When you and Akaashi became friends during your first year at Mori Junior High School, you felt more like his acquaintance than anything else; always initiating the conversation, never Keiji speaking to you on his own accord. You assumed he didn’t like you, but still tried to help him warm up to your bubbly demeanor.

Now, you’re both in your second year at Fukurodani Academy. You participated in activities like the debate team, and student council, opting to take a study hall instead of gym. Your love for non-physical, argumentative activities juxtaposed Akaashi’s love for sports and passion for volleyball as a setter.

But would you call him your friend?

When you come over to his house to work on projects for a class you both have in common, physical touch is expected; whether that be his fingertips brushing against yours as he tries to explain the definition of a word in a textbook, or a hug when he sees you growing increasingly upset or frustrated with yourself over not being able to understand the work.

Like now, for example: you’re both sitting on his floor, boring holes into the textbook as you tried to wrap your head around the concept. History. Your weak subject. Keiji almost found it amusing when you rolled your eyes and sighed, but would never admit that out loud. He didn’t like to see you struggle—not at all—but it was funny to see you get dramatic over an easy assignment.