𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 ◦ 𝐡𝐪 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐜

𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞

"look for ways to make your partner stronger, kageyama. don't replace him."

THE GAME CONTINUED like nothing happened, as if everyone forgot about that moment. kenji's face went back to its normal happy expression, the one with the gentle smile and focused eyes. kageyama thought about what his senpai said and almost immediately realized why the wing spiker was mad. he thought that because kenji is obviously stronger and had more volleyball sense than hinata, and also because they had almost the same physique and jump, he can replace hinata as the team's decoy. and something about that felt completely wrong but he still thought it was somehow possible. 

the practice match ended and now kenji is on his way home. he's going home ahead of the others because most of them lingered to help the four simpletons to study. 

kenji thought about what happened during the match. he knew he was right, that hinata is the team's decoy and that the freak quick is his specialty. but still, he thought of scenarios during games. if he, hinata, and kageyama all worked together to capture the attention and confuse their opponents, the team's success rate will raise phenomenally.

pursing his lips, he casted that thought aside. i should help hinata improve first, then i can propose that new tactic. he told his self. now, first thing's first... about those closed eyes...

the whole way home, he thought of ways how he can help improve his teammates' plays.

weeks passed and kenji repeated the same routine. he studied anytime he can, jogged home immediately after practice and the only thing added to his schedule was he had his brother massage his shin every night while they catch up on their days. he was a bit rushed and too focused on his studies and volleyball, he was not able to keep up on his "daily massage schedule." he was supposed to rest, ice, and do a specific massage on his legs every night. 

his mother told him she consulted his orthopedic doctor for a check-up. dr. yaku is a bit busy because of his tight schedule as a doctor in tokyo, but he said he'd tell them immediately when he's free. the doctor is also their family friend so it's easier to talk to him and they maintain a good relationship with each other. 

they're now in the gym, gathering in front of daichi and yachi. all their exams are already finished and yachi officially joined the club. they are now welcoming her, clad in their black team jackets. kenji's happy to wear the jacket again. "ready and..."

"welcome to the karasuno high school volleyball club!" they all shouted. kenji grinned widely. 

"it's a pleasure to work with you!"

"THIS IS HOW awesome your senpais are!" tanaka and nishinoya boasted.

"you both barely got over 40 points..." sugawara deadpanned. 

they all were in the club changing rooms. hinata and kageyama were both slumped on the floor, devastated that they failed their exams. nishinoya and tanaka passed, quite barely, so they were relieved and had some so-called bragging rights.

kenji, however, is sulking as he changes his clothes. he passed all his test, alright, with flying colors, a high average of 94. he even did well on his dream college's entrance exam, and his mother really treated him by cooking his favorite omurice and buying him a big tub of pistachio ice cream. his efforts were not wasted, but dr. yaku called his mother yesterday, saying that the only time he's free is the first day of the training camp. the hospital is quite near nekoma high school, so his mother will drive her there herself after his appointment. still, he was bummed he'll miss almost half of the training camp. this world is so unfair... i feel somehow violated.