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Kuroo’s chuckle was audible in the small store, making a few of the other shoppers turn towards him before going back to their business.
“What bro?” Bokuto asked, peering closer.
“Look at this shirt! It's so very Kenma.”
“Ooooh it's spot on! And look at this! It just screams Akaashi! I have to give it to him. You should definitely get that one for Kenma!”
“I will. He’s going to hate it. It’s perfect.”
“I think I’ll get one myself. Why don’t you buy one too Kuroo?”
“Great idea! We’ll all match!”
--- 000 ---
“Akaashi! You’re going back this afternoon right? Do you think you could give this to Kenma in two days?”
“Certainly, but I could give it to him tonight instead?”
“No, it has to be in two days and it's important Kenma knows it’s from Kuroo.
Akaashi looked at the pink bag and smiled slightly.
“Good plan Bokuto-san.”
“Thanks Akaashi!”
--- 000 ---
Akaashi opened the bag to double-check that everything looked in order, spotting another package he didn’t remember seeing when Bokuto had shown him Kenma’s. He looked at it curiously and read the tag.
‘I got you one too Akaashi. Thanks for the help and happy V!’’
Akaashi straightened and moved to meet Kenma, hoping his face wasn’t as flaming as it felt.
Kenma looked at the pink bag, then at Akaashi, then back to the pink bag and to Akaashi again, beginning to fidget.
“Uhm…”
“It’s from Kuroo-san,” Akaashi supplied.
“Oh.”
Kenma looked relieved, then frowned and promptly turned bright red.
--- 000 ---
“Kubro!”
“Bo,” Kuroo acknowledged with a limp nod in greeting, before turning back to his books.
Bokuto gave him a worried glance. Kuroo had looked so worn out lately. Today was no exception. Black circles marred the skin under his eyes and his entire posture screamed exhaustion. Bokuto hadn’t heard him laugh in what felt like ages.
“How long are you going to stay in the library?”
“I need to finish this paper, then read up for a test tomorrow. I guess four hours? Maybe five.”
“What about practice?”
“Coach excused me today. Doctor’s orders. I’ll be back tomorrow though.”
“Oh...ok. See you later then!”
Bokuto frowned as he left the building. Kuroo had suffered a bad cold that set him back severely in his studies. Kuroo was hard-working and intelligent, but even he had been overwhelmed by the backlog of work, especially since he was still so tired. He’d been excused from training, but that only made it worse, as Kuroo loved volleyball. It was basically his oxygen, in Bokuto’s opinion. Volleyball - and Kenma.
Speaking of Kenma… he’d been over a lot less lately. Certainly not because he wanted to avoid Kuroo, but third year obligations and a family gathering had prevented the most recent visit and Kuroo had cancelled an earlier one, claiming Kenma couldn’t get sick before a match. Kuroo maintained it was for the best, but Bokuto could see how it affected him.
Deep in thought, Bokuto walked towards the apartment to fetch a forgotten book. Upon rounding a corner he was almost run over by a group of girls.
“What do you think Toshiro will give you for White Day?”
“Oh he’d better come up with something good this year, considering what I gave him for Valentine’s. That chocolate was divine! Divine I tell you!”
Bokuto halted. Wait, what was today’s date? Oh… Oh! He whipped out his phone to call Akaashi.
“Could you discreetly check if Kenma’s planned anything for this weekend?”
“What are you up to, Bokuto-san?”
“It’s White Day on Saturday! Also, Kuroo’s been working himself sick lately. He needs a break and some serious Kenma time.”
“Is Kuroo-san still ill? Kenma-san’s been worried.”
“No, just worn out. He’s overworked and stressed. He’ll do fine, but he’s feeling behind when he’s not far ahead, as usual.”
“Sounds like Kuroo-san. I’ll talk to Kenma-san and let you know.”
“Oh and Akaashi, can I stay with you? I think they need some alone time.”
“Of course Bokuto-san.”
“Thank you! I’ll bring dinner and snacks and everything!”
“No need, let me treat you. My parents are going away for the weekend, so we’ll have the kitchen to ourselves.”
“Sounds great!”
--- 000 ---
Kuroo walked towards the volleyball court, clutching his umbrella to stay out of the worst downpour. Extra practice all weekend was a bit excessive, considering the upcoming tests, but Coach must have his reasons. Bokuto had handed him the info himself, since Kuroo had been away from practice that day. He’d just have time for lunch on the way and maybe pick up some ingredients for dinner.
Kuroo’s phone dinged with the special hoot ring signal he reserved for Bokuto.
“Kuroo, I’m stuck at uni and I need my gym bag. Could you grab it on your way to court?”
“What? I’m almost there already!”
“Please! I won’t have time to pass by the apartment.”
“Fine…”
Kuroo swore. He was happy to help of course, but couldn’t Bokuto have figured this out earlier? Now he’d have to go back to the apartment and would have to grab a snack on the go instead of having proper lunch.
Entering the apartment, Kuroo stopped in confusion. What was that delicious smell?
Kuroo soon forgot anything else as he stepped into the living room. Snuggled in the kotatsu was Kenma, looking up from his game with a small upturn of his lips.
Kuroo blinked and stared at him. The mix of shock, bewilderment and happiness was almost too much.
“Kenma,” he said weakly, feeling close to tears. “What…?”
“Don’t just stand there. I’m getting a neck cramp looking at you. Come have lunch and rest.”
“I can’t,” Kuroo sighed. “I have practice. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“No you don’t,” Kenma said, ignoring the rest.
“We have extra practice.”
“Bokuto made that up. You’re free all weekend.”
“Wh…”
“So you wouldn’t book anything else. We wanted to surprise you.”
Kuroo’s exhausted brain took a while to process this, but when he finally understood he could just join Kenma, eat his favourite food and rest, he couldn’t stop smiling. He settled beside Kenma in the kotatsu and snuggled closer in the soothing warmth. He was already turning sleepy, but he didn’t want to miss any Kenma minute if he could help it.
“How long…” Kuroo mumbled.
“I’m free all weekend too. Take a nap if you want to. We can eat later.”
--- 000 ---
Bokuto opened the door as quietly as possible in case Kuroo and Kenma were napping. Spending the weekend with Akaashi had been great fun, not to mention enlightening. His sisters and Kuroo must have compared notes to conspire against him. Maybe he should just let Kenma have him and move in with Akaashi instead? The more Bokuto considered this the more appealing the idea seemed. He made a mental note to bring this up later and peeked into the room.
Kuroo and Kenma didn't appear to have moved from the kotatsu all weekend, but Bokuto assumed they must have at some point as Kenma was dressed in one of Kuroo's pyjamas.
"Bet you can't clear this level using only one hand."
"You should know better than to bet against me with regards to gaming," Kenma scoffed, bringing his left hand to the side.
"I'm holding it to make sure you don't move it."
"You do that."
Bokuto made sure to take a few pictures for later blackmail before slowly making his way out, smiling as he heard Kuroo’s cackling laughter.