Archive of Our Own

"There is no greater feeling than to live a lifetime together, in love with each other, loving every second at the same time and pace. A toast to our dear friends, to the pair that we always found to be perfect together. Again, congratulations, Ryuu and Kiyoko," Daichi finished as he drank his champagne.

"You did great." Koushi gave him a pat on the back as he sat down and let out a deep sigh.

"That was nerve-wracking," he said as he unbuttoned his indigo dinner jacket and sipped water.

"You were full of composure! As expected of our captain," Koushi teased.

“Great job, Daichi- san . You were so cool,” Yamaguchi complimented.

“Good job,” said Tsukishima. 

“You did great, Daichi-san ,” Yachi said while wiping her tears. They sure miss the dynamic duo juniors they took care of, yet some things never change.

"We're finally home!" Koushi removed his bow as he lay down on the couch.

"I'll prepare you a bath."

"Aw, you're not going to join me?"

"No, we had a long day today. We both have work tomorrow."

Koushi pouts to the harsh truth, but nothing can stop him. While Daichi was busy filling up the tub with warm water, Koushi jumped to land on Daichi's back, causing their suits to drench.

Before Daichi could begin to scold Koushi, he sealed it off with a kiss to which Daichi responds in a way that excites them both. He blames the several glasses of champagne he had that evening. "Well, it's a good thing these suits are cheap."

"I guess we'll have to buy new ones since we'll ruin these tonight," Koushi smirks. It was five minutes past eleven, but the night is still young for these two. 

"Suga, wake up. You'll be late for work," he said as he softly pats his partner’s head. 

"Five more minutes," he groaned. Daichi sighed as he wanted to blame Koushi for sleeping at two in the morning after rounds of passion. Well, he was also to be blamed for.

He stood up after leaving a kiss on Koushi's hair, then off to prepare breakfast and bento for the two of them. Starting with cooking the rice, heating the pan, brewing their favorite blend of coffee, cutting hotdogs in half, then slicing it to make it look like an octopus. He battered four pieces of eggs, poured in a pinch of salt, and began to put a small cut of butter on the steaming pan. They can both agree that Daichi is the better chef, but sometimes he does wish that Koushi would surprise him with breakfast in bed.

Almost an hour later, he heard Koushi yawn behind him. "Good morning, sleepyhead." 

"Good morning, love," Koushi said in a sleepy tone as he placed his head on the perfectly sculpted shoulder.

"I'm almost finished here. Could you bring out the bento from the bottom cabinet?" 

"Aye aye, captain." Daichi couldn't help but giggle at how lazy that tease was. 

"I can't believe we slept at two in the morning. It's a good thing the kids will have a test today," he said as he took a bite from the scrambled egg. 

"Not my fault."

"Yes, it is." The time went by with the two lovebirds chatting as if it has been a while since they last had a conversation, just like how they normally would. Everything is perfect despite hiding their relationship from the world and their families, except a few close friends. 

"Shit! I'm going to be late!" Koushi coughed on the last bite of his bread. "Sorry, Daichi! I'll leave these to you!" he said in a hurry as he left a kiss on his partner’s soft lips, rushing to the doorstep to wear his shoes. 

"Sure, don’t worry about it. You have your bento ?”

“Check.”

“Phone?”

“Um… here!”

“Task book?”

“Yup already put it in earlier.”

“Good. Let's just buy dinner since I have to work until seven." 

"Okay! I love you!"

"I love you, too!" He took the last sip of his coffee before he began cleaning the dishes. It is like this almost every day - Koushi rushing to school, Daichi having a checklist of sorts for his partner, then being left behind because his work seldom starts at ten - but he's fine with it; he loves to serve his partner. 

Just a few minutes before nine, Daichi was ready to go, until he noticed a familiar furoshiki near the shoe rack. "Oh, dear," he groaned - it was Koushi's bento ; so much for having a checklist. Today is the first time Koushi forgot to bring his bento , and Daichi knows there is no way to contact Koushi during work hours. He took a glance at the wall clock and figured that he had enough time to drop by Koushi's school. He wouldn't like it if Koushi would eat cup ramen for lunch. Plus, the food will be wasted.

He fidgets on the furoshiki , thinking how on earth would he go inside, to begin with. He didn't give it a thought that people might think of him weirdly - a police officer standing near the cherry blossom tree, under the broad daylight on the school grounds.

Close to giving up, he heard a familiar voice call him. "Sawamura-san ?" he turns around to see Akio-sensei , Koushi's colleague and someone he gets along with easily, the very same person who answered Daichi's call when Koushi got too drunk during his first weekend at school. He knew about their relationship, thanks to Koushi's drunk episode.

"Good morning, Akio-sensei . I didn't see you there."

"I had to do errands from the other building. What brings you here?"

"Sorry, Koushi forgot his lunch. It would be a waste, and he'll probably buy cup noodles or bread." 

"Oh right, I remember. He panicked when he realized he forgot his lunch. He was worried you'd scold him."

"Daichi!" waved Koushi from the facade of the building, with his students. "Thank you!" He smiled back, and bid farewell to Akio to make it in time for work. 

“Here you go, Suga-sensei . You can rest easy about that scolding.”

“Thank you, Akio-sensei .”

“Suga-sensei , was that your boyfriend?” asked one of his students.

“Wha--?!”

“ Sensei has a handsome boyfriend.” Koushi sighed, thinking to himself that there’s no need to explain anything to his students - they’re just kids, after all. If only tons of people would be as open-minded as them, he thought.

“I’m home,” he said as he removed his shoes. There was no response, only music playing in the background, a playlist of their favorite - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. He saw his partner sitting on the floor near the coffee table, grading homework. He sighs in disappointment for how many times must he remind Koushi not to bring home some work. The last time it happened, Koushi was near to having a breakdown.

“Ah, Daichi. Welcome home.”

“I thought no more bringing home any kind of work?” he asked as he sat on the couch, kissing his partner’s forehead.

“Sorry, I didn’t want to stay late at school. I’ll be done in a bit, I promise.”

“I’ll help you,” he offers as he always does. Koushi is ever grateful for having such a reliable partner, his best partner in crime.

By the time Daichi finished his share, he observed how indulged Koushi is in double-checking everything, and that gave him an idea to cause a distraction. As the song “Cheek to Cheek” plays, he stood up, took Koushi’s hand to intertwine with his left, and his right rested on the latter’s waist.

Yes, heaven, I'm in heaven

And the cares that hung around me through the week

Seems to vanish like a gambler's lucky streak

When we're out together, dancing cheek to cheek

They close in the gap by having their cheeks next to the other’s as the song suggests. He pecked Koushi’s cheek, moved for their foreheads to touch, noses poking, lips just millimeters away from touching. 

They shared whispers of “I love you,” as they sway left and right. Daichi hummed to the song, then he asked “Shall we spend the rest of our lives together?”

Oh, I'd love to go out fishing

In a river or a creek

But I don't enjoy it half as much

As dancing cheek to cheek

Koushi stopped, stunned by the proposal, and in just a second began to tear up and say “Yes. Yes, we should.” They sealed the deal with a kiss, and with Daichi placing a silver ring on the finger of the love of his life, then asking the matching ring to be put on him as well. “Geez, what’s wrong with you?” Koushi asked as he wiped his tears.

“I know I should've asked you, but even if it will take years before we’re truly ready to get married, I’ll wait. I mean, we still need to convince our parents, but I won’t stop. Well, my pride says you will say ‘Yes,’ anyway. For now, we have these promise rings. So long as it's you I'd spend the rest of my life with, no matter how long it would take."

Koushi stared at Daichi's eyes, thinking to himself how lucky he is to live in a world to coexist with a man who would love him this much. He cupped his partner’s face, their lips touched after a sweet exchange of "I love you."

"We're truly sorry for keeping quiet about our relationship, but I love him, and I know he feels the same. I am sure of my decision; only him, no one else. Therefore, I am humbly asking for your son's hand," Daichi asks as he bowed. 

The strict face on Koushi's father was gone as he let out a sigh, the arms crossed on his chest were now seen rubbing his nape. "Well, we always knew about it."

Stunned, the couple did not know how to respond. "It was obvious, dear," said Koushi's mom. "When we first visited your apartment, everything was matching. The mugs, the towels, a room that's obviously an extra bedroom for any guest; really, there was no hiding it." They wanted nothing but to be eaten alive by the floor from the embarrassment. "But we’re happy about it." 

"Wait, really?" asked Koushi. "You're not mad that I'm… gay?"

"Oh, darling, no. If there's anyone in this world who is the best fit for you, that has to be Sawamura-kun . We'd be lying if we say that we wholeheartedly accepted it at first. Of course, we were worried about your health. Your father here was the most worried--"

"Anyway," cut Koushi's father. "I have no other opinions about this. I'm fine with it… But once Koushi comes home running because you hurt his heart, I'd be more than pleased to fix your grave for you." Words felt like ice sliding down the couple's spine despite knowing the man is half kidding. 

Finally, their years of hiding are steps away from concluding.

"No." A single word with true emotions was enough to put them back to the edge. "I won't allow it." 

"Honey," said Daichi's father, calming his wife as best as he could. "We've known them for how many years already." 

"No. I can't have my eldest son like this. And you even have the guts to wear a matching ring." Koushi couldn't help but clench his fists, reminding himself not to burst into tears while his partner's mother ran out of the room. 

"I'm sorry about this. After your high school graduation, before you two decided to live together, we've always known about your relationship. There was no way to hide it." He walked to the couple, knelt before them, and held their hands.

"Koushi-kun , I know how much you two love each other. I see my younger self whenever Daichi looks at you; it is the same with how I look at my wife, that's why I approve of this relationship. 

There will be risks and obstacles, and one of them is my wife, but those are to be used as one of your reasons to hold on to your love, loving each other as your top priority."

"Dad… I had no idea… Thank you." 

"Well, your father has always been cool. Don't worry, give her some time. Now, you two have the choice to stay for a bit or run along to where you are most comfortable. The atmosphere is awkward and you know that." 

"I promise to take care of your son, more than he does for me.”

"Thank you, Koushi-kun ." 

It's been almost a year since they got engaged, and everything has been well except for one thing: Daichi’s mother. Months of pursuing barely helped. She’d ignore Koushi whenever they visit, even the gifts they all know she would like are rejected. There are countless times when Koushi would ask Daichi to break up with him or call the wedding off, but that’s not enough to stop Daichi.

“I love you both - you and my mom - but if it won’t be you, then it will all be meaningless. We’ll figure this out together. No matter what, the ceremony will happen,” Koushi recalls while observing the peaceful face in front of him who is softly snoring. He glanced at his ring, reminded that in just three months, they will be stunning in their kimono and tuxedo.

“Daichi, wake up.” He softly pressed his lips to his future husband, and the sensation of their noses touching tickled Daichi.

He pulled Koushi closer to kiss him back, followed by a “Good morning, love.”

“We’ll be late for work.”

“Five more minutes.”

“No, we’ll both fall asleep. It’s a different matter if you’re the one who asks for five more minutes because you know I’ll fall asleep, too.” He felt Daichi’s giggle in his hair which made him want to ask for five more minutes, but he knows he shouldn’t. He has kids waiting for him at school, and Daichi has a community to protect.

Everything was perfect. Perhaps too perfect.

“Suga-sensei , excuse me.” A panting Akio-sensei surprised Koushi, with news he never wanted to hear in his lifetime.

“Please wait for Tomi-sensei , okay? Sensei needs to go somewhere,” asked Koushi as he faked a smile to his students.

They hurried to Akio’s car, Koushi thanking the gods for having a reliable colleague. “It’s all over the news. I overheard it on the television, and I saw a man that looked like him, only then did the reporter confirm the identity.”

Koushi’s heart was on his throat, nothing but discomfort as he heard the news: a mad man brought a gun inside the supermarket, shot a store personnel, and took another as a hostage, but an officer - Daichi - dropped his weapon in hopes of the suspect to surrender. He was so close to winning, but the arrival of more armed officers caused him to panic. He fired two shots towards Daichi - one bullet missed, but one hit his shoulder.

He immediately looked in his contacts who he could call for company. Asahi is in Tokyo, Yui is out of town for her work seminar, and Ennoshita is still attending to his patients. He can’t think of anyone else but the Tanaka couple, and so with shaky hands, he pressed the dial button on Ryuu’s number.

“Ryuu… Daichi is--”

“We’re on our way, Suga- san . We’ll meet you there.”

“Thank you. Take care.”

“You, too, Suga-san .”

Thank the gods the traffic is on their side. “Go, Suga-sensei , I’ll be there with you in a bit.” Koushi rushed into the emergency room, asking the nurse where his fiancé was.

“Koushi-kun ?” A familiar voice sent shivers down his spine. When he turned around, he saw  Daichi’s father holding his sobbing wife. He dared not to come closer, but his fiancé’s mother thought otherwise.

A loud slap echoed in the room. Both men were stunned, one of them holding on to the woman to calm her down. “You’ve brought nothing but sadness to my son!” she screamed. “I hate you!”

“Ma’am, please calm down,” asked the nurse.

“I’m sorry, we’ll take our leave now. Koushi-kun , I’m sorry, let me know if anything happens.”

He stood there for seconds until Akio-sensei arrived, followed by Ryuu and Kiyoko. The bright red on Koushi’s cheek worried his friends but they got the gist of what happened because he saw Daichi’s parents hailing a cab.

He began to cry in Ryuu’s arms, not knowing what he should do, not knowing what could happen to Daichi.

Akio-sensei left Koushi with Ryuu since he has a family waiting for him. They waited for hours until a doctor called for Daichi’s family.

“I’m not his immediate family, but I’m his fiancé.”

“I see. We were able to successfully remove the bullet off his shoulder,” his explanation gave partial relief for the two. “For now, he’s stable; his breathing is normal, and no internal bleeding. He lost a huge amount of blood, luckily we have enough in the bank. The bullet hit a safe area, it didn’t hit near his heart. We’ll continue to monitor him while he’s in the recovery room. The admission is fixing him a room, they will contact you once they’re able to find one. For now, feel free to stay at the lounge.”

“Thank you.”

"It's going to be okay," Kiyoko reassures him.

They make their way to the lounge, and not long after they were called for their room number and location. They waited for what felt like forever until a nurse opened the door to make way for Daichi. 

He was still unconscious. Seeing him in a hospital bed is something Koushi never wanted. He knows someday it will happen, he's fully aware of the risk, but it never occurred to him that it will be like this with their wedding coming soon.

The very same doctor paid a visit and fed them more information about Daichi's current situation with an x-ray film on his hand. "The bullet hit him right at the bone on his shoulder; a safe spot, but it hit some nerve which will cause his arm to be immobile for a while; we were able to fix it during the operation, and it can heal thru rehab. He's still unconscious due to the anesthesia. Give him a day or less. Press that button if you need anything or when he wakes up."

He asked a favor from Ryuu to go to their apartment and get him some change of clothes to which the latter obliged. He took his phone to inform Daichi’s father about their room number, plus he'll need to contact several people; from work for him to ask for emergency leave, his parents, friends who are probably as worried as he is about the situation, the shrine receptionist, the venue they booked for their wedding, the catering, and the guests.

The day felt too long - nothing he can do except observe Daichi. He sat closer; nothing but silent prayers filled the room. He grips on the sheet, craving for something to hold on to. He wants his partner's hand, but one is occupied with an IV, and one is supported with a sling.

God, please, he pleads to whoever and how many could hear. Please heal him.

He was dreaming about Daichi greeting him a sweet “Good morning,” with a kiss on his forehead like always, but the rays of the sun were the first to greet him. Eyes still closed, he groaned at the pain in his neck. Fingers lightly ruffled his hair signaling him to wake up. “Five more minutes, Kiyoko, Daichi’s still asleep,” he requests.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not Kiyoko.” His eyes widened; he carefully raised his head, cautious of the hand touching him.

“Good morning, Suga.” There he is, smiling at him while the sun rays touch his cheek. How sweet it was to hear his name from the best lips and voice in this world, as if for the very first time.

Tears begin to fall as he responds “Good morning, Daichi. You really shouldn’t move your hand with an IV on it.” He gently kissed the fingers that always held him in the best way possible, and the forehead that touches his own whenever they are closing in the gap. He savors the almost surreal moment. “Ah, I almost forgot. I need to call the nurse.”

“Daichi-san!!!” A sobbing Ryuu stunned them with Kiyoko next to him who’s wiping her tears, both awakened from their slumber on the couch. The former was a mess, worse than Koushi.

While the doctor and nurse attend to Daichi, Koushi asks Kiyoko to use his phone to contact several people - their friends, Koushi’s parents, and Daichi’s father. For a moment, his anxious feelings are gone; for now.

The anesthesia was fading and Daichi was in pain, nothing but pain relievers to help him now and then. Every slight movement on his left arm hurts. Nothing pains him more than seeing his other half suffering, especially when he can barely do a thing to help.

The hours passed with the Tanaka couple leaving for work, and Koushi waiting for any company to arrive. Daichi’s nap is always disturbed by a sting he would often feel from his shoulder, which made him eventually give up trying to sleep.

“You look like a mess,” Koushi insulted as he wiped Daichi’s face with a wet cloth.

“I missed you, too,” Daichi replied with that same smile Koushi loves. “By the way, what happened to your face?”

“Oh… it’s nothing, just clumsiness.”

“Suga.”

“It’s nothing. I was so sleepy that I bumped into a wall. Nothing to worry about. What happened out there?” he asks to avoid further questions about the bruise on his cheek.

“It was pure coincidence. We were out for patrol in that area. Next thing we knew, people were screaming and running from the supermarket.”

“I heard the hostage is safe, but she’ll need to undergo therapy. The bullet that didn’t hit you didn’t hit a casualty, it hit a display rack.”

“Thank god.”

“I thought I was gonna lose you.”

“I guess God knows we still need to get married--”

Their intimacy was disturbed when Daichi’s parents knocked and entered the room. There’s still that awkward atmosphere between Koushi and his fiancé’s mom.

“I’ll go outside for now.”

“No, stay,” Daichi insisted.

“It’s alright, I’ll go to the convenience store for now.”

“How are you, son?” his father asked.

“In pain. I want to get out of here soon.”

“Koushi-kun looks tired, huh?”

“Yeah, I feel kind of bad, but blessed at the same time. I wonder what happened to his face. He said he bumped into a wall.”

“He… he didn’t tell you,” asked his quiet mother.

“Tell me what?”

His father let out a deep sigh, held his wife’s hand, and said “We got here first before Koushi-kun . Your mother and I were scared and anxious about what happened to you and…”

“And?”

“Well--”

“I slapped him.”

It took Daichi seconds before he asked “Why?” He knows too well that his mother is a kind person and would never harm anyone. He wants to understand her actions, that she, too, was hurt by the accident. Yet, he can’t deny how painful it was to see Suga smiling despite it all, knowing that it was his mother that hurt his partner.

“He doesn’t deserve you, Daichi! Haven’t you noticed?”

“Honey, stop--”

“Ever since you two lived together, nothing but misfortune has happened to you!”

“Leave,” he said as he gazed at the sunset on the window.

“Daichi?”

“I want to take a nap. Just… go. Come back when you’ve had a good rest. I’m sure looking at me in my current situation is still a shock for the two of you.” He never wanted to say hurtful words to his parents. They have always taught him how to treat people nicely. His mother was speechless and silence enveloped the room as his father took their bags, his hands on his wife’s shoulder as he directed her out.

As they made their way out of the hospital, they bumped into Koushi who just bought more bread and cup ramen. “Sawamura-san? Is everything alright?”

“We’re fine, Koushi-kun . We’ll leave our son to you.”

“Oh, alright then. I’ll be in touch.” Daichi’s father tapped him on the shoulder, while his mother didn’t bat an eye.

“That was fast; I thought you would take forever to catch up.”

“Why did you do it?” Daichi asked, still gazing at the sunset.

“Do what?”

“Lying to me.”

So that’s why they left early , Koushi thought. “It was only an adrenaline rush and--”

“Suga,” hearing his name spat out with a strict tone stiffened him. “We made a promise, remember?”

“I just don’t want you to get mad at your mom.”

“But I did.” He turned his gaze on Koushi, and the latter could feel the pain in his eyes. “We promised not to hide anything, to never lie to each other.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

Daichi let out a deep sigh. He can’t get mad at Koushi - well, except that time when they were supposed to go on a date and Koushi lost his phone because he was busy teasing him, or when Koushi fell asleep grading papers and he forgot to close the door of their apartment; thank god no one dared to rob them and it hasn’t been hours since he dozed off.

“Come here,” he asked and his partner did, with worry painted on his face. Daichi lifted his chin and closed his eyes, a signal for Koushi to kiss him. The latter chuckled at the idiotic thought of He still loves me , and he knows well that Daichi always has and always will.

Almost a week since Daichi’s admission, and he’s finally allowed to go home. Days passed by with him having visits from friends, family members, phone calls and video calls from people who are far away, and a visit from the investigators. Almost a week, and Koushi and his partner’s mother are still having a silent quarrel.

Unfortunately, they have to put their wedding on hold. Koushi was able to refund at least half of the venue rentals and the catering. For now, they’ll need to put their outfits in the closet. Unfortunate as it may be, he’s grateful for the refund they granted them. These will help them pay bills, therapy, and medication. 

The long days of Koushi’s absence from work are putting him on the edge. Therefore, he asked his and Daichi’s parents for help to take care of him when he couldn’t, and bring him to the hospital for his therapy. The Tanaka couple nicely volunteered for any help needed, and that Kiyoko offered to buy Daichi a shoulder support brace when the time comes that his doctor will require him to wear one. 

It’s finally June, and it can only mean one thing: Koushi’s birthday. He often prefers to go out of town to celebrate, even a short road trip was enough, but for this year they’ll have to celebrate indoors. He’s bummed that his birthday for this year falls on a weekend when they can’t go anywhere at all. Well, as long as Daichi’s here , he thought.

On the thirteenth, they invited their family and a few friends. The ever-reliable Tanaka couple offered to help them prep meals for dinner. Of course, the main course has to be mapo tofu. Daichi is running out of patience. He wants to get rid of the sling. Call him possessive, but that’s his kitchen they’re using and he can’t do anything about it, not even help. He’s right behind them, giving advice and instructions or answers to wherever the pots might be. The least he could do was crack some eggs with one hand for tamagoyaki .

“That’s sexy,” said Koushi, watching how Daichi’s veins move and his arm flex.

“Suga-san , you’re making things awkward,” complained Ryuu with a scrunching nose which made everyone giggle, even his wife.

The hours went by and guests were coming in, starting with Koushi’s parents, followed by Daichi’s, then people from the Karasuno team. Their wide apartment is crammed up with people who are dear to them. It felt like forever since they last caught up to one another. There’s Ennoshita always killing Ryuu’s jokes, Yachi and Kiyoko catching up with their girl-talk, and Yamaguchi and Tsukki having a conversation with Koushi.

“Suga-senpai , have you heard?” asked Yamaguchi. “Hinata’s coming back soon!”

The news brought tears to Koushi’s eyes. He has always felt proud of how far his former teammates have gone. “When?”

“Next year! Oh, that reminds me. He sent us this.” Yamaguchi flashed a photo of Hinata and surprisingly right beside him is the Grand King himself, Oikawa. Koushi burst into laughter at how crazy they look. He called Daichi to show it to him. “Hinata said he’s going to join try-outs here in Japan. Huge comeback, I would say,” added Yamaguchi.

“Then we’re off to a huge family reunion,” said Daichi.

Hours of fun passed by, and guests are going home. Daichi’s parents decided to spend the night, with the parents sleeping in the master’s bedroom, and them sleeping in the guest room with Koushi will sleep on the futon . While Koushi was prepping the room for his partner’s parents, Daichi’s mother said words he never expected to hear.

“Why are you so kind to me?”

“Because your son always reminds me to be kind to anyone, and I have learned to love the people he loves.”

“That boy…”

“Sawamura-san, I understand your opinions and I respect them, but--”

“I assume there’s no stopping you.”

“No. I love your son more than anything. He loves you, but no matter what, we will proceed with the wedding. Maybe it will take another year, but we’ll wait. And… we would love it for you to be there. He would love it the most.”

Daichi’s mother let out a deep sigh which stiffened Koushi preparing for perhaps another scolding. “I would be lying if I don’t see how much you love my son, and how much he loves you, how his world revolves around you. I’ve always known about it, but it’s hard for me to acknowledge it. It’s the same as how--”

“Your husband looks at you?”

“Yes… precisely. This old lady might take a while to adjust, but would you ever forgive me for my actions?”

The question made him emotional. “I already have, Sawamura-san.”

“Please, try to call me ‘Mother.’”

“Mother… thank you so much,” he said as he bowed his head to the floor.

“Happy birthday, Koushi-kun . I leave my son to you,” she said as she sat closer to him, rubbing his shoulder.

“You took a while… what’s wrong?” Daichi asks as he sees his partner on the verge of tears.

“I--I finally got your mom’s approval.” The night of his birthday ended with him crying on Daichi’s shoulder, the latter’s arm rubbing his back soothingly, showering him with his favorite forehead kisses. Truly, an unforgettable birthday gift.

Daichi and Koushi settled on the excellent date when to have their wedding: December 1, 2018, weeks after the most anticipated MSBY vs Schweiden Adlers game, and the Karasuno team will be complete. Pure coincidence, but it was perfect.

A wedding can both be heaven or hell with all the hustle a couple will have to go through. Months of planning can still lead to last-minute preparations. Just a week ago, Daichi nearly got mad at Koushi because their kimono are close to getting molds due to improper storage. Good thing both mothers know how to fix the problem.

“Hitoka-chan , I’ll leave their second outfit to you,” said Kiyoko, who took the role as their organizer together with Yachi.

The room shined with people wearing a tuxedo and formal kimono , and the destined pair wearing their kuromontsuki haori hakama. Even the men in the room got teary on the view.

“Hurry along, darlings, or you’ll be late for your wedding,” said Koushi’s mother while she remains composure as to not ruin her makeup.

“Where’s my phone?” asked Koushi.

“Right here,” answered Kiyoko as she took a photo, knowing that Koushi will request their photo to be taken even though they have a professional photographer with them. He let out a relieved sigh for having such reliable friends. “Hitoka-chan and I have your belongings. Our ride is downstairs.”

The weather was just right - not too hot, not too cloudy. The shrine is filled with tourists and wedding guests. All eyes are on them, and they noticed Hinata doing his best not to shout his heart out on how happy he is. It may still seem taboo for others to see two men wearing their kuromontsuki haori hakama in a Shinto shrine, lining up for their procession.

This is it, the two said in their minds as they looked at each other.

As they walk with their hearts on their throat, a mix of comments and compliments can be heard and felt no matter the language. Koushi felt rather anxious about the gaze people are giving them, but one look at Daichi, who was already looking at him, was all it took to ease the pain away.

While the priest was chanting, Daichi noticed that Koushi was near to dozing off. Geez, and you decided to have a traditional ceremony? he said to himself. He sneaked a squeeze to his partner’s pinky to alert him, guessing that the priest was close to finishing his prayers.

After several exchanging of sake, they read the vow as the priest instructs them, followed by an offering of evergreen. They exchanged rings - from silver, now gold - while a short shower of rain fell. And finally, after all the years, they are denounced, husbands.

“Why is there a disco ball in the ceiling?” Tsukishima asks.

“That’s Su--I mean, Koushi-san’s idea,” explained Yamaguchi, doing his best not to call his senior by his former surname.

“No surprises there. So, where’s our seat?”

“Right here, Tsukki.” The voice gave shivers to his spine, the voice of none other than Tetsurou Kuroo and right next to him was a waving Koutarou Bokuto.

“Of all people, we have to sit with,” he grunts.

The dinner hall is filled with a lively atmosphere, a reunion here and there. The crowd quiets down as the host, Saeko, greets them.

“Good evening everyone, and thank you for coming to our dear friends’ special day. Without further ado, let us welcome the family of the guests as they dance their way to their seats! Introducing, the Sugawara family!”

“God, that’s embarrassing,” complained Tsukishima, while Yamaguchi and Hinata giggles at how cute Koushi’s family move.

“Of course, the Sawamura won’t be beaten so easily. Come on down!” she screams as if she’s in a talk show, which is exactly what Koushi wanted in contrast to the traditional ceremony they had moments ago.

“Alright, folks, now’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Let’s all stand up--”

“Do we have to--” Tsukishima was cut off when he was pulled up by Yamaguchi and Hinata who are ready to groove.

“And welcome the newlyweds, Daichi and Koushi Sawamura!”

The song “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars began to play and the curtains lift, showcasing the newlyweds wearing their matching emerald green velvet tuxedo with a pair of sunglasses. Daichi standing with his hand on Koushi’s waist, and the latter with his back to the crowd, posing hilariously with his butt popping out to which the crowd laughed out loud, not to mention the small veil he was wearing. It looked like something one can purchase in a dollar store.

They danced their way to the aisle. No matter how stupid they look, they want everyone to have fun. “Walking is too boring! Let’s dance instead,” Daichi recalls his husband say to Kiyoko and Yachi.

Koushi was attempting to twerk - or if that was something anyone could call it - but Daichi had a better idea. He shook his husband by carrying him bridal style and spun him around. He’d be lying if he says that didn’t exhaust him one bit even though his shoulder completely healed. He’ll probably hear a scolding from his parents or his husband.

The dinner kicked off with a kagami-biraki ceremony, then servings of sake distributed to the guests. Colorful sushi, red rice, portions of sea bream, and more were served. Speeches were said, tears were shed.

“Home is where the heart is, and it gives us great joy to know that you will be by each other’s side, always looking forward to seeing each other’s faces when you wake up and when you come home, lovingly saying ‘I’m home’ and ‘Welcome back,’” said Takeda-sensei.

“Love each other as if it were the last. I pray that whenever you look at each other, you are reminded of why you are together, of why you are in love with one another, and how lucky we are to be of witness to your kind of love - the kind of love that will add more hope to people of your community,” said a sobbing Sugawara-san.

“Your love is without a doubt an example of the best ones. Welcome to the family, Koushi- kun ,” Sawamura-san cheered.

“Thank you, everyone, for witnessing the blooming of our relationship. We couldn’t have done it without you, especially to our family, Kiyoko, Yachi- chan , Michimiya who helped us score a reservation for this venue. Again, thank you. We love you all,” said Koushi.

“Like what Suga-- Koushi said - I guess I still need to get used to that - thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. This is a huge step for us, and are grateful that you are all a part of it,” said Daichi.

“We’re nearly at the end of our program, but we still have one thing we need to do. As requested by our groom,” words that Saeko said brought confusion to Koushi, “let us witness the couple’s first dance as Mr. and Mr. Sawamura.”

Daichi stood up, reached out a hand to his stunned husband. They walked to the center and both of their cheeks are turning red. Hand in hand, they danced to the song, another favorite of theirs.

We beautify your past along the way

We wish for tomorrow to be a brighter day

We struggle along no matter what they say

Why do we give up now

“This wasn’t part of the program,” complained Koushi.

“It’s not. It’s a last-minute request.”

“Smooth move, Mr. Sawamura. And what gave you this idea?”

He shrugged his shoulder and kissed his husband’s forehead - always their favorite spot.

Oh, I don't know where to go

I'm standing here, lost on my own

Oh, I want to carry on

As long as you're here with me now

In this world

“I sometimes see you watching those chick-flick movies and you always cry whenever the newlyweds dance together. Sometimes, you even search it up on the internet.”

“Stalker much?”

He giggled from the judgment, which he loves anyway. “Maybe,” he answered as he placed his cheek to the best dance partner he could ever wish for.

The song stopped for a mere second but they were still dancing which caused another confusion for Koushi until he heard a familiar voice singing in the audio.

I love how the world is so round

Cause I will end up right back to you

I love how the night's so long

Cause you can be my aiding light

Koushi wrapped his arms around Daichi’s neck, his face on his husband’s shoulder covering his sobbing face.

Just days before their wedding, Daichi asked a favor from Yachi. He recorded the song over and over again, immediately after Koushi left for work, that he was almost late for work. He isn’t used to singing - hell, the song he chose was even in English - but he’d do it for Koushi.

His voice still echoes in the room through the audio, but he still whispered the song to Kouhi’s ears.

I love that I have to know

No matter how far I wait

And I know I can carry on

As long as you're here with me now

In this world

“I love you, Koushi,” he whispered.

His husband moved to kiss him on the lips, as he whispered his response of “I love you, Daichi.”

He burst into laughter seeing how messy Koushi looked, and he loved every bit of it. Koushi’s face when he’s sad, happy, crying over a corny chick-flick, his agitated look when he’s late for work, all of it.

In return, Koushi loves how Daichi will always win him over almost anything. How Daichi would give the best comebacks, his strictness, his wisdom, his imperfections.

Today onwards, they’ll dance through life; cheek to cheek, hand in hand.