Yamaguchi Tadashi is known for his carelessness and he hates it in the very fiber of his existence.

Until one time he didn't.

His mornings usually went this way.

Standing in line for at least half an hour, the pungent scent of coffee beans that lingered inside the tight expanse and humid air was enough to stir him wide awake.

Around this time of day, coffee shops would be packed up with all different kinds of individuals either wanting to stimulate themselves in preparation of the new horrors they're about to face or just craving a mere hot beverage.

It isn't really that surprising, Yamaguchi once pondered when he became a regular in this particular shop. How would one last a day without caffeine?

He waited mindlessly till it was his turn to order his drink, staring into space as he yawned and his eyelids close involuntarily only to be jolted back to reality when he felt people bump his body as he stuttered out apologies which he quickly regretted seconds after he did.

Weeks ago he made a firm resolution to strengthen his self-confidence. That he should no longer hide in someone else's shadow and become independent. Getting flustered over the simplest things and making an embarrassment of yourself because of it is not a pretty sight to see, he deemed. Thankfully his seniors were kind enough to let it slip and even comforting him but Yamaguchi knew those needed to change.

Starting by suffocating himself in a sea of strangers.

At first he was anxious as hell, wondering what would people think of him in his fairly tall built, freckles and massive cowlick. But then again, after several repetitions of it, he eventually made it a routine. Something he grew accustomed in doing.

And most of all, coffee tasted so fine.

Yamaguchi put on his resolve when he stated his preferred drink, smiling a tad warily and fishing out bills from his wallet.

"The usual, Sir?"

"A-ah, yes. Thank you..." Yamaguchi muttered.

Get a hold of yourself, dammit! He internally cowers in shame.

Hearing the cashier's chuckle set his cheeks aflame.

Hurrying to get out from such embarrassing situation, he hastily grasped the cup placed in front of him and dashed towards the exit as he now gradually felt a burning sensation on the palm of his hands. He hisses and attempts to halt at the nearest table when he almost spilled his coffee in half.

This is why he wishes more self-restraint.

"I-I'm sorry–

"It's okay."

His eyes widened at the familiar tone of voice.

"Tsu-Tsukki–

If Yamaguchi could disappear right there, he probably would.

He looks above and sees the perturbed form of Tsukishima Kei hovering before his unworthy sight. His chest palpitated and held his breath.

"Oh my god, your shoes!" The stain was barely visible.

Most days would end up the way he expected, or what he had anticipated rather. There are also instances where he'd prefer to curl up in some corner and weep in mortification.

Apparently, this was one of those moments.

"I'm sorry! I really am! I-I didn't see you–

"I told you it's fine–

The blond tried to interrupt his ramblings.

"I-I was thinking about a lot of things! A-and– Here's a tissue! This is terrible, how can I make up to you–

"Well, you could start by calming down and buy me coffee."

Flies would've possibly entered Yamaguchi's mouth on how open wide it was.

Did I hear it right?

"Uh..." Was it just him or is his long time crush blushing at the root of his ears?

"Tsukki... Uh... Do you even like coffee?"

"..." Yamaguchi mustered all his might to restrain himself from giggling like a child.

Tsukishima Kei is a fellow co-worker of his for the past year and he'd observed him enough to know that the giant blond fancies sweets rather than bitter things. The realization of it makes him lightheaded, and he hasn't even drank coffee yet.

"The nearest bakeshop then. I'll be waiting outside."

"Wha–

Before he could respond to the blond's declaration, he already turned his back, leaving Yamaguchi confused and astounded at the same time.

The hell just happened?