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It all started in high school, when Atsumu first saw the ravenette. The two of them were on opposing teams during his first Inter High. Atsumu was sitting on the bench, waiting for the game to start, when a certain player caught his eye. He seemed to be Atsumu’s age, but he was on the court; Atsumu was jealous. Soon, after the whistle was blown, jealousy turned to awe at the perfect set the boy made. Atsumu should have known the boy was a setter; he carried himself with grace. There was practically no time between the boy’s set and the ball hitting the floor; his set was spot on. It was at that moment Atsumu knew he had to befriend the boy with dark hair.
Three years later, Atsumu smiled at the sight of Akaashi’s name next to his on the door of their shared dorm.
Four years later, Atsumu is twirling his keys, waiting for Keiji to come out of the library. The sun is setting in a couple hours, and Atsumu has the perfect place to take Keiji to watch the sun set. He also has the perfect plan to confess his feelings for Keiji. Tomorrow is graduation day, and Atsumu has decided he can’t wait any longer to tell his best friend how he feels. He hopes it works out because he knows he’ll see Keiji due to them moving to the same city for work. Atsumu has been signed to the MSBY Jackals, located in Osaka; Keiji has taken an editing job that’s also in Osaka. Finally, after a few moments of waiting, Keiji steps into the cold, winter air. His eyes light up at the sight of Atsumu in front of him.
“Atsu, hey. What are you doing here?”
“You. Me. Mini roadtrip, right now,” Atsumu says, holding his keys up. Keiji laughs.
“I don’t even have–”
“Any clothes? I packed before I came to pick ya up.”
“And what makes you think I’d agree to go on this trip with you?”
“Ya’d go anywhere with me. Ya’ve said so yerself.”
Keiji sighs, shaking his head. “Fine.”
“Yes!” Atsumu exclaims. He rushes to the other side of the car, and opens the door for Keiji.
“Thank you, kind sir,” Keiji teases.
“Only the best for my roommate,” Atsumu says. Hopefully my soon-to-be boyfriend, he thinks to himself.
Atsumy runs back to the driver’s side and hops in. He starts the car, before grabbing a black cord and handing it to Keiji. The other man’s eyes widen; Atsumu never gives anyone aux privileges.
“Special occasion?” he asks, taking the cord.
“Nah. I just don’t feel like playin’ DJ today.”
Keiji shrugs and plugs his phone in. After a few swipes on his phone, Keiji’s playlist begins to play over the speakers. It is a mix of slow and calming songs; Keiji listens to it when he studies, but this is the first time he’s played it in front of Atsumu.
“So, would you mind telling me where we’re going? You could be kidnapping me,” Keiji says, not taking his eyes off of his phone.
“Ah, yes. Our eight-year friendship was an elaborate scheme to kidnap ya. Congrats on figurin’ it out, detective Keiji,” Atsumu responds, laughing a bit.
“Told you I’d figure you out one day, Atsu. Now seriously. Where are we going?”
“I could keep it a surprise, but the last thing I need is ya callin’ the cops on me. My ma has a cabin about thirty minutes from campus. It has a real nice view overlookin’ a cliff and the forest. I figured ya’d need a break, and this’d be a good chance for that. Besides, if yer good, I’ll cook ya breakfast.”
“I see. Well, that’s very sweet, Atsu. I did need a break, though, I was just going to go back to Tokyo for the weekend. But this is a really nice idea. Thank you.”
“Anything fer my favorite person. Don’t tell ‘Samu I said that, he’ll kill me,” Atsumu says.
“Your secret is more than safe with me, Atsumu,” Keiji replies. Looking over, he sees Keiji’s hand face up, while he leans his head back and closes his eyes. In a moment of bravery, Atsumu decides to interlace their fingers. He sees a small smile on Keiji’s face, and knows he made the right choice.
After a few minutes of silence, Atsumu says, “So how do ya think ya did on yer final?”
“Atsu, please. One, I know I did great. Two, I want to escape school chatter for a little bit, if that’s okay with you,” Keiji mumbles. Atsumu hums in response. “Say, tell me about this team you’re joining next year.”
“How’d ya find out about that? Wait, don’t answer that. Let me guess; It was–”
“Bokuto,” they say at the same time. The two erupt into laughter, and a light conversation carries on from there. Their hands never break apart.
-
“And, we’re here!” Atsumu says, pulling into the driveway.
“Finally. I need to stretch my legs.”
“Okay, yer highness. Let me set our things inside and then we can walk to the cliff.”
“Don’t call me that,” Keiji says, smacking Atsumu’s arm.
“It’s true,” Atsumu calls, entering the cabin.
He takes a moment to set their bags in the master bedroom. Maybe it’s a bit presumptuous of him to assume that Keiji will return his feelings, but Atsumu is feeling lucky tonight. So, he puts on a brave smile and exits the cabin to see Keiji leaning against his car, staring up at the stars shining brightly above them.
“It’s beautiful out here, Atsu,” Keiji whispers like he’s trying not to wake up the stars.
“Come on,” he whispers back, reaching out for his friend’s hand. Keiji smiles softly, tangling his fingers in between Atsumu’s. Slowly, he leads them to the cliff in the backyard, overlooking thousands of trees. From this angle, you can see the rivers glowing, and the animals prancing through the forest. The moon highlights everything, including the look of awe on Keiji’s perfect face.
“Wow,” he says softly. Atsumu tugs on his hand, pulling them to the ground.
“Ya like it?”
“Like it? Atsu, I love it!” Keiji exclaims as he hugs Atsumu tightly. The blonde smiles and squeezes back.
“Ya know, if ya ever need to come anywhere for inspiration, this cabin is here. It’s always here fer ya.” This is it. This is the moment. Atsumu grabs both of the ravenette’s hands. He stares at Keiji’s eyes that seem to be glimmering at Atsumu’s words. After a moment, a look of confusion passes on his face. It quickly changes to understanding; he knows what this night is about.
“Keiji, I li–”
“Atsu. I like you too,” Keiji says. Then, he’s being kissed. Atsumu is being kissed by the only boy he has ever had eyes for. Akaashi Keiji likes him. Apparently, he froze when he went into overdrive because Keiji is pulling back.
“Oh my god, Atsu. I am so sorry. I completely misread what you were trying to do. I am so–”
Atsumu cuts him off once he sees tears welling up in his friend’s eyes. “Keiji. Ya did nothin’ wrong. I like ya. In fact, I like ya a lot.” Keiji still looks nervous, as though he can’t believe Atsumu’s words. So, the setter places his hands on Keiji’s face and kisses him gently. After a moment, Keiji is kissing him back.