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1. Akaashi’s First Year
The day that Akaashi Keiji joined the volleyball team was one of the best days of Bokuto’s life. A first year setter who was willing to do extra practice? Who wasn’t annoyed at spending time with him? Who was smart and witty and pretty with the most sparkling blue eyes? Bokuto was smitten from the get go.
A week after Akaashi joined, Bokuto watched from across the court as Akaashi directed one of the other first years while they picked up loose volleyballs. “I’m going to ask him out,” Bokuto declared, his gaze lingering on the setter.
Konoha followed his line of vision, rolling his eyes when he saw who Bokuto was staring at. “You barely know him and besides, he keeps busy. He usually leaves right after practice to do homework.” He grabbed Bokuto’s shoulder and started to drag him away. “Let it go.”
But Bokuto didn’t want to let it go. The season continued, the extra practice sessions continued, and, at Bokuto’s request, he and Akaashi even began to have homework sessions together. They were together so often, the team made jokes about them being attached at the hip. During this time, Bokuto’s crush grew stronger and stronger and he started to notice that Akaashi was looking at him in the same way he knew he was looking at Akaashi. At first he had convinced himself it was just wishful thinking and in his head, but after catching Akaashi’s eyes on him for the fifth time during one particular study session, Bokuto decided that he was going to do something about it. He asked his older sister for help and finally, his plan was ready.
“Hey, Akaashi,” Bokuto said cheerily, throwing his arm around his shoulder as they walked out of the gym together. “Do you have any plans since practice ended early today? If not, do you want to go get food?”
Akaashi stumbled briefly before looking at his arm, but he didn’t move it off his shoulder, much to Bokuto’s delight. “It’s Valentine’s Day, Bokuto-san” he deadpanned, as if he didn’t know.
Bokuto felt himself begin to deflate. That wasn’t the reaction he had been expecting. “Oh,” he said dejectedly, moving his arm off his shoulder. Was that a flash of disappointment that he saw on Akaashi’s face? “Yeah, you probably have somewhere to be. Popular guy like you probably got all sorts of confessions today.” Bokuto forced a smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess,” he kept his tone even as he began to turn to walk away, but suddenly Akaashi grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks.
“No, I meant, it’s Valentine’s Day. Food places are probably busy,” Akaashi clarified, not meeting Bokuto’s gaze.
“Oh! Yeah, you’re probably right,” Bokuto agreed, nodding slowly. He actually hadn’t thought of that, he had to change his plan, quickly, but it was fine, it would work out. “Let’s go get some snacks from a konbini and eat at my place?”
“You must be really hungry, aren’t you, Bokuto-san?” Akaashi laughed, but agreed.
A short time later, they were sitting on the floor of Bokuto’s living room, snacks spread out between them. They were eating and talking but Bokuto was starting to feel a little nervous about his plan. Their conversation fell into a lull and Akaashi looked at Bokuto curiously. “Bokuto-san, are you okay?”
Bokuto swallowed and nodded. “Y-yeah. Um,” he looked away. It was now or never. “I actually have something for you,” he told Akaashi, who looked even more confused. “It’s okay if you don’t accept it. It’s no pressure or anything! I just–here,” Bokuto produced a wrapped box from his bag and thrust it at him.
Akaashi carefully took the box and unwrapped it, revealing a collection of homemade chocolates. He looked from the chocolates back up to Bokuto questioningly.
"My sister helped me make them!” Bokuto said in a rush, gesturing at the chocolates. “They don’t have to mean anything! I just wanted to–to–ugh,” Bokuto cut himself off, with a shake of his head. He was feeling uncharacteristically anxious and couldn’t bring himself to look at Akaashi. Konoha’s comment from months ago floated around his head. What if he was bothering Akaashi? What if he thought Bokuto was being too forward? What if he didn’t actually like hanging out?
“Bokuto-san,” Akaashi said, and Bokuto finally met his gaze. He didn’t seem upset or annoyed? If anything, he seemed amused ? “Is this a confession?”
Bokuto took a deep breath and steeled himself. Now or never, that’s right. “Yes,” he said, more firmly. “I really like you, Akaashi. I really enjoy spending time with you and I’d like to ask you out. But if you’re not okay with it, I understand and we can be friends. It’s okay.”
Akaashi smiled and held the chocolates close. “I like you, too, Bokuto-san, I thought you knew that. I accept.”
Bokuto beamed and enveloped Akaashi in a hug. This had just become one of the best days of his life.
~~~
2. Akaashi’s Second Year
Bokuto and Akaashi had been together for over a year. They not only continued their extra practices and homework study sessions, but also added in dates. Bokuto was happy with how things were going and Akaashi seemed to agree. However, they hadn’t said those three magical words yet. Bokuto was waiting for the perfect time, and Akaashi, well. He was more reserved with his feelings, but the looks and lingering gestures told Bokuto all he needed to know.
Unfortunately, Bokuto was running out of time. It was mid-March, the cherry blossoms were blooming, and his graduation day was here.
“Bokuto-san, are you okay? You’ve gone quiet again,” Akaashi asked. They were sitting together at a table in the clubroom, the volleyball team partying around them.
“I’m going to miss this,” Bokuto said, reaching over to hold Akaashi’s hand. “I’m going to miss you.”
Akaashi laughed and leaned into Bokuto’s side. Someone yelled at them to get a room, but they ignored him. “We’ve already talked about this. We’re not breaking up just because you’re graduating.”
Bokuto nodded. “I know, but we’re not going to get to see each other as much. I’m going to miss being able to see you every day.” Akaashi hummed in agreement. They kept leaning against each other, watching their teammates play some sort of game.
“Akaashi,” Bokuto started, and Akaashi looked up at him, slate blue eyes meeting gold. “I made you something, so you won’t forget me.”
“I could never forget you,” Akaashi told him, dead serious, eyes flashing.
Bokuto smiled and held up a little charm. It was in the shape of a volleyball and had been painted with the kanji of their names. Akaashi took it from him and examined it with a fond smile, while Bokuto felt an overwhelming feeling swell in his chest.
“I love you, Akaashi Keiji,” tumbled out.
Akaashi looked at him, eyes watering. “I love you, too, Bokuto Koutarou.”
Suddenly Bokuto had a new best day of his life.
~~~
3. Akaashi’s Third Year
Bokuto’s first year of college and Akaashi’s last year of high school brought new challenges to their relationship because they no longer got to see each other every day. However, they constantly texted and had weekly Skype video calls, and Bokuto felt that they were stronger than ever. Still, he was looking forward to when Akaashi would be joining him at the same college. For now, they had to settle with the long distance.
Bokuto had called Akaashi early in the morning on his graduation day, wanting to be the first one to tell him congratulations. They talked about different things while Akaashi got ready for the day. “I can’t wait to see you, Bokuto-kun,” Akaashi sighed into the phone. “Just a few more weeks and I’ll be with you at college.”
Bokuto grinned, even though he knew Akaashi couldn’t see it. “That’s right, ‘Kaashi. A few more weeks and we’ll be together again! I have class now, but we’ll talk later. Congratulations! I love you!”
Akaashi laughed at Bokuto’s enthusiasm. “Thank you. I love you too, Bokuto-kun,” and they hung up.
Bokuto pocketed the phone and grabbed a wrapped present off the table. He had to catch the train soon if he wanted to make it in time for Akaashi’s graduation. He felt a little bad for lying, but he knew his boyfriend was going to be so surprised, it would be worth it.
And surprised he was. The graduation ceremony ended and once all of the former students were released, Bokuto ran up to him with an exuberant, “Hey hey hey, Akaashiiii!” and pulled him into a tight hug.
“B-Bokuto-kun!” Akaashi choked out from the hug. “What are you doing here?”
Bokuto pulled back and grinned at him. “Watching my boyfriend graduate! What else?”
Akaashi smiled, getting over the shock, checking Bokuto out. Bokuto flexed a bit, showing off his new muscles. “You’re looking really good, Bokuto-kun. Training is really paying off, I see.”
Bokuto rubbed the back of his neck and laughed. “A bit. Hey, here, I got you something,” he said and held out the wrapped present.
Akaashi gingerly undid the wrapping and revealed a blue leather bound journal. He held it in both hands and Bokuto exclaimed, “It’s to represent the new chapter of your life since you’re gonna be a literary major and all!”
Akaashi smiled and leaned up to kiss Bokuto, who returned it eagerly. This was the newest best day of his life.
~~~
4. Akaashi’s New Job
College flew by and once again, Bokuto graduated before Akaashi. After spending three years together at college, they were again long-distance. Bokuto had signed with MSBY and relocated to Osaka, while Akaashi was still at college in Tokyo.
Bokuto logged in for their weekly Skype chat and beamed when he saw Akaashi’s face appear in the window. “‘Kaashi! How did your interview go?”
Akaashi didn’t quite look at the camera and shrugged. “‘Kaashi? What’s wrong?”
“The interview went well, Bokuto,” Akaashi started slowly, but he wasn’t focusing on the screen. “They offered me a position.”
“That’s wonderful!” Bokuto exclaimed, knocking into his laptop in his excitement, making the screen shake. “I knew you were going to get it!”
“Yeah,” Akaashi said solemnly, looking off for a moment before finally directing his gaze at the screen. “There’s a catch though. They want me to be the editor of a shonen manga, not in the literature department.” He sighed and leaned back, running his hand through his hair.
Bokuto nodded, still grinning. “That’s okay, though! You can use the job as experience and move on to the literature department one day! You’ll give it your one hundred twenty just like always and they’ll see how amazing you are!”
Akaashi smiled weakly. “Thank you, Bokuto, but there’s also the fact that I’ll have to stay here in Tokyo...” Akaashi’s voice trailed off, and he seemed to be struggling to keep his gaze on the screen.
Bokuto felt something in his stomach drop. He had expected this, but having it confirmed that Akaashi would have to stay in Tokyo while he was in Osaka was still disappointing. However he continued smiling and shook his head. “We’ll make it work,” Bokuto reassured him. “We’re used to long distance before and I’m traveling with MSBY most of the time anyway. At least we’re both working towards our dreams!”
“You’re right,” Akaashi agreed, giving Bokuto a genuine smile that warmed him from head to toe. “Oh, your package arrived today. I wanted to wait until we were on video chat to open it.”
Bokuto sat up straighter as he watched Akaashi move back from the laptop to give him a clearer view of the room. He took a pair of scissors to the package and carefully opened it. “Bokuto,” he breathed. Bokuto couldn’t see from the distance and grainy pixels, but he was almost certain that Akaashi had tears in his eyes. “This stationery is beautiful.”
“I expect tons of letters!” Bokuto told him, pleased that Akaashi liked the package. “One every day until we can be together in person again!”
Akaashi chuckled and moved to sit back in front of his laptop. “Every day I will write a letter extolling my love for you, my star. I love you and I miss you, Koutarou,” he said seriously.
Bokuto felt his own eyes prickle. “I love you and miss you, too, Keiji.” They may still be apart and this may not be the best day of his life, but he knew that they would make it.
~~~
5. Keiji’s First Visit to the Olympics
Eventually, Keiji was able to transfer to a hybrid position that allowed him to live with Koutarou part time in Osaka. Then Koutarou made it to the Japanese National Team that allowed him to spend more time in Tokyo. Koutarou was on top of the world with how much he was able to be with Keiji and how well the team was doing.
Then they made it to the Olympics that were being hosted in Tokyo.
“I’m going to win you the gold medal,” Koutarou promised Keiji over breakfast on the day of his final Olympic match.
“You’re going to shine brighter than any gold medal, Koutarou.” Keiji took a sip of his coffee, hiding his smile as Bokuto turned bright red. “I’ll be there in the audience with some of our friends. I can’t wait to watch you in action.”
Koutarou stood up and moved to give Keiji a kiss. He tried to deepen it but Keiji moved away, placing a finger to his lips. “Not now. You can’t be late,” he chided and Koutarou laughed.
“I’ll see you after we win!” Koutarou shot him a victory pose before leaving.
It was a close, exciting match. Koutarou and his teammates played better than they ever had, but so did the other team. They were in the fifth set at fourteen points with the other team hot on their heels at twelve points. If they could get one more point, the match was theirs.
Kageyama set the ball and it came right at Koutarou. The noise of the arena fell away as Koutaru focused on the ball, tongue between his teeth, and slammed the spike across the net. The ball landed in between two of the opposite players and the whistle rang.
The game was over.
Koutarou felt himself being tackled by his teammates and just before he went down in a mass of laughter and sobs, he caught a glimpse of Keiji in the stands, decked out in JNT merchandise, cheering louder than anyone else.
After the medal ceremony, Koutarou and Keiji managed a moment together before going to join the team in their festivities.
“I promised I’d win you the gold,” Koutarou said as he took off the medal and looped it around Keiji’s neck.
“And I told you that you would shine brighter than any gold medal, and you shone like the stars,” Keiji told him, throwing his arms around his neck. Koutarou smiled and kissed him deeply, just as had wanted to that morning.
This was the best day of his life.
~~~
+1 Koutarou’s First Olympic Gold Medal
Koutarou and Keiji got to the celebration party just as things were getting into full swing. They came in, hand in hand, clothes somewhat ruffled, with Keiji proudly wearing Koutarou’s gold medal. They waved and laughed off the wolf-whistles before finding a spot for themselves.
As the night went on, people came up to Koutarou and would smack him on the back, give him hugs, and congratulate him on the game winning spike. Keiji basked in the radiance that was Koutarou. His boyfriend, his star, his true love. And suddenly he knew. He knew that it was time.
“Koutarou,” he said quietly. He wasn’t sure if he would be heard over the sounds of celebration, but Koutarou turned. Koutarou always heard him, always listened to him, always made him feel like he was the only one in the room. He grinned, which Keiji returned. “You have given me so many thoughtful gifts over the years, and I have one for you.”
Koutarou tilted his head before shaking it. “You don’t have to give me anything, Keiji. Your love is enough.” He was so sincere, looking at Keiji like he hung the moon and stars, and Keiji felt himself fall even deeper in love.
Keiji looked at him fondly and chuckled. “Oh, you will always have my love,” he reassured Koutarou and then he stood. His boyfriend watched him curiously as he moved to stand in front of him. He then knelt in front of Koutarou, placing one knee on the ground. The party began to fall silent as people started to notice what was going on, but Keiji was no longer paying attention to them. He pulled a black velvet box out of his pocket, and held it open in front of Koutarou, revealing a golden ring. “I have loved you from the moment we met, and I’m so lucky to have known you and have you in my life. We’ve grown and changed together over the years, and now, you have given me something gold, and I would like to give you something gold in return. Koutarou, will you marry me?”
Koutarou blinked, looking momentarily stunned. Then he beamed brightly, tears in the corner of his eyes. “Keiji, of course I will!” He pulled Keiji up off his knees and dipped him into a deep kiss.
Later, Koutarou was sitting on a chair, Keiji snuggled in his lap. The party was dying down, and it again felt like they were the only two in the room. “Keiji,” Koutarou said quietly, so only the two of them could hear. “I wanted to ask you first. I have the ring and everything.”
Keiji laughed and snuggled into Koutarou’s warm chest. “Guess you’ll have to find another moment because this one was mine .” Koutarou also laughed and held Keiji tighter, nuzzling into his neck.
Keiji was fairly certain that this was the best day of his life.