The gym was quiet, save for the rhythmic sound of a volleyball being passed back and forth. Hinata and Kageyama were the only ones left after practice, as usual. The team had long since gone home, but the two of them always found reasons to stay a little longer.

Hinata wiped the sweat from his forehead, his bright grin unyielding even after hours of drills. “You’re gonna have to work harder if you wanna keep up with me, Kageyama!” he teased, tossing the ball.

Kageyama caught it easily, his usual scowl softening ever so slightly. “Idiot. You’re the one barely keeping up,” he muttered, but his tone lacked its usual bite.

Hinata bounded over, practically glowing with energy. “That’s not true! I’ve been practicing harder than ever. You’re just mad I’m finally beating you!”

Kageyama sighed, shaking his head, but there was a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He reached out, ruffling Hinata’s hair in a rare moment of affection. “You’re still as annoying as ever,” he said quietly, his voice carrying an almost fond edge.

Hinata froze for a moment, blinking up at him before his face broke into a beaming smile. “Yeah, well, you like it,” he said, sticking out his tongue.

Kageyama groaned, turning away to hide the faint blush creeping up his cheeks. “Shut up and get back to practicing,” he grumbled, but he didn’t push Hinata’s hand away when it lingered on his arm.

Their days were filled with spikes, sets, and endless bickering, but it was moments like this—quiet and unspoken—that reminded them just how much they cared for each other.