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"I think we should go out. Like on a date. A romantic date."
Atsumu almost spat his water at him. They were on the MSBY practice breakout, Hinata and Bokuto just a meter away. If Kiyoomi was serious, he had chosen the worst possible time for that kind of proposal.
He just stared at him in silence. Maybe Kiyoomi was confused, traded words, or talked to the wrong team member. Something was very wrong. He opened his mouth a few times, but Kiyoomi took the lead. "You can think about it, of course. Let me know when you decide." He ended. Smiled, but not sarcastically, it was open and sincere, almost seductive. Then he went on his way as if he had just asked Atsumu to set the ball higher next time.
What. The. Hell. Was. Going. On?
Kiyoomi had been pondering about it for months. After Atsumu got invited for a short season as an instructor for high-potential setters in another city, he noticed something. The two weeks without Atsumu around him, which he initially thought would be peaceful and comfortable, had been almost unbearable.
He found himself more than once visiting Atsumu's social media profiles and wondering what he was doing. He looked at pictures of him smiling and enjoyed how much it made his chest warm. Of course, he was mature enough to know what that combo of weird behaviors meant. But he sucked at saying things out loud.
After reflecting on some alternatives, he decided to make a list .
Possible reasons to consider inviting Miya Atsumu on a date
By: Sakusa Kiyoomi
1 – I really like him.
The first reason is big and embarrassing enough on its own. Still, I want arguments, evidence, something scientific to justify the ends and even the means.
2 – He is talented, dedicated, and disciplined.
Great, sounds coherent. As a professional, Miya is excellent. He has matured and evolved dramatically. In addition, he's a top Olympic athlete. That's gotta count as a reason.
3 – He's a good person. Better than most.
Miya Atsumu has every reason to be a perfect idiot, and sometimes he actually is. But only on the surface. Deep down, he's the guy who always has an extra coat or tissue, or even a mask (!!!). He's always ready to help, welcome, teach and support anyone who needs him. He advises, gives you hugs, smiles at you, offers people his umbrella, and then goes out into the storm unprotected. It's hideously amazing.
4 – He's kind.
This looks like the previous one, but it's different. This one is about him always being the first to remember birthdays, visiting sick colleagues, and playing with the kids who appear after the games, delighted by him. And it's about him never saying no to a favor, even when he should.
5 – His voice.
It seems like a shallow argument, but I think it's important to point it out. He has a commanding tone, a hoarse tone with just the right bass. Even when it's bullshit, he can be convincing if he chooses that. It's a plausible reason.
6 – He knows how to cook and loves to do it.
This is good for the list and as an add-on. I know the basics, of course, I cook my meals, but I hate everything in the process. I could easily live off the lunchboxes Miya occasionally brings to the entire team cause he gets carried away in the kitchen and exaggerates the amount of food.
7 – Finally, the smile.
Painfully cliché, almost ridiculous. But that's what this whole list is, so let's get to the facts: few smiles in the world have that power. Lighting up the environment, comforting, warming, the kind that makes children stop crying, etc., etc. Okay, that's it.
8 – Screw it, it's my list after all: he's attractive.
He learned what to do with that hair and everything else. The remains of the accent and the country boy way. The golden eyes. The lips. The thighs and everything attached to them. End of argument.
9 – Last and possibly worst: I miss him.
Not just referring to those 2 weeks, but to all the times he wasn't around as usual for any reason. When he got the flu, he missed two days and couldn't speak properly for another three. I almost, almost , offered to go over to his house for no reason at all. Even though everyone knew Osamu was there. Even though I'm terrified of any germs, bacteria, and viruses. By then, I was already doomed.
P.S. or 10 – I have to add this after what I said in 9: I really care about him.
***
Kiyoomi had been looking at the list for three days, reading, rereading, denying, and accepting. It was enough. If he got rejected, he could print the list and burn it as revenge. Immature, insecure, not at all efficient, but definitely satisfying.
*
Atsumu went into shock for the rest of the day after the proposal. He had too many questions before he could offer an answer. Using much more common sense than Kiyoomi, he waited for the end of practice. He strategically followed him to the parking lot, only speaking when he was sure no one was close enough to listen.
"Hmm… Omi, I... was that serious ?" He stopped walking and waited for Kiyoomi to do the same. They faced each other seriously. "If ya lost a bet or something, I swear, just tell me, ya don't have to do this."
And there he was, evoking reason 4 from the list. Kiyoomi sighed and lowered the mask so that Atsumu had no doubts about what he was about to hear. "Yes, it was serious . But I expressed it horribly, so consider this: Miya, do you wanna go on a date with me?"
Before, Atsumu was sure that two minutes of direct and sincere conversation could solve his doubts and problems. Now, he wasn't sure of anything anymore.
"Omi, ya..." He paused and sought polite words; after all, he was close to lowering himself. "Ya sure 'bout that? I mean, ya really wanna go on a date ... with me ?" Atsumu used every possible mime, pointing to himself during every word of the sentence to clarify the facts.
Kiyoomi was one step away from losing patience. A straight 'no' would've been better than all that scene. "Yes, I do. And you can say no. It's a request, not an order."
Atsumu was surprised, speechless, and maybe a little honored (?), but above all: curious. "I… maybe . But why , Omi? Ya just woke up today and decided to defy logic, physics, and the laws of the universe in the name of a greater good?" He joked although it was a genuine doubt.
Kiyoomi thought he'd already made it that far, so the truth could solve that for good or for bad, once and for all. "I made… a list ." He looked around; some sense of self-preservation made him do it. No one nearby, so it was safe to continue. "A list of reasons why I should consider asking you on a date. With nine… okay, ten reasons. And I'm convinced. That's it."
"And can I see the list?" Said Atsumu, simply. Sounded narcissistic, but it was just plain absurd curiosity in its most primitive stage.
Maybe Kiyoomi needed a list of reasons not to invite him after all. This almost irritating innocence at the most inappropriate times would be the first one. "No, Miya, you can't."
Atsumu pouted. Kiyoomi found it adorable. He wanted to die.
"Omi, I… is it okay if I think 'bout it?" He started seeing something like bitterness in Kiyoomi's eyes and needed to explain. He imagined how difficult it must've been to make that proposal. "It was just sudden . And I don't wanna give half an answer to a question ya clearly gave so much thought to before making."
Kiyoomi was ready to take that as a no and go on with life, pretending that moment had been a delusion. Still, Atsumu had an excellent argument, actually. One more reason ignored from the list: Atsumu was clever, very clever. And emotionally responsible. Excellent .
"Of course, Miya. Take all the time you need. You have my number." As soon as he finished speaking, he felt silly, something he felt a lot that day. Of course Atsumu had his number. They'd been playing together for years, had a whole team message group, and of course: they'd have practice the next day.
He said goodbye and went off, grateful that he could finally put back his mask and get rid of that awkward situation. Once in the car, Kiyoomi watched Atsumu get into his own vehicle with a puzzled expression. Maybe being rejected right away would've been better than that expectation. Unfortunately, he hadn't even set a deadline for replying.
*
A list. Atsumu didn't know what to expect as a reason, but a list was peculiar. And coming from Kiyoomi, odd enough to be serious. And so he would consider that situation. One date wasn't exactly a marriage proposal, but it generated enough questions as if it had been. Perhaps for all the unlikely variables involved.
While preparing dinner, Atsumu managed to distract himself enough to go back to thinking about the proposal just before bedtime. He didn't want to keep Kiyoomi waiting for an answer for days. After all, they weren't two brats with the time and patience to play games.
He needed a little time to think of a methodology to solve that. Nothing original, apparently.
A list.
He decided to start with reasons why he shouldn't accept the date, and they were few, in fact. The biggest one: being teammates, but that was much more of a problem in his head. It wasn't forbidden, and he knew they could both be professionals with the post-date situation, whether it was a failure or a success. The only other reason he could think of was Kiyoomi's grumpiness, but he was amused by that. There were no coherent reasons not to accept it. He then deleted both.
Thinking of reasons to say yes, he ranted through a tightrope of semi insults like, "Omi has deep black eyes and sometimes looks at me like he wants to kill me."
It felt like an anonymous tip instead of a list of reasons to accept going on a date with someone. Bad start.
Atsumu sighed loudly. He admired Kiyoomi – pause, let's put that on the list. Done – A year or two ago, he would have accepted without flinching. But today, he'd assumed that they were essentially incompatible. That his attraction to him might've been based solely on his desire to get what he couldn't have. He didn't know if he wanted to have this argument with himself again.
Sakusa Kiyoomi intrigued him. It was like a floating serve you've spent a lifetime studying and still misses out. However, that serve was now – perhaps for the first and last time – within his reach. He didn't even know if he wanted to try his best defense anymore. Still, he knew he would regret it if he just watched the ball pass without doing anything about it.
He decided to stop thinking about the list, writing a big 'WHATEVER' on it. He couldn't calculate the variables and the result as much as he tried, So, he was decided for now.
*
"I accept. Let's go on a date. Potentially romantic." Atsumu deliberately chose to answer the same way he'd received the request: at the break in practice. Unexpectedly close enough to people who could listen if they weren't distracted by their own daydreams. Kiyoomi nearly choked on his water. They were even now. A fair way to start.
After two pounds on the chest and a muffled cough, Kiyoomi looked up at him with huge eyes. Yes, he did seem close to murdering him. Atsumu shouldn't have taken that off the list. He really liked that look.
It was a terribly hot day. The embarrassing situation from the day before messed with Kiyoomi's stomach. He couldn't have a decent meal, and it all added up. He pulled away from Atsumu, and when he was just about to speak, he felt his head spin and choked again, coughing heavily this time, getting the team's attention.
Bokuto flew to him with the best intentions and the worst approach, giving him such a heavy slap in the back that it could leave a permanent mark. And that was enough. Kiyoomi's vision darkened, and he fell over before he could call for help or anyone could catch him, knocking his head on the ground.
Bokuto panicked, and the coach came running to them. Meian suggested taking him to the club's infirmary. Atsumu, who'd been watching everything in shock, snapped back to reality and nodded. Atsumu on one side, Meian on the other, and Kiyoomi in the middle being carried by both.
*
It couldn't get any worse.
This thought crossed Kiyoomi's mind right before he opened his eyes, and he came back to full consciousness only to confirm that he was very wrong. He came face to face with Bokuto, almost pressed to his face, his eyes watering and his nose running. He hugged him, screaming, "Omi-Omi lives ! I'm not a murderer!"
Bokuto wasn't a murderer. Kiyoomi, however, could easily become one. He wanted to scream.
By the mercy of fate, the first aider on duty at the training center appeared and asked Bokuto to let Kiyoomi breathe. After pushing him away, he explained that he'd been out for less than 10 minutes. Then, after testing his reflexes with a small flashlight and measuring his pressure, he helped him sit up, checked his heart rate, and offered him an ice-cold compress, which Kiyoomi thanked, placing it where he still felt pain. The recommendation was to go immediately to an emergency room to make sure there were no internal injuries.
"But of course, Sakusa-san, it's not safe to drive or go alone. So I'll ask the team manager to accompany you."
"I can take him!" Bokuto yelled, making Kiyoomi's head hurt even more. The worst was not having any rational argument against that offer. The rescuer accepted the idea, Kiyoomi accepted his fate, and, refusing to be held by Bokuto, he walked beside him towards the locker room to pick up his bag and go to the hospital.
Stepping inside, the sight of Miya Atsumu already in his casual clothes, with his hair wet and his and Kiyoomi's bag on his shoulders, looked like a renaissance painting of paradise .
"Goodness, ya already up! I was on my way to the infirmary, prepared to take you to the hospital!"
That almost made Kiyoomi forgive him for leaving him alone with Bokuto. Almost .
"Tsum-Tsum, I'll take Omi-kun. I caused this. No need for you to miss training." Bokuto argued with teary eyes again.
Bokuto agreed to stay behind after a short argument sustained by Atsumu. He said he'd already talked to the coach, showered, and changed in record time to complete the mission and got Kiyoomi's support in every sentence. Bokuto was just tasked with informing the team that Kiyoomi was fine and would later let everyone know about the diagnosis.
As soon as Bokuto dramatically moved out the door, Kiyoomi sighed loudly, grimacing at the sharp pain that still throbbed his head.
"Ready to go?" Atsumu asked, taking the exit path.
Kiyoomi remained still and stared at him. "A shower. I need a shower." He was prepared to hear some protest about health first; you nearly died or something like that, but there was Atsumu, just nodding as he placed the bags on the bench. "Sure," he said. "I'll stick around, okay? Call me if ya feel dizzy or anything." And with that, he sat back down. Backwards, although they practically showered together every day at that exact same place with many other naked men.
Kiyoomi walked into the shower stall, sighing in frustration for not being able to use the already-in-progress plan to hate Atsumu for being partially blamed for his concussion. He couldn't get enough of having Kiyoomi add new topics to his list.
*
"Is it okay if I drive your car? I can go get mine, but it'd be a waste of time." Atsumu asked, walking beside him to the parking lot. Kiyoomi agreed, of course; after all, it made sense. Atsumu lived near the training center and used the subway daily. This was public information. At least that's what Kiyoomi expected.
A while after, they got into the nearest hospital. After a long and unpleasant test sequence, Kiyoomi rested on a gurney to wait for the results. Apparently, he had no internal injuries and nothing to worry about other than taking painkillers and following up on the compresses. On the other hand, Atsumu, who'd been sneaking around to get some food since they'd left training right before lunch, returned with a disappointed face and two protein bars in hand.
"It was all I could get that wasn't fried or greasy in the service area. If I go out to the cafeteria, I can't come back." Long sigh between them. Holding the nutritious lunch, they slapped the bars like they were having a toast in thanks for the meal, then eating it almost in mourning.
"I hope this isn't your big first date plan, Omi."
Kiyoomi let out a sarcastic laugh through his nose, making sure to chew and swallow before opening his mouth so he wouldn't choke. "I wouldn't think of something this fun, Miya."
"We'll have to make an effort to do better than this." Atsumu smiled at him. It was impossible not to smile back.
The doctor returned with the results, ruining that almost romantic moment between them. After reviewing each exam, Kiyoomi was discharged. His only recommendation was to rest that day and see if he didn't feel anything strange in the next few hours. "If your boyfriend could spend the night with you, it'd be better. The first 24 hours after a concussion can be unstable."
He and Atsumu widened their eyes, nodding their heads in affirmation. Kiyoomi took the results, and they walked out in silence. The doctor had seen them exchanging glances for two seconds and assumed that they were a couple. Could this go on the list?
Starting the car, Atsumu broke the silence. "So… well . I can take ya home and then take a cab. Or, if ya wanna…"
"Miya, you don't need to sleep at my place. I'm fine."
Atsumu felt responsible. Not as much as Bokuto, but he was worried. "But ya call me if ya feel something weird or need anything, okay?"
Kiyoomi felt an unbearable amount of weird stuff and needed at least three more that only Miya Atsumu could provide, but he wouldn't say that. At least not now.
"Of course, I'll let you know."
With that settled, Atsumu drove to Kiyoomi's building. The taxi he'd called via app arrived a few minutes later. They exchanged a simple see you tomorrow on the sidewalk. After he was gone, Kiyoomi realized he hadn't even thanked him. If Atsumu had a list, that would definitely be one reason not to accept a date. Lucky he had already answered.
Hours later, Kiyoomi considered sending a thank-you message or leaving it to when they could talk the next day while lying in his bed with the cold compress against his head in one hand and his cell phone in the other. The decision that a message would be better was lost when he noticed that Atsumu was making a video call. He accidentally hit the green button and accepted the call.
The thought that his bad luck was getting worse quickly became an almost suffocating feeling as he saw Atsumu's huge eyes combined with an irresistible smile staring back at him through the screen.
"Hmm... Hi! Just checking if everything's really okay out there."
"It'd be better if you'd let me know you're making a video call."
Atsumu rolled his eyes. Kiyoomi was complaining, but he was one of the few people who could answer a video call on the first ring without bothering. Even exhausted and with a bandage on his head, he looked just… amazing .
Atsumu now couldn't care less about any of the doubts from the day before. Instead, he'd accept his luck, his fate, or whatever it was that made Sakusa Kiyoomi smile at him as they considered options for a date in the weekend.
"It's set then. we'll meet there at 7pm on Saturday."
Kiyoomi nodded. The relief and exhaustion of finally making it to the end of that day caught him. He felt like he could close his eyes any moment.
"Miya. Thanks for today. For this. Anyway."
He was terrible at it but sincere and unusual in a unique way. Enough for Atsumu to present his own proposal now. "Is it okay if I just wait here on the call until ya fall asleep? Just in case, ya know."
Kiyoomi smiled at him. "And I'm the weird one. Sure, Miya. Be my guest."
Despite disasters, Kiyoomi wasn't in his worst mood. As he fell asleep being watched by Atsumu, he thought that he'd finally gotten a yes to one of the most challenging and elaborate requests in his life. And that, in entirely absurd ways, he'd confirmed to all intents and purposes that the list was just an excuse to admit the obvious.
He was in love.