Away from home

Yachi stared at the empty train station, looking dead as ever. She didn't mean to run away from home, she and her mom had gotten into a real argument and out of anger, Yachi slammed her door close. Once she knew her mom was asleep or somewhere, she didn't really care, she grabbed her bag with some essential things (Power bank, wallet, an extra jacket, and some snacks) and left. It wasn't like it wasn't her fault, Yachi didn't purposely destroy her mom's work, heck she didn't even know what the poster's and supplies looked like. She was falsely accused!

She sighed and just walked around, trying to find those wifi rental bikes. She scrolled on her phone to check if there are any stores or cafes open, there weren't many but there are still some popular and crowded ones still open. She checked the time, 11 pm.

"Yachi-san?" A voice startled her, she stumbled a bit but turned to face the familiar blonde hair. his emotionless eyes stared down and her, he looked a bit amused or confused to see the anxious manager. Yachi laughed nervously and stood up straight. "What are you doing out so late?"

"A-ah... You see, Tsukishima-kun... I ran away from home," Yachi said, looking down in defeat. She doesn't exactly know why she told him that information when she could have easily lied, well not like she could take it back anyway.

"Oh... I guess we are the same," Tsukishima said, he placed his headphones on his shoulders and stopped his music from playing. Yachi stared at the boy, surprised.

"M-May I ask why you left home?" Yachi said, biting her lips nervously. Tsukishima shrugged and pouted his lips ever so slightly.

"My brother was just bothering... I just usually leave for a few hours, how about you?" Tsukishima glanced back at the girl, his golden eyes reflecting the lamp lights. Yachi frowned at the memory.

"I got into a fight with my mom, I didn't do anything wrong! Just-" Yachi sighed as her shoulders slumped down, she didn't want to think about it. It hurt her that her mom doesn't trust her enough to believe that she really didn't do it. Tsukishima seemed to feel the moody aura from the girl.

"It's dangerous for you to walk around in the night... Would you like to accompany me?" Tsukishima suggested, Yachi's eyes stared back at the male and she nodded silently. Tsukishima nodded and turned to walk away but he stopped and turned back to her, waiting for her to follow. Yachi snapped out of her thoughts and followed the boy. Why not right? It was just Tsukishima and she didn't really have any place in mind to go to.

"Where are we going exactly?" Yachi asked, walking beside Tsukishima. Tsukishima stayed silent for a while before finally speaking.

"It's a library cafe, I found it awhile ago and it was 24 hours... so whenever I snuck out, I would go there," Tsukishima finally answered. Yachi nodded silently. 

It was weird bumping into Tsukishima Kei, she would usually just see him during school and practice, maybe while waiting for the bus home, but that's on very rare occasions. They never really talked to each other unless it was school or practice related, but tonight was different, they had to talk and do things together without any real reason.

Tsukishima stopped and turned to one of the bike shelters, he spotted a rental bike. 

"We'll get there faster with a bike," He simply stated, he grabbed his phone and scanned the QR code to pay, he knew his brother would see the online payment and location, but he didn't mind or care. The lock on the bike's wheel finally unlocked and Tsukishima grabbed the handles and pulled it out to the road. He easily slipped on the seat, he turned to her and pointed at the extra seat behind. "Are you just gonna stay frozen or take a seat?" 

"A-ah! Right!" Yachi snapped out of her thoughts and sat sideways on the seat. Tsukishima still had his feet planted on the ground, he clicked his tongue.

"If you don't hold onto me, you will fall," He turned back to look at her. Yachi stared at the cold eyes and got flustered, she stammered her apologies before finally gripping on his waist. Tsukishima finally pushed the bike forward and started paddling with ease. The bike ride was silent, Yachi stared at the moving scenery before her. How the unlit houses turned into lit streets and then finally an array of stores, some still open. She took in the scenery, looking up to see the crescent moon, she smiled as it reminded her of a male with the moon in his name. 

"We're here, Yachi-san." She heard the male, she got off and he placed the bike at a nearby railing, locking its wheels. Yachi looked at the normal looking bookstore, what took her attention was the small cafe at the side. Tsukishima walked to the door and opened the door for her, she thanked him and walked in. The scent of Old books and coffee reached her nose, the place wasn't that fancy, more like a homey type of vibe, only one or two people were in there including the barista. 

"T-thank you for bringing me here, Tsukishima-kun," Yachi started, she looked up to the guy, Tsukishima had an unreadable face, he nodded and continued through the store. They both got to the counter. Yachi looked at the yummy looking dessert. 

"Strawberry shortcake and... green tea, Yachi-san, what about you?" Tsukishima tapped the blonde manager's shoulder. Yachi stopped admiring the desserts.

"A-ah, a caramel muffin with... cappuccino," Yachi said, taking a quick glance at the menu, she picked the cappuccino since it was her favourite. Tsukishima nodded, they got their respective drinks and desserts and paid separately. They placed their trays down and started walking to the bookshelves. Yachi walked around aimlessly until she found one that interested her, she walked back to see Tsukishima already reading. She silently sat down and flipped the cover book open. The sound of occasional flipping and the soft mugs landing on the table could only be heard, Yachi couldn't help but feel at ease, she almost forgot what had happened with her mom. 

Yachi finally finished eating her muffin and drink, but she still read the book with an intense focus, she was just getting to the good part.

"Yachi-san, it'll be 1 am soon..." A voice called out to her, she shook her head and ignored him. She just couldn't put the book down, the sun prince was going to save the moon princess but the moon princess was already in love with the evil magician, right now the prince had just taken down the dragon to see the princess and the magician at the top of the tower, sharing a kiss. Yachi just needed to flip on to the next page- 

"Yachi-san, it's already 1 am" The book was ripped away from her hands, she looked at the book above her and tried to grab it back from the male. She pouted but stood up and tried to snatch it back, Tsukishima smirked and stood up too, towering over her. 

"Tsukishima-kun! Please, I'm on the good part!" Yachi said, jumping up to try and grab the book, he just hovered the book above her and just chuckled. "Tsukishima, please?" Yachi said, giving puppy eyes. Tsukishima's glasses almost broke from the cuteness, he quickly turned away from her face before he could feel remotely guilty.

"That won't work if I don't see it. We can come back on another day when you run away from home again and finish the book," Tsukishima said, he fixed his glasses. He glanced back down to the sad girl. He sighed "Or... we can come back tomorrow." 

Yachi's eyes lit up, she agreed almost immediately. Lucky for them, tomorrow is Saturday. Tsukishima finally relaxed his hands and let her grab the book. 

"Let's clean up and go." He said, they picked up their plates and mugs to give back to the barista, they didn't make any mess on the table so they grabbed their things and walked out of the store. 

"I had a good time destressing, thank you Tsukishima-kun," Yachi started as she looked at Tsukishima who prepared the bike. He only nodded. "Actually... I and my mother had a fight, she thought I destroyed her posters and work supplies, but I really did not! Ah, I don't know anymore." Yachi said, looking at the ground. She felt a pair of strong hands on her shoulders, she looked up to Tsukishima giving a small but reassuring smile.

"Relax, I'm sure it'll turn out fine... And... I'm glad that I-I helped you feel better." Tsukishima hesitated on his words, a small blush on his cheeks. He looked away and fixed his glasses. Yachi smiled and nodded, humming a yes. They finally got on the bike, her gripping his waist as he paddled, not particularly rushing. 

"Hey, Tsukishima-kun?" Yachi said, looking up to see the males broad shoulders. Tsukishima hummed, "Do... You go there even if your brother doesn't annoy you? Or-"

"Yeah... It's my favourite cafe," Tsukishima cut her off, he suddenly stopped and turned back to her. "It... sells the best strawberry shortcake."

Yachi stared back into the golden-brown eyes, it seemed to reflect the moon. She smiled and nodded. 

"It has some great books too," Yachi added, Tsukishima gave a small smile, barely even seen from Yachi, but she luckily saw it. "Is... It alright if I can go there too?" She asked, hesitating.

"Yeah, it'll be alright," Tsukishima said, he looked back at the road and started paddling. "You aren't that bad to be with, Yachi-san." He added. She thought she hallucinated it, but she felt his heart thumping just a little bit faster, she shook the thought away and just assumed that he was feeling tired from paddling both their weight.

"Your building is near, right Yachi-san?" Tsukishima asked, after the silent ride. Yachi nodded and pointed to the direction, making sure he sees.

"I'm fine here, Tsukishima-kun. I'm sure you're tired," Yachi said, tugging on his jacket to make him stop. But he didn't stop. "Uh- Tsukishima-kun, you can drop me off-"

"It's fine, it's already so late. I'll send you home." Tsukishima replied calmly. Yachi was going to protest but she already knew it was going to be fruitless since she knew the male would just ignore her and do whatever he set his mind to. So she just gave instructions on where to go. They finally stopped in front of her apartment building, she got off and thanked him for the ride.

"I hope you get home safe, Tsukishima-kun. Oh and thank you again!" Yachi said, giving a big smile. She yawned, tired. Tsukishima didn't further drag her time. 

"I'll text you about going back there tomorrow... I assume that we are?" He said, she nodded. with that, he gave a short goodbye and a wave before finally leaving. Yachi stared at him until she saw him turn a corner, she finally went into the building and pressed her level number. 

She gently unlocked the door and opened it to see their living room lights open and her very worried-looking mother. Yachi's eyes landed onto the tired eyes of her mother, within seconds she felt her mom hugging her.

"I was so worried! My manager called and told me about the poster's- I'm sorry for accusing you, Hitoka!" Yachi heard the muffled words, she sighed and smiled, hugging her mom back.

"I'm sorry for suddenly leaving..." Yachi said, gripping a bit tighter. today was a very interesting day. They both let go and her mother stared at her, looking relieved.

"No, I should have believed you... If only I did, you wouldn't have felt so bad! I'm sorry for not being the best mom." Yachi shook her head and to her mom that she is doing her best. Her mother continued "By the way... who was that guy on the bike? did he do anything to you? who is he? How old is he? what did you guys do?" Her mother's mother instincts kicked in. Yachi laughed nervously.

"He's Tsukishima Kei, no he did not do anything, he's my classmate and the same age as me. We went to his favourite cafe... He also ran away from home." Yachi explained another sigh of relief from his mother.

"Well, he is a gentleman for accompanying you at night and even taking you home." Yachi flushed but nodded. Her mother pulled her along and told her to wash up and get some sleep. Yachi did as she was told and by 3am, she was in bed, feeling comfy and ready to sleep. Until she got a message.

'Hello, it's Tsukishima. When you read this in the morning, tell me when you'd want to meet. if you still want to.' 

Yachi grinned at the message, she then saw his profile picture, it was a cute dinosaur plushie, she remembered hearing Yamaguchi talk about Tsukishima's obsession with dinosaurs. 

'Hello, Tsukishima-kun. Hope you got home safely. I'm fine with meeting at 4 pm if that's okay with you?'

she quickly sent the message and within seconds, he replied back.

'I am at home safely, and I am fine at 4 pm. I won't bother you any further so get some rest Yachi-san.'

Yachi grinned even harder, Tsukishima Kei wasn't that bad of a guy at all.

"So, you're meeting the boy again tomorrow?" She yelped and threw her phone, her mom catching it. She blushed hard and turned to her giggling mom.

"M-Mom! Give my phone back! A-and we are just going back to the cafe... it's not like a date or anything!" Yachi shrieked, snatching her phone back. Her mother rolled her eyes and sarcastically said okay. 

"If you say so~" Yachi's mom got up and left her room, "Goodnight! hope the date goes well tomorrow." Before Yachi could protest, her mom closed the door, leaving Yachi feeling flushed and heated up. 

'Goodnight Tsukishima-kun' 

she sent it and placed her phone on her nightstand, charging it. She won't check her phone anymore for messages. It's not like she was waiting-

Her phone buzzed 

She grabbed her phone faster than the speed of light and unlocked it to see his message.

'Have a goodnight too, Yachi-san' 

Oh god... Her heart was hurting, her chest felt so tight, her stomach did flips and her head was light. It was not like she liked him- just... grateful for him? Yachi groaned in agony and slammed her phone back on the table, burying herself in her blanket. 

Omg... what is she feeling!?