Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Umm, Tsuki! D-do you wanna come over later?" I asked as I sat next to him. We're practising for our upcoming match again with Aoba Johsai.

"Later might be..." he hesitated. I know he doesn't really like it when he's rejecting me.

"Ahh..! That's fine." I said cutting him off. He's a little busy these days. It's gonna be exam week after all.

Tsuki looked at me and frowned a bit. "What is it?" He asked and then faced me. It's the times like this where I feel like I know him more.

I smiled. "It's nothing, really. I just thought we could hang out."

Tsuki sighed. "Tell me, if it's something more." He then faced our practising teammates. I looked at Hinata and Kageyama who were bickering again. I chuckled and stood up.

"Alright!" I smiled at him then ran back to Hinata.

*After practice time check 6:10 pm*

"See you tomorrow, Yamaguchi! You too, Stingyshima!" Hinata shouted and waved his hands as he was walking the opposite direction with Kageyama. Kageyama nodded to us and walked closer to Hinata.

I chuckled and waved back to Hinata. "See yah!"

"Hinata is as loud as ever." Tsuki said

"You know how he is. He's a ball of sunshine. I love that about him."

Tsuki stopped walking so I looked up and saw my house. “Why does time move so fast? It feels so fast when I'm walking with you. Maybe it's because of your long legs.” I laughed at him.

“Yamaguchi.” I paused and looked at him. “Was that too much?” Not gonna lie I was really nervous. “Sorry, Tsuki.” I said looking at him.

“I'll pick you up tomorrow. Sorry, I can't hang out with you today.”

Ahh, so he's guilty. Such a softie. I grinned at him. “It's alright! Besides, we have all the time in the world.” I said to him teasingly, even bumped his shoulder a bit.

I saw him smirk. Ghad! Why are you smirking?! I'm panicking here! “I'm picking you up tomorrow, Yamaguchi. Good night.” He said, then walked towards his direction.

“Wow, damn. Wow.” I whispered chuckle to myself and then I went inside our house.

*2 hrs later…8:23pm*

“Done reading, homeworks and arranging my stuff. Guess I can now lie down on my bed,” I talked to myself as I was crawling on top of my bed.

But when I was about to tuck myself in, my phone rang. Eyes closed when I reached my phone on my bedside. Without batting an eye who the caller is, I answered.

“Hello! It's me Tadashi.” I said on the other line.

“Yama-yama, it's me.” I opened my eyes. “Are you free tonight? We need a lead. Ryo's sick, he caught a cold. Was wondering if you're down tonight?” The other line answered. I got up and off my bed.

“Yeah, yeah. What time?” I asked as I was scattering my clothes from the closet.

“10 pm I will be picking you up. Call me whenever you're ready. See yah!” The other line hangs up and I dive myself to my closet just to look for a perfect outfit for tonight.

30 minutes later I was done preparing myself. Then I called back the number that called me earlier. After the call, I went downstairs and knocked on my mom's door.

“Mom, I'm going out. I'll be back before 2 or 3.” The door opened and it spat out my beautiful mother. “And where are you going young man?” I smiled and nervously answered “Th-they need a Lead, Mom.” My mom laughed and held my hand.

“Haha, okay. Be back at 2, you still have classes tomorrow.” I nodded. “I promise.” I answered and kissed her hands. She hugged me and kissed on my cheeks before I let go of her.

“You look so hot, my son!” My mom shouted as I was to open the door. I chuckled and shook my head.

When I went outside the gate I saw a big bike. “I was about to call you.” the guy on the bike said, bringing my attention to him. “You look great, Yamaguchi,,,I mean freckles.” I feel my cheeks heat up.

“Stop flirting with my son, Yuuji and off you go! Bring him home before 2 or you're dead!” My mom shouted from the door. I laughed at Terushima-kun as he stiffened when my mom started talking. “Yes, ma'am! Noted, copy. Got it!” He even saluted her while saying those. I chuckled on the side. He then looked at me. “Let's go?” I nodded. “Yup”. He wore the helmet to me then I sat at his back.

“Yuuji! Careful driving! Love you, ‘Dashi!” My mom shouted once more.

“Yes, Aunt!” Terushima-kun answered.

“Love you too, mom! Lock the doors!” I shouted back.

“You're so cute.” he whispered before we drove. I shrugged.

15 mins drive and finally we're at the live house event. *9:24 pm*

“They're at the back, Freckles. We're the opening set so let's go.” Terushima-kun pulled my hand and we walked through the backstage. It's night already but many people are still coming.

“Hey guys, we're here.” Terushima-kun greeted everyone at the back.

Bobata, our bassist, made our handshake, then he stood up and stood next to me. “Did Teru flirt with you again?” I chuckled. “You know him too well.” He just shrugged. Ren, our keyboardist, also stood up and held my hand. He’s usually like this, he told me he feels comfortable holding my hand. He's such a cutie patootie! Kenji, our drummer, approached me as well and told me, “Please don't date Terushima-san, he's broken.” then cling to me. They're usually like this because the four of us, Bobata, Ryo, Terushima-kun, and I are older than them so they're really clingy. (They're just clingy with Yamaguchi ‘cause he like kids haha)

But here he comes. Our guitarist.
“Nii-san!!” He was running towards me and hugged me so tight.

“Satou.” I whispered as I hugged him back. “I missed you!” He exclaimed, he reminds me of Hinata sometimes.

“It's only been 3 days, Satou-chan.” I giggled. He then let go and looked at me. “You're so pretty! My favourite lead vocalist!” He hugged me again.
“Ryo will be pouting now if he hears that.” I snickered.

Satou lets go of the hug. “Please swear to me you won't tell Ryo nii-san I said that. All of you!” We all just snickered.

“Guys, we're up!” Terushima-kun said as he was peeking his head from the curtains. “What's happening?” He asked while walking towards me and put his arm around my shoulder.
I chuckled as I saw the disgust expression on their faces with Terushima-kun’s action. “It's nothing. Let's go, we're up right?” I asked removing his hand around me.

I laughed as I saw the fake pain facial expression of Terushima-kun after removing his hand. “Freckles, you're breaking my heart.” He said holding my hand. Before I could even think of a response the three boys dragged him on the stage and gave him his electric guitar. “Yama-kun. Let's go?” Ren pulled my hand and gave me a mic.

I stood up on the stage, holding on to my mic and smiled.

“1..2..1..2..3!”

“Morioka, are you ready?!” I screamed and the first song played.

I love this different side of me. This will be one chaotic night.

*Morning that day…8:00 am*

Tsuki really picked me up, usually it was me but today he really picked me huh. But I'm sleepy as hell. I might have slept on 1 or 2 subjects, I giggled to myself as I thought of myself sleeping in class. I went home at 1:55 am a while ago but I got insomnia because of excitement and adrenaline so I wasn't able to sleep properly.

*yawn*

“Didn't you get enough sleep last night?” Tsuki asked beside me. “Uh-huh. I was having insomnia, I slept at 5 already.” I replied.

Without hesitations he said. “You didn't call Yamaguchi.” I chuckled. “I don't wanna disturb your sleep Tsuki.” “You won't.” I nodded as I smiled. Yep, that's Tsukishima Kei for you.

*Lunch* 11:45 am

Tsukishima's POV

“Hey, wasn't he the vocalist yesterday?” The girls from my back kept on whispering about a live house, vocalist or a band.

Even the boys from different departments “You were in the live house last night? That's him right?”

“Tsuki?”

“He's so pretty. What the hell?” I heard another guy say.

“Tsuki..?”

“I need his name and social media. OMG!” The girls are squirming at the back. What's happening?

“TSUKI!!” Yamaguchi slammed the table and all eyes on him. He sat down, cheeks flushed red and lowered his head.

“Damn, that's hot.” One whispered. Or maybe that was just in my head.

I pulled his hand and went outside the cafeteria. “I was in my own head. I didn’t hear you calling.”

“It's really him. The vocalist.” A girl passed by whispering with her another friend.

“Nah. Sorry Tsuki, I caused a commotion. We're not even done eating yet.” He told me his face was still flushed red.

He pouted. “We even left our plates. That's disrespectful.”

I sighed. “I'll go back. Go back without me. Do you want something?” I see his eyes lit up as I asked.

He was hesitant but eventually said, “Then can I have strawberry milk and milk buns?” his eyes glimmering as he asked for it. How can I say no to that?

I nodded. “I'll be back.”

As I opened the cafeteria, again those whispers about live house, vocalist and band.

Timeskip

Thursday, Friday and Saturday he practised with Shimada-san. But Sunday he was with me. He hangs out at my house. We played games and studied as well but the truth is he was just sleeping half of the day. I still enjoyed it though.

Yamaguchi's POV

Because Ryo's still sick, I cover for him everytime they have a gig. Actually I don't really know if he is really sick or just making it up now. Cause this is really exhausting! But damn it, I love it! After every practice with Shimada-san, Terushima-kun picks me up to sing for their band. That's 5 days straight in a row now. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and now Sunday. I was with Tsuki a while ago but I was asleep most of the time. I feel sorry because it's more like I just slept in his room. But I really treasured it with all my heart.

“You ready, Freckles?” Terushima-kun popped out of nowhere since you know him he's basically everywhere.

“Too close, Terushima-kun” I giggled as I pushed his face to the side. He smiled, a soft smile. No wonder I have a crush on him. Fudge! Me and my obsession with blondes!

“Let's do this!”

*A week after…Miyagi Preliminaries starts”

…To be Continued…

Chapter Text

Tadashi woke up early, sunlight sneaking past the blinds and warming the tips of his fingers as he stretched. The house was quiet, save for the muffled humming of the electric fan in the hallway. He slipped out of bed, still in his Karasuno shirt from yesterday, and tiptoed down the hall.

Without knocking, he opened his parents’ bedroom door and padded quietly inside. His mom stirred at the sound, her eyes fluttering open as Tadashi crawled into bed beside her.

"Mom," he whispered, burying his face into her shoulder.

She pulled him close, brushing her fingers through his bedhead. "What is it, baby?"

"Where’s Dad? I wanted to see him before I left."

She kissed the top of his head. "Still at work, honey. You know how he is. Night shift again. But he left you a note on the table."

Tadashi pouted. "That sucks. I wanted him to see me off."

His mom chuckled and gave him a tighter squeeze. "He said you’ll crush it today. And I believe him."

He sighed into her arms. "Thanks, Mom."

---

**7:40 AM**

"You got everything you need? Water bottle? Your change of clothes? Energy bars?" his mom asked while hovering behind him as he slipped on his school shoes.

Yamaguchi laughed. "Yes, yes, and yes. I’m good, Mom."

She gave him a mock glare. "You sure?"

Before he could answer, the front door burst open. His dad rushed in, his tie undone and sweat beading down his forehead. "I made it!"

"Dad!" Tadashi shouted, and they met in the middle of the living room. His dad grinned and ruffled his hair.

"‘Dashi, you’re gonna destroy them with your float serve. Just don’t forget to breathe before serving, okay?"

Tadashi laughed. "I’ll try not to mess it up."

His dad cupped his face. "Messing up isn’t the problem, son. Not trying would be."

---

**Karasuno Bus - 8:30 AM**

The bus hummed with nervous energy. Daichi was reviewing strategy, Sugawara passed around energy jelly pouches, and Hinata was bouncing on his seat.

Yamaguchi sat near the window, scrolling through his band group chat. Ryo had messaged a meme about being too sick to function, and Satou was spamming selfies in a sparkly filter. He chuckled quietly.

Tsukishima leaned over. "What’s that? You’re grinning like an idiot."

Tadashi flushed and locked his phone. "Ah, just a group chat. I was back reading."

Tsukishima tilted his head. "You bored?"

Tadashi blinked. "Not really. Are you?"

"A little. Want some snacks?" Tsukishima pulled out a half-eaten pack of sour gummies.

Tadashi nodded, butterflies exploding in his stomach. *He remembered I like these…*

He took one and smiled. "Thanks, Tsuki."

Tsukishima shrugged, but there was the smallest smile tugging at his lips.

---

**At the Gymnasium - 9:45 AM**

The venue buzzed with chatter. Teams lined up in matching uniforms, stretching, talking, and sizing each other up. Karasuno gathered near the bleachers.

"Hey," Daichi called, clapping his hands. "Eyes on me. We’ve trained for this. You’ve got nothing to be afraid of. Play your game, no matter what."

"Yamaguchi," Ukai called from the sidelines, "You’re our pinch server again today. Stay ready."

"Yes, Coach!"

Yamaguchi took a deep breath and glanced at the crowd.

That's when he noticed Johzenji’s lineup stretching on the far side of the court.

And right there—standing with a swagger only he could pull off—was Terushima Yuuji.

Blond undercut, lips curled into a cocky smile. He looked around lazily, chewing gum like he owned the building. Then his eyes fell on someone else.

Kiyoko.

She was passing out towels to the team.

Terushima straightened. His eyes followed her with interest. Something about the way he smiled had shifted.

Yamaguchi’s brows furrowed as he saw the whole thing unfold.

*Did he just check out Kiyoko-san?*

For a second, he felt something strange. Not quite jealousy—just surprise. He hadn’t even known Terushima was here.

And then, as if on cue, Terushima finally caught sight of Tadashi across the gym. He grinned and gave a mock salute.

Tadashi quickly looked away, flustered.

Tsukishima caught all of it.

"Is he looking at Kiyoko-san or you?" he said flatly.

Tadashi blinked. "What? No, he just—he's just dumb."

Tsukishima raised a brow. "He's staring at you like you're dessert."

Tadashi turned red. "I-I don't know why he's even here."

---

**Mid-Match - 11:15 AM**

"Pinch server! Yamaguchi!"

Ukai's voice echoed. Yamaguchi stood. His legs trembled slightly, but he walked to the court.

Cheers came from the Karasuno crowd—and one distinct voice from above.

"Wooooo, Freckles!!" yelled Terushima.

Tadashi groaned inwardly. *He’s going to get me in trouble.*

But he couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips.

He served. A perfect float.

"YES!" the crowd cheered as Aoba Johsai flubbed the receive.

A second serve—another success.

Tsukishima clapped from the bench, a flicker of pride on his normally unreadable face. Tadashi caught his eye briefly. Their gaze locked.

He served again. This time it was received and countered. The rally was long, intense. He watched from the sidelines, heart pounding.

They lost the set. But the energy had changed.

---

**After the Match - 12:30 PM**

Karasuno moved to the lockers, quiet but not defeated. There were still matches left.

Tsukishima handed Tadashi a towel. "You did good."

"Thanks," Yamaguchi murmured, drying the sweat from his neck.

There was a beat of silence.

Tsukishima opened his mouth, then closed it. He looked away. "I’m... glad you’re getting confident with your serve."

Yamaguchi turned to him, surprised. Tsukki rarely complimented anyone. "That means a lot coming from you."

"Don’t let it go to your head."

Before Tadashi could respond, his phone buzzed.

Terushima: *Meet me outside. Got something for you.*

He sighed. "I’ll be back. Just need to... cool off."

---

**Outside the Gym - 12:45 PM**

Terushima was waiting near the vending machines, two Pocari Sweats in hand.

"That was hot, Freckles. You’ve gotten really good."

Tadashi laughed nervously. "It was just two points."

"Two turning points. I’m proud of you."

He handed over a bottle.

Tadashi took a sip. "Why are you really here, Terushima?"

Terushima smirked, scratching the back of his neck. "Maybe I like watching you play. Maybe I just wanted to be here when you realized how good you are."

Tadashi looked at him, really looked at him. For all the bravado, Terushima’s eyes were honest.

"You're weird."

"Takes one to know one."

They laughed, a little too loud. For a moment, the weight of the day faded.

But behind a pillar, unnoticed, stood Tsukishima, his grip tight on his bottled water, jaw clenched.

He turned and walked away.

Something inside him was shifting, something he didn’t quite know how to name yet.

---

**To Be Continued...**

Chapter Text

Tsukishima Kei's POV

The gym felt heavier after the match, not just from the stink of sweat and rubber soles or the sticky humidity that clung to Tsukishima’s back, but from something else entirely—something he couldn’t quite name without choking on it.

The win should’ve meant more.

But Tsukishima sat still, towel limp across his lap, the echo of the final point still ringing in his ears. Karasuno had clawed their way through—barely—but they’d done it. Everyone had erupted: Daichi roaring, Kageyama pumping his fist, Nishinoya leaping onto Asahi’s back. Even Coach Ukai cracked a smile.

Tsukishima didn’t move. He couldn't.

His gaze slid to Yamaguchi. His best friend. His constant. Tadashi was crouched near the net, wiping sweat off his brow, laughing breathlessly with Hinata and Tanaka. The float serve that changed the match was still being praised—rightfully so.

Yamaguchi had grown. He’d become sharp around the edges, confident in bursts. He wasn’t the same kid who used to fumble behind him, eyes always seeking approval. No. This Yamaguchi was someone else entirely.

Someone who smiled at his phone and walked off like he had somewhere more important to be.

Somewhere Tsukishima wasn’t.

“Going somewhere?” Tsukishima asked, voice quieter than usual, like even that was a stretch.

“Just... outside,” Tadashi said, already slinging his bag over his shoulder, breathless in that way he got when something excited him and he didn’t want to say what.

“Sure. Whatever,” Tsukishima muttered.

He watched him go. He didn’t know what was worse—wondering who was waiting outside or knowing exactly who it was.

Outside the Gym

He told himself it was nothing. That it wasn’t his business. That maybe he was imagining things.

But he followed.

At first it was unconscious, his legs moving before his thoughts caught up. Maybe he just needed air, he lied to himself.

But then he saw them.

Yamaguchi and Terushima. Near the vending machines. Terushima in his ridiculous hoodie, hair half up, the kind of guy who always looked like he’d just rolled out of bed and didn’t care.

They were talking. Laughing. Terushima handed him a bag—candy? Snacks? And Tadashi took it like it meant something.

Tsukishima didn’t move closer. He didn’t have to.

He saw the way Tadashi’s shoulders relaxed, the way he smiled, full and effortless. A different smile from the ones he gave Tsukishima. This one was unguarded.

And Tsukishima hated how easily it came.

He didn’t know how long he stood there, heat crawling up the back of his neck, fists tightening.

It wasn’t just jealousy.

It was regret.

He’d always assumed Yamaguchi would just… be there. Like a shadow. Like gravity. Like breathing. But maybe that was the problem. He never thought he had to ask for Tadashi to stay.

Because he never imagined he’d want to leave.

Yamaguchi Tadashi – POV

“You didn’t have to buy me anything,” Tadashi said, cheeks pink as he looked into the bag of melon bread and gummies.

“Didn’t have to,” Terushima said with a shrug, “but I wanted to. I figured after that insane serve, you deserved more than just a pat on the back.”

Tadashi laughed, the tightness in his chest loosening. “Well, thanks. I haven’t had melon bread in a while.”

Terushima plopped onto the bench near the gym’s edge and gestured for him to join. The sun had started its slow descent, washing the concrete in gold.

They talked.

About the match. About Johzenji’s loss. About live house gigs Terushima had played. About Tadashi’s favorite playlists, and how he sometimes listened to the same song for a week straight because it made him feel safe.

Terushima didn’t make fun of him.

He nodded along, made stupid jokes, leaned back with that relaxed air that didn’t demand anything from Tadashi except to be present. That was the thing. With Tsukki, he was always a little tense, like he had to prove himself.

But with Terushima…

“You know,” Terushima said, voice low, “you’re kinda hard to read sometimes. You look calm, but I can tell there’s stuff brewing under there.”

Tadashi blinked. “That obvious?”

“Only to someone who’s done the same thing.”

He looked at Terushima for a long second. The older boy wasn’t grinning anymore. He was just looking at him. Really looking.

Tadashi’s heart did a weird flutter.

“I should probably head back,” Tadashi said, breaking eye contact. “Before they think I got kidnapped or something.”

Terushima stood too. “Right. But hey,” he said, smiling again, “you ever wanna chill outside the court, just let me know. Seriously.”

Tadashi nodded, throat tight. “Yeah. I might.”

He walked back slowly. He didn’t want to look like he’d been smiling.

But the moment he stepped back into the gym, the air shifted.

It was Tsukki.

Still sitting on the bench, eyes unreadable behind his glasses, his entire frame stiff like he hadn’t moved since Tadashi left.

“You okay?” Tadashi asked.

Tsukki didn’t answer immediately. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

It was like a slap, not because of the words, but the way they were said. Flat. Dismissive. Cold.

Tadashi sat beside him anyway.

“I’m glad we won today,” he offered, unsure if the ice between them would melt.

“Yeah. Good serve.”

And that was it.

A compliment, but empty.

Tadashi looked at him, really looked, and saw someone retreating. He wanted to reach out, say something—anything—but he didn’t know what would fix this.

So instead, he whispered, “You always say things like they don’t matter.”

Tsukki didn’t respond.

And Tadashi didn’t wait for him to.

To Be Continued...