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“What is a blind date?”
Atsumu paused midway through his story about how a prank set up by his ex-teammate and current EJP player, Suna Rintaro, had resulted in the middle blocker dating Atsumu’s twin.
The setter had been explaining that Suna had showed up to the blind date he had set Osamu up on, only for Osamu to treat it like an actual date. Ushijima, who was unfamiliar with the concept of a blind date, had inquired.
“A blind date is where ya let someone, usually a friend, pick someone for you to go on a date with. It's a surprise for the people goin’ on the date, so ya gotta trust your friend’s choices for ya.” Atsumu tilted his head, “Why d’ya ask Ushijima? Wanna be set up with someone?”
Ushijima thought for a moment. It had been a while since he went on a date. Despite being told by many people (mostly interviewers) that he had many options to choose from in terms of dating, Ushijima found it difficult to meet people. He was usually busy with volleyball practice, or volleyball matches, or training or events related to volleyball. He also sometimes wasn’r even sure how to ask people to go on dates, finding it rather confusing to try and figure out whether someone was interested. Perhaps it was time to try a different approach.
“Yes, I think I’d like that.”
Sakusa choked on his drink.
“Sweet!” Atsumu grinned, “Oh that’s so great, I’ll start thinkin’ about options.”
“Wakatoshi, are you serious?” Sakusa said after he finished coughing.
Ushijima nodded, “I’d like to try something new.”
There was a frown line between Sakusa’s brows when he turned to his boyfriend. “Who are you going to set him up with?”
Atsumu, who was already busily typing away on his phone, didn’t even look up to respond to him. “I’m not tellin’ ya.”
“Why not??” Sakusa’s eye ticced in irritation.
“Because you’ll veto every person I choose to set Ushijima up with.”
Ushijima looked at his friend, “That does sound like you.”
“How dare you side with Miya. I’m just trying to look out for you.”
“I appreciate that you are,” Ushijima said seriously, “but I do believe the point of this is to trust that Atsumu will make a good choice for me.”
“Bingo! See Omi, Ushijima’s got the right attitude.”
Ushijima leaned in, “How does this work?”
“Text me your schedule. I’ll set a date and time with your blind date and then send ya the details. All ya have to do is show up, I’ll let them know what ya look like so they know who to look for on the date.”
Ushijima forwarded his schedule to Atsumu, and sure enough, a few days later, Atsumu responded with a date, time, and location. He failed to provide a dress code, but Ushijima simply called Sakusa for further insight.
On the day of the date, Ushijima found himself strangely nervous. Even though he had already set aside an outfit for the evening, he considered calling Sakusa and re-evaluating his options, but ultimately decided to trust his first choice.
When he arrived, he paused for a moment to take in the crowd. Ushijima knew he didn’t need to do anything except wait for his date, but he couldn't help letting his eyes scan across the bar, looking to see if there was anyone looking for him. Upon first glance, there didn’t seem to be anyone alone, just groups of friends and a few couples. Then Ushijima spotted him.
Sitting at the bar, glancing around the place between sips of his drink like he’s looking for someone, was a tall slender redhead. His bright hair was spiked up, and he was wearing an equally bright button down t-shirt. He was tapping his foot and nodding along to the music playing overhead. Even from a distance, Ushijima could tell he was pretty, although he would like to get a much closer view of his face.
That must’ve been his date.
He began to double check his outfit to make sure he was presentable when he saw two men, most likely a few drinks in already if their stumbling was any hint, walk up to the redhead. They leaned in close to chat, and the redhead recoiled.
Ushijima frowned at their leering faces as they crowded him.
That just wouldn’t do.
He walked over to the bar, not quite sure exactly how to approach the situation, but letting his instincts guide him as much as they could in their inexperience. He stepped up to the back of the barstool and slid a hand onto the redhead’s shoulder to give him a gentle squeeze.
“I apologize for being late, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
Wide scarlet eyes met his gaze as the redhead turned slightly to look up at Ushijima.
“Who are you?” One of the interlopers spat.
Ushijima ripped his eyes away from the redhead to address him.
“I’m his date, and you are?”
The second man gave him a once over and sighed heavily, “Damn it. We’re nobody, don’t worry.”
The first man rolled his eyes and grumbled under his breath, but they both left, staggering a bit as they went. Ushijima watched until he was sure the two wouldn’t come back, and then returned his gaze to the red-head, who he was surprised to find was still watching him. He removed his hand and gave the man a bit of space.
“I’m sorry for being forward. You looked uncomfortable and I thought I could provide some assistance.”
He bowed slightly, and when he looked up there was a soft expression on the redhead’s face.
“You don’t need to apologize for anything, I appreciated the help,” his mouth split into a wide grin, “Those guys just wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“I’m glad I did not make you uncomfortable.”
Ushijima took a seat next to the redhead, “My name is Ushijima Wakatoshi.”
“Well hi there Wakatoshi-kun! My name is Tendou Satori.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tendou. This is my first time doing something like this, so I hope you’ll be patient with me.”
Tendou knocked his knee slightly into Ushijima’s, “You did great! I owe you one for sure, how about I buy you a drink?”
“That would be fine.”
Tendou flagged down a bartender so that Ushijima could relay his drink order, and soon enough they both had a glass in their hands.
“So tell me Wakatoshi, what kind of man comes to the rescue of a guy like me?”
“I don’t like seeing people be made to feel uncomfortable,” Ushijima blushed into his drink a bit, “and I wanted to make a good first impression.”
There was a lazy smile on Tendou’s face, but Ushijima didn’t miss the slow and appreciative up and down he gave him.
“Consider me impressed.”
Ushijima tried not to blush under the scrutiny.
“Are you some sort of undercover celebrity? You look kind of familiar,” Tendou squinted at him a bit.
“I play professional volleyball, though I’m uncertain if that constitutes me being a celebrity.”
Tendou snapped his fingers, “That’s it! You play for the Adlers right? Oh that makes so much sense, explains all of this.” He gestured widely to Ushijima’s body. Ushijima wasn’t quite sure what he was referring to but didn't get a chance to ask because Tendou wasn’t done.
“I have a few friends in the league, and one of them never shuts up about you so I’ve seen a few of your games. I’m surprised I didn’t recognize your name with how much Goshiki talks about you, but I guess I do lose a bit of common sense when I drink.”
“I see, do you follow the league then?”
“I watch games when I can, but I have to wake up early for work so sometimes I end up crashing on my couch mid-match. I’d love to see one in person someday,” Tendou said, propping his chin up in his hand with a wistful expression on his face.
Ushijima was already making a mental note to himself to procure some tickets for him.
“What do you do for a living, Tendou?” He asked, and the man straightened up in his seat.
“Oh I’m a pastry chef! And a chocolatier! Honestly I dabble in a little bit of everything as long as it's sweet.”
“I’m afraid I don’t know much about pastries. My diet prevents me from eating them often. Would you tell me about them?”
“Tell you about pastries?” Tendou raised an eyebrow, “You sure? I usually get overexcited when I explain things and end up going on a lot of tangents before getting back to the main point.”
Ushijima shrugged, “I enjoy learning new things, besides…I like listening to you.”
Tendou beamed at him, his cheeks flushing a bit as he did, “Well I can’t say no to that. Alright Wakatoshi-kun, one pastry lesson coming right up!”
He launched into a story about his time in culinary school, and Ushijima had to admit that his previous assumption about him was right. Tendou was remarkably pretty, even more so up close. His eyes were big and bright, his hands delicate and expressive, and Ushijima was a bit ashamed to admit that over the course of the conversation his eyes frequently drifted to long legs clad in tight black jeans.
He tried his best to focus on what Tendou was saying though because he did have a lot to say. He had a sort of magnetic and vibrant energy when he spoke, and Ushijima couldn’t help but be hooked by every story he told regardless of how trivial or strange they were. Tendou talked intently, but also listened intently. Whenever Ushijima added a comment or anecdote of his own, Tendou’s focus on him was singular even if his body wasn’t still. He fidgeted with the buttons on his shirt or drummed his fingers on the counter, but his eyes never left Ushijima.
After a while, the conversation winded down and Tendou’s energy waned, marginally at least. Ushijima sensed that the night was coming to a close. He was displeased that soon they’d have to part ways, and tried to think of what the next step would be for a date.
Tendou noticed his quiet reflection and tilted his head, “Whatcha thinking about Wakatoshi?”
“Should we perhaps exchange numbers?”
“Sure I’ll give you my number,” Tendou cracked a wry grin, “as long as you let me choose emojis to add to my contact name.”
Ushijima nodded and opened the contacts app on his phone. Then he handed over the device, which Tendou eagerly took.
He tried to discreetly watch, and caught a glimpse of the aforementioned emojis being selected. There was a pleased expression on Tendou’s face, and he was chuckling to himself as he set the contact.
“There, all done! I sent myself a message to make sure I have your number too,” Tendou handed back the phone.
Ushijima glanced down at the opened messages app.
Tendou 🧋🧁🦢
Hello Future Tendou! It’s me! Past Tendou!
I’m texting you from Wakatoshi-kun’s number so that you have it
you remember Wakatoshi right? I sure hope so, he’s the handsome guy from the bar
he plays for schweiden so make sure you catch their next game also don’t forget to text him back!!!
An extremely warm and fond feeling spread through his chest at the sight.
“I guess I should probably get going, my bus will be here soon.”
“Can I walk you to the bus stop?” Ushijima eagerly asked in a last ditch attempt to steal more time with Tendou.
Tendou laughed softly, “It’s just around the corner, I think I’ll be alright. It’s sweet of you to offer though.”
Ushijima tried not to look dejected, but clearly Tendou picked up on it.
“You can walk me out if you’d like.”
Ushijima couldn’t help the small smile from forming on his face as he nodded. Tendou stood and they both walked out, and after saying their farewells, Ushijima reluctantly started to head off toward his apartment.
“Wakatoshi-kun.”
Ushijima turned.
Tendou was facing him, watching him go with his hands clasped behind his back. “I wasn’t sure what to expect from tonight, but you really made it nice. So thanks again, for everything.”
He was smiling, and god did it make Ushijima’s cheeks heat.
“Have a good night Wakatoshi-kun!” Tendou flashed him a peace sign and then started walking toward the bus stop.
Ushijima could’t help but watch him go, frozen on the sidewalk until the corner of the building broke his line of sight.
He kept thinking about how the night went even after he was home and washed up and lying in bed. Even if Ushijima had been open to the idea, he still hadn’t been sure that the blind date would work. He was still a bit shocked at how well he’d connected with Tendou, but in a pleasant way. The kind of surprise that left one feeling warm and fortunate to have been blessed by the universe.
He fell asleep easily, with thoughts of a pretty smile and striking eyes carrying him off to his dreams.
//
Unsurprisingly, when Ushijima woke up his first thought was of Tendou. He wanted to text him. Wanted to know how he slept, what he was going to do today.
Ushijima wanted to know when he would see him again.
He held off on texting right away. It was early after all, and he wasn’t sure if Tendou had started work yet. He didn’t want to disturb his sleep. Instead, Ushijima went on his morning run, took his morning shower, and sat and had breakfast to distract himself. It was only after his first cup of tea that he reached out.
Tendou 🧋🧁🦢
Good morning. I hope you slept well.
I greatly enjoyed last night, and I would like to take you on a proper date, if you’d let me.
He got up to brew his second cup of tea while he waited for a response. When he heard the quiet ding from his phone a few minutes later he nearly spilled his tea hurrying over to check.
Ushijima frantically opensed his messaging app when he saw there was a notification from Tendou.
Tendou 🧋🧁🦢
Morning Wakatoshi-kun!
I slept well thanks for asking :) I had a very nice dream about sitting in a field with cows made of cotton candy
did you sleep well?? I’ve been up for a few hours already prepping and baking but I didn’t want to wake you with a text
I had a lot of fun last night too and I’d be happy to let you take me on a date I’d love to get to know you more 😊
Yes, I slept well, and I’m glad to hear that you did too.
I would also like to get to know you better.
I have practice this morning, so can we discuss the details of our date this afternoon?
Sure thing :P have a good practice!!
Thank you, I will be sure to.
Ushijima was surprised to find himself smiling at his screen as he set down his phone. It had been a long time since he felt like this about someone. The anticipation warmed him from the inside, much like his tea.
He wasn’t sure if he should be embarrassed about jumping to pick up his phone when it rang, thinking it might be Tendou. He was also not sure if he should be embarrassed when his good mood dropped slightly upon seeing Sakusa’s caller ID on the screen.
Ushijima answered anyway.
As usual, his friend was succinct.
“Good morning Wakatoshi. Are you free for lunch today?”
“I am.”
“Good. Atsumu and I will meet you after your practice. There’s a yakiniku place near your gym that he highly recommends. Also, he’d like to talk to you about your date, so be prepared.”
“Very well, I will see you then,” Ushijima hung up with a cordial goodbye and began to gather his things for his practice.
If he imagined it was Tendou he was going on a lunch date with after practice instead of his friend, well nobody had to know about that. Even if someone did know, he was sure they wouldn’t mind given that the pleasant fantasy had Ushijima in top form all throughout his practice.
With his spirits once again buoyed, and his body in need of nourishment, he headed to the restaurant Sakusa had indicated. Ushijima was seated at a booth and kept an eye on the door as he perused the menu, and when he spotted his friend arriving he raised a hand to beckon them over. Before he could even greet them, Atsumu began his interrogation.
“Hey, what happened the other night? I didn’t hear anythin’ from ya, and my friend said you were already chattin’ someone up when they arrived.”
Sakusa rolled his eyes and greeted Ushijima as they slid into the seats across from him.
“What do you mean?” Ushijima frowned slightly, “I met with Tendou. The date went very well, and I’m taking him out again sometime soon.”
“I don’t know anyone named Tendou, didn’t you- wait hold on…did you say him?”
Now Ushijima was very confused.
“Yes.”
Atsumu’s jaw dropped. “You’re gay?!”
“You didn’t know?” Ushijima looked at Sakusa, “Kiyomi didn’t tell you?”
To his credit, his friend looked appalled on his behalf, “I didn’t think I needed to! Miya I thought you knew!”
“Obviously I didn’t know! How was I supposed to know?!” Atsumu’s face was twisted into almost comedic disbelief.
“Tabling this set of revelations for later,” Sakusa shook his head, “Wakatoshi, if you didn’t meet with Atsumu’s friend, who did you meet with? And how did you end up thinking you were still on your blind date?”
Ushijima opened his mouth to speak, but then paused.
Thinking back, neither he nor Tendou mentioned the blind date, or Atsumu. Ushijima had just assumed that Tendou was his date, and their conversation hadn’t given him any clue that it wasn’t.
Now he was feeling a bit embarrassed. “Well…I saw Tendou sitting alone, and he seemed to be looking for someone. I went over to him because I thought it was me he was looking for.”
Atsumu whistled, “From anyone else that woulda sounded astoundingly confident Ushijima.”
“And the whole blind date thing never once came up the whole time you were with him?” Sakusa pressed on.
“I thought we were on the same page. Also I was…distracted,” Ushijima said.
“What could possibly have distracted you that much?”
Ushijima hid his face in his water slightly and mumbled, “He was very pretty.”
Sakusa rubbed his temples, and Atsumu, who had since recovered from his confusion, barked out a laugh.
“Ahh atta boy Ushijima. Give him a break Omi, he’s only a man,” he said, and wrapped an arm around his boyfriend, “You’re tellin’ me I’ve never distracted you that much with my looks before?”
“The only times you distract me are when you’re being infuriating,” Sakusa shoved his boyfriend gently before looking back to Ushijima, “I can’t believe you pulled after such a big misunderstanding. Multiple misunderstandings.”
Ushijima was still distinctly embarrassed, but at the same time, he was grateful for his blunders. They’d allowed him to meet the most curious and wonderful man.
And later that week, when he told Tendou the truth on their boba date, Tendou laughed so hard that people walking by outside the shop could hear him.