The sound of sneakers squeaking against the gym floor echoed through the empty court. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, and a single volleyball bounced between you and Tsukishima.

He caught the ball, spinning it in his hands. “You’re getting better,” he said, his tone neutral, but the corner of his mouth twitched like he might smile if he let himself.

You rolled your eyes. “You always say that like you don’t mean it.”

“I say it because it’s true.”

You took the ball from him, tossing it lightly. The gym was quiet—no teammates shouting, no coaches barking orders, no eyes tracking every motion you made. Just him. Just you.

After a few more rallies, you paused, letting the ball rest in your hands. “You know,” you started, staring at the white surface, “I only have fun when I’m playing with you.”

Tsukishima raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“With others… I feel like I’m being judged all the time. Like every move I make—right or wrong—someone’s watching, waiting for me to mess up.” Your voice dropped, softer now. “But with you, it’s different. I don’t feel like I’m being examined. I just… play.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Just the faint sound of your breathing and the faraway hum of the gym lights. Then he reached over and poked your forehead lightly.

“You overthink too much,” he muttered, but his eyes were gentle. “When you’re playing with me, you don’t have to. Just move. You’re fine.”

You smiled, the tension melting from your shoulders. “That’s kind of what I mean.”

He turned away, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like “You’re such a pain.” But the faint blush at his ears gave him away.

You served again, and the ball flew clean over the net. His smirk returned. “Now that was perfect.”

“Only because you were watching,” you teased.

“Yeah, well,” he said, pushing his glasses up, “I only have fun when you’re playing with me too.”

The ball hit the ground between you, and you both laughed—light, genuine, unguarded. For once, it wasn’t about being good or perfect. It was just about playing. Together.