"Look this may sound out of blue but I want a favor from you......" Tsukishima said with such hesitation that it was frustrating y/n ...... he continued," Well ....are you ....I mean do you ...do...".....y/n knew this was so unlike him, she smacked his arms and said," I know it's not like you to ask favors but I have painting classes Tsukishima so be quick!!"..... and then with annoyed tone he finally spilled the words,"Are you dating someone right now?"......y/n was too stunned to speak .....after functioning the question she just asked,"Why do you ask?".....Tsukishima's frown deepened as he got to the problem......"Look, you know that many ones used Yamaguchi to get to me that hurt him in middle school, even I was frustrated too but thankfully it stopped in high school ......but ....but ".......Tsukishima clenching his fists said," Now again this is happening, someone is stalking me and I need you to....."......y/n never saw Tsukishima this frustrated maybe cause it was hampering his study and volleyball and even maybe causing trouble for Yamaguchi passively......she interrupted Tsukishima and said as if snatching his words," So you need me so that the stalker can get the wrong idea and give up on you ......"....."Yes, look I don't wanna......"......"Yes as you are the only memeber to keep your team grounded with your calm and collected strategies and as Yamaguchi is the captain......you don't wanna get bothered in the final year......I understand "......it felt like they were doing telepathy when again y/n said the words that Tsukishima was about to say," So we need to exchange numbers I guess....."......Tsukishima was happy that he asked for help from his familiar friend....... after exchanging numbers he bowed with gratitude,"Looking forward to it ", and then with a sappy voice,"Ms. Girlfriend "......y/n also didn't miss the chance to tease him," Well as you don't have any experience it's good that you came to me .....you need to learn a lot "......this definitely snapped a nerve in Tsukishima still he was grateful to y/n.
After returning home from painting class y/n felt buzzing her phone with blue light of message and as she checked she saw it coming from Tsukishima........
Tsukishima: So what's your plan genius?? I'm already getting weird messages......do something quickly
Y/n: Oh sorry I was busy .....couldn't give it a thought.....
Tsukishima: Ahhh..... too busy to be girlfriend I guess......
Y/n : Maybe.....haha.....well I have a idea , how about we study in library together and then can grab some coffee......this seems productive and will seem like a date too.....
Tsukishima: Yes sounds quite good ......so when are we meeting?
Y/n took a fresh bath, slomped on the bed and unconsciously started ruminating her thoughts, "Tsukishima and I just have been knowing each other as childhood friends.....but never acted like that as he seemed so distant and enjoying his alone time with his headphones and I also got carried away with my desire to pursue a career in painting .....oh yeah I heard from Yamaguchi last that Tsukishima was eventually enjoying volleyball......good for him ...... ah yes he told me about their Spring Tournament.....too bad I couldn't make it to cheer them........and as Tsukishima and I are on different classes we never had any chance for these friendly things .....I guess......this may be a good opportunity to catch up to him ......maybe....". Suddenly y/n jolted with the sound of alarm....." Oh it's already 7 o clock .....I didn't even realize when I fell asleep!!"
Y/n reached infront of the library and saw Tsukishima standing in front of the library wearing a beige sweater shirt with brown court......seeing him in casual outfit brought back memories ....."Sorry to make you waiting ".......then came out the stingy Tsukishima, "Oh my my.....so my girlfriend has dressed up so nicely just for me....should I give you compliment !!".....y/n forced a smile on her annoyed look and said,"Now, now don't act like a kid ....let's go".....The pretending couple got their seats but as y/n had this habit of skimming through every shelves on the whole floor, she didn't take her seat and started looking through the shelves.....though she knew it was a weird thing, she couldn't help it.....suddenly she noticed the book she wanted to read and hopped to get as it was too high to reach, but careful to make no noise.....suddenly she felt Tsukishima standing behind her and then saw Tsukishima's hand reaching for the same book and he gave the book to her.....y/n stood there clutching to the book and lost in thought, "Ah yes he always has been tall .....but now I literally realize how grown up he has....."......after some time y/n took her seat and Tsukishima noticed that they both were studying English.......2 hours passed and they came out to grab coffee......"So where are we gonna go ?"....."Oh don't worry about any cafe .....we will just buy coffee and sit in a special place".......Tsukishima stood there annoyed as he felt so dumb for not having any clue of y/n's plans.....after getting coffee y/n started to drag Tsukishima by his wrist and when they reached their destination Tsukishima almost yelled with realization, " Wow this lake side .....this tree ......we used to kill time here .....you remember?"....."Yes I do and also that you said that this was your favorite place"..... replying to him y/n mumbled to herself," And now that I am with you this place is bringing so many memories..."....."What??".....Tsukishima questioned as he couldn't hear it but y/n dramatically teased him,"Oh god! My boyfriend doesn't pay attention to my words!"....."OK ok Mrs girlfriend let's sit and finish our coffee ".......after sitting on the green grass y/n took out her bento, " I have brought sandwiches.....let's eat together "....... not with a high pitched, impressed voice but both of them with a soft low "Itadakimasu" started eating ....after finishing meal y/n took out her sketchbook and started sketching but continued talking with Tsukishima,"So I couldn'task you back then ......how long are you planningto keep this thing...?".....Tsukishima with a dramatic sigh said, "Alas!! My girlfriend is already planning to dump me!!'.......but y/n remained unhinged......."Well I'm thinking to continue it for 3 months ......that should be enough......I don't want to get misunderstood in school"........y/n replied,"Well we can do these just outside school and pretend that we don'tknow each other in school".......she continued, "So it's been a while.....how's the club going?".....Then they started to share their daily moments......ridiculous moments, happy moments......y/n laughed so hard when she got to know how Tsukishima suffered while teaching Kageyama and Hinata for exams......she gave a satisfied look when she heard how Yamaguchi has progressed.....Tsukishima asked, "BTW what about you ? Busy with something?"....."Well it's nothing a big deal .....leave it".....Tsukishima also wanted to ask about something else but seeing y/n engrossed in sketching dropped the idea..... then only the sound of scratching of pencil could be heard as y/n kept sketching and Tsukishima enjoyed the moment with headphones on......
After 2 hours....y/n called for him," I guess we should call it a day.....thank you ".......Tsukishima said," same here"......
It was 9 o clock y/n was fully engrossed into finishing her painting and jolted with surprise when she suddenly heard the buzz of her phone......there she saw message from Tsukishima....
Tsukishima: Thanks for today .......the messages have stopped .....BTW we should do this more often.....
Y/n: Wow......you liked it !! Then how about next week .....I also have to pop into some art stores for materials and then we can go to the cafe near there.....that's a good one......
Tsukishima: So Mrs girlfriend doesn't want to study anymore .....just wants to spend time with me....
Tsukishima: Wait ,wait,I didn't say no ...so when ?
Tsukishima: OK I'll be waiting infront of your home
"Wait......how does Tsukishima know my address? Ah yes we used to watch documentaries on dinosaur in my home together......so nostalgic"....y/n got up and started fidgeting the box of video tapes......"Ah there it is!! He used to rewatch it everyday...."..y/n smiled mixed with happines and slight sadness that even she wasn't aware of....
That pretending date was also enjoyed by the fake couple.....even after getting home, the side profile of y/n couldn't get out of Tsukishima's head while she was investigating the brushes, colours......she looked so alive yet so calm just like the colours she looked through.......
Time flew by with these pretend datings full of silence, sketching, small conversations, meals, headphones and soft smiles.....the most unique part of this dating was both of them just remained silent and that was the most enjoyable thing for both of them.....though both of them preferred solo time spending but suprisingly were getting into it......week days became just like these......Tsukishima also stopped getting messages from that stalker ....... 2 months were about to pass smoothly untill that incident happened.......
One day Tsukishima found a letter in his shoe locker that didn't seem to be a love letter for sure.....as soon as he read it he felt his blood boiling......
" I know you have been dating that girl......I guess this letter has proven that I know your school .....I cannot assure what can happen to her if you date her further........so stop meeting her and we shall meet soon"......
This kept Tsukishima distracted the whole day be it in study or blocking spikes......he just wanted to meet y/n as soon as possible .....after club activities finished he waited outside art club and when saw y/n coming out with her friends.....immediately grabbed her hand and said,"Let's go home together". Y/n was too stunned to speak ......she didn't get it as he dragged her to her home...."Why did he suddenly do this in school ?".....y/n kept asking this question in her mind.......After reaching y/n's home Tsukishima just said, "From now on we'll be coming home together "......y/n couldn't grasp everything ......."Wait....wait.....we need to talk about this .....let's meet this weekend at 5p.m. in the same lake side".....was all y/n could say and Tsukishima just nodded and went for his home....y/n still stood there staring to the hand that was held by Tsukishima......... that day y/n couldn't go to painting class just remained clutched to bed shivering. While mumbling the words," Why am I getting the same feeling......no not the same....please why am I like this...... it's like a curse......everytime", she broke into sobs.....
Next day y/n was beaming with happines while coming from painting class....."Oh yeah I should give this good news to Tsukishima ....... yes and a treat of his favorite strawberry short cake on this occasion tomorrow "......
Next day when the bell rang for luch break y/n started walking to Tsukishima's class.....Tsukishima was waiting for her as she said the previous night in messages ........ the lunch break was over but to his surprise y/n didn't came......he went back to his classroom and suddenly heard the girls from art club chatting about y/n .....immediately he asked them about y/n and one of them said,"What?? You are his boyfriend and you don't know! She fell from the stairs and now she's in the nurse's office ".....
Tsukishima sprinted towards the nurse's office and opened the door. While panting he observed y/n lying on bed , bandage on her head ......the nurse arrived and said to him,"Oh don't worry her wound has been treated .....she just needs some rest now"......and went to the room next to the office for few medicines ......y/n noticing Tsukishima tried to get up,"Tsu.....Tsuki.....you here...." ......"Don't.....don't.......just rest"......his voice was almost shaking as if full with the feeling of guilt........he said," I'm sorry ......it was my fault...".....y/n interrupted him," Why are you apologizing? Instead I should be one to apologize....look I was bringing your favorite short cake but ruined it......".Tsukishima yelled over y/n,"Why!!?? Why are you busy in treating me??!! This was all my fault ... definitely the stalker did this to you .......I couldn't assure your safety .....dragged you into these.......I thought to put an end to this after talking with you this week but now look at you ....and you idiot are concerned about treating me my favorite food....!!"......y/n felt tears spilling on her cheeks...."I don't know Tsukishima......I don't why after getting selected for the art exhibition I wanted to give this good news first to you......don't know why I agreed to you ...don't know why I still remember your favorite place to spend time......favorite food....favorite documentary on dinosaur....." between sobs she continued, "You know while pretending this I always get deja vu .....of those moments with my previous boyfriend.....I used to remember his small preferences.....but now I am again afraid to be left behind ......I prepared myself with this assuring thing that it's all fake and will end within 3 months ......but when all these feelings are piling up and now when you suddenly are telling about putting an end to this so early ..... I don't know I can't help but cry.....I don't know....."......no more words were able to come from y/n's voice.....tears kept falling ....Tsukishima couldn't meet her eyes ....he just hold y/n's palm in his hands......when y/n's breath evened out he said,"Y/n I hope you're coming to our next date ......I'll be waiting"....and with a chuckle he said," BTW your club members already have identified us as a couple".....then Tsukishima went out for class......y/n kept functioning his words and with realization almost yelled," Wait, wait. Wait....... what did he mean by mentioning it as a date.......he called me by name for the first time.......and .....and .....what was that smile on his face when he talked about.......whaattt!!" Y/n felt warmth gushing on her cheeks and ears and they were all pink .......
On that night Tsukishima got that weird message after along time.....but this time he didn't run from it ......instead he replied.....
"What you've done wasn't pleasuring at all.....either you stop this and promise no further harm or we may take it to police"......
After few seconds Tsukishima got the notification of ," You have been blocked "......and heaved a heavy sigh......."Ahh ..I should have done this long before.....at least y/n didn't have to go through this.....oh yes! I should gift her something to congratulate her".......
On the weekend they met on the said time and beside the lake ....y/n observed Tsukishima wearing semi formal outfit......she took out her sketchbook as usual ......and suddenly shoved a pack of strawberry short cake in Tsukishima's hands. For the first time she saw Tsukishima blushing, that made her blush too....and they sat in silence that was awkward and overwhelming for them .....ironically this same silence was comforting and most enjoyable for them ......Tsukishima broke the silence,"So how's your wound?"......"Oh yeah it's fine".......then y/n started to open her sketchbook but was stunned to see a beautiful bouquet in front of her that was held by Tsukishima, "Congratulations for getting selected for art exhibition "......as y/n was going thank him she felt Tsukishima's finger on her lips,"Shh I haven't finished yet"....said Tsukishima with a low voice ......"Look y/n I'm sorry .....I have caused a lot of trouble for you ......but I have dealt with that stalker and have assured no further harm to you.....you have always cared for me like a real lover......and now......"....while taking out a small color pallet for outdoor painting continued, "Now I want this fake thing to turn to real....here.....I remember how much you wanted this as you talked about this while we played with paints in your house".......y/n surprised....with a gasp said,"You remember?"....."Yes I do"....said Tsukishima with a soft and genuine smile......."You know what .....I didn't tell you earlier but I have noticed you coming here quite often"......y/n chuckled and Tsukishima stared at her with soft gleaming eyes ....."Well this place holds a special part in my memory......you remember? We were under this tree as it was raining and thundering heavily and you hugged me tightly as I was shivering from fear of thunder.....that was the most comforting warmth ever ......haven't felt that since ages......".....y/n couldn't continue as she felt Tsukishima's arms draping around her ......in low voice Tsukishima hummed,"What about now?".....y/n despite of racing heart hugged him back ......"The best!!".......and suddenly felt tears on her cheeks again......between sniffles she managed to say," Tsukishima, is it okay if I stop pretending.......is it okay if I fall in love with you.....is it okay if I take the responsibility of taking care of your favorite things further.......".....y/n felt Tsukishima's grip getting tighter......."I love you y/n, I love you ".......Tsukishima said with shaky voice as he noticed his portrait on the sketchbook........and thought " Ahhh when did she even draw it......I guess I was the oblivious one when she always looked after my comfort.......cared for me.. how can a lover like that experience a break up !!."......both of them felt each other's heart beats.....y/n said still in his arms," This is different and happiest thing cause I am getting confessed with my favorite thing"......Tsukishima took y/n's both hands in his and with an assuring squeeze said," Looking forward to it"......and y/n could swear she saw the most beautiful smile and gleaming eyes through the glasses of Tsukishima......
(Apologies for any type of mistakes)