Haikyuu Imagines: Karasuno Edition

Tanaka: Your Eyes

 "Hey, Tanaka, you think I could come and watch you at practice today?" your eyes were squeezed shut as you blurted this request out of nowhere. 

 Where had it even come from? He would probably say no. He should say no and get it over and done with, instead of making you wait like this. You would only be disappointed in the end, anyway. 

 You had acknowledged the fact that your love was very much unrequited at this point, but you couldn't help but hope just a little bit every time he threw a smile your way, or offered you some of his food, or looked to see if you were laughing at his jokes first. And you did, every single time. 

 You felt like a pathetic idiot. You certainly didn't have the guts to admit to him that you loved him, so your fate was virtually certain. You and him would forever remain friends, never less, but never more, either. And somehow, that was worse. Worse than things not changing between the two of you. Maybe even worse than you confessing and potentially ruining your steady, platonic relationship. Which you cherished, of course.

 Towards the end of your middle school days, you had - much to your dismay - made friends with the unruly boy who sat next to you in all of your classes. He was quick to warm up to you, always urging you to join him in a game of tag or hide and seek after school, and often finding himself in your house uninvited. But never once unwelcomed. 

 He was loud, annoying and somewhat rough around the edges. But he was also funny, sweet and always a touch more gentle with you than with his other friends. Yes, perhaps it was because you were a girl, but it also made you smile shyly and go a light red tinge for a reason unbeknownst to you. 

 And now you were here, after years of watching him run off to play volleyball with an excited grin on his face and a shine in his eyes. You wanted to know what it was that made him so happy. But to this day, he had never really asked you to come. Yes, you had been to some of his games with the rest of his and your families, but other times you were too busy or felt unwanted. He filled you in on what happened, though, on all of the games that you missed. 

 "Uh," you were prepared to be shot down, "Sure, Y/N. You can come!" 

 Although you were glad to hear this response (and somewhat relieved), Tanaka sounded less enthusiastic than he usually was. Not sad; more serious and quiet. You were confused to find his eyes not quite meeting yours and a pink blush brushing his cheeks. Something was on his mind. Or someone. After his brief answer, he immediately returned his attention to packing up his schoolbag.

 You slung your own over your shoulder and waited for him at the door of your classroom. He sure was taking his sweet time. You tapped on the doorframe, watching as students walked by in varying directions, each to their individual clubs. 

 "Tanaka," you leaned back in and called for him, "Come on. What's taking you so long?"

 "Oh, sorry," he brightly smiled at you, picking up his bag and approaching you immediately. 

 You couldn't help but smile despite yourself. He usually had this effect on you. The two of you walked out into the hallway and started your journey to his volleyball club. There was silence - something abnormal between the two of you. Generally, there was always some form of chatter or laughter, but presently, there was only silence. And you weren't even sure if you could call it the comfortable kind. 

 You looked over at your friend. His smile alone was enough to make you blush profusely and look away again. Your sharp jerk snagged his attention. 

 "Hey, what were you looking at?" he questioned. You widened your eyes. You had been caught staring at him. How embarrassing. How were you supposed to play this off?