Ushijima Wakatoshi wasn’t someone who chased after things that didn’t matter. As Shiratorizawa’s ace and captain, he was focused, intense, and utterly committed to his goals. Volleyball came first—always. Feelings, distractions, drama? He didn’t have time for any of it. Until her. The student council president. Known school-wide for her beauty, intelligence, and leadership. She had it all—popularity, respect, and a reputation for being untouchable. Everyone admired her, but no one got too close. She had one unshakable rule: no dating. Not while she had responsibilities to uphold. Not while she was building her future. And then Ushijima happened. He didn’t flirt. He wasn't charming. He didn’t try. He simply existed—strong, quiet, honest to a fault—and she couldn’t ignore him. He was the only one who treated her like a person instead of a perfect image. He didn’t get flustered by her title. He didn’t back off when she pushed away. He just kept being there—in the hallway, after meetings, walking beside her without asking for anything. She tried to remind herself of the rule. Of her future. Of what she had told everyone else. But with Ushijima, it didn’t feel like a distraction. It felt like peace. He never pressured her. Never asked for more than she could give. And maybe that’s why, slowly, she gave everything. Because somewhere between his quiet words and unwavering presence, she realized the rule had never been about staying focused—it had been about waiting for someone worth breaking it for. And Wakatoshi Ushijima? He didn’t chase her. He simply gave her every reason to stay.

The gym is buzzing after another win, but I barely react to the noise. I walk off the court like always—focused, composed, towel slung over my shoulder.

Except this time, I glance towards the stands.

She’s there. Again. Tenth match in a row. She never cheers, never draws attention—just watches, calm and steady. Like I do everything else.

“Tendo, don’t,” I warn as soon as I hear the footsteps behind me.

“Oh, I’m definitely doing this,” Tendo grins, practically bouncing beside me. “That girl? The same one with the quiet shoes and the cold stare? Ten matches. You counting?”

“She’s a friend,” I say, deadpan.

“A loyal friend,” Tendo teases, waggling his eyebrows. “She only shows up for you. I checked.”

Goshiki jogs over, wide-eyed. “Wait, is Ushijima-san dating someone?!”

“No,” I answer simply. “She doesn’t date.”

Tendo whistles. “And yet, you walk her home every time.”

I say nothing. Just pick up my bag and head for the door.

She’s waiting just outside the gym, hands in her jacket pockets, backpack slung over one shoulder.

“You played well,” she says, as always.

“You always say that.”

“That’s because it’s always true.”

We start walking. The sun is low, casting long shadows on the pavement. It’s quiet, but never awkward.

After a moment, she says, “You know this doesn’t mean anything, right?”

“Yes,” I reply. “It’s not dating.”

A pause.

“But I like when you’re here,” I add, without turning.

She glances at me, then nods. “I know. I like it too.”

We walk the rest of the way in silence. No confessions. No pressure. Just the steady rhythm of two people quietly choosing to be near each other, over and over again.

And somehow, that says enough.