Clothes scattered around the floor in a certain room inside the (L/N) Residence. It was a peaceful Sunday morning, Ellie just got home last night. Not little after that, you got home from your Tokyo Away Games. Too tired to eat dinner, you went straight to bed.

"(Nickname), breakfast ready. I've been calling you—What the hell is all this?" Ellie got inside your room to see you rummaging through your closet, "What are you doing so early in the morning."

"I—" Your cheeks blushed, "I need your help,"

Ellie tilted her head to the side, confused. She walked over to your bed and sat on it, "What's wrong?"

You were fidgeting your finger, cheeks still flaring up because of embarrassment, "Promise me you won't laugh or tease me after I tell you!"

"Fine, fine, out with it!" Ellie pressed.

"Well, it happened last night..." You started, "It was when Tadashi went on separate ways with us after reaching his house. We were just walking down the road when I noticed a flyer posted on a wooden board by the entrance of the shrine just around this neighborhood. There will be a summer festival in that shrine. Kei must have noticed that I wanted to go. So, he asked me if I want to attend the festival with him. It's happening later this evening. I didn't want to stand out so, I won't be using my yukata but I want to dress properly for the occasion and I couldn't seem to find one."

Ellie held a hand up to stop you, "So, you said yes?"

"O—Of course, I did! I wouldn't be panicking like this if I decline his invitation,"

A grin appeared in Ellie's face, "So, it's a date then?"

"W—What?" You stuttered, blushing.

"It's definitely a date! Oh my god!" Ellie started to squeal loudly, "My wish is coming true! You're going on a date with Kei! I always wanted him for you! Oh my god! Oh my god! I am definitely going to help you prepare! Not to worry! I have tons of clothes perfect for summer romance!" Ellie left your room without even letting you say a word to stop her.

"Well, there's gonna be no end to this," You sighed in defeat.

Ellie didn't stop pestering you about the "date" with Tsukishima. Too tired to even reprimand her, you let her be at least she is keeping her promise to help you. Your older sister was busy the whole morning preparing for everything. When lunch was over she told you to take a shower and use the bath bomb she has given you. She said it will make your skin silkier and softer.

It was almost around 5pm when she started helping you prepare. She handed you over an old rose-colored dress with a heart-shaped neckline and short puff sleeves. The dress perfectly fits in your body. It hugged the curves of your waist and its flowy skirt just ended above your knee. Your dress was paired with a white low heel, open toe sandals.

"This is too girly," You commented as you got inside your room after changing.

"And you're a girl. There's nothing wrong with being girly once in a while, (Nickname). My dear sister, it is time to show your feminine side to everyone. Let Kei appreciate that tonight! So, come on! Sit here, it's time for your hair and makeup. Close your eyes!" Ellie replied.

"Makeup? Don't you think that's a bit overboard?" You cocked an eyebrow at her.

"A little makeup isn't overboard, (Nickname)! Get your ass in here cause' we're running out of time." She pulled you towards the seat of your dresser, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing!"

Ellie started applying the makeup on your face, she began with brushing your eyebrows to show its natural shape, your skin was pretty much ok so she didn't need to put any foundation to cover it up. She then proceeds to curl your long thick eyelashes with a curler then applied a small amount of mascara. A light shade of pink for your eyeshadow and the same shade for your cheeks and lips. She didn't spend so much time doing your hair. All your older sister did was pull it into a half-updo style and tied the upper part of your hair with a red ribbon.

"Are you done?" You asked since she told you to close your eyes when she started applying the makeup.

"Yes! I'm proud of myself! You can open your eyes now," Ellie said, excitedly.

The first thing that your eyes caught the moment you opened it was your reflection. You blinked a few times before realizing what your sister did to you. You have to say, the final product was quite good.

Ellie put both of her hands on your shoulder with her head beside yours grinning at you in the reflection of the mirror, "What can you say?"

"You did...good," You were speechless to be exact.

"I think Kei will see a new side of you. Something he did not expect," Ellie was really happy, "Congratulations! You're no longer a potato!"

"Oh, shut up!" You stood from your seat and grabbed you white satchel bag, "I'm going!"

"What? Kei's picking you up right!? It's a date after all," Ellie looked at you.

You blushed, "It's not a date! We're just gonna attend the festival." You insisted.

"You're attending the summer festival alone with a guy and it's not a date? What are you stupid? He even got his shit together to ask you. Are you really that dense?"

"Look, we're just friends." You stated.

"Poor Kei, rejected without confessing," Ellie wiped an imaginary tear from the corner of her eyes.

The doorbell rang before you can answer back at your older sister. Knowing who it was, you didn't waste any more time and went downstairs to answer the door.

Tsukishima Kei stood there in front of your main door. He was quite nervous for this day, he couldn't even sleep last night just thinking about it. Still not believing he actually had the guts to ask the only female friend he has to attend the summer festival ALONE TOGETHER.

Before ringing the doorbell, he made sure that he was dress appropriately. He was currently wearing a pastel blue button shirt, it's long sleeves folded neatly until his elbow, a plain white shirt underneath, and tucked inside his blue denim jeans and a pair white sneakers. He checked the time on his wristwatch. Taking a deep breath, he pushes the doorbell. He fixes his hair and cleared his throat. He heard the door clicked, and slowly the door opened to reveal the girl he came to pick up.

Their eyes met, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. There was something different about this girl, her aura was oozing with gentleness. The scent of strawberry reached his sense of smell. He was sure it's her, he couldn't forget the scent of her perfume anywhere. He stood there like a statue in front of her.

How is it possible for someone to be this beautiful in front of him?

The blonde girl stood there on the doorway looking all cute with her dress. Tsukishima was left speechless, not knowing what to say. He thanked the gods that his expression remained blank so that the girl before him could not read what he was thinking. He studied her features even her outfit. It was simple yet she elegant in some ways he can't explain.

"Are you going to stare at me the whole night?" You said to Tsukishima and that brought some sense into him.

He cleared his throat and was about to say something when you stopped him. You told him that you don't have time for his insults. But it was the opposite, he wanted to compliment you so bad that it was out of his character. He quietly followed you from behind, his mind still on the scene when you opened the door of your house. His mind was on cloud nine that he did not realize that you actually arrived in the shrine.

You were the first one to ascend the stairs, Tsukishima behind you, making sure you won't trip your feet with the sandals you are using. You're not used to using these kinds of footwear daily. You got to the top of the shrine, different kinds of stalls lined up in the side surprised you. It has been a while since you went to a festival. The place was pretty crowded, you could easily get lost if not careful.

"I can't believe it! Kei!" Tsukishima's head turned to the side to see a familiar face. He sure is surprised to see her in here, "Hey! I didn't know you like attending the festival! I wish I could have invited you to come with me! Are you alone?"

"No, I'm actually with (F/N)" Tsukishima stepped back to show you standing beside him. You turn to see the person who Tsukishima was talking to.

"Ara~Sakamoto-san! What a coincidence," You smiled at her but you immediately noticed her smile fading. It all came back to you. How silly of you to forgot that this girl likes the guy you're with.

"Wow, (L/N)-san! You're here," Sakamoto forced a smile, "How come there's only the two of you? Didn't you invite the rest of the team?"

"Since we lived near each other there's no else could make it. Besides, we only saw the poster last night when we got back to Tokyo." Tsukishima answered.

"You went to Tokyo?" Sakamoto had a curious look.

"Yeah, the team was invited to join a training camp. So, we stayed there for a week," You answered.

"I—I see..." Sakamoto forced her chuckle.

"Aren't you with someone, Sakamoto-san?" You asked.

"Well, I am..." She stared at you, looking at your overall outfit.

She couldn't believe you would pull a stunt like that around Kei. She underestimated you, it was a bold move of you to show up all girly with the guy he likes. But the truth is, you careless what Tsukishima thinks about you. You just want to have fun.

"Nana!" A boy with black hair called out, his side bangs covering most of his forehead and he has an undercut. He approached Sakamoto, his brown eyes turning to the two in front of him, "Oh! Sorry, I didn't see that you're talking to someone. Friends of yours?"

"U—Uh, they are my schoolmates. This is Tsukishima Kei and (L/N) (F/N)," Sakamoto said.

"Tsukishima? Ah, that..." He grinned at Tsukishima, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Tsukishima-kun, (L/N)-chan. I'm Yasugawa Naoki, Nanami's childhood friend from Tokyo," he held a hand out.

Tsukishima took his hand to shake, and you did the same.

"Here for summer vacation, Yasugawa-san?" You smiled at him.

"Wow, you're pretty, (L/N)-chan! Yes, I am. Nanami's currently showing me around."

"Well, we have to get going now. It's nice seeing you Sakamoto-san and it's nice meeting you, Yasugawa-san. Have a great night," Tsukishima grabbed your hand and started pulling you towards the sea of crowds.

"Hey, Kei! Where are we going?" You asked.

"Are you hungry?" He asked, not letting your hands go from his grip. It was a lame excuse to be able to hold it, but it did the trick.

"Ah! Let's go buy takoyaki! Like lots of it!" You said.

Tsukishima stopped once you got out of the crowd. He was about to say something insulting again but he was able to hold back his tongue from ruining the good atmosphere that he created between them.

"Alright, wait here. I'll buy us some takoyaki," Tsukishima said.

You grabbed the hem of his button-down shirt, "You can't leave me here!"

"Look, I'll be quick. I don't want to lose you," He said and your eyes widen while your cheeks exploded into a thousand shades of crimson. Tsukishima realized what he said was wrong and immediately corrected it, "What I meant is, I don't want to lose you in the crowd. It will be hard for me to look for you."

"O—Oh," you let go of the hem, "Ok, I'll wait here."

Tsukishima nodded and disappeared into the thick crowd. You stood there, holding the strap of your bag tightly. Uncomfortable with the attention you were getting. It has been a few minutes since Tsukishima left to buy. You stayed still on your feet with your head down.

"Hey, look a cutie," A voice said.

You raised your head to see three delinquents coming on your way. Unable to react, your hands gripped the strap of your bag tightly as you feel your heart race against your chest violently.

"Hey miss, are you alone?" One of the delinquents asked, looking perverted as he looked at you from head to toe.

"N—No, I—"

"A cute girl like shouldn't be alone. You should come with us. You'll have a lot of fun," Another one of the delinquents offered.

"No thanks, I—I'm waiting for someone," You said, fighting off the fear you feel at the moment.

"Oh, come on, miss—" The delinquent with dyed hair attempted to grab your shoulder.

"Don't touch me," You snarled.

"Hey, this one's fiesty!" One of them laughed.

"I can't wait—"

"Don't wait," A familiar voice spoke behind them.

When the three delinquents turned around, they were surprised by Tsukishima towering before them with both of his hands holding a box of takoyaki. He wasn't happy, his intimidating aura was really strong tonight that it made those three scurry off. It was the first time you saw Tsukishima mad.

"(F/N), are you alright? I'm sorry I took—" Tsukishima was caught off guard when you run up and hugged him out of fear, "(F/N)..." He felt you trembling that he couldn't help but regret that he left you alone.

"I'm alright," You spoke, "I—I just need time to calm down..." Your voice muffled against Tsukishima's chest. One of Tsukishima's free hand made it's way to your head, giving comforting rubs.

Once you were calm, you were able to bounce back to your old self to Tsukishima's relief. You looked for a place to eat peacefully, he then took you somewhere where only a few ones know about it. It was a small hill near the shrine. You can see your whole neighborhood from up here.

"Wow~this is..." You felt the wind blew against your face.

"We can get a better view of the fireworks later," Tsukishima said, handing yours over a bottle of iced tea.

"Oh yeah, they have that every end of the festival." You mused.

You enjoyed the food and the comforting silence while enjoying Tsukishima's company. The megane checked his watch to see it was almost time for the fireworks display. Just then a set of sparkling colors exploded across the sky.

"Ah!" You shoot up, "There it is!"

Tsukishima stared at the fireworks for a little while before turning to look at you. Your eyes sparkled as you watched the lights exploded, reflecting the fireworks in those round sea-blue eyes that drowned him for a while now, together with your bright smile and cute sound while laughing. He felt his heartstring being pulled lightly, as he continues to watch you. A weird feeling inside his stomach appeared.

I'm like a statue
Stuck staring right at you
Got me frozen in my tracks
So amazed how you take me back
Each and every time our love collapsed

His clenched hand over his chest, feeling his heartbeat racing in such an abnormal way. Even if he wants to, he couldn't take his eyes off of you. Like it was stuck with no way in turning them away.

Statue
Stuck staring right at you
So when I'm lost for words
Every time I disappoint you
It's just 'cause I can't believe
That you're so beautiful
(Stuck like a statue)
Don't wanna lose you, no
(Stuck like a statue)

"Kei?" Tsukishima snapped out of his thoughts. He golden orbs meeting yours, "Are you alright?"

Tsukishima tried his best to act natural, "Yeah, I'm fine. So, did you enjoy?"

You grabbed his hand and squeezed gently, "Thank you, Kei!"

It was finally time to head home, you were already descending down the staircase of the shrine when someone called out to Tsukishima. You turn to see Sakamoto standing at the top of the stairs asking the megane if they can talk. He told you to wait for him there, he doesn't trust Naoki but he left you with him anyways. Out of trust that he is, after all, Sakamoto's childhood friend.

"So, how was your date?" Naoki spoke.

"It wasn't a date," You corrected.

"Really? It doesn't look that way to me. I can see Tsukishima-kun really likes you."

"He doesn't see me that way," You smiled sheepishly.

"Wow, he's that blind, huh? How can he not see that?" Naoki said, not understanding what he meant.

Not too long after Tsukishima got back, you said your goodbye to Naoki but you couldn't see Sakamoto anywhere. Tsukishima seemed to be quiet ever since you left the shrine. Did something happen between him and Sakamoto?

"Sakamoto confessed to me," Tsukishima spoke, breaking the silence around you.

"Eh? Really?" You weren't surprised that Sakamoto liked him, but because she was able to confess this fast.

Tsukishima nodded, "I turned her down. I told her that I don't have plans about having a romantic relationship right now."

You don't know why, but what he said made you sad. Then again, why would you even feel that way? It's not like you're expecting more than that from him. Even though you already realize that you like him a little earlier than you expected.

"You have to learn to be nice to girls first before you even think about having a girlfriend." You said, trying to lighten up the mood.

"You almost gave me a heart attack," Tsukishima changing the topic.

"It wasn't my fault. Those guys just came out of nowhere and started talking to me."

"You shouldn't have dressed like that in the first place," He answered.

You didn't feel insulted neither happy. You felt sadness. After going through the trouble from stressing out what clothes to wear to asking your older sister to help you. He didn't even say anything when he came to pick you up earlier. He just stared at you with a blank expression. You didn't notice that you already fell into silence which bothered Tsukishima because he knew for sure he got something to do with it.

You reached your house without saying anything while Tsukishima internally debating how can he cheer you up before getting inside your house.

"Well, here's my stop. Thank you for today, Kei. Take care, good night." You bowed before turning away.

Tsukishima grabbed your wrist to stop you. That surprised you, turning around to face him. He had this troubled expression as he looked at you. You waited for him to speak but nothing.

"Uh, Kei?"

"You—" He took a deep breath and exhaled, "You looked beautiful tonight."

You felt fireworks exploding on your cheeks. Your face couldn't handle the heat. It left you speechless, but deep inside you were happy.

"Are you falling for me now?" You were able to tease him to hide your nervousness.

"Dream on," Tsukishima rolled his eyes, letting your wrist go.

"I wanna thank you for saving me earlier," You said to him, "Can you...? I mean, turn your head this way,"

"Why?"

"Just do it," Tsukishima sighed but obliged to it anyway. He turned his head to the side, in the direction of your house.

You calm yourself first as you made towards him. When your inches apart from him, you looked up to him. Seeing his impatient face made you laugh lightly.

"You're making fun of me? Is this your thanks?" Tsukishima was clearly annoyed.

"Calm down, Kei." You grabbed his opened button-down shirt for him to bend down forward slightly. You tiptoed to reach for his cheeks.

"Seriously—" He wasn't able to finish what he was about to say when he felt warm lips brushed lightly over his.

Both of your eyes widen as you looked at each other. You pulled away from him after in panic, your hand covering your mouth in embarrassment.

"I—!" Too surprised for what happened you couldn't think properly, "Good night!" You ran inside your house.

Tsukishima was left standing outside, dumbfounded for a moment. His fingers touching his lips, trying to replay what just happened.

A smile appearing on his lips.