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kuroken exchange 2023
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Published:
2023-05-05
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Best Kept Secret

Summary:

“Kuro?”
“Hmm?”
“I know this might sound weird but don’t you get jealous of Shoyo having the focus as my “lover”?” Kenma gently fixed his game on the bedside and laid on top of his boyfriend to hear his answer.
“Honestly? When we were in highschool I used to be jealous of chibi-chan! Like he made you play volleyball that intense! But now? After knowing you for almost 20 years and being together for nine going ten, no, I don’t get jealous anymore. But yeah I do wish they would ship me to you though.”

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Kenma Kozume, or most commonly known as The World Famous Kodzuken. College student, stock trader, pro gamer, YouTuber, and CEO of Bouncing Ball Ltd. Currently has five million subscribers on YouTube, three million followers on Twitter, and six (almost seven) million followers on Twitch. 

The kid who used to be so shy in high school but made it big online, the one who bleached his hair because he didn’t like attention, and the same guy who always hides behind Tetsurou whenever they meet someone new. 

Everyone might see him as a celebrity, but for Tetsurou, no matter what, how, or when, it was still the same Kenma Kozume, it was still his Kenma Kozume. The one who hugs him whenever he feels cold, the one who puts carrots on the older’s plate because he hates it, the one who saw every success and downfall of Tetsurou, and the one who makes his heart beat faster ever since they were young.

 

And the thing is, people would assume that an internet star like him overshares everything on social media, but in reality, no one really knows anything about Kodzuken. Well, of course, there is the basic information about him, like his age, birthday, the university he's going to, how he's friends with a lot of volleyball players and somehow his fans discovered that he used to play volleyball, which all made sense since he was close to the players. But honestly, with that huge fanbase, Kenma never really shared anything about him. He loves his privacy, which also means that he doesn't confirm nor deny any “rumors” about him. It’s not that Kenma isn’t grateful for his fans, no that’s not the case. It’s just like Kenma loves keeping things for himself to enjoy, and of course that is his boyfriend, Tetsurou.

 

“Hey kitten, I saw you and Hinata trend last night because of your collaboration video!” Tetsurou was busy making them dinner and Kenma was setting the table for them.

“I know. It's really crazy how that video reached 500k views in just 3 hours. Might be my fastest video to reach that view count.”

 

It was just like every other night with the two of them. Tetsurou and Kenma had decided to live together ever since Kenma started college. It was convenient for both of them since they both attended the same university. The first week of them moving in together felt like completing a sentence together. Everything they do just compliments each other. Tetsurou cooks? Then Kenma washes the dishes. Tetsurou doing the laundry? Kenma would hang them after. It was just them in their own tiny space. Kenma never felt so domestic, it felt warm and cozy. 

 

But now that Tetsurou is already working and Kenma is in his last year of university, the two of them are planning to move to a bigger and nearer place to the older’s workplace. Considering both of them have a stable income, the talks of having their own home and securing their future were already on their vision.

 

“Thank you for setting up the table, my love. So for tonight's dinner, it's katsu curry and apple pie for dessert! We are celebrating your video from yesterday!” Kenma’s eyes lit up and thanked his boyfriend for the pie. Dinner was filled with updates about work, gossip about the office and other everyday activities that they did. It was like catching up with each other even though they live in the same house. Kenma was the one who actually suggested “gossip dinners”, that’s what Tetsurou calls it (he loves it). Since Kenma works from home and takes his classes, and Tetsurou is swarmed with work, they rarely talk in the afternoon. Knowing what they did for the whole day was nice, it also helped Kenma with being more vocal and being better at communicating with Tetsurou.

 

“Can I have my pie now, please?” Tetsurou chuckled at Kenma as the younger’s eyes looked at him as if he was a cat asking for treats. Tetsurou is a weak man, he sees his boyfriend, and he gives up everything.

“Of course. Let me get it real quick.” After the raven placed the pie in front of Kenma, the gamer savored each bite with pure happiness. Tetsurou just looked at his boyfriend and smiled. After years of one-sided(?) pinning, he still couldn't believe that he mustered up his courage to confess to Kenma in his third year. 

 

Tetsurou could still remember that day clearly, the day he was announced captain was also the day he confessed his love for his best friend. Maybe the captain role gave him confidence? Or the proud look on Kenma’s face looking at him while the others cheered for him? Who knows and who cares. At least he had the courage to confess to his best friend at their park amidst the overwhelming feeling that Tetsurou had. And what matters the most is that the love of his life is now laying beside him.

 

“Kuro?”

“Hmm?”

“I know this might sound weird but don’t you get jealous of Shoyo having the focus as my “lover”?” Kenma gently fixed his game on the bedside and laid on top of his boyfriend to hear his answer.

“Honestly? When we were in highschool I used to be jealous of chibi-chan! Like he made you play volleyball that intense! But now? After knowing you for almost 20 years and being together for nine going ten, no, I don’t get jealous anymore. But yeah I do wish they would ship me to you though.”

“I told you he was just a friend back in high school.” Kenma pouted and Tetsurou was quick to peck the younger’s lips, Kenma just rolled his eyes and also placed a peck on Tetsurou’s lips,

“I know! But it's just he’s the first guy outside Nakoma that you really interacted with! And he's loud, not like Akaashi. But now I really do think that he's a great friend, and of course kudos to Kageyama too for not getting mad at your fans when they ship you together with shrimpy.” Tetsurou's hand began to circle on Kenma’s back which helped release the back tension of the younger.

“Actually, Shoyo told me that Tobio does sometimes. When fans make ship edits of us or something. I have to say that shippers are really good editors. Should I hire them instead?”

“Fukunaga would cry so don't.”

“Fair point. Oh I forgot to tell you, I’ll be going to JVA tomorrow. You know the collaboration I talked about? Me and the JPN will have a photo shoot tomorrow.”

“Really? I can’t wait to see my CEO surrounded by giants.” Tetsurou teased.

“I’m not short. All of you are just tall. I'm just like any average Japanese man.”

“Yeah you are. I wish we could go to work together though. You know, to reduce carbon footprint.”

Of course it’s for the environment. Maybe one day, Tetsu.”

“I know, kitten. Let’s sleep now so you’ll be glowing!”

 

It was 7 am when the both of them left home, and yes they took different cars even though Kenma really wanted them to go together (he won’t tell his boyfriend because he would 200% do it). Kenma knew there will be paparazzi waiting at JVA since all of the members of JPN will be there too. Their popularity not only in Japan but also worldwide was big, adding Kenma to them, paparazzi will be inevitable. Kenma and Tetsurou also have their “professional” relationship when it comes to JVA and Bouncing Ball affairs. It felt weird for Kenma to call Tetsurou “Kuroo-kun” or “Kuroo-san” at work but they have to keep their relationship private. It was kinda hard for Kenma not to call his boyfriend his childhood nickname or real name outside. On the other hand, Tetsurou still calls Kenma his given name, but it was hard not calling him pet names or steal subtle touches since Tetsurou has always been clingy.

 

As soon as Kenma arrived outside the JVA building, he was swarmed not only by the paparazzi but also by some reporters. Kenma wore a suit today and slightly fixed his hair. That's why he had more confidence today which means he was okay with answering some of the reporters.

 

“How do you feel being one of the youngest millionaires?”

“Are you in a relationship with Hinata Shoyo?”

“Why did Bouncing Ball collaborate with JPN?” That was the only question that Kenma wanted to answer.

“I’m friends with most of the players of the team. I knew them since I was in highschool and I wanted to show my support. Everyone please root for our volleyball team. That’s all, thank you. Please excuse me.” Kenma politely bowed and finally went inside.

 

“KENMAAAA!!!!” Kenma was greeted (loudly) by Bokuto and gave him a big bear hug. 

 

*click*

 

He and Bokuto have been close since high school and he and Keiji sometimes come over to hang with them. And as per Bokuto, since Kenma and Akaashi were best friends, they are too.

 

“KENMA KENMA KENMAAAA!!!” Shoyo also joined the group hug. 

 

*click*

 

The CEO immediately heard a lot of camera shutters. Goodluck for him, today’s going to be a long day.

 

The photoshoot went smoothly as expected. Not only because it was well organized, but the players were also very professional and good-looking. As for Kenma, even though he had a lot of photoshoots done before, he couldn't help but feel nervous in front of the camera. Sounds weird for someone who is basically in front of the camera almost every day.

 

‘You okay? I can see you nervous from here.’ Kenma received a text from his boyfriend who was at the back supervising the whole shoot.

‘Yes, but can we have a ten minute break before I go?’

‘Got it.’

 

“Everyone! Let’s have a ten minute break! Players and Kenma-san please rest for a while.” Tetsurou said using his business voice. The staff were quick to disperse and did their own things. Kenma immediately went to the dressing room, Tetsurou also followed.

 

“You okay my love?”

“It’s just been a while since my last photoshoot. And there are more people since the whole team is here. It’s nerve wracking.” Tetsurou took Kenma’s hand and placed a kiss on top of it.

“I understand. But let me tell you, you look so good right now. I could do you in ten minutes.” Kenma blushes and instantly slapped the older lightly,

“TETSU! You’re so embarrassing!”

“What? I’m just being honest.” Tetsurou just shrugged and acted as if what he said was just nothing.

“Whatever. Let’s go to Yaku’s room?”

“Sure.” The both of them left the dressing room as if they were strangers. Yet again, Kenma looked so good that Tetsurou squeezed Kenma’s ass and stole a kiss from the younger.

“TETSU!” 

 

*click*

 

After the break, Kenma walked to the shoot more confidently. How could he not? When his boyfriend praised him like he was the hottest man alive. Kenma posed more and just listened to what the creative director instructed him. Kenma was happy with the results. And as for the last concept of the shoot, all of them wore different Bouncing Ball merchandise. 

 

“Okay so how about Ushijima-san, Bokuto-san and Hinata-san, please pose with Kenma-san in the middle. Yes, that’s it. And Kenma-san please sit on the throne as if you are king. YES! I LOVE IT! GET THE CAMERAS!” The creative director went into detail on the poses and everything looked great. After more shots, then they were done.

 

“Thank you for today, Kenma-san.”

“Thank you too, Ushijima. And how many times do I have to tell you that Kenma is just fine.”

“Well then, see you around Kenma.”

“You too, Ushi.”

 

*click*

 

Kenma and Tetsurou left the building separately and went to the after-party. It was held at Onigiri Miya and everyone there knew that Kenma was together with Tetsurou since most of them were their acquaintances during high school. Akaashi also went to the party, so it was basically a mini-reunion for Kenma and his friends. Tetsurou was busy talking to Iwaizumi, and Kenma was busy catching up with Akaashi when the party was silenced by Atsumu’s curse.

 

“WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?! KENMA YOU HAVE TO OPEN TWITTER NOW!” Kenma immediately opened the app and saw him trending. It wasn't an unusual scene but tonight the reason he was trending wasn't the nicest.

 

‘Kenma Kozume, whoring around the JPN team and JVA staff?’

 

The article had pictures of him with Shoyo, Bokuto, Ushijima and Tetsurou. It was the hugs with Shoyo and Bokuto, the shy slap to Tetsurou and the small smile at Ushijima. It wasn’t Kenma’s first fake article but this time the comments were below the belt.

 

‘Maybe he used his body to seduce them.’

‘The reason BB corp chose JPN is because he sleeps with them.’

‘Had a hunch that he was gay. Ew.” 

 

Kenma looked at Tetsurou and the older instantly knew what Kenma needed. He wants to go home and breathe.

 

“Thank you everyone for tonight. I’m so sorry this happened, especially to Chibi-chan, Bokubro, Ushijima, and to your partners. We’ll get to the bottom of this. Please do enjoy the rest of the night.” 

“No need to apologize, Kuroobro! It’s not like Kenma planned this to happen!” Bokuto said.

“And don’t worry Kenma senpai, we all know that all of those were fake. Please take care.” What Kageyama said helped Kenma to feel a little better, especially that he was Shoyo’s partner and the two of them were hot in the eyes of the media.

“Thank you everyone and again I’m so sorry. Please continue the party without us.” Kenma and Tetsurou exited the restaurant separately . They arrived at the place separately so it was natural for them to leave separately too, but in their situation, Tetsurou wanted to be with Kenma as much as possible but he knows that if another picture was taken, it will only worsen the issue.

 

“Drive safely my love.”

“You too.”

 

As soon as they got home, Kenma immediately called his manager Mr. Akira. For sure his team already saw the issue but didn’t bother calling Kenma because they knew they were having a small get-together, and yes his team knows that he’s dating Tetsurou.

 

“Akira-san, I’m so sorry about the pictures, I swear we were being careful. But do you think we can track the original poster of the article?”

“No need to apologize Kenma-kun. And yes the team is already tracking them down. And we already talked to the PR of the JPN and they said they want to sue the people with malicious comments, not only for the players but including you. What do you think?”

“I’m not sure about suing the people on the internet yet but please do what you think it’s best, especially for the team.”

“I understand Kenma-kun but do remember that we are here to protect you, alright? For now just continue streaming and avoid the issue until we get to the bottom of this.”

“Thank you so much Akira-san. Sorry for bothering you this late.”

“No worries. And also tell Kuroo-kun to relax. Both of you did a great job today.”

 

That night Tetsurou kept Kenma’s phone, it was the gamer’s request to just take a break from social media. He was so happy during the shoot but everything went downhill just because of those pictures. It was not Kenma’s first scandal (his first one was a picture of him with an insane amount of red bull and everyone criticized him on the internet, dumb right?), but the main concern of Kenma was the players and his boyfriend. Kenma’s mind was wandering when he felt the older’s arms wrap around his waist from behind and kiss his shoulders.

 

“I prepared a bath for us. I also put the bath bomb that you like.”

“Hmm. sounds good. Thank you Tetsu.”

“No problem, darling. Now off we go!” Tetsurou carried Kenma like it was their wedding night. 

 

Kenma felt his muscles relax once they were in the water. Fatigue took over Kenma and Tetsurou was just there, gently scrubbing and massaging his boyfriend. It was quiet and intimate. Kenma could feel nothing but his boyfriend’s love for him.

After the bath, Tetsurou convinced on clothing him and dry his hair. At first, Kenma refused because he could do it on his own, but his boyfriend insisted. It was Tetsuruo’s way of showing how much he cares for Kenma. He loves pampering his little boyfriend as is but tonight the raven made up his mind not to let Kenma do anything but relax.

 

“Hey kitten, let’s sleep?”

“Hmm. Kuro?”

“Yes, my love?”

“I’m sorry for what happened today.”

“It wasn’t your fault okay? Now let’s get some rest. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

 

That week Kenma didn’t go out, obviously for safety reasons. He was the talk of the town. People on the internet dug out his old videos and photos. Some of his pictures with Tetsurou during high school were found as well as their nationals volleyball match with Shoyo. It was a mess, it was getting out of hand especially when there were people who watched his stream just to call him names. His viewer count went up but they were just there for the drama.

 

“Yes Gamer2010, you need to get obsidians to make the nether portal.”

 

The answer was so obvious. Why are you answering those kinds of questions?

Fucking cunt.

So who’s your boytoy now?

Are you gay?

I just here for the drama

Who was the biggest?

 

Kenma felt sick, like literally. He was feeling nauseous and felt like his vision was spinning, before he even knew it, everything went black.

Kenma woke up in bed with his head hurting. 

 

‘Fuck. my stream.’ Kenma stood up too quickly which made him fall again in bed, and Tetsurou was just in time to walk in their room.

 

“Woah, easy kitten.”

“But Kuro, my stream.”

“Shh. you need to rest okay? And don’t worry about your stream, the mods already ended it. But before that, are you hurting anywhere?”

“Head hurts.” Kenma’s body relaxed and made himself comfortable once he knew that the stream ended just fine. But now it worries him if another scandal will break out.

“I know, baby. That’s why I made some chicken noodle soup. Just stay here okay?” Tetsurou kissed his forehead and left their room. Kenma assessed the situation, and his viewers definitely saw him passing out on camera, the stream ended suddenly and he’s 100% sure that the media will connect the recent rumors on what happened. Just thinking about it makes his head hurt.

“Kenma, dinner is done.” Tetsurou entered the room quietly only to find his boyfriend sleeping again, but this time the raven didn’t have the heart to wake him up. The pain was evident on the younger’s face, Tetsurou placed a small kiss on his forehead and let him sleep. Kenma might wake up tomorrow with a worse headache but Tetsurou will do anything to nurse him and make him take a break.

 

“Good morning sleepy head. Is your head still hurting?” Tetsurou was reading while sitting beside Kenma.

“Kuro, I think I have a fever.” Kenma said quietly. Tetsurou was quick to place his palm on the  younger’s forehead. It was indeed warm.

“Ok you need to eat a little before drinking your medicine. Anything you are craving?”

“Nothing I guess.” Kenma pouted, it was unintentional but Tetsurou took it as a chance to steal a kiss from his boyfriend.

“Kuro! You might get sick too.”

“Nu-uh. You need to eat, kitten. And don’t worry about me, I don't get sick easily. So what do you want for lunch? You haven't eaten anything since last night. And here, drink some water.”

“Maybe the chicken noodle soup you made last night?”

“Good choice! I’ll be back in a bit.”

 

It took Tetsurou to prepare everything in just 20 minutes. A hot bowl of chicken noodle soup, water, paracetamol, pudding, and a cool fever patch. After eating and taking his medicine, he fell asleep again. Tetsurou was busy washing the dishes when he heard his phone ring.

 

“Hello Mr. Akira. Kenma currently has a fever that’s why he could stream today. He also turned off his phone, that’s why I’m assuming you called me?”

“Yes and no Kuroo-kun. Yes because I needed to tell you something. The PR of JPN wants to pursue legal actions for the team and Kenma. And what we actually want is to give Kenma a break. How about going on hiatus and taking a vacation together?” 

“Wow, that was nice of the PR team of JPN, and a vacation sounds amazing. I’ll consult Kenma first about the hiatus before deciding anything. But can you please post that Knema won’t be able to stream this weekend?”

“Of course. Just tell me if you need anything Kuroo-kun, and don’t worry too much. Our team together with the JPN team will protect Kenma, okay?”

“Yes. thank you so much Mr. Akira.”

 

Kenma was quick to agree on taking a break. At first, Tetsuou thought it was probably because of the medicine, knowing that Kenma was a workaholic. Kodzuken’s team announced a two-month hiatus, though they will still release videos on YouTube that were pre-recorded prior to the incident. Tetsurou also filed his leave. It was good since he rarely took days off, that’s why he accumulated a lot of leaves.

 

“Tetsu, how about we go house hunting?”

“Sounds good! How about a house in Ropoongi Hills”?

“We are not that rich, Kuro.”

“You are !”

“Am not .”

“You are .”

“Am not .”

“I manage our finances, that's why I know!”

“Yes we can but I don’t like it there. It’s too fancy.”

“Oya? My kitten already had a house in mind?”

“I think I want an old detached house with three rooms. Our room, my office and yours? And maybe we can get a cat too.”

“How about two cats so he won’t get lonely? And I  don't mind getting an office, you know, all I need is a laptop. But maybe get a spare room for visitors like Akaashi and Kou?”

“Oh please, the two of them would be ecstatic to hear that. Let’s get ready and leave. I was already talking to a real estate broker last night.”

“Wow, my boyfriend really is capable of anything. Can you make me your househusband, world famous Kodzuken?”

“Oh shut up. Let’s go!”

 

Tetsurou thought that Kenma would prefer them to leave separately but the older was shocked when Kenma threw his keys at him and sat in the passenger’s seat. Tetsurou just smiled at the scene that he was seeing, it’s been a while since they went for a drive. He went back to their room and grabbed something before heading out.

 

“I already entered the place on the GPS, let’s go.”

 

Kenma was busy playing with his switch while Tetsurou was singing along with the radio when Kenma’s phone rang, it was Mr. Akira..

 

“Hello Akira-san, is everything okay?”

“Everything is perfect Kenma, the team already tracked who was the one who posted the pictures. The JPN wants to pursue legal matters. Would that be okay for you too?”

“I trust your judgment, but if possible, I don’t want to attend the trial.”

“Hmm. I understand, but we need to release a statement from you. After that just enjoy your hiatus okay?”

“Thank you Akira-san.”

 

Without any words, Tetsurou just grabbed Kenma’s hand and squeezed it a little. Kenma smiled at his boyfriend’s gesture, he hoped this was really the end of the case. After an hour of driving, they finally met Kenji-san, the broker that Kenma was talking to. They looked at a few houses near Tetsurou’s workplace but the last house really got Kenma’s heart.

 

“Kuro look! They have a patio for stray cats, and four rooms, this would be my office, our room, storage, and a guest room. The kitchen is also perfect for you, it has a view of the garden. And look, the living room is perfect for the kotatsu.”

“Kenji-san, can we look at this house by ourselves?” Kenma looked at Tetsu with curiosity but Kenji-san just excused himself. The older took Kenma inside the master’s bedroom and kneeled in front of him.

 

“Kenma Kozume, ever since we were kids, I knew that I would spend forever with you. Well, it might be platonic when we were 8 but the moment I knew what love is, you immediately came into my mind, crazy how I was only ten at that time. And seeing you today, in our future home, together, made me want to finally ask you, will you spend forever with me?”

 

Tetsurou then pulled out a small red velvet box, Kenma was sure that he saw the most beautiful ring he had ever seen in his life. It was a silver ring with a black lining and a small diamond in the middle. The younger was trying his best not to cry but seeing his boyfriend being so sappy, he couldn’t help it.

 

“If you’ll have me, yes. Yes, Tetsu.” His fiance then put the ring on Kenma’s finger and the gamer kissed Tetsurou with so much love. Both of them were crying happy tears. After the proposal, Kenma went immediately to the estate company and bought the house, in cash. He didn't want to waste any more time, and start his forever with his best friend.

 

3 months later

 

Kodzuken posted a new video.

I’m back.

 

Kenma was finally back after 3 months and posted his video on his channel. The video started with him sitting on his chair but with a completely different background than before.

 

“Hi guys, Kodzuken here. So a lot has happened before and I decided to take a break. But first I would like to thank the JPN for handling the issue before, and of course to my fans who stayed. And just to clear the rumors, yes I’m gay.  Also married. I want you guys to meet my husband, the JVA guy.”

 

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