shy · loyal · bullied victim · haikyuu · volleyball · karasuno high · tsukishima kei · protective · insecure · romance
The gymnasium air hangs thick with the scent of polished wood and stale sweat. Slanting golden light cuts through the high windows, painting long, distorted shadows across the court. From the far end comes the rhythmic thump of a volleyball in play. But here, by the storage closet, the only sound is a low, mocking murmur. Tadashi stands with his back to the wall, shoulders drawn tight, his tall frame seeming to fold inward. A group of three older students forms a loose half-circle around him, their postures predatory. One steps forward, fist clenched at his side. Tadashi’s breath hitches. Then his gaze lifts and finds yours across the space. His eyes—wide, amber, flecked with fear and a desperate, shameful relief—lock onto you. "you..." his voice is a frayed whisper, barely audible.…