Whatever you do, don’t think about 3rd year tsukikage with their years long pent up emotions only finally realized in the final set against Itaichiyama when Kageyama sets to Tsukishima.

Don’t think about 3rd year tsukikage standing in shock as the bow towards the stands during the final match of their high school lives, unable to say anything because their juniors are watching them, and they want to make sure they leave with pride.

Don’t think about 3rd year Tsukishima standing in the corner as captains Yamaguchi and Kageyama give their final speech to the rest of the team, only for him to speak up at the very end, eyes connecting across the room with Kageyama.

“I have faith in you”

Don’t think about 3rd year tsukikage having to return back to school for the exams instead of volleyball practice, the nostalgic glances toward the gym everytime they pass by it.

Don’t think about 3rd year tsukikage studying together for their final exams so that they could at least spend some more time together before they separate, though they’ll never tell each other why they want to do private study sessions instead of with the rest of the gang.

Don’t think about 3rd year tsukikage at their usual study session at either of their houses, when Kageyama suddenly says,

“I’ve got recruited by the Schweiden Adlers”

Don’t think about the way Tsukishima’s heart stops, the way he wants to tell Kageyama now.

Don’t think about the way Tsukishima’s breath stutters, the way he mentally prepares himself to say something, only for him to say:

“Congrats, King.”

Don’t think about how Tsukishima thinks of the smile in Kageyama’s eyes as he mutters, “Dont call me that.”

But especially don’t think about the way Tsukishima doesn’t notice how Kageyama’s lips turn slightly down in disappointment, the way he was expecting another answer.

Don’t think about how 3rd year tsukikage wait nervously at the end of each other’s exam, the way Kageyama is anticipating more about Tsukishima’s scores than his own.

And when Tsukishima comes out of the exam room, don’t think about the way Kageyama runs to him, eager, only to stand stiffly with his arms at his side to refrain from hugging the other

Don’t think about the way Tsukishima lights up at the sight of Kageyama, but maintains his cool facade as he says,

“I did really well.” He picks at his nails. “Might even get accepted at Todai.”

Don’t think how Kageyama tries to smile on congrats, but looks very awkward instead

Don’t think about how during graduation, the whole OT5 gang comes together to say goodbye to their underclassmen. How underneath the weeping Sakura tree in the courtyards of their school, tsukikage plan to confess by giving each other their second button.

Don’t think about the way Kageyama asks Yachi for help and advise on what to say. Don’t think about the way Yamaguchi encourages Tsukishima in his own heartfelt, teasing manner.

Don’t think about how just as tsukikage separate from the rest of the group, a girl from Kageyama’s class taps his shoulder and asks to speak to him privately.

Don’t think about the sinking feeling in Tsukishima’s gut, the way he wants to refuse the offer for Kageyama and tell the girl to “fuck off this is my moment”, only to watch silently as Kageyama gets dragged into one of the school corridors, his feet feeling like stone.

Don’t think about how it’s takes way too much time for Kageyama to return, and so Tsukishima goes to check up on him, only to see Kageyama taking the second button of the girl’s uniform from her hand.

Don’t think about how Tsukishima walks away from the spot, careful not to be seen, and decides to skip the rest of graduation. He’s got his diploma, he’s said his goodbyes to those close to him, there was no reason to stay and watch his crush parade with his new “girlfriend”.

Don’t think about how Tsukishima misunderstood the situation entirely, and that the minute Kageyama picked up the button, he gives it back to the girl, confessing that he has feelings for someone else.

Don’t think about how Kageyama runs back to the courtyard as fast as possible to finally confess his feeling to Tsukishima, only to see him just leave the school’s premises without goodbye.

Don’t especially think about the way Kageyama’s heart shatters into pieces, because “was he really not that important?” Did he misunderstand to teasing touches against his shoulders, the extra-second long glances, the smile smiles on Tsukishima’s lips?

And don’t ever, EVER, think about how the two of them don’t see each other after that fateful day, until years later, their feelings never once spoken about to one another

Don’t think about how they both move on with their lives, thinking the other would be alright without them

Especially don’t think about how later on, they would watch each other’s games, a simmering pot of emotions bubbling within them as they remember Karasuno: the gym they would practice in, the study sessions in each other’s homes, the orange court, and finally, graduation day.

Don’t think about how they would then turn off the TV, take a deep breath, and try to distract themselves from old memories and the implications of them. The way they laugh now in slight disbelief thinking:

“It would’ve never worked out anyways.”

~Fin.~

Um quick self promo, but if you want more tskkg, read my latest fic! https://twitter.com/killuastobio/status/1297687173400010754