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Atsumu remembers the day he first met Kiyoomi.

It was the first day of fourth grade and it was the first time Atsumu remembers feeling alone. Osamu had done better on the stupid test the school had made them take the previous year and so the twins had been put in different classes.

Atsumu had gotten so used to having a built-in-friend with his twin that he realized on the first day that he didn’t actually know how to make new friends. So he decided to learn.

He talked excitedly to anybody who would listen. Being talkative isn’t the same as being friendly but when you're young they’re close enough.

His teachers, however, seemed to think his talkative nature was a bad thing. They called him distracting and loud. That’s what introduced him to Sakusa Kiyoomi, the quietest kid in the class. Maybe it was fate. Or maybe the teachers just hoped he would rub off on Atsumu and he’d learn to shut up. Either way it was the start of something beautiful.

“Miya-kun, this is the third time this week I’ve had to move your seat because you were distracting your peers. This is your last chance before I sit you by yourself.” The teacher said to him with an exasperated tone.

She patted the empty stretch of desk next to a small boy with curly dark hair. Atsumu plopped into the chair and immediately turned to his new partner.

“I’m Atsumu, who’re you?” The boy stared back at him with a blank expression.

Atsumu blinked. The teacher nodded to herself, satisfied with the new arrangement, and walked back to the front of the class.

Atsumu scowled, Usually when he introduced himself he would get an introduction back. His mom had taught him that that was the polite thing to do. Maybe this kid hadn't gotten the same lesson. Or maybe he hadn't heard him. He would ask again during break. For now, it was probably best not to talk, sitting alone sounded like a nightmare. He turned to face forward.

Later, in between lessons, Atsumu stared out the window at the pine trees swaying in the wind.

“It's disrespectful to talk when somebody else is talking.” A matter-of-fact voice said on his right during their next break.

Atsumu turned quickly. The dark-haired boy was watching him with his hands folded neatly on the desk in front of him.

“I know that.” Atsumu snapped.

“Then why do you talk so much?” The boy tilted his head. His face was still blank. Atsumu wanted to shake him back and forth, just to get some kind of reaction out of him.

“I dunno, why don't you ever talk?”

“I haven't found anybody worth talking to yet.”

“Ha?? What about your friends?” Atsumu asked brashly.

The other boy turned to his desk with a scowl.

“I don't have any friends.”

“Probably ‘cause you never talk.” Atsumu reveled in the way the boy whipped to stare daggers at him. Any reaction was a good one, he thought.

“I'm talking to you aren't I?”

Atsumu laughed. The boy blinked like he was unused to making someone laugh.

“I suppose you are. Guess that means I'm your very first friend then.” Atsumu beamed at him.

“No thank you.” The boy turned back to the front of the class where the teacher was gathering the kid's attention to start the next lesson.

“C’mon! I'll start, I'm Atsumu. Miya Atsumu.” He said sticking out a hand just like his mother had taught him. Instead, the boy side-eyed his hand like he was offering him a dead mouse.

“Sakusa Kiyoomi.” He replied. Atsumu dropped his hand, unoffended.

“Well isn't that a mouthful.” He paused before grinning. “I'm jus’ gonna call ya Omi.”

Sakusa opened his mouth to protest but he was cut off by the teacher's stern voice reminding them to quiet down. The two boys dutifully faced forward. One still grinning, the other pointedly not.

Atsumu’s heart swelled. He had gotten the boy's name and maybe even made a new friend. Albeit an interesting one.

‘Samu was going to be so jealous.

- -

Fourth grade was easier after that. Atsumu talked to Kiyoomi whenever they had a break, he figured out the hard way that he would only glare at him if he tried to talk during the lesson. Their friendship worked. Atsumu found Kiyoomi’s snappish personality endearing, and although he rolled his eyes at Atsumu’s conversation topics he always listened and responded when he had something to add.

The teacher was the most pleased with this development, pairing them for projects and such when she discovered Kiyoomi’s uncanny ability to shut Atsumu up. Soon enough they became inseparable.

Osamu was not in the slightest bit jealous. He proudly told Atsumu again and again about the many friends he had made in his own class. The most notable being a snarky kid named Suna.

With the end of spring came summer, and with summer came the end of the fourth grade year. That summer was hard. Atsumu had gotten used to seeing Kiyoomi every day and when he couldn't, he realized he missed him.

Thankfully the months passed quickly in a blur of racing ‘Samu in the woods behind their house and splash fights at the local pool. Then the excitement of returning to school filled his mind and before he knew it, he was standing in front of the heavy metal doors looking into a very familiar set of ink-black eyes.

“What class are you in?” He rocked forwards on the balls of his feet. No hello but Kiyoomi didn't seem to mind. Some friendships transcend traditional greetings.

“3-A.” He didn't look at the sheet of paper in his hands, holding Atsumu’s gaze firmly.

“Awesome.” Atsumu’s grin stretched and he could've sworn he saw the very corner of Kiyoomi’s mouth twitch upwards. He started forward, taking the steps two at a time, and then opened the doors. Fifth grade was going to be fun, He just knew it.

“Can I walk home with ya?” Sakusa stopped and turned to meet Atsumu's warm brown eyes.

“What about Osamu?” Atsumu waved a hand in a dismissive gesture.

“I told him to go on ahead.”

“What about your bike?” Sakusa eyes the silver and green bike Atsumu was guiding.

“I’ll walk it, jeez Omi if ya didn’t wanna walk with me ya could’ve jus’ said so.”

“Fine, you can walk me home.” Atsumu's eyes light up.

“Really?”

“I just said yes. Don’t make me change my mind Miya.”

“Cmon Omi,” The pair walked out the gates and started down the road. “I’ve been telling ya for a year now to call me Atsumu.”

“It just feels weird.”

“How does it feel weird? You can even call me ‘Tsumu! That's my nickname.”

“No thanks.” Atsumu rolled his eyes.

They continue bickering back and forth as they walk, The sun setting behind them painting the sky with oranges and pinks.

Eventually, Sakusa slows in front of a large western-style house with white trim.

“This is me.” He turns to face Atsumu “Thank you for walking me home.”

“Ya live here? This place is huge!” Atsumu gapes at the neighborhood around them. He stops, looking at Kiyomi's house. His eyes widen with understanding

“Wait, I know where we are! We aren't too far from where I live.”

“That would make sense,” Sakusa nods. “We both live close enough to the school to walk home.”

“I didn’t know that! I could’ve come and visited ya over the summer!”

“Probably.” Sakusa shrugs.

Atsumu sqwakes in indignation.

“You’re telling me I spent the whole summer bored out of my mind for nothing? How did I not know where ya lived?”

“You never asked.”

Atsumu only groans in response.

“It’s no big deal,” Sakusa shifts his weight from foot to foot. “There’s always next summer right?” Atsumu perks up almost immediately.

“You’re so right Omi.”

- -

From then on every day after school Atsumu would rush to grab his bike after school before meeting Kiyoomi at the gates. They would bicker and argue all the way home about which pokemon was the most powerful, or what was the best filling of onigiri. (Fatty tuna Atsumu insisted, while Kiyoomi prefered umeboshi.)

The only thing that had changed in Kiyoomi's life was that now Atsumu was in it. He sat beside him in class, and he dragged Kiyoomi to the lunch table where he and his brother sat.

Kiyoomi never missed his life before Atsumu. How could he? Life was brighter with a friend. Even if they argued all the time.

“Omi look at what I found!” Atsumu ran towards Kiyoomi one day during recess. He slowed when he was close to the other boy and carefully opened his cupped palms.

A tiny black frog sat croaking in his hand. Kiyoomi's eyes widened with interest.

“It's a frog.”

“Keen eye ya got there Omi.”

“Shut up.” Kiyoomi scowled at his friend.

“Ya gotta help me name it.”

“Why?” He watched the frog's chest as it rose and fell. It was a frog. It didn't need a human name.

“I dunno,” Atsumu shrugged. “Why not?”

Kiyoomi looked up at Atsumu who was grinning, a familiar glint in his eye. He looked back down at the frog.

“Ok then. What about Mr. Green?”

“That's a terrible name,” Atsumu straightens and points a finger at his own small chest. “I think we should call him Croaker.”

“That's even worse.”

“You don't know anything Omi!” Atsumu scoffed and strode purposefully back to the field he had come from. Kiyoomi stood to follow after him.

“Hey, I know more than you do. Who helps you with your math homework stupid?”

“That's different!”

The two walk past Osamu and Suna who are sitting against the fence watching them. They turn to each other with exhausted expressions.

“You might be better at math but I'm winning our spelling contest.” Atsumu crouches by the edge of the field and opens his palm to let the frog return to its space.

“A contest I never agreed to by the way. And you only got ´ridiculous´ because of that stupid movie.”

“Descendants is not stupid, it's a modern twist on classic fairytales!”

“Hey!” A loud voice rang out from behind them. The two boys snap their heads around to look at Osamu in unison. Suna laughed into his hand behind him.

“Do ya ever stop arguing?” He glares at the two boys. “Ya guys are like an annoying old married couple, my god.”

“I would be a better husband than ya would Omi.” Atsumu muttered, crossing his arms in a matter-of-fact kind of way.

“I know for a fact that you don't know how to do laundry.” Kiyoomi hissed.

“Oh my god just stop talking.” Osamu groaned, throwing his head back.

“Yer just jealous.” Atsumu stuck his tongue out at his brother.

Rolling his eyes, Kiyoomi pushed Atsumu away from the other two boys.

“Sorry Osamu.”

Walking away Atsumu turned to Kiyoomi and whispered,

“I'd do the dishes if ya did the laundry.”

“Deal.”

- -

“No wait, this is the best part.” Atsumu elbowed Kiyoomi hard in the ribs. He groaned but focused on the screen.

He watched the bald-headed kid in orange and yellow start to glow and levitate.

“How on earth is this the best part? He's finding out that all of his people are dead and now he's obviously going to explode.” Kiyoomi gestured to the tv where the remnants of the ruined temple were swirling in the wind the bald kid was creating. Atsumu batted his hand away.

“He's not going to explode, he's going into the avatar state.”

“I still don't know what that means.” Kiyoomi grumbled under his breath.

He supposed he would find out later. The bald kid's friends didn't know what was happening either so presumably the kid would explain it to them if he survived the whole ordeal.

When Atsumu had come over that afternoon insisting that Kiyoomi watch his new favorite show with him, Kiyoomi had his doubts. But he had to admit that the Avatar was actually kind of interesting. Even if he didn't really know what was happening yet.

Atsumu had also insisted Kiyoomi sleep over. He said it was part of the friendship experience. Kiyoomi hadnt had many friends before so he trusted that Atsumu knew what he was doing. Just like with the cartoon Kiyoomi gradually found he had less and less objections.

The two boys had sprawled out on a heap of blankets and pillows in Kiyoomi's living room with popcorn and gummy worms. Atsumu was picking out the green worms and placing them into his friend's open palm. He hated the green apple flavor but it was Kiyoomi's favorite so he always gave him the green ones.

They watched the bald kid float back down into the rubble, his two friends rushing to his side. Kiyoomi chewed a gummy worm thoughtfully.

“Sokka doesn't even like Aang but he's still so concerned about his well-being.” Atsumu pointed out to Kiyoomi.

“Our friendship is proof enough that people's opinions can change.”

“Are you saying that you actually care about me Omi-Omi??” Atsumu batted his eyes at Kiyoomi. “I'm flattered.”

“Well, I don't let just anyone into my house.” He pointedly didn't look Atsumu in the eyes, focusing intently on the tv in front of him. The tips of his ears burned.

“Of course,” Atsumu nodded. “Omis a hermit.”

Kiyoomi snapped his head to the side and glared at him.

“I am not a hermit!”

“Ya kinda are.” Atsumu drew out the ‘i’ in ‘kinda’ and pulled his shoulders up to his ears.

“Take it back.”

“What are ya gonna do about it Hermit-Omi?”

Scowling hard, Kiyoomi grabbed the pillow from behind him and flung it at Atsumu. He took it square in the chest and sputtered in surprise.

Kiyoomi didn't waste any time. While Atsumu was down he jumped up and grabbed a throw pillow off the couch. Turning back to his friend he only had a second before the pillow he had just thrown was hitting him in the face.

“How do ya like that jerk?”

“I'm going to destroy you.” Kiyoomi growled before pouncing on the other boy with a pillow in each hand.

“No! Ack Omi stop! I yield, I yield!”

Atsumu’s protests were muffled by the piles of feathers covering Kiyoomi’s living room so they were easy to ignore. He laughed maniacally.

“What is happening here?” Both boys froze.

That night Kiyoomi decided sleepovers were the best. Maybe it was Atsumu that made them great, he tended to have that effect on Kiyoomi’s life. Even getting scolded by his mother for fighting in the living room was bearable when he could feel Atsumu holding back laughter beside him.

He cut his eyes to his side. As soon as he met Atsumu's eyes they both burst out laughing.

It earned them a whole new round of scolding but Kiyoomi found he really didn't mind.

- -

Middle school passed in the same vein. Atsumu hung off Kiyoomi like a leech and Kiyoomi pretended to hate it. Eventually, the two were put in the same class as Osamu and Suna and suddenly the four of them were spending all of their time together.

Suna was hilarious and Osamu was the same brand of annoying as Atsumu but slightly quieter. It was fun to watch the twins argue and fight with Suna snickering beside him.

During their second year in middle school, Atsumu discovered volleyball and somehow convinced the other three boys that they needed to play with him. Osamu was obviously up for anything he could possibly beat Atsumu at and Suna and Kiyoomi were happy to follow the twins. None of them expected to fall head-first into a volleyball obsession but sometimes life throws curveballs like that.

The four of them joined the middle school team that spring, Atsumu as a setter, Suna as a middle blocker, and Osamu and Kiyoomi as wing spikers.

Time passes quickly after that. They win some, lose more but it's ok because the thrill of getting stronger burns hotter than the sting of losing. On the last day of middle school, Kiyoomi finds himself sitting on the concrete steps leading out of the gym with his friends, the twins tossing a ball back and forth.

“Hey, where do you think you’re gonna go for high school Sakusa?” Suna turns to Kiyoomi.

“Hm,” He lifts his head from where it had been sitting in his palm. “Probably Inarizaki. It's the closest.” He replies, shrugging.

“We’ll all be together then.” Suna nods and turns back to the twins. Atsumu turns to Suna, mouth wide open.

“What was that Sunarin?”

“Don't turn yer back on the ball dumbass!” Osamu grips the ball tightly. Atsumu yelps and covers his head instinctually.

“All four of us are going to Inarzaki next year.” Suna explains. Atsumu looks hopefully up at Kiyoomi.

“Even ya Omi?”

“Who else would be the fourth person?”

“I guess yer stuck with us for a little longer.” Atsumu beams.

“It's still not too late to change my mind.”

The blonde quickly drops his smile and frantically shakes his head. Suna and Osamu laugh in the background. Kiyoomi laughs too.

If he had to be stuck with any three people he wouldn't hesitate to choose the people in front of him.

- -

Smack.

The lights in the Inarizaki gymnasium flash and the shoes on the court squeak. Kiyoomi breathes in and out.

The ball flies to their team's side for another player to receive it. It arcs towards Atsumu who's ready close to the net. His eyes meet Kiyoomis quickly before locking on the ball.

He runs in a crowd of players and jumps, the ball flying directly into his hand as soon as he reaches his peak. He slams his hand down into the opposite corner of the court. The sound echos.

His teammates cheer wildly and jump on each other. Kiyoomi stares at Atsumu. He's grinning at his brother who's fuming on the other side of the net.

“Wow ‘Samu. First practice match of the season an’ Omi and I wiped the floor with ya.”

“Shut yer trap ‘Tsumu yer team is basically all third years, It had nothing to do with you!”

“Didja even see that last spike? That was all us. I didn't see any third years around for that one.”

Kiyoomi rolls his eyes and walks up behind Atsumu, grabbing his wrist and pulling him away from the net.

“It's not good to brag Atsumu. Besides,” He pauses, side-eyeing Osamu. “He's probably just jealous of our talent.” He turns and drags Atsumu, laughing, behind him.

“Aw man Omi yer so cut-throat. Ya should've seen his face.” He pretends to wipe a stray tear from the corner of his eye before accepting the water bottle Kiyoomi handed him.

He sits beside Kiyoomi on the bleachers beside the court.

“You were good.” Atsumu looks up at the praise.

“Yeah? Thanks Omi-Omi. You were good too!” He laughs and bumps a shoulder against Kiyoomis. “We make a good team y'know?”

“Sure.” Kiyoomi fights the urge to smile.

“I don’t know that I’d say that,” Suna remarks from a couple of seats behind them. “More like a pain in everyones ass.”

“How dare ya Sunarin. Omi and I are saints!” Atsumu gasps.

“You're really not,” Osamu said, inserting himself into the conversation.

“You guys do argue a lot.” One of the second years said with a shrug from where he was sitting next to their group. His name was Aran, a wing spiker, Kiyoomi thought to himself.

“What? Aran I thought ya liked me!”

“I don't know where you got that idea.” Aran raised an eyebrow. Atsumu looked devastated. Kiyoomi patted his arm consolingly.

“Don't try that shit with me Omi, I can see ya smiling.” Kiyoomi ducked his head to keep from laughing.

“Hey are you guys gonna keep talking over there or are we gonna play another set?” One of the third years stood on the edge of the court tapping his foot impatiently. The four first years jumped up, argument forgotten, and ran to join the team with Aran walking behind them.

“That's more like it,” The third year looked across the net with a grin.

“Now let's kick some ass.”

- -

Kiyoomi sighed and leaned back in his chair. In front of him, his algebra teacher droned on about exponential functions.

He cut his eyes to the empty desk next to him. Atsumu, according to Osamu, had a really bad cold. Kiyoomi narrowed his eyes. As blessedly quiet as his day had been, he had to admit that he was bored without his friends' insistent chatter.

The last bell had barely finished ringing before Kiyoomi had gathered his stuff in his arms and ran out the door. It was only when he was standing at the Miya’s front door that he realized what he was doing.

Atsumu showed up at Kiyoomi’s house unannounced all the time. It was only fair that he could do the same if he felt like it right? He rang the doorbell before he could talk himself out of it.

Atsumu’s mother opened the door after a couple of seconds. Her face lit up with a wide smile that looked exactly like her son’s.

“Oh Sakusa-kun! Was ‘Tsumu expecting you?”

“No, I just wanted to see if he was ok.”

“He's upstairs if you wanna say hi. It might do him good, he was moaning about being bored earlier.” She ushered Kiyoomi into the house before he could protest.

“Do ya want me to tell yer ma that you’re staying for dinner? I made enough for four.”

“Uhm, If you're sure that's alright.” She laughed loudly.

“Always so polite, aren't ya kid, Of course It's alright. I'll go call her, you go wake ‘Tsumu up.” Kiyoomi nodded and started up the stairs.

Once he reached the second floor he made a beeline to the door of the twins’ bedroom, knocking twice before sticking his head into the room.

“Ack Omi! What’re ya-“ Atsumu sat up quickly, hitting his head on the top of Osamu’s bunk above him. Kiyoomi winced.

“I just wanted to make sure you weren’t dead or anything like that.” Atsumu scoffed.

“It would take more than some common cold to kill me, Omi-Omi.”

“Like the bottom of a bunk bed?” Kiyoomi wandered over to the blonde's bed eyeing the wooden bed frame. Atsumu laughed.

“Apparently.” He patted the space on the bed next to him. Kiyoomi raised an eyebrow but sat where he was directed.

“If you get me sick I’ll kill you.”

“Noted. Hey did anything interesting happen while I was out?”

Kiyoomi racked his brain for anything worth mentioning from the day and found nothing. He had spent most of the day paying more attention to the empty desk next to him more than anything his teacher had said. Still, he dutifully told Atsumu what he remembered from the day’s lesson and about the argument two of the kids had had in the cafeteria during lunch.

The blonde listened intently, nodding and laughing. Eventually, Osamu came home and joined them. He had stopped by the convenience store around the corner with Suna on their walk home. He had more to add to Kiyoomi’s re-telling of the day, and he offered the other two boys his notes.

Later, while Osamu and Kiyoomi were setting the table and Atsumu was helping the twins’ mother in the kitchen, Osamu suddenly stopped and looked at Kiyoomi.

“Y'know I’m glad ‘Tsumu has a friend like you.”

Kiyoomi stopped, his hands full of silverware.

“What do you mean?”

“Well he’s always been friendly with people but I don’t think ‘Tsumus ever had someone care enough to check on him when he’s missed school.” Osamu shrugged and went back to setting out napkins.

Kiyoomi blinked. Was it really that odd to be curious about your friend's well-being? Now that he was thinking about it he had never seen Atsumu talk to or hang out with anyone as much as he did with Kiyoomi.

But It’s not like Kiyoomi himself was the expert on friendship, besides Atsumu nobody really approached him.

“Sakusa? The forks?”

“Oh. Right, sorry.” Kiyoomi straightened up and continued his task. Atsumu’s voice rang out from the kitchen.

“Are y’all ready for the food? Yer not slacking are ya?”

“We’ve been waiting for ya, scrub!” Osamu yelled back.

Atsumu and the twins' mother carried big pots of rice and curry into the dining room and everyone sat around the small table to eat. Kiyoomi pushed his thoughts to the back of his head and focused on the people in front of him.

Later as he lay down in his own bed he would realize that Atsumu had been his first friend too. And maybe as lucky as Atsumu was to have him, Kiyoomi was just as lucky to have him.

- -

Saying goodbye to the third years during their graduation was bittersweet.

Most of the second years lamented how they would miss their seniors while the first years celebrated the new possibility of leaving the bench. The twins especially. They had both shot up over the summer, although Kiyoomi was still the tallest in their group.

The four of them were itching for the chance to prove themselves. Atsumu had taken quick to setting and with their previous setter leaving with the third years he was quick to become a starter.

The other three followed quickly. The team's new captain, Kita Shinsuke, only smiled when the captain filled their court with first years. Kita was kind enough to step back and give them their time to shine.

And they fully intended to shine. All of Kiyoomi’s free time went into practicing spiking, making Atsumu spike for them and Suna try to block. Osamu was more reluctant to practice spiking but he could easily be convinced with enough taunting.

The four of them became starters, probably because the coach could feel the need to play radiating off of them. With every game they won Inarzaki gained more popularity as a team to look out for. The third years had left a reputation that the second-years desperately wanted to live up to.

Everyone wanted to be good. Atsumu wanted to be great.

Sometimes it seemed like the only thing the blonde cared about was perfecting a spike or getting that next point. Kiyoomi was the only person who was motivated by Atsumu’s desire, he was often the only one staying late with the blonde to practice. Osamu and Suna valued their grades and sleep schedules a little more than extra practice.

Kiyoomi never minded. They inspired each other. He could see the same glint in Atsumu’s eye whenever he spiked a ball especially hard. It was a mutual desire for growth.

They just worked well that way.

Right before Nationals, Atsumu and Kiyoomi were two of the few high school volleyball players in the region invited to a summer training camp in Tokyo.

Kiyoomi was thrilled to practice and get tips from some of the best coaches and other players in the area, and also for the chance to visit his cousin who lived in Tokyo and had also been invited. Atsumu was excited for competitive reasons; which was a surprise to exactly nobody.

“Omi I can't wait to see the looks on the other guy's faces when I crush all the other teams with my amazing setting skills. I wonder how many sets It would take to get one of them to cry.” Atsumu was laying on his back across Kiyoomi’s bed as Kiyoomi flipped through the brochure they had both received after accepting the invitation.

“This camp is supposed to be about comradery and helping each other grow as athletes.” He read in a monotone voice. Atsumu glanced over at him.

“Ya can't tell me you don't want to beat some of these guys. I know how proud you are that you're one of the top three aces in the country, and I also know how much ya like winning.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Kiyoomi put down the brochure on his bedside table and stared at the blonde.

“But if you walk in there boasting about crushing people and being your annoying, arrogant self, people are gonna hate you right off the bat.”

Atsumu stared back.

“Are ya worried about me making friends, Omi? That's sweet but I'm plenty likable. You should worry about yourself and your prickly sea-urchin vibes.” Atsumu grinned and bumped his knee against Kiyoomi's thigh.

“I'd rather be a sea-urchin than a dick.” Kiyoomi rolled his eyes.

“Don't worry Omi, I'll help you make friends, just stick with me.” Atsumu laughed.

“I'm good. As soon as we get there I'm ditching you for Komori.” Atsumu faked a dramatic gasp, throwing his hands in front of his face.

“You wouldn't.”

“Try me.” Kiyoomi shrugged, knowing he wouldn't actually do that. The corner of his mouth ticked upwards as he listened to the blonde whine.

Right before they arrived in Tokyo, Atsumu got quiet. He hadn't said anything but Kiyoomi could tell the anxiety of being surrounded by new people and talent was starting to hit him.

“Hey,” Kiyoomi said, drawing Atsumu's gaze away from the bus window.

“I bet during this camp I could score more service aces than you.” Atsumu’s eyebrows shot up. Kiyoomi smiled internally. Nothing distracted Atsumu from his own thoughts like a competition.

“You bet do ya? Why place a bet ya know yer gonna lose Omi?” He replied smugly.

“Because I won’t lose.” Kiyoomi met Atsumu’s stare with unwavering confidence.

“Well, how could I say no to a little friendly competition? I accept yer bet Omi.”

“Perfect,” Kiyoomi sat back in his seat. “Whoever scores more service aces by the end of the week gets whatever dessert the loser packs for lunch for two weeks.”

“Oh yer so on Omi. Ya better say goodbye to your precious matcha pocky.”

“We’ll see,” Kiyoomi smirked. His plan had worked, the anxious glint in Atsumu's eye had been replaced with one of determination. And he would get free dessert out of it. He would have to get more service aces of course but he wasn't worried about that.

When the bus rolled to a stop and the two of them had collected their bags, and stored them in the dorm room they were sharing, they headed down to the gym.

Some of the other boys milled around stretching or passing balls between themselves. Practice officially started the next day after breakfast, but the anticipation mixed with a wide-open gym made it hard to wait. Kiyoomi followed Atsumu’s lead and sat on the bleachers. ‘To check out the competition’ the blonde said with a wink.

It wasn't long before they heard a familiar voice.

“Kiyo! There you are.” A long pair of arms wrapped itself around Kiyoomi’s shoulders.

“Hello Motoya.” The arms retracted as Komori plopped down next to the pair, his grin as wide as Kiyoomi remembered it. His cousin had stayed in Tokyo with his family when the Sakusa’s had moved to Hyogo. For most people, the distance would've put a damper on their relationship but thanks to frequent visits during holidays and Komori’s dedication to keeping his cousin updated on every aspect of his life via a thousand text messages they had managed to stay in close contact.

“You’re so much taller Kiyo, I swear it's like you grow a foot every time I see you.” Komori straightened his spine in an effort to get to Kiyoomi’s eye level. He wasn't even close.

“That's weird, I was just gonna say it looks like you've shrunk since the last time I saw you.” Komori laughed.

Atsumu cleared his throat pointedly. Kiyoomi looked at the blonde with raised eyebrows.

“I'm Miya Atsumu,” He stuck his hand out to Komori, crossing over Kiyoomis's lap. Komori shook the offered hand excitedly. “Setter for Inarizaki and Kiyoomi’s best friend and reason for living.” Kiyoomi rolled his eyes.

“Oh, I’ve heard a lot about you Miya Atsumu.” Kiyoomi didn't like the glint in his cousin's eye.

“Really now?” Atsumu smiled at Kiyoomi who shook his head.

“Yup! Miya Atsumu, twin to Miya Osamu, recently turned blonde, avid avatar fan, really I could go on for days.” Komori giggled at Kiyoomi and Atsumu’s matching expressions of shock.

“I dunno if it's weirder that ya know all of those things off the top of yer head or that Omi told ya all that.”

“Believe me, getting Kiyo to talk to me is like pulling teeth.”

“I know right? He's so weird.”

“You know you’re literally talking across me right now right?” Two pairs of eyes looked at Kiyoomi like they had just remembered he was there.

“Don't worry,” Komori patted Kiyoomi consolingly on the shoulder. “We love you anyways.”

“Yeah Omi we love you anyways.” Atsumu said, also patting his shoulder, although considerably harder.

“You two are insufferable.” They only laughed at his misfortune and Kiyoomi regretted accepting the spot offered to him at the camp.

After dinner, Komori had invited himself into Kiyoomi and Atsumu’s dorm and was swapping embarrassing stories about Kiyoomi with Atsumu. Kiyoomi had long since accepted his fate and was now listening to them chatter away, filling in details that either of them forgot at any given time.

At one point when Kiyoomi had gotten up to go to the bathroom, Komori turned to Atsumu.

“You know he thinks really highly of you. I know I joked about it earlier but he talks about you a lot.”

Atsumu stilled, taken aback by the sincerity in Komoris's voice.

“Really?” Komori nodded.

“I think highly of him too,” The blonde looked down at the floor. “He's my best friend.”

Komori looked at Atsumu. His gaze was far away.

“I see.”

When Kiyoomi returned the dorm was empty. He froze in the doorway, unsure of what to do. Distantly he heard Atsumu’s distinct laughter and he dropped his shoulders he didn’t realize he had tensed. The pair rounded the corner, arms full of snacks from the vending machine.

“Hey, Omi you’re back! We got snacks! Also, Motoya was just telling me about the time you freaked out because his family's dog licked your face when you were twelve.” Kiyoomi scowled.

“Who knows where his tongue had been? I stand by my reaction.” He crossed his arms which made Komori giggle.

“Nice Kiyo. Here, take some chips.” Komori dumped half of his armload onto Kiyoomi who just barely caught the brightly colored bags. He followed his cousin and friend into the dorm with a sigh and a subtle eye roll.

When training started the next day Kiyoomi was thankful to get back to what was important. The other boys were extremely talented and it was exhilarating to play against them. The coaches were quick to hand out advice and praise when it was warranted.

Kiyoomi smirked as he watched Atsumu try to corral the two first-years he’d gotten stuck with on the other side of the net. Kageyama and Hoshiumi were their names. Kageyama was from Miyagi and was widely known as being a setter with pinpoint accuracy. Although his people skills left something to be desired, and that was coming from Kiyoomi who only had two really close friends, one of which was his cousin. Hoshiumi was loud and blunt and noticeably short for a volleyball player.

Three on three games were supposed to build a person's teamwork skills. But to do that, their team had to first stop talking about hair and focus on the game.

“I'm just saying Miya-san, toner exists and you should use it.” Hoshiumi crossed his arms and glared. He had to look up quite a bit and that fact only seemed to make him madder.

“And why would I listen to someone whose hair looks like a seagull exploded? How does it even stick up like that?” Atsumu argued back. Kiyoomi hid a grin behind his hand. He would never be able to look at Hoshiumi the same way.

“Shouldn't we break them up?” Kageyama had wandered over to where Kiyoomi and Komori were standing on the other side of the net.

“Nah this is going to take a while. It's best to let them get it out of their system.” Kiyoomi sighed. Kageyama nodded. He almost looked bored, like he had experience dealing with difficult teammates.

“I don't know why I'm taking shit from someone under five feet.” Hoshimui’s fists tightened at his sides.

“Watch it Miya.”

“Or what? Ya gonna take my kneecaps?” Atsumu smirked. Komori was already under the net heading for the two of them, Kageyama and Kiyoomi close behind.

With a growl Hoshiumi stomped hard on Atsumu's foot and lunged to tackle him when Komori grabbed him around the middle and started to drag him towards the bleachers. Kiyoomi crouched in front of Atsumu who was on the floor.

“Are you done provoking your teammates?”

Atsumu glared at him.

“He started it.” The blonde mumbled under his breath. He paused for a second.

“My hair doesn't look that bad does it Omi?” Kiyoomi sighed and stood up.

“It is pretty yellow.” He stuck out a hand and hauled his friend off the floor. Atsumu looked up at him and blinked, waiting. Kiyoomi sighed.

“No. It's not that bad.” Atsumu's face split into a grin.

“I knew you liked it, Omi.” He turned around to drag Kiyoomi to the bleachers to join Komori and Hoshiumi who were getting chewed out by one of the coaches.

Belatedly, Kiyoomi realized they were still holding hands. Atsumu’s hands were warm and only slightly sweaty. Kiyoomi didn't let go until they got to the bleachers and joined the group. He pointedly didn't meet Komori's eye. He didn't want to see that now-familiar grin that made Kiyoomi’s stomach churn for some reason.

Later if he found himself lying awake and wondering why he wasn't bothered by the sweat on Atsumu’s hand like he should've been, that was nobody's business but his own.

- -

Their second year was hard.

Like every year, schoolwork got tougher and the days seemed to pass at almost a glacial pace. Kiyoomi still shared classes with the twins and Suna, and saw them on weekends. He still spent most of his time with Atsumu and they would still help each other with homework and projects.

But their second year was their first year being starters for nationals. The excitement was intense whenever they discussed plays and techniques but so were everyone's nerves. Atsumu and Kiyoomi stayed late more often than not, practicing spikes and serves.

Kita was reluctant to give Atsumu the key to the gymnasium at first. He made Kiyoomi promise that he’d make sure he didn't push himself. Atsumu was offended that the captain thought he needed a babysitter but Kiyoomi only smiled and accepted Kita’s terms. Silently he agreed. Left alone Atsumu would let his nerves overwhelm him. But Kiyoomi would make sure that didn’t happen.

Of course the urge to win burned hot in Kiyoomi’s veins as well. The excitement was contagious.

The evening of their last practice before nationals Atsumu stayed to perfect his set the way Kiyoomi liked it, even though it was already good enough. When the ball cart was emptied he paused, panting.

“That last one was really good.” Kiyoomi praised. Atsumu looked up.

“And yer not just saying that?”

“You know I'm not the kind of person to lie just to spare your feelings Atsumu.” The blonde laughed and nodded. Kiyoomi ducked under the net to collect the scattered volleyballs.

“Yer always honest aren't ya?” Atsumu muttered to himself, so quiet Kiyoomi almost missed it. Ducking back under the net, Kiyoomi deposited an armful of balls back into the cart.

“Hey, Omi?” Atsumu crossed his arms and stared intently at the wooden floor of the gym. “Do ya honestly think we’ll win?” Kiyoomi cocked his head at the blonde.

“I think there are a lot of factors that go into winning a game.” Atsumu dropped his arms and huffed out a breath.

“A lot of the factors are out of our control, the weather, the conditions of the gym, and which teams we go up against. The one thing we can control is how much effort we put into winning.”

“Atsumu, the whole team has already put so much effort into practice, you most of all. And on the day of the game? How much effort are you going to put into playing?” Atsumu finally meets his eyes.

“Everything I've got.”

“Then I think we’ll do just fine.”

Atsumu grinned, looking more determined and less anxious than he had all week. Kiyoomi smiled back.

The day of, Kiyoomi walked off the bus and through the gymnasium's hallways confidently, knowing Atsumu and the rest of his team were behind him. They changed into their jerseys quickly, nobody breaking the charged silence.

When they were lined up on the backline of the court, Atsumu leaned into Kiyoomi’s space.

“If we really do win this thing,” He whispered. Kiyoomi leaned closer. “I have something I want to tell you.” He leaned away and refused to meet Kiyoomi’s eye. Weird, Kiyoomi thought but nodded anyway. Atsumu took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders.

Finally facing forward, Kiyoomi held his head high. The other team walked out in a line. Their expressions were every bit as determined as the ones on either side of Kiyoomi. Both teams would play their hardest.

The referee blew his whistle and the game officially began, both teams getting into their positions on the court. With another whistle, the ball was up in the air. Kiyoomi watched it arc from their side of the court to the other and hoped with every piece of his heart that his team would play just a little bit harder.

And they do.

But like all great things, their winning streak ends. Karasuno high school led by captain Daichi Sawamura and with little Kageyama from training camp defeats Inarizaki before they can blink.

The loss stings. They walk back to the locker rooms with shaking shoulders and clenched fists. Nobody judges the few that cry, offering whispered words of encouragement. Promises of next time for the second years and reassurances that they performed at their best for the third years who won't play with the same team again.

Kiyoomi watches Atsumu’s face crumble into Osamu's shoulder. For once Osamu doesn't have a cutting remark. Suna sits quietly on the bench next to Kiyoomi. They watch the twins together.

Eventually, Osamu pushes Atsumu off of him, waiting for him to balance on his own weight before patting him once on the shoulder and getting up to change. Suna sighs and follows him. After a second of silence, watery brown eyes find Kiyoomi’s ink-black ones.

“Please don’t cry on me. Osamu might be able to handle your snot but I’m not that strong.” Atsumu laughs quietly and wipes his eyes on his sleeve.

Kiyoomi stands up, brushing the dust off his thighs, and reaches a hand out to Atsumu. He takes it and allows Kiyoomi to pull him to his feet, staring at the tiled floor. Kiyoomi ducks his head to meet Atsumu’s eyes again and rubs a hand up and down his arm once.

“You always know how to make a man feel special huh Omi?” Atsumu smiles. It's small but It's there.

“You know me. Now come on, our team is waiting for us.” Atsumu nods and they change quickly.

Nobody comments on their tardiness when they finally join the rest of the team. Dinner that night is subdued and so is the bus ride back to Hyogo.

Osamu periodically shoots glances at Atsumu who's sleeping against the glass window of the bus. Kiyoomi understands the worry in his eyes, Atsumu has always been the more emotional twin but Kiyoomi isn't worried.

Like he told Atsumu, sometimes there are too many factors out of your control. Sometimes you lose and it has nothing to do with you or your team's skill. Sometimes the other team is just better.

On some level, Atsumu knows this. And if he does get emotional and blames their loss on himself Kiyoomi knows that he, Osamu, and Suna will all be there to knock some sense into him.

Because that's what friends do, isn't it?

- -

That weekend Atsumu let himself into Kiyoomi’s room with an overnight bag and a grin.

“Suna was stayin’ over at our house and I can't stand to watch Osamu’s and his weird mating ritual for that long.” He had said, shuddering.

Kiyoomi had only rolled his eyes and made space for his friend on his bed, moving the open textbooks he was studying from to one side.

Secretly he thought Atsumu had a point. Watching Osamu get flustered and trip over sentences had been funny at first but now it was just sad. He thought Suna would've been better but he was so much worse. He completely froze every time Osamu said anything remotely resembling a compliment. The worst part was that they both were too stupid to notice that the feeling was obviously mutual.

Kiyoomi winced just thinking about it.

“Hey Omi?” Atsumu said, breaking the comfortable silence and turning to face Kiyoomi. He hummed and met Atsumu’s gaze. “Do you ever miss yer cousin?”

“Sometimes,” Kiyoomi cocked his head. “Why do you ask?” Atsumu sighed and sank further down onto Kiyoomis pillows.

“Because I miss him.”

Kiyoomi snorted.

“I can give you his number.”

“Would you?” Atsumu sat up, eyes wide and bright.

“Sure.” Atsumu laid down again, satisfied. Silence stretched over them again. Kiyoomi flipped to a new page in his English textbook and started to scribble down notes as he read. He got through two paragraphs before Atsumu spoke up again.

“Do you ever miss Tokyo?” Kiyoomi sighed and closed his textbook.

“Not really, I was young when we moved so I really don't remember much before Hyogo.” Atsumu nodded, staring intently at Kiyoomi’s sky blue comforter.

“What's this really about Atsumu?” Kiyoomi said, cutting to the chase.

“I was just thinking, what if we didn't meet the way we did? What if the first time I met ya was at training camp? If ya had come in with Motoya wearing some Tokyo team’s jersey would we still be friends?”

“If you had treated me anything like you had treated Kageyama or Hoshiumi then I definitely wouldn't have been friends with you.”

“Omi!” Atsumu whined, dropping his head on Kiyoomis shoulder.

“I think if I hadn’t grown up where I did you and Osamu would've killed each other before you could get to camp.” Kiyoomi ran a hand roughly through Atsumu’s hair. The bleach had dried it out but somehow it still felt soft underneath his fingertips. Atsumu hummed at the contact and Kiyoomi felt his heart skip a beat.

Weird.

“I'm glad you moved Omi.” Kiyoomi stilled. For a beat neither of them said anything.

“I think I am too. I really like it here.” Atsumu sat up straight and Kiyoomi distantly mourned the loss of contact.

“Good. I really like ya being here. I’d miss ya if you were gone.” Kiyoomi smiled.

“Well good thing I’m not going anywhere then.”

And he really wasn't. At that moment Kiyoomi couldn't think of anywhere he’d rather be. He didn't say it out loud but Atsumu seemed to know, he always knew.

- -

At the end of their second year, Osamu told Atsumu he was quitting volleyball after high school.

He had said it wasn’t what he was passionate about anymore. That's what Kiyoomi heard from Atsumu. Osamu wanted to go to culinary school after high school, his passion was cooking.

Atsumu was taking it hard. He stopped talking to his brother for two weeks. During the second week he stayed over at Kiyoomi’s a lot. Kiyoomi really didn’t mind but Atsumu just moaned and groaned about how Osamu was leaving him behind and that he wished he had eaten him in the womb. It was starting to sound repetitive.

“Why does it matter?” Kiyoomi asked on the last night of the twin's fight. He was met with silence.

“Why does it matter if he doesn't like volleyball anymore? You two were still brothers before you started playing right?” Atsumu opened his mouth but Kiyoomi covered it before he could speak.

“No listen to me Atsumu,” The blond blinked at the use of his full name. Kiyoomi had recently picked up on the twin’s habit of giving people nicknames and had since started calling Atsumu ‘Atsu’. It made Atsumu’s stomach flip every time.

“Do you honestly think volleyball is the only reason your brother hangs out with you? No. He hangs out with you because he loves you and because you two are brothers. Nothings going to change that, not even if he moved to the other side of the world.”

“You should be happy that Osamu found something he loves to do and be proud that he’s following his dreams. Because I know damn well he's proud of you.” He took his hand off of Atsumu’s mouth. The blonde stared at him, mouth still wide open.

“Now stop whining like a child and go apologize to your brother for the past two weeks. And next time? Leave me out of your stupid temper tantrums.” The room was silent for a second.

“Yer right Omi.”

“I know. Go fix it.” Atsumu nodded. Kiyoomi knew his words had been harsh but somebody needed to tell him the truth to his face. The blonde could be dense.

Besides, Atsumu knew how to read in between the lines. Kiyoomi didn't regret being harsh. When Atsumu and Osamu found him the next day during lunch talking and joking with each other like normal Kiyoomi knew he’d said the right thing.

Atsumu wasn’t good at telling people how he felt but Kiyoomi knew how to read in between the lines as well. He read the silent thank you loud and clear.

- -

Nobody but Atsumu was surprised when he was chosen to be Inarizaki’s next captain at the beginning of third year.

He gaped at the bold number one on the jersey in the coach’s hand without moving before Osamu clapped a hand on his back roughly. He took the jersey with glassy eyes and a promise to lead the team well.

Kiyoomi watched the display with a small smile.

Atsumu settled into his duties as captain easily. He seemed to finally accept that his team trusted him and shouldered that responsibility with a smile. He put more energy into connecting with the newer teammates as any good setter should and took time to learn more skills to help him be a more well-rounded player.

That year the team seemed more determined than ever. Maybe it was Atsumu’s influence. They all did everything they could to keep the ball in the air, no matter if it was a real game or a practice match. Everyone wanted to play as long as they could.

Before Kiyoomi could blink their third year was almost over and it was once again time to go to nationals. This time, the third years were ready. This time the glint in Atsumu’s eye was less terrified and more confident. Kiyoomi grinned from his spot on the court and watched the first set of their first game fly over the net.

They took the first set, and then the next two, winning them the first game. They won the next one as well. When they faced Karasuno, the team responsible for their loss the previous year, they stood their ground and managed to win that one as well. The crows fought almost as hard as they did which made winning feel that much sweeter.

They continued to climb the ranks and at the end of the week, they sat pretty in second place.

After all the hard work and effort they put into practice losing their very last game stung. Although silver was nothing to shake your head at. Atsumu’s grin was the widest as they lined up to receive their medals and his tears were the loudest when the team lifted him up on their shoulders in the locker room afterward.

Kiyoomi stood next to Osamu near the lockers, both watching the crowd from afar.

“Thank you,” Osamu said, never looking away from his brother. “For lookin’ after him. And belivin’ in him.” He looked at Kiyoomi whose eyes were blown wide.

“I told him he could win but it’s different when it comes from someone who ya don't share blood with. ‘Specially because he likes ya so much.” Osamu smirked.

“I only told him the truth.” Kiyoomi glanced at Atsumu who was talking excitedly to the group of first years.

“Honesty is key with him. He’s pretty dumb when it comes to stuff other than volleyball. Maybe yer bluntness will rub off on him and we won't have ta watch him embarrass himself anymore.” Osamu patted him hard on the back. His touch didn't burn through the fabric of his shirt like Atsumu’s did. Funny how the two of them could be so different despite being twins.

Kiyoomi nodded distantly. Osamu liked talking in riddles like he was in on a joke Kiyoomi wasn't privy to. He had learned to let the words go over his head when he realized they would only confuse him.

Atsumu found Kiyoomi sitting alone on one of their teammate's balconies at an end of the season party.

“Hey.” Kiyoomi didn't turn away from the stars that stretched across the night sky but he could recognize the warmth of Atsumu’s voice anywhere.

“Hey.”

“I was looking for ya, should've known you’d be where everyone else wasn't.” Kiyoomi laughed quietly and shrugged.

“It got loud,” Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Atsumu pull up another plastic chair and sit next to him. “Besides, the stars are really pretty tonight and I wanted to see them.” He saw Atsumu nod even though he was staring at Kiyoomi, not the stars.

They sat in comfortable silence, the kind that comes from being friends for so long. The kind that you don’t break because existing next to someone is enough.

“I got scholarship offers from a couple of places.” Kiyoomi breaks the quiet, finally meeting Atsumu’s stare. He waits, watching his friend digest this information.

“You’re planning on going pro right? I know a couple of teams have been scouting you.”

“I just sort of assumed you’d come with me.” Atsumu laughs and looks at the sky. This time it's Kiyoomi who traces Atsumu’s profile with his eyes. Waiting for him to continue.

“I think I'm ready to go pro. But it's okay if ya aren't yet.” Atsumu says to the stars.

“I don’t think I am,” Kiyoomi said softly and honestly. “I know that I'm good, but I still feel like I could be better. And maybe I just need the time to collect myself before being dumped into the real world.”

Atsumu nodded, laughing slightly at his feeble attempt at a joke.

Kiyoomi exhaled quietly. He had been worried about having this conversation after seeing how Atsumu had reacted when Osamu told him he was quitting volleyball after high school. Of course, Atsumu had grown a lot since then. Maybe Kiyoomi had underestimated him.

“That's so mature of ya Omi. Taking time to adjust and all that,” Atsumu said, looking down at Kiyoomi again. After a second he dragged his chair closer and leaned over Kiyoomi’s lap to rest his forehead on his shoulder.

He allowed it only because it was Atsumu. A lot of Kiyoomi’s rules went out the window when Atsumu was involved.

“But damn, I can’t pretend I'm not gonna miss ya.”

Kiyoomi laughed. He laid his head against Atsumu’s, his cheek pressed against the top of his head.

“I’d be offended if you didn’t miss me.”

Atsumu sniffed loudly.

“I'll visit every day.”

“That's way too much.” Kiyoomi rolled his eyes and lifted a hand to card his fingers through Atsummu’s hair.

“I'll do it anyway.” He said quietly. Distantly they could hear the sounds of their former teammates. It hit Kiyoomi that the two of them were taking different paths for the first time in their lives.

“Okay.”

- -

Kiyoomi chose a University in Tokyo that Komori was going to. It was easier to pick a roommate that way, a stranger probably would be less likely to put up with Kiyoomi’s cleanliness standards. Atsumu tried out and was accepted by MSBY, a team based in Okasa.

Despite the almost six-hour train ride between them Atsumu promised to visit Kiyoomi whenever he had a couple days off practice. The day Kiyoomi left, Atsumu hugged him so hard he thought his ribs would crack. Osamu and Suna hugged him too but neither of them cried.

From the window of the train he watched his mother and Atsumu sob into each other's arms with a small, fond smile. The two of them had always been prone to dramatics. Osamu and Kiyoomi’s father patted them on their backs consolingly, looking slightly worried. Kiyoomi laughed to himself.

Only when the train pulled away from the station and the view of Hyogo was replaced with green fields did he let the stray tears run down his cheeks. He was grateful for the quiet and mostly empty train car. He would prefer if less people saw him sniffing and quickly wiping away tears.

Settling into a new routine was easier than he expected. It helped that Komori was a relatively clean roommate and didn’t push too hard when Kiyoomi turned down his invitations to various social gatherings.

College was very similar to high school except for the added independence and higher expectations. The workload was heavier but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. His new teammates were very nice and talented but none of them smiled like the sun or called him Omi.

The setter was alright but his tosses were always a little too low for Kiyoomi. He thought it was just another thing he was going to have to get used too. Other than that, his new life was nice.

One day, when Komori had gone out with a friend for coffee, he heard a loud knock on his dorm room door. He sighed and pushed away from his desk.

“Komori did you forget your key again?” He opened the door and instead of Komori there stood a familiar face with blonde hair and a bright smile. Kiyoomi’s eyes widened.

“Hey stranger.” He winked.

“Atsu,” Kiyoomi blinked before throwing his arms around Atsumu who hugged him back twice as hard.

“I showered at my hotel before I came here.” He said, the words muffled by Kiyoomi’s shoulder.

“You better have,” Kiyoomi smiled. “I can't believe you didn’t text me first. I would've gotten a futon or something and you could've stayed here.”

“Don’t worry about all that Omi,” He waved a hand and Kiyoomi ached hearing his nickname on Atsumu’s lips again. “I’m making professional volleyball player money now. I can afford it. Now tell me everything about University! How’re yer teammates? Is yer new setter better than me?”

“Oh loads better,” Kiyoomi rolled his eyes. “It's only been about a month and you text me all the time.”

“Still,” Atsumu whined, walking past Kiyoomi and flopping onto his small twin bed. “I missed ya.” Kiyoomi sat next to him. Their thighs were touching but he blamed that on the bed's size.

“I missed you too.”

Atsumu perked up.

“So talk to me Omi-Omi! Tell me everything you didn’t get to say over text.” Kiyoomi laughed and launched into a story about his chemistry professor who messed up an experiment and ended up setting a flask on fire. Atsumu listened intently to everything he had to say and spoke excitedly about his teammates and Osaka when it was his turn.

Kiyoomi smiled while listening to his stories. He was happy for Atsumu but he really had missed him. It was nice to talk to him again, laughing like no time had passed at all. They ended up going to dinner before heading back to Kiyoomi’s dorm where they met up with Komori. The three of them stayed up talking, Atsumu left for his hotel late and Kiyoomi slept through his alarm the next morning and was late for his early lecture.

Atsumu stayed for a couple of days, hanging out in between Kiyoomi’s classes and pestering him while he tried to study. Kiyoomi rolled his eyes and snapped at him but he really was thrilled that Atsumu got to visit.

Saying goodbye was easier the second time around. Atsumu promised he would visit again as soon as he could. Buoyed by the thought, Kiyoomi returned to focusing on his classes with a smile.

Thankfully, Atsumu stayed true to his promise. He started showing up at Kiyoomi’s dorm with a smile and a new story from Tokyo every time MSBY gave him an extended break. Kiyoomi looked forward to each visit. Every time somebody knocked on their door unannounced he perked up like a dog trained with bells. Komori mocked him endlessly for it, calling him whipped.

Kiyoomi still didn’t think it was that odd to be excited to see his best friend.

As much as he missed him when he was gone, Kiyoomi liked his life at university. Every summer he returned to Hyogo to visit his parents. They had started having weekly dinners with the twins' mother after all the kids had left, saying they didn’t want her to be lonely in that empty house. Kiyoomi would join their dinners when he visited, subjecting himself to lots of cheek-pinching and comments on how tall he had gotten. It felt like home.

Sometimes in the summer Atsumu would join him and they would go back home together. And sometimes Osamu would come back too, taking time off from his new apprenticeship under a chef in Tokyo. Suna had stayed behind to go to a university in Hyogo which meant he was always around too. Those were the best times, when everyone was back, and the Miya’s backyard was full.

Four years passed in a blur that way. With short visits in Tokyo and long visits back home. Kiyoomi ached every time Atsumu left but the pain had dulled over the years as he got used to not seeing him every day like he used to.

When Kiyoomi walked across the stage, sweating in his dark graduation robes, he smiled because he knew somewhere in the crowd Atsumu was sitting beside his parents who were probably bawling by now. He could picture the small smile on his best friend's face and he felt his own lips twitch in response.

When he found his guests later he saw his guess had been right. He met Atsumu’s eye over his mothers shoulder as she hugged him tightly. His smile matched the one in Kiyoomi’s head exactly.

He accepted a small bouquet of lilies from the twin’s mother and a clap on the shoulder from Osamu and Suna before turning to Atsumu.

“Ya did great, ya didn’t even trip walking across stage.” Kiyoomi rolled his eyes.

“Thanks Atsu. Your confidence in me is overwhelming.”

“Of course Omi,” Atsumu smiled at him, “But really, I’m proud of ya.” Kiyoomi’s eyes shined as he nodded.

Kiyoomi hugged Atsumu before he left, trusting that he read the silent thank you in the way he held on for a second too long. The smile on Atsumus face when he pulled back said he did.

- -

Early in the summer, Atsumu invited Kiyoomi to a MSBY game in Osaka. Kiyoomi watched with awe as the spikers slammed the ball down, scoring point after point with Atsumu’s killer serves. They played like a professional team, taking the game more seriously then the collegiate teams had.

When MSBY won, Kiyoomi cheered the loudest.

Atsumu insisted on showing Kiyoomi around Osaka afterwards, taking him to his favorite ramen place closest to MSBY’s practice gym.

Once they both had bowls of noodles in front of them Atsumu started trying to sell MSBY to Kiyoomi.

“It’s really great, I promise ya’d love it. We’re the best around. The Adlers have nothing on us. Plus the teams great, they’re very nice.” Kiyoomi put down his soup spoon.

“Atsu, did you invite me here just to convince me to join MSBY?”

“Maybe.” Atsumu shrugged.

“Or maybe I'm just tellin’ ya the truth. I know ya’d like it here, not to mention you’d be playing with Japan's best setter.” He puffed out his chest.

“Oh I didn't know Kageyama played for MSBY.” Kiyoomi feigned ignorance. Atsumu’s jaw dropped.

“Ya really know how to hurt a man Omi.” He stared down at his ramen, shoulders sagging. Kiyoomi humed.

“I don’t know, I've been getting a lot of offers from different teams. I really should look at all my options.” Kiyoomi said vaguely. It was true, he had been scouted by multiple different teams in his last year of university. He had collected coaches' information like kids collected pokemon cards. But he really was only considering trying out for one team.

He thought of the card bearing the name Samson Foster of the MSBY Black Jackals sitting on top of his desk back home.

“How am I gonna know which team to focus on beating if ya don’t even tell me who yer gonna play for?” Atsumu cried. Kiyoomi laughed and shook his head.

Atsumu groaned about Kiyoomi keeping him in the dark and demanding he at least give him a hint but Kiyoomi only smiled. The shock on his friend's face would be worth the years away at university.

When he showed up bright and early at the MSBY tryouts he was proven right. Atsumu’s eyes just about bugged out of his head.

They didn’t have a chance to talk during tryouts, both being busy with their respective jobs and all. Afterwards, Kiyoomi was taking a drink of water by the benches and talking with the other people trying out when he spotted Atsumu walking his way out of the corner of his eye. Smiling to himself, he excused himself from the conversation and turned to greet his friend.

“How dare ya Omi, I thought we were friends!” Atsumu huffed.

“What, you didn’t like my surprise Atsu?” Kiyoomi grinned, “You certainly looked pleased when I hit that high set right between your two teammates.”

“You didn’t even tell me ya were trying out for MSBY! I almost thought ya were gonna go somewhere else just to spite me.”

“I thought about it.” Kiyoomi said jokingly just to hear Atsumu whine.

“I tried out for the EJP Rajins with Komori as a backup but MSBY was always my first choice.” Atsumu perked up, his bright smile returning slowly.

“Because ya missed me so much?”

“No.” Yes.

“It's ok Omi, I know ya love me.” Atsumu said it smugly while Kyoomi just laughed. He said it all the time but this was the first time Kiyoomi felt something in his chest stir at the sound of those words. Maybe he missed Atsumu more than he thought, or maybe he was just excited to finally be close to his best friend once again.

Either way the feeling wasn't unwelcome.

Tryouts ended with Atsumu introducing Kiyoomi to a couple of his friends on the team, including Bokuto Koutarou, the old ace from Fukurodani and Hinata Shoyo from Karasuno who had just joined MSBY the season before. Kiyoomi left feeling lighter than he had in a while.

A couple weeks later Kiyoomi heard an insistent knocking on the door of his apartment in Tokyo that could only be one person. Already grinning, Kiyoomi jogged to the door and pulled it open to meet Atsumu’s equally bright smile.

“Omi they released the starting lineup for next season!”

“For MSBY?” Atsumu rolled his eyes and walked past Kiyoomi into the apartment, settling on a plush couch.

“Who else would I be talking about?”

“Well tell me, Did I make the cut?” Kiyoomi sat eagerly on the couch next to Atsumu, trying and failing to hide his nerves.

“I haven't looked at it yet, I thought we could do it together.” Kiyoomi nodded his assent, urging Atsumu to get on with it.

Atsumu took a deep breath before clicking open the email on his phone. Kiyoomi watched his amber eyes volly back and forth across the small screen. Atsumu paused and blinked.

“Well?” Kiyoom’s voice didn’t crack but it was close.

“Oh my god.” Atsumu’s voice came out hushed. Kiyoomi’s heart fell.

“Ya got in.”

Kiyoomi looked up at Atsumu who stared back at him, the meaning of his words sinking in slowly.

“For real? You're not fucking with me Atsu?” Atsumu shook his head.

Suddenly Kiyoomi was smiling and Atsumu was laughing and they were still staring into each others eyes and Kiyoomi wanted to hug him.

Kiyoomi pulled his gaze away and focused on the screen of Atsumu’s phone. In bold print he saw his name under the official MSBY starting lineup.

“That's amazing, I'm so proud of ya. I always thought ya could do it!”

“Thought? Aren’t you supposed to say you always knew I could do it?” Kiyoomi raised an eyebrow.

“Ehh,” Atsumu seesawed a hand, “I dunno Omi, some of the other people trying out were pretty good. Hey!” He yelped as Kiyoomi slapped his arm with a scowl.

“I’m kidding! I’m just kidding. You’re extremely talented Omi, they’d be crazy if they didn’t put ya on the team.”

“Thank you,” Kiyoomi smirked, satisfied. “I guess I should start looking for apartments in Osaka huh?” Atsumu’s eyes widened.

“Oh shit, yeah! Yer gonna be so close I forgot! Omi ya better get ready to see me so much ya get sick of me.” Kiyoomi quietly thought that was impossible. He laughed uninhabited. Buoyed by the joy of his future plans working out and excited to be closer to Atsumu.

Atsumu watched Kiyoomi with a distant smile on his face. He couldn’t remember a time where he smiled this much for this long before. Looking at him now, he learned anew why he had been so head over heels in high school. Not that he’d ever really forgotten.

“If ya wanted, ya could always room with me, my apartment’s a two bedroom. I got an extra ‘cause ‘Samu was always visiting but he's gotten busier lately with his new branch of the restaurant and everything.” Kiyoomi blinked at him.

“Take yer time to think about it of course, I just thought I’d offer.” Atsumu rubbed the back of his neck.

“Okay,” Kiyoomi nodded. “Thank you Atsu.” Atsumu smiled softly.

“Sure Omi.”

- -

About a week later Atsumu stopped on the sidewalk to read a text from Omi. There was no greeting, it only said, ‘Is your second bedroom still available?’ He smiled and responded with an enthusiastic yes. Soon enough they were talking through moving logistics and times.

In the middle of a conversation about the correct way to pack dishware it hit Atsumu that this was real. He was going to be living with Kiyoomi, his oldest friend besides Samu, and the person he’d been crushing on for the better part of his life.

Which was fine, it was fine. He’d been so heartbroken after Nationals second year that he forgot to tell him then, and he hadn’t told him in third year because he had been leaving for university and Atsumu didn’t want to distract him from anything.

He thought it all worked out okay. Kiyoomi was happy where he was and so was Atsumu.

Maybe though, said a quiet voice in his head. Maybe things will be different now.

Or maybe this was a mistake. Atsumu huffed, dragging a box that either contained books, shoes, or a mix of both up the third flight of stairs.

“Why’d I have to pick an apartment on the fifth floor? This must be some sort of unjust divine punishment Omi, I swear I didn't do anything to deserve this.”

“That’s debatable,” Kiyoomi wheezed from behind him, lugging two duffle bags of clothes. “You didn’t mention that your elevator was closed for repairs when I asked if today worked for you.”

“It wasn’t when ya asked!” Atsumu cried as he reached the landing, dropping the box down with a loud thump. Kiyoomi followed, dropping his bags in a similar manner. For a second they both looked at each other, chests heaving.

“This is a disaster.” Kiyoomi deadpanned. Atsumu waved a hand.

“I've seen worse.”

“Of course you have.” Kiyoomi rolled his eyes and sat on a step. It was a testament to how tired he was that he didn't wipe down the step first. Atsumu sat beside him.

“It'll be worth it though. This’ll be fun! I’m a great roommate.”

“Sure.” Kiyoomi smiled, his eyes fixed on his duffle bags.

“Thank you,” He said after a while. “For offering your second room and helping me move in. I know it’s a lot.” Atsumu shook his head.

“What kind of friend would I be if I left ya out there to fend for yerself?” Atsumu watched Kiyoomi’s side profile as the corners of his lips twitched upwards.

He allowed himself to watch his expression smooth out before standing up and offering Kiyoomi a hand. He took it and together they lugged the box and bags to Atsumu’s apartment before agreeing to do the rest when the elevators were working again.

Eventually all the boxes were delivered and placed with care into Atsumu’s apartment, now their apartment, he thought. That night they sat at Atsumu’s kitchen table eating takeout Onigiri that wasn’t as good as Osamu’s and laughing about everything and nothing. They both agreed that unpacking would come tomorrow.

“Hinata did not say that, I don’t believe you.”

“He did! He looked the guy dead in the eyes and told him to take his crusty dick somewhere else.” Atsumu nodded seriously. Kiyoomi looked at him like he had grown horns.

“Wow. Ok. I guess I underestimated him then.” Atsumu waited until he had taken another bite of Onigiri before smirking.

“I’m just kiddin’ ya Omi, Sho-kun would never say something like that.” Atsumu cackled at the loud groan Kiyoomi made around his dinner.

“You’re such a terrible person I don't know why I even hang out with you.” Kiyoomi shook his head.

“Ya love me.” Atsumu nodded smugly. Kiyoomi scowled at him but he could tell there was no malice in his eyes.

They finished dinner together and Atsumu found himself drying dishes after Kiyoomi washed them just like he used to back in Hyogo when they would have sleepovers. Their parents had started that habit saying that chores always went by faster if two people were doing them.

Looking back, it probably was just an elaborate scheme to get free labour out of their kids' friends. Atsumu looked at Kiyoomi who was concentrating on the pair of reusable chopsticks he was scrubbing and thought that maybe he didn’t mind being free labour as a kid if it led him to this moment. Kiyoomi must have felt him staring because he looked up and met his eyes.

“What?” Atsumu shook his head.

“Nothing, it’s just domestic yaknow? Doing dishes like this again, it’s nice.” Kiyoomi nodded and looked back at the chopsticks.

“It is domestic. I like it.” Kiyoomi smiled to himself and thought he wouldn't mind doing this for the rest of his life. His hands stilled.

When had he started planning the rest of his life with Atsumu? Was that something normal friends did?

Kiyoomi thought about the friends he had made at university. He wasn’t as close to any of them as he was with Atsumu but even then he couldn't see himself wanting to spend the rest of his life washing dishes for them to dry before setting them on the drying rack. Atsumu was the only person he could picture filling that role in his life.

Atsumu was the only person he wanted to stay with for the rest of his life. It had always been him, even if he was just now realizing it.

Atsumu noticed Kiyoomi’s silence and nudged his shoulder with a dry knuckle.

“Ya okay there Omi?”

“I'm in love with you.” Kiyoomi said softly.

“What was that?” Kiyoomi took a deep breath and repeated himself.

“I’m in love with you Atsumu.”

Kiyoomi turned to meet Atsumu’s wide eyes. He looked stunned, blinking with a blank expression. For a split second Kiyoomi felt nervous, maybe he shouldn't have blurted it out like that, but then Atsumu was smiling wide and bright like Kiyoomi always remembered.

“Really?” Atsumu asked, almost whispered. Kiyoomi nodded.

“God Omi I’ve loved ya for so long, ya have no idea how happy I am right now.”

Atsumu was close enough that Kiyoomi could see the faint freckles dotting the tops of his cheekbones but even that distance felt like miles. Kiyoomi leaned in, just a bit, to try and close the gap.

“I think I have some idea.” Kiyoomi muttered into the space between them, eyes falling to the swell of Atsumu’s lips before looking up to see he had done the same.

“I’m gonna kiss ya now.” Atsumu said, lifting his hand to rest on the corner of Kiyoomi’s jaw.

Kiyoomi nodded, too focused on the loud beating of his heart to form proper sentences. Atsumu leaned in, tilting Kiyoomi’s head and slotting their lips together.

Emotion swept through Kiyoomi like a tidal wave. Kissing Atsumu felt like a culmination of their time together. It felt like coming home, and comfort, and every great thing wrapped up into one.

At the same time it felt like new beginnings, like the start of the next chapter of Kiyoomi’s life.

Their noses bumped as Kiyoomi’s lips stretched into a grin. Undeterred, Atsumu kissed each corner of his mouth before eventually pulling away to rest his forehead against Kiyoomi’s. For a second they just breathed each other in. Letting their feelings swell and settle.

“How long? Have ya liked me?” Atsumu whispered like he was afraid Kiyoomi would run away if he talked too loud. Kiyoomi settled a hand in a loose grip on Atsumu’s wrist that was still cupping his jaw. To reassure him that he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Who knows. Always? Maybe? I only just realized, but I think I fell in love with you when we read the MSBY listings.” Atsumu laughed, throwing his head back and intertwining their fingers.

“Ya just now figured it out?” Atsumu raised an eyebrow. Kiyoomi just shrugged.

“When you love someone for so long it becomes normal I guess.”

“I figured out I was in love with ya our second year of high school.”

“And you never said anything?” Atsumu whined.

“I was gonna tell ya after Nationals but then we lost, and then ya were leaving for university and I didn’t even know if ya liked me back, and even if ya did I didn’t want to distract ya or anything.”

“That is a terrible excuse.”

“Okay maybe I was also scared. We can’t all just blurt out our feelings as soon as we realize them.”

“I’m glad I did though.” Atsumu’s gaze softened and he used their joined hands to pull Kiyoomi closer.

“I am too.”

Atsumu kissed him with years worth of love and Kiyoomi was more than happy to drink it all in. Eventually their kiss became deeper, more insistent. Atsumu tugged on Kiyoomi’s bottom lip and Kiyoomi dutifully opened his mouth to give Atsumu access. Kiyoomi grabbed the bottom of Atsumu’s shirt and tugged on it to get his attention. Atsumu broke away from their kiss, eyes burning.

“We still haven't unpacked my bedsheets yet, I’ll need somewhere to sleep tonight.”

“Well lucky for ya I have a perfectly nice bed made and I wouldn't mind sharing if ya asked nicely.” Atsumu winked at him.

Kiyoomi smiled and leaned in to whisper in Atsumu’s ear.

“Either you take me to bed or you find somewhere else to sleep because I'm certainly not sleeping on the dirty couch.”

Atsumu laughed.

“I like the first option.”

“Me too,” Kiyoomi smiled and pulled back and walked out of the kitchen, shedding his shirt as he went. He looked back and cocked his head. “You coming?”

Atsumu grinned and pulled his shirt off as well. Kiyoomi let himself trace Atsumu’s torso with blazing eyes.

“See something ya like?”

“I can’t decide, I haven't seen all of you yet.”

It was almost comical the way Kiyoomi could see Atsumu’s pupils dilate.

“Then let's change that,” Atsumu said with a smile before taking Kiyoomi’s hand and leading him down the hallway to his bedroom.

The next morning Kiyoomi woke slowly to bright sunlight streaming in from the window. It illuminated Atsumu perfectly, reflecting off his hair making it look soft and making his bright eyes glow.

He was awake, staring intently at something on his phone. Kiyoomi stretched his arms over his head until he heard the satisfying pop from his shoulders.

“I forgot ya did that in the morning,” Atsumu smiled to himself. He looked over at Kiyoomi stretched out next to him. “It’s still super weird.”

Kiyoomi reached out and swatted at Atsumu’s shoulder with a groan.

“Who’re you texting?” He mumbled.

“Who are ya, the police?” Atsumu teased. Kiyoomi opened his eyes to glare at him which earned another breathy laugh.

“It’s ‘Samu. I told him about us and he’s being his usual annoying self. Like him and Suna weren’t the worst when they got together.” He mutters the last part under his breath.

Kiyoomi hummed and slung an arm over Atsumu’s still bare stomach. Atsumu’s heart lurched at the sudden show of affection until out of the corner of his eye he saw Kiyoomi’s fingers slowly inching towards the hand that was holding his phone.

Quickly he snapped the arm away from Kiyoomi’s reach causing him to sit up and stare at him in indignation.

“Hey I saw that! Yer trying to be all sneaky, thinking I’d be distracted by how cute ya are.” Kiyoomi crossed his arms and flopped back down onto the bed.

“Jerk.” Kiyoomi muttered. Atsumu laughed and set his phone on the bedside table. He scooted down until he was eye-level with Kiyoomi and threw an arm around his waist with absolutely no other intention than to cuddle.

“Ya love me.” He smirked knowingly.

“I'm regretting it more by the second.” Kiyoomi mumbled into the pillow but his hand was drawing light circles on Atsumu’s arm and Atsumu could see the corner of his mouth twitching upwards.

On the nightstand, Atsumu's phone buzzed with one last message from Osamu that only read, ‘Finally’.

- -

“Omi-Omi!”

Kiyoomi sighed. He turned away from Hinata who he had been talking to and faced Bokuto with a grimace.

“Are you ever gonna call me Sakusa?”

“Nope!” Bokuto beamed and Kiyoomi saw Atsumu cover his mouth with his hand out of the corner of his eye. He turned and glared at his boyfriend. He mouthed, ‘This is your fault’ and glared his best death glare at him but Atsumu just shrugged, unfazed.

“A couple of us were gonna go to dinner after practice on Friday! Are you coming? ‘Tsumu’s coming.”

“If Atsumu’s going, then no.” Atsumu gasped from across the court.

“He’ll buy you a drink!” Bokuto said excitedly. Atsumu looked at him in disbelief.

“Hey don’t go offering up my money like that! Bokkun, I thought we were friends!”

Kiyoomi tapped his pointer finger to his chin in faux-thought.

“You make a good bargain Bokuto.” Hinata laughed from beside Kiyoomi.

“Make it two drinks and then you have a deal.” Bokuto nodded excitedly and they fist-bumped to make it official. Atsumu squawked in protest but nobody listened to him.

He was still pouting when he and Kiyoomi left practice that night and were walking back home to their apartment. Kiyoomi rolled his eyes fondly and nudged him with his elbow.

“You can’t stand the idea of buying a pretty boy a couple of drinks?” Atsumu snorted and turned to Kiyoomi with a grin.

“Ya know I’d buy ya as many drinks as ya wanted.” Atsumu paired this statement with a wink that made Kiyoomi smile softly.

“But ya didn’t even defend yer boyfriend Omi! With everyone ganging up on me I felt like we were in high school again.” Kiyoomi laughed to himself.

“It’s almost nostalgic.”

Atsumu groaned which made Kiyoomi snort. He pulled a hand out of his own pocket and slipped it into Atsumu’s, intertwining their fingers under the fabric.

“Those were the days, but I like these days better.” Atsumu looked over at Kiyoomi who was bathed in the afternoon light. His dark eyes were trained on the sidewalk but they shined with happiness. He really was lucky he got to spend the rest of his life with him.

“Yeah,” He pressed a kiss to the ink black curls bouncing beside him. “I do too.”