Chapter Text
Friday
Ushijima rolled onto his side, staring at the clock on his desk.
0423.
Mikasa should be heading to the airport about now. He exhaled, flopping onto his back. They had said their good-byes last night before he left her house, but the conversation had been eating at him. Had he really told her how he felt?
Ushijima tossed the blankets to the side, sitting up. He couldn't leave things the way they were. He scrambled into clothes as quietly as possible then crept to the front door. He slid out the door, waiting until he got to the sidewalk to pull out his phone.
(Wakatoshi): Have you left yet?
(Saotome-san): Dad is dropping me off at the station.
(Saotome-san): So I've left in a way, but not completely?
(Wakatoshi): What train?
(Saotome-san): 0500
(Wakatoshi): track 4?
(Saotome-san): Yea, why?
(Wakatoshi): please wait
(Saotome-san): What are you doing, Ushijima-san?
(Wakatoshi): give me ten minutes, please.
Ushijima shoved his phone into his pocket, turning down a side street. The station was exactly 9 minutes and twenty-five seconds away from his location if he cut through the park. Even though he had made this trek many times before, today it held a sense of urgency. He jogged along, mulling over Hayato's advice.
Tell her how you feel.
Was it still okay to do that even if he wasn't quite sure WHAT he felt? The station came into view. Ushijima double-timed it up the steps searching through the slight crowd of commuters already lining up. Mikasa was perched on a bench, staring at her phone, suitcase between her knees. She looked up as he stopped in front of her.
“Well that was certainly punctual.” She smirked. He rubbed his hands on his thighs.
“Saotome-san...” He exhaled a deep breath. This was turning out to be much more difficult than he anticipated. The announcement overhead signaled the train's arrival. Mikasa got to her feet.
“That's my train.” Her voice gave a slight waver. “Dammit I told myself I wouldn't cry today.” She grumbled, rubbing her eyes. She tucked herself against his chest shuddering out a quiet sob. “Shit, I am going to miss you.” She mumbled. He rested a hand over her back. “But how else will I show the world what I have?” She tipped her head up, smiling through her tears. Ushijima nodded, pushing a stray bit of hair behind her ear.
“I look forward to seeing your success.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Okay, I better get on the train before it leaves.” She stepped back.
“Saotome-san?” He paused. Mikasa looked back. “I'll wait for you.” He blurted, heat rising to his cheeks. She studied him.
“You will?” He nodded.
“If...if that is okay with you.” He cracked a knuckle. She walked back to him.
“Don't say something unless you mean it, Ushijima-san.” She gave him a serious look. He nodded once.
“You are important to me.” He confessed, leaning over to kiss her one last time. Mikasa took a few steps backward towards her train, holding his gaze.
“Well, then...looks like we both have something to look forward to.” She called before climbing aboard.
Five Months Later...
“Nice Serve Ushijma!” Several teammates cheered as Ushijima spun the ball in his palms. First serve of his first game in university.
No pressure at all.
He snorted, bouncing the ball once, waiting for the whistle. He had spotted National team coaches in the crowd while warming up. It wasn't surprising, but the pressure seemed to rise in intensity even more than high school. The whistle sounded and he tossed the ball up for his serve.
His palm connected, sending the ball streaking over the net. The opposing team wasn't quick enough. The ball smacked to the court just inside the line, then bounced away.
“SERVICE ACE!!” The entire gym exploded into cheers. He accepted several high-fives before stepping back to prepare for another serve.
“OH YEA! HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES!” People's cheers died down as a familiar voice rang out above the noise.
“Dude, someone is cheering like mad in English up there.” A teammate chuckled, tossing him the ball.
“C'MON WAKA! SHOW THESE BITCHES WHAT YOU GOT!” Murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd as the exuberant cheers and taunts continued.
Ushijima exhaled, rubbing his forehead.
“Do you know that person?” He followed the cheers to a spot in the crowd. A familiar shock of red hair and long arms was crowing a loud cheer. Next to Tendou was Mikasa, waving her arms wildly. Tendou held his thumbs up, winking.
Ushijima didn't know if he wanted to thank Tendou, or light him on fire at that moment.
“I do.” He shook his head, smile tugging at one side of his mouth.