Archive of Our Own

January, 2013

“Shoyo-kun.”

Osamu turned around just in time to see his brother raise his hand and point his index finger at the orange-haired kid who looked one second away from giving up and sleeping on the court at this very moment.

“One day, I’m gonna set for ya.”

With that, Atsumu turned around, adding that he would beat him and all of Karasuno at the InterHigh before that. Hinata Shoyo stood still with a stunned expression.

Osamu thought this was Atsumu’s way of looking cool despite losing, so he decided to tease him about it.

Still, Osamu knew this was weird. Hinata Shoyo barely had any technique aside from his jump and spike, and some receives that seemed to change the mood of the entire Karasuno team.

The kid barely had any technique, yet it was enough to attract Atsumu’s interest. Atsumu, who called anyone that couldn’t do everything well on court a scrub.

Hinata Shoyo should be a scrub in Atsumu’s eyes. And yet.

“One day, I’m gonna set for ya.”

And yet.

Osamu thought the entire situation a weird result of an accumulation of fatigue, sadness at losing, and satisfaction of playing an amazing game, because, yes, all of his teammates agreed it was one of the best games they have ever played.

Osamu let it slide.

Just the very next day, Kita, Atsumu and him watched as Hinata Shoyo collapsed on court.

It was a terrifying sight, to say the least. How couldn’t it be, when you are seeing someone who had been running rampant on court since day one go down so abruptly?

If Osamu was feeling like this, he didn’t want to know how the Karasuno team felt.

The entire gymnasium watched as Hinata Shoyo cried his eyes out while his coach poured out words to him. It did something to quell the impotence in Hinata’s expression. Osamu wished he could listen, maybe he would look for the tape later.

Hinata Shoyo was guided out by his team’s manager. Just like that, everything resumed, but Osamu was sure everyone felt as though a bucket of iced water was poured on them after watching something like that.

Then, Atsumu spoke.

“It took us, the cats and the seagulls, but that monster was finally taken down.”

Osamu watched the dejected expression on the person who held the same face as his own. It was a rare sight.

“Ya make it sound as if ya need an entire army to take ‘im down,” Osamu elbowed Atsumu’s side with a teasing grin.

Atsumu was about to retort when Kita spoke up, “You may as well need that.” Kita was focused on the match that had resumed minutes ago but he glanced at them before explaining, “We watched a bit of their match against Nekoma, right? It was the start of the second set and everyone looked as though they were in their fifth, especially Karasuno.”

“Well, they were jumping a lot,” Atsumu commented.

Kita nodded, “Karasuno focused on offense while Nekoma on defense. The thing is… Karasuno uses Hinata Shoyo a lot. And it’s understable, we’ve seen he has a lot of stamina and he acts as the perfect decoy. But from what we’ve heard, Hinata Shoyo only started having official matches this year. He–”

“Has no experience of playing consecutive matches,” Osamu finished for him.

“And from what I’ve seen, he seems a very excitable kid and loves volleyball, like Atsumu.” Atsumu looked indignant but he knew better than to protest to something Kita said. “Maybe —this is only a hypothesis— he got so excited, especially since yesterday, he barely rested. My best guess’s he has a fever due to acute exhaustion.”

“Ya mean all the running and jumping around since day one finally caught up to him?” Atsumu asked, brows furrowed, his eyes on the match. Karasuno was not doing well, but they were putting up a fight, making the crowd excited again.

They were playing the same as always, Hinata was subbed with a 2nd year that had subbed the guy with glasses in the Shiratorizawa match back in October. But compared to Hinata, he was your normal player, normal jumping power, normal spiking power, normal everything.

The presence of the decoy that drew everyone’s attention was utterly gone.

“I mean, this could have been prevented if he had rested well. Yer everyday care may seem tedious and boring when ya have more important stuff to think about, but yer body is the one who will always thank you for it. I’m pretty sure Hinata Shoyo will never collapse after this.”

Karasuno lost the match.

They will never know if they would have won with their strongest decoy on the court. It could have happened as much as it could have not.

The next day, it was revealed Hinata Shoyo did, in fact, catch a fever due to exhaustion.

“Nevertheless,” Kita said once they got the news, “it is pretty amazing he managed to play as he did while in the process of getting a fever, and to the point he was at 38° and still jumping like always. I wonder what will happen from now on.” He was smiling, knowing his underclassmen would have a good opponent in their future games.

Nationals ended just like that.

But Osamu knew Atsumu had something on his mind. Osamu felt he shouldn’t ask or else he would regret it.

He never asked and Atsumu went back to normal a few days later.

June, 2013

“Where’s Karasuno?”

“Uh?”

“Karasuno, from Miyagi Prefecture,” Atsumu explained, eyes boring a hole in their coach's head.

Coach Kurosu looked taken aback by Atsumu’s question, but remembering they were defeated by that school some months ago, he understood the interest and answered, “They were defeated in the finals by a school called Datekou.”

Atsumu was about to complain, Osamu knew he was about to, even Suna was ready for it. But it seems he remembered he was the goddamn captain of their team and regained his senses just in time.

He remained silent the rest of practice.

October, 2013

Karasuno won a ticket for the next Spring High.

Osamu could see the stars shining in Atsumu’s eyes as soon as the news landed. He was ecstatic for the entire week of practice. Gross.

He had an inkling as to what really made Atsumu so excited about Karasuno, but he decided to ignore it to prioritize his happiness and sanity.

He wouldn’t touch the subject unless necessary.

January, 2014

“Why’s he like that?” Suna asked, expression so disgusted he may as well have stepped on shit.

Osamu turned to where Suna was looking. It was Atsumu, obviously. He was in a way too great mood. Even the first years noticed and tried their best not to ruin it. In other words: avoiding him or being extremely polite when asking something.

Don’t get anything wrong, by some cosmic power, Atsumu was actually a really good captain who took good care of his underclassmen. But sometimes he was way too honest with his commentary on how to get better or he had these moods where you just knew not to mess with him. Of course, Osamu and the rest of the third years were immune to it and messed with him all the same.

But those extremely good moods were even rarer than his bad moods.

Osamu took one look at Atsumu’s face lightening up with excitement as soon as he spotted Hinata Shoyo and decided to ignore it. There was no way he was getting in the middle of that.

Although, Suna seemed to be having a good time analyzing the scene of Atsumu chatting up with the orange-haired kid.

Inarizaki won against Karasuno.

The game was as exhausting as it had been last year. Osamu wanted a good onigiri. A thousand of them.

He eyed his brother, high on victory but still chatting with Hinata. It wasn’t an intense and dramatic declaration like last year, though. They seemed like pretty good friends even if this was the second time they ever met and one of them just lost against the other.

Atsumu left with his team minutes later. They met up with Kita and Aran who congratulated them on their win.

After they changed into dry clothes, Atsumu told everyone to eat and rest well before their next game in the afternoon. It was Day Three Hell after all.

Kita and Aran joined in their lunch with the rest of the third years. Osamu was envious of their full meal while he had to eat enough to not get sick in their next game. As they ate, Suna asked, completely out of nowhere, “Why didn’t you get his number?”

Atsumu, realizing the question was aimed at him, asked back, “Whose?”

Suna’s eyes widened, then they narrowed just so, studying Atsumu’s expression. When he was done, a smirk curled up on his lips. “It’s nothing.”

Atsumu shrugged and let it go. Osamu, however, had the same realization as Suna.

They were going to have so much fun in a year, once Hinata Shoyo finished high school and started his professional volleyball career.

February, 2016

Okay, it seems it would be in another two years.

“Brazil?” Osamu repeated, as stunned as his brother.

Atsumu nodded, eyes downcast and poking at his food like a child with no appetite. Osamu would be annoyed if he weren’t feeling pity for his brother. He looked so disappointed.

They hadn’t heard of Hinata Shoyo for an entire year after he left high school. Atsumu knew about Kageyama going to the Adlers, but that was it. No news on the orange haired kid who left everyone stupefied for three entire years and made every opponent shudder with just thinking of having to play against Karasuno.

“Be wary of their number 10.” was said in Hinata’s first year.

“Be wary of Hinata Shoyo, but do not put your full attention on him.” was said from Hinata’s 2nd and 3rd year.

Hinata Shoyo was widely known in high school volleyball after his first Spring High. It was a wonder to everyone who didn’t know him personally why he hadn’t started his pro career yet. After all, he had gotten immensely better with all his skills compared to that first year.

He left high school and it was as if he didn’t exist. He was out of everyone’s radar.

That was until Bokuto Koutaro, Atsumu’s teammate in the MSBY, proudly announced to the team his ‘disciple’ was leaving for Brazil to master his skills.

Inunaki retold Osamu about the events of that afternoon.

Everyone was resting or stretching, so Bokuto’s declaration was heard by all of them, making them go quiet for a moment. They already knew Bokuto had an underclassman whom he loved to call his disciple, but they were never too interested to probe further since that meant Bokuto violating their ears.

However, Brazil was insanely famous for their volleyball, that was enough to pick their interest. So, Inunaki asked him to explain.

That was how they found out this disciple of his would be living in Brazil for two whole years to train in beach volleyball, which didn’t make much sense to them until Bokuto explained his disciple’s idea of only two people having to do everything in beach volleyball.

The whole idea was insane. Thomas said he may be the foreigner of the team but he wouldn’t have the guts to live in another country with barely any support and start everything from zero. Everyone agreed with him.

Meian was amazed enough to ask about this disciple’s name.

Once Atsumu heard it was Hinata Shoyo, the guy everyone lost from their radar for an entire year, he choked on the water he was drinking from.

“It was really funny,” Inunaki had commented. Osamu bet it was.

So it seems, Osamu thought as he cooked for his heartbroken brother, we won’t be hearing of Hinata for another two years.

Osamu was gravely mistaken.

After delivering the news about Hinata to Suna, his friend had said, “Give me a week.” and hung up.

It took two weeks for Osamu to find out what he had meant. It came in the form of Atsumu shoving his phone to Osamu’s face right after arriving at Onigiri Miya.

Hinata Shoyo created an instagram account.

It turns out Suna, who plays for the East Japan Paper Raijin, had a Fukurodani alumni, Washio Tatsuki, as a teammate. Washio is a good friend of Akaashi Keiji as they were teammates in their high school days. Turns out, Akaashi gets along really well with Hinata Shoyo and Suna made a few comments here and there to Washio about wanting to know about Hinata’s progress as he was really interested in it. That comment was delivered to Akaashi, who shared the same feelings, and it turned into Akaashi convincing Hinata in creating an account where he could post about himself so all his friends could see it.

Osamu was reminded, once again, about Suna’s desire to watch and record someone in their most embarrassing and scandalous moments.

He wondered how many years of material Suna would gather until he could show it all to Atsumu.

Looking through the account, there wasn’t much posted yet, only a few pics of him and his friends before departing for Brazil. Hinata, Osamu realized, has a lot of friends. One of those being Kodzuken, whom Osamu heard is not only a streamer but also has a high position in Bouncing Ball.

Osamu thought he should never, ever, under any circumstance, get on Hinata's bad side.

After the creation of the account, Hinata didn’t post much from Brazil, probably because he isn’t stuck to his phone 24/7 and is actually using his time to do productive stuff. Not unlike a certain blonde twin of his who is always checking his account in case he finally updates the people from this side of the world about what he’s up to.

Except, when he finally does, it’s with someone else.

“Who the hell is this Oikawa guy?!” is the first thing he shouts when he’s in a school reunion with the Inarizaki volleyball team and, somehow at the same moment he grabbed his phone to check the hour, he received a notification of Hinata posting something.

So the idiot has his notifications on, is the first thing that comes to Osamu’s mind.

But his curiosity got the best of him so he lets go of that amazing teasing material to check on Atsumu’s phone.

There it is, Hinata Shoyo in Brazil. He’s surrounded by the sand and the ocean and there’s a net in the background. It’s at night, though.

Hinata is doing some sort of wild expression to which Osamu immediately snorts. And there, right next to Hinata, there is a taller guy doing the exact same expression.

Look who I found in Rio! says the caption. There are many pictures attached of the two of them together on the beach and eating in a bar.

Osamu will not lie if Atsumu asked, the guy next to Hinata is handsome, like, handsome, handsome.

Hinata tagged the man, which led to Atsumu checking the account, and now they found out that guy is Oikawa Tooru, playing in CA San Juan, and also a player for the Argentinian team. They checked pictures from a few years ago and it seems he used to live in Miyagi. Hinata definitely met him through some match with Karasuno and this guy’s school.

What’s more, Oikawa is a setter. Atsumu was definitely seething.

Osamu would think the two of them as really good friends just by the pictures. They seem to be really chummy together.

However, that proves false when a few comments start appearing. Osamu rechecked the time the pictures were posted. Maybe there are some others who have Hinata’s account with notifications on. He really hopes it’s only to have news of him as soon as possible and not because they have a fat crush on him like his stupid brother.

Anyway, Osamu checked the comments and many of them are, in summary: ??!!. Many of those are from Kageyama, others from Karasuno and Aoba Jousai’s alumni, and a few normal comments like fucking Kodzuken saying “looking good 👍” which is obviously the most liked comment.

Osamu prayed this Oikawa guy wouldn't make many appearances.

September, 2016

Osamu saw more of this Oikawa guy in the last six months than he saw his own mother. And this guy lives on the other side of the world.

“Why’s he always in Brazil? Doesn’t ‘e have a job?” Atsumu muttered under his breath as he picked at his food.

Wanting to be prepared for an onslaught of complaints, Osamu followed and activated Hinata’s notifications. Surprisingly (or maybe not), Hinata followed back and commented whenever he posted something. Atsumu was annoyed despite receiving the same treatment. Or maybe he was annoyed because it was the same treatment all of Hinata’s friends received from him. Some even have the privilege of chatting with him.

Others have the privilege of being one country away from him and being able to visit him once a month. Like Oikawa Tooru.

In fairness, it’s more than likely Hinata and Oikawa got close thanks to the fact they were both Japanese, already acquaintances, and were living in completely different countries from where they grew up.

He only knew those two weren’t close because, out of sheer panic and alcohol, Atsumu called Kageyama asking about those two. Kageyama sounded annoyed as he spoke about his senpai whom he never got along with and played two matches with in high school.

“He’s arrogant, egocentric, immensely hardworking–” and, okay, this was now Kageyama using the opportunity to vent about him but Osamu realized this Oikawa guy was just like Atsumu. But one born in Miyagi and the other in Hyogo.

“And I don’t understand how Hinata can get along with him out of all people. But then again, he could befriend a lion if he put his mind to it.”

And one of them was now friends with Hinata Shoyo while the other moped about this blossoming friendship and had zero contact with him.

Osamu totally understood the friendship between them. Aside from the fact Kageyama said Hinata could befriend anyone, Hinata and Oikawa Tooru were both now on their own and finding a familiar face must have reminded them of home and brought comfort to each other.

Osamu just hoped it was the kind of comfort you gave to a friend who you wanted to cheer up with movies or silly stories.

“Those two definitely fucked.”

If it weren’t for the fact Osamu was in the restaurant he owned and there were senior customers, and Atsumu right in front of him, he would have smacked Suna’s head so hard it would have echoed in the restaurant.

Aran gave him a slight smack, and that would have to suffice for now.

Atsumu, on the other hand, looked completely heartbroken. He froze in his seat with such a shocked expression it made even Kita a bit nervous.

Osamu may hate his brother in the sense he would rather splash him with water than hand him a glass, but he would also give Atsumu his kidney if he needed it. That’s why he tried to salvage the situation. “Ya don’t even know that. They–”

“Osamu,” Suna cut him off. An eyebrow raised in a you’ve got to be kiddin’ look. “Have I ever been wrong about these things?”

And… yeah, Osamu couldn’t deny it. Suna could sense gossip from miles (countries, in this case) away. Especially romance gossip.

So if Suna said two people fucked, those two definitely fucked.

Suna was scrolling through Hinata’s instagram, checking his pictures with Oikawa and other people from Rio. “They ain’t dating, that’s for sure. They seem to be the type to scream their love out. But somethin’ happened. A one time thin’ most likely.”

Osamu, and the rest of the Inarizaki team gathered in Onigiri Miya, eyed Atsumu. It looked like he calmed down with Suna’s words, but the certainty that something happened between Hinata and Oikawa left him a bit dejected.

And, really, Osamu couldn’t really get mad at Hinata. The guy only interacted with Atsumu twice in his life. Hinata was free to do whatever he wanted with his life and his body and nobody could resent him for it.

Still, that didn’t erase the thought of Hinata to please not have a close relationship with another handsome guy he most likely fucked with.

October, 2017

“Ninja Shoyo.”

“What?”

Osamu was already used to Atsumu barging into the restaurant and spitting anything without context in his face. Even his regular customers were used to it. But that never made it any easier to decode his bullshit.

Atsumu spared him the annoyance by explaining, “He’s widely known as Ninja Shoyo now.”

Atsumu sounded extremely proud about the accomplishments of someone whom he barely interacted with in his life. It was like a fan and their idol.

Nevertheless, Ninja Shoyo was an awesome nickname. Osamu bet everything many players were envious of it.

The Strongest/Ultimate Decoy, Ninja Shoyo… Hinata Shoyo was blessed with people who thought of cool nicknames for him.

A year and a half had already passed since Hinata went to Brazil and now he was quite known in the beach volleyball world, so much so he got a nickname.

Atsumu sometimes watched his matches, so Osamu was forced to watch them too. Well, the first time was forced but he was so mesmerized by the ginger head he never minded it again when Atsumu came to him and announced they were going to watch a new match.

But the latest matches caused a new problem.

Hinata had a new partner. That in itself wasn’t weird as Osamu learned beach partners were easily changed so he had seen Hinata playing with others too. This was more common for him since he wasn’t an official beach player.

This partner of his was tall (well, who wasn’t tall next to Hinata aside from Hoshiumi), handsome and, most importantly, saw Hinata everyday.

Since Suna had seen matches with them and had yet to comment on this topic, Osamu wanted to believe he was safe of Atsumu getting heartbroken again.

And finally, one of his prayers was answered.

Three months before Hinata had to come back, there was a post of him in a wedding. The groom being his beach partner with a beautiful blond woman as bride.

He couldn’t wait for Hinata to come back and make his debut as pro, preferably as Atsumu’s teammate.

May, 2018

Osamu had a good streak going with his luck. Or maybe it was Atsumu, but since Atsumu stopped complaining about his love problems Osamu took that as a win.

It was March, Hinata finally came back, and lo’ and behold, he signed up for the tryouts for the MSBY Black Jackals. And he got in.

Hinata not just came back to Japan for good, he also became Atsumu’s teammate. Life was finally illuminating his idiot of a brother.

Still, what really struck Osamu was not this turn of events, but something so simple, so mundane, something he sometimes saw on his customers that came as a couple, on Aran or Kita when they looked at each other.

It was the look.

The kind of look you give to someone whom you’re completely head over heels with.

Osamu just thought Atsumu had a fat crush on Hinata and it would disappear once they met again. He thought wrong, as the evidence lies right in front of him.

He should have known better. Atsumu had been holding feelings for Hinata for five years now. Osamu had just gotten too used to seeing him like that and thinking ‘it’ll pass’ that the idea of it never passing didn’t cross his mind.

It had been a month since Hinata joined MSBY. The first time Atsumu brought him to Onigiri Miya, Osamu was finally able to see the changes Hinata had from the lanky boy he remembered him to be: tan skin, freckles visible due to the amount of time on the sun, filled out thanks to the exercise and diet he is on and charisma not many people held. Hinata held himself with such a confidence even Osamu was envious of.

There was no way Hinata didn’t go through hardships while in Brazil. One wouldn’t be able to hold themselves high just like that.

Since Osamu was quite busy that day, he barely got time to talk to Hinata, but it was enough to think Atsumu would have a hard time getting over his crush.

The next time Hinata and Atsumu came back, Osamu realized he should have thought of the possibility of Atsumu falling even harder rather than falling out.

It was a normal day. Atsumu had not just brought Hinata but Sakusa and Bokuto too. They were eating like normal people while Hinata retold something about his days in Brazil. All three of them listened intently: Bokuto nodding enthusiastically every now and then, Sakusa just looking (but knowing Sakusa, that was enough to know you had his attention), and Atsumu—

Atsumu, who sat next to Hinata, had completely abandoned his food in favor of resting his cheek against his fist and staring at Hinata with one of the softest smiles Osamu had ever seen on his brother.

Osamu had never been as shocked as he was at that moment. The old lady whom he had to serve had to call his name to get his attention back to work. And he did keep his attention on work, while simultaneously stealing glances at his brother whose food would go cold soon if he didn’t eat.

Thankfully, Hinata noticed this and grabbed Atsumu’s chopsticks and placed them on his palm. “Eat,” he said, smiling but with a tone of voice that left no argument.

Atsumu straightened his back. “Yes.” Sakusa rolled his eyes and Bokuto snickered. They seemed used to this.

“How is Akaashi-san doing, Bokuto-san?” Hinata asked.

And, if Osamu wasn’t wrong, it felt as though Hinata diverted the attention from himself just so Atsumu would eat his food.

September, 2018

“He’s so fucking gone, it’s amazing,” Suna commented before slurping on ramen.

The Tachibana Red Falcons and EJP Raijin had a practice match and Osaka was chosen as the meet point. Aran, Suna and a few of their teammates came to Onigiri Miya for dinner.

Somehow, the conversation touched Atsumu and the topic was now about his changed demeanor after Hinata became his teammate.

“I’ve never seen him listen to someone willingly aside from his ma. He only listened to Kita ‘cause he was terrifying,” Aran said excitedly.

“Should we ask Hinata-kun to make Atsumu do embarrassing stuff?” Suna’s eyes lit up with mischief.

Komori chimed in at that moment, “I met with Hinata a few weeks ago. He was hanging out with Sakusa. He’s an angel, he wouldn’t let you manipulate Atsumu like that.”

Osamu agreed with Komori, Hinata was a literal angel. If someone was to be called the personification of the sun it would be Hinata Shoyo and Osamu understood why Atsumu had fallen so hard for him. Not that he held the same feelings, but he understood.

However, what caught Osamu’s attention was something else.

“He was hanging out with Sakusa?” He really hoped his tone didn’t let the others know how desperate he was.

Hinata hanging out with friends was normal. Atsumu was extremely jealous yet he didn’t show it to Hinata himself but complained to Osamu. It was normal.

What wasn’t normal was Sakusa fucking Kiyoomi hanging out with someone that wasn’t his cousin. And since they were both adults now, Sakusa was barely seen with anyone aside from his teammates on the court. So forgive Osamu to be surprised that now Sakusa got along with Hinata. Which, fair, Hinata, from what Osamu saw the past months, had a high interpersonal intelligence. He respected everyone’s boundaries and was respectful to everyone. It seemed Sakusa wasn’t immune to him either.

But this turn of events was so foreign Osamu somehow ended up thinking ‘What if Sakusa ends up liking Hinata?’ and wouldn’t that be wonderful? Two teammates fighting for the love of their most popular teammate. (Please note his sarcasm, Osamu did not want to know about a love fight.)

Komori realized Osamu’s worries. Maybe he was showing it more than he thought. But the libero said, “Don’t worry. I asked just in case because it surprised me too and Sakusa said that, as much as he liked Hinata, he’d rather shoot himself than kiss him.”

Well, wasn’t that comforting. Osamu suddenly felt weak all over and took a seat, letting out quite the big sigh of relief.

Aran looked at him in sympathy and asked, “You really want this to go well for him, uh?”

“It’s just–” Osamu took off his cap and ruffled his hair in frustration. He needed to find the right words for this. “Atsumu’s so… Atsumu. And Hinata handles him so well, gets along with him so well.”

“And Atsumu’s irrevocably in love,” Suna added, more as a way to make fun of his twin, but Osamu took it as a fact and nodded.

“I don’t think he’ll be able to love someone as he does Hinata. I just know Atsumu won’t be able to handle it if Hinata’s taken away from him.”

“Then why don’t we help?”

Osamu eyed Suna skeptically. “Suna, I love ya, but I don’t think ya’ll be much help.”

“As much as I love seeing him suffer, he’s still my friend. God knows why.” He looked up to the ceiling as if it would give him an answer. “I want this to go well for ‘im, even if I know he’ll be insufferable if we succeed.”

After a moment of consideration, Osamu asked, “Alright, what’s yer plan?”

“Give me a day to think about it first.”

“Wait.” They turned to Aran. “Does Atsumu even know he likes Hinata?”

Osamu wanted to say yes, of course he does but if he thought about it, Atsumu always complained about his jealousy, but never admitted out loud he liked Hinata. But how could you recognize your jealousy if you didn’t recognize your love for that person?

…Did Atsumu even recognize his jealousy?

“I need to make a call.”

“Sorry for bothering ya.”

“Bothering us?” Inunaki asked, totally scandalized. “Dude, you brought us to gossip about Atsumu while giving us free food. There’s no way we are complaining.” The rest nodded with serious expressions, making Osamu smile a bit.

Osamu reunited a few of Atsumu’s teammates, making sure Atsumu and Hinata were busy doing extra practice. That would give him two hours tops. Thank god they were volleyball idiots.

“I need ta ask something.”

“Shoot.”

“Did Atsumu ever say out loud he liked Hinata?”

Four of them were about to reply but instantly closed their mouths, as if rethinking their answers.

Meian looked as though the world turned upside down, “...Did he?”

“I don’t think he did.” Inunaki shook his head, then turned to Sakusa and Bokuto. “You two are his roommates, so you must know.”

“From what I remember, he didn’t,” Bokuto informed, as puzzled as the rest. Sakusa nodded to agree with him.

“Thomas? What about you?”

Adriah, who was busy fighting with his chopsticks even after years of living in Japan, paused in his battle to look at them. “I thought they were already a couple.”

They all groaned. This just meant Atsumu didn’t know of his feelings towards Hinata. How was Osamu supposed to—

Right at that moment, Atsumu barged into the shop. He was sweating, still wore his practice clothes, his hair a mess probably due to the running (and Osamu took a big guess at the running thing since he was panting as if he just ran a marathon).

Osamu, worried something happened to his twin, immediately stood up and moved towards him while Atsumu made his way to Osamu. When they reached each other, Atsumu held tight onto Osamu’s arms, gripping them like a lifeline. His teammates looked just as worried.

“‘Tsumu, what happened? Are ya okay?”

“‘Samu, what do I do? What do I do?” Atsumu looked up at his brother with pleading eyes.

“What–”

“I think I like Shoyo-kun.”

Osamu’s thoughts stopped spiraling and slowly, just so slowly, he started letting go of his strength which supported his brother. With a neutral voice, he asked, “Ya think?”

Atsumu had already gone back to looking at the floor and didn’t notice Osamu’s change of expression. Even his teammates had gone back to eating. “No, no, I’m sure about it. But– ‘Samu, what the hell am I supposed ta do?”

Osamu let go of his brother to grab him by the neck and drag his ass to sit down next to a disgusted Sakusa. Atsumu finally took notice of the group. “Wait, what are ya guys doing ‘ere?”

“Eating,” Bokuto replied before taking a bite from his onigiri.

That did not bring answers to Atsumu and everyone knew that, but Meian stepped in before he could ask further, “So you realized you like Shoyo, but why are you looking like you ran straight from practice?”

“‘Cause…” Atsumu murmured something but none of them were able to catch it.

Except Sakusa, who sat next to him. “You actually ran away?”

“I want to eat first,” he whined, directing his look at Osamu.

“You will eat after you explain.”

In summary, this is what happened: Atsumu was practicing his quick with Hinata, everything was going well until Hinata beamed up at him and Atsumu had the sudden thought he wanted to kiss him. Realizing what that meant, he ran way.

“You fucking bolted?” Inunaki was left agape.

“What was I supposed to do?!” Atsumu countered. “I wanted to kiss him so badly and he was right there and–”

“And you’re a fucking idiot,” Sakusa finished for him. Osamu wanted to thank him for saying what he had in mind but Sakusa continued, “You left him alone and now he’s probably wondering if something happened to you or if he did something wrong to make you act like that.”

“Or both,” Bokuto supplied.

Atsumu gasped, finally realizing the stupidity of his actions.

Osamu’s phone rang and he shot Atsumu’s a murderous look before answering. “Hina–”

“Osamu-san! Atsumu-san suddenly bolted from the gym and he left all his things behind and I have no idea what happened and I thought maybe he could be with yo–”

“He’s here.” Oh god, he sounded so worried, so distressed. Osamu wanted to punch Atsumu. “Don’t worry.”

“Oh, thank god.” He could hear Hinata sighing in relief. “Is he alright? I don’t know if I can… talk to him? I feel like I did something wrong that made him act like that so I don’t know if he would like to talk but…” Hinata sounded unsure of himself. How could Atsumu make such a confident man feel like this?

Osamu never made Atsumu pay for his meals, he might start now.

“Nah, it’s fine. He will talk to ya.” Osamu sent his brother his nastiest look, daring him to oppose.

Atsumu took the phone.

“Shoyo-kun?” He sounded like a kicked puppy. Osamu took a glance and Sakusa already had his phone out. Him and Suna must have reached an understanding. “Yeah, I’m so, so sorry, I had– I remembered I had to talk about somethin’ with ‘Samu and–” Oh great, now he was roped into this. Atsumu would definitely pay for his food today. “It was pretty urgent ‘cause I suddenly remembered about it while we were practicing and I didn’t want him to kick ma ass.” Everyone could see the lie kilometers away with that nervous tone. “Yeah, it’s resolved now. My things? Uh…” He turned to Osamu, who was not about to step up and save him.

Instead, it was someone completely unexpected.

Sakusa took the phone away from Atsumu’s trembling hands. “Hinata? Yes, it’s me, Sakusa. I was in Onigiri Miya when this idiot barged like a man running for his life. I’ll get his things and we can go back to the dorms together.”

He talked a bit more with Hinata before hanging up and softly giving the phone back to Osamu. Then he smacked Atsumu in the head. “Fucking idiot. I’ve never heard him sound like that. You better get your shit together before you upset him.”

“I second that!” Bokuto chimed in cheerfully.

“Hmm, that’s right,” Inunaki mused thoughtfully.

“What?” Meian asked. He had already finished his food and was on his way to dessert.

“Well, if Atsumu ends up making Hinata sad, he would have to bear the anger of Sakusa, Bokuto, many V. League players all around Japan, a lot of people from Miyagi and Tokyo, Oikawa Tooru and his Brazilian friends if they find out, that con-man that isn’t a con-man guy and goddamn Kodzuken.”

Osamu was once again reminded of the power of having a nice personality and a cheerful smile. But, well, many people were like that, but Hinata was a special case since he got with anybody. So, it was the power of one Hinata Shoyo.

They all turned to Atsumu who had turned white as paper. However, in a second he managed to restore his color and stated, “I don’t care what other people think of me, except Shoyo-kun. I will get my shit together just so I don’t upset Shoyo-kun.”

“Good.” Osamu slid him a plate of food. “But you’re still paying for tonight’s meal.”

Atsumu looked betrayed, but he didn’t complain.

October, 2018

Osamu shouldn’t have ever believed in his brother.

Hinata came to the restaurant one day, looking as bright as ever, but this time without Atsumu.

“Osamu-san! Good afternoon!”

“Hello, Hinata-kun.”

He gave Hinata time to decide on what to eat before he got to work and laid out his meal of choice beautifully prepared in front of his dear customer.

“Thanks!”

“It’s nothing,” he waved his hand in dismissal. Hinata’s smile was contagious, making Osamu smile in response.

Osamu got busy with the rest of his customers and didn’t pay attention to Hinata until he had finished his food and called him out. “Osamu-san.”

Was he mistaken, or did he sense a bit of seriousness in Hinata’s tone? “Yes, Hinata-kun?”

“Do you know why Atsumu-san is avoiding me?”

Oh no.

“What do you mean?”

He asked because he really didn’t know. He didn’t find it weird Hinata and Atsumu hadn’t come to eat in two weeks, but he should have sensed something the moment Hinata came alone and ate alone.

Hinata never eats alone. If he comes alone he gets take out. He already said he would eat alone if he could chat with Osamu but since he’s always busy, he didn’t want to bother him.

Hinata came, ordered and ate alone. No Atsumu in tow.

And now Hinata was asking this.

“Well, it’s not that he avoids me per se…” Hinata fiddled with his sleeve. “We practice just like normal but that’s it. He doesn’t ask to hang out and he’s always busy when I ask him to, which I’m starting to doubt.”

Osamu loved his brother, he would never admit it out loud but he would fight the world for him. But right now? He wanted to punch him really hard. Just once. He should call his mom and ask for permission.

Thinking about it, he could understand Atsumu’s line of reasoning. He loved Hinata so much he might burst (that much was obvious just seeing him) but he didn’t want to risk their friendship by confessing and never get to interact comfortably with Hinata again.

That didn’t mean the most reasonable option would be avoiding him altogether. If he keeps going like this, he will lose Hinata’s friendship too.

What a fucking idiot.

Osamu was not one to meddle in others’ affairs, especially romantic affairs. But he may have to step up this one time, otherwise this battle of the ‘happier twin’ would be easily won by Osamu. The youngest twin didn’t like easy battles.

“Hinata-kun.”

“Yes?”

“Do you like Atsumu?”

“He’s my friend, of course I like him.” Hinata tilted his head just so, not really understanding how Osamu came to ask him this.

Osamu sighed in his mind. “I meant if you like him as more than a friend.”

“Best friends? But Kageyama and Kenma are already mad that I have two best friends.”

Now, Osamu sighed externally. This was going nowhere—

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I know what you are asking.” Hinata put an end to his misery. He was fiddling with his sleeve again. “It’s just…”

“You don’t like him?” Totally understandable, Osamu thought.

“I do. God, I do,” he sighed and put his palms on his face. “But I’ve never did this with someone before,” Osamu could hear Hinata’s muffled voice.

“But… didn’t you hook up with that Oikawa guy in Brazil?”

“Yes, but–” His eyes went impossibly wide. “How do you even know that?!”

Osamu snickered, amused he caught Hinata off guard. “Let’s just say Suna’s got a sixth sense.”

“Amazing… Anyway, yes, but it was a one time thing. We established we didn’t want more than that before and after it happened. It was clear to me even with my inexperience.”

“So what’s the problem now?”

“I’m scared to screw it up because of my inexperience.”

“Hinata…” Osamu’s jaw dropped, quite literally. “You went to Brazil, mind you, the other side of the world with a different language and a different culture, to start from zero in a new sport and now you’re in one of the best teams in Japan. And you’re scared of this?”

“Because I had nothing to lose by going to Brazil! With this, I– I might lose Atsumu-san. I don’t want that.”

Osamu propped his chin on his hand, “Ya really like him, don’t you?”

“Osamu-san, he makes me so happy whenever we are together. He feels…” Osamu gave Hinata a moment to gather his thoughts to express out loud. “He feels like home. He’s everything I didn’t know I wanted until I got to know him.”

Atsumu won the fucking lottery.

“Alright, Hinata-kun. Ya say ya’re scared? Well, ya’re also brave. Ya did things not many people would do ‘cause it would terrify us. There is no bravery without fear.”

“You think he’ll accept me?”

“Hina– no, Shoyo.” Hinata’s eyes widened a fraction at the use of his name. Osamu never called him by name before. “Have ya seen the way he looks at ya? As if you hung the moon?”

“I thought I was being a little delusional,” he pouted at being scolded.

Osamu couldn’t help but chuckle. “Just go and get ‘im, please. Get ‘im so he’ll stop whining whenever ye’re hanging out with someone else.”

“He does that?” Hinata chuckled fondly.

Hinata was also stupidly in love.

“Yes, he annoys me everyday about ya. If he could wax poetic he would’ve done it already, but he’s an illiterate idiot, thank god.”

At that, Hinata laughed loudly. “Alright, I’ll go and get him.” He started making his way out the shop.

“Thank you in advance.” Osamu waved at him.

Hinata waved back, a bright smile on his face. “You’re welcome!”

With that, he was gone.

Three hours later, Osamu received a message from Hinata.

From: Hinata-kun

He cried lol

There was a picture of Atsumu wiping his tears with the sleeve of his jacket, a smile on his face as he did so.

Everything was good now.

November, 2018

Hinata made a fantastic debut as a pro player.

Atsumu was grinning from ear to ear as he hugged his boyfriend to the point one would think they won the Olympics.

Osamu felt satisfied as he watched that while selling food. One of the new recipes that were selling well was one he made up with Hinata with his knowledge of Brazilian cuisine.

All was well and good.

September, 2020

Osamu, in his twenty-five years of life, never thought a country on the other side of the world would bother him so much.

Yet here he is, thinking Brazil was going to be the death of him.

Atsumu broke into Osamu’s apartment on their simultaneous day off and hollered out, “Shoyo’s going to Brazil again!”

Osamu barely caught what was said because he was rather worried about Atsumu sounding like that. He saw his brother in tears and wondered who he had to kill, so he asked, “What?”

“Shoyo got–” he sniffled uglily and wiped his nose with his sleeve. “Shoyo got an offer to play in ASAS São Paulo.”

Osamu took a second to process that information. In the meantime, he let his brother slump on the couch and gave him tissues. Atsumu took them with a mumbled “Thanks.”

“And he accepted it?”

“How could he deny it?” Atsumu wailed in response. Okay, that was true. How could Hinata, or anybody for that matter, deny such an offer? And Hinata, someone who always pursued to become stronger, would be someone who would easily accept it, especially since he already spent two years living in Brazil.

But anyway, woah. Hinata was only in Japan for two years and he was leaving again. That guy never stopped moving. Osamu admired him for it.

His phone rang with a notification. Ignoring Atsumu’s demands for attention in his time of crisis, Osamu, ya asshole! Osamu checked his phone to find a message from Hinata.

From: Hinata-kun

He’s there already, isn’t he?

I’m sorry, I’d say I’ll go get him but I think he needs a moment with you right now

Alright, thank you

How Atsumu got to score Hinata Shoyo, the literal representation of the sun, would always be a mystery to Osamu.

Or maybe not. He was only saying this because he was Atsumu’s brother, but anyone with eyes could see just how devoted Atsumu was to Hinata. Sometimes to the point Osamu worried it could ruin him if Hinata stopped loving him.

But he also didn’t need to worry about that. If one looked well and looked enough, they would see the same level of devotion from Hinata to Atsumu. Sure, Hinata was more quiet about it as he wasn’t clingy 24/7 but Osamu saw the looks Hinata gave his brother, endearing, almost (or maybe it was) reverenting.

Atsumu made Hinata happy and Hinata made Atsumu happy.

It was one of the strongest and purest relationships Osamu had ever seen.

“Did ya tell him ya didn’t want ‘im to go?”

“I showed my full support, of course!” Atsumu sounded indignant at the sole prospect of not being supportive. “But seconds later after I hugged him I realized what his offer really meant for us and I didn’t want ‘im to see me crying when he should be happy.”

And Hinata knew that and respected his decision to come vent to his brother before they talked things through. Hinata knew this idiot very well.

Osamu hummed. “How long is his contract for?”

“Four years.” Atsumu wailed.

Ouch. And that is if he didn't get a second offer before the four years were over. Osamu knew that, so surely Atsumu too.

“But Olympics are next year,” Osamu started. “And you’ve also got the Nations League, and you can visit him, and he can visit.”

“And we can text, call and video call, yes I know,” Atsumu, having calmed down, sighed. It seems he thought everything through already.

Still…

“Doesn’t mean I won’t miss ‘im the rest of the year.”

Osamu couldn’t say anything against that, so he didn’t.

When the silence grew comfortable, Osamu chuckled, “He’s amazing, ain’t he?”

Hinata always did crazy things that amazed everyone and surpassed everyone’s expectations every time he got better. He was always showing his worth. The world seems to have noticed that too.

Atsumu couldn’t help the proudful smile to stretch his face, “Yeah, he is. I love him so much.” The tears were back on his face. “I’ll miss him.”

It was one of the rare occasions where Osamu hugged his brother.

July, 2021

Through the screen, he watched as Hinata and Oikawa Tooru hugged each other.

“Uh oh,” Kita said, though he was smiling.

“He’s so gonna get jealous,” Osamu mused with a grin.

As expected, Atsumu immediately went and put his arm over Hinata’s shoulders and talked to Oikawa with a cocky grin. Seconds later, Aran was scolding him. Kita and Osamu laughed.

Yeah, everything was good, even if the sun had to leave again in a few weeks.

August, 2022

The All-Star Match.

Osamu would like to think of it as the Festival of Monsters, or the All-Monsters Match. There couldn’t be another name for those people playing.

Still, it was a chance for everyone to see Hinata again. Atsumu prepared a welcome home party with friends that were available. Many were and some made time out of their busy schedules to make it. Hinata was immensely loved. Pity he was dating Atsumu.

Osamu took notice of Suna and Kodzuken taking their phones out for the occasion. Atsumu went to pick Hinata from the airport and had already sent a message saying he was on his way back home.

They made mental calculations and guessed they were close to arriving so they turned the lights off and hid in any place available. He was close to Kageyama Tobio and Tsukishima Kei so he heard them arguing over hitting each other. Yamaguchi had to shut them up.

The clicking of keys and then a door opening.

“Man, I’m beat!”

That was not a voice Osamu recognized.

“No fucking way.”

But it seemed Kageyama did, going by his whisper.

The lights turned on and the door closed.

“I won’t let ya crash on the couch,” Atsumu warned. That was the tone of voice he used when he was annoyed by someone’s presence. Now Osamu was really curious about the newcomer.

“Never said I would. Iwa-chan is already waiting for me.”

“Then why don’t you go to Iwaizumi-san?” Atsumu grumbled like a pouting child. Hinata chuckled.

“‘Cause I was helping Shoyo to get his things here, duh.”

“That’s why I, his boyfriend, is here for.”

They finished taking their shoes off and were on their way to where Osamu and the rest were hiding.

“You two,” that one was Hinata, “right now, I’m way too tired to–”

“SURPRISE!”

Everyone jumped from their hiding spot and shouted, making Oikawa and Hinata jump in surprise.

Hinata blinked once, twice, then turned to Atsumu with one of the softest smiles Osamu’s ever seen on his brother’s boyfriend.

“You did this for me?” Hinata’s eyes sparkled with adoration.

“I’d do anything for ya, Shoyo.”

Oh, we know, was everyone’s collective thought. Some of them were present when Atsumu got on his damn knees just so Suna would lend him his best camera to take pictures of Hinata before he went to visit him in Brazil. Suna lended it with the condition of no dirty pics “‘cause I don’t wan’ my eyes tainted.”

Hinata hugged Atsumu fiercely for a second, making Atsumu grunt and many of the presents snicker, and when Atsumu reciprocated, Hinata loosened his grip and went limp in his arms.

Atsumu raised a brow, “Shoyo? Love?”

Hinata did not respond.

Atsumu moved Hinata’s head a little to check his face and turned to everyone, whispering, “He fell asleep.”

“Oh, I get it,” Yaku, who had arrived a few days ago nodded in camaraderie, “Jet lag is a bitch.” Kageyama nodded solemnly.

“Yeah, we get it, you are all rich fuckers that understand the symptoms of jet lag,” Sugawara grumbled, making everyone laugh.

Atsumu proceeded to stare at Hinata’s mop of hair under him. That was reverence Atsumu wore on his face. And, just then, Osamu noticed his eyes widened a little for a fraction of a second, but Atsumu schooled it quickly enough and buried his face in Hinata’s hair, squeezing the body in his arms a bit tighter.

Osamu knew right then and there, Atsumu had the sudden thought of wanting to spend the rest of his life with Hinata.

So now he was going to be roped in for the proposal, wasn’t he?

He couldn’t wait. Though, he would complain to Atsumu, no matter how excited he was.

November, 2024

The Olympics passed, Japan won against Argentina this time, and Atsumu had yet to propose. He hadn’t even told anything to Osamu. It was unnerving.

Hinata, as expected, got a new offer to extend his stay in ASAS São Paulo, this time for three years. And, as expected, he accepted. He had been killing it the past four years and it was sure to be the same for the next three.

Atsumu was obviously happy for him but he was also free to complain about not seeing Hinata for another three years.

Luckily, Hinata was to stay in Japan for a month before he needed to get back to training.

A week before Hinata arrived in the country, Atsumu went into Osamu’s apartment as if he owned the place, and Suna, who already owned the place spiritually as he was always with Osamu, groaned at his presence, making Osamu chuckle.

“Oh, shut it,” Atsumu grumbled. He grabbed an apple and washed it to eat, watching Osamu prepare dinner for them.

There was silence. It wasn’t weird to have silence between them, but Osamu felt this silence was the kind where he couldn’t say a word because he had to let Atsumu think things through before opening his mouth.

As the patient brother he was, he waited until Atsumu finally spoke.

“Can ya accompany me later?”

“To where?”

“To pick a ring.”

The sound of cutting onions stopped. Osamu turned to his brother and smirked, “Fucking finally.”

“What?” Atsumu had gathered all his courage to ask this of Osamu and Osamu knew by the feigned nonchalance stance he had.

“I was wondering when ya were going to propose.”

“Since when–”

“You realized ya wanted to marry him in August, 2022, when he fell asleep in yer arms at ‘is surprise party. Don’t think I didn’t realize.”

Atsumu could only stare at his brother in awe.

“Twins are fucking scary,” with that Suna left to go to the bathroom. He definitely recorded everything just now.

After a good minute of Atsumu staring, he went back to normal and whispered, “June, this year. Don’t think I didn’t notice either.”

Osamu snickered. He was way too happy, for both of them. “Guess we’ll be picking rings together,” he whispered back.

December, 2024

It was Christmas Eve, the Hinata, Miya and Suna family reunited to celebrate. Natsu, who was busy with her own league in Turkey, also showed up for the festivities since she had to leave days before New Years.

Atsumu had already told Osamu and Natsu about his plan. Osamu thought he would make something extravagant that would blow out of proportion, but it was a quiet and fun evening with their families to which Atsumu thought was the perfect moment.

It kind of suited them. Those two were always balls of goofiness and energy, but sometimes, they had these quiet moments where, if you were to look, you would think you were invading a private moment despite them only just hugging each other or chatting quietly.

The clock hit midnight, everyone wished each other a merry christmas and clinked their glasses together. The presents exchange started.

Instead of buying many gifts for each other, they started a tradition to put everyone’s names in a box and you had to get a present for the person you got. Atsumu rigged the entire thing by not putting Hinata’s name and being the one to hand out the papers, saying he’ll get the last one.

Natsu was the first to hand out her present, she got Suna’s older sister. From there, it started going in circles until Hinata was the one left with no presents, and everyone already realized who was supposed to give it to him.

Atsumu handed his bag to Hinata. Excited, Hinata put his hand inside and took out two shirts.

“What the…” Hinata stared at both shirts in wonder. “These are our high school volleyball uniforms. Why–”

“Check the backs,” Atsumu said. Osamu could see him fidgeting with his fingers. The idiot was nervous.

Hinata turned both shirts and noticed something distinctively different from their high school days.

The Karasuno’s uniform had the number 10, just like Hinata’s first year’s number, but the last name on it said Miya. On the other hand, the Inarizaki’s uniform had Atsumu’s number 7 but with the last name Hinata.

Those were the numbers they owned when they first met.

“I’m not getting it…” Hinata murmured, but Osamu knew he got it. He was just having a hard time processing it.

“Shoyo.” Hinata yelped when Atsumu pulled his chair back and to the side just so he could stand right in front of his boyfriend. “We’ve been datin’ for six years but I’ve been in love with ya for eleven, without ma knowing, but it’s true.”

More like obsessed, Osamu thought to himself. Atsumu’s accent made an appearance for most of his sentences whenever he was nervous.

“The days I spend with ya are the best ones, no matter how much my mood can dumpen, yer presence alone is enough to make me happy. Hell, just talking to ya through video calls makes me the happiest man on earth.”

Hinata’s mother was already weeping, their mother close enough to become second. Suna’s parents were watching with tender smiles on their faces.

“Right now, we are surrounded by our families. To me, yer family is already my family. To me, ya’re the home I always go back to.”

Suna’s older sister was grinning widely while Suna himself wore one of his rare gentle smiles that only Osamu had the pleasure of seeing often. Natsu was on the verge of tears while recording. Osamu squeezed her shoulder in support.

Atsumu got down on one knee. He took out the pretty maroon box.

“But I would love it if we could call each otha family not just by name, but also on paper, so I can say “Yes, the bunch of orange haired people over there are ma family. Yes, that handsome man is ma husband.””

Everyone laughed a bit at that, but Hinata was still staring at Atsumu in awe.

Atsumu opened the box, revealing a pretty silver ring.

“Shoyo, will ya please marry me?”

Damn, Osamu thought, he even added a please in there. Atsumu was desperate for Hinata to say yes.

As soon as Atsumu finished his speech, Hinata burst into tears, jumped from his chair and hugged Atsumu by his shoulders.

“Yes! A million times yes!”

Everyone clapped, cheered and whistled. Osamu, or anybody for that matter, couldn’t stop grinning, not even Suna who, for once, didn’t fake gag when Hinata and Atsumu kissed.

“Nii-chan!” Natsu called once they calmed down a bit.

Hinata turned to Natsu, who beckoned him to get close.

Osamu just noticed Natsu was still recording. He himself had stopped after they kissed.

In the angle they were at, nobody but Osamu could watch as Natsu handed Hinata a small black box.

“No fucking way,” Osamu sighed in shock. Hinata chuckled.

Hinata grinned at his sister. “You sneaky girl, you knew this would happen.”

“That’s what siblings are for.” Natsu winked and slapped him on the shoulder, telling him to go back.

Osamu took his phone back and started a new recording.

Hinata went back to Atsumu, who was waiting to hug him again, with the box on his back. However, Hinata stopped before he could be enveloped by Atsumu’s arms.

“I actually planned to do this on New Years, but sometimes the unplanned are the best plans.”

Their mothers gasped in unison.

“One day, you told me you would set for me. For the me at that moment whose head was filled with volleyball and had to fight my way to get someone to toss for me, your words felt like a marriage proposal.” Some people laughed at that. Hinata also wore a smile. “Ever since then, you’ve been on my mind.”

Their mothers were crying again.

“Five years later you fulfilled your promise and thanks to that I got to know you and fell in love with you. Had it not been for Osamu-san, it may have taken us a bit longer to get together, but we would have, we did, and ever since then, every single time I’m with you I feel like I’m flying. And we both know, to me, that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Suna’s older sister was prepared to open another bottle of champagne.

“And one day, I thought “Damn, I really want to spend the rest of my days with him.” So, here I am.” Hinata got down on one knee and opened the box, revealing a golden ring. “Atsumu, will please marry me?”

And now it was Atsumu’s turn to cry.

The cork from the bottle hit the ceiling and it angled just the right way to hit Atsumu’s head. Atsumu, with tears and snot on his face, looked up in confusion and sputtered, “What the fuck?”

Suna and Osamu laughed out loud. Natsu was still recording.

It was a good christmas.

November, 2025

After years of Brazil being one of his problems, Osamu was finally visiting the country. It was beautiful. Hot, but beautiful.

Since Japan had yet to legalize same-sex marriage, the most logical conclusion was to marry where Hinata lived and where same-sex marriage was legal. Hinata lived in São Paulo but they decided to wed on a beach in Rio.

So, here everyone was in Rio. Hinata’s friends, Atsumu’s friends, their teammates and ex-teammates, their families and well, considering Hinata knows a handful of people (there are even people from Argentina he met through Oikawa Tooru), it’s a crowd. A happy crowd, and many of them are playing beach volleyball despite knowing the ceremony is starting soon.

Osamu had already proposed to Suna in February, their wedding was in June but in Argentina. Suna was convinced by Oikawa with one word: wine.

And who was Osamu to deny his loving fianceé a variety of the best wines in the world on their special day?

“I look dashing in this.”

Osamu rolled his eyes at Atsumu’s narcissism. He may have grown up physically but mentally he was still a brat.

Their mother spoiled the man of honor by agreeing with him, “Yes, you do. Now put on yer tie or I’ill strangle ya with it.”

“But it’s my wedding!” Atsumu whined.

“Shoyo would thank me.”

“Y’all’re so cruel with me.”

As soon as she was done with the tie, their mother sniffled.

“Ma…”

“I hope ya know ya make me so proud and I’m so happy for ya.”

“I know,” Atsumu’s voice softened.

“He makes you so happy. And I can see ya make ‘im happy too.”

“I hope I don’t get a recycled speech at ma wedding.”

“Oh, shut it.” Their mother slapped Osamu on the back, making the twins laugh out loud.

She turned to Atsumu again. “Go out there and kill it.”

“Will do!”

With that, she left.

“So, best man,” Atsumu got close, grinning like a fox. “Got a speech ready for the party?”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Osamu returned the smile, but his was a little evil, which Atsumu noticed since his own smile dropped. “I’ve got twelve years of material with Suna and Sakusa. We’ll make you so embarrassed.”

“What?”

Osamu left the tent, laughing like an evil villain, making people give him funny looks.

“‘Samu, what do ya mean?!”