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1. You’re Akashi, Right?
In middle school, I worked as hard as I could. I did everything I was told. I played in a way that would upset the fewest of my teammates and coaches. I don’t particularly question it. I don’t particularly like or dislike volleyball either.
In the back of my mind, I had the vague notion that I was a star player.
The loud SMACK of the volleyball against the floor stunned the team into silence. Coming down from his jump was Fukurodani Academy’s Number 12, a spiker Akaashi had never seen play before. Golden brown eyes shined with pride as he landed on his feet, throwing his hands up in excitement and chest-bumping with Coach Yamiji.
That day was an eye-opener. I’d never watched someone play volleyball like that from up close.
Tryouts ended last week, and surprisingly enough, Akaashi made it into the team as Fukurodani’s backup setter. He knew he would scarcely get time on the court, if at all, and he was content with that. Only if that meant he would get to watch the power of Number 12’s spikes against the other teams.
“Alright, everyone,” Coach Yamiji called out after Number 12 had calmed his cheering. “I need everyone to pair up for setting and spiking drills. When I call out your name, find your partner and start anywhere in the gym. Konoha and Komi will be a pair. Washio, you’ll be with Sarukui.”
At the next name on the list, Yamiji squinted. “A-ka-shi? Were you at tryouts last week?”
Akaashi internally rolled his eyes at the question. If he wasn’t at tryouts, he wouldn’t be here. He stepped forward. “I’m Akaashi Keiji from Mori Middle School. I played setter. It’s an honor to be here.” At the mention of the word setter, Akaashi saw Number 12 perk up from the corner of his eye. Oddly enough, it looked like his spiky black and white hair perked up too.
Yamiji nodded. “Sorry about that. You’ll be paired with Bokuto for today.” Number 12 excitedly fist-pumped, despite the exasperated looks the rest of the team threw his way. Bokuto walked up to Akaashi, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“Hey! You’re Akashi, right?”
Akaashi pulled his lips into a tight line. “It’s Ah-ka-ah-shi.”
If Bokuto sensed his annoyance, he didn’t show it. “Say, mind practicing spikes with me for a bit? We can go over there!” He gestured to the furthest corner of the gym.
Akaashi’s mouth softened into a smile before he nodded. “That’s what we’re here for, after all,” he said as Yamiji tossed him a volleyball. He followed Bokuto, who unexpectedly broke out into a sprint before they started practicing.
Bokuto, although clearly confident about his spikes, was uneasy about his sets. First, he set the ball too low for Akaashi. Then, he stretched his fingers out enough for the volleyball to smack his palms instead of his fingertips. He punched the ball upwards at one point, much to Akaashi’s amusement.
After many failed attempts, Bokuto finally asked Akaashi for guidance. His sets were still rough, but he was a fast learner. As time was running out for practice, Bokuto delivered a clean set to Akaashi, who bumped it back in awe.
“YES!” Bokuto yelled out, jumping up as his mouth formed his biggest smile of the day. “You made it look so easy and I finally got it! Thank you, Akashi!”
For once, Akaashi didn’t mind that his name was said wrong. The sight of Bokuto’s smile knocked the breath out of his lungs. Strangely enough, he could feel the words, I love you , on the tip of his tongue, but held them fast. He returned Bokuto’s smile and set the volleyball back.
2. Come Practice Spikes With Me For a Bit.
A year had passed, the third-years graduated months prior, and Bokuto officially became Fukurodani’s ace. They were in their first training camp of the school year, taking a week off of academics to polish their skills as volleyball players.
It was the last day of training camp and the final practice match before they drove back to Tokyo the following morning. Fukurodani was facing Kawahori in their 3rd set, and their opponent’s lead didn’t do anything to lift their spirits. The score was currently 24-18, Kawahori.
“BOKUTO!” Konoha yelled as he aimed his emergency set at the ace. Akaashi knew from the position of Bokuto’s hand that he was aiming for one of his legendary cut-shots and needed the perfect moment to hit. A small opening showed itself when Kawahori’s Number 1 moved his left hand, and Bokuto took that opportunity to spike. From his place near the net, Akaashi held his breath.
The sound of Bokuto’s hand slamming against the volleyball was deafening, yet that sound was cut short when Kawahori’s Number 1 suddenly moved his hand back as if he was expecting it. The ball hit his hand with a resounding WHACK , and the volleyball fell back over Fukurodani’s side of the net. Komi tried diving for the ball but was too late. It bounced on the floor with sad little thuds, echoing throughout the gym, before Kawahori broke out into cheers.
The referee blew his whistle as he changed the scoreboard to read 25-18, Kawahori. Akaashi felt his ears ringing as he looked up at the rest of his team with sullen looks on their faces. The worst was Bokuto’s, whose eyebrows furrowed as tears rapidly formed in his eyes.
The team was silent during their huddle, even more so when they walked back to the hotel they were staying at. Akaashi watched as Bokuto walked ahead of everyone, huddling under the table with the water cooler. The rest of the team ignored him, walking past to shower or pack their belongings. Akaashi was the only one that stayed, carefully watching an uncharacteristically-silent Bokuto. He sat a few feet away from Bokuto, silently extending support. He crossed his legs, blankly staring at the wall in front of him.
“Hey, Akaashi,” came Bokuto’s muffled voice. Akaashi turned his head and made eye contact with the ace, whose owl-like, golden eyes stared at him intensely. “Come practice spikes with me for a bit.”
I love you, was what Akaashi’s heart said. What came out of his mouth was, “Okay.”
3. We Are the Protagonists of the World.
Bokuto is the kind of person who makes those around him feel like they have to answer his passion with passion of their own.
Months passed, and the Kanto high school volleyball tournament was approaching fast. Coach Yamiji wanted the team to improve in all aspects, so for the last few days, practice solely consisted of 3v3 matches. Suzumeda, one of the team’s co-managers, was tasked with filming each of these matches so the players could strategize between matches.
Akaashi and Bokuto stood together on one side of the net for their 3v3 match alongside Komi. On the other side of the net stood Konoha, Sarukui, and Anahori, a first-year setter. Akaashi was thankful that his team was well-rounded, with him as the setter, Bokuto as the spiker, and Komi as the extremely-efficient libero.
With yet another deafening SMACK , Bokuto spiked the ball but was easily blocked by Sarukui, to Akaashi’s annoyance. He clenched his jaw in determination as Komi rushed in to receive the ball with his forearm, thankfully getting the volleyball high enough for Akaashi to set.
Akaashi planted his feet firmly into the gym floor as he set the ball in a perfect arc, yelling out, “BOKUTO!” as he did so. With a quick smile from his teammate, the ace smacked the ball down again. Sarukui moved his hand to block again but was late by a millisecond. The ball hit the floor with a satisfying THWACK , earning Akaashi’s team the match point. Akaashi’s eyes immediately went to Bokuto, who was already looking at him. Both men whooped in celebration, running to high-five each other.
With the sound of Akaashi’s hand slapping Bokuto’s, the setter had two thoughts. The first one was: I love you. The second one was: Right now, we are the protagonists of the world.
4. I’m So Glad You’re Here!
Akaashi could feel the lump forming in his throat as he approached the campus. The fateful day for the third-years’ graduation had finally come. He was dreading every second of it. The ceremony had just ended a few minutes ago, and Bokuto Koutarou was going to be a college student. No more third years meant no more Bokuto.
Despite the sharp contrast in their personalities, Akaashi felt safe whenever he was with his best friend. Bokuto was the energy and sunshine he needed, and he was the level-headedness and calm Bokuto needed. As much as it delighted and scared Akaashi, he let himself be comfortable and vulnerable with Bokuto.
Akaashi knew that what he felt for Bokuto was more than platonic. It had been more than platonic since the first time he saw the ace if he had to be completely honest. Yet, every single time he came close to confessing his feelings, his lips would glue themselves shut. As the days passed, the pressing feeling of those words spilling grew, and Akaashi knew it wouldn’t be long before he lost control of his heart.
“‘Kaashi!” Bokuto ran to him excitedly from the front doors of Fukurodani Academy. Four heads identical to his immediately perked up, and Akaashi felt himself grow uneasy under the stares of Bokuto’s family. “I’m so glad you’re here!”
“I wouldn’t miss my best friend’s high school graduation for the world,” Akaashi replied. “I’m so proud of you!” Bokuto grinned massively at him, causing Akaashi’s heart rate to speed up.
“This is the perfect time for me to introduce you to my family! You’re going to love them!” Akaashi, knowing there was no escape, let him take his hand and lead him back to his family. He ignored the way his skin tingled where it touched Bokuto’s.
The 4 Bokuto women quietly watched as they approached, and Akaashi could feel himself grow more anxious. One of the older women had black-and-white-streaked hair slicked into a bun and wore a blazer and pantsuit. The other wore a dress shirt and pencil skirt with black-and-white-streaked curls. The two younger women looked to be twins, maybe about college-aged. Rather than the black-and-white streaks their moms had, their hair was split-dyed. One twin had black hair on the left half of her head and white on the other half, while the second twin had vice-versa.
“This is Akaashi!” Bokuto immediately introduced Akaashi to his family. “He’s my best friend and the absolute best setter in the world!”
“It’s nice to meet you all,” Akaashi said quietly, the tips of his ears turning pink. Reflexively, he looked at the ground, unable to meet their intense, golden eyes.
“Ah, so you must be the Akaashi our son won’t stop talking about,” the woman with the bun said. “I’m Bokuto Keiko, it’s so nice to finally meet you!” Akaashi looked up and had to do a double-take when she sent a blinding smile his way. Now he knows where Bokuto got his radiant smile from.
The other woman with curly hair wrapped her arm loosely around her wife’s shoulder, laughing. “I’m Bokuto Kimiko! She’s right, Koutarou has not stopped talking about you since last year.” Akaashi felt his face grow hot with this newfound information.
One of the young women with split-dyed hair (black on the right half, white on the left, Akaashi noted) went next. “I’m Kanari! I’m Koutarou’s oldest sister!” She smiled warmly at Akaashi. “We’ve been wanting to meet you for the longest time!”
The last woman went, elbowing her sister. “I’m Kaneko! This one” -she gestured to her sister- “is my twin, but I had the unfortunate luck to be born after her.” She smiled at Akaashi too. “Nice to meet you.”
Keiko glanced between Akaashi and her son. “If you’re not doing anything, Akaashi, would you like to get some ramen with us? There’s a place we go to every week not far from here.”
“I don’t want to intrude,” came Akaashi’s automatic reply. “This is a day to celebrate Bokuto, he should spend it with his family.”
He felt an arm rest against his shoulders. When he turned, he saw it was Kanari. “You’re practically family at this point, ‘Kaashi,” she reassured, and her twin nodded.
“We wouldn’t invite you if it truly wasn’t okay,” Kaneko added, and Akaashi had to admit that they raised a good point.
“Come with us, we insist,” Kimiko chimed in, and the next thing Akaashi knew, the 5 of them were walking to the ramen place. He and Bokuto walked a few paces slower than the others. Akaashi was curious about something.
“Your moms are dressed so professionally, where do they work?” he asked.
“Oh!” Bokuto replied. “You know the Honshu Law Firm? They own that.” Akaashi’s jaw dropped.
“You mean to tell me your moms are the owners of Japan’s most prestigious law firm?” he asked in disbelief. Bokuto nodded excitedly, not missing the awe Akaashi was struck with at that moment. Bokuto burst out laughing, an all-too-familiar sound as the family (plus Akaashi) quickly approached the bustling ramen shop.
Akaashi felt himself smiling warmly at Bokuto. It seemed as if every day taught him something new about his best friend. Once again, the words I love you echoed in his mind. He’d address that thought later.
5. I’m So Proud of You.
The feeling of the diploma in his hand felt unreal to Akaashi. 3 long years of high school finally led him to this moment. The nights he spent stressed out over his homework, the long hours he spent in the library studying, the dread he’d feel in his stomach whenever test results were being passed back; his hard work finally paid off, and this piece of paper was proof of that. Since walking out of Fukurodani’s doors for the last time as a high schooler, Akaashi couldn’t stop looking at his diploma or the words printed on it:
Fukurodani Academy
Tokyo Metropolis, Kanto Region, Honshu Island, Japan
Be it known that
AKAASHI KEIJI
has satisfactorily completed the course of study for graduation from the Kanto Region Unified School District and is therefore awarded this
High School Honors Diploma
Dated the 21st day of March, 2014
Even after his parents embraced him before returning to work, Akaashi couldn’t take his eyes off the words. He truly was in disbelief. From this moment on, his world would change. Fukurodani would become a distant memory, replaced by the University of Tokyo, where Akaashi would major in Japanese Literature. Bokuto, a Psychology major himself, was over the moon when he found out his best friend would be attending the same college he was.
Spending a whole school year without Bokuto was agony for Akaashi. He had gotten so used to the ace’s presence that when he no longer saw him 5 days a week, Akaashi felt as if something missing.
Maybe he was being a bit dramatic, though. Whenever Bokuto wasn’t swarmed with schoolwork, he’d always make the time to make the hour-long drive back, whether it be for a sudden surprise visit at Fukurodani, to visit his family’s favorite ramen shop, or, more often than not, to visit Akaashi in the ungodly hours of the night. Still, seeing Bokuto a few times a month didn’t compare to seeing him 5 days a week.
Now, Akaashi would be able to see Bokuto every single day, even on the weekends! His parents surprisingly allowed him to live close to the University of Tokyo rather than make the hour-long commute every day. And, to Akaashi’s even greater surprise, they were allowing him to move in with Bokuto, who was renting an apartment about a 2-minute walk from campus. Bokuto, of course, was ecstatic when Akaashi asked if it was okay with him.
“Of course it’s okay with me, ‘Kaashi!” Bokuto replied excitedly after Akaashi asked. “I can’t believe we’re finally going to be roommates!”
The doorbell rang and Akaashi swung the door open, greeted by the sight of a beaming Bokuto, arms full of gifts.
“CONGRATULATIONS, AKAASHI!” he yelled, already pushing past a stunned Akaashi. Several of the streamers Bokuto was holding fell to the ground, leaving a paper trail behind him as he made his way to Akaashi’s kitchen.
“What’s all this?” was all Akaashi could say, clearly bewildered. “Why do you have so much stuff?”
“We’re celebrating your high school graduation, silly!” Bokuto automatically replied, rolling his eyes playfully at his best friend. “I remember you said your parents had work today, and I know you don’t like big parties, so I thought we could have a party, just the two of us!” He put the contents of his arms onto the kitchen island: several streamers in gold, silver, and light blue (to represent the University of Tokyo’s colors, of course); a giant book-shaped cake (“Where’s your freezer, Akaashi? The ice cream is gonna melt!” “YOU BOUGHT ME AN ICE CREAM CAKE?”); a black sweatshirt with UTokyo’s logo on it; the latest volume of Zombie Knight Zom’bish (from Akaashi’s all-time favorite mangaka, Udai Tenma); and 1 (or 2) dozen balloons in light blue and white.
“You didn’t have to get me all this,” Akaashi said quietly, feeling himself choke up at the sight of all the gifts Bokuto bought him. He stared at the streamers, the sweatshirt, the balloons, the manga, and his freezer where the ice cream cake was being kept. “You brought too much. I don’t deserve all this. You didn’t have to drive an hour just to get me this stuff.” He gasped silently when he felt two strong arms wrap around him. He felt Bokuto rest his cheek against Akaashi’s head, and Akaashi had to scrunch his nose when Bokuto’s black-and-white hair started tickling his nose.
“Yes you do, ‘Kaashi,” Bokuto whispered, hugging Akaashi tighter. “You’ve worked so hard these past 3 years. It’s about time you finally unwind and celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in.”
The rest of the evening felt surreal to Akaashi. He let Bokuto shower him with all his gifts, accepting the spoonfuls of ice cream cake shoved into his mouth (white cake with cookies-and-cream ice cream, his favorite). He read the latest volume of Zombie Knight Zom’bish out to Bokuto. Even though Bokuto had never read the manga or knew who Udai Tenma was, he showed genuine interest in the words Akaashi was reading.
The next thing Akaashi knew, he was on the living room couch with Bokuto, a soft blanket wrapped around them. They were watching Cloud Atlas , their favorite movie to watch together since Akaashi’s first year of high school. How time passed them by. Akaashi’s first year at UTokyo would mark 3 years since he met Bokuto, his feelings for his best friend lasting just as long.
Akaashi had been wondering when it would be a good time to confess to Bokuto. Definitely not right now at 2 AM, while they were watching Cloud Atlas . For now, he was content with staying silent. He’d find the time to confess one day.
Bokuto shifted slightly in his seat, and Akaashi could feel his head drop to his best friend’s shoulder. He smiled at nothing in particular, nuzzling under the blanket as his eyelids drooped lower and lower.
“I l-” Akaashi felt the words beginning to slip out before he held onto them fast, heart rate speeding up as he slapped a hand over his mouth. That was not supposed to happen. Bokuto turned his head slightly, looking down curiously at an exhausted Akaashi.
“Did you say something, ‘Kaashi?”
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Akaashi shook his head gently. “I like that you’re always there for me. Thank you for being my best friend.”
Ugh, saying “best friend” out loud felt sour in Akaashi’s mouth.
Bokuto grinned, wrapping an arm around Akaashi and pulling him closer. “I’ll always be there for you, Akaashi,” he said sincerely, before turning his attention back to the movie. Akaashi smiled softly, leaning into Bokuto’s body before closing his eyes.
+ 1. You Are My World.
The soft glow of the TV screen inside Udai Tenma’s office was the only source of light inside the dark office. In front of Akaashi sat the newest chapter of Zombie Knight Zom’bish , yet to be proofread. Careful not to smudge Udai’s work, Akaashi pulled the laptop closer to him and Udai, eyes glued to the match currently happening.
The years had been kind to the Monster Generation. Now, Akaashi got the privilege to watch people he knew from high school play in one fateful match the world has been waiting to see for the past few years. The MSBY Black Jackals vs. Schweiden Adlers match was one sports news channels had been talking about ever since the rumor of Hinata Shoyo returning from training abroad broke out. That was a reality now, and Akaashi, although he was a part of the Monster Generation himself, was happy to sit this one out., content with watching the camera pan around the court as the players did what they did best. He didn’t want to be anyone on the Black Jackals or the Adlers’ side right now.
The Schweiden Adlers were a solid team with even more solid players: Hirugami Fukuro, Hirugami Sachirou’s older brother; Nicolas Romero, a former member of the Brazillian Volleyball National Team; Ushijima Wakatoshi, the southpaw of Shiratorizawa; Hoshiumi Korai, the Little Giant (a title Akaashi knew Hinata Shoyo wanted for himself in high school); and Kageyama Tobio, one-half of Karasuno’s Freak Duo. They were already such a strong team that Akaashi almost started to feel sorry for their opponents.
However, this didn’t mean that the Black Jackals were not a force to be reckoned with. The players in the starting lineup, although not as calm and collected as those in the Adlers, were an entirely new threat people commonly (and mistakenly) tend to overlook. There was Atsumu Miya (who finally figured out how to tone his hair), one of the first members of the Monster Generation to join the team. He was a freakishly precise setter, even more than Akaashi during his Fukurodani days. Then, there was Sakusa Kiyoomi, the man known for the deadly spins of the volleyball thanks to his wrists. Then, there was Hinata Shoyo, the man rumored to have traveled to Brazil to train in beach volleyball. On the laptop screen, Akaashi noticed that he no longer was the tiny high schooler he had been years ago. He was noticeably tanned and finally surged up in height somewhat, though he was still the shortest player on the team. Though the camera still slowly panned around the court, Akaashi couldn’t draw his eyes away from one player specifically, one who was charging his arm up for a monster serve.
“Can’t believe he never made it to the top 3 high-school aces of Japan,” Udai remarked casually, and Akaashi couldn’t help but feel inclined to agree.
The crowd went wild as Bokuto aimed a nasty serve between Hoshiumi and Heiwajima. Heiwajima quickly slid out of the way as Hoshiumi quickly got under the ball. The bump was shaky, soaring over the net and making its way back to the Black Jackals’ side.
“FREE BALL!” Akaashi could hear the Jackals’ captain, Meian, scream. Their libero, Inunaki, bumped the ball cleanly toward Miya, who jumped up and aimed his set close to the net, just barely passing the white tape. Akaashi could hear the message Miya was making to his star: Here. Go clear your name .
Akaashi drew in a sharp inhale as Bokuto jumped higher than before, charging his arm to land another nasty spike against the Adlers. He didn’t miss the way the opposing team took a step back. Would it be a line shot? A cross-shot? At this point, Akaashi couldn’t tell, literally on the edge of his seat in Udai’s office.
At the last millisecond, Bokuto softened the blow, the volleyball making a small bink against his fingertips before falling over the other side, just a hair away from touching the net. With frantic cries, the Adlers dove for the ball. Heiwajima, Kageyama, and Hoshiumi stretched their hands out, but they were a moment too late.
Akaashi felt like he couldn’t breathe as the ball thudded against the floor, and the crowd roared louder than before. The camera zoomed in and focused on Bokuto’s face as the announcer’s voice rang out.
“WORLD! ARE YOU WATCHING OUR ACE?!”
Akaashi could see Bokuto’s wide grin as he looked at the scoreboard, the bright orange numbers changing from 19-19 to 20-19, Black Jackals. Bokuto turned to the camera that focused on his face, and with a confident point of his finger, exclaimed, “THAT ONE WAS FOR YOU, WORLD!”
At that moment, Akaashi knew that message was meant for him, despite it being addressed to “the world.” Bokuto’s bright golden eyes seemed to pierce into his teal ones as his grin grew wider before softening. The same soft grin Akaashi has been at the receiving end of so many times.
The camera zoomed out to focus on the entire court once more as Akaashi leaned back in his seat, clutching his chest and millions of synapses firing in his brain simultaneously. The noise must’ve concerned Udai, who flipped the light switch back on. The sudden onslaught of the light made Akaashi immediately close his eyes. Behind his eyelids, he could still see Bokuto’s declaration, replaying over and over again.
“Are you okay?” Udai asked carefully. Akaashi only nodded, staring as the next rally unfolded in front of their eyes. He suddenly stood up, knocking back the chair. “What is going on-”
“Can you take me to the Kamei Arena?”
“Isn’t that where-” Udai started again before Akaashi interrupted once more.
“Exactly why I need to get there soon. Please?”
Udai blew a strand of hair out of his face before sighing. How could he deny one of his best employees? “Okay. If we leave now, we should definitely be there by the time the match is over.”
Akaashi could feel his heart rate speed up the closer they got to the stadium where the Black Jackals vs. Adlers match was happening. He was high on adrenaline from the mere fact that Bokuto publicly made a message on global TV, just for him . His thoughts were jumbling around in his head as he thought, could Bokuto possibly return his feelings?
“Relax,” Udai sighed as he stared at the traffic in front of them. They were about 10 minutes from the stadium, and, as he expected, the cars in front of them weren’t moving. Sounds of car horns blaring rung in the air and Udai scoffed. As if that would make the traffic move faster. “Looks like we’ll be stuck here for a while.”
Immediately, Akaashi’s hand was on the door handle, and Udai widened his eyes in alarm. “You’ve got to be insane if you’re planning on sprinting to the stadium when we’re this far,” he pleaded, “Don’t they have security over there? What if they don’t let you in?”
“I need to try,” Akaashi was already throwing the car door open, nearly scratching the car in the lane next to them. He looked back at Udai as he straightened his jacket. “I need to see him.”
With a reluctant sigh, Udai gestured his head towards the stadium. “Go,” he said, to which Akaashi instantly started running. Udai slumped back in his seat, watching Akaashi’s figure retreat farther and farther until he was just a blob of black and gray in the distance.
“Go get him, Akaashi.”
Akaashi ignored the ache in his calves as he sprinted to the stadium, weaving through the lanes of traffic despite the horns honking after him. He needed to see Bokuto, and that motivation alone was enough to keep his arms pumping and legs moving. He was aware he looked like a madman, grinning like the devil as he ran in the streets. Nothing else mattered, and his mind bounced with thoughts of Bokuto, Bokuto, Bokuto .
He was approaching the large crowd of the stadium when everyone rang out in deafening cheers. Akaashi felt himself run faster despite his legs begging him to rest. The match was over . He pushed people out of the way as he made his way to one of the many entrances, ignoring the other people cursing at him for bumping into them.
“Did you see that?”
“Hey, watch where you’re going!”
“Thank god I don’t do volleyball. I’d collapse with exhaustion if I was in their place.”
“I knew the Black Jackals were gonna win.”
“Ninja Shoyo is a monster!”
“Excuse me!?”
“That last shot by Number 12, oh my god!”
That caught Akaashi’s attention. The Black Jackals won after 4 sets, and Bokuto made the winning spike . Akaashi felt himself tear up as he continued to weave through the crowd, making it to the main entrance in no time.
He felt a hand yank at the back of his jacket, and Akaashi yelped as he was pulled to the side. Three security personnel greeted his sight, visibly unhappy with Akaashi. Shit .
“Sir, we’ve received multiple complaints of you running through the crowd and pushing people out of the way,” one said. “You’ll need to come with us, please.”
“Wait, I need to see Bokuto Koutarou,” Akaashi desperately tried pushing through the men pulling him farther away from the entrance. “Please, he’s my best friend!”
“Nice try, buddy,” a different security guard said. “That’s what they all say.”
“No, no, no,” Akaashi pleaded, rapidly losing hope as part of the crowd watched the spectacle in front of them. “I went to Fukurodani Academy with him and I was his setter!”
“These fans are getting more and more creative with their stories,” the third security guard muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. “What even is the likelihood of the Bokuto Koutarou knowing these people?”
Akaashi slumped in their hold, resigning quietly with a sigh. He bowed his head, accepting the fact that he won’t be able to make it inside. The security personnel, noticing the lack of fight in Akaashi, sighed in relief, one of them uttering, “Finally!”
“‘KAASHI!” a voice rang out from the main entrance. Akaashi jerked his head up, in disbelief over what he was seeing. The entire MSBY team was walking out of the stadium with Captain Meian at the front. From next to Meian, Bokuto’s eyes bore into Akaashi’s, and the spiker broke away from the group to run at Akaashi. “HEY! LET HIM GO!”
“BOKUTO!” Akaashi screamed, the fight in him returning tenfold. He caught the guards by surprise, breaking from their hold and running at Bokuto. They reached each other in no time, despite the guards at Akaashi’s tail. Bokuto held Akaashi in his arms, glaring at the security personnel with anger he never displayed in public.
“Why the hell did you take him?” he spat, and Akaashi couldn’t help the warmth explode in his heart at Bokuto’s protective nature. He could feel Bokuto trace small circles into his arm, still glaring daggers at the guards. “One of you, answer me now!”
“Well, sir,” one of the guards hesitated. “He was pushing people out of the way and caused a commotion in the crowd. We thought he was just another fanboy.”
“Don’t you know who he is?! This is fucking Akaashi Keiji , my best friend,” Bokuto seethed, addressing each of the guards. “The very same one I talk to you guys about. Isn’t that right, Hamada, Fujimura, Genji?”
The guards’ faces paled at the mention of Akaashi being Bokuto’s best friend. Immediately, they bowed deeply to Akaashi. “We’re deeply sorry, Mr. Akaashi,” they apologized profusely.
“I will talk to your supervisor about this behavior,” Bokuto continued darkly, tightening his grip on Akaashi’s arm. The three men paled even more (if it was possible) before nodding frantically. “Come on, Akaashi.”
Akaashi felt himself be pulled by Bokuto back towards the main entrance. His face burned at the sight of phone cameras pointing toward him, Bokuto, and the guards. God, he hoped that ordeal wouldn’t be a PR nightmare. They eventually passed the Black Jackals and Adlers, who were taking pictures with fans in front of the main entrance.
“Bokuto?” Hinata called right before smiling for yet another picture. He noticed Akaashi next to him when he turned back to them. “Akaashi, hi!”
Akaashi smiled and waved at him, feeling immensely proud of Bokuto’s former student. “Congrats on the win, Hinata,” he said, and Hinata sent him a grin brighter than the sun.
“I’m going to talk to Akaashi real quick, be right back!” Bokuto followed, pushing Akaashi past the main doors without giving time for Hinata to reply. Akaashi let himself be pushed into one of the many hallways, wondering what Bokuto needed to talk to him about. When they stopped, he gently pried Bokuto’s fingers off of him. He faced Bokuto, suddenly feeling vulnerable under the dim fluorescent lights.
“I heard you were the one that scored the match point,” Akaashi said softly. “I’m so proud of you, Bokuto.”
Bokuto returned the smile, shyly clasping his hands behind his back. “Thanks, ‘Kaashi.” A beat of silence. “Did you get my message?”
Ah . “So that really was for me,” Akaashi replied. “I had a feeling it was. I’m honored you did that on global TV.”
He didn’t want to ask the obvious question unless Bokuto brought it up first. The spiker just admitted that that point was for Akaashi, which sent his mind into a spiral of questions and high hopes. He said “world,” didn’t he? Is he Bokuto’s world?
“Well, don’t you have anything to say about it?” Bokuto asked quietly, looking down at the floor. Akaashi, about to confess then and there, held his tongue. He didn’t want to get his hopes up too high only to find out- “Keiji?”
Stunned, Akaashi felt his jaw drop slightly. Bokuto never used his given name before. The gravity of their current situation was settling in. Here they were, inside one of Kamei Arena’s hallways. Just the two of them. And Bokuto… wanted to know if Akaashi had anything to say about his message? And dropped his given name after years of calling him “Akaashi”???
Akaashi chose his next words carefully. “Is there anything you’d like me to say, Koutarou?” It was a gamble, suddenly using Bokuto’s given name; but hey, if Bokuto could suddenly drop that on him, why couldn’t Akaashi?
He watched as the spiker picked his head up in awe. Bokuto’s eyes widened momentarily before turning away. Akaashi could see the tips of his ears turn pink.
“I don’t know,” Bokuto whispered. “Maybe that you love me back or something?”
Akaashi could feel the air being punched out of his lungs. Bokuto what? “You…” -he suddenly grew flustered- “you love me?” What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck -
“I read this wrong, didn’t I?” Bokuto interrupted, bowing his head in shame. Akaashi could see the wild tufts of salt-and-pepper hair deflate. “I’m sorry,” Bokuto continued as he started to turn away, “it’s just I’ve wanted to tell you for so long, and I thought that maybe there was a chance you felt the same way I did.”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Akaashi said, overwhelmed. He placed his hands on Bokuto’s shoulders before forcing the taller man to face him. Bokuto still refused to look at him. “Koutarou, look at me, please?” Golden eyes slowly met teal ones, and Akaashi gulped at the proximity of their faces.
“Pinch me if I’m dreaming,” he murmured. In the back of his mind, he quietly waited to be pinched back to reality, to wake up from this dream and realize he never left Udai’s office. It never came. “You love me?”
Bokuto’s face burned. That was the only answer Akaashi needed.
Akaashi threw his head back and laughed, much to Bokuto’s confusion. Once the fit of laughter passed through him, he wiped at a stray tear sliding down his cheek. He placed his hands on Bokuto’s cheeks, ingraining the feeling of the supple skin under his palms into his brain.
“All this time,” he muttered, choking up. “All this time, I could’ve…”
“You could’ve what, Keiji?” Bokuto asked sincerely, eyes soft with concern.
Akaashi smiled. “I’m so stupid.”
Bokuto let out a noise of indignation, beginning to pull away from Akaashi’s grip. Akaashi didn’t let him leave, holding him fast, already knowing the protests Bokuto would spill out. “Let me rephrase,” he said. “I’m so stupid because I let my insecurities get in the way of telling you I’ve loved you since the first moment I saw you.”
Bokuto’s eyes shined with pride. “That long?”
“Ever since I saw Number 12 spike the ball the first practice after tryouts,” Akaashi replied sincerely with a growing smile. “I’ve never stopped loving you since.”
Bokuto slumped slightly in Akaashi’s hold, bringing their faces closer than they were before. His warm breath fanned over Akaashi’s face as he spoke. “Keiji, I’ve loved you ever since you taught me how to set. I didn’t realize it until a bit later, but I knew that you were the one for me.”
“YES! You made it look so easy and I finally got it! Thank you, Akashi!”
Akaashi let his thumb stroke Bokuto’s cheek. “Even when you kept calling me Akashi instead of Akaashi ?”
Bokuto smiled. “I learned, didn’t I?”
“That you did,” Akaashi replied. Even though his cheeks hurt from smiling, he couldn’t relax. He was still in disbelief that this was happening: that he and Bokuto were confessing their feelings for one another in the middle of a dimly-lit hallway, with the Adlers, Black Jackals, and the crowd just on the other side of the walls. “I’m not exactly easy to love though, are you willing to deal with that?”
“Keiji, with you, it’s so easy for me to fall in love with you, over and over again,” Bokuto whispered, lifting a hand to cup Akaashi’s cheek. “Don’t ever say you’re not easy to love when it’s been the exact opposite for me, for the past 7 years.”
“I’m about to start bawling ,” Akaashi admitted, already teary-eyed. Bokuto laughed at that, looking at Akaashi with so much fondness in his eyes. Damn, this is what has been waiting for Akaashi this whole time?
“And I don’t have to deal with you,” Bokuto added, tilting his head. “I’m here because you’ve had my heart since the beginning. Because I want to be here. You are my world .”
Akaashi sniffled, his smile softening as his face grew hot. He didn’t waver from the eye contact, willing himself to say what he’s wanted to say for the longest time. “I am undeniably, wholeheartedly, irrevocably in love with you, Bokuto Koutarou.”
Bokuto leaned forward before placing the softest kiss against Akaashi’s forehead, so gentle that Akaashi did start bawling. Bokuto pulled back, his smile knocking the breath out of Akaashi’s lungs just like it did in his first year of high school. Bokuto’s touch, his fondness, and his sincerity were things Akaashi wanted to experience for the rest of his life. He could get used to this.
Bokuto’s eyes softened as he gently wiped Akaashi’s tears, his eyes shining with unshed ones. “And I am undeniably, wholeheartedly, irrevocably in love with you , Akaashi Keiji.”