Archive of Our Own

The bell rang, signaling the end of yet another tedious chemistry class. A tall, blond teen calmly shoved his textbooks into his bag, his mind already drifting to the sanctuary of the library where he could lose himself in the latest Classic Literature books. As he zipped his bag shut, he felt a pang of irritation. His favorite pen was gone. Again.

Tsukishima Kei was the epitome of academic excellence, his sharp mind matched only by his impeccable record of achievements. His signature accessory was a sleek Pilot Metropolitan, a prized possession that he guarded with the utmost care. Yet, despite his diligence, the pen seemed to have a mind of its own, disappearing without a trace every few days, much to Tsukishima's frustration.

Tsukishima sighed, casting a quick glance around the room. It was pointless. The pen thief was a ghost, slipping through his fingers like smoke. He made a mental note to buy another pack of pens on his way home. For now, he'd borrow one from the library desk—again.

Down the hall, a short tangerine colored hair navigated the bustling corridor with practiced ease, avoiding eye contact and slipping through the crowd unnoticed. In his pocket, he felt the familiar shape of Tsukishima's pen—a sleek, black Pilot Metropolitan he seemed particularly fond of. It was the third one he had taken this month, it's not like he needs more pens, he has plenty at home but Tsukishima's pens are just different I guess.

As Tsukishima settled into his favorite corner of the library, he borrowed a pen from the front desk and began scribbling in the margins of his notebook, his thoughts wandering as he doodled. He was determined to catch the thief, but how? It wasn't as if he could put up 'missing' posters for a pen.

"Are you studying again?" A voice so annoyingly familiar woke him up from his daydream. Tsukishima acted like he heard nothing and continued to write something in his notebook, probably equations or something along the line. "Hey, don't ignore me!" The teen said again, a hint of irritation laced his voice.

"What do you want?" Tsukishima glared at the person in front of him, his expression clearly showing his dislike. No matter what he did to get rid of this persistent, puppy-like individual, it just wouldn't sink in. I guess dogs are just that dumb.

Hinata Shoyo, with his infectious laughter and boundless energy, was the embodiment of sunshine, full of life and oozing with hope. His classmates saw only the bubbly boy at the back of the class, never suspecting the storm that raged within him. All except one—Tsukishima Kei, the school's top achiever and Hinata's self-proclaimed hater.

Tsukishima, with his sharp wit and colder demeanor, had always found Hinata's relentless cheerfulness grating. Was it because he is oblivious to the hints that he has been throwing at him or the fact that although it was clear that the other is struggling internally, he persisted in wearing a facade of cheerfulness and prioritizing others over himself? Tsukishima couldn't quite pinpoint the exact reason—perhaps it was a combination of both.

Tsukishima is greatly irritated by him since he simply cannot comprehend why he is acting with such foolish selflessness. Even children could see through his phoney grins and fake reassurances that something was off with him, and he can't stand it. However, people often put themselves first, believing that nothing else matters as long as they are okay. Human beings are selfish, greedy, and vicious creatures. For this reason, Tsukishima detested Hinata, who is the earthly incarnation of an alien. He is an alien puppy with a tangerine colour.

"Don't doodle on my notebook!" Tsukishima's hand connected with the boy's head with a resounding smack, though he immediately took a deep breath, restraining himself from further outbursts. "Why are you always so mean? I just want to draw, I'm so bored. All you ever do is study," Hinata whined, gingerly rubbing the spot where Tsukishima had hit him.

He couldn't fathom why Tsukishima was always picking on him—was it because he suspected Hinata of stealing those pricey ballpoint pens? Shaking his head, Hinata internally panicked, imagining a scenario where Tsukishima discovered his secret and they ended up in a wild chase through the corridors, or worse, Tsukishima shaved his head bald like the principal. 'Nooooooo!' he mentally exclaimed in horror.

Hinata, meanwhile, shook his head frantically and displayed an inscrutable look, which Tsukishima witnessed. In an attempt to block off Hinata, a noisy intruder, he put on his headphones and read some more, murmuring to himself, "Crazy."

As time passed, Tsukishima became aware of an odd silence in the space. Had the extraterrestrial left without saying his customary quirky goodbye? Tsukishima looked away from the pages of Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" to where Hinata was still there, though sound sleeping. Tsukishima sighed resignedly and shook his head for what seemed like the hundredth time.

When did Hinata, the tangerine-hued extraterrestrial incarnate, begin trailing him like a stray pup? The why eludes him, but he's not exactly itching to unravel the mystery. Hinata Shoyo, an oddball with boundless energy, took it upon himself to scale his barriers—a complete breach of privacy. Yet, he can't exactly take legal action against the teen for his wall-climbing antics; it's not as if it's a criminal offense.

"Wake up shrimp, the library will close soon" Tsukishima nudged the boy as he started packing up his things. Staring at the wall clock that showed 6: 00 pm, the blond decided to shake Hinata awake from his peaceful slumber.

They have been here for 3 hours already since school ended at exactly 3: 00 pm in the afternoon. Hinata who just woke up felt like his back was gonna break from his uncomfortable sleeping position. He wiped away his drool and rubbed his blurry eye. Tsukishima, who has been watching him, cringe in disgust.

When the both of them walked out of the library, Hinata bid the librarian goodbye. The dark sky greeting them in return as soon as the two are out of the school building with a cold yet refreshing breeze. "I'm hungry, let's eat pork buns!!" Hinata cheerfully suggested.

Tsukishima couldn't help but roll his eyes at Hinata's insatiable appetite for pork buns. "You're always eating pork buns," he remarked dryly, his breath misting in the chilly air. "I won't be surprised if one day you actually turn into a pig."

While Hinata radiates boundless energy akin to a golden retriever with an orange twist, Tsukishima, in contrast, yearned to retreat home and collapse onto his bed, embracing a state of utter lethargy.

"I won't be surprised too if one day you become a strawberry shortcake" Hinata retorted, bouncing around Tsukishima as if performing some bizarre ritual to make him accept the invitation of getting pork buns. The blond halted him by grabbing his hair, surprised by its fluffiness. Unable to resist, Tsukishima tightened his grip, causing Hinata to cry out in pain. "Ow ow ow ow!! Let go, you bean pole, it hurts!!"

Recognizing his mistake, Tsukishima muttered a half-hearted apology and walked away, leaving Hinata glaring at him while he patted his head to soothe himself from the abrupt assault. "What are you waiting for, you slowpoke? Let's get your pork buns before I change my mind" Tsukishima stated as the bell of the store rang.

Hinata came running behind him with a big grin, he should let Tsukishima grip his hair more, that way he'll feel guilty and buy him pork buns in return.

"Pork buns are the best!" Hinata exclaimed with his mouth full like a squirrel, spitting food while talking. Tsukishima on the other hand showed a disgusting expression "Don't talk when your mouth is full. Gross!!"

Hinata gave him a side eye as a devious grin appeared in his face, making the blond shudder and started running away from the latter who was cackling while happily chasing Tsukishima.

Suddenly, Hinata stopped chasing him, causing the tall blond to halt when he heard a painful, dry cough from the ginger head. "Here, drink some water" He offered, passing the teen his water bottle. Despite his usual reluctance to share personal items, especially things that can easily transport sickness, maybe he can make an exception.

"Thank you," Hinata said with a grateful smile, trying to catch his breath. "Stupid, why did you think chasing me while eating was a good idea?" Tsukishima scolded, flicking his forehead before putting his water bottle back in his bag.

Just like that, the two continued walking home, with Hinata chattering away while Tsukishima ignored him and kept reading his book. "Guess we'll part ways now. See you tomorrow, Eiffel Tower!" Hinata bid his goodbye, enthusiastically waving both arms repeatedly every five meters, as if ensuring Tsukishima was watching him make it home safely.

Tsukishima didn't bother to say goodbye; he simply watched Hinata until he was out of sight. With a sigh, Tsukishima put on his headphones, holding a book in his left hand, and headed straight home.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

The customary morning conversation filled the classroom as students got comfortable in their seats and prepared for yet another lecture day. In an attempt to get the restless teens' attention, the homeroom teacher's voice continued unceasingly. Normally bursting with enthusiasm, Hinata sat hunched over his desk, his face abnormally pale.

Before long, the room was filled with the sound of a dry, unrelenting cough. With his hand across his mouth, Hinata attempted to stifle it, but to no avail. He had been having constant coughing episodes since the morning, and after each one, he would get more exhausted than before.

"Are you okay, Sho?" Yamaguchi whispered from the desk next to him, concern evident in his eyes. Hinata managed a weak smile and a nod, but his body betrayed him as another bout of coughing seized him. This time, it was loud enough to catch the teacher's attention.

"Hinata, are you feeling alright?" the teacher asked, pausing mid-sentence.

Hinata tried to respond, but the words were cut short by another series of harsh coughs. The teacher frowned, worried about creasing their forehead. "Alright, that's enough. Hinata, go to the clinic and rest. You won't be able to focus like this."

Hinata nodded gratefully, slowly rising from his seat. He swayed slightly, but steadied himself with a hand on the desk. Tsukishima, sitting a few rows behind, watched him with a mixture of irritation and concern. Hinata's usual boundless energy was replaced with a fragile, almost vulnerable air that was unsettling to witness.

As Hinata shuffled out of the classroom, the teacher resumed the lesson, but Tsukishima's thoughts remained distracted. He couldn't help but glance at the empty seat where the ginger usually sat, bouncing with enthusiasm.

The hallways seemed longer than usual as Hinata made his way to the clinic. Each step felt like an effort, his head swimming with a mix of exhaustion and the dull throb of a headache. By the time he reached the clinic, he was almost out of breath.

The school nurse took one look at him and guided him to a bed. "Lie down and rest," she instructed gently, placing a cool hand on his forehead to check for a fever. "I'll get you some water."

Hinata sank into the bed gratefully, closing his eyes as the room spun slightly. The cool, sterile air of the clinic was a relief after the stuffy classroom. He could still hear the distant hum of students outside, but it felt like a world away.

As he lay there, trying to regain his breath, he couldn't help but think about the upcoming volleyball practice. Missing a day would set him back, but right now, he could barely keep his eyes open. His body felt heavy, each breath a conscious effort.

Back in the classroom, the lesson dragged on. Tsukishima found himself glancing at the clock more often than usual. Finally, when the bell rang for the break, he stood up, grabbing his bag with a sigh. "Where are you going?" Yamaguchi asked, noticing his friend's unusually hurried movements.

"Just going to check on something," Tsukishima replied curtly, already heading out the door. He wouldn't admit it, but he was worried. Hinata, the ball of energy that never seemed to stop, had been reduced to a coughing, exhausted shell of himself. It was unsettling.

Tsukishima made his way to the clinic, his usual scowl in place to ward off any unnecessary interactions. When he reached the door, he paused, peeking inside. Hinata lay on the bed, eyes closed, breathing shallowly but evenly. The nurse was at her desk, writing something down.

With a sigh, Tsukishima leaned against the doorframe. "Stupid idiot," he muttered under his breath. "Why do you always push yourself so hard?"

Hinata stirred at the sound, cracking one eye open. "- shima?" he croaked, his voice hoarse.

"Just checking if you're still alive," Tsukishima replied, his tone half-joking, half-serious. "Rest up. We need you back on your feet." Hinata managed a small smile, closing his eyes again. "Thanks," he murmured, already drifting back to sleep.

Tsukishima stood there for a moment longer, then turned to leave, his expression softening just a fraction. Maybe, just maybe, he could tolerate this idiot a little longer.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Volleyball, it was a sport Hinata cherished the most. You could even say that his life revolved around volleyball. He started liking the sport when he saw the little giant play, it was winter just like now. The cold breeze made him shiver, but the spark of something he couldn't pinpoint warmed his chest.

Hinata stared at the piece of paper in his hand, biting his lip, trying to stop his tears from falling. Why him of all people? It was unfair.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata stared at the blank ceiling above, his mind wandering like a lost traveller trying to find some solace in this cruel world via the tunnels of his own thoughts.

During these quiet times of loneliness, the world seemed to sit heavily on his shoulders, pressing him down with unspeakable, unfaltering power. Hinata's mind wandered upon the complexity of human nature. He found it quite peculiar about how people were born naked but grew up covered in layers of masks—to hide our true selves behind layers of deceit and deception.

His quiet words, "We learn to pretend," hung thick in the air as he mumbled to himself. "To be what we are not."

His chocolate orbs wandered to the journal next to him, its pages filled with reflections of his innermost thoughts and feelings. It served as a kind of sanctuary, a place where he could take off the many layers of his skillfully crafted facade and expose the raw, unfiltered truth that lay beneath.

However, Hinata was unable to shake the persistent sense of inadequacy that tore at his spirit, not even in this safe haven of his own thoughts. It was a sentiment that resulted from years of trying to live up to expectations—to be strong, deserving, and decent enough in other people's views.

His voice was scarcely audible above a whisper as he observed, "We create not just one image, but many different images according to the different groups of people we associate with."

He thought of his family, his friends, and his teammates—everyone who had helped to mould him into the person he was today.

Everyone had a unique perspective on him, projecting their own expectations, hopes, and fears onto the canvas of his being. Below the surface of perception and expectation, though, Hinata couldn't help but wonder; just who is he really? Underneath the masks he wore like armour, underneath the smiles, the laughter and confidence, where was the real him?

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata was back in the clinic after his temperature went up again, his head was throbbing in pain, a constant buzzing in his ear that never ceased to make his headache worse. This is normal for him though, the dry coughs that felt like he's trying to cough his lungs out, the persistent fevers, fatigues and his mental health deteriorating.

As he lay in the clinic bed, his eyes closed against the harsh fluorescent lights, he allowed himself to drift away from the sterile confines of the room. In his mind's eye, he conjured a vivid image of the gymnasium, the members being chaotic as always and the seniors either laughing or trying to discipline them.

A wave of nostalgia for the seniors who had already graduated hit Hinata as the third semester and the end of his second year came closer. He missed the friendly banter, the mentoring, and the sense of belonging that used to surround the volleyball club. There was a distinct emptiness in their absence, a constant reminder that time waits for no one.

Though Hinata was saddened by the loss of the third-year senpais, he was aware that another change was approaching. He and a few others would be left to continue the club's legacy as the current third years, would soon be stepping into the shoes of departing seniors.

Time had flown by so quickly, like a gust of wind sweeping through the gymnasium. One moment, he was locked outside by his former captain for squabbling with Kageyama, and the next, he was on the cusp of becoming a third year himself.

The once quiet hallway came alive with noise as the bell rang, indicating the end of another boring school day. Students poured out one by one, their voices harmonizing, laughter, chatter, and excited exclaims. It was a stark contrast to the drop dead quiet hallway just moments before.

Among the group of students, Hinata made his way slowly, his steps slightly hesitant as he navigated the bustling crowd. For the past three days, he had found himself excused from classes, sidelined by either fever or persistent coughs that seemed to linger stubbornly despite his best efforts to shake them off.

Hinata wondered if he would be able to continue going to school for much longer if this continues on. The worried looks he received from his teachers and fellow students, the frequent visits to the nurse's office, and the unrelenting symptoms all suggested that he would soon have to stay at home to recover, or possibly even go to the hospital for further examinations.

He doesn't need to go to the hospital though, he already knows what is going on with his body.

Hinata was interrupted in his trance by Yamaguchi's soft voice, "Are you feeling better now, Sho?" He looked up to see Tsukishima and Yamaguchi standing in front of him.

He cheerfully answered, "Yeah, I'm fine!" wanting to reassure his friends. "The nurse said I just need to rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid certain foods that might trigger my cough."

With the ginger's remarks, Yamaguchi sighed with relief, his worry clearly lessening. But Tsukishima's face did not change; his doubtful eyes were fixated on Hinata.

'Merely a cough that persists for two years? Yeah right' Tsukishima thought to himself, his doubt visible in the furrow on his forehead. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Hinata's condition than he was letting on.

As Hinata continued to chatter animatedly with Yamaguchi about volleyball, Tsukishima's thoughts drifted to the countless times the smaller ginger head had brushed off concerns about his health, always quick with a smile and a reassuring word. However, Tsukishima was wise enough to realise that nothing was as easy as Hinata made it seem to be.

'Why do you always keep things from us?' Tsukishima pondered in silence, his eyes resting on Hinata's cheerful facade. It was a question that had been weighing on his mind for some time now, a nagging sense of frustration and concern that he couldn't quite shake. Maybe he is just overthinking things? No, he isn't dumb like other people. There's no cough that lasts two years.

There's only a week left before winter vacation starts, Hinata isn't really fond of it. His family won't be around this Christmas, his mother working overtime everyday and his sister being with their grandparents; leaving him alone most of the time.

Not like he minds the loneliness, he's used to it.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata cautiously entered the house, although he knew his mother wouldn't be back until later, Hinata made sure that none would leave a trace of him going out. He took a warm shower and put his used clothes to the lowest of the laundry basket to avoid suspicion.

It was wrong of him to sneak outside despite his mother's warning about going out, but how can it be helped when he heard from Tadashi that he and Tsukishima were in the park? The ginger head let out a sigh, apologizing to his mom in his head.

Deciding to cook a simple dinner, Hinata sat in the living room with his 'dinner' and the diary along with the pen he stole from Tsukishima. Munching while scribbling, Hinata took his time writing in his diary. This is his third diary since he started writing when he was in the middle of his first year, realizing that he liked the number 11 middle blocker in the team.

It was difficult of course, but he soon found a coping mechanism and that was writing in a diary with a stolen pen from Tsukishima. Yes he's been stealing those metropolitan pens since the first year and they'll be in their third year in a couple of months.

He doesn't really know the reason why he came to like Tsukishima before, but now he is slowly understanding why his chest decided to beat for the blond alone. Unlike the others, Tsukishima was what you could call a blunt, salty person. He does care for people's feelings and by 'people's feelings' Hinata meant people he's only close with.

Though he knew he didn't have any chance with the blond, Hinata still hoped that maybe, just a little, there would be a place in Tsukishima's "People I can tolerate" list. Quite impossible, but at least he isn't alone. Tsukishima's literally his and Kageyama's biggest hater, well that's probably because they're loud mouths and Tsukishima would rather have his peace than two embodiments of energy drinks.

Tsukishima, despite having the worst personality one could have, isn't really that bad once you get to know him. That's probably the reason why Tadashi lasted this long as his best friend. He could still remember how Tsukishima would put a hundred trust in him when the blond couldn't block a ball, that Hinata would be behind him receiving the ball.

The little things he had done not just to him, but the people in the team. It was quite shocking at first to witness, but as time went by, Hinata soon got used to it. Tsukishima wasn't that bad as people labeled him to be.

Munching, Hinata's mind lingered about confessions. Well he won't confess of course, that's just a losing move. If only he was a girl and not Hinata Shoyo, then maybe his chance would increase by five.

Falling in love with Tsukishima Kei was difficult, yet it was a feeling that Hinata would choose above everything else. Loving him wasn't like loving volleyball; Loving Tsukishima feels like falling with life itself, akin to sipping sunlight, feeling its warmth infuse every fiber of his being, as if the world has been painted in vibrant hues that he never knew existed, rediscovering the rhythm of his own heart, dancing to its melody, realizing that every step he take is a step closer to embracing the symphony of life.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata looked outside the window, the trees having no flowers to bloom because of the cold weather. He couldn't help but glance at the blond behind him a couple of chairs to the left; just the usual, Tsukishima was looking outside the window with a nonchalant expression.

He doesn't really know when he developed feelings for the taller male, but here we are, silently taking glances like a teen having puppy love with someone. In his pocket, Hinata gripped the pen he stole from Tsukishima and sighs.

Taking his focus back to the yapping teacher in front, the ginger couldn't help but yawn. He hates school, if only he could just play volleyball his whole life, he would gleefully exchange his soul for it.

After an hour had passed, the bell finally rang. Hinata stood up with a grin, ready to bolt outside to battle with the students in the cafeteria. He wanted to get taiyaki but they sold out fast, if he wanted them then he had to be the first to arrive there.

"Where are you going, Sho?" Yamaguchi's soothing voice made him stop in his tracks.
Just like always, Tadashi is with Tsukishima.

"I'm going to the cafeteria to buy some taiyaki. I gotta hurry before it sold out" Hinata replied with a smile, itching to bolt towards the cafeteria already. "I have a taiyaki in my bag, you can have it" Tsukishima butted in the conversation, pointing at his bag.

Hearing this, the older one was ecstatic. He doesn't wanna mess with a horde of hungry teens in the cafeteria, so hearing this made Hinata fly to the moon. "Thank you, Tsuki! Are you sure I can have it though?"

"Don't call me that will you? And yeah you can have it, I accidentally bought it thinking it was strawberry flavored"

Yamaguchi who was left out in the conversation couldn't help but gaze in at the blond male. How could you mistake a chocolate taiyaki with the strawberry flavored one when the latter is pink?

Deciding to not speak up about it, Yamaguchi stared at the ginger who was happily munching his taiyaki. Other than pork buns, Hinata loves taiyaki a lot; it can be considered as his second favorite food of all times.

"How could someone accidentally buy ten pieces of chocolate taiyaki? Are you perhaps secretly dumb?" Hinata said while eating two taiyaki at the same time.

Tsukishima's left eye twitches, one more drop of water and he'll shave Hinata bald. "Just shut your damn mouth and eat"

Hinata didn't say anything further to avoid agitating the taller male, scared that he'll change his mind and make him puke all the taiyaki he ate instead.

"Shoyo boke!! I've been waiting for you in the cafeteria. You said we'll buy taiyaki together!!" Kageyama barged in their room, the raven was the only one who was assigned to a different class along with Yachi.

The said male who was happily munching his taiyaki flinched at the sound of Kageyama's loud voice, making him choke. Thankfully, Yamaguchi was a sweetheart and passed him a bottle of water. "Uhh about that, Tsukishima offered me his taiyaki. Sorry Tobs, hehe wanna share?"

Kageyama was seething with anger, but calmed down seeing the taiyaki Hinata offered to him. He aggressively snatched it and started munching quietly with a frown.

Tsukishima stared at the two before going back to his seat, uttering a tsk as he gazed back outside the window.

"Why is he salty again?" Kageyama muttered under his breath, continuing to chew the taiyaki he had in his hand.

Hinata shrugged, not really paying any attention to anyone other than the food in his hand. Break will end in a couple of minutes and there's still a few taiyaki left in the plastic bag.

Looking at the clock, he sighs and starts cleaning his mess. The class will start soon, "Hurry up Bokeyama, the teacher will arrive any minute now."

"I'm trying ok," The raven glared at Hinata, almost choking his life away. "Thanks for the taiyaki, let's go home together later, so don't go wandering around like a lost puppy."

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata patiently waited for Kageyama, it was the raven's schedule to clean the room today. Staring outside, he noticed the dark clouds, which looked like it'll rain. He couldn't help but let out a sigh, he forgot to bring his umbrella, what bad luck.

"What are you doing standing there like an idiot?" A familiar voice appeared behind his back, scaring him. "What the- When did you get here?"

Tsukishima stared down at him, raising his left brow, both his hands stuffed inside his pockets. "I've been here for almost five minutes now. Answer my question"

"And you said something just now?"

The blond couldn't help but grip the latter's hair for ignoring his question, though the grip wasn't that hard, Hinata love's to overreact to make the taller male guilty and buy him food in exchange. Tsukishima doesn't know that of course.

"Wah- hey that hurts! I'm waiting for Tobio" Hinata huffs, finally answering the question as he combed his now messy hair.

"King? He already went home"

Hinata was dumb struck, no way in heaven he got left behind by that bull. "Try checking your phone sometime. He said something came up and will be skipping class" Tsukishima shrugged and started walking away from him.

Just like Tsukishima mentioned, Kageyama did indeed leave a message in the group chat saying that he'll skip class because of an emergency and to let the teacher know about it. They weren't even classmates.

Noticing that the other was already walking away, Hinata ran towards the blond, "Hey wait up, let's go home together!!"

Tsukishima didn't bother saying anything and changed back to his outer shoes while Hinata caught up to him, also changing his inner shoes. "It's raining, do you have an umbrella with you?" Hinata inquired, staring at the sobbing sky.

"Tsk, this is all your fault," The taller whispered, massaging his temple. "I can't believe I'm stuck with you"

Hinata gasps in offense, it's not his fault the sky started crying. "It's not like I wanted to be alone with you too, you Stingyshima!!"

Almost twenty minutes had passed yet the rain showed no sign of stopping. The school was already empty, only them were left by now due to not having any umbrellas. "Hey I have an idea" Hinata said, staring at the latter who stared at him with pure skepticism.

"Hey don't look at me like that! My idea will work 101% trust me" He smugly stated, Tsukishima's doubt skyrocketing.

With a sigh, Tsukishima decided to listen to the ginger's plan. They've been stuck here for quite some time now, he wants to go home already. "What is it?"

Happy that the blond was willing to listen, Hinata cleared his throat and said, "We should accept our fate and walk under the rai-"

Hinata didn't get to finish his sentence before Tsukishima whacked him in the head. "What the hell was that for!" Hinata exclaimed, rubbing his head, while the blond only looked away, not guilty at all.

"A stupid idea for a stupid person like you."

Yeah that was what he said ten minutes ago, so why is he under the sobbing sky now with an energetic ball of orange playing in the rain.

He sighs for the nth time, rubbing his glasses which made it more blurry to see. Each drop of rain sits on his skin like a puddle that will never leave, perfectly formed, perfectly cold. The feeling of cold water stealing his body heat just a tiny bit at a time.

It was cold, but refreshing at the same time. The pit pattering of raindrops hitting the concrete, the silence of the area except the laughter of a certain someone gave Tsukishima a feeling he couldn't quite pinpoint.

"What are you standing there Tsuki, come on!" Hinata called out to him with a grin, his orange hair was wet along with his uniform kissing his skin. "You look stupid" He commented with a sly grin, walking towards the smaller male, his splashing footsteps left instantaneous, little ripples behind them, there and gone in moments like snowflakes melting on the first ray of spring.

Hinata splashed Tsukishima with water using his foot, the blond being disgusted by the dirty water crawling in his skin made the ginger laugh more. He wasted no time and chased after the running Hinata, Tsukishima never acted like this before ever since he started acting 25. It felt refreshing to let loose and just enjoy the thrill of the moment.

Catching up to him, the blond pulled Hinata into a playful hug, unable to resist a smirk. Hinata's laughter was loud like thunder, yet it didn't evoke fear but a beautiful melody harmonizing with the pit pattering of the raindrops. With wide eyes, Tsukihima gazed at the boy, his smile expanding like a blossoming springtime flower. He could see how it lit his eyes from the bottom up and permeated every part of him. It was lovely.

Unlike the flawless artificial smiles the teen liked to fling at them, he had never seen Hinata smile with such genuineness before. His laugh was radiant and jovial, like the morning sun peeking through dappled forest.

Tsukishima stared at those honeydew orbs, eyes wide, 'No way...No way I'd think this alien looks cute smiling!'

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

A certain ginger laid in the bed, cold and alone. He recently caught a cold due to walking under the rain in December. His mother had forbidden him from going to school nor even going outside, in worry that his fever might go up again.

'I wonder how the team is doing now'

Lost in thought, a sudden buzz of notification jolted him awake from his trance. Hinata opened his inbox and saw Yachi's message.

[ Yachi ]

: Me and Tadashi are planning on going to the shrine today, you should come too!

Staring at the message for a whole minute, he contemplated. His mother told him to stay at home for the weekend because of his weakening body, but it's not like she'll know right?

[ Hinata ]

: I'll be there in twenty!

Hinata quickly got up off the bed, leaving his phone on the table side and placing his diary inside the lowest part of the drawer. Hastily picking out an outfit and covering himself with a comfy jacket, paired with his green scarf, he immediately left the house, hiding the keys under a flower pot and taking his bike with him.

Hinata pedalled quickly through the deserted neighbourhoods, his breath creating wisps of mist in the cool early air. Despite the frigid temperature, his face cracked in a wide grin, his cheeks flushed with excitement as he approached the familiar sight of the local shrine.

A faint gloom overshadowed Hinata's generally happy demeanour as he pedalled along, knowing that he would have to face his mother's wrath if ever she finds out. Being at the shrine with his friends had proved to be too alluring to pass up, even though he was aware that she had advised him to stay indoors on this frigid winter morning due to concerns for his health and safety.

As he turned to the last corner, the shrine finally came to sight. The torii gate stands out majestically against the wintry background. Seeing his friends gathering near the entrance waiting for him, Hinata couldn't contain his smile as it got bigger, excitedly waving at them.

Yachi waved excitedly back, her scarf fluttering in the breeze, her suitor; Tadashi standing close to her with a warm smile, his long hair not being tied this time. Kageyama stood tall and stoic, his expression changing to a frown as he huff, probably irritated that Hinata took so long to arrive, while Tsukishima regarded Hinata with a raised eyebrow, his expression as cool and composed as ever, his glasses fogging up slightly from the cold.

Yachi said, "Hey, Sho!" with delight in her voice. "You made it!"

As he dismounted his bike and slid to a stop next to his friends, Hinata's breath came out in short gasps. He welcomed each of them individually, beaming broadly and exclaiming, "Of course I did!"

"Do you feel fine now?" The blond girl inquired, worried laced in her voice as she stared at her friend. They've known each other for almost two years now, and she knows whether there is something wrong with Hinata. Just like Tsukishima, she had her own suspicions but didn't show it to avoid making the older one uncomfortable.

Other than his height, Hinata also hated discussing his health. Those who knew him well avoided the topic, even though they wanted to address it. Hinata would always brush it off with his usual smile, a smile so bright it could light up a deserted area. It was frustrating—and wrong, really—for them to ignore it, but what could they do when the person suffering refused to open up? All they could do was offer indirect advice, check on him occasionally, and hope that one day, he would feel comfortable enough to share.

"Yeah, thanks for asking!! It's nothing to worry about, just a mild fever" Hinata replied, patting Yachi's head before inviting them to enter the shrine.

The five of them made their way up the stone steps to the shrine. Snow covered the ground, crunching under their boots, and their breaths formed small clouds in the icy air. Yachi broke the silence, "It's so peaceful here," she whispered, her voice almost lost in the crisp of air as she huddled into her coat, her cheeks pink from the cold.

Tadashi nodded, his eyes reflecting the serene beauty around them. "Yeah, it's nice to get away and just... be for a while."

Kageyama remained silent as usual, his eyes focused on the road ahead. With his hands tucked into his pockets, Tsukishima walked a little bit behind the group, watching his friends with his customary detached demeanour.

When they arrived at the offering place, Hinata took out five yen from his pocket, the cold metal chilling his fingertips. He looked down to see his friends making their offerings and whispering their prayers under their breath. Hinata stepped up, throwing his coin into the offering box, closed his eyes, and clapped his hands together as he silently prayed, 'Please, keep my loved ones happy and healthy,' with a brief expression of sorrow passing across his face before it returned into his signature sunny smile.

The sandy-haired teen who's casually leaning against one of the shrine's pillars, caught a glimpse of the fleeting sadness in Hinata's expression that passed by like a chill breeze. His keen gaze never missing anything, a flicker of irritation painted his countenance. Tsukishima couldn't understand why the ginger always felt the need to hide behind a facade. He's sure that everyone in the circle knew about the precarious state of his mental health yet none of them decided to speak up.

After finishing their prayers, the five of them started their descent, exchanging silly banters here and there, with Yachi, Hinata, and Tadashi leading the conversation. The other two were less talkative, although Kageyama did occasionally raise his voice at Hinata whenever the latter provoked him. The couple chatted happily about their upcoming date, while Kageyama mentioned he was heading straight home to spend time with his sister. Finally reaching the bottom of the shrine, they bid each other farewell and went their separate ways, leaving Hinata and Tsukishima alone.

Hinata didn't ride his bike back home and instead accompanied Tsukishima to walk. He shivered, feeling the gust of cold winter breeze flew past him, the cheerful grin still plastered on his face. "It's nice seeing everyone so happy," he muttered, trying to keep his voice light.

Tsukishima's gaze fell at him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Yeah" he replied shortly. The two walked in silence for a few minutes, the cold air heavy with unspoken words before Tsukishima stopped walking, turning to face Hinata. "You know, you're really starting to piss me off." He said so plainly as if he didn't admit hating the ginger who's frozen in front of him.

Hinata was taken aback to say the least, of course he knew Tsukishima didn't like him that much and he himself knew that he could piss Tsukishima off with just breathing loudly next to him. What he didn't expect is that the blond would confront him about it "Why?"

He stared at Hinata with narrowed eyes, his voice lower than normal and tense. "Stop pretending that everything's fine when it's not. You're allowed to be honest about how you feel and you're not helping anyone by bottling it up"

Hinata's smile wavered, pressing his lips into a thin line while his eyes darted around to avoid Tsukishima's sharp gaze.

"I just...don't want to worry anyone."

Tsukishima felt his face heating up, his frustration boiling over. "You're such a dummy. We wouldn't be worried if you'd just open up once in a while instead of playing the cheerful idiot all the time."

Their circle had been together since their first years and they're months away from entering third year. Tsukishima isn't really the type of person that knows how to comfort people, he's not Tadashi, but he does know about wise words.

Hinata stared at the ground for a while, of course he knew this day would come and yes he also anticipated that it would be either Yachi or Tsukishima that would speak up about this. He just didn't expect it would be this early. "You're completely right, I'm not ok and I tend to hide behind my facade, but I just want everyone to be happy"

A hint of genuine concern broke through Tsukishima's irritation. Ah yes, how could he forget that this is Hinata Shoyo we are talking about? The embodiment of an alien. Why can't he be selfish for once, like how he doesn't want to share his pork buns with Kageyama?

"It's okay to want that, but don't forget you're part of 'everyone' too. We care about you, idiot."

Hinata raised his head, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of vulnerability and resolve. "Thanks, Tsukki. I'll do my best to keep that in mind."

Tsukishima let out a sigh and rubbed his nape. "You don't have to do it alone, you know. We're all here for you. Just... don't be afraid to lean on us sometimes." Hinata's eyes widened, which was unexpected coming from this Saltyshima. He noticed his ear turning red, causing him to smile but this time more genuine "Ok, I'll try."

The two stood there for a bit, Tsukishima feeling awkward from his attempt to console and Hinata grinning from ear to ear. Tsukishima's words made the frigid weather a bit warmer for Hinata as he felt a flicker of hope that perhaps, just possibly, he could start being a little more honest with himself and his friends.

"I like wisteria flowers"

"No one asked"

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

"Where have you been?"

Hinata's eyes widened, his mother's voice was cold unlike the usual warm tone that could give you millions of butterflies. "I- Hello ma, I thought you'll be back later on? How was your wor-"

His mother cut him off, although calm, he knew better that she was seething with anger. "Don't avoid my question, Shoyo. Where were you"

He was left with nothing to go, but come clean. It's not like it was a big deal, but it was indeed his fault for going out without any permission.

"I was with my friends, we went to the shrine. I'm sorry ma, I promise it won't happen again, but I'm really suffocated in here that's why I decided to head out, It was my mistake to go out without your permission" Hinata looked down, frowning as he apologized. He worried his mother yet again.

"You know how dangerous it is for you Shoyo, I'm sorry if I'm keeping you confined in this house. Promise when mama has enough money, we'll treat you and you'll be back to your healthy body again." Mrs. Hinata's voice was full of hope, yet to the younger male, it just seemed like his mother was just convincing herself.

Hinata stared at his mother with pity, "Mama it's fine. It's been two years already. I have learned to accept it, please stop. I'm fine"

"No you're not, please hold on a little more ok baby? Mama will surely earn enough money to make you healthy again" She said, her voice breaking.

Tears welled up in Hinata's eyes, he wasn't ok. It's just so unfair, but it couldn't be helped. He doesn't want to see his mother grovelling and killing herself for money just for him. "Mama, give it up. It's too late already, just focus on yourself and Natsu."

His mother shook her head, not wanting to accept it, why would she accept something so ridiculous? "Don't say that Sho, mama will try harder. I promise you'll be able to hang out with your friends, finish school, enjoy life, and play volleyball again, ok? Mama promises, so please don't say that"

"What is there to try ma! You're overworking yourself, balancing seven jobs!! Natsu isn't even living with us anymore because of me!! Mama please, I'm ok now. I don't have to go to school, I hate school. I'm already hanging out with my friends, I also enjoyed my life to the fullest, and I...I-I don't wanna play volleyball anymore. I just realize it's not really for me. So please mama, accept it already, hmm?"

Hinata engulfed his mother in a tight embrace, he was lying. He wants to return to school and graduate alongside his classmates, he wants to hang out with his friends without being held back, he has so many things he wants to try with this life, he wants to play volleyball until his ginger hair turns white. But it's just so impossible, it's unfair.

"I'm sorry Sho, mama failed you. I'm so sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry"

It breaks his heart to see his mother this broken, he's such a bad kid huh. Making his own mother kneel and cry just because life was unfair to him. It was unfair for Mrs. Hinata too, why his son of all people? Out of 8.1 billion people on earth, why him?

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

A knock echoed in the room, Hinata was too weak to stand up and open the door. Mrs. Hinata knew that too. "Sho? I will be fetching your sister from your grandparents, that way we'll be complete again. Invite your friends if you feel lonely, if you go out, make sure you're with someone and dress warmly. I left foods that will last until I return, help yourself ok? Momma loves you"

Hinata didn't bother to reply back, his eyelids were too heavy to keep it open for even a second. He had been isolating himself in his room. He and his mother talked last night, waking his own mother to a reality he himself couldn't accept was gruelling.

Now here we are, having no tears to cry anymore. It was heavy, Hinata couldn't understand and kept asking God 'Why him?' yet a half of himself crawled into his mind, thanking God that it was him and not other people.

He didn't know being this kind was burdensome. He can't even blame God nor he could ask why it's him of all people without feeling guilty. But if he really was kind, he wouldn't think about things like this, but he's just a teen with many dreams he wants to achieve.

'Thinking about things like this won't help my situation at all. I should think positive. Yeah..positive'

Hinata laid down, staring at the ceiling of his room. Negative thoughts slowly occupy his domain of thoughts. Deciding to sit up cross-legged, his honeydew orbs scanned the room, he was surrounded by volleyball posters and a few scattered textbooks. Hinata stared at his phone, the screen displaying a message from his mother saying she'll be back in five days. He sighs, feeling a pang of loneliness.

"I wish someone was here," he muttered.

Scrolling through his contacts and stopping at Tsukishima's name. He was contemplating if he calls or not, it's not like the latter will pick it up either way. Hesitating for a moment, he finally hits the call button.

The phone rang along with Hinata's chest, this is the first time he's calling Tsukishima not out of school or volleyball stuff, but just because he's lonely. A few seconds later, the receiver finally picked up the phone. "You do know it's already late right?"

Tsukishima's gruff voice yet a hint of irritation made Hinata freeze. Did he perhaps wake the blond male?

"Are you there? If not, I'm hanging up"

"I'm here!! Sorry, did I wake you up?" Hinata inquired, sweat dropping. He called without even bothering to think about the time nor if him calling would disturb the person. How selfish of him. It was quiet for a few seconds in the other line before Tsukishima answered, "I wasn't sleeping, I was studying"

Studying? Tomorrow will be the last day of school before winter vacation starts though? So this is how smart people spend their vacations. No wonder they are smart.

"What do you want? You're wasting my time," Tsukishima said, slightly annoyed.

The ginger was sweating, there's no way Tsukishima would agree to watch a movie with him over studying. Hinata scratched his nape inwardly as he replied sheepishly "I know, I know. I just... I'm kind of lonely. Do you want to watch a movie with me? Over the phone, I mean."

He could hear the other sighing over the phone, yep he'll definitely decline. "And why exactly would I want to do that?"

That question brought hope to Hinata, although it may be a 0.1% chance.

"Because it's "Tangled"! You know, Rapunzel! It's fun, I promise." Hinata excitedly said, his expression the complete contrast of how he was earlier. It must be because he's not lonely anymore.

Tsukishima paused for a bit before sighing in defeat, "You're hopeless. Fine. Let me get my laptop."

Hearing that, the ginger's eyes were gleaming with exhilaration. He couldn't believe Tsukishima would agree to his request this easily. He couldn't help but wonder if Tsukishima got possessed. Hinata could hear the latter setting up his laptop and connecting the call into it. "Alright, I've got it set up. Start the movie" He said reluctantly as Hinata grinned widely, does this count as a movie date?

They synchronize their screens and start the movie. Hinata's room lights up with the vibrant colors of the animated film, his face a picture of pure joy. Tsukishima leaned back in his chair, watching the movie with a skeptical expression.

As the movie progresses, Hinata laughs at the humorous parts and hums along with the songs, while Tsukishima, initially unimpressed, finds himself slowly drawn into the story. "Look Tsuki, the lanterns are so pretty!!" Hinata exclaimed, eyes full of stars.

"Yeah, they're alright." Tsukishima grudgingly agreed. The ginger head stared at Tsukishima who was focusing on the movie, a smile formed in his face, giggling. "You're secretly enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Just watch the movie, idiot." he replied, yet Hinata could see the slight flushness of Tsukishima's ears, making him laugh.

The scene where Rapunzel and Flynn watch the lanterns together captivated them both. Hinata's loneliness was fading away, replacing a warm feeling of connection. Tsukishima, despite his outward indifference, feels a subtle sense of warmth.

The two had reached the climax of the movie, Hinata leaning forward, eyes wide as Rapunzel decided to confront Mother Gothel. Tsukishima finds himself surprisingly invested, despite his earlier dismissive attitude.

"Do you think she'll be fine?" Hinata asked, worried for the girl in the movie. "It's a Disney movie, Hinata. She's going to be fine."

Realizing that Tsukishima was right, the ginger head released a tense sigh of relief. "I guess you're right."

That didn't work. Despite Hinata thinking it's just a Disney movie, he couldn't help but react strongly to the scenes especially when Flynn got injured. Hinata couldn't help but let out a gasp, genuinely concerned. Tsukishima on the other hand rolled his eyes however he couldn't help a small smile at Hinata's earnest reactions.

After a few more minutes, the movie ended, and the credits rolled. Hinata stretched his body and let out a contented sigh. That was a fun watch. "That was great. Thanks for watching with me, Tsukki." Hinata expressed his gratitude to the blond, yawning.

Tsukishima stared at the sleepy carrot top, his voice soft "Yeah, it wasn't bad."

"We should do this again sometime. Maybe next time, you can pick the movie." Hinata suggested with a smile while Tsukishima smirked in return, "Don't push your luck."

They both laugh, and for a moment, the distance between them feels smaller. Hinata's loneliness has been replaced by the warmth of a new, albeit unexpected, tradition.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata is in his usual energetic self during practice, but there's a noticeable extra bounce in his step. Although this day should be sad as this will be the last time he'll ever get to join the volleyball practice, yet he was oozing with happiness.

Kageyama who noticed this raises an eyebrow. "What's up with you today, Boke? You seem extra cheerful."

"Just had a great night, that's all." He answered, grinning.

Tsukishima who overheard this rolled his eyes, but there's a faint smile on his lips. Yamaguchi, standing next to Tsukishima, nudges him. "Did something happen?"

"Nothing important." The blond nonchalantly replied. Hinata, catching their exchange, gaveTsukishima a thumbs-up, the said male pretending to ignore him nevertheless can't hide the small smirk.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata and Tsukishima found themselves eating lunch together, a rare occurrence. Their friends noticed and exchanged curious glances but decided not to comment and left them alone on the rooftop.

"So, Tsukki, what movie do you want to watch next time?" Hinata said excitedly, stuffing his mouth with food. Stopping a cough from resurfacing. "You're assuming there will be a next time."

He gulped the food down first before deciding to speak up, not wanting to disgust the latter and earn himself a smack. With a grin, he remarked "Come on, you know you had fun."

Tsukishima, with a sigh, agreed. "Fine. How about something with more action? Maybe "Howl's Moving Castle."

"That's a great choice!

Their banter continued, their bond growing stronger, surprising even them. As the day progressed, the two unlikely friends found comfort in their new tradition. Hinata who expected his day to be full of sorrow and pain today, was proven wrong by Tsukishima who doesn't even know his effect towards the ginger.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

It has been a few days after the Winter break, having no one in the house but himself, Hinata felt lonely. Mrs. Hinata and Natsu's homecoming were delayed due to the heavy snow on Hokkaido. Letting out a sigh, he laid on the sofa with the tv running in the background. He was bored and lonely at the same time, what a nasty combo to have.

"Should I invite the others?What if they're busy?," Hinata muttered with a sigh.

After contemplating for a few minutes, Hinata chatted with the group chat, containing Yachi, Yamaguchi, Kageyama, and Tsukishima.

[ Hinata ]

: Are you guys busy?

[ Tadashi ]

: Not at all. Is there something wrong, Sho?

[ Kageyama ]

: No

[ Hinata ]

: Do you wanna hang out? I'm bored:(

[ Yachi ]

: I'm with Tadashi right now, we'll head there in a few minutes.

: Do you need anything? We can buy it for you:)

[ Hinata ]

: I'm craving Taho TT TT

[ Kageyama ]

: You've been going around yapping about Taho for the past days

: Buy it yourself

[ Yamaguchi ]

: I don't think they sell Taho in Japan, sorry Sho:,(

[ Hinata ]

: No worries, that was a stupid request anyway. Pork buns or Taiyaki will do for me

[ Kageyama ]

: I'm coming

[ Hinata ]

: Take care!!

: @Tsukishima are you coming?

: If you come, I'll treat you with strawberry shortcake

[ Tsukishima ]

: I'll be there in an hour

Putting aside his phone, Hinata grinned, his eyes lighting up. Opening the cabinet, he pulled out a yellow sweater and three blankets. Not long after, he could hear Yachi's voice calling to him outside the house.

With an excited smile, Hinata leaped three steps through the stairs and opened the door with the biggest smile. Finally, humans.

Yachi latched to Hinata, taking the ginger's smile up to a challenge "Sho, I missed you!!"

"I missed you guys too!! I'm dying out of boredom, thank you for coming!" He smiled, inviting the two inside. "Thank you for inviting us" Yamaguchi sat on the sofa with a satisfied smile, feeling the warmth seeping back into his body.

"Okasan isn't here?" Yachi inquired, looking around the place yet spotting no other ginger haired. "She's in Hokkaido picking up Natsu, they'll return after the heavy snowing pass"

"Open up, boke!"

Hinata heard the raven shout outside, he rolled his eyes and opened the door to greet the other. Kageyama wore a blue jacket that matched his sky-colored eyes, both hands stuffed away in the pockets to avoid the cold.

The latter didn't bother with any greeting and went inside as if he owned the house. They have been friends for almost two years. Hinata's house is like their house with how many times they have been here. He closed the door and went back to the living room, Kageyama talking with Yamaguchi while Yachi was eating beside the green haired male.

He sat on the empty sofa, playing music on the tv as Yachi fed him with chips. "What's taking Tsuki so long?" Yamaguchi said in curiosity. Hinata wondered about that too, the blond said he'll be over here in an hour yet it has been almost two hours but no signs of him coming.

Before Hinata could say anything, a knock was heard. "Speak of the devil." Kageyama muttered, taking a piece in Yachi's chips.

Excited, the ginger went to the door with an eager smile.

"Welcome Tsuk- what's up with the groceries?"

He didn't finish his greeting when his amber eyes fell to the bag of groceries the latter was holding. Tsukishima didn't bother to respond and went inside straight to the kitchen. The other three in the living room watched him with curious eyes. "What are you doing, Tsuki?" Yamaguchi asked, staring at his best friend.

"None of your business"

"Tsk, was your mother craving salt when she had you?" The raven muttered under his breath, allowing the couple to only hear it making them sniffle a laugh.

Hinata went inside the kitchen to accompany the blond, his curious eyes never leaving Tsukishima.

"Are you gonna make something?" Hinata inquired after seeing the content of the plastic bag. "I am, go back to the living room, you're being a nuisance"

He couldn't help but pout, so mean.

"I'll help"

Tsukishima stared at him for a while, making Hinata sweat drop. With a sigh, Tsukishima agreed. "Yoshh!! What are we making?"

The question made Tsukishima stop in his tracks, opening his mouth to say something but stop. Gaining back his composure, Tsukishima answered "We're making Taho"

Hinata's eyes widened in shock. Taho?

Staring at the unbothered Tsukishima, Hinata's smile widened. He didn't expect the younger male would go far as making a homemade taho just because he's craving it. "Stop staring and erase that stupid smile will you? Don't make a big deal out of it. Let's just get started."

Despite his words, Hinata wasn't affected at all, but it only made him happier. "Sorry!!"

Tsukishima's ears were red, avoiding any eye contact with Hinata yet he was calm. Hinata on the other hand, his eyes were filled with gratitude and excitement as he watched Tsukishima arrange the ingredients on the counter. Tsukishima took charge, having done his homework on the recipe.

"Fill this with water and boil it," Tsukishima instructed, giving the ginger a pot. After boiling the water, Tsukishima measured out the tapioca pearls and added them to the boiling water while Hinata stirred the water.

Hinata's gaze locked at Tsukishima who was busying himself with the syrup, "I can't believe you troubled yourself for this" he muttered.

"It's not a big deal. I just didn't want to hear you whining about it anymore. Stop yapping now and keep an eye on the pearls. We don't want them to stick"

Regardless of the man's nonchalant sentence, he could see the small rose tint on Tsukishima's cheeks. Hinata couldn't contain his smile. It was rare for Tsukishima to show such thoughtfulness, and it meant the world to him.

While the pearls cooked, Tsukishima moved on to the sweet syrup. He combined brown sugar and water in a small saucepan and started heating it over medium heat, stirring continuously. "Wow, how come you know how to make taho?"

Tsukishima disregarded the elder and kept stirring the sugar. There was no chance he'd confess that he had researched and experimented with the recipe multiple times ever since he discovered the ginger's craving, patiently waiting for an opportunity like this to come up.

After about 15 minutes, the tapioca pearls were ready. Hinata drained and rinsed them under cold water while Tsukishima carefully ladled the silken tofu into small bowls. "What's next?"

"We assemble it. Pearls first, then tofu, and finally the syrup."

Tsukishima placed five bowls on the counter. The two worked together, spooning the tapioca pearls into the bowls, followed by the soft tofu. Tsukishima drizzled the arnibal over each serving in a fair distribution, making sure to cover the tofu evenly. "This is yours. I'll distribute the bowls to the others"

Hinata stared at Tsukishima, then back at his bowl brimming with arnibal. How is this a fair distribution? A smile spread across his face, his eyes softening as he watched the blond argue with Kageyama. He was falling harder every day, yet he wasn't complaining—not even one bit.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

"What movie do you guys wanna watch?" Yamaguchi inquired, scrolling through the list of movies in the tv. Hinata immediately perked up. "I want to watch 'Tangled'! The lanterns are so beautiful, and the songs are amazing."

Kageyama scowled. "No way! You've watched that millions of times already.We should watch 'Transformers.' It's way cooler with all the action and robots."

Tsukishima, on the other hand, stifled a laugh "What are you, seven?"

Adjusting his glasses, a hint of a smirk on his face. "You both have terrible taste. 'Jurassic Park' is the obvious choice. It's a classic."

Yachi, trying to mediate, chimed in. "Well, I was thinking maybe we could watch 'Barbie.' It's light-hearted and fun, perfect for a cozy night in." Yamaguchi, sitting comfortably with a blanket draped over his shoulders, shrugged. "I'm okay with whatever you guys decide."

The room burst into a lively debate, with each friend passionately arguing for their movie choice. Yachi glanced around, searching for a way to settle the disagreement. At the end they settled with "Bluey" — a cartoon series with three seasons. They ended up watching the whole series up until three am.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Hinata woke up, the world was cloaked in a serene, icy stillness. He watched as the sky gradually shifted from deep indigo to a delicate gradient of soft pinks and oranges, casting a gentle glow over the snow-covered landscape. The room was filled with the remnants of last night's warmth; blankets strewn across the couch, empty mugs of hot cocoa, and the faint scent of popcorn lingering in the air.

A dry cough surfaced, the peaceful morning was filled with stifled coughs from the ginger. Not long, the others woke up from their slumber. Yachi and Yamaguchi, who had been sleeping in the adjoining room, also began to wake. Yachi stretched and yawned, her movements gentle and deliberate as she nudged Yamaguchi. "Let's get started on breakfast. The others will be hungry soon."

Yamaguchi nodded, smiling softly. "Good idea."

As Yachi and Yamaguchi quietly moved to the kitchen, Hinata, Tsukishima, and Kageyama settled into the living room. Hinata wrapped his blanket tighter around himself, trying to find some comfort despite his irritated throat.

The smell of pancakes soon wafted through the house, mingling with the aroma of sizzling bacon and eggs. It wasn't long before the tantalizing scents drew the three boys from the living room to the kitchen.

"Smells amazing," Kageyama said, his stomach rumbling in agreement.

Yachi smiled, placing a stack of golden pancakes on the table. "Breakfast is ready!"

The five ate their fill, the kitchen was kept alive with banters, laughter, and chattering. Kageyama, who lost the rock, paper, and scissors, ended up washing the dishes. "Do you want me to help you?" Yamaguchi offered with a smile.

"Let the king be, he needs to learn the work of the peasants at least once." The blond snickered, earning a few shouts from the said raven.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata was left alone again in the lonely house that seemed to echo with so much laughter and chattering of people that used to step in the household. He smiled faintly, grateful for the joy they had brought him, yet a nagging discomfort in his chest reminded him of the truth he could not ignore.

As he sat down on the edge of his bed, a sudden fit of coughing seized him. It started softly, almost as a whisper, but soon, they escalated into a violent series of spasms that wracked his entire being.The metallic taste flooded his mouth, staining his lips and teeth as crimson droplets splattered onto his trembling hands.

Panic surged through him as he realized his body's betrayal, unable to perform the simple act of breathing without immense struggle. His chest tightened, constricting like an invisible vice squeezing the life out of him. The room seemed to spin around him, clutching at his chest, desperate for a relief that wouldn't come; desperate for the air that has been robbed from him, his amber eyes welled with tears, crimson drops staining his clothes and the floor beneath him.

Weakness enveloped Hinata like a cold, wet blanket. His vision was all blurred out from the tears and dizziness that continued to wack his brain, his strength slipping through his fingers like ghosts with each passing seconds.

With trembling hands, the red head reached out for his diary, which lay on the bedside table. His fingers brushing against its leather cover, knocking over a glass of water and scattering a few loose sheets of paper onto the floor.

Through it all, Hinata's mind raced with fragments of unfinished conversations, unfulfilled dreams, laughter with his friends and the faces of loved ones he wanted to see once more. It was a terrifying loneliness, knowing that no matter how hard he fought, some battles could not be won. "I don't know how much longer I have," he continued, his voice wavering. "But I...I wanted more time" he whispered into the silence, tears streaming down his cheeks.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

In the vast darkness somewhere in his consciousness, Hinata opened his eyes to the world. He's alive. Thank God.

At first, everything was a blur, the white ceiling greeted him along with the smell of a mix of cleaning chemicals and something sterile, like bandages or medicine. It was this weird smell that Hinata couldn't quite place, but it made his nose scrunch up involuntarily.

He tried to move, but his body felt heavy, as if it were weighted down by exhaustion. Memories flooded back— the coughing fits, the blood, the overwhelming darkness that had swallowed him whole. Panic flickered briefly, but then he saw a figure in the corner of the room. A bright bundle of orange came into his view, "Sh-Shoyo-nii is awake!! Mama nii-chan is awake!!" the girl shouted with tears in her eyes, running outside the room.

Minutes passed, two bundles of orange hurried in the room with a doctor in their trail. Both women were crying, muttering 'thank you's'. The doctor examined Hinata who laid on the bed with a dazed expression, making his family worry.

"Can I talk to you for a second, Mrs. Hinata?" The doctor requested.

Both elders went outside the room, mutters of incoherent words from the doctor and a painful sob coming from their mother echoed in the room. It must have been bad news.

Hinata's gaze wandered the room, the bed was surprisingly comfy, with these scratchy sheets that were supposed to be soothing but just felt rough against his skin. There were machines everywhere with blinking lights and beeping sounds that made it feel like Hinata was in some sci-fi movie. The curtains around the bed were this pale blue that was supposed to be calming, but honestly, they just made him feel more trapped.

"Nii-chan, do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? I...Please don't scare us like that" Natsu whispered, her voice meek as if shouting will break her brother like a glass. Hinata stared at his sister with a soft gaze, she's grown much taller now, "Nii-chan is sorry for scaring you two. It won't happen again, I promise so wipe those tears and snot away"

"Hey baby, are you hungry? You've been asleep for four days. Your friends came by yesterday, should I call them for you?" Mrs. Hinata said in a soft voice, hiding the fact that she's having difficulty processing the sudden news given by the doctor.

Four days. It felt like both an eternity and the blink of an eye. He struggled to process the passage of time, wondering what had
happened while he was unconscious.

Hinata grinned, his mother really is the strongest woman in the whole world. He knew what the doctor had delivered to her, Hinata knew his body more than anyone. "I'll call them later, let's eat together for now. I'm famished" He tried to lift the spirit in the room with his usual bright energy.

"Ok, let's do that. Do you want anything you're craving? Mama will buy them for you"

Shaking his head, he said "I would love to taste your cooking right now mama, but I'm really hungry. A curry will do for now"

"I want curry too, mama and milk!" Natsu chimed in, a smile rivalling her brother's. I guess it runs in the blood?

Nodding, Mrs. Hinata left the room to buy some food and maybe groceries along the way. "Hey Natsu, can you grab my phone?" Hinata requested. The said girl obeyed immediately, looking inside the bag that their mother had packed just in case the phone was there.

"It's on the sofa, you dumbass" The older ginger chuckled, pointing at the phone that laid on the sofa visibly. With an embarrassed look, Natsu gave her brother the phone and sat beside the bed.

He dialled the familiar numbers, heart pounding in his chest as he waited for someone to pick up. He probably worried them to death, he wouldn't question it if they told him Yachi almost had a heart attack when the news reached them.

"Hello?" a voice finally answered on the other end, filled with concern and relief.

"Hey, it's me," Hinata managed, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm awake."

There was a collective gasp on the other end of the line, followed by a racket of voices all talking at once. Hinata could hear his friends' excitement and relief, their words tumbling over each other in their rush to speak to him. "Shut up, all of you!!" The voice of the once shy girl turned ocean deep with her shouting like a she-hulk. "Sorry about that Sho, you must've been tired and got greeted with this mess. We'll head there in a few minutes." She stated, her voice becoming normal again.

With a sweat drop, Hinata couldn't hold a giggle that bubbled up. They're still as chaotic as before, he's glad to hear their lively voices. "Ok, I'll be waiting!!"

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

It's only been a few weeks since he woke up, and the ginger head already wants to go home. The hospital was like stepping into a whole other world for him. The walls were this weird shade of pale green that didn't really match anything else. It felt like they were trying to be calming, but they just made everything look kind of sickly. The floors were shiny linoleum that squeaked when others walked, and the weird fluorescent lights buzzing overhead that made everything look harsh and overly bright.

The worst part was the constant noise. People talking in hushed voices outside his room, the squeak of wheels as carts went by, and the occasional distant cry or shout from somewhere down the hall. It was like the hospital never slept, and all he wanted to do was close his eyes and block it all out. In short, Hinata doesn't like this place at all.

During Hinata's stay in the hospital, the tall blond found himself visiting more frequently than he initially intended. At first, he only came because of the others and the sense of duty as a friend, but as days turned into weeks, his visits became something more.

As time goes by, the hospital room that reeked of sterile chemicals and impersonal gradually transformed into a cozy sanctuary filled with imprints of his loved ones. Tsukishima, of course noticed the change each time he walked through the door. At first he never wanted to visit because of the overpowering mixture of antiseptic, deodorizer, chemicals and even he could smell the sadness that lingered in the air.

Those people who cared for Hinata left their own traces in contributing to the change. A small bouquet of fresh flowers sat on the bedside table, courtesy of Yamaguchi and Yachi, who insisted on bringing a bit of nature into the otherwise artificial environment.

Kageyama on the other hand, awkwardly but earnestly, had brought a stack of volleyball magazines and a new volleyball-themed puzzle book to keep Hinata entertained. Kageyama was one of the most visitors of the ginger, the competitive banter of the two were never ending, albeit in a more subdued tone fitting the hospital.

The third years also came to visit despite their packed schedule due to being a freshman in college. Kenma brought a plush bear nearly as big as Hinata, despite Kuroo's protests about the space it would occupy. The big bear was often used as an extra pillow or a source of comfort during restless nights.

Additionally, the Fukurodani power couple visited, bringing a basket of fruits and Bokuto's bright energy that charged Hinata's spirit up to a hundred.

Even Nishinoya and Tanaka, usually the epitome of boundless energies, had brought a calming presence with a playlist of soothing music claiming that it had helped them relax during tough matches.

But it was Tsukishima who found himself bringing something different each time he visited the ginger. It started from the smallest thing to the biggest. Sometimes it was new books that he accidentally came across, with the thought that Hinata might enjoy. Other times it was a bag of snacks he knew were Hinata's favorites, to the point of making a whole container of Taho to share along with the ginger's family who shared the same taste buds as Hinata. They would talk about anything and everything—volleyball, school gossip, even boring topics that filled the silence between them.

Tsukishima really could not understand himself as to why he always kept coming back to this place of profound contradiction. Maybe it was the way Hinata's face lit up everytime he made an entrance, despite the weariness etched in his features. Or perhaps it was the quiet determination in Hinata's eyes, a resolve to recover that inspired Tsukishima in ways he couldn't pinpoint.

Tsukishima sat in his usual chair, pulling out a book he had brought. "I bought coloring books and crayons. You look like boredom is skinning you alive" Tsukishima smirked, passing the plastic bag to Hinata who's amber eyes were filled with stars. "Thanks, Tsuki!! You always know what I need," Hinata expressed his gratitude.

Their conversation flowed easily. They talked about everything, from the latest volleyball techniques to their favorite movies and music. Sometimes, they would lapse into comfortable silence while Hinata colored the new kid's color book Tsukishima had bought him, simply enjoying each other's company.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

The hospital room that Hinata despised so much, despite its sterile appearance, had become his temporary home. The once cold and impersonal pace was now filled with that warmth of his loved once, and today, it was filled with his family. It was late afternoon when his mother and younger sister Natsu arrived, their presence bringing a familiar warmth to the sterile environment.

Natsu, with her boundless energy, had quickly made herself comfortable. She chatted happily with Hinata, her laughter ringing out, bright and cheerful. A delightful contrast to the beeping of the machines, whispers and cries of the hospital.

The ginger boy stared at his sister with a tender smile as she merrily recalled the scenarios of her day. From her volleyball practice, the score she got in a math quiz, how she dealt with someone's bully and even to what she ate that day. Each word, each giggle, a reminder of the normalcy Hinata yearned for.

Mrs. Hinata, who was sitting across from the lovely sibling duo, watched them with a soft smile, her eyes reflecting her tiredness but filled with love and adoration she have for her children.

She had brought a homemade bento, filled with her son's favorite foods, hoping to give him a taste of home that he was robbed of. Sharing a meal together, the simple act of eating reminded Hinata of the warm dinners at home, surrounded by laughter with no beeping of the machines.

As the evening deepened, Natsu's energy depleted. Crawling beside her brother's side, nestling against him as if she belonged there, the youngest ginger head drifted to her domain of dreams. Hinata embraced his little sister gently with a smile but a heavy heart.

The room became quiet, aside from the hum of the medical equipment and the cute snore of Natsu. Mrs. Hinata who was across them moved her seat beside her children, her gaze locking with her warrior son. Her expression strained and worried, she still tried to smile, assuring her that everything will be fine, but the weight of their reality bore down on her.

"Mama..." Hinata said softly, not wanting to wake Natsu up.

His mother's eyes were filled with unshed tears. Nodding, her expression pained. "I know, baby," she tried her best to control her ragged breathing and trembling voice, she had to be strong for her children. "The doctors...said your leukemia is getting worse"

Mrs. Hinata couldn't forlong her facade, her face crumbling along with her composure faltering. Tears welled up in her eyes, reaching her son for his hand, squeezing it tightly. She continued, her voice steady but her heart was breaking. "I'm so sorry, Sho. I wish I could make this go away."

He could see the devastation in his mother's eyes, a reflection of his own fear and sorrow. Hinata's own tears welled up, shaking his head softly "Mama, it's not your fault. You've done everything you could," he said, his voice trembling. "You've always been here for me."

Her sobs broke through, raw and wrenching. She tried to stifle her sobs, not wanting to wake up her daughter who was peacefully sleeping, unaware of the happenings. Yet the pain was too overwhelming to keep.

"I...Mama is sorry baby. I feel so helpless...a mother should protect her child, but I can't even protect you from this." She muttered, clinging onto Hinata's hands as if it were a lifeline. Hinata's heart ached by his mother's words. She's breaking and so is he, yet they can't even get themselves to console each other with false hope.

Hope, a word that is widely used by desperate people. It is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes, it doesn't ensure you the future that you want, it is your desire. His desire to live.

He stroked her hair gently, trying to offer comfort. "You've given me so much strength, Mama. Your love has kept me going."

Mrs. Hinata leaned forward, resting her forehead against his hand. "I just want you to be okay," she whispered, her voice broken. Hinata's tears fell freely, he also wanted to be okay. He doesn't want this illness nor did he want his life to be limited. "I know, mama...I- everything will...It's gonna be okay"

Mrs. Hinata shook her head, her tears spilling over once more. "No, Sho, it's not okay. It's not fair," she sobbed, her voice cracking. She leaned closer, her grip on his hand tightening as if she could somehow anchor him to life through sheer willpower.

"We have to accept it, mama," Hinata said quietly, his own tears brimming."I can't accept it," Mrs. Hinata cried out, her voice a raw wail of anguish. "You're my son, my baby. You should be out there playing volleyball, living your life. Not stuck in this hospital bed, fighting for every breath."

His heart shattered once again at her words. He wanted to comfort her, to take away her pain, but he was powerless. How else could he comfort her own mother when they're in the same sinking boat?

"Ma, you've done everything you could. You've given me so much already." Mrs. Hinata's tears flowed freely, unchecked. "It's not enough," she whispered fiercely. "I want more time with you. I need more time with you. I can't lose you, we can't lose you too, Shoyo. Please, don't leave us."

Hinata reached up with his free hand, gently wiping away his mother's tears. "Mama, I love you. I don't want to leave, but sometimes...things are out of our control."

He wanted to live, he wanted to play volleyball with everyone until he's out of breath from moving so much. He wanted to go to school and study even though he doesn't understand anything, he wanted to try different foods and live past 90, but it is already impossible for that. Mrs. Hinata broke down, her sobs wracking her body, not accepting any of this bullshit. "I would give anything for you, baby. Anything. I would trade my own life if it meant you could stay. Please, God," she cried, looking up as if seeking some divine intervention. "Take my years, take my life, but let my son live."

The young red head tried to swallow his sobs, he had never seen his mother so broken, so desperate. The depth of her love and her anguish was a physical ache in his chest. "Don't say that, mama. You need to be here for Natsu. She needs you."

Shaking her head, clasping her hands as if she was praying. The tighter it was, the stronger it was, she believed. Mrs. Hinata's tears soaked her hand as she wept openly, her cries of anguish echoing in the quiet room. "Please, God," she whispered again, her voice breaking. "Please, give us more time."

Hinata's heart ached with excruciating pain. He wanted to promise his mother that everything would be okay, that he would stay, but he couldn't. The truth was an unmovable barrier between them. Natsu stirred in her sleep, mumbling something incoherent before settling back into peaceful slumber. Hinata looked at his little sister, his heart breaking at the thought of leaving her behind. "Mama, promise me you'll take care of Natsu. She needs you."

Nodding through her tears, she promised "I promise, baby I will. Mama just..." stopping mid way, she bit her lower lip. How pathetic of her, showing her son her vulnerable side and bawling so openly when it should be her son she has to comfort. He's suffering more than anyone, yet she burdened him with her own denial. A mother should be strong, not weak.

"Mama just needs a bit of time to think, go to sleep now it's bad for your health to stay up this late. I love you so much, baby"

Hinata took a deep, shaky breath, his own tears mingling with his mother's. "You're strong, Ma. Stronger than you know. And Natsu will give you strength. Just... remember that I'll always be with you guys. Remember that I love you both so much."

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

The gentle sunlight pierced through the thin satin of the hospital room, waking Hinata up from his slumber. His eyes swollen and heavy from the tears of the night before. His mother's gut-wrenching pleas left a big property in his mind, a haunting reminder of guilt gnawing at him, making it hard to breathe. He hated that his illness was such a burden on his family, that his mother had to sacrifice so much.

Hinata stared at his sister who was peacefully sleeping beside him. He wanted to watch Natsu grow into a fine woman too, get a boyfriend or maybe a girlfriend, form a family and reach her dream as a volleyball player too. Hinata's thoughts turned to his mother. She would already be at work, tirelessly pushing through her exhaustion to cover the mounting hospital bills and Natsu's needs.

If only he didn't have this stupid leukemia, then his mother would have time to breathe without worrying about them nor about money.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

The hospital room had become more than just a place of confinement for Hinata; it was a world where memories were made, friendships deepened, and the essence of life was cherished. Among these memories, those with Tsukishima stood out, blending the lines between patient and visitor, friend and caretaker.

Tsukishima didn't remember exactly when it happened, but one night he found himself sleeping over in Hinata's room. From that point on, his belongings gradually mingled with Hinata's, a toothbrush here, a change of clothes there, until it felt as if he lived in the hospital. The winter vacation offered him the perfect excuse to stay, and so the two boys spent their days together, finding solace in each other's company.

A source to cure their boredom were to watch movies, mostly Tangled, over and over again. Hinata's fascination with Rapunzel's magical hair and the breathtaking scene of the floating lanterns never dwindled.

Each time, the ginger would compare Tsukihima to Rapunzel, despite the glaring differences, Tsukishima could roll his eyes; but a small smile would tug at his lips. "Tsukki, you're just like Rapunzel," Hinata would say, his voice weak but filled with affection.

"Yeah, sure," Tsukishima would reply, his tone sarcastic but his eyes gentle.

But it wasn't all about light-hearted teasing. There were moments when Hinata's illness took a severe toll on him. His chest would tighten, preventing any oxygen to flow, his breathing would become labored, taking almost all of his energy just to breath and he'd cough up blood frequently like breathing. His fevers left him shivering and weak, the fatigue was a constant companion. During these times, Hinata would request one thing from the blond.

"Sing the healing song, Tsukki," he'd whisper, his voice barely audible.

Tsukishima didn't know if it helped, but he would comply, his voice soft and steady. If younger Tsukishima would see him right now, he'll probably prick his eyes to blindness or even bald himself from embarrassment and disgust of his cringe actions.

The song didn't truly help with his suffering, but it provided Hinata a mental spite, a way to convince himself that it was indeed working and the pain was fading, even if just for a moment.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Another week had passed, the hospital staff who were on friendly terms with Hinata were aware of the inevitable, decided to allow the room to be decorated to Hinata's liking. It became a new source of cure to the ginger's boredom from being stuck in the hospital for so long. With Tsukishima and Natsu who eagerly joined in, it became a big project for the trio.

Using many layers of papers, they painted the walls with bright colors and patterns, letting their creative souls let loose. One area was reserved for their handprints. Hinata, Natsu, and Tsukishima pressed their paint-covered hands onto the wall, creating a lasting imprint of their bond, like a family of three. It was a simple act and probably doesn't mean anything to the blond, but it brought immense joy to Hinata.

Tsukishima found himself enjoying the decorating process more than he expected. He especially loved it when Hinata drew on his skin where his burn scars. He wouldn't admit it as embarrassing as it is; to have burn marks because of failed experiments on how to make the foods Hinata had been craving for the past months or the fact that he burnt his hand with glue sticks, trying to make a volleyball scrapbook for the ginger male.

The ginger haired male smiled with his tender eyes. Rampaging his small bag that Natsu gifted him, he took out a soft orange colored marker, Tsukishima watching his every move with confusion. He stared and did nothing, letting the high spirited teen do his work as he felt a cold feeling making contact with his hand.

"Don't worry, I'm a skilled artist," the teen with red hair assuredly remarked, beginning to scribble some little flowers in the high achiever's scars, following in the cicatrix pattern. After a while, Hinata paused, frowning and pouting slightly. "This looks weird...it looks like a weed," he muttered, clearly dissatisfied with his work.

Tsukishima gazed at the haphazardly scrawled illustrations of little flowers on his arms. His eyes soften as he sees the ginger haired teen become upset about his work. While Hinata saw it as nothing additional than weed-like blossoms, yet for him, not even the finest paintings could beat these cute orange colored flowers that traced his scars.

Hinata babbled, his tender comforting smile was a balm to his anxiety. "If you are unhappy with your scars, you can conceal them with this. If it fades away you are welcome to come back to me and once more I'll recreate them again for you." Tsukishima stared at the male, his golden-brown orbs softening, feeling a sense of warmth spreading through him. With a gentle smile, he whispered, "Thank you"

Tsukishima would never admit how much he loved those drawings, the way Hinata's touch made him feel.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

One day, as Hinata was drawing a particularly elaborate flower on Tsukishima's arm, he looked up with a mischievous grin. "Tsukki, do you know what these flowers are?"

Tsukishima smirked. "Weeds, by the looks of it."

Hinata acted offended before laughing, a sound that was music to Tsukishima's ears. "They're not weeds! They're wisteria flowers. They make everything look better. Next time, let's watch the wisteria flowers bloom!"

Tsukishima watched as Hinata's eyes sparkled with delight. Despite the pain and the struggle, Hinata's spirit remained unbroken. It was moments like these that Tsukishima cherished the most.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

As winter days grew colder, the room grew warmer with decorations and memories. Hinata really doesn't wanna think about how much time he has, he would focus on the present things like now. The three of them—Hinata, Natsu, and Tsukishima would spend their days

Tsukishima would find himself singing the healing song to Hinata frequently as time went by. The hospital room felt smaller with each passing day, the walls closing in around Hinata as if they were the only witness to his worsening condition. His leukemia, once a distant threat, now gripped him relentlessly, squeezing the life out of him one symptom at a time. It pained the people around him, seeing him survive instead of living at such a young age.

Eating had become a chore to Hinata. The thing where his love for food, even the simplest meals that he was once would gobble up, now induced Hinata nausea, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth that even water couldn't wash away.

Fevers came and went like uninvited guests, leaving him drenched in sweat and trembling with chills. Nosebleeds had become a routine occurrence, staining tissues red as if it were normal to bleed from within.

But it was the cough that kept tormenting him through his days. A persistent, hacking cough that whacked his frail frame and robbed him of his precious sleep once again. It started as a tickle in his throat as if he was being tickled by a feather from within, escalating into a violent spasms that left him gasping for air like he ran kilometers in a full speed, his chest burning with every painful breath.

One night, the coughing fit was particularly brutal. Hinata lay in bed, propped up by the big bear Kenma had gifted him, his face pale and beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. Tsukishima, who had been dozing in the armchair beside him, woke up with a start.

"Sho," Tsukishima murmured, his voice thick with worry as he reached for a glass of water on the bedside table. "Here, try to drink some."

Hinata weakly nodded, accepting the glass with trembling hands. It hurt so much, Hinata would rather stay asleep everytime, yet coughs would rattle him awake. He took small sips, trying to soothe his parched throat. The blond male watched him closely, feeling a pang of pain in his chest. He also finds it unfair that a free spirited soul like Hinata was kept caged in this small hospital room.

"Do you want me to call the nurse?" Tsukishima asked quietly, knowing it was a futile question. The nurses had done everything they could. There was no cure for what Hinata faced, only palliative care to ease his pain.

Hinata shook his head, his voice barely a whisper. "No... just stay with me, Kei."

Tsukishima nodded, settling back into the chair. He reached out, placing a cool cloth on Hinata's forehead. "I'm here," he said softly. "I'll always be here." Hinata closed his eyes, the exhaustion evident in every line of his face. "Mama... she needs to rest," he murmured, his words slurred with fatigue.

He nodded again, understanding what the ginger meant. Mrs. Hinata had been abusing her body to take care of her family, balancing her seven jobs to pay the hospital bills and to take care of Hinata. Sacrificing her sleep and her own well-being to be by his side knowing that her son doesn't have much time.

Tsukishima had seen the weariness in her eyes, the weight of a mother's love and fear bearing her down, yet just like her own, Mrs. Hinata would hide behind her facade. "I'll take care of you tonight," Tsukishima promised, his voice steady despite the knot of fear in his chest. He gently adjusted Hinata's blankets, tucking them around the ginger with care.

Hinata managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Kei. You're like my own Rapunzel, a guardian angel." Tsukishima chuckled softly, a bittersweet sound in the quiet room. "More like a cranky watchdog," he teased gently.

The ginger haired teen's mile widened lightly, tiredness evident in his eyes, but it quickly faded as another coughing overtook him. The younger one held his hand, offering what little comfort he could as Hinata struggled to catch his breath. "Wisteria...Let's watch them together..." He's getting tired.

Hours passed in agonizing slowness. The night seemed endless, punctuated by the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor and the occasional rustle of movement from the nurses' station.

Tsukishima remained vigilant, his gaze never leaving Hinata's face. The first light of dawn sipped through the thin curtains, Hinata finally falling into a peaceful slumber without the cough disturbing him, exhaustion claiming him despite the pain. Dark bags under his eyes were noticeable, turning darker while his complexion faded to milk; painting a deadly sick look.

Tsukishima watched over him, his own fatigue weighing heavily on his shoulders. But he stayed, silently keeping vigil as Mrs. Hinata finally rested, if only for a few precious hours.

As Hinata slept, his breathing shallow but steady, Tsukishima whispered a silent prayer for peace and comfort, hoping against hope for a miracle that might never come.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

A month had passed since Winter vacation ended.Tsukishima was to return back to school again. His time with Hinata decreased, yet he would always have time to spare for the ginger. Always paying him visits after school, not really caring about how long the distance he has to walk from the hospital to his house. Sometimes the three would come but not as frequently as Tsukishima.

Despite his packed schedule with school hours and volleyball club, the blond would still insert a bit of time to see Hinata, who now slept almost every time. And with each passing day, Tsukishima would stare at the wisteria tree that stared directly at Hinata's room that remained dormant, its branches barren against the backdrop of changing seasons. But as the days grew longer, the air became warmer, giving Tsukishima a hint of hope.

A lot changed in a short amount of time, Hinata who was once boundless of energy was stuck in the hospital bed. Not having any strength left to walk nor even have the energy to eat. His illness was slowly eating the life that he and everyone cherished.

Standing in front of Hinata's hospital room, he never would've thought that there would be a time where Tsukishima would contemplate about entering to see and spend time with the red head or back out to not see him suffer as his body would have difficulties performing the simple act of breathing without immense struggle.

Hinata's gaze wandered to the window, where the morning sun painted streaks of golden light across the sky. Spring is coming, his favorite season, but he knew, deep in his heart, that he would never make it to the day when Wisteria blooms. The signs were there—his body weakening by the hour, the whispers of the medical staff, and the sorrowful glances exchanged between his family and friends.

He doesn't even know why the staff are so attentive to him this week, it was obvious that the inevitable is nearing. It was already a miracle that Hinata lasted this much longer without any chemo or any other solution to his leukemia.

"Natsu..." Hinata whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible. He turned his head to where his younger sister sat, her face pale and streaked with tears. She had been his rock, the brave one who held their family together in the face of uncertainty. How come she didn't notice?

No, she noticed it long before. The reason why their mother sent her to their grandparents was because of Hinata's request, not wanting his younger sister to see him all weak and pathetic. Natsu closed her eyes to the hints, acting like she never felt nor saw anything wrong. Natsu looked up, her eyes meeting Hinata's with a mixture of love and devastation. "I'm here, Onii-chan," she choked out, her voice trembling.

Hinata managed a faint smile, though it pained him to see his sister's anguish. "I'm sorry... for everything," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. 'I'm sorry for promising, yet here I am slowly breaking it in front of you...'

Natsu shook her head, letting her tears fall freely. "No, Onii-chan, don't say that," she pleaded. "You fought so hard... you've always been my hero."

Mrs. Hinata, who had been staying quiet while muttering prayers upon prayers, broke down completely. Collapsing to her knees, she clasped her hands in desperate supplication. "Please, please save my son. Save my baby," she sobbed, her voice raw with grief that she had been holding on for months. "I'll give anything, just give him more time."

Tsukishima watched helplessly, his own grief threatening to overwhelm him. He had seen Mrs. Hinata's strength falter in the face of her son's declining health. She had held on to hope with every fiber of her being, but now even she knew that hope was slipping away.

The door creaked open softly, and Hinata's friends entered one by one. Kageyama, Yamaguchi, and Yachi—all wearing expressions of sorrow and helplessness. They had come despite their busy lives, clearing their schedules to spend whatever time they could with their friend.

Kageyama approached the bed first, his usual stoicism crumbling as he reached out to grasp Hinata's hand. "Hang in there, boke," he managed to choke out, his voice thick with unshed tears.

Hinata, who had been his rival, companion, friend, best friend, and someone who accepted him for who he is, is slowly slipping away from his grasp. Kayegama tried to swallow a sob that was bubbling, biting his lip until it drew blood.

Yamaguchi and Yachi stood beside him, their presence a silent show of solidarity. They had faced battles together on the volleyball court, but this was a battle they couldn't fight for Hinata. Yachi, who has been saved by Hinata like no other, bawled her eyes out, finding comfort in her lover's embrace who was also sobbing. Why is it always good people?

As the day wore on, the ginger male would drift in and out of consciousness, the pain and fatigue relentless in their assault on his frail body. It hurts, it felt like someone was banging in his head, a heavy weight compressing him that left him in a difficult spot to breath. His mother, Mrs. Hinata refused to leave his side along with Natsu who slept beside Hinata, her prayers a constant murmur in the background. Tsukishima stayed close, intertwining their hands together, offering what little comfort he could, his heart breaking with each labored breath Hinata took.

In the quiet moments between visits from friends and family, Hinata reflected on his life. He believed he lived a good, carefree life—the victories on the volleyball court, the laughter shared with friends, and the unconditional love of his family. He had lived fiercely, with a spirit that defied the odds.

As the night deepened, Hinata's breathing grew more labored, each inhaling a struggle against the failing strength of his body. Mrs. Hinata's prayers grew more desperate, her voice rising in a fervent plea for a miracle.

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

A day had passed, Mrs. Hinata who grew tired of praying, but not being answered grew irritated by any minute resulting in them going home for a few hours. Tsukishima doesn't know how many hours had passed, time seemingly slowed down further tiring him out with anxiety.

Tsukishima wouldn't skip classes, but he wished he did. If only he thought further into the future that a possibility like Hinata leaving him early would come, then he would've skipped the entire month and stayed beside the ginger. He wouldn't admit it, but he forced himself to believe that Hinata would survive and live long until his bright orange locks would turn to ash gray.

Tsukishima's heart was heavy with grief as he watched Hinata suffer another night. The red head's breathing grew shallow with each passing seconds, his once energetic and healthy body succumbing to the relentless grip of his illness. With tears streaming down his cheeks, the blond male leans in close, whispering words of love and comfort into Hinata's ear.

It wasn't like he'll hear it anyway. He knew that the ginger's time is close to running out, that he is slipping away from him with each passing moment.

The latter, who knew about Hinata's wish, couldn't help but look outside in desperation. Looking for a sign of wisteria blooming, Tsukishima who was sitting alone by Hinata's bedside, a glimmer of purple catches his eye.

Rising from his chair with a sense of purpose, he rushed to the window, his heart pounding in his chest. And there, against all odds, he sees it; the wisteria tree, bathed in the soft light of dawn, its branch adorned with a delicate purple one blooming flower. Bursting with happiness inside, the blond tried to stir awake the sleeping ginger. "Sho, please," he pleads, his voice cracking with emotion. "You have to wake up. You have to see this. The wisteria trees are blooming, just like you wanted. You can't miss it."

In the quiet cold night, the bleach haired teen decided to carry Hinata's frail body outside into the crisp air, his heart heavy with grief and hope. His actions might seem illegal as he is literally kidnapping the ginger, but he has his reasons.

Carrying Hinata in his back, Tsukishima's vision blurred with unshed tears, his steps longer than he ever could stretch them while calling out Hinata's name like a mantra who was still laid on his back unconscious. With trembling form, he used the emergency fire exit to avoid the security guards.

Upon arriving at the location, the mentioned wisteria tree stands silent and still, its branches reaching towards the sky like outstretched arms, waiting for the first light of dawn to bring its blooms to life.

Underneath the grand wisteria tree, whose branches were just beginning to show the faintest hints of purple, Tsukishima who was carrying Hinata's fragile form, carefully cradled the young teen in his arms, his heart clenching with a desperation unlike anything he's ever felt before."They're gonna bloom now Sho, its showing signs...so please, please I beg you open your eyes"

He's scared, he knew this day would come but he needs more time. Tsukishima needed more time, even if it's a few hours, minutes, even seconds. Just let Hinata see the wisteria bloom, but the ginger remains limp in his arms, his eyes closed as if he's in a peaceful slumber.

Tsukishima's heart clenched with fear as he watched the first light of dawn illuminate the sky, the wisteria tree standing silent witness to his sorrow. He never knew he would get so desperate, now he understand the feeling of Mrs. Hinata who was ready to trade life and soul just for her son to have more time.

Desperation coursed through the taller teen as his trembling hand stroked Hinata's cold cheek, his throat feeling tight, almost as if there's a lump that he can't swallow. "Are you cold? I'm sorry for bringing you here in a hurry without bringing your favorite blanket. I...I know you hate the cold, but bear with me ok? So please, Sho..." he pleaded, staring at the sleeping face of Hinata, his tears pit pattering to the world "You have to wake up. I need you here with me. Please."

Yet there was no response, no flutter of eyelids or twitch of fingers. Hinata laid still, his chest barely rising with each shallow breath. And as Tsukishima watches the first blooms of the wisteria tree burst forth in a cascade of purple petals, he felt his heart shatter into a million irreparable pieces.

Tsukishima's pleas echoed into the stillness of the morning, each word laced with a desperation born of love and despair. His tear-stained face turns skyward, his voice cracking as he begs the wisteria tree for just a little more time.

"Please," Tsukishima implored, his voice breaking as he turned his gaze to the wisteria tree above, his hands clasped together in a silent plea. "Just wait. Give me a chance to wake him up. He has to see this. I'll wake him up. Just give me a chance to grant his final wish. We promised to see it together"

Yet the wisteria tree remained unmoved, its branches swaying gently in the breeze as if indifferent to the blond's anguish. He could not bear with the heartbreak any longer, with a sob, Tsukishima collapsed to Hinata, his body racked with grief and despair as he held the world in his embrace.

"Sho," he whispered, rocking him back and forth, his expression showing anguish. He never knew losing someone would hurt so much, it was as if he died along with him. "Please, wake up. You can't leave me like this. We were supposed to see the wisteria together. Please, open your eyes."

Despite the blond's plea and miserable cries, Hinata never woke up. Tsukishima's heart feels like it's being torn apart, the weight of his grief threatening to crush him. He could feel him getting colder in his arms as seconds passed by, his breath barely visible as if he already left the world. Tsukishima embraced the smaller form tighter, hoping that it would somehow transfer his heat to Hinata.

He closed his eyes, clinging to Hinata, as if sheer willpower alone could stop him from leaving. "God, if you're listening, if there's any mercy in this world, please. Just a few more seconds."

And as the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, illuminating the wisteria tree in a soft golden glow, the wisteria tree begins to stir. Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, the blossoms started to unfurl. One by one, delicate petals opened, revealing a cascade of purple flowers. The scent of wisteria filled the air, a sweet, almost otherworldly fragrance.

"No, no, no, stop, don't bloom yet," Tsukishima looked up, his breath catching in his throat. "I said don't bloom yet!! Shoyo...My frie- my love, my world isn't awake yet...so please don't bloom yet, I beg of you!" He screamed, sobbing as he cradled the cold body of Hinata.

As if the Gods were indeed listening, Hinata, with all his strength left, opened his eyes. He stared at those beautiful amber orbs, not paying attention to the wisteria that bloomed. A soft smile graced Hinata's lips, a tear slipping down his cheek. "Kei...thank you" he whispered, his voice fading. With a final, shuddering breath, his eyes closed, the light within them extinguished.

Tsukishima's world shattered at that moment. A keening wail tore from his throat, raw and broken. He clutched Hinata's lifeless body to his chest, the blossoming wisteria above them a cruel reminder of the beauty Hinata would never fully witness. "Sho, stay with me please," he sobbed, his tears soaking into Hinata's hair. "Please, just a few more seconds. Just one more moment."

His mind reeled, rejecting the finality of the situation. He remembered the spark in Hinata's eyes, the boundless energy, the infectious laughter that once filled the room. All of it gone, snuffed out in an instant. A raw sob tore from his throat, clutching Hinata's body tighter, as if he could hold onto the remnants of his spirit.

"Shoyo, please," he begged, his voice hoarse and desperate. "You can't leave me. You promised... You said we'd watch the wisteria together."

Tsukishima's glasses slipped off his nose, clattering to the concrete, forgotten. His vision blurred, tears streaming freely down his face, soaking into Hinata's hair. His sobs grew louder, wracking his body with a pain that felt like it would tear him apart.

He tried to sing again, the healing song from their favorite movie, his voice trembling and breaking. "Flower, gleam and glow... let your power shine..."

But the words felt meaningless, slipping through his fingers like sand. He pressed his forehead against Hinata's, his body shaking with the force of his grief. "Make the clock reverse...bring back what once was mine."

Holding Hinata's hand, he forced the ginger to clutch his short, blond hair. He knew this won't work but a part of him wanted to try and hope. His breath hitched, a ragged sound in the stillness. "Heal what has been hurt... change the fates' design..."

Tsukishima's voice cracked, and he couldn't hold back the sobs any longer. His wails echoed in the area, disturbing the people in the hospital who were unaware of the situation "Please, Shoyo," he cried out, his voice echoing off the walls. "Please, come back to me...I can't do this without you..."

"I love you," he confessed, his voice trembling. "I love you, Shoyo...I should have told you sooner...I should have told you every day..."

The words hung in the air, heavy with regret and longing. Tsukishima's heart felt like it was being ripped apart, each beat a reminder of what he had lost. He couldn't imagine a world without Hinata, couldn't bear the thought of facing the future alone.

He sang the song again, his voice barely more than a whisper, each word a plea, a desperate hope. "Bring back what once was mine... what once was mine..."

But there was no magic in the world, no fairy tale ending. Tsukishima's voice faded, leaving only the sound of his sobs and the silence of the area. He clung to Hinata, his heart shattered, his soul aching with a loss that felt too great to bear.

The sun stretched on, an endless expanse of light and new hope, a stark contrast to the blond's foothold. Tsukishima stayed there, cradling Hinata's lifeless body, his tears falling like rain. He sang the song over and over, his voice growing weaker with each repetition, until finally, he could sing no more.

In the end, there was only silence, and Tsukishima's broken heart, left to mourn the boy who had brought light and love into his life, now forever gone.

And as the wisteria petals fell around them, mingling with his tears, in that moment of profound loss, Tsukishima felt the weight of his grief crush him like a vice, suffocating him with the knowledge that he will never again see the world through Hinata's eyes.

The first sunrise of April bathed the scene in a golden light, Hinata Shoyo taking his last breath in the embrace of Tsukishima Kei, who lost the world in his embrace.

"Let's watch the wisteria bloom together, so wait for me, mo chuisle"

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Hinata's funeral was a somber affair, a gathering of family, friends, and companions cloaked in sorrow and loss. Tsukishima stood among them, feeling a profound emptiness where Hinata's bright light once shone. It was a hard acceptance, not just for him but for everyone that cared deeply for the ginger, he wasn't special.

After the service, Mrs. Hinata approached Tsukishima, her eyes red from weeping but filled with a gentle warmth. In her hands, she held a small, worn bag—a gift from Natsu to Hinata. "Kei," she said softly, "Shoyo wanted you to have this."

Tsukishima accepted the bag with trembling hands, his heart aching at the sight of it. Mrs. Hinata continued, "Inside, you'll find his diary and some of your old ballpoint pens. He kept them all these years."

Back in the quiet isolated room, Tsukishima sat on his bed, the small bag resting on his lap. He stared at it for a half hour before deciding to finally open it. With a deep breath, he opened the bag, pulling out a tack of well-worn ballpoint pens that he almost made a missing porter for and three diaries, its cover frayed from use. As he turned the first page, he was met with Hinata's familiar, energetic scrawl.

The diary was a chronicle of their shared moments together, filled with moments that Tsukihima had forgotten or taken for granted. Reading the diary made the blond as if Hinata was beside him, retelling their time together with his boundless energy. Each page was a testament to Hinata's bright, unwavering spirit.

One entry described the day they first met, Hinata's excitement palpable even through the pages. Another detailed a particularly tough practice, where Tsukishima's salty encouragement had kept Hinata going. The diary was filled with sketches of wisteria flowers, notes about the future plans they made when they were in the hospital, and heartfelt musings on their relationship.

As he continued to read, Tsukishima's eyes unknowingly filled with tears. He felt Hinata's presence in every word, his laughter, his stupid thoughts, his dreams, and his struggles. The entries became more poignant and raw as the diary progressed, detailing Hinata's battle with illness and his determination to stay strong for Tsukishima and his family.

Tsukishima spent hours reading the three diaries, it brought him sorrow, laughter, nostalgia, and yearning. Finally, Tsukishima reached the last entry. The handwriting was shaky, each letter painstakingly formed. It was dated the day Hinata had collapsed and was admitted to the hospital. Tsukishima's heart shattered into a million irreparable pieces. There, written in Hinata's familiar handwriting, is a confession of love so pure and heartfelt that it takes his breath away.

"I love you."

The letters were crooked and unstable, a clear indication of the difficulty Hinata had faced in writing them. But as Tsukishima's gaze travels to the last few words, his heart lurches in his chest. The ink was running thin, fading into a smudged mess, much like the beats of Hinata's weakening. The thought of Hinata, weak and desperate, using his own blood to complete the confession sends a shiver down Tsukishima's spineheart.

Tears blurred Tsukishima's vision as he traced the uneven lines of the sentence, his grief erupted like a dam breaking, sobs wracking his body with a force that left him trembling. Tsukishima clutched the diary to his chest, his tears falling onto the already tear-stained pages. "Why did it have to be you?" he cried out into the empty room. "Why did you have to leave me?"

The pain was excruciating, a raw, gaping wound that refused to heal. Spending time with Hinata, he unexpectedly became his pillar of strength, the source of his joy and the reason he pushed himself to be better. Without him, Tsukishima felt lost, adrift in a sea of despair. Hinata was a sweet torture that Tsukishima would break every rule there is to experience it again. Shoyo, the one person who could bring him to his knees with a smile—his Achilles heel.

Tsukishima remembered all the times he had caught Hinata sneaking his ballpoint pens, only to brush it off with a smirk. He had known it was Hinata all along but didn't care because it was him.

Now, those pens lay scattered around him, reminders of the countless memories they had shared. Tsukishima picked one up, cradling it against his chest as tears spilled down his cheeks, holding it tightly as if it could somehow bring Hinata back. "I can't do this without you, Sho," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I don't know how to go on."

For hours, Tsukishima sat alone in the empty room, clutching the diary to his chest as he sobs uncontrollably. Each tear that falls is a testament to the depth of his grief, to the excruciating pain that threatened to consume him whole. "I love you too, Sho. I have and will always love you."

━━ 𝗘𝗻𝗱 ━━

𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘥:3

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𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘥
━━ 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 ━━

To mo chuisle, mo chroí, Hinata Shoyo

Five years had passed in a blur since the day you left me in this world. In that time, life had moved on for those who loved you, though your absence lingered like a ghost in their hearts, just like how you lingered in mine.

Your family moved back to Hokkaido after a week of your death, not wanting to stay any longer in the house that you used to warm with your laughter.

Many things happened in a small span of time when you left. The first month after you left us was a blur—a haze of pain, sorrow, and an unbearable longing. I found myself drifting through each day, not really present in the world around me. It was as if a part of me had been ripped away, leaving behind an empty shell that struggled to find purpose.

I spent countless hours staring at the ceiling, lost in memories of your infectious enthusiasm, your bright smile that could light up even the darkest of days. Volleyball had lost its luster without you and I'm sure everyone, especially the best friend you left behind; Kageyama also felt the same. The court felt empty, devoid of the energy and passion that you had brought to every game.

Mrs. Hinata invited me to check your room one last time just in case the hospital will clear out the paint, designs, and every memory that you left there, but I couldn't bring myself to visit the hospital where you had fought so bravely. The thought of seeing that room, preserved in its quiet solitude, was too painful to bear. Instead, I roved aimlessly through the city, searching for something—anything—that would ease the ache in my heart.

Are you disappointed in me? We spent so many days designing that room to your liking, yet I couldn't even get myself to go. But as the days turned into weeks, I began to realize that traces of you were everywhere—in the way the sun cast its golden rays through the clouds, in the laughter of children playing in the park, in the comforting aroma of your favorite ramen shop, in the way the wisteria beautifully gleam under the sunlight, and in the way the pit pattering of the rain brought me peace.

I started to notice the little things that reminded me of you; a volleyball abandoned on a court, a poster announcing a local tournament, even the way the wind tousled my hair just like it used to tousle yours. Each moment was a bittersweet reminder of the time we had shared, and the time that had been stolen from us. I miss you, Sho.

Slowly, reluctantly, I began to open my eyes to the world again. I returned to the volleyball court, not as a player but as a spectator, watching with a mix of pride and sorrow as Kageyama continued to chase his dreams. You're disappointed right? I'm sure you are. I immersed myself in my studies, channelling my grief into a determination to make a difference in the lives of others, just as you had made a difference in mine.

I realized that even though I could no longer see you with my eyes, you were still with me—in every sunrise that painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, in every spring that passed by, in every heartbeat that echoed the rhythm of our time together. I knew that as long as I carried your memory in my heart, I would never truly be alone.

Shoyo, I love you and will always love you.

— Sincerely yours, Tsukishima Kei

━━━━━ • ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ • ━━━━━

Tsukishima Kei had stopped playing volleyball after Hinata's death. If the latter was still here, Tsukishima was sure that Hinata would whack him, but he found himself drawn to a different path. Inspired by the care Hinata had received during his illness, Tsukishima pursued a career in medicine. He specialized in treating leukemia, a disease that had taken his Hinata away too soon.

As a doctor, Tsukishima poured his heart into every patient, but there was one who always remained in his thoughts. After realizing his stupid action of isolation, he went to the hospital and begged them to keep the room as it was but to no avail. He worked blood and sweat and bought the hospital where Hinata had spent his final days, ensuring that the room where his beloved had fought bravely was preserved exactly as it had been. The faded paint on the walls and the three tiny fingerprints left by Hinata, Natsu and Tsukishima served as poignant reminders of a life lost too soon.

But despite his success and dedication to his patients, Tsukishima could never fully escape the grief that had settled in his heart. The pain of losing Hinata, the inability to save him, weighed heavily on his soul. It manifested in a rare, incurable condition—a broken heart, some whispered.

Tsukishima Kei had always been a man of reason and logic. He approached life with a measured skepticism, questioning everything and believing in very little beyond what he could see and touch. Yet, in the end, it was something intangible—an ache in his heart that led him to his final journey.

After years of battling with the grief of losing Hinata, Tsukishima's health began to decline. Doctors spoke in hushed tones of a rare condition—a broken heart syndrome that had no cure. It seemed poetic, in a cruel way, that a man who had dedicated his life to healing others would succumb to a disease caused by emotional pain.

In his final moments, Tsukishima laid in a hospital bed surrounded by those who loved him most. Five years ago, he was just watching Hinata lay on this bed weak and in pain and now he is lying in the same bed. Kageyama, whose rivalry with Tsukishima had blossomed into a deep and enduring friendship, stood silently by his side. Yamaguchi, who was his best friend since childhood and Yachi, now married and expecting their first child, held each other's hands tightly, tears streaming down their faces.

As Tsukishima's breaths grew shallow and his eyes fluttered closed, he felt a peace unlike anything he had known in life. It was as if a weight had been lifted from his chest, that he could finally let go of the pain that had haunted him for so long.

And then, as if in a dream, Tsukishima found himself in a field of brightness. The harsh edges of the hospital room melted away, replaced by soft, golden light that bathed everything in a warm glow. And there, at the end of the field, stood Hinata Shoyo under the blooming wisteria tree.

For a moment, Tsukishima couldn't believe his eyes. Hinata was there, just as he remembered him—bright-eyed, with a smile that could light up the world. Without hesitation, Hinata ran towards him, calling out his name with a joyous shout that echoed through the field.

"Kei!"

Tsukishima's heart soared as Hinata tackled him in a tight embrace. They clung to each other, tears streaming down their faces, overwhelmed with the joy of being reunited after so long apart. Tsukishima buried his face in Hinata's shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of sweat and determination that he had missed more than words could express.

"How come you're here so early...?" Hinata questioned in a hush whisper. Tsukishima, who had been crying in his embrace, found that question hurtful, "Don't say that...I endured five years without seeing the world"

Hinata paused for a bit, his tears that he held, broke like a dam. "Sorry for saying that...I missed you...so much"

"I missed you too, mo chuisle"

Back in the hospital room, Kageyama, Yamaguchi, and Yachi watched with tear-filled eyes as Tsukishima's final breath escaped his lips. His last word was a whispered invocation, filled with both longing and contentment.

"Shoyo..."

A peaceful smile graced Tsukishima's face as he slipped away, leaving behind a world that had known his brilliance and his pain. Kageyama, Yamaguchi, and Yachi cried for their friend, but deep down, they knew that Tsukishima had found the happiness and peace he had yearned for—a reunion with the soul who had forever changed his life.

And as they stood by his bedside, mourning the loss of a dear friend, they couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness too. For Tsukishima Kei had finally found his way back to Hinata Shoyo, where they would be together for all eternity, basking in the light of their enduring bond.

On the other hand, Hinata reached out and gently cupped Tsukishima's face in his hands. Finally, they are together after all that five years of yearning. Hinata's touch was warm and reassuring, a silent reassurance that they were both exactly where they were meant to be. Tsukishima leaned into the touch, closing his eyes as he savored the sensation of Hinata's fingers against his skin. He isn't cold, he is breathing and standing in front of him...He is warm, he's alive.

Hinata leaned forward and pressed his lips against Tsukishima's, it was a gentle kiss, filled with years of longing and a love that had transcended the boundaries of life and death. The world around them seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them and the promise they had made years ago.

As they kissed, the wisteria petals fell around them like confetti, whispering secrets of joy, rejoicing for their reunion. When they finally pulled away, Tsukishima could see tears shimmering in Hinata's eyes, reflecting the same emotions that welled up within his own heart. They stood together, hand in hand, beneath the wisteria tree, surrounded by a gentle chorus of petals that continued to drift lazily to the ground.

And in that moment, Tsukishima remembered the promise they had made—to watch the wisteria bloom together. It was a promise that had been interrupted by fate, but now, in this timeless realm, it was a promise fulfilled.

Foreheads touching, Hinata whispered with tears cascading his cheeks with a smille

"What took you so long, you Satlyshima...but thank you for fulfilling my wish, Kei..."

Chuckling, Tsukishima held Hinata's head, bringing the ginger haired closer.

"I'm sorry for taking so long, Shrimpy. Thank you for waiting."

━━ 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗱 ━━

𝘠𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘦!! 𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 (๑>؂•̀๑)