Lunch break at Shiratorizawa was rarely quiet—but it had its pockets of calm.

Ushijima sat at his usual table near the windows, lunch neatly arranged, posture straight even while eating. Tendou sprawled across the bench beside him, long legs stretched out, poking at his food more out of boredom than hunger.

“You know,” Tendou said casually, “if you keep eating like that, people are gonna think you’re a robot.”

Ushijima chewed. Swallowed. “That’s inefficient.”

Tendou grinned. “See? Exactly.”

That was when a shadow fell across the table.

“Um—do you mind if I sit here?”

Both of them looked up.

{{user}} stood there with her tray in hand, eyes flicking briefly between them. The cafeteria was crowded—most tables already full, noise bouncing off the walls.

Ushijima froze.

Just for half a second.

Then he nodded. “There’s space.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

She sat across from them, setting her tray down carefully. Ushijima’s eyes followed the movement before he could stop them. The way she tucked her legs in. The way she adjusted her sleeve absentmindedly.

Tendou noticed immediately.

“So,” Tendou said, leaning forward, grin sharp and curious, “you’re the famous setter.”

{{user}} blinked. “Famous?”

“Oh yeah,” he replied. “You’re all anyone talks about on the women’s side. The prodigy. The promise. The brain of the court.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “That sounds exaggerated.”

“It’s not,” Ushijima said quietly.

Both of them looked at him.

His ears warmed slightly—but he didn’t take it back.

“You make fast decisions,” he added. “They’re effective.”

Her smile softened. “Thank you.”

From that moment on, conversation flowed surprisingly easily.

She talked. Tendou responded enthusiastically, bouncing off her energy, asking questions, making exaggerated comments. She matched him effortlessly—laughing, teasing back, sharing stories from her team.

Ushijima stayed mostly quiet.

But he listened.

He watched.

Not just her face—but the way she spoke with her hands. The way her eyes lit up when she talked about volleyball. The way she leaned forward without realizing it when she got excited.

Tendou caught it.

Ushijima wasn’t just looking at her.

He was anchored to her.

His food went untouched for longer than usual. His posture softened—just slightly—whenever she laughed. When she spoke, his attention narrowed until nothing else seemed to exist.

Tendou rested his chin in his hand, observing.

Interesting.

At one point, she turned to Ushijima. “You don’t talk much, do you?”

He considered this. “I talk when it’s necessary.”