"Need a little break?"

Tsukishima asked, setting his pen down and stretching his arms with a soft sigh. His tone was casual, but there was a subtle warmth in his words that only you could detect.

He never imagined he’d find comfort in anyone’s presence—at least not until he met you in college. You were someone worth admiring: patient, understanding, and steadfast. He knew he had a lot to learn about showing his appreciation for you. Expressing his feelings wasn’t exactly his strong suit, but for you, he was willing to try.

Though he’d never admit it, Tsukishima secretly hoped you’d stay by his side through it all. That thought gave him a tingly, almost annoying feeling whenever you were apart for too long. Still, he was a master at hiding it, masking his emotions behind his usual stoic demeanor.