Chapter Text
You finally place the last book on the top shelf. You take a look at the History section you spent almost three hours organizing, nearly falling from the unbalanced stair a couple of times. All the books are perfectly placed and cataloged, you can’t help but feel a little proud of yourself, maybe you’ll even take a picture of it. You were so focused on your own little world that you didn’t even hear the door’s bell ring.
“Hey!”
The sudden voice statles you, you jump in your place and feel the stair leaning back, but somehow you manage to grip on the shelf in front of you with the help of two firm hands on your waist.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
You turn to the man behind you, still painting, and suddenly you don’t know if your heart is skipping beats because of the scare or the view before your eyes.
The first thing you notice about him is his smile. A big beautiful smile, brighter than everything you’ve ever seen, that type of smile that makes you feel warm inside. The black roots contrast with white strands of his hair, spiked and slightly wet, indicating he must’ve just gotten out of the shower. Big metallic yellow eyes stare back at you and for a moment you swear you can see a sea of gold in them.
“Are you okay?” He asks, and you start to blush as you notice his hands are still on your waist.
“I- Uh, yeah, I’m fine. I’m sorry, I didn’t hear the door.” You smile gently at him. “Can you help me get down? I don’t trust these stairs.” You both laugh a little.
“Sure!”
His grip on you gets harder and you grab the stair support to climb down but before you take a step he lifts you like a feather and places you on the ground.
“Wow, uh, thank you.” You feel your cheeks burn and scratch the back of your neck. “So, how can I help you?”
“Oh, well, I’m looking for... Hm” He looks around a bit, as if searching for something. “Books! I’m looking for books!” You chuckle.
“We have a lot of those, do you have a specific one in mind?”
“No, they’re actually for a friend of mine, he really likes literature.” You think for a bit.
“I think I might have something he’ll like.”
You walk to the Classics section, the man follows you, fidgeting with the strap of his sports bag. Your eyes run through the books displayed on the shelves, until the black cover with gold details catches your attention. You stand on your toes to grab it, but your fingertips barely touch it. A big hand takes the book, you step back a little and your back hits something hard. You turn around to meet the tall man hovering over you, looking down with a shy smile and pink cheeks.
”This one?” He points to the book in his hand.
“Y-yeah, it’s a special edition of The Great Gatsby, it arrived last night. It’s a classic, maybe your friend has already read it but it’s worth having.”
“Is the story good?” He analyzes the book’s cover.
“It’s amazing! It’s a love story about Gatsby and Daisy, her cousin is the narrator and he tells how Gatsby became this really rich guy who hosts a really big party every saturday just to show off to Daisy who lives on the other side of the bay hoping to see her there someday. Oh, they had a thing when they were teenagers but he had to serve in the war and they lost contact, then she married some racist jerk but her heart always belonged to Gatsby. They met again years later thanks to her cousin but- Oh, I’m sorry I got carried away.” You slap one hand on your forehead, mentally cursing yourself. He giggles and shakes his head.
“No, no, it’s okay! I found it adorable!” Your eyes widened and you avoid eye contact. He realizes you two are just a few inches away and steps back. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, it wasn’t my intention.”
“It’s fine, you just caught me by surprise, again.” You laugh. “So, will you take the book?”
“Yeah, but do you have any other recommendations?”
You nod with a smile and he thinks his heart might melt if he sees that smile one more time.
The both of you walk around the store for about half an hour, he listens closely, catching every word that comes out of your mouth as you go on and on about your favorite stories.
When you’re done, he places the pile of books on the counter. You chuckle at the amount.
“He sure likes to read, huh? And you must be really close, I’ve never seen someone buy eight books at once for a friend.” He scratches his neck, shy.
“Yeah, he’s an editor, he always has a book with him.”
You start to wrap the presents in present paper, making cute bows on top of them. Silence lays on the room and he starts to tap his foot on the ground, thinking of a conversion starter.
“So, do you like volleyball?” As soon as the words escape his mouth, he instantly regrets it. So many things he could've said, and he chose this. You look up and tilt your head in surprise.
“I think it’s a cool sport, but I never really watched it.”
“I’m a player! I’m the ace of the Black Jackals, I can get you a ticket if you want, or tickets if you want to bring your partner.”
“I don’t! I mean, I’m single.” You let out an awkward laugh.
“If that’s the case, would you like to come to one of my games and grab some food after?” He looks down to his feet, nervous and anxious about what you might answer.
You look at him surprised. You feel your heart pulsating on your wrist and you bite your lip to contain your smile.
“I’d love to.”
You carefully put the books inside a bag and don’t see the little commemoration fist he raised. It takes every force inside of him not to start jumping right there and then.
“I’m Bokuto Kotarou, by the way.”
“L/n Y/n. Here you go, I hope he likes the books.” You hold the bag out to him.
“Thank you. I’ll stop by tomorrow to give you the ticket.” He smiles as his hand brushes yours.
“I’m looking forward to it.” You smile back.
Oh boy, he can feel his heart starting to melt.