Archive of Our Own ^beta

Você me traz sorte

É o meu talismã

Sonho com você

Quero ter você todas as manhãs

Meu Talismã, Iza

☀️

Notes of honey-like sweetness and soft apple are the first to fill Shoyo’s senses every time he rises alongside the Brazilian sun.

The flavor of the chamomile tea he drinks every morning is part of his daily ritual, the meditation that follows feeling like a massage for his soul as the gentle sun beams reflect on his skin like raindrops kissing summer leaves.

There's something reassuring about his routine, Shoyo thinks. There's something reassuring about the way he comes home early in the morning at 6:00 sharp to prepare breakfast, waking up his roommate with a light knock on the door and a mellow "Tomá café?". There is something reassuring about the way he says goodbye to Pedro and sets off for a new day—a new day stamped by a thread that guides him through a journey of self-care and health.

So, Shoyo’s routine goes like this: He spends the whole morning practicing beach volleyball with different players, basking in the feeling of exploring every single volleyball move to the fullest. As a morning person, Shoyo knows that the moments when the sun is up there are his favorites, as he can let his feet be caressed by the rough but gentle sand; he can feel in his chest the thrill of being able to fly in the Brazilian sky and inhale the fragrance of salt water while the majestic Pão de Açúcar on the horizon fills his eyes with hope.

Hours later, Shoyo has rice, beans, cucumber and carrot salad, farofa de banana and steak with onions for lunch before continuing on to another part of the day. He delivers food to the outskirts and upscale neighborhoods of Rio, cycles up and down the carioca streets while the sun tans his skin and makes sweat run further down his body like a salty waterfall. When his schedule allows, Shoyo also helps tourists with their city tours and assists children play indoor volleyball at the school where Lúcio teaches. The language barrier was one of the main obstacles that prevented Shoyo from adapting to the country right away, but little by little, one step at a time, he was able to improve his Portuguese and embrace the new culture in his loving arms.

Returning home by bike, the wind now less warm but still full of bittersweet notes, Shoyo can breathe easier in light of the routine he built during the months he spent in Brazil. Maybe in a few years he will be able to return to the country and visit other places. Shoyo really wants to relive everything he is experiencing and even more so again, with the sun stamping his skin with memories of how beautiful life can be.

Deep down, Shoyo also imagines how breathtaking it would be if he could keep playing beach volleyball beyond the age of 100. Deep down, he always wants more and more. Deep down, deep deep in his heart, he also longs for someone who is as intense as he is and would spare no effort to stay by his side and live this unwavering dream with him.

☀️

Shoyo peeks through his fluttering eyelashes and finds himself face to face with a broad arm thrown over him.

He yawns and grumbles first thing in the morning because… What’s this??

He's still a bit tired from playing at the beach until late yesterday, so the morning sun’s rays are harsh against his eyes, making Shoyo squint and grunt like a grumpy old man. But hey, he's not an old man at all. Shoyo turned 30 two months ago and still feels like he has the energy of a 15-year-old.  It's like the saying in that movie goes: thirty, flirty and thriving. He is 30 years old and is still thriving wonderfully in his volleyball career and life in general. About the flirty part, well... He doesn't talk much about that.

The only thing he knows is that he is 30 years old and has been single for years, unable to build a romantic bridge with new people. It seems that Shoyo can easily build bridges to reach other people, he can easily leave people in awe with his wonderful looks; but in terms of romance, it is difficult to find someone who sees love the same way he does. It's difficult for the Hinata Shoyo to find a person who builds this romantic bridge with the necessary beams and slabs to guarantee a promising future for both of them. Shoyo loves both boys and girls, so it should be easier for him to find someone who matches his essence. Mathematically speaking, it should be easier, right? But it isn't, and Shoyo doesn't really understand why.

In fact, he doesn't even understand why he is thinking about these things when he's barely opened his eyes. Even more so when he is almost being suffocated by his annoying friend who keeps him still with his annoyingly strong arm.

“Merda,” Shoyo curses under his breath, voice muffled by the other man’s hot skin. “You wanna hug me so bad, huh, Kageyama-kun?”

“Hmm,” Of course Sleepy-Yama’s answer comes all drowsy and grumpy. Seriously, how is he supposed to pout even in his sleep?

“Silly,” Shoyo whispers. He does his best to get out of that prison, clasping his fingers around Kageyama’s arm and guiding it until it rests on the couch. Sighing, Shoyo slowly sits down to stretch and finally think about the memories of the previous day.

And the many others that preceded it.

In short, Shoyo is back in Rio de Janeiro 10 years after arriving in the city for the first time, just as he had wished. He played five solid seasons in São Paulo for the Asas, and returned to Rio a year ago to join his new team, SESC-Flamengo. He lives in a nice, cozy apartment near Ipanema beach and basically follows much of the same routine he followed 10 years ago, but instead of working as a delivery boy, volleyball has become his profession and livelihood, in addition to being the thing he loves most in life.

And how does Kageyama fit into this story, you ask?

To be honest, Shoyo recognizes that his life and Kageyama’s have been intertwined for years in a knot that can no longer be undone. They not only connect on the court but also off it. They are not only close friends but also each other’s person who drives them to keep moving forward. It's always been like that, truly. And even though they live in foreign countries now, they still tend to talk on a daily basis and meet up whenever they're back in their hometown.

Despite being an ocean apart, they manage to connect, and Shoyo is pretty much satisfied that they have kept in touch for many years after parting ways at high school graduation.

See? That’s the bridge Shoyo was imagining about.

It's not romantic but still. The bridge is there!

So... if they don't live together and are only long-time friends, why the hell is Kageyama Tobio sprawled out on Shoyo’s couch like a newly adopted kitten? Why did that grumpy guy have one of his arms thrown over him as if seeking the comfort and warmth of Shoyo’s embrace? Well, once again, Shoyo doesn't have answers to these questions. He only knows that Kageyama will be his partner in an upcoming wedding, and that's the main reason he's in Shoyo’s apartment now.

Pedro is getting married in a few weeks, and of course Shoyo will be there as his honorable best man. He could go alone, yes, but his friend and former roommate insisted that Shoyo invite someone to enjoy the party and the rest of his days off with him. Shoyo’s family was the first one that came to mind, but his mother was thousands of miles away in Japan, taking care of the house and her new job as a nutritionist in town. Shoyo’s sister, Natsu, is also busy with her professional career, playing in Turkey as one of the most promising outside hitters in women’s volleyball.

(Modesty aside, the women in Shoyo’s life are absolutely wonderful.)

The next name that popped up in Shoyo’s mind was Kageyama Tobio. To Shoyo’s happiness, Kageyama’s days off coincide with his, so it was the perfect opportunity to successfully invite him to the wedding.

Well, successfully is not the right word in this situation.

Truth be told, it was a bit difficult to call Kageyama and make him understand the words that were coming out of Shoyo’s mouth that day.

“A wedding, Kageyama!!!” Shoyo explained it a thousand times, but Kageyama still sounded a bit clueless on the other side of the phone. “You know what a wedding is?”

“Of course I do,” he grunted in response. Shoyo imagined the pout that grew in the other man’s mouth. So nostalgic and silly. “I just don't understand why you're calling me among so many people.”

“Why wouldn't I call you?”

“Because you have many other friends. You have your family.”

“So?”

“So?” Kageyama repeated in disbelief. “Shouldn't they be at the top of your priority list?”

“Yes, just like you are at the top of this list as one of the most important people to me!!!”

“You—” He exhaled heavily, sounding a little tired as he clicked his tongue.

Shoyo sighed, closing his eyes in search of the right words. “Look, it's just a wedding, Kageyama. We'll be free in less than a day and after that we can enjoy ourselves!!” He smiled big as memories of their Karasuno days flickered on his mind; days when they met as the sun rose and said goodbye when it set—an endless cycle in which they spent most of their time together. “We can play lots and lots of beach volleyball! And indoor volleyball, too!! Wouldn't it be amazing to live like in the old times, meeting up to play every day?”

There is a brief silence on the phone, in which Shoyo hears the slight opening and closing of Kageyama’s mouth, without uttering a word. Shoyo knows that his small avowal may have taken his friend by surprise, so he will give him the time he needs to process this information and express himself in the ‘Kageyama way’ he feels more comfortable with.

“I think so, yeah,” Kageyama said under his breath, honesty dripping from his voice. One of the traits that Shoyo likes most about him (that he loves, actually) is that he is honest and direct with his words and actions, despite his rigid tone. Anyone who knows Kageyama understands that he would never lie to create a character that overshadows him. He wouldn't ever hide his true layers in front of Shoyo, as he values ​​the truth above all else.

Shoyo can't help but find him so beautifully trustworthy.

That day, he also couldn't contain the small smile that began to spread across his face, happiness shining on his skin as he bit his wobbly lower lip. To be fair, how could he not smile at this moment? How could Shoyo not smile upon realizing with tenderness how much Kageyama would always be the Kageyama he met years ago.

His one and only Kageyama Tobio.

“So… What’s your answer?” Shoyo tried again, lighter this time. “Are you going to the wedding with me?”

There was a pleasant silence in Shoyo’s ear, filled only by the sound of Kageyama’s nostalgic breathing. Oh, if only it were possible to teleport through telephone lines. Shoyo would certainly do his best to wrap his friend and his warm breathing in a hug capable of fusing their bodies into one.

“Fine,” Kageyama relented with a grumble, and Shoyo let out a loud YAYYY on the other end. Kageyama probably had to turn his ear away from the phone due to the deafening scream, but Shoyo was very gleeful and made no effort to hide it. “But you owe me days and days of volleyball. And you're gonna do the dishes for a week.”

“That's so easy Kageyama-kun,” Shoyo chuckled as he felt a warm feeling burning from his heart to the pit of his belly, growing warmer and softer. He felt so so light. “I gladly accept your orders, your highness!!!”

Kageyama huffed, sounding slightly amused. “See you there, then. Dumbass.”

“See you, Yama!!!” Shoyo blew a loud smooch into the phone screen, chuckling softly when the expected, low "idiot" came before the call ended.

And that was how Shoyo invited his best friend to a wedding in Brazil.

That was also how, weeks later, Shoyo welcomed Kageyama into his apartment, his heart and life once again, into a homely place he never dared to leave completely.

☀️

“Kageyama, hear me out!!” Shoyo looks over his shoulder to spot a Sleepy-Yama slowly eating his spinach omelet at the small kitchen table. He is washing the dishes and turns to his friend, beaming as he wipes his hands on the thick fabric of his pants. “There's a local market happening in the city today, where I usually do the groceries. Wanna go?”

If Shoyo is the embodiment of energy first thing in the morning, Kageyama is quite the opposite. His face still has marks from the pillow and his normally well-combed hair has dark strands sticking to the sides. He's now chewing on one of the cabbage rolls that Shoyo prepared as he looks up at him, sleepy blue eyes floating calmly across Shoyo’s face.

So stupid and adorable.

Once again, Shoyo has to bite his lower lip to hold back his smile at Kageyama’s silliness. Although the hot whirlpool that rages in the pit of his stomach cannot be stopped at all.

“Hmm,” Shoyo continues. “Or maybe you find it a bit boring to do this so early in the morning. It's okay if you don't want to—”

“I didn't say anything yet,” Kageyama’s response comes in a rough, deep voice, and wow! Shoyo loves how it sounds. He loves how his voice sounds all husky in the mornings. It feels really nostalgic and he remembers their training camps days when Shoyo would wake up to the sight of a Drowsy-Yama drooling on the pillow next to him.

Shoyo opens a hopeful smile, “Okay… So that’s a yes?”

“Maybe,” Kageyama licks the corner of his mouth. “But I want something from you.”

Shoyo’s eyebrows quicken up in surprise. “What is it?”

The way Kageyama looks down at his almost empty bowl, silky bangs falling onto his forehead, makes Shoyo’s heart melt in a puddle of fondness, his breath almost leaving his lungs. “You should prepare this for lunch, too.”

This time, Shoyo can't contain the soft giggles that fly freely from his mouth.

“I totally agree,” he beams. “But I want you to help me!! This way I can share the recipe with your silly brain.”

Kageyama swallows the last cabbage roll as he stares at Shoyo with a deadly look. “Never mind, don't want it anymore.”

“Nooooo, Yama!! I was just kidding, geez!!” Shoyo rushes to his side and rests his palms on Kageyama’s shoulders, invading his personal space and almost making him choke. “We're gonna have a blast there. Oh, and we can head to the beach shortly after!!! I promise!!!”

Kageyama remains frozen in his seat, hands still in the air holding his chopsticks. It's the first time in the day that his eyes aren't drowsy, so grayish-blue spheres stare deep into Shoyo’s face, the ocean swallowing every brown freckle present there. There's pink dusting Kageyama’s cheeks, and Shoyo feels himself warming up at their proximity, so he reluctantly pulls away. The last thing he wants is to make Kageyama uncomfortable now that he's here by his side. He makes Shoyo happy with his presence alone and he won't ever ruin that.

Kageyama swallows hard before saying, “Okay.” His tiny response is enough to make Shoyo grin widely, his flushed cheeks growing hotter in joy.

The feel of Kageyama’s shirt warmed by his skin still ghosts kisses against Shoyo’s fingertips, even as the two step outside into the blinding sun of Rio de Janeiro hours later. They end up racing to their destination, pushing each other lightly while giggling softly. Shoyo wonders if the sun is as warm against his fingers compared to the patch of Kageyama’s skin that nuzzles his knuckles on their way to the local market.

***

The two cauliflowers remain listless in Shoyo’s hands, one in each palm being lifted from top to bottom like a scale.

“Just pick one already, dumbass,” Kageyama grumbles from his side, carrying a green eco bag in hand. “They're the same.”

“As if, Grumpy-Yama,” Shoyo responds without taking his eyes off the vegetables. “This one is slightly bigger,” he raises his left hand.

“Put it here in the bag then,” he says without patience.

“Nah, I'm taking the smaller one.” Shoyo returns the largest cauliflower to the table and sticks his tongue out to him. “Tiny things are cuter.”

Kageyama squints in annoyance, “Idiot.”

Shoyo laughs and pays for the chosen vegetable, saying a cheerful “Muito obrigado!!!” before motioning for Kageyama to keep walking.

The Feira de Laranjeiras is one of Shoyo’s favorites as it’s open-air and the morning wind is always fresh and sea-like, mixed with floral notes, freshly harvested fruits and honey. Shoyo loves to enjoy the sweet breeze guiding him as he does the weekly groceries and interacts with familiar faces, like Gabriela who sells tapioca, and Guilherme with his spice mill. He feels deeply embraced by the familiarity of Rio’s fairs, and of course bringing Kageyama here was on the top of his sightseeing list. Shoyo can't hide the comfort he feels in the domesticity of moments shared with him, and perhaps he wants to expand those moments beyond.

Beyond somewhere.

Somewhere he can't name yet.

Shoyo just knows he wants more. He always wanted more from Kageyama, after all. He always wanted more for both of them. And now that he's an adult and feels like he has the whole world to explore, Shoyo will gladly take Kageyama’s hand in his and guide him through the colorful world he lives in.

“Hey, Kageyama,” Shoyo starts as soon as they are sitting at one of the wooden benches, nibbing some fruits offered by the vendors. “Are you enjoying our morning?”

“Hmm,” Kageyama hums after biting into a juicy cashew. “I am.”

“Great!! I'm having a blast, too,” Shoyo says in genuine happiness. He picks up one of the pineapples with lemon zest on a toothpick and stuffs it into his mouth. “Oh god, I love Brazilian fruits.” He proceeds by taking an acerola and bites at it, squinting at the acidity of the fruit.

Instead of engaging in conversation, Kageyama remains engrossed in the fruits he is eating, his pink lips now moist with their pulp. He licks his lips several times between bites, looking over the freaking moon, and damn, Shoyo thinks that view is one of the most adorable in the world.

He really missed that goofy guy and his even goofier manners, huh?

“We only need to buy some spices now, then we can leave our groceries at home and run to the beach,” Shoyo explains between bites of mango. “Unless you want to sit at home and look at my face all day.”

Kageyama frowns, “No. Volleyball. Beach.”

“You'll have to see me there anyway.”

“You're not that annoying when you're playing.”

“I say the same to you!!!” Shoyo points an accusing finger at him, elbowing Kageyama right after. “And no one finds me annoying, okay? People always invite me out, saying that I'm the life of the party, even though I end up refusing the invitations most of the time.”

Kageyama grumbles without seeming the least bit interested.

Shoyo snorts and prepares to give his final blow, “But I have to admit, Kageyama-kun: you look kinda cool while on the court, you know?” He winks teasingly at him, in the same way he likes to tease his Brazilian friends in a silly flirting game.

But Kageyama is different, and it's clear he doesn't understand the joke behind Shoyo’s words and gestures. Instead of complaining, a blush blooms on the apples of his cheeks along with his characteristic (cute) pout. Shoyo cackles and feels like reaching out to squeeze those round cheeks, he feels like framing that pouty face between his hands and blowing a loud kiss to his nose, just to annoy him more; but he is stopped when Kageyama pokes him in the ribs—his weakest spot also known as where Shoyo feels the most ticklish.

“Stop, Kageyama,” Shoyo alerts between soft giggles and puts a hand on Kageyama’s arm, squeezing his muscle in pleading. “Not here. We’re in public.”

“So?” Kageyama is wearing a mischievous expression now, reassured by having gotten a reaction from Shoyo and leaving him disarmed so easily. Stupid Kageyama who knows Shoyo like the back of his hand and knows even the most sensitive areas of his skin. “You started it.”

“I was just teasing you!”

“And now I'm doing the same.”

“Okay, but don't use your fingers, then!! They're… too powerful.”

“Are they?”

Shoyo nods nervously. There's caution and rigidity in his muscles, the air growing hotter around him as a still blushing Kageyama looks him up and down, studying him like a map. Then, Kageyama pokes him in the waist again, making Shoyo yelp and almost jump out of his seat.

“You idiot!!!” Shoyo lightly slaps Kageyama on the shoulder. “I told you to stop!!!”

“Okay, okay, dumbass.” Kageyama turns to the side and takes the last piece of mango from the plate. Shoyo notices how the corner of his lips curls up subtly, his heart undergoing the same movement and going up, beating faster.

“Let's continue our tour,” Shoyo announces and gets up, grabbing the eco bag and turning around before his body reacts any more to that stupid smile. “Vamos!!”

Kageyama follows him silently, shooting sideways glances here and there. Shoyo does everything he can to hide the blush pricking his cheeks, but it's impossible when what he really wants is to look at Kageyama and smile until the corners of his eyes crinkle up.

Apparently he's starting to understand this beyond more.

Shoyo wants more of Kageyama, more of his joy and hidden smiles. He wants to bloom happiness in him. He wants to make Kageyama smile and pout, wants to make him feel joyful, seen and sound in his presence. Shoyo wants Kageyama to see shelter in his arms, he wants to be his home and the place he would find protection in any stormy sky.

***

The grains of sand steadily kiss Shoyo’s feet as he takes distance to run. One, two, three—at the end of the count, Shoyo takes flight towards the sun, rays of light shining around him like a veil and reflecting off his golden skin.

Memories of his days at Karasuno tingle from his fingertips to his heart as his palm is about to hit the ball. He remembers the day he hit Kageyama’s set for the first time, when Kageyama believed in Shoyo’s potential and presented him with one of the simplest but most precious things Shoyo loves: a clean set specially to him.

Such reminiscence serves as an impetus for Shoyo to hit the ball with everything, sending it to the other side of the net, right at the edge of the court. Shoyo lands with a soft poof afterwards and cheers when the referee blows the whistle, the sound carrying a victory for him and his partner. He won by Kageyama’s side again, just like the good old Karasuno times.

Overjoyed, Shoyo doesn't think twice when rushing towards Kageyama to clasp their hands together in a double high-five, securely intertwining their fingers like a velvety bow wrapped around a gift.

“That was amazing, Kageyama-kun!!!” Shoyo exhales jubilantly, shaking their hands with deep affection. Their palms are full of sand that tickles a bit, but Shoyo doesn't mind. It's kinda pleasant even, to have Kageyama’s skin pressed against his. “Your sets are so wahhhh and gwahhh as always!!!”

Kageyama is breathing a little heavy, his cheeks pink and damp with sweat, but he still welcomes Shoyo with a smug smile shining on his stupid lips.

“Dumbass, that was just my normal set,” he starts with an insult, of course, but there's no annoyance in his words. Honestly, over the years the name dumbass has become something lighter on Kageyama’s lips, something that drips like honey from his mouth and Shoyo drinks until his ears and heart are filled with sweet heat.

“Your normal set is still amazing, idiot,” Shoyo untangles their hands and comes closer to pat Kageyama on the back, just like he does with his teammates. “Accept the compliment then I think I can prepare the cabbage rolls again for lunch.” He rubs his chin as if pondering his ideas.

Kageyama falls for the bait the way Shoyo imagines—his eyes glint with hungry stars and he doesn't mind the proximity of their sweaty bodies under the sun.

“Okay,” he murmurs, lowering his head and hiding his expression behind the brim of his cap. “One more?”

Shoyo beams, “One more.” He turns to his opponents, signaling for them to start another match. They both agree and proceed to tease Shoyo and his closeness to Kageyama, comments that he simply laughs off.

Thank goodness he can blame the sun for the blush on his burning cheeks.

***

As promised, Shoyo prepares cabbage rolls with rice, beans and roasted sea bass for lunch. He and Kageyama eat at the round woody table on the balcony of Shoyo’s apartment, appreciating the view of the sea on the horizon and its fresh breeze to help ward off some of the indoor heat.

Shoyo chatters between bites of fish with rice and laughs here and there at the expressions Kageyama makes while eating. He is so so expressive that Shoyo wants to count every nuance of his face on his fingers. Kageyama makes soft, pleasurable noises with each spoonful, which he tries to hide behind his pout. Of course Shoyo notices, so he stares at Kageyama with a knowing look as he giggles fondly.

“You love my food, huh, mister?” Shoyo teases and winks at Kageyama again, taking a sip of his fresh guava juice.

Kageyama narrows his eyes at him, all flushed pink. “No. Just a little,” he replies with a pout.

Shoyo chuckles and decides not to tease him for now, just because he can keep basking in the sight of a rosé Kageyama swallowing the food he prepared with subtle sparkles in his eyes.

The domesticity of the moment remains stored in Shoyo’s chest until the moment they return to the beach hours later.

Shoyo suggests they get some sun before their next round of beach volleyball. Towels, umbrella, water, and sunscreen—Shoyo brings everything so that he and Kageyama can spend part of the afternoon just basking in the sunlight, lounging side by side on the towels as they talk about their upcoming volleyball seasons. Kageyama lies on his stomach as he tells him about the new players on their team, a story that Shoyo listens to with a large grin.

It's rare for Kageyama to be so chatty, so he admires every expression that blooms on his face, every sound that comes out of his mouth in a symphony that dances in Shoyo’s ears like crashing waves on sunny days.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Kageyama growls. “Dumbass.”

Shoyo’s smile fades abruptly. “Huh??”

“Huh??” Kageyama mimics him with a grimace, mockingly. “You're looking at me with that airheaded face and not even paying attention to what I'm saying.”

“O-Of course I am,” Shoyo protests, blushing. He sits up and crosses his arms over his bare chest, sticking his tongue out at Kageyama. Blue eyes pierce Shoyo’s apparent torso from top to bottom, traveling across his tanned skin as Shoyo heats up under that fierce gaze. Those eyes make Shoyo blush further but he also feels so seen. “Meany-Yama!! I’m not insensitive like you, I always pay attention to what you're saying.”

This time, Kageyama is the one who blushes, “Idiot.” His entire body actually takes on a pinker tone, complementing the sunlight hues beautifully. Shoyo is mesmerized by it, mesmerized by every new mole he finds on Kageyama’s broad back. His curious gaze could take Shoyo further, but a thought suddenly crosses his mind, and he frowns.

“Ei, did you put sunscreen on your back?” He asks.

Kageyama lazily looks up at him, face resting on his crossed arms. “Huh??”

“Huh??” Shoyo mocks him in retaliation. “You idiot!! You should put it everywhere!!!” He reaches into his bag and grabs a bottle of sunscreen. “Here, lemme help you.” Shoyo quickly uncaps it and pours a generous amount on the palm of his hand.

“Wait, what are you doing???” Kageyama makes a move as if he's going to get up, raising an arm to use as a shield.

Shoyo spreads sunscreen between both hands, smirking at Kageyama’s startled countenance. “I just wanna be sure you're taking care of yourself.” He approaches Kageyama’s personal space, making the other stiffen as his skin crawls at their shared heat. “Your skin included. You don't wanna go back to Italy all red or cooked by this freaking sun, do you?” 

Kageyama appears to be pondering his choices as his forehead wrinkles, until he finally caves.

Slowly, Kageyama returns to the position he was in, sighing again as he lies down on the towel and rests his face on his arms. Shoyo opens a wide, satisfied smile before getting even closer, hands full of cream ready to do their job.

“Just relax, Kageyama-kun.” It's the last thing Shoyo says before he plunges his hands into Kageyama’s back muscles, squeezing his shoulder blades and spreading sunscreen on every patch of skin his palms find. Kageyama closes his eyes and sighs heavily under his hands, relaxing with every muscle Shoyo massages. He sounds so pleased, so comfortable and at peace that Shoyo fears he can fall asleep at any moment. The noises he makes vary between humming and long sighs, sounds that get lost in the middle of the waves but keep ringing in Shoyo’s ears like a sweet memory.

Shoyo smiles nonstop as he spreads the sunscreen all over his warm skin, his touch lingering over the little moles Kageyama has there. They look like mini treasures found in the sand, pieces of gold being discovered with every caress Shoyo makes. He's fascinated with every touch, with every satisfied sound that Kageyama echoes whenever Shoyo squeezes a specific spot. He curiously strokes the soft curve of his waist, his biceps and even the back of his head, marveling at the way rose spreads like watercolor across his skin.

At this last touch, Kageyama is startled and turns to look at Shoyo, blushing furiously.

“W-Watch out, dumbass,” Kageayama warns, his voice a bit hoarse and breathless. “It tickles.”

Shoyo’s eyes light up. “Really?” He has just discovered yet another treasure and cannot hide his excitement. “I didn't realize it…” He says slowly, reaching out again to stroke the back of Kageyama’s head.

Shoyo’s fingertips hover briefly over the other’s skin, but it's enough to sprout goosebumps there. Kageyama shivers from head to toe and a beautiful crimson tone spreads throughout his body once again, warm skin begging for more touches. Begging for more intimacy. The rigid muscles of his back start to emanate more heat, and Shoyo smiles bigger as he finishes applying sunscreen to that body full of endearing treasures.

“You're such a cute dork, Yama,” he giggles, running his palms over the fabric of his shorts. “Who would've thought that behind that frown is a man who is ticklish and so adorable when—”

His words are cut off when Kageyama turns abruptly. He frames Shoyo’s face between his hands and squeezes his cheeks until a pout forms there.

“I told you to be careful,” Kageyama says in alarm, a pink blush still dusting his face. “Stop or I'll make you go bald!!” He brings a hand to Shoyo’s hair and starts twisting some curls between his fingers.

It's supposed to be a fierce tug, but Shoyo feels more like a massage against his scalp, so he giggles and sighs in delight, palms flat on each side of Kageyama supporting himself on the sand. He feels a blush rise to his own cheeks upon noticing that he is sort of pinning Kageyama beneath him, their faces just inches apart as their hot breaths mix with the sea-like breeze.

“Kageyama,” Shoyo whispers, heart racing with each take of air. He watches Kageyama’s chest rising and falling beneath his and all Shoyo wants is to lay his face against his heart and press their bodies together to feel the sounds and heat radiating from there. Kageyama’s gaze feels too much, though, and it's leaving Shoyo breathless, so he only talks instead of acting, “Beach volleyball??”

“Mhmm,” Kageyama nods. His blue eyes bore into every detail of Shoyo’s face, making him shudder and blush deeper. “Beach volleyball.” He lets go of Shoyo’s hair and brushes aside some curls that fall onto his forehead.

Kageyama carefully stands up as if he hadn't just left a frozen Shoyo staring at the sand before them. Shoyo shakes his head and slaps his cheeks twice to regain focus, jumping up in excitement. Kageyama stares at him with an unreadable expression, his bare chest still pink and moving back and forth with the rapid beat of his heart.

Oh. Apparently they are both feeling a lot of things, huh?

Maybe it's the beyond that Shoyo has been imagining since the day Kageyama walked through the doorway of his apartment. It's a feeling he can't quite decipher yet, but it's right there intertwining them, and that's all that matters.

“We're feeling the same,” Shoyo thinks with enormous affection as he walks towards his most precious sun.

***

Much to Shoyo’s joy, he gets to be the first to take a shower when they get home, which gives him time to prepare dinner for them afterward.

The sound of water running indicates that Kageyama is in the bathroom, so Shoyo takes advantage of the precious time he has to set the table with the special dishes he'd prepared. From the oven, he takes out a platter of roast chicken with potatoes, spring rice and sautéed mushrooms. From the fridge he takes a pot of orange sauce, a bowl of brigadeiro (their dessert!) and then two spoons from the drainer.

Shoyo may be exaggerating, but he even puts a vase of flowers in the center of it. Just to be more aesthetic, of course.

By the time everything is finished, Kageyama has already left the bathroom and went to get dressed in the guest room. Shoyo bounces back and forth on the heels of his feet, eager to see his friend’s reaction to this dinner.

Shoyo's leaning against the kitchen counter, checking messages on his phone, but he pockets it again when he hears footsteps in the hallway.

“Hey, Hinata,” Kageyama calls out while toweling his hair dry. “Your shampoo has run out and—”

“Surprise!!!!” Shoyo pushes himself away from the kitchen counter with his arms thrown in the air, smiling big. “I made din-din for us!!!!!”

Kageyama blinks once, twice, mouth half open in confusion. The movement of his fluttering eyelids follows the water drops falling from his damp hair, his bangs sticking to his forehead adorably. Shoyo feels the urge to reach out and brush the strands of hair off his skin. Kageyama is really cute after his bath, Shoyo admits to himself. Even more so with his gray shirt and shorts with volleyballs and vabo-chans patterns.

“Kageyama?” Shoyo calls after seconds of Kageyama remaining paralyzed. He starts to worry that he did something wrong. “You don't like it?”

“An…” Kageyama looks at everything but Shoyo, wordlessly.

“Say something, silly,” Shoyo huffs. “The cat got your tongue?”

Kageyama pouts, scowling, “Shut up, dumbass.” He flicks his gaze away, cheeks turning pink in the dim light of the kitchen. “I'm just… surprised. I wasn't expecting it.”

“Why?” Shoyo asks in genuine confusion. “I've been preparing meals since early in the morning, all by myself.”

“I know, but—” Kageyama sighs. “This one seems different.” He looks at the dinner table and Shoyo follows his gaze.

Their dinner is indeed a little different as it's a bigger, more decorated meal, but come on! Shoyo always prepares their dishes with equal care. Especially since Kageyama arrived, he realized how much he cares about what he puts on his plate, how careful Shoyo is when thinking about Kageyama’s satisfied sigh with every single bite he takes. Kageyama might not admit it but Shoyo knows he loves his food, and if he can use his cooking skills to be a good host and tease Kageyama at the same time, so be it.

Kageyama’s eyes shining combined with his low humming while he eats are reason enough for Shoyo to continue with all this care.

“You offend me like that, Kageyama-kun,” Shoyo puts a palm over his heart, pretending to be hurt. “Haven't I been a good host who takes good care of you and your belly? There is no reason to be surprised.”

Kageyama narrows his eyes, “You shouted ‘surprise’ to my face a few moments ago. Idiot.”

“Forget what I said,” Shoyo blushes slightly. He reaches out to wrap his fingers around Kageyama’s wrist, pulling him closer. “Come on, let's eat before it gets cold!!!”

Surprisingly, Kageyama doesn't let go of the hand that guides him to the table, but he feels a little stiff. His skin is warm despite having just gotten out of the shower and his cheeks are shell-pink. A few drops of cold water still drip from the ends of his hair, and Shoyo feels like taking off the towel that's wrapped around Kageyama’s neck to ruffle those black locks of his.

Kageyama does it by himself, though, adorably drying his hair as he grumbles lots of “dumbass” and tries to hide the pink of his cheeks.

As soon as they are sitting across from each other, Shoyo and Kageyama fill their plates with everything they're entitled to. From the chicken with orange sauce to the rice and sautéed mushrooms, everything is well served on their plates. They join their palms in gratitude for the food, saying a low itadakimasu in unison before digging in. Satisfied hums and crunching sounds fill the kitchen, illuminated by the warm lamps as the sunflower in the center of the table still glows in different shades of yellow.

Shoyo doesn't hide that he's been watching Kageyama, and he even rests his chin in the palm of his hand after finishing eating. He asks questions about Kageyama’s life in Italy here and there, and drinks in the sight of his round cheeks full of food as he chatters between spoonfuls. Shoyo tells the details about how it was to return to Rio and makes jokes about how he was waiting for the sand, and the sand was also waiting for him, as he still falls face first into it from time to time.

Kageyama tries to hold back but laughs freely for the first time since he got here. For the first time in years, actually. Shoyo can feel the stars in his own eyes shining in endearment, his insides burning like a bonfire at that laughter and melting like chocolate in the sun. The desire to reach Kageyama, to swallow his low giggles, to stay by his side and listen to his adorable laugh on a daily basis, seems to grow every day, and Shoyo just hopes that his time with Kageyama doesn't run out.

They still have time together, and Shoyo will do his best to make the hours, minutes and seconds truly last.

Once Kageyama finishes eating, some brigadeiro sprinkles stuck to the corner of his mouth, he thanks Shoyo for the meal and gets up, without saying anything else. Still silent, he picks up all the dirty dishes from the table (including Shoyo’s) and takes them towards the sink. He insists on washing the dishes despite Shoyo’s protests, and Shoyo gives in only because he's amused by Kageyama’s attentiveness.

Just for now, though!

Shoyo takes advantage of the time when Kageyama is soaping the cutlery to lean against the counter, cackling at the sideways glances his friend gives him.

“Wahhh, can't believe the wedding is tomorrow already,” Shoyo starts chatting amidst the sound of water running from the tap. “Pedro must be shaking in bed right now, all anxious and nervous.” He smiles fondly.

“As if you wouldn't react the same way the day before your wedding,” Kageyama mocks.

“I wouldn't, okay??” Shoyo pouts. “I mean, at least I'd be equally excited!! About to vomit with anxiety, perhaps, but sooo excited!!!”

“Liar.”

He gives Kageyama a light push, giggling, “Now I'm curious to know how you would react, silly.”

Kageyama looks at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts, before side eyeing Shoyo again. “Normal, I guess,” he replies forthrightly. “It's just a normal day.”

“A normal day?” Shoyo chuckles in disbelief. “Not at all!!! It's actually the day when you and your person will voice your love vows in front of the fucking world!!! It's supposed to be special.”

“I'm not saying it isn't,” Kageyama says quietly, placing the last glass on the drainer. He wipes his hands on a cotton cloth and turns to Shoyo again, arms crossed over his chest. “But… wouldn't you already be aware of the love you feel for the person? Why would it be so scary if you already love them? For years, for ages...” He says those last sentences slowly, his hot breath reaching Shoyo and warming his features.

Shoyo blinks up at him, astonished. Kageyama has been surprisingly more talkative in Shoyo’s presence, he's already noticed that. But... there's something about the way he pronounces sweet words without realizing it. There's something subtle in the soft tone he responds to Shoyo every night before they go to sleep and every morning at sunrise. Kageyama sounds more caring and gentle, even when they're joking and he pulls Shoyo’s hair after being teased. Not to mention the tender gazes that Shoyo occasionally catches here and there, an ocean calling him into which Shoyo could dive without blinking twice.

Inviting looks, tender voice and warm body—all are glimpses of a Kageyama treasured only for Shoyo; little, beautiful treasures hidden in the sand that Shoyo has grown to adore.

“Maybe you’re right,” Shoyo admits after a while. He lowers his head in an attempt to hide a smile, unsuccessfully. His cheeks flush when Kageyama approaches to look at him closer, head lolling to the side in confusion. “Let's brush our teeth and then watch a game before bed?” He suggests as he bumps his hip against Kageyama’s front.

Kageyama lights up in anticipation, “Let’s go.” Shoyo beams up at him and quickly wraps his hands around Kageyama’s arm.

There is domesticity in the way they share the same bathroom to brush their teeth, looking at each other in the mirror. Shoyo’s mouth is full of toothpaste but he cackles when Kageyama furrows his eyebrows, rolling his eyes at his foolishness. Infatuated by his grumpy behavior, Shoyo bumps his hip against Kageyama’s between muffled laughs, his face all wet as he finishes rinsing it. Kageyama retaliates by squeezing Shoyo’s waist right in the patch of skin where he is most ticklish, turning him into a giggling, flushed mess. Shoyo immediately pulls him out of the bathroom before a tickle war begins.

(A war Shoyo fears he will lose.)

He guides them to the living room where the sofa bed already awaits them, the covers from the previous night neatly folded over it. Shoyo pushes him lightly on the sofa and Kageyama lets out a low "oof" in surprise, scowling as Shoyo giggles in endearment. Being the competitive, grumpy man that he is, Kageyama doesn't let Shoyo get away with this and pulls him to the sofa with him, hands clasped around Shoyo’s arms. Shoyo falls on top of his friend and bursts into laughter when Kageyama starts tickling his waist.

Kageyama is pinned beneath him as Shoyo struggles over his body like a fish out of water. He laughs against his friend’s chest and does everything he can to free himself, but the comfort of the position they're in makes Shoyo want to simply nestle in his arms. Slowly, Kageyama’s fingers begin to trail over the exposed skin of Shoyo’s waist, the mischievous tickle turning into a gentle caress. Shoyo lays his cheek flat against Kageyama’s heart and starts to hum as he appreciates all those soft touches.

The sound of Kageyama’s heartbeats alongside the hand that dips into Shoyo’s curls, scratching at his scalp in slow movements, are enough to lull him to sleep, his eyelids growing heavier.

“Yama,” Shoyo yawns, nuzzling himself further against Kageyama’s chest. He presses the tip of his nose to the smooth surface of his cotton shirt and inhales the nostalgic scent of wood and wet grass. “You smell good.”

Kageyama snorts and pulls Shoyo closer. “You don't smell bad either,” he says against the crown of Shoyo’s head. Maybe tiredness is making him imagine things, but Shoyo feels the ghost of a kiss being left there.

Shoyo sighs and smiles lazily on top of him as the television broadcasts an old VNL game. In addition to the volleyball match, Shoyo can only think about the pure bliss that tingles through this moment, about the unchanging comfort he feels whenever their skins meet. Shoyo drifts off to sleep under fingertips that caress his back and hair as heartbeats sing in his ear, surrounded by all the sounds and devotion that Kageyama covers him with.

☀️

The wedding day arrives along with the whole tradition of wearing fancy suits and hairstyles reminiscent of parties in a Barbie castle.

Shoyo is in his bedroom exactly at 17:00, tying his bow tie in front of the mirror while analyzing every detail of his body. His hair looks okay, honestly—the curls are combed back and tucked behind his ears. It took some gel to make them less rebellious and behaved, but Shoyo liked the result. The ginger tone appears even more vibrant, standing out in the orange-pink sunset light coming through the window.

He should thank Miwa-san later for the hairstyle tips.

At Pedro’s request, Shoyo’s suit is creamy white with gold buttons, matching Pedro’s own. Shoyo asked him if it was okay since the groom has to stand out more at the wedding, but Pedro insisted that the two match, saying that Shoyo is one of the highlights of the party. And you're already part of our family , Pedro added. Shoyo had tears welling in the corners of his eyes, but no one needs to know that. Much less Kageyama!

Speaking of Kageyama, he's also getting dressed for the wedding now, locked in his room. His suit is one he brought from Italy thanks to Miwa. Apparently she said something like: ‘My brother won't go to the wedding in flip-flops and shorts, try to find an outfit to impress Shoyo-kun as quickly as possible!!’. Needless to say, Shoyo cackled when Kageyama told him that and he silently thanked Miwa for making her stupid brother care about his appearance at least once.

Not that Shoyo minds that Kageyama only thinks about food and volleyball, of course. Shoyo is pretty much the same after all. But... it's cute to see that Kageyama cares so much about him to the point of adopting new habits for Shoyo’s pleasure. Kageyama really cares and that’s so striking and cute.

Shoyo is seriously going to suffer from cuteness aggression one of these days.

The clock on Shoyo’s wall reads 17:10 when he finishes getting dressed. The wedding officially starts at 19:00 but as the best man at the ceremony, Shoyo wants to arrive as early as possible to help with anything if necessary. And to calm Pedro’s heart as he must be kind of anxious right now.

Shoyo swings his bedroom’s door open and heads to the end of the hallway, stopping at the guest room’s wooden door. He knocks twice lightly, without any response.

“Yama?” Shoyo calls, proceeding to give multiple knocks on the wood. “You alive?”

There is a sound of footsteps on the other side of the door. Kageyama mumbles an "I'm coming" and Shoyo smiles as he waits. When the door slowly opens, Shoyo is greeted with a pouty Kageyama in a black suit, looking bothered by something.

“Hey,” Shoyo greets, unconsciously taking a step back to look at Kageyama better. He looks good. Handsome, even. His silky black hair matches his dark suit and is perfectly combed with the strands parted to the sides. The black fabric tightens around Kageyama’s arms, showing off his robust muscles, and there's a smell of freshly wet grass and strawberry in the air. Is it perfume? Kageyama Tobio wearing perfume? More than ever Shoyo has to thank Miwa-san later. “Hmm… You okay??” Kageyama’s smell and blue eyes leave Shoyo speechless, words getting tangled on his tongue.

Kageyama huffs, “How do I tie this shit?”

Shoyo blinks swiftly. He follows the movement of Kageyama’s hand and realizes he’s been squeezing his crumpled tie between his fingers, which is rolled up in an almost criminal way. Noticing the chaotic level of the situation, Shoyo laughs under his breath, finding the sight very captivating.

“Come here, silly,” he reaches out for his tie and Kageyama quickly withdraws his hands to let Shoyo do his job. Shoyo remains focused on the piece of velvety cloth he holds, tying a bow knot similar to his as his tongue peeks out and eyebrows frown slightly.

Shoyo's almost finished when Kageyama lets out an unexpected chuckle. He looks up in surprise, hands resting on his chest as his gaze trails across Kageyama’s laughing face. The corner of his mouth is slightly turned up and his eyes twinkle with tiny stars of joy, cherry pink painting his cheekbones.

Shoyo’s heart quickens up as he blushes, “What??”

“Nothing,” Kageyama replies, a suppressed laugh lingering in his tone.

“You're making fun of me, you jerk??” Shoyo grins in pure bliss at such a genuine, rare smile from Kageyama. He lowers his head again and bites his bottom lip, cheeks still burning with a prickly blush. “Aren't you the one who can't tie a proper knot?”

Kageyama clicks his tongue, “Idiot. I was going to say something nice but I won't anymore.”

“Noooo, Yama!!!” Shoyo whines exaggeratedly. “Please, tell me!!! I was just teasing you.” He finishes tying the knot but keeps his hands still on Kageyama’s chest. Since the previous night when he slept unfazed in his embrace, hearing and feeling Kageyama’s heartbeats has become something soothing for Shoyo, a hum that kisses his ears and floats lovely against his fingertips.

“Your hair,” Kageyama says under his breath, a whisper in the sunlight. “You tamed it.”

Shoyo chuckles, “I did. Thanks to Miwa-san’s tips!!” His laughter echoes through the room, mingling with the sound of Kageyama’s low breath. “Natsu also approved it!!” He proceeds to say, smiling until the corners of his eyes crinkle.

Kageyama is silent as he reaches a tentative hand into Shoyo’s hair and tucks a rebellious curl behind his ear. Shoyo stops laughing instantly and shivers at the small piece of skin that rubs against the shell of his ear, unconsciously leaning more towards Kageyama’s touch.

“Kageyama,” he murmurs against his palm.

“Hmm??” Kageyama’s tone is low and gentle, the way he always sounds when he is most vulnerable and allows Shoyo to see his true layers.

It's hard to tear himself away from this touch when all Shoyo wants most is to dive into it. But they have a wedding to go to, and another person who Shoyo loves is waiting for him.

“We gotta go,” Shoyo speaks softly. He takes a step away and smiles weakly at the other man, his look almost apologetic.

Kageyama flicks his gaze away, seeming lost for a second, but Shoyo doesn’t let a hurt expression bloom on his features—he gently curls his fingers around Kageyama’s wrist and pulls him towards the exit of the apartment. They can spend more time together once they return, in the little bubble where only they exist.

In the small world where he and Kageyama share equal dreams, sharing mutual feelings that Shoyo can't quite name yet but that he will take into his soul and heart nonetheless.

***

When Shoyo sees Pedro at the wooden altar with silk curtains and white flowers, he feels like a proud father watching his son flap his wings for the first time.

There are tears and genuine laughter during the vows of Pedro and Carla, his soon-to-be wife. There is sensitivity and sweetness in this very special moment; there is tranquility in the way the sea waves crash through the beach house’s window behind them as a perfect soundtrack and landscape.

Shoyo is teary-eyed throughout the ceremony. Pedro’s suit matches his, but in Shoyo’s opinion, he looks better. When Pedro takes the rings from the small pillow held by the bridesmaids and slides it onto his lover’s finger, Shoyo can see the hurricane of feelings in his friend’s eyes, the epitome of love reflected there.

Shoyo does his best to wipe his tears away as the guests applaud the newlyweds. From the corner of his eye, he notices that Kageyama is watching him with a mischievous smile, the corner of his mouth curled upwards. Shoyo can't help but smile back, sniffing.

“Quit teasing me, silly,” he elbows him.

Kageyama’s smile grows bigger as he looks down at Shoyo, “I didn't say anything.”

Shoyo rolls his eyes and buries his damp face into Kageyama’s shoulder, still smiling. “I'm just…” his voice comes muffled. “Really proud of Pedro.”

There's no way he can see Kageyama’s countenance now, but Shoyo feels long fingers plunging into his hair, intertwining with his curls little by little.

Kageyama is slowly scratching at his scalp when he whispers, “I know.”

Shoyo nuzzles himself further against his shoulder and his smile blooms in different colors.

***

“How are you and Kageyama doing?” Pedro questions after hours of conversation and champagne being poured into his and Shoyo’s glasses. The two are sitting on the bar stools, talking in a loud tone to match the volume of the music.

Shoyo takes a small sip before responding, “Good, I think? You know I'm a damn good host.” He licks his lips, savoring the rest of the non-alcoholic rosé champagne.

“Tell me more, Sho,” Pedro insists. His hair presents a beautiful pixie cut and the cream suit with gold buttons makes him glow in the dim light. Yeah, Shoyo really feels like a proud father seeing his son soaring from the nest. “I saw you guys all lovey-dovey after the ceremony.”

“What??” Shoyo’s eyebrows furrow. “We were not!!!”

Pedro chuckles, doubtful. “You were almost buried into his shoulder, and he was hugging you so tight.” He sighs exaggeratedly. “So romantic.”

“N-No. Shut up! I mean…” Shoyo exhales. “Seeing you getting married left me emotional. I was hiding my tears into his suit, but please don't tell him that!!!”

“Awnn, Shoyo,” Pedro is the one getting sappy now. “I don't deserve you.”

“Shouldn't I be the one saying that?” Shoyo chuckles, sipping until the last drop of his drink. “Anyway, come here.” He leaves his glass on the counter and pulls Pedro into a clumsy hug, burying his friend’s face into his chest. “I'm so proud of you. You're gonna be so happy with Carlinha.”

Pedro laughs in Shoyo’s embrace, winding his arms around him. “I'm sure I will. We both will. Your moment will also come, Shoyo.”

Shoyo pulls him closer, sighing, “I don't know, Pedro. You know how romantic relationships don't want me around.”

“Come on. You're such a catch, Sho!!”

“People often say that, but I'm not sure.” Shoyo bites his bottom lip, insecure. He remembers over the years how the few romantic relationships he had were driven by pure curiosity. The exchange of caresses and intimate moments were good, but Shoyo never felt exactly seen and loved by any of his exes.

They seemed to only see Hinata Shoyo’s shell, his exterior that is pleasing to the eye and leaves people breathless. But the truth is, Shoyo can't just see appearances in others. He always seeks more and more, he loves to look beyond and see how wonderfully shaped the person’s heart is. Shoyo wants someone who can make him laugh with the silliest things and pull him into their arms as if he were a treasure to be worshiped.

Shoyo dreams of a beyond where sweat exchanged by naked bodies under the covers is not the result of lust, but rather of passionate glances and mutual joy blooming in their chests. Shoyo dreams yearns and longs for gentle touches and affection in the eyes, for love in its purest form carved by synchronicity in heartbeats and aligned dreams.

Maybe people think Shoyo is broken for not enjoying life as they think he should, but Shoyo knows what he wants. And he has no problem waiting for 10 or 20 years to grab his happiness until his one and only person merges with him. Both in love and life.

“If you say so,” Pedro says after a while, voice low against Shoyo’s torso. He resurfaces with a gentle smile before placing his hands on Shoyo’s shoulders. “I just want you to be happy. And there is someone nearby waiting for you, who wants you to be happy, too. With you.”

Shoyo opens his mouth to respond but Pedro motions to the side, pointing to a figure far behind them. Shoyo looks over his shoulder and his gaze catches sight of him.

Kageyama is sitting at a table alone, pretending he isn't looking in their direction. He's still waiting there after Shoyo said he was going to get them drinks. What a terrible friend he is. Shoyo wants to meet him now, he wants to reach and touch him, but he can't take his eyes off Kageyama’s beauty. It's already 3:00 in the morning and his hair is still well-combed, bangs parted to the sides like a curtain framing his face. Piercing blue eyes are attractive even from afar, shining in the dim light of the ball room as powerful as oceanic waters in the night.

Kageyama is the ocean himself pulling Shoyo closer and closer, so Shoyo follows the course of the waves until he's in front of him with a whirlpool in his stomach, not afraid to dive into those waters once and for all.

“Ei, bonitão, ” he mutters near Kageyama’s ear, making him jump out of his seat, all flushed crimson. “Dance with me.”

Kageyama touches the shell of his ear, right where Shoyo had just whispered against. “Why?”

“Because I'm taking you to dance!!! Duh!!!” Shoyo doesn't delay any longer as he pulls Kageyama by the hands, linking their fingers together and smiling up at him. Kageyama’s hands are so warm, and his fingers fit perfectly between Shoyo’s, like puzzle pieces connecting and finding a new home.

His gaze zeroes in on Shoyo while a beautiful crimson hue keeps splashing his cheeks, so Shoyo pulls him onto the dance floor with a satisfied grin. There's Brazilian funk playing in the background, and the lively beats make his movements more fluid, Shoyo flowing with them as he pulls Kageyama into his orbit.

“Eu sou a diva que você quer copiar, ” he sing-songs. “Shake that body, Yama!!! Show me what you can do.”

Kageyama pouts and stiffens, “I have no idea what I'm doing.”

Shoyo laughs at his sincerity, “You don't need to know, just feel.” He winds his arms around Kageyama’s waist and begins to sway from side to side in an awkward dance. Maybe if they're silly together Kageyama might end up feeling more comfortable.

It really works—his body softens with each movement as he lets himself be guided by a smiling Shoyo, beaming nonstop at him. Shoyo rests his chin on his chest and sighs, nuzzling himself against that silly person he so much adores. Kageyama’s eyebrows quicken up in surprise, but he proceeds to awkwardly place a hand on the small of Shoyo’s back, making him blush.

“Hinata…” Kageyama bends down to whisper into Shoyo’s ear. “I… I think…”

Shoyo shivers at his hot breath. He tightens his grip around Kageyama, exhaling heavily. “Y-You what?”

“Hey, Shoyo!!! Kageyama!!!” Heitor and Nice appear dancing like the soul of the party they are, the man grabbing his wife by the waist and spinning her in the air. “You are doing well!!!”

“I see that Kageyama learned to dance funk.” Nice says in perfect English. “With Shoyo as your handsome teacher you will be the best dancer here, Tobio!!!” She winks at him, shaking her ass with Heitor while the two laugh, lost in each other’s silliness.

Shoyo laughs at his friends and shouts a loud and clear “You bet!” before turning his attention back to the man before him.

There are many people around them now, dancing, jumping and shouting. Shoyo doesn't mind the noise, but more than ever he longs for silence so that only Kageyama’s voice can ring in his ears. He wants to melt under that voice, under that touch. He wants to sink into the eyes that look at him with such sweetness, into the hand that reaches out to cup Shoyo’s face as if he were a gem gifted from the sky.

Ah, he wants Kageyama, right? Shoyo wants Kageyama to want him, he wants to live everything he dreamed of with him, only. Realization is light as a feather swirling in the air, it’s sweet as hot chocolate on winter nights. Shoyo truly wants Kageyama, he wants a bridge to be built until it unites them. He wants to be his bridge, his one and only, and also his home.

His someone better.

“I think we should go home,” Kageyama says near Shoyo’s face, thumb running across the pink of his cheek.

Shoyo swallows hard, dizzy from the thoughts that just fell upon him. “Yeah, it’s kinda late.” He closes his eyes to take a deep breath and when he blinks them open again, Kageyama still watches him curiously.

Well, if he wants to go home, Shoyo will accommodate his request like the good host he is.

Although what Shoyo wants most is to pull him into his soul and scream from the top of his lungs that he wants their future to stretch beyond.

Back at the bar, the two say goodbye to Pedro and Carla, Pedro winking at Shoyo after their goodbye hug.

"Good luck with him," Pedro whispers. "It'll be fine."

Shoyo beams and clings to Pedro’s words as if they were his anchor of hope.

That’s it, he is right: they will be fine.

Kageyama walks ahead to the beach house’s exit and Shoyo follows him with a pounding heart. As soon as he swings the door open, the warm, nighty wind surrounds them, soothing Shoyo’s features a little. He parked his car not far away on the streets of Leblon, and there aren't many vehicles nearby at this time. It seems like a great opportunity to confess. Shoyo’s heart screams for him to voice his sentiments, it begs for him to expel everything he is feeling. Everything he's been feeling for years for one single man.

Said man is the first to reach the vehicle, stopping with his hand on the car handle. Kageyama whirls to Shoyo with furrowed eyebrows, looking like he wants to say something.

Shoyo is quicker to mutter, though, voice shaking, “Kageyama… I.” He clicks his tongue in frustration. “You. And me. I was thinking about us and—”

His words are lost in the dead of night. And completely swallowed when Kageyama grabs Shoyo’s sides and bends down to finally kiss him, brushing his lips against Shoyo’s and savoring this new piece of soft flesh. Shoyo feels his breath catch in his throat, eyes closed as his body lights up with this new sensation of being wanted and loved.

It's a slow, long-lasting kiss with sprinkles of champagne and lemon. It must be the caipirinha that Kageyama drank earlier. Shoyo knows these flavors well, but none of them holds a candle to the taste in Kageyama’s mouth, to the saline notes that resemble sea water and slow mornings bathed in the sunlight.

Perhaps being kissed by someone you love is also reminiscent of home.

Kageyama slowly detaches his lips from Shoyo’s, hot breath puffing against his face. Shoyo feels a bit bewildered, plump lips half-open and eyelashes fluttering rapidly. His cheeks burn a similar pink to Kageyama’s, who breathes heavily as he still clenches at  Shoyo’s sides. Kageyama lets his forehead fall onto his shoulder and inhales shakily there, making Shoyo freeze.

“Hinata,” Kageyama mutters into his suit, voice shaking as much as his limbs. “I—I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...”

Kageyama’s unsteady words penetrate Shoyo’s skin but instead of producing a pleasant warmth, Shoyo feels indignation. He is incredulous because… Who does Kageyama think he is to give Shoyo everything he wanted most at that moment and make it look like a mistake right after? How dare he turn the tingling of Shoyo’s lips and the pounding of his heart into something Kageyama should feel sorry for?

Without thinking twice, Shoyo pushes Kageyama away with a hand on his chest, unable to hide his anger.

“What are you saying? Don't you fucking kiss me and say I'm sorry!!!” He hisses between his teeth. “What does this even mean??? You already regret kissing me so bad?”

Kageyama blinks multiple times, mouth opening in surprise. “What? I didn't say that!”

“So why did you apologize?”

Kageyama pouts, “Because I did something I shouldn't have done.”

“So you really think you shouldn't have kissed me?” Shoyo chuckles humorlessly. “You fucking idiot!!! Cuzão!!!”

“Stop insulting me,” Kageyama says firmly. “I kissed you because I wanted to. But I apologized because I didn't ask for your permission. It's not that I regret it.”

Shoyo brushes a hand through his hair, suddenly exhausted. “Then, don't say you feel sorry, Kageyama.” He may be acting a little demanding right now, but Shoyo just doesn't want any more uncertainty regarding their feelings. He doesn't want to get his hopes up and then be left in a world where he and Kageyama can't be together. Shoyo doesn't want to see a light to hold on to that suddenly goes out, leaving him alone in the dark. No, not anymore. Not again. “Don't feel sorry ‘cause... It makes me think that what you do to me is a mistake. That I am the mistake here.”

Kageyama seems to notice the reason for Shoyo’s insecurity, as his eyes widen a little and he takes a step forward. “Don't say that, dumbass,” he murmurs. “If there's someone who’s right in this relationship, it's definitely you. You've been treating me so well these days, it made me realize how much... how much I...” Kageyama suddenly groans, massaging his eyelids in frustration.

Shoyo can't hold back a chuckle of relief when he realizes that the two of them are having trouble expressing their emotions. Then, in an attempt to give Kageyama more courage, he laces their hands together and starts brushing the pad of his thumb against Kageyama’s knuckles.

A pleased sigh comes out from Kageyama, and he softens under Shoyo’s fingers before continuing, “How much you feel just right in my life.” He admits, looking directly into Shoyo’s hopeful eyes. “And how much I love you.”

His words find their way into Shoyo’s heart, making him the happiest he's been in years. Kageyama loves him. Like, really loves. And Shoyo loves him back. It seems like a tale taken from old, dusted pages of romance books, but it's reality. It's beautiful, it's earth-shattering and everything Shoyo has wanted most for years.

With that "I love you" , Shoyo feels as if Kageyama has lit a flame in front of him, taking him away from the shadows. And of course he won't leave Kageyama alone either, as being each other’s flashlights is paramount in the relationship that Shoyo intends to build alongside him.

“I love you, too, you know?” Shoyo confesses as he squeezes their laced hands, grinning from ear to ear. He's completely soaked in blazing joy. “So don't feel sorry about your actions. Don't feel sorry for loving me because I couldn't be happier to love someone like you. ” Kageyama’s chest rises and falls at Shoyo’s words, blue eyes shining in wonder. Shoyo pushes him forward until Kageyama’s back hits the car with a soft ‘tud’ . He frames his face fiercely, ignoring Kageyama’s wide eyes, and tiptoes until their lips are only a few centimeters apart, unsteady breaths mixing into one. “You're my person, Yama. Now kiss me again, you idiot!!!”

Kageyama is startled at first, body frozen while blinking rapidly. After a few seconds, he rests an uneasy hand on the small of Shoyo’s back and takes his other hand to his hair, intertwining his fingers with the now disheveled curls. Shoyo sighs against his mouth when Kageyama squeezes his waist, utterly melting as soon as their lips meet again, more devoted and passionate this time.

Their kisses are so electrifying and calming at the same time, so sweet and safe with the way Shoyo’s leg finds its way between Tobio’s thighs, their bodies snugly pressed together.

Shoyo keeps kissing him against his car, sighing, humming and being reborn with every brush of their lips and hands. Kageyama is extra careful with his touches, extra attentive with the way he angles Shoyo’s head to the side to deepen the kiss. He's also slow, taking his time as he nibbles at Shoyo’s bottom lip and follows up with a fierce kiss that takes all the air out of his lungs. Shoyo smiles between kisses and sighs when Kageyama lightly tugs on his curls, wonderstruck by all this care. He dips a hand into Kageyama’s smooth hair and caresses his locks, murmuring sweet words in Portuguese between light brushing of mouths.

Lindo, bobo e precioso. Kageyama warms under his palms with each word spoken, pausing to breathe with every sound, sigh and groan that Shoyo bestows his ears and soul with. His glassy eyes are clearly mesmerized by Shoyo’s voice as the hand on Shoyo’s waist peek beneath his shirt and squeeze the hidden skin there.

Shoyo blushes intensely under all those touches, under all those looks and promises whispered in the moonlight. Kageyama alternates between “I love you, idiot” and “ I want you, dumbass,” making Shoyo laugh as he runs a thumb across Kageyama’s moist lips. It doesn't take long until Kageyama also starts smiling into their kisses. He looks so ethereal with those rare, genuine smiles pressed against Shoyo’s mouth, treasured only for him to drink in and taste. Shoyo sees no choice but to reciprocate this stupidly beautiful man, this ridiculously wonderful person he loves so much by uttering a loud and clear, "Eu também te quero."

☀️

The sea before them seems to open a path towards the horizon, the sunrise getting closer as it bathes the sky in a beautiful Mediterranean palette.

It's 4:35 in the morning and the tide brings a warm, saline breeze, already with traces of the approaching dawn. The sky looks mesmerizing as always—all those oranges and blues seem to drip from the clouds, flooding the entire world in breathtaking beauty. Those colors are also the main witnesses of how Shoyo managed to drag Kageyama to the beach after their first kiss, after their long-awaited confessions were voiced.

Shoyo beams as warm as the summery tones in the sky, pulling Kageyama for a swim instead of going home right away. Sure, they could go home and cuddle in bed until they fall asleep, as they've been awake since the day before. Shoyo would love it for sure, but he also wants to experience the magic of that city with someone special, someone who appreciates every second with him no matter what happens.

Now that Kageyama is within his reach, vowing words of love and commitment, Shoyo intends to make the most of it and explore the world before them with his one and only person.

“You wanna go into the sea at this time?” Kageyama questions from his side, still hesitant. He doesn't let go of Shoyo’s hand at any point, though, squeezing it from time to time.

“Why not? Here is the perfect place to watch the sun rise. I've done this a few times, but always alone.” With his free hand, Shoyo brushes away his curls that dance in the wind, noticing Kageyama’s gaze following his movement. He squeezes Kageyama’s hand before saying, “Now I have you.”

Kageyama’s breath hitches and Shoyo’s smile widens further, leaving him pink in the cheeks. “Fine,” he murmurs. “But why are we swimming then??”

“Because it's fun, Kageyama,” Shoyo rolls his eyes and bumps his hip against the other man’s. “Stop complaining and follow your man, will you??” It takes a lot of effort to let go of Kageyama’s hand, already used to its softness and warmth, but they still need to take off their suits.

Shoyo is the first to reach for his bow tie to undo the knot, unbuttoning his shirt soon after. With every bit of skin he reveals, every layer of his broad, tanned chest kissed by the morning sun, Shoyo notices Kageyama’s gaze lingering on him.

Seeing that Kageyama remains still while staring at him, Shoyo chuckles. “You're not going to swim in those fancy clothes, right?”

“No,” Kageyama responds, matter-of-factly. His bangs are also playing in the wind, lips reddish and a little plump shining in the subtle sea ​​dawn light.

Shoyo has to be strong and brave not to pull him close and smash their mouths together again, savoring every single note hidden on those lips.

“Take your clothes off, then!!!” He demands.

Kageyama pouts, “Dumbass. I don't think that's something you say on a first date.”

Shoyo scoffs, “I think we're past that phase, Yama.” He finally throws his suit away and takes off his pants belt, stripping down to his boxers at a speed worthy of the Ninja Shoyo’s title. “There are years and years of yearning and mutual pining.”

Shoyo settles his clothes on the sand near a large rock, turning his back to Kageyama.

Suddenly, large arms wrap around his bare waist, knocking the air out of Shoyo’s lungs and flipping him to face Kageyama again. The bastard is smirking down at him, still all dressed up and looking smug as he cages Shoyo in his embrace. It's unfair that Shoyo is basically naked while Kageyama is still fully clothed, his warmth sending goosebumps and electric currents throughout Shoyo’s body. Despite the mischievousness twinkling on his lips, though, Kageyama is blushing and his heart beats quickly against Shoyo’s chest.

Shoyo can't help but smile back, aware of the effect they have on each other, as powerful as the waves colliding behind them.

“We're past that phase?” Kageyama whispers, sweetness dripping from his voice. “So it's okay if I do this?” He slowly bends down, gaze fixed on pink, warm lips, giving Shoyo time to stop his action.

But he would never do that.

Not when Kageyama kisses him like that—slow, gentle and passionate. Not when he squeezes Shoyo’s waist so carefully and strokes his bare back with his fingertips, moving up and down as if he were playing the most beautiful chords on an instrument. Shoyo would never stop him, not when he can wind his arms around Kageyama’s neck and pull him down, kissing him back, loving and keeping him within his reach.

Keeping Kageyama in his life, the place he never dared to leave.

Shoyo would never stop their love, not when Kageyama can stay by his side for an everlasting time and beyond.

Kageyama breaks their kiss despite Shoyo’s low whines and proceeds to press multiple smooches all over his face, making him giggle breathlessly. 

“You can do lots and lots of this,” Shoyo murmurs, sighing when Kageyama presses light kisses to his neck. It's a ticklish area of ​​his skin so Shoyo laughs under those lips, too, the corners of his eyes crinkling with joy. He pulls Kageyama’s smiling face up between his palms, smiling lazily at the sun now resting in his hands. “But you need to reach me in the water first.” Shoyo blows a loud, wet kiss to Kageyama’s lips again, letting this touch last before breaking away and running towards the sea.

“But don't get naked or we'll be kicked off the beach!!!!” Shoyo shouts out over his shoulder, leaving a kiss-drunk Kageyama eating dust.

“Wait up!!!” Kageyama shouts back. “You dumbass!!!! Moron!!!” He begins to take off his suit without patience, fierce in his movements, probably cursing under his breath, and Shoyo laughs at his reaction.

He reaches the sea waters and lets his feet sink into the wet sand, shivering when the first waves hit his skin. The golden grains accumulate between Shoyo’s toes, and after a few minutes, Kageyama stops next to him, also wearing only shorts. His pout has softened and now he looks towards the horizon with stars in his blue eyes, serenity evident in his features.

Shoyo reaches out for his hand and laces their fingers, turning to place a kiss on Kageyama’s bare chest.

“You've got a mole right here,” Shoyo breathes out against his skin, pink dyeing Kageyama’s entire body in a matter of seconds. “And many others on your back.”

Kageyama looks at him with big eyes, pupils blown-wide as he flicks his gaze back to the sea, grumbling, “Are we gonna swim or what?”

Shoyo laughs softly and leaves another kiss on his chest, right on Kageyama’s heart where another mole is treasured. “Let’s go, querido. ”

As soon as they dive into the water together, Shoyo feels freedom flood his body as if he were flying through the clouds. He swims and dives several times, splashing water on Kageyama from time to time to tease him. Shoyo’s hair is now plastered to the sides of his face, curls framing his tanned cheeks and water droplets mingling with his freckles. Kageyama isn't much different, as the humidity has stuck his bangs to his forehead and there's water running down his broad chest and muscles.

Shoyo dives again on impulse, blushing underwater.

The two swim, play and compete in swimming races, waiting for the first sun beams to appear on the horizon. There is a moment when Shoyo is floating, completely undisturbed, staring at the sky, when Kageyama submerges by his side. Sea water runs down his body as he cards a hand through his hair, and Shoyo turns to look up at him, smiling and standing on the sand. 

Suddenly, Shoyo can see a light bathing Kageyama from behind, his eyes widening in joy as he watches the sun finally rising up there. Shoyo jumps up and down and splashes water to the sides, pulling Kageyama closer by the waist. Kageyama winds an arm around Shoyo’s shoulders and presses him against his side as they watch the horizon in silence.

The morning arrives and bathes them in a pleasant, homely light, oranges and blues mingling in the sky while warming their damp bodies. Shoyo turns to Kageyama, beaming, their sides pressed together as he nuzzles against Kageyama’s arm and asks his thoughts about the view.

It takes a bit for Kageyama to answer, oceanic eyes still piercing the view before them in a comforting silence. He flicks his gaze until his eyes are glued to Shoyo now, wet locks stuck to his forehead as a few drops drip from his dark strands. He looks much more handsome in the morning light, ethereal even.

Shoyo realizes that they should do this more often from now on.

“Beautiful,” Kageyama answers solemnly, reaching out to cup Shoyo’s cheek and run a thumb across his rosy, damp skin.

Shoyo blushes at the touch. He feels flooded by all the love inside his chest, soaked in unconditional devotion. Tender fingers curl around Kageyama’s wrist until Shoyo is kissing his palm in deep affection. Then, Kageyama lifts Shoyo’s chin up with his fingers and ducks to kiss him, warm lips dancing along first thing in the morning.

Maybe Kageyama is right.

The sunrise is not the only beautiful thing to watch in awe when you have your person shining before you.

***

Back on the sand, Shoyo keeps Kageyama’s hand clasped in his own as they both walk calmly towards the large rocks.

The sun has barely risen and Kageyama surprises him for the ninetieth time that day, catching Shoyo in his arms and spinning him around. Shoyo’s eyes widen at first but he softens little by little as he finds comfort in Kageyama’s embrace, throwing his head back while laughing and letting Kageyama kiss the sensitive area of his neck.

Shoyo’s jaw hurts from laughing so much but the pressure of Kageyama’s lips against his skin makes it all worth it.

“That's something newlyweds would do, Kageyama-kun,” Shoyo says against Kageyama’s ear, arms wrapped around his neck as he inhales his natural scent mixed with the sea.

Kageyama walks silently with Shoyo in his arms, in search of a good place for them to sit.

“Maybe we can do what newlyweds do one day,” he states without exchanging glances, blue eyes fixed ahead. Blue eyes fixed on their future.

Shoyo almost combusts upon noticing the intention behind Kageyama’s words, the divine proposal veiled beneath his promise-filled voice. It's something so simple for them, Shoyo realizes, making promises and keeping them without sparing efforts; to scream even in fury that they love each other after more than 10 years of meetings and goodbyes, of rivalry and partnership, of love being cultivated in the fondest memories.

It's simple, it's easy, it's like breathing pure air because Shoyo and Kageyama go to great lengths to love each other, they go to great lengths just to be each other’s person. Their one and only someone better. And this realization feels like opening the most precious treasure hidden in the sand, a feeling being unearthed and blossoming beautifully along with the future they will build together.

“One day,” Shoyo promises, sealing another step towards their tomorrow.

The two end up sitting near the large rock where they left their clothes, the surface of it protecting them from the incoming chaos of the city. 

They sit side by side at first, toes brushing against each other and sharing grains of sand, but Shoyo suggests another position. He spreads his legs apart and pats at the patch of sand in front of him, signaling for Kageyama to sit there. Kageyama doesn't give in easily, though, as he stiffens and turns his heated face away. Shoyo laughs smoothly and calls him a bobo, pulling him by the arm. Kageyama caves after a few light tugs, and nestles between Shoyo’s legs without facing him, hanging his head back to lay on his shoulder as his eyelids grow heavy with sleep.

One of Shoyo’s arms wraps around Kageyama’s waist while the other finds its way behind the back of his head, angling his face to the side so Shoyo can reward him with an assault of multiple neck-kisses. Shoyo combs Kageyama’s hair and creates a chain of kisses that goes from his jaw to his collarbone, pink intensifying on his skin with each point Shoyo’s lips touch.

He almost combusts again when Kageyama chuckles quietly in his embrace, eyes half-closed as he enjoys all the affection and attention showered on him.

Seriously, this man is gonna be the life and death of Shoyo one day.

“Your heart, Yama.” Shoyo exclaims in awe as his hand rests on Kageyama’s flushed chest, feeling his swift heartbeats against his palm. “It's beating so fast!!!”

Dark eyelashes flutter open as a pout forms on Kageyama’s beautiful, swollen lips. “Of course it is, dumbass,” he groans, voice husky from sleep.

Shoyo buries his face in Kageyama’s collarbone, muffling his giggles there, and as always, he fishes for more. “How long has your heart been beating so fast?” He asks, blushing against hot, pinkish skin. “For me, I mean.”

Kageyama breathes against the top of Shoyo’s head, taking time to respond. He tilts his face back further and Shoyo raises his head until their gazes can lock, blue eyes now focused on honey-colored irises. There’s sentiment stored on Kageyama’s face, confidence in allowing himself to be hugged even at a time when he’s most vulnerable.

Maybe this is real love dwelled within the simplest gestures.

“It’s been like this for a long time,” he admits, honesty ricocheting off his tenderhearted tone. “It's kinda annoying. You're annoying.” Shoyo chuckles and Kageyama smiles, laced fingers tightening their grip. “But I learned to enjoy it somehow. This feeling.”

“Really?”

Kageyama hums, “It used to only beat like that when I was on the court, but you started to have the same effect on me. Many years ago. Every time I saw you or heard your name, it made me feel… things.” Shoyo smiles at his confession and can't resist bending down to plant a chaste kiss on Kageyama’s mouth. He is a little bewildered after this simple, gentle kiss and has to clear his throat before continuing, “The name Hinata made me feel things. The name Shoyo, too.”

“I feel the same,” Shoyo confesses, memories flashing through his mind and recalling the butterflies that he felt (and still feels) in his stomach every time Kageyama came to his mind. Recalling the pleasant warmth he felt when Kageyama became part of his home and life altogether. “And I love your name. Tobio.” Shoyo blushes after calling him by his first name, the name he always wanted to hear coming out of his own mouth with the most intimate tone possible.

The name of the man he loves.

Shoyo beams until the corners of his eyes wrinkle, cheeks still burning in the morning light. He blinks his eyes open again only when his face is being framed by wide palms, long fingers running across the length of his smile.

“Me too, Sh—” Kageyama starts with a whisper, stopping in the middle of his words and blushing furiously. He pouts and frowns, clearly struggling to form coherent words. His features only soothe after Shoyo smiles gently and places a kiss on one of his palms, making Kageyama sigh as he lovingly finally breathes out, “Shoyo.”

Oh. He'd said it, right? That hoarse, love-filled voice had just said Shoyo's name and struck a chord in his heart. Unable to hide his joy, Shoyo also frames Kageyama’s face and smashes their mouths together into a proud, fierce kiss.

“I love you, silly,” Shoyo giggles into his man’s mouth. “I'd follow you anywhere just to keep feeling and hearing the beats of your heart.”

Kageyama’s sleepy eyes light up, blown-wide pupils melting into a pool of hope.

“Anywhere?”

“Anywhere.”

Kageyama swallows hard. “I'd go anywhere for you,” he admits, breathlessly. “To be with you, I mean.”

“Yeah?” Shoyo brushes the tip of his nose against Kageyama’s. “What if I said I want to go somewhere now? Would you come with me?”

“That's what I just said, dumbass,” Kageyama pretends to be irritated, but he smiles, too, taking Shoyo’s hand that is intertwined with his, to his lips. He kisses Shoyo’s knuckles and fingertips slowly, the sound of his lips mixing with the morning wind and waves. Shoyo almost gasps, mesmerized by how Kageyama looks at him—kind, sweet and devoted. “Anywhere. For you.”

That newborn sunrise becomes the backdrop for several promises and declarations between them. Shoyo remains with Kageyama, with his one and only Tobio, in his embrace while letting all the truehearted words they shared permeate his mind.

Shoyo would go anywhere in the world to be stronger for himself, but for Tobio, too. To make him proud and happy. And Tobio would do exactly the same. If Shoyo’s future-self told him that he'd fall in love with the pouty boy he met in front of a bathroom, it would have sounded like a joke to his ears, but now… It rings like an unconditional truth of the universe.

Volleyball always comes first in his life, so how lucky is Shoyo to love and be loved by someone who conveys his feelings through the sport that brings them together?

As he stands up again and signals to leave the beach, Shoyo is certain of the first anywhere they should go, the first beyond he wants to reach in this new phase of their lives. Together.

Tobio follows him in silence, his gaze fixed on their joined hands as Shoyo guides them towards his car. Before stepping out of the sand, Shoyo turns around and grins happily, carding a hand through Tobio’s bangs that dance in the warm wind.

Filled with many unwavering sentiments, Shoyo tiptoes and kisses Tobio again, just as soft as before; a chaste kiss that carries with it thousands of other words and declarations not yet said, but which will have all the time in the world to be beautifully vowed.

“Tobio,” Shoyo breathes out against his mouth, smile widening as his arms find a way around Tobio’s waist at the same time Tobio cups his cheeks, a tiny smile on his face. Tobio presses his smiling lips against Shoyo’s and conveys the weight of their promises with a gentle touch, leaving Shoyo free and light to seal the next step in their lives by saying, “Let's go home.”