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“I fall in love just a little,
oh a little bit every day with someone new.”
— Hozier
Kuroo had always wondered how such a small, fragile word like love could be so powerful. Only four letters, but its impact could set someone on fire, set warmth into someone’s heart as much as burn them inside out. Love is beautiful, but dangerous, as much as fire gives birth, it also turns anything into ashes. Kuroo was persuaded, though, love was the best miracle of this world.
One look at his parents would be enough proof; their love was pure and strong, a model for Kuroo and his sister. They loved through gestures and services, preparing a bento early in the morning, coming back from work with small gifts and attention for each other, or the multiple looks of fondness cast through the day.
Kuroo would have never thought that even such strong love could shatter apart, that such sincere affection wasn’t enough to keep a family living. Their divorce was one of the hardest things Kuroo went through in his life. As much as his mother tried to soothe him, telling him he was still loved, that it wasn’t his and his sister’s fault, nothing could have made this part of his life easier to bear.
His mother left them anyway, taking custody of his sister and moving away from his dad and him. Where once was happiness and fondness in his father’s eyes, laid only remorse and sadness now. Kuroo hated it.
“Do you have regrets?” Kuroo asked one night, as they were both lying on the couch in front of an old movie neither of them were actually watching.
It still took a few seconds for his father to turn to him, questioning. “About what?”
“Loving mom.”
Kuroo couldn’t help the bitterness in his voice, his insides burning in pain. He wished he wouldn’t be mad at his mother, he wished everything was simpler, but he couldn’t help it. And judging by his father's sad gaze, he knew it too.
“Never. She is the greatest love of my life, and even if it didn’t work out in the end, I spent so many good moments with her that I would change for nothing in the world.”
Kuroo sank into the couch, frowning. “But you’re hurt now. What’s the point?”
“You can’t be happy without expecting to be sad, and you can’t love without expecting to be hurt. It’s just the way life works.”
“Well, it sucks.”
His father laughed, a fond smile on his lips as he shuffled Kuroo hair. He lightly bumped their shoulder and asked to ease the mood.
“Why are you suddenly talking about this? Someone caught your eye?”
See, Kuroo had been eager to know romantic love since he was a child, to experience love like his parents, to meet someone that would love him and let him love them. But that was before witnessing the aftermath of loving someone so deeply. His lack of answer was enough for his father to understand, as he sighed. Kuroo got defensive.
“It’s just that I don’t want to end up hurt like you are and make people around me sad.”
As soon as the words escaped his mouth, he winced, knowing he was brutal. After all, he wasn’t the only one hurting in this scenario, and blaming his parents for his pain wasn’t a smart move. But when he looked up at his father, he was smiling tenderly at him.
“No matter what will happen in your life, Tetsu, remember something. Love is always worth living. Don’t sum it up so negatively, the same flame that burns inside me today is the same one that made me live the happiest moments of my life. So don’t be reluctant, love quickly, love deeply, love everyone. Trust me.”
It took him some time to learn to love, but Kuroo would trust his father eyes closed, so he did. And he found out loving was as easy as breathing for him, as if he was born to share his affection with others. They moved out of the city, for a fresh new start at his grandparents’ as his dad said, and he met Kenma.
Kenma was easy to love, harder to manage. It took some work for him to allow Kuroo’s affection into his life, but Kuroo persisted, and his efforts paid off. Kenma was for Kuroo the realization that love was worth the risk, and that he would never regret letting Kenma in his life. He was the light Kuroo needed to understand how much love he was capable of giving. Not only because of their incredible bond, but also because Kenma was his first romantic love.
He remembered the sheer panic rising in his chest when he realized it, memories of his mom and dad’s arguments and divorce flashing through his mind. He didn’t regret falling in love with his best friend, he would never. But that didn’t mean he was afraid of losing the only person he had left other than family. He had chosen Kenma, and he didn’t want to lose him.
And Kuroo, Kuroo was an incredible liar. He could lie through his teeth effortlessly, hiding his feelings and worries for others’ sake. But Kenma had a lot of qualities, and analyzing Kuroo was an activity that he was excellent at.
“Kuro, you’re being weird.”
The voice cutting through the comfortable silence they’ve been lying into for an hour now made Kuroo frown, as he looked up from his book. Kenma was sitting on his bed, still focused on his game despite the sudden accusation. Kuroo looked down at his book, his position, he observed the room and then Kenma again, trying to understand where this statement came from but found himself empty; staring at his best friend in confusion.
Kenma clicked his tongue, “I don’t mean like right now. I mean, generally.”
Kuroo arched his brow, letting out a chuckle. “Thanks? What’s with the sudden roasting?”
Kenma finally paused the game, looking up with worried and annoyed eyes. “Don’t play fool, Kuro. You’ve been acting strange for a while now. Is something wrong?”
Kuroo had indeed been acting weird lately, since he realized that his love for his best friend turned into a less platonic feeling. He tried though, he really tried to hide everything, but it was difficult to hide a heartbeat when Kenma was lying against his chest, or not hold his breath when he could smell Kenma’s shampoo when they hugged. It was hard, really, to keep doing everything they did casually, considering how close they’ve gotten over the years.
But again, Kuroo was a good liar, so he smiled. “Nothing you should worry about, kitten. At least not until you’ll be in high school with me and understand how much more stressful it is.”
There was a heartbeat, where Kuroo was certain he got off this one easily. But Kenma hesitated, wincing, “It’s not just that. I feel like I did something wrong, but you don’t want to hurt me, so you don’t say anything.”
Kuroo instinctively let his book down to climb on the bed with Kenma, frowning deeply and shaking his head, his hand reaching for his friend’s cheeks. “You did nothing wrong at all. Please, get that idea out of your mind.”
Kenma bit his lip, looking away. “Then what is it?”
“It’s-” A sighed. “You know-” A groan. “I wish I could tell you, but this could fuck up everything.”
Kenma frowned, looking at Kuroo again. “I don’t want to pry, but this is worrying me.”
And right here, right now, Kuroo knew he couldn’t get away from it. Because Kenma thought he did something wrong, and for nothing in the world Kuroo could let him believe that. Because Kenma would be incapable of hurting him, not willingly, and he’d be damned if he’d let him believe otherwise. So Kuroo let out a shaky breath, closing his eyes shut.
“Promise me it won’t change anything.”
“Kuro, please. Talk to me.”
Kuroo’s heart was on the edge of a chasm, ready to jump, to explode and burst, ready to give up, beating miles per hour against his ribcage. It was eyes closed that he finally confessed with a shaky voice.
“I’m in love with you.”
When he finally opened his eyes, he found himself facing a wide-eyed Kenma, mouth slightly agape. Kuroo’s mouth turned up in a sad smile, heart missing several beats. Kenma would never hurt him, not willingly. It was his own fault if he was hurt, his fault for falling in love in the first place.
“Oh.” Kenma finally said, fidgeting with his fingers.
“You don’t have to say anything. I wasn’t searching for reciprocation or anything, really. I just wanted to make sure you knew you did nothing wrong.” His voice was soothing, as usual, but deep inside, Kuroo was thinking about his dad and how similar they were.
“It’s not that, it’s just-” Kenma started, wincing. “I don’t know if that will make you feel better, but I don’t-” He sighed, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. “You are really important to me, and I don’t think there is anyone I love more on this planet, but I just… I don’t do romance.” There was a slight pause, where Kenma made eye contact, trying to convey all his feelings through the gaze. But he added, to make sure Kuroo understood. “At all.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah.”
Kuroo’s smile turned genuine, and soon enough, at both his and Kenma’s surprise, a wholehearted laugh bubbled out of him, making him bend down and hold his stomach for breath. Kenma joined him, making Kuroo’s heart flutter with relief and happiness.
“When I think-” Kuroo started, stopping himself to calm his breath. “When I think it was that simple all along, and I’ve been my idiot self for months.”
Kenma smiled at him, biting his lips. “Aren’t you mad? Or disappointed?”
Kuroo shook his head, holding Kenma’s cheeks between his hands. “Never. Please, knowing that you already love me at your most is everything to me. As long as we’re together, I’m happy.” He paused, smiling. “Does it make you uncomfortable that I have feelings for you?” Kenma shook his head. “Is it fine if I show it?”
Kenma rolled his eyes, biting off a laugh. “As long as you don’t go screaming about it over the rooftops of Tokyo, it’s fine.”
And so Kuroo did. He loved Kenma shamelessly, not afraid of admitting it, of showing it, while always making sure Kenma was fine with it. He loved freely, a love that eventually turned into something that will forever stay with him, but not keep him from loving someone else. Because Kuroo’s heart was big like that, and he knew, he knew, he was capable of so much more love.
Kuroo would have never thought someone else was capable of loving as much as him, or even more. Until he met Bokuto Koutarou.
Bokuto was… something. Strong, powerful, his presence never went unnoticed. It was probably what caught Kuroo’s eyes first, his presence, his loud voice and warm aura. He saw him walking through the door of the gym, chest puffed up, smile as bright as the sun and Kuroo knew straight away; he was going to love the shit out of this man. Willingly, purposely. Because Kuroo felt, even before knowing him, that this two toned hair owl deserved the best in the world.
And Kuroo was rarely wrong. Getting to know Bokuto was easy, loving Bokuto was easier, and to his own surprise, letting himself be loved in return turned out to be easier than he thought. They just clicked, enemies on the court, mentors during practice, and best friends everywhere else.
They were also shameless and two complete idiots when paired together, but Kuroo loved that. He loved how passionate and overwhelming their friendship was. And Kuroo knew, even before feeling it, that he would fall romantically in love with Bokuto. He was excited, excited to witness his feelings change, excited to spend the most beautiful and wonderful moments alongside Bokuto.
He wasn’t afraid, not at all, because Bokuto was love impersonated. He had a philosophy; people deserved to know how much they were loved, and Kuroo wasn’t afraid to do the same with him. That was why they found themselves laying on Kuroo’s bed, head hanging upside down, holding hands.
“Dude,” Bokuto murmured, turning his head to see Kuroo better.
“Yeah?”
“Can I tell you something?”
“No.”
There was a slight pause, as Kuroo just stared at the ceiling, swinging his feet that were hanging on the other side of the bed, now too small for his tall body. He couldn’t stay unfazed long enough though, as he turned with a smile, which turned into a whole laugh after seeing his friend’s vexed gaze. Bokuto groaned, pushing him away with his free hand, before smiling at his turn.
“Don’t care, I’ll say it anyway.”
“Hm?”
“I love you.”
Kuroo couldn’t help the smile growing on his lips as he turned to look at Bokuto. “Is this supposed to be breaking news?”
He dodged the kick, laughing again before squeezing Bokuto’s hand.
“I’m serious Tetsu.” Bokuto continued, refusing to break eye contact. “I’m in love with you. The ‘I want to kiss you on the mouth’ type of I love you.”
Kuroo’s genuine smile turned into a smirk, and he raised a brow. “Nothing we haven’t done yet.”
Bokuto groaned, moving to hide his face in Kuroo’s neck. “I hate you.”
“Bo.” Kuroo answered, squeezing his hand again. But Bokuto only groaned further, his breath against Kuroo’s skin sending shivers down his spine. “Bo,” he tried again, taking Bokuto’s face in his free hand.
Bokuto finally looked up, cheeks slightly red. It looked delightful on him, and Kuroo would do anything to see this shade on him again and again. He cupped Bokuto’s cheek, and smiled tenderly. And without another word, he closed the space between them, tasting what he knew already, but still felt different. Kissing Bokuto was everything, soft and eager, firm and passionate. Kuroo's heart was beating so hard in his head that he got dizzy, lips turning into a smile the longer they kissed.
When they parted a few minutes later, unable to bear any sort of distance between them now, Kuroo whispered in Bokuto’s ear, for him only to know and appreciate. “I am in love with you too.”
It all felt surreal, too good to be true, but Kuroo would not question it for a second. There was nothing to question anyway; they were best friends and now lovers, ready to fight the world together. And if they were already shameless and inseparable before, it was nothing compared to now. And Kuroo was happy, probably the happiest he had ever been.
The thing was, they were too close to each other, too dependent on each other to support a long distance relationship. They’ve tried, really, really hard. Spent hours on the phone when Bokuto was away for volleyball, while Kuroo stayed in Tokyo, studying. They’ve cried more than they would admit, lonely and in pain, longing for each other’s touch.
Kuroo was the one who decided to put an end to their relationship. They still loved each other, that was undeniable. But they were both too hurt to continue like this, and Kuroo wanted Bokuto to be happy, to enjoy his team and his glory, without having to worry about Kuroo. They stayed good friends, of course. They could never get enough of each other anyway, and not being in each other’s life anymore felt forbidden. But at least, they were now both free to let their love bloom, and maybe find someone else, closer.
It was hard. Kuroo was lost. Without his friends by his side, Bokuto travelling around Japan, Yaku in Russia, Kai with his family, and even Kenma, now a well recognized youtuber, Kuroo didn’t know what to do. But as his mother had said; love is not always enough, it is what it is. So he continued on, moving forward and searching for his own fulfillment.
He found it at JVA, doing what he loved best; helping people in his favourite discipline. He assisted in an enormous amount of meetings and shooting, travelling around Japan at his turn. That was how he met Miwa.
Miwa was probably the last person he’d thought he’d be close with. Hell, he didn’t even know she was Tobio’s sister before she started working with him on meetings. She was kind, with a lot of sarcastic humour that Kuroo appreciated a lot. She helped him choose clothes that fitted his body more, gave him so much advice for his hair and his skin.
And if Kuroo had seen him fall in love with Bokuto from the beginning, he didn’t see him fall in love with Miwa at all.
It started slowly, with staying a bit longer after meetings to talk about the weather, talking about their life while she’d help him get ready for a shooting, or organizing a self care night, where they’d drink wine with beauty masks on, painting their nails. And just like that, they found themselves kissing each other, at four in the morning, a bit tipsy.
Being with Miwa was simple and fun. They’d text each other to meet, eat and drink together, talk about everything and nothing, but mostly subjects that were dear to their heart, before kissing again, finishing the night in bed. It was a different love from what Kuroo had experienced until now, but it was pleasant, enough for him to feel giddy when she’d roll her eyes and take her tongue out at him.
“What in the world did you do to your hair?” Miwa snapped as he opened the door, not letting Kuroo the time to explain himself and walking in as if she was at her house.
“It was a lazy week.” He shrugged, closing the door behind her. He looked, laid against the wall as she took her jacket off, sat on the couch and poured herself a glass of wine.
“You can’t have a lazy week when you have that kind of hair.” She handed him a glass, and Kuroo smiled, joining her. He was about to sit when she clicked her tongue, standing up. “No time to chill, let’s fix that.”
She took the bottle with her, and walked to the bathroom. Kuroo couldn’t help the chuckle, as he shook his head fondly, following her. Miwa turned on the bath, and Kuroo settled all the product and drink on a small table, before he got rid of his clothes and entered the bath, letting the warm water soothe him. Miwa placed herself behind him, and Kuroo relaxed as she started playing with his hair, untangling them with her fingers.
Kuroo closed his eyes, enjoying the moment, and the feeling of letting someone else take care of him for once, content. Miwa took her time to wash his hair, using all the products for longer than necessary. She was rinsing the conditioner when she talked again.
“Did you talk to Kenma about my advice?”
Kuroo laughed, turning around to raise an eyebrow at her. She rolled his eyes, knowing exactly what was coming. “We’re naked, taking a bath, and you’re really thinking about Kenma’s hair?”
She couldn’t help the smile on her own lips, even though she visibly tried to, and chose to kick him instead. “His hair is too greasy. It’s great that he’s doing cool braids and all that shit with it, but it could be so much more beautiful if he’d just listen to my advice.”
“He won’t though.”
She dramatically sighed, shaking her head. “Yes, and that’s the problem.”
Kuroo turned around, receiving a half glare as she wasn’t finished with his hair, but he didn’t care. He brought her closer, leaving a kiss on her lips, smiling. You are amazing, this first murmured. He kissed her again. She smiled. I care about you, this one sang. She kissed him, both cupping each other’s cheeks. I love you.
They never truly said the words aloud, too scared maybe, or probably because they knew their love wasn’t meant to last. But they showed it in different ways, through gestures and service, listening to the other complain while taking care of them, or roasting each other lovingly, until they’d make out. It was a pretty love, one that Kuroo felt in his body like a fresh breeze, the first love that didn’t take all his soul and heart, but was still important in his life. The love flew away with the wind too, and Kuroo kept a warm and soothing memory of it.
Truly, Kuroo was just amazed at how different love could be between people. He had never experienced the same love twice, and all of them had been, and still are, important to him. Putting aside the romantic love, Kuroo had let so many people in his life, opening the gate of his heart to whoever would accept his love.
Yaku was one of them. They started off on the wrong foot in high school, but quickly turned this little rivalry into a friendship. As weird as their relationship was, Kuroo had always considered Yaku higher than a friend. In fact, the fierce man had been walking on a tightrope between friendship and romance, never falling in one of the cases completely.
They never tried to clarify things though, just content being who they were, acting as they pleased, without worrying too much and risking ruining the chemistry that they had.
“What the fuck are those?” Yaku almost screamed, pulling the phone screen closer to him and squinting to see better. Kuroo rolled his eyes, swallowing the laugh bubbling at seeing only Yaku’s forehead on the screen.
“They’re called glasses. I think you should get a pair of them if you’re not able to see them up close.”
Yaku snorted, finally putting distance between him and the phone so Kuroo could see him better. Kuroo put down his phone next to his computer, and continued working as if Yaku hadn’t suddenly video called him in the middle of the night.
“They’re horrible.”
“You’re horrible and I don’t say it to you every time you call, so shut up.”
“Your hair looks nice, though.”
“Thanks, I like your new piercing.”
Kuroo offered him a smile, as Yaku grinned to show his new lobe piercing. He had been talking about it for years now, pestering Kuroo about not having the money, or the time, or the authorization to do so. But he finally got it done, had been talking about it for a week now, and Kuroo was seeing it for the first time.
It looked really good on him, especially with the whole new look going on since he flew away from Tokyo. Kuroo loved to tease him and tell he looked expansive, but that was the truth. He was handsome in a way that felt surreal, as if he came straight out of a magazine. And the piercing did him justice. Kuroo himself had gotten one, and had teased Yaku for weeks about it, owing him a cold shoulder for a few days.
“How’s the superstar going?” Yaku asked, resting his head over his hand, looking down at the phone. Kuroo’s heart missed a bit.
“I don’t know, how are you going?” He answered, arching a brow. He smiled at Yaku’s attempt to roll his eyes and seem annoyed, typing on his computer casually.
“Smooth motherfucker. I’m doing great though! Getting sore from all that volleyball practice, Russians really aren’t playing when it comes to this.”
“Neither are you.” Kuroo remarked.
Yaku smiled, “Yeah, neither am I. They lack a bit when it comes to support and membership, but it’s still manageable.”
Kuroo laughed, stretching and closing his doc, deciding it was time for him to chill a bit. He couldn’t really concentrate anyway, no matter how many times he already tried when calling his friend.
“Not everyone can be as supportive as me.” He joked, turning to the phone and giving Yaku his full attention.
“Yeah, not everyone is.”
Kuroo’s eyes turned fond, as he mirrored Yaku’s pose. He liked how he always had to decipher what Yaku actually meant behind his words, and sometimes finding little gems like this one. Kuroo shook his head.
“I miss you too.”
And that was a terrible truth, that actually tore Kuroo from the inside. Because yes, even if he enjoyed loving people, even though loving someone was one of his favourite things in the world, it didn’t mean he wasn’t hurt. His dad had warned him back then, and Kuroo wouldn’t change a thing even with the pain, but still, the pain was very much there.
It happened a lot at night, or when he was alone. Missing the way he and Kenma were so close before, how life was easier. School wasn’t the best, but at least they had time to have fun, time to chill, and less responsibility. They could just decide to fall asleep on each other for the sake of it, or go for a walk to eat ice cream. But now that he was employed, and that Kenma had more and more time taking projects, it was difficult to spend time with each other.
Kuroo missed everyone, he missed Bokuto; the way they would cry of laughter for absolutely nothing, his warm kisses that made him feel like he was the most precious thing on earth, his jokes, his hugs. They still called each other a lot, but it wasn’t enough, there was no contact, just a screen, like Yaku. Kuroo missed the way Miwa would make him forget about all of this, the way she would just distract him, showering him with gestures and love.
He could cry himself to sleep at night, or spend hours looking at his ceiling, asking fate what he did wrong to deserve this. He wanted to know a love like his parents’ before they grow up, to have someone that loves him just as much as he would, without anything coming between them. He was lonely instead, trying to give a sense to his life, without knowing where to go.
Iwaizumi helped him. A lot. It started as a simple, quick way to get distracted. Kuroo didn’t even remember how they got to talk that much, and even less how they ended up being each other’ s stress relief. But they would see each other several times per week, drink and watch a movie together before switching to a more passionate activity.
Kuroo loved that. Iwaizumi was full of love too, eager to show anyone how he could take care of them, how important they were. And because Kuroo was Kuroo, it eventually grew into something more. Talking about their day, their dreams, their relationships, naked in the bed. Cooking specialties for each other just because they mentioned it the night before, or working out together, because who could be better workout buddies than two buff men, both working in the sports industry.
Until the together became together . They never said or asked anything about it, but they grew into a couple. They started going exclusive, bringing bentos to work, or going on dates even though they’d never call each other boyfriends. Still, their relationship, whatever was it called, was full of love and tenderness, affection and attention.
“”Here.” Kuroo said, throwing a cloth at Iwaizumi who caught it midair. “You forgot your shirt at my house last week.”
Iwaizumi raised a brow, “I didn’t even notice.”
“Yeah,” Kuroo grunted, sitting at a sports machine. Iwaizumi stood up, putting the shirt on a bench and standing behind Kuroo to spot him. “Me neither. Grandma was the one who told me. I was wearing it yesterday.”
“How’s everyone?”
Kuroo exhaled, wincing from the effort and the question. “Good I guess. Ma’s sick but pretending that everything’s okay, Pa’s is slowly losing his mind and memories, but they’re looking out for him and dad is working.”
Iwaizumi hummed, bending down to put an upside down kiss on Kuroo’s lips before Kuroo got off the machine, leaving the place to Iwaizumi. He took his friend’s previous place, and watched the muscles get to work, encouraging him with little taps on his shoulders after every ten reps.
“I still don’t know why I look like a baguette compared to you, even if we do exactly the same exercises.” Kuroo sighed dramatically, shaking his head.
Iwaizumi laughed, a sound that made Kuroo smile and eyes twinkle, delighted by the sight and sound. “I have better genes, that’s all.”
Kuroo nodded, giving him a good job kiss, before handing him a bottle of water. “Yes, you do.”
Iwaizumi blushed, still not used to Kuroo’s honest compliment. A sight that Kuroo enjoyed way too much and used a lot to his advantage. They built their couple in little attention like this one, kisses to congratulate the other, always handing what the other needed before they could ask, showering the other with compliments because they could, because they loved it and they loved each other.
Iwaizumi showed him a sincere, simple love. One based on trust and respect for each other. A love that reminded Kuroo that love is infinite, unique, and truly one of the best things in the world. That it didn’t always need labels, that it wasn’t supposed to be like everyone wanted it to be. Love was between two people, and sometimes even more, but it was only for the people involved to know, decide, and choose what was best for them.
“You didn’t have to, kid.”
Kuroo smiled, eyes focused on the road as he answered to his dad over the speakerphone. “It’s the least I can do. It won’t be as good as Grandma’s cake, but at least they won’t feel bad for not being able to bake me one.”
“You know she’s going to judge you, right?” His father laughed, and Kuroo could almost see him shake his head.
“I know. But hey, I cooked it with a lot of love and that’s what counts.” Kuroo answered, laughing at his turn. “Now, go get some rest, I’m halfway there.”
Even after his father hung up, Kuroo couldn’t help the smile on his lips. It had been a while since he visited his family, and he was glad that his weekend of all weekends, the weekend of his birthday, he was free from work. He had hoped to spend it with some friends, nothing too fancy, just to say he won’t be alone on his birthday. But his father had insisted for him to come back to his hometown for the weekend. And Kuroo was more than happy to come.
It was already night when he pulled over in front of his grandparents’ house, already feeling his heart filled with sweet melancholy. He looked at the living room’s window, where the lights and shadows of his grandpa were casting on the drapes. He took the cake he had baked earlier this morning, and walked straight to the door, eager to see his family again.
When he opened the door though, he was welcomed neither by his grandparents, nor his father, but a crowd of people, standing in the entryway, with big smiles on their faces.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
Kuroo stood there, breathless, heart beating so fast in his chest he thought he was going to faint. He looked, dumbfounded, as every single one person he had ever truly loved was standing there with them. There was his family, of course, standing up front, with the biggest smiles of the party. Kenma was next to his dad, hands in his pockets, looking at him with so much fondness Kuroo was sure if his heart wouldn’t be the reason he’d faint, Kenma’s gaze would.
There was a good part of Nekoma, Kai with his fiancé, holding their child, Lev, next to Alisa and Yaku, Fukunaga, who Kuroo hadn’t seen in ages. There was Akaashi, standing next to Oikawa and Iwaizumi, all three looking gorgeous, with a smirk on their faces. There was Bokuto, who was biting his lips and swinging on his tiptoes, probably doing everything in his power not to run and jump on him. There was even Miwa and Tobio, who looked very constipated next to a very enthusiastic Hinata. Finally, Kenma’s mom and dad, who still lived next door, were both leaning on the wall in each other’s arms, as if they thought they didn’t belong here. But god, they did.
Every single person Kuroo loved, was standing in this very small room, even though some of them had a strict workplace, even though some of them had to take hours by plane to get there. On Kuroo’s birthday, because they loved Kuroo back.
Truly —and everyone had expected it anyway— Kuroo’s heart wasn’t strong enough for this. And naturally, he broke down crying, hiding his face between his hands and turning his back to everyone to try and keep a little bit of his pride. He felt blessed, so happy and lucky to have all these people in his life, to have loved them and accepted their love in return. So lucky to be part of their life just as much as they are part of his life.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, which he recognized as his father’s. And by the way his father’s voice cracked when he talked, Kuroo knew they were both crying.
“I’m proud of you, son. You accepted love instinctively, without responsibilities or conditions, and look where you are now.” Kuroo turned to face him, only to pull him into a hug, hiding his face in the crook of his neck. “Thank you for trusting me.”
“I love you, dad.”
“I love you too. We all do.”