A/N: Hello, readers! Welcome to another chapter! Enjoy!

edited on september 21st, 2021 @ 6:12am

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CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE - STILL GROWING

"ALL RIGHT! INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE FROM HERE! We now have less than two months until the qualifier at the end of October. Work hard on improving individully!" Ukai announced as Hideaki sighed in relief. "I wonder if Tōru and Hajime are done with practice yet. We usually walk home together." Hideaki thought while Hinata and Nishinoya bounced over.

"Yay!" The two exclaimed in unison. Hideaki noticed Yachi carry the basket with their jerseys to the wash, so he walked on over.

"Need a hand?"

"Oh, Izuki-san. Yes, please."

Hideaki held the basket for her as the two headed outside, however they both stopped when a figure in a black hoodie walked by them. Yachi squealed in surprise which caught Hideaki slightly off guard and causing the unknown figure to slightly jump.

Hideaki blinked. "Ka-Ka—" Yachi stuttered but the black haired male cut her off.

"Why do you look like you're hiding from the paparazzi?" Hideaki asked as Kageyama stared at them in shock.

"You could tell it was me?" He questioned in shock.

"Yeah..."

"Damn it!"

Kageyama takes off the sunglasses and his blue and white Hollywood cap. "W-Was that suppose to be a disguise?" Yachi asked as Hideaki smirked in amusement.

"It's not a very good one if I'm being honest." He added. Kageyama didn't reply as he looked away from them instead.

"Um, uh..."

"Out of everyone we might face in the qualifiers, there's one team I want to watch at any cost."

"I see! You're going to record a video of them or something!"

"No, there's an unwritten rule that you can only record official matches. So, it's not like anything will happen just because I go watch. There's less than two months till the qualifiers since summer break is over. I feel like I should definitely check them out." Kageyama ranted.

"If you don't want to stand out at a school after school hours, you should probably just wear plain training gear."

Kageyama widened his eyes as he turned to Hideaki with wide eyes.

"Oh."

Hideaki sighed at him, and checked the time on his phone. "Tōru and Hajime should be wrapping up practice about now." He thinks to himself before looking over at Yachi.

"Sorry, but I actually have to get going. I'm going to be meeting someone in a few and I might be late." Hideaki apologized as Yachi smiled at him.

"It's fine, senpai! Thanks for the help!" She said as Hideaki handed her the basket full of jerseys before looking over to Kageyama.

"All right, let's go."

"Huh?"

"I believe I know what school you're going to spy on. I have to head on over there anyhow."

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Kageyama and Hideaki got off the bus that took them to Aoba Johsai. Hideaki walked forward towards the entrance with Kageyama following him. They walk in, passing by some students walking by them to either head home or to their club. Kageyama was wearing his black shirt and pants while Hideaki wore a black tank top with gray joggers.

"You're kidding! That cracks me up!"

The two past two girls who were in conversation with one another as they started at them, mainly Kageyama. Hideaki didn't blame them as Kageyama had an intense aura around himself.

"What a weird guy..."

"Yeah... Hey, who is that guy though?"

"I don't know, but he's pretty attractive."

Hideaki ignored their comments as him and Kageyama reached the gymnasium. Hideaki was going to head inside when Kageyama grabbed his senior and headed over to the windows, making Hideaki sigh and let himself be dragged.

"All right, we're going to start soon. We're going to be switching out members next."

"Right!"

Hideaki heard the voice of his boyfriend with his teammates shouting in reply. Kageyama looks through the window, with Hideaki also glancing inside. As he looked, he noticed Oikawa and his team were having a practice match with a college team.

They happened to be in the middle of a member-swap. "I'm Oikawa. Nice to meet you all." He said with a smile as he walked over to the members of the opposing team, greeting them.

"That's Seijoh's captain, right?" A player from the opposing team asked his teammate, making Hideaki look over at the two college students.

"He's pretty gaudy."

Hideaki fought back a snort at his comment. "Tōru may be cocky, but those who underestimate him have another thing coming." He thought.

As always, Hideaki was impressed with how Oikawa was able to bring out the best in each of his teammates. Kindaichi and Kunimi, who were keeping score, were also impressed.

After a while, Kageyama had left, saying that he was heading back to Karasuno. Hideaki said farewell to him as Hideaki waited outside for the college team to pack up and leave so he wouldn't be interrupting the match.

It was soon dark as the college team eventually left, Hideaki opened the gym doors and peeked his head inside. "Perhaps I should just wait outside—" He thought but his thoughts were interrupted by someone calling out to him.

"Huh? Hideaki, what are you doing here?"

Everyone who was in earshot of Iwaizumi, blinked in confusion before turning their heads towards the black haired male's direction as Hideaki silently cursed.

"Screw you, Hajime..."

Hideaki stepped inside the gym. "Yo." He greeted as Kindaichi and Kunimi stared at him.

"Aki-chan! You came to see me!"

Hideaki quickly dodged Oikawa's hug as he yelped and went crashing to the ground. "Shut up, you piece of trash! What if I came just to see Hajime, huh?!" He shouted.

Iwaizumi chuckled a bit. "Why are you here? Don't you have practice?" He questioned.

"Yeah, but I decided to leave early. I wanted to come by to see if you were wrapping up your practice so we can walk home like we normally do." Hideaki answered as Oikawa finally got up off the floor.

"Well, while you're here, why don't you practice with us?" Oikawa suggested as Hideaki raised an eyebrow.

"What?!"

"Oikawa! He's apart of a rival team!"

Yahaba and Kindaichi both shouted out as the rest of the team agreed. Iwaizumi gave them a stern look, making them go quiet.

"It's fine. So what do you say, Aki-chan? Want to practice for a bit?" Oikawa asked.

"I'll take a hard pass."

"Huh? Why?"

Hideaki then smirked. "You're an opponent in the qualifiers, Tōru. What makes you think I'll show you my attacks? It's more fun when you don't know what I'm going to do." He said before looking at Kindaichi.

"Besides, I don't want Kindaichi to piss his pants again like he did in junior high."

"I did no such thing!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Kindaichi."

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Aoba Johsai was still practicing as Hideaki leaned against the wall, scrolling through his phone. He could feel all eyes looking at him, as if he was using this time to spy on them. Which is something Hideaki would never do.

He loved Oikawa too much to sabotage his team for his own gain.

"Achoo!"

Hideaki jumped at Oikawa's loud sneeze as he looked over to see him shivering and holding his arms to his chest. "I have bad chills..." Oikawa stated.

"If you catch a cold, I'll beat you up!" Iwaizumi threatened.

"That's so heartless!" Oikawa whined, following after Iwaizumi.

Hideaki rolled his eyes and went back to his phone to pass time.

"Izuki-san."

Hideaki looked up to see Kunimi looking at him as he placed his phone in his pocket. Kunimi had been one of the first-years he bonded with and treated him like a little brother.

"Hey, Kuni. How have you been?"

"Good, I guess." Kunimi replied. "Your team practicing hard since you qualified for the prefectural tournament?"

"Yeah."

"So is ours. Although I don't like it. Having to wake up early and use all my energy in practices."

Hideaki chuckled a little. "Still the same old Kuni, eh? I'm glad you haven't changed." He said.

"You know, when I came to Aoba Johsai, I was expecting you to be here."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I was disappointed when Oikawa-san told us you went to a different school after junior high and then later found out you quit volleyball. You were like an older brother to me. The only person I really bonded with besides Kindaichi."

Hideaki ruffled his hair. "Aw, Kuni! I didn't know I meant that much to you!" He exclaimed.

"Izuki-san, that's too much!"

Oikawa and Iwaizumi finally came up. "Are you finally done?" Hideaki asked.

"Yeah."

"Great. Let's head out. Hey, we should stop for frozen yogurt on the way home like we always do."

"Aki-chan remembers our traditions!"

"Shut up, Shittykawa!"

"You two are so cruel to me!"

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Hideaki yawned, as he and his team were in front of Nekoma High. "So, with the prefectural qualifier in October, we'll only be able to come to Kanto for practice matches two more times, including this trip. Let's make the best of this opportunity." Takeda explained.

"Right!"

They headed inside the gym, when they were greeted by none other than Bokuto. "Hey, Tsukki! Izuki!" Bokuto yelled. "Jump block for me! Hey, hey, hey!" Bokuto grinned happily with Akaashi and Komi staring at their captain with a deadpan look.

Tsukishima and Hideaki just stared at Bokuto who had his arms wide for them. Hideaki sighed and walked over.

"Sure, I'll train with you." Hideaki said as Bokuto beamed and slapped his back happily.

"Yes, thanks for working with me." Tsukishima also responded, which had Bokuto be taken aback.

"What?" Bokuto announced with widened eyes, even Akaashi and Komi were surprised.

"You're the one that asked. Why are you surprised?" Hideaki asked in amusement.

Soon enough, Hideaki spotted a certain bedhead captain who was practicing blocks. Tsukishima and Hideaki walked on over, as they watched Kuroo jump to block Lev's spike.

Hideaki chuckled when the spike Lev did was blocked by his captain who had his squally lazy grin.

"Yay!" Kuroo cheered making Lev irked.

"I-I'm going to make it through next time!" Lev promised, but for ignored when Kuroo saw the two.

"Hey, Tsukki! Darlin!"

Hideaki sighed in annoyance at the nickname Kuroo had given him. "How long are you two just gonna watch?" Kuroo questioned.

"Sorry." Tsukishima replied, putting down his drink as him and Hideaki walked over.

Kuroo wrapped his arms around Hideaki's waist. "Ah, I missed you, darlin. It's been so lonely." He sighed as Hideaki tried to release his grip on him.

"Stay lonely then. How many times do I have to tell you I have a boyfriend to get it through your thick skull?"

"You could always break up with him."

Hideaki smirked. "You're messing with a five year relationship, Kuroo. Not to mention him and I are childhood friends. We won't be breaking up any time soon." He said.

"F-Five years?"

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Karasuno was currently playing a practice match with Shinzen, with them at 20 and the opposing team at 8 points. Shinzen gets a point when Kageyama and Hinata didn't do a quick attack, or at least failed to do, but that was to be expected.

"Lev! I told you not to block with a banzai pose! They're getting through right between your arms! Your arms need to be together enough, so the ball won't go through!"

Hideaki looked at Nekoma, who was going against Fukurōdani, as Kuroo was shouting at Lev.

"Right!" Lev replied, making Hideaki slightly chuckle.

September soon rolled around quickly, as everyone continued to practice at Karasuno, even having a few practice matches with the Neighborhood association. Day after day, they trained hard for the prefectural.

It had soon reached October as Hideaki was marking the prefectural dates on his calendar, when he stopped at a certain date. He blinked at first but then realized something.

"Holy shit... Mine and Tōru's anniversary date is already coming up?" Hideaki hummed. "Hard to believe I put up with his bullshit for five years. Well, even longer if you count the years we were friends before dating."

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Karasuno was currently at Shinzen High, having their practice match with them. This time, they were up against Nekoma as it went on for a while. Nekoma was at match point, with Karasuno being at 24.

"Front! Up front!"

Daichi dived down and saved it. "Sorry!" He apologized as Hideaki ran over and got under the ball.

"I got it!" Hideaki said.

"Center!" Hinata called out.

"Hinata!" Hideaki shouted, sending the ball his way.

Hideaki watched as Hinata spiked the ball, as he also noticed Kenma looked shocked about something as him and Lev tried to block Hinata. The ball flew past the two blockers.

"Out!" Yaku announced as the ball hits the outside of the court, making Nekoma have a point.

"Dammit! Sorry about that!"

Hideaki smiled and patted his back. "Don't mind." He reassured him as Hinata beamed up at him.

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The day of the prefectural tournament had finally arrived. Hideaki had gotten a bunch of good lucks from Shun and his basketball team. Karasuno headed to the gymnasium. Hideaki had already seen other schools arriving as well, wearing their school colors.

"We're here!" Hinata exclaimed. "We're back at the Sendai City Gymnasium once again! We're totally gonna get our revenge!"

The rest of the team stood in silence, ready to win their matches. Hideaki jumped when Hinata started to run off. "Don't just take off, you dumbass!" Kageyama yelled as he chased after Hinata. Hideaki snorted in amusement.

"Like you're one to talk." He mumbled.

"Hinata and Kageyama look they're living solely on knee-jack reactions." Yamaguchi dead panned.

"They're like insects." Tsukishima added, making Tanaka and Nishinoya laugh at his words.

Hideaki watched as he saw Hinata and Kageyama almost crash into another school. He sighed and jogged over, only to be surprised when he saw the guy who had dyed blonde hair and piercings. He looked back and smiled when he recognized Kiyoko.

Hideaki watched as he moved Hinata to the side and started to wave at Kiyoko. "Cutie with the glasses! Make sure to give me your number today!" He announced, waving at them.

Kiyoko looked away. "She's so cute when she gets shy." Hideaki heard him comment, before he saw how Tanaka and Nishinoya got fired up.

Tanaka and Nishinoya charged forward. "Hey!" Daichi called out to them, as Hideaki watched with a sweat drop as Tanaka and Nishinoya jumped up and got ready to pounce on the dyed haired male.

"Stop that! I-I'm terribly sorry about that!"

Hideaki was taken aback when he saw that Johzenji had a female manager as well. As she scolded her team, she bowed at Nishinoya and Tanaka who stopped and froze in place.

"Oh, they stopped." Yamaguchi stated as Hideaki chuckled.

"They're frozen in mid-air. That's amazing." Hideaki said.

"Well, see you in the first match."

The guy and his team walk off into the building. Hideaki didn't bother to hear the rest of what Kageyama and Hinata said, but he saw how they suddenly dashed off.

"We'll defeat them all!" They exclaimed.

Hideaki and the rest of Karasuno watched with dead panned looks. "They sure are in high spirits." Sugawara commented.

"Thanks to them, I can stay calm." Daichi added.

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When they entered the gymnasium and put away their belongings, Hideaki saw how Hinata was looking a little panicked, making him ask if he was okay.

"Oh! Can you come with me to the bathroom? I don't wanna go alone!" He begged as Hideaki sighed but nodded.

Hideaki told Daichi where they were headed to which they nodded as he walked with Hinata to the bathrooms. Hinata was mumbling how scary the bathroom was, which only made Hideaki raise an eyebrow at him.

The two soon arrived, but Hinata seemed hesitant on going in. He started side-stepping like a crab. "Carefully... Carefully..." He mumbled out as Hideaki just stared at him with a blank look.

"Hinata, it's just a bathroom. It's not gonna jump out at you." Hideaki sighed.

"Don't jinx me, Izuki-san!"

"Whatcha doin'?"

Hinata and Hideaki froze in place, as they both turned around. Hideaki sighed in relief when it was only Iwaizumi and Oikawa. However, Hinata suddenly grabbed the black haired male's arm in panic, as he sighed and stared up at the two players.

"Hey."

"Ah! Aki-chan! Happy anniversary!"

Hideaki easily dodged Oikawa's hug as he crashed to the ground.

"You totally deserved that, Shittykawa." Iwaizumi scolded him.

"You're even mean on our anniversary." Oikawa pouted before getting up.

Iwaizumi then looked calmly at Hideaki and Hinata. "I heard you defeated the 6' 7" guy. Well done." He praised as Hinata tensed up.

"Yes! No!" He exclaimed, making Iwaizumi confused.

"Which is it?" He asked as Hideaki snorted.

"What he means to say is thank you." He said, making Iwaizumi nod in understanding.

Oikawa suddenly had and intense aura as he looked down at Hinata. "Come game-time, shorty here is really troublesome. So why don't we bury him right now before it's too late?" Oikawa stated as Hideaki sighed. He knew Oikawa was all talk, so he wasn't worried.

"E-Excuse me!"

Hinata backed up, obviously intimidated by the third-year. Hideaki sighed when Hinata ran off. "Could you not scare my junior off, Tōru? Man, you're a prick." He told Oikawa, who just chuckled in response.

"Ow!"

They turned to see Hinata had bumped into someone. This time, that person was none other than Ushijima. Hideaki narrowed his eyes at him.

"Hinata Shoyo..." Hideaki heard him mutter before turning to him.

"Izuki Hideaki..." Ushijima greeted as Hideaki just glared at him.

"And Oikawa and Iwaizumi."

Hideaki turned his head to see Oikawa and Iwaizumi glaring at Ushijima.

"What's with this timing?" Oikawa hissed.

"Hell if I know." Iwaizumi growled back.

Hinata grabbed Hideaki's sleeve but then backed away when he realized his senior was raiding off the same energy.

"For you two, it's the last tournament of your high school career. I wish you the best of luck." Ushijima said as Oikawa and Iwaizumi were getting annoyed.

"You seriously piss me off."

"We're going to nationals, so this won't be our last!"

Ushijima blinked at this. "Only one representative can go to nationals, you know?" He stated as Hideaki was starting to get annoyed by him, as Oikawa and Iwaizumi also seemed irked.

"Sheesh.. This guy seriously pisses me off."

Hinata was sweating bullets as the four were staring at each other as he suddenly spoke up.

"K-Karasuno will be the one winning!"

Ushijima, Oikawa, and Iwaizumi look down at Hinata who yelped.

Hinata backed up. "Well, um..." He stuttered as he watched him back into somebody, making him yelp once more as he looked up.

It was only Aone from Date Tech. "I-I'm so sorry!" Hinata apologized as Hideaki sweat dropped at him, pulling him back so he could give Aone some personal space.

"It doesn't matter who it is. We'll gladly accept your challenge." Ushijima spoke as he begun to walk away.

"Nothing has changed, Ushiwaka. Your face still pisses me off." Hideaki spoke up. "We aren't in junior high anymore. So even if Tōru and Hajime can't defeat you, then I will."

"I'm taking my team to nationals! So come at me with everything you've got, Ushijima Wakatoshi!"

Hinata seemed taken aback by his senior's comment, and even Oikawa and Iwaizumi seemed surprised.

"Challenge accepted, Izuki." Ushijima replied as he continued to walk away.

They all watched in silence as Aone most likely had no clue on what was happening as he suddenly looked at Hinata and Hideaki.

"O-Oh, hi." Hinata greeted back as bowed at Aone.

"Hey." Hideaki said before looking over to Hinata. "Hinata, go back to the team alright? I'll catch up."

Hinata was confused but nodded anyway as he went back to the team. Once he was sure he was gone, Hideaki turned and kissed Oikawa, who melted into the kiss.

"Happy anniversary, Tōru."

Oikawa reached into his volleyball jacket and pulled out a black wristband. "It's a good luck charm. All of the things I thought of to get would fall off when you spike, so a wristband was more reasonable." He explained.

Hideaki smiled. "Thanks, Tōru. I'll wear it during my matches." He said before pulling Oikawa into a tight hug. He saw Iwaizumi standing there awkwardly as Hideaki grabbed his wrist and pulled him in as well.

"I want you both to know that whatever happens, whatever outcome of our match together is, I want you to know that it won't be either of your faults." Hideaki mumbled.

"The three of us have the same goal, and that's going to nationals not just for us, but for our teams too. However, forgive me for quoting Ushijima on this, but he was right about one thing. Only one team can represent Miyagi. So..." Hideaki continued.

"You idiots better not hold back! Come at me with everything you have and I'll return the same energy!"

"Dumbass, you're really going to make me cry before our match." Iwaizumi chuckled.

"We better let you get to your match before you're late." Oikawa added.

The three broke apart as Hideaki held out his fist and both Iwaizumi and Oikawa fist bumped him.

"Good luck, Hideaki."

"Yeah. Same to you guys."

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The shouts of schools shouting out their cheers could be heard, as Hideaki was huddled about with his team. As promised, he was wearing the wristband Oikawa had given him on his right arm. "The first match has Seijoh on the B Court... and Shiratorizawa on the A Court." Daichi informed.

TWEEEET!

"It's our turn next! Let's go!"

"Yeah!"

They turned as the team they were up against was none other than Johzenji.

"Yee-haw!"

Hideaki was taken aback at how lively they were, as he saw how they stared back at Karasuno in excitement.

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A/N: A chapter within a day of the last chapter? Yes sir. Also, Hideaki's friendship with Oikawa and Iwaizumi is everything. I'm literally gonna cry when I have to write Aoba Johsai's lost (and Hideaki might too).

Thanks for reading!