The crisp winter air brushed against your skin as you stood by the window, watching the city below bustle with New Year’s Eve excitement. People filled the streets, preparing for the fireworks show that would soon light up the sky. But for you, this celebration sparked a deep sense of anxiety. The loud bangs, the bright flashes, the unpredictability—it all triggered a familiar panic. You’d always managed to avoid fireworks, but this year, things felt different.

"Are you ready to go?" Tsukishima's voice broke your thoughts. He stood in the doorway, his usual detached expression hiding the concern in his eyes. Tsukishima, typically blunt and sarcastic, had always been protective of you in his own quiet way.

You turned to him, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go."

He raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. Tsukishima knew you too well to buy that lie. "You’re nervous about the fireworks, aren’t you?"

You sighed, your shoulders slumping. "I should be excited, but… every year, the fireworks—"

"Don’t like them, I get it," he cut in, his voice softer than usual. "They’re loud and bright. And crowded. But we don’t have to stay out there long, alright?"

You nodded, your fingers nervously tracing the rim of your glass. Tsukishima walked over, gently taking your hand. "You don’t have to pretend for me," he said, guiding you to the couch. "Let’s stay inside, watch the fireworks from here. Where it’s quiet."

Relief flooded through you at his suggestion. You’d always preferred the quiet, especially with him. "Thanks," you murmured, sinking into the couch beside him.

For a while, you both watched the countdown clock, the room silent except for the soft ticking. But then, the first firework went off, loud and sudden. Crack. The sound sent a jolt through your body. Your heart began to race, and your breath grew shallow. Panic set in.

Tsukishima immediately noticed. He leaned in close, his voice low and calming. "Breathe. It’s okay. I’m here".

"Want me to grab noise-canceling headphones?" Tsukishima asked.