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“Kenma?” you call out, hand rapping on the door, but there is no response. You knock one more time before opening the door, observing as the light from the hallway pools into the dark room. Your eyes naturally drift to the corner, where you immediately spot him sitting on his bed, hunched over and eyes glued to the game in his hands. The dim light from the screen casts a glimmer in his concentrated eyes. A lighthearted grin spreads on your face as you stroll over to Kenma carefully to not startle him.
“Oh, hi Y/N,” Kenma shifts his gaze to your languid form, flashing a small smile before returning to his game.
“Hi. I thought you were going to the bathroom.”
“I was.”
“Pretty long way to go to use the bathroom don’t you think?” You take a moment to admire the simple layout of his childhood bedroom. Just a bed, a desk, and a large shelf of video games. It’s quite fitting for him, you think to yourself. It’s nice to know some things never change.
Kenma doesn’t respond to your question and instead hums in contemplation, brows furrowed, thumbs anchored to the gamepad and buttons while staring at the now paused screen. You can’t help but admire the soft glow on his face. His hair is usually down, shielding his cat-like eyes from view, but now the strands are tucked neatly into a ponytail.
“Lev was annoying.” is all he says, and you can’t help the chuckle that rumbles from within. Your hand moves to tuck a stray piece behind his ear, fingers dancing along his jawline until his face rests in your palm.
“You always think Lev is annoying,” you reply with a grin. But it begins to wilt at the image of Kenma slipping away to escape the noise and chaos of Kuroo’s Nekoma reunion. Maybe he’s overwhelmed or exhausted, and you failed to notice anything. “You sure you’re okay, Ken?”
“I am.” Kenma sinks his head further into your hand until it eventually rests on your shoulder. In turn, your arm naturally finds its way around his blanket-clad shoulder. “I just wanted to sit in my room for a bit. I like it better.” The straightforwardness in his answer is reassuring, and you breathe a sigh of relief.
“You could’ve told me you know? I don’t want you to be lonely.”
“You looked like you were having fun. I didn’t want to force you to come with me. That’s why I have this.” Kenma tugs at the edges of the blanket you gave him many years ago. You’re surprised he still has it, but you’re even more surprised by how well taken care of it is. A ghost of a smile appears on his face as his fingertips caress the soft fabric. “It’s warm and cozy. It reminds me of you.”
“Oh.” The words flee from your mind as quickly as they come. Your eyes dart around the dark room idly, searching for an object to rest your gaze on to no avail.
“Well I’m here now aren’t I?” you whisper, the words finally tumbling out and exposing your bashfulness. With the small source of light, you’re able to make out the light blush dusting Kenma’s cheeks. He lingers for a moment before pulling away and opening up the blanket for you to join him. You pounce on him without skipping a beat and the two of you shift until you find a comfortable position laying on the bed.
The familiar chimes from Kenma’s game fill the room as you nestle your head closer to his chest, listening to the gentle palpitations of his heart. He was right. You love your friends, but sometimes you need a little time to unwind.
“When do you wanna go back?” he asks.
“Whenever you’re ready, Ken.”
“And if I don’t wanna go back?”
“Then we don’t have to.”
“Are you sure?” His hands continue to tap away on his device, but his eyes glance down at you, hints of worry laced in them.
“I’m sure,” you chuckle, craning your neck to press a chaste kiss on his cheek, “I think being with you is a whole lot better.” A wave of relief washes over him, and you feel his body sink a little more into the mattress. His grip on you becomes slightly more firm as he whispers.
“Me too.”