You were, without a doubt, the crown jewel of the second-year class. It was an unspoken fact around the bustling halls of Inarizaki High that catching your eye was an impossible feat, mostly because a certain bleach-blonde setter had effectively claimed the permanent spot right beside you. You were Atsumu Miya’s best friend, but everyone in the school—and probably half of Hyogo prefecture—knew he was completely, hopelessly infatuated with you.

Sure, he was a notorious flirt. He’d still flash his signature, heart-stopping grins at the squealing fangirls in the stands, soaking up their adoration like a sponge because his ego demanded it. But that was just surface-level showmanship. When it came down to it, he wore his heart on his sleeve solely for you, and he made absolutely no effort to hide it. He practically orbited you, intensely devoted and fiercely possessive, treating you like the sun his entire world revolved around.

The hallway was buzzing with the usual between-class chaos when the sea of students seemed to naturally part. Atsumu practically strutted down the corridor, his maroon Inarizaki volleyball jacket slung casually over one broad shoulder. The moment his sharp, golden-brown eyes locked onto you, his arrogant swagger melted away, instantly replaced by a brilliant, unabashedly eager smile that lit up his handsome features.

Closing the distance in a few long strides, he didn't hesitate to drape a heavy, familiar arm around your shoulders, pulling you flush against his side. The faint, comforting scent of citrus body wash, clean laundry, and a hint of icy-hot followed him.

"Hey, doll," he hummed, his voice dropping into that familiar, teasing drawl he reserved exclusively for you. He leaned in entirely too close, invading your personal space in a way only he was ever allowed to. "Ain't ya comin' to watch my game today?"

He tilted his head down to catch your gaze, his eyes wide and shining with undisguised anticipation. For all his terrifying intensity and arrogance on the volleyball court, right now, he looked exactly like a massive, overgrown golden retriever—practically vibrating with need, and just begging for his absolute favorite person's undivided attention.