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If you asked Akaashi Keiji to describe his life, the first thing that comes to his mind would be "boring". As an Uber driver, his daily routine consists of picking up clients, dropping off clients, stopping for a quick meal, and then the cycle would repeat itself. To be honest, he was quite ashamed of himself really, all his other friends had gone to pursue successful careers while he was stuck with driving people around.
It was another uneventful Tuesday for the 26 year-old man, the weather was nice, no clients screamed at him, he was about to call it a day when he received a request from a bar nearby. He let out a soft sigh, before turning around and driving towards the direction of the bar. Frankly, Akaashi hated picking up people from bars, especially this late at night, it could only mean that whoever asked for a drive is completely, utterly wasted. Akaashi certainly didn’t want to deal with someone vomiting on his precious car he cleaned yesterday. He arrived at the place around 3 minutes later, noticing a man around the same age as him, he had spiky hair, with greyish-white tips. His eyes were a fierce golden colour that resembled an owl. He had his arm around a taller, black haired gentleman’s shoulder for support. Akaashi couldn’t help but roll his eyes, “this guy is wasted.” he thought.
“Kou, that’s your Uber driver.” The taller one said as he double checked Akaashi’s license plate. “I’m sorry my friend is so wasted, we held a party for him.” He said as he crouched down, so that his eyes level with Akaashi’s.
“It’s fine, just get your friend in the car.” Akaashi said as he gripped the steering wheel, trying to hide his annoyance.
The owl-like guy, who is apparently addressed as Kou, practically crawled into the backseat as his friend helped him in, bidding the drunk adult farewell. He closed the door of the car, waving goodbye to his friend one last time, before heading back into the bar.
“Mr Uber Driver, will you please just drive around for a while? I don’t want to go home yet.” Kou pouted.
“No problem sir.” Akaashi agreed reluctantly.
“It’s Bokuto.” Bokuto simply stated.
Akaashi nodded, trying to fetch a bag for his drunk client with one of his hands while gripping on the steering wheel with his other hand. But there was no need, as Bokuto had already opened the window beside him, leaning his head forward and gazing at the beautiful night view of the Tokyo streets.
“Say, Mr Uber Driver, have you ever thought of dying before?” Bokuto asked, staring at Akaashi from the rearview mirror.
Akaashi was taken aback from the question, but replied nonetheless.
“Yeah, I guess so.”
Bokuto looked at Akaashi again, this time, his eyes were a bit more empty. Akaashi was never too good at reading people’s emotions, but he knew Bokuto was upset.
“I have cancer.” Bokuto said quietly, but loud enough for the Uber driver to hear.
“I’m sorry Bokuto.” Was all Akaashi said, that was all Akaashi could say, he wanted to be more sympathetic, but he couldn’t make out any other words besides “I’m sorry.”
“It’s already in my brain, and it’s way too late for me to consider chemo.” He added. Akaashi’s heart was pounding, he knew what his client was saying was way too personal for a mere Uber driver to listen to.
“But it’s okay Mr Uber Driver. I’m okay about dying, I’m going to be okay, everything will be just fine when I die.” Bokuto said, slumping back down onto his seat. “My friends were actually throwing me a going-away party just now, not for that purpose though, I told them I took a position abroad, at least they won’t worry or be upset about my passing.” Bokuto smiled sadly at the Uber driver. Akaashi could feel tears welling up in his eyes from the depressing story he had just been told. Akaashi couldn’t even begin to think how much pain his customer is in right now. How could Bokuto be so selfless? This just breaks Akaashi’s heart.
“I just didn’t tell them that abroad was heaven.” Bokuto replied to his previous statement quietly.
“Mr Bokuto? Perhaps there will be a miracle?” Akaashi fights back, hoping that Bokuto won’t give up on himself.
“It’s too late Mr. Uber Driver. I’m not afraid of death, I’ve lived a fulfilling life, I had wonderful friends, I had a nice job, nice boss. I’ve been happy, too happy. Maybe that’s why I’m leaving this world so early, because I’ve been blessed with so much joy already. If I keep on living, I’m just being unfair to the rest of the world.” Bokuto smiled, thinking back on all his memories. I met a boy years ago, back in high school, Hinata Shoyo was his name I think, he was one of the sweetest boys I’ve met, he had orange hair, and was very determined to be the best volleyball ace out there. He asked me to teach him how to play better, and I did. We’re still in contact these days, I think I’ll miss him a lot. He’s a lot like me, you know? Very determined and passionate about volleyball, perhaps that was why I took a liking to him.”
Akaashi couldn’t help but let a few tears slip, Bokuto was so young, he didn’t deserve to die.
“Mr Uber Driver.” Bokuto called out.
“Yes?” Akaashi wiped his tears.
“Please come to my funeral, you’ve been so nice to listen to me whining about me being sick.”
“Sir, I don’t think your parents would appreciate an Uber Driver showing up at your funeral.” Akaashi replied, driving towards Bokuto’s neighbourhood.
“Well, it’s my funeral, I do what I want.” Bokuto whined, Akaashi couldn’t help but gape at Bokuto, how could he be so childish in this situation? Bokuto didn’t even look scared the slightest, he almost seemed happy that he was going.
“Whatever you say then.” Akaashi replied, closing up to Bokuto’s house.
“Well that’s my place, thank you…?” Bokuto’s voice begins to fade as he tries to ask the Uber Driver for his name.
“It’s Akaashi, Akaashi Keiji.” He replied.
“Well then, Mr. Akaashi, I guess the next time I’ll be seeing you is up there.” Bokuto stared at the driver cutely.
“I’ll...I’ll see you then.” Tears were flooding Akaashi’s eyes, he didn’t want Bokuto to die, even if he’s only known Bokuto for an hour, he refused to let such a kind person die. “Please, Kou, don’t go..” Akaashi gripped Bokuto’s arm, it was only now when Akaashi realised how fragile and thin Bokuto felt. He took a better look at the boy, his skin was almost white, but he still wore a toothy grin.
“Keiji, don’t be upset, you’re a good person, I know we’ll see each other again.” Bokuto smiled brightly, brighter than all the stars in the sky. “I know I don’t have much longer to live, and I want to ask you for a favour.” Bokuto said again, suddenly turning all shy.
“Anything for you.” Akaashi replied immediately without thinking.
“I haven’t gotten hugs in a long time, and I was wondering… if you could give me a hug.” Bokuto blushed a deep shade of red. Akaashi let out a small laugh, he wanted a hug? That was all? Akaashi unbuckled his seatbelt, stepping out from his car, before wrapping his arms around Bokuto’s frail body. Bokuto’s icy cold body contrasted to Akaashi’s warm one.
“You’re so warm.” Bokuto murmured, burying his face on Akaashi’s shoulder. Akaashi gently stroked the taller boy’s hair as the two wept. After a while of hugging, presumably Bokuto’s mother came running out, asking if Bokuto was alright, Akaashi nodded and asked Bokuto’s mum to take good care of Bokuto for his remaining days. Mrs. Bokuto couldn’t help but tear up at Akaashi’s words.
When Akaashi walked back to his car, Bokuto and his mum turned to walk inside the house. Bokuto turned around one last time, mouthing a “thank you” to Akaashi.
“Till we meet again, Kou.”