A SWEET TREAT

Kiyoko x Tanaka | Valentine's Day Oneshot

Kiyoko, mentally frantic yet posed in appearance as she was well on her way out of class. Time was surely passing by since it was the final day before the weekend. After a heavy week from college applications, sorting through admissions from different colleges, it was well deserved time for a break.

She would zoom by some of her classmates to head towards her locker to replace her school indoor shoes to her outdoor ones. While heading to her assigned locker, Kiyoko bumped into someone as she was putting on her shoes.

"Hey uh Kiyoko-" Tanaka with a sheepish smile would stand before her. She turns around with her usual straight face.

"Tanaka-san. What seems to bring you here?"

It sounded like he was drowning in his own words as he tried to figure out what to say.

He just ended up slurring through most of it. All the while, Tanaka's fellow peers Nishinoya, Ennoshita and Kinoshita were standing before him, snickering and damn near laughing at Tanaka's attempt to talk to her.

"Well uh, I was just uh-"

"I have to go." Kiyoko didn't hesitate on her step and was out the door before Tanaka could get a word out which left him overwhelmed and humiliated. He honestly thought Kiyoko was either annoyed or bothered by his presence.

She would be out of breath from falling so fast down the hallway before lifting her head up slightly, noticing her fellow classmates and peers were watching her, still having some recognized glances of admiration and has been trance by her existence. She would put her head back down as she relaxed her position.

Her face was flushed pink, her eyes softened. She was simply enamored by Tanaka. Being that close made her flee from the scene. It was simply hard for her to admit it herself.

It was the beginning of February and right around the corner, it would be Valentine's Day.

This has been on the raven haired girl's mind for a minute, with her feelings with Tanaka forming and all. It was something she never thought could happen when she first met the guy.

But after two years of being near him, getting to know who he truly was, something about Ryuu just formed as a warm, soft spot in Shimizu's heart. So, she has to show more of her feelings eventually or she'll forever be thinking about those what-ifs.

Even with college being a factor as well; she may not have time to date around but only if she is ready for that challenge, what does she have to lose?

With that in mind, Kiyoko would think this over throughout the entire night, in her room as she was working on her college applications and finalizing her homework from this week.

That's when she realized something! What can Kiyoko get for Tanaka on one of the most romantic days of the year?

Monday, February 13th

Kiyoko was walking up a hill that enters the schoolyard of Karasuno High. She was accompanied by Yachi who would usually walk up with Kiyoko, despite the volleyball team being off-season, she still wants to interact with the soon-to-be alumni from time to time.

Usually her fellow third year friend would be talkative with her; there would be a multitude of things they would talk about together as they are well on their way to class but today, it looks like Kiyoko seemed to be having a bit of a rough morning.

Typical Hitoka would go through a conundrum of ideas as to what Shizimu would be thinking about or going through right now. Now Yachi's overthinking…

But momentarily she would snap out of it once she got on top of the hill. "Uh!" Yachi tried to exclaim something but her mind was running faster than her words.

"Wah! Uh so, r-rough morning? Well! I simply think today couldn't be any better!"

"Huh?" Kiyoko would look puzzled but she then started giggling at Yachi's facial expression as she looked like she was about to explode from anticipation.

"TODAY IS MONDAY! M-Mondays usually go by quicker than most days! Because everyone wants this day to end because it's the beginning of a long week!"

Kiyoko laughs even more. Yachi flinches and looks back at her bashfully. She sometimes speaks truth but most of the time, may say things very matter-of-fact and monotonously that it doesn't really make sense but it is truly from a sincere place. Kiyoko knows this and she smiles with reassurance.

"But really Kiyoko, is everything okay?"

Kiyoko would pause before looking down at the ground, her face soft and dismayed as she started thinking about Tanaka again. Yachi was stunned to see her friend look so out of place.

"It's just…I wanted to do something for a friend this Valentine's Day and I really want to make sure it's nice for hi-them."

"Oh…" Yachi as she walked through the entranceway of the school, putting her outdoor shoes off and putting them into the locker. She looks up at Kiyoko who was already putting her indoor shoes on and ready to go to her homeroom.

"Well, if I was the friend- NOT SAYING I WANT TO BE! That's very rude! And I don't want to be though honestly…WAIT YES I DO! I DON'T I WANT TO BE IF I WASN'T CHOSEN- OH NO, I'M SO SELFISH!" Yachi fumbles before running off with one of her shoes being on and she ends up getting scolded by one of the teachers about dress code.

Kiyoko felt startled by Hitoka's exit but then she was back where she was before.

Then another bump against Kiyoko's hip as she tries to shut her locker, she would look up and see yet again, Tanaka-san.

It seems like he was more attentive to Kiyoko than before.

In fact, this has become a more frequent occurrence, as if he wanted something from her. Usually he would be more spontaneous, even when Nishinoya, Ennoshita or even Tsukishima would say something to make him talk to her, purely to prove himself that he can. Giving her all the space that she needs if she truly doesn't want to be bothered with his antics.

Ryuu has had the consideration of Kiyoko's boundaries in mind, a lot more recently. He is now making sure his fellow senpai has all the space she needs, especially since she will be graduating soon.

Eventually, he will be forgotten and has no choice to accept that or he will have no chance in being his beloved Kiyoko.

Also something he will accept. He's been rejected before, it's nothing new.

But, today and Saturday was truly an exception. Something is up. He surely wanted to talk to her, which seemed so important that it was more than a few days for him to bother her, by himself this time. Maybe a confession? Or maybe some romantic gesture?

Tanaka was standing before Kiyoko with his hands behind his back, in idle. He looked like how he usually is around his crush; nervous and enthralled by her beauty. That will never change. Kiyoko ends up getting up and would look over at him.

Her face seemed upright and unbothered. This made Tanaka even more nervous and retorted to leaving her alone, but he took a deep breath to center himself before responding. "So uh are you-" Then the first bell rang before he even got the chance.

Kiyoko was already running to her first class. Tanaka was also late to his class and started running the other direction. He looked annoyed. Both at himself and even at Kiyoko. Is he doing something wrong? Is he truly a nuisance to her? What is it? Why doesn't she want to talk to him or always running off? He felt as if things were getting better? Right?

His intrusive dense thoughts got him running to class quickly and disappeared from Kiyoko's view.

She, on the other hand, felt discouraged as she wished she could've stayed to talk to him. But she didn't want to be late to her class. She still has to be prepared.

Nonetheless, she sat down in her next class, which would be some chemistry projects for science class. She'd be paired up with her fellow classmates and old peers from the volleyball team, Sugawara and Sawamura.

They did whatever students would do in a chemistry class that involved chemicals and mixing and whatnot!

Once most of their classes were completed, it was now lunchtime. Kiyoko would still be in her head as she was figuring out what to get for her Ryuunoske. She wants it to be something special! Something unique!

"Uh oh! Is Shimizu in her head?" Sugawara would sit in front of her with his lunch all ready for consumption, same with Daichi but he would just be getting started to unwrap his bento box.

"Yeah Kiyoko, it looks like you are a bit distracted. What's up? Need our help?"

Kiyoko was staring at her unopened box of bento standing before her. "Oh. No, I simply-"

"Liesssss…." Koshi was already helping Kiyoko out in unpacking her lunch but was shooed away by Daichi. "Sorry! I was just trying to help.."

"Valentine's Day is tomorrow." Kiyoko would say suddenly which made both Daichi and Suga look at each other in confusion.

"Yeah, so?" Daichi shrugged.

Kiyoko would scrunch up her face, holding in her breath for a bit as she felt so much pressure to say something for it has been keeping her from living a normal school day.

"I want to make something for someone on Valentine's Day and I want it to be a sweet treat for them!" This sudden outburst caused Suga to fall completely off his chair and Daichi to be too stunned to speak.

After a moment of brief silence and some glances from some of the students, Kiyoko was a blushing mess while her fellow upperclassmen were still astonished by this side of her. They saw how Kiyoko evolved from their volleyball days and the way they all admired Kiyoko. But Suga saw this as an opportunity.

He was finally chosen…

"WAIT! A treat! Is it me? Am I getting a treat?" Sugawara still hasn't gotten over his own crush but his classmate was surely going to have to put this boy back down to planet Earth.

"Stop it Suga, she is not giving you a treat-" Then former volleyball captain started to blush, "obviously for someone else that has a higher caliber than you… thatcouldbeme BUT-"

"No." Typical Kiyoko.

Now, Daichi is the one on the floor.

She would continue asking what would be a nice treat for someone that they care about deeply. Surely Kiyoko can trust her dear old friends in this situation right?

Heartbroken Sugawara and grieving Sawamura would look at each other with tired eyes to see what they got.

"Well, maybe a nice one that reminds you of them. Or maybe something dark chocolate-y and savory to set the tone."

"Make it delightful, compared to my disheartening soul that is gutted right now…"

Kiyoko nodded in determination as her wheels started to turn. This would be her first time ever making something for someone. And it would be a fellow, loud-mouthed, unfiltered spiker with a shaved head.

Later that night…

The kitchen lights were slightly deemed as Kiyoko spent a good hour, finalizing her work. In fact, this was her third round of preparing giri chocolate and she even bought from the corner store a pack of melonpan.

She even had a letter written for him too! It was a small red paper, folded into a pink envelope. A lipstick kiss mark was added from none other than the raven haired girl herself, Tanaka would LOVE that.

Kiyoko was giving another taste of the batter from the whisk and her face was a blushing mess, her thoughts were all filled with Tanaka and all the memories they had together.

Ryuu would always try his best to put his best foot or strike out there. He may not be perfect, surely wasn't expected too but his confidence and his no-bullshit attitude was not only his quota, it was also what drew Kiyoko in fully.

Ever since nationals, she just saw him for who he is and she was ready to open that door. But she still struggled to do just that for she never showed that much emotion into this.

Once the chocolates were finished and wrapped up in the materials that she bought from the corner store to help with prepping; gift wrapping papers, stickers and the envelope. She was ready to go!

Tuesday, February 14th…

It was time for the big day. Kiyoko was running out the door and heading towards the train station. Today, it wasn't something that would be considered…lovely. The clouds were dark and gray and rain would fall in a drizzle.

It was surely a mild winter morning. Kiyoko had her umbrella in hand but her face was frantic as she was running behind schedule. Because of the late night cooking and homework being the task right after, she simply woke up a little too late. Which caused so much of a setback for her.

Then what makes it worse, the train for the next block of time before the first school bell just passed her. Kiyoko felt adrenaline as this was one of her first times missing the train. She still had hope as she was holding the bag of goodies.

As she stood around, she saw some students with bags of gifts of their own, some were already given by their admirers. She indeed felt like the odd one out. Like she should've been in this position awhile ago or something.

Eventually the train was soon approaching. She would walk in the train before realizing something was missing. It was the letter! Kiyoko isn't usually this forgetful but today was definitely nerve wrecking. Before the door even closes, she ran out of that train and rushed back home to grab it.

Even her folks were a little confused by how disorganized Kiyoko had been but before they knew it, she was already out the door. Then to make matters worse, her umbrella was left behind the last train she was supposed to get on so now the rain was getting her and her belongings all wet. She would quickly put the gift inside her bag and start running into the train.

The first bell already rang, Shimizu was indeed late. Everything went left when once she got off the train, she fell as she ran- just like during her track and field days that fell short.

Now Kiyoko was losing that momentum that she had before, not only that- her goodies had fallen from her bag due to the fall and into a puddle. The goodies were not wet but damaged by the fall and the letter, well- it's no longer readable.

She would pick up the gift as her head hung. It was pointless to give to him now. She would think to herself. She just started walking, defeated. A distasteful frown was forming behind her soaked strings of hair from the rain.

But then suddenly the rain stopped, or at least she wasn't getting wet. Everything else around her was getting drenched but her. She looked up slowly and she saw an umbrella before her. How? Then she looked to see who it was.

"T-Tanaka-san?" The same shaved haired boy with one of his hands snugged in his pocket, his face flustered. He was late alongside her.

As if time simply slowed down. With what Yachi said was somewhat true, time does indeed speed up when you don't want to think about it that much, but this moment Kiyoko had with Tanaka, she wouldn't want it any other way.

A small smile was formed from him before she returned the gesture. Eventually she would give away her gift but her head would descend once more. Tanaka was surprised, he couldn't even speak. He wanted to but simply being around his crush was anxiety-inducing as it is.

"You made this for me?" He would respond finally. Despite it being ruined, he still saw that the melonpan was completely secured as it was doubled. Surely, this wrapping looked very amateur to the next person who has a lot of taste. But Ryuu over here, he wasn't even worried about all of that.

He read the note that was smeared from the wet rain but he managed to read some of the words, it would say:

'A sweet treat.. From me to you Tanaka-san 3

Kiyoko'

His crush made this for him. So he wasn't forgotten afterall.

His heart was about to explode! "Thank you very much!" He would bow before her. She doesn't say anything and a simple smile and a nod from Kiyoko.

Another moment of silence before Ryuu mustered up the courage to finally ask her a question.

"I-well-do you wanna- uh-" He was stumbling in his words again. "Dammit!" He must've been prepping something out too. "Will you go on a date with me this Saturday?"

Surely, it's simple! Like a small little date to an arcade or the movies or something, but he really wants to show out for her. His beloved…

Kiyoko's eyes widened. "I- of course!" She still had a surprised look on her face. This made Tanaka flustered even more! All of this was happening so quickly.

"Wait," Tanaka paused. "You said yes!?"

"Yes."

"No, no Tanaka? Not even a straight face?"

"No?"

"Oh."

"I do wanna go out with you, Ryuunosuke."

Eventually the rain stopped, time surely was speeding up again. But the sun was shining and both of their shadows merged against the sidewalk and the sun was beaming on both of their faces, their eyes gazing at each other. This was definitely worth it.

They knew this moment can't last forever for the next bell was already ringing, echoing from down the hill.

"And for the gift you gave me. On White Day, maybe even graduation, I can give you something in replacement of what you gave me, Kiyoko."

As they were walking up to the schoolyard, Kiyoko was taken aback. She eventually looked up and smiled, a genuine one at that. Tanaka returned the gesture with a cheeky grin. She would nod in response before they both started heading up that hill.

"It'll be a sweet treat. From me, to you."