Shouyou didn't show up on time for photos the next day. Tobio was both confused and scared for the boy. He knew that while Shouyou wasn't necessarily a punctual person, he would at least let Tobio know if he would be a bit late.
"I thought you said someone would be coming to take photo's of us today?" Daichi asked while approaching Tobio during a brief water break.
"Yeah, his boyyyfriend," Nishinoya teased, a few feet away from the two.
"He said he would come. I'm sure something came up and he'll be on his way soon. Or at least say he can't make it," Tobio reassured, checking his phone for any new messages from Shouyou.
Nothing.
Throughout the rest of practice, Tobio would occasionally check his phone for an email or text from the ginger. Still, nothibg.
"Getting ghosted by your only friend? That's gotta be rough," Tsukishima commented while passing him at the end of practice.
As if on cue, however, Tobio's phone made a small buzz and a notification from Shouyou's number popped up at the top of the screen.
To: Tobio
From: Shouyou
Sorry, got caught up in stuff. Talk l8r.
Tobio stared at the message for a few moments, taking in the words and concentrating on every sentence as if Shouyou had left an encrypted message in his text.
To: Shouyou
From: Tobio
Alright. What happened? (If you don't mind me asking)
It became abundantly clear that Shouyou did mind him asking because he didn't respond after that message.
"Sorry Daichi, seems like something got in the way. I'll see what happened and maybe we can reschedule?"
"I mean, we're good all week but tournaments are starting up soon so I'd prefer to get things going sooner rather than later."
"Will do. Sorry again."
"It wasn't your fault," Daichi answered.
Tobio left practice a few hours later with a frown. Had he just been stood up? And not even on a date.
He decided to take a long route home, passing by the playground he had helped Shouyou from all those weeks ago.
Yes, he planned to stop by and yes, taking a 'longer route' was just an excuse but he felt that maybe he could get his Wattpad moment and meet Shouyou there, like some sort of telepathic romance.
Tobio felt his phone buzz in his pocket again as he approached the playground. He took the phone and opened it with a Face ID.
To: Tobio
From: Shouyou
Can we meet up?
To: Shouyou
From: Tobio
I suppose, where at?
To: Tobio
From: Shouyou
Remember that playground you once came to?
To: Shouyou
From: Tobio
Vaguely, yes.
To: Tobio
From: Shouyou
There.
Tobio internally danced. He sent a thumbs up to Shouyou before making his way to the playground. He waited a few minutes so he wouldn't just appear mysteriously out of thin air the moment they finished their conversation, but he still wanted to to with Shouyou as soon as possible.
When Tobio approached the mulch, he paused.
There, sitting on a lone swing, was Shouyou, his camera wrapped around his neck.
He had clearly planned on visiting the volleyball club, so what changed?
Kageyama stepped onto the playground and walked over to a swing that sat beside Shouyou's.
"What's up?" Tobio started.
"I'm sorry," Shouyou blurted. Almost interrupting Tobio.
"What?"
"My camera broke. I didn't want to tell you because I just felt so clumsy I guess but... I realized you deserved an explanation."
Tobio turned his head to face the camera that hung around Shouyou's neck and fell into his lap. Shouyou was hunched Uber with his hands almost at the same height as his head as they held onto the swing.
Upon closer inspection, Tobio could see that, yes, the camera had broken. It looked almost smushed, and he was surprised he hadn't seen the damage at first glance. Not to mention it looked quite expensive.
"What happened to it?"
"Oh you know, it happens. I tripped down the schools stairs and rammed into the camera n' everything." Shouyou explained, avoiding eye contact.
Tobio could see a few bruises on Shouyou's face, even though they were in the dark.
"Are you alright? After a fall like that im sure you would be extremely hurt."
"Oh, i'm fine. Just a few bruises is all," Shouyou let out a ligh sigh.
Tobio watched as Shouyou's jaw clenched, most likely in pain.
"Really? 'Cause it seems like-"
"I just tripped," Shouyou restated, "that's all. I won't be able to take any new photos until I get a new camera. And I don't have the budget for that right now. Lord knows my mom does either." Shouyou continued after calming down a bit.
Tobio lowered his own head.
"I really did. want to take photos of you guys. You all seem so happy when you play. I really wish I could've captured that. But I guess im just not the man for the job, ahah."
Shouyou's laugh didn't reach his lips, he didn't even smile, "That's all. Thanks for coming." Shouyou stepped off of the swing and into the mulch before walking off into the streets.
Tobio sighed. Even though it was night, there were still street lamps and builting lights that illuminated the empty playground, not to mention the moon itself, so it wasn't hard per-say to see someone else. It all just took a little eye adjustment.
So when Tobio turned to face Shouyou before he left, he made sure to note the tears streaming down Shouyou's face.
Shouyou cried the entire conversation.
YOU ARE READING
A Table For One~Kagehina
FanfictionKageyama likes his job. Sure, he works the early morning shifts at literally two in the morning, but he enjoys the tranquility of it all. It's never chaotic, it's never dreadful, and there's never a customer there. That is, until a new customer, Sho...
