@defectivevillain - Tumblr Blog

cats and crows

pairing: Tsukishima/Reader

reader’s pronouns are he/him.

summary:

Yamaguchi (private account) tsukki and the new guy are beefing. and by tsukki and the new guy, i mean tsukki is beefing w the fact that the new guy exists and is better than him Tsukishima: shut. up. → Yamaguchi: am i wrong ???? → Tsukishima: he’s not better than me → Yamaguchi: maybe not at blocking → Yamaguchi: but he’s better at serve-receive, defense, setting, hitting, and definitely serving. → Tsukishima: so, in your eyes, he’s better at everything except throwing his hands in the air over the net. → Yamaguchi: yep

word count: 15.7k | ao3 version (recommended for better formatting)

author’s notes: The reader’s pronouns are he/him and he’s stated to be around average height for a guy (5’8-5’9). There’s a brief moment where he’s mentioned to be growing out his hair (just long enough to tie back), but I didn’t specify texture, so hopefully race is still ambiguous. He’s a transfer student to Karasuno from Nekoma.

Typos are for texting realism. Expect this to be canon divergent/non-compliant.

Warnings: cussing, Tsukki being a dick for a while (that is confronted eventually).

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) god this guy is so fucking annoying

_______

Twitter

You (private account) well can’t win em all ig

Kenma: mission infiltrate karasuno = success ? → You: no fr → Kenma: 🙃 → You: miss you guys :( → Kenma: miss u2 → Kuroo: omg i came as soon as i heard → Kuroo: @/Kenma showing emotion?????? is this a christmas miracle → Kenma: shut up → Kuroo: never! → Kuroo: @/You we do miss u tho 😿 → You: @/Kuroo miss you tooooo

Yaku: living for these updates lowkey → Lev: Me too! → You: heheh good. miss you guys 😭🖤 → Yaku: ♥️ → Lev: ♥️ → Kuroo: ok so why do lev and yaku get hearts but kenma and i don’t → You: sry here you go @/Kenma 🖤 → Kenma: … < 3 → Kuroo: oh WHAT THE FUCK 😭 → You: jkjk senpai 🖤 → Kuroo: you better be kidding 🙄 → You: did u just do that and then not give me one back → You: fake asf → Kuroo: o shit my b → Kuroo: miss ya 🤍

_______

Twitter

Yamaguchi (private account) tsukki and the new guy are beefing. and by tsukki and the new guy, i mean tsukki is beefing w the fact that the new guy exists and is better than him

Tsukishima: shut. up. → Yamaguchi: am i wrong ???? → Yamaguchi: exactly. → Tsukishima: he’s not better than me → Yamaguchi: maybe not at blocking → Yamaguchi: but he’s better at serve-receive, defense, setting, hitting, and definitely serving. → Tsukishima: so, in your eyes, he’s better at everything except throwing his hands in the air over the net. → Yamaguchi: yep → Tsukishima: i regret every moment that led to our friendship → Yamaguchi: ily2

_______

Twitter

You (private account) ok so update,,,, everyone’s rly nice!!! well. almost everyone, except for this one other first-year. but yeah!!! they’re sweet and pretty good so 🤷 plus ya boi doesn’t have any other choice so…

go karasuno ig?? or whatever the slogan is

Kenma: i thought the slogan was ‘fly’ → You: idfk → Kenma: well u better figure it out since ur a student there now → You: but i don’t wanna admit defeat → You: i feel like it’s gonna get real soon and i don’t want it to… :/

_______

Twitter Timeline

You (private account) good practice 👍

Tsukishima (private account) i. hate. him.

_______

Twitter

Kinoshita (private account) tsukishima hates the new guy for literally no reason lmao. at least have a reason. like, i hate him because he’s way better than me and will be taking starting position as opposite hitter

→ Ennoshita: We are kind of screwed → Kinoshita: yeah, like, he can play back row well too… ukai will probably just run a 5-1 with kageyama and put the new guy as rightside… then suga will be benched too → Kinoshita: except i can’t even be mad or actually hate the guy because he’s nice → Ennoshita: Yeah he is → Kinoshita: and he has a jump float too… like leave something for the rest of us 😭💀 → Ennoshita: It’s these first-years… → Kinoshita: right like it was bad enough that three just waltzed right in and took all the starting positions. and now there’s four w this new guy → Ennoshita: Yeah…

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | Yamaguchi added you. Yamaguchi: @/You heyyy! this is our gc where we do whatever Yamaguchi: well we don’t rly do much You: lolll thx for adding me! Yamaguchi: np!

_______

{Direct Message} Tsukishima: i will kill you. Tsukishima: violently. Yamaguchi: k 😄

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | Yamaguchi: just added u to the main team chat too You: tysmmm, yamaguchi! appreciate it 🫶 Yamaguchi: np! we’re happy to have you! Hinata: yeeeeah! 😊💪🏐 You: 🖤 Yamaguchi: @/You tsukki and kageyama don’t text much. mostly cause they think they’re better than us You: LMFAOOO You: noted Tsukishima: using heart emojis when u just met us is pathetic You: k You: anyways thanks guys @/Yamaguchi @/Hinata 🖤🖤🖤🖤 Yamaguchi: LMFAOOOO i think you’ll fit in just fine xD Hinata: yeeee! Kageyama: Stop texting. My phone hasn’t stopped vibrating in ten minutes. Yamaguchi: do not disturb is a thing Kageyama: Yes, it is. Do not disturb me. Yamaguchi: no, i meant it’s a setting Yamaguchi: sigh nvm

_______

Twitter

You (private account) lmfao the one guy who hates me just snapped at me for using heart emojis in the gc

Kuroo: jealousy is a disease 😷 get better soon bitches 🖕 → You: THIS

_______

| Karasuno VB | Daichi: @/You Welcome to the team! You: tyyyyy! Liked by Daichi, Sugawara and 7 others.

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | You: @/Yamaguchi do u know where room 113 is Tsukishima: you do realize this is a group chat You: yeah You: figured if i appeared pathetic enough y’all would take pity on me You: u know where 113 is? @/Tsukishima Tsukishima: . You: ok fck u too then 😭😭 You: @/Yamaguchi @/Hinata 👉👈 halp Yamaguchi: omgggg, so sorry! had my phone on dnd by accident You: no worries !!! You: do u have any idea where room 113 is? for some reason i’ve found 112 and 114 but 113 is nonexistent Yamaguchi: yes omg i had trouble with that one too Yamaguchi: it’s around the corner inf th Yamaguchi: wait Yamaguchi: tsukki don’t u have ap euro in there this period ??? like, rn? in two minutes??? Tsukishima: maybe Yamaguchi: WHY TF WEREN’T YOU HELPING THEN You: bruh You: ok whale if you need me i’ll be sitting on the floor outside Yamaguchi: no noooo Yamaguchi: it’s under the staircase!!! weird ass entrance, turn the corner with 112 on ur right, then go to the underside of the staircase that’s facing u right there You: omg found it tysmmmmmmmmmm Yamaguchi: np!

_______

{Direct Message} Tsukishima: why. Would. You. do. That. Yamaguchi: he has to get to class Yamaguchi: why r u so opposed to him Tsukishima: wasn’t aware i needed to write an essay abt the guy Yamaguchi: i mean, no, but… Yamaguchi: u weren’t even this rude to hinata and kageyama. and that’s saying something Tsukishima: they’re also idiots. it was much easier. Yamaguchi: riiiiight… Yamaguchi: well good luck

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) all the seats in the room and he has to choose the one right next to me Yamaguchi: did he rly ? → Tsukishima: yes → Yamaguchi: why do i feel like there’s something ur not saying → Tsukishima: it may or may not have been the only open seat → Yamaguchi: yeah there it is

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | You: omg @/Hinata was that u just now Tsukishima: how many other short redheads go to this school You: at least 10, i would assume Hinata: yeeeeeee that was me !!! You: omg i’m saurrrryyyy!! i recognized u but by the time i processed u waving i was already gone 😭😭 Hinata: don’t worry about itttt 😊 You loved this message.

_______

INT. – Karasuno gymnasium, after school.

You emerge from the locker room in your volleyball gear, stretching your arms a bit and walking over to the guys. Yamaguchi is sitting off to the side with Tsukishima; Hinata and Kageyama are passionately arguing about something; Suga, Daichi, and Asahi are discussing something in hushed tones; and Tanaka and Nishinoya are practicing their rolls.

You head over to Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi Hey! How’d your first day of classes go?

You Oh, it was good.

Pretty boring, but good.

Yamaguchi Nice! You like your classes?

You Yeah. Though I was surprised I didn’t see any of you guys in them.

Tsukishima scoffs, reminding you of his presence. You resist the urge to roll your eyes.

You (dismissively) You don’t really count.

Yamaguchi Yeah, I meant to ask, what classes are you taking?

You The basic ones, I think. Um… Accelerated Lit, Bio 102, English 2, Geometry, and Life Studies.

Tsukishima (snorting) Life Studies?

You Yep. It’ll be an Easy A, I’m thinking.

Yamaguchi Hmmm… We’re in mostly the same classes. That’s weird! Then again, the school’s pretty big, so I guess it makes sense.

Sorry I didn’t see your message earlier.

You No, no, I meant to say thanks! You saved my life, dude.

Tsukishima (dryly) Yes, we’re all very grateful for your assistance, Yamaguchi.

He gets to his feet, seeming to enjoy the few inches of height he has over you. You just ignore him, and he soon walks off to help set up the nets.

Yamaguchi sighs and gives you a sympathetic look.

Yamaguchi Sorry about him.

You Don’t be. I mean, you have nothing to apologize for.

Yamaguchi He’s usually like this with new people.

Though I’ll admit he seems pretty prickly with you.

You And I didn’t even do anything to him.

Unless you count ‘leaving a hole in the block’, as if it isn’t his entire job to close the seam.

Yamaguchi huffs in amusement, crossing his arms over his chest.

Yamaguchi He’ll relax a bit.

…Eventually.

_______

INTERIOR – Karasuno gymnasium, during boys’ volleyball practice.

After stretching and some light warm-ups, you separated for some brief positional training before your team moved into serving practice. Now all of you stand on one of the two sides of the court, scattered across the endlines.

You’ve gotten to the point where you don’t necessarily need a ton of room for your serve, though you prefer having at least a few feet. You have a jump float serve, so at the very least, you take consolation in knowing it requires less space than the average top spin jump serve.

Somewhere in the casual dispersal of your teammates, you end up near the edge of the far endline—with Tanaka on your left and Tsukishima on your right. Tanaka’s serve can get a little crazy, though he seems more focused on attempting to get an ace on Nishinoya—who is practicing serve-receive on the other side.

You go through your typical routine, hitting the ball a few times against the ground before moving into your approach and sending a serve into the seam of zones six and one. It’s a good float, and you end up being distracted for a few moments as you stare across the net.

Tsukishima Do you mind?

You blink and turn to find him waiting to serve. You begrudgingly step out of the way and keep an eye out for any incoming serves, so you can grab a ball and practice some more. Eventually, Asahi sends a serve nearly sailing over your head—well out-of-bounds—and you have another ball.

For some reason, Tsukishima still hasn’t served. You look over to find him standing there with a scowl.

Tsukishima You’re in my way.

You …Then go around.

Tsukishima I always serve from here.

You Well maybe you should branch out.

You proceed to ignore him and go into another serve, tossing it up and sending it to the deep far corner of the court. It lands just past the line.

Tsukishima That was out.

You (flatly) Yeah, I got that, thanks.

Tsukishima tosses the ball up for his standing overhand serve, and you watch as it’s lobbed across the net without significant spin or float.

You (scoffing before you can stop yourself) Are you serious?

Tsukishima What?

You You kicked up such a fuss for me being in your way, and then you serve like that? Not even a jump serve? Girl.

Tsukishima Don’t call me that.

You just turn your back and roll your eyes.

_______

INT. – Karasuno gymnasium, later that same practice.

Coach Ukai separates you guys into two teams for a makeshift scrimmage. You end up on the same team as Yamaguchi and Hinata, while Tsukishima and Kageyama are across the net. Suga, Asahi, and Kinoshita are also on your side, with Nishinoya, Tanaka, Daichi, and Ennoshita on the other side. It’s a bit of an unconventional setup, but you see what Coach Ukai is trying to do. With Hinata and Kageyama separated, Hinata is challenged to work on his adaptability.

You’re put in the position of opposite hitter, as you always are. Typically you play backrow for yourself, which means you’re in the game for all six rotations. For this scrimmage, you guys only have six players—so everyone will be in at all times. It doesn’t look like there will be any serving, though—Coach Ukai stands at the sidelines with a ballcart, and he pops the ball into the other team’s side.

And before long, it begins.

The first few points have a few shaky digs from your side, which forces Suga to set Asahi more often than not. After you guys start to get into your groove, Hinata manages a standard quick attack—though he’s immediately blocked by Tsukishima. Fortunately, you’d been covering him pretty tightly and you pop the ball up before moving over to the intersection of the ten-foot line and the sideline.

You call for the ball and Suga is quick to deliver, sending a well-placed set just where you want it. You move into your approach and jump, as the huge shadow that is Tsukishima Kei goes to block you alongside Tanaka. Your left arm falls away as you extend your right arm and follow through, the ball hitting the stripe of your palm and shooting across the court towards Kageyama. Tsukishima manages to get a decent hand on the hit, but this also means the ball is ricocheting and moving at an unnatural angle. Kageyama passes the ball up to the center of the court for Nishinoya to move in and pass it to Tanaka.

You go up to block the cross shot, hands splayed wide as you attempt to cover for Hinata’s somewhat shorter block. He still manages to jump over and close the block in time, though he bumps into you and immediately goes “Sorry!” You reassure him it’s fine, eyes on the court as you backpedal to the ten-foot line and ready for another hit. It’s a bit of an off pass, so Suga sets Asahi and he gets a kill by hitting a cross shot in the deep corner.

The rallies continue like this for a while, both of your impromptu teams evenly matched. You manage to get a few good touches on Tanaka’s hits, but nothing as solid as a complete block. Meanwhile, Tsukishima is proving to be a pain in the ass to hit against—if only because his arms are so damn long. He managed to stuff your last hit—and that pissed you off, just seeing the smug smirk on his face—so you’re determined to get past him this time. Fortunately, you haven’t hit a line shot through the game yet, instead opting for cross and dragging him closer to the middle of the court.

This means that, when Suga gives you a perfect set hovering towards the antenna, your line shot is completely free. It’s almost beautiful—Tanaka and Tsukishima both blocking cross, that small gap between their hands and the net… It’s like seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Nishinoya is playing somewhat lackluster defense at the moment, namely because he hasn’t been hit with a line shot all game. You’re going to change that.

You pull your arm back and snap your wrist, twisting it to the right as you hit the ball right on the sideline. Nishinoya isn’t expecting it, and though he makes a half-step towards it, it’s too late. You get a kill. Entirely untouched by their defense.

“Woo!” Hinata yells, his enthusiasm contagious as you high-five your teammates.

Coach Ukai is quickly sending another ball in, though, giving you zero chance to celebrate. This also prevents you from noticing the darkened scowl on Tsukishima’s face, or the way his eyes track your movements across the court with unnerving precision.

_______

INT. – A few weeks later, after practice in the gym.

Practices have been going well, as you start to get the hang of playing with your new teammates. Coach Ukai assures you that you’re doing well, and Daichi is quick to affirm the sentiment. The majority of the other players have warmed up to you, though Tsukishima is still callous and Kageyama remains uninterested in socializing.

Today’s practice was pretty normal, though Takeda’s unexpected appearance as you all were taking down nets quickly ruined the mood. It wasn’t his fault, of course—but the news he brought with him was particularly troubling: Kageyama and Hinata are failing their classes.

While the average student may not face too harsh of penalties for lower grades, students in athletics are usually held to a higher standard. You have to be passing all of your classes at a certain grade in order to be eligible for the team, and poor grades could mean suspension from both your sport and, eventually, school altogether.

It’s kind of a big deal, which is how you end up in a circle across from Kageyama and Hinata—who both look pale as ghosts. Their eyes are wide and they’re clearly panicked. Suga stands next to you, a slight frown on his face as he tries to get more information from them.

From what they’re saying, it’s clear they don’t care much for the academic part of school. That doesn’t necessarily surprise you—they’ve always seemed like volleyball players first and students second. Unfortunately, those priorities should really be reversed. Volleyball isn’t forever, but academics are.

Suga Why didn’t you guys go to a tutor?!

Kageyama & Hinata A tutor…?

Suga Yes, someone who can help you.

Kageyama I don’t want help.

Hinata Yeah, I don’t even need it!

Tsukishima (muttering to himself) Can’t build on existing knowledge if they don’t even have any.

You take another look at Kageyama and Hinata, starting to feel a bit bad for them. Hinata is devastated, and Kageyama looks moments from having an aneurysm.

You …I can help.

The group turns to look at you. You try your best to ignore it.

I’m a tutor.

Tsukishima (skeptical) Since when? You just got here.

You Since a few weeks ago.

Tsukishima scoffs. You turn to Kageyama and Hinata.

You I tutored at my old school too. I’d be happy to help you guys.

Kageyama still doesn’t look thrilled about it, though it’s clear he’d much rather have you as a tutor than Tsukishima.

Tsukishima Thought you flunked out of your old school.

You (glaring) No, I didn’t—

Suga (placatingly) That’s a great idea. You can tutor them in their writing and history classes. Tsukishima can help with science and math.

Tsukishima I never said I would help.

Suga (innocently) I mean, Coach Ukai could just bench you instead.

Tsukishima (glowering) …Fine.

Suga Perfect!

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | Hinata: my mom said u guys could come over!!!! You liked this message. Yamaguchi: i won’t be able to go, sorry guys :( You: np!! Hinata: dw abt ittttt

_______

INTERIOR – Hinata’s house.

The four of you—Tsukishima, Kageyama, Hinata, and you—sit at the dining table, notebooks and tablets spread out everywhere. Tsukishima has already drilled into them about their biology and algebra classes, so they’re looking a bit disheartened. You guys all took a break after that, but unfortunately, there’s still work left to be done. Namely, the essay they were both assigned for their literature class.

Once you’re all back at the table, you’re quick to get back into things.

You Okay, so for essays, it’s usually easiest to start with an outline and flesh it out from there. I’ve made a general one that you can just fill in.

It starts with your introduction paragraph, which you can think of as a funnel. Start broad and introduce the topic or problem. Then slowly narrow in, until you get to your thesis statement. Your thesis is what you’re trying to prove, the argument you’re trying to make.

Kageyama and Hinata are both listening; Tsukishima is staring down at his tablet with an annoyed expression. You try your best to pretend as if he isn’t here.

You Typically, it’s easiest if your thesis statement has multiple components, because then those components can just serve as the topics of your body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs are the majority of your essay. For each body paragraph, you want it to be structured in what’s called AEC format. Start with an assertion, provide evidence, then add commentary.

It doesn’t look like your teacher has a counter argument in the rubric, and the word count’s short, so we can skip that.

Lastly is the conclusion paragraph. Think of it as an inverted funnel. So you know how we went from broad to specific in the introduction? We’re trying to do the opposite here. You’ll start by restating your thesis, reminding your audience of your argument. Then, you’ll start to expand the scope and end with highlighting the broader implications of your argument.

Kageyama and Hinata are silent.

You (a bit self-conscious) Sorry, uh… does that make sense? That’s the general structure of an essay; once you understand that, it’s easy to apply it to most prompts.

Hinata Uh… yeah! That makes sense. I think. Maybe.

Kageyama nods.

You Maybe it’ll make more sense with an example. So, with this prompt…

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) …

Yamaguchi: what’s up → Tsukishima: he’s not as dumb as i thought → Yamaguchi: he’s smart, you mean → Tsukishima: …unfortunately. → Yamaguchi: whoaaaaa!!!! omg. if ur admitting it then he must be a lowkey genius 😭😭

_______

Twitter

You (private account) tsukishima was glaring at me the whole damn time i was tutoring kageyama and hinata, wtf 😭😭

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima spare me from this idiot fest

You: pls. i was suffering too → Tsukishima: how did you find this account. → You: it was attached to ur number miss girl → Tsukishima: stalker → Tsukishima: also, bold of you to say you were suffering, considering you’re also an idiot. → You: STFU

_______

Twitter

Yamaguchi (private account) they’re flirting already [suffering.jpg: A screenshot of your recent exchange with Tsukishima in the comments of his post.]

Tanaka: roflllll

_______

INT. – The dining table at Hinata’s house.

You’re finally nearing the end of your tutoring session when the front door of the house is heard swinging open. The sound of light footsteps grabs Hinata’s attention, and a smile grows on his lips as his little sister Natsu walks into the room. She’s practically a carbon copy of him, down to the red hair and bright grin.

Natsu Hi, Shoyo!

Hinata Natsu!

Natsu Who are these people?

Hinata These are my teammates! This is Kageyama.

Kageyama nods. Natsu looks up at him.

Natsu Hi! You’re grumpy.

Hinata And Tsukishima—

Natsu You’re tall.

Hinata (stifling a laugh before turning to you last) And this is—

You give her a smile. You’re mid-wave when she interjects.

Natsu (looking at you) You’re pretty.

You Wh—

…Uh. Thanks.

Natsu (beaming) You’re welcome!

You feel weirdly flustered. Hinata looks both embarrassed and mildly amused, and he’s quick to apologize to all of you once he ushers Natsu out of the room.

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) put me out of my misery

Yamaguchi: i volunteer → Tsukishima: anyone but you → Yamaguchi: as if i’m not the only person on ur priv → Tsukishima: shut up

_______

The following week…

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) who actually tries in gym class… 😐

Yamaguchi: not u apparently → Tsukishima: he’s in my gym class → Yamaguchi: who? the new guy? → Tsukishima: yeah. → Yamaguchi: okay… why is that a problem → Tsukishima: because i have to see him. changing in the locker room, in the gymnasium, in my peripheral, across the field, etc. → Yamaguchi: …ok…? → Tsukishima: ugh never. mind. → Yamaguchi: NAUR WAIT → Tsukishima: nope too late i’ve lost my patience → Yamaguchi: fck u 😭😭

_______

Twitter

Nishinoya why tf does the newbie get to hold kiyoko’s lunch

Tanaka: WHAT. → Nishinoya: EXACTLY

Daichi: Probably because he doesn’t act weird about it. Unlike a certain libero on our team. → Nishinoya: HEY 😭 → Daichi: And he has a name. It’s not “newbie”. → Nishinoya: It is now!!!!!! betrayallllllllll ; (

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima of fucking course.

of fucking course.

Hinata: you good? → Tsukishima: shut up. → Hinata: ok :/ → Tsukishima: you can’t keep a secret to save your life. → Hinata: yes i can!!!!!!!! i never told u yamaguchi was the one who broke ur binder → Tsukishima: what. → Hinata: ahhahahahahahahahahhaa i mean what bye 😄😄😄😄 → Yamaguchi: NAURRRR don’t listen to him

_______

After practice on Thursday…

| Karasuno VB | You: kiyoko-san i think you left ur bag You: it’s the pastel blue one right Kiyoko: Yes, that one is mine. You: should i grab it or smthg? don’t want it to get stolen + it’ll reek if i put it in our locker room lmao Kiyoko: Can you put it in my hall locker? I’ll send you the combination. You: sure Kiyoko: Thank you. You: ofc!

_______

{Direct Message} Tanaka: bro Nishinoya: bro Tanaka: bro… Nishinoya: i know bro… i know. Tanaka: WE LOST HER 😭😭😭😭 Nishinoya: it’s not too late we can still fix this Tanaka: how?! Nishinoya: SOMEHOW! Tanaka: lmao Tanaka: u right

_______

{Direct Message} Kiyoko: My locker’s 2331. The lock combination is 17-33-19. You: kk! i’ll just put ur bag in there then Kiyoko: Thank you. You: np! You: done

_______

INT. – An empty hallway in the school, after your volleyball practice.

You close Kiyoko’s locker and turn around, only to flinch back into the lockers as you realize Tanaka and Nishinoya are standing right there. You didn’t even notice them walk up.

You Uh, hey, guys.

Tanaka Hey.

Nishinoya (a smirk growing on his face) So… we saw what you just did.

You What, putting Kiyoko-san’s bag back?

Tanaka Yeah.

Nishinoya You know what we want.

Open the locker for us…!

You …I don’t think that’s a good idea. Plus that’s her stuff.

Tanaka So you were looking?!?

You Well, no, but… I mean. She didn’t give us permission to look.

Nishinoya So?

You So—

Tsukishima Don’t bother.

There’s the sound of footsteps approaching. You turn to find Tsukishima heading over, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his warmup jacket. He doesn’t so much as spare you a glance, instead looking at the wall ahead.

Tsukishima Stupidity’s contagious, you know.

Nishinoya Hey!

Tanaka Yeah, hey!!

Tsukishima Kiyoko-san is not into you.

Tanaka Oof…

Nishinoya Harsh.

Tsukishima rolls his eyes. Tanaka and Nishinoya soon walk off, albeit muttering and casting suspicious glances back at you.

You take a deep breath and push off from where you’d been unconsciously leaning against Kiyoko’s locker.

You Thanks.

Tsukishima For what?

You Helping.

Tsukishima gives you a sharp look.

You Fine, whatever. Never mind.

You adjust your volleyball bag on your shoulders and head down the hallway towards the parking lot. To your surprise, Tsukishima follows you. His long strides eat up the distance between you, despite your quick walking pace.

You Do you have a problem with me?

Tsukishima (dryly) Several.

You No, I’m serious. Why don’t you like me?

Tsukishima Why do I need to?

You You don’t.

But it seems like you didn’t even bother getting to know me first. You just hated me from the beginning.

Tsukishima scoffs, muttering about dramatics. He looks askance and murmurs something indistinguishable.

You What?

Tsukishima (impatiently) I don’t hate you.

You (skeptical) You… don’t.

Tsukishima You’re incredibly annoying—

You Wow, thanks.

Tsukishima (interjecting) —but I don’t hate you.

You Oh.

…Okay.

Tsukishima That doesn’t mean I like you.

He scoffs. You just look away, not trusting yourself to say anything more. It’s quiet for a while.

Tsukishima Why’d you come here?

You My dad got a new job.

Tsukishima In the middle of nowhere.

You Yeah, I know.

He’s a manager at an engineering plant.

Tsukishima Ah. That makes a bit more sense.

_______

Twitter

You #8 :) (mirrorpic.jpg: A selfie in the mirror of you in your jersey.)

Kuroo: SOBS they grow up so fast → Kenma: -_-

_______

INT. — Nekoma dorm, Nekoma High School. After a hectic day of scrimmages at summer camp, the teams are all left to some relaxation and free time in the evening. You decide to visit the Nekoma guys, since you hadn’t seen them since you left.

Now you sit next to Kenma as he plays something on his Switch. The two of you are sitting close together on his bed, as you occasionally look over his shoulder to spectate.

You —Anyway, I just hate that it’s turned into overpriced nostalgia baiting. Like, why would I pay eighty dollars for a less sophisticated version of Animal Crossing?

Kenma nods.

You Are you getting the Switch 2?

He shakes his head.

Yeah, me neither. $450 is crazy. Plus my Switch still works just fine. Knock on wood.

Kenma …

How are you liking the new team?

You Oh, they’re great. It definitely took some getting used to in the beginning.

I still miss you guys, though.

Kuroo suddenly heads over and falls onto the bed next to you. Kenma gives Kuroo a brief glare at the movement, before returning his attention to his game. Kuroo shoots you a lopsided smile, straightening up and wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

Kuroo We miss you too. Had ya for a few seconds and then boom! Stolen from right under our noses.

You I know, I’m sorry.

Kuroo sighs dramatically.

Before he can say more, the door is creaking open. Tsukishima stands in the doorway. His eyes flit around the room before finding you. Then they narrow. He pays you a dismissive glance.

Tsukishima Daichi wants everyone back by 9.

He exits the room as quickly as he came, though you can still see him lingering in the hallway.

You sigh and hug your friends goodbye, before reluctantly exiting into the brisk air of the hall. You shove your hands in the pockets of your sweatshirt and fight off a chill as you follow after Tsukishima, who seems intent on leaving you in the dust.

_______

| Cool Cats | Kuroo: @/You blondie’s definitely into u, just thought u should know You: what You: tsukishima? Kuroo: whoever the beanpole was who came in and stole you from us 😠😷 You: lmao You: he’s definitely not into me You: he hates me Kuroo: wait. wait wait wait wait wait. Kuroo: that’s the guy who hated you in the beginning??? You: yeah You: well apparently he doesn’t hate me anymore, but that “doesn’t mean he likes me” You: i mean ig i’ll take it 😐 Kenma: no u won’t You: yk i will i’m a people pleaser Kenma: ye and he seems like a dick You: i mean, to be fair, so does kuroo Kuroo: HEY Kenma: *seems* like Kuroo: … Kuroo: i’ll allow it. Kuroo: but ur on thin ice

_______

INT. – Nekoma summer camp.

Your team is scrimmaging against Shinzen. You’re up 18 to 16, but you’ve been stuck in this rotation for a few points too many. This server’s pretty good, his top spin serve always aimed at the seams or edges of the court.

He holds the ball out in his left palm, before flipping it up and going through his approach to send the ball rocketing across the net. Nishinoya manages to get his arms under the serve, but his platform is facing the wrong way, and it sends the ball skewing off to the far right side of the court. Immediately, you know Kageyama won’t be able to get to it—he’s playing front row right now, and was just blocking.

You’re still in serve-receive, though. You’re the closest to the ball.

“I go, I go, I go,” you call quickly. You’re running for the ball, which is swiftly careening way out of bounds and towards your sidelines. There’s a chaotic scramble as your teammates leave the bench and give you a clear path to the ball. It’s moving faster than you think, and with your eyes on the ball, it’s impossible to get a real sense of your surroundings. You don’t really get your bearings until after you’re popping the ball up behind you, at which point your momentum is sending you lurching forwards.

And the bench is quite literally right there.

You just barely manage to catch yourself before tripping forward and faceplanting, getting a hand on the bench and promptly turning to run back to the court. Asahi is sending a free ball over to the other side, passing it high enough to give you some time to get back into defense.

And the game continues.

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) almost tripped over the bench and broke his face. it’s not that serious.

Yamaguchi: if i didn’t know better i’d think this account was a stan account for him :3 → Tsukishima: but you do know better. → Yamaguchi: ehhhhhh… do i? → Yamaguchi: cmon u have to admit,,, it was a great save → Tsukishima: i don’t *have* to do anything.

_______

INT. – Wakutani Minami High, a few weeks later. In between matches of the tournament, the Karasuno team is scattered across the ugly carpeted flooring of one of the school’s many hallways. Most of you are either conversing with one another; stretching or attempting to stay warmed up; or focused on your phones.

You’re reclined on the floor, shoes flat on the ground and legs slightly bent as you set a ball up and down. You typically do four short sets and then a longer one, occasionally switching up the order or height of the set. Quick, quick, quick, quick, long—

The ball doesn’t come back down. You squint through the fluorescent lighting to find Tsukishima standing over you, the ball in his hand.

You …Can I have that back?

Tsukishima No.

It’s annoying.

You …Okay.

Put earbuds in, then.

Tsukishima (clarifying) You are annoying.

You (wryly) Well, I apologize for my existence, truly.

Tsukishima The ground is filthy, you realize.

You sigh and begrudgingly push yourself up into a sitting position, looking up at him flatly.

You Satisfied?

He stares down at you. You hold out a hand expectantly. He ignores it.

Tsukishima Pepper with me.

You (disbelieving) You want me to pepper with you.

Tsukishima … Never mind.

You No, no, let’s do it.

You get to your feet.

Just amazed you’re even interested. Maybe it’s a full moon or something.

Tsukishima and you end up doing some light peppering in the hall, which is a bit difficult with the low ceilings. You pass, he sets, you send a roll back to him; he passes, you set, he tips. And so on and so forth. It’s just peppering. Nothing serious.

And yet.

You’ve never once seen Tsukishima touch a volleyball during a break.

Though it starts off as peppering, it quickly turns into that kind of low-effort peppering where the passes are lazy, the sets are one-handed, and the hits become half-hearted tips. At one point, you stick an arm out and pass the ball with one arm, sending it right to Tsukki’s hands. He proceeds to set it to you, and then you tip it nonchalantly.

From there, it’s almost a miracle the ball is still in the air at all. You hit it with your knuckles to set the ball; Tsukki is barely even moving his arms. Neither of you have even budged from your positions. Just as you’re starting to actually enjoy the companionable silence…

Tsukki tips it. And not towards your waiting arms, but directly in front of him. At his feet. Short enough that you would have to dive for it.

You stick a foot out lazily. Predictably, you don’t make it. Tsukishima raises an eyebrow at the nonexistent effort of the movement.

Feeling the need to explain yourself, you huff. “What?” you say. “I’m not diving on carpet.”

“Lazy,” he chides you. Though he still crouches down to palm the ball, before tossing it back up to you and sending it back into motion. This time, you don’t hesitate to hit it at him—not necessarily an impossible hit, but it’s clear he didn’t expect it, because it goes soaring past him and rolling down the hall.

“You’re getting that,” you declare.

“No, I’m not,” Tsukishima scoffs.

You’re staring at each other for a long moment, before you’re groaning and admitting defeat, trudging down the hall like you’ve just been told to run a mile. You reach the ball and hum, turning around to look at Tsukishima. He’s a good distance down the hall.

“Bet I can serve it from here,” you remark.

He responds with a scoff. “Ceiling’s too low.”

“Try me,” you say, before getting on your knees and tossing it up for an overhand serve. You manage to hit it back to him, and he pops it before proceeding to pepper by himself. You blink and get to your feet, starting to head back to him when he tips it again.

He gives you some time, but you’re still a good several footsteps away. You cuss and run forward, managing to get an open palm under it and pop it up into the air. It goes up…

And of course, Tsukishima is incapable of being anything but a dick, and his arm is reeling back to hit it back at you hard. You thank your instincts for telling you to turn, and you manage to whip around and dig the ball back up to him.

“Seriously?” you say aloud. Tsukishima ignores you, just setting the ball back to you. This time, you take particular delight in rolling the ball in front of you and forcing him to dive for it. But his arms are stupidly long, and he somehow manages to get a hand under it and pop it up. “That’s not fair,” you scoff, before hitting it down at him again. Tsukishima throws an arm out and it bounces off the lockers before reaching him again.

Just as you start to find rhythm again, Yamaguchi is turning the corner and heading over to you both. “There you guys are,” he says. “The other game’s going fast, we should get back.”

And so the three of you head back to the court, where the game before yours is quickly winding down. You try your best to pay attention and catalog the team’s various strengths and weaknesses, though Tsukishima’s presence at your side is a bit distracting.

_______

Twitter

Yamaguchi (private account) I’m not saying i feel betrayed but i did walk in on my pepper partner with someone else : (

Tsukishima: you’re so dramatic. → Yamaguchi: the amount of times i’ve asked you to pepper or just fuck around and pass outside of games/warmups… and you’ve always said no… SOBS → Tsukishima: you’re so unserious → Yamaguchi: lmfaooo u caught me → Yamaguchi: i mean. :’ ( the betrayal

_______

{Direct Message} 28 more texts above. [Expand] You: i knowwww,, ridiculous Kenma: well good luck at ur game tho Kenma: don’t do too well You: LMFAOOOO You: ty 🖤 Kenma: yw

[A few minutes later…]

Kenma: u won’t believe it Kenma: u literally wnt Kenma: guess what i got Kenma: starts with s Kenma: ends with hiny eevee Kenma: in legends az Kenma: (shinyeevee.jpg) Kenma: shiny sylveon methinks You: stop spam texting him during warmups. Kenma: ?

_______

{Direct Message} Kenma: any idea what this means (spamtexting.jpg: A screenshot of your recent conversation with Kenma.) Kuroo: wtf Kuroo: that doesn’t make sense Kuroo: why’s he referring to himself in the third person lmao Kenma: ya idk Kuroo: wait Kuroo: maybe someone else took his phone to text that Kenma: o Kenma: that makes sense actually Kuroo: yEa wait til he’s done w the tournament then ask

_______

Fast forward to that evening…

{Direct Message} Kenma: u good? You: yeah why Kenma: scroll up You: k You: wait wtf You: that wasn’t me 😭😭 identity theft 😭 Kenma: i was confused You: ohhh yk what You: tsukishima was bitching abt my phone vibrating every five seconds You: i left it in our water bottle bin by accident Kenma: ah he probably sent that then You: ig so You: sry! i don’t mind at all if u text during warmups or games or whatever Kenma: kk same here You: cool! Kenma: how’d the tournament go otherwise You: oh, it was good! we went 3-1 You: our schedule was absolute ASS tho Kenma: what was it You: ref play ref play off play play Kenma: that does suck omg Kenma: nightmare schedule Kenma: reffing right away is nightmarish You: I KNOW WE HAD TO GRT THERE SO FUCKING EARLY JUST TO REF LIKE WTF You: i understand getting there early to play but why did we have to get there at 7:15 if we were reffing at 8 You: the bus damn near left at 6am Kenma: did u do score or smthg easy at least You: NOPE You: NOPEEEEEE You: i did book for the first game, which went to 3. and then libero tracking for the first set of the second game we reffed Kenma: eeeeeesh Kenma: only one set off is crzy You: ya i was v tired by the last match Kenma: r u the only one who knows how to do book on ur team >? You: no, daichi does too You: but that’s IT!!! even tsukishima only knows libero, not even book You: unless he was lying… which is very possible You: damn it fuck shit bitch FUCK Kenma: (⊙_⊙) You: sry im so tired 😭😭😭 Kenma: np You: how’d ur day go Kenma: it was good. we only had morning practice. You: luckyyyyy Kenma: not too late to transfer back You: i wish You: karasuno’s out in the middle of nowhere so our bus rides to other schools always take forever You: sry lemme quit complaining. You: i’m gonna shower and nap and collapse. thx for keeping me sane Kenma: not sure if i deserve thx for that but yw

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | Tsukishima: some nerd left his geometry notebook on the bus You: FUCK ME BRO Yamaguchi: woah Hinata: i think i know whose it is 😅 You: ughhhhhh You: pls tell me u grabbed it You: @/Tsukishima PLEASE Tsukishima: … i grabbed it You: THANK YOU JESUS Tsukishima: …and threw it away You: liar You: lying liar who lies Tsukishima: i’m not lying. You: you better be. Yamaguchi: he is Tsukishima: shut up. You: if you don’t have my notebook in hand at practice tmrw it’s over Tsukishima: what’s over You: you. your existence on this earth Tsukishima: yeah right shorty You: bruh i’m average height ???? ur like 4 inches taller than me ?? max?? Tsukishima: five. You: i h8 u fr Tsukishima: it’s okay, i know you’re insecure about it. You: 😐 Tsukishima: short guys matter too You: IM NOT EVEN SHORT

_______

Twitter

Youi would like it on record that tsukishima kei is a LIAR. (notebook.jpg: A picture of you holding your geometry notebook, the floor of the school gymnasium visible beneath it.)

Tsukishima: rude → Tsukishima: also, tweeting about me? ur obsessed → You: u wish → You: i’m just informing the people of ur crimes → Tsukishima: judging by the state of your notes, your geometry grade is what needs your attention → You: fck off i have a 97 that’s fake news → Tsukishima: 97 out of 200? → You: 😐 → You: clap if you’ve ever wanted to kill somebody → You: 👏 → You: alright, let’s move on. → Tsukishima: nerd

_______

Twitter

Yamaguchi tsukki keeps smiling at his phone should i be scared

You: he’s probably watching black market gore videos, i wouldn’t worry about it → Tsukishima: what are you doing here → You: uh… idk → Tsukishima: cease. → You: no

Tsukishima: you should be scared, because this is not your private account. → Yamaguchi: i’m aware. → Tsukishima: …

_______ {Direct Message} Tsukishima: you did that on purpose Tsukishima: you knew he’d see it Yamaguchi: i will neither confirm nor deny Yamaguchi: but yes Yamaguchi: yw 😇

_______

| Karasuno VB | Daichi: After speaking with Coach Ukai, we have determined that practice on Saturday morning will be cancelled. You: oh thank you lord jesus god Tsukishima: the amount of religious references you make as an atheist is concerning You: good. be concerned. You: anyways THANK YOU GOD (daichi) 😭😭 Tsukishima: i’m starting to think he’s getting too comfortable. You: i’m literally right here Tsukishima: and? Suga: it is nice that practice is cancelled You emphasized this message. Hinata: NOOOOOOOOO 😭😭😭😭 Suga: it’s okay, hinata. you’ll survive one day without volleyball. Hinata: i WON’T 😔😕

_______

INT. – Tsubakihara Academy, concessions stand.

You fight off a yawn as you stand in line, a blueberry muffin in hand. This school must be drowning in money, because the air-conditioning is cranked up to the max. It’s freezing. You think you have goosebumps underneath your warmup clothes.

Cashier Anything else for you?

You Nope, that’s it.

You dig your hands in your pockets and find your wallet, pulling it out. Just before you can get some cash, there’s a blur of movement beside you and some sort of sports drink is placed next to your muffin. You look over to find Tsukishima walking off.

Cashier (confused) …Um…

You (resigned) And that too, I guess.

He’s on my team.

Cashier Ah, got it. Okay, total’s $5.

You Thanks.

You head back over to your teammates, who are gathered around a large circular table. You slide Tsukishima’s drink across the table and settle next to Kageyama.

Tsukishima is looking at you. Really looking. He’s staring at you rather intently, as if waiting for you to do something. You frown. Eventually, he lets out an annoyed exhale and looks pointedly at your phone. You grab your phone.

_______

{Direct Message} Tsukishima: thanks

You raise an eyebrow at Tsukishima, who is now looking askance. You fight off the urge to laugh. You’re literally sitting at the same table—he could’ve just said that aloud. You want to make fun of him for it, but you resist the temptation and respond.

You: np

_______

Twitter

You can’t wait to go home and rotttt

Kenma: wanna play minecraft → You: yk i do → You: but also if i don’t respond after this shower then i fell asleep → Kenma: k

Tsukishima: given your appearance today, i would’ve thought you were already rotting → You: thx for the input bud → Tsukishima: don’t call me that → You: wtf am i supposed to call you then → Tsukishima: new idea: Don’t. → You: i can;’t win

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) he doesn’t notice the way people look at him and it pisses me off

like, yes, half of the last team was drooling over you and you didn’t. even. notice. idiot.

Yamaguchi: oh? → Tsukishima: am i wrong? exactly. → Yamaguchi: u didn’t even give me a chance to answer → Yamaguchi: but no u aren’t → Yamaguchi: i saw terushima hitting on him and kiyoko lmao → Tsukishima: what. → Yamaguchi: u didn’t see? → Tsukishima: how would i have seen that → Yamaguchi: ur always watching him → Tsukishima: no, i am not. → Tsukishima: the tongue piercing weirdo was hitting on him? → Yamaguchi: seemed like it, yeah.

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | Tsukishima: @/You i don’t want to be invited to your shitty hot topic dark academia pinterest aesthetic ass wedding with the piercing freak You: huh You: what You: since when am i getting married You: and bold of u to assume u’d be invited Tsukishima: please. as if you haven’t been desperate for my friendship since the first day you got here. You: ???? You: what happened to hello? how are you? my name is???

_______

{Direct Message} Yamaguchi: it isn’t working. whatever ur doing Yamaguchi: ur just making it worse Tsukishima: what am i supposed to say Yamaguchi: what do you feel? Tsukishima: annoyed. Yamaguchi: ok… Tsukishima: so i’m expressing my annoyance Yamaguchi: but who’s irritating you? Yamaguchi: him? Tsukishima: yes. Yamaguchi: are u sure? Tsukishima: obviously. Yamaguchi: alr then 🧍 Yamaguchi: since u clearly have it all figured out, i will get out of ur hair

_______

| Cool Cats | You: guys You: what does this mean (wedding.jpg: A screenshot of your conversation with Tsukishima in the group chat.) Kuroo: woahhhhh Kenma: that’s… interesting You: wtf did i do You: i was just existing Kenma: lmao who’s the ‘piercing freak’ You: terushima, i guess? the captain of johzenji Kuroo: what does he have to do with anything You: i mean, he was talking to me after our game You: well. You: he wasn’t taking any of the hints kiyoko-san was dropping so i went over to try to distract him Kenma: and that didn’t work, clearly You: i guess not You: look 💀 (followrequest.jpg: A screenshot of a notification banner at the top of your screen, reading: Terushima Yuuji has requested to follow you.) Kuroo: LMAOOOO You: tsukishima’s message doesn’t really make sense to me, because he wasn’t even there when it happened Kenma: sounds like he’s jls Kuroo: what now Kenma: jls You: …? Kenma: sigh. jealous. he’s jealous. You: jealous of terushima??? no way Kuroo: yeah that is what it seems like Kenma: i’m nvr wrng abt these things You: except all the times you’re wrong Kenma: shhhh You: i feel like i’ve done something wrong, somehow?? even tho i haven’t??? Kuroo: you’ve done nothing wrong Kenma: ^ Kuroo: no apologies needed 😷 torment his ass You: i’m not trying to torment anyoneeeee 😭😭😭

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | You: i don’t even believe in marriage You: ok wtf am i doing, i don’t need to explain myself

_______

Twitter

You (private account) idk what’s happening anymore

_______

The following week…

| Karasuno VB | Daichi: I forgot to mention in practice, but please wear Karasuno spirit wear at school tomorrow. Tanaka: u got it Nishinoya: okkkkkayyyyy Hinata: yes, captain 🫡🫡 Suga: @/Kageyama @/Tsukishima that includes you Kageyama: Okay Tsukishima: …fine Yamaguchi: good job tsukki Tsukishima: fck off Yamaguchi: ;) You: hypothetically speaking if i hypothetically only have one sweatshirt and it is currently in the wash and it hypothetically needs to be air dried and it’s You: whoops hit send my bad You: —HYPOTHETICALLY inaccessible what do i do Daichi: We had extras in the storage closet last season, but I believe they’re gone now. You: damn well rip Suga: check the lost and found? You: yeah i can do that tmrw morning Tanaka: just wear ur jersey bro 💪 Nishinoya: OIIII YEAH WE SHOULD DO THAT Tsukishima: why are you yelling Nishinoya: SHUT UP Nishinoya: but we should do that cause that’s what the basketball team does Daichi: Maybe next time. Daichi: For now, plan on rooting through the lost and found tomorrow @/You You: kk

_______

{Direct Message} Yamaguchi: tsukki Tsukishima: no. Yamaguchi: i didn’t even say anything… Tsukishima: i know what you were going to say and the answer is no Yamaguchi: aw comeon, you don’t really want him wearing moldy lost and found clothes do u Tsukishima: i would quite enjoy that, actually. Yamaguchi: ofc you would… Yamaguchi: but you know damn well you don’t need two of the same sweatshirt Yamaguchi: you can lend it to him and then he’ll wash it and give it back Tsukishima: that sounds like a lot of work. Yamaguchi: being nice? Tsukishima: yes. Tsukishima: quite burdensome. Yamaguchi: fine, fine. Yamaguchi: i’ll just do it for you Tsukishima: NO

_______

| Karasuno VB | Yamaguchi: tsukki has an extra karasuno vb sweatshirt u can wear You: ooh fr? Yamaguchi: yes You: @/Tsukishima is that true and more importantly are you willing to lend it to me Tsukishima: yes and no You: sounds about right Daichi: Tsukishima… Tsukishima: Tsukishima: Tsukishima: Kinoshita: the typing symbol’s been there the past ten minutes lmao Yamaguchi: SHH don’t scare him Kinoshita: lol Tsukishima: Tsukishima: …………fine. Tsukishima: @/You get so much as one stain or speck of lint on it and you’re dead. You: yayyy ty! Tsukishima: the correct response is ‘i understand’ You: 🙄 shut up Daichi: Boys. You: eep Tsukishima: …

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) if i don’t get that sweatshirt back i will be furious

Yamaguchi: pls you haven’t even worn it yet → Tsukishima: so? → Yamaguchi: SO stop being a baby

_______

Twitter

You game day! :3 (selfie.jpg: A selfie of you in Tsukishima’s Karasuno sweatshirt, flashing a peace sign.)

Tsukishima: i see a stain on the right wrist → You: u just made me waste five minutes looking for an invisible stain in this pic u asshole

_______

Twitter

Kinoshita (private account) first-year beef goes crazy. tsukishima is throwing a hissy fit about the transfer borrowing his sweatshirt

Ennoshita: he was glaring holes into the back of his head for the whole bus ride lol

_______

Twitter

You anyone know where to get cheap karasuno spirit wear? asking for a friend who is definitely not me

Tsukishima: you could’ve been asking this last night. before my sacrifice. → You: sacrifice??? bffr → Tsukishima: i am. i’ll never be able to wear that sweatshirt again → You: oh pls i washed it and everything → Tsukishima: unless a new superpowered bleach was invented, i’m not interested → Tsukishima: just keep it. → You: wait rly??? → Tsukishima: ugh. → You: TYYYYYYYYY → Tsukishima: don’t be obnoxious about it.

_______

Twitter

Yamaguchi (private account) Did something just happen

Tsukishima: no → Yamaguchi: now i know something did → Yamaguchi: u didn’t even take the opportunity to insult me just now → Tsukishima: you’re stupid → Yamaguchi: yeah no it’s too late for that buster

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | You: @/Kageyama can u walk home w me You: i have a shit ton to carry and ur house is like a street down from mine Kageyama: … Kageyama: No. You: oh that’s horseshit You: we literally leave at the same time and i always see u walking ahead of me Kageyama: So? You: SO you should help me carry my stuff Hinata: cmon bakeyama Kageyama: No You: what did u get on ur essay for lit Kageyama: 85 You: and why did you get a good grade, hm Kageyama: Fine. You: thank you

_______

EXTERIOR – The sidewalk lining the street. Kageyama and you walk home carrying your stuff.

You Thanks for your help. I didn’t want to have to take two trips.

Kageyama marks an assentive noise. Then he frowns.

Kageyama Why is Tsukishima following us?

You turn around and squint. Sure enough, in the distance, you can see Tsukishima walking behind you guys.

You I don’t know.

Kageyama You guys are weird.

You He’s the weird one, not me.

Kageyama …True.

Still. It’s weird.

You Tell me about it.

You speak a bit quieter, just in case he’s listening.

He acted like he hated me for a while there—for literally no reason. And now we’re at this weird spot where it feels like we’re friends. But at the same time, he doesn’t seem like the type to do… friends. So… I don’t know.

Kageyama nods, a contemplative expression on his face. You continue heading down the street, until you finally see your house. As promised, Kageyama carries your stuff up to the door before setting it down with surprising delicacy.

You Thanks, seriously.

Kageyama Sure.

He’s quick to walk off and head toward his own house. Meanwhile you fumble in the pockets of your sweatshirt for your keys, eyebrows furrowing as you don’t find them. They’re not in any of your pockets, or your backpack, or your bags…

You Shit.

Tsukishima Looking for these?

He holds up your keys.

You Yes, oh my God.

Thank you so much.

You reach for them and he pulls them back.

You Come on. I really don’t want to do this right now.

Tsukishima arches a brow but hands your keys over.

You (relieved) Thanks.

You didn’t have to follow us the whole way, you know. Could’ve just texted or something.

Tsukishima It was on the way.

You I’ve never seen you walk this way before.

Tsukishima Then you weren’t looking hard enough, clearly.

You Okay, whatever.

Anyway. Thanks, dude.

Tsukishima Whatever.

He walks off without another word.

_______

Twitter

You (private account) was i just indirectly walked home 🤨

Kuroo: knowing you, it was probably direct. → You: HEY. → Kuroo: just sayinnnnn, you never notice until it’s too late → You: what r u saying → Kuroo: nothinnnnn → You: -_- → Kuroo: not like someone at nekoma was flirting w u and u didn’t even notice or anything → You: WHAT → Kuroo: LMAOOO jk → You: i hate u → Kuroo: love u too

_______

Spotify

tsukishimakei is currently listening to Jealous by Eyedress.

yamstadashi is currently listening to About You by the 1975.

You are currently listening to Ring Ring Ring by Tyler, the Creator.

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | Tsukishima: there’s no accounting for lack of taste (spotify.jpg: A screenshot of your, Tsukishima’s, and Yamaguchi’s profiles on Spotify with the songs you’re currently listening to.) Yamaguchi: don’t fall for it You: EXCUSE ME Yamaguchi: nvm You: keep my husband’s name out ur fuckin mouth Tsukishima: tyler the creator You: SHHHHH You: and lack of taste? that’s ironic, coming from the one who’s stuck on 2022 tiktok music Tsukishima: says the one who thinks melanie martinez is an underground artist You: MELANIE MARTINEZ IS A NATIONAL TREASURE AND I WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY SLANDER, LIBEL, OR MISINFORMATION Yamaguchi: ok true You: thank you You: just for that i’m listening to cupcakke Tsukishima: is that supposed to be a threat You: have you ever listened to her music Tsukishima: You: yeah listen to a song then come back to me flop Yamaguchi: not flop 😭😭 Tsukishima: @/You why do you have a playlist called pissing in a hot topic You: omfg are you stalking my spotify You: SOTP THAT Tsukishima: it’s not stalking. it’s public information. You: STFU EVERYONE LOOK AWAY RIGHT NEOW Tsukishima: no one was looking in the first place, because no one cares. You: well u were, so clearly u do Yamaguchi: oop Hinata: @/You add me on spotifyyyyyyy! [link] 🌞🌞🌞🌞 You: omg yessss, just did You: if u see a playlist and then it’s gone, dw abt it Hinata: wait you do have a playlist called pissing in a hot topic 🤨🤔 You: I SAID DW ABT IT 😭😭😭😭 it’s a reference 😭😭 Kageyama: A reference to what ? You: not you too 😭 everyone look away

_______

Twitter

Yamaguchi i don’t think tsukki realizes that insulting the person you like doesn’t indicate interest to them

You: he does give the vibes of someone who would bully their crush in grade school and steal their water bottle and shit → Tsukishima: speaking from personal experience? → You: as a victim of water bottle theft, yes → You: and actually, it wasn’t grade school. it was a few months ago → Tsukishima: every new thing i learn about you makes me lose more respect for you. → You: ok but u never had respect for me in the first place → Tsukishima: we’ve been in the negatives since the beginning. → You: damn 😭😭

Tsukishima: dms

_______

{Direct Message} Yamaguchi: wassup Tsukishima: why. Did. you. Not. post. That. on. Your. private. Account. Yamaguchi: i thought i did…? Tsukishima: no, you did not Yamaguchi: OH SHIT mY B

_______

Twitter

Yamaguchi THAT LAST TWEET DON”T LOOK AT IT DON”T TOUCH IT LEAVE IT ALONE I MEANT TO SAY>>> UHHH…>>> NOT TSUKKI. SOMEONE ELSE WHOSE NAME STARTS WITH A T

You: r u good 😭 → Yamaguchi: NO IM NOT → You: i mean mood but should i be worried → Yamaguchi: THANK YOU BUT NO IM FINE JSUT NOT FINE

_______

{Direct Message} Tsukishima: were you invited to the shiratorizawa camp You: no, don’t think so Tsukishima: hmph Tsukishima: who’s the flop now You: AYO 😭⁉️

_______

INT. – Karasuno gymnasium, at a water break.

Coach Ukai Huddle up. Before I forget…

I’m sure some of you are already aware, but a few of you were invited to training camps over the next week or two.

Tsukishima will be heading to the first-years training camp at Shiratorizawa. Congratulations.

There’s some scattered applause, quickly quelled by Tsukishima’s glare.

Coach Ukai And we had two players invited to the All-Japan Youth Training Camp.

He says your name followed by Kageyama’s. Your teammates clap supportively. You feel Tsukishima’s eyes boring into the side of your face, but you do your best to ignore it.

After the congratulations, you guys return to practice. The current drill has Ukai or Kiyoko throwing the ball in for the hitters, who pass it to Kageyama or Suga before going directly into their approach. You guys split into opposite sides of the court, and you end up near the back of the line.

Tsukishima (from behind you) All-Japan?

You (turning to look at him) Oh, hey. Yeah.

Tsukishima is silent.

You What?

Tsukishima You didn’t think to mention that you were invited to another camp.

You Well, I didn’t want to be rude. You just asked about the Shiratorizawa camp.

Tsukishima gives you such a flat look that it morphs into a glare. You just give him an awkward grimace-smile back.

You’re spared from further conversation by Kiyoko throwing the ball in for you; you pass it up to Kageyama and soon forget about the awkward interaction with Tsukishima.

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | Yamaguchi: @/Kageyama @/You you guys make it to the train okay? You: yep! thanks for all your help, yamaguchi! Yamaguchi: no problem! go kick some ass hehe You: i’ll certainly try Tsukishima: and fail You: thanks for the vote of confidence 😐 Yamaguchi: tsukki… come onnnn, this is a big accomplishment for them!!! all-japan !!!!!!!!! You: it’s fine don’t force it You: thx again, yamaguchi 🖤 Yamaguchi: np <3

_______

Twitter

You these chairs hurt my ass

Tsukishima: riveting update. glad to hear you’re learning at this training camp → You: thx just thought u should know

_______

Twitter

You zero likes and i’ll drag atsumu’s snoring ass into the hallway and lock him out of our room

Atsumu Miya: NEOOOOOO DON’T → You: stop snoring then → Atsumu Miya: i can’t help it, i was born this way 😔 → You: well fix it

→ You: u have me wearing noise-cancelling headphones with white noise and everything → Atsumu Miya: damn fr?? My b → You: sigh

Osamu Miya: i sincerely apologize but also thank you for the freedom → You: lmaoooo

_______

Twitter

You thanks, everyone! 🖤 (trainingcamp.jpg: A group picture of you and all the training camp participants. You’re smiling and throwing up a peace sign, while Atsumu has an arm around your shoulders. Sakusa and Kageyama stand off to the sides, respectively; Hoshiumi is reclined across the ground in the middle of the picture; and Komori is smiling with wide eyes.)

Atsumu Miya: greet to meetcha! let’s hang sometime 💪 → You: for sure!

Hoshiumi: ur an awesome player, dude! → You: right back at youuu!

Komori: nice to meet you, and best of luck with your season! → You: same to you!

Sakusa Kiyoomi: I guess you’re not so bad. → You: aweeee thanks kiyoomi 🫣 → Sakusa Kiyoomi: Don’t get too excited.

Tsukishima: i see you still haven’t learned how to pose for pictures → You: stfu

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima why do people use so many exclamation points

You: …is this a read → Tsukishima: what makes you think this was about you → You: …ok… good…

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) i think i want him

Yamaguchi: holy fucking hsit → Yamaguchi: you’re supposed to TEXT ME THIS not LEAVE ME TO READ IT IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS → Tsukishima: oops → Yamaguchi: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE → Tsukishima: this is why i don’t tell you things

_______

INT. – Karasuno gymnasium, a morning practice on the weekend before school goes back into session.

You shove your hands in the pocket of your jacket and head over to the gymnasium doors. They creak open upon your arrival, and you make your way to the bleachers. Several of your teammates are already getting ready; you exchange waves with the third-years, who are studiously setting up the nets. Tanaka and Nishinoya are busy passing the ball back and forth over the divider where the net should be.

It’s business as usual. You feel relieved and, honestly, happy. When you head into the locker room to get your gear ready, you’re unsurprised to find the rest of your fellow first-years. They all look over as the door swings open, and Hinata gives you a bright wave; Kageyama nods at you stoically; Yamaguchi smiles. Tsukishima doesn’t even turn his head.

You (with a happy but somewhat awkward smile) Hey, guys.

You head over to your locker, dropping your bag on the nearby bench.

Yamaguchi Welcome back! How was Tokyo?

You Thanks! It was good.

Hinata I like your hair! It looks cool.

For a few months now, you’ve been growing your hair out. It started as you being too busy to get a haircut on the weekends, but before long you just decided you liked it a bit longer. It’s barely even at your shoulders—just long enough to tie back out of your face.

You Thanks, Hinata. I didn’t feel like getting a haircut, so.

You head over to your locker and put your bag inside, before taking your sweatpants off and starting to get your gear on. It’s quiet for a moment.

You How’d things go here?

Yamaguchi Oh, fine.

Hinata snuck into the Shiratorizawa camp.

You pause in the middle of fixing your left ankle brace.

You (amused) You seriously snuck in?

You look over at Hinata, who’s about to speak, when Tsukishima interjects. He’d been standing stiffly at his locker until now, showing no indication of even listening to the conversation. But he must’ve been.

Tsukishima He seriously did. It was embarrassing.

Hinata (huffing) It was not!

You It does seem weird that you weren’t invited, Hinata.

Hinata Thank you!

Coach Washijo doesn’t like short players.

You (frowning) That’s a bit… antiquated of him. Considering your vertical.

Hinata I know, right?!

Yamaguchi I agree.

But how was your training camp?

You look at Kageyama, unsurprised when he doesn’t respond. Looks like it’s on you. You get your other ankle brace on and work on tying your shoes as you speak.

You Oh, it was good. It was pretty fun, actually. Cool to see the facility and everything.

Yamaguchi I bet. I’m glad you guys made it in one piece.

You Oh my God, yeah, thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you, seriously.

Tsukishima (muttering under his breath sardonically) Navigating public transport, how difficult.

Hinata Ooh, who’d you meet there?! Anyone cool?

You Uh… yeah. We met Sakusa Kiyoomi, he’s one of the top three aces, I think. Hoshiumi—oh, you’d like him, Hinata. He’s an ace and he’s your height, I think.

Hinata Whoaaaaa, seriously?!

He starts jumping around in excitement. Kageyama scoffs.

Kageyama Shut up, he’s way better than you.

Hinata I bet he’s so cool! His vertical’s probably insane!

Kageyama and Hinata continue bickering. Yamaguchi says something quietly to Tsukishima. You just shrug off your sweatshirt. The movement must draw attention to your hand, because Yamaguchi soon says something to you.

Yamaguchi Did you jam your finger?

You (blinking) Oh, yeah. Sakusa’s doing. It’s just the pinky, though.

You hold up your left hand, which has your pinky and ring fingers taped together. Yamaguchi sucks in a breath through his teeth, more than familiar with the plights of blocking.

Kageyama He’s really good.

You Yeah.

Tsukishima And now you’ll never see him again. What a shame.

Without further explanation, he gets up and walks out of the locker room. You stare after him disbelievingly, before turning to Yamaguchi.

You What’s his deal?

Yamaguchi shrugs.

Hinata Crankyshima has been in a bad mood lately.

You stifle a laugh at the nickname.

You Good to know.

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) the long hair...

Yamaguchi: don't worry you totally weren’t obvious about it → Yamaguchi: not like you forgot to block because you were too busy staring → Yamaguchi: oh wait → Tsukishima: silence

_______

A few days later…

INT. – Karasuno gymnasium, practice.

Volleyball is a team sport. Obviously. There are six of you on the court, numerous more on the sidelines. Most of the game revolves around collaborating with your teammates, building on their existing work and sending it off to someone else. Passing to your setter, setting to your hitter, hitting to get a point for your team.

You win together, you lose together. And even though you lead separate lives off the court, you come together to play. So it seems natural that there are good days and bad days. Unfortunately, this also means that one isolated incident can affect the whole team: a difficult day; a tough time in serve-receive; an injury. Any of it can prove to be detrimental to the team’s success.

Take this afternoon, for instance. For whatever reason, Tsukishima is in a foul mood. All of you can tell from the moment he steps onto the court. He doesn’t help with setting up the net; he goes through stretching and warmups with his jaw clenched and his eyebrows furrowed. You all try to give him a wide berth, but that doesn’t even seem to matter. Besides, there’s only so much space you can give another person while you’re sharing the court.

His negative energy is starting to make practice worse, too. It’s almost a tangible thing, this tension in the air that makes communication with one another more difficult. It doesn’t help that he’s constantly glaring or scowling, and you swear he’s even making comments about you under his breath.

When you end up getting some accidental spin on a set, you overhear him mutter, “Guess they didn’t teach you how to set in Tokyo.” You ignore it. Serve-receive comes along, and you get an iffy pass. “Nice one,” he scoffs sardonically.

You’re trying your best to ignore him, but the jabs and taunts start to pile up. By the end of practice, you’re exhausted—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. You feel like shit. You were having a good day, until Tsukishima came along and decided to fuck it all up.

You shrug your sweatshirt and sweatpants on quickly, walking out of the building and tightening your grip on your backpack as you head home.

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | Tsukishima: petition to send #8 back to nekoma Yamaguchi: … Yamaguchi: don’t be a dick, tsukki Tsukishima: @/You practice sucked today bc of u You: because of ME????? Yamaguchi: Tsukki, stop. Tsukishima: no You: keep going You: i’d love to hear how *my* sour ass mood made practice worse Tsukishima: u missed ur serves, i stuffed u like four times, and ur serve receive was shit You: Yamaguchi: pls ignore him Yamaguchi: u were fine Hinata: yeah the only one who made practice suck was you, tsukishima! 😠 don’t be a jerk!!! Kageyama: Bold of you to say, when you could only hit the ball out of bounds. @/Tsukishima Tsukishima: yeah yeah snap ur wrist i fckn know Yamaguchi: everyone just ignore him

_______

{Direct Message} You: wtf is ur problem? Tsukishima: ? You: don’t play dumb You: why are u constantly picking on me You: i thought u were just joking but u do it all. the. time. Tsukishima: i had a bad day today You: yeah sure. just today. You: bc it’s definitely not an every day thing. You: u literally call me stupid and idiotic and bad and annoying all the time. You: this has been a thing since we first met and i’m sick of it tbh You: i like u when ur a decent person but ur always treating me like shit You: i get that you have bad days. but that’s no excuse to take it out on me and everyone else

_______

{Direct Message} Tsukishima: . (problem.jpg: A screenshot of your recent conversation.) Yamaguchi: im not gnna say i told you so, but… Yamaguchi: yeah Tsukishima: what do i say Yamaguchi: whatever you want Tsukishima: that’s horrible advice. Yamaguchi: i mean??? u gotta do this on ur own, u can’t come to me every time u fumble

_______

{Direct Message} Tsukishima: … Tsukishima: you’re right. Tsukishima: i’m sorry.

_______

Twitter

Kinoshita (private account) lover boys 1 and 2 are fightinggggg

Ennoshita: that was one of the worst practices we’ve had in a WHILE. → Kinoshita: yeah. whatever they have going on is kinda messing with the vibe. hope they get it sorted out soon → Kinoshita: or not, and then i’ll be a starter → Ennoshita: lmaoooo keep dreaming → Kinoshita: 😔

_______

Twitter

You well that was one of the worst practices i’ve ever had : )

Hinata: omg it’s okkkkkk!! I know you’ve been feeling off, i’m always here if u wanna talk ! → You: thank you, hinata. you’re too sweet 😭🖤

Yamaguchi: we all have those days, don’t worry about it! → You: thanks yamaguchi… yeah… sigh…

Kageyama: Stop moping. You’re wasting my sets. → You: uh… okay, noted. lol

_______

{Direct Message} Yamaguchi: so are you good or do i need to curb stomp tsukki again You: lol i’m ok Yamaguchi: u sure? You: yeah, i think so. You: i just went off on him a few days ago thru text Yamaguchi: warranted You: yeah i think so too You: did he tell u abt it? Yamaguchi: he showed me the initial texts but i told him he’s on his own You: oh ok. well, he did apologize Yamaguchi: ok good Yamaguchi: don’t be afraid to hold him to it Yamaguchi: he’s used to kinda paving over other ppl so u sometimes have to assert ur boundaries Yamaguchi: speaking from experience You: ahh… sorry yamaguchi Yamguchi: no, it’s totally fine! tsukki’s a cool guy. but he’s used to pushing ppl away and being a dick. so u have to whip him into shape sometimes You: i’m sensing that, yeah Yamaguchi: but w him, it tends to be the opposite treatment. You: wdym? Yamaguchi: like, if he respects u or likes u, then he’s ruder. if he’s ‘cordial’ (ik this is tsukki we’re talking abt), then he hates u. Yamaguchi: ik it’s kinda fucked up and i’ve told him before Yamaguchi: anyway. long story short tell me if he oversteps again. You: thanks, i will. You: thank you yamaguchi 🖤 you keep me sane fr Yamaguchi: anytime. we’re in this together Yamaguchi: just don’t be surprised if he needs some time to get himself together. he has a habit of giving the silent treatment when things go awry You: ok

_______

Twitter

You 🖤🤘 (boba.jpg: A selfie of Yamaguchi and you at a boba shop after practice.)

Yamaguchi: <333 → You: <333333

Hinata: why wasn’t i invited :< → You: u and kageyama were, u said u wanted to stay late to work on ur serves! → Hinata: oh yeahhhhh. nvm! 😊

_______

Over the course of the next few weeks, you notice that Tsukishima’s behavior starts to change. It’s gradual at first. But you can tell. He’s biting back his insults and sharp comments. He stops giving you scathing looks after a poor receive or fumbled hit. That permanent scowl on his face starts to lighten a bit.

As Yamaguchi expected, Tsukishima does give you a bit of the silent treatment. Well, you’re not sure if that’s the right phrase for it. He acknowledges you when you speak to him, and he’ll address you if necessary. But he doesn’t give his opinion unwarranted anymore.

And from there, things start to go back to normal. Tsukishima starts talking to you more, with a characteristic lack of callousness. He still has a dry sense of humor and more sarcasm than he knows what to do with, but he’s freed you from his scrutiny and intense judgment. Finally.

_______

Twitter

You TOMODACHI LIFE TOMODACHI LIFE TOMODACHI LIFE TOMODACHI LIFE TOMODACHI LIFEEEE

Kenma: IK → You: tomodachi? → Kenma: tomodachi.

Yamaguchi: will to live restored? → You: YOU KNOW IT

_______

Twitter

You everyone stfu and look at my tomodachi (tomodachi.jpg: The Mii you made of yourself in Tomodachi Life.)

Tsukishima: that is frighteningly accurate → You: thank you I KNOW MYSELF 🗣️

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima …cute

Yamaguchi: i see we’ve moved to public now → Tsukishima: idec → Yamaguchi: character development

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima (private account) just walked in on him being confessed to

Yamaguchi: WHATTTTTT → Yamaguchi: whooooo was confessing to him???? → Tsukishima: some first-year girl. looked vaguely familiar but not really → Yamaguchi: what’d he say????? → Tsukishima: not sure. once i walked in he practically ran off _______

Tsukishima (private account) fml

_______

Twitter

You ahhaha… what 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 just 😀😀 happened

Tsukishima: i think it’s called being confessed to → You: yeah i got that part thanks 😭 → Tsukishima: then what part are you confused about → You: ummm yeah. have you seen her??? have you seen me??? → Tsukishima: i don’t see the issue. → You: ok well whatever → You: thanks for interrupting, that was impeccable timing → Tsukishima: right place at the right time ig

_______

INT. – Eiwa High. 1:24 p.m.

It’s been a long day, and it’s only halfway over.

Your school tournaments are usually like this, starting at the ripe hour of 6 a.m. at Karasuno and usually dragging into the late afternoon. The bus ride this morning feels like several days ago. You guys had trudged into the school tiredly; even Nishinoya and Tanaka’s typical antics were dulled by fatigue and the early hour.

You’re a little more than halfway through the schedule for the day now, and you’ve won all your matches so far. You guys will have to ref the next one, before playing two more. Then, finally, you’ll be able to go home.

You can only hope your court doesn’t run behind. You’re already looking at a 5:00 p.m. bus ride back to Karasuno—and that’s if the matches are timely. If this next one you’re reffing goes into three sets, you’ll be annoyed.

Your teammates and you are scattered about in one of the many winding hallways of this school, bags and belongings strewn about the carpeted floor haphazardly. The lockers on the walls seem to stretch infinitely, and the fluorescent lighting feels particularly bright.

You fight off a yawn, looking around at the group. Hinata and Kageyama are passing a ball back and forth; Tanaka and Nishinoya are watching some video on Tanaka’s phone, sharing earbuds; Daichi, Suga, and Asahi are off in one corner; Kinoshita and Ennoshita are whispering amongst themselves; and Yamaguchi is scrolling on his phone, while Tsukishima stares off into space.

After a moment’s contemplation, you fiddle with your volleyball bag and place it on the ground, leaning back against it like a pillow. You then bury your hands in the pockets of your sweatshirt and turn on your side, the background noise of Kageyama and Hinata’s bickering fading away as you drift off.

You fall into one of those semi-restful sleeps, where you’re somewhat aware of what’s going on around you. You hear some shuffling, the occasional murmured conversation.

Then there’s a harsh slam as a ball hits the lockers, and you’re jerking awake. You reluctantly blink your eyes open to find Hinata standing across from you with a sheepish expression on his face, while Kageyama looks on with a scowl.

Hinata Sorry!

You It’s fine.

Hinata is quick to grab the ball and head further down the hall with Kageyama. You just readjust and close your eyes again.

Tsukishima …Idiots.

_______

INT. – Court #3, on the sidelines during a timeout. Karasuno is up 18-13 in the second set, after a victory in the first set.

You guys huddle up on the sidelines, arms around each other’s shoulders. You end up between Tsukishima and Kageyama; Kageyama grabs his water and tosses you yours. Those of you who just came off the court are breathing hard, and Coach Ukai gives you a moment to catch your breath before starting to speak. When you lean over and put your water bottle back, Tsukishima’s hand slips from your shoulder. You lean back and stand up straight; his arm slips down to your waist and you promptly miss what Coach Ukai just said to you.

You Uh, sorry, what?

Coach Ukai (exasperated) Their libero keeps sneaking in closer to center court, so you should focus on hitting line.

You Oh, yeah. I was planning on it.

Or going for a cut shot, maybe. Their rightside hasn’t been playing defense.

Coach Ukai nods.

_______

Twitter

You his hand was on my waist during timeout

Yamaguchi: … → Yamaguchi: i don’t suppose you meant to post this to a private account → You: OH FUCK MEEEEEEE → Yamaguchi: LMFAOOOOO → You: none of you saw that → Tsukishima: i did → You: no you didn’t → You: time to pull a yamaguchi. EVERYONE DON”T LOOK

Kuroo: oh? → You: oh? → Kuroo: oh 😏 → You: …oh! → Kenma: ur both weird → Kuroo: ^u love us anyway <3 → Kenma: sure abt that? → You: yes 😠

_______

You (private account) broooo i’m screwed now

_______

You …april fool’s

Tsukishima: it isn’t even april → You: april fool’s is a state of mind → Tsukishima: yeah cause ur always playing the fool → You: bruh → Tsukishima: joking.

_______

INT. – Nohebi Academy. Court #3, after a timeout is called by the other team. Karasuno is up 21-13 in the second set, after a victory in the first set.

Coach Ukai Just huddle up.

The six of you on the court huddle up, arms around each other’s shoulders. You end up next to Tsukishima and Kageyama, with Tanaka, Nishinoya, and Asahi across from you. It’s quiet for a few seconds. You glance over at the other team in their huddle. They’re probably discussing strategy.

You (sighing) I want McDonald’s.

You get a few skeptical glances—namely, from Tsukishima and Kageyama—while Nishinoya and Tanaka both gasp and Asahi smiles weakly.

Tanaka Oh, dudeeeee.

You Hash browns specifically.

Nishinoya Now I want chicken nuggets. Thanks a lot!

Asahi I don’t think this is supposed to be what we’re talking about…

Kageyama nods.

You I mean, we’re up by 9 points. And they kind of suck. I think we can take a break from strategy.

You look down at your shoe.

Tsukishima You really want McDonald’s breakfast. Right now. It’s 3 p.m.

You Yeah. You got a better idea?

Tsukishima (dryly) Several.

Kageyama glances at you sidelong.

Kageyama Just keep up the serving.

You Yeah. Maybe I’ll hit them with a short serve.

Tsukishima Go for zone 2, then. Their outside has just been standing there.

You True.

Tanaka (looking at Nishinoya) Thanks for saving my ass on that last cover, bro.

Nishinoya No prob.

The referee blows his whistle, signaling the end of the timeout. You all return to your positions.

_______

INT. – Hakusuikan High School, Court #2, on the sidelines of the Karasuno side.

You’re on the court, as per usual. Tsukishima is on the sidelines as the current rotation has Hinata up front. He’d been given the tablet to take stats, but he finds his attention slipping elsewhere. Namely… to the guy playing defense right in front of him: you.

One of the best parts about volleyball is that everyone is constantly in motion. A spectator can choose a player to watch and see an entirely different game. Defenders are always shifting: pulling up to cover hitters and watch for setter tips; getting back to dig attacks. The same goes for every other player. Everyone is moving.

And yet, with all these moving parts… Tsukishima’s eyes are still locked onto you. He doesn’t even notice it at first, just tells himself he’s monitoring for stats. But the truth is, he hasn’t touched the tablet in at least three points. Watching the almost effortless way you play, the bright smile on your lips when the team scores, the determined expression that rises on your face when you’re stuck in a rotation—

Kiyoko I can take stats if you’d like, Tsukishima-kun.

Tsukishima blinks, snapping back to attention.

Tsukishima …It’s fine.

Yamaguchi (grinning) Busted.

Tsukishima glares at him; Yamaguchi just laughs.

_______

Twitter

You “A man is coming next month” WHO??? WHEN? I’M SCARED

Tsukishima: pls don’t tell me you fall for that tarot bullshit → You: ofc not 😭 → You: just funny how vaguely threatening those videos are. → Tsukishima: true.

_______

INT. – Karasuno High School gymnasium, home game. Seijoh is trailing 19-21 against Karasuno.

Nishinoya gets under a tough top-spin serve, though his pass only sends it to the middle of the court. You call for a back row attack and Kageyama gives you a perfect set right on the ten-foot line. You wind your arms back and head into your approach, shoulders and body facing the cross shot. At the last second, you rotate, twisting your wrist to send a sharp hit right down the line. Oikawa barely gets a hand on the ball, shanking it off to the side and awarding your team a point.

Everyone cheers. Tanaka thumps you on the back way too hard and you fist bump with Kageyama. As you stare ahead and wait for Asahi’s serve, you accidentally lock eyes with Kuroo and Kenma in the stands across the court. Kenma gives you a very small wave—a slight raise of the hand, really—and Kuroo grins, sending you an over-exaggerated wink. You choke on a laugh.

_______

Twitter

Tsukishima if ppl could stop bringing their fan clubs to our matches that would be great

You: @ him next time coward → Tsukishima: ok → Tsukishima: @/You → You: i meant suga-senpai/???? he brought the whole third-year class lmao → Tsukishima: well i meant you. → You: UR LITERALLY LYINGGGGG → Tsukishima: u were greeting fans after → You: those were my FRIENDS????? kuroo and kenma??? → You: GOD FORBID I HAVE FRIENDS → Tsukishima: you made us wait on the bus → You: now i know damn well → You: when i got there we were still waiting for hinata and kageyama → Tsukishima: yeah, because they got lost. because they’re idiots. → You: bruh

_______

| Cool Cats | You: thanks for coming, guys! it was so nice to see youuuu Kuroo: thx for having us! Kenma: ^ You: that was fun Kuroo: glad we got to see you guys play! ur pretty good Kenma: pretty good? Kuroo: well, we’re better ofc Kenma: i’m not so sure Kuroo: SHHHHHHH You: lol Kuroo: @/You you missed it, tsukki was giving us the death stare You: rly? lol Kenma: mostly kuroo but yes Kuroo: nah he was glaring at u too Kenma: …it made me profoundly uncomfortable You: ya knowing tsukishima that was probably the goal You: he thought i had a fanclub lmao Kenma: did he You: yeah he tweeted ‘if ppl could stop bringing their fan clubs to our matches that would be great’ Kuroo: oh so he wants you BAD is what i’m hearing Kenma: soundslike it You: lol _______

Instagram

You w the fanclub 😎 (selfie.jpg: A selfie you’ve taken with Kuroo and Kenma. Kuroo has an arm slung around your shoulder and flashes a peace sign, while Kenma just stares at the camera with a blank expression.)

Tsukishima: so i deserve credit for this caption, is what i’m hearing → You: i mean if u rly want it → Tsukishima: i want credit for the idea, not the execution → You: of course you do

_______

| Karasuno First-Years | You: kageyama You: kageyamaaa You: @/Kageyama Yamaguchi: lmao u realize dms exist You: shhhh i need y’all here for peer pressure Yamaguchi: lollllll You: @/Kageyama help Kageyama: What. You: i need u to pretend to be my boyfriend Tsukishima: what. Hinata: 😲 Yamaguchi: bahahha Kageyama: Why. You: this girl won’t leave me alone Tsukishima: the one who confessed to u? You: diff one Yamaguchi: 🤦 You: @/Kageyama just stand next to me and pretend like u moderately tolerate me You: ur scary it’ll work You: just pretend she’s hinata and glareeee Hinata: hey 😭😭😭 Tsukishima: this is stupid You: no, it’s genius Tsukishima: it’s stupid. Tsukishima: just tell her the truth. You: i did!!! You: well You: i said i have a bf Tsukishima: so, in other words, you lied You: i prefer to call it manifesting Tsukishima: yeah i’m sure Yamaguchi: u told her u weren’t interested? and she’s still bothering u? You: whale Tsukishima: of course he didn’t Tsukishima: he’s a people pleaser without an assertive bone in his body You: hey. hey. rude. Tsukishima: it’s just the truth Yamaguchi: i mean, give him some credit. he did get that guy away from kiyoko-san Tsukishiam: the hot topic wannabe??? color me impressed. Yamaguchi: tsukki… Tsukishima: Tsukishima: right. Tsukishima: @/You i’ll pretend to be ur bf You: it’s fine dw abt it guys, thanks anyway kageyama You: wait whut Tsukishima: i will pretend. You: how much will this cost me? Tsukishima: who says i neerd payment to be nicee You: u couldn’t even get the words out right Tsukishima: just shut up and tell me where u need me to be You: ok You: not sure if ur serious,,,, but she always jumps me after my bio class next period in 181 Tsukishima: k

_______

Twitter

You (private account) ig i have a boyfriend now???

Kuroo: WHAT → Kenma: ^^^ → Kuroo: when were u planning on telling us this??? → Kenma: ^ → Kuroo: lmfao kenma pls → Kenma: ^ → You: @/Kenma ur funny → Kenma: ty → You: @/Kuroo it’s a joke sorta → Kuroo: SORTA???? → You: lol so i asked kageyama to be my fake bf for a second to get rid of this girl → You: and i ended up w tsukishima instead → Kuroo: dude how many times do we have to say it. He is INTO. YOU. ATTRACTED. TO. You. ROMATNICALLY> → Kenma: ^that but romantically* → Kuroo: wowwww so you’ll correct my typos but not ur own → Kenma: shut up

Kuroo: also why is it always wendy lmao → You: bc she’s iconic???

_______

Twitter Kuroo Tetsurou i stg i’m abt to set these two up just to bail the blond fucker out

You: 🤨 → You: is this fUCKING play about us??? → Kenma: on second thought, yeah, maybe just do it @/Kuroo

You: also u realize that’s wendy again right → Kuroo: OH SHIT LMFAO

_______

Twitter

You (private account) TSUKISHIMA MIDDLE NAME KEI DID NOT JUST MAKE ME A PLAYLIST THERE”S NO WAY

Kuroo: omg UR HIM → Kenma: middle name is crazy lmao → Kenma: what kind of songs r we lookn at → You: let’s seeee → You: first few are Nothing’s New by Rio Romeo, Heart to Heart by Mac DeMarco, Heather by Conan Gray, and The Subway by Chappell Roan. → Kenma: so songs that are very queer → You: yeth → Kuroo: and therefore you-coded → You: this is unfortunately true → Kenma: yeah he rly likes you → you: yeah i’m starting to see that now → Kuroo: now???? what finally did it for you???? the flashing red neon sign that said ‘DATE ME’??? → You: cmon give me a break 😭😭 he’s only ever been a jackass to me. and then we had that convo and now he’s nicer but it’s not like he’s ever even admitted to tolerating me. he’d never even admit we’re friends → Kenma: exactly. → Kenma: he’s been flirting with u this whole time. that’s his idea of flirting. he’s clearly not the feelings type but if he’s going out of his way to be around you, then he likes you. → You: ohhhh → You: so he says one thing and does another → Kenma: yes. guys are stupid like that → You: this is true

_______

{Direct Message} You: wait so do u like me Tsukishima: wdym You: like, do u *like* me like me Tsukishima: ? You: damn it this is already embarrassing You: do u like me romantically Tsukishima: we are not doing this over text. You: ?????!?? THATS NOT AN ANSWER

_______

Twitter

You god help me

Tsukishima: finally giving up the atheist act? → You: yeah it’s been hard pretending i’m not a devout follower of christ → Tsukishima: 😐

_______

The next morning…

Twitter

You (private account) GUYS IM SCARED i asked tsukishima how he felt and i won’t see him until practice later IM TERRIFIED

Kenma: u got ths → You: ty kenma 😭😭

Kuroo: he’s so whipped, u have nothing to worry about → You: gawd i hope so

_______

Twitter

You Abracadabra abra oo na na abracadabra mor something oo gagaaaaaa

Kenma: he’s lost the plot → You: im terrified → Kenma: ur fine

_______

INT. – Karasuno gymnasium, after practice.

Tsukishima Why are you so twitchy?

You Uh… no reason…

Tsukishima I’m not going to bite your head off.

You I know.

Tsukishima Do you really?

You …I mean. No.

Tsukishima gives you a flat look.

Tsukishima You realize I would’ve just given you an outright denial. If I didn’t like you.

You Well. Yeah. But also, you’re known to enjoy other people’s suffering.

Tsukishima (huffing) Shut up.

He stares down at where you’re still seated on the ground, untying your volleyball shoes.

Tsukishima And hurry up. Before they close the locker room.

You We’re doing this in the locker room?!

Tsukishima Unless you’d prefer— (motions to your teammates a short distance from you, who are valiantly pretending not to eavesdrop)

You Fine.

Tsukishima heads off to the locker room. You sit there for a few more moments, taking your time getting your gear off. Hinata shoots you a bright grin; Tanaka and Noya both send thumbs-ups. You huff, fighting off a smile, and follow after Tsukishima.

_______

About an hour later…

Twitter

Yamaguchi I saw @/You and @/Tsukishima making out in the locker room

You: oh that is a bOLD FACED LIE

Tsukishima: @/You we were making out? you should’ve told me; i would’ve taken my glasses off. → You: lmfaooooo

Hinata: wait does this mean…?????????????? it went well and ur a thig now???? → Tsukishima: *thing → You: yeth we are 🫣 → Hinata: OMGGGGG CONGRATS GUYS 😎🧡@/You @/Tsukishima → You: TY HINATAAA 🖤🖤 → Tsukishima: whatever

Kageyama: I thought I heard some commotion in there. → You: YR LUITERLALY LYING → Kageyama: ? → You: UR LITERALLY LYING* WE WERE JUST TALKING → Kageyama: Likely story.

_______

Twitter

You

Terushima: hey pretty boy answer yo dms → Tsukishima: he has a bf → Terushima: since when>?!??!? → Tsukishima: since a few hours ago → Terushima: @/You SAY IT AINT SO → You: lol it’s true → Terushima: FUCKKKKKK → Terushima: lemme at him i can fight → Tsukishima: not even dignifying that with a response → You: technically i think u just did → Tsukishima: stfu → Terushima: where is this bf i am confusion → You: he’s right above u lol → Terushima: blondie? → Tsukishima: rich, coming from you. → Tsukishima: and yes.

Kuroo: GASP FINALLY???? → You: yethhh → Kenma: rip → You: 💀 → Kuroo: congratsssss! → Kuroo: @/Kenma be nice → Kenma: whatvr

Kuroo: unrelated but if u hurt him i’ll kill u @/Tsukishima → Tsukishima: how is that not related

_______

Twitter

Kinoshita (private account) lol the firsties finally got their shit together

Ennoshita: they’re cute together tbh → Kinoshita: can’t believe i’d ever call tsukishima cute but here we are → Ennoshita: real → Kinoshita: he’s more mellow now actually → Enoshita: i noticed that too → Ennoshita: he was so pissy after that one game when the nekoma guys visited → Kinoshita: true omg, i think he was trying to hit them in the stands during warmups LMAO

_______

Twitter Timeline

Tsukishima @/You get off, my shoulder is falling asleep

Yamaguchi: so instead of just telling him, u tweet him? → Tsukishima: yes → Yamaguchi: and how is that working out for u? i see he’s still out like a light → Tsukishima: yeah → Yamaguchi: i’m taking pics → Tsukishima: don’t you dare → Yamaguchi: too late ;P

Yamaguchi look at this gay shit (nap.jpg: A picture of Tsukishima and you in your warmups, sitting shoulder to shoulder against the wall as you rest in between games. Your head is resting on Tsukki’s shoulder and he has an arm around your waist as you take a nap.)

Hinata: heyyyy, don’t be mean → Yamaguchi: hinata, i’m gay too. i was just teasing → Hinata: oh, okay! good 😊

Kageyama: @/Tsukishima If you break up, please do it during the off season so it doesn’t affect practice. → Tsukishima: shut up. we’re not breaking up. → Kageyama: You realize he’s way better than you. → Tsukishima: i know. he’s out of my league → Kageyama: I meant at volleyball. → Kageyama: But yes, that too. → Yamaguchi: 💀

wow this thing was an absolute BEAST to write. 86 pages in google docs, sheesh!

thanks for reading! <3 lmk if you enjoyed!

check out my other works, sorted by fandom.

general taglist: @its-ares @excusemeasibangmyheadonawall @the-ultimate-librarian @gayaristocrat @always-lying-to-you @moss4ev3r @hottskull

friendly reminder that i don’t give permission for my writing to be shared to other sites, stolen, copied, translated, or used in any way. thanks!

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs