Chapter Text
Pa'no bang mababawi lahat ng mga nasabi?
(How can I take back all that I said?)
“What do you mean, you’re leaving for Argentina?” an 18-year-old Hajime said in disbelief, collapsing into the couch behind him. “Why can’t you stay here in Japan?”
“I’ve known for a while I wasn’t meant to stay in Japan, Hajime,” Tooru replied, squeezing Hajime’s shoulder. “I really think I’ll love it there.”
Hajime shook his head, unable to stop himself from crying. “Isn’t there any way I can convince you to stay?”
A beat of silence. The realization hit Hajime faster than he anticipated.
“You already bought the tickets.”
Tooru nodded, turning his head away from his childhood best friend. “I’m sorry. My flight is tomorrow.”
'Di naman inakalang ika'y darating lang bigla ng walang babala
(I never thought you would suddenly appear without warning)
A 7-year-old Tooru hummed to himself as he practiced setting his volleyball near the treehouse. He had gained interest in the sport after seeing Argentina and Japan play on TV and took a particular liking to Jose Blanco. After much pleading, he convinced his mom to buy him a volleyball.
He heard the grass rustle beside him, and Tooru turned to see a bright blue volleyball near the bushes. As he went to pick it up, he heard footsteps coming his way.
“Hey!” a voice called. Tooru looked up to see a boy with spiky hair coming his way. “Can I get my ball back, please?”
“What’s your name, little boy?” Tooru asked as he picked up the volleyball and handed it back.
“Little boy? I’m taller than you!” the other boy responded. “My name is Iwaizumi Hajime.”
“Nice to meet you! I’m Oikawa Tooru!” Tooru said excitedly, not missing how Iwaizumi Hajime saw the turquoise volleyball nearby.
Sa isang iglap, nagbago'ng lahat
(In an instant, everything changed)
Hindi ko na kaya pa na magpanggap
(I can no longer pretend)
“Hajime! Your friend’s here!” Hajime’s mom called from his doorway. 7-year-old Hajime sat up in his bed, confused.
“What friend?” he asked.
His mom laughed. “The friend you made yesterday, silly!”
Hajime groaned as he made his way downstairs, already remembering the boy he met yesterday. And as he expected, the brown-haired boy in question was sitting at the kitchen table, hands politely folded along the tabletop.
“IWA!” he greeted, waving as he stood up from the table.
“My name is Iwaizumi,” Hajime grumbled.
“Iwa is easier to say,” came his reply.
Ikaw ang kumpas 'pag naliligaw
(You are my compass when I get lost)
Ikaw ang kulay sa langit na bughaw
(You are the color of the blue sky)
“Happy 16th birthday, my dear Iwa!” 15-year-old Tooru exclaimed dramatically, leaning against Hajime’s side as he handed him a bright blue bag.
“You didn’t have to get me anything, Oikawa,” Hajime replied, ears turning red. “But thank you.”
“Well,” Tooru pressed. “Aren’t you going to open my gift?”
Silently, Hajime did just that. He looked inside before groaning and smacking Tooru’s arm. “Why the hell did you buy me milk bread? You know I don’t like the taste of it.”
“Is that any way to thank your best friend, who spent his own allowance to get you this marvelous gift?” Oikawa pouted.
“This is more like a gift for you than me, dumbass.”
Sa bawat bagyo na dumadayo
(With every storm that comes)
Ikaw ang kanlungan na kailangan ko
(You are the shelter I need)
“What the hell?” came 21-year-old-Hajime’s groggy voice as he blindly reached for his phone, awakened by its ringing. Without looking at the contact name, he put the device up to his ear. “Hello?”
It took Hajime a few moments to register the following silence before he tapped on the screen, blinking rapidly to stay awake. On his screen flashed the words: Tooru <3 (dumbass)
“Is everything okay?” Hajime asked softly, more alert than before. There was another second of silence before the other man spoke.
“Yeah,” Tooru whispered. “I just missed hearing your voice.”
Kahit hindi mo alam
(Even if you don’t know)
Ilang beses mo akong niligtas
(How many times you saved me)
“I can’t believe you threw away another confession, Iwa!” 17-year-old Tooru said as adjusted his backpack over his shoulder. “Isn’t that, like, the 3rd one this week?”
Hajime rolled his eyes. “I’m not interested,” he replied as they started walking home.
Tooru pondered for a minute. “Now that I think about it, you’ve never had a girlfriend! What’s up with that?”
“Aren’t we going to wait for Mattsun and Makki?” Hajime changed the subject, deliberately looking at the ground with every step.
“Stop changing the subject!” Tooru replied indignantly, playfully smacking Hajime on the shoulder. “Why don’t you have a girlfriend yet?”
“There’s only one person out there that I like,” Hajime said quietly, face turning pink. At this, Tooru’s eyes widened.
“So you do like someone! And you weren’t planning on telling me this, why?” he said excitedly. Hajime rolled his eyes before walking ahead of Tooru, who squawked in annoyance. His best friend ran after him, ignoring the shrieks of, “IWA! IWA! WAIT FOR ME, DAMN IT!”
“GUYS! WHY DID YOU LEAVE WITHOUT US?” They could hear Hanamaki shouting from far behind them. “Issei, hurry up!”
Hajime groaned at the inevitable chaos his best friends would bring, but felt a sad smile tug at his lips. Little did Tooru know, *he* was the one that Hajime wanted.
Ikaw ang hantungan at aking wakas
(You are the destination and my end)
Pa'nong maniniwala ika'y nasaking harapan?
(How can I believe you’re right in front of me?)
“I feel like I’m going to throw up,” 30-year-old Hajime said as he fixed his tie. “I’m literally going to be sick, guys.”
He could see Issei’s reflection scrunching his nose. “Gross,” was all he said.
“You’re going to be fine, Hajime,” Takahiro assured him, patting Hajime on the shoulder. “You’ve only been Tooru’s soulmate for what, more than 20 years? If you throw up, he’ll be the last person to judge you.”
Hajime rolled his eyes. “Thank you for the inspirational speech, Best Man Hiro,” he replied sarcastically, causing Issei to laugh.
Takahiro crossed his arms. “For real though, you’re going to be okay. This is Tooru we’re talking about. If anything, he’s going to be the one throwing up.”
“What is it with you and throwing up?” Issei asked his husband, fluffing his hair.
“Hajime was the one that brought it up!” Takahiro retorted.
At the sound of the married couple’s bantering, Hajime felt the tension in his shoulders loosen. He abruptly wrapped his two best friends into a hug, ending their spat.
“Thank you, guys. For the last decade, for agreeing to walk Tooru down the aisle, and for everything else. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”
He felt two pairs of arms hug him back tighter and Issei patted his shoulder. “Don’t mention it, Hajime. We’re happy for you both.
'Di naman naiplano, ako'y mabihag ng gan'to
(It wasn’t planned, that I’d be captivated like this)
Totoo ba ito?
(Is this real?)
“Alright, everyone, we’ve been waiting for this match our whole lives,” 27-year-old Hajime said, huddled with Japan’s Men’s Volleyball national team. Many familiar faces surrounded him, friends that go back all the way to high school. Ushijima, Bokuto, Atsumu, Karasuno’s former freak duo, Hinata and Kageyama, and so many more. Hajime couldn’t help but feel insanely proud of every single one of them, his heart swelling with fulfillment. He may be standing on the sidelines all day, but being Iwaizumi Hajime, Japan’s 27-year-old athletic trainer? That was his life’s purpose.
“I may not be out on the court with you today, but best believe I’ll be cheering you on the loudest,” Hajime continued. “On 3, everyone. 1, 2-”
“JAPAN!” the team finished as they broke the huddle, mentally preparing themselves for the match that would start in less than 5 minutes. Hajime took a deep breath as he watched them, knowing their years of experience and drive would lead to their win in the Olympics. He could already visualize the gold medals resting on his team’s chests.
“IWAIZUMI HAJIME!” someone shouted from behind him. Hajime turned with a big grin, immediately recognizing that voice. Oikawa Tooru stood there in all his glory, his blue Argentina jersey contrasting Japan’s bright red uniforms. Under the white fluorescent lights, his fiancé looked breathtaking .
“ARGENTINA WILL BE VICTORIOUS TODAY!” Tooru yelled with a big smile, clutching his necklace with his golden engagement band. He was still tan from their vacation to California.
Hajime felt himself clutching his own engagement band, identical to Tooru’s. After all, it was Tooru’s idea to make them into necklaces the night they proposed, so that even if they stood on opposite sides of the court during the Olympics, they would still be together. His voice full of joy, he yelled back, “NOT IF WE WIN FIRST!”
Sa isang iglap, nagbago ako
(In an instant, everything changed)
“Ready, set, go!” 14-year-old Tooru counted down before the two boys ripped open their letters. Tooru opened his first, immediately unfolding the letter which held Aoba Johsai’s trademark turquoise seal.
“Wait for me, wait for me,” Hajime breathed as frantic fingers desperately tore open the envelope. Before long, he was able to unfold his letter as well.
“To Iwaizumi Hajime,” Hajime began.
Tooru followed. “To Oikawa Tooru,”
“We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for admission into Aoba Johsai High!” the two finished together.
“We got in!” Hajime yelled, immediately pulling out his phone and calling his mom. “Mom! Mom! Oikawa and I got in!”
From the grin on Hajime’s face, Tooru could only predict that Ms. Iwaizumi was congratulating her son. He hugged Hajime as his best friend answered his mom, burying his face into his shoulder.
He didn’t have to worry about being separated from Hajime anytime soon. That could wait for a few more years.
Hindi ko na kayang mawalay sa'yo
(I can’t be away from you anymore)
“Where are you?” 22-year-old Hajime’s voice crackled through the speaker. Tooru placed his phone between his cheek and shoulder to get a better grip on his suitcase.
“Just left the Baggage Claim area. Almost there,” he replied breathlessly, yanking the suitcase behind him faster. “You missed me that much?”
“Damn right I did,” came the reply. Tooru felt his heart squeeze as he got closer to the Arrivals area, eager to see his boyfriend in person for the first time in 2 years.
Stepping into Japan for the second time in 4 years, even if it was just at the airport and on vacation, helped Tooru realize how much he adapted to Argentina. He was surrounded by people who looked like him again. The humidity was long gone, left behind in the country he had called home for the past few years. He easily understood the conversations that were happening around him. Even if Argentina slowly became his home, Tooru knew deep down that his heart would always belong to Japan.
And maybe the fact that seeing the man he had loved for so long helped. Those years in Argentina helped Tooru realize a lot of things: his renewed passion for volleyball, his appreciation for Argentinian culture, and most important of all, how deep his love ran for one Iwaizumi Hajime.
Realizing he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Hajime felt like a breath of fresh air for Tooru. These “friendly” feelings were established as romantic long ago, and knowing despite being long-distance that Hajime loved him endlessly, made Tooru giddy.
Tooru once believed that the chances of Hajime loving him back were close to 0%, a truth younger-Tooru slowly came to terms with. If his best friend loved someone else, he said that would be okay. Those worries dissipated into nothing the second Hajime confessed his love for him.
“TOORU!” Tooru’s head whipped to the left, eyes widening at the sight of Hajime sprinting towards him. He felt the breath knocked out of his lungs as Hajime hugged him tightly, unable to stop his tears from wetting Tooru’s shirt.
“My love…” Tooru whispered as he dropped his suitcase to hug Hajime back. “I’m here.”
Hajime hugged him even tighter. As if Tooru was a dream he didn’t want to let go of. “Welcome home.”
Ikaw ang kumpas 'pag naliligaw
(You are my compass when I get lost)
Ikaw ang kulay sa langit na bughaw
(You are the color of the blue sky)
“Give me back my milk bread, Iwa!” a 16-year-old Tooru whined. Hajime was holding his daily loaf of milk bread out of reach, much to Tooru’s exasperation. “I’m hungry!”
“Only if you apologize for sending every single one of your fangirls my way,” Hajime taunted, swatting at Tooru’s hands in his attempts to yank the loaf back.
“The married couple is fighting yet again,” Mattsun remarked casually from across the table, and Hanamaki verbally agreed. Hajime pushed Tooru away even further to stare at them.
Matsukawa Issei and Hanamaki Takahiro, alongside Tooru and Hajime, tried out for Seijoh’s volleyball team and got in. As the only first-years who tried out, the four quickly became best friends. Mattsun and Makki, as Tooru chose to call them, were the friends Tooru and Hajime needed. With Mattsun’s bluntness and Makki’s sarcasm, Hajime took great pleasure in the 3 of them (playfully) bullying Tooru.
However, that sometimes meant that the duo would direct their bullying onto Hajime. He didn’t know when it started, but Mattsun and Makki randomly started calling Tooru and Hajime “Seijoh’s married couple”, much to Hajime’s displeasure (even more to the annoyance of Tooru's fangirls).
After all, he didn’t feel anything for Tooru, right? They were just childhood best friends, nothing more, nothing less.
“Yes!” Tooru exclaimed as he took advantage of Hajime’s distraction, snatching the loaf of milk bread out of his hands and smiling triumphantly. “No milk bread for you, Iwa.”
Hajime rolled his eyes and said, “I don’t even like the taste of your stupid milk bread.” He couldn’t pinpoint it, but something in the way Tooru smiled made his chest feel heavy.
Sa bawat bagyo na dumadayo
(With every storm that comes)
Ikaw ang kanlungan na kailangan ko
(You are the shelter I need)
“I still can’t believe they’re getting married before us ,” 28-year-old Tooru huffed as he fixed Hajime’s tie. “It’s violating the natural state of the world, I tell you.”
“It’s not a contest, love,” Hajime rolled his eyes fondly as he watched Tooru, lips pouted in concentration as he fixed Hajime’s tie. “It’ll be our time soon.”
“It’s still not fair, though,” Tooru whined. “Why do they have to become Mr. and Mr. Matsukawa before we become Mr. and Mr. Iwaizumi?”
Hajime raised his brow, mouth going dry. “You want to take my last name?”
Tooru made eye contact with Hajime and finally finished with that pesky tie. “Yeah, are you okay with that?”
At the sight of Tooru’s shy smile, Hajime had to look away, ears turning pink. “I always thought I’d take your last name,” he paused before continuing, “Oikawa Hajime was starting to grow on me.”
“As much as I’d love that, Iwaizumi Tooru was starting to grow on me ,” Tooru immediately replied. Strong arms wrapped around Hajime’s waist, and Tooru’s forehead rested against his fiancé’s. “We still have a lot of time to decide, my love.”
Hajime’s lips quirked into a small smile, already thinking of the wedding he wanted to give to his fiancé. They just needed to get things volleyball-related, money-related, and everything else in order. The venue had already been decided, with their booking a little more than 2 years away. They really did have a lot of time. “That we do.”
Kahit hindi mo alam
(Even if you don’t know)
Ilang beses mo akong niligtas
(How many times you saved me)
The chill of standing outside the Narita International airport at 4 AM couldn’t compare to the cold seeping into 20-year-old Hajime’s bones. Tooru was already leaving so soon, 3 weeks after coming back from Argentina for the first time in 2 years. He was able to visit for a few weeks just for Hajime’s 20th birthday, a fact that made Hajime feel oddly giddy. However, he still dreaded not only how quickly Tooru’s vacation was, but how, even after more than a decade of being his best friend, he never got the courage to confess how he truly felt.
Matsukawa and Hanamaki weren’t able to tag along this time. Matsukawa was working a graveyard shift and Hanamaki was somewhere annoying his boyfriend. Only Hajime and Mrs. Oikawa accompanied Tooru.
“Well, this is it,” Tooru said as he slung his duffel bag over his shoulder. He hugged his mom swiftly. “I’ll be back before you know it, Ma.”
Mrs. Oikawa was too emotional, wiping the tears at the corner of her eye with the sleeve of her cardigan.
“Take care of her, Hajime,” Tooru turned to Hajime. Hajime rolled his eyes in response.
“You don’t need to tell me twice.”
Tooru smiled before opening his mouth, abruptly shutting it as soon as he did. He sent a sideways glance to Mrs. Oikawa. “Ma, could we get a moment alone?”
Mrs. Oikawa nodded, getting back inside the passenger side of Hajime’s car. As soon as the door closed, Hajime raised an eyebrow at Tooru.
“What was so important that you needed to say without your mom hearing?”
Tooru leaned forward, placing a chaste kiss on Hajime’s lips. “I’m in love with you.”
Wait. What? Hajime placed a hand on his mouth, lips still buzzing from the feeling of Tooru’s lips against it. His jaw grew slack, staring at Tooru with bulging eyes. He glanced at his car to ensure Tooru’s mom wasn’t looking before speaking again. “Come again?”
“I’m sorry. I tried telling you 2 years ago. I just had to tell you before leaving again. I understand if you don’t feel the same-”
Hajime had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. He spoke carefully. “I’ve been in love with you since we were 8.”
It was Tooru’s turn for his jaw to drop. He opened and closed his mouth like a goldfish, his expression mirroring Hajime’s. “I’ve been in love with you since middle school.” A pause. “We’re stupid, aren’t we?”
“Extremely stupid,” Hajime felt his tears come down faster. “We could’ve been dating much sooner.” Tooru sprung forward, arms wrapping around Hajime tightly. Hajime hugged him back twice as hard, and both men let their bodies communicate what they’ve wanted to say for the past decade.
It felt like an eternity before Tooru pulled away. “I need to go.”
Hajime nodded solemnly, tears threatening to escape. “I know.”
“I’ll be back soon, I promise,” Tooru continued, his knuckles whitening around the strap of his duffel bag. He was trying his best to hold back the rest of his tears.
“I’ll always wait for you,” came Hajime’s response. At that, Tooru sent him a small smile, turned away, and entered the airport.
Ikaw ang hantungan at aking wakas
(You are the destination and my end)
27-year-old Hajime woke up to the sight of Tooru sitting on the edge of their bed, looking down at the waves from their California hotel room window. Hajime smiled at the sight; it had been a while since he saw his boyfriend look so peaceful. With the 2021 Tokyo Olympics fast approaching, the pressure was at an all-time high, for both Iwaizumi Hajime, athletic trainer, and Oikawa Tooru, CA San Juan starting setter.
Knowing that Tooru would not be standing on the same side of the court as Hajime on one of the biggest days of their lives, hurt. He was 100% supportive of Tooru’s move to Argentina and allegiance to the CA San Juan team, but sometimes, Hajime couldn’t help but wonder how their lives would’ve turned out if they both made it on the international stage. If they both wore those red jerseys and represented Japan’s Men’s National Volleyball Team.
Life turned out a bit different than what Tooru and Hajime planned as kids. Ever since they met at 7 years old, they promised each other that they’d eventually climb their way up to the Olympics together, no matter what it took. They thought their shared passion for volleyball was all they needed to carry out that goal.
Now, neither of them would be playing for Japan. Sure, Tooru would still play volleyball, but it was for a different country on a different continent. Sure, Hajime being Japan’s athletic trainer might count, but he sometimes missed the adrenaline of actually spiking the volleyball alongside his teammates. This is the path that the universe carved out for them, and at this point in life, there was nothing to do but face it head-on and take it in stride.
“I can hear you think from here, my love,” Tooru turned his head to face his boyfriend, who only gawked from his place on their bed. “Don’t look at me like that, Hajime! I’ve known you for 20 years now, I know how your brain works.”
“Doesn’t mean you needed to attack me at” -Hajime glanced at the nearby digital clock- “5:13 in the morning.”
Tooru laughed. “The jet lag’s still hitting you, huh?” He walked over to Hajime before getting into their bed.
“We should be getting ready for bed at this time, not just waking up,” Hajime grumbled before throwing a heavy arm around Tooru’s body. He pulled his boyfriend closer, peppering his face and hair with kisses.
“What kind of sane person starts getting ready for bed at 9 PM?” Tooru snorted, snuggling into Hajime’s grip. “Old man.”
“You’re only a month younger than me,” Hajime fired back, smiling when Tooru started laughing. His boyfriend looked so beautiful like this. So serene, so at peace, like all the worries in the world just evaporated. He didn’t want to live the rest of his life if Tooru wasn’t by his side.
“Marry me.”
Tooru’s laugh ceased abruptly, head turning to stare at Hajime with wide brown eyes. “Excuse me?”
Hajime, realizing the gravity of what he said, slapped his hand over his mouth. Tooru raised an eyebrow at him, face filled with pleasant shock. He chose his words carefully.
“You want to marry me?”
Realizing he can no longer take back what he said, Hajime lowered his hand and nodded, lips pulled in a tight line. There goes his plan of using their vacation to California as a romantic getaway that would end in a marriage proposal. He reached into the bedside drawer next to him and pulled out a turquoise velvet box. Tooru watched with wide eyes as Hajime opened the box, revealing a simple golden band. Upon closer inspection, the words Hajime + Tooru were engraved on the inside of the ring in dark brown.
“I had an elaborate plan and everything,” Hajime explained, tightly gripping the box and unable to meet his boyfriend’s eyes. “I was going to do it when we went to Laguna Beach on Wednesday.”
Wordlessly, Tooru reached into the bedside drawer next to him and pulled out his own velvet box, a rich sky blue. As Hajime gaped at his boyfriend (fiancé? Was Tooru his fiancé yet? He hasn’t answered yet!), Tooru slowly opened the box, revealing a near-identical golden band.
“What the fuck,” Hajime said breathlessly as Tooru gently pried the ring from the box and tilted it. Hajime’s eyes widened at the words on the inside of the ring. Tooru + Hajime was engraved in black. “How the fuck-” was all Hajime could say before his voice trailed off.
Tooru smiled fondly at him. “I think after 20 years, we know each other inside and out. I had the idea of a ring I think you’d like, and you knew what ring I’d like.” Hajime gently took Tooru’s hands in his own and lowered them before kissing his boyf- fiancé . A chaste kiss that was an echo of the first one they shared at 20 years old.
Stunned, Tooru pulled back after a few seconds. The boyish smile growing on his face took Hajime back to when they were 8 years old, when he had the (not so) naive feeling that he was in love with his best friend. “I take that as a yes, then.”
“Of course, Shittykawa,” Hajime muttered, bringing back one of the many nicknames he constantly called Tooru when they were in high school. Tooru raised an eyebrow at the nickname, though he knew there was no malice in Hajime’s tone. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his fiancé, and laughed.
“Please tell me we don’t have to return one of the rings,” Tooru sniffled into his shoulder, hyperaware of the comforter against his thighs, Hajime’s broad shoulders against his arms, the growing brightness of the hotel room as the sun rose.
“If you return either one of them, I’m breaking the engagement off,” Hajime replied softly, and Tooru could hear the wateriness of his voice. He hugged Hajime tighter. “I had to make a dent in my wallet to have both our names engraved.”
Ah-ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah
Sana'y iyong matanggap
(I hope you’ll be able to accept)
Kung sino ako talaga
(Who I really am)
“There’s something I need to tell you all,” 20-year-old Tooru said. From his laptop screen, he could see Hajime, his mom, his sister, Takeru, his dad, and his grandmother, all with worried looks on their faces. It was currently 4 PM over in Japan and midnight in Argentina. Tooru just needed to get this awkward call done and over with before he could give his body time to recover from today’s practice.
His grandmother’s eyes narrowed. “Is everything alright, Tooru?”
Ah, so he wasn’t hiding his nervousness as well as he thought. “I will be,” he answered honestly before making eye contact with Hajime through the screen. The spiky-haired man nodded before turning to Tooru’s family. They shifted their attention toward him.
“The reason we brought you here together today is because” -Tooru could see Takeru leaning forward in anticipation- “Tooru and I are dating.”
Tooru’s family went silent. His mom looked like she had just seen a ghost. He could see a vein protruding from his dad’s forehead. His sister clasped her hands over her chest. Takeru just sat there, eyes wide. It was his grandmother that broke the silence.
“How long?” she asked calmly. Despite the clear quality of the video call, Tooru couldn’t read the expression on her face.
“Since the day I left again,” Tooru replied quietly. “About a month ago.”
Takeru looked between each of his relatives before breaking out into a big smile. “I win.”
Tooru’s dad groaned, reaching into his pocket and giving the child 1000 Yen. Tooru’s mom, sister, and grandmother followed suit.
“How do you do this every time?” Tooru’s sister asked. “It’s like you’re reading their minds.”
“Sorry,” Hajime cut in, “but what exactly is happening here?”
“They bet on us,” Tooru finished for him, glaring at his family. “They actually bet on us.”
“We made a bet after you left, about when you and Uncle Hajime would get together,” Takeru explained, crossing his arms triumphantly, now 4000 Yen richer. “It was bound to happen someday .”
“I knew something was up when you wanted me to give you a moment alone,” Tooru’s mom stated. “I thought you were already dating by then.”
“But the average person would’ve guessed that they’ve been together since high school,” Tooru’s dad butted in, clearly annoyed that he lost to his grandson.
“High school? I thought they were together since they were kids ,” Tooru’s grandmother complained.
Tooru’s sister huffed. “High school and childhood are too long ago. They obviously needed time to be friends first before thinking of a relationship.” She put her hand on her chin thoughtfully. “However, they have been in love with each other for the longest time now.”
This was news for both Tooru and Hajime. Not only was Tooru’s family able to clearly see that they were dating, but they were also able to tell that they’d been head-over-heels with one another.
Hajime facepalmed before smiling at Tooru through the laptop screen. “They got us there.”
Tooru threw his head back and cackled. He didn’t have to worry about a thing after all.
Ikaw ang kumpas 'pag naliligaw
(You are my compass when I get lost)
Ikaw ang kulay sa langit na bughaw
(You are the color of the blue sky)
“Iwa!” an 8-year-old Tooru sang as he rang the doorbell of the Iwaizumi household. It was a routine at this point. On the days the boys didn’t have school, Tooru would show up promptly at the Iwaizumis’ front door at 10 AM, turquoise volleyball in his hands.
After learning that Iwa shared the same love for volleyball as he did, Tooru made it his mission to make Hajime his best friend. It wasn’t often you came across another 8-year-old that was as obsessed with volleyball as he was. And if that 8-year-old boy also had an unruly obsession with Godzilla, well, who was Tooru to judge?
An annoyed Hajime swung open the front door at 10:02, just like all the weekends before. “You don’t have to sing out my name every time you come over,” he said before closing the door behind him. “My mom’s still sleeping.”
“Well, I guess I’m lucky that your mom loves me so much!” Tooru replied, undeterred by the contrast between his mood and Hajime’s. They started walking to the next house over and into Tooru’s backyard. Tooru’s parents and sister were still sound asleep, but they had gotten so used to the two boys playing in their backyard that they let them do as they pleased.
“Dummykawa,” Hajime muttered, causing Tooru to gasp.
“You just said a bad word!” he exclaimed, causing Hajime’s ears to turn red in mortification.
“It’s not that bad of a word,” Hajime tried shushing him, in fear that his mom would suddenly wake up from her nap and throw a slipper his way. “Don’t tell my mom!”
“MAMA IWA!” Tooru yelled out playfully, before being tackled by Hajime. Fake punches were thrown between the two boys, and before long, they were laying on the grass and laughing. Despite the sun burning his eyes off, Tooru thought today was a beautiful day.
“Can I tell you something?” Hajime suddenly broke the silence. Tooru turned his way, despite the grass poking on his cheek. He had to remind his dad to mow the backyard.
“Is it a secret?” Tooru asked, and Hajime shrugged before turning to face Tooru.
“Not really,” Hajime replied earnestly. “Just the fact that I like that we’re best friends.”
Tooru sat up abruptly, eyes and mouth wide. “You really think we’re best friends?”
“I like playing volleyball with you and coming over to your house,” Hajime responded. “I also like when you come to my house. I listen to you talk about aliens and you listen to me talk about Godzilla. I think that makes us best friends.”
Tooru leaped forward and hugged Hajime, much to the other boy’s protest. This time, however, Hajime didn’t flail around much, resigning himself to his fate of being hugged to death by his best friend, Oikawa Tooru.
“I’m happy we’re best friends!” came Tooru’s muffled voice.
Hajime nodded. “Me too.”
Sa bawat bagyo na dumadayo
(With every storm that comes)
Ikaw ang kanlungan na kailangan ko
(You are the shelter I need)
The second he stepped foot on the aisle and the crowd rose, 30-year-old Tooru felt like his entire world was surreal. After more than 20 long years, he would get married to his childhood best friend, his soulmate, the love of his life, and he couldn’t be happier. He had been over the moon ever since he first got together with Hajime 10 years ago, and after today was over, he felt like he could finally die happy.
“Pick up your jaw, dumbass,” Oikawa Tomoko, his sister, elbowed his right side gently. Tooru drew a sharp breath at the sudden jab before molding his face to how it was before: smiling softly at the crowd. I guess that was another thing that went wrong today. His tie felt uncomfortably tight, he needed to pee, and now he was pretty sure everyone’s camera caught him dropping his jaw in shock when he saw his husband-to-be standing at the end of the aisle.
“I can’t help it, sis,” Tooru sniffed, unable to take his eyes off Hajime. “I can’t believe I’m marrying the love of my life.”
“That’s the point of marriage, dumbass,” Tomoko chuckled, waving at her son, Takeru, as they got closer to the middle of the church. “Get ready, my row’s coming up.”
“Okay.”
“And Tooru?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m so proud of you. I know you and Hajime can take on the world together.”
“Tomoko!” Tooru quietly wailed as tears welled up in his eyes. Glancing at his sister for the final time, he gave her a watery smile as he felt two arms loop themselves through both of his. He looked at the two men who approached him, unable to stop the hearty laugh from leaving his mouth.
“Guys!” he sniffed, looking between Matsukawa Issei and Matsukawa Takahiro with another watery smile. “This is it, I can’t believe it.”
“Fucking finally ,” Issei teased. “I was getting tired of you two dancing around each other for what, 15 years now?” Tooru smiled in reply, realizing that the same amount of time had passed since he and Hajime became friends with Issei and Takahiro.
“Looks like we’re never going to hear ‘ Give me back my milk bread, Iwa! ’ again,” Takahiro butted in, mocking Tooru’s voice for the latter half of his sentence.
“It won’t make sense anymore, babe,” Issei replied. “They’re both going to be Iwaizumis now.”
“I’m going to cry,” Tooru interjected, much to Takahiro and Issei’s amusement. “It feels so unreal.”
“At least you’re not on the verge of throwing up,” Issei said. “Hajime kept saying he was going to be sick while we were in the dressing room,” he continued about his and Takahiro’s conversation with Hajime from merely an hour ago.
“I think you both of all people should know that I’d be the last to ever judge my Hajime,” Tooru rolled his eyes, glancing at Hajime, who was still standing at the end of the aisle. They were getting closer, about 20 feet away, and Tooru wouldn’t dare divert his eyes away from Hajime’s soft smile.
“Thank you! That’s exactly what I said!” Takahiro responded, sticking his tongue out at his husband.
“Thank you both for everything. I’m glad you two are the best friends I spent the last decade with.”
The three men approached the end of the aisle, and Hajime was so close to Tooru. Before Takahiro and Issei let go, Issei leaned in.
“Don’t lie, Tooru. We know Hajime’s your real best friend,” Issei stated, before pulling away with a smile. He winked at Tooru before extending his hand out to Takahiro. With a bright smile matching his husband’s, Takahiro took Issei’s hand, before turning to Tooru.
“Save the sappiness for when you’re shit-faced,” he said before he and Issei took their places at the nearby pew. Tooru chuckled to himself, climbing the 3 steps between him and Hajime. He took his place in front of Hajime, not missing the way Hajime’s eyes were rimmed with red. He took Hajime’s hands in his and squeezed. All of the discomfort Tooru was feeling evaporated the second Hajime’s skin made contact with his.
After today, he would no longer be Oikawa Tooru. He would take Hajime’s last name, and face the rest of his days as Iwaizumi Tooru. The thought of it made Tooru’s heart flutter in the best way possible. Unable to keep the smiles off their faces, Tooru and Hajime turned to the minister, who raised his hands and spoke.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”
Kahit hindi mo alam
(Even if you don’t know)
Ilang beses mo akong niligtas
(How many times you saved me)
“Well, this is it,” 18-year-old Tooru’s chest felt tight as he pulled his suitcase onto the curb. “Argentina, here I come, I guess.”
He felt guilty about his mini disagreement with Hajime from yesterday. The look of betrayal in Hajime’s eyes when he revealed his plans to leave Japan to pursue volleyball abroad, was a sight Tooru would never be able to erase from his mind.
“What do you mean, you’re leaving for Argentina? Why can’t you stay here in Japan?”
“I’ve known for a while I wasn’t meant to stay in Japan, Hajime. I really think I’ll love it there.”
“Isn’t there any way I can convince you to stay?”
Silence.
“You already bought the tickets.”
“I’m sorry. My flight’s tomorrow.”
Tooru took a deep breath before turning back to his family. Everyone was able to come today. His mom, his dad, his grandmother, his sister, and even little 8-year-old Takeru made it. He didn’t hide the disappointment in his eyes at not seeing Hajime with them.
“Thank you for supporting me, everyone,” Tooru said as he bowed deeply to his family. “I promise I will make all of you proud.”
Tooru’s dad stepped forward, slowly guiding Tooru back to his original standing position. “You’ve already made us proud, my son,” he said, before enveloping his son in a hug. Tooru could feel himself start to cry in his dad’s chest. He hasn’t done that since he was a child.
One by one, Tooru felt his family’s arms wrap around him. He engrained the feelings of their touch into his mind so he wouldn’t forget. He wouldn’t see them for a while, after all. The smoothness of his sister’s arm against his. The wrinkles of his grandmother’s hand as she rubbed his shoulder. Even Takeru’s stubby fingers tugging on his joggers, Tooru knew he would memorize that feeling too.
“I’m going to miss all of you,” Tooru said as he pulled away from the group hug, moving to give each of his family members separate hugs.
“FaceTime us anytime you need,” Tooru’s grandmother sniffed, wiping her tears with her handkerchief. “I’ll get your sister to teach me how to FaceTime so I can call you on my own.”
Tooru laughed, his voice coming out watery. He grabbed ahold of his suitcase and the backpack over his shoulder, before turning to enter the revolving doors of the Narita International Airport. Now, a 27-hour flight (with 2 stopovers) awaited him.
However, the sound of a loud honk stopped him in his tracks.
“OIKAWA!” Tooru didn’t need to turn all the way around to know who that voice belonged to. He did anyway, greeted with the sight of Hajime’s car pulling up to the terminal as Hajime turned on the hazard lights. The spiky-haired man hopped out, slammed the car door shut, and sprinted to Tooru, hugging him tightly. “I hope you didn’t think you could leave without me saying goodbye.”
Tooru gulped. “But I thought-”
“It doesn’t matter,” Hajime interrupted him, taking a second to catch his breath. “What kind of best friend would I be if I didn’t support you? If you feel like you’ll thrive in Argentina, then, by all means, go for it.”
“Iwa…” Tooru sniffed as fresh tears welled in his eyes.
“Call me Hajime,” Hajime breathed in reply, eyes now rimmed with red. “Isn’t it about time we call each other by our given names?”
“Okay,” Tooru sniffed again, a smile breaking out on his face. “Goodbye-”
“Not goodbye,” Hajime said softly. “Please, no goodbyes.”
At that, Tooru felt the confessions he’s ached to share for the past few years, nearly slip from their confines. He bit his tongue fast, unable to rely on self-discipline alone to calm his heart. As much as he wanted to, now was not the right time. Not now, right when he was about to leave for Argentina. He promised himself that he would confess to Hajime eventually. He just hoped Hajime would wait for him.
For now, he took a step forward and wiped Hajime’s tears from his face, resting his palm against his cheek. He memorized the feeling of Hajime’s warm skin against his, desperately trying not to break down in front of his family and his best friend. “See you later, Hajime. I’ll be back soon, I promise.”
Hajime placed his hand on top of Tooru’s and tilted his head, green eyes filled with messages Tooru wished he could understand. Hajime smiled softly at Tooru. “See you later, Tooru. I’ll always wait for you.”
Ikaw ang hantungan at aking wakas
(You are the destination and my end)