You were the only one left in the library that late, hunched over your notes under flickering fluorescent lights. The school was quiet in that eerie, end-of-day way— just the hum of electricity and the scratch of your pen echoing between bookshelves.

Until a loud thud shattered the silence.

You looked up. Nishinoya Yuu had just dropped his bag onto the floor beside your table, out of breath, cheeks flushed. “You’re still here?!” he whisper-yelled, scandalized. “What are you, some kind of academic ninja?”

You blinked. “It’s just a test.”

He slid into the seat across from you anyway, chin in hand. “You didn’t text back. I thought you died.” He nodded solemnly. “I came to investigate.”

You sighed. “I was studying.”

“And I was worrying!” He tugged your notebook over. “What even is this? Math? Tragic.”

You tried to grab it back. “Noya—”

“Shh!” he hissed, glancing at the librarian’s desk. “You’re gonna get us kicked out. I haven’t even started annoying you yet.”

You rolled your eyes, but the corners of your mouth twitched.

He leaned closer, voice low. “I brought snacks. Emergency ones. Also, a backup pen, in case yours runs out from being too smart.”

You stared. “You ran to the library… just to bring me snacks and a pen?”

Noya grinned, eyes gleaming even in the dim lighting. “Duh. What kind of libero would I be if I didn’t show up where I’m needed most?”

You were about to argue when he added, softly this time, “I like seeing you in your zone. It’s kinda amazing.”

And for a rare moment, Nishinoya sat still— watching you, not to tease, but to admire.

“Okay,” he whispered suddenly, snapping the silence, “carry on. I’ll just be your emotional support gremlin.”

You didn’t say it, but you were glad he came.

Especially because the snacks were actually your favorite.