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"No... No... No!" I cried out as I desperately searched through my bag.
"What's wrong (Last Name)?" Tadashi questioned, looking away from his lunch.
"I... I forgot to pack my lunch!"
I slumped down, my face resting on the desk as I gave up searching.
"I had even gone to the trouble of preparing a nice lunch too..."
Closing my eyes softly, I whined in hunger.
"Oh hey-"
I heard Tadashi quiet down as I heard a 'plop' on my desk. Looking up, I saw a small boxed lunch sitting on my desk. And basically towering over me was Tsukishima.
"Your whining was annoying, so here. Be grateful."
And with that, he placed his headphones over his ears, heading back to his seat. Despite the rudeness in his tone... I had to admit I was grateful for the lunch.
"Um... Thank you, Tsukishima-san!"
He didn't respond... Probably due to the headphones he was wearing. But if he was wearing those the entire time, how did he hear my whining for food...
"Wow, I never expected Tsukki to give away his food. Granted, he doesn't have the largest appetite, but still..."
Tadashi has known Tsukishima for a long time, so for him to be saying that this was unexpected... Am I meant to feel special?
"I can't say I was expecting that either. Still, I'm grateful. I'll have to find a way to thank him later."
Tadashi smiles softly.
"I can't say for sure if he'll accept your thank-you, but if you need any help just ask. But I will say that he loves strawberry shortcake, if that helps at all."
"Wow... I must say I wasn't expecting to hear that. But I can't blame him; strawberry shortcake is delicious. Thank you for telling me that!"
"Of course." Tadashi stated before me a worried look, "You may want to eat before lunch is over."
"Right...!"
The two of us then began to eat in silence, though made sure to not rush to prevent what had happened the other day...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I can go copy these papers for you Shimizu-senpai. I don't mind."
Kiyoko tried to assure me that she could do it, but I was already gone before she could fight back.
The other guys were warming up, so I figured I could do this before the actual practice began.
Hurrying through the halls, I avoided running into the students who remained for their various after-school activities, and apologized to anyone who I did run into.
Arriving in the copying room, I began to scan each paper and print the copies Kiyoko needed. As the printer made some noise while doing its job, I was unaware of others entering the room.
"Oh, so you're the new transfer student. I must say I'm surprised."
Turning towards the voice, I saw four guys who I assumed were in the baseball club based on their attire and the fact that one guy had a baseball bat partially visible from his bag.
"That's right. Do you need to use the printer? I'm almost done-"
Without warning, the guy closest to me put his hand on my chin, tilting my head up to face him.
"It's hard to believe this cute face was able to pull off a guy for so long."
I gently moved his hand away from my chin, taking a step closer to the printer.
"I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm almost done with the printer so-"
To be honest, I can't say exactly how it all happened. It all happened so fast that it felt like a blur. One moment I was by the printer, the next I was pinned up by the wall. I tried to knee the guy in the crotch, but his stance showed that he had anticipated that I would try that.
"Such a feisty little one I have here. How precious."
While I could see the intent this guy had, I could tell some of the guys behind him didn't feel the same way.
"You shouldn't be doing that to a first-year. You're two years her senior."
"I have to agree with him..."
Based on the build and voice, I would have to suspect those two were first-years.
"Then why don't you hurry back to practice if you can't agree with our actions." The third one stated.
He looked like he could be a second or third-year. I couldn't exactly tell.
I'm sure the two first-years felt conflicted, but ended up leaving the room. The expression in their eyes told me that they wanted to help, but were too scared to do anything.
"Since you seemed to have spent a fair amount of time around guys, I'm sure you know how to please them, am I right?"
The statement made my gaze shift back to the guy who had me pinned to the wall. Despite my struggling, I couldn't seem to fight back.
"Hey, don't take all the fun for yourself-"
A loud bashing sound was heard, and the guy who had me confined turned to see his friend on the ground, groaning in pain. And standing above him was... Tsukishima?!
He calmly walked over to the printer, looking at all the papers.
"It seems like you finished printing those papers for Shimizu-senpai."
Approaching us, Tsukishima placed his hand on the guy's shoulder.
"The volleyball team's waiting for those papers, as well as our assistant coach. It would be great if you'd stop bothering her."
The tone Tsukishima used... It sounded calm and almost friendly... But it also showed the seriousness and threat hidden behind those words.
As if he expected it, the guy released me and ran off, leaving his friend on the floor.
Taking deep breaths from the incident, I began to rub my now-sore wrists.
"You're not hurt, are you?"
Turning to Tsukishima, I could see that he looked genuinely worried. It wasn't something I could say I was used to seeing in Tsukishima, but I couldn't deny that he seemed concerned for my well-being.
"No, I'm not. Though my wrists will be sore for a bit..."
Rubbing my wrists, I winced softly as I brushed against a sore spot.
"Alright. You shouldn't hit any spikes or receive today." Tsukishima stated as he collected the printed papers, "I'll walk you back. Come on."
I was about to say that I should carry the papers, but I figured it would be useless. Seeing as Tsukishima was waiting by the door, I hurried up to him. The two of us then began to walk back to the gym in awkward silence.
"Tsukishima... Thank you for helping me back there. But how did you know they were there? Or were you just coming for the papers?"
Tsukishima was quiet for a moment, before responding.
"Earlier today I overheard those two talking about doing something like that when they had the opportunity. When I learned you had gone to get papers printed, I simply put two and two together."
I had no idea people had been talking about me like that...
"I suppose that makes sense... Again, thank you for helping me."
Tsukishima glanced at me, before turning away.
"Don't mention it."
From that point forward, neither one of us spoke until we arrived at the gym.
"Ah, there you are. Oh, and Tsukishima's with you...?"
It was clear Daichi didn't expect the two of us to come together.
"We happened to run into each other. Here."
Tsukishima then walked up to Kiyoko and handed her the papers, before heading to the bench to get his gym shoes on.
I'm surprised he didn't mention the incident. What was his goal in that...?
"(Last Name)-san, are you hurt?"
I followed Tadashi's gaze to see that he was looking at my reddened wrists.
"Nah, I'm fine. Sorry if I made you worry."
Smiling softly, I was able to get Tadashi to drop the subject.
"Anyway, I was wondering if you'd help me with my receiving today. Even though I'm put in as a pinch server I want to help more than just the beginning serve while I'm on the court."
Seeing the determined look in Tadashi's eyes, I knew I couldn't say no.
"Of course. I'll have to find someone to toss the ball so I can spike-"
"I'll spike for you."
Both Tadashi and I turned to see Tsukishima, already having a basket of volleyballs for us to use.
"Great! Let's go!"
Tadashi then happily went to secure a spot on the court.
"You know you can't overwork your wrists. Just toss them softly up so I can spike them. And don't you dare say nothing if your wrists do hurt."
With that, he headed over to the spot where Tadashi was. Was he trying to care about me with that? I mean, the words make sense, but the tone was more commanding and harsh... It's hard to tell with Tsukishima.
Although it seems like even Tsukishima can care about people... In his own way. My time getting to know him has taught me that.
"Are you coming?" Tadashi called out, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Right, sorry!"
And so, I ran over to the two of them, ready to help Tadashi practice receiving and Tsukishima with his spiking.
It started with Tsukishima gently tossing the ball to me, I set the ball up, then Tsukishima tried to spike while Tadashi received. It seemed like a simple yet effective method. Though after making a few sets, my wrists were starting to hurt. It took all the willpower I had to not wince in pain.
"Let's do it again." I called to Tsukishima, as he held the ball in his hands.
I didn't know if he could tell that I was in pain, but my suspicions were answered as he turned and called out to Sugawara.
"Hey Sugawara-senpai, come set for us. (Last Name) can do whatever it is that you were doing."
Yep, he knew...
"Oh, alright. Coming!"
Being the kind, considerate, and easygoing guy that Sugawara was, he was easy to call over to take over my spot. Giving Tsukishima a side-glance, I headed over to Nishinoya and Tanaka -the ones Sugawara was working with-.
"We're analyzing some of the footage from our previous practice matches, as well as our games during the Inter-High Preliminaries to see things we could focus on improving."
Well, that seemed simple enough... As well as something that wouldn't hurt my wrist.
"Ah, alright. I don't know how much I could do to help, but I'll do what I can."
Tanaka and Nishinoya smiled.
"Thanks! Ooh, everyone be quiet; it's my rolling thunder!"
.... You're the only one talking though...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Now that club activities were over, we all were cleaning up and gathering our things together. I was no exception, though I couldn't help but take quick glances to Tsukishima, as if trying to analyze him.
For the past few weeks, he's been acting what could actually be considered 'nice', and I had to know if he wasn't feeling well or something. When I had first met him, he came off as a sarcastic annoyance... Just what was going on...?
"It's easier to get the answers you want if you ask the person directly."
Jumping slightly, I realized I had been caught staring. My face went red in embarrassment as I tried to form words.
"I was just wondering what would possess you to make you act kind towards me lately..."
Tsukishima frowned softly, as if trying to find the right words to respond to my statement.
"For your information, even people such as myself want to make new friends from time to time."
... Did I hear him correctly...? The person who seemed to only be friends with Tadashi... considers me a candidate for a friend?
I feel honored.
"You should've just said so. I'd happily be your friend, even if you can be a sarcastic little shit sometimes."
Tsukishima gave a sly smirk.
"I can't tell whether to take that as an insult or as a compliment."
I chuckled softly.
"I suppose it all depends on your perspective."
Glancing at my phone, I saw how late it was and instantly panicked.
"We'll have to continue this discussion later; I'm going to miss the pizza if I don't hurry home!"
Rushing out the gym, I jogged home. No way I was going to miss the pizza I had pre-ordered earlier. But I couldn't help but think about the conversation I had just had.
So I guess I befriended the one person most people had trouble befriending?
Nice.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tsukishima
How could I be such an idiot...? I know it's probably happened to many people, but who would go ahead and friend-zone themselves...? I guess it goes to show how clumsy I am at these types of relationships.
"Tsukki, you've been giving off an intense aura about yourself the entire walk home. Are you doing alright?"
I sighed softly, ignoring Tadashi's concerned glance.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about it."
"Okay."