He’s almost certain he’s a dozen bundles of nerves right now, and he’s not even sure if that’s possible but, well, there’s no other way to really describe it. He’s actually a little proud of himself, really, for how well he’s managed to keep his nerves in check up until this point-
Of course now they’re actually here, right in the middle of all the excitement and chatter of the other schools, the people there to watch them (actually here to watch them, they’re here with all these schools-) and he’s absolutely terrified. He doesn’t doubt the team, he would never, they’ve soared above every expectation to get here and they’re still pushing, still trying.
It’s him he’s worried about, he’s practiced like crazy but he also knows he’s still nowhere near the level of every other ace here, he doesn’t have any flashy moves, any recognition outside of being on the team that everyone’s surprised is here.
(He’s not going to lie to himself, he’s petrified of something happening, of being shut out again, of tumbling back into that mindset again and letting everyone down-
-he’s fighting it, though, he’s fighting it because this is his chance to prove that he is strong enough, to show everyone)
He doesn’t realize everyone’s stopped until he feels a slight tug on his sleeve, until he turns and there’s Daichi’s gaze leveled at him (and he’s nervous too, he has to be, but it’s only careful observation that lends it visibility right now). He settles on a hint of a smile, a quick reassurance that yes, he’s nervous, but he’s okay.
They have only a moment, he realizes as he listen’s to the coach talk, as he gaze flickers to the door they’ll be walking through in a few minutes, and it isn’t much. They’re given a brief period to prepare, to ready themselves to walk out for their first match, and all of the sudden it’s too short, there’s not enough time and this could be his last chance to be on this court, with them-
It’s his turn to tug on the other’s sleeve urgently, ignoring the concerned furrow to the other’s brow and simply pulling him off to the side, waving Suga off with a quick apology, promising to be back in just a moment, and no, he’s just fine. He’s quiet as he glances around, trying to find some corner where no one else is crowded, (just for a second, he only needs a second).
He can’t explain it, explain why he needs this, why he’d risk it when he almost panicked the last time they held hands with anyone around, but all he knows is the press of Daichi’s lips against his own is everything to him, it’s enough to soften every frayed edge, to make everything fall back into place.
(They can do this, they’ve worked so hard just for even a chance at this moment, they’re here)
He’s smiling when he pulls away, hands lingering on the other’s shoulders for another heartbeat before he pulls away, a full smile lighting his lips this time.
“Let’s get out there and win this thing.”