Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: A Surprise Transfer Student

Kozume Kenma was bored with school. He never really enjoyed it, finding it mundane and uninteresting. As he sat in the classroom, his mind wandered, and he couldn't help but feel restless.

Meanwhile, Kuro Tetsurō and Tsukishima Kei were engrossed in their own conversation, discussing the upcoming school year and their lack of enthusiasm for it.

Daichi Sawamura, the captain of the volleyball team, suddenly spoke up, breaking the monotony. "We have a new transfer student joining us today."

Yamaguchi Tadashi's curiosity piqued as he asked, "Who could it be?"

Kageyama Tobio, sitting next to him, wondered aloud, "I wonder if it's Hinata?"

Just then, the classroom door swung open, and a lively voice filled the room. "Hello!!!" Hinata Shoyo cheerfully greeted everyone.

Kenma, who had been half-heartedly paying attention, suddenly perked up. He couldn't believe his ears. Was that really Shoyo? He looked up, and sure enough, there stood his energetic friend.

While Kuro and Tsukishima remained occupied with their own activities, Kenma couldn't contain his excitement. He stood up abruptly, catching the attention of the others. Daichi called out to him, "Kozume!"

Kenma, his gaze fixed on Hinata, rushed over and tackled the older, yet smaller, boy. "You didn't tell me!" he exclaimed.

Hinata grinned mischievously. "If I told you, you would've convinced Tobio to ditch classes, so I didn't say anything."

Kageyama, who had been observing the scene with curiosity, asked Hinata, "How long are you here?"

Hinata replied, a hint of playfulness in his voice, "I'm guessing forever?"

Kenma, not willing to let go of his friend just yet, took Hinata's arm and guided him to a seat. They sat down together, and Kenma introduced Hinata to the others. "This is Hinata Shoyo!!" he announced proudly, sitting comfortably on Hinata's lap.

Kageyama couldn't resist joining in on the fun and teasingly remarked, "I'd say get off, but it seems he's already claimed it."

Hinata, playfully swatting Kenma's arm, asked, "So, how is the King of the Court doing?"

Kageyama chuckled and replied, "I figured you'd say that, Sho."

As Hinata playfully bantered with Kenma and Kageyama, the atmosphere in the classroom lightened. Daichi, noticing the positive change, announced, "Oh, we're not having class today. It seems everyone's focused on the new transfer student." He smiled, delighted by the lively interaction.

Kenma realized how much he had missed this. He hadn't seen his oldest friend and big brother figure, who happened to be shorter than the rest. Kageyama then spoke up, addressing Daichi, "Daichi-san, he's joining the practice, just to watch."

Hinata added with determination, "Not just to watch, Tobi. I'm ready to play."

Kenma's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

Hinata nodded confidently. "Yup!"

Kageyama chimed in, "There you have it, Sensei."

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: Embracing the New Journey

Tsukishima and Yamaguchi watched from the sidelines as Hinata seamlessly integrated into the volleyball team. The tall and skeptical Tsukishima, known for his dry wit and sharp tongue, couldn't help but feel intrigued by the new transfer student's relentless energy and determination. Yamaguchi, his ever-supportive best friend, shared his curiosity.

"I have to admit, Yamaguchi," Tsukishima said, his eyes fixed on Hinata's agile movements. "I didn't expect much from this new guy, but he's proving to be quite the fireball."

Yamaguchi nodded in agreement, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, he's really something, isn't he? I can't help but be inspired by his passion. It's contagious."

As the practice continued, Tsukishima observed how Hinata fearlessly went up against taller opponents, defying the odds with his lightning-fast reflexes and impressive jumps. He admired Hinata's ability to adapt and find creative ways to overcome obstacles on the court.

Intrigued by Hinata's unique playing style, Tsukishima decided to approach him during a water break. With his signature nonchalant expression, he walked up to Hinata, who was catching his breath and wiping the sweat off his forehead.

"Hinata," Tsukishima called out, his voice laced with curiosity. "What's your secret? How do you manage to hold your own against taller opponents?"

Hinata looked up, surprised by Tsukishima's directness. However, his face quickly transformed into a determined grin. "Well, Tsukishima, it's not about size; it's about heart and timing. I may not be the tallest player, but I make up for it with my speed and agility. Plus, I've learned a thing or two from watching players like you."

Tsukishima raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback. "From watching me? What could you possibly learn from my playing style?"

Hinata chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I've noticed your impeccable blocking skills and your ability to read the game. It's taught me the importance of analyzing the opponents and finding their weaknesses. I may not have your height, but I can use my observation skills to anticipate their moves and make up for it."

Tsukishima's curiosity piqued even further. He hadn't expected Hinata to have such a keen eye for the game. There was something about the way Hinata spoke that resonated with Tsukishima's analytical nature.

"Interesting," Tsukishima replied, his skepticism beginning to wane. "Well, let's see if you can put your words into action during our next practice match. I'll be watching."

Hinata's eyes gleamed with determination. "You can count on it, Tsukishima. I'll show you what I'm capable of."

Meanwhile, Yamaguchi watched the interaction with a sense of pride. He had always admired Tsukishima's analytical mindset, and seeing Hinata earn his respect was a significant step forward for the team's cohesion. Yamaguchi knew that Tsukishima's approval could pave the way for further acceptance of Hinata's abilities within the team.

As practice resumed, Tsukishima and Yamaguchi found themselves cheering for Hinata's quick reflexes and remarkable agility. The two friends had a renewed sense of excitement as they realized that Hinata's addition to the team was not only benefiting the players individually but also improving the team dynamics as a whole.

Chapter Text

The gym buzzed with energy as Coach Ukai called for a practice match to close out the day. Tsukishima adjusted his glasses, casting a sideways glance at Hinata, who was bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet, his excitement palpable.

“Teams will be mixed today,” Coach announced, scribbling names quickly on the whiteboard. “Let’s see who can adapt the fastest.”

As fate would have it, Tsukishima and Hinata were placed on the same side, with Yamaguchi and a few upperclassmen on the opposite team.

Tsukishima sighed under his breath. “Just don’t get in my way, short stack,” he muttered.

Hinata grinned, undeterred. “You just focus on blocking, Tsukishima! Leave the flying to me!”

The whistle blew, and the game erupted into motion. Right from the start, Hinata stunned everyone with his sheer speed, darting around the court like a spark of electricity. Tsukishima, ever the strategist, quickly realized that if he timed his blocks to funnel the ball towards Hinata’s zone, the smaller boy could capitalize on fast transitions.

Their synergy, though rough around the edges, began to form. Hinata would leap impossibly high to meet Tsukishima’s carefully placed tips and feints, spiking them with a ferocity that belied his size.

Midway through the match, Tsukishima found himself smirking — not out of mockery, but out of genuine amusement. “Not bad,” he muttered after Hinata landed a perfect quick attack following a feint.

“You see?” Hinata panted, flashing a triumphant grin as he wiped his forehead with the sleeve of his jersey. “Brains and speed — unstoppable!”

Yamaguchi, watching from across the net, couldn’t help but laugh at the unusual sight: Tsukishima actually enjoying himself during a match.

The game intensified. Hinata’s trust in Tsukishima’s setups grew, and Tsukishima, in turn, began relying on Hinata’s ridiculous athleticism. Their clash of styles, initially awkward, started to synchronize — brains meeting raw instinct.

As the match point approached, the opposing team sent a powerful serve over the net. Hinata barely managed to save it, sending a desperate pass high into the air. Without hesitation, Tsukishima rushed forward, setting the ball into a perfect arc just above the net.

Hinata, fueled by adrenaline and trust, soared higher than ever before. In a blur of motion, he smashed the ball past the blockers, securing the win.

The gym erupted in cheers.

Breathing heavily, Tsukishima gave Hinata a small, almost imperceptible nod — an unspoken gesture of acknowledgment. Hinata beamed in response, understanding the weight of that simple gesture.

Yamaguchi jogged over, his eyes shining. “You two were amazing! Like — like you actually worked together!”

Tsukishima rolled his eyes, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “Don’t get used to it,” he said dryly.

But deep down, Tsukishima knew something had shifted. Hinata wasn’t just a reckless ball of energy anymore. He was a catalyst — someone who could push even the most stubborn teammates to grow.

As they cooled down after practice, Yamaguchi leaned over to Tsukishima and whispered, “Maybe this new journey isn’t so bad after all, huh?”

Tsukishima shrugged, but this time, there was no sarcasm in his voice.

“Maybe not.”

Chapter Text

Ever since Hinata transferred to the school, the volleyball team had been buzzing with a new energy. But outside the gym, the school halls told a different story.

Hinata was still adjusting — new classes, new faces. It was overwhelming.
And that’s when he noticed Kenma Kozume: quiet, almost ghost-like, always with his handheld console tucked in his palms.

They shared a few classes, but Kenma mostly kept to himself, sitting at the back of the room, half-listening, half-gaming. Hinata, who made friends as easily as he breathed, decided one day to sit next to him.

“Hey, Kenma, right?” Hinata whispered during a particularly boring math lecture.

Kenma didn’t look up from his console. “Yeah.”

“I’m Hinata,” he said, grinning. “I think we’re in the same homeroom too!”

Kenma gave a small nod, clearly not used to people inserting themselves into his bubble so easily. But Hinata didn’t push; he just smiled and focused back on his notes, bouncing his leg under the desk.

Over the next few days, Hinata kept doing the same thing — sitting near Kenma, talking a little, never forcing a conversation.
Slowly, Kenma started responding.

In the gym, their bond grew even faster. Hinata’s wild, high-energy spikes were unpredictable, but Kenma — with his razor-sharp instincts — could read him. He started tossing sets in ways no one else could: soft touches for Hinata’s quick jumps, sudden high balls for Hinata’s insane reaches.

During one afternoon practice, after a particularly chaotic but successful play, Kenma walked past Hinata and mumbled, “Good jump.”

Hinata practically beamed.

“You’re really good at setting for me,” Hinata said earnestly. “It’s like you know exactly what I’m thinking!”

Kenma shrugged, cheeks a little pink. “You’re easy to read… in a good way.”

From then on, between classes and practices, Hinata and Kenma started hanging out more — not in loud bursts, but in a steady rhythm. Hinata would watch Kenma play games during lunch, fascinated. Kenma would occasionally put the console down and ask Hinata about new volleyball tricks he wanted to try.

It wasn’t a friendship built on endless talking — it was built on quiet understanding. Where Hinata’s energy met Kenma’s calmness, something natural and strong began to form.

Yamaguchi noticed it first, whispering to Tsukishima during a water break, “Look at them. It’s like… opposites attracting or something.”

Tsukishima, leaning on his knees, smirked. “Or maybe it’s just that even someone as loud as Hinata can wear people down eventually.”

But when Tsukishima glanced back at them — Kenma quietly laughing at something Hinata said, Hinata glowing with happiness — even he had to admit:
They make a good team.