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He always thought you were pretty. The first time Tendou saw you, he was a little taken back with your face and vibes in general. Since you barely talk in public and can only be seen with your friends he don't have that many experience with your voice and how you'd converse. There are occasions where he will get lucky and he'd see you in the cafeteria talking with that one girl he recognize from school programs. You'd hug your friends and smile and he can't stop glancing at you because that sight itself is so rare he wanted to appreciate it as much as he could.
You being lowkey and barely have any prominent social media accounts leaves him with no option but stalking your friends to get any content on you. He'd find your faces here and there and he realized that you have a lot of friends, which he was grateful for because if lady luck was smiling on him, he'd get stories or pics from your friends social account. He hit the jackpot once when he came across your old highschool friends account and he found younger you where you had your hair short in a bob and he thought that was the cutest thing ever. You had always been pretty, so pretty it overwhelms him to approach you.
The closest encounter you had with him was during a school program where Tendou was on shift during Club Recruiting Program. He was on schedule with Semi and Reon. That was the time he learned that you were actually classmates with Semi in your first years. He was playing around, pissing off Semi when you showed up with your friends holding a bunch of Club posters from other booths.
"Hey y/n here to join our club?" Semi said
"You wish"
She smiled. Tendou was wide eyed because literally the girl he was crushing on secretly is in front of him.
"Here the poster you wanted from the baseball club" you gave Semi a poster
That caught him off guard.
"What Semi you're changing club now?"
Reon asked
"Really?? I've always known you'd betray us one of these days"
He said because he was genuinely suspicious of Semi. That earned him a laugh from y/n
"For real, Semi said he's tired of volleyball "
You added.
"What a traitor"
"Well it is Semi, you can see it in his face"
"I should've known!"
"Oh my god I've always known that, he betrayed me once when we were first years"
"What a shitty guy"
Red-faced Semi stopped you both from continuing picking on him, explaining that it is for his cousin who wanted to go to Shiratorizawa next year. You and him were laughing non stop together and Tendou did not expect you to have this kind of playful personality when in general you look so reserved and quiet he expected you to talk like Ushijima.
"I better get going , bye Semi"
You said before walking away with your friends. Tendou eyed you with a lazy grin and stretched his body out. What a lucky day he thought. But then a thought struck his mind, Tendou looked back to stare at Semi as fast as the said thought land on his brain. His stare lasted for a few seconds that Semi himself felt a little weirded out
"What??"
What if, you like Semi? God it made sense and it suits you so well. He's never seen you talk to guys before and you were comfortable enough to pick on Semi. He noticed how you smile at Semi and he could've sworn you did fix your hair before calling out to Semi earlier (it was all his delusions). That self revelation he made had struck Tendou down to his knees that he actually knelt down holding his chest. Oh the betrayal he thought.
Semi stared at his defeated friend with a huge confusion. Tendou can be weird, but THIS weird? Semi felt a little freaked out and kicked Tendou.
"Stop acting like a freak and get up"
Reon only laughed at the two before continuing promoting the volleyball club to the first years around them.
The first time he saw you was when you went to his class to pass books that were given by a teacher. She actually called out to him because his table was near the door.
"Hey, Mr Takagi asked me to give you guys this"
You said while putting the books on his table. Tendou stared at you for a bit and thought
"Oh she's kinda pretty"
Tendou stood up towering you and smiled.
"Thankie" he reads your name tag " y/n"
You nodded and exited his class. That was the first time he saw you, and afterwards it felt like the universe wants both of you to meet. He'd see you in cafeteria, or maybe at the field during PE. Sometimes he'd see you from a far during assembly but never up close like the first time. He do wonder where you were. His eyes look for you unwillingly in the crowd, and when the class next door walks pass by his class he'd look their way because maybe he can catch a glimpse of you. And it was all only from a far kinda experience. Scratch that universe intervention, it actually intended to drag Satori to his doom. He was going insane for a little bit because he kept on looking for you and everytime he did, it felt like the universe is sending him a sign. Only when he calmed down after two weeks the interaction with Semi occured, which basically also dragged him to his doom. How can he even compete with Semisemi he thought. However on a second thought, Semi is sort of a loser so he can probably outcharm him but who cares about that if you LIKES Semi??
All in all, Tendou didn't really do anything with his feelings because he believed that it'll go away over time, plus you like Semi right?? Right?? He doesn't stand a chance and it is just a crush it is not the end of the world.
-
How wrong was he for thinking like that because right now it felt like his world is ending. In front of him you were facing a guy from another year giving him a box of chocolate. It is Valentine after all, did he expect you to not give anyone anything? From the back of the stairs he was eavesdropping the conversation between you and that guy
"Please accept this" you said
There was a brief silent, how he wished he can see your reaction right now. Were you flustered? Were you blushing??
"Uh.. thanks"
In Satori's head, he fell onto the ground
"I have a question though, does this mean anything to you? Like you want a relationship out of this?"
He heard the guy asked, now he's visibly shaking to hear your answer. If he could, he'd actually join the conversation just so he can get the first hand experience in it. There was also silence from you.
"Um..I think you're misunderstanding this, I'm just the middle man. Someone asked me to pass this to you"
"I see, do I know them?"
"I don't know, she asked me not to tell"
Tendou felt like he was given a second chance at life. It wasn't you, thank fuck it wasn't you.
"Okay, thank you"
Afterwards Tendou can hear you both having a conversation with the junior making failed attempts in figuring out his secret admirer. Tendou wondered if it really was your friend who passed the chocolate. Maybe it was actually you but you were too embarrassed to admit your feelings? Lost in his thoughts he didn't realize you walking in on him obviously listening on you and the first year.
Your face went red as you looked back to see if the boy was gone. Tendou was also blushing up to his ears because he didn't think you'd walk in front of him. Noticing your reddish cheeks Tendou pulled himself together to not embarrass you
"Did I interrupt you" He said with a grin
"Shut up" you laughed "You're Semi's friend right?"
You asked and he nodded
"Ouch I know your name but you didn't know mine??"
Tendou playfully clenched his chest like you really hurt him.
"Aww I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name. You never really introduced yourself" you peered to his name tag "Tendou"
The sound of his name on your mouth sent Tendou into a spiral that he couldn't stop the smile that was creeping to his ears
"Didn't catch you as the type to like someone younger"
"What do you know about me"
"Maybe I do, you're the one who doesn't know anything about me"
You smiled and pulled your bag to your body. "Come onnn give me a break"
Both of your laughs filled the empty hallway as you both walked down the stairs.
"You receive anything from anyone?" You asked
"I do get one"
"Really? From who?"
Tendou glanced at your direction. "Semi"
You smiled and laughed "I see, I've always thought that girl from your class have the hots on you. The pretty one"
Tendou cocked one eyebrow "Now who spread that kind of rumour about me?"
"Semi"
And you both bursted out laughing. Tendou felt all bubbly inside, maybe the universe is sending him signs and finally moving things around. In his heart he was a nervous wreck and flustered because of how easy the conversation with you seemed to be going. For once he wanted to thank Semi for being the invisible bridge for him and y/n. Usually he never really find any hesitation in striking conversation but somehow he can't really produce any words when he's with you because he fears that anything he says will come off as weird and you'd distance yourself from him.
"Tendou you play volleyball right?"
"You do know something about me "
"Come on I'm literally your biggest fan" Tendou watched you as you smile so big not knowing how hard his heart was pounding that moment.
"Pfft, yes I play a bit. Why?"
"Cool, can you pass this chocolate to Ushijima please. My friend wanted to but she's too embarrassed, and I can't seem to find Semi anywhere "
He watched as you search your bag for a purple striped bag of chocolate. You held it out for him and he nodded
"You do love being an errand boy" you only smiled at his words "What's in it for me?"
"I don't know, the satisfaction of charity. And also the knowledge that somewhere in this school you helped a girl confess their feelings"
Tendou stared at you like you grew a third head.
"As much as I love playing around, being a middle man is not on the list"
He smiled and gave you back the bag of chocolate. Well he is lying though because he really didn't mind, plus he too is curious about what sort of expression will his good friend Wakatoshi give to this Valentine's surprise. So why did he refuse your request? He himself doesn't know.
"Aww come on, think about it as a favor for a friend"
"This girl ain't no friend of mine"
"I meant ME"
You pushed the bag into his chest and stared at him into his eyes. God those pair of eyes that shined so brightly he could swore he saw stars reflecting in them.
"Finee but you owe me one y/n"
Tendou gave in and shoved the chocolate into his bag.
"I'll repay you now actually, are you free?"
That caught Tendou off guard. In front of him you were smiling so sweetly he could melt. His hands were itching so badly to just cup your face and tell you to quit being so cute in front of him. Tendou buried his hands deep into his pockets.
"What?"
"Come let's go to the mart, my treat"
-
"You're kidding"
"What, it's good combination you should try some"
Tendou is not a big eater of course but that doesn't mean he is picky. He'd eat anything and everything but in your hands you were holding the abomination of devil in the form of food because let's be real right now, who in the right mind would eat skewers with peanut butter mixed in chilli oil??
"What do you want to eat?"
"Bread is fine"
In an attempt to save himself, Tendou picked out two chocolate bun and put them on the register
"Party pooper". You said. He doesn't hear that often.
"I have a game tomorrow and I'm not jeopardizing it with an explosive diarrhea with whatever you have going on here"
You replied with a giggle and paid for the food you guys took.
"Just have a bite, we only live oncee"
Tendou sighed and to his surprise he couldn't believe that he met someone he couldn't keep up with, because let's be honest you are crossing the line here. This is attempted poisoning. You both sat down at a table as you unpacked your food. Tendou watched as you mix a little bit peanut butter with chilli oil, dipping your skewers in them and putting that in your mouth.
What surprised him the most was your visibly enjoyed face as you savor the flavor.
"You have to try some"
You waved the skewer in front of his face and for a moment it felt like you were waving a bloody knife threatening him.
"If you don't I'm gonna be real hurt you know"
"And what will you do if I'm down with a diarrhea tomorrow hm?" Tendou cocked one of his eyebrow at you.
"You won't, believe me. Come onn don't you trust me?"
"I in fact don't since you only knew my name an hour ago"
You laughed and it calmed Tendou's nerves for a while. Because he is in fact SCARED. He doesn't want to taste whatever it is you were eating but he also doesn't want to embarrass or worst hurt you for not participating.
"Come onn"
Tendou let out an exasperated sigh before taking the skewer in his hand. If you look closely you can see him shaking a little as he drew it closer to his lips. You watched in awe as your newly found friend is eating your most favorite form of food.
He took a bite. He chewed. And he spat it out
"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT"
His shocked screaming got you hollering while clutching your stomach. Laughing your ass out.
Tendou can still feel the sweetness of the peanut butter and then there's this foreign taste of spiciness mixed with the taste of meat he just had to chug down the soda you bought.
"Oh my God that was hilarious you should've seen your face"
Red-faced Tendou stared at you in disbelief because what the fuck?? Did you really enjoy that??
"Don't look at me like that. Give me some credit, I had to force myself to swallow it you know"
"You're real bored aren't ya"
Tendou had to sit back and take a moment. Because whatever happened three second ago was still haunting him. Him choking, you laughing your heart out, the half chewed meat at the side of the road, his still burning throat.
"Here have some"
You had pulled out the chocolate bar you bought. Tendou reached without hesitation and chewed. What an experience
You were still brimmed with little giggles as Tendou's choking face replayed in your head. The moment were filled with silence as you both ate the chocolate.
"What a weird night"
"I'm sorry for that though, the skewer is actually good on it's own"
"No shit"
You both laughed as you walked to yours dormitory. Tendou watched you as you balance yourself at the side of the road, the shark keychain on your bag dangling around following your movement as you try to not fall.
"Hey" he blurted out mindlessly.
"yes?" You turned your head and looked at Tendou.
Tendou was panicking, oh he didn't plan that. Why would he call you out?? He don't know what to say??? Oh my God here goes nothing.
"Happy Valentine's Day"
He gambled and it came out smoother than he thought. You replied with a playful smile.
"Thanks but where's my chocolate?"
He knew it was a joke. Normally it was girls who will give out chocolate and the next day is supposed to be the day the boys will return the gift to the girls. But fuck it, who cares. Tendou put his hand inside his bag, feeling the crinkle of plastic against his palm. You tilted your head. He knew you were just joking, you wouldn't want a chocolate from him, it'll be so fucking awkward.
"Here"
Tendou shoved a small chocolate candy into your hands, clumsily that you had to catch it because it almost fell.
"Tendou—"
"See you tomorrow"
Tendou can feel his face burning, he walked as fast as he could to the male dormitory and crashed into Ushijima's room. The whole time he was imagining your face, your shocked expression, the candy he bought during recess, the warmth of your hand, the candy, your face, the warmth it all replayed like a broken radio in his mind.
"Tendou—"
You said. Fuck you were calling for him but he ran away like a coward. The shark, the skewer on the side of the road, the junior, your face, your hands, you, you, you.
Ushijima watched Tendou who was leaning against his door, uninvited.
"Are you here for your manga? I haven't finish reading it yet I was—"
His words were cut off with Tendou throwing the bag of chocolate towards him, despite it catching Ushijima off guard, he stills catched it effortlessly. Tendou walked pass him and landed into Ushijima's bed, a visible grunt can be heard.
"Tendou what's going on?"
Ushijima inspected the purple striped bag for a bit before shifting his attention fully to the guy in his bed. Still in his school uniform.
"I messed up Wakatoshi"
Tendou muffled from Ushijima's pillow. There was silence before Ushijima said.
"When you mess up, you can always practice to perfect it"
The way he said it so calmly and with a level of seriousness almost made Tendou laugh. He flipped over and put his hands under his head.
"You know y/n Wakatoshi?"
He nodded.
"I think I confessed to her. Like accidentally"
Despite the unexpected bomb Ushijima remained calm.
"You see things were going so well and I had to ruin it by giving her that chocolate and running away like a coward"
Tendou sighed and closed his eyes, in his mind your shocked face replays over and over just to taunt him.
"What did she say?"
"Pft, I don't know, I ran away"
Listening to him saying all these made Tendou wants to beat himself up. Gosh so embarrassing.
"Were you sincere?"
Tendou looked down to meet Ushijima's eyes.
"What?"
"Your feelings, were they genuine? How do you really feel about her?"
"I do find her..uh"
Ushi tilted his head to a side
"I do find her pretty...and I like her"
Tendou sunk his face in his arms..Blushing while looking away.
"Then I don't think you should worry that much. What matters is you confessed your feelings and you were genuine about it"
Tendou listened to his friend. There is a reason why he ran here insted of going back to his room. Wakatoshi is straightforward, and he don't know shit about filtering his advices. Right now he needed a reality check and if Wakatoshi himself said such comforting words maybe the situation is not as bad as he thought.
"But you do look like a loser, for running away and all that"
Tendou sat up with his mouth open. He knew it!
"Okay no need to add that part we all know"
Ushijima gave him a small smile before returning to his homework. Tendou stared into the air for a moment before getting up to return to his room. Tomorrow he should apologize to y/n and maybe confess properly.
-
Who was he kidding. Scratch wanting to confess properly he can't even LOOK at you without running away. This is so unlike him to run and not face a problem straight ahead. And today out of all days the universe made them cross paths for more than 10 times already. If it was a normal day Tendou would feel so lucky and it would be a good day for him, but now it felt like torture because he needed to duck or change his path whenever he sees you. God please give him some strength just to look at her.
At this point Tendou was getting more frustrated because he hates running away but when it comes to you. He can't help but remember how you looked last night and he unconsciously run. During class he couldn't focus, he skipped lunch in fear of running into you, and during volleyball friendly match he kept on making mistakes Coach Washijo actually had to sit him out. He was all messed up and all the could think about was you.
"What's up with you?"
Semi asked. Tendou looked up and gave him a lazy look. He didn't say anything and that annoyed Semi more than he actually thought he would. Tendou stood up to go out and get a drink, he picked up his bottle and walked out. Feeling the sunlight on his skin, he closed his eyes. Please let this end already.
"Tendou?"
That familiar voice caught Tendou off guard that he turned around like a cat that was surrounded into a corner. You were there staring at him with a smile. Not your usual smile but it was more like I'm-trying-to-not-make-this-awkward kinda smile. He can't run, because if he did it'll be so rude to you and after last night he don't want to do that anymore.
"Yes, hi"
He said. One hand on the back of his hand scratching his hair.
"Were you avoiding me?"
His eyes went wide.
"I did??? When?? What?? Why would I do that??"
He started to ramble away, mixing up his words due to embarrassment.
"I don't know it feels like you did"
You said with a shrug, Tendou let his head hang low.
"You see about last night, I didn't get to say anything because —"
"Yeah yeah I ran, how uncool is that"
He cut you and gave a smile. You laughed.
"Yes how uncool of you"
You teasing him calmed his nerve for a bit and he finally have this courage to look at you. You're so pretty. He had always thought you were pretty.
"But, you know I didn't mind it at all"
Tendou tilted his head. What?
"Huh?"
"Yes really I don't, and I'm actually glad to get to know you, you know you're funny and..uh.." You let your words hang.
"Anyway, I'm just saying I don't mind it and don't run away from me. I enjoy talking to you"
You gave him a smile and that revived Tendou to life. You didn't mind. So does that mean you like it??? Do you like him back?? Or is it too quick?? well you did learn his name yesterday so he can't overwhelm you with his feelings, right??
"I like talking to you too"
He said, straightening himself up.
"Okay, cool" You said with a laugh. Then it was silence
"Anyway thank you for the chocolate I better get going"
"Wait"
He said, again mindlessly. He doesn't want you to go just like that. But what the fuck should he say???
"Uhh.. you wanna walk home together?? To the dorms of course let's walk together"
A gamble again,but instead of the shocked expression he could see a blush spreading across your face.
"Yes, sure. I'll wait for you."
He smiled.
"Okay wait for me"
"Mhm, bye"
You said and turned around before walking away. Inside your heart was thumping like crazy. Tendou smiled to himself in satisfaction. He felt good and then he remembered the blush on your face. A date after school, maybe he can buy you ice cream and you guys can talk more. Tendou put a hand over his heart, feeling the hard thumps as he took a deep breath. Fuck this feels so good.