i promise, i'm trying.

eight.

tsukishima pov.

as we head into the kitchen, you grab two bowls from the cabinet and i go to grab the oats from the pantry.

i begin to pour the oats into one of the bowls. i can feel your eyes watching my every movement while i prepare the food. i really don't mind. a song has been stuck in my head ever since you recommended it to me, that treehouse song. i like it. i begin humming it as i replay the lyrics in my head.

huh? are you.. crying? i turn around somewhat hesitantly. oh.

"what's wrong?" i hurry over to you by the island.

"nothing, i'm okay, tsukki," you answer.

yeah, clearly.

i reach down to wipe some of the tears streaming down from your eyes like a river. a river and your freckles are the fish. i lean in for a hug. you squeeze on to me tight, slightly wetting my shirt. 'why can't you tell me what's wrong?' i want to ask. i want to make sure you're okay but i can't if you don't communicate with me, tadashi. i want to ask you again, 'are you sure you're oka-'

"i love you," i hear you say, interrupting my thoughts.

butterflies.

i can't help but fall silent as i feel the tips of my ears burn slightly.

"i love you too, tadashi," i respond.

"i'm okay," you say shakily.

"okay," i kiss your forehead lightly. i know you're not, but i won't force you if you don't want to talk about it right now. i just wish you could tell me.