[Iwaizumi’s face reflects painful hope right back at Hinata, though he probably does a better job at hiding it. He doesn’t try to pry the kid away this time, only sighs.]
I hope so, kid. I mean that, I really do.
[Because yes, this kid is part of the team that took away his chance at Nationals, and no, he doesn’t know him, but he does know how it feels to be trapped here, how hopeless and terrifying and overwhelming it was at first, and it continues to be. He doesn’t hold any ill will toward Hinata in this moment - if anything, he just wants to make this transition easier for him, as painless as possible.]
You got a name, Number 10?
I’m Seijoh’s ace, like you said. [It’s hard to catch, just barely there, but Hinata isn’t imagining things if he can hear a slight wavering in Iwaizumi’s voice when he says that.] Hajime Iwaizumi.
no subject
I hope so, kid. I mean that, I really do.
[Because yes, this kid is part of the team that took away his chance at Nationals, and no, he doesn’t know him, but he does know how it feels to be trapped here, how hopeless and terrifying and overwhelming it was at first, and it continues to be. He doesn’t hold any ill will toward Hinata in this moment - if anything, he just wants to make this transition easier for him, as painless as possible.]
You got a name, Number 10?
I’m Seijoh’s ace, like you said. [It’s hard to catch, just barely there, but Hinata isn’t imagining things if he can hear a slight wavering in Iwaizumi’s voice when he says that.] Hajime Iwaizumi.