SWEET N' SALTY | Tsukishima K. × Reader (COMPLETE)

TWENTY

"Got any plans for your birthday?" you asked, looking up at Tsukishima while the two of you were inside the library, studying for your finals.

You'd spent the past few months like this, as you entered your junior year as nursing students. Much had happened since your return to each other, from the Christmas Ball to New Year's, Valentine's Day, and now your finals in your sophomore year.

You'd grown accustomed to having him around in your daily life. You had lunch together, attended his practices, went grocery shopping, and enjoyed family outings every weekend. It reminded you of your high school days, with Tsukishima's familiar personality but now tinged with a touch of gentleness. It was new and somewhat out of character for him, but he was trying his best to make up for lost time.

You shrugged, "I don't have plans. You know I don't celebrate my birthday, Kei." With that, you returned your attention to your review notes.

Tsukishima propped his chin on his palm, gazing at you as you studied, momentarily forgetting about his own work.

"Stop staring at me, Kei," you huffed, sensing that Tsukishima was still fixated on you.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" he asked.

You sighed, "Your stare is what makes me uncomfortable, not your whole being."

Tsukishima chuckled, "I apologize for that," and finally turned his gaze around the library. The room was filled with students as exams were approaching. Some were diligently studying, while others were engaged in group discussions or simply gossiping.

"Aren't you going to study?" you inquired, raising an eyebrow and tapping your mechanical pencil on your notebook.

"I finished studying last night. I'm just here to hang out; I've got no better things to do."

You looked at him in surprise, "Really? Then you should be off somewhere, smartass." You couldn't help but feel a bit envious of Tsukishima's innate intelligence. He didn't need to spend as much time studying as you did, and he didn't have to stay up all night repeatedly reviewing the same notes until he memorized them.

Tsukishima feint hurt, "You're so mean, (F/N)-chan."

Tsukishima's feigned hurt elicited a small smile from you, despite your attempts to maintain a stern exterior. When he addressed you by your first name, it sent shivers down your spine.

"You're disturbing me, Kei," you replied with a no-nonsense expression.

He pouted, clearly trying to win you over. "About your birthday—"

"Not interested, Kei," you cut him off firmly.

"Let's go to the beach," he suggested.

You couldn't help but smile for a moment before your seriousness returned. "No."

"Why not?"

"You know damn well I can't swim, Kei," you said, closing your notes and books and gathering them into your bag. "I need to get to class."

Tsukishima got up from his seat and grabbed your bag. "I'll carry them," he offered, slinging it over his shoulder.

"O...kay? Thank you, I guess?" You were about to walk first when he suddenly opened his hand before you. You stared at it with confusion, then looking up at Tsukishima, "What are you doing, Kei?"

"I, uh..." Kei blushes while diverting his eyes from you, scratching his cheeks lightly before looking back, "I—I don't know, I just thought you might wanna hold hands."

As Tsukishima blushed and stammered out his request, you couldn't help but find him endearing in that moment. It was rare to see him like this, and it made you chuckle.