Chapter 27 - Whispers

Sun is up. Hinata and Tsukishima spent the morning cuddling after getting back from their early breakfast around 6 am. Hinata got hungry early because... they were busy most of the night.

Tsukishima gathered up their dried swim clothing from outside's glaring sun. It is now 10:30 am. He saw Yamaguchi, Akemi, and Kiyoko returning from probably early lunch. Yamaguchi was holding hands with both. Tsukishima smirked.

'Oh boy heh...'

Tsukishima waved and went inside the room. Hinata just got out of the shower.

"Oh, you started cleaning up. I will too after this." Hinata said while toweling his wet orange hair.

"I cleared up most I think. I put your things on the table over there." Tsukishima pointed at the corner of the room.

He stood up and reached for the hair blower at the dresser and beckoned for Hinata. Hinata went to him and tiptoed for a kiss.

"I love you Kei. Thank you for spoiling me." Tsukishima kissed him back and softly smiled.

Tsukishima touched Hinata's waist and asked, "Do your hips hurt?"

"Huh? No. You were always gentle with me. So no. I... I am confident I can take you on when we do the real thing!" Hinata said with conviction. Tsukishima just laughed and kissed his head before pushing him to sit so he can start blow-drying.

Tsukishima finished drying Hinata's hair after a while. They also finished cleaning up the room ready for checkout later. For now, they've decided to walk along the beach before going for lunch at 11:30 am.

"I wanna hold your hand," Kei said.

"Of course. You don't need to ask." Hinata held Tsukishima's hand tightly. From time to time, he kicks the water at the shore while holding Tuskishima's arm with both hands. Tsukishima smiled unconsciously at his playful boyfriend.

What... are they lovers? ... Really?...'

'Such a large boy... how can that small bean take him hahaha...'

'Shhh they'll hear you...'

'Isn't that cradle snatching?... no I think they're the same age...'

'It's those two, they were kissing yesterday in the waters...'

Tsukishima can hear the whispers. He looked at the oblivious Hinata.

'Please don't let him hear...please don't let him hear...'

"Huh? What is it? Are you hungry Kei? We can go to the restaurant if you want." Hinata noticed Kei's serious demeanor.

"Oh yeah, we probably should. Remember Kenma said he wants us to meet for lunch before we check out?"

"Okay okay..." Hinata once again held Tsukishima's hand and they headed for lunch.

Once they reached the restaurant, Hinata texted Kenma so he can bring others and they can all have lunch together. He also texted Kiyoko and Kageyama that they are at the restaurant already.

"You done texting them? Oh, I forgot to tell you, Yamaguchi and his harem may have already had their early lunch. Saw them came back earlier today."

"Ahh... oh well hahaha!"

Tsukishima is browsing the menu and suggested some food for Hinata. Once Hinata was done choosing, Tsukishima stood up and approached the counter to order.

The guy on the counter is as tall as Tsukishima with almost the same build and seems to respond to the name "Lee". He eyed Tsukishima with a slightly disgusted yet insulting face before he spoke.

"Oh, it's the other half of the homo pair. What can I get for you bud?" The other guy near the dessert display refrigerator looked at his co-worker with bewildered eyes.

Tsukishima told him their order including the drinks. Hinata suddenly appeared beside him and brightly asked Lee.

"Ahmm before you finish the order, do you have cake or some fruity dessert?"

"Oh the homo pair is complete. Well the dessert just came in. You can chec—". Lee was interrupted by Tsukishima. Hinata still hung up on the word homo pair they were called with.

"You don't have to repeat yourself, I ignored you fine the first time. You have too much time on your hands concerning the choices of people who are the reason why you are in this job." Tsukishima looked at the other frightened guy near the counter. Hinata held on to Tsukishima's arm, scared at how Kei is controlling his voice.

"You sir, I would like to request that you serve our order for us. For someone who hates on other people, I am not sure I'll be comfortable for Mr. Lee over here to handle our food." At this point, they are already catching other customers' attention.

"Whatever man, people like you are disgusting." Lee was about to leave the counter and have his coworker take over.

"Stop responding Mr. Lee. You are embarrassing yourself with your homophobic remarks. I would like to talk to you at the office. You forgot the number 1 rule in the service industry, and that is respect." Kiyoko suddenly interjected.

"Tsukishima, I apologize for this. I will take care of him." Kiyoko said to Tsukishima. She then looked at the other worker.

"Rui, please man the counter for now." Rui nodded trembling at the owner's daughter.

"Mr. Lee, come with me. NOW!" Kiyoko was pissed. Yamaguchi and Akemi were just watching from the table with Kenma and others. They saw everything since they arrived when Tsukishima stood up to order.

"So... how much errr... Rui right? Don't be too afraid of Kiyoko. Obviously, you just happened to be arranging the desserts. You did nothing wrong. She's one of the most level-headed people I know." Hinata added strawberry cheesecake slices before Rui finished the transaction.

They got back to the table and the others one by one stood up so they can order too after deciding from the menu. Hinata is still a bit uncomfortable and he looked at Tsukishima meekly.

"Hey, did I scare you, baby? I'm sorry." Tsukishima said to Hinata softly. He pulled Hinata's chair closer and held his hand.

"It's just... did you happen to also hear the people talking when we went strolling at the beach earlier? Is that why you were upset?" Hinata is fiddling with Tsukishima's fingers.

"So you did hear them. I was hoping you won't. You're the one I don't want to be upset."

"I'm fine. Just as long as they don't directly attack just like what that worker did to you. I was scared you'll get into a fight. To think you're almost the same height and built."

"It's good that you're not affected. As I said though when we started this, I will protect you." Tsukishima ruffled Hinata's hair and smiled softly, reassuring him that everything was fine.

Their orders started arriving and there was a girl worker already with Rui working at the counter. Kiyoko was back as well and she sat beside Yamaguchi who has Akemi on the other.

"Am I correct in thinking what I'm thinking?" Asked Tsukishima to the three.

"You're the smart-ass Tsukishima. I think you have the correct thought." Kiyoko smiled and kissed Yamaguchi in front of the group.

"Damn Yamaguchi! Whipped by 2 girls?! Did you save a country in your past life?" Asked Kuroo who has Kenma beside him still in his gadget. Bokuto hoo hoo-ed. The others howled, whistled, and happily agreed. Yamaguchi just smiled.

Yachi and Kageyama arrived. They immediately caught up with the teasing being done to Yamaguchi. They were not surprised though. After all, they stood witness to what happened last night. They just proceeded to the counter and ordered lunch as well.

Their reunion happened in a flash. So are the little highlights of their young lives.

Yachi is happy, finally, Kageyama stopped holding back.

Yamaguchi is now officially in a Throuple.

Hinata got to experience the bitter truth of having a relationship with a guy. But his guy is no ordinary boyfriend. Tsukishima showed Hinata he can handle the whispers very well.

"I love you Kei," Hinata whispered to Tsukishima. He was leaning on Tsukishima's shoulder while in his mom's car who picked them up after checking out.

"I love you more Sho." Tsukishima kissed Hinata's forehead and squeezed his hand.