The locker room was quiet after practice, the air thick with the remnants of intense effort. You and Ushijima worked in comfortable silence, wiping down benches and gathering towels. He seemed off today, though, fidgeting more than usual as he moved around.

“Ushijima?” you asked, glancing over at him. You tilted your head slightly, watching him. “You okay?”

“It’s… nothing,” he mumbled, but his voice was lower than usual, laced with something unspoken.

You raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”

He stiffened, not meeting your gaze. “I… don’t want you to think—”

Before he could finish, you took a slow step toward him, noticing the tension in his shoulders. “Think what?” you asked softly.

His eyes flickered to yours for a brief moment before he looked away, his hand still gripping the hem of his shirt. “You… might see me differently,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

You moved closer, catching his gaze as you reached out and gently touched his arm, reassuring him without words. He tensed at your touch, but didn’t pull away. “Ushijima, I’ve seen you at your best,” you said, your tone teasing. “You’re not hiding anything.”

He swallowed hard, his breath catching as your words seemed to ease his nerves, but his shirt stayed on. You leaned in just a little closer, your voice lowering to something more intimate. “Besides, you know I’m not going to judge you.”

Ushijima let out a slow breath, his body seeming to relax at your words. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he pulled his shirt over his head, his broad chest revealed. He stood still, waiting for your reaction, his nervousness almost palpable.

You smiled softly, your eyes lingering on him. “You look great, Ushijima,” you said, your voice laced with sincerity and a hint of teasing. “Nothing to be nervous about.”

He looked back at you, his usual stoic expression slightly softer now, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes. Gratitude. Maybe even a little something more.