"One sec!"

You rush across the room, fumbling to put on your socks to answer the front door. You open it up and see Atsumu smiling back at you.

"Hey sorry that took so long," you mention to him as you sit to put on your shoes.

"Not a problem."

As you finish tying your shoes you look up and see Atsumu's typical grin that instantly makes you question his motives.

I know he's up to something.

When he sees you have finished tying your shoes he holds out a hand to you. You put your hand in his and stand up.

"Ready?" you ask.

Atsumu nods and leads you to his car. Once you get inside you sense again that he's planning something.

"Y/N can I ask you something serious?" he asks as he looks over to you.

His smile has faded and he looks genuinely sincere about what he's going to ask.

"Go ahead."

If he brings up last night I swear to god I'll jump out of the car.

"So, uh, you can totally say no because I know I told you we would go to my house but the other night got me thinking about our favorite places so I wanted to know if you would like to go to mine."

Both of you give each other the same glare instantly.

"As friends," you both say.

"T-Tsumu I-"

"It's fine," he says as he turns the car on.

"No, I was going to say yes," you defend, "I'm just really surprised that you would want to take me to your favorite place, that's all."

Atsumu's eyes light up and flashes you his handsome smile which makes you dizzy for a second.

"You're the absolute best, Y/N!" he exclaims, "You're going to love it there, I promise."

"What are you waiting for then?" you giggle.

Atsumu shifts the car into gear and starts to drive. You look over at his excited face and begin realizing how sweet he has been lately.

He really has been a gentleman and I keep underestimating him. It's like I keep putting him down and pushing him away because of my feelings for Akaashi, but... Akaashi's got a girlfriend so what about me?

Before you know it, Atsumu has parked his car in a small lot that's filled with cars. You try to look out the windows to get a peak of your location but you just see the vehicles all around you.

"What are you planning, Tsumu?" you ask skeptically.

Atsumu turns off the car and winks at you.

"Come out and see."

Atsumu gets out of the car and you do the same.

"This way, Y/N!" he calls when he starts walking.

You run up to him and find yourself on a boardwalk.

"Uh? Tsumu?" you mumble.

You look around for your friend but only see crowds of people walking on either side of you.

"Tsumu!" you call out as you scan the faces of people around you.

Suddenly you squeal as you feel someone grab your arm. Once you stop moving you look up and see Atsumu with his face right above yours and his arm around your waist.

"Where'd ya go, bud? I lost you for a second," he teases.

"I- didn't mean to-" you try to say as you get lost in his grasp.

"Hm? What's wrong Y/N?" he smirks.

You feel him tightening the space between the two of you as you scan his face for answers.

"Nothing!" you reply as you put your hands on his chest and try to push yourself away.

While you try to get out of his grasp Atsumu continues holding onto you, making it impossible for an escape. You look at your hands resting on his chest as you realize the awkward position.

"You know Y/N we should probably hold hands or you could get lost again," he teases, "and I am your ride home after all."

Atsumu lets you go and you angrily grab onto his hand.

"Fine but I'm only doing this because I need that ride home," you groan.

Atsumu flashes you a smile and continues to walk with you along the boardwalk. The two of you talk for awhile as you browse the shops on your walk by. For awhile you begin to feel comfortable holding Atsumu's hand until you realize that you would much rather it be Akaashi's. You suddenly let go of Atsumu's hand at that thought.

"You okay?" Atsumu asks worriedly.

"Yeah I'm just kinda, uh, thirsty," you lie, "Is there anywhere we can get a drink?"

Atsumu nods and takes your hand again. You don't pull away in fear that you will ruin your night with your friend.

"Here," Atsumu finally stops.

You realize you are at a little beverage shop along the boardwalk with bright colors that seem to really draw in a crowd. Once you get to the front of the line you order for yourself.

"Yeah I'll just get that too," Atsumu says as he pulls out his wallet.

"Wait, Tsumu, I-" you start to object.

Tsumu rests his arm on the top of your head to get you to stop talking.

"Man what's wrong, Y/N? Can't let a friend treat you?" he says as he passes cash to the worker.

"Tsumu," you grumble as you look for a valid reason to object to him.

"Yes gorgeous?" he replies teasingly.

"This isn't a date so you don't have to pay for me," you growl.

"Thanks," Atsumu says as he gets his change from the cashier.

He grabs your hand and pulls you along with him to the side as you both wait for your drinks.

"I think it's a little too late to pay now," he chuckles, "and I never said anything about a date, Y/N."

"God Tsumu I hate your damn cockiness, you know that?"

Atsumu laughs at your sudden outburst and your rage only grows as you watch him.

"You're so cute, Y/N," he says as he runs his fingers through your hair, "even when you're not trying to be."

"T-Tsumu," you groan again.

Atsumu ignores you and looks over to see both of your drinks waiting for you on the table.

"Hold that thought," he says as he grabs the two drinks, "Here."

"Thanks," you mumble before taking a sip.

"Wow, that's really good!" Atsumu beams, "you've got good taste, Y/N, but no surprise there."

You feel your cheeks start to burn but roll your eyes at his annoying statement. 

"Let's keep walking," he says as he grabs back onto your hand.

You don't reject his hold as the two of you continue walking along the boardwalk. Eventually, Atsumu stops at a spot with only a few people around. You throw out the rest of your drink and walk back over to him. He stares out to the water, watching the waves crash. You begin to think about how genuine he's been lately and stand next to him, lightly rubbing your arm against his.

"Tsumu?" you call as you look out to the water, "I had a really fun time talking with you tonight."

"Yeah?!" he says excitedly.

"Mhm," you nod, "but don't get too excited. This still wasn't a date."

A gentle breeze sweeps past you and your wrap your arms in front of your body.

"I know," Atsumu giggles.

You notice him turn to you so you do the same.

"But either way I still- hey are you cold?"

"No," you say as you put down your arms, "I'm perfectly fine."

Atsumu sighs and takes off his sweatshirt and hands it to you.

"Tsumu it's fine I don't need it," you object.

Suddenly you feel the sweatshirt forced over your head.

"Tsumu!"

"Oh shut up and just put it on," he teases.

You put on the shirt and walk back towards the car together. Once you get close you take out your phone and see Bokuto has messaged you.

"Hey, Tsumu? Is there any way you could drop me off at Bokuto's?"

"Yeah sure," he laughs, "just like the first time."

END OF CHAPTER 18