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There are only a few things that could get Kenma out of bed before 8 AM on a Saturday. Natural disasters and medical emergencies, of course, if they happen to be so early. A video game sale or merchandise release. Maybe even a road trip with Akaashi and Bokuto.
A request from his parents usually does the trick too.
His mom called on Tuesday, giving him more than his minimum of three days of processing and confirming if he wants to do anything social. They’ve learned to be respectful of his needs like that. Apparently, she and his dad got invited to a cousin’s wedding. The venue isn’t far, she said, but the ceremony is in the morning. Neither of them would be able to bring Kohei to and from his summer volleyball camp.
Once the call ended, Kenma realized almost anything relating to his younger brother might also easily get him out of bed on a Saturday morning.
Which is why he’s now on a train to their family home, yawning into his palm and blinking his bleary eyes. Kenma hasn’t visited in a while. His team just finished a game they were assigned to make a proposal for, so this is the first free weekend he's had in a while. Good timing, he thinks.
He’s updated on his family’s activities despite living away. There are dozens of photos of Kohei in their family group chat: in the gym, closely cropped; next to the kids he plays with, grinning widely with a volleyball in his hands; and with their parents, eating ice cream parfaits after practice. Just thinking about the photos makes Kenma smile. He’s glad his brother’s spending his summer happily.
It doesn’t take long until he’s standing outside of their front door, ringing the doorbell. The door opens only a second later with such speed that Kenma fears the hinges are gonna come off.
"Onii-chan!" Short arms wrap around Kenma’s thighs and he automatically places a hand on short dark hair.
Soft, round eyes look up at him in the same color of gold as his. Kohei has the same hair parting as him when Kenma was a child. But his hair is cut near his ears, neat and angled to the top of his nape. He’s up to Kenma’s waist now.
"Hi, Kohei. Let’s go inside, yeah?" Kenma coaxes, trying his best to walk past the door frame and into the genkan with his koala of a brother clinging onto him.
Kohei lets him go as he removes his sneakers, bounding to the kitchen to tell their mother that Kenma has arrived. There’s more of his brother’s shoes in the rack now since Kenma moved out. Only a few spaces left, probably for visitors like him.
"Kenma!" His mother exclaims as he walks into the kitchen. He walks over to give her a kiss on the cheek.
She runs her fingers through black-then-blonde strands. The disapproving look she gives is softened by the way she cups Kenma’s cheek. "You should’ve maintained it, Kenma. I can take you to my salon sometime."
When Kenma shakes his head and tells her it’s too much of a bother (a phrase she’s all too familiar with), she gives him a look that tells him the offer still stands. Small, but strong hands hold him tight by the arms, squeezing, checking for fat and muscle. With a knowing eye, she asks, "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"
"Not yet, mom," Kenma breaks eye contact and scratches at his jeans. With his friends or colleagues, Kenma rarely feels shame when they scold or judge him about his rather unhealthy eating habits. But his mother’s gaze always makes him look away. Guilt instantly dropping in his stomach.
His mom ruffles his hair as she smiles fondly. With her hands now on her hips, she says, "Well, good thing I just happened to make an extra bowl, huh? Go eat with your brother. I’m going to get dressed."
She sets down the bowl of rice, natto, and eggs as Kenma takes a seat beside Kohei. Midstep on the stairs, she looks back at them and shouts, "Make sure he finishes his milk!"
Kohei grumbles next to him, looking at the milk carton with disdain.
"You're gonna need it if you want to keep playing volleyball," Kenma reminds. He grabs his bowl and speaks again before starting to eat, "We're a short bunch, so drink up."
Always the obedient child, Kohei drinks his milk, though maybe with a little too much grip around the glass. He tells Kenma about all the friends he's made in the summer volleyball camp. Even promises to introduce them to him later. Despite Kenma thinking it isn't necessary, Kohei's intentions are too wholesome. So he tells his younger brother that he's looking forward to meeting them.
Their parents finish getting ready at half past eight and offer to drive them to the recreation center. Kenma’s about to say that the commute isn’t long, when Kohei runs to the car ahead of them all.
"We’re glad the enrollment fee was worth it," a deep, warm voice says from behind him. "He’s really enjoying himself."
"I can already see that," Kenma affirms before turning to give his dad a hug.
The two brothers arrive at the assigned gym with 10 minutes to spare. Kenma is just about to ask Kohei where the registration table for attendance is when his brother runs off to the other side of the court where his friends must be. Where he gets his energy, Kenma doesn’t know. He figures the gene must have skipped him. But now, he’s in the middle of a gym he’s never been to, among strangers who all seem to know what they should be doing. Moisture starts to build up on his palms.
"Excuse me." A short blonde girl is suddenly in front of him, looking nervous, but determined. She clears her throat subtly before continuing, "You seem a little lost. May I help you with anything?"
It’s only then that Kenma notices the button pin on her shirt that says YACHI - Camp Assistant. He instantly feels less anxious. With a nod, Kenma says, "Yes. I was told I have to have my brother’s attendance taken? It’s my first time bringing him here."
"Oh! The registration table is right over there," Yachi-san says, bright and confident at having the answer. She’s pointing at another corner of the gym where a couple other adults are standing. Kenma strains to see the table with all the people around, but he figures he’d find it there. With an encouraging tone, she explains, "You just have to give the coach there the name of the kid you’re with. Maybe present an ID too, since you’re a new guardian."
"I see. Thank you very much, uhh, Yachi-san?" Kenma says with a small smile. The assistant returns it with a wide grin and a humble nod.
Kenma fishes out his ID as he walks over to the table. There’s someone sitting behind it, a man. He has his head down, looking through a sheet of paper, but his build is obviously big. Strong. The head of black hair doesn’t lift up when Kenma stands in front of the table. Slightly nervous for another encounter with a facilitator, he clears his throat.
"Hello. Sorry, is this where I register my brother?" he asks as clearly as he can.
The man’s head shoots up, body jumping a little in his seat at Kenma’s voice. His hair is a mess, is Kenma’s first thought. Sticking up at the back in different directions with a fringe almost covering his right eye. The man interestingly resembles a rooster. With his eyes wide like this, Kenma clearly sees the gray in them. When he opens his mouth to speak, Kenma notices the sharp angle of his jaw.
It’s a nice face, Kenma’s mind involuntarily supplies.
"Ah, sorry! Yes!" Rooster Head stands and Kenma suddenly has to look up at him. He’s as big as Kenma thought. Large hands—really? This too? Kenma thinks—slide the papers a little more towards him. His voice is deep and smooth when he says, "You must be new, right? Well, here on the right is the attendance for today. Please write down the name of the child you’re with, your own name, and then your signature." He taps on the paper on the left and continues, "On this, you have to write your name again and the ID number you’ll provide. It’s a roster of all the guardians."
"Okay," Kenma replies quietly with a nod. He takes the pen handed to him and bends down to write.
"So, who did you bring?" the man asks conversationally.
"Kozume Kohei," he says at the same time he’s writing his brother’s name. There’s a pleased oh! that comes from above him.
"You must be his brother, then? Kohei is really good. Very eager and quick to learn."
The praise makes Kenma’s lips stretch into a proud smile. He hands his ID after he finishes writing. "Yeah, older brother." It’s when the man bends down to take note of the ID number that Kenma notices a button pin on him as well: KUROO - Coach. Thinking there’s no harm in keeping the conversation going, he asks despite the obvious, "So, you’re a coach for the volleyball camp?"
"Yeah," Kuroo-san affirms. He’s grinning when he stands straight, handing Kenma his ID back. One of the large hands extends to him. "I’m Kuroo Tetsurou."
"Kozume Kenma," he replies automatically. Kenma shakes Kuroo’s hand. He notes that it’s calloused, but warm.
Like in most social or public events, Kenma brings a handheld console with him. Just in case. Back at his apartment, he expected he’d watch Kohei play for a bit, then he could sneak in some playing of his own. This proves to be impossible.
Kohei is wonderful to watch. From what he understands, the kids are practicing their receives with the other coach, a redhead only a little bit taller than Kenma. His brother messes up the first receive he does, but quickly recovers by doing four clean ones in a row. The redhead showers Kohei with praise.
On the other side of the court, hitting the volleyballs that the kids practice receiving, is Kuroo-san. The coach doesn’t have to jump much, if at all, given the low net, but the curve of his body when he gently spikes the ball is tantalizing. He isn’t alone in thinking such things though, if the stares and giggles of the other guardians sitting with him on the bleachers are anything to go by. At least Kenma has the decency to blush and look away.
The kids take a break at 10 AM, going to their backpacks or the adults for water and snacks. Kohei already has his bag with him, but he bounds towards Kenma still.
"Onii-chan! Did you see me during the drills? Did I look cool?" Kohei asks, hands on Kenma’s knees as he bounces repeatedly off the floor.
"Very cool," he says in a playfully serious tone. Kenma gives him a thumbs up too just to make him happier. "You looked like a professional."
"I did not!" Kohei denies shyly despite the grin on his face.
A boy calls out to his brother before he can respond. Three boys and a girl walk over to where they are, looking curious.
"Hey! I was just about to call you guys," Kohei tells them. He turns to Kenma, then back at the group again before saying, "This is my older brother I was telling you about!"
"The one that makes video games?" asks the girl with obvious awe. Kohei nods.
"That’s so cool, Kozume-san!" a boy with light brown hair exclaims.
Kenma affirms softly that what he does is pretty cool. He brushes his hair behind an ear when it falls as he leans in to listen to Kohei and his friends talk.
"Why is your hair so long, Kozume-san? You’re a boy, right?" he hears one of the boys ask, genuine curiosity in his voice. Kids don’t have filters yet after all.
"Ah, it’s just—"
His brother interjects matter-of-factly before he can finish, "Because he wants it to be long."
"I think it looks nice. Makes Kozume-san really pretty," the girl says shyly, hugging her lunch bag to her chest. The four other kids agree in unison, even the boy that asked, showering him with compliments.
Usually, situations like this would have made Kenma’s stomach churn. He doesn’t like a lot of attention. Hasn’t grown out of it, the discomfort. Even positive attention makes him want to hide after politely saying his thanks. Which is why it’s curious even to him why he doesn’t mind this as much. Must be because they’re kids, he reasons.
"Thank you. You guys did really good out there," he says, steering the conversation away from him. It works as expected. Kohei and his friends start talking about the drills they just finished and the game they’re apparently going to play after the break. They’re quick to forget about Kenma beside them.
He smiles to himself in relief, tucking his hair unnecessarily behind an ear again. Lifting his head to look around, he catches Kuroo-san’s eyes on him. When’d he get here? Realizing he’s been caught staring, the coach quickly turns back to the parent talking to him. He responds animatedly, as if flustered.
Kenma reasons that the blush on Kuroo-san’s cheeks must be from the exercise.
They play a game for this half. Kohei and the girl earlier are in the same team on the right side of the court, while all of their guy friends are on the left. It should have been easy enough to look up the rules of volleyball, but Kenma settles for guessing them while they play. Maybe he’ll suggest a sports genre for their next project at work.
With set scores of 2-1, Kohei’s team wins the match. Kenma makes sure to take a video of the kids celebrating for their parents. After the coaches’ announcements, giving hugs to Kohei and hair ruffles to his friends, Kenma packs up to leave.
Of course, as fate has it, Coach Kuroo is by the gym exit to see the kids off. Kenma is about to settle for a tiny smile and wave, when Kohei runs up to the coach to ask for a high five.
"See you on Wednesday, Coach Kuroo!"
"See you then, Kohei. Good job today!" the coach says, matching his brother’s enthusiasm. He looks up to talk to Kenma next, his face suddenly donning a shy expression. "Will I see you on Wednesday too, Kozume-san?"
"Ah, no. I have work then." Kenma instantly feels as disappointed as Coach Kuroo looks. Letting his mouth run faster than his thoughts, he adds, "I’ll see you next Saturday, Coach Kuroo."
The coach’s face lights up before he replies, "Looking forward to it." A crooked grin replaces his bashful look and Kenma fights the urge to hide behind his hair. With a wave, the coach wishes them a safe trip home that they say in return.
Just a few steps away from the exit, Kohei suddenly exclaims, "Onii-chan, why’s your face so red?"
Kenma blurts out an excuse about the gym being too stuffy and the weather being too hot, before power walking away from the gym. Far away from Coach Kuroo.
When Kenma asks his mom if he can also take Kohei to volleyball camp next Saturday, it’s as if she’s been expecting him to request it.
With a smirk, she says, "My, my. My little homebody suddenly wants to go out next weekend too? I wonder what's gotten you so interested in the camp."
"I just wanna be a good older brother," he pouts, not liking what she was implying (even though he knows it’s true).
"Of course, of course."
She only stops teasing when he starts to whine.
It’s strange, almost suspicious, how four years ago neither Kenma nor his mother would have been able to imagine her supporting any sort of attraction her son could have towards another man. The Kozume household isn’t a religious one, but still conservative. It took a lot of arguing, distance, and Kohei’s unyielding desire to spend time with his older brother for Kenma’s parents to think "Hey, he’s still our son."
Now, his mother makes a fuss over every handsome man that Kenma talks about or interacts with. Only the real ones though, never characters in games. She doesn’t care about them if she can’t meet them in the flesh. Kenma’s grateful for the newfound love and support, but it gets a little ridiculous sometimes. He’s not attracted to all these handsome men. Not even the one from the volleyball camp.
That’s why he finds himself in the stiflingly hot gym the following Saturday, watching Kohei and his friends do drills. He’s wearing a white shirt and loose denim shorts today to let his legs breathe and get sunlight. Though at the strength of this heat he might get sunburned instead. Even with his hair tied up, sweat continues to drip down his neck.
The weather is a blessing in some ways though. Like how it forces Coach Kuroo to roll up his sleeves to his shoulders, showcasing his arms easily with every block and spike. Kenma is very tempted to take a video to send to Akaashi and Bokuto, but decides against it. He isn’t going to be creepy. He sticks to just staring at the coach all morning instead.
Coach Hinata took attendance earlier, much to Kenma's dismay. The other coach was delightful–albeit maybe a little too energetic–and complimented Kohei for at least five minutes straight. He called Kenma's hair nice too. Was he ever going to get through a morning here without blushing like a tomato?
During the break, Kohei goes straight to him to hand him a pack of cookies, saying that he'll eat his snacks with the others. Kenma thanks him, tells him to finish his water, and lets him go back to his friends. He’s about to fish out his 3DS when he feels someone sit down beside him.
"Hey," Coach Kuroo greets with a smile. He must have patted down before coming over, looking a little fresher than when he was playing with the kids. "You came."
"I told you I would," Kenma replies simply, trying desperately to keep his face from splitting into a grin. He opens the pack of cookies and offers it to the coach. The older man–Kenma's mom informed him out of the blue via text on Wednesday–gingerly takes one.
"Thanks." They fall into an awkward silence then. Nibbling at his cookie, Kenma wracks his brain for questions to ask and topics to talk about. Normally, he wouldn't even bother. What is it with Coach Kuroo making him want to be so social? (Really, Kenma already knows the answer, but is definitely still in denial. He is not crushing on a man he has only seen once before.)
"What did you–"
"Do you–"
"Oh, sorry. You go first."
"I was just gonna ask if you do this all year round," Kenma says.
This seems to be the right topic to ask if the sudden shine on Coach Kuroo's eyes is anything to go by. He turns his body as much as he can to fully look at Kenma. "Yes! Well, sort of. Not with volleyball camps. I'm a gym teacher, but I specialize in volleyball," he says with pride. His smile dips a little though before continuing, "My high school doesn't have a volleyball club though. But I'm trying to get some interested students to petition for one. I'm new, so the school might not grant it if I'm the only one that requests it."
"Ahh. I hope you get your club soon," Kenma says, sincere and genuine. Feeling the need to say a bit more, he adds, "You seem like a good coach to these kids. I'm sure your school will do well if they have you as a volleyball coach."
Coach Kuroo's mouth gapes and Kenma is about to laugh in his face when that mouth turns into a smirk instead. It would have looked suave, if there wasn’t a blush high on his cheeks. "Wow, Kozume-san. You're really packing in the compliments there. Did you enjoy watching me play so much?"
Now it’s Kenma’s turn to blush and attempt to cover it with a frown. He hears the coach’s laugh for the very first time then. It really shouldn’t be endearing—he sounds like a hacking wild animal—but Kenma feels his heart beat a little faster at the sound.
As an attempt to change the subject, Kenma says softly, "You can just call me Kenma, Coach Kuroo."
"Already dropping formalities, huh… Kenma," Kuroo gives him a cheeky little grin. “All right.” He scratches at his nose lightly, before speaking again, "You know, if you’re going to keep bringing Kohei on Saturdays, I can give you my number. Uhh, for emergency purposes, of course!" he hurries to add.
"Does that usually happen?" Kenma asks.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Guardians tell us they’re coming in late all the time or if their kid is sick."
Without saying anything else, Kenma takes his phone out from his bag, opening it up before handing it to Kuroo. It takes a second for him to respond, just blinking at the device, and then he's taking it from Kenma. The coach saves his contact as "Kuroo 😸". Kenma thinks the emoji is perfect.
"Hey Rooster Head!!"
Both of their heads snap up towards the shouting and they find Coach Hinata, Yachi, and all of the kids looking at them from the middle of the court. Some of the guardians are throwing glances at them too. Kenma instantly slouches to make himself smaller.
"The second half is starting, come on!" Coach Hinata shouts again.
Kuroo flashes Kenma an apologetic smile before running towards the group. The embarrassment is still very much weighing on his mind, but he also felt giddy at having Kuroo’s number. He beams at the fact that it was given to him. A little hope blooms in his chest as he watches today’s volleyball game.
Once the kids are dismissed, Kenma herds Kohei out of the gym before Kuroo could even station himself by the exit. It’s a little unfair not telling his brother why they’re hurrying home. But Kenma isn’t too keen on explaining that he sent one of his coaches a rather unsubtle text while they were playing.
[11:41] Hey, this is Kenma. Just in case you need to tell me if camp is cancelled or whatever.
Kuroo doesn’t strike up a conversation after replying an affirmative to that text, but it’s okay. It isn't like Kenma is expecting him to. He'll be at the next Saturday session and they'll talk there. No biggie.
"Kozume," Akaashi starts as he places a heavy hand on Kenma's anxious leg. "You're making the couch shake."
"Oh, sorry."
Kenma glances at the phone on the coffee table again, gnawing at his lips instead. Beside him, Akaashi tuts.
"I'm almost hurt that this crush of yours is affecting you like this during our movie night and I still don't know what he looks like," his roommate says coolly.
"I don't have a crush on him," Kenma groans, making sure that Akaashi sees him roll his eyes. Those same eyes dart on the phone's screen again when it suddenly lights up. But it's only a Twitter notification.
"Right, of course."
"Still, we wanna see this man’s face!" Bokuto chimes in from their recliner. "You’ve been ‘Kuroo this, Kuroo that’ for a whole week, but what if he’s actually hella ugly and you’re just suffering from heat stroke at the recreation center."
"Fuck you. I haven’t been delusional." Kenma picks up his phone in spite, going through his family’s group chat. When he finds a good photo of the older man with his family—Kuroo is standing next to Kenma’s parents, practically towering over everyone, smiling brightly at the camera—Kenma zooms in and throws the device onto Akaashi’s lap. "There," he declares.
Both of his roommates scramble for the phone like moths to a flame.
Bokuto whistles long and low. "That’s a fine looking man, Kenma."
"I’d have to agree," Akaashi says as he scrutinizes the photo further with his boyfriend.
Kenma tilts his head up a little, as if proud. "Of course he’s hot. I’ve always had good taste."
His roommates share a quick glance at one another before they look back at him with uneasy and doubtful smiles. Kenma won’t admit to thinking that okay, maybe he has had a few exes that made him look desperate.
"All right, that’s enough," Kenma almost hisses as he reaches for his phone only to place it back on the coffee table.
"Ouch, getting possessive already," Akaashi teases.
The huff Kenma lets out is soft, but the roommates catch it anyway. "I know I’m acting all expectant and stuff, but I don’t even know if there’s a chance. If he’s even into guys."
Bokuto makes a noise of affirmation in his seat. There’s a look of realization on his face as he says, "I think I played against this guy’s team in high school!" He pauses, racking his brain for more memories of Kuroo. "He was hella flirty with the other guys. Good at riling people up too."
"That’s nothing new with athletes though," his dark-haired roommate notes. "Even the straight ones join in."
Kenma groans, his hope slowly fading. He can feel both of his roommates thinking of a way to comfort him. Before either of them can try, Kenma waves a hand in the air in dismissal. "Whatever. I don’t have a crush on him."
It would’ve been convincing, would’ve gotten them off his back about this. Except Kenma perks up at the sound of another notification from his phone. He glances at the lightened screen, face morphing into a scowl when he sees it’s just another Twitter notification.
"Right, of course," Akaashi repeats, more mischievous than the first time.
The week goes by without a text from the coach and Kenma goes to the following Saturday session anyway. He does not sulk about it the whole time though, no matter what his roommates say.
How could he when Kuroo talks to him today as well, asking about what Kenma does for a living this time. He gets Kenma to talk for 15 minutes straight. Granted, it’s about video games. But it’s definitely a miracle since Kuroo’s still a stranger. He’s in the middle of babbling, when he realizes Kuroo’s listening to him intently. The attention makes him stutter, so he says he’s done after joking, "I guess this makes us natural enemies, huh? You encourage kids to be active and healthy, while I create games that make them sit on their asses for hours on end."
Kuroo chuckles and steers the conversation, "I take it you aren’t a sports kinda guy, then?"
"That’s pretty stereotypical," Kenma counters, but chuckles when Kuroo’s face starts to look panicked. "But it’s true for me. I don’t like doing anything physical. Don’t like getting sweaty."
Just as he says that last sentence, a drop of sweat rolls down the side of his neck and soaks into his loose shirt. Kenma cringes at the feeling.
"Ah, I see," Kuroo replies rather absentmindedly, despite looking directly at him.
"What?" Kenma raises an eyebrow, lips curling to one side.
"Nothing, nothing," the coach comes back to himself this time, smiling that annoyingly charming smile. "Just sucks that I gotta cross out offering to teach you how to play volleyball."
The snort Kenma lets out is rather unattractive, but Kuroo keeps looking like that plan of his was actually serious. With both brows raised now, Kenma asks, "Did you really think I’d say yes? I mean, look at me. Zero muscle definition."
Honestly, making Kuroo look at his body was not the smartest thing Kenma has done in recent memory. Especially a sweaty, worked up from coaching Kuroo with a gaze so intent Kenma feels like he’s going to melt. Those eyes notably linger on Kenma’s exposed thighs. At least the summer is good for some things, Kenma thinks.
Kenma wakes up with a pounding headache on Saturday. He winces at the memory of a bucket of beer, drained mostly by him at an izakaya last night. Normally, his team wouldn’t be able to rope the elusive programmer to drink with them after work. The look of surprise on their faces was priceless as he entered the bar. But he only had to say "Was in need of a drink" for them to cheer and usher him to sit down.
He opts to stay in bed for a bit more. Ignoring the desert in his throat and the hollow in his stomach. It’s already noon. What’s another few minutes without taking care of himself?
There are a few unread LINE messages from Akaashi, his mother, and two co-workers from last night. He opens the ones from Mrs. Kozume first.
[Mom 7:04] It’s okay! You go and rest today, honey. Don’t overwork yourself.
[Mom 10:51] A certain coach was asking about where you were earlier. I told him you weren’t feeling well and was supposed to give him your number so he can check up on you. But he already has it. ;)
[12:11] Mom why are you like this
[Mom 12:13] Has he messaged yet?
[12:14] I'm gonna make food now :)
His phone is promptly thrown to the foot of the bed before Kenma flips over to scream into his pillow. Kuroo was looking for him. Whether or not that actually means anything is unimportant. To his hungover brain, knowing Kuroo asked about him, said his name , that’s enough to power through the day.
Except Mrs. Kozume acted like a total mom too. Telling his not-crush to ask how he is. Kenma groans into the cotton now, embarrassed at the turn of events.
He’s about to open Akaashi’s messages when a new one comes in. The sight of the emoji cat already makes his heart beat a little faster.
[Kuroo 😸 12:21] Hey, I heard from your mom that you aren’t feeling well. Feel better soon. :)
After screaming into the pillow one more time, for good measure, Kenma replies. And he doesn’t stop replying because Kuroo keeps up the conversation all afternoon and well into the night.
To Kenma’s surprise, the two of them keep in contact throughout the week. Kuroo shares his summer routine outside of the camp. A photo of a healthy-looking meal. An anecdote about a neighbor. Some curriculum plans for the incoming school year. Kenma gets a few selfies here and there.
"You should send a photo too," Akaashi advises, mouth suddenly next to Kenma’s ear. The long-haired boy glares at him for the scare, which his roommate decides to ignore. "I take it that you and that coach finally grew some balls?"
They’re situated in their living room again. A Hollywood film plays with subtitles on, but Bokuto’s the only one paying attention to the training montage. Good thing he doesn’t mind chatter while watching. Akaashi looks hungry for details.
"We’ve been talking," Kenma offers. The raise of one of Akaashi’s perfectly shaped eyebrows forces him to add, "For almost a week now."
"And? Have you found out if he likes men yet?"
"No. How am I supposed to find that out through casual conversation?" he asks incredulously.
"If he offers the information himself. But anyway," his roommate sits closer to him, freely reading their message thread now. "Go send a photo too. Let’s see how he responds."
Kenma rolls his eyes, but lifts his phone up to his face anyway. He isn’t very fond of taking selfies, his insecurities getting the best of him with every click of the digital shutter. Though he thinks it’s only fair that he sends one in return. Besides, he thinks he looks good tonight. In the photo, Kenma’s lips are stretched into a tiny smile. He holds up a peace sign, his skin illuminated by the phone light. He captions the photo with Movie night with my roommates.
As they wait for Kuroo’s response, Akaashi prods some more. "Have you been dropping hints that you’re gay though?"
"I’ve been talking about the hot guys from my games… Does that count?" Kenma asks shyly. His friends already know he’s a huge nerd, but resorting to games for flirting is getting a little embarrassing for him.
"The characters you like all have bangs like he does though, right?" Bokuto suddenly joins in. He pulls his own hair down, casting it just above his eye to illustrate what he means. "All dark and brooding."
"I think that’s the point, Koutarou," Akaashi explains, voice fond. He looks back at Kenma and nods. "That’s a good strategy though. Very on-brand too."
When his phone pings with a new message, Bokuto bolts up from his position on the floor to witness Kuroo’s reply. He reads it outloud, "‘Cute. Shouldn’t you be paying attention to the movie then?’ With a winking emoji too! Kenmaaa, brooo!" Bokuto playfully shoves at his shoulder in excitement, making him knock into Akaashi who’s also grinning at the reply.
Kenma’s cheeks heat up at his friends’ enthusiasm and teasing, hopeful that things with Kuroo are going in the right direction. He can’t wait to see the coach at the camp on the weekend.
Turns out, Kenma will no longer see Kuroo on the weekends for summer volleyball camp because it ended on Wednesday, and nobody even thought of telling him.
[Little brother 7:35] Sorry, onii-chan! I thought mom already told you. :(
[Mom 7:42] Honey, it really slipped my mind! At least you don’t have to wake up so early on the weekends anymore. Thank you so much for your help. We love you!
He tells his family not to worry about it. The camp was for Kohei anyway, not him. But Kenma can’t help but feel a little dejected that even Kuroo failed to mention it. It possesses him with a confidence he didn’t know he had.
[7:50] Didn’t know the camp ended already. Was getting ready to go today.
[Kuroo 😸 7:53] Oh shit, Kenma I’m sorry!!! Things have been so hectic with the camp that I forgot to tell you :(
[Kuroo 😸 7:54] Forgive me?
[8:00] It’s cool. Just thought we’d get to talk in person again.
[Kuroo 😸 8:01] We can still hang out outside of the camp, you know
[Kuroo 😸 8:01] If you’re fine with that
Kenma stares at the messages. He expects them to disappear. To fly off out of the screen. Fool Kenma into thinking they were real. But a full minute passes and he can still read them. Hold them in his hand.
[8:03] Yeah, I’d like that.
That’s how Kenma finds himself opening the apartment door to welcome Kuroo in the afternoon of the same day. It turns out that neither of them had plans—lies, Kenma promised himself he’d buy new work clothes today—so Kuroo invited Kenma out.
[9:10] As long as this isn’t just some trap to teach me how to play volleyball, I’m okay with it
[Kuroo 😸 9:10] Nooooo Kenma! How’d you find out? >.<
They settled on going to an arcade.
"Hey, long time no see," Kuroo greets with a wide smile. He’s in comfortable casual clothes as opposed to his athletic wear during camp. The jeans look good on him, but Kenma misses seeing the coach’s legs.
"Y-yeah. Come in," he manages to stutter out, mind inappropriately swimming in memories of tan skin and lean muscles. As Kuroo removes his shoes by the door, Kenma shyly says, "I hope you don’t mind having to meet my ro—"
"Kenma!" Bokuto’s voice booms from the living area. Kenma still jumps at his friend’s volume despite being used to it and being shielded by a wall. "Is he there already?"
There’s already an apologetic look on Kenma’s face as he looks up to Kuroo. But the older man is just grinning. "That voice sounds really familiar," his guest says.
Sure enough, once Kuroo and Bokuto make eye contact, the white-grey haired man is off the couch in an instant. Akaashi huffs at the sudden jostling. The two men bump fists and fill the apartment with excited chatter.
"Dude, Bokuto Koutarou, right?"
Bokuto’s eyes shine a little bit more at being remembered. "Yeah, bro! I was surprised when Kenma showed us a photo of you. Didn’t think I’d see you after high school. We should’ve kept in touch!"
During his roommate’s rambling, Kuroo glances at Kenma now sitting on the couch. He raises an eyebrow at the blonde, teasing and questioning. The taller man didn’t need to say it out loud. You showed them a photo of me? Akaashi covers a chuckle with a cough. Kenma wills the furniture to swallow him whole.
"By the way, this is Akaashi!" Bokuto steps over to the couch, offering a hand to help Akaashi stand. After he greets their guest, Bokuto adds without hesitation, "He’s our other roommate and also my boyfriend."
The usual tension after such a reveal begins to settle into the space and Kenma doesn’t realize he’s starting to hold his breath. But Kuroo’s expression stays easy-going. He answers quickly, "Ahhh, Akaashi-san! I think I remember you from the crowd at Fukurodani during games. Now I know which player you were always keen on watching."
Akaashi blushes and forces his face to look unimpressed at being exposed. It’s Kenma’s turn to laugh at his friend’s embarrassment now.
"Aww, Akaashi you went to those games to watch me?" Bokuto coos before gathering his boyfriend into an embrace. Kissing whatever part of Akaashi’s face that his lips can reach.
"We should go," Kenma advises, nodding towards the front door. "They’re gonna be… at it for a while."
On the way to the train station, Kuroo bumps Kenma on the shoulder, making the shorter man look up. Kenma wishes he didn’t when he sees the smirk on Kuroo’s face. "Sooo, been showing me to your friends, huh?"
"I wasn’t showing you to them. It was a photo of my family and you just happened to be there with them," Kenma lies through his teeth. The photo sits among other images Kenma marked as his favorite on his phone.
"Of course, of course," Kuroo shrugs.
They walk in silence again, but Kenma can’t help but shake off the feeling of someone’s mischievous gaze on him. Looking straight on, he repeats, "Shut up, I wasn’t showing you to them."
"I wasn’t saying anything!" Kuroo’s full, loud laughter keeps playing in Kenma’s head even as they cut through the city on the train.
Kenma takes Kuroo to SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO. His previous visits have confirmed that he needs to be with someone else while there. The arcade can get crowded and noisy, but having a warm, solid wall of a human seems like a good buffer against his anxiety.
True to Kenma’s expectations, Kuroo isn’t as good as him at video games. Project DIVA is a bust. The sequence of symbols is too fast and Kuroo’s hands tangle from trying to hit the buttons every which way. Kenma hauls him away to some fighting game machines instead. The coach should be good at planning attacks and defense. Tekken should be easy and basic enough.
Kuroo admits he’s only played the game on other people’s PSPs before a few times. They go through character selection rather slowly. The coach starts to make comments about some of the male options ("I mean, the wings and chains are hot, yeah. But I think normal Jin is the man for me.") and Kenma internally screams.
"AHA! I beat you! I finally beat you!" Kuroo stands, pumping his arms in the air. He’s been sitting hunched over the machine, tongue sticking out in concentration while they play. His back must be aching now that he’s up again. He sighs. "That was difficult as fuck."
"Kuroo, you KOed me once… You have to do it again two more times," Kenma gently informs him.
Kuroo’s arms wilt to his sides. He sits down on the chair and pouts. "We’ve played like seven games and I still haven’t won?"
Kenma nods, fighting a grin from spreading on his face. When he sees Kuroo reluctantly looking at the screen, he asks, "Do you want to continue?" There’s an apologetic look on the older man’s face as he shakes his head. Kenma allows himself to give the older man a reassuring smile. "We can play those basketball and bowling games next. They’re on another level."
"Aww, Kenma! I knew I could charm you into playing sports!" Just like that, Kuroo’s mood is up again. Kenma rolls his eyes to divert the attention from his pink cheeks. Pretending he doesn’t actually like compromising just to make Kuroo grinning like usual again is probably better for his heart. Just like choosing to ignore what his words might mean.
They both leave the arcade hours later with full stomachs from the indoor restaurant and a long cat plushie each. Kuroo has his calico hooked under his arm. Kenma’s black cat peeks its head out of his backpack. A strip of photos of the two of them is tucked away in Kenma’s wallet. The older man was able to rope Kenma into a photobooth, but Kenma made sure to draw the line at using props and costumes.
"How are you going home?" Kenma asks as they walk towards the train station. It’s not too late in the night yet. Most people are still in malls, shops, and restaurants, leaving the streets a little more bearable to walk on.
"I can take a bus from your place."
"You’re… going back to my place?"
The surprised lilt in Kenma’s voice suddenly makes Kuroo panic, stuttering as he replies. "Oh, I-I mean— Wait, wait, okay. I just— I’m sorry for imposing. I just thought it was safer? And, uhm, I was enjoying myself…" He smiles at Kenma weakly and continues, "I can go home from here though, if you’re more comfortable with that."
"Hey, it’s okay," Kenma reassures as genuinely as he can. "We didn’t talk about it, so I was surprised. You can drop me off though."
The tension in Kuroo’s shoulders melts away.
After such an easy evening out with Kuroo, the younger man didn’t think they’d end the day awkwardly standing in front of Kenma’s apartment. Their eyes don’t meet, their stances unsure.
Kenma’s phone pings with Akaashi’s specific tone. It breaks him out of his stupor. Angling his body towards the entrance, he decides to finish the outing for the both of them. "I should probably go up now. Wouldn’t want you getting home late."
"Oh, yeah. Gotta catch the bus," Kuroo says a little absent-mindedly. He’s looking at Kenma as if he’s convincing himself to do something. Kenma’s heart squeezes.
Smiling at the taller man, he says, "I had a really fun time, Kuroo. Good night. Get home safe."
"I did too! Good night, Kenma."
A beat passes and they’re still standing there. Kenma chuckles softly and Kuroo mirrors the sound. But Akaashi’s tone pings in Kenma’s pocket again, so he turns to the entrance for real this time.
That’s it, he thinks. There will be other times. They don’t even have to be anything beyond friends.
Kenma’s about to punch in the building’s code when he hears Kuroo calling his name. He only has to walk towards him a little, the older man having walked closer.
"Yeah?" Kenma prays he doesn’t sound too hopeful.
Kuroo’s eyes look determined now as he says, "I know this might fuck everything up, but I don’t think I’d be able to go to sleep without saying this." He pauses to take a deep breath. "I want to consider tonight as a date."
The confession actually makes Kenma’s jaw drop. This is such an ideal situation, he’s actually speechless. Kuroo seems to take it the wrong way though. With withering confidence, he adds, "Sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed. Just because your roommates… Yeah… I’ll just…" Instead of finishing his sentence, Kuroo just points behind him to the vague direction of the bus stop.
"Wait, Kuro—" Kenma calls softly, cutting himself off at Kuroo looking back up at him so quickly. The hope in his eyes matches Kenma’s tone earlier. "I want to tell Akaashi and Bokuto that this was a date too…"
The grin that splits on Kuroo’s face shines so bright, Kenma briefly forgets how dark it is beyond the apartment entrance lights. Kuroo steps closer, looking giddy.
Do you usually take your students’ guardians out on dates?"
Kuroo shakes his head. "There's a first for everything, I guess." He scratches the back of his head and looks at their feet. Kenma thinks Kuroo looks so young like this, shy and wanting. Boyish. Cute. Kuroo meets his eyes again and asks, "Wanna… go on another one?"
"Sure," Kenma gives him a smile that he doesn’t know matches Kuroo’s.
Months later, when Kenma brings Kuroo to the Kozume home for dinner, his mother shoots him a sly, satisfied smile in the kitchen. In between ordering her older son to bring this and that to the dining table, she says, "That summer volleyball camp was a bargain, huh? Kohei wasn’t the only one who benefited."
"Oh my god, mom. Please, do not let Kuroo hear you," Kenma pleads. He can already imagine Kuroo going with that line of teasing.
"Don’t let me hear what?" Kuroo asks as he enters the kitchen with Kohei, the both of them looking ready to help out.
"Nothing. It’s a secret," Kenma blurts out, grabbing a pot of stew to bring to the table.
He’s halfway through the door when he hears Kohei exclaim that he also has a secret. Out of the corner of his eye, Kenma sees his younger brother pull his boyfriend down so that the small boy can whisper in his ear. In a very much audible volume to everyone in the room, Kohei confides to Kuroo, "Don't tell Coach Hinata—he’s great too!—but you've always been my favorite, Coach Kuroo."
Kenma laughs at the confession and thinks that Kuroo's definitely his favorite too.