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That day, Shiratorizawa again managed to qualify for the next round of the tournament.
But as much as they’re known as one of the strongest teams in the country, the last match wasn’t too easy for them, and it left everyone really exhausted. Immediately after returning to their inn, most of the players were knocked out cold.
Only Ushijima and you remained awake.
“...Ushijima-san? You’re still going out?” you asked when you saw your teammate there in his tracksuit and putting on his shoes. Your voice startled him slightly.
“Ah, yeah…” he answered simply with a nod.
You sat beside him on the step and flashed a warm smile. “Congratulations, again. You did really great on the court, you know? That’s Wakatoshi Ushijima for ya!” You playfully nudged him.
Normally, Ushijima is just your stoic volleyball nerd unfazed by people, no matter how chaotic they can get. He is completely devoid of any emotion.
It makes him wonder sometimes, “Would I still be considered a human in this case?”
That was until you came.
In your presence, his heart is overwhelmed with so many genuine emotions. Your smile is contagious enough to affect even him, an inexpressive person. And he can’t help but worry whenever you aren’t in the right mood.
Ushijima felt safe around you, which was one of the reasons why he fell for you.
He doesn’t know how you managed to calmly approach him the first time with how intimidating he appeared, but honestly, he’s glad you had the bravery to do so. Because it would be awkward for him.
He gave you a soft smile back. “Thanks.”
No, this isn’t enough. I also have to thank them for making me feel this way.
I want to.
This warmth in my heart…that came from them…has now become very dear to me…
“Welp,” you stood up, “I’ll be going now. Don’t stay out for too long, okay? You still have a game tomorrow.” You chuckled as you ruffled his olive green hair.
He only stared at you as you walked away. Part of him was scared of telling you his true feelings and would rather keep quiet.
However…
Ushijima quickly went after you and grabbed your arm, taking you by surprise.
“U–Ushijima-san..?” you blinked at him. “Is there something wrong?”
…there is still that other part…
“Y/N…” he muttered, fumbling for the right words to say. “I…”
…eager to speak…
“I…” A blush started to grow on his cheeks.
…and stand up for what his heart feels!
“I like you.”
You blushed as well. “You…like me?” you asked, pointing a finger at yourself.
Ushijima sighed and gingerly took your hand. “I want you to listen carefully, because I’m not going to say this again,” he spoke in a serious manner, but he was becoming more and more nervous with each passing second. “I like you, Y/N. I like the way you make me feel. You know me as someone who struggles with expressing emotions, and to tell you the truth, you were able to help me with that. I want you to know that the warmth you give my heart is very dear to me, I…” He gazed into your eyes intently. “I hope you understand.”
In front of you now wasn’t the usual stoic, unbothered Ushijima, but rather, the soft, vulnerable Ushijima.
You chuckled as you held both his hands in yours. “I do, don’t worry about it,” you smiled warmly at him. Your touch was soothing. “I appreciate everything you’ve told me, Ushijima-san. Coming from the captain of the volleyball team, it looks like I’ve done a great job as manager. Thank you.”
“S–Sure, no problem…” he stammered with a slight nod. “Y/N?”
“Hm?” you replied.
“How about you? What do you feel about me?” He was now looking away from you, the intense blush remaining on his face.
He was dying to know.
“Do you like me, too?”
Do you value him the way he values you?
When he heard no response from you, Ushijima added, “Y/N, it’s okay if you can’t return the sentiment. Just tell me the truth. I want you to feel safe with me like I am with you.” He smiled reassuringly at you.
And somehow, it made your heart flutter. Ushijima as a kind, sensitive human being, generally speaking.
“N–No, it’s not that, Ushijima-san!” you stammered, waving your hands at him profusely. “I like you, too!”
He raised his eyebrows. “You do?” He didn’t expect a positive feedback from you, but he wasn’t all that surprised about it.
You froze, and upon realization of what you’d said, you went to hide your face from embarrassment. “Wait, I mean..!”
Ushijima just chuckled as he gently took your hands off your adorable face. You were completely a blushing mess now. “Hey, there’s no need to be embarrassed about it. I was the one who…raised the subject, anyway.” His gaze then became serious. “Now, I want you to be honest with me…”
He held onto your hands firmly.
“What am I to you, Y/N?”
For a moment, you were silent. You lowered your head with a sigh before speaking softly, “Yes, Ushijima-san. I like you.”
You raised your head back up to look at him again, the embarrassment from earlier no longer on your face. While he just stood there, listening attentively to what your answer may be.
You continued, “I like you, but not only as the captain of Shiratorizawa’s volleyball team. Or a teammate I’m taking care of. Or a random schoolmate I sometimes see around campus. Or even…even a friend. I like you more than that, Ushijima-san! I really, really like you! You’re just sooo precious to me, I don’t know why. Like, you’re so quiet I sometimes feel there’s something wrong and I have to protect your soft side. I—”
Suddenly, Ushijima pulled you in a hug, cutting you off.
“Thank you…” he muttered, his grasp around you becoming tighter. “For considering my emotions. It’s just… It’s hard for me to properly express them. I’m really happy you could understand, Y/N.”
That’s when he felt you hug back. “I understand because I care,” you rested your head on his chest. “Well, I care for everyone in the team, but not as much as with you.”
“Really?” He pulled away slightly and lifted your chin to gaze into your pretty eyes.
“Really,” you nodded and then smiled lovingly at him. “Okay, I’m starting to sound biased with the players now.”
“You’re not, don’t worry.”
Finally, you know.
From this day onward, he will try to express himself more. Especially to you.