Chapter 16 - Special Project

"Tsukishima, come see me in the faculty room after this. I need to talk to you real quick." Mr. Otoma called out after he ended his class.

Hinata looked at Tsukishima and without saying anything, they both stood up go to the faculty room.

Tsukishima made a quick "bye, see you in a bit" to Yamaguchi. Kageyama as usual is sticking with Yachi. They seemed to have started dating after the practice games too but no formal announcement was said to the team.

"Wait for me, this will be quick okay?" Tsukishima whispered to Hinata and went inside the faculty room after knocking thrice.

Hinata just waited outside, leaning against the wall.

The teacher must have a special task for him. That must be it since he is a bright student. I'm so proud of him.

After a while, he saw Akemi and seems to be walking toward him.

"Hi, Hinata-senpai. You waiting for someone?"

"Yeah, Tsukishima. The teacher needs to talk to him real quick."

"Oh, me too, need to go inside. I was called too. Bye for now."

"Oh yeah, sure sure go ahead."

Hinata fidgeted with his fingers while waiting.

In a little while, both Akemi and Tsukishima walked out of the faculty room. Hinata, all smiles, waved.

"So how was it? Wait, did you see the same teacher?" Hinata asked since both have the same type of document in their hands.

"Yeah. Special project. We will work together on creating some kind of seminar material and presentation. It's just a part of the whole 2-day session though, but more on sharing best practices or something as club members." Tsukishima showed the document to Hinata.

"Wow, that's impressive. You too Akemi?"

"Yeah, Yachi is busy with volleyball as the main manager. Since we have two managers, I will help him... Hey Tsukishima-senpai, we should set a schedule on when we can maximize working on this while we have volleyball activities."

"Yes, I agree. Let's talk later with the captain, sensei, and coach. Hinata and I need to go. We'll be late for our next class. Please excuse us." Tsukishima grabbed Hinata's right hand and pulled him in haste.

Tsukishima led him to the restroom. Luckily it's empty. Tsukishima closed the door and pushed Hinata gently to the wall and cupped his face.

"You okay?"

"Eh? Why wouldn't I be?". Hinata asked his eyes round in confusion.

Tsukishima rubbed Hinata's lower lip with his thumb. Kissed his cheek, eyes, and finally his lips. After a few pecks, Hinata reached out his arms and hugged him.

"I just... I don't want you to get anxious. So this special project, I will make sure to finish it as soon as possible. Okay?"

"Thank you, Kei. But I am fine really. I will try to help out too. But I understand you two may need to work on this alone together. I trust you wholeheartedly." Hinata gave Tsukishima a yummy kiss which lasted for about 3 seconds.

"Mmmm, that's yummy Sho."

"Now let's hurry come on." Hinata pulled Tsukishima out of the restroom and hurried to their next classroom. Hinata let go of Tsukishima's hand once they were out in the hallway.

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Their classes ended for the day. Hinata and Tsukishima changed for their afternoon practice. Hinata went ahead and started stretching. Tsukishima approached Yachi, Mr. Takeda and Coach Ukai to discuss the special project.

"Ah yes. Mr. Otoma mentioned that earlier. It is a nice workshop for club leaders in order to handle and manage their clubs independently. Being considered to share your knowledge and insight is an achievement in itself for the volleyball club. Let me know if you need any help."

Just then, Akemi came rushing from outside.

"Haaaaah so sorry, Mr. Otoma asked for me again, he gave me additional materials and usb for the slides format." Akemi with bits of sweat on her face still looking gorgeous and all the more glowing.

"It's fine. You and Tsukishima can be excused once you get your schedule down. Just let us know."

"Yes Sir!" Akemi answered brightly.

"Hey Tsukishima senpai, let's talk later after practice okay? Yachi senpai and I will discuss training programs and schedules for now." Akemi touched Tsukishima's arm, slightly brushing then softly withdrew her hand.

"Yeah okay. You can wait for me after I change later."

"Sure. This feels like a date don't you think?" Akemi eyed him seductively; albeit a little aggressively.

"Ah... no?" Tsukishima excused himself and started joining others; stretching before the practice starts.

This little episode was witnessed by the loud Tanaka and Noya. They begun to think that Akemi is hitting on Tsukishima.

"You thinking what I'm thinking bro?", asked Tanaka.

"Hell yeah. My radar is ticking off-scale." Noya whispered back.

"Come on everyone. Finish your stretching in 2 mins. We'll huddle with coach after for his direction for the day's practice." Ennoshita hollered.

"Haiiiii" everyone answered.

The practice ended. Hinata fumbled with his things in the changing room just so he can wait for Tsukishima.

Finally, everyone has left except for Tsukishima and Hinata. Hinata carried his bag and reached Tsukishima's neck with his right hand and kissed him lovingly on the lips then quickly let go.

"I love you Kei. I'll go out first." Hinata smiled and went out the changing room, not waiting for Tsukishima to respond.

'What a sweet pumpkin'

Tsukishima left the changing room 2 minutes later with the special project documents in his hand.

Hinata was chatting with Yamaguchi and Akemi since they will be going home together as usual.

Tsukishima approached them.

"Oh Tsukishima senpai, where shall we discuss our project? In your room perhaps?"

Yamaguchi smiled a little, shaking his head in somewhat disbelief.

'Akemi started playing naughty huh?'

Hinata looked at her in confusion.

"Haaaah? If it's just the two of us of course not." Tsukishima refused indignantly.

"Hahaha well Hinata and I can go with you guys. I'm sure your mom misses me.", said Yamaguchi.

"I bet she misses me more!", Hinata as usual competing over the smallest thing.

"Okay fine. Akemi, we should finish this scheduling as well as complete at least the outline today. Don't want to drag this longer than it should. Besides, the seminar is in 2 weeks so we should be smart in scheduling this."

"Yes you're right. The teacher needs to review our progress too."

The four walked together to Tsukishima's home. They bought few snacks from the convenience store and chatted about random things along the way.