I'm hunched over at my study table, trying to focus on my studies. It's a Saturday night but I didn't have any plans besides working out and practicing my serves by myself. Glancing back and forth from my notebook to my calculus textbook, I sigh at the practice questions. Math wasn't difficult for me, but recently something has been on my mind for a while now.

'Don't ever come back here. You're not my son.' Dad's words echoed in my head.

Angry at the thought, I kick up the nearby volleyball from the floor and caught it mid-air. I then threw it forcefully at the door, creating a loud 'thud' that echoed throughout the house. The volleyball recoiled from the door and hit the nearby bookshelf.

I can see why Mika hates him so much and why she's so angry all the time.

As I try to get back to my work, I glance down at a book that has fallen from its shelf. Grumpily walking towards the fallen book, you pick it up and a photo slips out it.

Sitting on the floor, cross-legged, I stare at the photo. Reminiscing on when times were more simpler. Where feelings and drama weren't involved. This photo was taken by Kiyoko. Oikawa and I were the star players in middle school as we fought for a spot in Nationals. Kiyoko came over with a polaroid camera and took this photo. I remember asking Kiyoko for a copy of the photo and she slipped it inside this notebook. The notebook contained a bunch of gameplays Kiyoko used to doodle. She gave me this for my fourteenth birthday; I've had it ever since.

Simpler times...

"Hajime?" my mom peeked through the door. She popped out her head and smiled down at me.

"Yes? Sorry about the noise..." I mumbled. I was still cross-legged on the floor, still fixated on photo.

My mom crouches down to my level as she also takes notice of the photo.

"Hajime." she rubs my shoulder and I surprisingly feel hot tears run down my face. I didn't understand why but lately, expressing myself seemed impossible. Even talking to my own parents seemed overwhelming.

My mom wrapped her arms around me and whispers into my ear,

"It's okay Hajime. I talked to your dad."

I grab the picture and hold it tightly to my chest. I was crying even harder and I wanted to stop, but the tears kept coming. It was bottled up inside my chest for so long and it felt like I was going to explode.

"Okaasan." I whimper into my mom's shirt.

"Hajime. I know and it doesn't bother me one bit. I already knew from the start."

Wiping a tear from my eye, I gaze up towards my mom's calming face and question,

"You did?"

"Yeah, a mother's instinct. I knew the moment Mika kept budging you to ask out Kiyoko but you kept declining it. I thought, maybe he just doesn't see Kiyoko that way. But then I thought to myself that maybe you liked someone else and that someone else happened to be-"

"Oikawa-kun" I croaked, "Mom. I love Oikawa-kun."

"I already knew that honey." she tenderly whispered into my hair. She was cradling me like a baby, which made me cry even more.

"But no matter where you are or who you are, I will always be your mom. I will always love you Hajime."

I was silent after that. I was always scared to tell my mom that I was gay. I was terrified to tell Mika because I thought she would think of me as less of a brother.

I can't tell Mika. She's going to be so disappointed. And I knew she liked Oikawa... She always had a crush on him. Even when she tried to deny it, I could tell.

"It's not too late you know."

After I calmed myself down, I look upwards to my mom again.

"Not too late for what?" I whispered

"Not too late to tell him." she smiled warmly at me.

I felt a sense of relief in my chest, that my mom accepted me for who I am. That she didn't scold me or kick me out of the house like dad. She was okay with it and that surprised me. A huge weight was lifted off my chest. Holding out the picture in my hands, I gaze at it and a weak smile was displayed on my face.

"He won't love me mom." I murmured

"You won't know if you don't ask." my mom comforted me until I felt a bit better. Collecting myself, mom and I stood up from the floor. She embraces me one last time while rubbing my back.

"Never, ever feel ashamed about who you are. You will always be my little Hajime to me." my mom started crying this time. She was much shorter than me as I crouch down and plant a kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you mom."

After that heartfelt embrace, she asks if I was going to head to the festival to see the fireworks. They were always my favourite thing to watch when Mika and I were kids.

"I don't know mom. I don't want to ruin Mika's date."

She looks at me with a weak smile and says,

"You should go. Not just for Mika, but for Oikawa too. You're his best friend after all."

Before she leaves the room she asks me if I was hungry and wanted something to eat. I politely decline and she leaves me alone with my thoughts.

Go for Oikawa? He wouldn't love me. What if I confess and this ruins our friendship? I can't risk that.

I still held the photo in my hands and sigh.

Shittykawa.

And just like that, I grab my jacket hanging on the bed frame, place the photo on my study table and head downstairs. There laid a black bike in the middle of the garage. Pulling up my hood, I position myself over the seat as the garage door opens slowly. Before I leave, my mom calls out to me,

"Be brave Hajime."

Looking back at her she's smiling brightly to me. No regret in her voice or hatred. She spoke with full sincerity. I smile brightly at my mom and peddle away into the night.

~

I don't even know why I'm so nervous. I don't even know why I'm doing this.

I was at the market place with my hood on. I hated large crowds but I just had to know.

Is she in love with Suga? Is that why she said yes to the date?

I only found out about the date because Mika accidentally sent in the group chat that consisted of the three of us, 'are you nervous about your date with Suga?'

Mika tried deleting the message but I already read it. I pretended I didn't notice but it still hurt knowing that (F/N) didn't bother telling me about it. I thought it was just Mika going on a date.

A date? (F/N)'s first date? She's on a date and it isn't with me...

I sigh into the cold air and mist forms out of my mouth. The breeze made my cheeks pink and I shove my hands in my jacket pockets to keep warm. The trees were decorated with traditional Japanese lanterns and the smell of Takoyaki filled my nose. It wasn't long until people were passing by me and bumping into me by accident. I didn't realize I was in the way.

I thought I saw them somewhere...

My eyes dart around and the crowd of people were dispersed in a way that I can only see a few feet in front of me.

If I were Suga, where would I take her...

I pass by a Karaoke booth as the music blasted in my ears.

'How deep is your love, how deep is your love. I really mean to learn...'

I make a weak smile as the music continued to play.

(F/N) always listened to old music. She told me her dad would always make her listen to the BeeGees. I remember the time when I caught her singing when I passed by the music room at school. She was so concentrated on the song as she gracefully played the piano. I remember watching from the small window the door provided. She would close her eyes and her voice... it was beautiful. I could probably watch her all day.

I wish I could hear her sing again. She's been so quiet lately.

Looking up to the night sky, the stars were twinkling and the moon shone brightly. Both illuminated the pavement just so.

I remember one day she caught me spying on her and I tried running away. She opened the door that day and her face was bright red. She was fidgeting her fingers as she called out to me in the hallway. She told me to come take a seat beside her on the piano. It was the only day she asked me to play for her. I remember refusing her ridiculous request but I had to pay back for spying on her. It was the first time I had a duet with her. I haven't played piano in so long but I read the notes while she sang beside me. I miss those days.

"Hey excuse me? Are you going to buy something?" A voice called behind me. I snapped out of my deep memory of (F/N) and stutter,

"Ah, sorry I haven't decided yet..."

Turning around, I find Tanaka and Nishinoya.

"Oh hey Kageyama-kun. What are you doing here? Got a hot date?" Nishinoya glanced upwards and smirked.

I always forgot that Nishinoya is short like Hinata. They're practically the same person.

"No I'm not on a date. What are you guys doing here?" I stated blankly.

"We heard there would be cute girls dancing in kimonos!" Tanaka and Nishinoya exclaimed.

Geez. The things they do with their free time.

"What are you doing here by yourself? Are you waiting for someone?" Tanaka nudged me with his elbow. I grumble at his assumption and sigh,

"No not really. I'm just..." I paused as I didn't know how to explain why I was here.

"Tanaka! Tanaka look!" Nishinoya pointed at the nearby stage and traditional music started playing through the loud speakers. Tanaka's eyes glimmered as a pretty girl stepped out onto the stage and greeted everyone with a dazzling smile. Both of the buffoons were stuck in a trance as they seemed to have grown disinterested in our conversation.

"Later Kageyama..." Nishinoya mumbled.

"See ya dude." Tanaka said sheepishly without making eye contact. Both of them seemed to be pulled into the crowd by the girls' magical voice. I lost sight of them as they disappeared into the sea of people.

Well that was a close one.

I fastened my hoodie tighter on my head with the cords and make my way through the crowd without being suspicious. I was still having trouble making my way through until I spotted a nearby tree. It was situated on the side near the food trucks.

Perfect.

Walking towards the tree, I climb it with ease and sit on top of a sturdy branch. The people down below looked like tiny ants in a giant colony. The sight was pretty amazing. After a few minutes of people watching a voice called out,

"Kageyama-kun? Is that you?"

Looking left and right, I couldn't pinpoint where the voice was coming from. The noise could've been from anywhere.

"Hey King! What the hell are you doing up in a tree?" another voice rudely stated.

Where is it coming from?

"What!" I call out and look around frantically for the voice.

Am I just hearing things?

"Down here you idiot." the second voice hissed.

Glancing downwards, I immediately notice the familiar blonde head along with his partner with greenish/brown hair.

Crap.

"Sup guys..." I greeted awkwardly with a peace sign.

Tsukishima and Yamaguchi both looked up at me from the below. Tsukishima held an irritated face while Yamaguchi's was astounded. Both of them had their hoodies on.

"Get down here your Majesty. Or would you like one of your royal men to fetch you instead?" Tsukishima teased. He was holding onto a gohei mochi on a stick and Yamaguchi was holding a crispy beef cutlet, wrapped neatly in a nice paper bag.

"Shut up you bean pole." I shouted. I still remained on the branch as I refused to move from my spot. Glancing outwards to the crowd you spot Mika and Oikawa. They were linking arms and laughing with one another.

Mika was with (F/N) earlier. But they're not together... That must mean (F/N) and Suga are alone. Together. Damn it.

I slam my hand on the branch and it makes a sound that made my stomach churn.

Shit.

The branch snapped making it fall on Yamaguchi and Tsukishima. I came crashing down on top of them.

"YOU IDIOT!" Tsukishima shouted and Yamaguchi was still on the ground. I thought I knocked him unconscious but he groaned which was a good sign.

All three of us were a jumble of arms and legs as the cold, wet grass collected on my clothes. I rolled over them and onto my back, moaning in pain.

"What the hell. Were you. Doing. up in a tree anyway..." Tsukishima panted. He slowly got up from the ground into a sitting position. He grabbed Yamaguchi by his hoodie and pulled him upwards; he was still dazed as the branch seemed to have hit him in the head. I notice a pair of night-vision goggles around his neck.

What are those for? Usually you would have those to spy-

I glance at Tsukishima and smirk.

"Doesn't seem like you're here for just the festival, bean pole."

"We're on a mission." Yamaguchi blurted out. He was still stunned by the sudden hit that he gave me a thumbs up as he fell back onto the ground again.

Raising an eyebrow at Tsukishima he looks at me coldly in the eyes.

"Mika huh? Is that why you impulsively kissed her at the Seijoh game?" I teased.

"What? Like you're not doing the same thing?" he glances up and down at me, judging my every move.

I growled at the irritating blonde and say no more. Getting up from the grass, I pat myself down and search for Mika and Oikawa again.

If I can just find them, then maybe they'll meet back with (F/N).

Mika looks straight into your direction and her eyes widen. I still hand your hood on and the trees casted a shadow on me. I didn't know if I was totally concealed but I prayed that I was.

Does she see me?!

Oikawa seemed to have noticed as well as he protects Mika's head with his arms.

Ew Oikawa.

I seem to have startled them as they start running away without looking back.

"GET DOWN YOU IDIOT! THEY'LL SEE YOU." Tsukishima forcefully pulled me down by my pants. He pulled down a little too hard and well...

"HOLY SHITBALLS TSUKISHIMA!"

I was exposed and the breeze provided an unpleasant feeling. I was standing there in my Pikachu boxers. My pants were in a bundle at my feet. People passing by were giving me dirty looks and some mothers were shielding their kid's eyes.

"Mom look! Pikachu!"

"Honey no! Don't look at that perverted man! Do you have no SHAME?!" the woman shouted at you with her hands covering her daughter's eyes.

I immediately pull up my pants and sink to the floor in embarrassment.

"You're going to pay for that Kei..." I mumble onto the grass. He wasn't paying attention to me as he was laughing his ass off, rolling around in the grass.

~

"Tsukki... Why can't you just tell her that you like her?" Yamaguchi mumbled as he was eating a fried pork cutlet in his hands. He was making such a mess that you hand him a tissue. During class, Mika gave me back my dinosaur handkerchief. She washed it and it smelt just like her. I'd give it to Yams but it was kinda special to me.

"Seriously, why can't you just say it? I bet she likes you back." Yamaguchi asked all confused.

We both walking together with your hoodies up. I was never an outdoors person and I would rather spend my Saturday afternoon in bed. But the thought of Oikawa and Mika together made my blood boil. I couldn't lie still in bed knowing that PERVERT was going to lay a finger on her. I invited Yamaguchi to come with me but I didn't mention that the reason was for Mika. Eventually Yamaguchi put the pieces together and voila...

Mission Impossible: Rescue Mika from a perv

I knew that Mika and Oikawa were here because I overheard Mika talking about it with Kageyama on the bus ride. I remember what she complained about: 'I don't know Kags. I'm scared to be alone with him. Like how am I supposed to interact with him? It's been years since we talked. And that crush I had in middle school was so long ago...' She was speaking so fast that it was barely audible. Nonetheless, I could tell she was nervous about the date.

Seeing Mika nervous. That's a first. That's why I need to be here... not because I like her. Tsukishima you're an actual idiot if think you like her...

Images played in my head as I remember her smiling at me. Kissing her forehead. Playing video games with her. Her screaming at me because of how talented I was but I was 'too blind to see it'

My heart skipped a beat.

No Tsuki. I don't like her. She's irritating and annoying and-

There she was. From across the crowd, I can see glimpses of her. It was no doubt it was her. It was the smile that gave it away. As the crowd shifted over, covering her, Oikawa was in full view this time. Linking arms with her as they shared mini-donuts.

"Tsukki?" Yamaguchi questioned with concern.

I look down onto my Gohei mochi and I seemed to have squeezed it with my hands.

Impulsive irritation.

"I don't like her." I stated blankly.

"Ah Tsukki, Tsukki. When will you learn?" Yamaguchi moves his head side to side in a scolding fashion.

"What. It's not like you have a thing for Yachi-san." I snort, making Yamaguchi shush me. He frantically waves his arms around and his eyes dart left and right to see if anyone heard.

"What if she's here?! Don't say it so loudly!"

"If you can confess to her... then I'll tell Mika." I say quickly.

I didn't think I'd make such a stupid bet with my best friend.

"Nonono. I can't possibly do that. You're crazy!" Yamaguchi retorted

"Then I guess I'll never tell Mika." I murmured

"Ah ha! So you confess you do like her, don't cha?" Yamaguchi laughed. I grumble in response and look around again for Mika. She seemed to have disappeared into the crowd. I sigh in frustration and motion Yams to the booth that sells mochi.

"I just think she's cool. That's all." I say nonchalantly.

"Alright... whatever you say dude." Yamaguchi was still stuffing his face with the pork cutlet.

After purchasing another gohei mochi, Yamaguchi and I settle down at a nearby tree. Sitting down and leaning back on the trunk, I randomly ask my freckled friend,

"What makes you like Yachi-san?"

"Oh uhhh." Yams was patting the back of his head apprehensively. He always did that when he was uncomfortable.

"Ah, forget I asked." I interjected.

"No, I'm glad you asked." Yamaguchi was fiddling with his remains of pork cutlet in the paper bag.

"Well, she's pretty and cute."

"That's it?"

"No, it's not just that. She's talented and crazy smart. She's always so helpful and she makes me smile. We have a lot in common. And uh... she makes my heart go-"