tutor tsukishima x male
☁️☁️
warnings: none
(M/N)'s face fell as it was the end of the day. He had been called to talk to his sensei, and he dreaded that moment. It was never good when the teacher wanted to speak to him.
"Mr.(L/N), how are you?" She asked sincerely, smiling at the male.
(M/N) shifted, clearing his throat and giving a smile back. It felt very forced as he had a feeling where this conversation was going.
"I'm good, ma'am. How are you?" He questioned, trying to be polite.
"I'm good." She smiled, trying to ease the nervous male.
Yet, it didn't really ease him. (M/N) was still nervously shifting and tugging on his uniform shirt. He looked back at his teacher, she had been quiet for awhile. She had a softened expression on her features, her smile just as ever warm as usual.
"I've noticed your grades have been slipping." She started off softly.
Here it comes...
(M/N)'s nose twitched, he stayed silent. Only confirmation that he was listening was a simple nod. He kept his eyes on his teacher, not wanting to look away and show how nervous he was. He's had that look on him so many times and those same words leaving her lips.
"You're a bright kid, I know you are."
(M/N) flinched, he's never heard that before. He's usually yelled out for how dumb he was, that his grades were affecting everyone and how their school is in the top.
Eventually, no tutor helps him and he gets kicked out. They assume with his slipped grades he's a problem child and get rid of him before he messes up their school name.
"I've noticed how you work, so I got a top student to tutor you." She said, "His name is Tsukishima Kei. He already knows he'll be tutoring you, he's at his volleyball practice right now. Go to the gym."
(M/N) blinked, right... this was the process. He gets a tutor and when it doesn't work, then he gets kicked out.
"Okay, thank you." He bowed a bit before taking his leave.
(M/N) left the classroom with his things, smoothing down his uniform. He was quite nervous on what was going on. He never spoke to Tsukishima as he was in a higher class than him, (M/N) was in the dumbest class with Hinata and Kageyama. He's heard stories about Tsukishima through them.
He felt fear spike up, he didn't want to hear Tsukishima call him stupid or get annoyed with him. It's not his fault.
He made it to the gym, he tried to muster up a smile before entering, but it was definitely weary and nervous. He slowly opened the door and peeked his head in, gasping at it.
He was never able to play sports due to his grades.
"You coming in or are you just wasting my time?" Tsukishima appeared next to him.
(M/N) jumped, hitting his head on the gym door. He winced and rubbed it before fully stepping in. He looked up at the taller male, blushing a bit.
Kageyama and Hinata never said he was cute.
"Sorry." (M/N) quickly apologized and looked away.
Tsukishima looked bored, "Okay." He already sounded annoyed at that. "Just lean on a wall far away from Hinata so you don't get hit. I'll help during small breaks and then afterwards, we'll find a place or whatever and I'll help."
(M/N) nodded, his heart fluttering a bit. He went far away from Hinata, deciding it was best to be near the two females. (He assumed managers), because they seemed nice enough. And if a stray did come, they'll save him.
He hopes.
(M/N) watched them play, his eyes following them. He seemed so interested and impressed, his eyes shined. He held his bag to his chest as he sat on the floor.
"You look pretty interested in the sport." Yachi said.
(M/N) looked up, "Yeah." He mumbled before looking back at them practicing. He shifted on the floor and smiled.
"Ever thought of playing?" Kiyoko asked.
"Not allowed to." He responded.
The two managers looked between each other, then they looked at (M/N). He was too busy watching them, his eyes going to Tsukishima who was blocking. He thought Tsukishima was so cool.
It was a water break, Tsukishima walked up to (M/N). He stood in front of him, they maintained eye contact before Tsukishima sat next to him.
"I heard you basically need help with every subject." Tsukishima sighed out, (M/N) looked down. "We'll start with your easier subject. We don't have much time right now."
"Uh... yeah." (M/N) reached in his bag. He went through his things and pulled out a bunch of scrunched up papers. "My easiest... my easiest..." He was having a hard time figuring out which was his easiest. He struggled in pretty much everything.
Tsukishima tilted his head, even with his annoyance filtering... he found (M/N) rather endearing. It was somewhat cute watching him smooth of the papers that were stuffed in his bag.
Tsukishima compared it to a child sitting in the park with a bunch of toys sprawled out in between their legs.
"Back to work!" Ukai shouted.
(M/N) was still trying to figure out his easiest subject. Tsukishima stood up, sighing out once more.
"Just... figure it out while I go back to practice. We'll head back to mine after for tutoring."
"Okay." (M/N) responded.
When practice ended, (M/N) followed Tsukishima quietly. He was thankful they were going somewhere more private, he didn't want the whole team to stare at him fail to understand what Tsukishima would be explaining.
Once they made it, Tsukishima greeted his mother, explaining why (M/N) was there. (M/N) thanked them for allowing him to be here, then he followed Tsukishima up to his room.
"Go ahead and get whatever you need out." Tsukishima said, pulling up another chair at his desk.
(M/N) pulled out all of his assignments that needed be turned in next week. So, he had time to do it, they didn't need to do all of it in one night.
"Which one was your easiest?" Tsukishima asked, watching (M/N) fidget a bit.
"It's... all very difficult for me. It's why I'm in the lowest class." (M/N) sighed out, not looking at Tsukishima.
Tsukishima's blank face furrowed a bit, "What?" He questioned, his voice meant to sound more curious than annoyed, but that didn't happen. "Never mind, let's just start with math."
(M/N)'s nose twitched but he found the math sheet. There were six word problems and four regular problems, he gulped a bit. Word problems were the worse and it messed him up even more.
Tsukishima watched him carefully. He was absolutely fidgety and he kept looking between his math sheet and the pencil in his hand. Not once did he look at Tsukishima.
So, they began.
Tsukishima was quickly getting annoyed, he felt like he was coaxing a crying child into grabbing something or calming down. (M/N) just wasn't getting it and said male could tell Tsukishima was doing his best not to blow a fuse.
(M/N) felt terrible, he swore he was really trying. But it wasn't working, nothing was working. No matter how many times Tsukishima repeated it or wrote was needed to start the problem, (M/N) looked like a dear in headlights.
"What is so difficult?" Tsukishima finally snapped, clicking his tongue.
Hinata and Kageyama were never this bad.
(M/N) flinched, "I promise I'm trying. It's not my fault I'm not getting it." He quietly said, sounding completely unsure of his words.
"Then what is it?" Tsukishima questioned, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses.
(M/N) was quiet, he finally looked at Tsukishima. He never once made direct eye contact with Tsukishima except when he first spoke to him at gym door, now here he was making eye contact. Tsukishima waited, not very patiently as his fingers tapped his desk.
"I uh... haven't been tested for it because no one believes me..." (M/N) began fidgeting again. He faced away from Tsukishima, twirling his pencil between his fingers. Tsukishima memorized that moment, a nervous tick. "Words and numbers just... jumble. It's all a bunch of scribbles in my mind and whenever i look at them on a board, or on a paper it's scribbles there too."
(M/N) pulled out some of the notes he's attempted to take before he gave up and stopped writing. He showed Tsukishima the pages, it really did look like a bunch of scribbles. Like he attempted to draw but wasn't very creative and just scratched things out.
(M/N) took it back, "I'm sorry for wasting your time. I promise I was trying." He began to put his things up and he got up, "I'll just go. Saves both of us the trouble." His voice was shaky, his eyes watered a bit.
Tsukishima had no words, at first he didn't believe him. That (M/N) was just making excuses, but his voice and the evidence made Tsukishima feel a bit guilty. He quickly got up and grabbed (M/N)'s wrist before he could get out of reach.
Tsukishima did not feel like chasing after him, he was too tired and had a shitty day. It seemed he took it out on (M/N).
"(L/N)," Tsukishima started out softly. "It's okay. Why haven't you let anyone know? Well, someome you can trust and who'll believe you." He clarified, remembering his words.
(M/N) didn't dare look at him. "They assumed I wanted attention, and you know... kids can be cruel." His voice quivered at the memories.
(M/N) was bullied multiple times throughout elementary school and younger. He stopped telling people his problems when he hit middle school, never made any friends so they wouldn't ask. He's been alone for a very long time.
Tsukishima cringed, his best friend Yamagucci had to deal with bullies. The male had been scared from it and hated being near anyone else without Tsukishima... until the volleyball team. He felt for the male in front of him, the only different was Yamagucci had someone... (M/N) did not.
"(L/N), have you been kicked out of your schools?" (M/N) flinched at that, looking at Tsukishima wide eyed for that. Tsukishima got his answer. "Why?" Tsukishima questioned.
A fellow student told Tsukishima to watch out when he comes to tutor (M/N). The blond didn't really pay that any mind until they said he was kicked out for being a delinquent and making many teachers quit because of his actions. But this definitely was not the (M/N) he heard.
"Well... because I'm stupid. I would drag their names down to the ground." He shrugged, wiping his sleeve over his cheeks.
Tsukishima felt immensely guilty. He hesitated, but he put his hand on (M/N)'s shoulder. He gently guided (M/N) to face him, his eye brows furrowing as a deep frown rooted on the taller male, his free hand slowly lifted up and he began wiping the male's tears.
Seemed (M/N) had been struggling so long with this. It was very difficult for (M/N), he tended to cry daily at home when he couldn't figure out one step or one problem. Tests were a nightmare for him.
"How about I go grab us a snack, you stay and after we eat we'll get back to work. I'll explain in different ways and show you different ways. Does that sound plausible?" Tsukishima softly asked, this was so unlike him, but something about (M/N) made Tsukishima want to be there.
(M/N) was quiet, he slowly looked up at Tsukishima. "Okay..." He weakly said, sniffling some more.
Tsukishima nodded, squeezing his shoulder before letting him go. He left the room and (M/N) went back to the desk. He slowly put his things back on the desk as soon as Tsukishima entered with some snacks.
They ate quietly, (M/N)'s feet were propped up on the chair as his legs was to his chest. He didn't look at Tsukishima as he finished his snack, but he felt much better. He just needed a breather and someone to understand and tell him it was okay.
"Let's get back to it." Tsukishima stated, leaving no room for argument.
(M/N) groaned in dismay.
~~
It's been two months since then, (M/N) is okay at his subjects. He's gotten better due to Tsukishima being very patient with him and taking it slow. He tutors (M/N) every day because of it, easing the male that it was okay that he didn't understand and didn't need to cry.
Tsukishima liked being there for (M/N) and he liked that (M/N) trusted him enough to confide in him. He's even once held (M/N) to calm him, and a warm feeling spread through him.
Tsukishima really liked (M/N).... tutoring. He really liked tutoring (M/N).
(M/N) knocked on the Tsukishima residence, a piece of paper behind his back. Tsukishima's mom opened the door, a bit surprised, but she smiled.
"(M/N) dear, I didn't know Kei was tutoring you today. Are you staying for dinner?"
"Oh, he's not tutoring me. Is he home? And, it's up to Tsukishima if I stay."
"Yes he is, come in." She waved (M/N) in.
The male did, taking his shoes off, "Pardon the intrusion." He said.
(M/N)'s been in Tsukishima's room multiple times, but Tsukishima's mother still wanted to guide (M/N) there. Just to ask if Tsukishima wanted (M/N) to stay for dinner and to make sure Tsukishima doesn't have headphones on.
"Kei dear," His mother knocked, opening it a crack. She peeked her head in to see Tsukishima looking at her blankly. She smiled, "(M/N) is here." She opened the door wider, "Would you like him to stay for dinner?" Tsukishima nodded and his mother then left the two.
"Did we have a study session?" Tsukishima asked, furrowing his eyebrows.
(M/N) shook his head no, walking in and closing the door. Tsukishima was even more confused, they never really hung out before. Tsukishima was only his tutor... is what Tsukishima kept telling himself.
(M/N) stood in front of Tsukishima, sitting in the chair opposite of him. He smiled widely, Tsukishima hasn't seen that smile once. He's usually frustrated or nervous, his smiles were never that big.
Tsukishima softened, he couldn't help but smile back. It was a small one, but it was there.
(M/N) felt his heart flutter, he cleared his throat and showed his English and Math test -both finding out those were his weakest subjects- to Tsukishima. Tsukishima took the two tests, seeing them both with just a barely passing grade. Maybe by one or two points.
To Tsukishima, he would've been upset if he got these grades. He would've scolded himself and tell himself to study harder. But this was (M/N), not him.
Tsukishima smiled more, he looked up at (M/N). A light blush coating his pale cheeks due to the excited twinkle in those (E/C) eyes. Tsukishima was the first person (M/N) wanted to show his grades to.
"(L/N)... this is amazing. You've worked hard for this, you've earned it. I'm proud."
(M/N) brightened like a puppy getting a treat. (M/N) was beyond happy Tsukishima said those words, he was very excited and couldn't wait to show Tsukishima. Tsukishima found (M/N) beyond cute, his actions and body language radiated joy and warmth.
Tsukishima went to hand (M/N)'s tests back, but the shorter male refused. The blond raised a brow at that, seeming a bit confused. He expected (M/N) would want his first passing grade in years to be his to take home, but (M/N) refused.
Said male cleared his throat, a small blush coating his features. Tsukishima noticed it and practically melted. "I was hoping... you'd keep it." (M/N) softly said, looking away as his blush deepened. "I mean, I never would've gotten that grade without you. It just shows your hard work and time wasn't wasted, so I want you to keep them. Only if you want!" He squeaked the last sentence out.
Tsukishima melted, a single thought going through his brian. He's so cute. He's so cute. He's so cute.
It filled Tsukishima with such a warmth that he didn't know could be possible. The fact that (M/N)'s first ever passing grade would be here with Tsukishima instead with himself.
"You sure? It's your first-"
"I'm sure." (M/N) cut him off, smiling at him. His cheeks tinting a bit of red, only a shade darker than before. "If only you want. Not forcing you to keep it, just thought you would've wanted it..." He trailed off a bit, rubbing the back of his neck and not looking at Tsukishima.
"I would love to keep it." Tsukishima said, his voice betraying his blank face as he sounded absolutely thrilled.
(M/N) brightened, Tsukishima neatly put (M/N)'s test on his desk. He looked back to see such a shine on (M/N)'s eyes and cheeks... as if waiting for something.
Tsukishima rolled his eyes, "Oh, alright." He sighed out, knowing what (M/N) wanted. Tsukishima opened his arms a bit.
(M/N) perked up, the shine getting better. The shorter male smiled brightly as he quickly darted to Tsukishima. The lanky male almost stumbled over onto the floor from the impact. Tsukishima couldn't help but snicker as he held on (M/N).
(M/N)'s arms were around Tsukishima's middle back as he snuggled into Tsukishima's heart beat. Tsukishima had his arms wrapped around (M/N)'s body to keep him close. He tilted his head down to bury it in (M/N)'s hair, catching a whiff of his natural scent from his shampoo.
"Kei, (M/N)!" Tsukishima's mom called out, "Dinner is ready."
(M/N) was gone, the door wide open as Tsukishima didn't have time to blink before he was gone. Tsukishima looked down at his empty arms, still there was warmth lingering and he couldn't help but smile. He left and went down to the kitchen for dinner.
~~
The next time (M/N) came over, it was just to hang out. Yet, when he entered he froze, which made Tsukishima confused.
"(L/N)?" Tsukishima titled his head, pushing up his glasses as he adjusted his sitting position on his bed to seem taller.
(M/N)'s lips trembled, but he gave a genuine smile. Tsukishima got up, freaking out that (M/N) looked like he was about to cry. He walked towards him, holding his hands out to softly coax (M/N) to calm down.
Completely unaware (M/N) was about to cry happy tears.
"(M/N), are you alright?" Tsukishima used his first name, his hands going to (M/N)'s shoulders and squeezing them gently.
(M/N) nodded and then pointed to Tsukishima's desk. There in the corners were two framed pictures on his desk. Pointed diagonal to face the chair so it was an easy access to look at. Tsukishima looked at those every time he studied.
Upon further inspection it was (M/N)'s English and Math test he passed.
Tsukishima nodded, drawing him closer. (M/N) was all giddy, sniffling to not cry, the blond shook his head and snickered. (M/N) lightly punched Tsukishima's back, it did not hurt whatsoever. It only further amused Tsukishima.
He cupped (M/N)'s cheek, tilting his head up so they were looking at each other. Tsukishima's thumb stroked his cheek as a nice warm feeling coated (M/N)'s beautiful skin.
Tsukishima tilted his head down, their lips brushing ever so slightly. It wasn't a full kiss, he was giving (M/N) time to pull away if uncomfortable, he didn't. (M/N) pressed their lips further together, the two held onto each other as their lips molded together.
Such a perfect and tender moment.
~yall this is now one of my fav one shots i have made. hope you enjoyed it and this the last tsukishima one ever! 😭 this book is coming to close in like a month, it's so crazy.