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The bottle in Tamaki’s hands was being turned and opened and then closed so many times that if it were sentient, it surely would’ve complained.
Thankfully, Tamaki was able to use it without having to worry about that. The breaks between classes were his least favorite time at UA, filled with so many buzzing voices and laughs around him. He could leave the class, but that would require walking its whole length, and becoming vulnerable to people picking a conversation with him.
The water was his last hope at moments like that, allowing him to pretend to need a sip, and giving him enough time to think of a reply. It was a poor excuse, but he had to change them from time to time, or people would notice him always using the same one.
Focused on surviving the minutes that passed a few beats too slow, he didn’t notice you at first. He was even less prepared to see your smile above him.
“I hope I’m not interrupting?” you asked and there was no way he could reply to that, his heart leaping to his throat and blocking any words.
You didn’t acknowledge that, and he was more thankful than words could ever allow him to admit. With your gaze cast down, you took a wrapped package from behind your back, and handed it to him.
“I know your birthday was a few days ago, but I wasn’t at school and couldn’t give it to you any sooner. Hope you’ll enjoy it!"
The smile was blinding to his eyes. He didn’t even notice when he accepted the gift, just suddenly he found it in his hands. The break came to an abrupt end, time rushing once again, and before he realised, you were seated once again, and he couldn’t muster even a single word.
Embarrassment reddened his cheeks as he carefully put the wrapped gift into his bag. He wondered if you noticed how hard his hands were shaking.
Throughout class, his mind kept slipping from diagrams on the board to the gift in his bag. It was carefully wrapped in a sheet of colorful paper, and he couldn’t guess its contents. It wasn’t heavy, and felt almost soft?
He didn’t manage to thank you that day. Mirio snatched him from class after the bell, and only a few hours later was Tamaki allowed to have a look at it, in the safety of his own room.
He felt bad for destroying the paper, as he always did when it came to gifts. The thought was out of his mind as soon as he realised what was inside, though.
Tamaki took in the soft fabric and the color that made his heart warm. His hands wandered over the hoodie and, away from anyone’s eyes, he put it on.
The hoodie enveloped him in comfort and warmth that made his eyes water a little. Just a little, not that he would ever admit to it, and especially not in front of you.
"Thank you,” he said into the fabric, breathing the soft smell, relaxing onto his bed.