True to his word, Lev was outside his apartment at seven, only about a minute after Kei had exited his own one and began to wait for him. Kei had his white headphones resting around his neck once more, even though he doubted he would need them if he was walking with Lev that morning, and was leaning against the wall in wait for him.

The previous night he'd made sure to talk to the people back home that cared, even though it had been late by the time he'd made dinner after getting home from the tryouts. Yamaguchi and Akiteru had been really excited when he said that he'd gotten a new friend, but for some reason he'd refrained from telling them that Kuroo was the captain of the volleyball team. That would open a whole new can of worms, and he really had just wanted to sleep after he'd had dinner, so he decided to tell them when he went down to Miyagi on the weekend. It would be easier to explain in person, anyways, all things considered.

He knew that if things went pear shaped later in the week with Kuroo it would be harder to explain, and Kei almost never held back information that was as important as this. A part of him was just scared of that new aspect of his life, and he didn't know how he was meant to share that with people who knew how much he had been against the prospect of love and relationships.

It did, however, leave him with the issue of dealing with Kuroo and any interactions they would have in the week ahead of them. Including that morning, they had eight volleyball training sessions, potentially more if they went at lunch to do some extra practice with receives and things, and so he wouldn't be likely to escape him. They even played the same position, meaning he was highly likely to talk to Kuroo a lot about volleyball, and his form, and other things.

On one hand the thought was exciting, because the part of him that wanted to hopelessly pine over his captain very much liked the thought of being up close and personal, learning from Kuroo and being able to prove to him that he was worth being a part of the team.

On the other hand, it was terrifying because he had absolutely no idea how to talk to Kuroo, and knew he was bound to mess up or do something stupid.

Trying to push away the thoughts of negativity and the many scenarios where things could go wrong, Tsukishima had let out a heavy sigh. It finished just as Lev opened the door, the silver haired male beaming at him, which actually cheered him up a bit to see. "Good morning, Tsukki!" he said, giving him a little wave and locking the door behind himself. "You ready to go, or are we meeting up with the other guys in the team that live here?"

"Morning, Lev. It's Kuroo and Kenma, by the way, so we're leaving, hopefully before we run into them," Kei replied, standing up properly and pressing the button on the elevator, only to see that once again it lit up in indication that someone was going down. He groaned and muttered under his breath, frustrated that the same thing was going to happen once again. "Or not... Just my shitty luck, as usual."

Lev looked at the panel that showed the floor the elevator was on, and just laughed and shook his head when he realised what it meant. "I'm sure it'll be fine, Tsukki. Just relax and be yourself, or talk to Kenma. Whatever happened last time with Kuroo that's making you so nervous, I'm sure it's not that bad. He seems pretty interested in you to me."

Kei rolled his eyes and shook his head, not wanting to bother with arguing, because the elevator was going down. Moments later it opened, and just as he predicted, Kuroo and Kenma were there waiting. The third year smirked once more when he saw them and shuffled over so there was room for all of them, and soon they were all in the elevator. "Good Morning Lev, good morning Tsukishima-kun. Not taking the stairs today, hm?"

Oh god, 'Tsukishima-kun'. He'd not called him Tsukki, thank goodness for that, but that was almost worse, especially with the tone of voice that he used. It sounded like Kuroo was calling him a kid when he spoke like that, and it was almost as bad as Megane-kun. That probably would have been preferable, in all honesty, rather than being treated in a way that he felt was like a child.

"Tch, as you can obviously see. Or is that hair of yours impairing your vision? Also, listen up, unless your hearing is crappy too. Just Tsukishima is fine, thanks, no honourifics, no nicknames," he muttered, quickly exiting the elevator as their short trip ended, Lev following quickly behind him.

Of course, Kuroo was persistent, and dragged Kenma along so that the pair were in front of Kei and Lev. "Oh, come on, is that a way to treat your captain? So rude, Tsukki, your senpai just wanted to have a conversation with you. Were both going to the same place, so let me show you a better way of getting to school. I wouldn't want my kohai getting assaulted in one of those alleyways, now, would I? It's dangerous for people to go that way, even if you're with someone." The third year gave him an innocent smile, an amused glint in his eyes, and slung an arm around Kei's shoulder. If there was any genuine concern behind those words, he wasn't able to find it. The blond scoffed and attempted to shove off the arm, unable to stop the light blush that made its way to his cheeks.

"As if it could be any worse than hanging out with you. I said it yesterday and I'll say it again, I'm not a child, I can walk to school on my own. And like I said before when I told you to listen, just call me Tsukishima," he hissed, feeling a mixture of annoyance and butterflies. He liked the attention in a way, his heart beating faster with the way Kuroo called him 'Tsukki' and the feeling of his arm around his shoulder, but he also really hated that he was being treated this way. He wanted to be recognised by his crush, yes, but as an equal and not like a little brother or cousin. It hurt him more than he cared to share, because the reason was really dumb and he was being ridiculous to feel that way.

Within all the emotions, the excitement, nervousness, hurt, and annoyance, he didn't know what he felt. It was the heat of the moment, and Kei was confused and unwilling to show any sign of weakness in fear of being teased more or humiliated, so he put up the walls around him and glared. His voice cold, he made sure it was clear he wasn't amused by the teasing, and continued to speak. "It's not like we're friends, I don't even know you, and you certainly don't know the slightest thing about me. How hard is it for you to just leave me alone? Now get off of me, we can get to school on our own. See you at volleyball practice, Kuroo-san."

Perhaps maybe his words were a little harsh, if the flash of hurt in Kuroo's eyes was anything to go by, but at the moment Kei couldn't care less. They had barely been talking for two minutes, yet the older teen stirred up too many emotions within him that he really didn't know how to deal with. This was what Tsukishima Kei did. He was scared to let people in and show them his insecurities. He was scared to open up to Kuroo, the guy that made him feel so different, that made him feel things he'd never felt before.

Some of the feelings were good, but they didn't make sense to him. Along with that, there was the fact that Kuroo was treating him like a child, and to Kei that meant he obviously wasn't interested in being friends, let alone ever see him as someone that he would have an interest in romantically, and it seemed like he found some strange amusement with bothering Tsukishima. Kei liked him a lot, and as much as he did like the fact that Kuroo even bothered to speak to him in the first place, the way he interpreted things made his heart turn cold. Kuroo was handsome, he was the captain of the volleyball team, and there was no way that Kei had the slightest chance with him. Nobody could love him, that was what he felt was true, and when he finally found himself interested in someone there was no way it would be reciprocated.

A few seconds passed where Kei continued to glare at Kuroo to hide the hurt he felt, and then the other male removed his arm and took a few steps back. "You're right, sorry. See you at practice, Tsukishima-san," he said, looking almost dejected as Kenma dragged him in the direction of the usual route. There was none of the usual teasing tone in his voice, and that smirk had been wiped off completely, replaced with a frown and eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

It kind of hurt to see him that way, but Tsukishima couldn't be sure whether that was genuine emotion or whether it was faked to try and get him to cave in to Kuroo's wish to walk with him to school. He didn't know with Kuroo, since he couldn't tell whether he was blinded by his feelings, nor could he figure out what he was thinking when he spoke with Tsukishima. Kei didn't know how he was meant to let his guard down around him, because he didn't want to make volleyball hard, but he also didn't want to make it obvious that he liked him when he knew that Kuroo would never like him back.

Meanwhile, Lev was still shocked about the whole thing, and quite visibly confused. As he and Tsukishima headed in the other way to get to school, he tried his best to think of a way to ask about what had just happened. "Are you okay, Tsukki?" he asked eventually, his voice gentle. "I get that it's hard to deal with feelings, and he was a little overbearing, but I don't think he was trying to upset you."

Kei frowned and shook his head, refusing to meet the other male's green eyes. "I didn't, I," he tried to explain, unable to figure out how to explain it. Even as they walked, he took a while to be able to comprehend exactly what he felt, and then longer still to be able to put it into words that made sense. "I liked that he was talking to me and that he was close to me, I really did. But I was overwhelmed with that, and, I just, he was treating me like a child. Like he would treat a cousin or little brother, and that hurt. I don't know, I really don't know, Lev. I'm a mess when it comes to this sort of stuff. I don't want to fuck things up or mess up the team, but as much as I like him he gets on my nerves and I don't know how to act."

Lev's expression softened, and then the silver haired teen giggled, like, full on higher pitched, somewhat suppressed giggle. "Aww, Tsukki, that's actually really sweet. I wouldn't have taken you for the bashful type, it's kind of cute if I'm honest. Do you think Yaku feels the same way when I'm around and that's why he kicks me? I think that's why, which is why I don't really mind, cause he's just showing his affection in a different way," he said with a hum, gently grabbing Tsukishima's wrist and leading him to school a little faster. "I can't wait to see him, Yaku-chan is so small and cute!"

Kei blinked, having to take a moment to comprehend what had just happened, since he was pretty sure the conversation was to try and help with his problems, and not Yaku. Note to self: Lev was completely hopeless when it came to love advice, and probably just as much of a disaster as he was. "Good lord, Lev, no! He kicks you because he doesn't like being called short," he deadpanned, rolling his eyes. Even so, the momentary distraction was a little helpful, and he found himself feel a little relaxed. "I know you're just stating facts, but still... It would be like him going up to you and saying 'Oh, Lev-chan, you're so tall~ so tall and cute~'"

The taller teen seemed to blank out for a moment, a soft blush rushing to his cheeks as he presumably imagined that exact scenario. "But I would like that if he did that, Tsukki! I bet he would be really adorable if he did, y'know? I like that if we were together I'd be able to cuddle him real easy and if we went out on a date and it was crowded and stuff he could sit on my shoulders and stuff," he rambled, the colour on his cheeks progressively getting darker.

It was sweet how much Lev cared about Yaku even if they'd met the day before, but at the same time he couldn't quite fathom how exactly the silver haired male's brain worked. Kei doubted he ever would, and he didn't know if it was worth trying to figure it out at all. "While that is sickeningly adorable, at the same time, that doesn't help me with anything! Unbelievable, you're just unbelievable. Why did I even bother telling you about this in the first place?"

"Because we're neighbours and the bestest friends in the whole wide world?" Lev said with a grin and a wink, tugging on his arm a little.

Kei groaned and shook his head, sighing softly and pulling out his phone. "Unfortunately that's the case, and correction, you're the second best friend, because that first spot will always belong to Yamaguchi Tadashi. You're absolutely no help when it comes to crushes, I'm calling Tadashi-"

"No, please, I'll actually try and help!" Lev interrupted hurriedly, gesturing for him to put his phone away, which Kei did anyway for some reason. "I got sidetracked, but I was serious when I said it reminded me of how Yaku doesn't seem to get that me calling him short is because I really think it's cute. Kuroo probably was just trying to break the ice and lighten the mood, I doubt he was actually trying to upset you or something like that. Like you said, you don't know him very well yet, so maybe he felt that the best way to interact with you was to tease you a bit, or maybe he thought your reactions were cute and didn't think you minded it. You didn't actually seem angry about it until you snapped at him, more like mildly annoyed, so..."

Tsukishima listened to him and sighed, pouting a bit and grumbling under his breath because deep down he knew that Lev was right. He didn't know how to interact, but he also didn't know how Kuroo was or know the third year well enough to be able to judge his feelings. There was really know telling, and the only way to really know would be to get to know him better. "Yeah, but how the hell am I meant to face him in practise this morning after what I said? What if he was just messing with me or something, what then? I've never felt this way before, I don't know what to do, Lev."

The silver haired male shrugged and gave him a smile. "I've never done this before either. I just try to be honest be myself, and roll with it as best I can no matter what. I'll say one thing, though, Tsukki. If you really like Kuroo, no matter the reason, then you'll be willing to apologise and do your best to make it work. Even if he turns out to be teasing you or a jerk, well, you gave it your best shot and you did the best you could. But if you don't think he's worth the risk of seeming stupid or whatever by apologising, then I don't think there's much sense in pursuing anything with him romantically."

The blond frowned for a moment and then nodded, a small smile making its way onto his face once again. Once again he realised that Lev needed more credit than he gave him. Maybe he wasn't perfect or a love expert, but he was honest and true to himself, and that sort of advice was what Tsukishima needed. "You're right... thank you."

"No problem! That's what friends are for," he chirped, beaming at him and tugging at his wrist again. "Now, come on, I wanna get there early so that I can change as soon as I can and see Yaku-chan!"

And so, Tsukishima found himself being dragged to school by Lev. 'He's going to be the death of me' Kei thought, before smiling a little once more, 'but I guess it's not so bad'.

x-X-x

As they got to school, he wasn't quite looking forward to it. The bathrooms were locked at this time of day, and so he would have to get changed in the club room, which he didn't particularly feel like doing. Thankfully, Yaku was already there and the door was unlocked, and since they basically ran to get there he was already half changed by the time Kuroo and Kenma entered the room.

Yaku, the poor soul, was already being dragged to the gym by Lev who was all too eager to spend some time alone even if it was doing receives. Kei was happy for him, but he was also scared to speak to Kuroo. He took a lot longer to get changed than usual, his movements slow as he tried to figure out what to say or even where to begin. He always did this, he always messed up, and this was just like any other time. This was why he only had two, now three, close friends, because nobody else stuck around long enough because he did something that ruined any chances of friendship.

It didn't help at all that he was naked aside from his underwear as his two upperclassman entered the club room. Kei jumped at the sound of the door opening, moving to the corner and hurriedly pulled on his shorts, shirt, and tracksuit jacket, not particularly wanting to be seen. He'd not even considered the possibility of them walking in, and it wasn't really a big deal since everyone else changed in the club room anyways, but it wasn't the way he'd hoped for things to go. It only made things worse as he tried to allow the least amount of his form to be seen. He didn't exactly hate his body, but he couldn't help but find himself ashamed when it compared to other people in highschool, even Lev.

Tsukishima was tall and thin, and he knew people found him attractive, but at the same time he wasn't particularly muscular either. He sometimes went on a jog in the morning, but aside from volleyball didn't exercise much, nor did he eat the amount needed to form a proper body mass. He was insecure about that, since pretty much everyone on their team had some sort of muscles, even if they weren't bulky and were more lean. He didn't know the type of person Kuroo would be interested in, but as he hurried to get changed, another worry was planted in his heart, that it wouldn't be him.

Add on the fact that he didn't know how he was going to talk to Kuroo, it just made it harder, since he could practically feel the captain's hazel looking at him when his back was turned. He let out a shaky breath, turning around to find neither of the two looking his way, and was about to leave the room when he heard a voice. He was almost surprised to find it was his own, but at the same time was glad that he'd managed to get something out before things were too far gone and too hard to fix. If he waited until after, things would probably get in the way, and he would never get around to talking properly about what happened. "Kuroo-san, uh, can we talk?"

He glanced over to the dark haired male to see his response, only to see he was now shirtless and midway through pulling up his shorts, and he looked away. He managed to stop himself from blushing too darkly, but Kei knew his ears would no doubt be red, judging on how hot they felt. "Hm? Yeah, sure. Just give me a second," Kuroo replied, not seeming to be phased at all by what happened. Tsukishima felt his heart sink a little, and with a sigh he wondered if perhaps he had just been imagining it when he thought the third year had been looking at him.

He was insecure about many things, but what Kei always longed for was that someone would see through that and love him even with his flaws. Tsukishima doubted that Kuroo would have looked over, it must have been his imagination, and even more than that he knew it was foolish to think that he would have even found him attractive. It was almost cruel, because even if things between them were messy, he would certainly not be forgetting the way Kuroo looked.

Kei shook his head to clear his mind from those sorts of thoughts and left the room, grabbing at the bottom of the tracksuit jacket in an attempt to calm himself down. He had so much he wanted to say, so much he wouldn't be able to without confessing, and he had to figure out a way to say it without making the whole situation worse. For someone already a disaster when it came to friendships, this was a whole new level of difficulty.

Moments later, he was joined by Kuroo, who gestured for him to follow him. The blond would have been hesitant to be somewhere else alone with him, but he realised that some of the other members had began to arrive, and didn't particularly want to talk about this around them.

It was daunting, seeing the captain so serious, since he was used to him being so lighthearted and jovial. It made him nervous, and his heart had began to beat faster. It was pounding in his chest, and as much as he was afraid, he was also hopeful that things just might go well.

The pair ended up outside the back entrance of the gym they used for volleyball, where it was quieter and nobody was likely to overhear them. Kuroo had an unreadable expression, and Tsukishima felt a pang of guilt as he realised that it was probably his fault that this was the case. It had only been a day, barely, and yet he'd managed to fuck things up. He could only hope that Lev's tactic of being honest and himself would work, but then again, he wasn't sure his 'charming' personality would aid him very well. "So, you wanted to talk? Why the change of heart, Tsukishima-san?"

Now that hurt, but it was a fair point. He had, only fifteen minutes ago, said some pretty shitty stuff and basically told him to fuck off, which was nowhere near what he'd originally intended. Unknowingly though, with those few words and the guilt that he felt from hearing them, Kuroo had caused him to feel so much more overwhelmed.

"I, um, I just wanted to say-" Kei took a sharp breath before shakily sighing, biting his lip for a moment. Everything he'd thought of completely slipped his mind, and he felt his palms getting sweaty from the nerves. How could he do this, how could he be himself, when deep down he didn't think that he was good enough? He was just going to mess things up, wasn't he? He didn't understand why he'd done this in the first place, why he bothered. Kuroo was going to hate him, he would never even like him, because Kei only ever fucked things up when he tried to get anywhere with people besides from his brother and Tadashi.

He knew it was stupid, getting so worked up over a guy he'd only met the day before, someone he barely knew. Yet, Tsukishima wanted to get to know Kuroo, even despite the fact that he'd annoyed him and got on his nerves, even despite that stupid smirk and the beautiful mix of adrenaline, fear and excitement he felt when he saw the third year looking at him. He wanted to run, and at the same time he was frozen in his place, and nothing was coming out. Kei was like a deer in headlights, and it was perhaps more embarrassing than apologising with a chance of being teased was in the first place.

His breath hitched and his mind was working at a million miles an hour, and he didn't know what to think or feel. He was scared, he didn't know what to do. This was all new, all different, it was change whilst still being an exact repeat of every other time he'd tried to rebuild failed friendships.

And then, right when Kei didn't know how he was going to manage to breathe again, Kuroo stepped forward, pulling him into a hug. "Just relax, Tsukishima, it's okay. Breathe with me, and take your time, take as long as you need," he assured gently, not a single sign of teasing or annoyance in his voice, only gentle kindness and sincerity.

Kei let out the breath he'd been holding, and took another one, unable to stop himself from leaning into the hug. He'd been nervous before, but when Kuroo was like this, he couldn't help but find the nerves dissipate. Maybe this was because of the crush, or something else, he didn't know. But Kuroo was comforting him, he was caring for him in a way that he'd frankly never expected. It was wonderful, and it was working, because for whatever reason the older teen didn't hate him and was still able to care even despite the horrible way he'd treated him.

"I'm sorry for what I said, I went too far," Kei admitted after a moment, closing his eyes and pulling away from him, his voice quiet as he tried his best to be honest, without giving away all of the reasons that he was upset (because there was no way in hell he was going to be confessing). "I'm not really used to people teasing me like that, and I don't particularly enjoy being treated as a child when my whole life I've been expected to look after myself and learn things for myself. I don't know, I just felt like you weren't taking me seriously, and maybe that's your way of dealing with my crappy personality. It doesn't matter, since I don't even really know why I acted the way I did myself. Hell, I didn't even really hate the teasing, just that I felt like a kid. I don't know, I just, I really don't want this to affect the team, because volleyball is one of the few constants I have right now. My point is, can we start over?"

Kuroo was quiet as he spoke, listening with silent encouragement as Tsukishima went though to what he had to say. When he was done, the third year nodded and gave him a smile. "Thank you for being able to tell me that, Tsukishima. I get that it was a big thing to say that, and I think it shows your character if you're able to just step up and apologise so quickly so that it didn't effect the team. I don't think your personality is crappy, and this just proves that. Even if you freaked out a little, that's okay, and it doesn't make you any less of a person."

Kei relaxed more hearing that, a soft blush on his cheeks. Well, he'd certainly not been expecting that sort of response from Kuroo, considering all of their past interactions, but he was certainly relieved. "It was never my intention to make you angry or feel like I saw you as lesser. You're a first year, yes, but it's only two years difference. I'm sorry that I made you feel that way, I really am, and I guess it just goes to show that there's a lot to you as a person. I was just trying to have a little fun with you since you seemed a little lonely to me, I guess? I hadn't expected you to lash out like that, that's all," he explained, holding out his hand for the blond to shake.

Just as Kei was about to assure him that it was okay (somehow, because it was really sweet that Kuroo had noticed that he was lonely, if not a little unnerving that he was that easy to read), the other kept on talking, his expression much softer and fonder this time. It was a side that Tsukishima didn't know a Kuroo had, but it was one he wanted to pay attention to and remember.

"Maybe it's dumb, but I'll be perfectly honest with you as well. I think you seem like a really cool person, and it hurt a lot when you said those things to me when I just wanted to be friends. We're going to see each other a lot, and I think we'd get along well, so it'd make me happy if we can put this in the past. I wasn't exactly innocent either, so let's just agree we were both at fault, yeah? Hi, my name is Kuroo Tetsurou, captain of Nekoma's volleyball team. It's nice to meet you, and I look forward to playing with you this year."

As much as he was afraid to let down his barriers, Kei couldn't help but find himself genuinely smiling as he shook the hand offered to him. "I'm Tsukishima Kei, but so we're clear on names, you can call me Tsukki, or Tsukishima. No weird nicknames, got it? Other than that, likewise; I look forward to playing with you. Let's have a good year."

At hearing that, Kuroo's soft expression burst into a bright smile, a proper one and not a smirk, and Kei felt his heart beat faster once more. He'd thought that soft look was nice, but now, it felt like there was this warmth exploding from inside and turning his body to mush. When Kuroo Tetsurou smiled like that, it felt like he was the centre of the universe, and it made him want to smile as well.

"Come on then, Tsukki, we have volleyball to play. You're good, but you still have heaps more to learn when it comes to blocking. I might only be two years older, but have a few tips and tricks up my sleeves that I think you'll find useful, hm?"

Feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders, Kei didn't hesitate to agree.

x-X-x

Even though Kuroo had returned to smirking and teasing him a little when they returned back to the gym, Tsukishima found himself really enjoying his company. After their conversation, he could tell the older teen was more considerate about his choice of words so as not to make him feel uncomfortable, and there were times where they shared some actual conversations about blocking and volleyball, that Kei felt was really beneficial. Kuroo was smart, and he knew what he was talking about and exactly how to word things to him. Even when they got to the three on three game, the way he explained how different tactics could be used was fascinating. Kei realised this was probably how Lev felt when Yaku explained stuff to him, because he was in awe of their captain.

Even when it Kuroo was teasing and messing around with him and some of the others, it was more like a friendly banter than anything, and Kei realised it was probably the type of response that the captain was trying to go for when they first met if he hadn't taken it the wrong way.

Especially after Kuroo being extremely sweet and actually comforting him, Kei knew the other was actually genuinely really nice despite the smirks and provocative personality he had. Any prior worries of having fallen for someone who was a total jerk had vanished, leaving him with absolutely no reason not to shamelessly pine over his captain.

Kei definitely didn't get teased by Lev when he told him what had happened, including the part about Kuroo hugging him.

Once more, the captain constantly made his way into Tsukishima's mind throughout the day, and it was a wonder that he was able to focus on school work. The end of the day couldn't come quick enough, and Kei found himself extremely excited for volleyball, knowing that things with Kuroo wouldn't be making it miserable and difficult.

On the third day of school, Kei once again managed to be with Lev at just the right time to get the elevator when Kuroo and Kenma were. In an interesting turn of events, the captain had accompanied him down the stairs and Kenma was left dealing with an overly excited Lev who had to refrain from excitedly sharing about how cute he thought Kuroo and Tsukki were together.

That day, when Kuroo offered to walk with them to school, Kei smirked, reminded him that he was not a child, yet followed the older teen. As it turned out, Kuroo and Kenma's way went through a park, and Tsukishima didn't spend time later on thinking about the possible memories that they could create there during the different seasons on their walk to school (including Kuroo picking a leaf out of his hair in fall, sharing his gloves or scarf in the winter, and tucking a flower behind Kei's ear in the spring).

And so, as the rest of the days during that first week came and went, things began to fall into place. Kei and Lev hung out a lot, and when they weren't it was usually during classes, or during training when they were working with other people or spending time with their respective crushes. In the morning, Kei would walk to school with Lev, Kuroo, and Kenma, and in the evening the four of them would walk home together. As it turned out, the setter, though quiet, was actually good company and Tsukishima was glad that they could get along well, seeming Kenma would be the person setting to him for the next two years, and Kuroo and Lev were a handful at times.

Even so, there was something about Tokyo and about Nekoma that just didn't seem to sit right with Kei. He knew from the beginning that it wasn't going to be anything like home, that it was different to Karasuno and he shouldn't have expected to feel the same way about it, but he was feeling quite lonely and homesick. Lev and Kuroo were great, and they didn't fail to bring warmth to his heart and a smile to his face, but they weren't Tadashi and Akiteru. They hadn't gotten to know him like they had, and he still had a long way to go before he was going to let either of them in completely.

Kei still talked to Yamaguchi and Akiteru every evening, but that didn't replace what should have been mornings and lunchtimes and afternoons, and the way that he missed the both of them. He didn't tell anyone how lonely he felt going home to an empty apartment, seeing all the things there that he associated with his true family (Tadashi and Akiteru) and knowing that they were hours away.

Nobody at school knew that he lived alone, the reason he had gone to Tokyo, or how his whole life had been turned upside down. And after spending time with them, Kei was afraid that telling them he wished he was elsewhere would ruin something else, because he truly was beginning to like their team even despite his prior opinions. It was stupid, and he knew that he should just be honest. His friends were kind and understanding, and he hoped they would understand that it was hard for him to completely enjoy life when it was so different. But Tsukishima was still scared of opening up, scared of losing those people and new relationships before they'd even really developed, and he didn't know how to open up.

Instead of doing the logical thing and trying to talk it through with them, he buried those feelings deep inside, along with the many other insecurities and worries that he was too scared to share, and awaited the time when the weekend would arrive. When the weekend was there, he was heading back home to Miyagi, back home to Akiteru and Tadashi. There was a lot to catch up on, after all.