Chapter Text
Going through the website.
Check.
Learning about some terminology and different styles.
Check.
Saving the designs he likes on the computer.
Check.
After some borderline obsessive search, Kuroo decides the watercolor tattoos and geometrical shapes suit his taste the best. Some designs mix both, and it will be the first thing he asks Lev. All that is left to do is to contact him. But in what way?
Sending a text feels a bit weird. Kuroo's not confident in his ability to convey his sincerity through LINE, he always comes across as stiff and formal. He takes out the business card Lev gave him from his wallet. There is also a mailing address, but it is not a personal one. Mailing seems to be not an option too. Kuroo is left with the last choice.
Calling.
A crusty groan escapes his throat as he cracks open another can of beer. Calling feels, how to put it... intimate and they are far from that. True, Lev said it was okay to call him but... What if Kuroo gets awkward and starts spewing rubbish like he did at the shop?
No, he cannot get cold feet now. He lightly slaps his cheeks to pump up some courage and chugs down a large amount of beer in a gulp. He takes a coin lying on the table and flips it to meet his destiny.
"Heads and I'll call him, if it's tails I'll send a message."
He grabs the coin in mid-air, putting it on his forearm. Hesitantly, he opens his hand to see the course of action he'll take.
It's heads.
He freaks out and decides to send a message.
" At least it helped me decide, that's something, " is how he justifies his actions. Grabbing his phone in one hand and the business card in the other, he adds Lev's number to his contacts. He opens the app, contemplating on whether to add emoticons or not, writing, deleting and rewriting the same words again and again for 15 minutes, he's finally able to hit 'Send'.
[22:01] To Haiba Lev
Greetings, Lev-san. I am Kuroo Tetsurou, we met last week in your shop Medusa. I, now, have an idea of what I might prefer. You mentioned it was okay to send the designs through here? Waiting for your answer.
Sending image file…
File sent.
A beat or two after locking the screen, the loud guitar riff screams from the speaker. It's the incoming call from Lev. Kuroo exhales loudly, trying to calm his nerves.
"Hello? Kuroo-san?"
"Yes, it's me. How are you doing Lev-san?"
"Pretty good. If you'd be comfortable, I'd like you to call me Lev."
"Oh," Kuroo hesitates for a second, "Okay, Lev. So, did you, by any chance, have the chance to look through the images I just sent you?"
"Yeah I'm looking at them as we speak and think you've made a great choice, I'm impressed! Especially after the barbed wire incident..."
Kuroo can hear Lev sputter on the other side and is glad the young artist can't see the blush spreading over Kuroo's cheeks. He lets a loud groan for Lev to hear.
"You promised not to make fun of me!"
"I haven't promised anything," Lev is barely able to talk from all the laughter, "but I'll stop mentioning that, noted."
His voice sounds softer and much more cozy than it did in the shop. Somehow, his voice relaxes Kuroo up too.
"Do you really think this style suits me?"
"It does! And glad to let you know that I'm able to ink you. To be honest, I was hoping, juuuuust a tiny bit, that you'd choose a style that I could work with. Tiiiiny bit."
Kuroo doesn't know how to register these words. Not that he thinks Lev would suggest an incompetent artist. He's really a meticulous person after all. And seems to take pride in his work, which reassures Kuroo.
"So," Lev cuts his internal monolog short, "when will you have spare time?"
"How about this Saturday?"
"Oh, so soon!" Lev doesn't hide the surprised tone in his voice. "I'm all set. I don't have my appointment book with me, though. Could you message me tomorrow and remind me, please?"
"I sure will! What time would be convenient for you?"
"Around 1 p.m. please, so I'm free to respond."
"Okay, sounds like a plan. I have one last question, may I ask?"
"Fire away!"
"Sorry if it's awkward but... what exactly will happen on Saturday?"
"It's not awkward at all! You're a first-timer, I should've elaborated on that. I'll work on the designs until Saturday and send you the images when I'm done. If you can pick one, we can start working on it. If not, we can meet to brainstorm."
"Alright, good to know."
"Oh on another note, can you wear something black just in case? If we decide on a design before the due date, wounds may bleed during the day. We cover the tattoo with a thin, transparent, adhesive material. Not only to keep the area protected but also to promote the healing process. But it's best to be cautious."
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you."
"Okay, see you soo- oh I'm sorry, it's a habit, " Lev naively chuckles, "best regards."
"Please take care!"
∗ ∗
"Kuroo, we're going out for lunch!"
"Okay, I brought food with me today. Have fun!"
Finally, he's all alone in the office. He enjoys the stillness that falls over the whole floor, that's why he tries to cook his own food or buy a lunch box from a convenience store if he's short on time. He spends his break sitting by the desk or coffee room, even though it means he won't get to leave the office throughout the day.
He puts on his headphones, blasts up the music, and starts dining on his fried chicken while texting Lev to remind the appointment.
[12:44] To Haiba Lev
Greetings! I'm here to remind you of my appointment on Saturday!
Reply almost instantly comes.
[12:44] From Haiba Lev
Ah thank you, I was just adding you there, good timing. Does 2 p.m. work for you?
[12:45] To Haiba Lev
It's perfect.
[12:45] From Haiba Lev
I've been working on your design all morning (*゜ω゜)ゞ, sending it now.
Sending image file…
File sent.
Kuroo is speechless. The way colors mix into each other, so free and in harmony, in contrast with the orderly triangles and squares is too beautiful. Kuroo expected a screenshot of a digital design but it was done using watercolor on paper. It seems Lev really took the extra mile.
[12:46] To Haiba Lev
I don't have words, Lev, it looks splendid! I can even settle on the first one.
[12:47] From Haiba Lev
I'm glad you liked it but no need to be hasty. ( ´艸｀) I'll do two other studies so you can choose one or suggest something additional.
[12:47] To Haiba Lev
I can't wait to see how they'll turn out! Please take your time.
[12:45] From Haiba Lev
Will do! So, are you on your lunch break too? ( ’ω’)旦
Kuroo blinks at the screen in confusion. This message means he wants to talk to Kuroo more, right? A wave of excitement washes over him, stomach flipping at the thought of a possible new friend. However, the joy subsides, quickly leaving its place to embarrassment.
" God, I really am a miserable adult, look at me getting hyped over trivial things. "
He is indeed in need of a friend because he sometimes gets sick of doing puzzles all by himself, even someone who will ask about his day or join him on a weekend is enough. However, it's not fair to expect Lev to fill the void in Kuroo's heart. Chin resting in his palm and chewing the rest of his chicken, writes his reply.
[12:50] To Haiba Lev
Yeah, I am! I guess you're eating too. What's on the menu?
[12:52] From Haiba Lev
Today it's a piece of sandwich and coffee for me but I'll be eating well tonight, which hopefully will compensate for the dreadfulness I'm going through now. What about you?
[12:52] To Haiba Lev
I'm having some fried chicken, rice, and steamed vegetables I cooked last night. They are... okay I guess.
At this point, Kuroo has to flip another coin; can he ask why he is in a bad mood without sounding nosy or will he let it go? He finds himself groaning a lot these days.
" I'm too old and rusty for texting, I hate my responses. "
Looking at his watch, he notices he still has half an hour before others start to show up at the office, he might as well act bold for once.
" Yeah, I'm befriending this person! If he's also up to it, of course! "
[12:54] To Haiba Lev
What happened? I hope everything's alright.
[12:54] From Haiba Lev
I'm having a hard time, trying to communicate with the ink dealers. I try to be understanding and all but they are a bunch of #$!!**+%&!
[12:55] To Haiba Lev
When dealing with them, rather than understanding, you need to be stern and clear on what you want otherwise you'll never be taken seriously. I had the same problem when I first started working. : )
[12:55] From Haiba Lev
I'll take your word for it and give it a try. Honestly, sometimes I'm so fed up with all of it but someone's gotta pay those bills... OTL
[12:55] To Haiba Lev
I think what you're doing is admirable, in the end, you're doing something you love while I'm here stuck with this ****hole.
[12:56] From Haiba Lev
Oh, you don't like your line of work? Can you tell me a bit more about what you do?
[12:57] To Haiba Lev
If it's work, I can write 8 volumes of great tragedy that would tower over the Greeks or do overly realistic nightmare portrayals but basically yes, I don't like it here and can't resign for the time being. I'm a sales manager in a textile company.
[12:58] From Haiba Lev
Sorry to hear that but you mentioned it's just for now? I'm sure you'll find your way out soon. (*＾∀ﾟ)ъ
[12:59] To Haiba Lev
I have 6 months ahead of me until I leave this place. It's not too long but our line of work is pretty much the same no matter which company you go. So I'm not sure if I would have better conditions elsewhere.
After tapping the Send button, Kuroo suddenly gasps, choking on the rice he was eating.
"Oh god, I'm boring him, right? He's definitely bored. Why the hell am I whining about my miserable life..."
He immediately starts typing again, furiously apologizing. His phone's vibration beats him to it.
[12:59] From Haiba Lev
It's that bad, huh? I wish I knew a way out of your troubles... (/□＼*)・゜Did you consider changing the line of work?
[13:00] To Haiba Lev
I have, actually. It's a big step so I'm not sure if the risk will be worth it. I always tell myself that I still have time ahead, so I never considered it seriously. Maybe I should...
[13:00] From Haiba Lev
Then, when the time comes, please let me know if there's anything I can help you with. (ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ I might seem young and not reliable but I can guarantee you that I have so many acquaintances, I can help you network with people in your line of work! So, please cheer up and try to do your best!
Kuroo's head droops into his hands. He's pretty sure his face is on fire. Glad that no one's in the office, he gulps down the rest of his green tea in one go to see if it can help to soothe his fiery body. No matter how he looks at the situation, this seems like Kuroo's first step towards their friendship. Their backgrounds appear to be different so Kuroo is not sure how things will turn out. However, for the first time in a long while, he feels eager to get to know someone. All the more, he has fun .
[13:01] To Haiba Lev
Thank you so much for the offer, I will definitely come to you for advice. How is your work going?
Kuroo leaves his phone on the desk, leaving for the kitchen area. Washing his lunch box and cleaning the desk, he picks up his phone and notices he didn't get any replies from Lev. Assuming he's busy eating, Kuroo tries not to mind too much but after 30 minutes, when his colleagues start filling the whole office, he starts wondering if he prolonged the conversation too much or whether he hit a wrong note by asking about his work. Questions clouding his head, Kuroo has a hard time concentrating on the job he already hates.
Nevertheless, the reply never comes. It's almost 7:30 and Kuroo is readying his bike to go back home when he feels his leg tingling. He's suddenly flustered and is lost for words after seeing Lev's incoming call.
"Oh Kuroo-san, I'm glad you took the call!"
"Why shouldn't I pick up your call, " Kuroo asks, surprised.
"Uh, so today my 13:30 customer came half an hour early, and he's a bit... Let's say he likes being in the center of attention, that's why I wasn't able to message you back at that time. Then, I wasn't sure when you'd be free to talk... I decided to call you after work."
A sigh of relief escapes Kuroo's chapped lips, audible enough for Lev to hear.
"Don't tell me, " Lev resumes, "I hope you didn't think I was avoiding you."
"No no no no no, that's really not the case, " Kuroo tries to reign his feelings in. "I'm relieved to hear that you were okay. "
"Thanks for worrying about me during your busy day. I'll be working on your second draft tonight! I can send you the finished version tomorrow at noon. Will you be available during lunch?"
"I'm always available," Kuroo blurts out, excitedly. "You can message me whenever you want. I use a separate cellphone for work."
"Oh, good. I'll keep that in mind."
An awkward silence falls over their conversation. Kuroo can hear Lev muttering something but cannot decipher, as if he wants to say something. In the end, he says nothing apart from an almost-formal goodbye to wrap up the call. Kuroo follows suit, putting his phone in his suitcase. With more questions in mind, he rides his bike towards home.
∗ ∗
Messages go back and forth between Kuroo and Lev for three days with Kuroo ending up choosing the last design, which is an origami-style Yoda, colored in the way he asked. Their conversation gradually becomes more casual, sharing bits of personal information here and there. Kuroo is so excited for their meeting on Saturday that he becomes aloof; spilling coffee over documents, accidentally burning himself with a cigarette, or cutting his fingers while cooking. He thanks his lucky stars he's still alive.
By the time it's Saturday and Kuroo's standing in front of Medusa's door with his worn-out jeans, black t-shirt, and red-black checkered shirt wrapped around his waist, he exhales aloud. He knows this is not the time to think things over. Not that he's unhappy with the design, but he's anxious to meet Lev again after all those messages.
Under normal circumstances, they are supposed to be a customer and employee. They have already breached that line and got close fast but it happened through the phone so he feels nervous. He's in a daze, going through hypothetical conversations they might have. Kuroo's taken aback when he suddenly sees Lev's bright eyes in front of him, their noses almost touching.
"Kuroo-san! I'm glad you're a little early! Why were you standing there? Come on in, " Lev joyously shouts as he reaches for Kuroo's forearm to drag him inside, but remembers Kuroo's unease about touching midway. Instead, the artist welcomes him inside mimicking a butler, bowing exaggeratedly.
Partly disappointed by Lev's retracted hand, partly reassured by his thoughtfulness, Kuroo takes in the fantastic aroma that fills the shop. In front of one of the couches, there are little sandwiches, freshly brewed coffee, and some fresh fruits, with two servings.
"Please come," Lev points towards the couch, "I thought it would be nice to fill our stomachs before we get down to business. How was the rest of your week?"
Kuroo sits on the couch as Lev energetically plops himself, next to Kuroo.
"It's the usual, nothing happened apart from what I told you over the messages."
"Were you able to finish the puzzle you mentioned?"
"I did! And oh, actually..." Kuroo reaches for his leg bag, taking out a piece of paper. He fiddles with it for a couple of seconds under Lev's inquisitive gaze, then hands it over to him.
"I did this for yo - uh," he stutters, "I mean for your shop. It can be Medusa's guardian."
Lev's eyes grow like a child, studying every inch of the origami Yoda curiously.
"Kuroo-san... I cannot thank you enough, it looks amazing!! And after we're done with your tattoo, we'll be matching ," Lev excitedly screams. Getting up, he runs towards the register and places Yoda carefully next to one of the trophies.
"This is the trophy I treasure the most," Lev explains in a sentimental voice -or Kuroo reads it as sentimental- "so I'll put him next to it."
"So, uh," Kuroo attempts to change the subject, "where are the others?"
"During Saturdays, we take turns, it's either me or Kags. This weekend was his turn but you requested to come, so we switched places."
Kuroo averts his gaze in embarrassment.
"I didn't know! I wish you'd tell me, it wasn't that important."
"You'll break my heart if you say it's not important," Lev feigns sadness, dramatically placing his hand on his heart, "and no problem, I will get the next two Saturdays off."
They continue to chat and eat. Kuroo learns that Lev enjoys cooking too, though rather than full-course meals, he prefers making light snacks like sandwiches, muffins, or bread cones. He's also great at making them because obviously, Kuroo cannot have enough of the sandwiches. When they come to their senses from the lively banter, it's almost 4.
"Oh my goodness," Kuroo gasps, "the tattoo completely slipped my mind! I'm sorry I took up your time. What about the rest of your appointments?!"
"I had two other customers today but their appointments were in the morning, so the rest of my day is dedicated to you! Still, what do you say we start working on it? I'm quite excited, to be honest."
Kuroo lightly chuckles.
"I'm sure you can't even count the number of the tattoos you've done and you're still excited?"
"Of course! I enjoyed personally designing this one and you seem like you have a unique personality, it was definitely fun, getting to meet you."
"Okay, obviously you are the unique one, calling a middle-aged salaryman unique."
"Right right, there's no winning with you," Lev huffs while opening the curtain and making way for Kuroo. "Let's say I'm the perverted one. So, you decided to have it on your left chest, are you certain of the place?"
Kuroo nods in affirmation.
"Good. Then, hang your shirt and t-shirt there , so I can execute my evil masterplan, mwahaha!"
∗ ∗
Kuroo thanks his past, frustrated self for the embarrassing entrance.
He thanks his past self for following through with that desperately spontaneous decision to get a tattoo.
It's one hell of a sensory experience, and Kuroo's brain goes into overdrive. He feels so many things—he feels slight pain, feels euphoric, feels hot, feels dizzy, feels energized. But one feeling overtakes everything else despite how hard Kuroo fights against it.
During the placement process of the tattoo, or "the application of the stencil" as Lev explained, Kuroo feels a different kind of anxiety than he did on his first inspection—not at all a bad one. Lev insists on putting on a playlist Kuroo likes. Kuroo rejects, mentioning he's only heard of hip hop or R&B in the shop, the younger man reassures him that he's been on the hunt for new music nowadays. The guitar riffs laid thick and distorted over the syncopated drum grooves fill the studio, accompanying his heart’s rhythm inside.
And Kuroo dares to think.
Things are going okay...??
The coolness of the cling-wrapped leather chair draws an audible trill out of his naked upper body, to which Lev chuckles sweetly. The sound of the disposable gloves the artist’s putting on his long, slender fingers signals that everything’s ready.
Kuroo loves the slightly itchy feel of the needle. He knows the machine’s tip is actually piercing his skin but for now, the feeling’s more akin to a nail grazing his chest. He cannot keep himself from sharing it with Lev.
‘It does feel like grazing rather than piercing, you’re right! Your skin will soon get numb to the pain, though it might still get painful around the nipple area. Let me know whenever you want to take a break, or you feel your muscles twitching, especially if you feel like sneezing. I must stop the machine, okay? We don’t want an uneven line across your chest, haha!’
"Okay," Kuroo responds, charmed by the beautifully sparkling eyes that remind him of the deep seas, "I’ll lay as still as I can manage and let you know if I need something. Which do you prefer when working, by the way? Talking or silence and focusing on the work?"
"Silence usually, since not all of my customers are interesting people, if I’m being honest," Lev responds while distancing himself from Kuroo’s chest and taking another look at the original design on the tablet, "it’s a matter of… what do the cool kids say these days? Vibes? It’s not often I come across someone on my frequency. That goes for the customer as well. They aren’t interested in chatting with me either, they just read a book or fiddle with their phone."
"But," Kuroo’s voice trails, unsure whether he should further probe into it, or how it would come across, "you spend a lot of time with them, just as you have done with me, right? How do you deal with customers you don’t," Kuroo makes an air quote gesture with his free hand, "vibe with?"
"You know," Lev chuckles and his breath strolls on Kuroo’s chest, stirring his heart while it’s at it, "if Kags or Ken were to witness our interaction or see me today, they’d fall to the ground in shock. I am meticulous and involved, that’s true. But never to this extent."
Lev’s face is inches away from, well, Kuroo’s nipple and the warmth that spreads from the hand that lies on his chest is doing things to the middle-aged man’s timid heart. Because the artist’s head is bowed down, he can’t see the expression he’s making or some sign, no matter how small, that could help Kuroo decipher the meaning behind those words.
Uncharacteristically, Kuroo doesn’t let this comment slip between the cracks. Seeing the tips of Lev’s ears turning red probably helps.
"Then, what made my case this... exceptional, for the lack of a better word?"
The loud whirring of the machine stops and Lev straightens up, turning towards the little paint containers to load more ink on the needle but he doesn’t immediately go back to inking. He ponders for a couple of seconds, then turns to make eye contact with Kuroo with an intensity and seriousness that takes Kuroo by surprise.
"I’d like to answer that after we’re done if that’s alright," his tone was neither stern as if he wanted to nip the conversation in the bud, nor left any other room to press the matter for the time being. Kuroo leaves the matter with a soft of course . Lev closes in on Kuroo's chest and stirs the conversation towards the tattoo design.
"We went through the design process over the phone so I didn't have a chance to ask in detail, but what made you go for an origami design? Were you the one who came up with the, I don't know if it's the correct terminology or something but, the folding? Your gift was the cutest thing I ever saw!"
Kuroo reads Lev's enthusiasm as genuine, so he allows himself to be a bit more vulnerable and let loose to reciprocate the interest.
"It wasn't me who came up with the origami Yoda design, just recreated another artist's design. And it's not very cool of me to admit this," Kuroo snickers to hopefully cover his slight embarrassment, "but I lost contact with the friends I was close with in university. Not completely lost but being in different cities and all... you know how it is. I also told you a little about my work environment. I enjoy being physically active, occasional volleyball whenever we can get together with those friends, or frequent cycling. But other than that, all of my hobbies like puzzles or origami, are things that I do by myself."
"Looks that way," Lev responds while dipping the needle into black ink without meeting Kuroo's gaze, "most office workers' bodies don't look like yours."
"Tell me about it! But I can't help but think it's partly due to loneliness on my part. All of my coworkers are married with kids, so I guess you could consider them happily overweight haha ."
"How do they fare in the friendship department?"
"They have to qualify first to compete in the tournament. I probably sound too full of myself but how do I put it... It's not a matter of who is better or more interesting, it's being on the same wavelength, just like you said. I'm sure I'm the most boring person to have walked the earth from their perspective. Our priorities in life and expectations are vastly different, that's all."
Kuroo feels the numbness Lev notified him about, his muscles, and even his left arm at times, involuntarily twitch in pain despite him not registering it. The entirety of his brain power is allocated to not feeling Lev's presence all over his naked skin. How successful he is, is surely up for debate.
While Kuroo goes through inner turmoil, Lev is busy cleaning the inked area with the tissue soaked by a mixture of his blood and ink and reapplying Vaseline. He sits up straight to stretch his shoulders and readjust the stool, but before inching close to the man's chest, he intentionally catches Kuroo's gaze.
"Does that 'no close friends' extend to 'no partners' as well, or?"
Is it Kuroo's wishful thinking or was there really an emphasis on the word partner ?
"No," he responds, doing his best not to unravel under the persisting eye contact, "no-" he gulps the anxiety away before it can take over his mind and heart, "no boyfriends, whatsoever."
"Ooh," Lev lowers his eyelids, a mixture of mischief and knowing in his tone. " I see. "
Lev leans over Kuroo again for the line art finishing touches. His posture gives nothing away but his almost translucent skin betrays the artist by adorning a beautiful tone of subdued scarlet.
Kuroo's no fool. He might have become timid and lonely, he might be slow to act on his feelings. He might not have a lot of experience in the dating realm or might try not to read too much into things. But when the unmistakable signs are there , he doesn't brush them off, recognizes them for what they are. He knows now, that there's something more underneath this attentiveness and curiosity.
The next hour goes by with Kuroo asking about the process of tattooing and Lev calmly explaining whatever Kuroo's curious about. He also explains the aftercare, reassuring him that he doesn't need to remember everything to a T. The shop has a small booklet that contains all the necessary info, with a small tube of balm to apply after taking off the adhesive tape.
"It's done," Lev sets aside the machine and cleans the tattoo one last time. He stretches his back, and hands, then throws the used gloves into the bin. Noticing that the man lies still on the chair, waiting for Lev to tell him what to do, the artist shoots him a cute grin, saying he can get up if he feels like it.
"It's always the most nerve-wracking thing, the moment that leads up to the customer seeing their finished tattoo for the first time." He adds half-jokingly, "Pull the band-aid, quick!"
Of course, Kuroo has nothing but praise for the talented young man. But he can't bring himself to put those feelings into words for a while, simply staring at Yoda that'll now accompany him throughout his life, and staring at himself who's gone through an event that he'd never imagined himself going through. It's a lot to take in, but the image of an expectant and anxious Lev he sees through the mirror urges him to praise the young man.
"It's truly beautiful and much better than I imagined," Kuroo locks eyes with Lev through the mirror, eyes full of gratitude. He allows himself to relish in Lev's face which brightens up like the sun as a response. The artist, then, slowly approaches to stand behind Kuroo, eyes fixated on his chest.
"Your choice of placement was great and although I had a hand in realizing it, the design was basically your creation. Thank you so much for trusting in me, I'm glad I got to be a part of this."
Kuroo is hyperaware of the distance between them and the other's presence, so no surprise he feels dejected when the young man returns to the station where his tools are.
"Let's patch up so you can put your clothes back on!"
After applying the adhesive tape, Lev leaves Kuroo alone and soon after, they are by the counter together. The sky, similar to Kuroo's brand new tattoo, is a mixture of colors while the sun is slowly leaving its place to the moon.
He's handed Medusa's aftercare guidebook after the payment and a strange stillness falls between the two. Kuroo doesn't want to be the one to end the day. He knows that, unless he gets another tattoo or decides on piercings, he won't have any excuse to see or contact Lev again. He's not wrong in sensing that, even though he couldn't figure out its nature, there's tension hanging in the air. But what else can he do than to leave?
He fiddles with his bag purposefully when putting away the receipt and the guidebook. He wants to prolong the goodbyes as much as he can, internally praying , begging the paper Yoda to bless either of them for an idea , any idea , that can give them just one more tiny reason to keep talking.
He's never been the type to believe in a higher power of any kind .
But today, he might.
Because Lev, who's been unusually quiet for some time now, sharply inhales as if to brave what comes next, and asks Kuroo if he has time for one more cup of coffee.