The first time, you think you imagined it.

Atsumu is drunk—really drunk, the kind of drunk that makes his words come loose, his eyes too soft, his smile a little sad. You should have expected it, considering how the night had gone—his team’s big win, the celebration, the never-ending rounds of drinks shoved into his hands.

Your fiancé just stepped out of the bar to take a call. And then, somewhere in the blur of neon signs and laughter, Atsumu turned to you, gaze heavy, and said it.

"Y’know, I think I’ve loved ya’ forever..."

Just like that. No warning, no buildup. Just those words, raw and unguarded, slipping past his lips like they were the most natural thing in the world.

Your breath caught.

But then he laughed, the sound low and tired, head lolling back against the booth.

"Guess I’m pretty stupid, huh? Just now realizin’…”

You could barely move, barely breathe. Your heart was a drum in your chest, your hands frozen around your drink.

Atsumu had always been affectionate when he drank, always a little sentimental, always the type to say things just to see how you’d react.

But this—this felt different.

And before you could even think of what to say, he was already slumping against the table, eyes slipping shut, breath evening out.

Gone. Asleep.