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"Wow, that serve was so amazing Kageyama!" Suga shouted before he jumped onto the first year, suffocating him in a hug.
Kageyama was a little taken aback by the sudden contact so ended up stammering out a thanks as he awkwardly hugged back with what little arm movement he had. The vice-captain pulled away and patted his head with a grin before telling him to do it again. Kageyama walked to the back line with confusion on his face but brushed it off when he prepared to serve. That hug wasn't so bad...
"Kageyama!"
Hinata tackled the setter into a hug when he had pulled off a very unexpected setter dump, leading Karasuno to win their practise game against Date Tech. The two fell to the floor and Kageyama winced as his back hit the ground harshly. He tried to push the first year off but once again his arms were trapped at his sides.
"How am I supposed to hug back if I can't move?" he asked, not meaning his words but desiring freedom.
But Hinata thought he genuinely wanted to hug back so sat up and lifted up Kageyama's arms before hugging him again and wrapping his arms around him.
"I didn't..." Kageyama stopped with a sigh, awkwardly patting Hinata's back who laughed with glee. "Please get off now."
Hinata did and Tanaka pulled him up before he and Noya crashed into him with another hug, just a little less violently than Hinata. With one either side of him, he sighed before resting his head on Tanaka's shoulder and complaining about this being abuse. The two second years laughed and Tanaka ruffled his hair before they let go.
Once everyone had finished celebrating and had said their thanks to Date Tech, they headed back out onto the bus to head home. Kageyama couldn't help but wonder why everyone liked hugs so much...
"You okay?" Daichi asked as he sat by the first year during their short break.
"... I'm fine." Kageyama replied before taking another drink of his water.
"Mhm. Are you sure?" the captain asked as he couldn't help but notice the melancholy aura about the setter today.
"Yeah, thanks."
"If you say so. You know you can talk to me about anything right, any of us?"
Kageyama nodded his head so Daichi stood up, patting Kageyama's hair before heading back over to Suga and Asahi. It might have been a trick of the light but he swore the corners of Kageyama's lips turned up. Just a little.
So he put it to the test. Whenever he noticed Kageyama was a little out of it during that practise, he came up to him and said something encouraging whilst patting his head, and he definitely saw the smile on the first year's face, no matter how small.
Practise ended and Kageyama surprisingly headed out first since he didn't have to clean up. He went up to the club room to get changed and just sighed when he was given a small moment of quiet. He really was okay, he just got down sometimes. Okay, a little more than most people but it was normal, nothing to worry about. He sat down on one of the benches with his head bowed and sighed, feeling nothing but numbness and fatigue.
He looked up when he heard the door open and saw Yamaguchi head into the club room, saying everyone else was still cleaning up or on their way. Kageyama nodded and remained quiet, that was until Yamaguchi sat down next to him.
"Are you okay, Kageyama?" the freckled boy asked quietly.
"... Yeah."
Yamaguchi nodded and they both sat together in quiet, but it wasn't really awkward. But then Yamaguchi turned to him and lightly tapped his shoulder, making the younger look at him.
"What is it?"
"Can I give you a hug?" Yamaguchi asked nervously.
"Um, why?"
"Because I think people need hugs when they're feeling down. So, um..."
Yamaguchi leaned forwards and hugged Kageyama. At first the setter was tense but eventually relaxed, returning the hug and resting his head on the server's shoulder. Yamaguchi smiled and lightly patted Kageyama's head.
"Feeling better?"
"Mhm."
"So it's just one of those days, huh?"
"Yeah, I'll be okay." Kageyama assured before pulling away and offering a small smile before he got up to get changed, Yamaguchi following soon after with exciting information. Kageyama liked hugs...
To most people, upon first impression of seeing or meeting Kageyama, you would think he is a quiet, mysterious and aloof teen. But, once you spent even the smallest amount of time with him you just realise he's a soft, anxious and extremely touch-deprived boi.
And for the Karasuno team, this was the most exciting news ever! As time went on they watched as Kageyama grew more comfortable with physical contact and even enjoyed things like hugs, but his favourite was definitely high-fives, short and sweet. So, as expected, they made the most of the newfound revelation.
Now, all of them eventually found the smallest excuses just to hug Kageyama or pat his head, loving it when that small smile would flash on his face, brightening up his features. When he did an amazing serve at least one person would give him a high five, or when he performed an unexpected move a few of them would tackle him in a hug.
But it happened even in ordinary situations. For example, if one of them was tired and didn't want to practise, they would just walk up to Kageyama and hug him. Kageyama would just wrap his arms around them and stutteringly ask if they were okay. Or if they were just eating together at lunch or alone during practise break, one of them would go and either give him a back hug, to which the setter would lean into and softly pat their hands, or sit by him and let him rest his head on their shoulder, to which they could smile at the content expression on the first year's face when one of them patted or ran a hand through his hair.
And damn, did other teams find it cute...
One time they were heading to a weekend training camp with Fukurodani and Nekoma so they had to leave early to travel there. Of course most of them were tired so slept on the way there, meaning for once the minibus was quiet. But Kageyama hadn't slept well the night before, having a few unpleasant dreams, so was horridly awake despite feeling drained.
A few of them noticed and asked if he was alright, to which he replied in his usual fashion that he was and that they didn't have to worry. To this they sighed and Asahi moved to sit by him, saying he didn't always have to say he was okay. I mean, look at him, he always expressed himself even if it was embarrassing.
Kageyama looked at him with a thoughtful expression as he spoke, and was quiet for a moment after, before he shuffled down in his seat slightly and turned to face the ace, resting his head on the broad shoulder before speaking in a whisper:
"I'm tired. I have insomnia."
"O-oh... Is it quite bad?" he asked as he shuffled around to make them both more comfortable.
"Sometimes. It comes and goes when I don't want it to." Kageyama explained before sighing dejectedly.
"Is that why you're sometimes not your usual self?"
"Mhm. I didn't tell anyone. Sorry."
"That's nothing to apologise about, alright? How about... you try and get some sleep now, okay?" Asahi asked softly.
"..."
Asahi looked down to see if Kageyama was pondering his answer but his eyes widened in pleasant surprise when he found the setter had already fallen asleep. A smile appeared on his face and he made sure they were both comfortable before he rested his head atop the first year's and slowly drifted off to sleep...
The early morning passed before they pulled up to Nekoma High. Ukai went around shaking the shoulders of the sleeping boys, not shouting since he knew they had travelled ridiculously early. One by one they woke up as Takeda pulled into the school, all yawning and stretching and slumping in their seats as they pushed away their fatigue.
When Ukai reached the back of the bus he was surprised to find Kageyama and Asahi asleep together, Kageyama practically encompassed by the ace's arms. The coach smiled softly before shaking Asahi's shoulder. Asahi yawned as he opened his eyes, pushing himself up slightly as he shook his head to wake up.
"We've arrived. Can you wake Kageyama up?"
"Yeah, sure."
Asahi looked down and found Kageyama was still out for the count. He really mustn't have slept well last night and he couldn't help but wonder how many nights he hadn't slept yet pushed himself to make it through their daily practises. He couldn't help but admire the younger.
"Kageyama." he called softly. "Hey, Kageyama."
Kageyama's brow furrowed and his body tensed before he relaxed with a sigh, partly opening his eyes as he raised a hand to rub away the sleep.
"Are we here?" he asked quietly.
"Yeah, we just arrived."
"Okay."
"... You have to get up you know."
"... Not yet."
Asahi couldn't help but crack a smile as the teen planned to return to sleep. Okay, he must be really tired to want to put off playing volleyball. Sure they wouldn't officially start playing until later since they had to unpack and eat breakfast, but still.
"Is he up yet?" Suga asked in a slightly loud and awake voice, but paused when Asahi held a hand to his lips and made a phone gesture with his hand.
Suga nodded and left, returning a moment later with his phone, opening the notes app.
'Kageyama has insomnia.'
Suga's eyes widened at the words Asahi typed and he typed back.
'Did he not sleep last night?'
Asahi shook his head and they both looked down at the sleeping teen with warm smiles, glad Kageyama had told them and in awe of how innocent he looked when sleeping. Suga headed over to Daichi and showed him the texts, and the captain looked concerned too and wondered what to do.
"We won't be doing any official practise until later so if we can just go inside he can sleep then?"
"Okay, I'll wake him up."
To his surprise when Suga walked back to Asahi and Kageyama, he found the first year awake and looking up, speaking quietly to the person who was leaning on the back of his seat. It was Tsukishima.
"So you're up?" he asked, when Tsuki nodded and walked away, seemingly satisfied with what the setter had told him.
"Mhm." Kageyama replied with a yawn.
"We're gonna head inside and unpack. Care to join us?"
Kageyama looked with drowsy eyes at the hand Suga was extending before accepting it and standing up, turning away to pick up his bag from the storage above. But a hand ruffling his hair made him turn around with a raised brow. Suga only laughed and walked away, leaving the first year to his confusion.
He was the last off the bus, Takeda locking it behind him. He stood with the other first years as Daichi talked with Kuroo and Bokuto. He raised a hand to stifle a yawn, yet looked to his side when he felt a gentle nudge to his side. Tsuki was looking at him with a raised brow, to which the setter just nodded his head. The blond sighed before giving him another nudge, to which Kageyama just sighed and rested his head on the blond's shoulder.
"You really okay?" Tsuki asked.
"I'll be fine. Always am."
"Hm."
The others on the team, as well as from Nekoma and Fukurodani, noticed their little interaction, and wondered why Kageyama looked so tired. Of course Daichi had spread the message amongst Karasuno, as it was something they should all be aware of for the future, but he wasn't planning on telling anyone else. That was for Kageyama to decide.
"We're heading inside." Tsuki whispered, and Kageyama stood up properly before following the team inside.
When they entered the school they headed over to the dorms where they would be staying for the weekend. Everyone began to put their bags down and settle down around the room, still waking up properly or sorting out their things. Some began to do activities or homework whilst some lounged around listening to music. Kageyama was about to take out his earphones when someone hugged him from behind.
"Hello Yamaguchi."
"Good morning Kageyama." Yamaguchi greeted.
"A-are you okay?"
"Mhm. And you?"
"I'm alright."
"You seem a little tired though."
"I am, but it's okay."
Yamaguchi smiled and gave him one last hug before going over to chill by Tsukishima who already had his headphones on. Kageyama took out his earphones and phone before settling against the wall near the window and put on some music. He leant his head against the wall and was shut his eyes, letting himself relax and energise for practise later.
That was until he felt a presence next to him.
"Hello Noya." Kageyama greeted, knowing it was the Libero before he even opened his eyes.
Noya gasped. "How did you know it was me?" he questioned.
"You have an energetic presence, but you're not as loud as Hinata."
"Whoa, so cool."
Kageyama opened his eyes to find Noya looking at him expectedly. Kageyama sighed before shuffling closer and resting his head on the libero's shoulder, resuming to shut his eyes. Noya silently cheered and shuffled closer himself, gently patting Kageyama's hair in hopes of getting him to sleep.
"This is still abuse." the setter mumbled, not admitting he really loved all of the contact; not knowing how much until his team smothered him in it.
Noya only laughed and scrolled through his social media as Kageyama listened to his music. The breeze coming from the open window was refreshing at first but he must have shivered in his half-asleep state, because he heard some small whispers next to him and slight shuffling. However, he was neither curious nor bothered enough to open his eyes to look at what was going on.
But the next thing he knew someone was sitting on his other side and their arms slowly wrapped around him, moving him from his position next to Noya into someone's chest. His head was directed onto someone's front shoulder and strong arms embraced him. Kageyama relaxed into the warmth and tried to figure out who it was through the embrace. Strong but not suffocating. Daichi.
Daichi was naturally very warm, so the slight cold he felt earlier melted away and the heat helped him fall asleep entirely...
"Is he asleep?" Hinata asked from the other side of the room.
Daichi looked down at the sleeping boy in his arms, lightly brushing away the fallen strands of hair that covered the setter's eyes and seeing Kageyama not stir.
"Yeah."
A collective sigh echoed around the players, and a calm ambience settled in the room. Once or twice did Kageyama stir, but Daichi was quick enough to ease him back off to sleep, wanting Kageyama to get as much rest as possible.
At one point, some of the other players joined them in their room to catch up and chat with each other. Kuroo slid open the door and peered inside with a big grin before inhaling deeply and opening his mouth as if to shout extremely and unnecessarily loudly. But before he could Karasuno all hushed him in sync, causing the captain to shut his mouth with a frown.
He followed their collective gazes as they turned to Daichi, and his eyes widened in surprise when he found their first year prodigy setter sleeping in his arms, Daichi seeming like he was about to doze off too.
"What's going on?" Kuroo asked quietly as he walked into the room with Bokuto and Akaashi.
Suga explained in a soft tone that Kageyama had insomnia and hadn't slept last night, so they were being quiet so he could try and sleep now. He then also added for them to not mention his insomnia to anyone else: he clearly didn't want to tell everyone for a reason. All three of them were serious and agreed to keep it to themselves, before spreading out around the room. Bokuto went over to Hinata whilst Kuroo went over to Tsukishima; Akaashi went to sit with Suga.
Bokuto and Hinata soon began to grow animated, speaking in loud whispers with gesturing hands and wide eyes. But they both made sure to not get too loud. Suga and Akaashi just chatted about ridiculous things their teams had been doing lately, but both turned to the chaotic due with stern faces when they grew a little too loud. Kuroo and Tsukishima on the other hand:
"Tsukipoo-"
"No." the blond interrupted before turning his music up and shutting his eyes, causing Yamaguchi to stifle a laugh as Kuroo pouted before standing up and heading over to chill with Daichi.
"How have you been recently?" Daichi asked quietly.
"Alright thanks. School is a chore but it's okay. You?"
"Same here. We've all been working extra hard lately."
"Including this one?" Kuroo gestured to Kageyama.
"Especially this one. He's quiet, when not ticked off by Hinata, but works harder and is more determined than anyone."
"Did you know? About his insomnia, that is."
"No." the captain answered with a sigh. "I don't think he ever planned on telling us, and it just slipped out this morning. He told Asahi."
"Hm, well better late than never. And what's with all the touching?"
To this Daichi softly laughed and re-adjusted his grip when Kageyama stirred a little. He explained that they'd discovered Kageyama was actually just touch-deprived and really liked hugs and other things, he was just bad at asking for it. So now they're making up for it, but they love it just as much as they think he does.
"Damn that's so cute."
"I know right?" And both captains shared a grin...
A while later it was lunchtime and those who had skipped eating due to falling asleep- cough, Kags, cough- were woken up to have some food. Daichi took his time waking the first year up, making sure he wasn't uncomfortable or too tired.
"Are you feeling a little better now?"
"Mhm. I can still play." Kageyama replied stubbornly as he pushed himself up and rubbed at his eyes.
"I'm sure you can. Come on, let's get some lunch before we practise."
The team all headed to the lunch hall where they lunched on lots of fresh and grilled foods. Everything tasted delicious and by the end of it everyone had good energy to start practise. Each team took their time stretching whilst their food digested before they began a match.
First up, Karasuno v Fukurodani. Kuroo flipped a coin and the captains placed bets; it landed on heads meaning Karasuno served first.
"Kageyama?" he called over to the first year who was finishing up his stretching.
"Yeah?"
"Will you start the match?"
"Okay." the setter nodded before grabbing a volleyball and heading to the backline, whilst everyone else got into their positions.
Kageyama took a few deep breaths whilst he tossed and spun the ball a little to get the feel of it, before exhaling slowly and raising it to eye-level. Immediately his whole aura changed. His eyes were a piercing and sharp blue, his gaze focused and intense. Karasuno grinned and got ready for the match, knowing Kageyama was in great form right now.
Perfect, they thought, as Kageyama threw the ball up and ran forwards to do a jump serve, let's show them how much we've improved...