.
Hinata's eyes widened when he heard what Yamaguchi said.
Yamaguchi
He probably wouldn't want to admit it himself, but I know it well.
Yamaguchi
I saw how he competed with you. And how you competed with him.
Hinata looked up at Yamaguchi now.
Yamaguchi
It's natural, right? You always saw it as a competition.
Yamaguchi
Especially considering that you two are both middle blockers.
Hinata gulped, nodding before he responded.
Hinata
I do see him as my rival.
Hinata admitted bitterly.
Hinata
But I don't want this "rivalry" to get out of hand.
Hinata
I don't want Tsukishima to hate me. Not for real.
Yamaguchi let out a soft chuckle. Hinata was caught off guard, but he knew Yamaguchi was only trying to lighten up the mood.
Yamaguchi
He never really hated you.
Yamaguchi
That was obvious.
Yamaguchi
So don't worry about that.
Yamaguchi hummed his answer.
Hinata took a moment to think, then broke the silence between him and Yamaguchi.
Hinata
What do you think I should do?
Yamaguchi's eyes widened a bit at Hinata's question. He never expected Hinata to ask something like that.
Yamaguchi never saw Hinata as the type to apologize. He always seemed like the type to let arguments die, and pretend as if nothing happened.
Just like his fight with Kageyama.
With Yachi as the witness.
Yamaguchi looked at the other teammates, training hard. Some were diving to save a ball, some were smashing it down with full power. He smiled as he continued.
Yamaguchi
It's never a good idea to talk to someone when they're at their limit.
Yamaguchi
You should never talk to anyone when the two of you are not your usual selves.
Yamaguchi
You know, when you're mad and unstable.
Hinata stared at Yamaguchi, as he listened closely to what he said.
Yamaguchi
But that doesn't mean that you can keep avoiding each other.
Yamaguchi
Communication is still important.
Yamaguchi
Just consider yourself and the other party before you decide to talk.
Yamaguchi met Hinata's eyes.
Yamaguchi
So, calm down, Hinata.
Yamaguchi smiled at Hinata, bright and blinding.
Yamaguchi
A bit of space outside of matches is good.
Yamaguchi
You and Tsukishima just need some time to calm down and ease up.
Hinata's lips pursed as he listened to Yamaguchi. He realized how he'd been blind and stubborn this whole time.
Hinata's eyes softened as he whined to Yamaguchi.
Yamaguchi tapped on Hinata's shoulder as he saw Hinata's eyes falter. This fight that Tsukishima and Hinata had shared seemed to have taken a toll on the little giant.
Yamaguchi let out an awkward chuckle as he attempted to comfort the trembling Hinata.
Now, Hinata was wide awake.
He realized what he had to do now.
Even so, he just wanted to talk to Tsukishima in hopes he would give in.
But Hinata knew he shouldn't be stubborn.
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