i didn't say no, did i? [tsukishima kei x reader]

IX

You watch intently as your cart slowly rolls across the grass. With your hands clenching the sleeves of your uniform, Tsukishima easily notices your fidgety behavior.

"Why are you so nervous?" he asks nonchalantly with his eyes on the cart.

The mesmerizing motion of the vinly record wheels had put you into an anxious trance-like state, but you still managed to reply to your partner's question.

"What if it fails?" You point your finger at your project. "I mean, look at how slow it's going - at this rate, it'll stop moving soon! And-And I really need the credit. If we fail, then my grade is going to drop, and-"

You immediately cease your rambling when you hear the blonde groan.

"God, (y/n), can you stop? We worked hard on this. Do you not remember how many times you made us test it at my house? We put so many hours into this project, so can you just shut up and stop doubting our efforts?"

Furrowing your eyebrows, you try your best to hide the shock you felt from his words.

Even though his words are cold, is he just trying to make me feel better?

For once, you actually decide to listen to Tsukishima. The past week had been filled with you both working very hard to ensure the success of the project. Although your partner didn't need the credit as much as you did, he still gave his best effort - and you were grateful for that gesture.

You release the breath you were holding as well as the grip on your clothes. Maybe you should trust him.

---

With a smile plastered on your face, you scamper all the way across the grassy field to claim your project from your teacher who had given you a grade so high you almost couldn't believe it.

"Tsukishima!" you shout gleefully as you make your way back to your partner's side, the small cart in hand. "Y-You were right! We actually did it!" You dramatically breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank God... I didn't fail this unit!"

"I told you, didn't I? You need to stop degrading yourself and actually have some faith, (y/n)," the blonde states bluntly. He crosses his lengthy arms before continuing to watch the last pair of students test their project.

You avert your eyes from the cart and gaze at Tsukishima teasingly, poking his arm as you speak. "Wow... Since when did you start being so sentimental?"

He sighs and flicks your forehead lightly. There's a short pause before he speaks up.

"Ever since I've been spending time with you," he mumbles.

"Huh?" you inquire surprisedly, not sure if you heard him correctly.

"I'm joking." His serious tone, however, only betrays his words, further piquing your interest. You place the cart on the ground before questioning him more.

"Wh-"

Unfortunately, you are cut short by the teacher. He holds his clipboard close to his chest, and by the look on his face, he was obviously very impressed by most of the projects.

"Alright, class! The projects have all been tested, and I hope you are satisfied with your grades."

Many students announce their contentment, including you, while others like Tsukishima act like a statue. You nudge the blonde to get a more joyous reaction from him, but instead, you receive an irritated one. Immediately, you give him a bit of space, trying not to further taint the bright moment.

The teacher continues, "I'm glad the majority of you are happy about them. I, for one, am very elated with the results. However, regardless of how you did on this project, the unit is over, and progress reports will be sent home soon. If you didn't do so well this time, try harder next time! With that said, I hope you all have a good day! Class dismissed!"

As all of the students begin to head to their next class, you gather your belongings. You look at the cart on the grass and grab it before turning to Tsukishima, who to your surprise, is already walking away.

"Wait!" you call out as you hastily throw your bag over your shoulder, "Tsukishima!"

You get the boy's attention, and he turns around with an unreadable expression on his face. You use this as an opportunity to run up to him.

"What?" he asks once you're close enough.

"I was gonna ask you if you wanted to keep the project." You hold the cart out to him, and he stares blankly at it.

"Oh." He raises his eyebrows, as if contemplating what to do.

Knowing that you have to get to your next class soon, you impatiently hurry him. "So do you want it?"

Finally, Tsukishima reaches out for the cart, only to push your arms back to your side.

"Keep it," he mutters, "after all, you did do most of the work."

The blonde quickly heads away, leaving you relatively dumbfounded. However, you shake it off when you hear the bell ring.

Crap! I'm gonna be late!

You swiftly navigate through the halls, occasionally finding yourself looking down at the project in your hand.

You soon realize that your eyes are repeatedly finding their way to a few certain words on the underside of the cart.

Tsukishima Kei
and
(l/n) (f/n)

AUTHOR'S NOTE
jesus christ i did it. after two long months, i have finally posted another part,, im so freaking sorry to all of you for delaying this story omg. but ayee at least im not dead LOL. anyways, i apologize for this rushed chapter, but please look forward to more frequent updates! woo!