Chapter Text
''Hey guys, did you hear the news?" Hinata whispered as he slipped into an elongated, wooden bench, next to his boyfriend and two friends. The lecture had been going on for five minutes now, but the redhead didn't seem to care. The new media art lecturer merely looked unflatteringly at the student squeezing into the backbench.
''Can’t it wait until the end of the lecture?'' Tadashi whispered back, bending down enough for Hinata to hear him and enough to hide behind the head of the boy seated before him. Tadashi tried to be a good student. He loved his studies, he tried to get the most out of each class. That's why he sometimes lamented the fact that he had two talkative friends who sat on his right. On the other side, Kenma just muttered under his breath, too focused on playing on his phone under the desk.
''Speak, you moron,'' Kageyama replied more interested in what his boyfriend had to tell them, than what Professor Akaashi was talking about. Tadashi sighed in resignation. He never had a special influence on the behavior of these two.
''The History of Ancient Art reader, professor Nekomata, was hospitalized two weeks ago.'' Hinata began to speak in a whisper louder than he realized. ''Someone else, some Ph.D. student, is to take his place. I don't remember exactly what his name was... '' He rubbed his chin, thinking for a moment. '’Su ... Tsu ... Tsuki ...’’
''Don't say it's Tsukishima ...'' Kageyama whispered back in a little shock.
''Yes!'' Hinata replied louder. Definitely too loud.
‘’Back row, I understand that some of you may not be interested in the subject of my classes.'' Their attention was caught by the calm voice of the lecturer. Even though they were a few good meters away, they still felt the weight of the blue irises' gaze. ''However, there are those who come to my lectures to learn something, not to discuss. You have seminars to do so.''
''We apologize!'' Tadashi replied loudly enough for the presenter to hear it, feeling a beautiful flush of embarrassment rising on his face. Akaashi sighed heavily and looked back at his presentation, returning to the topic he had discussed previously. ''I told you to save it for later...'' He turned to the two talking.
''Tsukishima is a prick.'' Kageyama crossed his arms over his chest as he focused on the presentation displayed. ''Our group had seminars with him a year ago and it was hell. He niggles over everything, makes shitty exams and tests, demands hell knows what for a positive assessment, and looks at everyone as if they were interrupting him. But the chicks in my group were crazy about him. Although he looked at them as if they were bugs, after each class he had a bunch of girls around him, trying to ask him about various things. His appearance is probably compensation for his shitty character. I don't know why such people push themselves to teach others. ''
''Since he is a Ph.D. student, it is mandatory,’' Kenma said without looking up from the phone. ''At least that's how it is with Kuroo at the university. He complained that he had to teach sophomore students, and then he complained that they were idiots.’’
''But he doesn't have to take it out on the students...’' Hinata scowled, correcting himself on the uncomfortable wooden chair. ''It's not our fault that he has to teach.''
''We have History of Ancient Art in the afternoon ...'' Tadashi spoke with a faint fear in his voice. The words of the raven-haired friend terrified him. Nothing discouraged him from studying like an asshole for a lecturer. During his studies, there were various lecturers, nicer and a little less, and he knew perfectly well that he had learned a lot more from the first ones. He has always avoided potential conflicts, so whenever he sensed a bad aura from the lecturer, he avoided classes as much as he could. He repeatedly asked Hinata for notes from the Basics of Copyright Law, as the lecturer repeatedly interfered with his personal beliefs and chauvinistic comments towards female students. As he began his final year of college, he was excited about the history of ancient art classes, although he didn't understand why the university only dropped it for the end of their studies. He had always been interested in ancient culture and art, so he waited eagerly for classes. He heard that professor Nekomata had great knowledge in this subject, and his lectures were something amazing, fascinating that when he talked about the culture, students could easily move their thoughts to ancient Egypt or Greece. So now when he heard the news that Professor Nekomata would be replaced by some Ph.D. student, he was terrified. Not only cause that the guy will probably be a pain in the ass but mostly cause all his waiting and excitement will end up in big disappointment.
When it was time for classes in the History of Ancient Art, everyone was waiting in the designated room. Some, like Tadashi, terrified of being late to the stern lecturer, were already sitting ten minutes earlier. Nervously tapping his shoe on the floor and biting the skins on his fingers, he watched and tried to listen to the conversations of the girls who sat down in front of him. He heard chuckles, he heard the admiration for the presumed beauty of the leader, he heard the boasts that they will be the first to win the heart of a cold Ph.D. student. How stupid these girls must have been to think the lecturer would be willing to tarnish his reputation for them. His friends arrived at the hall a few minutes early. He sincerely worried that Hinata and Kageyama would be late again and give themselves a year of trouble. Fortunately, they too were afraid of the consequences and ran into the hall, panting with relief, stating that they had made it ahead of time.
The door to the classroom opened just as the second hand of the watch showed the exact time of the beginning of the class. In an instant, Tadashi understood the words of the girls sitting in front of him. The lecturer was incredibly tall, his slim body was covered with perfectly cut black pants and a black turtleneck. Clothes contrasted perfectly with the pale skin and blonde hair. The golden irises watching closely were hidden behind metal-rimmed glasses. Tadashi understood why he was the tutor of this course, the man looked like the epitome of fucking ancient art.
'’Pretty...'' He didn't even notice that his thoughts were spoken aloud. As soon as he saw the surprised expressions of his friends, he covered his mouth with a hand.
''I know, right?'' A brunette named Asano turned to him with a slight chuckle. ''Tsukishima is such a treat, during classes last year I was barely able to focus. ''
The blonde casually threw his leather bag on the tabletop and leaned back against the desk, folding his slender hands over his chest, examining his group carefully.
''As some of you probably already know, my name is Tsukishima Kei. This year I will be replacing Professor Nekomata in the History of Ancient Art class, probably to the displeasure of many. ''His voice, like his expression, was devoid of any emotions. The golden eyes slowly scanned each student in turn. Tadashi felt his cheeks turn red when the attractive lecturer's gaze rested on him for a moment. He thought his gaze was only half a second longer than that given to the rest of the students, but he assumed it was merely wishful thinking. Why would he watch him any longer? He did not stand out from the crowd. Except for maybe long brown hair with greenish tones and those damn freckles Tadashi hated his whole life, but otherwise, he was completely mediocre.
''He was checking me out!'' Asano wasn't conspiratorial enough as she grabbed her friend's arm in excitement. ''I'm telling you, this year he will be mine!''
''Let's go straight to what you are most interested in, the conditions of passing.’' Tsukishima turned to plug the flash drive into the desktop computer in the hall. After a while, a presentation appeared on a large wall. ''Attendance at lectures is obligatory.'' There was a dissatisfied murmur. ''I'm not here because I have nothing to do with my free time, but to teach you something. I am not going to talk to an empty classroom, and I know that such situations happened at other courses. You are also not on the courses to please the lecturers, but probably to learn something. However, I am not a monster, if you have an emergency that will not allow you to appear in class, please explain it to me.''
''Great, we won't get away from this douchebag.’' Kageyama grunted, sinking deeper into the chair.
''At the end of the semester and at the end of the year, you will have an exam to write. You have the scores displayed on the slide.'' Without looking at the presentation, the presenter pressed the button of the remote held in a slim hand, on which Tadashi looked down. Another groan passed through the room. The blonde ignored the students' dissatisfaction this time. ''Additionally, expect colloquiums during the course. If you fail a test, you can come to me and get a second chance in the form of an oral test, at the request of professor Nekomata. If you have any questions, you can contact me via e-mail. Are there any questions or can we start classes?'' When no one said a word, Tsukishima nodded and turned on the first slide.
Tadashi was truly amazed. He didn’t care about how good of a lecturer Nekomata was, he didn't believe he could match Tsukishima's calm voice. It was like listening to a phenomenal podcast, he did not even pick up a pen for the entire duration of the lecture, all the words coming from the blonde's narrow lips were recorded in Tadashi's memory. He knew he could listen to him endlessly and never be bored. Maybe Tsukishima was a strict presenter, but the way he narrated made up for it all. And the visual values he presented were a very pleasurable addition.
However, not everyone was so delighted with the lecture. With the corner of his eye, he noticed Hinata and Kageyama slowly close their eyes and droop their heads. It was not the first time, the couple practiced volleyball in the mornings and evenings. However, not only Tadashi noticed the students falling asleep. He swallowed nervously as he noticed the lecturer, without changing the tone of his voice, slowly approaching their bench.
''Am I boring to you?'' He stood still with his arms folded on his chest. The two jumped in place at the sound of a voice coming so close to them. The blond watched them with golden eyes filled with coldness.
''They didn't want to, Sir.'' Tadashi stood up, bowing slightly to the lecturer, apologizing for the couple a second time the same day. He felt that all eyes were focused only on him. He hated unnecessary attention but felt compelled to stand up for his friends. ' In the evenings they work to be able to afford the rent, so they are very tired. '' He said the first thing that popped into his head to somehow justify their behavior.
''If you dream of a juridical career, the law department is not far from here. '' The golden gaze met Tadashi's green-brown irises. The student felt shivers down his spine.
''Sorry...'' Kageyama looked away, avoiding the golden gaze.
''It won't happen again...'' Hinata added quietly, straightening up in his chair.
''I do hope so.'' Tsukishima eyed the two one last time, then returned to the main desk to continue his lecture. Hinata and Kageyama looked briefly at each other and, in order not to drift off into the realm of dreams again, they focused on taking notes.
The lecture ended exactly on time, and all the students began to pack their notebooks or laptops to finally return home or take up life outside the university after a long day of classes. Tadashi watched the similar situation, Kageyama had previously described to him, the girls he had watched before class gathered around the lecturer's desk to ask him additional questions. He came closer, curious to see how the blonde copes with the attention of attractive students.
'In the description of the subject on the website, you will find a list of the prepared literature. There you will find all the answers to your questions.' He heard Tsukishima's now even more indifferent voice. 'I apologize, but I'd like to go home too, and I have to close the room.' After a few sad sighs the group left the room, Tadashi followed them but stopped suddenly, driven by an unknown force.
‘’Excuse me, Sir. Can I take a minute?' He turned to the blonde, nervously scratching the back of his neck. He did not know what he wanted to achieve. All he knew was that he didn't want to part with the golden eyes that were now on him. ''I don't have any specific questions, I just wanted to thank you for an interesting lecture ... ''
''I know that everyone at the university is waiting for professor Nekomata's classes.'' Tsukishima packed his notes into a bag. '’ I wouldn't be happy myself if they would send some student instead of him.''
''But I really liked your lecture. '' Tadashi could closely observe the slender figure of a Ph.D. student, and look at his long fingers. '’I do not regret that we do not have the possibility of classes with the professor.'' The blonde looked at him as emotionless as it might have seemed, but somewhere on the back of the golden irises, hidden behind the glasses, a surprise appeared.
''I also wanted to apologize for these two.'' He looked down, a little bit ashamed.
''What's your name?'' Tsukishima cut him off before Tadashi opened his mouth again.
'Yamaguchi Tadashi.'' He replied, looking up uncertainly.
''Yamaguchi.'' The boy felt pleasant chills, hearing his name falling from the mouth of a handsome man in front of him. ''These two are adults, do not apologize for them or for anything that is beyond your control.''
''Of course.'' He nodded slightly, feeling that he was blushing again. ''May I have one more question?’’
''Of course.'' Tsukishima put his bag on his shoulder, ready to leave the room.
''You said that the presence is obligatory, but you did not write down the names... Out of curiosity, how will you know that all students are here? Not that I'm trying to get out of class, I'm just curious.'' He looked down, nervously fiddling with his fingers.
''I counted you. There are supposed to be thirty people, there were thirty.'' The lecturer headed for the exit. Tadashi followed him, listening carefully. ''Listing names is deceptive, I was in college and I know what the reality is, adding absent friends. I also know that everyone is in the first class. One lesson is enough for me to remember your faces. I will know who was there and who was not. I will include it later in the final evaluation. ''
''I see...'' Tadashi nodded, a little speechless. Not only does the lecturer have an amazing ability to transmit information, but also has a photographic memory. With each passing moment, he felt more and more fascinated by the blonde. ''Thank you for your answers and thank you again for the lecture, goodbye.'' He bowed slightly and headed for the exit.
'’Yamaguchi.'’ 'He heard the sound of his name again, which made him stop at the moment. He turned towards the blonde, giving him a questioning look. ''Don't lie to me.'' Tsukishima's voice was suddenly lower, deeper, making Tadashi's body shiver and for a moment he forgot how to breathe. ''You're a terrible liar.'' The blonde tilted his head to the side with slight amusement and then headed down the corridor. ''Until then, Yamaguchi.''