But, It's our thing! (2)

Tomorrow came as Tsukishima walked to school, a bit happier today.

"Something going on, Tsukki?" Yamaguchi asked, looking at the male weirdly. Tsukishima nodded, his eyes shimmering a bit, although he still looked his normal and scary self.

"I'm going to the new strawberry cafe with Yachi-san," Tsukishima explained rather calmly. Yamaguchi grinned.

"Like... a date?" The green haired boy questioned. Tsukishima stopped dead on his track as the realization kicked in. Did Yachi think it was a date? wait, but she said, friend? It was just a hangout right? like going with Yamaguchi to a movie because Yamaguchi practically dragged him out of the house.

"Wha- no, it's just us going to hang out." Tsukishima tried to recollect his thoughts, surely Yachi didn't mean going out as a date. Right?

"Yeah... alone, just the two of you to a very hot dating spot," Yamaguchi added more flame to the fire pit he set. Tsukishima blushed hard, calculating all the other explanations for a hangout. Yachi definitely meant it in a friendly way.

"No, it's not a date. She asked me to go and I asked why and she said, and I quote, 'that's what friends are for'" Tsukishima said confidently. Yamaguchi just shrugged. They entered the school hall.

"I don't know, Tsukki. Girls say that all the time." Yamaguchi took off his shoes and slipped on to his indoor ones. Tsukishima did the same.

"But Yachi- no? Yachi-san is not like those girls." Tsukishima reasoned, gently closing his shoe locker.

"You may never know, Tsukki. Maybe it's a hang out to you, but a date to her. or maybe it really is just a hangout. maybe you should have confirmed it with her." Yamaguchi shrugged, glancing at his very overstressed out friend. They started walking to their classroom

Tsukishima does not know anymore, if it is a misunderstanding like Yamaguchi said, the poor girl would be heartbroken and too ashamed to even face him. But then again if it was really just a hangout, he was overthinking things and complicating his emotions. He groaned frustratingly, rubbing his temples. He just wanted cake!

"Ah! Tsukishima-kun!" Yachi called out. Yamaguchi snorted.

"Speak of the devil. Just go and ask her, it isn't that big of a deal." Yamaguchi said, he patted his friend's shoulder and then walked into their classroom, leaving Tsukishima to fend for himself.

"Yachi-san, good morning." Tsukishima turned to the girl, keeping his cool as best as possible. The girl radiated happiness which was not helping Tsukishima at all.

"Good morning to you too! Anyways, I asked Kirin-chan if she wanted to join us and she said okay, well she doesn't actually know you will be there. But is it alright if she comes? It's fine if you don't want to! I can-"

"Oh thank God. Yes, I'm fine with that." Tsukishima said, rather too relieved. Yachi looked at him, a bit concerned but then she nodded.

"Okay then, I'll tell her that you are actually coming. I'll see you after classes? by the gates?" Yachi asked, Tsukishima nodded. They said their goodbyes and Tsukishima got inside his classroom.

"So? Is it a date or not?" Yamaguchi asked as Tsukishima sat down on his desk.

"It's not a date. she said uh... I think her name was Kiri? was joining us too." Tsukishima explained. Yamaguchi groaned, frowning. "Why are you unhappy about that?"

"Because! Tsukki! I thought this was actually going to be your first time being asked out, by a cute girl too! I was seriously going to ask my mom to get a lottery ticket." Yamaguchi said, earning a cold glare from the other male.

"You said it wasn't a big deal." Yamaguchi sighed and ignored him, pitying Tsukishima for getting friend-zoned.

.

"I'm sorry Tsukishima-kun. After Kirin heard your name, she immediately backed out. I guess other people are still intimidated by you." Yachi said, glancing back up to Tsukishima who just arrived at the gate. Tsukishima shook his head, rather a bit relieved.

"I do give a scary vibe. It's alright then, let's just go together as planned." Tsukishima said, Yachi grinned and nodded. They started walking to the bus stop, the cafe was not that far away. It was in the central area like all the malls and street shops were. They might even bump into Kageyama and Hinata since the movie theater was also near there.

"I heard from one of my friends that there is a promotion going on in the cafe, I don't exactly know what, but there's a discount if we do something." Yachi started, Tsukishima tilted his head but nodded anyway. They carried on with walking, Yachi talking about her weekly gossip.

"Okay, but do you know Mei-chan? The girl I was talking about? The one that has a crush on Yamaguchi-kun?" Yachi started.

It wasn't much but Tsukishima listened to Yachi telling him all about her friends gossips, stating her opinion about many things she questions about her friends. It's not anything mean, just things Yachi found interesting to talk about. Her friends like and dislike, their drama with other friends. It was like Tsukishima knew all about the first year's girls now, just by Yachi talking about it. Heck he wonders how Yachi could even get this very strange personal things about people he barely even knows, it's kinda scary how girls can know all the drama even when they aren't part of it.

"So- She actually had a reason for that! And it was the most ridiculous thing ever! I laughed and she said that she knows it's so simple-minded. I told her it's fine but it really was just funny to think about!" Yachi giggled, Tsukishima didn't catch anything she said before that but he still nodded and smiled at her, he doesn't have to tell her to repeat that, it would mean he wasn't listening and he doesn't want Yachi to panic about being too talkative (It happened once and it took him a whole week trying to get the girl to even say a complete sentence to him). They got on the bus, Yachi mostly the one talking.

"And then Hiraka-kun walked in on Megan-san confessing her feelings for him! We were all shocked. Hiraka-kun's face when he heard it, he was so red!" Yachi said, her eyes twinkling. Tsukishima gave a small chuckle, actually catching what she was talking about.

He wasn't so interested in other people's business, but if it means listening to her, he would gladly do so. It was nice listening to Yachi's voice, she had a gentle and soft voice. And she had great opinions on anything, which he admires. It isn't that hard to understand that Yachi is a very mature and smart girl. Heck, anyone who thinks the opposite is missing out! She is cute, kind caring and-

Tsukishima caught himself, his eyes widened as he was actually thinking about her being cute!? why was he thinking about that!? Yachi is a friend! A friend! And can Tsukishima even call a friend cute without any romantic feelings implied in it?

"Yes! I was so surprised too! Hiraka-kun wasn't the type to be so bold! But he actually said that in front of Megan-chan's face! I think they're going out now? But we will know once we have another lunch together." Yachi snapped him out of his thoughts. he didn't know how long he was zoned out, luckily for him, Yachi had not even noticed.

"Well, good for them then." He said, hoping he could still cover up his tracks. Yachi nodded. She changed the topic to his relief. After a while more, they finally arrived and Yachi leads the way.

"What else do you like Tsukishima-kun?" Yachi asked, Tsukishima flushed at the question. Her curious eyes landing on his. "Other than Strawberry shortcake?"

"A-ah... right. that." Tsukishima calmed his beating heart. He just has to ignore that weird thought he had just now. He is here for the cake. CAKE. "I guess It would be the curry rice my mom cooks for me."

Yachi smiled. "That's nice! I bet your mom cooks yummy food. My mom tries her best to give time for me, every Wednesday she would make her delicious bento for me! It's my favourite," Yachi beamed, Tsukishima nodded, trying not to be reminded how his heart was beating fast.

They reached the place, it was nice. The outside was kept simple and modern, with dark wood trim and an overall black and white theme with an attractive pink sign with the cafe name. Yachi opened the door and a ringing could be heard, indicating their arrival. Tsukishima went along with her.

It was comfortable, a few bookshelves, and almost all of the tables near the windows had at least 1 plant. The place had soft jazz music with a lot of french cultural accents in the place. Paintings of the Eiffel Tower or buildings and more famous places in Paris, some french words that Tsukishima couldn't understand on the chalkboard that was hung up beside the barista counter. It was nice. And the dessert display. he might just buy everything because of how delicious looking they were. They picked out their desserts and drinks, after a few seconds of aggressive talking on who will pay, Yachi won to Tsukishima's dismay.

"Couples get 20 percent off for the first month after opening, it'll be 1296.64 yen!" The staff called out, Tsukishima was going to correct her and not get the discount but Yachi had already set down the money. They got their respective drinks and desserts and settled down near the windows. Tsukishima glared at her.

"What?" Yachi asked, tilting her head. Tsukishima clicked his tongue.

"You could have said that we aren't a couple," Tsukishima said. Yachi rolled her eyes.

"I was too shy to, the staff was too nice and I wouldn't want to make her sad," Yachi explained, taking a bite of her brownie. Tsukishima grumbled but agreed with her.

"Besides, we got a discount. It's not like they will find out." Yachi further explained, Tsukishima agreeing with her just to make her change the topic.

"I get it, I get it," Tsukishima said, Yachi chuckled and went back to her brownie. Tsukishima looked at his strawberry cake, he cut off a piece and tried it. His eyes sparkled as his taste buds tasted the delicate flavor.

"Is it that good?" Yachi asked, he looked at her and nodded happily. Yachi giggled at his reaction and nodded.

"My brownie has dried strawberries inside," Yachi said, holding out her brownie to him, Tsukishima saw the chunks of the red fruit. "Try it, so I can try your cake."

"No way, you can't touch my cake," Tsukishima said childishly. Yachi rolled her eyes.

"Please?" Yachi asked, giving her best puppy eyes. Tsukishima clicked his tongue and frowned, finally taking a bite and pushing the plate of his cake to him. Yachi grinned and grabbed the fork he still was holding. She took a bite and immediately nodded in satisfaction.

"It really is good!" she commented after pushing the plate back to him. He nodded, he remembered the taste of the brownie, it was good too, the strawberry definitely goes well with the bitterness of the dark chocolate they used, it was clever using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the strawberry, if not it would have been too sweet. As for the cake, the cream that he usually was very picky( he didn't like any creamy stuff) about was actually good, it wasn't too buttery but not too sweet either, the strawberries were the best part about it.

"Can we come again?" Tsukishima asked innocently. Yachi glanced at him, a bit flustered but she nodded.

And that's how Thursdays became cake day. Tsukishima and Yachi would come to the shop to study while eating cake. They didn't even have to ask because it had already been a routine by now.

The more they went, the more Tsukishima could not ignore the growing feelings he had for the female. It wasn't hard to notice, Yamaguchi had already figured it out, but Tsukishima himself would rather act blind to it.

-

v

"But, it's our thing!" Tsukishima frowned, glaring at Yachi who just rolled her eyes.

The pair were walking to their classes this morning since they ran into each other on the morning bus. Yamaguchi left to talk with a friend of his, a girl Tsukishima knew Yamaguchi had a crush on. It was a normal day until Yachi san brought up something with made Tsukishima feel so betrayed and hurt.

"Tsukki- it's just a small errand. Hiraka-kun wanted to see cafe's which would be good for a date with Megan-chan! It would barely take an hour, at the very least 30 minutes!" Yachi argued. Tsukishima pouted, folding his arms stubbornly.

"But today's Thursday! Our day!" Tsukishima huffed, pouting. How dare she do something else on their day! Tsukishima will not have it. "Are you going to show him around the strawberry cafe too?"

Yachi sighed and pulled out her ultimate weapon. She pouted, giving her best puppy eyes.

"No, That won't work!" Tsukishima turned to look away from her, a glance at her way and he knows he is dead for, so he shut his eyes tightly. Yachi frowned, her trick not working since he wasn't looking. It's time for her to use another method.

"Tsukishima-kun, don't be so stubborn! We'll go on another day!" Yachi tried to reason with the stubborn male. Tsukishima still stood his ground, maybe other students had started noticing their bickering but he didn't care. It was Thursday! Cake day! She was going to throw away the only time she had with him for a guy who should have done his own research on the girl he likes! He should take some notes from Tsukishima and actually notice things to surprise the girl, weren't Hira-something and Megan dating already?

"Don't you see, Yachi-san? You say another day, but Thursday is the only day we're both free! You definitely won't have enough time for me on any other day." Tsukishima looked back at her, his glare turned into a sort of hurt and betrayed stare, which was very effective on Yachi.

"You- You are unbelievable. I can't believe I am actually going to cancel helping Hiraka-kun." Yachi grumbled.

"I'm unbeliva!?- Wait, really?" Tsukishima was going to argue more but he stopped in his tracks when she actually agreed. He looked at the girl who was typing to, he assumed, Hiraka.

"Yes, really! I'll just send him some cafe websites or something. Besides, if I take him to the strawberry cafe, they'd think I'm cheating on you or something. which won't be ideal when we do go back. And heck, Megan-chan doesn't even like cafes!" Yachi rambled on, frowning. Tsukishima looked at the girl, surprised that she was actually giving him her time. He was... so freaking happy! She chose him over some stupid Hiraka guy! Tsukishima could help but smile in glee.

"Yes," He whispered to himself, happy to be with the girl. It really was their only day to have time with each other, with their Saturdays and Sundays busy with other things, Monday Yachi had cleaning duty, Tuesday was Tsukishima's own cleaning duty and Wednesdays and Fridays were for their club, the only time they really have is on Thursday.

"Jesus, if you wanted cake so much, you could have gone with Yamaguchi." Yachi spat out, glaring at him. Tsukishima rolled his eyes.

"I see Yamaguchi every day. Besides, I would rather spend my time with just you." Tsukishima said, folding his arms and pouted, his stubbornness showing again. Yachi blushed, stopping and staring at him in disbelief.

"What?" He turned back to look at her, not realising what he had just said.

"THE Tsukishima Kei. The cold-hearted, stone-faced 190cm tall volleyball middle blocker, ice-cold words that can make anyone cry to their mommy, want's to spend time with me?" Yachi stated, in awe. Tsukishima's mind finally caught on his words. His eyes widened and his cheeks turned red from embarrassment.

"I-" He tried to think of anything to cover up that shot he practically hit himself with. But nothing came besides 'yeah I like you, got a problem with that?' or 'I have a huge crush on you, so yeah I want to spend time with you.'

"I- Have to go?" Tsukishima said, a question to himself. Yachi stared at him, also confused.

"What?"

"What?" They stared at each other, in the middle of the hallway, where everyone stared at them weirdly as they passed by them. Tsukishima took a step back. "I... I'm gonna go now."

Yachi was left there, confused and flustered to oblivion. While Tsukishima ran as fast as he could to his classroom. He slammed the door shut and slumped down, trying to catch his breath.

"What- Tsukki did you run? You never do that!" Yamaguchi ran to his friend, Tsukishima looked back up to his friend, his face a blushing mess, and his eyes showed regret. Yamaguchi has never seen such a once in a lifetime sight before. He almost wanted to tear up and cry.

"Yamaguchi... plan my funeral." Tsukishima grabbed her friends shoulder, gripping hard. Yamaguchi calmed him down and actually managed to get him on his seat.

After an embarrassing explanation to his friend, Yamaguchi laughed out loud. Tsukishima smacked his friends back, glaring at him.

"I- Can't BELIEVE You just did all of that!' Yamaguchi said in between laughter. Tsukishima groaned in misery as he slammed his head on the table

"And you have to go with her later! You can't even escape it!" Yamaguchi added salt to his wounds. Tsukishima cried out loud, frustratingly trying to find a way to die an accidental death before school ended and he would inevitably die of embarrassment just by seeing her.

-

vi

"Why are you avoiding the elephant in the room?" Yachi asked, sipping her latte. Tsukishima glanced up at her, away from his third cake. THIRD.(he'd usually eat 1 or 2.)

"What are you talking about? I'm just eating my cake normally. Like how I normally do." Yachi glared at him, placing the cup down a bit too aggressively. Tsukishima swallowed the cake lump he barely took a bite of.

"Tsukki-" Tsukishima cut her off.

"And it's such a great cake, might I add. probably the best in town, no, in the whole world. They should get an award for the best Strawberry shortcake,"

"Tsukishima-" She tried again, but again, Tsukishima ignored her completely.

"Oh, and don't get me started with the freshness of the strawberry, where do they get it? it's always sweet! It's like-"

"Tsukishima Kei!" Yachi stood up and smacked his mouth shut. She kept her hand over his mouth. She frowned at him, she huffed and started " Stop avoiding the question. Your ego is too high to admit that you actually enjoy my presence, aren't I right?" Yachi hit right on the target, as Tsukishima gave her a pained expression. She sat back down.

"You wound me, woman," Tsukishima said, glancing away from her. Yachi chuckled.

"Did I hit your weak spot Mr saltyshima?" Yachi teased, earning a glare from the male. She covered her chuckle which wasn't that hidden.

"Yes, you did. Now forget whatever I said for the past 11 hours and let me enjoy my cake." Tsukishima continued with his cake, trying to ignore her grinning face.

"Stop looking at me like that. And fine, I do enjoy my time with you- so go back to your notes and let me eat my cake in peace!" Tsukishima grumbled again, frowning at his own embarrassment, he looked away to eat his cake. Yachi just smiled brightly.

Yachi gently tapped on his palm that he rested on the table to get his attention. He looked at her, tilting his head. She started, "I enjoy spending my time with you too, Tsukkishima-kun. You are a very nice and enjoyable person to be with" She sipped her latte again, she was calm as ever.

Tsukishima cursed at himself for loving every bit of the girl. He loves her smile that just hits that soft spot in his heart. Her voice that just sounds heavenly to him. How her pretty eyelashes fluttered when she blinked, her eyes twinkling under the sunlight and my God her lips that he just wished he could kiss and run his fingers to feel the curves of her smile. At first, he just wanted them to be friends. But greed was a selfish ass. He wanted more than the friend title, no he didn't even want the close friend title. He wanted to be called her boyfriend. And man does he want it bad.

"Oh, and I like you too."

Tsukishima almost choked. He looked at her, she wasn't blushing or even looking anything but a mess. He wonder if he just hallucinated it. He exploded into a blushing mess and her eyes stared right back at him and that innocent smile plastered on her face.

The staff that had seen them regularly, glanced at them, widening their eyes as the did a double-check. The tables have turned and the scene was a rare sight, they almost took a picture but customer policy was stopping them.

Tsukishima was now the panicked one while Yachi was calmly staring back at him. Yachi giggled, looking at Tsukishima who held his head down low, covering his face with both of his hands, even so, his ears were red and the visible blush could be seen a mile away.

"Y-you really do hit right at the weak spots."

-fin?

Honestly, I straight up wrote this for 5 hours straight. I don't know how to end this? I might not even add a third part because I kinda like that ending!

Yachi actually calmly telling her feelings to Tsukishima and then Tsukishima being a blushing mess because he doesn't know emotions and how to deal with them. I like that little irony, the tables turning and honestly the cutest thing ever!

Oh! Pictures for this part of the story will be drawn by me, ill do it on another day or something, I'll get some sleep and do it in the morning.

-Author