Chapter Text
He didn't look back.
Well, neither did she.
Just as their senior year was ending, college plannings were naturally coming up.
He considered going to an university in Tokyo but her, well, she was far ahead. She kept on ranting excitedly on how she planned on applying to an university in America.
At first, he shrugged it off.
Without even realizing, he's been acting weird (mostly off) during volleyball practice – the other team members would often ask if something was in fact wrong but him being, well, him, would shake his head and change the subject by teasing his team mates.
Just as the final week of school came by, she came with big news.
"Kei, I've been accepted to go to an university in America!"
She was happy, naturally – actually, more than happy. She was radiant, he decided.
Tsukishima was happy as well.
His best friend had achieved something huge.
And yet something about that pained him deep inside.
He wasn't going to admit.
Yes, he had feelings for the girl in front of him – Tsukishima even planned on asking her to be his girlfriend on Christmas Eve.
Yamaguchi knew about his plans and tried his best to help it turn out just as planned. But with her news, said freckled male wasn't so sure anymore. Heck, he didn't even think Tsukishima would still go on with his plan.
And the last day of school came – they all said their goodbyes; both Tsukishima and Yamaguchi bidding their farewell to Karasuno's volleyball team.
Of course, the trio was still going to hang out.
"What are your plans for the future?"
Kei himself didn't exactly had an idea in mind, but he considered engineering.
"Still thinking things through," he had said matter-of-factly.
Three days until Christmas and Kei was proceeding to call (Name) until his brother came in and told him they were going away during the holidays - spend Christmas with their grandparents that lived far away, his mother had said.
Mentally nodding he then called his girl best friend.
"(Name)?"
"Yes, Kei?"
"Are you busy?"
"Not really. What's in your mind?"
"Can we meet up?"
"Same place?"
"Sure."
"15 minutes."
And with that she hung up.
He was indeed going to ask her out on Christmas Eve but as things didn't really work out, he decided this was the right time.
Kei found (Name) twiddling her thumbs, sitting all alone in the park where they always used to hang out.
She smiled warmly as she caught sight of him, patting the seat by her side.
"So, what is it Tsukki?"
Her (eye-color) orbs gleamed in wonder as said male sat down.
He sideglanced at her before looking down. Tsukishima hadn't quite really thought of what exactly he was going to say – I-I mean I know what to say I just don't know how. . Damn, you're not like this. Get ahold of yourself.
He thought for a few moments as she patiently sat there, waiting for his manifestation.
'I like you.'
'Go out with me.'
Too blunt, he pursed his lips.
'(Name), we've known eachother for quite some time and I've been thinking' — I should've asked for Yamaguchi's help.
"One moment, if you will."
He ushered, taking his phone from his back pocket.
She chuckled shortly at his antics and turned to scan her surroundings. (Name) swore she saw a hint of pink dusting his cheeks, still, could always be due the cold weather.
Help.
What's wrong, Tsukki?
As strange as it may sound I have a question.
What is it?
What should I tell (Name)?
You're hopeless.
Quick, Yamaguchi. It's a matter between life and death.
Yes, yes.
But honestly you haven't even thought of what you were going to say?
Shut up.
Okay, okay, chill.
Hurry.
Take note that this is obviously all up to you. Maybe just tell how much she means to you? I know you can be too straightforward and blunt — try not to, just this once. Well, even if you do, (Name) knows you're trying.
Thanks.
Good luck, Tsukki!
＼(＾O＾)／
Turning to give her a quickglance, "Sorry it took long, I was just. . ."
The (hair color)-haired girl nodded in acknowledgement, muttering a silent 'It's alright.'
Fully turning her way, he awkwardly took hold of her right hand.
Flinching at the sudden touch, she looked up at him.
"(Name.)"
"Yeah?"
"For quite some time, I've had this feeling—"
"Constipation?"
"Too soon."
"Sorry."
She bit her bottom lip and tugged at his hand, signaling him to proceed.
Playfully rolling his eyes, he held onto her hand ever-so-tightly.
"What I've been trying to say is. . . I've really liked you for some time. You might not feel the same but this had to be said before you leave to—" He mentally slapped himself before mumbling, "This is dumb."
Staring right at him, wide-eyed, the female lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"You're so stupid."
"You see, I tried not to be blunt."
He mumbled once again.
Tsukishima waited for a proper answer from the girl, but when none came — just as he was about to question her — she did what he never expected her to; she had kissed him.
That startled him and he ended up falling backwards from the bench.
"Gods above."
He heard her grumble, rather than amused.
"If that happens everytime I kiss you, I don't know what else am I supposed to do."
That made him choke, now properly standing up and dusting a few snowflakes from his clothes.
"So that means—"
"Idiot."
The following day, (Name) found herself sitting at the edge of Kei's bed as he packed his bag to his family trip.
"Say, Kei. Those are some cute toy dinosaurs."
"Don't."
"I'm serious."
She gave him a smile of her own, to which he reacted by mumbling the inaudible and turning his head for a moment.
"Interesting enough, I'm the one to make you flustered. Not the contrary."
"We tend to innovate."
"Naturally."
Just as she scanned the rest of his room, she caught glimpse of something that caught her attention.
Marching towards the piece of cloth, she held onto it with both hands. Just like any other female, she always dreamed of wearing her partner's shirts. Quickglancing at Kei with a pout, she proceeded to put on the grey sweater.
He hadn't paid attention until she flailed her arms his way.
"I just love the fact you're a fucking giant."
(Name) kept flailing her arms, admiring how the long sleeves went past her hands and the bottom reached half of her thighs — she found that terribly cute. Seemingly, Tsukishima thought the same as he kept staring at her.
"I couldn't help it."
She had announced, her voice hoarse.
Hours later, the new couple were on their way to (Name)'s house. Her boyfriend insisted on walking her home and she obviously had nothing against it.
Just as they reached the doorstep, he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
"You missed."
She grumbled as a pout formed on her lips, poking her boyfriend's stomach.
Snorting shortly, he gave her a proper kiss on the lips.
"Oh, I think this is yours."
She had said, refering to the sweater she still wore.
"You can keep it."
"Happy New Year."
(Name) heard Tsukishima's voice; he had called her.
"More two hours to go in here."
"Oh, I see. So how's my sunshine doing?"
The use of the nickname made her smile.
"Stuck in the middle of a snowstorm."
Not literally, but fitting towards the nickname.
She heard him chuckle and soon added, "You should laugh more often, you know? It's melodious."
"I will."
"You sound too monotone, even more than usual."
"I miss you."
"I do, too."
"What are you doing right now?"
"Waiting for my mom to finish making our dinner and in the mean time I'm packing up." She smiled halfheartedly, even though he couldn't see it; a hint of sadness in her voice. "I'm leaving in three days."
That's when his soul shattered.
I'm a fool, he decided. He knew this was going to happen, sooner or later. Tsukishima was speechless, (Name) had heard him silently breathing against the phone.
". . .So this is our end?"
A small, almost unnoticeable stutter cause her to flinch.
"No."
It sounded more like a question to the boy's ears.
"Well, I could always come visit you—"
"(Name), just don't."
Well, that took a turn, she thought, afraid of the worst.
". . .Eh?"
"Can't you see things aren't going to work out?"
"Kei, what are you. . ?"
"We should break-up."
It hit her.
Hard.
The pain you feel when going through a break-up is something (Name) would never wish to anyone, no even her worst enemy. It's been a week, sure, but she has spent pratically 3 years with him — along with Yamaguchi as well. The memories that would haunt her for a long time — who knows if not forever.
The female had fallen head-first against her pillow, loud and spontaneous sobbing consuming her.
'I don't understand.
Did I do something wrong?'
"It's for the best."
His nonchalant voice — rather than uncertain — caused her to snap.
"N-No, it's not."
She sniffled.
"Is this some kind of joke? Why did you even ask me out if you knew this was going to happen?"
"I was being foolish."
Tsukishima regretted ever single word he said.
"As there's this possibility we're never going to see each other again, I want you to know that this has been the best week of my life."
"What do I care."
He didn't sound fazed but, internally, he pleaded.
'Please, don't go.'
It was a mistake, indeed.
He didn't want her to go and he couldn't exactly go after her — he'd be insane to go to a whole new continent, a whole new country, without things planned out. If he did, how would they sustain themselves? (Name) was going by herself and he wouldn't dare to make her sustain him. And what about college? It's not like a path of opportunities would open up to him — and he could barely speak english! He had been accepted in the University of Tokyo and as selfish that sounded, he wasn't going to give up of his vacancy. And as egoistically enough, he internally wanted her to give up on her dream and stay with him — no, that was wrong in so many ways.
"I hate you."
'No, I could never hate him.'
(Name)'s parents would often go check on their daughter — she refused to leave her bed other than to shower and attend bathroom needs; she was barely eating and her features reflected nothing but a stoic expression.
Chocolate and ice cream were her newest allies, as childish was that sounded.
She would often check her phone, a few texts from Yamaguchi here and there trying to cheer her up — he wouldn't complain about her casual rants towards Kei and she was very thankful for that.
Every day she secluded herself in her room, listening to sad songs.
'It's okay, honey. Let it all out.'
Her mother had said.
She would cry a river on the first days after-break-up and sleep cuddling with his sweater. As much as it pained her, the sweater had his scent and yet, she couldn't let go of it.
Days went by with (Name) in this sort of hermit-mode, her parents even more worried it would still affect her as her departure day grew near. What if things didn't really work out there, after all her effort?
"Have a safe flight."
Both her parents had said, as she tightly hugged them a goodbye.
“Call us once you get there, alright?”
“I will.”
Just as she was on her way to the departure lounge, she spotted a familiar figure leaving from the arrivals.
'You never change, huh?'
Tall and blonde, headphones resting around his neck. Same unimpressed expression as always. She watched him from afar, a gentle smile pursing her lips — that, until he caught glimpse of her.
His eyes widened as if almost instantly, both freezing in place — he had noticed she was wearing his sweater. Bitting her bottom lip and awkwardly looking down to her watch, she gasped and into a halt, went towards the departure lounge.
He didn't look back.
Well, neither did she.
Already on the line to board the plane, she felt her phone vibrate.
It was a text from Yamaguchi.
'Shake up your tired eyes
The world is waiting for you
May all your dreaming fill the empty sky
But if it makes you happy
Keep on clapping
Just remember I'll be by your side
And if you don't let go
It's gonna pass you by
Who kicked a hole in the sky
So the heavens would cry over me? ♬ '
With a single brow raised she read the message before her.
Soon after another message arrived.
'Have a safe flight, (Name)! (/^▽^)/'
'How. . ?'
Said girl hadn't exactly told her best friend when the flight would be, much less the departure time.
'Tsukishima.'
She internally smiled, moving a few steps ahead on the queue.
So he did care. . .
Looking down through the plane window, she saw buildings already fading from her sight, clouds covering the view as far as her eyes could see.
With earplugs on, she felt herself drifting away.
'Cause I need more time
Yes I need more time just to make things right
Me and you what's going on?
All we seem to know is how to show
The feelings that are wrong
So don't go away ♬
A whole new world awaited for her.