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Chapter Text

The MSBY locker room after practice is usually a cloudy mix of shower steam and chaos. By the mirrors are Atsumu Miya and his styling products, judged by Sakusa Kiyoomi, who tightens his mask lest he inhales the toxic gels. Bokuto Koutaro is by the benches, naked and engaged in a conversation with MSBY’s libero about the possibility of the ace wearing an inverse coloured uniform. The rest of the team is as lively -much to the weariness of the team captain. Amongst the boisterous bunch of athletes is Hinata Shouyou, opposite hitter and rookie member, with almost half his head in his locker, smiling shyly at his phone.

“Oi Shouyou-kun yer being awfully quiet after that practice game. Yer usually bouncing off the walls, ready to play 5 more sets,” says Atsumu- still engrossed in his hair care routine but noticed Hinata in the mirror.

“Yeah, Shouyou,” Bokuto agrees, “ You feeling tired, my disciple? I have an excellent method to get yourself pumped –”

“It’s not weird to want to rest after practice, Bokuto,” Sakusa interjects, then looks over at Hinata and asks, “ But it is strange coming from you. Are you sick or something?” Before Hinata can answer, he steps back and zips up his bag. Always the first one to use the showers, he is the only one completely dressed amongst his half-nude team members.

“No, Omi-san. I’m not sick or anything. I just have plans for tonight.”

All three MSBY players swivel their heads to look directly at Hinata. “Plans?” they ask in unison. It’s not that Hinata isn’t allowed to have plans or want to do something else; it’s just odd to think something else would be more important to him.

“Yeah, plans,” Hinata replies. His phone dings, and his focus is shifted, once again smiling and typing.

Atsumu fake coughs, earning him a glare from Sakusa, and says, “ Care to elaborate, Shouyou-kun? Plans could be anything from going out to committing arson,”

“Tsum-Tsum, I told you that was a mistake. You don’t have to bring it up every time,” whines Bokuto.

“Sorry, Bokkun. I just need to ensure Hinata doesn’t follow your lead there.”

“You are one to talk, Miya. As far as I remember, you both were responsible for that incident.”

Hinata is usually hung on every word his senpais have to say, but today his phone is hogging his attention. Something the others, even amidst their dispute on who burnt the living room rug, notice. Another message is delivered on his phone, and Hinata giggles.

“Say Shouyou-kun, who are you texting. They seem awfully interesting,” asks Atsumu mumbling ‘for you to be ignoring us,’ under his breath.

“Huh? Oh, sorry, it’s Kageyama. I think he finally learnt to use emojis, so it’s pretty funny,” Hinata replies while typing.

“Ohh, Tobio-kun. I see. Guess he isn’t such a genius when it comes to type-setting,” Atsumu exclaims, waiting for a reaction to his joke.

Sakusa shakes his head while Bokuto looks confused, stating he doesn’t ‘get it’. Atsumu looks dejectedly into the mirror, saying he shouldn’t have taken it for granted and mentioning Tachiban Falcons ace or something. He is an odd fellow -guess that was one of the requirements to be a part of this team.

Sakusa isn’t one to hang around after cleaning up, but he can’t say he isn’t a little curious. That is how he believes he usually ends up grouped with these three morons: by his own nosiness. In reality, others (his own team) would say he enjoys a bit of gossip and only pretends he doesn’t like to hang around.

“So Kageyama didn’t have practice today?” Sakusa enquires.

“No, he did. He just finished now, so he is texting me.” Hinata supplies. Atsumu- hair now coiffed- and Bokuto- fully clothed- exchange puzzled looks with Sakusa. Although Kagyema is not on their team, they have played with him during the Olympics and have seen his routine. Not once have they caught him on his phone after team practice. They doubt that is something he does on the Adlers.  

“Do those plans you mentioned involve Tobio-kun by any chance?” ask Atsumu, confused because Tobio is in Osaka?

“Um, no, Tobio is still in Tokyo, but I wanted to plan what we will do for Valentine’s next week.”

“Wait. Hold up, did you say Valentines?” asks Sakusa.

“Uh yeah, it’s next week,” Hinata replies.

“I know, but did you say you both will do?”

“Yes?” Hinata replies, confused at the increased number of questions.

“But Shouyou, Valentine’s day is usually for couples,” Bokuto adds. Maybe he needs to talk to him. He doesn’t want his disciple to be disappointed if Kageyama refuses.

“Yeah, what Bokkun said. I mean, I know you guys are close, but –”

“People might think you both are on a date, and no offense but Kageyama—

“Tobio isn’t the brightest when it comes to these things. I think he wouldn’t understand what you are askin –”

“I don’t want my disciple to have his first heartbreak on Valentine’s day.” 

“Wait, wait,” exclaims Hinata, “I don’t understand what is the issue, and what won’t Kageyama understand?”

Hinata looks nervous and clutches his phone between his hands. Before one of those two can make it worse, Sakusa answers, “Hinata. Those two are trying to say that if you ask Kageyama to spend Valentine’s day with you, he might not interpret it romantically and assume it is something between friends.”

Hinata’s brow begins to crease, and Atsumu hastily adds, “ I mean, but if you ask him clearly, and I mean like write it down in black and white, he might get it?” 

“Yeah, Shouyou. Kageyama definitely has feelings for you. I saw it during high school, but he just doesn’t realise it. So it’s best if you are straightforward with him.”

Hinata is still confused. A question mark might appear above his head.

“Sorry, but what are you all saying? Kageyama and I have been dating for six months already. I don’t think he is going to misunderstand.”

Chapter Text

Once the initial shock (“Whaaaat??” “No way. That’s something you tell me.” “How the hell did you two manage to figure that out and date?”) and stupidity (“Can’t believe we were giving you advise to ask Kageyama out”) dissipate comes the questions about them.

“Six months! You and tobio-kun have been dating since,” Atsumu pauses and counts back six months, “since the Adlers match !?”

“Yeah,” Hinata rubs the back of his head. Tobio confessed to me after that game, and of course, I said yes. I have liked that dummy since Highschool.”

“Ha! I knew it,” says Bokuto, who embraces Hinata in a side hug, “ My disciple is dating his high school sweetheart, just like me.”  

“Pfft, high school sweetheart, are not the words I would have used to describe you and Tobio-kun. I mean, no offense, but I met both of y’all in high school. I’m sure Tobio-kun called you a dumbass during the match.”

Sakusa, hardly one to willingly agree with Atusmu, nods his head, “ I mean, from what I saw at the Youth Camp, Kageyama didn’t look like someone who would date or even really knew how to. But I guess we were all focused on volleyball.”

“Well, it is true Tobio didn’t tell me he liked me during those years, but he always showed me, and I knew he was waiting for the right time. And then I went to Brazil, so I think he felt like when I went pro was the correct time.” Hinata explains.

Bokuto, still hugging Hinata, replies, “ See, guys. Don’t you get true love? They were waiting for the right time to be together.”

“Bokkun, you were the one indirectly calling his boyfriend dumb.”

“So were you! Sorry, Shouyou, I didn’t know. I really am happy for you guys. ”

“Yeah. We are, too, Shouyou-kun. As crazy as it seems, congrats to both of you.”

“Congrats,” adds Sakusa.

“Thanks Bokuto-san, Atsumu-san and Omi-san. And thank you for looking out for me even though Tobio and I are already together.”

***

The four of them eventually leave the lockers and head to the dorm, parting ways with Hinata as he heads off to make Valentine’s plans for him and his very-much real boyfriend.

Atsumu has his arms linked over his head, defeating the purpose of the elaborate styling, “So Shouyou-kun and Tobio-kun, I mean they’re both volleyball freaks”- there are hums of ascent-“but like out of volleyball….I wonder?”

“Just spit it out, Miya.”

Atsumu huffs, “ Well, I’m just thinking what we are all thinking. And don’t say you are not Omi-kun. You were just as invested,”

Sakusa looks affronted-dark hair falling into his face.

“What are you thinking about Tsum-Tsum,” asks Bokuto- his practice bag strap hanging from his head.

“Between Shouyou-kun and Tobio-kun, ya wonder, well, if Shouyou-kun might be the one who is more invested? Like he is the one more ‘wanting’ of the relationship?”

There’s no huff or eye-roll from Sakusa, which means his thought is not unsupported. Even Bokuto, who was happy for his disciple, looks off into the distance before saying, “ Shoyou was always the one hanging around Kageyama. It’s not like Kageyama doesn’t like him back, but …maybe Kageyama’s not the flashy type. I know I bought Keji 100 roses when I confessed.”

“Exactly Bokkun! Tobio and the whole 100 roses don’t match. I think Tobio is the type to be like, ‘Oi Hinata, you like volleyball too, I’m gay, let’s date’. ”

This does earn an eye roll from Sakusa, who adds, “Oh, so you’re one to talk, Miya?”

“I think I am Omi-kun. I know how to be romantic and wooing and lay on the charm,” he says, narrowly sidestepping a stray lamppost.

“That’s right Tsum-Tsum. I’ve seen you in action. You are definitely more charming than you look,” says Bokuto.

“Thanks, Bokkun…wait”. They are both two halves of the same idiot.

“Okay, so you mean Tobio isn’t the one who will be lovey-dovey with Shouyou, while Shouyou will definitely be, and also want that reciprocated? ” Saskusa says, finally adding to the gossip discussion.

“Yeah”

“Yep, pretty much.”

“I would expect that pettiness from you, Miya, but Bokuto, you too?” asks Sakusa.

Bokuto fumbles with the strap of his bag, trying to find the correct words.

“It’s not because I don’t like Kageyama. I think he is very talented and respectful. It’s just he seems...what’s the words Keiji uses...ahh, lukewarm when it comes to relationships?”

“I mean, I guess he has only had volleyball on the brain. Must be hard to commit to something or someone else like that,” comments Atsumu.

The other two nod and walk a few steps in silence until Bokuto wails, “Poor Shouyou. It must be hard to date someone who doesn’t have the same love language as you.”

“Or any, for that matter,” adds Sakusa, and Atsumu nearly walks into the next lamppost at that quip.

“So ya agree that Shouyou-kun is dating someone with the romantic sense of a dry towel?”

“I never say that. Don’t put words in my mouth. Why don’t you ask Shouyou if you are so curious?”

“Yes Omi-Omi, that’s a good idea. Then we can help Kageyama be more lovey with Shouyou,” Bokuto says as he pumps his fist.

“Good plan Omi-kun.”

“Wait, no! I never said that. Stop twisting my words.”

But it is too late; two brain cells become one.

Chapter Text

Their loosely crafted but still approved (two to one votes) plan starts early morning in the dorms. Hinata, Sakusa, Atsumu, and Bokuto live in the same dorm thus the plan is relatively easy to start with.

“Morning Shouyou-kun, sleep well?”

“Morning Atsumu-san, umm kind of?”

“Sleep is important. Why are you unsure of how well you slept?” asks Sakusa stumbling into the kitchen, hair amiss and tangled.

“Oh well, because today is a rest day, I stayed up too late talking to Tobio,” Hinata says.

“Oh Okay, well get some rest today then Shouyou-kun,” Atsumu advises.

Hinata thanks him and heads out for his Saturday morning market grocery shopping. As soon as he leaves, Sakusa’s eyebrow raises as he asks, “My room is opposite Hinata’s, and I didn’t hear any late phone call, did you?”

Atsumu, whose room is next to Hinata’s, shakes his head.

“Well, Bo sleeps like a rock, so there’s no use asking him. Why’dya think Shouyou-kun would say that if it ain’t true?”

Sakusa rubs at his eye for a moment, “Probably, he feels like he has to emphasize that Tobio is the type to stay up talking to him.”

“I mean, I did hear the phone ring and Hinata pick up, but he didn’t speak much,”-there’s a long pause as the two athletes try to engage their brains so early in the morning-“So what Tobio-kun was the one doing most of the talking?”

Sakusa shrugs his shoulders, hoping to end the conversation so he can brew a pot of coffee.

***

At around 11am, when Hinata returns and Bokuto wakes up and is caught up with the recent developments, they try again to engage Hinata. The three sit casually in the living room while Hinata packs produce in the kitchen.

“Sooo Shouyou-kun didn’t know you and Tobio-kun are so cute. Staying up late talking, that’s so high school romance of y’all,” Atsumu says from the couch while tapping Bokuto on the shoulder.

“Wha- Oh yeah, Shouyou, is this the first time? I mean, since you only told us you two had been dating yesterday?”

If Bokuto was trying to point out the suspicious timeline, Hinata doesn’t get the implication as he replies, “Heh, no, you’re right, we don’t always call like that, but I guess last night he was just feeling chatty.”

Atsumu looks at Sakusa, both brows raised as he mouthes, ‘chatty my arse’.

Sakusa has spent enough time around Kageyama, mainly since he hung around Ushijima during the Olympics, and Sakusa also gravitated to Ushijima’s calm demeanor. The three of them could sit in silence doing their own task, so he knows chatty is not a word he would equate to Kageyama. He does like that he is quiet and only speaks the necessary (unlike two teammates of his), but he thinks maybe someone as energetic as Hinata would eventually find the three-word sentences a bit cold. He is not too invested in this situation; since Hinata joined MSBY, Sakusa has observed his cleaning routine. He is actually very tidy despite his inclination to be loud, never after 9pm, and Sakusa appreciates that. Okay, maybe he has grown fond of the short spiker, but he still does not want to meddle. If Hinata is happy with Kageyama, it is not his business.

Hinata’s phone rings. It is a new pop song that Sakusa probably will download later- Hinata has good taste; he will never tell him.

“Sorry, guys. I have to take this,” Hinata says as he rushes to his room. The blush on the high of his cheeks tells them about who it is now that they know who he is dating.

“It’s evident that he likes Tobio much more than he is letting on,” Sakusa states as soon as Hinata has closed his door.

“I thought you weren’t gonna get involved Omi-Omi?” asks Bokuto from his floor position.

Sakusa folds his arms and defends his words, “Well, I’m not heartless. Plus Hinata’s playing condition may be affected by his emotions,” Sakusa tacks on, hoping to shift focus on his moment of care for his teammate.

“Aww, Omi-kun is a sap, and he cares about Hinata’s feelings,” Atsumu teases.

Sakusa, instead of retorting, glares at the burn mark on the living room carpet.  

“It’s okay Omi-Omi. We all want the best for Hinata. That’s why we need to stage an intervention,” Bokuto says, standing up and breaking up the tension.

“A what?”

“That’s genius Bokkun!” Atsumu agrees while giving Bokuto a little clap- he actually bows. Two heads, one brain, or two halves per head?

“We just casually talk to Shouyou about Valentine’s day plans and what to expect from a romantic relationship. Before Tobio-kun, Shouyou hasn’t dated anyone, so he doesn’t know any different.” Atsumu elaborates.

He thinks the plan is half decent- never mind, it was Bokuto’s idea. Shouyou-kun is his friend and spiker, and he wants to ensure he is in the best relationship. Sure, he was slightly jealous of Tobio-kun, who got to set for Shouyou, but it doesn’t mean he would let that cloud his judgment now.

He claps once, “Alright, we meet again tonight to stage this intervention. Omi-kun ya in?”

Sakusa breathes deeply before responding, “I guess someone has to make sure you do it right.”

‘He could just say yes,’ think Atsumu and Bokuto.

Chapter Text

There are no foldable chairs and plastic juice cups at this intervention. Instead, Bokuto and Atsumu very naturally turn on the television to the Saturday night movie special, which happens to be a rom-com for Valentine. They are in their pajamas -Bokuto with short pants patterned with hearts and Atsumu with a fuzzy headband. All presents from fans, they would say. Hinata, who cooks a fusion dish in the kitchen, does not question it. Only Sakusa, with his dark sleepwear, looks the odd man out. Nothing could ever convince him to don anything he had not explicitly chosen, washed, and ironed himself.

The ‘intervention’ was supposed to start at 8pm, but those two accidentally became too invested in the movie. Sakusa clears his throat, hoping to bring their plan back on schedule. He does expect to wrap this up before 9.

“Ya got a cough or something, Omi-kun?”Atsumu asks, eyes actually leaving the screen. Sakusa shakes his head and points to Hinata - arms deep into a cooking bowl.

Atsumu gets the hint and begins to very loudly (and unnaturally) talk aloud, “The first guy doesn’t deserve the girl. He isn’t showing her he cares.”

Bokuto, plan forgotten, answers truthfully to the movie plot, “ What are you saying Tsum-Tsum? He definitely cares he is just the shy type.”

“No, Bokkun. If you love someone, show them you want to be with them. Remember? You told us about your very happy and long relationship,” Atsumu prompts Bokuto to remember his lines.

Bokuto is the only one who is in a relationship and thus would have actual experience with this matter. And, of course, Hinata being his self-proclaimed disciple, he would do anything to lead Hinata as the good senpai he is. This apparently encompasses both his professional and personal life. The duties of a master are never over.

Bokuto’s eyes are wide, and his mouth forms an ‘O’ as if he just understood what the plan for the evening was.

He is just as loud and unnatural as Atsumu when he says, “ Yes. Me and my Keiji have been together since my last year in high school. If you liked someone in high school”-he speaks as if trying to physically throw the words in Hinata’s direction- “ it’s easier to romance them. Because you know what they are like as a friend even before you get into a relationship.” 

Hinata has slowed down this marathon cooking since the start of the conversation. Whether it be because he is listening or realised he messed up the recipe and it’s too late now is unknown.

Sakusa attempts to get Bokuto to expand on that thought, “ So what would you say is a relationship then?”

Bokuto thinks for a bit, scrunching up his face as he does.

“It’s definitely something both people actively want and work towards. There are a lot of talking stages and showing you care for the other person. No use if one of the partners feels that way. Then that’s like unrequited, and it’s kinda sad.” Bokuto says, and he frowns as he says that and looks at Hinata in the kitchen.

“Hmm, unrequited is a big word for Miya”-“Hey!”- “Can you tell him what that means?”

“It means the love is only one-sided or unreturned,” comes an answer from Hinata, who has finally placed his tray in the oven and comes to join them in the living room.

“Yeah, that’s what that means,” Bokuto nods sagely.

Atsumu surreptitiously taps Bokuto’s leg, signaling to continue the second part of his advice.

“Keiji is busy on Valentine’s day, but I’m still gonna get him his favourite flowers and take him on a date to the coast when he is free. Even though we both were friends, now that we are in a relationship, it’s more than watching volleyball and eating ramen- though that’s fun with him too,” Bokuto is now starting to ramble on, so it is Atsumu who asks the critical question.

“So, Shouyou-kun, what are your plans for Valentine’s day?”

“Oh, Tobio said I shouldn’t plan anything. He will meet me at the train station, and we can do something together. He said he has it arranged.”

There are three variations of poorly disguised disbelief on Atsumu, Bokuto, and Sakusa’s faces.

***

The three are still skeptical about Hinata’s overcompensation: “He didn’t tell me because he probably wants it to be a surprise…Tobio doesn’t like overly affectionate displays in public….Tobio said he has to pick up something, so it makes sense for me to meet him.”

“A part of me thought Kageyama would understand and match Shouyou’s feelings. I always thought they would get together. You should have seen the way Shouyou used to look at him,” Bokuto says to Atsumu. Both are sitting side by side, sharing a blanket and eating Shouyou’s wild rice risotto (great despite the numerous extra steps).

“I know, Bokkun. I saw it during Interhigh and Nationals.” Atsumu answers.

“Why are you two acting like you are going through a breakup?” Sakusa asks. He is sitting on a separate couch. He would have gone to bed like Shouyou, but the movie’s plot hooked him, and he needs to see it through. Speaking of, Shouyou did seem to bid them an early night just before they could ask him any more questions.

“Because Omi-san, Hinata is our friend. Did you see how quickly he ran off? Maybe he realises the ‘unrequitedity’ of his love?” Bokuto whimpers.

“There, there, Bokkun,” Atsumu placates, “He should realise it sooner rather than later. Ya can’t be with someone half-assing a relationship.”

Sakusa, in a rarity, agrees with Atsumu on this. It is best they leave their relationship and its course alone.

Chapter Text

Of course, even those with iron-clad mental fortitude are weak to the puppy-eyes and wobbling lip of Bokuto.

“We have to, Omi-san. Tomorrow is Valentine’s day, and if we don’t do it, Shouyou will be really sad.”

“Come on Omi-Omi, it’s not like you have a lot of plans for Valentine’s anyway,” adds Atsumu.

“So the reason you are doing this is that you are alone tomorrow,”-Sakusa points at Atsumu- “And your boyfriend is busy with work?”- he points to Bokuto – “ Two grown men with no Valentine’s plans want to meddle with someone else’s relationship?”

“Nooo. We want to just follow Shouyou and see what happens. If Kageyama falls through and disappoints him, his best buds will be there to console him.” Bokuto clarifies as if that way of saying it was way better.

“I also want to speak to Kageyama if that happens, as Shouyou’s teacher,” Bokuto adds.

Sakusa knows Bokuto is protective of Hinata – something about Hinata looking up to him since high school– however, the combination of Bokuto and Miya shit-stirrer Atsumu gives Sakusa a headache. There is no way he can leave the two of them to their own devices.

Sakusa budges and agrees, “Fine. I am coming with you only because I don’t trust either of you.”

“Yay Omi-Omi!”

“Knew you would agree, Omi-kun. You have no plans, and you don’t wanna be left alone,” Atsumu mumbles the last part.

“What did you say Miya?”

“Nothing, nothing. Let’s go pick disguises!”

***

The interesting thing about being roommates with people is that you get to see what their parents taught them should be refrigerated. Another fascinating fact is that you can see what they qualify as keeping a low profile. To Sakusa, it means dressing in all black from head to toe, not an ounce of colour on a heart-themed holiday. Atsumu has taken an utterly polar approach, dressing like an old man on a tropical holiday. And Bokuto, drawing inspiration from Atsumu, opted for a similar style but swapped pineapples for hearts. To be honest, he looks the least conspicuous of the three.  

“Miya, you look like you are taking your grandkids on a cruise,” snickers Sakusa.

“Ya, well, you look like you are gonna rob a bank,” Atsumu retorts.

“Come on, guys, we have no time to argue. Shouyou left 10 minutes ago and said he is meeting Kageyama at 7pm. We need to go now so we don’t lose him.” Bokuto says. Tonight he is the reasonable one between the grandfather and the robber. The two stop their petty squabble, and together, they three head out.

The streets are packed with couples, so being an oddly dressed group of three attracts some looks. Luckily most people seem engrossed in their partners earning some barfing sound effects from Atsumu. 

It’s not hard to catch up and find Shouyou as the only single person meandering the streets of Osaka to the train station. He is also wearing a bright red sweater, which is an easy target to follow. It doesn’t stop them from losing him for a bit as Bokuto convinces them to get some snacks (“We need the energy”).

Almost at the train station, Shouyou stops; in turn, they stop and hide behind a street cart. Shouyou is on call, and they are close enough to lip-read his answers.

‘Oh?’ -pause- ‘Okay’ -longer pause – ‘No, it’s fine, Tobio’ -pause-‘Bye.’ 

Shouyou ends the calls and starts walking in the opposite direction to the station, seemingly heading back to the dorms.

“I knew it!” Atsumu whisper-shouts, “That jackass totally flaked on Shouyou-kun!”

“Noo, poor Shouyou. I can’t see his face, but he is probably so sad,” wails Bokuto.

Even Sakusa, who wasn’t enthusiastic about this plan from the start, feels the lights from the storefronts become a little dimmer and the night air a little colder. No one deserves to get stood up, especially on Valentine’s day. He looks at Atsumu and Bokuto in their bright shirts – as crazy as they seem, their intentions were always good.

“Come on. Let’s follow him home, and then we can …go see a movie or something,” Sakusa says, trying to inject nonchalance into his words.

“Omi-Omi!” “Omi-kun, ya sap.”

“Shut up before I change my mind.”

Chapter Text

Instead of walking back to the dorms like they assume, Shouyou makes a turn heading off towards a park nearby. The park isn’t full of people; most have gone to lively restaurants and cafes for Valentine’s Day-themed food. The three still follow him, ensuring they are not seen. They do not want to have to explain the reason for following him was precisely what had happened.

Hinata continues walking through the park, only stopping at a small circular cobblestone clearing with a fountain. Warm lights are placed along the circumference, and the flowing water makes the overall effect quite intimate.

Atsumu, and Bokuto huddle behind a large begonia bush, while Sakusa stands behind a tree. His dark outfit is suited to staying hidden away from the bustle of the streets.

“Why’dya think he stopped here?” Atsumu asks.

“Dunno? Maybe he wants to be alone for a while. Looks like a private place to clear his head,” Bokuto replies.

“Should we go up to him?”

“No,” comes the answer for Sakusa, “there’s no way we just happened to stumble into him here.”

“Okay okay, so what do we –”

Before Atsumu can finish his question, another figure emerges from the other path. Shouyou has his back to this person who has his hands full. This man, judging by the broad shoulders and impressive height, swoops down and places a kiss on Hinata’s cheek. Hinata’s surprise lasts about a second before he throws his arms around the stranger’s neck. The man picks up Hinata like he weighs nothing, and before three sets of eyeballs are on the floor, the man turns, revealing himself to be non-other than Tobio Kageyama. Tobio Kageyama who dips Shouyou and kisses him passionately on the lips. A grand bouquet of pink peonies is presented to Shouyou. The three jackals are close enough to hear Tobio say very loud and clear, “For you, my love, Happy Valentine’s day.” He kisses Shouyou again; this time, it’s longer and more passionate. The reason for this spot makes sense now as the three try to avert their eyes.

When they finally break apart, Shouyou blush runs to the tips of his ears.

“Happy Valentine’s day, Tobi”-chu- “I missed you so much!”- chu. It’s hard for Shouyou to speak when Kageyama is placing kisses all over his face.

“I missed you too, Sho. I’m sorry I told you to meet in this park. It’s just now that we are pros there’s always going to be some tabloid.”

“It’s Okay, Tobi. I know what you mean”-Hinata snuggles into Tobio’s embrace –“ I love the flowers. Thank you! They are my favourite.”

“I’m glad you like them, but that’s hardly my Valentine’s day surprise.”

Hinata looks up at Tobio with eyes with literal sparkles, “Woahh, really? My Kageyama-kun has become quite the planner. You know, I think my teammates didn’t have high hopes for you.”

In the bushes, Atsumu has to fight off the urge to sneeze as Sakusa looks for a chance to escape. Only Bokuto looks like he is about to whip out his phone and film the tender moment between lovers- flash on.

Tobio raises a brow, “Really? Wait, they know about us?”

“Oh yeah. I told them. Are you mad?”

“Not at all, Shou. I think it’s time we let people know about us. I think we have had enough time to date in peace.”

Shouyou snickers and loops his hand around his boyfriend, “What does that mean?”

“Well, I’ll tell you later, but Ushijima-san and Hoshiumi-san have been dropping not-so-subtle hints that if I don’t make a move, you might decide to date someone else.”

“Bwahahah. It’s a good thing I accepted your confession, then. I mean, it’s hard not to when you basically asked me with this.”

Sakusa and Atsumu’s jaws are on the ground while Bokuto lets out a squeal that could just about pass off as a bat. Hinata reveals a necklace - two gold intertwined hearts -out from under his sweater.

“A promise for the future and a promise to you,” Tobio says as he kisses Shouyou’s forehead.

The lovebirds leave the park for Osaka’s bright streets, leaving behind the three Jackals. They wordlessly regroup as they individually process how incorrect their assumptions were -silently learning and agreeing not to judge based on volleyball skills alone.

“Dinner?”, Atsumu asks.

“Dinner,” “ Sounds good Tsum-Tsum,”

The three also make their way out of the park, heading to a local izakaya to partake in the holiday of love by eating meat and drinking beer. If anything, they are glad their friend is with someone who loves and cares for him. Those with the most apathetic of frowns can often be the biggest sweethearts to those they care for.

***

Epilogue

Tobio’s arrangements turned out to be a dinner at a Portuguese restaurant, followed by a moonlit stroll through the night market, and ended in a 12^th-floor hotel room with a see-through bath. Hinata will leave out the part about the bath when he tells his friends about his night.

Right now, they lie naked on the bed, the sheets bunched at their waist. Tobio has his arm around Shouyou, who is drawing circles on Tobio’s bare chest.

“Do you think we should tell more people? ”

“It’s up to you, Shou. I think, judging by your teammates and mine, most people already assume we should be together.”

Shouyou chuckles, “Yeah. Guess I’m forced to date you.”

“Oi, I’m stuck with you, Boke.”

Shouyou laughs again, “But I’m glad you confessed first because Atsumu and Bokuto-san think I would have a hard time spelling it out for your brain to process.”

Tobio scrunches his face, “Huhh? Why would they assume that?”

“Hmm. I’m not sure”