Eleven
.07 - Night Changes
synopsis: the number Eleven had always appeared in milestones of your life. it was a constant, and you didn’t know why. but you would soon find out when you study abroad in japan and meet Him.
pairing: tsukishima x fem!reader
warnings: none!
masterlist: here :)
a/n: hello again! it’s been a minute, and I haven’t been posting as much due to spending most of my spare time keeping informed on everything going onion world. it really has been stressful and overwhelming at times, I’ll be honest. however, if ANY of you need anyone to talk to or rant, don’t hesitate to message me! the best thing we can do is support one another as human beings. sorry if this chapter is long btw, lol. hope you enjoy <3 (English will be in bold) (here’s a link to the song in this chapter)
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Moon is lighting up her skin. She's falling, doesn't even know it yet.
Tsukishima was the most difficult person you’ve ever tried to read. Silent but deadly. It was the things he wouldn’t say that would leave you both curious and afraid all at once.
Yet you were falling deeper into his schemes.
You weren’t sure what to make of your short, yet intimate, moment with the boy. And it wasn’t helping that the number Eleven kept conveniently popping up more often, as if trying to send you signs about the situation. Tsukishima, being the wild card that he is, wasn't helping either. However, as time went on, you began to learn to read between the lines of his behavior.
At home, there would be light brushing on shoulders. Stray hairs being tucked into the back of your ear. The way he can’t seem to look you in the eye when he acknowledges the quality of your photos every so often.
At school, it was just like nothing happened between you two. However, even though he kept up his salty demeanor, the others could tell there was a smidge of a soft spot reserved for you.
As the trip to Tokyo was getting closer, the team started to kick their practices into high gear. You had decided change your photography time of the boys a bit shorter than normal from then on, so you can help out Yachi and Kiyoko.
The boys were on their break, and many of them went outside to indulge in some energy drinks being passed out. You sit on the sideline and begin to zone out, not noticing Suga saunter over and plop down next to you.
“Sounds like something’s troubling you. You alright?”
You turn to see a him offering a curious smile, with a light touch of concern.
“Sound? Did I say something out loud? Aw man, that’s great,” you sigh, suddenly embarrassed.
Suga shook his head. “No, you didn’t. Thinking can just appear very loud at times. Wanna talk about it?”
You ponder for a quick moment, deciding it was safe to confide in the vice-captain. “Just...boy trouble. Basically the summary.”
“Ah, I see. Well, I can relate to you there,” he tips his head back and sighs.
You flinch in disbelief. “What? You’re joking, right? And why would you be having trouble? I can’t believe it.”
He laughs. “Me either, sometimes. But yeah...”
There’s a beat of silence before he suggests, “I’ll share if you do. That is, if you’re comfortable. If not, totally understandable.”
“Actually, it would be nice to confide in someone with a different perspective. I mean, I love Yachi, but I don’t want to keep bombarding her with my guy troubles. So, sure,” you admit.
“Yeah, it’s been a while for me too. So, go ahead.”
You explain the whole spiel with the number Eleven. You were careful when mentioning your family’s background. Although the conversation was light-hearted, you trusted Suga with your past, and were rewarded with comfort as he held your hand in support. He didn’t give you the familiar pity you usually got. Instead, he intently hung onto your every word. From the very beginning with your parents, to the linked pinkies with Tsukishima, Suga nodded along, waiting until you finished to offer his insight.
Once you were done, you heave a big sigh. “Whew, that was a lot. Sorry for just dumping the whole shebang on you.”
“No need to be sorry, y/n-chan. I’m glad you trusted me. Now, regarding Tsukishima, I definitely can see something’s happening. Not just me, either, the whole team kinda figures he is feeling something about you that he doesn’t with others. But, now that you explained it, it makes perfect sense.”
He places his hand on his chin in contemplation. “I totally feel how you do with not being able to ‘figure him out’. There are signs that I feel are really special with this guy, but then I overthink it, which then leads me to wonder if it’s simply signs of being nothing more than a friend, ya know?”
You nod, “Exactly. Do you mind if I ask who it may be that’s leading you in circles?”
He chuckles. “Want to take a guess?”
You tap your lips, trying to recall any details he might have given. “Well, the only people I see you consistently hang out with outside of the club is the other thirds years. Definitely not Asahi. And you’re not pining for Kiyoko-chan like Nishinoya and Tanaka, so I’m assuming it have to be...Daichi?”
Suga playfully shoves his shoves his shoulder against yours. “Well look at you, big ol’ detective, you. Your first try. And yeah, it is.” He sighs. “At least that explains a lot that I’ve mentioned, huh?”
“Yeah. Seems like we’re both in a rut.”
You both laugh, then sit in a comfortable silence for a moment.
He lights up. “What if...there was a way...to tell them how we felt...but without actually telling them?”
Confused, you look at him with furrowed brows and curious eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Well, next week the whole team and a few players from other schools are all going to get together at this little place downtown, just to have a ‘last hurrah’ before the tournament. Arcade games, karaoke, food bar, all kinds of fun stuff!” he starts to ramble about the place.
Gently cutting him off, you question, “But what exactly does this have to do with ‘confessing our feelings without actually confessing?’” You gesture little air quotes.
He goops your nose. “Did I not mention there was karaoke? Every year there’s a little tradition between everyone of having a karaoke session. Everyone has to sing at least once. Managers don’t have to, but there’s always exceptions!”
“So? Oh wait, don’t tell me...Suga noooo...”
“Suga yes.” he counters, knowing that you both know where this was going. “You and I will be up there together! Confessing without confessing! Is that a great plan or what?”
“Sure, Suga, but I don’t sing,” you try to worm your way out of his plan.
“Oh hush! Not everyone knows how to sing, but everyone knows how to karaoke. And besides, I’ve heard you sing before. You’re awesome! Those vocal chords could give an angel a run for their money.” he gives his blinding smile.
You flush a deep red. “You’ve...heard me sing before? Where?! When?! HOW?”
He puts his hand up in defense. “It was outside the gym. A few days ago. You and Yachi were singing your favorite Ariana Grande song because you were both loudly trying to decide which album was better.”
You hide your head in your hands. “Oh my gosh, this is so embarrassing. Let me just launch myself into the face of the earth real quick.”
“Y/n-chan, you sing beautifully, there’s no need to be embarrassed. Suga takes your hands and makes you look up. “How about this. Today we were going to Ukai’s store to get some meat buns anyway. Let me walk with you and I’ll sing for you. I heard you sing, so you can hear me. We’ll be even that way. Okay?”
You consider it before agreeing. Once you said yes, Suga engulfs you in a hug, which you wholeheartedly reciprocate.
“Alright, seems like the break is over. See you in a bit, y/n-chan!”
You break the hug just as the team walked back in the gym. A few people saw, but didn’t think much of it.
The ones who did think of it were the two boys you and Suga just talked about.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
The whole team was in spirits for the most part. Who wouldn’t be when Coach Ukai was treating them all to meat buns?
Most of the boys were following close to the coach, eager for their treat. Especially the freak-quick duo, who obviously felt like they needed to have a race to the store.
Most players were walking in their respective groups and pairs, but the you and Suga managed to fade to the back of the pack, almost unnoticed. You both decided to slow your pace, to widen the gap a little between you and the others.
“Well, I promised you a song. Which one should I do?” Suga asked. You remember that he heard you sing but don’t remember what song it was that day.
“Sing the one I did when you heard me that day?” you suggest.
He laughs and puts a hand on the back of his neck. “You were singing it in English, so I only understood a couple words...would you translate maybe?”
Suddenly you remember. “Oh! It was ‘Moonlight’ by Ariana. Some of it I could only do in English for some reason.”
Suga let’s out a noise of realization, forming a small ‘o’ with his lips. “I know that one! My classmate showed me that song, it’s really good! But I don’t remember much to be honest.”
Feeling a tad bit braver, you suggest you sing it together, you with what you know in English and him Japanese.
“Good idea! Then we can kinda see what we sound like together. Okay let me hey look up the song on my phone...”
By this point, the team was way ahead, so it was assumed they wouldn’t hear you two. You both designate your respected parts to be organized in the vocals. Once you thought it was safe, the audio starts.
Suga begins the first verse.
“The sun is setting, and your right here by my side...And the movie is playing, but we won’t be watching tonight...”
To say he sang beautifully was an understatement. His voice was velvet, light feather tips tickling your eardrums. The soothing tones of his voice washed all your fear away, giving you the courage to continue with your verse.
“Every look, every touch, make me want to give you my heart. I be crushin’ on you baby, stay right where you are...”
Once you started, he eyes sparkled with wonder. Seeing his reaction be full of awe encouraged you to keep going.
“Cause I never knew, I never knew... You could hold moonlight on your hands, till the night I held you...”
Suga joins in to harmonize as you hold out: “You are my moonlight...Moonlight...”
The song eventually ends. Just in time for you two to arrive at Ukai’s store, where the rest of the team was already chowin down on there snacks.
You and Suga flatter each other with praise, with you even throwing in a pun of how his voice was like ‘suga’.
Your loud compliment-competition caught the eyes of the teammates.
“Well, that’s new,” Daichi states before biting into his meatbun.
The second-years, first-years, and Asahi glance over to the two of you intensely conversate.
“Do you think something’s up?” Asahi suggests.
“I’m not sure. It’s not bad, I’ve just never seen them talk one-on-one, so it’s surprising to see them together like that, that’s all.”
“You don’t think y/n-chan and Suga-senpai...like...like each other. Do you?” innocent and naive Hinata says.
Nishinoya and Tanaka immediately go on defense mode. “Not our precious manager!! She must not be tainted with the sins of men!! We must protect her at all costs!!”
A big sigh is heard, and the boys turn to the culprit, only to find Kiyoko and Yachi look exasperated.
“They’re not into each other. Just because they’re having a conversation about something they’re both passionate about doesn’t immediately assume that they’re into each other,” Kitoko shakes her head, causing them to second-guess their assumptions.
Yachi also shares her piece. “Boys. So gullible.”
“Agreed.”
The two girls turn and head home, leaving the boys to reconsider their assumptions.
“Probably not that big of a deal.” “Yeah she’s right, what’s the harm.” “Eh.”
Tsukishima, although he didn’t offer any comments, only showed his thoughts when you two walked home. Short answers. Slightly colder silence than usual. Bidding you a short “‘Night” before going to bed, instead of his usual “Goodnight y/n”.
You were unsure at his sudden change in behavior, but once you tucked yourself in, you see that Suga sent you a text: “So, are you in on the plan?”
The time on your phone changed to Eleven o’clock.
“Let’s do it.”
Does it ever drive you crazy...Just how fast the night changes?
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