Chapter Text
The first time it happened, it was during a match in the 2018 winter season. It wasn't until the second set that he noticed him.
-Tsukishima! - his coach had shouted from the bench, the assistants shifting restlessly at his side.
With a single nod of his head, he gave him to understand the instruction implicit in the intensity of his gaze.
The line of rotation changed again and this time Toshiaki, Ayano and he were left standing firm against the net. They called him “the barrier” of the Sendai Frogs and the chants of the fans repeated the name that the formation of Miyagi's top three blockers had popularized over the past year.
Adjusting his sports glasses while wiping sweat from his forehead, Tsukishima Kei heard something he hadn't heard for some time.
He turned suddenly, fixing his gaze in the direction of the bleachers.
“Tsukki!”
This time the name had sounded firmer, the voice louder, giving him a chance to follow it and find him. There in the bleachers of fans, four rows up and to the right, Yamaguchi Tadashi was shouting his name.
When he saw himself being watched, the smile of recognition and happiness lit up Yamaguchi's face. He jumped euphoric and immediately noticed Yachi Hitoka next to him, sharing the same intensity.
They had promised, the pair of them, to go and watch one of their matches. He had not expected them to actually make good on their ridiculous threat.
However, in the middle of the second set against Yotsuya Motor Spirits, Tsukishima Kei did the unthinkable for many, he smiled sideways, a true smile of excitement.
-Ok... this has just begun,- he muttered loud enough for the opposing team's player, mirroring his position on the other side of the net, to hear him.
The Sendai Frogs' defensive strategy combined with the magical hands of their new sweeper and the dangerous intensity of the recently first liner Kyoutani Kentaro, allowed them to win that afternoon.
He always enjoyed how the post-match adrenaline was diluted by the pleasant feeling of victory. The applause of the fans, the words of his teammates.
In his adulthood he had learned to enjoy even the rough pat on their back with which their coach congratulated them.
He had lost sight of his former teammates once they entered the tunnel that led to their locker rooms and the stands began to empty. With some anxiety that he had not felt for some time, Tsukishima gathered his things, and with his hair still damp after his obligatory shower, he hurried to leave the venue.
It was customary for a few fans to crowd at the exit, straggling out of the crowd, waiting for a photograph or even an autograph. They were not a top division team, yet in Sendai they enjoyed popularity and a growing group of local fans.
In the midst of the small crowd, among whom he recognized family and friends of other team members, Tadashi's face was the first thing he encountered. Despite the scarf that partially hid his face and hair shorter than he remembered, his eternal freckles gave him away.
Yamaguchi smiled at him as he saw him coming.
-Tsukishima-senshu, please! - A man and a teenage boy intercepted his walk towards Tadashi, waving a green T-shirt with the number 17 on the back.
Nodding in acknowledgement he proceeded to receive the marker and sign the garment. It wasn't the first time someone had asked him for an autograph, still, he felt warmth on his face knowing that Yamaguchi was just a few meters away and could see the scene clearly.
-Tsukkii! Congratulations on the victory.
He had missed that smile, but most of all, how every emotion vibrated transparently in his eyes. He adjusted his glasses, trying to cover his embarrassed expression and heard him laugh.
-Tsukki-senshuu.... I don't have anything for you to sign,- he commented humorously, feeling the pockets of his parka coat. - Although I almost bought one of those T-shirts from the stalls when I saw your name.
-Shut up Yamaguchi. - He didn't miss the other man's amused expression when he heard him say those words. - Don't you dare pay a fortune for those trinkets,- he threatened him, his ears still red, -I can get you one.
-Really? Tsukki... Thank you!
He seemed, for some reason that eluded his comprehension, really excited by the idea.
-Where is Yachi? - he asked noticing her absence.
-Ah... She had to leave, going back to Tokyo tomorrow on the first train. She wrote you a message apologizing for that.
Paying attention to her cell phone for the first time in hours, he discovered the unread message from his former manager and friend.
Yachi Hitoka :
"I hope we can do it again soon! I got too excited. Just like the old days Tsukishima-kun!"
He could not suppress an endearing smile as he read her message.
-Lately she lives more in Tokyo than in Miyagi. - Yamaguchi commented, sounding disappointed.
-It can't be easy, having that whole apartment to yourself can feel lonely...
He wanted to tell him that he understood. That since Akiteru had returned to his hometown, he too found his space too big and cramped; but Tadashi watched him confused by his comment.
-Tsukki... Hitoka and I haven't lived together for some time. I've had my own apartment for a year and a half now. In fact, it's not too far from here.
Tsukishima nodded, trying to hide the surprise of his revelation.
He shouldn't be so shocked, that comment had been just what he needed to remind him that Yamaguchi was no longer in his life. Not like he once had been.
The distance that had risen between them over those last four years wasn't going to disappear just because when they met, it was simple to talk to him again.
The few times they had met in those years, interacting with Tadashi felt comfortable and as natural as if it triggered some conditioned reflex imprinted in his body. As if they had never been separated. But then there was some phrase that reminded him that, when all was said and done, the one who had been his only friend could hardly be considered his acquaintance nowadays.
A former teammate.
-In fact, too close... Tsukki, I'm sorry I didn't come to see you play sooner, I really wanted to! - he assured, raising his voice slightly, and immediately embarrassed to do so. - Ah... I'm shouting.
-It's okay, I understand that you're busy.
Tadashi nodded slowly, not looking him in the eye, accepting the excuse offered. Though deep down they both knew it wasn't entirely true.
They had started walking in the direction of the building's exit, exchanging a few comments about the match, when Tadashi stopped and hesitantly, changed the subject.
-Tsukki... Are you busy now? I mean... Wouldn't you like to do something? With me. - He clarified right away, as if it was necessary to do so.
Tsukishima took a few extra seconds to enjoy the nerves evident in the other young man, and smiling sideways, he agreed.
As if he would be able to say no to anything he asked.
-Where do you plan to go? I know an Izakaya not far away, we can walk there.
Tadashi accepted his proposal with a beaming expression.
The place was not far, just as he had promised. It was small and perhaps a bit dark in relation to other similar locales, but it was just the kind of quiet, reserved place he enjoyed.
He wondered, anxiously, if Yamaguchi wouldn't find it a bit anticlimactic. He had always been the more social of the two. They hadn't shared much in their college years, but from comments from mutual friends and the occasional photo on their social networks, he knew that over the years that trait had been exacerbated.
Contrary to him, Tsukishima had only increased his ostracism.
-The food is very good,- he assured him the second they walked through the door, as if to excuse himself. However, his companion seemed pleased with the place. He had a relaxed expression and it was he who chose a secluded table against one of the walls.
-I'm really sorry I didn't come to see you play sooner. - He mentioned once the dishes were ordered. Yamaguchi shifted uneasily in his seat, and had a hard time keeping his eyes on him. - I know you've been a starter for some time but it never felt like the right time...I don't know how to explain it.
Kei understood what he wasn't putting into words. The distance between them had generated that sense of strangeness.
-I really liked doing it, finally. Watching you play... you've become even more amazing, Tsukki.
Now he was the one who couldn't look him in the eye. He tried to hide behind a sip of his glass of tea.
-It's so nice to feel that excitement again, it was a great game.
-Do you still practice it? Yachi told me some time ago that you were on an intramural team at the university.
- Ah, no. - He admitted. - That was only freshman year. Then I quit, it didn't feel the same to me...- His distant expression was all Kei needed to know to change the subject.
He wanted to ask him, though, because he no longer felt like he did in high school. Like in his third year, when Tadashi was unstoppable and volleyball was all that existed for him. Kageyama and Hinata were obsessed with the sport, but Tadashi loved it.
Sitting across from the short-haired man, sporting the same freckles and frank eyes he had known long ago, Tsukishima wondered to himself if there were still traces of that Captain who had taken them to play on the main court in a national tournament.
That was not the only thing he wanted to know. He wanted to ask him everything, his plans for the future, what his life was like. He wanted to ask him if he was with anyone at the moment. If he still retained the habit of falling asleep smoothly on any surface, if when he was depressed he looked up at the stars searching for constellations in the clear sky and if soggy potato chips were still his favorite treat after a long day.
He finally opted to play it safe for two acquaintances, and inquire about his studies and plans now that he was finishing college.
Tadashi seemed grateful for the change of subject. His face lit up as he began to tell him about his soon-to-be start at EMC Technological, a major company in the country, famous for manufacturing everything from small everyday electronic instruments to being involved in the development of technology for cell phones, navigation and communication devices for planes, ships and trains.
The marketing team was very prestigious, even in the Miyagi branch, and Tadashi as well as a few others, the top of their class, had been recruited. The company would provide him with housing and the pay was good, even for an intern.
He confessed to him how that relieved him, knowing he could send some money home, help his mother and younger sister.
Yamaguchi sounded especially proud of that. Not that it was a surprise to him, his former friend had always been very smart, knowing he was among the best in his career was not news. However, Kei contemplated with pleasure how the proud and confident streak he had acquired in his last year of high school was still in there.
-Sake is great for the cold. Are you sure you won't want to share it? - he asked again. To which the blond denied again. - Ah... sorry, a professional athlete is really committed to his body, isn't he?
The way he said it, while giving Tsukishima's appearance a long inspection, made him smile complacently. Tadashi blushed again at being caught out.
-Yes, but that's not it. Tomorrow I have one of those days that start early.
He didn't want to mention to him that ever since Kuro forced him to drink an obscene amount of alcohol in his first year of college, to the point where he ended up losing his dignity in front of Bokuto and Akaashi, whining and babbling about how much he missed his best friend, he had given up the whole drinking thing.
Tadashi didn't need to hear that.
-Oh, training so early in the morning?
-No, my work.
-Work? Tsukkiiii... me here hogging the conversation and you never told me you're working.
-I'd rather listen to you talk.
He wondered if the comment had sounded flirtatious, but Tadashi didn't appear uncomfortable about it. On the contrary, his smile, influenced by the presence of alcohol, only became more pronounced as he listened to him. He looked at him relaxed, through his narrowed eyes and long eyelashes.
He had forgotten how long his eyelashes were.
-I'm finishing an internship at the Sendai Museum, but I'm likely to be offered a permanent position in the spring.
It was more than likely, the offer had already been made and accepted a couple of weeks ago.
As they left the izakaya, still walking beside him towards the train station, Yamaguchi continued to ask about his work at the museum. He seemed somewhere between amazed and astonished by the news, to the point that Kei found himself telling him details of his day to day life, what he liked most about the place, about the people he had met and what his prospects for the future were.
Tadashi listened attentively and he was surprised to hear himself confessing things that not even his brother and mother had managed to coax out of him, despite being insistent.
-Why are you so surprised? You always knew I was studying for this.
-Oh no, make no mistake Tsukki, I always knew you were a paleontology nerd. - He teased, sticking his tongue out at him playfully. - But when I heard you had decided to turn pro and take up volleyball... I thought that was going to be your ultimate goal.
- It's a second division team, Tadashi, the demands and freedoms have the balance you need to complete college and now do this. There is more than one thing I love in life, it's always been that way.
He had confessed this calmly, however, Yamaguchi had stopped on the icy sidewalk and seemed overwhelmed by what he had heard.
He had that expression he wore when many things were going through his head, but his mouth remained closed, unable to speak.
-Breath, Yamaguchi- he reminded him, patting him on the shoulder.
-Tsukki!I never thought I would hear you say such a thing!
-What? That I love volleyball and am passionate about my career in paleontology?
-Am I hallucinating? I think I've never heard you say that word, Tsukki, not once in twelve years.
-Tadashi... I'm no longer an emotionally constipated teenager. I am very clear and have no problem admitting who or whom I love.
He held his gaze for a few moments after saying that, his friend seemed paralyzed. Kei smiled to himself, pleased by the reaction he had provoked in Yamaguchi, and continued walking to the station.
No, he was no longer a teenager who denied his emotions, but he wasn't as resolved on that matter as he had implied either.
Tadashi caught up with him, running after him once he could recover from the initial shock, and they said goodbye at the train station, promising to meet again as soon as possible. Tsukishima wasn't so sure it was going to happen; his negative side always urged him to stay realistic, but Yamaguchi truly sounded committed to making it happen.
-Do you still have the same number, Tsukki?
-The same as always.
-I'm not sure you have my new number, so I'm going to write it down for you.- Tadashi took the phone from his hands and made sure to add him.
Kei saw him smile, both astonished and pleased, upon seeing that he was still scheduled in the same way as in high school. He blushed as soon as he was discovered, he still hadn't deleted the little strawberry emoji at the end of Yamaguchi's name in his contacts.
When he returned the phone to him, he noticed that Tadashi hadn't changed it.
The freckled young man raised his own mobile and showed on the screen his name, and that a small crescent moon continued to accompany his nickname.
-You'd better write to me, Tsukki, I promise to do the same. I'm glad I came today.
Tsukishima wanted to tell him that since he had seen him in the stands that afternoon, that day had turned out to be the best in his last weeks.
-I promise to write. - was all he said instead. And they said goodbye.
Arriving at his apartment that night, reviewing in his mind the events of the last few hours, he lay down on his bed and with his eyes closed wondered if he would be able to memorize every gesture and word Tadashi had uttered.
The movement of his lips. The different intonations with which he had called him by his nickname.
-Shit...-he muttered in the darkness of his room.
He had seen again the man he had been in love with all those years.
That night he dreamed of one of those many boot camps where a couple of futons, approximate, ended with Tadashi rolling into his during the night. Kei used to wake up with his friend's face pressed against his shoulder. He had reached out to brush some strand of hair away from his forehead; he wasn't sure if the gesture had actually happened or he had just fantasized it.
When he awoke in the morning, the phantom sensation of the weight of Tadashi's body next to his own lingered for the first few seconds of consciousness. But reaching out instinctively, cold sheets were all he found beside him.
No, Tadashi had never slept in that bed with him.
The pessimistic part of him tried to keep expectations at bay, even so, one of his colleagues at the museum had mentioned that he seemed to be in a better mood than usual. If he was checking his phone more than usual with his eyes, no one had mentioned it to him.
It was during his late lunch, delayed by an overextended archival task, that his cell phone screen lit up and the name he had been waiting for appeared on it.
From Yamaguchi 🍓
Tsukkiiiiiii good morning, although it's technically afternoon already.
I hope you had some lunch. I woke up later than I should have.
The comment was followed by a picture of a counter with a cup of coffee and an apple. Tsukishima looked at the pathetic excuse for breakfast with derision, but he had a smile on his lips.
When he looked up, he found one of his classmates, watching him curiously.
Without paying much attention, he snapped a picture of his own half-finished lunch.
From Yamaguchi 🍓
WOW.
Tsukishima... You're actually eating all that?
I should follow your example and eat that healthy.
I wish I had that kind of time.
Kei replied by sending a link to an article about batch cooking.
From Yamaguchi 🍓
Did you cook that? X.X
I'm impressed. OFFICIALLY.
The Tsukki I know doesn't even know how to cook an egg.
To Yamaguchi 🍓:
It's not that complicated. Stop making excuses is the first step, Yamaguchi.
From Yamaguchi 🍓.
AUCH. You are cruel Tsukki.
To Yamaguchi 🍓
Not for that reason any less true.
From Yamaguchi 🍓
Real. I wonder what other things you have learned, Tsukki-senshu.
-Tsukishima, Tsukishima? - The voice of another of his companions, seated at the same table, brought him out of his reverie.
-Mm... What?
-Ahh... it's nothing, we were just commenting. Kinoe-san mentioned that you'll still be here in the spring.
-Yes. -he confirmed, still hanging on to his conversation with Tadashi. - Any problem with that? - He inquired, seeing that the three individuals at the table were looking at him curiously.
-No, of course not! - She hastened to add. - I was just under the impression that you would continue with your doctorate, that's all.
-Tsukishima-kun, with the size of your brain I thought you'd be starting it by now, frankly.- Added another of the interns who had entered at the same time as him. The comment had been harmless, to which Kei just shrugged.
-Not at the moment.
-Oh, that's right, don't forget that Tsukishima is a professional athlete, that must be very demanding too,- mentioned the third one, who had been eating without intervening until that moment.
The face of the other two reflected an expression of realization, at the mention of the matter of his sports career.
He turned back to his phone to imply that he had no intention of pursuing the subject further.
To Yamaguchi 🍓.
I can do a floating jump serve.
From Yamaguchi 🍓
Oh... OH Tsukki. You're in trouble. Now, I HAVE to see that.
Supervise that you're doing it correctly.
It's probably not as perfect as you think.
To Yamaguchi 🍓
Shut up, Yamaguchi.
Anytime 😉
Messages continued to be exchanged relatively frequently. Kei spent many hours in parts of the underground where reception was frankly bad and during training there was a strict rule about cell phones. Tadashi was no less busy.
Tsukishima had discovered in the last few days that Yamaguchi was finishing up the last of his college obligations, that he was due to move in the next month to the apartment complex of the company that had hired him, that his current apartment was a complete shambles (photographic evidence aside, Tadashi's small studio apartment was just a larger version of what his room had been as a teenager), and that he shared that space with no one else.
Kei hadn't asked directly, but much of what Tadashi mentioned made him infer that he wasn't dating anyone at the moment.
While washing the plate he had just used for dinner, in his apartment, Tsukishima was trying to reminisce one night about what had been the last relationship he had been aware of. A slender woman with short dark hair was the image that came to his mind.
Kageyama had mentioned to him, in some of their conversations, that he had met her and the affair seemed serious. However, Yachi had casually blurted out to him, on the phone, that she was really just a fellow student and he wouldn't think they were very compatible.
He hadn't wanted to probe too deeply at the time. But one day the pictures on Tadashi's social media had stopped showing her, and instead he was moving on to his usual posting of billboards he found amusing, beautiful scenery, get-togethers with friends.
Kei would never admit out loud the embarrassing amount of time he spent looking at those pictures.
One day, weeks after their meeting, Kei had received a photograph even before it was published. In it Tadashi was standing in front of the mirror, white shirt and gray pants, employee badge dangling from his collar and an uncomfortable smile partially hidden behind the phone he held over his face.
From Yamaguchi 🍓:
This is the embarrassing appearance of someone joining the labor forces for the first time.
Kei had finished his training and was leaving the Frogs headquarters when that message had arrived. His teammates Kyoutani and Ayano were walking beside him, exchanging some opinions about their coach's new strategy and mentioned something about modifications to the starting lineup once the tryouts were held that year.
-Hey... Are you okay?- Kyoutani had murmured to him as they walked out into the street.
They both had a couple of blocks in common to get back to their respective apartments. Those extra minutes shared had cemented a relationship a little closer than with other colleagues.
It couldn't be called a friend, but when the others on the team found Kentaro's quiet intensity a bit intimidating, Kei preferred it. Kyotani never opened his mouth unless he had something relevant to say, and in return, he seemed just as comfortable with the short, terse sentences Tsukishima imparted. Nor did he mind if suddenly coming home suddenly meant walking beside him while wearing his headphones.
He was the second person in his life who didn't seem to get angry when he did that.
In response to his question, he just made an affirmative sound and continued to watch Tadashi's image on the screen. He didn't understand how an adult in the standard salaryman uniform could look so adorable.
Tsukishima was enraptured. And Kyotani next to him had probably noticed, but he didn't ask questions again once Kei dismissed the matter.
To Yamaguchi 🍓:
Impressive.
I see you're forgetting your time as a part-time employee at Shimada Mart.
Poor Shimada-san, this is going to break his heart.
From Yamaguchi 🍓:
TSUKKIII!!!!! Don't say that >.< you know what I mean.
To Yamaguchi 🍓:
I don't know Yamaguchi, your message was very clear.
Although I have to admit, this one is more flattering than the old employee apron.
From Yamaguchi 🍓:
Hey, Tsukishima, you don't need to remind me that red is not my color, but I have very fond memories in that uniform.
To Yamaguchi 🍓:
I know.
He didn't have to mention to him how because of that red apron with the Shimada Mart logo and his freckles, Kei had started telling him that he looked like a strawberry.
A seventeen-year-old Tadashi had blushed and responded with some sarcastic remark the first time; but Kei, despite his teasing tone, hoped his friend had gotten the message behind the joke.
Tsukishima loved strawberries, they were the one exception to his almost non-existent appetite, his weakness. Tadashi knew that, and he was pretty smart, so Kei hoped he understood that he wasn't saying his looks were funny, but that he wanted to devour him.
Tadashi hadn't mentioned it, but his face continued to blush. And every time he called him that way, his cheeks burned again.
To Yamaguchi 🍓
I really miss that apron.
You looked good in it.
Very cute.
-Tsukishima, I'm going that way. - Finally Kyoutani mentioned as they reached their point of separation.
-I'll see you. Say hello to Yahaba for me.
Kentaro turned to him, his expression softening imperceptibly and nodded before he left.
Tadashi had not responded to his last comment even when Kei was already back in his apartment. He entertained himself by preparing dinner, with the sound of his favorite playlist playing in the background to help distract him from the anxiety that silence was causing him.
Maybe he had been too forward.
Maybe this time he had gone too far and made Tadashi uncomfortable with his stupid insinuations.
Friends don't call friends cute.
That night, when he was already in bed and his phone rested on the bedside table, Tadashi finally answered him.
From Yamaguchi 🍓
Thank you Tsukki ~~
Wish me luck on my first day tomorrow. I'm nervous.
To Yamaguchi 🍓:
You're going to be fine, Captain.
Good night, Yamaguchi.
De Yamaguchi 🍓:
Good night, Tsukki. 😊
He waited until the afternoon of the next day to write to him, inquiring about his first day at his new job. But the response arrived so late that Tsukishima was already asleep.
When he read it first thing in the morning, Tadashi had only mentioned that it was more chaotic than he expected, but he was happy.
After that, Yamaguchi's time seemed to dwindle, because the messages had started to space out, even reaching a full week without hearing from him. Tsukishima no longer received photographs, even when he sent them himself.
To Yamaguchi 🍓:
I just saw this advertisement for your company as I was leaving the museum.
Tadashi didn't respond until a couple of days later, simply with an emoticon of a rabbit jumping excitedly. Tsukishima looked at him with disappointment and didn't say anything. The plans to meet again had been postponed due to conflicting schedules, and eventually, they stopped mentioning them.
His relationship with Tadashi was cooling off once again, and Tsukishima didn't know what to do about it.
In contrast to Yamaguchi's busy life, he had a few days off from training that gave him the extra time to take care of another personal matter he had been postponing.
When he entered the company that Akiteru had recommended for buying his first car, he found it to be as impressive as he had anticipated. It was an enclosed property with high walls, featuring different buildings that clearly and impeccably detailed the areas designated for sales, service, and repairs.
The salesperson he had been speaking with on the phone those days greeted him with the characteristic kindness of customer service in his country.
-Tsukishima-san, welcome, I was expecting you.
The salesman, who introduced himself as Mr. Okino, went over some of the information he had already mentioned over the phone. Kei had explained his needs and finally Okino had narrowed down the options to two or three vehicles, whose names and specifications meant nothing to Tsukishima.
He decided that the best thing to do was to go to the dealership and see them in person before choosing one.
-The models we discussed over the phone, Tsukishima-san, are available in the display area, if you allow me to show them to you,-the salesman offered as he guided him to another section, away from the offices and closer to the workshop where employees in their overalls could be seen working at the mechanical station on various cars. Kei had never seen anything like it before; everyone moved with precision, taking tools he didn't recognize, with unexpected synchronization.
-Ah! Once you decide on a model, if you make the purchase with us, we are pleased to admit that we have excellent after-sales service, Tsukishima-san. Your car will always be in perfect hands. - he hurriedly added upon seeing him watch the group of mechanics attentively.
-I see that.
The salesman continued discussing specifications regarding the three urban and rather mid-sized cars that were among the chosen options. Kei added a couple of questions, which Akiteru had insisted he find out, and Okino-san answered almost all of them with ease. One last thing, he didn't seem sure, so he asked for a few minutes to go back to his office and find the necessary information to answer him.
He urged him to keep an eye on the two vehicles while he returned. Tsukishima proceeded to open the doors, observe details. Both looked similar, quite well, and he felt a bit uncomfortable discovering himself to be ignorant on the matter.
He was regretting going alone and not accepting his brother's offer to accompany him.
-Hey... Heeeey TSUKKI!. It's me, do you remember me?
The shrillness of that voice and the way they said his nickname hadn't changed in the past few years. Dressed in a gray jumpsuit and the company badge, Koganegawa Kanji waved his arms in front of him to get his attention.
As if a guy over six feet tall with that strange hair needed help to stand out.
-Koganegawa.
-TSUKKI! YOU REMEMBER ME!
-Don't call me that. And stop shouting, or you're going to get into trouble.
The blonde immediately brought both hands to his mouth.
-I'm sorry, you're right, but I saw you standing here and I had to greet you. Are you about to buy one of these?
- That seems to be the case. Do you work here?
The question was obvious, but by the look of excitement on the setter's face, it was exactly what he meant to say.
-I had no idea you were interested in cars,- admitted Tsukishima. Although, in reality, he had no idea about that guy's life.
-I've been working in the workshop since I finished high school, it's a really good job. Did I ever tell you that my father used to have a mechanic shop? He taught me his trade since I was very young, I'm sure I've mentioned it.
Tsukishima just shrugged, because he might have mentioned it in the past, but he used to get lost in the usual verbiage of the former Date player. Kogane continued explaining how he had joined that company, what his usual role was, and how he never thought his love for cars would land him a job.
-So you don't play anymore?- Kei interrupted, watching as the years had added a couple more centimeters to the giant setter.
-Of course I do!- he assured, nodding vehemently. His expression, however, quickly changed to a grimace of sadness.- Not professionally yet, but I won't give up. I can still make it! I'm training a lot in my free time, I don't do anything else, you know?
That had surprised him a bit, because even in his high school years, Kogane had been a promising player. Unconventional, but several coaches liked that kind of thing.
-In fact, I went to the Sendai Frogs' open tryouts last year. - He admitted, somewhat shyly.
-Really?
-Yes! And I was doing very well, but you already have two setters and your starter is very good. Your coach told me he was impressed, and they promised to call me if something happened and a vacancy opened up, but it never happened.
Tsukishima thought he would probably regret what he was about to say, but the foolish face with genuine sadness pushed him to do it.
-This week we don't have training.
-Huh?- Koganegawa seemed a bit confused by the information.
-The coaches are preparing for next week's recruitment tests. You should try again.
-But they said that..
-That was last year. Don't you want to show them how much you've improved during that time?
The giant placer suddenly had a look of realization and an excited smile on his face.
-You're right! Tsukki, they had told me you were very smart, but now I realize!
-It's not anything particularly smart that...
-Brilliant!
-Kogane... - the blonde who was waving his arms in the air again froze upon hearing the seriousness in Kei's voice.- You didn't hear it from me, but there are strong rumors that our main setter plans to leave the team.
In reality, he had been recruited by a first division team, but that information was not public yet.
Koganegawa suddenly seemed to be vibrating with emotion, a strange aura of enthusiasm and the same easy smile he had at sixteen were present.
-TSUKKI!
-¡Shhhh...! Don't make me regret what I just said.
Kogane's head nodded with more abruptness than was probably healthy for his neck.
-Tsukishima, in exchange for this favor, let me help you choose your new car.- He offered with a determined expression and his fists clenched tightly.
A Yamaguchi 🍓:
Today I bought my first car.
Koganegawa Kanji helped me.
It's blue.
He added a photograph. The same one he had sent to her brother and mother, the one Kogane had forced him to take while sitting in his new car with a tense expression. It wasn't his most flattering side, but Tadashi had seen a lot of that side of him over their years of friendship. They even seemed to be his favorites.
The photo had been a desperate attempt to appeal to that side of Yamaguchi.
He didn't get a response.
Two days later, on a Friday night, while he was getting ready for bed and reviewing some plays of the Tachibana Red Falcons that Kageyama had sent him that afternoon, he received a call from Yamaguchi.
He adjusted his glasses to make sure he was seeing correctly, and it was his name on the screen, before answering.
-Hello, Yamaguchi?
-Tsukki, hello, hello. Are you awake? I'm not sure of the time, but maybe you were asleep and I woke you up.
His words were slurred and the tone of his voice was barely recognizable; he definitely didn't sound like the cheerful man he had chatted with a few months ago.
-Are you drunk?
-Ahh... yes, something... sorry Tsukki. Can we talk for a minute?
-Yes. Are you okay? Where are you?
-A work meeting... you know how it is, you can't say no when you're the new guy.- Tadashi sounded small. Miserable.
-No, I don't know what that's like.
-Mm... no, I figured as much. I'm sorry, Tsukishima, I'm going to hang up now, I'm sorry for bothering you.
-NO. Wait... Tadashi. Let's talk for a minute, I wasn't sleeping.- He assured quickly.
On the other end of the line, he heard him exhale a sigh.
-I just wanted to say, congratulations on your new car, I'm sorry I couldn't reply earlier. This job is not what Tsukki expected, college doesn't prepare you for this real-life stuff, I think.
Kei just made an affirmative sound.
-You're going to be fine, Yamaguchi, you're strong.
Tadashi let out a muffled laugh and then fell silent. He couldn't see him, but his instinct could imagine the eyes shining on the verge of tears.
-Do you think blue was the right choice? At first, I thought of black, but Koganegawa insisted on blue.
Tadashi's voice was lightening up, even though he still sounded drunk.
-Tsukishima! What was Koganegawa doing helping you? I had no idea you two were such good friends.
Kei found himself lying in his bed, going over the events at the dealership, the conversation with the dealer. Mentioning the trials of his team and all the commotion that used to cause among the starting players. He admitted to being a bit nervous about it, you never know when a younger and more talented player will show up to take your place.
He confessed to him that he wasn't ready for that. That he still felt there was more in volleyball for him and he wasn't ready to let it go.
As last time, Tadashi listened to him attentively. In his voice, he could hear a smile again. However, around the half-hour mark, the responses began to quiet down, and Kei sensed that the alcohol was taking its toll and his friend was falling asleep.
-Tadashi.Are you close to home?
-I'm already home, I was walking when I called you.
-Okay, now get into bed already. Make sure to drink water, and leave water near the bed.
-Yes... thank you for worrying, Kei.
Hearing his name made him hold his breath.
-I would like to see your car. Do you remember when we used to talk about that in high school? How we wanted to be old enough to drive, take your mom's car, and go on a trip to Japan. Do you remember? - there was a nostalgia in his voice that did not go unnoticed. Tsukishima remembered that fondly.
-Of course.
-Should we do it now?
-Whenever you want, Tadashi. - his voice had sounded rougher, almost unrecognizable to his own ears.
There was no response from the other side, except for a steady breath.
-Good night, Yamaguchi.
-Ah.. Good night, Tsukki...- was the sleepy murmur that ended the conversation.
To be continued...