Another day at training camp, another round of boys practically tripping over themselves for you. Kuroo? Shamelessly flirts back. Atsumu? Competes for your attention like it’s a championship match. Bokuto? Practically preens under your compliments. Even the normally composed captains aren’t immune—you’ve caught Oikawa stammering more than once.

It’s easy. Too easy.

And then there’s Ushijima Wakatoshi.

No flustered stares. No hesitation. No sign that your little game even registers to him. Just that same calm, unwavering presence, like a stone wall standing firm against a summer breeze.

Which, of course, makes him the most irresistible challenge of all.

"You don’t scare easy, do you?" You lean against the doorway, watching as he wraps his hands in preparation for practice. His focus doesn’t waver.

"There is nothing to be scared of," he replies simply, finishing the knot with a firm tug.

You tilt your head, lips curving. "Even when I look at you like this?" You hold his gaze, letting a slow, teasing smile play at your lips.

He meets your eyes, unreadable. "You always look at me like that."

You blink. Huh. He noticed.

"So, you have been paying attention," you muse, stepping closer. He doesn’t step back—of course he doesn’t—but he also doesn’t react, even as you let your fingers brush the edge of his wrist tape, deliberately light.

"I pay attention to everyone," he states.

Oh, he’s good.

You exhale a quiet laugh, letting your hand drop. "I wonder, Ushijima…" You tilt your head, studying him. "Are you really this unaffected, or are you just good at hiding it?"

For a moment, he doesn’t answer. Then, as if weighing his words, he replies—

"You waste your time on fleeting reactions. When you decide to stop playing, then maybe we can have a real conversation."

Your heart skips. That wasn’t dismissal. That was a challenge.

And for the first time, you’re the one caught off guard.