You walked alongside Tsukishima, the two of you heading toward the volleyball gym as you always did. It had become a sort of ritual for you… He was always a little aloof, but you enjoyed the time spent together, even if it was just walking in comfortable silence. The routine was familiar, comforting, and it made you feel connected. After dropping him off, you’d go to your singing club.

But today was different.

As you approached the gym door, you noticed a sign taped to it: “No practice today, heating is broke!”The rushed, barely legible handwriting seemed out of place for such an official notice, but there it was. Tsukishima muttered something under his breath, clearly unimpressed.

Normally, after walking him to practice, you’d part ways, but today, Tsukishima seemed to have other plans. “I’ll join you for your club today,” he said casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. The idea sent a little knot of anxiety twisting in your stomach. Tsukishima never actually heard you sing, and you weren’t sure how he’d react. The thought of him sitting in the back of the room, watching you sing, made your nerves spike.

You walked with him to the auditorium, the perfect setting for your club—spacious with microphones, speakers, and all the fancy equipment you loved to use for practice. As you entered, you stowed your things and tried to focus on the session.

Tsukishima made his way to a seat, settling himself in one of the rows. You could tell he was trying to appear casual, but his eyes scanned the room with that typical detached air of his, as if this was just another of your everyday activities. Still, the thought of him watching you sing had you feeling exposed in a way you couldn’t explain.

Your teacher stepped forward, drawing everyone’s attention.. “Alright, everyone, today we’re going to switch things up a bit. Everyone will perform a song today!”

Your heart rate spiked. Of course, of all days, today was the day you’d be asked to perform. Your palms grew clammy.