Cats and dogs would sooner free-fall from the sky than Iwaizumi Hajime have a girlfriend.

I mean—come on. The very idea of Iwa openly caring for someone in a romantic capacity was absurd. Otherworldly, even. The ace outside hitter of Aoba Johsai didn’t have a single boyfriend bone in his body.

Which was exactly why, when he announced his first relationship—because why the hell would he be embarrassed?—it sent the entire campus into chaos.

Not a single soul believed him.

His teammates took the teasing route, of course. Claimed he’d invented an imaginary girlfriend. Said he’d taken one too many volleyballs to the head—even though Iwa was usually the one doing the hitting.

There was just no way.

Especially since wherever Iwaizumi went, Oikawa followed. Two peas in a pod. The only difference being Oikawa took up more space—girls flocked to him in droves, leaving none for anyone else.

Until curiosity shifted. And then everyone’s jaw hit the floor.

Iwaizumi stood near the sidelines, legs spread wide, corded hands shoved deep into the pockets of his hoodie. His posture screamed boredom—unfiltered indifference. Music hummed softly from his earbuds as he watched his teammates tidy up after practice.

He’d done his part. He could’ve left already.

But he was waiting.

Patient, as the girls’ side of the court finished packing up. His gaze drifted to the ceiling, lashes fluttering as sleep threatened to overtake him—until movement at the edge of his vision caught his attention.

You.

Duffel bag slung over your shoulder, cheeks flushed a soft pink from exertion, you smiled the moment your eyes met his.

That was all it took.

With a quiet grunt, he pushed off the wall and crossed the gym in long, unhurried strides. His expression gave nothing away—right up until he slipped behind you, one hand settling at your back as he leaned down just enough to brush his lips against your temple.

“Hey, baby,” he murmured.

Your bag was lifted effortlessly from your shoulder and tossed over his own. He cocked a brow, mouth twitching faintly. “You ready to go?”

The gym went silent. Every head turned. Every mouth fell open.

Iwaizumi Hajime didn’t notice. Or maybe—more accurately—he didn’t care.

Not one bit.