Chapter 2 - Operation: Like Me Please

Hinata lost hours of sleep over Friday night because he is thinking of various ways he can get into Tsukishima's good side. Dark circles are formed under his eyes.

'Hmmm, but his only best friend is Yamaguchi though... But with everybody else, he can talk normally if he needs to. It's just me. He hates me so much 😞'

'Maybe I can ask Yamaguchi ☝🏻'

Ring ring... Ring ring...

"Yep, Hinata, what's up?" Yamaguchi answered on the other line.

"Hey Yamaguchi, sorry to bother you on a rest day. Are you free, like, this afternoon? I won't get much of your time."

"Hmmm, yeah I have no plans today. My plan is with Tsuki tomorrow. What's this about though?

"I have something to talk to you about Tsuki and hope you can help me because you are his best friend. You see, I really need your help. I know he hates me. I at least wanna know how I can ease his hate towards me."

"Hate is a big word. I will not call it 'hate' exactly but... well I can understand how you came to that conclusion. Okay, what time do you wanna meet this afternoon?"

They set the time and agreed to meet in a coffee shop within the mall as they both have shops they want to visit anyway.

As they choose a table near the window, Hinata went ahead to the cashier to order for both of them.

"So, I can only do so much but I will help as much as I can of course. What help do you need though?" Yamaguchi said as he dived into his rocky road cake.

"Well to start, what are his likes and dislikes? You know, food, interests... you know?"

"Wait wait wait, if I didn't know you and your intention today, it's like you are targeting a crush hahaha! But okay. I get it..."

"I will not ask you anything that will make him think or feel that you betrayed him or something. But you know, it bothers me that you guys are fine with me and my personality but he is the only one indifferent toward me. And honestly... it kinda hurts sometimes." Hinata sipped into his Okinawa milk tea while pearls of tears formed into the corner of his eyes as he looked away into the window where people pass by.

"Oh baby sunshine, we wouldn't want you to be sad. Don't worry okay? I will assist you in any way I can. We always do anyway."

And so the two discuss Tsukishima's interests and Hinata took note of what actions irritate him so we will try not to do it in front of him and trigger another "tsk" along with snide remarks.

Before the day ends, Hinata asked for one last thing to discuss with Yamaguchi.

"Ahmm, earlier you said, if you didn't know me, you'd be thinking that I was targetting Tsukishima. To be honest, I do like him. You know that kind of like. And I would appreciate it if you keep this a secret between the two of us. I swear I am not asking for more than being just friends. Heck, I am happy just to be able to talk to him normally without his usual sarcastic self because it pricks my heart when he shows his irritation towards me." Hinata blushed as he talk about his feelings.

"Oh... I see. That's cute baby sunshine. Don't worry about it. Thank you for entrusting your secret to me." Yamaguchi ruffled Hinata's hair.

Hinata went home happily this time, his thoughts are positive. He will do his best to make Tsukishima accept him as a friend or as a human at least.