Chapter Text
The lecture went on, seemingly longer than it did before. This was your last class for the day and after this was half an hour of rest period before meeting up with a freshman you were tutoring.
You sat bored out of your wits, mind wandering elsewhere but the professor and thoughts about different possible dates was invading your thoughts. In your head you envisioned a blissful life with Tsukishima as you bring him to places you've never been before and memories you wish to create. Things you've wanted to try but never got to do in your high school as he was the very first guy you've officially dated when your past flings only stayed as flings.
A little bit unsettling in your opinion, as you test your way through uncharted territory of romance and relationships in your freshmen year, but when men started noticing you and flirting with you, you were a bit flimsy and awkward, unsure of how to return the suggestive remarks thrown at you.
Some had been interested in your transformation and some were roped in with your obedient demeanor as if a naive bunny free for the taking. Hell, your first kiss had been forced upon you by a guy who shared a class with you and had been extra flirty with you. Your susceptibility to the attention made you fall victim of the horror he brings as he almost indulged himself with you if not for the interruption of his dorm mate. Since then, you've been careful and distant with the other students in fear of the repeat of the situation.
It didn't shake you up as much as you thought it did but it planted a lesson in your heart to be wary. It was but a fleeting experience but never a deterrent for you to try again because in no time, you were up and about again trying your hand in a relationship. You experienced the feeling of holding hands and kissing despite the lack of label, (you'd groan in embarrassment at the memory.) you experienced how it felt to hold someone in special regard (you deny to call them love) and to be reciprocated. The accumulated experience, albeit fleeting, were stored in your head for future references of things you wanted do and things you wish to avoid with Tsukishima.
Nevertheless, being the center of people's attention was interesting and different. A first for you in a new environment and away from your mother's prying eyes that it was liberating and intoxicating. It was getting to your head and you admit, it was a little bit unhealthy.
Who doesn't like attention? You mused, quite aware of the vanity forming in your heart. Perhaps they were right when some jealous girls called you a goody two shoes, too much of a people pleaser they say. You usually brush those comments aside. You dare not believe that not one people have some ounce of experience in buttering up to people. After all, humans were social animal in need of constant dose of connection with others. You were no different with your peers, just as attention starved as the others.
However, as soon as Tsukishima comes into picture, a part of you fret for being too superficial, for not being perfect enough to stand on the same ground as his. Infatuated at his brilliance, a voice inside of you constantly reminds you of your inadequacy and the facade you constantly put up that you know will be revealed.
And you wish he still hasn't caught on.
In your daze, you didn't notice a guy coming up to you to snap you out of your thoughts and relay to you the dismissal. You laughed abashedly and thanked him for the reminder as you stored all your things inside your bag. You stepped out of the room and headed to one of the study halls to wait for your student as promised, taking one of the seats inside and laid out all of the materials needed.
While waiting, you spent your time talking to Tsukishima on phone as he insisted taking care of the ingredients in order to save time. You sent him the list of ingredients.
4:15 PM
Don't be too stubborn, Kei. We'll split the bill. :[You]
I'll pay u later. :[You]
(Read)
As you try to rack your brain of things you might need, your thoughts strayed to something alcohol. Now that you were of legal age to drink, you quite liked the liquor as you finally understood why people loved to drink despite the health implications. It would be a fun mix to your curry pajama party.
4:18 PM
Take some sake with you while you're at it. Hehe. :[You]
(Read)
You chuckled as you reread your message.
4:20 PM
[Kei]: No
[Kei]: We're not drinking.
(Read)
4:20 PM
Aww. Ó╭╮Ò Why not? :[You]
(Read)
Similar to the emoji you sent, your frown creased your brows, quite disappointed at his refusal. Tsukishima was always up for drinking at your invitation, insisting that you drink in his company or with your female friends only, and thus it came as a surprise he turned you down for the first time.
4:20 PM
[Kei]: Practice tom.
(Read)
Well that explains it. He did mention it before but must have been pushed at the back of your brain.
4:21 PM
Oh. ರ╭╮ರ damn. :[You]
(Read)
[Kei]: Tomorrow's a weekend.
[Kei]: I thought you're going home...?
(Read)
At the reminder, you blinked. You also forgot about that one, too preoccupied with the plans for the night, every inch of you reluctant to even think about it.
At the insistence of your mother, you're forced to visit home at least twice a month and although you didn't want to, you still want to show your filial piety after all, she was your mother and took care of you more than anyone. Otherwise, your mother would go on forever about how much of an ingrate you are. Thus, every other weekend is a time dedicated to your family, already an expert of hiding your true feelings.
You heaved a sigh and you bit your lip unconsciously.
"_____-senpai. You're quite early," A voice brought you back to reality and pulled you away from your cellphone.
4:22 PM
Right. Gtg kei. My student's here. :[You]
(Read)
4:23 PM
[Kei]: k.
[Kei]: call me as soon as you're done.
You focused to the task at hand and got lost in your session, patiently helping the freshman with the areas he has difficulties with.
Time passed by in a blink of an eye. You stretched your neck as soon as you bid your goodbyes and took out your phone to ring up your boyfriend who promised to pick you up.
"Alright, I'll be there in a minute," he said in his usual disinterested voice but you know it was anything but.
You hummed a reply. "I'll grab my things first."
You made your way to the campus dorm and found your roommate nose deep on her gaming while occasionally talking over her microphone. You decided not to disturb her as you shoved your essentials to your bag, from your clothes down to your skincare pouch, before zipping them back up. While you're at it, you laid out your traveling bag to prepare for your course home tomorrow. Wrapping up your items went on smoothly with how neatly your things are usually arranged and ready to go.
Not a couple of minutes later, Tsukishima came knocking at your room wearing a purple hoodie. You smiled at him as you let him in first to finish up your packing. Your roommate momentarily took a glance before resuming her play.
Tsukishima's apartment was within a short distance from the campus. Essentially, it was his brother who rented the place and in order for the younger Tsukishima to cut cost, he moved in on his first year of college.
It wasn't the first time for you to come over and hang out but it was the first for you to stay the night. For the times you've been there, you've never seen Tsukishima Akiteru, not even once, and you wonder whether he had been aware of his brother's tryst going on behind his back.
With how guarded and secretive Tsukishima is, you doubt he even mentioned you to his older brother. When you asked him about it, he only responded with a shrug and a "We'll get there."
Not that you ever minded considering that you were quite grateful at the pace of your relationship, taking things one at a time, carefully threading through your comfort zone as you took your time adapting to Tsukishima's addition to your life. Few people knew of your relationship. Sure, some students may have seen you together a couple of times but most of them have been used to your pair and no one really asked.
You were just not that mentally prepared to reveal it to the world, a part of you quite afraid it would reach the ears of people you do not wish to know, at the same time, you can't bear robbing Tsukishima of this right.
As soon as you're done, you left with Tsukishima. Like always, he helped you with your stuffs and took your knapsack. You walked side by side while interlocking your fingers.
The walk home was a bit silent yet you basked in it, heart fluttering at the simplicity of the moment.
"Should we... Live together?" Tsukishima suddenly brought up as he held your hand on the way to his apartment. You glanced up to him and you saw he wasn't even looking at your direction, perhaps out of embarrassment or whatnot.
Still, the question surprised you. "What?"
"Are you deaf?" He shot back.
"No, no," you giggled stupidly, instantly racking your brain for a response while you played with your hair.
"We can look for a place and split the rent," Tsukishima supplemented after noticing your silence.
In your opinion moving together would be a big step to your relationship and you weren't quite sure if you're ready for it yet. After all, it was quite intimate and you haven't even shared your first kiss yet.
"That would be nice, but" hesitance was quite evident in your tone. But for what, Tsukishima couldn't tell. "My part time job isn't enough to cover the cost. My mom's been the one taking care of my finances and I don't know how to lie to her if I moved out of the dorms."
You let out a sheepish laugh, quite ashamed of bringing up your mom. Just a mention of her was enough to make you uncomfortable.
"Do you have to lie?"
You felt a lodge in your throat, guilty at the thought that you know full well your mother is against you getting in a relationship. So you kept everything under the wraps, rebellious at her warning should you get together with a guy behind her, and you haven't told Tsukishima about this fact yet.
"I..." You sucked in quite a mouthful of breathe. "Haven't told the news to them yet. I'm sorry," you said, quite nervous of how Tsukishima will react. You held him close as a silent apology partnered with a meek smile, hoping it was enough of a consolation.
You prayed he would understand.
But he was quite nonchalant about it, eyes still glued to the road while supplying a simple "hm" in the silence, and you wondered whether he was hurt.
"We can talk about this again if I can find another job," you followed up just to lighten up the conversation, finding his indifference unbearable.
"You're looking for another job?"
You nodded. "I want to try my luck with that cafe down the street. Seems like a good experience."
"Sounds too troublesome, you'll have to adjust in a new environment again. I thought you're fine with the tutoring?" His cynicism never went unnoticed to you, observant to this aspect of his no matter how small. He did try not to let it slip on your presence.
"Well nothing is ever easy, Tsukishima Kei," you shrugged.
"Suit yourself."
"And I might get mad if I looked at my notes again."
Tsukishima just chuckled and diverted the topic.
You both arrived at Tsukishima's apartment. The whole place was neat and quite spacious for the brothers. Everywhere your eyes landed was a touch of their own simple aesthetics with the muji-themed place accented with greenery from a few plants present, quite different from your plain and straight out of a mental institution, white painted room. For the few times you've been here, it was almost a home to you, and where your heart lays is home.
With familiarity, you made a beeline for the kitchen while Tsukishima set your things in his room and followed after you as you rummage through the grocery bags on top of the counter. You unloaded the contents and immediately get to work, feeling the rumblings of your stomach.
And it felt nice, to cook for someone you love, watch as they relish your own work, and pamper them. You like it and Tsukishima likes it too, occasionally extending his aid should you need any whenever you borrow his kitchen to cook for lunch.
Tsukishima watched you shuffling through the kitchen as if you owned the place, an endearing look plastered in his face, seemingly in fondness at the domesticity of the moment. And it definitely feel like home with you, here, with him. It was exactly the reason why he asked you that question earlier. He didn't want these moments to be limited, he was greedy like that.
"Need a hand?"
"Ah, Kei. The apron, I can't find it."
Seeing you comb through the drawers, he stepped up behind you to a place you've missed and pulled out the item you've been searching for.
"Do I have to start worrying about your memory? You've been forgetting things a lot."
You punched him and smiled in gratitude before letting him don the apron on you, never breaking eye contact even as he snaked his arms around you to tie it securely. And it taste sweet, just the two of you in your own world and nothing else, while you drown to the loving gaze he throws your way. Because in moments like this, he pampers you with a vulnerable side of him, one where he knows that you know how much you held his heart in your palms, the power you possess over him.
With that, your grin widened, cheeks tinged in red at the close proximity. You definitely did not miss how his eyes lingered for a bit on your lips. Such a shame though that you still have a curry to cook.
"This won't take long, Kei. You can take a bath first."
You broke the magic away as you turned around and started slicing the ingredients with practiced ease, prioritizing the meat to season. Tsukishima on the other hand, pursed his lips at the missed opportunity and he bobbed his head up and down in agreement to your suggestion before walking away. You heard him make his way to his own room before proceeding to the bathroom.
Cooking curry was quite easy as you have been doing this for as long as you could remember.
Tsukishima was quick to join you back in the kitchen with a towel in his hand while haphazardly drying his hair
"Can I hug you?" He suddenly asked. Simple gestures like this highlights Tsukishima's consideration with you.
You blushed at the sudden question. "Aww, Kei-chan asking for a hug? That's cute."
Tsukishima expressed his defense to his dignity with a scoff, "Hugging you out of nowhere might surprise you and cause some serious injury, like accidentally hitting the pot. I don't know," he said and you giggled.
"Why, is it too much for an old hag? Afraid your blood pressure can't take it?"
You jabbed him in his side in offense.
You let the curry simmer and thicken, occasionally stirring to prevent the bottom part from burning while conversing with Tsukishima as to how his day went and whatnot, not pressing him for his failed attempt. He set up the table in the mean time, and not long after, you had your dinner peacefully.
For as long as you remembered, sitting on a dining table was a suffocating memory, one filled with clattering of utensils and where time seemingly dragged on on a pointless charade. You could say, you were glad to escape Osaka and slowly changed your life for the better. As an added bonus, you gained friends a long the way and even met Tsukishima on your second year.
Since you cooked, the washing of the dishes falls on Tsukishima's shoulders and he ushered you to take a bath.
A great idea popped into your head.
"Kei I've always wanted to wear your shirt, can I do it?"
If Tsukishima had been drinking, he would have choked on his drink by now. Instead, his mouth hung agape. He often heard it a lot from you, doing this and that and he wondered to what extent were you willing to experience things.
"Didn't you bring your own pajamas?"
"I did but... It's different."
"hm. I didn't know you have this kind of kink."
This time, it was your turn to blush. "It's not that. I..." You didn't know what to say in your defense, voice faltering with the lack of confidence.
"You can take any shirt."
You dashed away in embarrassment and entered the bathroom with your change of clothes.
You definitely did not want to think about it, but the fact that, just minutes ago, Tsukishima was standing here, in this bathroom, naked, was enough to fluster you. The impure thoughts kept coming and you felt ashamed to be even thinking about it. It was never your intention in the first place. All you wanted was a nice evening to relax with Kei, so you pushed the thoughts away, buried them at the recess of your mind. Perhaps a time will come where you'll sleep together but you know it can't be tonight. You were not mentally prepared for that.
You felt refreshed as soon as you stepped out of the bathroom, not only that but wearing Tsukishima's shirt also added to your own vigor. The shirt you grabbed was a white one with a moon patched on the upper left, quite big on your frame. If you were wearing shorts, you were hundred percent sure his shirt would cover it, leaving room to the imagination whether you're wearing anything underneath, similar to cliche shoujo mangas with overnight scene. Alas, your cotton pants was out of the equation as you chose the comfort of your favorite pants than potentially seducing a just as hot-blooded young man in his early twenties.
"You don't look sexy at all," Tsukishima commented just outside the bathroom. You had the door slightly ajar as you washed your face and committed to your nightly routine, hair swept back by a blue bunny headband.
Damn, he was right. It looked ridiculously tacky partnered with a pants. Regardless, you liked it.
"So you were expecting something?" You glanced at him from the mirror, smirking.
"…Maybe." He acquiesced and you did a little twirl in front of him to show off. The way you were subtly asking for some compliments was adorable, it tickled his heart. "You're cute."
A giggled echoed in the bathroom.
"Kei, let's do your face too," you offered. Your skin care routine was quite simple with minus the more expensive steps like the serum.
"That's too troublesome." Or so he said but he humored you and smirked at your direction. To your astonishment, he laid his hand on your waist and hoist you up quite easily on the sink. "There, you can help me better."
"Kei..."
Now you sat face to face with him that you felt quite conscious with the intimacy, different than when he constantly look down to you that you can't help but constantly dart your eyes around.
Your cheeks felt warm and your heart rate increased.
"What are you waiting for?" He teasingly asked as he settled between your thighs, hand on both sides of you, just as eager as you to draw out affection as much as possible in a short amount of time at the confines of his home. After all, he was a very private man, not openly affectionate in public, but he does compensates them in seclusion.
You felt nervous with his warmth radiating off of him, at the closeness of his face to you, breath brushing against your face. Tsukishima have always looked gorgeous. Blonde hair, golden eyes, with a sharp nose and lips looking soft, care of the lipbalms he uses to prevent his lips from chapping, he was breathtaking.
"Let's wash your face first," you instructed, removing his eyeglasses and carefully setting it aside. Tsukishima obediently did as he was told, untangling himself from you and returning as soon as he was done. "Close your eyes, Kei," you cooed and you worked your magic, applying a suitable amount of cleanser across his face. With the use of your ring finger, you rubbed circles to even out the solution on his face while gently massaging.
It was scorching, the hand in contact with his skin was tingling and you felt shy, stomach flipping. Tsukishima looked calm with his eyes closed but his hand was not, his thumb was playing with your sides, playfully stroking with alternating strength of butterflies or simply pressing hotly. In your head, you want his hand underneath the shirt, to feel his palm on your skin and let him freely touch you. But you try not to think too much.
After the cleanser comes the toner, and so on, until the moisturizer. At this point, your heart have finally calmed down and had lessened the tension in your muscles. Now, your heart is preoccupied just how close you are to kiss Tsukishima. Just a breath away from pressing your lips.
The moment just seemed so perfect, and so you did, brushing your lips ever so softly against his that Tsukishima felt it was an illusion and a trick of his mind, until he opened his eyes and saw you covering your face as soon as you pulled away from him. A smirk made its way across his features and he can't help but tease you about it.
"Did you just take advantage of me?" He queried in amusement and you peeked through your fingers.
"You can... Pay it back?"
And pay back he did as his grin widened with your permission. He inched closely, covering the distance between you two and for the last time, asked with his eyes for a go signal to which you granted by pushing your lips to his awkwardly. You closed your eyes and let the sensation of his lips against yours mold into your memory. You felt his hand interlock with yours with a squeeze before snaking upwards to your neck for stability. He moved his lips gently as you followed along to his rhythm.
The sweetness of your lips was intoxicating and spiraling Tsukishima out of his control, his greed gripping tight to his reins. His tongue licked your bottom lip and you opened your mouth for his entrance.
You indulging him with his desire didn't help the situation at all and his kisses turned a bit more eager with a bit more ferocity, sucking at your tongue, exploring your mouth deeper.
Tsukishima could taste the minty flavor of your toothpaste, and if this went on, he knew he would only ask for more. With every bit of his being, he resisted and clenched his jaw tightly, before pulling away.
"Alright, that's enough." He cleared his throat while he catch his breath. Scratching his neck, he couldn't even look at you directly.
You hummed your reply.
Embarrassment washed over you as you buried your head into your own palms, still thinking about how his lips felt against yours. It felt good, satisfying even, to share a kiss with someone you liked.
"Let's take a sleep now, you still have to travel tomorrow." Tsukishima tried to escape your grasp.
"Kei, carry me."
It was the adrenaline that made you shamelessly cling to him and wrap your arms around his neck, refusing to part with him. Just for now, you felt like acting coyly to get what you want.
He embraced you tightly in his arms and carried you back to his room. Removing your bunny headband, he carefully laid you down and turned off the lights before settling beside you, covering you with the covers.
To you, it felt awkward to sleep just like this, but Tsukishima treating it as if it's the most natural thing to do, washed away all your nerves. Cuddling and kissing you like this, you felt satisfied. If only it could go on like this forever.
"Good night, Kei."
"Good night, ____."
The morning after was an even better experience. Tranquil and comfortable, you lay in silence in the arms of Tsukishima, head buried in his neck. You can hear his even breathing by your ears as his chest heave up and down.
Fluttering your eyes open, you relished at the sight of his sleeping figure and you can't help it but brush your fingers against his cheeks, feeling quite surreal of him. Tsukishima groggily stirred awake.
"_____," his voice was hoarse and rough from the sleepiness sending shivers down your spine. He held you even more closely and kissed your cheek, temple, and forehead.
"Good morning, Kei."
You returned the kiss with a kiss to his nose.
However, your peaceful morning was short lived as you heard the clamours in the direction of the kitchen and Tsukishima was snapped awake. He rose to his feet to follow the noise and you trailed after him.
"Nii-chan," Tsukishima called in disbelief as he stared wide eye at his brother. You shared the same disbelief as him but more on the fact that he calls his brother, nii-chan and it struck a chord in your heart. How adorable.
"Good morning, Kei. I'm sorry did I wake you up?"
Tsukishima Akiteru was caught up in cooking to notice your presence behind.
"W-when did you come back? I thought you're with Saeko-neechan."
"That..." He laughed awkwardly. "We got into a fight. She dropped me off just three hours ago, can you believe her?? I don't understand women. I cooked breakfast by the way, do you want to add anything?"
Tsukishima could only hold his breath. There was no point hiding your presence and it was now or never. He also didn't have any intention of hiding anything from his family. If ever, he wanted the world to know but it was just that he was shy to initiate any conversation about it. He knew he wouldn't deny anything if someone asked him.
"I got a guest over."
"Yamaguchi?" Akiteru asked, rolling the eggs in the pan.
"N... No." Tsukishima cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment and he stepped aside to show you, a hand on your back in assurance. "My girlfriend."
Akiteru paused and his smile dropped at ur appearance. "what?" Alternately looking at kei and then you, afraid that his ears were playing him because it would be the first time he introduced someone directly to him. Not some news he had to bribe out of Yamaguchi.
Fortunately, he heard right.
"H-hello. I'm _____. Nice meeting you."
Akiteru's mouth hung agape as he looked at you and his face morphed into one of glee and tease, delightful that his brother find someone serious enough to introduce to him, and it was an achievement in his head to still have some dignity left as the older brother. Although the situation seemed kind of rushed, but still, it will do and works the same.
Still, Akiteru didn't want to pass on the opportunity to tease his younger brother.
"Is this what you've been doing when I'm not around?" His voice carried a suggestive tone.
And Tsukishima's eye twitched, cutting him off. "What exactly am I doing when you're not around?" As though daring his brother to finish his sentence.
In the end, Akiteru just smiled and introduced himself.
Meeting a family? What a way to start your day. Too bad you have to go.