⁰⁵ 𝓣sukishima 𝓚ei. ˖ ໒꒱

"I have to fit into their world... "

Even thinking about it seemed strange.

Tsukishima had never been one to seek out relationships. Close friendships, even romantic feelings, seemed unnecessarily complicated to him. In fact, he'd never been in a relationship, nor had he ever shown any interest in having one.

And yet, there it was.

Paying attention to details that no one else seemed to notice. Remembering things you had casually mentioned weeks ago. Searching for you with my eyes in the hallways without even realizing it.

It was annoying. Because he didn't understand when your presence had become part of his routine.

He wasn't trying to impress you or get your attention in an obvious way. He was simply watching you more than he should have, listening to you more than he'd admit, and caring about you more than he'd like to acknowledge.

Perhaps that's why the idea of ​​approaching you no longer seemed so absurd to him.

For the first time, he was the one who wanted to be part of someone's life, although that someone probably only saw him as a friend.

———

Like any other day, he was at volleyball practice. However, during every short break, his eyes would find themselves searching for you near the gym.

I expected to find you there, to hear anything you wanted to tell her, no matter how insignificant it seemed. Things she would normally have easily forgotten, but which, coming from you, stayed with her for days, even weeks.

Several minutes passed between breaks and discreet glances towards the gym door… until he finally saw you there.

As usual, you were waiting for him so you could go home together.

He approached slowly so as not to attract attention.

—You've finally arrived.

His voice sounded as carefree as ever, even though he'd been waiting for you for several minutes. And though he'd never say it out loud, he was always waiting for you.