Acquiring the friendship of Tsukishima Kei (1)

Yachi has come to learn to be friends with everyone in the Karasuno Volleyball team. Well, almost everyone. The only person that stands in her way of being everyone's friend is none other than Tsukishima Kei. That cold and salty giraffe who always seem to glare at anything and everything, when he isn't angry, he is annoyed, when he isn't annoyed, he just teases you to oblivion!

Yachi is intimidated if it can even begin to explain how scared she is to interact with that salty Dinosaur. Even with his fragile-looking body that everyone talks about being scared to break, he still had a personality that just makes him look more intimidating than he looks out to be. But even with all these stacked against Yachi, she wasn't going to give up so easily.

So, she set out to befriend the shut-off and reserved male. But it needs to be subtle, like an accidental friendship, Yachi remembered Yamaguchi telling her that Tsukishima hates strangers pestering him non stop, he'll hate her more if she is persistent and annoying.

That's right, she has to start from square one and work her way up. She doesn't need to push it, she has more than enough time to gain Tsukishima's trust. So, after only a month of being the volleyball team's manager, Yachi set her goal into befriending Tsukishima!

-

i

Yachi will start simple, a small conversation with Tsukishima would be enough right? She glanced at the bottle and towel she held then looked back at Tsukishima who was alone. She took a deep breath and walked up to him

"Here's your towel and bottle, Tsukishima-kun," Yachi popped up behind Tsukishima, who got startled a bit but he awkwardly mutters a thank you and grabbed the towel and bottle. Yachi gave a determined smile and nod. She looked around and found that no one was listening to them, not even a glance, now's her chance.

"Say, the third years are going off soon huh? It will be different when they're gone." She started, looking around to find Daichi shouting at Tanaka and Nishinoya. She glanced up at him then back to the rest. Tsukishima hummed in agreement.

"Are you worried when Kiyoko-san won't be here next year?" He asked her, which surprised Yachi since he wasn't the type to actually contribute to a conversation. Yachi laughed nervously, scratching the back of her head out of habit.

"I-It will be a big change- but I will try my best as the new manager to fill in Shimizu-san's shoes!" She gave an earnest answer. Tsukishima gave another nod and when Yachi wasn't looking, he gave a small smile. He looked like he wanted to say more, but he stopped at himself when Suga called for the girl. Yachi shot a quick smile to Tsukishima and rushed over.

Yachi was grinning, proud of herself to have actually talked to Tsukishima, she might actually have a chance to be his friend!

So every practice she would talk to the male, anything of random. She had learned that Tsukishima is a very approachable person, having almost any opinion on any topic, with given facts.

They had talked about literature once, he admits that he isn't good at the subject, but when he does understand, he finds himself wanting to research more on it. She noticed how genius he was at mathematical formulas and memorizing science experiments. Or how he can actually recite the periodic table by his memory, even knowing how each element worked.

Yachi began to be more amazed at the male every time they talked, although it was only 30 minutes per week, it was still enough to form a nice bond with Tsukishima. He was fascinating the more Yachi talked to him, it was like she was seeing a new side to him every single break and she just can't seem to want to know more.

-

ii

Of course, only talking with the male during breaks won't be enough. But luckily for Yachi, an opportunity arose on a particular day, when Kiyoko had been sick on the day.

It was a bit sad day for everyone when the beautiful raven-haired manager was sick. Tanaka and Nishinoya especially were lazing and crying like Kiyoko had died or something. They were messier and sometimes even aggressive when playing. Which led to a particular play when Tanaka aggressively spiked the ball, causing a sprain on Tsukishima's finger.

Tsukishima flinched at the growing pain on his hand. Tanaka smacked himself and repeatedly said sorry to the blonde male. Yachi took the opportunity and rushed to Tsukishima with some tape and a few more medical things.

"P-please let me practice my tapping!" Yachi asked the male, looking at him determinedly.

That's how it led to the two of them sitting on the bench while the game played on. Yachi's shaking hands trying to tape Tsukishima's ring finger.

"I'm sorry if it's bad Tsukishima-kun. I'm not got as Kiyoko-san," Yachi said shyly. Tsukishima glanced at the girl then on his hands.

"It's fine. you're better at this than last month. I'm sure if it's another player, this is a good taping. But I prefer if you put it a bit tighter than usual." Tsukishima said, moving his ring finger to test out. Yachi nodded and tightened it.

"Is it better? or too tight?" Yachi asked, she look back up to him, he wore a small smile, it was barely there, but Yachi saw the curve of his lips. Tsukishima just nodded, making Yachi confused. She flushed and looked back down on her work, moving to the index finger.

His hands were much bigger than hers, they felt rough and it shows just how much he had been practicing, but it was warm and nice, oddly enough her hands would fit comfortably with his. Yachi snapped out of her thoughts, blushing a bit at how she was stupid enough to think Tsukishima would hold hands with her, not like she would dream about that! No! She just wanted to be friends with him!

She finally finished and smiled at her work, also finishing the civil war in her brain.

"Thank you, Yachi-san. It's comfortable to move around with." Tsukishima said, testing out his movements with his fingers. Yachi chuckled and flushed at the comment.

"I-it's not that great and Kiyoko-san could have done better-" Yachi stopped when she felt him patting her head. Her mind exploded.

"You should give yourself more credit." Tsukishima got up and walked back to the court, joining the rest. He left Yachi looking flustered, her heart beating hard, while she touched her head, confused. Is she friends with Tsukishima now?

Yachi felt giddy and her stomach flipping, she was happy that Tsukishima might be her friend, that's all there is to it. She ignored the thumping in her heart as she packed up the medical kit.

-

iii

Yachi just finished cleaning up the Gym, after everyone had stayed back all the way until the sun had set. Daichi had to force them all out, asking a favor to Yachi and Kiyoko to be the ones to pack up the Gym, since the other's would just get distracted and start practicing again. The two managers agreed and quickly cleaned up.

Yachi and Kiyoko got out the refreshing night air, they figured the other's have already gone home or went to Ukai's store. Yachi said her goodbye's to Kiyoko after telling the senior countless times that she would be fine going home on her own. She turned to the corner and walked slowlyHer mom was going to be late today so there was no point in rushing.

"Yachi-san?" She turned around to see a familiar blonde male. Yachi smiled and waited for him to catch up to her.

"Good evening, Tsukishima-kun. I thought everyone had already gone home?" Yachi asked, the pair started to walk. Tsukishima having to walk slower for the girl. Tsukishima nodded.

"I couldn't find some of my stuff so I was late into leaving school. I told Yamaguchi to head off with the rest, how about you?" He glanced down at the girl. Yachi shrugged, they turned another corner to see none of their teammates at Ukai's store.

"I cleaned up the Gym with Kiyoko-san since Daichi didn't trust the rest to go home straight away," Yachi explained. A small silence fell on them and Yachi panicked, trying to find another topic to talk about.

"Do you take the bus?" Tsukishima asked, cutting off her thoughts. Yachi tilted her head, understanding his question and nodding. Tsukishima glanced at the dim street.

"I do too, I live relatively near the station. How about you?" Tsukishima said casually. Yachi widened her eyes in surprise, she never knew Tsukishima would live so near to her.

"I-I actually am near the station, it's the big red building! I'm guessing you're the stop before mine? where the individual houses are at?" Yachi asked. They had finally arrived at the bus stop, they took a seat and waited for the bus.

"Yeah, it's weird that you guess that?" Tsukishima asked, tilting his head in curiosity. Yachi panicked, the last thing she want's to be seen as is a stalker! She blushed hard and stated her reasonings.

"A-ah well since I don't really see you on the same bus I assumed you would be before or after my stop! Oh but after my stop is already the more central part of town and there are no more housing units after mine so..." Yachi rambled on, she stopped and looked shyly at the male who wore an unreadable face. Yachi looked at him, confused when he chuckled. Tsukishima actually chuckled? At her?

"Eh?"

"Sorry, I was just teasing you Yachi-san. You looked like you were proving yourself not to be a stalker or something." Tsukishima laughed a bit more. Yachi nervously laughed and nodded. It shouldn't come as a shock to Yachi that Tsukishima could pick up on her feelings so easily. He was very observant. Yachi took a deep breath and calmed down. The bus finally arrived and they got on the surprisingly empty bus.

"It's usually packed." Yachi pointed out, sitting down nearest to the window. Tsukishima settled beside her.

"Well, I guess it's already too late and everyone probably arrived home," Tsukishima stated. Yachi agreed with him. "I'll take you home then."

"You don't have to! I'm sure you must be tired after practice." Yachi refused, Although it will be a good opportunity for her to be closer to the male, it would be bad if he passed out due to exhaustion on the way home or something. Yachi's phone suddenly vibrated and she glanced at the message she got.

"Hm? But it's late and dangerous. Besides it'd be bad if you trip and fall and break your bones or something on a deserted street with no one to help you." Tsukishima looked at her, she glanced back up at him, placing her phone back in her back. His unwavering and calm eyes battled against her panicked and confused ones. Just like that, Tsukishima's stop was passed, leaving Yachi no choice but to agree.

"Thanks for walking me home, Tsukishima-kun. But are you sure?" Yachi asked again as they got off the bus. Tsukishima sighed and rolled his eyes.

"It's fine." He gave a quick reply, which made Yachi zip her mouth. Tsukishima glanced at the girl and then pulled her to her side, changing their position. He now walked nearer to the roadside. Yachi looked up at the moon.

"Now that I think about it, the Tsuki in Tsukishima is the moon. It's fitting." Yachi said, smiling to herself. Tsukishima tilted his head in confusion, he looked up at the crescent moon.

"How so?"

"W-well, I guess people associate the moon with being mysterious and eerie. It represents hidden emotions and worries. In literature, a moon is meant to be evil and scary. It reminds me of you. You're mysterious and a bit scary at times... B-but deep down you hide your emotions and even your worries, You're a bright light in the dark." Yachi stared at him, a gentle smile on her lips as the moon hit nicely on her face. The reflection of the bright crescent moon was seen on her eyes and Tsukishima couldn't help but be mesmerized.

"Oh! we're here, Thank you again for taking me home Tsukishima-kun. Have a safe trip back home!" Yachi stopped in front of the building. Tsukishima also did the same, she waved goodbye and walked in, leaving the male all to himself.

The thumping in his heart would not stop as he repeated the words she said to him. What the heck has she done to him!?

-

iv

Yachi stayed a bit later after practice to pack up the gym, the rest of her team had started going back to change and get home. during the past week, Yachi and Tsukishima had started taking the bus more often with each other. She figured that he would meet with him up again today. So today is the day she will ask him if they're friends.

Yachi is sure nervous about it, if the male looks at her like garbage, all the things she had done would be left out to rot and she'll be too embarrassed to try again, but if he does agree, then it'll be the greatest achievement she had done in a while. She smiled and hurried her duties, she was almost done.

"I'm sorry, Is Hitoka-san here?" A girl asked Tsukishima who had finished packing up his stuff and was heading to catch up with Yamaguchi.

"What do you need with our manager?" He asked rather coldly. The girl, who looked to be taller than Yachi, had brown hair tied in a ponytail, with blue glasses. She looked at Tsukishima with fear in her eyes.

"A-ah You see-"

"Kirin-chan!" Yachi suddenly popped out of nowhere, startling the two. Tsukishima glanced at the two girls and understood that he should leave.

"I'm sorry for bothering you, but remember the new cafe you've been talking about? that sells great strawberry desserts? It's opened for about a week now! Are you free during the weekdays? we can go and check out their desserts!" Now that caught Tsukishima's attention.

"Sure, I'd be glad to! Let's plan it, we're going in the same direction right?" Yachi cheered, walking along with the girl. Tsukishima also went to Yamaguchi, but his mind still wondered about the strawberry cafe. He should ask Yachi later if she was at the bus stop, he was curious, especially if they had strawberry shortcake.

"Tsukki! here!" Yamaguchi called out to him, Tsukishima followed him with the other 2 first years. Hinata and Kageyama were fighting, as usual, an involving Yamaguchi in between. Tsukishima didn't mind as he wasn't even paying attention to them.

They finally all had to go their separate ways which led to Tsukishima walking alone. He placed his headset and started his playlist. He was already near the bus stop.

"Tsukishima-kun?" Yachi called out to the male, but she quickly noticed the headset and she ran up to him, tugging the end of his sleeve. Tsukishima turned to her, he pulled down his headset and rested it on his shoulders. He nodded, they both started walking together.

"I heard a bit of what the girl was saying to you," Tsukishima started, a small blush forming on his cheek. Yachi looked at him then onto the ground.

"Oh! That, yeah... it's a new cafe near the central and I wanted to check it out." Yachi said, laughing nervously. Tsukishima nodded but he frowned, disappointed that she didn't mention the name. He would have to ask further.

"What's the name of it?" He asked after a bit of hesitation. Yachi looked at him, a bit surprised before answering him back.

"It's café de fraises, I searched about it and the name actually means, Cafe of strawberries! I guess that's why it's famous for their desserts!" Yachi explained, Tsukishima grinned. He will certainly go to that cafe and try out their cake, obviously strawberry shortcake, but a strawberry cheesecake would be good too, or a sponge cake.

"Are you interested in going?" Yachi suddenly asked him, it caught him off guard, but he coughed to cover up any flinches or startles.

"N-not particularly." It caused the other to giggle. He glared at her, which made the girl giggle even more.

"I'm pretty sure your favourite dessert is strawberry shortcake, Tsukishima-kun. I searched for reviews on the desserts there just now with Kirin-chan. I read that it's the best out of the rest there." Yachi said, Tsukishima's expression relaxed and he nodded slowly.

"If you want, we can go there after school tomorrow on Thursday?" Yachi suggested, looking away from him to hide her blush. Tsukishima's heart thumped faster as he looked down at the girl, surprised she actually asked that.

"Really?" Tsukishima asked, a bit concerned. Other than Yamaguchi asking him to hang out, no one else has, well Hinata and Kageyama have, correction, forced him to. So Yachi asking him to hang out was out of his normal routine, no, out of his normal life!

"W-we're friends right?" It caught Tsukishima by even more surprises. It's already enough she asked him to hang out- but even saying that she considers him a friend!? It wasn't like he didn't want to, he is just so surprised at the sudden confirmation.

"Yes." He said before it turned awkward. Yachi seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Tsukishima wondered if she was also scared of her sudden question? He shook his thoughts away and tried to now focus on the cafe. Right, he will be going there with her, his friend. Tsukishima's heart fastened, it'll be hard to get used to calling her a friend.

"Oh! would Yamaguchi and the rest want to go too?" Yachi asked, they got on the bus and as usual sat down beside each other.

"No, Yamaguchi has cleaning duty tomorrow, and just now Hinata and Kageyama were bickering about the ticket expenses to a volleyball movie they wanted to watch tomorrow. So none of them are free." Tsukishima explained, Although he wasn't paying attention to the 3 other first years, he still caught on a bit on their conversation just because of how loud they were.

"Oh... I see, wait- are you free too? If you aren't then it's fine! we can go-"

"I'm free, Yachi-san. Anyways, I'll get going now." Tsukishima cut off her almost panicking state. He got up from his seat as the bus stopped at his stop. He gave her a quick smile and got off the bus.

He is looking forward to tomorrow.