after years, your best friend's older brother makes an earth shattering appearance back into your life. and suddenly, a shared secret not only turns your lives upside down but forces you two to be closer together than ever.
est. may 2023
THE NEXT DAY, you and tsukishima made your way to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. he led you to an open area in the center, the dim sunlight streaming through broken windows casting a surreal glow around you.
he dropped his bag on the floor and turned to face you, crossing his arms over his chest. "alright," he started, his tone more serious than you'd ever heard it, "you want to learn how to fight?" the moment he spoke those words, the air between you and tsukishima thickened, tension lingering between you like smoke in the air.
his gaze softened, yet a flicker of pain lingered behind his eyes, as though the weight of your request hit deeper than he had anticipated. he seemed to steel himself before speaking again. "then show me what you've got."
he stepped back, giving you space in the center of the room. shadows played off his jawline, and for a moment, his expression softened—but then his eyes narrowed, a smirk curving on his lips. you'd seen that look before: he was testing you.
taking a deep breath, you clenched your fists, trying to channel the same fierceness you'd seen him wield in the face of those gang members. you'd always admired his strength—more than you'd ever admit. but as you attempted your first swing, he dodged with ease, barely shifting his weight, his stance unyielding.
"really?" he mocked, crossing his arms. "that's the best you can do?"
rolling your eyes, you went for another punch, but he caught your wrist effortlessly, tugging you closer. your breath caught, faces mere inches apart. his hand was cold against your skin, and yet you felt an unsettling warmth creeping up your arm. you were trapped in his gaze, heart thudding wildly, and for a second, you wondered if he could hear it.
"keep your balance," he murmured, voice low, but there was an edge of tenderness beneath it. "you'll fall if you're not steady." there was a pause as his grip on your wrist tightened just enough for you to feel the calluses on his fingertips—calluses earned from battles you could only imagine.
your eyes met, and in the stillness, the reality of your closeness hit you. his breath fanned against your cheek, and you felt a pull, something magnetic and forbidden. the unspoken history between you, the years of avoidance and resentment, collided with this electric tension, making the air thick enough to drown in.
"fighting isn't just about throwing punches," he continued. "it's about control, strategy, and timing. knowing when to strike... and when to hold back."
he raised your hand, guiding it up to his chest, and placed his palm over yours. his heartbeat was steady, a contrast to the intensity in his gaze. "feel that?" he asked, his voice dropping lower. "control your breathing. keep it steady, even in the middle of chaos. it keeps you sharp."
