Dark Places | S. Tendou

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME BE ME

Maeko paced back and forth outside of the boys' change room. She wanted to see Tendou before the game to wish him good luck in person, but at this rate she wasn't going to get the chance. She debated opening the door and storming inside, all the while shouting good luck at the top of her lungs; but their coach, Washijo, would probably skin her alive if he caught word of a girl walking in there while they might be changing. She shuddered at the thought, not quite feeling brave enough to face the frightening coach of Shiratorizawa. She had yet to fully recover from the last time.

The door unexpectedly swung open, and Maeko very nearly leapt out of her skin, spinning around to face whoever was the first to exit with saucers for eyes. She looked like the picture of someone who had just been caught doing something they weren't supposed to.

It was Ushijima, of course, always at the head of the pack. She hoped the disappointment she felt wasn't too obvious in the way her eyes fell.

"Do you need something?" Ushijima asked, always one to get straight to the point.

Maeko debated how to answer: She could try to distract him by steering the conversation towards Ayume, but she doubted Ushijima was the type to get flustered; he also probably wanted his teammates to be performing at their best in today's game, and a declaration of love was surely something Ushijima would view as a distraction that could wait until later.

"Well, I was hoping for a moment of Tendou's time—" Maeko could see Ushijima's mouth opening to object like the almighty judge, so she quickly fumbled over her next words to beat him to the punchline. "But I'm more than happy to, uh, leave a message?"

Ushijima deadpanned. "I don't understand."

Maeko gestured to the small window above the doorway to the changeroom. "I can write it there. If you don't mind..."

Next, Maeko pointed back and forth between Ushijima's shoulders and the floor.

It took a moment for her request to sink in but, once it did, she could've sworn that she caught surprise flittering through his eyes. He obliged like a loyal dog, getting down on one knee so Maeko could more easily secure her legs around his head.

He might've been a little slow to express himself sometimes, but Maeko was quickly realizing that she never had anything to be scared about in his company. He had a really kind heart. That much was clear to her from him taking time to let her do this, especially when he had to get his teammates prepared for the game. At this rate, they were probably going to get to the court a little behind schedule.

"Thanks." Maeko said politely, swaying to regain balance midair as Ushijima stood to his full height.

A blush tinted her cheeks once she became level with the window, realizing that she could see through it and to the other side. Thankfully, it only looked onto a small stretch of hallway before curving to the side and out of sight, but she still felt the urge to work fast before someone decided to come and check on Ushijima.

Good luck today. She scribbled in large, messy lettering. With her heart beating fast and her finger wobbling midair because of it, she decided to add one more thing: I love you.

"I'm done!" Maeko screeched, a little too loudly for her liking. She was just desperate for Ushijima to put her down before she could change her mind and wipe the last part away.

Ushijma didn't catch onto the note of desperation and took his sweet time getting back onto one knee for Maeko's safety. Once safe to do so, Maeko quickly climbed off and awkwardly tipped her head to thank him once again.

"Good luck today. I'm really excited for this match." Maeko offered with a smile, not wanting to seem rude by only thanking Tendou.

Ushijima didn't return the smile, but she was certain that he still appreciated it. "Thank you."