Four out of Six

~Chapter 1~

It began when Suga didn't show up for practice.

Sawamura Daichi, third year and captain of the Karasuno men's volleyball team, was confused. Sugawara Koushi, fellow third year and vice-captain, was not the type to skip unannounced. If anything, he was the type to show up for secret practices with the first years and mentor them during lunch breaks. Daichi knew this was the case. So the fact that Suga wasn't at practice was just plain weird.

"Sensei! Have you heard from Suga?"

Takeda-sensei seemed a bit surprised by the question. "Sugawara-kun? No, not at all. Why? Is something wrong?"

Daichi shook his head. "I'm not sure. He's not at practice, but I saw him yesterday."

Frowning, the captain excused himself and headed up to their changing room. He pulled his phone out from his bag. No new messages. Daichi sent Suga a quick text.

To: Suga
Hey, just wondering where you are.

Asahi came up to the room.

"Daichi? We're starting in a minute."

"Okay. I'll be right there."

Seeing as there wasn't a reply Daichi put his phone away and headed back to the gym. Morning practice came and went. Suga didn't show up. He stared at his phone during homeroom, but still nothing. Maybe Suga was sick?

Daichi tried to reason with himself that there was nothing wrong, and that Suga would text him if anything were to change. Still, morning classes went by at a snail's pace. By lunch Daichi was anxious. He still hadn't heard from his friend.

It took until right before afternoon practice for Daichi to finally--finally!--get a reply.

From: Suga
sorry!! I had a doctor's appointment today. and my phone died, haha!!

To: Suga
Is everything okay?

From: Suga
im fine! ive been feeling ill the last couple of weeks, so my mom wanted to take me to the hospital and get some bloodwork done to make sure its not anything serious.

From: Suga
dont slack off at practice today! ill be there tomorrow.

To: Suga
I'll see you then, then.

Putting his phone back in his bag Daichi laced up his sneakers and headed down to the court.

All was well. Or so he thought.

Or so anyone thought.