#hqfic

how can I not be moved by you: within 5 seconds of meeting warlock Atsumu, apothecary owner Sakusa decides that he does not like him. Modern era magic AU. 26K words (3 chapters). Teen Audiences.

how to NOT fall in love with your flatmate's twin  Definitely a SakuAtsu fic, but it focuses heavily on the developing friendship between roommates Sakusa and Osamu as Kiyoomi denies his feelings for Atsumu. 47K words (3 chapters). Rating: Mature

Lost In Your Pull: In which Kiyoomi defines everything using the logic of physics then realizes that he can't escape Atsumu's gravitational pull. 19K words (2 chapters). Rating: Teen Audiences

lovegame: Atsumu encounters an intriguing stranger while traveling to be a contestant on Love Island. Awesome fic, featuring great friendship dynamics. 119K words (18 chapters). Rating: Mature

Haikyuu (misc)🏐🏐

After You Go, Won't You Stay?: MSBY's bus is involved in a crash, leaving everyone scrambling in the aftermath. 4K words. Rating: General Audiences (Major Character Death & grief)

and this is breathing (and seeing it go): Hinata suffers from homesickness when he joins The Black Jackals; his teammates help. 6K words. Rating: Teen Audiences

Enigma: an ode to Bokuto Koutarou. 2.5K words. Rating: General Audiences

gonna stand by you  5 times Kageyama defended his teammates and 1 time they defended him. 5K Words. Rating: General Audiences

meeting you: Kenma's low self-esteem makes him hesitant to meet his longtime online friends. 7K words (2 Chapters) Rating: Teen Audiences 

"Monster": Tendou finds acceptance at Shiratorizawa. 2K words. Rating: General Audiences

Silver Lining: Asahi gets stood up on a blind date at a festival, but ends up having the best day of his life anyway. 9K words. Rating: Teen Audiences

Something Bigger: Despite his best efforts, Tsukishima might be developing feelings for the two guys who rent surfboards from his shop every day. 8K words. Rating: Teen Audiences

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Kuroo and Kenma meet in different lifetimes. Promised Neverland-ish reincarnation fic. Technically does contain Major Character Death. 32K Words (5 chapters) Rating: Mature (for angst)

the world will follow after: Tsukishima refuses to go to Hinata and Kageyama's wedding alone, so he puts out an ad on Craigslist to find a date. While this is a Tsukkiyama fic, I especially love how the friendships are written in this story. 120K words (11 Chapters) Rating: Explicit

Platonic

all id, no ego: Atsumu learns more about himself as his friendship with Sakusa develops. 8K words. Rating: Teen Audiences 

An Opponent is Announced: Kiyoomi's efforts to prepare for the Olympics are thwarted by the mystery of Oikawa Tooru. 13K words. Rating: General Audiences

breathe in and shout: Kageyama reluctantly attends his middle school reunion. 5K words. Rating: General Audiences

budding silence: Aone no longer sits alone on the train. 2K words. Rating: General Audiences

Losing Cakes and Counting Keys: Atsumu's cake is missing, and he, Bokuto and Sakusa struggle to remember who has keys to their apartment. 4K words. Rating: General Audiences

Mishap and coincidence make a fool's luck: Daishou accidentally sends a vent text to the wrong number and ends up with a friend. 3K worsds. Rating: Teen Audiences

Oh, Brother(s): 3 times Aran was there for the twins and 1 time they were there for him. 4K words. Rating: General Audiences

paper flowers: Ushijima's garden seems to attract other team captains. 3K words. Rating: General Audiences

Picasso's Portraits: art student Atsumu goes to an art museum to find inspiration for a project and ends up clashing with an artist there. 9K words. Rating: General Audiences

Shivers Down My Spine: Yachi's terrible day is greatly improved when she runs into some familiar faces at the library. 8K words. Rating: General Audiences

(I never ask this, but feel free to reblog this post, because the more people see the recommendations, the more they'll share with others.)

See you in a few weeks months soon with another list🥰

(Previous List)

You followed his voice and found him just shedding his uniform, hanging his utility belt on the hook next to his jacket in the closet. “You’re home. I thought you were supposed to be working all night on that new case.”

“The suspect turned himself in, so they let us off at the normal time,” he said, turning to you with a smile which fell when he caught sight of the dark circles and the frown. There was a sparkle to your eyes that wasn’t happiness at seeing him, though that was there too. No, you were ready to cry and that could only mean one thing. “Oh, baby, come here.”

It was the final straw. 

The tears spilled over and fell down your cheeks before you could fight it, the sympathetic, warm glow in his eyes an instant comfort even if he looked ready to go out and pick a fight. And he would, if you gave him permission. But you both knew you wouldn’t. Even if she hurt you time and again, she was still your mother and you didn’t want her and your partner going at each other.

But that didn’t mean the things she did and the things she said stung or aggravated you any less. You wondered for the hundredth time what you had done to make her treat you like that as your tears soaked his undershirt. 

Daichi could already tell what you were thinking. No matter how many times him and Asahi had told you that none of it was your fault, you always fell back on feeling guilty, thinking you were overreacting or that it was something you had done. Only time and distance would give you perspective, but you couldn’t give yourself either. Or rather, she wouldn’t give you either. 

But he wasn’t going to push you. You would have to figure it out for yourself, and in the meantime, he would be there to support you.

While he rubbed your back, his lips pressing to your hair in soothing kisses, he fished his phone out of your pocket and sent a quick text to Asahi. It was a familiar one, and one he would no doubt understand.

“Let me get finished and then we can go relax and you can tell me all about it. Asahi will be home soon, too,” he said, pulling back enough to press a quick kiss to your forehead.

You moved to sit at the edge of the bed, watching him slowly undress, his issued pants unzipped and hanging low on his hips, revealing his boxers underneath. He pulled his shirt over his head, his back muscles rippling with the movements. Even years after he’d quit playing volleyball competitively, he kept up his physique playing with the community teams. He was good at teaching children and well liked, and made a solid foundation as captain of your neighborhood team. It also had other benefits, such as making good eye candy.

His shoulders shook and you caught his eye in the mirror, shrugging. “I like what I see.”

His pants slid down his toned legs and were followed by your eyes, just drinking him in. They were replaced with a pair of basketball shorts, and then he came to stand in front of you and you parted your legs willingly. He slotted himself between your thighs, pushing you back until you were laying flat on the bed.

“I know I said we’d relax, but your staring has distracted me. I think I should return the favor,” he said, his voice husky and amused. His fingers danced up your inner thighs, covered by your jeans until they landed on the button. When he heard no disputes, he flicked it open and pulled the zipper down, tugging your jeans halfway down your thighs followed by pushing your shirt up to your neck, displaying your bra.

Pressing open mouthed kisses all over your stomach elicited a giggle, and he chuckled against your skin, his fingers kneading the soft flesh of your hips. He paved a trail up your ribs with his lips and hands, nudging you to arch so he could unclasp your bra. The way your breathing deepened as his fingers cupped just under your breasts, bouncing them and listening to your giggles, made him smirk. The noises changed right to gasps as his mouth found your nipple, flicking his tongue over the bud. Your back arched and a small moan escaped as he sucked, your fingers finding his hair and tugging him closer, as if he was planning to go anywhere. 

Letting his fingers wander down further, they ghosted over your clit, gathering the slick already there and circling it with two fingers. When he switched to your other, neglected nipple, they slid further down, splitting your folds and prodding one finger into your wet, needy hole. Your hips rolled, fingers pulling at his hair while he curled that finger inside of you. Sparks of pleasure flooded through you, the moans growing louder and more garbled.

“Daichi, please, more,” you begged, trying to throw your legs over his shoulders, forgetting you were still wrapped up in your jeans. You whined when Daichi pulled away, laughing at the angry tug at his hair and wrapping his fingers around your insistent wrist.

“Wait, baby, give me a second.” 

Your pants were off and thrown over his shoulder, landing with a muffled whump somewhere near the closet, but you were too preoccupied to notice as Daichi had thrown your legs over his shoulders and dived back in. Your voice cracked around the noise you made, your thighs clenching around his head as his tongue flicked across your clit so fast you were seeing stars. His fingers slid back into your tight heat and he groaned around your clit as he watched you cup your own tit, tweaking your nipple while you tugged at your hair. Your pussy made the most delicious noises, so wet for him and he worked a third finger into you for your trouble. Curling his finger just right, your hips jerked in his hold, nonsensical pleading leaving your lips as you hurtled toward the edge.

Your stupor broke at the sound of a door clicking shut, and you opened your eyes to find Asahi staring at you with an amused grin. 

“Well, what do we have here?” he asked, loosening his tie as he set his bag down on the dresser.

“Dessert,” Daichi responded, barely moving away from your still sensitive clit as he said it, and the movement of his lips against it sent little shocks of pleasure. With his fingers still buried in your pussy, you weren’t sure if you were in heaven or hell.

“Before dinner? Dai, you ought to know better,” Asahi said, flicking the buttons on his shirt open.

Your eyes rolled as Daichi returned his attention to your clit, taking it a little slower now, giving Asahi a show without your permission. The pleasure built up quicker than you were expecting and you shook with your orgasm, clamping down tight around Daichi’s head. You kept your eyes on Asahi as long as you could, enjoying the slight flush on his cheeks until the pleasure forced your eyes to shut.

“Damn, _____, you really are beautiful, you know that?” Asahi whispered, pushing strands of hair out of your face and smiling when you grinned up at him. “Think you have the energy for some more?”

“Always,” you whispered, tugging on his hand. 

Instead of coming down to you, he pulled you up, cupping the back of your head and capturing your lips with his. Delving his tongue into your mouth, you tasted coffee just the way he liked and a hint of strawberries-- probably from the strawberry mochi he always bought at lunch. His fingers threaded in your hair and yours followed suit, tugging his hair from it’s high bun and sighed at the softness.

“Don’t hog her, Asahi,” Daichi said, setting your legs down. But he didn’t move back from you.

Instead, you felt the bed dip where he put his weight down and, when Asahi pulled back, you saw that Daichi had braced himself on one arm over you. You had a sudden flash of overwhelming, unadulterated love for him as he stared down at you with gentle, if not mischievous, eyes. He never judged you, never pushed you about certain sensitive topics, but always offered an ear no matter how much he disliked what he heard. But it was only ever because he hated what it did to you.

Thinking like that, you turned to look at Asahi, who was stripping himself of his pants and flushed pink when he caught you looking. A smile still spread across his lips, as quick as ever and the gentle glint in his eye told you that Daichi had told him about your day already. 

Tears burned your eyes again, but for an entirely different reason. Overwhelming love flowed through you and, as if Asahi could read it on your face, he rushed over. Daichi must have seen it too because your lips were suddenly occupied and your mouth filled with his tongue, tasting everything.

You moaned into his mouth while he shuffled around, leaving the space between your legs unoccupied. As you were about to complain-- or try to, you weren’t sure how yet-- fingers were prodding at your still wet slit, one and two and then three fingers sliding in so easily it was almost embarrassing.

Muffled moans left your lips as you realized that both of them had filled you, and it was probably Asahi’s gentle touch against your clit. The thought was enough to drive you right to the edge and a sharp pulse of pleasure shooting from your cunt through the rest of you had your back arching and your hips rolling. They scissored and flexed inside you, stretching your pussy out to prepare you for what was to come. A fourth finger prodded gently, questioning just as Daichi pulled away from your lips.

“Please, I want it, want you,” you babbled as soon as you were free. The fingers of one hand curled into Asahi’s and he took the hint, winding his fingers between yours as he smiled. There was the most delicious stretching sensation and the dam broke, pulses of pleasure flowing through you and moans leaving your lips as you soaked their fingers.

“You’ll have us, baby, just wait,” Asahi said, lifting your ragdoll body up easily so that he could slide underneath you, your trembling legs settled on the outside of his, leaving you spread open to them. Like Daichi, he kept his physique up even after leaving competitive volleyball, helping the community teams. You were already so tired from two mind blowing orgasms in as many minutes, but still you reached up, threading your fingers through his hair. You tilted your head to the side at his nudging and felt his lips on your neck followed by his teeth nibbling. Giggling, you turned and pressed your lips to his, feeling his curl up against yours.

He knew you had had a rough day thanks to Daichi, but he had already known before that that you would. It always ended rough when you went to hang out with your mom. Either you hadn’t done something right, or you didn’t come see her enough, or your relationship was immoral and wrong, or any other number of things she could come up with to make you feel guilty and insecure. There was no reason for her to do those things to you that he could see. You may not be perfect, but you were you and more than enough for him and Daichi.

He reached up to cup the back of your head, holding you to him just a little longer while Daichi settled between your legs. 

It was about then you realized you could feel both of them settled against your slit and another thrill of pleasure coursed through you. You weren’t even sure how you could still want more after but the way your pussy clenched around nothing at the idea of both their thick cocks filling your tight hole out told you that you did.

Daichi rooted around for a moment in the nightstand for the bottle of lube you kept on hand for just such occasions as this. He started with his own, slicking it all over his cock, which throbbed at the thought of sliding into your hot cunt. Then he moved onto Asahi’s, watching his partner’s eyes close tight and his forehead come to rest on your shoulder. Your eyes were locked on the way Daichi’s hand wrapped around Asahi’s cock, pumping it slowly and watching the precum bead at the tip. 

When he was sure they were both lubed up good, he slid his slicked fingers back into your pussy, making sure you were nice and wet and loose, and smirked when you clenched around him. Nodding to Asahi, he watched as his partner lined up with your slit, prodding and sliding slowly into you and the way your lips stretched taut around him. Your shaky breath reached his ears and his smirk widened.

“Sure you can take us, love?” he asked, tapping the head of his cock against your clit and you trembled.

As if I haven’t taken both of you a hundred times before, you thought, letting your head fall back on Asahi’s shoulder. His chest rose and fell unevenly against your back, his breath puffs of hot air against your ear as he chuckled. “Yes, Dai, please, I can take it. I need it, both of you, inside me please.”

He listened to your whiny babbling, almost slurring in your desperation for Daichi, and took pity on you.

“Stop teasing her, love. She sounds so desperate and she’s asked so nicely,” he said, kissing your shoulder.

Daichi laughed and began to press slowly in, and all three of you moaned at the tightness, the stretching, the rub of their cocks inside you and against one another.

Your eyes rolled into the back of your skull, your back arching and you were sure you stopped breathing but it was worth it when Daichi settled to the hilt inside of you. You were trembling in their arms, your back still bowed and Asahi beat him to cupping your heaving tits, tweaking the already hard nubs, rolling them between his fingers. He enjoyed just watching though, and the way you gasped and dug your nails into the bedcover when he pulled out and slid back in slowly, testing if he could move without hurting you.

When you only moaned and moved your hand to wrap around Asahi’s wrist, he groaned and let loose. Underneath you, Asahi rocked his hips, not moving much but rubbing every sweet spot inside your pussy, leaving you a drooling, whited out mess. He could feel your legs trying to close, thighs clenching with every thrust while an endless stream of noises left your lips. Daichi’s pace was rougher, faster, providing friction against Asahi’s cock and he moaned Daichi’s name into your hair.

Fingers threaded through your hair and your eyes fluttered open, locking onto Daichi’s intense gaze and your lips parted. The pressure let up and he cupped your chin instead, his thumb sliding between those spread lips, his eyes narrowing.

“Suck.”

Obediently, your lips wrapped around his thumb, your tongue laving the pad of his thumb as you stared up at him.

“Good girl. You’re so beautiful, _____, you know that?” Asahi whispered, pinching your nipples and tugging, feeling you spasm around them. The slick squelching coming from your pussy combined with the praise of the two enormous men towering over you, stretching you out and stuffing you full, was sending you into a stupor. 

The glide and pull of their cocks inside of you, sliding over every overstimulated sweet spot inside of you and the grind of Daichi’s coarse curls against your clit was forcing loud moans and cries of their names from your lips as you hurtled toward the edge for the third time that evening. Your toes curled as the pleasure expanded, your nails digging into Asahi’s wrist as he began to roll your nipples again, almost screaming his name as Daichi forced himself so deep into you that you could feel his head kiss your cervix and you came, clenching down around them so hard they both gasped, twitching inside of you.

You twitched with little aftershocks as Daichi continued to thrust, seeking his own pleasure while Asahi continued to roll gently into you. Both their pleasures mounted at the way you fluttered around them, so tight it was almost choking their cocks, your moans quieted now and intermingled with gasps and panting.

“Cum, please, Dai, Asa, please,” you cried as Daichi’s thrusts became rough and sloppy, his cock pulsing as his thumb forced its way between your lips again. The feel of your tongue wrapped around it, sucking on it like you would his cock, so good and tight and warm--

“Fuck,” he snarled, hilting himself deep as he came, covering Asahi’s cock with his hot cum while he filled you to the brim.

The sight of your lips wrapped around Daichi’s thumb and the squeal that left them as Daichi filled you up spiked Asahi’s own pleasure, but what sent him over the edge was when Daichi pulled out of you, a trail of his cum dripping out of you and covering his cock. His hips jumped up, thrusting a few more times as he used your tight pussy to milk himself off, his cum mixing with Daichi’s inside you. He could feel you trembling around him every time he struck your clit and felt a little guilty when he came down from his high.

“Sorry, love,” he said, leaving a trail of kisses up and down your neck and shoulders to make up for it. You had just cum three times, you needed a break.

While Asahi took care of settling you on the bed, Daichi fetched a warm cloth to clean the three of you up. Afterwards, once you were all dressed-- it took you a few minutes to regain feeling in your legs-- you moved to the kitchen, reheating the takeout Asahi had brought home at Daichi’s request.

“So, what happened today anyway that had you so upset?” Asahi asked, leaning against the counter beside you.

Daichi, at the microwave, turned to look at you from the corner of his eye. But, even though your face fell, you shrugged and smiled. 

“The usual. You aren’t good enough, you should be doing this or that or-- whatever. You know, it doesn’t really matter, because I get to come home to the two of you, and that will always make me feel better,” you said, taking Asahi’s hand. Your other came up and curled a strand of his hair around your finger, smiling up at him and receiving his signature gentle smile in return.

Daichi came up behind you, his arms curling around your waist and his head resting on top of yours, gazing softly at Asahi across from him, and then that gentle smile met his own lips.

“We’re always here for you too, _____. Always.”

・‥…━━━━━━━☆☆━━━━━━━…‥・ 

⇥  masterlist

Wakatoshi’s morning jog was hard. Physically, he could have easily run for another ten kilometers, but his mind kept pulling him back to the safety and warmth of his unmade bed. Annoyed that a steady and peaceful rhythm was out of his reach, he grudgingly circled back to his complex. But by the time he made it up the steps to his apartment, he was breathing hard.

Looks like he needed more rest after all.

Before going in, Wakatoshi took note of the nearly empty bowls of kibble and water beside his front door. He needed to refill them soon. There were several stray cats in the neighbourhood, and he always tried to feed as many as he could while he was home. They gravitated to him when he first moved in, which he thought odd because he didn’t have any experience with cats, or any animals, as a child. He enjoyed their company, though, as they were independent and showed affection once a bond was formed. He wasn’t the easiest person to interact with, so he appreciated the simplicity of his relationship with them.

Sighing, he unzipped his sweater and tossed it absently on the dark green counter top. The apartment was bigger than initially wanted, but his mother insisted that he’d regret it if he chose something smaller. She said that it was always good to have extra room in case people came over. He wanted to tell her that he wouldn’t have much time to entertain considering he would be on the road for games. However, when he realized the extra space would mean that she would always be comfortable during visits, he quickly put an offer in for the apartment.

The troublesome feeling of guilt tugged at him as he thought of his mother. He hadn’t spoken to her in a few weeks. Not since the Adlers loss to the Jackals in the V.League finals. Actually, he needed to touch base with several people in addition to her. Leaning against the counter, he thumbed through his phone until his messages popped up.

20 unread texts stared at him earnestly. The latest one was from Kageyama.

We should practice soon. Let me know when you’re free.

No apologies or words of comfort. He appreciated that. It seemed that Kageyama had already cut his losses and was getting ready for next season. He only knew of a few people that bounced back that quickly; Kageyama’s stubbornness and adaptability was an invaluable asset on the court.

The next message was from Romero.

Hey, Lefty. Drinks on me next time.

Wakatoshi wasn’t a huge drinker, but he enjoyed spending time with Romero. He was supportive and sociable, traits that he hoped would come easier to him one day.

Tendou was next.

Don’t get too down, Toshi-kun! I’ll buy you all the Hayashi rice you want the next time I’m in Sendai.

That made him chuckle. Tendou must be really worried about him if he was willing to take a break from his chocolatier apprenticeship just go out for dinner in their hometown.

The rest of the messages were of a similar nature. Sympathies and offers to hang out when he was available. People were genuinely concerned for him, and he was grateful. He hoped he didn’t worry his them too much with his lack of response.

Normally, he responded to any messages immediately, but he wanted a bit of peace after a long season. A month, however, was pushing it. After downing a glass of orange juice, he decided to respond to them methodically after a short nap and a hot shower. He flopped ungracefully on the couch and stretched his long legs out, calves protesting slightly at the movement.

Wakatoshi closed his eyes and hoped sleep would come, but his thoughts were pulled back to the final set against the Jackals. Everyone knew the match would be a close one. The players on both teams were talented, competitive, and exceedingly stubborn. The Adlers had been the champions for the last three years, but the Jackals were eager to claim that title for themselves. Once the team found out who their opponents were, they prepared to play hard through all five sets.

Because the Jackals would do the same.

Wakatoshi was more than excited for the match, as he always relished the chance to play the best of his contemporaries. He was especially looking forward to paying Hinata back for snatching his last chance to go to the Spring Tournament seven years ago. Wakatoshi couldn’t wait to test the redhead’s newfound skills against his own. They had both evolved into formidable players since their last encounter.

But the Jackals still surprised him, despite having played them twice during the regular season. He had spent hours analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and overall playing style. The Adlers were deadly in their precision and technical prowess, but the Jackals matched that with their unpredictability and tenacity. Miya’s charisma leant itself well to his unconventional spikers. Bokuto, Sakusa, and Hinata were the personification of baseless confidence and relentless determination. Wakatoshi’s most disliked traits.

The Adlers won the first two sets: 25-22 and 25-23.

The coaching staff was fairly confident that they team would take the final set and the match itself, with his, Houshiumi’s, and Romero’s spikes at textbook perfection. But Wakatoshi knew better. From across the court, he felt the energy shift in the Jackals’ team huddle. He could tell Hinata was rallying his team with some choice words; Bokuto was getting worked up, along with Sakusa. They weren’t going out quietly, and frankly, Wakatoshi would’ve been disappointed if they didn’t put up a fight.

The Jackals took the next two sets: 28-26 and 25-23.

Like most players Wakatoshi didn’t like being pushed to the fifth set, as switching courts halfway could effectively kill any hard-earned momentum. He scored the first few points of the set, connecting with Kageyama’s tosses like he always did. But a feeling a dread crept to the front of his mind once he felt that shift of energy again.

It started with Hinata and quickly spread to the rest of his team. The time he spent with Oikawa in Brazil had changed him. He was faster, smarter, and even more fearless than the first time they played. Wakatoshi had to stop himself from admiring his skill and presence. Miya had a grin on his face every time he set to the redhead. Few setters had the chance to work with a wing spiker like Hinata.

The Jackals disrupted the flow of the game with two hard volleys to the back corners of the court on the second hit. The placement confused the back-line players because the ball’s trajectory was on that razor-thin line of in and out. Indecision cost them two crucial points. Then, Sakusa forced him to dig for a few a tips that were just outside of his reach.

And shockingly, he was forced to tip when he realized that he couldn’t power his way through an impenetrable three-man block. It was sloppy and picked up with ease by the libero. This was new territory for him, and he normally wouldn’t have minded, but the unforgiving pace of the fifth set didn’t allow him enough time to adjust to their tactics.

The Jackals won the final set. 25-23. Hinata’s final kill blasted through a hole through his, Sokolov’s, and Romero’s outstretched arms.

Wakatoshi had never been one to dwell on the past, but he couldn’t help but remember his final loss against Karasuno seven years ago. He looked over at Hinata, who was currently dog-piled under his teammates and coaching staff. Their celebration was drowned out by the roaring and unruly crowd, shocked at the defeat of the defending champions.

The little redhead managed to best him again.

No. He was the Little Giant now.

Wakatoshi was still recovering from the outcome when Romero gently nudged his shoulder and said it was time to line up. The man’s darkly stubbled face was sweaty and flushed, probably not unlike his own. But he gave him a solid thump on his back and complimented his spikes before walking past, and it was all Wakatoshi could do to hold his head up high and line up with the rest of the team.

That was a month ago, he thought angrily, resting his forearm over his eyes. The pressure was somewhat comforting. Move on. He hated that he was still dwelling on this loss. That wasn’t like him. He felt out of place for the last month, unsure of how to process his feelings. He hated that even more. Why? He was already a champion, so why was this loss different? Was it because he failed in his duty as the Adlers’ Ace?

Or was it because Hinata beat him again?

His last coherent thought before he finally drifted off to sleep was a fierce promise that he would continue to push forward and improve.

No matter what stood in his way.

~

Riiiiing. Riiiiing. Riiiiing. Riiiiiii—

Wakatoshi turned over, causing the phone on his chest to fall face down onto the floor. The loud thud brought him back to reality. He rubbed his eyes gently with the heel of his hand. How long had he slept? And who was calling him? He briefly considered ignoring the call, but then remembered his decision to reach out to people again. Might as well start now. But by the time he reached his phone, the ringing had stopped. His brow furrowed when he saw the name pop up for the missed call.

SAITOU-SENSEI.

Curious, Wakatoshi sat up and pressed the call button.

“Hello?”

“Saitou-sensei, it’s Wakatoshi-kun. I’m sorry I missed your call.” He smiled when the warm, familiar voice echoed in his ear.

“Oh, not to worry! I’m sure you wanted some peace and quiet after a busy season.”

“Yes,” he stated, leaning back on the plush cushions. “It’s good to be home.”

The excitement in his coach’s voice was instant. “Ah, I was hoping you’d say that! I know it’s last minute, but would you be interested in helping me coach a middle school rep team on Saturday?”

“Coach?” He echoed. Saturday was two days away.

“Just for this Saturday,” his sensei clarified. “My assistant is sick and having an extra pair of hands at practice is never a bad thing.”

Wakatoshi nodded in agreement. Having two coaches was always a benefit to the players. He learned as much from Saitou-sensei as he did Washijiou-sensei during his time at Shiratorizawa. “Where are you holding practice?”

He could hear the smile in sensei’s voice. “Home court. Shiratorizawa Academy. It’s from 1 to 4 in the afternoon.”

Wakatoshi’s eyes widened. He was going to already going to say yes because it was Saitou-sensei asking, but that solidified his decision. “If it’s acceptable, I’d like to be there at 11 to warm up. I haven’t played in a month.” He paused and tried to think of another way to help. “I can set the net up as well.”

“That would be great because I don’t have a manager yet.” Sensei sounded relieved. “I was planning on coming early and doing it myself, but I’m in Tokyo until Saturday morning.”

Wakatoshi shook his head. It wouldn’t take long for sensei’s young team to realize how lucky they were to have him as a coach. He was always willing to do everything to ensure everyone would have a good experience. “Please leave it to me.”

“You’re still reliable as ever, Wakatoshi-kun. I’ll take you out for dinner as a thank you.”

Wakatoshi’s ears grew hot. He never expected anything in return for helping. “T-that’s not necessary, sensei,” he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. “This is the least I can do for the years you spent coaching me.”

“Ah, now you’re embarrassing me!” Sensei’s laugh was infectious. “It was a joy to help you grow into the player you are now. You played a hell of a game last month.”

Wakatoshi’s fingers tightened over his phone. Did he really play his absolute best? If he did, it still wasn’t enough to win against Hinata and—

“Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Sensei’s steady voice effectively cut through Wakatoshi’s negative thoughts and insecurities. “I know you hate losing.” The smile returned to his tone. “But when you do, there’s no shame in losing to the best of them. It just happened to be the Jackals that day.”

Wakatoshi swallowed the lump forming in his throat. He didn’t realize how much he needed to be reassured that losing didn’t mean he was inadequate or lacking. He was just used to shouldering the burdens and pressure that came with being a top player. Not to mention the high expectations he set for himself. But that left no room for failure, and it was exhausting.

“Besides, you love playing more than you hate losing, right?” His sensei sounded hopeful, imploring. “I’m sure you’ll feel better once you get back on the court.”

Wakatoshi’s eyes widened. His love for volleyball was lost in the wake of self-pity. Suddenly, Saturday couldn’t come fast enough. He missed practicing until his arms and hands were red. He missed the satisfaction of hearing the ball land in the opponent’s court after a spike or a tip. And he missed growing and learning with his teammates.

“I-I’m looking forward to it,” Wakatoshi said softly. “Thank you, Saitou-sensei.” He still wasn’t the best at expressing his feelings, but he knew that sensei understood him enough to understand that he was grateful for the words of encouragement.

“Hey, now! You’re a coach now too, Ushijima-sensei. Get used to it. You’ll be hearing it a lot from the players on Saturday.”

Wakatoshi frowned. He was only filling in and didn’t deserve that distinction. “But it’s only for the day—”

His sensei laughed again. “Well, that still counts! I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“Goodbye, sensei.”

Wakatoshi placed his phone on the coffee table. The heaviness he felt in his chest throughout the last month was gone. Instead, he felt restless. Just like all the other times he took on a new challenge. It had been a long time since he trained anyone. Perhaps he could show these young players that falling short of a goal wasn’t the end of the world. And having a solid support system was essential to growing as an individual and as a player. After embracing his newfound insights, a smile threatened split his face in two.