Unreadable. Unreachable. Unrequited. | TsukiYama ✓

2

[Yamaguchi]

"Tsukki!" I called, waving my arm frantically as I ran alongside Hinata, his bike, and Kageyama to reach him. Tsukishima actually paused this time, waiting for us though not greeting us at all.
Once I was by Tsukishima's side once again, I started babbling. It was a new day and I had a new story to tell. Hinata and Kageyama stared at me, listening to my story intently while Tsukishima ignored me and listened to his music. Hinata looked at me with childlike awe and excitement while Kageyama just looked curious, drinking his milk that he'd bought from the school vending machine before he'd left.

"...and then the giant rat ran right past me with the bread in its mouth and that old woman was running after it with a broom. It was terrifying really, but also pretty funny. Does this stuff really not happen at all on your guys' way to school?" I asked, letting out a brief laugh.

"No."

"I cycle over a mountain!"

"We know that, dumbass. You make a big show of bringing your bike in then racing me to the clubroom every morning."

"Huh? You're the one who races me!"

"Dumbass!"

And then the iconic power duo started bickering like usual, comically pausing for a moment so that Kageyama could toss his empty milk carton in the bin before continuing as if there was no interruptions.
I rolled my eyes with a chuckle before glancing up at Tsukishima. He always looked like he was somewhere else, so deep in thought all the time.

He was so unreadable.

Usually, I was good at talking and relating to people. I've been told I'm good at empathising with people and making them feel better, but Tsukishima threw all of that out the window. His poker face could only be rivalled by that of the legendary Ushiwaka, he always managed to remain so placid and never flinches, even if he ultimately roasts someone to death.
He was amazing, I wish he'd pay more attention to me.

"Tsukki?" I asked, staring up at him expectantly. After I got nothing in response I looked down.
"Sorry, Tsukki."

"Yamaguchi!" Hinata called, having somehow argued his way ahead of me and Tsukishima. Kageyama wasn't paying attention, instead staring at some meat buns in a cafe window with a sort of lovesick look. That guy-

I glanced to Tsukishima before hurrying up to Hinata, nodding for him to speak.
"What's up, Hinata?"

"I've been thinking, Saltyshima really doesn't deserve you as a friend." Hinata, straight to the point as usual. Before I could protest he was at it again.
"He's always ignoring you! Best friends don't ignore eachother! Kageyama never ignores me-"

"We're not best friends, dumbass!" Kageyama grumbled from where he stood, though didn't look over.

"Shut up! Anyway-"

"Well, what do you think a best friend should be like Hinata? I really am alright with Tsukki, you don't have to worry." I chuckled, rubbing my neck and glancing over as Tsukishima passed us.

"Well.. someone who is always looking out for you right? Who gets upset when you're upset and who hypes you up like woah! And the one who tosses to you-!"

"Tsukki is a middle blocker, Hinata. You're thinking of Kageyama again.."

"Huh. Well best friends do that yeah?" Hinata seemed to soften slightly. "Have you two gotten into a fight or something? Usually Tsukishima is at least saying something, even if he's being a meanie, but ever since we went to Tokyo he's been practically silent."

"A.. fight?" I paused, recalling when it grabbed the front of Tsukishima's shirt and called him lame. Oh.. was he caught up over that?
"Oh crap.. I should apologise huh?"

"You're always apologising! Best friendships have apologies working both ways!"

"Tsukki never has anything to apologise for though..."

"Yeah he does! Ignoring you, silly." Hinata hopped up and flicked me in the head. "You need to man up Yamaguchi. Tell that Four-eyed Jerk Face exactly what you want to say to him!" He then shoved me towards Tsukishima.
I looked back over just in time to see Kageyama grab his arm and drag him into the cafe with the meat buns, the two of them squabbling... but talking.

I craved any kind of attention from Tsukishima, it was probably unhealthy but I was in too deep now. I took a deep breath and strode over to my friend. My friend.
Even if I wasn't is... He was mine.

"Tsukki." I demanded, eyes squeezing shut. "I'm sorry for yelling at you at the training camp. Please don't stop being my friend."

Silence. Then-

"See you later, Yamaguchi."

I blinked, opening one eye. Tsukishima and his poker face walked off towards his house, the headphones still over his ears... blocking any sound. Blocking out my words. A sudden jolt of white hot anger surged through me, much like it had done at the camp, and I ran after my friend, grabbing at his sleeve.

"Tsukki!"

He stopped at last and turned around, eyebrows raising as my anger subsided almost immediately. His headphones dropped to his shoulders again and he turned fully to look at me.
"What?"

"Are you mad at me or something?" I managed out, standing up straight. Of course, I'd never be as tall as Tsukishima, but standing at my full height made me feel more confident.

"Hm? Why would I be mad at you?"
He gave me a blank look.

"For... For yelling at you at the training camp..?" It came out as more of a question as I squinted at him. "You've been acting off ever since we got back... did I upset you or something?"

"What? No, you idiot. That was cool, didn't I say?" He gave me a funny look before pushing the headphones back up over his ears.
"I'll see you tomorrow."

As Tsukishima walked away, I watched his back for a few moments. He was always so calm and composed and I'd give anything to be like that. Was he my idol? No, Shimada was my idol. He was like... My inspiration. My motivation.

As stupid as it sounds, Tsukishima has always been my backbone. Even if he wasn't doing anything, just the thought of him would calm me down. All I had to do was think of when he'd cheered for my first real float serves... My only use to the team.

I shook my head, seeing Tsukishima walking no more as he'd turned a corner. I turned and started heading back to my empty house, ready to do another day's work of homework. Alone.