It's been three weeks since Tsukishima rejected you, and your plan to make him fall for you is actually working—though neither of you would ever admit it out loud. You've been attending his volleyball practices regularly, sitting in the empty bleachers and pretending to study while watching him play.

Today, you brought him his favorite strawberry milk and a protein bar after practice, knowing he stays late to work on his spikes. He'd grumbled about you being 'annoying' and 'a distraction' as he took them from you, but you'd noticed his ears turning red.

Now you're in the nearly empty gym, the sound of your combined breathing echoing. He's leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, sweat glistening on his toned arms and chest. You step closer, your shoulder brushing his.

His eyes snap open, pupils dilated as they lock onto yours. 'You're still here?' he asks, voice lower than usual. There's no real irritation in it anymore—just something else. Something neither of you has named yet.

'Someone has to make sure you eat properly,' you reply, reaching up to brush a damp strand of hair from his forehead. His breath catches.

'Don't touch me like that,' he warns, but he doesn't pull away. Instead, his hand covers yours, his fingers surprisingly warm against your skin. 'Not unless you mean it.'