[ Overall, the last time that Shoyo had been in Tokyo had been a whirlwind of a rollercoaster ride. There were no other words to describe it, and it was a time in his life that he would never forget. There were fond memories, like the borrowed scarf from Bokuto that had kept him warm on his jog back to the hotel. There were thrilling tales, like making it through to the quarter-finals after so many grueling matches, some against friends. There were regrets too, of course, like allowing himself to fall out of shape at such a critical moment. Logically, he knew that no one blamed him more than he blamed himself. He had been so happy in those moments, that handful of days, and it had hurt to be ripped away from the court so soon.
It had been an important lesson, too.
He doesn't hold any grudges against Tokyo, and as he steps off the train, he takes in a deep breath. The air is far from the clear, refreshing stuff of Miyagi, but it was still exhilarating to be in the heart of their nation. Even more exciting was the thought of finally seeing Bokuto again, not just to talk about volleyball, but to hang out as friends. He still felt a little tentative about dropping in on him like this—not that they hadn't planned it at length—but sometimes it was hard to imagine he could just go and stay with one of the top aces in the country!
Hiking his bag a little higher on his shoulder, he looks down at his directions and starts winding his way through the station. It's easy for someone as small as him to get lost in a crowd, but he quickly darts between people and jumps up now and then to get a better look at his surroundings. Now if he could just spot Bokuto... ]
[This year's Nationals was hard work, Bokuto will admit. And while he didn't get to face off with Sakusa again (he'll get him one day!), Kamomedai was more than just an obstacle to overcome. And while he wanted a win with all his heart, he also felt the need that he had to avenge his pupil! Of course, any such exclamation like that got an eye-roll but Bokuto didn't care.
And they did win. A match that went into five sets, much similar to the warzone that was Shiratorizawa versus Karasuno. Bokuto had to hand it to Akaashi, the man pulled them through thick and thin. His dream to win Nationals at least one year during high school came true and he wanted nothing more than that.
Except maybe move on to the pro league. But he's still working on that. Right now he has a guest he can barely wait to see and he's holding himself back from climbing on some bench to call out to him. When the crowd doesn't thin out and he still can't find Hinata, he decides to do what he does the best-]
Hinataaa!! Hey hey hey! Where are you!?
[Of course, people that were next to him got scared out of their minds. But this will work, right?]
[ In the distance, Shoyo can hear the familiar call. He grins and thinks of an owl hooting to another, so very like Bokuto to do even in a crowded train station. Bouncing along towards the sound, he drops his back and springs into the air towards Bokuto. Somehow, he looks even bigger than before, and Shoyo doesn’t hesitate to bump straight into him when he knows that he can handle it. ]
Here! I’m here!
[ He grins and hugs Bokuto tightly, feet dangling a few inches from the ground. They’re definitely making a spectacle, given how people are chattering and grumbling around them, but he’s too happy to care. Seeing Bokuto is a treat, and they’re spending days together! ]
How’re you? It’s funny seeing you out of uniform! Is your place far from here? What do you want to do first today?
[An owl hooting and calling a little crow- fits perfectly. The same way Hinata fits him perfectly when he runs into him for that hug. He laughs loudly and lifts him off the ground even, spinning around once just for the heck of it, not giving a damn that others are watching them.]
My disciple! Hey, hey, hey! I'm so happy to see you! How was your ride!? You look good in your regular clothes too, haha! [Obviously their questions end up overlapping each other but look how much he cares; he ends up answering them anyway. And giving Hinata a wild hair ruffle.] We'll drop by my place to leave your stuff then we're going out to get food. I'm not a cook, but! I know an awesome gyoza place!
[With that, he nudges Hinata through the crowd, letting him go first until they leave the train station and are finally on the street.] My place is a few blocks from here. Maybe like, thirty minutes walk or so. It's pretty close!
My master! [ His smile grows impossibly brighter as he says it. He's not sure when Bokuto decided that Shoyo could be his disciple, but it's an enormous compliment to the little decoy. Even though he's learned a lot about volleyball over the past year, he still gets stars in his eyes when thinking about being called an ace. Maybe being the greatest decoy is the coolest nickname ever, and far more unique, but there's such a nice ring to "ace" as well. ]
The train was so fast! And there were vending machines on it! [ Luckily, they're both good at keeping up with fast-paced chatter even if it winds in and out in a confusing pattern. ] Gyoza is perfect! My stomach's been rumbling for, like, an hour.
[ He lets Bokuto steer him around until they break out into the open streets and can more comfortably stand next to each other. The height of the buildings in Tokyo has always intimidated him, but with Bokuto right next to him, he's not so worried about getting lost. ] I could use the exercise, it was hard sitting around for so long on the way here. Do you walk everywhere here?
[It has been decided a long time ago, back during the summer training camp. The moment Bokuto taught Hinata about a rebound, he had become his pupil, his student- and he's so goddamn proud of him. Hinata is so impressive and amazing in Bokuto's eyes because he's not just an ordinary player. What he lacks in height and power, Hinata makes up for speed, hard work, and perseverance. And Bokuto admires him so much for it.]
Right, right? Much faster than traveling with a car! [They are good at it and probably the loudest people in the subway and on the street.] Haha, totally get it! I'll take you to my favorite BBQ place tomorrow when you rest up! It's a bit far away so we're taking a city transport. But I promise it's worth it!
[Since it's spring break, there are a lot more students milling around on the street, chattering loudly about the holidays. It's a busy part of Tokyo but Bokuto doesn't mind- he's a fast-paced person himself.] Most of the things I need is in walking distance, yeah. My parents helped me find a great apartment. But I do have to catch a train to get to the gym I'm practicing at now.
Wow, barbeque, really?! [ He really hopes that it doesn't end up looking like the things he's most excited for are the food, but Bokuto definitely seems to know the way to his heart. He's been focusing a lot more on eating the right things rather than just a lot of everything, and meat has been a high but expensive priority. He's going to try not to take advantage of Bokuto's hospitality, though!
Hopping along with Bokuto's long strides, he turns his head this way and that to take in the sights. He's sure to maintain awareness of Bokuto, of course, both to stay close and to continue the conversation. ] I'm really excited to see your place. Someone's room shows a lot about them! Oh, and your gym! You can leave me alone when you have to go practice. Or I'll come be your ball boy!! I work for steamed buns. [ And the chance to see amazing players working on their skills, but that part is easy enough to see by the gleam in his eyes as he eagerly chases balls around the practice court. ]
Yep! [There's nothing wrong to get excited over food though! Bokuto always gets excited as well, and it's barbecue of all things! It's important to eat well when you work out as much as they do, and if you get good company for it too- it's the best!]
Ahaha! My apartment is still kind of empty? I got in recently, maybe two or three weeks ago. But! It has everything I need and I can have friends over which is the best thing ever. [Hinata gets an excited hug around his shoulders and a ruffle of his hair-] A ball boy is good but-! Don't you wanna give it a go against college students?
[Bokuto grins knowingly-] I bet you're dying to see how it is to play against Kiryu, right!? He graduated this year too, so if we run into him at the gym, we can definitively wrangle him into some practice. [Obviously Kiryu will want to play AGAINST Bokuto, but he doesn't care or mind- so long they all play!]
[ He waves a hand through the air to clear what sounds like an apology. Really, he's been living in his house all of his life and his room is pretty empty, too. He's the kind of person to put more time and energy into experiences and activities than items, and he wonders if Bokuto is the same. There's also the fact that Shoyo is a country bumpkin without much pocket money or access to the kinds of stores in Tokyo, though. ]
You'll fill it with the stuff you like! What kind of stuff do you like, though? Maybe you should collect owl decorations!
[ Grinning at the thought of Bokuto's apartment being dotted with things like owl pillows and paintings, he gets a little red as Bokuto slings an arm around his shoulder. Cool, tall, casual Bokuto...
He gasps at the suggestion, stopping suddenly and turning to him. ] Really? I could really play with you guys? Kiryū Wakatsu goes to the same gym?! [ The thought of playing on the same court as that ace, with or against him, gets Shoyo's blood pumping. Fukurodani had beaten Mujinazaka, so that puts Bokuto at a higher level in Shoyo's mind, but he's still aware of the national rankings.
Continuing his steps, he falls into a bit more of a thoughtful mood. ] I still don't know how good I am without Kageyama. I need to grow on my own...
[Bokuto is definitively the same. His logic- the less stuff you have, the less tidying you have to do. Owl things are an exception, of course. As well as volleyball magazines and books and other stuff. A TV is a must and a computer because he needs to watch matches.]
I know, I know! I already have some owl fridge magnets! I got one and then mom got me one for good luck.
[Hinata's lucky that Bokuto's completely distracted with the thought of them getting into a volleyball practice against Kiryu or whoever it is at the gym that he doesn't notice Hinata blushing. No teasing just yet.]
Of course! You'd give him such a headache! And when we team up, we'll definitively win! [Bokuto is not overexaggarating when he thinks that everyone who had ever saw Hinata wanted to play with or against him. Atsumu is the worst "offender" with his entire shtick of "I'll set for him watch me!". Is it normal that Bokuto very briefly got jealous? Ah well. He gets to hang out with him and Atsumu doesn't!
Hinata's head gets an encouraging hair ruffle.] You think I'm brilliant without Akaashi's sets? True that I have strength behind my spikes, but it felt like Akaashi's sets were the best for me. As if nothing could block me regardless of how strong the opponent is.
So don't worry! I'm sure you'll find your way around just great! You can try something out that you usually can't!
I'll have to start sending you some! Nothing too big, I promise. [ He does like the idea of finding little owl items, hopefully useful ones, to send to Bokuto as decorations for his apartment. He could mail it to him, or bring it on weekends if he's invited back in the future. He hopes he is, since he's already having fun!
His eyes keep growing so wide that he feels like they may pop out of his head. Bokuto's confidence is definitely contagious, and if he has trustworthy setters to practice with, then wouldn't Shoyo be able to hold his own? He wants to show that he's worthy of Bokuto's faith in his abilities, and he wants to prove it to himself, too. He won't always be able to stay on the same team as Kageyama, so he needs to start building up his own abilities and learning to mesh with more types of setters. ]
Of course you're still brilliant! An ace is supposed to be the team's strength, so you can adapt, right? That's what makes you so cool. [ He grins up at him beneath his ruffled hair, Bokuto's hand heavy on his head. ] Do you think being friends helps you as players?
Then I'll make sure to put it in the most visible place! [Regardless of what he sends. If it's a pillow he'll hang it on the wall like a picture and no one will be allowed to touch it! Because it's Hinata's gift and it is precious.
Bokuto is always confident, sometimes overly confident which leads to his mood crashing like when you run out of coffee in the morning. Luckily for him, he has enough skill to back him up so he doesn't crash ALL the time. Just sometimes. Hinata has been deemed worthy way back in the training camp, and then that shirt too! The way of the ace! There's no one else he'd rather have as his 'student'! Even though he didn't teach him that much, only encouraged him.]
Of course! I am the best after all, hey, hey hey! [He shouldn't be yelling in the middle of the street, but they are close to the apartment anyway.] Of course! Just because you're rivals it doesn't mean you can't be friends. A true friend and a rival will tell you when you suck and when you're brilliant, and you'll always know what to do and what to work on!
[ Sometimes, the greatest teacher is just someone who encourages their student. Shoyo hasn't always had a big number of people rooting for him, and most of the time there are more people to doubt his skill just because of his height. He loves proving them wrong and showing that he can fight in the air just as much as someone twice his height.
He still hopes he grows a little more, of course.
Shoyo is pretty sure that Bokuto is used to the attention that he brings, so he probably doesn't notice the fact that their loud voices attract stares. It seems like another power of an ace, just making people pay attention to them everywhere they go because of their confidence and intimidating presence. Shoyo would be green with envy if he weren't always in awe. ]
That's true! And having a friend on your team means it's easier to trust them. I never really knew all that until this year. [ He laughs, a little quieter and more sheepish. ] In middle school, my volleyball team was kinda a joke. It was just me for two years. But I had friends on the other sports teams who helped me!
[Bokuto will always cheer for him, without any doubt. Even if they end up playing against each other sometimes, he'll be cheering for him because he wants him to get better and better because nothing's greater than having a good rival. And Hinata is shaping into being just that.
They arrive at the building just as Hinata says that and Bokuto stops to look at him. He's quiet for a moment, thinking, then tilting his head, curious.]
Why do you think your team was a joke? You took it seriously, didn't you? You even went to a tournament, right? [Have another head pat,] Just because you didn't win on that tournament, it doesn't mean it was a joke. After all, you got to Nationals! [He grins-] That team was just you starting off; I am sure you're gonna do great things in the future!
Ah! Elevator's here! [He perks up when the door open and people leave the elevator. He rushes over to it to hold the door open for Hinata.] Floor six, here we come!
[ Seeing Bokuto get quiet and serious makes Shoyo shiver, like it's the calm before a storm. He's seen the same sort of reaction from Kageyama and Daichi when they're thinking deeply about something that displeases them, and Shoyo instinctively takes a step back.
He flinches at first when Bokuto pats his head—instinct again, he really needs to stop acting so reflexively to everything—but then eases into the touch. It's such a simple way to look at things, and it makes him smile up at Bokuto with increased awe and respect. So yeah, maybe he'd had a little crush on the ace before, but this seems to solidify it. Bokuto's never looked down at him for his lack of size or experience and always pushed him to work harder. ]
A step towards a goal, right? [ He'd heard Kageyama say that and wished he knew how to think of cool things like that. ] I'm really grateful to that experience, don't get me wrong! I made friends with a lot of volleyball players in my neighborhood because of it. I just feel like I missed out on playing lots of volleyball in middle school like everyone else did. I was never the ball boy, so I'm catching up now!
[ It's something that he hadn't realized until he'd been forced to be the ball boy during the Miyagi training camp. The experience is one he'll never forget and always be grateful for, a foundation that he'd been missing as a first-year starting player for Karasuno. He feels much perkier now and follows Bokuto into the elevator with a spring in his step. ] What kind of schedule do you have? Do you need to get up really early?
[Well Kageyama keeps trying to pop his head in every argument they have so Bokuto won't be blaming Hinata for defensive reflexes. He'd have them too if Akaashi had ever tried to kick his ass. Which... he probably did want at times, considering the mood swings, but mostly he was supportive and always in search of a way to handle Bokuto's moods.
Bokuto gives Hinata a huge grin and a nod-] Yep! Like- like testing the water of the sea with toes before you take a run and jump in it! [Then it's either sink or swim. Bokuto still feels like that- he knows the basics of the swimming and sometimes he's so good at it, but sometimes it feels as if he's never done it before. But he's glad that whatever experience he has he can share with Hinata; he's not sure why, but ever since the training camp, the guy keeps growing on him and he just can't steer himself away from him. What was that comparison again- sunflower following the sun or something?]
You tried, and that's what counts. Your school didn't have a volleyball team and there was nothing you could do about it. I'm so proud of you! You've come such a long way! And being ballboy is great! Spiking is better, obviously, but ball boy has his advantages too! [The elevator arrives on his floor and Bokuto nudges Hinata out gently-] Nah! I go in the morning for a jog, but I took a few days off to settle in properly and to be with my guest, of course!
I never test the water! I just jump. [ He’s always been too eager for things like that, preferring to get started rather than bide his time and learn. Shoyo has always been a physical learner, anyways, so rushing head-long into things suits him. That’s not to say that it always works out, but he’s stayed alive this many years!
Letting himself be nudged along, Shoyo feels a pleased blush heat his cheeks. Being praised is wonderful from anyone, but from Bokuto? It’s twice as potent and goes straight to his heart. Bokuto is proud of him. True, he’d become his disciple somewhere between the training camps and nationals, but something about being praised while no one else is around feels even more important. Bokuto is saying it for Shoyo and that’s it. ] Oh, can I come with you? I always go for a run when I don’t have to bike to school or practice. We can see the neighborhood that way!
[Bokuto thinks, believes, that Hinata can go a long way, the way he's doing things. He has a determination for it, and he'd be damned if he doesn't support him. What kind of senpai would he be otherwise? Besides, he's always rewarded with that beaming smile in return. It's a wonderful thing.]
Oh sure! We can get breakfast on our way back!
[The elevator stops at his floor and Bokuto leads the way to the door at the end of the hall, pulling out his keys and unlocking them.] Here we are! Come on in!
[He pushes the door open and lets Hinata step in first, as he's the guest. The apartment is on the smaller side but seems cozy. The kitchen, living room and dining room are all connected into one like a studio, but there's a visible distinction between the parts. Couch, TV set, coffee table with a laptop on it, dinning table, few shelves and kitchen props (counters, stove, fridge). There are two doors leading to bedroom and bathroom respectively.]
[ His stomach grumbles appreciatively at the thought of breakfast, definitely ahead of schedule but thrilled with the thought of food all the same. He's glad that Bokuto has been thinking about eating as much as Shoyo, a good sign that they won't be going hungry this weekend as they eat their way through Tokyo.
Stepping into the apartment, he sets his bag next to the door and toes off his shoes so he can hop inside and start exploring. He zips around the open space, eyes wide at everything like he's never seen a kitchen or couch before. ] It's cool that you get all this space to yourself! But do you ever get lonely? I mean, I've never been away from my family for longer than a week.
[Breakfast is for tomorrow! He will, as promised, take Hinata out to have some gyoza. And some other treats they can buy here. And just show him around because there's a lot of stuff going on during the Golden Week! But yes, Bokuto almost always thinks about food- if it's not volleyball or sleeping (or certain student).
Bokuto takes his shoes off and grabs two pairs of slippers, one for himself and one for Hinata, and grins-]
Well! I recently moved in so my mom has been hanging around to make sure everything's in place. And now you're here! So I'm not lonely. [For now!] Besides, I'll probably spend a lot of time out of the apartment and at the gym in the future so I'll be fine! [He hopes, patting Hinata on the back.]
I have two futons in the bedroom- we can definitively move them to the living room to binge some movies tonight!
[ Shoyo tries to imagine Bokuto's mom while he slides his feet into the slippers. He wonders if she might be really similar with the same distinctive kind of hair and almost snorts with laughter at the thought. Does Bokuto have siblings? Were there little owls running around shouting "HEY HEY HEY" somewhere in Tokyo? It's a cute thought, and he snickers to himself about it. ]
Oh, that makes sense! Here is more for sleeping and stuff like that, you're probably with teams and people a lot during the day. [ It sounds like a dream to be playing so much volleyball every day at such a high level, and it reminds Shoyo of his future goal to go pro, too.
He gasps at the suggestion, eyes getting big. ] That sounds so fun! Mom never lets me sleep in the living room. Ah, I brought a movie in case you wanted to watch it! And, and— [ He scurries back over to his bag and digs around inside before pulling out the scarf that Bokuto had lent to him during Nationals. ] I brought it back!
[He's got his mom's features yes, hair and eyes, but his personality is entirely his father's. Sadly the family doesn't have other owls, Bokuto wished he had, at least one. If he had a sister he'd spoil her rotten, which would be really bad.]
Yep! Also it will be great if others want to come and hang out for a while or watch and discuss the games we played. [Bokuto said before, and he'll say it again, that Hinata's potential to become a pro is big. Especially because he doesn't let anything destroy his motivation- that's the biggest thing he has going on for him.]
Oooh! The scarf. [Bokuto laughs, taking it.] I completely forgot about it. I hope it did its duty to keep you warm!
You've got a lot of plans for this place! It'll be so cool hanging out here, you could have friends come to watch games. [ He's getting pretty jealous that he lives too far away to just pop in for random visits, but Bokuto's friendly enough that he'll surely be able to populate his apartment with plenty of warm company.
Handing the scarf over, he smiles up at Bokuto with just a hint of pink dusting his cheeks. ] It did, promise! I... used it a lot during the winter. I hope that's okay!
You're always welcome to drop by whenever you have free time! Just shoot me a message you're coming over to make sure I'm at the apartment! Can't let my guest sit at my doorstep, haha! [That's true, but he'd also love to have Hinata's enthusiasm and brightness fill in the rather dull looking room. Just standing there with his orange hair is a monumental difference! And Bokuto loves that.
His grin eases up into a happy smile- a blush, huh? He doesn't remember seeing Hinata blush ever unless it was from embarrassment when he misses a spike.]
Of course it's fine! That's what the scarf is for! Keep it, [damn, he wants to hug him...] if you like it, that is.
[ The invitation makes him grin, already imagining how much fun it would be to drop in on Bokuto for a weekend here and there. It'll be difficult, of course, because both of them have volleyball as well as other obligations and responsibilities. With the distance between Miyagi and Tokyo, Shoyo's certain that he'll only be able to if he has time off during holidays like he does now.
Still, just being welcome to such an extent makes his heart flutter. Bokuto is so kind and welcoming when others would be more worried about being inconvenienced. ]
Eh, really? Don't you need it? [ Then again, if he only had one scarf and gave it away to Shoyo, he surely would have bought another one soon after. Holding the scarf in both hands and rubbing the material between his fingers, he feels his blush grow hotter at the realization that he really wants to keep it. Maybe it seems trivial, but the memory that comes with being given the scarf is precious, too! It was when they'd discussed dating and Bokuto had accepted Shoyo despite mentioning he liked guys. ] I-I'd really like to keep it, if you're sure it's okay! That night was important to me.
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visiting Tokyo (spoilers through ch.369)
It had been an important lesson, too.
He doesn't hold any grudges against Tokyo, and as he steps off the train, he takes in a deep breath. The air is far from the clear, refreshing stuff of Miyagi, but it was still exhilarating to be in the heart of their nation. Even more exciting was the thought of finally seeing Bokuto again, not just to talk about volleyball, but to hang out as friends. He still felt a little tentative about dropping in on him like this—not that they hadn't planned it at length—but sometimes it was hard to imagine he could just go and stay with one of the top aces in the country!
Hiking his bag a little higher on his shoulder, he looks down at his directions and starts winding his way through the station. It's easy for someone as small as him to get lost in a crowd, but he quickly darts between people and jumps up now and then to get a better look at his surroundings. Now if he could just spot Bokuto... ]
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And they did win. A match that went into five sets, much similar to the warzone that was Shiratorizawa versus Karasuno. Bokuto had to hand it to Akaashi, the man pulled them through thick and thin. His dream to win Nationals at least one year during high school came true and he wanted nothing more than that.
Except maybe move on to the pro league. But he's still working on that. Right now he has a guest he can barely wait to see and he's holding himself back from climbing on some bench to call out to him. When the crowd doesn't thin out and he still can't find Hinata, he decides to do what he does the best-]
Hinataaa!! Hey hey hey! Where are you!?
[Of course, people that were next to him got scared out of their minds. But this will work, right?]
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Here! I’m here!
[ He grins and hugs Bokuto tightly, feet dangling a few inches from the ground. They’re definitely making a spectacle, given how people are chattering and grumbling around them, but he’s too happy to care. Seeing Bokuto is a treat, and they’re spending days together! ]
How’re you? It’s funny seeing you out of uniform! Is your place far from here? What do you want to do first today?
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My disciple! Hey, hey, hey! I'm so happy to see you! How was your ride!? You look good in your regular clothes too, haha! [Obviously their questions end up overlapping each other but look how much he cares; he ends up answering them anyway. And giving Hinata a wild hair ruffle.] We'll drop by my place to leave your stuff then we're going out to get food. I'm not a cook, but! I know an awesome gyoza place!
[With that, he nudges Hinata through the crowd, letting him go first until they leave the train station and are finally on the street.] My place is a few blocks from here. Maybe like, thirty minutes walk or so. It's pretty close!
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The train was so fast! And there were vending machines on it! [ Luckily, they're both good at keeping up with fast-paced chatter even if it winds in and out in a confusing pattern. ] Gyoza is perfect! My stomach's been rumbling for, like, an hour.
[ He lets Bokuto steer him around until they break out into the open streets and can more comfortably stand next to each other. The height of the buildings in Tokyo has always intimidated him, but with Bokuto right next to him, he's not so worried about getting lost. ] I could use the exercise, it was hard sitting around for so long on the way here. Do you walk everywhere here?
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Right, right? Much faster than traveling with a car! [They are good at it and probably the loudest people in the subway and on the street.] Haha, totally get it! I'll take you to my favorite BBQ place tomorrow when you rest up! It's a bit far away so we're taking a city transport. But I promise it's worth it!
[Since it's spring break, there are a lot more students milling around on the street, chattering loudly about the holidays. It's a busy part of Tokyo but Bokuto doesn't mind- he's a fast-paced person himself.] Most of the things I need is in walking distance, yeah. My parents helped me find a great apartment. But I do have to catch a train to get to the gym I'm practicing at now.
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Hopping along with Bokuto's long strides, he turns his head this way and that to take in the sights. He's sure to maintain awareness of Bokuto, of course, both to stay close and to continue the conversation. ] I'm really excited to see your place. Someone's room shows a lot about them! Oh, and your gym! You can leave me alone when you have to go practice. Or I'll come be your ball boy!! I work for steamed buns. [ And the chance to see amazing players working on their skills, but that part is easy enough to see by the gleam in his eyes as he eagerly chases balls around the practice court. ]
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Ahaha! My apartment is still kind of empty? I got in recently, maybe two or three weeks ago. But! It has everything I need and I can have friends over which is the best thing ever. [Hinata gets an excited hug around his shoulders and a ruffle of his hair-] A ball boy is good but-! Don't you wanna give it a go against college students?
[Bokuto grins knowingly-] I bet you're dying to see how it is to play against Kiryu, right!? He graduated this year too, so if we run into him at the gym, we can definitively wrangle him into some practice. [Obviously Kiryu will want to play AGAINST Bokuto, but he doesn't care or mind- so long they all play!]
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You'll fill it with the stuff you like! What kind of stuff do you like, though? Maybe you should collect owl decorations!
[ Grinning at the thought of Bokuto's apartment being dotted with things like owl pillows and paintings, he gets a little red as Bokuto slings an arm around his shoulder. Cool, tall, casual Bokuto...
He gasps at the suggestion, stopping suddenly and turning to him. ] Really? I could really play with you guys? Kiryū Wakatsu goes to the same gym?! [ The thought of playing on the same court as that ace, with or against him, gets Shoyo's blood pumping. Fukurodani had beaten Mujinazaka, so that puts Bokuto at a higher level in Shoyo's mind, but he's still aware of the national rankings.
Continuing his steps, he falls into a bit more of a thoughtful mood. ] I still don't know how good I am without Kageyama. I need to grow on my own...
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I know, I know! I already have some owl fridge magnets! I got one and then mom got me one for good luck.
[Hinata's lucky that Bokuto's completely distracted with the thought of them getting into a volleyball practice against Kiryu or whoever it is at the gym that he doesn't notice Hinata blushing. No teasing just yet.]
Of course! You'd give him such a headache! And when we team up, we'll definitively win! [Bokuto is not overexaggarating when he thinks that everyone who had ever saw Hinata wanted to play with or against him. Atsumu is the worst "offender" with his entire shtick of "I'll set for him watch me!". Is it normal that Bokuto very briefly got jealous? Ah well. He gets to hang out with him and Atsumu doesn't!
Hinata's head gets an encouraging hair ruffle.] You think I'm brilliant without Akaashi's sets? True that I have strength behind my spikes, but it felt like Akaashi's sets were the best for me. As if nothing could block me regardless of how strong the opponent is.
So don't worry! I'm sure you'll find your way around just great! You can try something out that you usually can't!
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His eyes keep growing so wide that he feels like they may pop out of his head. Bokuto's confidence is definitely contagious, and if he has trustworthy setters to practice with, then wouldn't Shoyo be able to hold his own? He wants to show that he's worthy of Bokuto's faith in his abilities, and he wants to prove it to himself, too. He won't always be able to stay on the same team as Kageyama, so he needs to start building up his own abilities and learning to mesh with more types of setters. ]
Of course you're still brilliant! An ace is supposed to be the team's strength, so you can adapt, right? That's what makes you so cool. [ He grins up at him beneath his ruffled hair, Bokuto's hand heavy on his head. ] Do you think being friends helps you as players?
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Bokuto is always confident, sometimes overly confident which leads to his mood crashing like when you run out of coffee in the morning. Luckily for him, he has enough skill to back him up so he doesn't crash ALL the time. Just sometimes. Hinata has been deemed worthy way back in the training camp, and then that shirt too! The way of the ace! There's no one else he'd rather have as his 'student'! Even though he didn't teach him that much, only encouraged him.]
Of course! I am the best after all, hey, hey hey! [He shouldn't be yelling in the middle of the street, but they are close to the apartment anyway.] Of course! Just because you're rivals it doesn't mean you can't be friends. A true friend and a rival will tell you when you suck and when you're brilliant, and you'll always know what to do and what to work on!
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He still hopes he grows a little more, of course.
Shoyo is pretty sure that Bokuto is used to the attention that he brings, so he probably doesn't notice the fact that their loud voices attract stares. It seems like another power of an ace, just making people pay attention to them everywhere they go because of their confidence and intimidating presence. Shoyo would be green with envy if he weren't always in awe. ]
That's true! And having a friend on your team means it's easier to trust them. I never really knew all that until this year. [ He laughs, a little quieter and more sheepish. ] In middle school, my volleyball team was kinda a joke. It was just me for two years. But I had friends on the other sports teams who helped me!
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They arrive at the building just as Hinata says that and Bokuto stops to look at him. He's quiet for a moment, thinking, then tilting his head, curious.]
Why do you think your team was a joke? You took it seriously, didn't you? You even went to a tournament, right? [Have another head pat,] Just because you didn't win on that tournament, it doesn't mean it was a joke. After all, you got to Nationals! [He grins-] That team was just you starting off; I am sure you're gonna do great things in the future!
Ah! Elevator's here! [He perks up when the door open and people leave the elevator. He rushes over to it to hold the door open for Hinata.] Floor six, here we come!
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He flinches at first when Bokuto pats his head—instinct again, he really needs to stop acting so reflexively to everything—but then eases into the touch. It's such a simple way to look at things, and it makes him smile up at Bokuto with increased awe and respect. So yeah, maybe he'd had a little crush on the ace before, but this seems to solidify it. Bokuto's never looked down at him for his lack of size or experience and always pushed him to work harder. ]
A step towards a goal, right? [ He'd heard Kageyama say that and wished he knew how to think of cool things like that. ] I'm really grateful to that experience, don't get me wrong! I made friends with a lot of volleyball players in my neighborhood because of it. I just feel like I missed out on playing lots of volleyball in middle school like everyone else did. I was never the ball boy, so I'm catching up now!
[ It's something that he hadn't realized until he'd been forced to be the ball boy during the Miyagi training camp. The experience is one he'll never forget and always be grateful for, a foundation that he'd been missing as a first-year starting player for Karasuno. He feels much perkier now and follows Bokuto into the elevator with a spring in his step. ] What kind of schedule do you have? Do you need to get up really early?
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Bokuto gives Hinata a huge grin and a nod-] Yep! Like- like testing the water of the sea with toes before you take a run and jump in it! [Then it's either sink or swim. Bokuto still feels like that- he knows the basics of the swimming and sometimes he's so good at it, but sometimes it feels as if he's never done it before. But he's glad that whatever experience he has he can share with Hinata; he's not sure why, but ever since the training camp, the guy keeps growing on him and he just can't steer himself away from him. What was that comparison again- sunflower following the sun or something?]
You tried, and that's what counts. Your school didn't have a volleyball team and there was nothing you could do about it. I'm so proud of you! You've come such a long way! And being ballboy is great! Spiking is better, obviously, but ball boy has his advantages too! [The elevator arrives on his floor and Bokuto nudges Hinata out gently-] Nah! I go in the morning for a jog, but I took a few days off to settle in properly and to be with my guest, of course!
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Letting himself be nudged along, Shoyo feels a pleased blush heat his cheeks. Being praised is wonderful from anyone, but from Bokuto? It’s twice as potent and goes straight to his heart. Bokuto is proud of him. True, he’d become his disciple somewhere between the training camps and nationals, but something about being praised while no one else is around feels even more important. Bokuto is saying it for Shoyo and that’s it. ] Oh, can I come with you? I always go for a run when I don’t have to bike to school or practice. We can see the neighborhood that way!
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Oh sure! We can get breakfast on our way back!
[The elevator stops at his floor and Bokuto leads the way to the door at the end of the hall, pulling out his keys and unlocking them.] Here we are! Come on in!
[He pushes the door open and lets Hinata step in first, as he's the guest. The apartment is on the smaller side but seems cozy. The kitchen, living room and dining room are all connected into one like a studio, but there's a visible distinction between the parts. Couch, TV set, coffee table with a laptop on it, dinning table, few shelves and kitchen props (counters, stove, fridge). There are two doors leading to bedroom and bathroom respectively.]
Make yourself at home!
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Stepping into the apartment, he sets his bag next to the door and toes off his shoes so he can hop inside and start exploring. He zips around the open space, eyes wide at everything like he's never seen a kitchen or couch before. ] It's cool that you get all this space to yourself! But do you ever get lonely? I mean, I've never been away from my family for longer than a week.
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or certain student).Bokuto takes his shoes off and grabs two pairs of slippers, one for himself and one for Hinata, and grins-]
Well! I recently moved in so my mom has been hanging around to make sure everything's in place. And now you're here! So I'm not lonely. [For now!] Besides, I'll probably spend a lot of time out of the apartment and at the gym in the future so I'll be fine! [He hopes, patting Hinata on the back.]
I have two futons in the bedroom- we can definitively move them to the living room to binge some movies tonight!
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Oh, that makes sense! Here is more for sleeping and stuff like that, you're probably with teams and people a lot during the day. [ It sounds like a dream to be playing so much volleyball every day at such a high level, and it reminds Shoyo of his future goal to go pro, too.
He gasps at the suggestion, eyes getting big. ] That sounds so fun! Mom never lets me sleep in the living room. Ah, I brought a movie in case you wanted to watch it! And, and— [ He scurries back over to his bag and digs around inside before pulling out the scarf that Bokuto had lent to him during Nationals. ] I brought it back!
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Yep! Also it will be great if others want to come and hang out for a while or watch and discuss the games we played. [Bokuto said before, and he'll say it again, that Hinata's potential to become a pro is big. Especially because he doesn't let anything destroy his motivation- that's the biggest thing he has going on for him.]
Oooh! The scarf. [Bokuto laughs, taking it.] I completely forgot about it. I hope it did its duty to keep you warm!
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Handing the scarf over, he smiles up at Bokuto with just a hint of pink dusting his cheeks. ] It did, promise! I... used it a lot during the winter. I hope that's okay!
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His grin eases up into a happy smile- a blush, huh? He doesn't remember seeing Hinata blush ever unless it was from embarrassment when he misses a spike.]
Of course it's fine! That's what the scarf is for! Keep it, [damn, he wants to hug him...] if you like it, that is.
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Still, just being welcome to such an extent makes his heart flutter. Bokuto is so kind and welcoming when others would be more worried about being inconvenienced. ]
Eh, really? Don't you need it? [ Then again, if he only had one scarf and gave it away to Shoyo, he surely would have bought another one soon after. Holding the scarf in both hands and rubbing the material between his fingers, he feels his blush grow hotter at the realization that he really wants to keep it. Maybe it seems trivial, but the memory that comes with being given the scarf is precious, too! It was when they'd discussed dating and Bokuto had accepted Shoyo despite mentioning he liked guys. ] I-I'd really like to keep it, if you're sure it's okay! That night was important to me.
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