Chapter Text
Kuroo has always wanted the best for his friends, especially Kenma. The longer someone knows somebody, the more they tend to care for them. Kuroo truly would do almost anything to ensure Kenma is doing well, no matter what. That’s just how friendship works for him.
His friends always come before him.
This is why both Kuroo and Kenma were currently sitting on Kenma’s bed together, talking about Kenma’s recent revelation: he had a debilitating crush on Bokuto Koutaro.
When Kenma first said those words, Kuroo genuinely thought he was joking. If Kenma had said he liked anyone else, it would be more believable, but Bokuto would not have been Kuroo’s first guess. He probably wouldn’t have even been Kuroo’s third guess, it didn’t make sense to him at first.
“This is unexpected,” Kuroo joked as he smirked at his best friend, who was currently hiding his face in his hands, pretending the evident embarrassment encompassing his mind wasn’t there.
“Never expected Bokuto to be your type,” Kenma only groaned in response, “not judging you, of course, just a little shocked to be frank.” Kenma was always more of the quiet, reserved type. He never would’ve guessed he would be pining after a loud and over-exaggerative person such as Bokuto. Kuroo really wouldn’t have expected this, he had always had feelings for Kenma, so learning that he liked his other best friend was definitely not the best feeling.
'It’s okay though, friends before yourself.'
Kenma peaked through his fingers at Kuroo’s smirk, “Shut up, I didn’t ask you here for you to make fun of me,” he dropped his hands into his lap and started fiddling with his fingers, an anxious habit that he’s done his whole life. “I just didn’t know what to do.” It was obvious Kenma was struggling with this new realization of his and was genuinely scared.
Kuroo frowned, he really didn’t like seeing any form of emotion other than happiness from Kenma, “I wasn’t trying to make fun of you,” Kenma raised an eyebrow and Kuroo explained, “I’m serious! I think that it’s really adorable you’ve fallen for him, he would be ecstatic!” Realistically, Kuroo knew that Bokuto didn’t have feelings for Kenma, but he believed that Kenma could make anyone fall for him if he tried hard enough.
They’d be so happy with each other, Kuroo could tell. They would even each other out in the best ways possible. The more he thought about it closely, the more he realized how good they would be for each other. He felt a deep pain within his chest at the realization, but he refused to let it show on his face for even a second. He really doesn’t want Kenma to know how he feels, he wouldn’t be okay if Kenma felt guilty whatsoever.
Kenma rolled his eyes dramatically, “He doesn’t even know much about me, we don’t talk,” he frowned but continued his train of speech, “like ever.”
“But you don’t know anything about him either and you like him so it could be possible,” placing his hand on Kenma’s shoulder in a comforting manner, he added on, “he also has the biggest heart out there and even if your feelings aren’t reciprocated, he wouldn’t be mean about it.” Kuroo tried to make sure not to give Kenma false hope, but he also did believe there could be a chance for him and Bokuto.
You never know if you don’t try.
They sat there for a couple seconds, Kuroo’s sweaty hand resting on Kenma’s tense shoulder. It felt natural to be together, Kuroo could remember countless days and nights where the two of them would be right here on this bed comforting one another during rough patches. They’ve always been close, Kuroo knew that. Kenma was definitely his closest friend, but he couldn’t help but want to have more with him. He wanted to be able to touch him casually without it being seen as platonic. He wanted to be able to hold his hand when walking next to each other, and he really craved to kiss the other boy.
But he knew now how pointless those thoughts were, he knew it wouldn’t happen. He had to be okay with it, for Kenma’s sake and his own.
He needs to let go of him.
In a moment of weakness, Kuroo pulled his hand off of Kenma’s shoulder and suggested “Why don’t I help you?”
Kenma raised an eyebrow in skeptical confusion, “What do you mean by helping me?” He crossed his arms grumpily and continued, “If it has anything to do with me eventually confessing, I swear-”
“No, no,” Kuroo paused, “well kind of but, what if I just help you and Bokuto get closer,” Kenma had no reaction, just a blank face of annoyance, “like, what if I just you know, nudge you two together so he has no choice but to talk to you.” Kuroo smiled as he explained the next part, “I’m sure he will fall for you over time! You won’t have to do anything, it’ll all be his doing.”
Kenma frowned, “I don’t think that would work,” when Kuroo scoffed at that Kenma added, “plus, I wouldn’t want you to go out of your way for anything, I just needed someone to rant to.” He smiled at Kuroo thankfully and added, “you don’t really have to do anything for me, I’ll be okay.”
Kuroo shook his head, “It’s really no bother, I’d love an excuse to hang out with my two best friends at the same time,” he smiled at Kenma before saying the next sentence, “I always thought you two could get along, who would’ve guessed you’d also make a cute couple?”
Kenma’s face filled with red slowly as he shook his head, “I don’t quite know if I trust you as a wingman, you’ll probably slip up and tell him something I don’t want him knowing.” When Kuroo smirked, Kenma immediately scowled at him.
“No stories about little Kenma?”
“Please no.”
“No promises.”
“I hate you.”
“Mhm,” Kuroo sighed deeply, he really did care for Kenma. He couldn’t really believe deep down that he was going to genuinely help his life long crush get together with his best friend, but here he was.
The two continued to hang out and talk for around thirty more minutes before Kuroo decided that he needed to be by himself for a bit. He knew deep down that he really did need a chance to process his loss of a chance with Kenma. “I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?” He asked turning back around before leaving the front door to Kenma’s house.
He couldn’t help but stare at the blonde and smile. The way that the glow of the setting sun illuminated his features perfectly, giving a subtle glow to him that was just enough for Kuroo to feel his heart tug at him. He really truly loved Kenma, and there was no way he could deny it at this point.
“Yeah,” Kenma smiled, “and, thank you Kuroo.”
He smiled, nodded and turned back around while saying “I really hope you two can be happy with each other, you both deserve it.”