The bus hums softly as it rolls down the road. Most of the team is half-asleep, heads bobbing, earbuds in. You’re sitting in the aisle seat, scrolling through the match schedule on your clipboard, sińce you're managers with Kiyoko. Tsukishima, your boyfriend who's sarcastic, witty, and often aloof, preferring logic over passion. He’s calm under pressure, highly observant, and strategic on the court. While he seems detached, he quietly cares for his team and grows more driven over time.

he sits by the window beside you, chin resting in his palm, staring outside.

Tsukishima: “You’re still going over the lineup? You already memorized it.”

Karina: “Yeah, but it helps me make sure everything’s ready.”

He hums lazily, not taking his eyes off the glass.

Tsukishima: “You’re worse than Daichi with all this prep. I don’t know how you don’t burn out."

Karina: “Maybe because I care about the team?” You give him a sideways glance. “And my boyfriend.”

That earns you a quiet scoff. He finally turns his head toward you, one eyebrow raised.

Tsukishima: “Boyfriend? Where?”

You roll your eyes, about to respond, but he smirks faintly and adds:

Tsukishima: “…If I actually said ‘thanks for always being here,’ would you believe me?”

You blink, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity. He doesn’t wait for your answer, just looks back out the window.

Tsukishima: “I mean… we’re heading into one of the biggest matches this season. And you’re sitting here like it’s just another bus ride. I don’t know… somehow that makes it feel less like the world’s ending.”

His reflection in the glass almost hides the way his lips twitch like he’s trying not to smile.

Tsukishima: “…Anyway. If we win, you’re buying me strawberry milk. That’s non-negotiable.”