Archive of Our Own

Average - (verb) to achieve or amount to as an average rate or amount over a period of time.

Average - Ryunosuke Tanaka.

Tanaka was never the type to show his negative feelings, as he is the type to quickly get over it. He has the ability to clear his mind, and continue on. Along with that, he has the ability to bring others up.

Y'know, just like the average human being basically.

Tanaka is nothing but average.

It's not like he didn't know that already.

Afterall, the match he was in was currently beating the crap out of him. He couldn't hit for shit today and was being awfully lame compared to both the other days and everyone else.

To add onto that, his team is made up with a bunch of volleyball geniuses!

It was frustrating to say the least. Especially because everyone in his team is so special. They all have some cool defining movement that everyone is scared they'll pull out when they go against his team. But Tanaka is just some loud, mediocre dude who doesn't have a special move. He isn't relevant compared to the others.

But that doesn't mean he can necessarily give up completely, right?

He just smiled, shooting his hand up and waving it around the second he noticed Tsukishima got his hands on the ball.

“Over here!” Tanaka quickly shouted, his voice loud and boisterous.

He froze when he saw Tsukishima's quick cold glance, the blonde shooting it over to another one of his teammates. If you ask Tanaka exactly who he wouldn't be able to give an answer, as his mind was going haywire in pure realization of just how terrible he's been playing the whole game.

Tanaka is supposed to be this pillar of stability, yet almost everyone on the team can hear the creak of each movement and see the rust forming on his techniques.

And as Tanaka stands next to another one of his teammates, it's truly perceptible of the reality that Tanaka isn't as amazing as he thinks he is. He isn't the glorified version he plays himself out to be to boost his own confidence, he's just Mr.Average.

How can he .. a 5 at best compete with all these 10’s.

How can he compete with 10.

10 is 2 times better than him.

Hinata is 2 times better than him.

Because Hinata has these many special abilities, he has the power of amazing jumpforce and not only that but he can just stay so positive. The kids are amazing, Tanaka will never deny that. He’ll accept his fate, he’ll accept his true reality. He knows his title.

But the idea of that being his excuse of not trying even more was just.. Disgusting to him, it repelled him completely. He could never give up, there's always room for improvement within everyone no matter what. I mean, look at Kageyama and Hinata, the both of them had their own shit show and now they are practically soulmates. Those little shits can handle anything as long as they are together, the power of friendship, per se.

Tanaka doesn't have that emotional support system that he can rely on though, he doesn't have someone who can notice his emotions in a blink of an eye, or catch onto his references in an instant. The closest he’ll ever get to that is Nishinoya, and even then, it's clear the dude prefers Asahi over him. Noya left the damn team because of Asahi, Tanaka couldn't convince him to stay or anything of the sorts.

It's clear to Tanaka that he is by himself. Deep in his emotions, he's going to be by himself, at his best, he'll be by himself. At his worst, which in all honesty may be right now, he's by himself.

He stands there for a moment, his eyes blank with hesitation and resistance. He wants to yell at the blonde for not giving him the ball. He wants to scream at himself for not being worthy of the ball. He wants to yell, and not in the usual manner he does. No, not even close.

He wants to scream and get upset at the whole game that's going on right now, he wants to have his own little crash outs. The others had it, why can't he?

Under the surface, he's in complete deterioration! He deserves to have the same crashout everyone else had.

He bit his lip, hard, staring at the floor for a moment as they scored to point thanks to Asahi. Stupid Tsukishima and his accurate decision making skills.

Tanaka is something. He HAS to be something. Why else would Coach Ukai keep him in the fucking game? He just needs to get his shit together and lock the fuck in.

His hands shook, his eye twitching as he stared at the ground.

“Dont worry Tanaka, maybe next time.” He heard from behind, the warm voice doing nothing to soothe him. He just straightened his back and took a deep breath as he turned around with the same shit eating smile he wore.

“Dont worry captain, i wont let it happen next time. My bad.”

He could feel the look he was given, a look of disappointment, maybe? No, Daichi isn't like that.

Every other day he finds him wondering if he is truly too much. He’ll admit, he is at times and he understands this concept completely. He's always getting yelled at most of the time as well for being too much. Most of the time he doesn't exactly care because why the hell should he, y'know?

Yet here he is, standing there quietly, his eyes wide as his body shook with pent up frustration. He wanted to sob.

The second he hears his name, he shoots up, fixing his posture and wiping the frown off of his face. As his smile slowly turned into a resting smile, he looked at the one who had called his voice.

It was Ennoshita.

“You alright man?” The man asked carefully, like he knew exactly what Tanaka was thinking while standing there.

This caused him to pause. Because under the surface he was secretly going crazy, secretly, he was losing his mind because he felt useless. He felt like he was on this type of tightrope and below was spikes that he was doomed to fall on. Even worse, everyone is watching.

And when they see him ultimately fall because of the smallest gust of wind all of them will not only not be surprised, maybe they'll be happy.

Growing and growing. That's all that is happening with Tanaka currently. All that is happening with him is pure build of anxiety. But he hides this, and it's simply because then everyone will worry about him. The team doesn't need that.

And sure, maybe he needs that.

Does he find himself caring about himself in this case though? No.

So the pressure is going to have to continue growing and growing cause all he knows is how to do that. All he knows is how to hide in the shadows, hide the feelings that aren't so nice to feel.

He didn't notice a man walking behind him, his heart was already racing and his mind was clouded. How could he?

He needs to keep going, he doesn't know why he's just.. standing there.

He's supposed to be a strong one, he's a pillar of loyalty and stability. He is the one who is supposed to comfort the others and bring them up, he isn't supposed to succumb to this pressure.

Because who else is supposed to handle this pressure?

Sure, maybe the others could handle it but his literal job is to make sure the others get to breathe. He spikes when Hinata cant, he blocks when the others don't make it in time, he keeps the ball off the floor.

His breathing picked up, and if he had hair, his hands would resort to pulling it. Instead of that though, his hands gripped onto his jersey, one hand at the collar unknowingly because he cant fucking breathe.

“Tanaka.”

And sure, maybe eventually when he succumbs to this pressure he can give it to his team because they are way better than Tanaka. But if he does that he feels like he's some sort of circus clown, a low level wannabe.

The reason why is because he knows he's average.

When hes in the slumps just like this he always wonders if Coach Ukai ever wondered what the fuck is Tanaka doing on the court. At times he himself doesn't understand exactly what he's doing. He's just trying because what is he if he's not that shit he was labeled. The shit he is known for. He needs to just.. hang on a little longer.

Because if he hangs on a little longer maybe hell get a random rush of energy and that'll free some of the pressure off of his back because he'll be able to help and actually be useless and if he's deemed as useful—

“Tanaka!”

HIs breathing stopped, his head shooting up from the floor as he looked at whoever said his name. He watched Ennoshita slowly walk over to him, concern etched onto the other man's face.

God dammit. Why does he have to have that kind of look on his face? It makes Tanaka feel sick to his stomach. He can feel the concern from the other male, and when he sees and feels the concern his bones sink into his skin and he feels his heart racing along with some flutters in his stomach— but that's besides the point.

“Enno, what's up bro?” He spouted out quickly, clearing his throat right after speaking, as he heard the tremble in his voice.

The man eventually stopped walking towards him when he reached his destination of being right in front of the other second-year, and as he stood there, he had this small, pitying look.

And Tanaka fucking hated it. He doesn't need pity, he's perfectly fine!

“Are you sure you're alright? You were just shaking on the court.” As he said this, his arms crossed like they usually did when Ennohita would lecture Tanaka. Usually Tanaka would look at his arms, as he did have some good muscle distribution it almost made him jealous, his face heating up at times.

He waved the other off, a smile gradually going onto his face, though the light never exactly reached his eyes. “Im perfectly fine, Enno, quit your pestering. Don't need to go all mother hen on me.” He scoffed, him shaking his head as he smirked.

Ennoshita looked at him, the man slowly taking in a deep breath through his nose and sighing softly, his arms dropping to his side.

He took a step forward, Tanaka opening his eyes and looking confused as he stepped back just the slightest bit.

“You're doing the best you can, Ryu, don't bash on yourself that hard because you're playing with a bunch of mutants.” His hand slowly placed itself on Tanaka's shoulder. “You're just having a bad day, it doesn't mean anything. I know I'm not the best with words and emotions in general, but you need to realize this so you don't get lost in your goddamn head.”

As he said this, he raised a brow, lightly chopping Tanaka on the head just like Sugawara would do.

Tanaka only laughed, pulling Enoshita's hand away from him— and before you ask, yes, he's ignoring the flutter in his stomach and the fact that it was paired with his neck feeling a little hotter than usual. Maybe it was the anxiety build up?

“Preciate it, man.” Tanaka said softly, him shaking his head before letting go of Ennoshita's hand and slapping both sides of his face.

“I just got to lock in, yeah?” The bald man said with a lot more light in his voice this time as he stretched, looking at the other as he flexed his muscles unconsciously.

Ennoshita only smirked, leaning on one leg as he raised a brow, the man was glad that the other's spirit was lifted at least. “Yeah, sure, lock in, Ryu.”

Now for someone who said they weren't the best with both words and feelings, he can surely understand exactly what Tanaka had been going through. Deep down, Tanaka appreciated this display of platonic affection and sincerity more than he lets on. Sure, he can be a little idiot and completely offside the fact that the words have so much more meaning to him then Ennoshita means to lead on but in reality, Tanaka just isn't the guy to really admit that stuff even if a gun was pointed to his head.

Tanaka smiled, bumping past Enno so that he could get a sip of water before their break was over.

The second Tanaka got back on the court, he was completely focused on the game. Nothing else was important to him in this case, sure, maybe the idea of not bumping into his teammates was playing in his head but even then, Daichi came back perfectly fine, no?

He didn't notice the way Ennoshita's eyes sparked the moment he saw Tanaka spike right for the first time during the whole game. It was like the man was watching a movie that he deemed to be inspirational, an absolute masterpiece that would only remain seen as underrated.

Tanaka was a true chaotic masterpiece in Enoshita's eyes.

A true delight.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the game, Tanaka was beaming, they had won.

The whole team had red and puffy eyes because in all actuality, that team was probably one of the most difficult to play against. Everyone was so talented and they all deserved respect, the winning was just another thing feeding all of Karasuno's egos.

Though one remained the same partially.

Tanaka sat on the concrete block, him staring at the floor for a moment.

He was in a moment of pure clarity.

Well, surely everyone was. But currently it was just him that was truly feeling that moment they’ve felt countless of times. His team, Karasuno, was amazing.

They are so much better than him, yet he gets to still play with these super human—

“Tanaka!” In an instant, Tanaka shot up his thoughts completely. He blinked slowly, looking over at the one who called. That person of course being Ennoshita.

“Enno! Hey man.” The bald one said calmly, his demeanor a little down considering his team just won against one of the top schools. Shouldn't he be happy?

Shouldn't he?

There was a complete difference in times like these for Tanaka, and why? Well, he doesn't fucking know, why ask him? He's the dumb one, isn't he?

Tanaka's eye twitched the slightest bit, the grip around his wrist tightening by the slightest. All of this didn't go unnoticed, though, as Ennoshita's eyes slowly softened while looking at the other.

“Rough game?” The green-haired man said softly, his usual sarcasm not even an inch close to his voice. He looked at Tanaka with pity, almost, but he really wasn't the best with emotions so that's truly all he could muster up to say.

Tanaka's look darkened for a split second, seeing the pitying looking and making him feel absolutely disgusted. He leaned back, him laughing and shaking his head.

“Hell no dude! Well, yeah, the game was tough as hell, but we still beat those guys to a PULP. Like usual, of course. They are good.” His eyes narrowed for a moment, looking up into the sky as the sun slowly lowered with each minute passing. “Too bad we are better.” He added.

And sure, usually he truly meant stuff like that but at this moment.. He didn't.

Unfortunately for him, Ennoshita noticed this odd factor. He sighed softly, as he wasn't usually the best at dealing with people's emotions.. But it was Tanaka, the same guy who was always there for him.

The greenhaired man slowly stepped closer, pointing at the empty spot next to Tanaka. The hairless man just stared, him raising a brow and tilting his head.

“I'm asking if I can sit next to you, moron.” He let the remark slip out of his mouth, him pausing before just laughing the second he noticed the other doing the same thing.

“Use your word then, damn dude.” He scooted over the slightest bit, tapping the place next to him as he tilted his body so that he’d be looking at him.

Ennoshita slowly sat down, their knees pressing together. “Well, maybe you should start learning context clues.”

“Nah, sounds boring.”

“Sounds useful.”

“Shut up little shit. You suck at this.” The other said, leaning back as he felt the soreness of his body almost soothe him. The feeling was always so addicting for him, like he felt accomplished when he felt like this. But currently, he felt like it was all for nothing. He sucked ass in today's game, and sure, he conquered the whole slip up and what not but it didn't make up in his head.

It was quiet for a while, Tanaka wondering why, he slowly tilted his head back and looked at Ennoshita.

“Ya look constipated, Enno.. or should i say Shita?”

The greenhaired man stared at him, slapping him in the back of the head. That only got a shit eating grin out of Tanaka and a small yelp that only had a soft laugh followed shortly behind it.

“Shut up, idiot.” Ennoshita said, him rolling his eyes and slowly taking a deep breath. He just looked at the other for a moment before slowly looking off to the side.

“You did good today, Tanaka.”

The air turned thick within a second, Ennoshita could just feel the change in the usually confident, loud man.

“And I mean it.” Ennoshita slowly looked at the other, who was staring down at the floor, hunched over and clearly upset. His brows were furrowed and his lips pursed. Now with his eyes, they were almost bulging out because of how angry and frustrated he really was. It would’ve been funny and maybe even something Ennoshita would’ve poked fun at him for if he didn't see the tears in the man's eyes.

The way his eyes glossed as he frustration built up within him was almost terrifying, he’s been mad plenty of times, but he wasn't angry. No, not like this.

It was less anger, more frustration more than anything.

“I just..I sucked today.” He mumbled softly, his hands slowly raising and pressing his palm against his eyes.

“Everyone has their off days, Tanaka.” Ennoshita said softly, his hand slowly pressing against the man's back.

“It's not just that man, it's..everything. Our team is made up of these freaks, in a good way of course, but I feel so .. behind whenever i play. And yeah, sure, I can play some good points and whatever, I lead in the illusion move we do and whatever but that's not enough. I need to get better.” He said in one breath, the words coming out of his mouth faster than ever as he continued to press his eyes into his eye sockets with the palm of his hand. He was growing frustrated by the moment, and not only that but being so vulnerable in front of someone is also as humiliating as his playing today.

Ennoshita only listened, his hand slowly rubbing the others back as he stared off into the sky. He understood the feeling.

He really did, and maybe out of everyone, maybe he was the one who felt like that the most. No, it's not to compare hardships and whatnot with the guy who's literally already sobbing, but it's more of just.. He comes to a place where he can relate.

“I get what you mean.. I mean, i.. I relate to it, I guess? But, I feel like you can't be saying this stuff.” Now that, froze the other. His palms slowly left his eyes alone, looking at the other strangely.

“Wait— no that's.. Okay let me..” His hand that was placed on the other's back quickly shot up, him raising both of his hands in the air as he attempted to advocate for himself. He sighed loudly, pinching the bridge of his nose before opening and closing his mouth. He looked off to the side, his hands folding in his lap as they pressed down. He could feel his ears grow hotter out of embarrassment.

He shook his head, looking at Tanaka with a serious expression.

“You can't be saying that because you are amazing at what you do.” He started, him turning towards Tanaka and grabbing both of his shoulders. “You're the only person who has never been benched the whole season, and shit, I don't think I've EVER seen you be benched the whole time I've known you, Tanaka. You're this…pillar of stability basically. Everyone relies on you because you are strong. Your abilities are amazing and you can adapt to the person. You are learning too, Tanaka. We ALL are.” He stared Tanaka dead in his eyes, he can see the way the other looks.. conflicted almost, the way his eye brows furrow slightly and his lips purse together as he fully thinks the whole monologue through.

“You…are amazing, Tanaka.”

And all of a sudden, the air got thick, but not the kind of thick with tension, well, yes, tension.. But not the kind the both of them were used to with each other.

It was this tension of.. Understanding, maybe?

A tension of..

Oh.

Ennoshita knows what this is.

Tanaka's eyes shimmer for a moment, him looking completely dumbfounded at the speech he was just given. Usually, these kinds of things just feed his ego that is already flaming but right now.. He can't breathe. It's almost like when he saw Kiyoko for the first time.

Almost.

This is..better?

Ennoshita didn't let go of Tanaka's shoulders, but he did continue to look at the other as he seemed to go through some sort of crisis.

Usually, Tanaka would squirm, maybe complain in situations like these. Maybe make fun of others' faces or something along the lines yet.. He just looked back at Ennoshita.

Tanaka slowly smiled while looking at him, it was then and there when Ennoshita realized how close they were. It was almost ridiculous.

He quickly moved back, Tanaka just grinning at him like an idiot. But as long as his face was no longer all dark and gloomy, Ennoshita wasn't complaining at all.

“Thanks, Enno.” Tanaka said ever so affectionately.

“Anytime. Now stop being dramatic, I'm pretty sure the team is waiting for us.” The other said, standing up and placing his hands on his hips before looking down at Tanaka.

The man still had that look of admiration, and maybe even a slightly flushed look.. Which was strange in Ennoshita's opinion.

“right, dont want to keep them waiting..” Tanaka muttered, grabbing his bag, sitting up and beginning to walk. Ennoshita followed in short.

On the walk over there, it was quiet. Which was strange in all honesty. Tanaka usually had some sort of story to tell Ennoshita, was this the day that he actually ran out of stories to tell?

“Why so quiet? Finally ran out of stories to run your mouth about?” He said innocently, well, kinda. It was definitely to tease him, but it's because he wanted some sort of reaction out of the other. Usually, he would get his hair ruffled, maybe Tanaka's hand print would be displayed on his back when he changes later on.. But nothing happens.

Which for some reason, was even more bothersome.

“Nah, just tired.” Tanaka yawned, his hands behind his head as he walked. He had this tenseness to his body as he walked. His natural walk was carefree, yet now he's..not being carefree with Ennoshita.

“Ah, okay.” He ended it at that.

“...wanna sit next to me in the van? Noya is probably gonna sit with Asahi.”

“Oh, sure.”

“Sweet.”

There was this thick silence between the two after, as if the both of them had felt exactly what the other had (if that even makes sense.) I mean, the tension between the two was suffocating, but it was something addicting almost as well as they walked side to side. Ennoshita couldn't help but notice just how close their hands were, and Tanaka couldn't help but notice the smell of Ennoshita completely corrupting his nose. It was overwhelming almost, but it was almost like it was something he was thirsty for.

The moment they got on the van, the others noticed the way both of them looked, they noticed the tension between them. How could they not? For the first time in forever, Tanaka wasn't running his god damn mouth!

But for some reason, no one pointed it out.

And maybe it's because everyone noticed this tension previously, maybe it was the norm for them.

Maybe these two idiots were just clueless.

And they barely began to notice it.

Everyone was in their own space, Kino and Narita talking to each other in the near front, Daichi and Suga poking and prodding at Asahi who was sitting next to Noya (coincidentally, he was poking and prodding at Asahi as well!) and what not. Everyone had their own designated area, and so did this pair as well.

They walked to their usual spot, all the way tucked in the back where Tsukishima and Yamaguchi sat in front of them. Tanaka took the aisle seat, as Ennoshita always enjoyed the view. While the others admired the view, Tanaka always loudly stated the most random things like a 4 year old child first learning to speak.

He’d point out random signs and simply say the word before bursting out laughing for no apparent reason, and while that happened, Tsukishima would side eye Tanaka and slowly put on his headphone while Yamaguchi dozed off on his shoulder.

Though this time, Tanaka didn't exactly point things out much. Maybe the guy was too tired to talk? Or maybe it was because of that now very obvious tension between the two.

Ennoshita didn't really care anymore, and as he pulled out his phone to start scrolling on his for you page, he felt a gentle weight slowly pressed against him. He didn't even realize it until he felt the weight slowly increase on his shoulder. He rolled his eyes, assuming it was Tanaka bothering him so he could watch videos over Ennoshita's shoulder.

The second he turned to Tanaka though, the first thing he noticed was that the boy's eyes were closed.

He was asleep.

On Ennoshita's shoulder.

He paused his scrolling in an instant, him staring at the man who was dozing on his shoulder. Sure, Tanaka never really knew the meaning of personal space at times, but it was still a little.. Surprising to see this. Though he didn't know personal space, the man never necessarily fell asleep on him before in the past.

The greenhaired man only gulped, his eyes wide. His gaze slowly went up, only for him to notice his two other friends staring at the both of them with the look.

Ennoshita has never wanted to die more than he wants to right now.

His face quickly turned red, but he quickly stared at the other benchwarmers, it only caused them to snicker, snap a quick picture and turn back to their own conversation. Ennoshita knew damn well he was going to have to yell at one of them to delete that picture later on.

But he has something else to focus on right now.

He looked at the man sleeping on his shoulders, and to say the least, the man looked peaceful.

A little too peaceful for him to be Tanaka.

That thought only made him smile warmly at the other, his heart racing as he realized what exactly had been going on.

Now, Ennoshita was a film enthusiast, connoisseur if he dares, and this is genuinely out of some kind of damn rom-com he’s watched.

And sure, he might be saying that out of pure delusion, but it still was GENUINELY happening to him. Maybe he's going crazy, or reading too much into it, but last time he checked, this is how rom-coms go;

The characters are originally either enemies or pretty close friends, depending on the kind of trope you like— Ennoshita personally likes the friends to lovers trope, which feels more real. — and they have this drastic moment that usually pressures the sunshine character.. Or rather a sun character? Chikara doesn't know… Just someone who is loud and vibrant. They have this sad moment and then the other person— who is usually depicted as ‘the moon’ — cheers them up and then they have this moment of tension between them despite the two of them being so close to each other all the time. Usually, it's the more mature, or rather moon character who notices these things first and the sun character is completely oblivious of their feelings until it's completely pointed out by some best friend or even the moon character themselves. But then this other drastic thing happens and it divides the duo in some way— which Ennoshita really hopes nothing like that will happen in his little fairy tale. — and then the moon character or something confesses to the sun character in the rain or some stupid cheesy thing like that. Well, sometimes it's the sun character that confesses first because they are the bold type and suck at lying then the moon character ends up—

The van went into a hard stop, and in an instant, he noticed the way Tanaka slowly leaned forward. His eyes grew wide, him turning his body and catching the other before he could end up face planting in the seat in front of them.

The other shifted slightly in the other's arms, completely unaware of how close the both of them are.

Ennoshita just swallowed dryly, his lips pursed together. He may have heard some giggles from the other bench warmers again but he really didn't fucking care, as currently the man he's been pining for is laying on him.

He knew his face was a little redder than usual, and he couldn't help but wish for the god damn van ride to go a little faster.

‘Driver, please, speed.’ Was the only thing Ennoshita could really think about the whole time after that, sure, he’d look at his phone everyone in a while only to see his other two best friends send him messages and photos of the two of them. Both of them knew about this idiotic (not so) small crush Ennoshita had on Tanaka so the fact that they were taking advantage of it definitely made Ennoshita want to beat the crap out of them later.

One last time, he checked his phone and decided to see how long the ride back home was going to be.

The second he saw ‘1hr 30mins’ on the bottom of the directions he’s never wanted to die more in his life.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------

By the time the van ride ended, half of Ennoshita's body was frozen and he was used to the way his heart was racing like he was about to pass out and die from cardiac arrest.

One thing is, the second the van turned on the street nearby the school, Tanaka began to stir awake. In an instant, Ennoshita forced himself to relax his body and look at Tanaka— who looked a little redder than usual..— who eventually lifted up from his chest.

“Ah, crap, sorry man, must've fallen asleep.” The man grumbled softly, him leaning away from him and rubbing his eyes gently to wake himself up faster.

“No, really, what gave you that idea, Tanaka?” Ennoshita laughed softly, noticing the small smirk on the others face only making his giggle louder.

The sleepy man simply swatted at him, a small chuckle leaving his mouth as he mumbled softly “shut up.” The way he swatted at him had only grazing his side bangs considering he didn't really put much effort into it.

He got up slowly, stretching his back and shooting his arms up in the air. Meanwhile Ennoshita was grabbing the bags. Tanaka looked at the other, him bumping his hips into his before stepping out of the seats.

Ennoshita only returned a side eye, him scoffing fondly before steeping out. He chose to ignore the ‘ladies first’ he heard from him.

Once the both of them got out of the van, they simply stretched, Tanaka wrapping an arm around EnNoshita's shoulder as if he hadn't had enough close time with Ennoshita after sleeping on him for 2 hours..

“Jeeezzz.. Finally out of that damn van, huh?”

Ennoshita just sighed, stuffing his hand in Tanaka's face and shoving him off of him. “Get off me, idiot. You literally were sleeping on me not less than 5 minutes ago.”

Tanaka only barked out a laugh, him rolling his eyes and snatching his own bag from Ennoshita's grasp. The two walked to the club room together, Tanaka yawns cutting his own talking off from the conversation that was mostly just Ennoshita listening and putting in a few words of input on the topic.

Which was an interesting one to say the least.

But that's all the context needed to understand the type of conversation they were having.

The second they both walked into the club room, everyone was already changing by now considering they were the last ones out of the van.

That also means they were the last ones to leave the club room.

The members slowly trickled out, Daichi, Sugawara, Asahi and Noya being the last before Ennoshita and Tanaka due to the bicker fight someone ( Tanaka ) was having with them.

And once everyone had left.. It was quiet.

A little too quiet in Ennoshita's opinion.

Because usually Tanaka fills in the silence, he talks and talks— He was told the reason why, actually, as it was because he didn't really like the quiet, found it scary to be in at times, especially when he's with someone he’s comfortable with.

Is Tanaka not comfortable with Ennoshita anymore?

Infact, Tanaka looked tense, nervous almost?

Holy shit.

Is Tanaka nervous around him?

Was it something he said earlier?

Or maybe it was because he was embarrassed of something, but that's practically impossible for him to be embarrassed unless it was something UTTERLY idiotic around Kiyoko.. And sometimes Ennoshita too. He wondered why he would get embarrassed around him out of all people though considering that Tanaka has been a flat out idiot all the time around him.

It was only recently where Tanaka started acting like that, actually..

The silence was killing Ennoshita; just a few seconds ago this guy was bickering with Noya and Daichi had to literally step in to stop their horseplay. ( in which, Ennoshita was grateful because he was about to step in himself. )

But now he's all quiet.

And it's because of Ennoshita !

It has to be because of him.

“Did i do somethin—”

“Hey, Ennoshita—”

Are we deadass.

That was a total romcom scene. But obviously, Ennoshita didn't really realize because he had been overthinking a good 4 seconds ago!

“Oh, shit, sorry Enno, uh you go first.”

He was not about to do the back and forth.

Ennoshita turned around only to see Tanaka looking at him with this.. Type of look.

Look of ( love. ) HATRED obviously.

“Did.. I do something wrong?” He said softly, him scratching the back of his head with pure concern welling up in his eyes rather than his voice. That was an issue with Ennoshita, sometimes his tone was.. well, different at times. At times Tanaka struggles with the way Ennoshita talks, he realized. Maybe it was something he genuinely meant to say that came out a little too sarcastic?

Ennoshita was a little too much in his head as he didn't notice the way Tanaka's body faltered for a moment, almost like he realized something was totally wrong.

But something he did notice was the way Tanaka shook his head aggressively.

“What?! NO! I- oh god, sorry dude I..just.. Uh.” Tanaka looked around, him biting his lip softly.

It was kinda nice seeing the man like this, usually he was the complete opposite.

He’s seen Tanaka's vulnerable side a lot, he wonders why in all honesty.

Maybe he is still comfortable and it's more just because of something Ennoshita said tone wise.. Tanaka is loyal, and bold too! He’d start fighting Ennoshita if he called him a little too bald, so why wouldn't he tell him about this situation?

“Whats wrong then? I didn't say anything wrong, did I?”

“Of course not, it's just—” Tanaka took a deep breath, looking at Ennoshita before slowly exhaling, it was something he did often during big games. In fact, he did it earlier today when he was frustrated. Maybe something about the oxygen going to his head helped him think far more clearly than when he didn't take in deep breaths—

“I think I like you.”

WHAT.

“I’m.. I'm sorry, what?” Ennoshita's eyes widened, his whale body freezing in an instant.

( He knew the second he’d be free to tell Kinoshita and Narita he’d get screamed ‘i told you so’ in his face. )

Tanaka himself looked like he couldn't believe it.

I mean, shit, he was the one who was the most loyal. He ALWAYS talked about Kiyoko and was practically drooling over her anytime he saw her or came in contact with the blue haired girl.

But yet here he was, saying that he liked Ennoshita?

Plain, simple, Ennoshita.

What the fuck??

Something Ennoshita found even weirder was the fact that Tanaka was so nervous to explain his feelings towards the other. Like he was almost conflicted about them.

And to be fair, he did say “I think“ which only means that he probably doesn't like Ennoshita or something?

“You..think?” Ennoshita managed to get out of his mouth, raising a brow and stepping forward.

It made sense the more Ennoshita thought about it to be fair. Tanaka is loyal as said before, but he also had no chance in getting with Kiyoko at this rate. He's been chasing her for a year now and she's about to leave because of her being a 3rd year.

But what exactly did he mean ‘I think’?

“Ennoshita, you are one of the most interesting guys I've met.. And I just.. I don't want to not be friends. I guess I was just scared to say something like this? I talked to Suga about it and he confirmed I definitely..have something for you.”

He laughed nervously, and Ennoshita couldn't help but pause again. He was.. cute when he was nervous. The way his awkward smile was still as bright as he usually was, only a little waver in his lips. To add onto that his eyebrows furrowed the slightest bit, a small twinge in his brow because of that.

Okay why is he so focused on his lips and everything. Things like this weren't as apparent to Ennoshita before but now it's like it's the only thing he can really look at.

He could see the way Tanaka grew the slightest bit nervous every time he didn't exactly respond to him. Though he felt bad, Ennoshita was shocked by this dammit! He randomly confessed to him, he needs a second or two!!

“Yeah, uhm.. I’ll leave now.” Tanaka just sighed, his hand that was scratching the back of his head retreating to his side. He stared at Ennoshita for a moment, and god the look Tanaka had on his face was something Ennoshita would screenshot.

He was still processing Tanaka's words by the time he walked out.

The second the door shut gently, unlike the times Tanaka had slammed the door, Ennoshita's whole body tensed, his eyes growing wide as he stared at the door like it personally offended him. He ran to the door, throwing it open and running out of the room. By then, Tanaka was already down stairs, walking to the gate.

By now, Ennoshita only had two options; Run after him, maybe tackle him.. or just let him walk away so he can genuinely think rationally about this.

He watched as Tanaka put in an earbud, walking slowly which isn't the man’s usual pace.

He groaned, him tossing his head up and rubbing his face aggressively.

Yup, who cares, it's the irrational one Ennoshita chooses.

And with that, Ennoshita immediately launched himself, bringing himself to run down the stairs— which also caused him to almost trip and eat shit. He caught himself though! Not a complete moment of pure embarrassment for Ennoshita! ( this time at least. )

As he ran over to the man who was still clueless and looked shameful at the same time, Ennoshita could feel his heart race and his head pound at the same time. He felt this buzz flow throughout his body, something he felt during games or when he was nervous. Maybe it was just anxiety, he doesn't have time to overthink that right now though.

Once the other eventually caught up to him, the tanner one had already turned around; his hand hovering over his ear with the earbud in his grip. He took it out slowly, his hand slowly lowering to his jacket pocket and putting the earbud away as he slowly turned to Ennoshita— Chikara didn't fail to notice the way the other avoided eye contact overall; the way his brows pinched together and had this small curve at the beginning of his brow, overall showing his anxiety. Afterall, Chikara had gotten to know Tanaka during these two years of casual talking.

The way Tanaka reacts to things isn't subtle either, but to be fair, Ennoshita has gotten to know the other. He knows what his favorite color is, what his favorite thing to munch on is.. He even knows his mannerism when he IS being subtle with his emotions— albeit that situation being rare at all, but it is a useful piece of knowledge despite that.

“Wait— don't.. Holy crap wait for me Ryu!” Ennoshita shouted out, holding his knees as he panted heavily. Tanaka looked at him with this small smile, raising a brow for a moment before realizing the situation the two of them were really in.

He didn't even notice the fact that he used his first name.

Well, to be fair, Ennoshita didn't either.

And with no hesitation, Tanaka turned around with this look of absolute hope. He practically turned into one of those cute pitbull terriers with those stupid smirks. Tanaka really does fit those dogs though… in Ennoshitas opinion at least.

He's getting off topic. It's obvious he is but it's really just because of the pure nerves he's feeling currently.

Hes about to confess to his friend, practical best friend actually!

“Jesus Christ.. You are a fast walker, Tan..” Ennoshita said heavily, air pushing itself both in and out and absolutely killing his lungs. The cold air isnt helping either.

Tanaka just stood there quietly, looking conflicted on whether to help Ennoshita or just watch him struggle to breathe..

He opted for watching the other struggle. Too risky.

After about an hour(2 minutes) Ennoshita lifted himself up, taking in a deep breath as he stared deeply into the other's soul.

“I like you too.” He finally said, the air being kicked out of his lungs the second he said those words.

“..I'm sorry, what?” Tanaka said slowly, a soft smile slowly growing on his face.

“Dont make me say it again.”

Tanaka grinned brightly, him running over to Ennoshita and hugging him instantly. They both laughed as they fell to the floor, Ennoshita making a small “omf!” as well.

Tanka pulled himself off of Ennoshita, looking down at him with the biggest smile still plastered on his face.

“...can i-”

“Yes.”

Tanaka let out a giggle, his smile going into a goofy, smug grin he gives Ennoshita all the time before slowly cupping his face and planting a gentle kiss on his cheek.

He then slowly pulled away again, looking at his lips then Ennoshita's eyes before tilting his head and kissing him. It wasn't a steamy kiss, more passionate and innocent more than anything— Which was surprising, Tanaka seemed like the kind of guy to just be straight into insane and overwhelming passion, that's based off of his brass and loud personality.

But in pure honesty, Ennoshita didn't mind this new found gentleness to Tanaka. Ennoshita leaned in slightly, smiling in the kiss and pulling away.

“..I love you.”

“I was thinking the same thing, Ryu.”