!!!Warning!!! Bullying mentions in this chapter that might be triggering for some! I'm sorry 😢
Next morning feels like heaven for both of them. The alarms go off at the same time, waking them up suddenly but it isn't unpleasant like it would usually be when they have to wake up so early in the morning. This time they woke up in the loving embrace of their lover so when they finally open their eyes, all both see is the other and nothing else.
"Good morning, sunshine~" Hoshikin says rubbing his eyes in an attempt to wake up quicker. But his hands are taken off his eyes before he can continue, Ushijima holding then in his larger palms and looking directly at him.
"You have beautiful eyes." he states, in the same tone of voice like he just quoted the periodic table and not given a compliment to his boyfriend. It makes Hoshi chuckle to see a man being so stoic all the time, but at least trying his best to soften up.
"And you are just adorable" he reciprocates, pecking his lips before standing up and ripping himself out of the tight hug they were wrapped into. "Let's get some breakfast before the morning run" the brunette proposes and he's immediately followed by the big puppy that couldn't stay behind him.
They eat while discussing trivial things, mostly about volleyball and their expectations for the new season. Both were set on winning the nationals and had high hopes for the international matches too, it'd be extremely bad for Hoshikin if he doesn't make it to the international matches because one of the conditions his father put on him ever since he picked up volleyball is that he must be on the top or he has to give it up and just focus on the company.
The couple gets out on their usual running track, this time being closer to each other which doesn't go unnoticed by the fangirls who usually follow them around. Curious looks and loud whispers start behind their back which make both of them a bit uncomfortable. They speed up to lose the crowd and finally make it back to Hoshi's house where they have to part ways. He leans in for a kiss but then notices how everyone is starting at them so he stops for a second, hesitating. The brunette pulls Ushijima inside the gates for a second and finally crashes their lips together.
"Thanks. I-I'm a bit uncomfortable with so many people watching us." Wakatoshi confesses sighing as he realizes this won't be an easy thing to deal with. He doesn't particularly like the huge crowd that always follows him around so he's rather not have to be in the middle of their discussion every time.
"Do you think we could keep it discreet for a while? At least in front of the big crowds." he asks which stops Hoshikin's heart for a moment.
"Like a secret relationship? Ummm- sure... But not hiding in front of the volleyball team. You already made me cry in front of them so we can't hide it." the younger teen is already used to the public's attention wherever he goes. He might be less known in Japan since he's not a local but the paparazzi and interviewers still track him down every now and then asking him questions and trying to get his pictures.
The secrecy part is what bothers him, it reminds him of his past and it feels like he's poking an old wound by agreeing with it again but after all he can't force his boyfriend to go public with him if he's not ready. They're both well known personalities, featured in numerous magazines and television so it's a piece of news that can affect both of their careers unfortunately. In the end they share one more kiss behind the closed gate before Ushijima leaves to the dorms so he can take a shower and change his clothes before classes.
When Hoshikin gets back to school everyone is already spreading the rumors about their unusually close relationship, even more eyes drilling holes in the back of his head as he makes his way to the lockers. Shirabu is waiting for him, his arms crossed, reading some book that seems to be about human anatomy. He lifts his eyes for a moment to see his friend approaching before closing the book and putting it inside the bag, now his full attention being set on the brunette.
"So... Is it true? What they say about you and the captain?" he curiously asks as they walk towards their classroom. For a while, Hoshi is silent, trying to someone read the other and figure out what reaction he might get from him after answering. The setter seems to be pretty calm, maybe even bored and with no obvious interest in the topic. It feels like he just asked to make conversation or just be up to date with the news, but there's no hidden reason behind.
"We-we want to keep it a secret for now, at least till we figure out how to deal with everything. But yeah, it's true." Hoshikin ends up admitting to it, after all Shirabu is the closest thing he has to a friend around here and the rest of the team already knew about it since yesterday so there's no point in hiding it from them.
"Seems like that will be a hassle, everyone in school is already talking about it." he notes, nodding his head almost as a sign of approval. He is happy for his classmate for getting together with Wakatoshi, after all he's a nice guy and deserves a relationship with someone who understands him. Dating any professional sport player is hard and you really need someone who will get that you must practice a lot, travel all around the world for matches and spent a lot of time and effort to get to the top.
The brunette sighs, shrugging as he doesn't exactly have an answer for that. Yes, people did notice and they can't do anything about it now, but have to be more careful in the future. Luckily he can request to close the practice to the public at least that will be a safe heaven for them. They do need to meet a lot during the day for the special training but if they manage to keep the distance for a while and just seem like close team-mates and nothing more they can pull this off.
It will be tiring. That much he knew already from his past experience, but at least this time is worth it. Wakatoshi has real feelings for him and it's not just manipulation. *He's different... He's just a private person. Yeah, that's all* Hoshi consoles himself, still haunted by his past but brushes off his worries when he sees Ushijima in front of his classroom.
"Hello there, Wak- captain! Anything we can help with?" Hoshikin asks, almost slipping in front of the fangirls that always follow his boyfriend around.
"No. I just had to tell you both that we'll have a practice match with a professional team so you have to bring your uniform." he informs them, disappointing the people around them who were listening and expecting something else to happen. He barely spares the brunette a look before leaving the floor to get to his own classroom.
The crowd disperses quickly, all finally minding their business and only the international star's fans remaining to lurk behind the corners. The volleyball players get inside the class where everyone freezes and suddenly diverts their eyes as those two head to their desks. Silence...
Hoshikin takes a look at the wooden furniture that was assigned to him and just stops in his tracks. All over the polished surface, curse words and insults are written, from senseless phrases like 'disgusting fag' to more serious threats as 'you should kill yourself' marked with black ink everywhere. Shirabu is speechless too, but when he sees the intense glare on his face.
His icy blue eyes could kill anyone with just a glance. He turns around and leaves the room without a word, even if classes are about to start in just a couple of minutes. With no second thought he goes up to the third floor where Wakatoshi's classroom is and kicks the door open, not caring that everyone is staring at him. He storms directly to the captain's desk and drags him out of the room without speaking a word, as various people follow behind to see what's going to happen.
They all heard about the possible same sex couple and everyone is curious if it's actually true. People from different classrooms and generations are coming to see the ruckus, poking their heads to watch the show. Hoshi drops his senpai's hand and turns to face the people that surrounded them, same deadly eyes piercing through their souls.
"This is what you all want to watch? If you have the time to spread rumors about me and Ushijima then you clearly lack an important thing to do. I'm a world class volleyball player. Call me whatever you want if you think I'm gay but don't forget that from all of you I'm the only one who already has a fulfilling career and is set for life. Maybe you should spend less time wondering who I kiss and dedicate yourselves to your own lives and futures." his words are cutting it straight to the core and everyone is looking down, ashamed of their deeds. Even the teachers who got word of what happened and heard Hoshikin's speech are feeling the second hand embarrassment for judging someone.
The brunette doesn't even spare his boyfriend a glance before storming off and heading directly back home. A weird mix of anger, shame, sadness and frustration is exploding in his heart and he crumbles down crying. *Why does it have to be so hard? Love... It was supposed to be easy here.* he sighs, pouring his heart out as flashes from his past keep popping into his mind, when kids in his middle school laughed at him and bullied him to the point he truly couldn't take it anymore.
He doesn't get to calm down when his phone starts ringing, the person he definitely didn't want to talk to calling. The teen wipes off his tears, trying to ground himself again and at least sound like he hasn't been crying for the past half an hour.
"Guten tag, Vater. Was kann ich für dich tun?" he asks, swallowing the pain and being as polite as possible. His father laughs softly at the other end of the phone, probably rolling his eyes at the way his son sounds.
"Seems like I need to help you not the vice-versa. What is going on?" the older man has a low husky voice, one that imposes a certain respect when you hear it. Even if he was just laughing and is definitely in a good mood, the way he phrased it, makes Hoshikin scared, even if he's relieved that at least someone is checking up on him.
"Just a problem at school, but I'll be handling it. I looked over the papers you sent me and signed what you needed. How are sis and mom?" the answer has a certain promptness to it that makes it sound like a military guy was speaking, not the easy going Hoshi that everyone is used to, but his father isn't moved by it at all. He dismisses the information and keeps talking about his family, while their relationship doesn't seem bad, it's definitely not a warm and very friendly one.
"Do you have any important matches coming up? I want you to take care of a meeting for the firm soon." the adult asks, after a few more minutes of talking about trivial things.
"We have one later today against a professional team but it's supposed to be a practice match. Also I got the invitation for the national team so I'm sure I'll be in Tokyo for the youth training camp around December."
"The first board meeting is in July and you will be there in my place, I'll send you the details and what you need to prepare this week. Second one will be either in late October or early November, but I might be able to attend it, there's still time. Hoshikin. Don't disappoint." and with absolutely no further discussion, the older man hangs up the phone, leaving the teen alone for now.
Don't disappoint. These words might as well be his motto since he's heard them from kindergarten. All of his life, the only goal he was allowed to have was to do everything he could so he won't be a disappointment. His father runs an IT empire, one of the biggest in the world, with numerous sub companies that all lay at his feet. Since he was a kid, there's been no point where the man he calls father let him forget it, the burden he'll carry when the time is right.
The teen sighs, he looks at the phone in his hand to notice that Wakatoshi left him a message asking if he's okay. That feels like the most stupid question to get right now... How could he be okay? The phones slips out of his hand on the floor and he doesn't bother to pick it up again and answer, just leaves it be and makes his way to the shower. Water calms him down so he needs that before heading back for the game they have to play. *Professional team, huh? Exactly what I needed- someone to wipe the floor with.*
××××××××××××
Various people enter the gym, hurrying to catch a good spot so they can see the match that will definitely make tomorrow's news. Even audience from outside the school and the other club was allowed in for this. And who would miss the match between the potentially best highschool team in Japan and one of Japan's 1st V league teams?
Finally the guest team comes in, 15 players in a bright white jersey, with dark blue and gold tints that show elegance and victory. The crowd cheers, everyone excited to see the Adlers in their full glory, proudly entering the gym. It was pure coincidence they were all in the prefecture. They had a training camp in the area and fortunately enough time to come do a practice match after they finished the scheduled training.
The coach goes ahead and shakes hands with professional players, thanking them for dropping by and making time for this. He lets them stretch and warm up just as the doors open again and the teen who was in the middle of everyone's attention this morning enters the room. The people from outside the school start clapping their hands and cheer for him, but even the academy's band is quiet. He bows his head to the other team before going to speak with his grandfather that has been expecting him.
"Can you play? The team needs you there." he asks, even if much shorter, his ojiisan is still very scary and intimidating so when he pulls a serious face like this one and such a low tone then he has to get serious.
"Yes. They are my favorite team. I need this especially after today. I need volleyball." he admits, banishing any other thought from his mind and inky focusing on what's in front of him. The net, the spinning ball, the smell of burned rubber and the tall players he needs to get past to, these are the only things that can be on his mind.
The teams are set easily and they step aside to start the match. It was unanimous for Shiratorizawa to set first so they let their cannon to start the match. The other team seems surprised that they're not putting the superstar right at the beginning but as they trace his sharp eyes it became clear why was such a decision taken. The Adlers didn't put their main team on the field. It's mainly just secondary team and spares. This is crystal clear in Hoshikin's eyes that seem to be able to kill them.
The famous captain of the eagles smiles and waves his hand when he noticed how fired up is the teen to get him on the field. The first left hand serve is barely touched by the libero on the opposite team, but that's to be expected since it's very rare to see a player that uses his left and is so well trained. Second ball comes the same way and the power behind it is too much so even if it's received it bounced off to the side and the setter didn't bother to run and toss it to someone in the game.
Seeing this Hoshikin couldn't help but get mad— even tho it could've been from how his day went previously, so he let out way louder than anyone expected: "Oh come on! I could've received that with my eyes closed."
The main team of the Alders burst into laughter, not only at Hoshi's childish yells but also at how his teammates really aren't taking this seriously and embarrassing themselves. They decided to switch the libero and the setter out with the main ones. The blue eyed brunette would've like to tell the mocking captain to move his ass in too but decided to force him into that position. 'If they lose then he'll have to call the full team in.'
The new libero, clearly much better, receives the serve, at first not beautifully but at least good enough for his team to play it. The setter moves quickly and tosses it to the wing spiker who jumps up, but he's surprised to meet Hoshi up there who blocks the attack and smashes the ball back into their court, before the libero had time to get into position.
"Don't mind. That was just luck! He's a high schooler after all! Just push a bit more!" the setter cheers so the morale of the team doesn't go straight to the ground, unfortunately it just gets the player even more annoyed.
His grandfather noticed it and instantly switches him with someone else on the team. And it fits him just fine, if the opponents don't play on taking it seriously it's no use to let him play, especially not with so many people that wish to see him fail.
Tanji didn't get a formal coming out from him, but that was the case with everyone. Hoshikin didn't bother to make a big deal out of his romantic and sexual preferences, he wasn't even allowed to date publicly because of the family name that's hanging over his head like a suspended sword so when he showed up home with another guy and his mother caught them making out it wasn't exactly a surprise. But the cultural difference are clear between Germany and Japan, when his ojiisan heard what happened at school he wanted to deny it but knew he couldn't. He felt no shame but still he didn't know what to say so he can help the grandson.
The team continued to play, all very good and just a bit below the secondary team of Alders om terms of skills, but after the first set, Shiratorizawa is first. Hoshikin couldn't help but sigh. Just when he thought there'll be something to take his mind off the incident from this morning... Ushijima sat down next to him, shyly placing his hand on the bench, right next to the muscular thigh of his boyfriend. Unfortunately the gesture goes by unnoticed since Hoshi is blinded by his rage, muttering german curse words under his breath with a speed that would make rappers jealous. And so the second set starts and they let him serve. The Alders, after losing the first set even without the prodigy they wanted to see playing on the court, finally decided to get serious.
Both teams take their places and just as the whistle blows, a speed ball already hits the floor on the opposite side of the net. 'Let's get them notice us already.' The teams looks at their libero who can't help but frown. He did research the pro player they were up against, everyone did, and this kind of fast serve is one of his signature moves for the beginning of a match. An easy point for the prosperity of that match— as he referred to multiple times in interviews, no-one expected their libero to actually react to that ball. They already knew that the force behind that serve isn't something he can keep up, worst case scenario he'll play the same one more time before switching.
And so it was. One more of the fast cannon ball, then he switched to his left hand and the weird spin made it hard for the opposite team to give a certain direction to their receive and after that a few more very weird serves that seemed impossible to get. He is playing it smart, targeting their setter, keeping the ball away from the libero and very close to the lines that define the court. And so Shiratorizawa has and advantage of 12 points. Finally the Alders get a high ball in and their setter prepares it for a fast attack, the Ace quickly hitting the ball as it's slammed on the floor... Or what seemed like it was the floor.
The colorful ball is sent directly to the side panels, but it definitely didn't hit the floor. Everyone was frozen on the spot. Unconsciously, Hoshikin reacted to the attack and sent his foot forward, managing to slide between the ball and the floor then started running in the opposite direction in hopes that someone else will react and he can set. The point goes to the white and gold team, but it definitely felt like they just lost it.
"I feel sorry for his generation. Who is so insane to compete against him? First in the world, huh?" the captain is in shock, those reflexes aren't of a 17 years old, they are of a pro player that would make them think twice before accepting a match.
"Let's get serious, team..." the Ace, feeling a new fire rise in his belly steps in front, proudly looking at the boy who makes him feel the joy of volleyball again. 'Or we might actually lose.'
The Alders serve once again and it was a no hit, the power behind the ball making everyone flinch, not even Hoshikin tried to receive it, as they rotated his position wasn't as convenient as before so he stayed put and ready to set the balls when one of his teammates gets it. And after a few more serves they managed to receive it and Shirabu quickly raises the ball towards the net, signaling his classmate to go hit it. The spike hits the floor just as the brunette lands back on the ground too, a proud smirk topping the perfect hit.
That point definitely awakened something new inside of the opposite team. They can't risk being the laughing info from tomorrow's news so finally they decided to give their all. First the one to start was their pinch server, scoring 6 easy points and mostly messing with Hoshikin, making him run after balls that the rest couldn't touch. They had taken an advantage by the time both team reached 20, which made Shiratorizawa even more anxious. Maybe it was a bad idea to play against a professional team with so many first league players. It was written all over their faces.
"Yes, they are strong! But trust me I'm stronger! Because I can kill all of their asses without a second thought so wipe that defeated look off your faces and trust in me! We can win this!" the abundant power and high spirit that Hoshikin is able to share with the rest is incredible. He managed to mobilize the whole team in just a few words.
Ushijima smiles at his boyfriend proudly, if he's going to give his all then as the ace of the team he can't fall behind. They can win. They can face this together. They can be victorious. "Let's score more. We can do it. Keep tossing to me and Hoshikin and we'll pierce through their defense.
Unfortunately, just hopes and two exceptional players wasn't enough. Towards the end of the match Hoshi and Wakatoshi were both panting and sweating without stop, their legs shaking from all of the running and jumping with their hands red and hurting from hitting or receiving the ball so many times.... a loss. Shiratorizawa - Alders: 26-20, 29-31, 23-26. Just as the guest team is about to leave, the captain turns back and goes to face the two boys that couldn't lift their eyes from the ground after this defeat.
"Hoshikin Hätz and Wakatoshi Ushijima. I'll remember those names so make sure you come play on the same side of the net next time we meet! I'd never want to face you two after high-school, I really felt like we just played against a professional team." his smile is bright and somehow lifts up their spirits, at least for a bit. The couple turns their heads to one another and finally nod to themselves, a silent promise that next time they'll win.
Translations:Guten tag, Vater. Was kann ich für dich tun?- Good day, father. What can I do for you?