Chapter Text
Akaashi Keiji. 28 years old. Single, gay and Editor-in-Chief of Be-Loved, the currently most sold Shojo Manga Magazine in the country.
Currently status: Dead inside from being all night and part of his morning convincing the author of “Magic Cure! Pitch Pitch Lala-chan” that she is not an utter failure and that she could and would finish this week's chapter.
After his gruesome last shift, Akaashi had his back against the elevator wall, barely being able to keep himself up. His appearance was less than ideal, his hair was all messed up, dark circles covered his blue eyes framed by his thick glasses and his clothes were all wrinkled. Moving out of the elevator, Akaashi took a deep breath, his mind could only think of his when all of the sudden, he heard a loud voice that surely could wake up the whole neighborhood.
In the hallway of the 4th floor, there was a tall, large man with white hair and dark roots who was talking to what seemed like movers. The unknown figure was thanking the workers in a full bow of the torso while said workers were already on their way out, passing by Akaashi. Not wanting to interact, he lowered his face and tried to sprint in route to his apartment door.
“Hey, Hey!” The man said in a louder than usual voice. Keiji winced with the sound.
“Do you live next door? I just moved here!” He started approaching Akaashi in slow and confident steps.
In a frantic move, Keiji lowered his head even more and answered with clear tiredness in his voice, almost as a murmur. “Yes.” And rapidly continued to his door, opening it with familiarity of the movement and closing it with a large slam.
This overworked editor couldn’t take anything else from this day and a clear thought of just crashing and sleeping on his entrance floor came to his head. However, he gathered the insignificant amount of energy he had and moved his exhausted body to the bed. There, he closed his eyes, without taking his glasses and drifted into a very necessary slumber.
A slight buzz came from a place close by. Akashi woke up to it, first only opening his eyes and looking around the familiar place. As he became more aware of his situation, he gradually started to move, getting up the bed and rubbing his eyes with the movement.
There was no light coming from the curtains, which indicated that he had slept more than intended. When he was able to find his bag, he got down to the floor next to the bed and picked up his phone and quickly read the time. 8:12 PM. He also noticed a couple of messages from his work colleagues and Ikeda-sensei. While he brushed through them, he came to the realization that tomorrow was going to be a long day at work.
A sigh of exhaustion left his lips as he closed his eyes once more and leaned against his mattress. I love my job, I love my job, I love this fucking. His thought was interrupted by a loud growl coming from his own stomach.
Once again, he opened his eyes as he realised that he hadn’t had a decent meal all week and hasn’t actually eaten since yesterday…or was it the day before? He couldn't be sure, but decided to get food once his innards started to protest again for sustenance.
Looking at his fridge he noticed that besides the cute fridge magnets, there wasn’t anything in it except for 2 cans of beer, a half gallon of tea and takeout container that surely had expired food in it. Not having any other choice, the blue eyed man decides to go to his local konbini to buy a bento and stock up on a few things. I hope they still have some famichicken
Just as Keiji was locking up his door he noticed a large shadow at the opposite side of the hallway. When he looked into it, he perceived the tall white haired man in a very revealing black tank top, covered in sweat and the biggest biceps Akaashi has ever seen. At first he didn’t recognize the person that was making his ears turn red, but a flood of memories from earlier that day came to him, making Akaashi blush even more.
“Hm-E-Excuse me” Akaashi tried to get the other men’s attention. Failing miserably at it.
Finding some courage inside himself he simply said it. “I-I’m so sorry” Akaashi almost screamed as he bowed deeply.
Finally his efforts seemed to catch the other man’s attention as he started walking towards Keiji, stopping a few centimeters away.
“It wasn’t my intention to be rude this morning. I was just getting back from work and.” Justifying his behavior probably wasn’t the best idea, but he started spiraling into an anxious apology. “I know it's not an excuse, but forgive me” This last part came out of his mouth in a very shy and low tone as he started looking up again, losing the bit of bravery he had found earlier.
A new view had emerged in front of Akaashi, his new neighbor was looking at him with the shiniest smile Akaashi had ever seen. “Oh that makes sense! I really thought I had done something to upset you.” There wasn’t a single sign of judgment in his face. “I’m Bokuto Kotaro, nice to meet yah neighbor” He extended his hand for a handshake.
“Akaashi Keiji” Akaashi shook Bokuto 's hands in a stunned state but trying to maintain his normal non expressive face.
Now looking him up close he could notice a couple of details on his new neighbor. The smile on his face formed dimples on his cheek. His eyes were a shade of gold that reflected the hallway lights. His hands were callouses, probably indicating some kind of manual labour and. Fuck. In other words, Bokuto was really hot.
They separated their hands and Bokuto positioned his hands on the back of his neck, giving him a relaxed vybe.
“So, Akaashi. Can I ask you something?”
“You are already asking Bokuto-san.” Akaashi said fidgeting, trying to not stare at the Greek god in front of him.
"Oh, right! Let me ask another one” Bokuto said, apparently having fun with the situation. “Do you normally get this late from work?“
“No, but I do get back late. Overtime is normal in my line of work.” He answered, not sure why he was oversharing with a stranger.
Bokuto thought for a second, gears could be seen turning in his head. After finding the answer in his head, he said. “That makes sense. Anyways, I won't take more of your time!” He moved to the door of his apartment, waving at Akaashi the whole time. ”Goodnight Kaashi!”
Akaashi waved back until his neighbor's door was shut, feeling a bit weird about the nickname he had suddenly received.
On his way to the nearest konbini, he reprised the last few minutes over and over again. It was the first time he felt so attracted to someone so quickly.
While choosing a bento box, he tried to forget about their interaction. While paying for his food as the cashier packed his groceries, he tried to convince himself that he was just tired, overworked and/or lonely. While opening the door to his apartment, he said to himself that it was just a fling.
And as he got to bed, trying to get some extra sleep before his next shift, he admitted. He had a crush on his neighbor that he barely knew and would probably dream about it that night.
*
Once again, Akaashi was riding the elevator to his floor, now way more revigorated, especially considering it was still 8:10 PM and not the day after.
He walked out of it, not paying much attention to his surroundings as he was organizing his list of chores for when he walked through his the front door. But all his concentration was broken by a loud, now familiar, voice calling his brand new nickname.
Like a dejàvu, Bokuto was in front of his apartment, again all sweaty, again with another revealing tank top and again with his radiant smile. He came to Akaashi, walking by his side through the hallway.
“Hey, Hey, Hey Kaashi! How was your day at work?” Bokuto asked with curious eyes.
“Busy, as usual. How was your day Bokuto-san?” Akaashi asked, trying to be friendly and not think about his last night's dream.
“It was great, my spikes today were on point!” Bokuto said energetically while stopping next to Akaashi’s door.
Even though Keiji had no idea what his neighbor was talking about he nodded and pulled out his keys to open the door. “That's great Bokuto-san” He said, still failing to brush aside that god damn dream. “Well, Goodnight to you.”
A deafening silence could be heard in the hallway. Akaashi thought it was weird since he kind of expected to hear goodnight back. But then he noticed that Bokuto looked really concentrated at a focal point, more exactly to Akaashi’s hand where he held his keys.
Finally breaking the momentaneous awkward moment, Bokuto finally asked. “Kaashi, this keychain. Is it…?”
Noticing what he was referring to, Akaashi hung the keychain in front of his face showing its full glory. “Oh, it’s a horned owl. They are my favorite.”
A glow could be seen forming in Bokuto's eyes as he got closer to Akaashi’s face. ”Right? They are the best!” He made a small break and continued. “Did you know that the horned owl is colored like that for camouflage? They use to perform this super secret stealth attack where they come from above without looking at their prey.”
This ramble of various facts about the animal continued for a bit, close to 5 minutes. Akashi listened to every bit of it, even if he already knew most of it, because he didn’t have the courage to stop this 1,90m man from talking about a western owl. When there was a sudden pause to it, Keiji had a faint smile on his face.
“You sure know a lot about them, Bokuto-san.” He also sure can be cute. Akaashi thought to himself. “I got this one at a gachapon machine, if I find it again I will try to get one for you too.” Even if he couldn’t do it, he wanted to see what kind of reaction he would get from the comment.
“Oh, thanks…” Kotaro had seemed surprised and had a light blush on his cheeks. “I’m sorry, sometimes I talk too much about the things I like. I won’t keep you for longer. Goodnight, Akaashi.” He seemed a bit embarrassed about it as he left for his own home.
Like I said, cute…I like it. Akaashi opened his door, going inside the messy apartment. I really like it…
*
Coming back home, defeated by the most hated activity in his position at work, Akaashi was more than ready to end his day. Stepping out of the elevator, he suddenly felt a bump of a shoulder hit the side of his body with strength. The black hair man apologized for the collision and started to press the close doors button on the elevator.
“Wait! Kuroo! Don’t go!” Bokuto’s voice could be heard from the front of his apartment and when Akaashi followed the sound, he noticed his neighbor reaching for the guy leaving even if it was already too late.
Utterly confused by this nonsensical situation, Akaashi approaches his neighbor’s door, where now lies a just as defeated Bokuto with flop hair and a sad face.
“Who was that Bokuto-san?” Akaashi asked reluctantly.
Still, with the saddest puppy eyes Akaashi has ever seen, Bokuto said with a sigh. “That was supposed to be my best friend who was going to help me with something, but ditched me for work. Kuroo Tetsuro.”
“He probably couldn’t help it, Bokuto-san.” Akaashi tried to console the men.
A heavy sigh left Bokuto as he whined.”I know. It was just…important to me.”
Noticing the disappointment in his next door neighbor, Akaashi started an internal battle of thoughts.
Don’t do it. You are already done for the day.
But he looks so inconsolable. I really want him to smile.
You don’t even know what he wants help with.
It can be nice, I won’t know until I try.
You’ll regret it in the morning.
Well, fuck it.
“Is it anything I can help with?” Akaashi asked, trying to cheer his crush.
Bokuto’s hair went from floppy to spiky and he looked surprised by the question. When his eyes met Akaashi’s he blushed a little and hid his face partially with his hand. ”Maybe...If you are not busy…and you promise not to laugh.”
“I don’t have anything planned and I promise not to laugh.” In reality, he had an appointment with his bed, but decided to postpone it.
As if he was piecing together thoughts and courage, Bokuto explained the situation in fast words. “So, there is this guy on my team who is always talking about movies, especially horror movies. And somehow he noticed that every time he talks about those I try to ignore him. I’m terrible with horror movies. I like action movies the best.” He pauses to catch a breath and continues. “ And then he came to me with a bet, if I watched a certain movie he would give me 10,000 yen. I don’t care for the money, but I never back down from a bet. And Kuroo was going to watch it with me, but now he is gone and I don’t wanna lose it.”
Processing everything that was being said to him, Akaashi realised he shouldn’t have promised to not laugh. But after a long breath, he was able to finally speak without breaking in laughter. “So, you just need someone to watch this movie with you?” This might actually be interesting. “Can you just wait for me to change?”
“Wait? Really? Would you watch it with me?” Bokuto perked up immediately, a tail wagging could almost be seen behind his large body.
Akaashi nodded and started to head to his apartment.”I’ll be right back.”
“Akaashi you are the best! I’ll leave the door open, just come in when you are ready”
When Keiji got home, he decided that he would at least look presentable. Changing into something more casual, making sure his dark circles weren’t as exposed and freshening up his deodorant. The whole thing took approximately 15 minutes, but he did feel like a new person.
Once he got in front of the next door, he felt strange just coming in, even though Bokuto said he could, so he knocked before doing so. Entering the apartment, he started to notice that it was like a mirrored version of his own, at least until he left the kitchen. In the living room he found a dinner table big enough for a family, a 65 inches TV and Kotaro sitting in a very comfortable looking coach next to what looked like a rufous-legged owl plushie.
“Kaashi! Come on. Sit.” Bokuto said, tapping excitedly to a place next to him.
Doing as instructed, Akaashi also noticed that there were 3 bowls with various snacks. “What movie are we watching?”
Bokuto grabbed the remote, seeming tense and started to rewind the video. “Alien from 1979. Have you seen it?”.
“No, only heard of it. Should I turn off the lights?” Akaashi asked while looking for the light switch.
“Can we leave them on…maybe?” There was a nervous expression on Bokuto’s face that made Keiji’s heart melt.
“Of course. I’m ready when you are.”
A loud gulp could be heard from Akaashi’s side at the same time the movie started. The sci-fi scenery seemed really interesting to Akaashi and he was trying to pay attention to the writing and its nuances. Meanwhile, Kotaro was trembling and getting scared with every jump scare.
The iconic scene when the alien bursts one the crew through his stomach was playing when Keiji bursted a loud laugh. The owner of the apartment jumped when he heard the sound and looked at the laughing man.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s a tense scene, but I couldn't help it.” He tried to control himself, to not scare Bokuto even more.
“H-how can you think this is funny?” Bokuto was in complete disbelief.
“Nevermind that, it’s indecent. Don’t worry about it” The thoughts that made him laugh continued to hunt Akaashi's mind.
“Now I really want to know.” It seemed that Kotaro felt more at ease for a second.
“Do you recognize that the alien has a” Akaashi stopped for a second before continuing. “Phallic shape?”
Tilting his head, Bokuto looked completely lost. “Phallic shape?”
Realizing that he wasn’t getting through Bokuto with a more delicate approach, Akaashi just says what he means while trying to put up a serious expression. “The alien looks like a penis and seeing it run away at high speed it’s too funny.”
For exactly 5 seconds, Bokuto’s brain processes the information. After that he also burst into laughter. “I can’t believe you are right. It does look like a running penis with teeth."
The tension in the air circulating Bokuto was gone after some good amount of humor and dark/indecent jokes during the movie. When the final act started and only the last human character was alive with the alien, they both started a discussion about Jones, the cat. During this and the last battle, Bokuto revealed that he had an orange cat in his childhood and started recalling some of his favorite memories, he was obviously more comfortable.
Credits rolled and TV went dark. There was a brief moment of silence before Bokuto spoke up, almost screaming. “I did! I won the bet, Kaashi! Thanks for the help.”
Feeling happy for his crush and for the nice time they had together, Akaashi congratulated Bokuto. But before he could finish speaking, Bokuto threw his arms around Keiji, hugging him tight. Akaashi tried to hug him back, although not with the same strength.
When he was freed from the hug, Akaashi felt his face getting warm. “I should really go home, Bokuto-san.” He got up and started walking towards the entrance
Kotaro followed behind. “I’m sorry I kept you for so long. Have a good night Kaashi.” He opened the door and gave space so Akaashi could pass through.
“Goodnight, Bokuto-san.” He left without looking at Bokuto, afraid his face was too red.
Inside his apartment, Keiji tried to finish his night routine but every time he was interrupted by the moments he spent with his neighbor. His brain would not only remember everything that happened, but also fantasize about what “could have happened”. And all those fantasies made him roll around his bed all night.
*
Every night, Bokuto would be at his front door around 8 PM and almost every night he would find Akaashi just getting home from work. Apparently, he liked to jog after his practice so he would burn any energy left and sleep better. Which, evidently worked wonders as this man hadn’t had a single trace of fatigue in his face.
During said encounters, they would make small talk and actually learn small facts about one another. Akaashi learned quite a few bits about this neighbor during the past week.
Like how he is a pro volleyball player on off season. He really likes yakiniku and would like to eat it everyday but he couldn't because he was on a strict diet. And he has this incredible skin care routine, that makes his skin poreless and soft.
Akaashi was actually impressed by the last one as he thought his neighbor was just effortlessly beautiful.
Keiji also participated in these exchanges, letting a few things about himself. He didn’t actually want to, but every time Bokuto asked a question about his life all his defense walls of self preservation would crumble. The genuine interest and honesty, with no trace of malice whatsoever, had this effect.
Unfortunately, it was Sunday. Which meant that they probably wouldn’t see each other and Akaashi would have to satisfy himself with the memories he had created during the weekdays and the constant dreams he had.
Also unfortunately he couldn’t sleep longer on his day off even if wanted to because someone was ringing the doorbell. At first, Akaashi thought he could just ignore it and deal with it later. However, the sound of the doorbell continued, now more frequently and even sounding a like a VERY annoying song, evidentiating to him who was at the door.
Lazily and slowly, he got up thinking that maybe if he took long enough, the person would just give up and go away. A not realistic outcome.
Akaashi opened his front door and left some space so his uninvited guest could pass through it. “Morning Kozume.” He said, following his friend with only his eyes and closing the door as both of them were inside the apartment.
There was no answer to his greeting, but Akaashi knew not to take offense. Instead, he moved to the kitchen, preparing two mugs, one with coffee and the other one with a blend of apple and ginger tea. The host of this early gathering had already danced to this song and knew exactly what to do.
In Akaashi’s cramped living room, Kenma was sitting on the couch with his knees up to his chest. As one of the mugs with tea was left on the coffee table, Akaashi sat at the armchair next to the balcony glass door and his guest finally spoke up.
“Your new neighbor is a psycho, be careful.” He advised looking at the floor in a monotonous voice.
Akaashi never knew what to expect from his blonde friend, but this allegation surprised him so much that he choked on his hot beverage. Between choking and holding his laugh, he asked. “And- and what makes you think that?”
Kenma was looking at Akaashi's gigantic collection of books that took up most of the space when he answered. “I met him at the elevator. He was looking at his phone and his thumb moved every second… he was skipping through a whole playlist of songs, like he was speedrunning it. Psycho Behaviour.”
Imagining Bokuto in this situation made Keiji chuckle a little, especially thinking what his reaction would be when he asked about it. Putting on a more serious expression, he looks at his friend. “Sooo, are you going to tell me what happened or just defame my neighbor?”
A disgusted sound came from Kenma, and he was clearly trying to avoid eye contact. After a big breath, he finally said. “I went on a date. Yesterday." He paused for a second. “It was just awful. Like, probably on my top 5 worst dates.”
Wow, that means something coming from you. Akaashi thought,but said nothing as he knew that was not what his friend needed.
“We went to this restaurant, which was actually nice. But then, he started to ask too much about the streams and suddenly he wanted to take all these pictures, and it was so weird!” Kenma started to move his arms around, exhaling his frustration. “And I was already done with that weirdo! But somehow, he convinced me to go to a love hotel with him!”
There was a long pause after the last statement. Kenma seemed uncomfortable and Akaashi got really worried about what happened. Fortunately, the blonde friend covered his face and laid in a fetal position on the couch. “Akaashii.” He whined. “He had a micro penis.”
That last sentence completely broke Akaashi and all his worries were transformed into pure laughter. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He tried to control himself. “You really have the worst luck, Kozume.” It was hopeless, the situation was too funny.
“I know that!” He uncovered his face, now looking really pissed. “That is my point, I am done with dating. Forever. I’ll end up alone, with my games, my chat and 30 cats.” Kemna got up, took his tea from the coffee table, took a sip of it and with furious eyes, quicked the poor table down.
“Hey! What did my table do to you?” Akaashi said, still trying to recover from his laughter moments.
“I need to take out my anger at something. What do you suggest?” Kenma answered by taking another sip of the tea.
“Lunch?” The activity of lunch was already gonna be suggested, Akaashi was just trying to fit the two together. He moved the toppled table to its original place, now with his normal face expression and continued. “We can go to the okonomiyaki place that you like.”
“And then get apple pie?” He asked as he sat again at the couch with his tea still on his hands.
“Sure. Just let me get ready.”
Akaashi went to the kitchen so he could place his mug at the sink, with the side of his eye he noticed that Kenma already had his PSP on his hands playing some games. For a second, he got really worried for his friend, especially considering Kenma’s luck with men. Fortunately, this time around it wasn’t anything dire and that could easily be fixed with a nice meal together.
In truth, Akaashi really was one to talk, his luck on the subject also wasn’t great. Even if he got used to being alone romantically, he really wished things could change. For him and for Kenma. Well, mostly for him. But if the uninvited visits on Akaahi’s only day off stopped for a while it would be great.
*
The days were slowly passing and Keiji would drag his whole routine until it was time to leave his work. In the event that he very unfortunately didn’t find Bokuto on his way back to his apartment, his neighbor still found ways to amaze Akaashi. Like yesterday, when he got back way past 9 PM, he was surprised with a small bag tied to his door with a yellow post-it note.
Had some leftover karaage and thought you might not have had dinner yet.
This simple act of kindness and the small drawing of an owl…or it could actually be Bokuto, really put a smile on Akaashi’s face. Indeed, he had not eaten yet and the food was really good.
That is why, Akaashi made sure to stop at a bakery near his work to buy a fruit tart and to get to the apartment complex on time to catch Kotaro in the hallway connecting their doors. While riding the elevator, with the dessert box in one hand and a file full of drawings of Lala-chan’s new chapter in the other, he checked his clock for the hundredth time, to make sure he was on time. 8:05PM seemed like the perfect time to get out on his floor.
Luckily, his calculations were spot on and he indeed found Bokuto in the presumed time and place. Except, he looked a bit different today. Deep in thought, he didn’t even notice Akaashi walking in his direction.
When Akaashi walked close enough and still didn’t get a reaction, he poked his neighbor's muscular arm to get Bokuto’s attention. What seemed like the wrong choice, because Bokuto got suddenly startled whacking said arm into Keij’s direction. In consequence, Akaashi backed off with the wrong foot and fell into the floor, letting both his file and the dessert fall, making a mess.
Finally, out of the trance-like state that he was, Bokuto speaks in a surprised and slightly too loud voice. “Kaashi! Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you fall.“ A face now what seemed like a mix of worry, embarrassment and confusion stared at Akaashi.
“It’s all right.” Akaashi's attention now turned to the card box with the tart. He wasn't sure if it was okay to eat it now, most likely, it was ruined. Trying to figure it out, he continued the talk. “You seemed lost in thought. Are you okay?”
Bokuto kneeled next to the pages now disorganized, trying to compile them in a neat manner, but he clearly wasn’t good at it. Focusing on the papers he spoke up. “I-I… Actually things aren’t that good at the moment.” He took a deep breath in between lines putting the papers on the file. “It’s just that I have this game coming up and things haven’t been coming together as I wanted to.”
Looking for the right words, Akaashi decides to give up on the dessert plan and gets up off the floor. “Expectations can be a pain in the ass sometimes. But I’m sure you are doing your best, Bokuto-san. “ Akaashi extends his hands to Bokuto. “It might not be much, but I’ll be cheering for you on the side lines.”
Bokuto gives a slight grin and accepts the hand, pushing himself up with the messy file in hands. “It actually means a lot, Kaashi. Thank you.” Giving back the material to its original owner he suddenly looked absorbed in something else and would not let it go of the file in hand. “Hmmm, Akaashi?”
“Yes, Bokuto-san?” Akaashi grabbed the file, waiting for his neighbor to release it from his firm grip.
“What are these?” Obviously talking about the contents inside said file.
A warm feeling invaded Akaashi, it always happened when he could share one of his favorite things with someone he likes, especially when someone took interest in his work. “These are manuscripts that the author I work with just finished. They are like blue prints for the next chapter.” He said trying to be as comprehensible as possible. “It's from a manga called Magic Cure! Pitch Pitch Lala-chan. Maybe you have heard of it.”
At last, Kotaro loosened his grip. Now, with a reformulated beaming expression he put both of his hands onto Akaashi's shoulders, squeezing them a little. “Kaashi!” All his energy seemed to have come back. “Will you go out for dinner with me?” He asked, looking directly into Akaashi’s eyes.
Keiji lost the grasp he had on the recently recuperated file, falling again into the floor. He could feel his face turning red. “Huh?”