Enjoy reading!

(⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

~~~~

3𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐕-

The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky a deep indigo as Tobio Kageyama walked back to the school gym after practice. He had decided to stay late to work on his serves, needing the extra time to clear his mind after the strange morning with Tsukishima. As he entered the gym, he was surprised to find it still occupied.

Tsukishima was there, leaning against the bleachers with a bottle of water in hand, chatting with a couple of other teammates Yamaguchi and Hinata. The sound of their laughter filled the room, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere Kageyama had felt earlier.

“Didn’t expect to see you all here,” Kageyama said as he approached, trying to mask his surprise with a casual tone.

Tsukishima looked up, his usual smirk in place. “Well, it’s not like you own the gym, Kageyama.”

Hinata looked over, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “Hey, Kageyama! You should join us for a quick snack. We’ve got some leftover pizza.”

Kageyama raised an eyebrow. “Leftover pizza? You’re still eating that stuff after practice?”

Yamaguchi chimed in with a grin. “It’s actually pretty good. You should try it.”

Kageyama hesitated but finally gave in, grabbing a slice and sitting down on the bleachers next to Tsukishima. “So, you guys hanging out here after practice?”

Tsukishima shrugged nonchalantly. “Yamaguchi wanted to work on his serve, and I was dragged along. Besides, it’s more fun with people.”

Kageyama took a bite of the pizza, wincing slightly. “Yeah, fun. This is probably the least healthy post-practice snack ever.”

Hinata giggled. “You should lighten up. It’s not like you have to eat it.”

Tsukishima snorted. “He’s just mad because he can’t make the same jokes about nutrition.”

Kageyama shot him a mock glare. “Funny. You’re the one who’s always going on about how serious you are about volleyball.”

“Only because some people need reminders,” Tsukishima retorted, a smirk on his face.

As they bantered, Yamaguchi and Hinata exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth between Kageyama and Tsukishima.

Kageyama turned to Tsukishima, trying to keep the conversation light. “So, you’re actually here practicing on your own? I thought you were all about coasting on talent.”

Tsukishima raised an eyebrow. “I can be dedicated when I want to be. Just don’t expect me to admit it too often.”

Kageyama chuckled. “Right. And I’m the one with a perfectly orchestrated practice routine. We all have our secrets.”

Tsukishima’s eyes softened slightly, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. “Well, I guess even you have to admit that we’re not so different after all.”

Kageyama nodded, feeling a rare moment of camaraderie. “Maybe. But don’t get used to me agreeing with you.”

Hinata chimed in, his enthusiasm bubbling over. “Hey, we should do this more often! Practice together, have snacks, and just hang out.”

Yamaguchi nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it’s a good way to build team spirit. Kageyama could use a break from being so serious all the time.”

Kageyama glanced at Tsukishima, who was giving him a knowing look. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt. As long as there’s no more of this unhealthy pizza.”

Tsukishima chuckled. “Deal. Next time, I’ll bring something healthier.”

As the evening wore on, the group continued to chat and laugh, the atmosphere relaxed and easy. Kageyama found himself enjoying the unexpected company, the banter and humor easing the tension he had felt earlier.
The gym, once a place of stress and confusion, had become a setting for new connections and shared moments.

~~~~

The gym was emptying out as the last of the players left, and Kageyama lingered near the exit, stretching and packing away his gear. He had hoped for a chance to clear his head after the earlier interaction, but the evening had turned out to be unexpectedly pleasant. Tsukishima was still there, slowly gathering his things.

Kageyama watched Tsukishima for a moment, feeling a strange tug at his chest. It was weird how a day that started with so much tension that had ended with something that felt almost... normal.

“Hey, Tsukishima,” Kageyama called out as he approached. “Thanks for letting me join you guys earlier. It was... different, but good.”

Tsukishima looked up, his usual smirk replaced with something more genuine. “Yeah, well, don’t get used to it. I’m not always this sociable.”

Kageyama chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of it. But you were actually pretty fun tonight.”

Tsukishima’s eyes flickered with something softer, but he quickly shrugged it off. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll try not to let it go to my head.”

An awkward silence settled between them, filled only by the soft hum of the gym’s lights. Kageyama fidgeted with his bag, trying to find something to say.

“Um,” he began hesitantly, “if you’re interested, I could use some help with my setting technique. Maybe... after practice?”

Tsukishima raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely surprised. “You want my help? Are you feeling okay?”

Kageyama rolled his eyes. “I’m not asking for a miracle. Just thought it might be useful to get another perspective.”

Tsukishima’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Well, I guess I could give you a few pointers. As long as you don’t start acting like a coach on me.”

Kageyama grinned, feeling a bit more relaxed. “Deal. And if you need help with anything anything at all, just ask.”

The two shared a brief moment of eye contact, and Kageyama couldn’t shake the feeling that something was subtly shifting between them. It wasn’t just about the practice or the banter; there was something more, something that made his heart race in a way he wasn’t used to.

-𝐓𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐏-

Kageyama struggled to process the unease gnawing at him. It was as if the casual conversation and unexpected ease with Tsukishima had triggered a flood of confusing emotions. Why did his heart beat a little faster around Tsukishima? Why did the thought of seeing him again the next day seem both exciting and unsettling?

They reached the entrance where the remaining team members were chatting and heading out. Kageyama and Tsukishima stood there, and Kageyama found himself at a loss for words.

“You know,” Kageyama said, trying to break the silence, “you actually surprised me today.”

Tsukishima looked up, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Oh? How so?”

Kageyama shrugged, struggling to keep his tone casual. “I didn’t think you had it in you to be so... not annoying.”

Tsukishima’s eyes widened in mock indignation. “I’m not annoying. I’m just selectively pleasant.”

Kageyama laughed, though it felt a bit forced. “Yeah, whatever you say.”

The conversation felt oddly significant, like a small step into a territory Kageyama didn’t quite understand. He found himself staring at Tsukishima, the strange feeling in his chest intensifying.

As Tsukishima waved and headed toward his own way out, Kageyama felt a swirl of conflicting emotions. The casual banter and the new, less tense dynamic were unsettling, leaving him puzzled and uncertain. Why did this feel so different? Why did he feel so off balance around Tsukishima?

Kageyama lingered a moment longer, trying to make sense of the unease in his chest. It wasn’t just about the practice or the banter; it was something deeper, something that made his heart race and his thoughts scatter.

With a sigh, he shook his head and turned to leave, trying to push away the confusion and focus on the familiar routines of his day. But as he walked away, the feeling lingered, leaving him with more questions than answers about what was really happening between him and Tsukishima.

~~~~

Thank you for reading!

ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ