"Breaking news: Tokuma Asatsu, a Japanese scientist, was found dead in his apartment on Elm Street this morning. According to the police, there were no signs of struggle in the crime scene, and an empty bottle of sleeping pills was found near the victim. The police think this can be a suicide but further investigation is needed before we can talk more about this tragic event. A little background about the late scientist. Tokuma Asatsu, a marine biologist, recently discovered a record about the location of Atlantis, the mythical city under the ocean. The Department of Science and Technology was ecstatic and has been planning to conduct an expedition ever since the discovery of the record. The record is now in the protection of the Department after being retrieved from the police..."

Kageyama turned off the morning news. Tokuma was a friend of his, and his death didn't make any sense. When Tokuma found the record, he was so eager to find Atlantis. Atlantis was his dream, and finding the record was a groundbreaking turn of his life. He definitely didn't look like someone who was about to kill himself. Kageyama sighed, fingers unconsciously tapping on the table. Something was amiss, he could feel it, and all this conundrum was connected to the record. He knew there were treasure hunters who wanted to get their hands on the treasures of Atlantis, but they didn't even have the necessary equipment to go deep into the ocean, so why steal something when they couldn't get to 20,000 leagues under the sea? Yeah, he loved that book. Not precise, but interesting.

Kageyama was a pro volleyball player for the Schneiders, but after an accident, he retired and pursued his second passion, marine biology. He wasn't into studying before university, but when he accidentally sat in the wrong class, he knew marine biology was his calling. It was funny, really, his volleyball coach asked the team to attend a session about how to carry out training effectively in room C6, and somehow he remembered room C3 instead. Anyways, Kageyama was glad that he got into the wrong room.

Kageyama's phone went off. He took a glance and then picked it up. It was his colleague, Kuroo. They played volleyball against each other in high school. Kageyama thought Kuroo would be a professional volleyball player like him, so Kuroo ending up as a marine biologist was something he didn't expect. He wasn't going to complain though, Kuroo was a fun guy to hang out with when you get to know him better.

"Hey bro, have you heard the news?", Kuroo's voice sounded distorted over the phone. Must be the bad connection.
"I just turned it off. I'm okay, really, but I don't understand why he did that. He was so excited to take part in the expedition," Kageyama sighed.
"I don't get it either but...there's really nothing we can do except preparing for the big day."
Kuroo was feeling helpless, Kageyama could tell. Tokuma was really close with the both of them, especially Kuroo. Tokuma and Kuroo were best pals since elementary, Tokuma was also the first to reach out to Kageyama when he first got in the Department, and the three were chosen as part of the expedition group because of their bond. Scientists could be jealous and get in each other's way and ruin their scientific findings, you know.

"Hey Kuroo? How about we meet up?", Kageyama put his call on speaker while grabbing his jacket.
"Like, right now?"
"Yeah, at the park?"
"...Sure."

10 minutes later, Kageyama found Kuroo staring into space. He breathed in and out to catch his breath, then started walking towards his friend.
"Hey."
"Hey. What do you want to do here anyway?"
Kageyama tossed a volleyball towards Kuroo. He caught it. He looked suprised.
"Wanna play?", Kageyama asked. He was afraid Kuroo might turn him down.
" 'Course. It's been too long, eh?", Kuroo smiled, tossing it back to Kageyama.
"Yeah, too long."
"Have you ever...?"
"Yeah, it's always on my mind. I never thought I would forget volleyball."
"Being a marine biologist is also fun too, ya know?", Kuroo teased, catching Kageyama off guard and spiking the ball by his feet.
"Hey, that wasn't fair!", Kageyama scowled, although his subtle smirk gave him away.
"It's called 'being opportunistic'," Kuroo drawled, imitating a not-so-very-decent British accent.
Kageyama burst out laughing, then Kuroo joined in. Two grown adults laughing hysterically in the middle of the park. Yeah, pretty normal.

"I did not think you would bring up that terrible accent," Kageyama wiped a stray tear from the corner of his eye.
"Oh come on, at least it's funny," Kuroo sat down on the bench nearby to calm his breathing.
"No, it's terrible and I won't say otherwise," Kageyama joined Kuroo on the bench. He slowed his breath and leaned on the back of the bench. They stayed quiet for a good while. 

"Thanks Tobio."

"It's nothing."

~~~

"You changed, Tobio. In a good way," Kuroo said as they were walking to a coffee shop nearby.
"You think so? I didn't feel any different," Kageyama suddenly felt the urge to study his hands. He looked at them carefully but did not see any changes, except for a few small scars on the tip of his fingers. He usually got them when handling with crustaceans.

"You don't see it, but I can, and believe me, you've been a very interesting colleague," Kuroo chuckled.
"What do you mean by "interesting"? From your mouth I'm thinking you're roasting me or something," Kageyama narrowed his eyes on Kuroo while pushing the door opened. 

"I'm definitely not roasting you, my dear bro. I'm complimenting you," Kuroo put a hand on his heart, his mouth curved into a sly smile. 
"Uh huh, said Mr. I'm-using-big-words-every-time-I-roast-someone," Kageyama stepped up to the counter and scanned the menu. "Can I get a tall skinny cappuccino for here please? No sugar."
"Same as him, but make it grande please. Thank you," Kuroo stopped teasing Kageyama and chimed in his order. 

"Okay, anything else you would like to add?", the barista asked. He was a small guy, had strangely dyed hair that resembled a pudding, and a pair of catlike brown eyes. He sound exhausted. 
"Nothing more, thank you for asking...Kenma-san," Kuroo pulled out his signature smile, but received an elbow from Kageyama. 

"Can I get your names please?", if Kenma was irritated, he didn't show it.

"Kageyama-"

"Kuroo-"

Kenma watched as the two held a stare showdown. Finally, Kageyama sighed and walked to a table nearby, grumbling something about stupidity and Kuroo. 
"It's Kuroo Tetsurou," Kuroo smiled brightly. He was, obviously, flirting.