10 Stages of Me and You [Tsukishima Kei x Reader]

Stage 9: Him

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Kei, for once, hoped that he wouldn't cross paths with [Name] on their way to school. Mostly because he still hadn't sorted his thoughts about her.

Since their training camp with Nekoma, the two's relationship changed completely. While they were still on each others' throats with their insults, they also have seemed to be leaning towards more flirty comebacks. Although these types of comebacks seem to roll off his tongue naturally, his heart still couldn't get used to them. The blond couldn't help but look forward to them though.

A month has passed since then but still, the words that Tadashi said to him after the match and while walking to the venue they stayed in for days lingered in his mind.

"I think [Name]-chan is under the impression that you like someone else and not her."

Kei couldn't pretend anymore that he wasn't curious.

"You'd never know until you ask, Tsukki."

He did want to know. But, to know means to ask. And to ask means, to show that he was concerned with it.

The truth in place for his heart. Was that a risk he was willing to take?

What if the result wasn't what he pleased? What would happen then? Was he scared of being rejected? If he was, he'd be humiliated.

No. That wasn't just it though. Rather than being scared of the rejection, he was scared that if he showed her how he felt, she'd distance himself away from him. What if all her teasing was just what it was and not really how she felt?

'Feelings are really complicated.'

Kei sighed. He looked at the store that their coach was working in and debated whether or not he should get something to eat.

'I should just head to morning practice.'

The blond raised his headphones from his neck and placed it on his head. Before he could start playing anything though, he heard someone calling him.

"Tsukishima!"

Kei hung his headphones on his neck again as he looked at the volleyball team's vice-captain walking towards him.

"Yamaguchi's not with you?"

"No," he said as he started walking again.

"How about [Surname]? I thought you two always walked together?"

"We just happen to pass by each other when we go to school. It's not a regular thing though."

"But you want it to be?"

Kei looked at his senpai, his eyes widening a little.

'Do I?'

"I don't know," he admitted.

"Mm," Koushi said, not wanting to push the blond any longer.

Kei couldn't help but wonder about what he was thinking earlier.

'If I want to ask anyone, I think Suga-san would be the most reliable.'

"Suga-san," Kei said, looking at their third-year setter. "If someone you like thinks that you like someone else, what should you do?"

"Is this about our little first-year manager?"

"N-No!"

Koushi chuckled before giving the middle blocker a serious response.

"I think you should tell the person that they're the one you like."

Kei suddenly had a pink tint on his cheeks.

'Is he saying I should confess?'

"Well, you should only do that if you want to pursue the person. If you don't, then what's the point of telling them the truth?"

The blond nodded, understanding what his senpai was saying.

"Do you want to pursue the person you like, Tsukishima?"

"I.." Kei looked down as he tried to gather his thoughts. "I don't know."

"Well, that's gonna be hard."

Koushi looked at Kei who was staring ahead, lost in his own thoughts but still had a monotone face.

"Tell me Tsukishima, do you want to see that person in someone else's arms?"

"If that's what makes them happy, then yes."

"But what about you?"

Why did he have to care about himself?

In reality, even though he did like her, he didn't know if he deserved her. There were much kinder guys out there who'd probably treat her better than he could ever have.

"Personally," Koushi said. "I think you should tell someone how you feel. It's good to let out how you honestly feel towards someone."

"But, what if that person doesn't feel the same. Isn't that a waste of effort?"

"That's not why you liked them in the first place, right?" The light gray-haired setter pointed out.

He was right.

Kei didn't like [Name] so she could like him back. He liked her because she was kind, supportive, smart, thoughtful, and sassy. She knew how to handle all his insults and could fight them with her own. She looked strong, but she still had her own insecurities. She was unpredictable, making her fun to be around. She was an amazing person.

"Besides, if it all ends up in a rejection, at least you know now," Koushi said. "Not that I think it would."

Kei raised his eyebrow at him, confused with what his senpai said.

"What do you me-"

"Oh! I need to go ahead quickly. I remember Daichi asking me for a favor! See you during morning practice!"

The third-year ran off before Kei could even finish his question.

The blond decided to shake off his senpai's comment and continued walking towards the school's gates.

After passing the entrance of the school, he made his way towards the gym. The sound of the rubber shoes squeaking against the court was heard even from the outside.

"[Surname], please throw us another ball!" Shoyo said.

"Okay!"

Within seconds, the sound of the ball hitting the ground rang inside the small gym.

Before heading towards the locker room, Kei peeked inside the gym and looked at the ones who were there. After hearing [Name]'s name, the blond couldn't stop himself from looking for her.

And there she was, smiling. Not at him, but that was okay. Despite her lack of skill in volleyball, you could see the interest in her eyes. Like the way Kei looked at her secretly.

"Do you want to pursue the person you like, Tsukishima?"

He might've not known his answer earlier, but he did now.

He wanted to pursue her. If she rejects him, then he'll worry about that later. For now, all he needs to do is worry about how he'll ask her.

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