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Bokuto felt a bit uncomfortable when he walked into the book store, it felt like he didn’t belong there. He hasn’t been to a bookstore since college but he was determined to find the perfect book for Kiyoomi for his birthday coming up. The root of his discomfort though was the fact that he didn’t exactly know where to start looking.
He walked around the aisles scanning historical romance dramas because he knows that that’s the type Kiyoomi really enjoys. Bokuto’s attentive to things like that, always able to figure out little details about someone just by observing them. There was also kind of a betting pool going on to see who’s gift will make Kiyoomi actually smile. He was confident in his gift, the rest of the team would probably just get him cliche gift objects.
As he wandered down the romance section he recognized some books that Kiyoomi read already so it was easy to eliminate those as an option. A few minutes of aimless wandering and getting distracted by the beautiful covers of some books until a man, presumably a worker, came up to him and asked, “Can I help you find something in particular?” His voice was level, succinct, and calm. Bokuto turned to the owner of the serene voice and was met with a face that matched the energy of the voice perfectly. Low-liddled, almost lazy, dark aquamarine eyes stared at him through a distorted lens and it caused his face to heat up a bit; it was unnoticeable though, thanks to the face mask he was wearing.
When the man raised a thin brow in question Bokuto realized he was taking too long to answer. With a sheepish rub to the back of his neck and a slight chuckle he admitted, “Umm yeah I’m a bit lost. Not literally though, like I know where I am of course but I’m not sure what book to get…” Bokuto internally chided himself for the unnecessary ramble, he often did that either when he was comfortable around a person or when he was nervous and right now he couldn’t tell which it was – he was betting on the latter though.
The man had no reaction to his ramble though and Bokuto didn't know whether he should be grateful or offended by that. “Well, what genre are you interested in sir?”
“Oh, it’s Bokuto! And it’s not for me. The person I’m shopping for is really into historical romance, maybe some dystopian stuff too though.”
The man just nodded and wandered off. Bokuto was guessing he was going off to find him a book that fits the description, so he decided to stay put in the aisle he was in. When the worker came back he held up a turquoise colored book with a helmet on the cover, Bokuto recognized it. “Oh he read that one already. I remember he was sad about it for like weeks and it put him in a reading rut. Kept mumbling something about souls and poets.”
The man smiled a bit and said “I see.” He then began to wander off again before stilling and turning his head back, “It would help if you followed me so we could determine what he has and hasn’t read.”
While the man was looking through the bookshelves Bokuto was too busy checking out the other’s profile. He was so beautiful; his long lashes that are unfairly hidden behind his lenses, his tan skin that Bokuto could tell glows once the sun hits it – he wondered if he got freckles during the summer time – and that hair looked so fluffy Bokuto bet it was soft and fragrant.
“Here,” the man pulled out a book with two birds on the cover – one red and one blue – that read ‘This Is How To Lose The Time War’, “do you think your friend has read this?”
“Well I’ve never seen that cover before so I hope not. What’s it about?” Bokuto asked, curiosity peaked and doe eyed.
The man’s eyes lingered on him for a while before speaking, “Well it’s a dystopian book set in a different time. It’s a love story between two women told through letters. It’s a bit confusing at first but once you get into it it’s understandable.”
“Omi’s really smart, I’m sure he’ll pick it up in no time!” Bokuto beamed, pride swelling in his chest for his friend.
“Okay, so it’ll be this one? Hardcover or paperback?”
“Paperback.”
They began walking to the register as they chatted. “Smart man. I personally feel like hardcover is mainly for collectables but if you’re genuinely trying to enjoy a book it’s paperback all the way. Ah, do you read Bokuto-san?”
That was the most he’s heard the man speak at one time, and the way he said his name makes Bokuto want to hear it out of his mouth again. He didn’t want to look lame in front of the stunning man – mostly because he was aware that other people perceived him as a himbo jock – but he also didn’t lie. “No, you probably think that’s silly though. A grown man not reading.” He ducked his head.
“Not at all Bokuto-san. Most adults don’t have time nor attention span to sit down and read.They might have a different hobby, whatever that may be. It’s always nice to have a hobby though.” The man let out a smile, and Bokuto wanted to see it more.
The man rang him up and gave him a plastic bag with the book inside. “I hope your friend enjoys the book.”
“Me too.”
Bokuto, unfortunately, didn’t technically win the bet but he considered himself the winner anyway. Kiyoomi was given mostly gag gifts that, in hindsight, did make him smile. But at Bokuto’s gift his eyes glimmered – at least that’s what Bokuto thought, Kiyoomi’s eyes are pitch black so it’s hard to tell – and he genuinely said, “Thank you Bokuto, I can’t wait to read this.”
Yeah, Bokuto won.
Other than that Bokuto was stuck in la la land all that week during practice thinking about those majestic eyes, wishing he had an excuse to see them again. But he already told the man he wasn’t a reader so there would be no viable reason to even go, let alone if the man was even working a shift.
“Okay, whose got ya whipped?” It was Atsumu that asked, he looked around the locker room to find most of the team turned to him in anticipation, of course it was obvious that he couldn’t focus. He shuddered to think of what the coach was thinking about him right now.
“That obvious?” The team hummed. “Okay but guys if you see him you’ll realize it’s within reason. Like he’s literally gorgeous, those eyes.” God, those eyes. “He works at the bookstore I got Kiyoomi’s book from.”
“A nerd?” Inunaki turned to ask while putting his shirt on.
“A cute ass nerd.” Bokuto interjected, somewhat dimmed by the fact he won't be able to see that face again.
“Do you have his Instagram?” Hinata bounced over and sat by Bokuto on the bench.
Sakusa scoffed then added, “How would he possibly get his Instagram during such a little interaction, Hinata?”
“Hey, don’t doubt ‘im, Bokuto can pull.” Atsumu smacked a hand on Bokuto’s back which elicited a pause filled with expectant looks.
Putting his head in hands as if he was a disgrace, he nearly yelled, “I didn’t get his Instagram!"
The room collectively sighs. “His name at least? We could do something with that.”
“...”
“Bokkun, you’re embarrassing me here.”
“I’m sorry, okay! If you saw him you would understand my dilemma here.”
“We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
“Okay, so who’s going in?”
They found themselves parked in the parking lot of the plaza the bookstore was located in. Bokuto, Hinata, Atsumu, and Kiyoomi surprisingly (“I wanted to see you guys crash and burn. Don’t think anything of my presence.”) The rest of the team said text in the group chat if progress is made but they didn’t bother to come along because they didn’t really think progress would be made. Fools, truly, with this bunch tagging along Bokuto will surely get a date by the end of the day. Surely.
“Shouldn’t it be Bokuto to go in? He’s the one with the crush.”
“Omi-san, weren’t you listening to anything on the way over here at all!? He has no viable excuse to just go in there.” Then with some thought Hinata procured the idea, “Hey, maybe you should go in, you guys could talk about books or whatever and then smoothly get his Instagram.”
“No way, I’m not getting involved in this. Especially if it’ll make it look like I want him instead.”
Atsumu let out a cocky sigh and ran a hand through his hair. “Looks like I’m going to have to use some of my charm with this.” Kiyoomi cringed, Hinata beamed, and Bokuto groaned.
“Great idea Atsumu-san!”
“What if he falls for you instead, Tsum-Tsum?” Bokuto’s head drooped onto the steering wheel.
“Humanly impossible Bokuto, you don’t have to worry about that dilemma.”
Atsumu stuck his tongue out at Kiyoomi before exiting the car and walking into the bookstore. They all waited for a while, Bokuto with bated breath, and Hinata forcing Kiyoomi to make a TikTok with him.
When Bokuto came back about six minutes later he cut straight to the point, “Well good news and bad news. Good news: He works a shift today. Bad news: He’s stunning.”
“How exactly is that bad news?” Hinata asked.
Snapping his neck to turn back at Kiyoomi he snapped, “I could barely get a fucking word out. I didn’t know what to say. ‘Hey, my friend wants yer Instagram’? He’s probably the type to be like ‘He can’t ask me himself? I don’t want ‘im.’ He’s so intimidating!” At that Bokuto let out another groan. While Atsumu and Bokuto were wallowing in self pity, Kiyoomi let out ‘I knew we should've sent Hinata in instead’.
Hinata’s eyes glimmered and he wore a smug smirk, “Oh? You’re getting into this aren’t you Omi-san?”
Kiyoomi scoffed, “No, but you have this y’know boyish charm I guess. And that god-awful smile.” Hinata smiled to prove a point. Kiyoomi had to look away in fear of being blinded by the brightness before him.
Atsumu and Bokuto chuckled, with Atsumu commenting, “Omi crush on Shoyo confirmed.”
Rolling his eyes, “Shut the hell up Atsumu. I don’t know what’s so funny, you guys can’t even get a simple Instagram.” They quieted at that notion.
“Okay so you go in then Omi-kun.” Bokuto challenged.
“I thought we already established that I-” His words fell on deaf ears as he was already being shoved out of the car by Hinata. As he was walking to the bookstore he threw back a middle finger at the car to which the rest of the guys replied with heart hands.
Kiyoomi was in there for a long while. So long actually that Hinata and Atsumu left to get some fast food for them all (they worked hard this week they all deserved a cheat day), came back and Kiyoomi still wasn’t back yet. “What the hell is taking him so long?” Atsumu groaned, “His fries are getting cold.”
They opted to call him just to get his attention then shortly after Kiyoomi came back to the car pleased to see there was food waiting for him. Upon realizing there were pointed stares at him he stated, “Oh yeah, you need to date him Bokuto. We need more intelligent people our age within this group.” That stirred up protests throughout the car.
“What took you so long anyway?” Bokuto asked.
“We had a nice conversation about a book that was on display in there. Great plot twist by the way, I honestly didn’t expect it and I predict most books I read.”
“But what about the Instagram…”
“Oh… I forgot. But the beauty checks out.” They all groan. Maybe they won’t get Bokuto that date.
Hinata was evidently over it because he deemed it his turn to attempt from the way he stormed out of the car towards the bookstore then slowed down, then turned back.
“What, did you punk out?” Atsumu chuckled.
“We’re all idiots.” He announced, typing something into his phone.
“You mean you all.” Sakusa retorted.
“I do mean you all. Look!” He said, pointing towards the store. Then under further inspection they realize there is a chalkboard sign reading, ‘Add us on social media! @flippingpages :)’
The car is quiet for a while before Atsumu says, “Okay well, that’s the establishment’s Instagram not his.”
Showing his phone to the rest of the car Hinata sharply states, “And he owns the establishment! So not only does he work a shift today, he works one everyday.”
Atsumu takes the phone. “No fucking way…”
Bokuto throws his hands up, “And he’s an entrepreneur, he’s literally perfect.”
“Trust me from seeing Osamu’s meltdowns, there's a lot of imperfections to being an entrepreneur.” He says, handing the phone back to Hinata.
“Find his personal, now.” Kiyoomi ordered.
“Already on it.” Hinata looked through the company’s following list and finally found the mystery man. “Akaashi Keiji. On Instagram as @kaashiiii. Private account, though.”
“Cute. So many I’s.” Bokuto’s eyes are practically glowing.
Atsumu and Kiyoomi both grimace. “Dude, stand up.”
Kiyoomi suggested, “Request the account. It’s been weeks since he last saw you. He won't think anything of it.”
“I have a verified account, he’s gonna be like ‘wtf’. I don’t think he knows who I am either, he didn't have a reaction to seeing me, maybe he doesn’t watch volleyball. I don’t wanna spook him.”
“Use your private account, it looks like a totally normal account.”
Bokuto took the suggestion and from there all they had to do was wait.
Current Concern: Bokuto’s Crush💀
Sho🔆: Mission Get The Gram: Completed✅
DILF Captain: I’m honestly shocked
You: Who decided to name the chat this…
Inu-San: send the @
Tsum-Tsum🥰: how can u be shocked cap? it’s us we’re talking about here😌
Omiiii: Exactly..
DILF Captain: Exactly…
Tsum-Tsum🥰: Omi u were literally a part of the operation!
Barnes🧸: So proud of you boys. I hope everything goes well in the long run! If you need any relationship advice please don’t hesitate to reach out :D I am married after all!
You: I love you sm
Tsum-Tsum🥰: please be my father
Omiiii: Your daddy issues are showing Atsumu
Barnes🧸: LOL you kids are funny? Love you guys too! Glad to be a part of this team, never a dull moment!🥰
DILF Captain: Please ignore them Oliver
Inu-san: send the @
Sho🔆: private account
Inu-san: L
You: Where’s Adriah? :(
Adriah <3 : I’m offended I wasn’t invited to the operation. Bye
You: I’ll make it up to you, come to my apt so we can watch moviessss
Adriah <3 : …okay
You: :D
When Bokuto Koutaro (24), number 12 and outside hitter for the Black Jackals, walked into his bookstore he had to physically reel himself back from fangirling like a stan; he had hoped his admiration for the volleyball star wasn’t too obvious during their little meeting. A fleeting meeting; one that would never happen again in his life, so later that same day he regretted the fact that he didn’t get an autograph from the ace.
He’s been a fan of the athlete since his high school career, always setting himself up in front of the TV to watch the latter’s matches. How can he ever miss the chance to watch the star perform.
When Miya Atsumu, setter for the Jackals, came into his bookstore two days ago. He thought ‘wow, what a twist of fate I wonder if I should just get his autograph to compensate for missing out on Bokuto Koutaro’s.” But the setter was a stuttering mess for some reason – maybe he wasn’t feeling well – then he left.
But then Sakusa Kiyoomi, outside hitter for the Black Jackals, walked in and Akaashi was sure something was up regarding his and Bokuto’s meeting. Sakusa was no Bokuto in terms of volleyball ability – in his totally humble, unbiased opinion – but he did make for good company. They enjoyed banter about one of the books that was on display; talking to Sakusa was nice but then he got a phone call and had to leave.
Akaashi thought it was the end of the celebrity interactions but then later that day he got a follow request from @numbr12.priv; a very discreet username. So what was the first thing Akaashi found himself doing that night of the request? Calling his best friend of course, how could he ever figure out how to deal with such an out of the ordinary situation.
“You mean to tell me you got the opportunity to get three autographs but you got none? Kei, I’ve taught you better than that.” The gray haired man tutted upon hearing about the entrepreneurs week.
“Suga, you’re literally not even much of a fan of them.”
“Fuck that, you know how much those autographs would sell for!?”
“Now where’s your sense of integrity?” Akaashi asked, playing with his fingernails.
“Down the drain along with this month’s rent~” Akaashi could tell a wry smile was painting the educator’s face.
Akaashi let out a chuckle and then told Suga to be serious. “Okay well the first thing you’re going to want to do is to NOT accept it.”
“Isn’t that the opposite of what I’m going for here?” Akaashi asked, genuinely confused at his friend's suggestion.
“You don’t want to seem too eager here. You already have that whole mysterious look to you, you don’t want to give that up.”
“Um, I don’t think-”
Suga sighed, cutting in, “Accept it in two days. No more no less. You don’t want him to lose interest either, though I doubt that’ll happen.”
Akaashi raised a brow, “How can you be so sure?”
“Just trust me here, and if he doesn’t text you first within 24 hours reply to his story or something. And like at least one of his recent posts, if it’s his private page he probably posts a lot of spam.” Suga was rambling at that point so Akaashi cut the conversation short.
“-Okay, thanks for the advice, let’s meet up soon. Bye!”
That was what his best friend advised him, but anticipation got the best of him and he accepted the request that night. He got accepted back in record time and that was all the initiative he needed to lurk. He couldn’t believe that the Bokuto Koutaro followed him on Instagram. If you told 17 year old him that this would happen he’d roll his eyes and walk away. But he still wondered why.
“He accepted it!” The team gathered around Bokuto and his phone with bated breaths. “What do I do? What should I say?”
Bokuto and Adriah were having their movie night as promised; Hinata, Atsumu and Sakusa decided to join them and though unexpected they were welcomed. They were mid-movie when Bokuto got the notification, which had the rest of the bunch gathering around him.
“Message him!” Hinata offered, already eager to get the show on the road.
But Atsumu suggested the hard-to-get route. “No, wait till he texts first.”
“And that’s exactly why you can never get a solid date now.” Sakusa retorted.
“I can get dates!”
“But if you can keep them is the real question…”
Adriah sighed at the nonsense of the others then brought his attention back to Bokuto, “Anyway… Bokuto just ask him on a date, I don’t understand why you’re having so much difficulty.”
Completely ignoring Adriah’s suggestion, Bokuto went on as he lurked through the bookstore owners page, “He went sightseeing last July and he took a picture of a horned owl. You think he likes owls, Adriah??”
“Why dontcha ask him!!?” Atsumu stressed.
“I can’t.”
Sakusa rolled his eyes. “This is ridiculous.” Three voices of agreement shared that sentiment.
He mustered up some courage. “Okay I’m just gonna text him.” They all gathered around Bokuto’s figure as he typed out a message, but he shooed them away as he was embarrassed enough as it was.
You: Hey hey hey!!! I don’t know if you remember me but I was in your bookstore a couple weeks ago and you really caught my eye! :) I was wondering if I can take you out sometime??
Okay he did it, easier than he thought… But then two minutes passed and he was still on delivered. Was there something wrong with his message? He started pacing around the living room trying to find something to keep his mind busy until Akaashi texted back.
Hinata tried to comfort him a bit. “Bokuto, it's not that serious. Just sit and let’s continue the movie.”
“Easy for you to say Mr. ‘I Can Have My Own Harem If I Wanted’” Hinata chuckled at that and just then Bokuto’s phone pinged and Bokuto practically dashed toward it.
kaashiiii: how could i ever forget u? U caught my eye as well, I would love to go out sometime just lmk
Bokuto almost squealed.
You: Cool! Do you like volleyball?? My team has a game coming up. Maybe you can come watch? I could get you a ticket
Kaashiiii: i love watching u play so of course
Bokuto didn’t know Akaashi knew who he was, let alone that he was a fan. Bokuto didn’t bring this up though since he didn’t want to make the other man uncomfortable. Although, there was a swell of pride in his chest at the fact that this gorgeous man actively watched him play.
You: Great!! I’ll stop by the store and give you your tickets, if that’s okay?
Kaashiiii: sounds good
And with that he had a date.
He didn’t have wing-men this time. He was doing this all by himself this time. He doesn’t need them right? He’s got this. And with that little pep talk he gave himself he finally left his car to enter the bookstore. He hoped Akaashi didn’t notice how long his car was parked in the lot.
With the chime of the bell from the door opening, he hears a voice call out from the back of the shop, “I’ll be right with you in just a sec!”
He took that time to look around the shop and truly take it in. The first time he was in the shop he planned to be in and out so he didn’t really get to gauge the surroundings. For one the shop smells lovely, he notices about two humidifiers around the shop emitting a lavender scent; it calms him a bit. It masks the scent of books and paper. He knows some people are fond of the scent of a fresh book but he’s personally not a fan.
To his right is a little reading area where a group is already stationed at reading. It’s cozy with a rug, a little sofa with some cute pillows and stuffed toys, and also a little decorative table in the center that holds some pens and highlighters.
“Students love that area,” Akaashi comes walking up to him, gazing at the sitting area as well. “Do you like the setup?”
“I do, if I were still in college I would probably sit in here with a group of friends just for the environment.”
“That’s a compliment to me.” He smiles, a small, lovely thing. “When I designed this place I wanted it to be a place that people could just go to to just escape. You know?” He looks him right in the eyes, expectantly.
“Yeah.” Those eyes do things to him.
Akaashi looks down at his own hands like he’s anticipating something. Oh the ticket, right. Dummy!
“Oh, um here you go!” He reaches into his backpack and pulls out the ticket, handing it to the shop owner. “They’re front row. Not like you can get smacked by a volleyball front row, like there are protective bars of course but like if I’m on the bench and I turn around we’ll lowkey be able to chat. But that’s not allowed so no I can’t actually do that.” And he’s rambling again and Akaashi’s smiling at him and looking so so handsome, and is it obvious that his face is getting red? No, no we have to shift the conversation now before I combust from embarrassment. “So, you knew who I was the first time we met but you didn’t say anything?”
Akaashi just shrugged and with a slight lilt in his voice said, “Seemed like you didn’t want to be recognized.” He’s walking back to the register, which doubles as something of a receptionist desk, and Bokuto follows. He sits down in his chair and looks up at the volleyball player, “Who was I to out you? Plus you ended up finding something that caught your eye so there’s nothing more that I can hope for out of a customer.”
It seems like he’s talking about more than just the book. Bokuto chuckles, “You’re a clever one aren’t you?” And the man just shrugs once more, with a cocky but subtle look gracing his face. “So you’ll come to the game?”
Akaashi looks at the ticket and sees the time of the game is 6pm. “Yes, the shop closes at 4:30 but I finalize with everything at about 5:30 I hope it’s not a problem if I’m slightly late. It’s only me here and I have to stock for the next day, make sure everything is prepped, and-”
“Hey, no worries. It only says it starts at 6 but we’ll have to do warm ups and have the audience stumble in so the actual start will probably be around 6:30 earliest.”
“Alright then that’s perfect, I’ll most definitely be there.”
“Great.”
“Great.”
They stall there for a while just looking at each other, slightly awkward but it was more so filled with a giddiness that they both were trying to hide. But Bokuto ends up leaving shortly after that small moment and as soon as he leaves the shop he pulls out his phone to send a text.
Current Concern: Bokuto’s Crush💀
You: I’m so whipped
When Bokuto Koutaro is in the game he’s focused he doesn’t worry about the crowd or any outside emotions he’s just solely focused on the game. Okay, maybe sometimes he can be plagued while in a game but he's gotten way better compared to when he was in high school.
He’s aware that his crush is in the stands right now, front row at that but he’s not letting it get to him. If he were in high school however, he would’ve been sneaking glances at the beautiful man.
“Tsumu, right here!” Bokuto had his hand up indicating that he was ready for the ball. Atsumu gave him a look. This is it, Bokuto thought, the ball is coming to me I’ll smack it down and-
BOOM!
The crowd silenced.
“That should’ve been my shot Shoyo! Not fair, you literally swooped in and took it from me.” As they walked out the locker room, the other members of the team just laughed at Bokuto’s slight tantrum, but they know they’d be feeling the same way if they got the winning shot taken from them.
“Hey Bokkun, you can’t be mad at us, that was the position for a perfect fake. Even you fell for it.” Atsumu snickered.
“You guys have to make this up to me. Nothing, nothing is gonna make me feelー Hi Akaashi!”
Standing there outside of the locker room, evidently waiting for the ace was Akaashi standing there with a small bouquet of flowers. “Hello, Bokuto-san. You played amazing out there.” The shop owner handed Bokuto the flowers to which he received red-faced and stuttering.
“Y-you really didn’t have to Akaashi. These are beautiful, I-I’m flattered.”
“Oh? Bokuto at a loss for words, never thought I’d see the day.” Their captain chimed in from behind. “Now how come this can never happen during practice.”
“Well his man isn’t at the practices Meian-san.” Inunaki teases.
“You guys are seriously embarrassing me here!” And Bokuto thought he couldn’t get any more red but of course his team can prove him wrong on that.
“Ah, you must be the Akaashi.” Barnes musters his way up from the back of the pack to come up and shake his hand expeditiously. “What a handsome man, the boys weren’t wrong. And a gentleman, bringing flowers for Koutaro.”
“Oh it’s no problem, in fact I’m flattered he invited me.” He was about to say something else until-
“Oh my god Kei, I know you’ve got your eyes on number 12 but fuck did you see the captains muscles? He’s like a brick wall, I need-” He comes up from the side of Akaashi, he must've not noticed Akaashi found the team. “Oh! Uhh looks like you found your man.” The silver haired man looked around, spotted the captain, and promptly turned around.
“Friend of yours?” Meian asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Akaashi didn’t even seem phased by the actions of his familiar. “Best friend.”
“Well you and him are invited to our celebratory night out. Bokuto will tell you all about it.”
“I will?” They didn’t plan on having a night out if they won. In fact, the captain was adamant on getting a good rest after every serious game. But Bokuto was always one to go with the flow so he told Akaashi to meet up with them at the group's signature place whenever he and his friend were ready.
They split up with Akaashi, which gave the group a chance to debrief.
“Woohoo!” Hinata practically jumps up, “Night out because the captain has a crush.”
“I do not have a crush, I'm just doing Bokuto a favor.” Meian tries to justify.
“Bullshit.” The whole team chimes.