Chapter Text
Atsumu has never fallen in love with anyone, hasn't slept around casually, what he has are huge, dramatic, embarrassing crushes, and in relationships, he falls faster than the other. People always assume he's much more casual because of his humor and personality, but he is more of a hopeless romantic than anything else. Atsumu has had only a few crushes in his life, one of them being Kita, and for one moment of weakness, Oikawa. The rest are less consequential to now. He hasn't liked anyone ever since going pro after high school.
Sakusa Kiyoomi had joined the MSBY Black Jackals recently, despite Atsumu knowing of him from past volleyball camps, this time he was paying more attention. He found himself in awe of how off-putting Sakusa could be, quite frankly, Atsumu had always had a weakness for the edgy, dark, mysterious type. Now that he is a permanent member of his team, and Atsumu was his setter, he can't help but notice his physical features when in the past he didn't give him a second glance. Atsumu knew pretty quickly he liked the guy. Currently he is trying to stay firmly in the acquaintance zone with Sakusa. Hoping that this will help it eventually fade, he was pretty confident that the crush was going to stay one sided. From the little he talks about his life with the team, Sakusa has never mentioned anything about dating.
That’s why Atsumu is somewhat surprised when Sakusa asks him for coffee at the end of the week. They hadn't really bonded much (which was by design). At most they would argue during practice, Omi always getting in the last word. Atsumu thought Kiyoomi hated him.
Despite this, he couldn't help but wonder what it meant. Getting coffee is a popular first date for a lot of people, and because Kiyoomi would rather die than drink coffee mask-off in a shop. And on the other hand, while he doesn’t seem to be the social type, it could just be because Sakusa wanted to get to know him as a teammate. So, when Atsumu walks into the coffee shop Kiyoomi had chosen, he’s trying really hard not to think about his feelings. Kiyoomi was sitting in a booth close to the window, waiting for him with his coffee and one for Atsumu on the other side of the table. When Atsumu saw him sitting there he felt his heart give a nervous tug. Atsumu scolded himself internally that he shouldn't be afraid of Kiyoomi and sat down. Both the coffees Sakusa ordered were black, but there was a suspicious bunch of sugar and cream packets in the middle of the table.
“So…” Atsumu said, sitting down, “whaddya drag me here for Omi?”
“Don't call me that,” Sakusa said with an annoyed face. Atsumu smiled because he loved to annoy Kiyoomi. Most of the team called him “Omi” after Atsumu teasingly called him that once in the locker rooms. Sakusa always seemed mildly annoyed by it, but not enough for any of them to stop.
“So, what's up?” Atsumu said as he got himself busy with opening some cream and sugar packets, two creamers and one sugar dumped in his still hot drink. Grabbing a wooden stirrer, swirling the coffee around.
“I wanted to ask you for some advice,” he said, Sakusa’s eyes were on his hands fiddling with his cup.
Atsumu felt a little upset that this wasn't a date (even though he knew it was a long-shot) but that was trampled over by the excitement and curiosity of what Sakusa might need his help for. “Of course, Omi-Kun, what is it?” Sakusa rolled his eyes but then unhooked his mask from his ear, picked up his drink and lightly blew on it before taking a sip. His eyebrows were scrunched, and he was frowning as he wiped his mouth. He sighed as he looked up to meet Atsumu’s gaze.
“You better not tell anyone what I’m about to ask,” He said, “but I think I need help making friends with the team.”
Atsumu was a little taken aback by the request, Sakusa had never let him see him vulnerable like this before. He felt for him, he’d had some pretty lonely days himself. The lonely thoughts don't leave once you’re not alone anymore.
“Awww, Omi-Kun does trust me,” Atsumu teased, trying to break the tension, Sakusa frowned deeper, “You don't need to worry, of course, I would help ya,” he said in a soothing tone, “and despite what ya say I think of you as a friend already.”
Sakusa’s eyebrows lifted, “Really? You only talk to me when we play together.”
“I can take it back” Atsumu said, fully knowing Sakusa was right, and he said it without thinking to try to make him feel better.
“It’s ok,” Sakusa drank more of his coffee then, almost chugging it, and then put his mask back on, “But I know you’re good with people, and I would like to befriend my team if possible.”
Atsumu could feel the tips of his ears and the back of his neck heat a little at the compliment, he was silently hoping the other didn't notice.
“Interesting,” Astumu crossed his arms, “This is very unlike you to ask like this.”
Sakusa shifted a bit then, “I was recently convinced that I should put more effort into my social life,” looking out the window and around the restaurant now, “Now that I am done with school for now, that might be… beneficial for my wellbeing.”
Atsumu huffed a laugh, “Whoever convinced you of that deserves a medal, but they’re right.”
“If you make fun of me over this I will kill you,“ Sakusa said, meeting his gaze again.
Atsumu held his hands up, “Woah, woah, woah, I’ll help ya,” he chuckled again, “just never thought you would care ‘bout that kinda thing this much.”
Atsumu pushed his fingers through his hair, considering what else to say.
“Look, every once and awhile, Bokuto, Hinata and I have dinner at Samu’s restaurant,” Atsumu said as he pulled out his phone, “I’ll invite ya to the next one.”
“Are you sure?” Sakusa was looking down at Atsumu’s phone skeptically.
“Oh, they won’t mind at all.” Atsumu then made a chat with all four of their numbers, sending Dinner next friday?
Sakusa got out his phone then and Atsumu’s phone pinged.
Sakusa Kiyoomi
This is Sakusa btw
Atsumu smiled to himself, typing quickly back.
Miya Atsumu
We kno we have a team groupchat remember?
Atsumu laughed a little, and when he looked up he could swear Sakusa was frowning a little under the mask.
“Couldn’t help it, sorry friend,” He said, smirking.
“I think I’m still going to kill you,” Sakusa replied.
Atsumu slept in on Friday morning. He was still getting over his disappointment that it wasn't a date, Sakusa was just looking for him for help. He knew it was a little selfish but he couldn't help it. The day before he had spent the whole day with Osamu. They didn't always have the time to hang out with each other anymore so he treasured every moment they spent together. Osamu always helped ground him, helped him remember who he was. Atsumu did not like how fast he fell for people, it freaked him out. Osamu also had the same issue, so they could relate.
Atsumu rubbed his eyes and checked his phone. Surprisingly the messages he had were from within the hour.
Kotaro Bokuto
BOYS NIGHTTTT TONIGHTT!!!!!
Shoyo Hinata
BOYSSS NIGHT!
Kotaro Bokuto
😈😈😈
Miya Atsumu
More like gossip night
Sakusa Kiyoomi
?
Kotaro Bokuto
Akaashi and Kageyama hate gossip, so we torture Tsumu instead!
Miya Atsumu
-_-
And Samu.
Shoyo Hinata
Did u make sure to let him know this time
Miya Atsumu
shit
Sakusa Kiyoomi
Know what.
Miya Atsumu
We like to eat at my brothers restaurant
Sakusa Kiyoomi
I didn’t realize Osamu had opened one already.
Shoyo Hinata
Prepare to be WOWED.
Atsumu was starting to regret his decision to invite Sakusa. Most of the gossip was about who they thought were hooking up with who and who should date, including him. Atsumu didn't mind though usually, just watching and listening to them was enough entertainment to make up for it. Today he minded, because he was sure they had picked up on his crush on Sakusa, despite him never talking about it. That and he was kind of nervous for Sakusa to learn more about him. He was aware his personality didn't always mesh with introverts. Part of him keeping distance from Sakusa was a safeguard against learning that he might actually hate Atsumu for real.
Well, so much for that safeguard.