"Yamaguchi! Are you going out on a date with Saltyshima later!? If not, you can join me and Kageyama. We need your help at the arcade!"

"Sorry Hinata, not today." Yamaguchi giggled as he changes clothes. "Today's a special day so I can't. Maybe next week?"

Hinata pouted. Other than Kenma, Yamaguchi is one of the only people he knew that's great with games. "Is the date with the Saltyshima that good? Isn't he like super cold, even to you?"

Hinata was right, even though the two are dating he never really see things change between them. For Yamaguchi, it was different though. He knows Tsukishima loves him, he can feel it and he was grateful for it. He never thought his best friend would ever confess first and he especially wouldn't believe that he would court him for six months.

Sure Yamaguchi could have said just "yes" right off the bat but he didn't want to rush things. He wanted to make sure both of them are sure of what they've been feeling for each other. Of course, Yamaguchi does. He fell in love with his best friend the moment he saved him from his bullies.

A smile formed on his face when he sees Tsukishima waiting for him by the gate. "I'm going to give him my yes," Yamaguchi whispered to Hinata before running towards the tall blonde.

Tsukishima just gives him a glance before walking ahead a little, pausing and turning to him as if he was waiting for him to walk by his side. Yamaguchi felt his heart skip a bit with joy as walked beside him.

"What did you and that shrimp talked about?"

Yamaguchi just blushed slowly shaking his head. Tsukishima can tell something is up but didn't want to pry too much. "You really need to stop hanging around him too much. I'm starting to believe his stupidity can spread like a disease."

Yamaguchi just chuckled a little. Seeing the salty side of his future boyfriend always made him smile. He might be cold and seem emotionless but he knows he cares about him. Small gestures like opening the door for him like a gentleman or treating him out made him feel like the luckiest person in the world. Honestly, he felt that he was lucky to have anyone like him at all.

"Yamaguchi, I need to tell you someth-"

"Not now Tsukki!" Yamaguchi crossed his arms making a cute angry face. "We should finish eating first!"

"Fine,"

Tsukishima sighed, nodding quietly as the two continue eating their burgers. They got some fries and soft drinks too. After the meal, they went to the park. Yamaguchi knew a beautiful spot where the sunset hits just right. He thought it would be the perfect place to do it.

"Look Yamaguchi, I really need to tel-"

"Me first Tsukki," Yamaguchi blushed, stuttering a little. "I really can't wait to say this."

Without a word, Yamaguchi grabbed Tsukishima's hand tightly staring at his golden eyes. He usually avoids staring because he just gets lost in them but not now. He needed to remind himself how lucky he is to have Tsukki, his best friend, now lover. So, after taking a deep breath, mustering the courage he built up inside, he released the words he wanted to say for months now.

"It's a yes." He smiled brightly. His voice is shaky but overall happy that he was able to say it properly. Tsukishima squinted his eyes, confused at what he meant. "I said it's a yes. To be your boyfriend, I mean. I would love to-"

Tsukishima pulled his hands away, stepping back a little before opening his mouth. "Shit,"

"What's wrong Tsukki?" It was suddenly quiet. A deafening silence made Yamaguchi uncomfortable. It sank in his skin, almost suffocating him.

Hey, what's wrong. I said yes. Why don't you look happy? Why aren't you looking at me?

"I'm sorry Yamaguchi," Tsukishima looks at the ground, breaking the silence. "I like someone else now. That's what I wanted to tell you. I just want us to be friends."

The freckled boy just froze. Different thoughts started to flood in his head all at once. Didn't he love me!? Wasn't he the one who wanted to court me!? Why!? Was I just too late!? Why!? I love him too! So WHY!?

At the end of the day, he knew why. Tsukishima already answered his main question. He found someone else. Someone better. In his mind, you don't really need to look that hard to find anyone else that could have been better than him.

"Yamaguchi, I'm so-"

"It's fine!" Yamaguchi cried out trying to hold back his tears. "That's why I told you we should take out time about this, right?" He tried to force a smile but his teary eyes gave it away.

Tsukishima felt horrible at that moment. He knew how hard this must felt to his best friend, but in his mind, it's better, to end it now than to let this stretch out. "Let's go, I'll take you home." He reached out to grab Yamaguchi's hand. The freckled boy just swipes his hands away.

"I'll be fine," Yamaguchi said, his voice shaking. "Well, good luck Tsukki! I hope they make you happy!" Then we started walking away. He wanted to go as far as he can be for he can cry his heart out.

His words for the tall blonde were genuine. He really did want the best for his best friend. He wanted him to be happy. It's just, he wished he could have been that person.

What could have been one of the best days of his life became one of his worst memories. A memory that somehow, won't escape him. It was a grim reminder that he can always be replaced by someone better.

--------

The freckled boy's eyes were wide open. He had the same dream again. It's been 3 months since Osamu and Yamaguchi met that fateful match. They may not win the Nationals but meeting someone new and unexpected made all those countless nights of practice worth it.

He touched his lips lightly, remembering the kiss he and Osamu shared that day. Wondering if the gray-haired boy thinks of him too. The two of them kept in contact with each other but it's been months since both of them saw each other in person. If only if their locations weren't so far from each other.

When he realized he was blushing and smiling again, he slaps both of his cheeks, trying to make sure he was awake.

Come on Tadashi! Don't overthink it! It's just a kiss, he can kiss anyone he wants. Plus, I'm sure there are other better guys or girls for him out there...