Try Your Hardest | Ushijima Wakatoshi

Year 2: Part 5

The next semester ended just as quickly as it came. Before they knew it, the mountains of Sendai were stark with snow and everyone was bundled into their warm winter apparel.

During the holidays, right after New Years, the spring and fall semester sports teams have an annual winter retreat somewhere in the mountains of Sendai. They spend their time in a very large expensive cabin as courtesy of a successful Shiratorizawa alumni.

Some of the students were currently on a morning hike across the snowy mountains, enjoying the view of the vast, chalky white mountains.

"I can't believe we leave for nationals in a week," Shirabu sighed.

"Huh? You're not excited for it?" Tendou asked, rubbing his hands together in an attempt to make himself warmer.

"I mean..yeah, but shouldn't we be training for it now?" he raised an eyebrow.

"We've trained all break! Coach Washijo told us to take it easy so we won't be burnt out by the time the competition comes around," Semi, on Shirabu's other side explained.

"Hmm, I can't imagine Ushijima-san being okay with this. He's like a machine when it comes to volleyball I bet he's losing it right now," Shirabu pouted.

Both Semi and Tendou mischievously chuckled at each other, knowing that their future captain was more than okay with missing a little bit of practice to spend time with his beloved. Or so they called her.

"You might wanna take another look for yourself. I think Ushijima is having a great time with Uta-chan. Wouldn't you say so Semi?" Tendou chuckles as the three watched Uta and Ushijima from behind.

"I wouldn't disagree with that statement!" Semi put his index finger and thumb at his chin with a sly smile.

Oh they're such instigators, Shirabu rolled his eyes. "I don't really know about that. He doesn't seem any different than usual."

"You'd be surprised young Shirabu! Our ace really does have a soft spot whether you believe it or not!" Tendou pointed dramatically to him.

He was unconvinced, however. Shirabu has hardly seen him show any emotion and has only seen him smile very few times. He didn't see how there was any way Ushijima could possibly have feelings for anyone in that manner.

"Not buying it," Shirabu rolled his eyes again.

"Man you really are such a brat, do we gotta prove it to ya?" Tendou challenged.

"Oh go right on ahead," their younger teammate challenged.

Semi and Tendou talked for a moment to figure out how they would actually go about showing Shirabu their future captain was noting but a big, sweet boy. It wasn't only with Uta, Ushijima may appear as stoic and tactless at times, but he is very supportive of those who are close to him.

"Heeeey Wakatoshi-kun! Uta-chan!" Satori jogged a little to catch up with the two and slapped his hand over the man's shoulder.

"Hello," Ushiwaka nodded in acknowledgement.

"Hello Satori-san!" Uta responded brightly as ever.

"It's really cold isn't it?" Tendou rubbed his arms. He made the mistake of only wearing a long sleeve and a sweatshirt over, thinking it wouldn't be too cold since it was sunny. The cold climate of Miyagi was always unforgiving.

"You should have brought another jacket or something warmer," Ushijima noted.

"I'm freezing too! I thought the sun being out today meant it would be a little warmer but I was wrong," Uta stuck out her tongue and slapped her forehead for her forgetfulness. Her and Tendou were on the same boat.