Prodigy (Hinata x Kageyama)

Prologue

"Give me one more chance," Hinata stood shakily, panting and on the brink of collapse. "One more chance to prove to you I'm worth it."

"No."

Kageyama replied simply.

Hinata growled and grabbed the volleyball next to him. He whipped it right at the setter's head but his target was quick to react, catching the ball with just one hand with ease.

The ball fit snugly in his hand. "No one is good enough."

"The only reason I'm not at your level is because of my injury in first year." 

The mention of his injury sent a sharp pain across Kageyama's chest, causing him to wince ever so slightly. 

He was still quick to respond. "That, and of course, the fact that nobody is at or can reach my level."

"You're too arrogant," Hinata hissed.

Kageyama frowned. "I can't help it, you know I'm right."

 "You're wrong."

He sighed and considered the ball still held in his hand.  

"One more," Hinata urged him on. "One more serve. I'll receive it!"

Kageyama shook his head. "That's what you said the last fifty times. The best liberos in the country have a hard time with it, give up. It's not even your strength."

"I'm better than them." The force and pure determination coming from Hinata is all it takes for Kageyama to position himself behind the serving line once more..

This was definitely the last time.

It must be midnight at this point, he knows they've been at this for hours. His legs are starting to feel weak, which was a feeling he hasn't felt since years ago.

He served the ball; the sensation making him feel good but only a ghost of what it used to feel like to play volleyball. It used to feel amazing, like nothing else in the world. Other than love.

He aimed directly at Hinata.

It's a plead for him to stop. 

It's also a plead for him to receive it.

It was begging for someone to match his strength.

And for a split second, hope sparks in his eyes as Hinata is in the perfect position to receive.

But Hinata's knees fail him, and it's clear that his body has reached its limit.

Just like everyone else.

 "You know I'm not like everyone else." Hinata said, as if having read his mind. He's lying on the floor, barely having enough energy to meet Kageyama's eyes.

"You're defeated, aren't you?" 

Silence.

"Then you are just like everyone else."

Kageyama moves to clean up the gym and put away the net.

"How did this happen to us?" Hinata muttered. "We're only third-years."

"Simple. My natural talent eclipsed you. It surpassed everyone." Kageyama's response is blunt and leaves his mouth without a second of doubt. He hates how he is so used to saying it.

Hinata gets up and charges at him. Kageyama's instinct is to dodge, but he stands his ground knowing that Hinata isn't strong enough to hurt him. And that Hinata would never intentionally hurt him.

Hinata ends up jumping at him, and grabbing his collar. He's so light that Kageyama barely budges.

"Shut up, you know that's not what I meant."

Kageyama blinked. "What did you mean?"

The fact that Kageyama wasn't aware at all, hurts Hinata so much that Kageyama can see the pain in his eyes.

"We could've been happy together."

Kageyama was taken aback. 

"YOU THINK I DON'T WANT-" Kageyama looked away and took a second to collect himself, surprised by his own outburst. "Why do you think we're not still together?"

Hinata let go of his collar. "Does our relationship have to depend on volleyball?" 

Kageyama thought for a moment. "Yes."

"I don't understand why," Hinata said. "But if it does to you, then I'll become better than you."

Kageyama looked into Hinata's eyes and he saw his own reflection. Hinata's expression conveyed so much emotion that it was too difficult for Kageyama to look at him any longer.

Kageyama turned his back towards Hinata. Something he realized he was doing a lot lately.

"Please do."

A/N: Chapter 1 will be up soon.