Isn't it Obvious? (Ushijima x Tendou)

A Gift and a Plan

Tendou and Ushijima had different majors, and although they were in the same Statistics Analysis class, it usually meant they had different schedules. They had classes on the same days, since they were able to chose what days they wanted to attend certain classes, but the lectures ran for varying amounts of time, and they often had a different amount of classes per day. They agreed they wouldn't wait for one another if the difference between their finishing times was more than 15 minutes.

Today, Tendou finished a little over half an hour earlier than Ushijima. He remembered they were out of bread and needed to top up their rice supply, so he decided to head over to some nearby shops. If he was lucky, he would be back in time to walk home with Ushijima.

A bell rang as he entered the little store, and the cashier lightly bowed her head in greeting. Tendou grabbed a loaf of bread and wandered the isles to find where they kept the rice. He found himself in the cleaning and garden isle, and he couldn't help but look around at the many things he couldn't afford.

A small spray bottle caught his eye. It was empty, and people usually bought it to fill with water for cat discipline. He thought back to an episode of Better Homes and Gardens that happened to be on TV one day. He liked having the TV on when he did his school work; it acted as a white noise and kept him concentrated. The episode was about plant care, and he saw them use a similar spray bottle. He couldn't remember Ushijima ever owning one, so he took it off the shelf. He decided this gift would be the gesture to kick start his day of romance.

He paid for the food and bottle, and walked back to the University. He waited on a bench near the main entrance and looked around, ready to spot his nonchalant friend.

Ushijima was taller than most, so it wasn't hard for Tendou to select him out of the crowd. He waved to get Ushijima's attention, and the tall boy seemed to be caught off guard by Tendou's presence, "Aren't you supposed to be at home?"

Tendou held up his bag of groceries, "We needed bread and rice so I got us some, I realised I'd be back in time for us to walk together. Oh, and I got you a gift. I'll give it to you if you let me buy a puppy." Ushijima continued to look at him, his expression showing no amusement from Tendou's jests. "Okay fine no puppy", he pulled out the spray bottle from the bag and handed it to Ushijima, "I saw on TV that these are good for plants, and I found one in the store".

Ushijima didn't always express his emotions, but happiness was a simple one that he found easier to show, "For misting! My succulents will love it, thank you Tendou", he smiled. The pair walked side by side, talking about the Black Jackals volleyball game that was going to be live on TV tonight. Ushijima made his comments about the opposing teams ability, all while keeping his eyes glued to the spray bottle in his hands. It was a simple gift - costing no more than a few dollars, yet Ushijima was overjoyed. He fiddled around with it, testing the nozzle and cap. Tendou watched him with kind eyes.

Their apartment came into view, and the pair entered their home - taking off their shoes before entering. Tendou set the shopping bag on the kitchen counter, and turned to see Ushijima already addressing the pile of dishes in their sink. Tendou used this as an opportunity to appeal to Ushijima once more, "Hey, I'll do the dishes. Go change out of your uniform and relax for once you workaholic". Ushijima paused momentarily to eye him suspiciously before continuing to rinse the bowls. Tendou turned off the tap and pushed the mass that was Ushijima out of the way with both hands, "I said, go relax for once. I got this... I think".

Ushijima dried his hands and stepped out the kitchen, keeping a cautious eye on Tendou until he turned the corner to enter his room. Tendou looked at the pile of dishes and immediately felt regret. He hated touching the old, wet food scraps. He carefully rinsed each dish before applying dish soap to the sponge, and starting his chore.

A few moments passed and Ushijima walked out of his room sporting a blue hoodie and black sweatpants. He stood in the living room for a few moments, looking at Tendou with a blank stare. Tendou pulled some faces in return, and Ushijima snapped out of his trance. He walked over to get the vacuum they kept in the cleaning closet, but Tendou interrupted him before he could even reach the door handle, "Don't you dare. I told you to relax. You're gonna go bald from stress and end up looking like Mr. Clean".

Ushijima glared at him, "What am I supposed to do? I usually spend this time cleaning or studying". Tendou grabbed the final spoon left in the sink and rinsed it under the water. The curve of the spoon sent the water flying, and soaking the bottom of Tendou's shirt. He jumped back at the sudden cold sensation, and irritably placed the spoon on the drying rack. He looked up at Ushijima who was covering a laugh with his hand, and attempting to spit out a sentence through his gentle laughs, "This is why I do the dishes. Go change now that you're done".

Tendou suddenly remembered the Black Jackal's game, "Hey, when does the volleyball match start?" He began taking off his wet shirt as he walked towards Ushijima.

"Two hours from now". Ushijima blankly watched Tendou's arms slip out of his unbuttoned shirt, "Do you want me to hang that outside?"

Tendou's attention span decided that that question wasn't important enough to answer. Instead, his eyes wandered to the pillows on the couch, and an idea struck his mind. Tendou watched a lot of anime and read a lot of manga. He based many of his romantic gestures from these plots, and he was very aware of what a simple sleepover could lead to. Sure, he and Ushijima lived in the same house, but Tendou was still very fond of pyjama parties, and the Jackal's game was the perfect excuse, "Do you want to have a pyjama party?"

Ushijima decided to take the shirt from Tendou's hands anyway, "Am I supposed to know what that is?"

Tendou rolled his eyes, "Just bring a few blankets and pillows into the living room, I'll handle the rest. Oh, and put on your best pyjamas". Ushijima gave a silent nod and headed for the linen closet.

Operation 'Tendou's Real Life Romance Anime' was now in motion.