Shortcake(K. Tsukishima)

Part 10

Coach had given the team Wednesday off from practice, although most of the team decided to practice anyways, opting to improve their individual skills in light of the upcoming practice sessions with Nekoma and other teams. However, to both your delight and confusion, Tsukki had asked you on a date. 

"Like you said, we haven't spent much time together since the festival." He pointed out when he asked you to spend the afternoon together.

"But don't you have something to work on for volleyball?" you asked, already knowing his answer.

"Not really," he replied nonchalantly. 

Since you knew that regardless he wouldn't spend any time practicing, you didn't feel guilty accepting the invitation. You planned to go to a nearby museum. You had proposed the idea, being familiar with Tsukki's love of dinosaurs. He agreed to the suggestion happily. 

~Wednesday After School~

Since Yamaguchi was staying with everyone to practice his float serves, you and Tsukki were able to walk together to the museum without anyone noticing. Although the other managers were practicing with the boys, you made up an excuse about having to study for an upcoming exam. Not a lie, considering you did have exams to study for... even if that's not what you were doing at this current moment. You took Tsukki's hand in yours, swinging your arms back and forth like a little kid.

"What are you, twelve?" he teased, but not letting go of your hand. You stuck your tongue out in response.

"No, I just know how to have a little fun. Unlike some grumpy giant I know," you replied. 

"I know how to have fun, Shortcake." He replied. You paused for a moment, thinking. It honestly never seemed like he had fun doing much of anything.

"Well, what do you do for fun, then?" You asked, a little more seriously. He looked at you blankly for a moment before responding.

"I don't know. I guess I like listening to music. I play video games sometimes. And I have fun spending time with you." You blushed at his statement. He really was just a big softie when he let down his hard exterior. 

You two strolled down the streets, making small talk until you soon came to the museum. 

"I've never been here," you admitted as you entered. Luckily, there was no fee to enter.

"Well, luckily for you, I come here often so I can give you a great tour," Tsukki said, his eyes sparkling as you entered a room full of dinosaur bones. To be honest, you weren't at all interested in learning anything today, but seeing that look on his face was worth the slight bore of looking at dusty old bones. 

He led you around the expansive museum, explaining every single exhibit in far more detail than the placards gave. He constantly looked at you as he spoke to see if you were paying attention and you would nod. Although you only actually got about half of what he said. You were much too distracted by his childlike wonder to pay attention to his words. 

After two slow hours around the museum, you made your way back to the entrance.

"I hope I didn't bore you with all my dinosaur facts," Tsukki said sheepishly, finally realizing how much time the two of you had spent wandering.

"Not at all! I'm just happy to see you actually excited about something," you responded with a smile. At this comment, however, he frowned a little.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he grumbled. You could tell you struck a slight nerve, ruining his good mood.

"Well, you just spend so much time playing volleyball, but you don't seem that into it. I'm just glad you have something you love," you explained, choosing your words carefully. He nodded, and your response seemed okay, the slight tension that had built up releasing.