Me Or Volleyball

Chapter 13- New Horizons

The morning air was crisp as Hinata and I walked towards the gym, our hands intertwined. Despite the early hour, butterflies danced in my stomach. Today was the day we'd face the team as a couple for the first time.

"Ready?" Hinata asked, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "As I'll ever be."

As we entered the gym, the usual sounds of squeaking shoes and volleyballs hitting the floor faltered for a moment. All eyes turned to us, a mix of curiosity and surprise evident on our teammates' faces.

Tanaka was the first to break the silence, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Well, well, well! Look what we have here!"

Nishinoya bounded over, slapping Hinata on the back. "Our little Shoyo, all grown up and with a girlfriend! I'm so proud!"

I felt my face heat up as Hinata stammered out a response, his hand still firmly clasped in mine.

"Alright, alright, that's enough," Daichi's authoritative voice cut through the commotion. He approached us, Sugawara at his side. "We're happy for you both," he said, his tone warm but firm. "But remember, when we're in this gym, our focus is on volleyball. Understood?"

"Yes, captain!" Hinata and I chorused, grateful for his understanding yet no-nonsense approach.

As we moved to start our warm-ups, I caught Tsukishima's eye. He smirked, pushing up his glasses. "Try not to let your love-struck bumbling affect your already questionable receives, shrimp," he drawled at Hinata.

Before Hinata could retort, Yamaguchi chimed in with a gentle, "Come on, Tsukki, be nice."

To my surprise, Kageyama stepped forward. "Hinata's receives have been improving," he stated matter-of-factly. "And I don't think this will negatively impact his play."

The gym fell silent for a moment, everyone shocked by Kageyama's unexpected defense. Then, as if a spell had been broken, everyone burst into movement, the familiar rhythm of practice taking over.

As we went through our drills, I couldn't help but notice the subtle changes. There was a new energy in Hinata's movements, his jumps seeming even higher than usual. Kageyama, true to his word, worked with Hinata as seamlessly as ever, their freak quick as impressive as always.

After practice, as I was gathering my things, Yachi approached me hesitantly.

"Y/N," she began, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "I... I'm really happy for you and Hinata. And I want you to know that I understand why you kept it a secret. I'm just glad you feel you can be open about it now."

Overwhelmed with gratitude for her understanding, I pulled her into a hug. "Thank you, Yachi. Your friendship means so much to me."

As we parted, Yachi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So... will you tell me how it happened? I want all the details!"

Laughing, I promised to fill her in later, my heart light with the knowledge that I had such supportive friends.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of curious glances and whispered conversations. Hinata and I ate lunch together on the roof, reveling in the simple joy of being able to sit close without fear of discovery.

"This is nice," Hinata said, his mouth full of rice. "Being able to just... be together."

I nodded, leaning my head on his shoulder. "It is. Though I could do without all the staring."

Hinata chuckled. "They'll get used to it. And if they don't..." he trailed off, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, we'll just have to give them something to really stare at!"

"Hinata!" I exclaimed, laughing despite myself.

As we walked home that afternoon, hand in hand, we discussed the upcoming practice match against Nekoma.

"Are you nervous?" I asked, knowing how much Hinata looked forward to facing Kenma.

Hinata's eyes shone with determination. "A little, but mostly excited! I can't wait to show them how much I've improved."

I smiled, infected by his enthusiasm. "You've been amazing in practice. I'm sure you'll blow them away."

Hinata's grin softened into something more intimate. "Having you there... it makes me want to fly even higher."

My heart swelled with affection. "Just don't fly too high. I kind of like having you here on the ground with me."

As we reached the point where our paths home diverged, Hinata pulled me into a gentle kiss. "See you tomorrow?" he murmured against my lips.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied.

Watching him bounce away, his orange hair catching the late afternoon sun, I felt a mix of emotions wash over me. Joy at the freedom to express our feelings openly. Nervousness about the challenges that lay ahead. Excitement for the future we were stepping into together.

Whatever came next - the practice match with Nekoma, the Spring Tournament, the ups and downs of navigating a relationship in the public eye - I knew one thing for certain. With Hinata by my side, and our friends supporting us, we could face anything.

The path ahead might not be easy, but it was ours to walk together. And that made all the difference.