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He met her when he was fifteen. It happened by chance—a chance meeting that would irrevocably change his life, though he didn’t know it at the time.
Colloquially known as ‘Karasuno High’s volleyball beauty queen,’ Shimizu Kiyoko was definitely pretty, but Kageyama Tobio didn’t fawn over her like the rest of the boys did in the club. She was also three years his senior. Shimizu-senpai wouldn’t spare him a glance given the age gap, Kageyama assumed. Besides, his life and passion revolved around volleyball. Petty things like girls and dating were inconsequential to him. And a waste of time.
Ever the reliable manager, Shimizu-senpai doted on everyone equally, including him. Since joining Karasuno’s Volleyball club, he had been in her care on a few occasions, especially when his nosebleeds were relentless. The gushing of blood would make him dizzy, and not from the loss of sanguineous body fluid. While the others teased and mocked him for his squeamish ways, Shimizu-senpai was nonjudgmental as she nurtured him. Needless to say, she was kind and good at her job, both as a manager and as a nurse. A jack of all trades.Aloof and collected, Kageyama had never seen the manager lose her temper until he came upon her on the side road on his way home from school one night. Distraught and ill-tempered, the pretty manager slumped down next to the opened hood of a car, a steady steam rising from the engine.
“Ohayou, Shimizu-san.” Kageyama greeted, not exactly sure how to approach the situation. Stating the obvious was a good start, he supposed. “Car problems?”“Kageyama-kun! Hi!” Kiyoko beamed, her cheeks flushing scarlet as she stood, tucking a hair behind her ear. “Aha, yeah. It’s my mother’s. She asked me to take it to run errands since she had quite the list.”
“I see. What happened?” He asked, rounding the classic Volkswagen Beetle to assess the damage.
“It was running just fine until some light on the dashboard turned on. Next thing I know, there was smoke coming from the hood. So I panicked and pulled over. Now it won’t even start.” Kiyoko replied, following him. “Do you know anything about cars?”Kageyama nodded. He did know a thing or two about automotive repairs. His father was an army mechanic at the local base during his childhood. Aside from learning the basics of volleyball with his grandfather, his other pastimes included afternoons with his father in their garage as he showed him the in’s and out’s of the car’s many moving parts. It was one of his fonder memories.Rolling up his sleeve, he inspected the transmission, tugging at bolts and rummaging around rusted pipes and semi-corroded wires. He then checked the oil compartment, pulling out the thin piece of metal that was coated with black soot. “Ah. There’s your problem.”Kiyoko leaned closer to him so she could see the cause of her distress, though she didn’t know what exactly she was looking at. “What is it?”Kageyama stepped back, slightly flustered by their close proximity. “It needs an oil change,” he hummed, glancing back at the engine. “The black stuff shouldn’t be there. There’s probably a leak somewhere, causing the engine to overheat. I won’t know until there’s new oil in the gasket.”“Oh.” She nodded, though not quite comprehending.
They stood in silence for a moment, not knowing what to say. Kageyama fiddled with the handle of the dipstick before placing it back in the compartment and closing the hood of the buggy. Kiyoko twiddled her thumbs, uncertainty marring her features.
“So…what do I do?”
“I can change it for you.”They both spoke in unison. Kageyama rubbed his head awkwardly, unknowingly smudging his temple. Kiyoko blinked once, then twice more, before breaking into fits of laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Kageyama asked, looking perturbed. Was there something funny about needing an oil change?“You have grease on your face!” She tiptoed up to rub the stain off with her sleeve, but instead she spread the grime more. “Gah, I made it worse!”
Kageyama stood still, but he let her fuss over him. Aware of her strain at their height difference, he bent down slightly so she could have better access.
“Thanks, Shimizu-senpai,” he said with a straight face, but his lips upturned slightly.
Kiyoko smiled back. “No, I’m sorry. It’s the least I could do. Also, you can drop the formalities. Kiyoko is fine.”“Okay, Kiyoko-san.” Kageyama enunciated her name, adding the suffix as a show of respect even though she gave him permission to go by first-name basis. Her name rolled off his tongue with ease.
“You can call me Tobio, too, if you’d like,” he added. She extended the courtesy to him. He could do the same, and he didn’t mind. He was her junior, after all.
“Sure, Tobio-kun. So, what now?”
Kageyama made a mental note that hearing her say his name sounded pleasant to his ears.“There’s a gas station about a quarter mile ahead. I can get the oil and be back to change it. You can wait here, if you want.” He dusted himself off and turned away from her, preparing to take his leave.
Kiyoko grabbed a hold of his sleeve before he could take another step. “No, I’ll go with you, if that’s okay. You’re already doing me a huge favor by helping me out. I could at least keep you company.”
Kageyama shrugged. It was getting dark and leaving her alone stranded on the side of the street didn’t sit well with him. “Okay.”They walked quietly for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. This was the first time they were hanging out outside school or practice. Kageyama thought about how to start a conversation since he didn’t really know much about her. He could ask about school, or something volleyball-related. The latter was the only thing they had in common.
Saving him from the tongue-twist and subsequent awkwardness, she broke the ice for him.
“How do you know so much about cars?” She quipped. A frigid breeze blew past them, causing her to shiver and hug herself. As winter drew near, the days grew shorter and nightfall descended upon them earlier. Kageyama arched a brow but said nothing, instead taking note of the skirt she wore. She was still wearing their school uniform. It explained why she was absent during practice earlier in the day.“My dad was a mechanic for the army. We used to live a few towns over where the base is. He taught me the basics.” He answered nonchalantly as he put his hands in his pockets, attempting to warm himself.“Ah. You’re an army brat!” She giggled, covering her mouth. “I never took you for one, but I guess it makes sense now.”
His lips downturned at the term. He’d been called many things, but an army brat was a first.
“We didn’t relocate like many families did. My dad…” He stopped himself, swallowing the lump forming at the base of his throat. Talking about his late father was still a sore subject, but at Kiyoko’s expectant gaze, he willed himself to continue. “He passed away before his next assignment.”“Oh. I’m sorry.” She responded quietly, unsure what to make of the depressing news. Her eyes were downcast, her tone somber.
“It’s alright. It happened a long time ago.” Kageyama felt guilty at his admission, even though it was his loss. He didn’t want her to feel bad for him for something she had no control over.
Another pregnant pause blanketed over them. Unlike earlier, Kageyama felt discomfited at the silence. Kiyoko-san was quiet, but she looked like she wanted to shrink to the ground, no doubt still reeling from her secondhand sadness. He liked her chipper disposition earlier.
“When did you learn how to drive?” He finally asked, changing the subject. He knew she walked to school, so it caught him by surprise when he came upon her next to a stalled car.
“Last year. I get my driver’s license when I turn 18 in a few months, but I only drive around town. Don’t worry, I’m a safe driver.” Kiyoko supplied with confidence.Kageyama nodded his head. He wasn’t worried at all. If she was entrusted with the vehicle, then she was probably good enough.He turned his head to look at her as she trudged forward, curiosity gripping him. Never mind that behind the reserved personality was a little rebel at heart. What surprised him more was their age gap. “You’re only 2 years older than me? How come you’re in your last year of high school?”She shrugged. “I skipped a grade up, so I’m the youngest of my batch. What about you? Do you know how to drive?”He shook his head. “I may know a little about cars, but it doesn’t mean I can drive one. It’s not like I have anyone to teach me, unless I pay for driving lessons.” Kageyama supplied matter-of-factly. His older sister had moved out of their home, his father and grandfather were deceased, and his mother couldn’t operate a moving vehicle to save her life. He didn’t mind the walks or taking public transportation, but he’d considered getting his license sometime in the future, especially if he were to move on to play volleyball professionally. He just had to fork up the money to pay for lessons or bribe one of the upperclassmen or Ukai-sensei to teach him.Kiyoko stopped moving and faced him. Catching the light, her blue irises sparkled as she took a step toward him. “I have an idea.”At her proposition, Kageyama perked up, giving her his undivided attention.
“I could teach you…You know, in exchange for your help tonight. Only if you want, though.”The cold and stoic boy’s pupil’s glinted with life as he contemplated her offer. She had a car and she could drive, solving two of his dilemma. If only he could somehow squeeze the driving lessons between volleyball practice and doing homework…Kiyoko waved her hands frantically in front of her. “I-I know volleyball comes first, so I’ll take a look at the schedule and see when we can fit it in. It doesn’t have to be right away.” She took out her phone, opening her calendar app. “We can start next week Monday, after school, just to try it out. The gymnasium will be occupied by the basketball team that day so there’s no prac—.”“Monday’s great!” Kageyama excitedly blurted out, his hand raising to cover his mouth at realizing his folly. “Sorry…Uh…Yeah.” He cleared his throat and looked away, a faint blush tinting his cheeks. “Monday after school is fine, if you’re not too busy.”Kiyoko nodded. “I’ll meet you at the front entrance of the school, then we can walk back to my place together so I can get the car.”
She turned her attention away from him and cocked her head to the side, towards the gas station. “Looks like we’re here. Let’s get this oil changed then, so we actually have a car to use for your driving lessons.”They bought the necessary supplies and walked back toward the car, finding that they fell in conversation easily—talking about many things. As for Kageyama, he found the manager’s company pleasant. She listened intently to his stories and commented when necessary. She giggled when he demonstrated the jump-serve sequence he was hellbent on perfecting with Hinata for the upcoming tournament. She shared that she was fond of cats, which led them to the topic of him wanting to adopt a cat since they were relatively low-maintenance and so adorably cute. She even thanked him for talking to her like a normal person, instead of being intimidated by her presence. The last bit caught him off-guard, but he understood. He was in the same predicament. Other than Hinata and the others at the volleyball club, his classmates often steered clear whenever he set foot in the classroom, whispering amongst themselves in the distance. Contrary to what everyone else said, he felt alienated and isolated, often misconstruing his stoic disposition as egocentric and standoff-ish—as if he were too good for them.
As their steps fell in sync while they chatted, they reached their destination relatively quickly, far sooner than the trek to the gas station. Soon after, Kageyama rolled his sleeves and got to work, his focus intent on fixing his future ride.Fortunately, Kiyoko had some tools in the trunk as she assisted him. He explained car parts and their functions as he worked, while she nodded and ‘hm’d’ in response, trying to keep up.
When it finally came time to start the ignition, Kiyoko jumped in his arms in excitement as the car came to life. Kageyama tensed at the gesture, a tinge of warmth spreading across his cheeks as she held on to him, thanking him profusely and praising him for a job well done.
Suddenly aware of her action and the tension in the young male’s posture, Kiyoko extracted herself from him and mumbled apologies, her face burning with embarrassment. Kageyama frowned at the loss of her warmth, leaving a numbing tingle in its wake. Instead of protesting, he chose to stay mum, tossing the strange sensation aside. It was only normal that she was elated considering she now had a ride home and she saved money by not having to get the car towed, he told himself.
As he was about to bid her farewell, Kiyoko called out to him once she was settled in the driver’s seat, breaking his train of thought.
“Come on, get in.” Kiyoko motioned to the empty passenger seat, “I’ll give you a lift home.”
He drew to a stop before her and considered her offer once again. “Are you sure? It’s late.”“More the reason. It’s cold and it’s dark out,” she reasoned as she opened the passenger door, leaving no room for argument. Sighing, he conceded to her demands and slid in next to her.
They rode in companionable silence on their way to Kageyama’s house, about a 10-minute drive from their last location, even further on foot. Kageyama was thankful for the ride as giant raindrops dinged against the windshield. Though he wore a light jacket, it was no match for the cold rain and the thrashing wind that picked up as the temperature dropped. The current conditions would’ve made his trek home miserable.
“Thanks for the ride, Kiyoko-san.” Kageyama gripped his bag tightly, readying to sprint the short distance between the car and his front porch as the rain fell harder. “Please drive home safely. Text me when you get home.”“Of course. Thank you for helping me out again, Tobio-kun.”
Kiyoko cleared her throat as she held out her hand out to him. Kageyama blinked his eyes in confusion at her proffered hand, unsure what she wanted from him.
“Your phone.” She replied, arching a brow. “I don’t have your number and I’m pretty sure you don’t have mine. How can I text you that I got home safely?”Right. How could she communicate with him if she didn’t have his phone number? Kageyama cursed himself at his stupidity. He let go of his bag as he fumbled around to take his phone out, handing it to her with both hands. “Sorry.”She took his phone and quickly typed a message before handing the device back to him. “It’s alright. No harm done.”
A few seconds later, his phone chimed, signaling he got a new message.
“There. Now we can coordinate your lessons easier this way.” Kiyoko smiled, her clear blue eyes flicking up to his. “I’ll see you next week. Enjoy your weekend.”
“Thanks. You too, Kiyoko-san.”He exited the car and made a run for his porch as she drove away. Once under the safety of the roof, he watched the fading taillights disappear into the dark void. He hoped she got home safely as the heavy rain persisted. Kageyama didn’t know where she lived, but he would run around the neighborhood in search of her if he didn’t hear back at a reasonable time.
Instead of settling in for the night or doing his homework, Kageyama stood vigil by his phone, waiting with baited breath for her text. It had been 20 minutes since she dropped him off. The worst case scenario started flooding his mind, heightening his anxiety. He didn’t want him to be the cause of her delay. What if she got into a car accident on her way home? Or what if the car broke down again?
He picked up his volleyball and started setting the ball as he paced to calm himself down, but to no avail.About an hour later, Kageyama heard the faint ‘ding’ of his phone. He jumped from the sudden sound and nearly tripped on his bed as he ran to get the device. Relief washed over him in waves as he saw her name flash on his screen. He quickly unlocked his phone to read her text, his fingers beating steadily against the screen as he typed a reply.
Kageyama couldn’t help the relieved smile that was etched on his face. She was home, and she was safe. He could finally rest easy.
He never thought she would repay his kindness tenfold by offering to give him free driving lessons in exchange for a simple gesture. To him, she was as unreachable as the stars above, given her status. Perhaps it helped that he wasn’t smitten by her, unlike every male and female at Karasuno High. If anything, he respected her all the more.
Kiyoko Shimizu kept her distance, for good reason. But with a little decency and no ill-intentions, she opened up to him like a blossoming flower. He knew Tanaka-sensei and Nishinoya-sensei would kill to have been in his position if they ever caught wind of their interaction. Maybe if they toned down their fawning over her and didn’t treat her like a goddess who graced the earth, she would talk to them too, he mused. There was nothing intimidating about her, really.
As he drifted off to sleep, thoughts of the raven-haired manager and their encounter swirled in his mind, coming to a realization.
She was just as down-to-earth as the rest of his peers.
She was just a normal teenager who happened to be completely misunderstood and put on a pedestal, just like he was.
And now, she was going to be her driving instructor.For the first time in a very long time, Kageyama Tobio looked forward to going to school, and not because of volleyball.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was almost time.
Steel blue eyes followed the second hand on the wall clock as it ticked steadily, like a hawk watching its prey. A minute away from four o’clock, the end of the school day felt more like a lifetime. Kageyama barely paid attention to the lectures as is, but today seemed excruciatingly longer than most. He fidgeted with his pen and shifted about with each passing second, anticipation bubbling in his core.
*RIIING*
Kageyama sprung up from his seat and hurriedly packed his books away as the school bell rung in the distance. He didn’t want to be late for his appointment with Kiyoko-san. Today was the first (of many, he hoped) of his driving lessons. He wanted to be at their meeting place early.
“What’s with the rush? There’s no practice today.” A voice sneered teasingly from behind him. Kageyama whipped around to come face-to-face with the headful of orange hair and bright brown eyes of Hinata Shoyou, his fellow teammate and supposed friend.
“I have…stuff to do.” Kageyama clipped, straightening up rigidly as he turned his back to gather the rest of his belongings.
“You have stuff to do? Since when?” Hinata asked disbelievingly, circling around so he was facing Kageyama again. “The guys and I are going to get food after a few rounds in the schoolyard. The basketball team is hogging the gym again.” Hinata huffed begrudgingly, stomping his foot in protest.
“That sounds nice. Have fun.” Kageyama said dismissively as he donned his jacket, a hint of irritation bubbling in his voice.“You sure you don’t wanna come?” Hinata tried again, wiggling his eyebrows. “Daichi’s treating us.”“Hello, my favorite duo!” Yachi chimed in, settling next to Hinata. Noticing Kageyama’s attire, she arched a brow questionably and tilted her head toward her sunshine of a friend and teammate. “You guys are heading out already?”Hinata shook his head. “Nope. Just Mr. Grumpy Cat over here. He’s got ‘stuff to do’, supposedly.” He raised his pointer and middle fingers in the air, wiggling them to form quotation marks.Kageyama shot him an annoyed glare, ignoring his comment. He wasn’t going to choose violence today. “Piss off, Hinata. Unlike you, I have things to do besides volleyball.”“And free food.” Hinata countered quickly. “You never skip out whenever we eat out. Must be important.”Yachi elbowed Hinata’s side, causing the latter to wince. “Leave the boy alone, Hinata.”“Maybe next time.” Kageyama said absentmindedly. Whipping out his phone, his lips downturned to a grimace as he read the text message from Kiyoko-san. “Ah, crap!”Kiyoko-san was already at the entrance, waiting for him. Kageyama quickly penned a reply that he’d be down shortly. Sighing, he placed his cell back in his pocket as he darted out of the classroom, leaving his two classmates behind. So much for being early.
“He’s really in a hurry to leave.” The blonde-haired girl said, following Kageyama’s hasty retreat with her eyes.
Hinata shrugged before going back to his desk to gather his things. “Guess so. I wonder where he’s going though.” He paused, as an idea took root. “Say, Hitoka-chan. You busy right now? Let’s follow him!”Yachi rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms, standing her ground. “I thought you were meeting the guys in the schoolyard? Weren’t you giving Kageyama-kun a hard time just now?”“You were eavesdropping on us?”“N-no I wasn’t!” She stuttered, her cheeks flushed at being caught. “I-I just happened to walk by when I heard you mention it to him!”Hinata didn’t seem to notice Yachi’s embarrassment and opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again before looking around. “I only made the stuff up about getting a free meal so he would come,” he admitted, his voice low. “Practice won’t be the same if Kageyama isn’t there. He promised we’d work on the jump-serve combo before our next tournament.”Yachi nodded her head in understanding. “I see. But why do you wanna stalk him? Can’t you get Sugawara-san to practice with you? He’s also a setter, and while he’s not as good as Kageyama-kun, I bet he can still perform.” She replied, her voice lowered. “Also, why are we whispering?”“I dunno. Seemed like fun,” the auburn-haired boy let out a laugh, before tossing his bag over his shoulder.
“Come on, let’s go!“ Hinata grabbed Yachi’s wrist and broke into a light sprint. “If we run, we’ll be able to catch him!”“Okay, okay!” Yachi trailed awkwardly behind as she tried to match Hinata’s pace, flustered by the sudden movement.
“Sorry I’m late!” Kageyama huffed in-between breaths as he bowed apologetically. “I got caught up.”Kiyoko pulled her headphones out of her ears and turned to him, surprised at the boy’s disheveled state. “Oh, hey, Tobio-kun. Did you run here?”“Yeah, I didn’t want you to think I ghosted you.” Kageyama replied, stroking a rough hand through his hair as he straightened up to full height. He spared her the details of Hinata’s very tempting offer. She would no doubt cancel their plans if she found out. She knew volleyball came first, free food second. He was willing to forego both for her—no, for the driving lesson.Kiyoko stole one last glance at Kageyama before turning on her heel. He followed behind like an obedient puppy, his long strides quickly catching up to hers until they were walking alongside each other.
“I’ll drive us to an empty parking lot and explain the basics of changing gears and steering on the way. Then you’ll get behind the wheel once we’re there.” Kiyoko gestured with her hands as they walked in the direction of her house.
“Okay, sensei.” Kageyama deadpanned. Unlike school, he would listen intently at her every instruction.
Kiyoko giggled at his use of honorifics. “You don’t have to call me that. Kiyoko-san is fine.”“But you are my teacher. It’s only appropriate.” Kageyama supplied, frowning slightly. “You don’t like it?”“No, it’s not that. I just prefer Kiyoko-san better.” Kiyoko answered truthfully. "Sensei sounds so...formal. It makes me feel like I'm old.""You're older, but you're not old old." Kageyama stated the obvious, leaning forward to examine her face up close. "You don't even have wrinkles!"Tilting back, Kiyoko wasn't sure if she should laugh or be affronted at his closeness. Besides missing the point, Kageyama only said what he said to make her feel better.A gush of wind blew past them, tousling her dark strands all over. The bite of the wind penetrated her jacket, chilling her to her core. She hugged herself out of reflex and tucked her chin down, trying to keep the cold out. “Winter's definitely here. I should’ve brought my scarf.”Kageyama noticed her shudder and decided to do something about it this time. The weather was brisk, but bearable. He was still pretty warm from his sprint earlier anyway. With his mind made up, Kageyama took off his jacket and draped it over Kiyoko’s shivering shoulders, mid-stride.
Kiyoko flinched as the weight of the large jacket settled on her. Gasping, she shot the tall boy a startled look. “Tobio-kun, you’ll get sick!”“You’re cold. I’m not.” Kageyama retorted, stopping to adjust the oversized coat as it hung askew on her tiny frame. He knew he towered over her, but he didn’t realize how petite she was until now. “You’re going to get sick. If you come down with a cold, then who’s going to teach me?”“You’re right. Thank you.“ Blushing, Kiyoko let out a lighthearted chortle as she flashed him a warm smile. “You’re really taking these lessons to heart, huh.”Kageyama nodded, his face as serious as his resolve. “I am. The sooner I can drive, the sooner I can be free. I’ll try to be a good student.”“You’ll do just fine, don’t worry. It’ll make sense once you’re in the driver’s seat. If not, then that means I’m a bad teacher.” Kiyoko said in-between laughs.
Kageyama couldn’t help the upward tugging of his facial muscles as he slanted his gaze at her beaming face. She had a nice laugh.They continued their walk, chatting amiably and sharing an occasional chuckle about the upcoming tournament, their fellow club members and their quirks, and whatever else. Unbeknownst to them, two heads bobbled about as they followed hotly on their trail, hiding behind bushes and parked cars along the way.
“Why are we following them again?” Yachi whispered against Hinata’s shoulder. Both were currently huddled behind an evergreen shrub a few steps away.
Getting no response, Yachi continued her protest, shuddering as a breeze drifted past them. “I’m cold and my stomach hurts. Can we go soon?”Too preoccupied with the scene before him, Hinata doesn’t hear Yachi’s complaints. Instead, he fetched his phone from his trouser pocket and snapped a photo of the pair up ahead.
“Got you now, Kageyama. ‘I-got-stuff-to-do’ my ass.” He jeered, typing vigorously on the group chat.
“This is stupid, Hinata-kun.” Yachi whined, burrowing closer to Hinata for warmth as she blew on her cold hands. “Kiyoko-san and Kageyama-kun are together. So what? She’s probably gonna tutor him or something. He’s on the brink of failing, just like you.” She mumbled the last part, slightly miffed at being ignored earlier.
“Just a little bit longer, Hinoka-chan.” Hinata said as he finished his text, snickering at the responses from his teammates. The group chat was buzzing, save for three of its members. It was a given that Kageyama and Shimizu-senpai weren’t active, and Yachi-chan was next to him. Glancing back at Yachi, Hinata’s brows shot up past his bangs at the sight of her shivering. “Hey, are you alright?”Yachi flashed him a forced smile through chattering teeth, sniffling. “Yeah, just a bit col—achoo!”
At the sound of the sneeze, both Kageyama and Kiyoko snapped their heads in their direction.
“Oh, shit!” Hinata instantly wrapped an arm around Yachi and ducked further behind the bush, covering her nose and mouth with his free hand. They remained closely huddled for a few minutes. Hinata silently prayed that Kageyama didn’t see them and kept walking. Yachi blinked a few times while in Hinata’s embrace, her face and ears coloring three shades of red, and not from the frigid cold.
She was definitely warmed up now.As they waited for the inevitable confrontation, Hinata went over scenarios in his head. He would definitely be dead meat if they were caught, and he had no plausible explanation for their presence when they demanded answers from him. He was supposed to be practicing with the boys anyway, not crouched behind a bush with Hitoka, like paparazzi on the prowl.
A few more minutes passed by before Hinata cranked his head cautiously, breathing a sigh of relief when he didn’t spot Kageyama and Shimizu-senpai nearby. They’ve disappeared completely.“I think they’re gone.” Hinata whispered to his partner, his eyes still scanning the empty street.
“Crm yro lft gr mrow? I crnt brfft.” Yachi replied, her voice muffled by Hinata’s hand.Hinata's brows furrowed, turning his attention back to Yachi. Confusion marred his smooth, boyish features. “Huh?”Yachi yanked Hinata’s hand off her face, taking a big gulp of air. “I said I couldn’t breathe. You were suffocating me.”“Oh. Sorry about that.” Hinata grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand. The other was still wrapped around her shoulders.
Yachi sneezed again, this time followed by a cough. Concerned, Hinata ran a hand over her forehead.
“Holy cow, Yachi-chan!” Hinata shrieked, pulling his hand away. “You’re burning up! Why didn’t you say anything earlier?!”“I did.” Yachi yawned, her eyes bleary. “Hinata-kun?”Shaking his head, he turned his attention to her once more. “Hm?”“I…uh…don’t feel too good.” Yachi clutched her stomach with one hand, while she covered her mouth with the other, resisting the urge to vomit.
“Oh crap.” Hinata paled as his eyes widened at her gaunt form, quickly shuffling to get up. “Hang in there! I’ll take you home.”
To hell with stalking Kageyama. Right now, Hinata had a sickly girl he had to take care of. He was done playing detective. He’ll just have to harass him tomorrow.
Hinata rose from their crouched position, still holding on to Yachi to keep her warm. He rubbed her shoulders with his hands to generate additional heat. The poor girl was shivering more profoundly now.
“Sorry for keeping you out so late.” Hinata took off his jacket to cover Yachi’s slumped posture against him. He felt bad for making her stake out with him, and now she was spiking a fever. The sun was going to set soon and he needed to get home anyway.
They walked in the opposite direction, towards Yachi’s apartment building.
“Alright. Put the gear on first, then take your foot off the break and the clutch slowly.” Kiyoko pointed to the ‘1’ on the stick shift.
Kageyama gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles whitening. His other hand pulled the stick toward the upper left as he eased on the breaks, just as Kiyoko instructed. The car still didn’t budge.
Kageyama gulped nervously. “Why aren’t we moving?”“Step on the gas.”Kageyama pressed down on the accelerator with his foot. The car suddenly jerked forward before stalling again.“Dammit!” Kageyama hit the steering wheel in frustration, scowling. “This is the fifth time! Why does this keep happening?!”“Turn the ignition off first.” Kiyoko said, reaching across to switch the ignition to the ‘off’ position. “You’ll kill the engine if you leave it on.”“But isn’t it already dead? That’s why it stalled.”“Easy does it.” Kiyoko placed her hand over his on the stick shift, pulling it back to neutral. “You have to step on the gas gently as you ease off the clutch until you hear the engine rev slightly. It’s called the bite point. Once you reach that point, you can switch gears and do the process all over again.” She explained gently, patiently. “You have to keep repeating this step every time you want to accelerate or decelerate. That’s why manual driving is a pain, especially in the beginning.”“This is so difficult.” Kageyama huffed indignantly as he threw his hands up in defeat, like a child throwing a tantrum. Why was he so slow and dumb?Kiyoko stifled a giggle, amused at his pouting face. “You’re cute even when you’re mad.”Kageyama replied with a ‘hmph,’ even though his ire dissipated at her comment.“Try again.” Kiyoko said, encouragingly. “The first few times are the roughest. Have patience.”Patience was his weakness. Kageyama cursed himself at his lack thereof. He knew he needed to take his time, but his body refused to cooperate, operating on its own accord. Unlike his disgruntled self, Kiyoko-san was the epitome of patience and self-preservation. They’ve been at this for almost two hours now, at his insistence. It was a miracle she hadn’t thrown in the towel and thrown him out of the car at this point.
“I’m sorry, Kiyoko-san. I don’t want to break your car.”“It’s alright, Tobio-kun.” Kiyoko patted his head. “You’re not gonna break this car. It’s been through worse, believe me.”
Kageyama took a deep breath and concentrated as he turned the ignition, determined to make it work. To his surprise, the car hummed back to life again, just as she promised. Relieved that he didn’t, in fact, kill the engine permanently, he repeated the process over.
This time, the car rolled slowly.
“Good. Remember the balance between the gas and the clutch. Listen for the bite point. Then shift the gear to second.” Kiyoko instructed once more.He shifted gears, just as he was told. The car continued its acceleration in the empty parking lot.Kiyoko clapped her hands in excitement, while Kageyama grinned from ear to ear. “I did it! We’re moving! Kiyoko-san, we’re moving!”As the car approached the gate, Kageyama turned the steering wheel a bit too sharply, causing Kiyoko to bump into his shoulder and knocking her glasses off in the process.“Slow down, Tobio-kun!” Kiyoko warned, her azure eyes squinting. “Everything is blurry, but I’m pretty sure that’s a post straight ahead of us!”Kageyama was seized by a momentary panic, completely forgetting her earlier instructions. Fumbling with the stick shift, he accidentally pushed it back to first gear without stepping on the clutch. The engine made a strange noise before stalling again. Three thousand pounds of metal and momentum, however, kept the car moving forward."Break! Step on the break!" Kiyoko barked loudly, her voice straining. She held onto the grab bar to the right of her head, while her left hand clenched the emergency break, pulling with all her might. The car finally came to a skidded stop a few inches from the cement and metal pole.
Kageyama tightened his deathly grip on the steering wheel as he sat in silence, too stunned to speak. He nearly killed them both.
Next to him, Kiyoko let out a shuddered breath, still holding on to the grab bar for dear life. Her eyes were as wide as saucers, her face as pale as a ghost.
Another minute passed before Kageyama broke the tension with a string of profanities.“Fucking hell!” Kageyama shouted, banging his head on the steering wheel. This time, he remembered to put the car in neutral and switch the ignition off. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!”“It’s fine. We’re fine.” Kiyoko muttered repeatedly, like a mantra. “We’re alive. Everything is fine.”“Kiyoko-san!!! Are you alright?!?” Kageyama took his seatbelt off quickly and turned to Kiyoko. Grabbing her shoulders tightly, he inspected her from head to toe and back up. “I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!” His indigo irises glittered in the darkness with brimming tears.
“Tobio-kun. Calm down, I’m fine.”
He watched Kiyoko's lips move, but he couldn't hear what she was saying over the cacophony of sounds; the steady but frantic beating of his heart, the suffocating flow of oxygen through his narrowed airways, and his blood surging like a tsunami through every vessel. Kageyama continued to mumble apologies as he fussed over Kiyoko shakily; his breathing labored and pupils dilated in shock.“P-Please don’t hate me. Gods, please don’t hate me.”Kiyoko held his face with both hands, steadying his frenzy. He was having a panic attack.“Kageyama. Breathe.” Raising her voice an octave higher, Kiyoko commanded him forcefully as she firmly held her gaze, stilling his movements.Nostrils flaring, Kageyama inhaled deeply before completely breaking down. He covered her hands with his and pressed her cooled palms onto his heated cheeks. The sensation slowly grounded him back to reality.
“I’m so so sorry. I-I got carried away. I froze up and didn’t know what to do.” Kageyama wailed in between labored breaths as he rested his forehead against hers. His whole body trembled relentlessly. "God, I'm such an idiot!"Kiyoko held him close, wiping away his tears with her thumbs. “It’s okay. I don’t hate you.You're not an idiot. Just…calm down and breathe.”They sat in silence for a while as Kiyoko cradled his head, which now rested on the crook of her neck. She stroked his hair slowly as she whispered reassurances in his ear. He continued to hug her tightly, still reeling from the aftermath of their near-death experience. He didn’t care that he was in an undignified state. He was a mess.
Her ministrations seemed to have calmed him significantly. His sobbing subsided down to a few sniffles and his respiratory rate returned to normal. Upon lifting his head, he discovered that he practically soaked her. Her neck and collar were drenched with his snot and tears. He apologized again for the umpteenth time, embarrassed by the mess he made. Kiyoko laughed it off and reassured him that it’d wash off like nothing ever happened. She also assuaged his fears by swearing that no one would hear of this incident. She would take his panic attack and ugly crying to her grave, which made him crack a smile in thanks.Once Kageyama fully recovered, he vowed never to get behind the wheel ever again. Kiyoko, in turn, chastised him for his silly proclamation. They switched seats and she drove him home. Ever the encouraging instructor, Kiyoko showered him with praise and highlighted his progress on the ride back. Kageyama only listened halfheartedly as he watched the blurred streetlights and trees go past them. Still in a daze, his thoughts replayed the last moments of their driving lesson. His elation and fear were still as palpable as if it all happened just now, and not an hour ago.
And just like last time, they said their goodbyes in the car. She promised to text him as soon as she got home. He stood on his porch as he watched her drive off until the taillights completely disappeared. He lingered outside for a few more minutes to collect himself, before stepping inside.
He skipped eating dinner and headed for the shower instead. The thumping of water against his bare skin eased his tense muscles, but it lifted his sullen mood only slightly. He still felt incredibly guilty for his mistake. Even though Kiyoko-san brushed off the incident as normal and spoke about their next driving lesson later on in the week, he wasn’t as enthusiastic at the prospect. He would never forgive himself if anything happened to her, especially if it was by his doing.
Making up his mind, he got out of the shower and readied himself for bed. Picking up his phone, he saw that she texted him about eight minutes after she dropped him off. He guessed she didn’t live too far away, to his relief.
He typed his reply, pausing for a brief moment as he contemplated his response before sending it. It wasn’t that she was a bad teacher. If anything, she was exceptional—as he expected. She was patient and kind throughout the whole process. Even still, maybe he should take formal driving lessons, lest he actually hurt or killed her during their next driving session.
Kageyama threw his phone down and screamed into his pillow, cursing profusely. He wanted the ground to swallow him whole and never come out. Stupid typo! Stupid cat-face-with-heart-eyes emoji! Why did he have to send that of all things?!? The last thing he needed was for Kiyoko-san to think he was remotely into her, and using his breakdown as an excuse to get up in her personal space. Sure, he cried like a baby and hugged her tight, but that was out of pure fright from the possibly horrible, horrible ending. Nothing more.
Kageyama blinked, once, then twice more, as he read (and re-read) Kiyoko-san’s reply. Confused, he slapped himself a few times to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, or that he’d completely lost his mind. The sting of his palm against his cheek hurt like hell, making him wince in pain. But it was also the reminder he need that
this
was very much real.
Nope. He was definitely not dreaming. She really sent those emojis in response to his text blunder.
Deciding he didn’t want to overthink text emojis and their hidden meanings anymore, Kageyama plugged his phone in its charger and turned his lamp off. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he shook the gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach. Right now his insides were somersaulting and fluttering like he’d swallow a whole container of butterflies.
Maybe she also made a mistake. Likely.But she did call him cute, twice.
The first time was when he was fuming, which left him puzzled. He didn’t say anything at the time since his laser focus was on getting the car to move, but he heard her.
The second was via text just now—though the latter was more convoluted. He wasn’t sure if she was calling him cute or if his typo was cute.
He hugged another pillow as sleep lulled him to dreamland. Tethering on the edge of consciousness, Kageyama imagined the feathered cushion taking the shape of a raven-haired woman with gentle blue eyes, whose arms cradled him and comforted him—just as his manager-turned-instructor had done so in his moment of despair.
bonus: Hinata's paparazzi shot - Kageyama adjusting his jacket on Kiyoko on their stroll back to her place :D What a guy.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling schoolyard as Kageyama Tobio made his way through the throngs of students, his friend and teammate Hinata Shoyo bouncing alongside him like an overenthusiastic puppy."Hey, Kageyama, where were you the other day?” Hinata asked, his curiosity piqued as he tried to match Kageyama's brisk pace.Kageyama's steps faltered for a moment before he recovered, his expression guarded. "I was busy," he muttered, not eager to divulge the details of his activities.But Hinata was relentless, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Busy, huh? Doing what? Stalking Oikawa-san again? You skipped out on a great meal, by the way.” A total lie.
Kageyama's cheeks flushed slightly, but he shook his head adamantly. "No, it wasn't like that."“Hm..” Hinata pondered. ‘I guess he’s not taking the bait. Might as well get to the point.’Hinata's grin widened as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Then what were you doing with Shimizu-san?"Kageyama froze, his heart skipping a beat at the mention of Kiyoko Shimizu's name. "It's not what you think," he insisted, though his voice wavered slightly.Hinata's laughter echoed through the corridor as he clapped Kageyama on the back. "Sure, sure, whatever you say, Kageyama. But you should know, everyone's been talking about it."Kageyama's stomach churned uncomfortably as he realized that their conversation hadn't gone unnoticed by their classmates. He glanced around anxiously, half-expecting to see curious eyes following their every move.And then, just as Hinata had predicted, they spotted her: Kiyoko Shimizu, standing near the entrance of the classroom building, her presence commanding the attention of everyone around her.Kageyama felt his cheeks burn as he caught sight of her, his heart pounding erratically in his chest. He had always admired Kiyoko from afar. Sure, she was a looker, but he didn’t think much of it. But now, being in such close proximity to her during their lessons and getting to know her bit by bit with each moment they spent alone together, he couldn't help but feel a flutter of something unfamiliar stirring within him."Hey, Kageyama, isn't that Shimizu-san?" Hinata nudged him eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement.Kageyama nodded mutely, unable to tear his gaze away from Kiyoko's radiant smile. He felt a sudden urge to approach her, to bask in the warmth of her presence just a little while longer."Um, I'll see you later, Hinata," Kageyama muttered distractedly, his feet moving of their own accord as he made his way toward Kiyoko.Hinata waved him off with a knowing grin, his laughter trailing behind him as he disappeared into the crowd."Kageyama-kun!" Kiyoko's voice cut through the chatter of the surrounding students, her smile widening as she caught sight of him.Kageyama's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her voice, his steps quickening involuntarily as he approached her. "Uh, hey, Kiyoko-san," he greeted awkwardly, his cheeks flushing at the sight of her.Kiyoko handed him his jacket with a gentle smile, her touch sending a shiver down his spine. "Thanks again for letting me borrow this. I really appreciate it."Kageyama accepted the jacket with a mumbled thanks, his mind racing as he struggled to form coherent sentences in her presence. "No problem," he managed finally, his voice low.Kiyoko's smile faltered slightly as she studied him, her gaze filled with concern. "Are you okay, Kageyama-kun? You seem... flustered."Kageyama's cheeks burned brighter at her observation, his heart pounding in his ears as he struggled to compose himself. "I'm fine," he insisted, though his voice wavered slightly.Kiyoko reached out to touch his arm gently, her expression softening with sympathy. "If there's anything bothering you, you can always talk to me, you know."Kageyama felt a rush of warmth flood his chest at her words, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks, Kiyoko-san," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.Kiyoko smiled warmly at him, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "Anytime, Kageyama-kun. Take care of yourself, okay?"
And with that, she turned and made her way to the staircase, leaving Kageyama standing there, his heart racing and his mind spinning with thoughts of her.As Kageyama watched her disappear from sight, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, something unspoken yet palpable in the air.And as he made his way to his own classroom, his thoughts were consumed by one question and one question alone: what did it all mean?The classroom buzzed with excitement as Kageyama entered, the lingering whispers and giggles following him like a shadow. He tried to ignore the curious gazes of his classmates, their teasing remarks echoing in his ears as he made his way to his seat. The jacket Kiyoko had returned to him felt heavier now, as if laden with the weight of their shared moment outside.
His cheeks still burned with embarrassment from the attention, and he found himself fidgeting with the zipper of the jacket, his mind replaying the encounter with Kiyoko over and over again. The faint scent of her perfume clung to the fabric, filling him with a strange sense of comfort.Hinata, ever the instigator, couldn't resist poking fun at his friend's expense. "Oooh, Kageyama, is she your girlfriend? She's really pretty! And an upperclassman too!"The words hit Kageyama like a punch to the gut, his face flushing even hotter as he tried to come up with a suitable response, but coming up with none. “Hinata, you asshole.”
Hinata smacked Kageyama’s shoulder with a sly grin. “See? Told you everyone noticed.”
“She's just helping me with something," he mumbled, avoiding Hinata's knowing gaze.But the teasing didn't stop there. Other classmates joined in, their voices blending into a chorus of laughter and speculation."Hey! Isn't she your manager? How come she only spoke to you and not Hinata?”"Dude, if you're not dating her, can I get her number?"Kageyama gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. He wanted to shout at them to mind their own business, to stop prying into his personal life. But he knew it would only fuel the fire, drawing even more attention to the situation.Instead, he focused on the jacket in his hands, the familiar scent of Kiyoko's perfume offering him a small measure of solace. He discreetly sniffed the fabric, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he remembered their brief exchange outside."You really have it bad, buddy," Hinata chimed in, a twisted grin on his face. "Soon, you'll be just as bad as Tanaka-senpai and Nishinoya-senpai."Kageyama shot Hinata a withering glare, his annoyance simmering beneath the surface. "Shut up, Hinata," he snapped, his patience wearing thin. "She's just teaching me how to drive, that's why I've been around her more."Hinata's grin morphed into that of disbelief as he leaned in closer. "What?!? You? Driving? You can't even be trusted with basic electronics! How are you managing A CAR??”Kageyama's jaw clenched, his pride stinging at the jab. "Tch. I'm not that bad," he muttered, his voice tinged with defensiveness. "Kiyoko-san said so herself.""Kiyoko-san?!? You're on a first-name basis now too? Since when?""She told me to call her that." Kageyama shrugged, ignoring Hinata's outburst. "Since none of your business. Now leave me alone."But even as he spoke the words, doubts gnawed at the back of his mind. Was he really capable of mastering something as daunting as driving? And more importantly, did Kiyoko's reassurances hold any weight, or were they simply empty platitudes meant to spare his feelings?With a resigned sigh, he slung the jacket over his shoulder and tuned out everyone for the remainder of the class.
The rest of the day passed in a blur for Kageyama, his mind consumed by thoughts of Kiyoko. He found himself replaying their brief interactions over and over again, dissecting every word, every smile, every text for hidden meaning.In class, he struggled to focus on the lesson, his gaze drifting to the window where he caught glimpses of Kiyoko moving gracefully through the courtyard. He couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly she commanded the attention of everyone around her, her presence magnetic and captivating.As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Kageyama gathered his things with a sense of anticipation tingling in the pit of his stomach. He knew he shouldn't read too much into his interactions with Kiyoko, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more between them, something waiting to be discovered. He also knew he couldn't avoid the inevitable questions and teasing from his classmates, but he hoped that with time, the gossip would die down and he could focus on more important matters, like his driving lessons with Kiyoko-san.With a newfound determination, Kageyama made his way to the school gates, his heart pounding with anticipation. He glanced around anxiously, searching for any sign of Kiyoko amidst the sea of students streaming out of the building.And then, he saw her: standing by the entrance, her eyes scanning the crowd with a look of quiet determination. Kageyama's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, his pulse quickening with excitement."Kageyama-kun!" Kiyoko's voice cut through the chatter of the surrounding students, her smile brightening as she caught sight of him.Kageyama felt a rush of warmth flood his chest at the sound of her voice, his steps quickening as he made his way toward her. "Hi, Kiyoko-san," he greeted eagerly, his cheeks flushing at the sight of her.Kiyoko's smile widened as she fell into step beside him, her presence filling him with a sense of calm. "Ready for our driving lesson?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.Kageyama nodded eagerly, his heart racing with anticipation. "Yeah, I've been practicing, in my head,” he admitted, his voice tinged with nervousness.Kiyoko chuckled softly, her laughter like music to his ears. "Don't worry so much. You're doing great. Just take it one step at a time, and remember, I'm here to help you."Kageyama felt a surge of gratitude wash over him at her words, his confidence bolstered by her unwavering support. "Thanks, Kiyoko-san," he murmured, his voice filled with sincerity.As Kageyama and Kiyoko approached the car, Kiyoko glanced over at him with a reassuring smile. "I think today we'll try something a little different," she said, her voice calm and gentle.Kageyama raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Different how?"Kiyoko leaned against the car, crossing her arms as she explained her plan. "I think you need some real-life driving experience," she began, her tone thoughtful. "The parking lot was a good place to start, but I think you felt a bit disoriented with all the obstacles around you."Kageyama nodded in agreement, recalling how overwhelming the parking lot had felt during their last lesson."So," Kiyoko continued, her smile widening, "I thought we could start your lesson on an empty road near the school. It's wide, with very few obstacles, so you can focus on getting used to turning and switching gears more naturally."As Kageyama listened to Kiyoko's plan, a knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach, like a coiled serpent ready to strike. The memories of their last disastrous driving lesson flooded his mind, each one a sharp jab of fear that threatened to overwhelm him. He couldn't shake the image of the car veering dangerously close to the curb and hitting a pole, the screech of tires echoing in his ears, or the look of concern etched on Kiyoko's face as she tried to reassure him.His fingers drummed nervously against his thigh, betraying the turmoil swirling within him. "I don't know, Kiyoko-san," he murmured, his voice hesitant. "I'm not sure if I'm ready for driving on an actual road yet."Kiyoko noticed the telltale signs of his unease and reached out, her touch light as a feather against his arm. Her warmth seeped into his skin, a soothing balm to his frayed nerves. "I understand, Kageyama-kun," she said softly, her voice gentle like the breeze on a summer's day. "But trust me, this road will be much easier for you to handle. There are no parked cars, and I'll be right here with you, guiding you through every step of the way."Despite her soothing words, Kageyama couldn't shake the lingering fear that had taken root in his mind. The thought of being behind the wheel on a real road filled him with a sense of dread, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of doubt coursing through him."I-I just don't want to mess up again," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to put anyone in danger."Kiyoko's expression softened with understanding as she met his gaze, her eyes filled with empathy. "I know it's scary. But everyone makes mistakes, especially when they're learning something new. The important thing is that you're willing to try again, to face your fears head-on."Kageyama swallowed hard, his resolve wavering as he struggled to push past his doubts. But as he looked into Kiyoko's eyes, he saw nothing but unwavering support and belief in him, and he knew he couldn't let his fear hold him back.Taking a deep breath, he nodded slowly, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. "Okay," he said, his voice steadier now. "Let's do it."As they climbed into the car and Kiyoko began to explain the basics of driving, Kageyama felt a thrill course through him. He listened intently at her instruction from the passenger seat, while suppressing all the creeping doubt and anxiety that also threatened to spill over at any moment’s notice.
“Alright, we’re here.” Kiyoko parked the car and stepped out of the driver’s seat.
Kageyama felt his heart race as he stood by the car, nerves coiling in his stomach. He glanced at Kiyoko, who stood beside him with a calm demeanor that seemed to contrast his inner turmoil. Her hand extended toward him, offering the keys like a silent invitation to take control of their journey."You ready, Kageyama-kun?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with unwavering belief in his abilities.He nodded, trying to quell the rising tide of anxiety threatening to overwhelm him. "I think so," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.Taking a deep breath, Kageyama reached out and accepted the keys from her outstretched hand. The cool metal felt heavy in his palm, a tangible reminder of the responsibility resting on his shoulders."Thanks," he muttered, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes as he met hers.With a nod of encouragement, Kiyoko stepped back, allowing him space to settle into the driver's seat before settling in on the passenger seat. As he slid behind the wheel, he couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves coursing through him like electricity. But as he glanced at Kiyoko, sitting by his side with unwavering support, he felt a newfound determination taking root within him."Here goes nothing," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he turned the key in the ignition.The engine roared to life, the sound echoing through the quiet street like a promise of the adventures to come. His hands trembled slightly as he adjusted the mirrors, his movements jerky and uncertain, like a fledgling bird taking its first tentative flight.With a final glance at Kiyoko, who offered him a reassuring smile, Kageyama eased the car into gear, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead on the open road.As they set off toward the empty road, Kageyama's heart pounded in his chest, a steady drumbeat of anticipation. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles turning white with tension, as if clinging to the only lifeline in a vast, unforgiving sea. Every nerve in his body felt on edge, his senses heightened as he scanned the road ahead for any potential hazards, each one looming like a specter in the darkness.
“You've got this." she said, squeezing his hand gently. He looked at her tiny hand over his larger one on the stick shift, the butterflies in his stomach fluttering anew. With each passing moment, Kageyama's confidence grew, like a sapling stretching toward the sun, seeking warmth and sustenance. He forced himself to take deep, calming breaths, willing his racing heart to slow. His movements became more fluid, more natural, as he navigated the twists and turns of the road, each one a testament to his growing skill and determination.And as he eased onto the road, his hands steady on the wheel, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on, with Kiyoko by his side. With the wind rushing through the open windows, Kageyama felt a sense of exhilaration wash over him, like a wave crashing against the shore, powerful and invigorating. The fear that had once gripped him began to fade, replaced by a newfound sense of determination. For in that moment, as he navigated the twists and turns of the road ahead, Kageyama realized that he wasn't just learning how to drive – he was learning how to trust, how to believe in himself, and how to open his heart to the possibility of something more.On the drive back to school, Kageyama felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him, like a mantle of victory draped across his shoulders. With each passing mile, he knew that he was one step closer to mastering the art of driving, and he couldn't wait to see where the road would take him next, like an adventurer embarking on a journey into the unknown.Once he parked the car, Kageyama met Kiyoko’s gaze with a newfound sense of confidence. "Thank you, Kiyoko-san," he said, gratitude shining in his eyes, like stars twinkling in the night sky. "For believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself."Kiyoko smiled warmly at him, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You did great, Kageyama," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I knew you could do it."Glancing over at Kiyoko, her smile lighting up the darkness like a beacon of hope, Kageyama knew that no matter where the road may lead, they would face it together, one mile at a time.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kageyama and Kiyoko continued to meet after school for his driving lessons, their routine becoming a familiar rhythm in the bustling chaos of their lives. As Kageyama and Kiyoko embarked on yet another driving lesson, the atmosphere inside the car was relaxed and comfortable. With each session, Kageyama found himself growing more at ease behind the wheel, his nerves gradually giving way to a newfound sense of confidence.With each passing day, their conversation flowed easier as well, weaving through various topics beyond the realm of driving.As they drove along, Kageyama couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about Kiyoko. He had always admired her from afar, but now, with their newfound friendship blossoming, Kageyama felt a growing curiosity about Kiyoko beyond her role as the team manager and personal driving instructor. He cleared his throat nervously, breaking the comfortable silence."Kiyoko-san, can I ask you something?" he ventured, glancing over at her.Kiyoko turned to him, her expression open and curious. "Of course. What's on your mind?""I was wondering... What did you do before becoming our manager?" Kageyama asked, his voice soft but filled with genuine interest.A wistful smile graced Kiyoko's lips as she looked out at the passing scenery. "Well, I used to be a runner," she began, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "I was on the track and field team at Karasuno—I did hurdles, and I was pretty good at it. I wanted to compete at the highest level, representing Japan on the national team, maybe even making it to the Olympics one day."Kageyama's eyes widened with surprise, his curiosity piqued. "That's incredible," he breathed, admiration shining in his gaze.But then, Kiyoko's expression shifted, a hint of sadness clouding her features. "But... an injury forced me to give up that dream," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret. "It felt like my whole world had come crashing down. And I realized I didn't have the same drive as all the other aspiring athletes, like you."Kageyama's heart ached at the pain in Kiyoko's voice. "I'm sorry," he murmured, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder.Kiyoko offered him a small, reassuring smile, though sadness lingered in her eyes. "It's okay. Life doesn't always go as planned," she said, her tone gentle yet resilient.As they drove on, Kageyama found himself captivated by Kiyoko's story. He wanted to know more, to understand the person behind the calm and composed exterior."Did you enjoy running?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.Kiyoko nodded, a nostalgic glimmer in her eyes. "I loved it," she admitted. "There was something freeing about it, like I could fly with each jump and push myself to new limits with each stride."Kageyama listened intently, hanging on her every word. He knew the feeling, for it was the same drive that he felt about volleyball. For as long as he could recall, volleyball was his life. He couldn’t imagine waking up one day and have it all taken away from him, like she’d had.
He realized that despite appearances, they shared more common ground than previously thought. There really was more to Shimizu Kiyoko besides being ‘the pretty manager of Karasuno’s Volleyball team.’ With this new information, he admired Kiyoko's passion and resilience more, especially in the face of adversity.Kageyama's curiosity about Kiyoko continued to grow, prompting him to ask more questions. An unusual departure from his reserved character.
“Were you close to your teammates?" he inquired, his voice tinged with genuine interest.Kiyoko shook her head, a faint sigh escaping her lips. "No, not really," she admitted quietly. "I've always been a bit shy and reserved, and I think that, combined with my social anxiety, kept me from really connecting with them."Kageyama listened attentively, his heart going out to her. He could imagine what it must have been like for Kiyoko to feel isolated from her teammates. He was on that pedestal not too long ago."What made you switch to volleyball then?” Kageyama asked, his curiosity piqued. "Did you know anything about volleyball before signing up to become the manager?"Kiyoko shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Actually, no," she confessed. "I didn't know anything about the sport. But instead of allowing my spirits to be completely crushed, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I learned everything I could about volleyball, from the rules and regulations to the scoring system and referee signals."Kageyama's eyes widened in admiration. "That's incredible," he breathed, impressed by Kiyoko's determination and resourcefulness.Kiyoko smiled, a hint of pride in her gaze. "It wasn't easy, but I wanted to do everything I could to support the team," she said earnestly. "And now, being a part of the volleyball team, even as the manager, feels like home.""I wish I had the kind of kinship that you and the rest of the boys on the volleyball team have," Kiyoko continued, her voice tinged with longing. "It's what made me want to stay on as the manager, even though I'm not directly part of the team."“You’re wrong, Kiyoko-san.” Kageyama interjected. “You are just a part of the team as I am, as Daichi is, and just as everyone else is. We all have a role, just as you do. We wouldn’t be complete without you.” He knew her dedication to the team, despite the challenges she faced. He felt confident to speak on the guys’ behalf that her efforts are very much appreciated by everyone.Kiyoko's eyes widened in surprise, her expression softening with gratitude. "Thank you, Kageyama," she murmured, touched by his words. "That means a lot to me."As they continued their drive, Kageyama couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of respect and admiration for Kiyoko. She may not have had the same athletic prowess as the rest of the them, but her dedication and determination were just as inspiring."What about you?" Kiyoko asked, turning the conversation back to him. "What are your dreams?"Kageyama hesitated for a moment, contemplating his answer. "I want to play volleyball professionally," he confessed, his voice filled with determination. "I dream of representing Japan on the national level, maybe even play internationally if I'm lucky."Kiyoko's eyes sparkled with respect. "That's an amazing dream, Tobio-kun,” she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "I have no doubt that you'll achieve it."Kageyama’s cheeks flamed at her term of endearment. He wasn’t used to people calling him by his first name, and he realized he liked how his name sounded on her lips.
But a sense of pride also swelled in his chest. He felt special in a way, in light of this newfound connection with Kiyoko-san that the others didn’t have. He was glad that he was uncovering secrets about her that others aren’t privy to, and that they shared an understanding of the power of dreams and the resilience to pursue them despite the obstacles that may stand in their way.They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a moment before Kiyoko spoke again.
“Do you have any hobbies outside of volleyball?"Kageyama glanced over at her, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. “Other than video games on occasion, uh, not really," he admitted sheepishly. "Volleyball takes up most of my time."Kiyoko nodded understandingly. “Nothing wrong with that. Volleyball is a demanding sport, after all. You need something else to do every once in a while.”"Do you have any hobbies, Kiyoko-san?" Kageyama asked, continuing their têt-a-tête.Kiyoko's face lit up at the question, a small smile gracing her lips. "I enjoy cooking," she replied. "There's something satisfying about creating delicious dishes from scratch. It's something I find quite relaxing."
Kageyama's eyebrows raised in surprise, a genuine interest shining in his eyes. "That's impressive," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. "What kind of dishes do you like to cook?"Kiyoko's smile widened at his curiosity. "I like to experiment with different cuisines, but I have a soft spot for traditional Japanese dishes," she explained. "There's a sense of nostalgia and comfort in cooking meals that remind me of home."Kageyama nodded, intrigued by her passion for cooking. "Do you have a favorite dish to make?" he asked, leaning in slightly to catch her response.Kiyoko paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "I enjoy making nikujaga," she admitted, a fondness evident in her tone. "It's a classic Japanese dish made with simmered meat and potatoes, perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day."“Hm. My grandfather used to make that dish when I was little,” Kageyama chimed in. “There is something comforting about it. I’d like to try yours someday, though.”“Sure. I’ll pack you a lunch the next time I make it.” Kiyoko paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "What about your favorite food? Do you have any cravings after a tough match?”
Kageyama's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "I like pork curry with an egg on top,” he confessed, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "It's my go-to comfort food."Kiyoko's eyes lit up with delight. "Oh, I love curry!” she exclaimed. "I haven’t had that in a while, though. It sounds delicious."Kageyama's heart fluttered with her response. "There's a place near the mall that I go to frequently. It's my favorite spot. I’ll take you there one day,” he blurted out before he could stop himself.
“Mmm..”Kageyama's eyes widened in realization at what he had just said. "Oh, um, I didn't mean... I mean, it's not like... I wasn't asking you out on a date or anything!" he stumbled over his words, feeling flustered.To his surprise, Kiyoko's cheeks flushed, but she smiled warmly. "I'd love to try it one day," she said, her voice soft and genuine.Kageyama couldn't shake the feeling of embarrassment that lingered in the back of his mind. He berated himself internally, feeling foolish for blurting out his invitation to the curry shop without thinking it through."Idiot," he scolded himself silently. "Way to make things awkward. She probably thinks I'm a total dork."Despite his attempts to regain his composure, Kageyama couldn't help but feel self-conscious under Kiyoko's gaze. He fidgeted nervously, his cheeks burning with embarrassment as he struggled to find the right words to backtrack his unintentional invitation.But to his relief, Kiyoko's laughter broke through his self-doubt, her genuine smile putting him at ease."Relax, Kageyama," she reassured him, her voice warm and playful. "It's just a casual outing. I know you weren't asking me out on a date. But it sounds like a fun activity nonetheless."Kageyama felt a wave of relief wash over him at her understanding. "Right, just a casual hangout," he mumbled, trying to regain his composure."So, when should we go?" Kiyoko asked, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “For this not-date-casual-outing?”Kageyama's heart raced at the prospect of spending more time with her outside of volleyball practice, completely oblivious to her teasing. "Um, how about Saturday around lunchtime?” he suggested, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies fluttering in his stomach.
Kiyoko nodded, a smile playing on her lips. “Sure,” she replied, her voice filled with warmth.As Kageyama and Kiyoko finalized their plans for their outing, Kageyama's thoughts drifted to the upcoming volleyball match against Aoba Johsai. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern, knowing that his rival, Oikawa, would be leading the opposing team.
"Actually, Kiyoko-san," Kageyama began hesitantly, his brow furrowing with worry. "This weekend might not be the best time. We have a match against Aoba Johsai, and I need to prepare extra hard with Hinata."Kiyoko nodded in understanding as she listened to Kageyama's explanation. "I know. I don’t want you to feel pressured though, so we don’t have to go at all. I was just teasing you,” she murmured, her expression thoughtful. "It must be important for you to focus on the match, especially with Oikawa on the other side of the net."Kageyama nodded, his jaw set in determination. "Yeah, he's always so showy, and I don't want to underestimate him," he admitted, his voice tinged with resolve.
Kageyama felt disappointment creeping in at having to postpone their plans due to the volleyball match. However, he remained determined to carve out another opportunity to spend time with her beyond their usual driving lessons and volleyball practice.“But I don’t not want to go just because of that! How about the following Saturday?" Kageyama suggested tentatively, his voice tinged with hope.Kiyoko's face lit up at the suggestion, a smile tugging at her lips. "That sounds perfect," she replied warmly.Feeling a wave of relief, Kageyama's smile widened. "Great," he said, his spirits lifting. "I'll make sure to set aside that day for our outing."Kageyama felt Kiyoko’s gaze linger on him, studying him for a moment. He didn’t want to take his eyes off the road, but he was also itching to turn his head toward her. Was she backing out?
Finally, after a few moments, she spoke.
“How do you feel about the whole thing?" she asked gently, her voice filled with concern.Kageyama paused, considering her question carefully. "Nervous, I guess," he confessed, his shoulders tense with anticipation. "But also determined. I want to show Oikawa-san that I've grown as a player since our last match.""I have no doubt that you'll do great, Tobio-kun,” Kiyoko said earnestly. "Just remember to trust in yourself and your teammates. You've come so far, and I believe in you."Kageyama's chest swelled with gratitude at her words. "Thanks, Kiyoko-san," he murmured, a sense of reassurance washing over him.As they finalized the details of their "casual" outing, Kageyama couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. Despite his earlier blunder, he was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with Kiyoko outside of their usual routine. Though her words helped to alleviate some of his embarrassment, Kageyama couldn't help but feel grateful for her understanding.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly from one topic to the next, each exchange bringing them closer together. They talked about everything from favorite movies to childhood memories, their laughter filling the air as they shared anecdotes and inside jokes.As their driving lesson for the day came to an end, Kageyama and Kiyoko found themselves lingering in the car, reluctant to part ways just yet. The engine idled softly, the quiet hum filling the air as they exchanged hesitant glances. Kageyama couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to get to know Kiyoko outside of their roles on and off the volleyball court. She was more than just their manager– she was a friend, a mentor, and a confidante, someone he could trust and rely on in the days to come.However, he didn’t want to end the day with her just yet."Thanks for today, Kiyoko-san," Kageyama said, breaking the silence with a soft smile.Kiyoko returned his smile, her expression warm and genuine. "You're welcome, Tobio-kun," she replied, her voice soft. "You're making great progress."Kageyama's cheeks flushed slightly at the praise, but he couldn't suppress the feeling of pride that swelled within him. "Thanks," he said, his tone filled with gratitude.As they sat in silence, Kageyama found himself reluctant to leave. He enjoyed the time they spent together during their driving lessons, finding solace in Kiyoko's calm presence and gentle encouragement.Kiyoko's fingers drummed lightly against the steering wheel, a nervous energy emanating from her every movement. Kageyama could sense her hesitation, the unspoken words lingering between them like a delicate thread."Um, Kiyoko-san," Kageyama began tentatively, breaking the silence with a soft voice.Kiyoko turned to him, her eyes meeting his with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "Yes, Tobio-kun?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper."I, uh..." Kageyama faltered, the words catching in his throat as he struggled to find the right thing to say. He knew he should say something, anything, to break the tension that hung heavy in the air.
But before he could gather his thoughts, Kiyoko spoke up, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine. “D-Do you want to grab a bite to eat?" she asked, her words rushed and uncertain. The darkness of the car’s interior hid her cherry red face.
Kageyama, equally as red, blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her sudden suggestion. “I-I’d love to," he replied without hesitation, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.