Seeing that the Old man's condition was mediocre, Ukai Keishin hurriedly stepped forward to discuss going back with him.
It's getting late, we've covered almost everything. I can definitely handle the rest without any problems.
How about I pick up Hinata and the others tomorrow? You can go back and rest without any worries, Old man..
Ukai Keishin seemed a bit hesitant, but he ultimately agreed.
Ukai Keishin breathed a sigh of relief, turning his head toward the three of them. "You three practice on your own for now; I'll be right back."
The rent was paid by his grandfather, it's valid until five in the evening. He should be back just in time, if there's anything he doesn't understand then, he can just go back to the Karasuno Gymnasium.
As for Hinata.. we'll see if he's willing to go, if he isn't, he'll just take him straight home.
Tetsuya Takeda went out to a meeting today; I hope the Karasuno kids haven't caused any trouble while he and Enoshita Chikara are both away.
Watching the two coaches' departing backs, Hinata immediately rushed toward Enoshita Chikara while clutching a volleyball. "Enoshita-senpai! Could you help me toss some balls?"
Enoshita happily agreed, "Sure."
Kageyama was a bit confused: "Didn't you say we were going to practice jump serves?"
How could he change the training topic right after the coach had just left?
Hinata stood with his hands on his hips, looking like someone whose scheme had succeeded: "I want to try spiking from Position 4; let's try it secretly."
Let's practice serves in a little while.
Looking at the sunset that had already appeared on the horizon, Yamaguchi, who was preparing to take a break, stopped his movements.
He walked to the side of the court, took a sip of water, looked outside with some curiosity.
What are Coach Kurosu and Enoshita-senpai doing?
Tsukishima also raised his hand to catch the rebounding volleyball and then walked toward the door. "Kageyama isn't here today either."
He had let them have self-directed training since early this morning. In the morning, they followed the usual schedule of receiving and spiking drills, in the afternoon, they could practice whatever they wanted.
The sound of unfamiliar footsteps rang in everyone's ears.
Alert, Nishinoya immediately looked up toward the main entrance, seeing a tall figure approaching from a distance in the sunset.
"It's as crappy as ever.." the person said with clear disdain.
Hearing that somewhat familiar Kansai accent, Tsukishima froze for a moment.
—Who is it?
The newcomer leaned casually against the door, a faint smile playing on his lips as he looked toward the court. "So you really are here."
Kageyama looked up and saw Oikawa Tooru standing at the doorway with his arms crossed: "Oikawa-senpai?"
Chapter 240: The Two Hundred and Fortieth Fox
Oikawa Tooru, looking as if he had seen something unclean, frowned. "Whoa, why is Xiao Feixiong here too?"
Actually, he had been looking for him since he first saw Hinata this morning. He had checked nearby gyms, courts, even fast-food restaurants, but he still hadn't found him.
He had been sitting in the study room all afternoon before he finally remembered there was a badminton gym nearby where they could play volleyball.
He walked in and saw that they were indeed here.
But.. why are there two guys from Karasuno here too?
Seeing Kageyama preparing to say something, he hurriedly waved his hand at Kageyama, interrupting him.
Xiao Feixiong, go over there. I'm here to see Shoyo-kun.
Hinata, who still hadn't processed what was happening, raised a finger and pointed to himself: "Oikawa-senpai is looking for me?"
But as he came to his senses, he looked up with a look of joyful surprise, as if he had just seen a savior: "Um, Oikawa-senpai! Help me!!"
How do you hit a side spin like that—
Oikawa Tooru raised a hand, stopping Hinata's lunging movement: "Stop. Come outside with me first, we'll discuss your questions later."
Hinata landed on the ground, before he could even nod in agreement, he felt himself being grabbed by the collar of his shirt.
By the time he snapped out of it, he was already outside the gymnasium doors.
Oikawa Tooru led him to sit down by the table where they had eaten lunch earlier, Hinata sat properly with his hands resting on his lap.
Oikawa Tooru, who had just sat down opposite him, rested his chin in both hands, his expression serious and solemn.
This attitude even made Hinata feel nervous, he couldn't help but clutch his pants.
Did something happen?
Did a fire break out in Inarizaki Gymnasium? Did Atsumu-senpai and Osamu-senpai get their nails injured while fighting?
Or was it that the news about Aran-senpai wearing ripped underwear got leaked?
"Shoyo-kun, let me ask you a question." Oikawa Tooru spoke tentatively.
Hearing that nothing had happened to Inarizaki, Hinata also breathed a sigh of relief: "Please, go ahead and ask, senpai."
Oikawa thought for a moment about how to phrase the question: "What.. do you think of Miya Atsumu? Or rather, what kind of person do you think he is?"
First, he needed to know exactly what kind of image Miya Atsumu held in Hinata's mind.
Although he didn't know why Oikawa Tooru was asking this question, Hinata lowered his eyes and began to think seriously, "As for Atsumu-senpai.."
Sometimes he's very unreliable; he'll shift the blame onto me and even bully people. Akuma, Heisuke, the others are all very afraid of Atsumu-senpai.
Oikawa Tooru nodded.
He really is a nasty person, agreeing with those impressions of Miya Atsumu.
But in the next second, Hinata changed the subject: "But Atsumu-senpai is very reliable many times, he often takes care of me."
He is very patient when teaching, considers things very carefully many times, the way he thinks deeply and carries himself on the court is very charming..
Recalling the way Miya Atsumu had leaned down to comfort him on the court, Hinata couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile.
He flashed a smile at Oikawa Tooru, one filled with heartfelt happiness and joy.
He is the best setter in the whole world.
Oikawa smiled with difficulty.
Ah, he knew Iwaizumi was right.
Shoyo-kun being like this.. he clearly admires Miya Atsumu from the bottom of his heart.
But it was true; he knew that everything Hinata said was the truth, Miya Atsumu really was like that in front of him.
It was a very obvious kind of favoritism and indulgence, exceeding everyone else.
This actually made it harder for him to speak up; he had a feeling that once this was pointed out, Hinata would turn around and ask Miya Atsumu directly.
And once he asked, Miya Atsumu wouldn't hide anything anymore, Hinata would probably agree very readily.
Oikawa Tooru narrowed his eyes, raising a hand to hide the melancholy between his brows.
No, this is absolutely not okay!!
Opposite him, Hinata was still counting on his fingers: "And when Atsumu-senpai succeeds with a Second Attack, he smiles very slyly. His body temperature gets very high on the court, his grip when hugging someone is a bit strong.."
"Stop, stop, stop!" Seeing Hinata's words heading toward some indescribable territory, Oikawa Tooru hurriedly called for a stop.
His brain was working at high speed, trying to find a new topic: "We.. let's not talk about him for now."
Although he didn't understand why Oikawa Tooru would initiate a topic only to suddenly stop, Hinata still stopped.
He tilted his head and looked at the pained Oikawa Tooru. "Does Oikawa-senpai have a stomachache?"
Oikawa Tooru closed his eyes. "No, I have a headache."
Hinata Shoyo stood up abruptly. "Is it serious? I'll go find medicine for you, Oikawa-senpai. Or do you need to go to the hospital? It doesn't seem that far from here."
Seeing Hinata's anxious expression, Oikawa Tooru felt even more distressed.
What a wonderful child—
How did he end up getting stuck to a nuisance like Miya Atsumu?
Oikawa Tooru changed his way of asking: "Then, does little Shoyo-kun have someone he likes?"
Hinata counted them off: "Dad and Mom, Xiaoxia, Coach Kurosu, Heisuke.."
—and Atsumu-senpai.
But before he could continue, Oikawa Tooru stopped him again.
I don't mean that. What I mean is, is there anyone you want to date? You know, that kind of romantic love.
Hinata shook his head decisively. "No, I don't have any plans to date for the time being. Right now, I only want to play volleyball even better."
Although it felt like Unabara Uta's dating wouldn't interfere with his training, it was true that spending all his time on volleyball was more in line with his philosophy.
Moreover.. he couldn't quite imagine what he would look like in a relationship, nor did he know what a relationship with a partner should be like.
Oikawa Tooru finally breathed a sigh of relief and reached out to give Hinata a thumbs-up.
Very good, a wonderful resolution.
He spoke earnestly, "Whether it is your studies or your volleyball career, you must stay focused; be careful not to let other things distract you."
That's right, since they are all minors, they shouldn't be talking about romance and such for the time being.
This way, Hinata could perfectly avoid being tricked by Miya Atsumu; he truly is a genius!
Hinata patted his chest. "Don't worry, Oikawa-senpai! I'm going to the world stage, so I definitely won't let things like this distract me!"
Even if he were to find someone he loved one day, it would absolutely never affect his volleyball.
However, Oikawa-senpai mentioned Atsumu-senpai first and then brought up romance; does he think he will fall in love with Atsumu-senpai?
Although I feel like it would be acceptable if it were Atsumu-senpai, but..
Atsumu-senpai probably wouldn't have that kind of thought.
Hinata nodded.
As long as he could play volleyball together, that was all that mattered; those complicated things were beyond his consideration.