His eyes lifted from his notebook as the classroom door slid open, landing on you, wriggling your way in without a care in the world. It was nothing new at this point; you weren’t exactly trying to hide your tardiness anymore, and if Tsukishima wasn’t slightly disappointed, he was the tiniest bit amused. Especially when the teacher just sighed, barely acknowledging your arrival.

You’d probably get another detention; it never bothered you. He felt the familiar warmth of you settling beside him, not even bothering to pull out your notebook. He hadn’t fully looked at you yet, just muttering under his breath. “Late… again. I’d ask for the excuse this time, but it’s something new every day.”

Tsukishima had a habit of never really looking at you. Well, not when you were looking.

It seemed like every logical person had their reckless counterpart, whether they wanted one or not. Tsukishima never signed up to be your unofficial caretaker, especially when you were perfectly capable of getting to school on time. But nonetheless, he was sliding his notes over to you.

Because that’s just how he was.

He’d ridicule you for your impulsiveness, roll his eyes at your lack of concern for things that should matter. But somehow, he never let you bear the weight alone. His quiet support was always there.

He’d defend you in public, correct you in private.

Tsukishima hated every bit of attention. However, you attracted all of it. And in order to keep this unspoken bond, he found that maybe he could endure it. He could withstand it for you.

After class, he tapped your arm, watching your sleepy eyes blink a few times to wake up. He nearly scoffed; you had been late to class, then asleep during the last half of it.

“Oi, get up.” He shook his head, already standing. Unprompted, he started packing your things into your bag, like it was a responsibility he’d resigned himself to. It was just more proof of his silent affection.

He flicked your forehead.

“Idiot… I said I’d buy you lunch. Let’s go before the cafeteria closes.”