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Excerpt from Tokyo Sports Journal:
Stepping into the home of Bokuto Koutarou is a surprise.
I did not expect that the 30-year-old, three-time Olympian would live in a modest, traditional home on the outskirts of Tokyo, full of houseplants, books and obscure knick-knacks. It seems contrary to everything I know about the athlete: his energetic personality, his jet-setting life in professional sports, his countless celebrity endorsements.
Bokuto laughs when I tell him this.“Well, we lived in Shinjuku for a long time,” he says, shrugging as he leads me through the kitchen. Dishes are drying in a rack, and there's a cute lineup of owl-themed mugs on the counter. “And yeah, being right in the middle of the city like that was fun and exciting. But right now, this made the most sense for us.”
I know he is referring to his longtime partner, Akaashi Keiji. The two have been in a relationship for over a decade. Back when Bokuto was still a new player to V.League, he came out as bisexual to his fans and the media, proudly introducing his boyfriend.
Akaashi-san, for his part, is a writer, editor and book reviewer on YouTube. Bokuto says he is currently studying to become a literature professor. “This place is perfect for Keiji,” he adds. “It’s quiet. Helps him concentrate.”
But is that the only reason? I can’t help but prod a bit. The relocation, immediately following Bokuto’s recent retirement from professional volleyball after the Paris Olympic Games, seems drastic.
“Well, you’re right.” he admits, smiling a bit sheepishly. We’ve made it to the living room, settling onto the couch. I glance around briefly at the photographs and art prints lining the walls. Bokuto kicks a stray volleyball across the floor.
“There is more to it,” he says. “I guess now is as good a time as any to break the news…”
FIVE MONTHS EARLIER
Bokuto Koutarou @jackalowl posted a photo: HEY HEY HEY!!! We’ve made it to Paris! This city is amazing! I’ve been here once before but it’s even more exciting this time!!!
[A photo of Bokuto, Atsumu and Sakusa in front of the Eiffel Tower, wearing their Team Japan jackets. Atsumu has his arms wrapped around the others’ shoulders, sticking out his tongue obnoxiously. Sakusa is bending slightly under the weight; he’s wearing a face mask, but his eyes are smiling. Bokuto holds up peace signs with both hands.]
Miya Atsumu @sexysets: Watch out Paris, the boys have arrived to paint this town red!!! 😜
Sakusa Kiyoomi @sakusakiyoomi replied to @sexysets: We’ll be stuck in the Olympic Village most of the time, Miya.
@sexysets replied to @sakusakiyoomi: Ugh Omi you’re such a buzzkill
@umi99: This is it y’all. The Jackals veterans, back at the Games! They’re gonna kick ass!
@bambamboo: I can’t believe this is his last Olympics. Bokuto-kun, we’re going to miss you! :'(
@vball4life replied to @umi99: Bokuto is retiring… but aren’t Miya and Sakusa still playing with MSBY?
@umi99 replied to @vball4life: Yes, they are. It’s still sad though! They’re like the Three Musketeers!
@YuiYama: This is like Hinata leaving to go back to Brazil all over again… *cries*
@bambamboo replied to @YuiYama: DON’T REMIND ME OF THE MSBY4 BREAKUP THAT WAS DEVASTATING
Keiji ❤️🦉
You look happy, love. I’m so glad you’ll be able to compete in the Games one last time.
Kou
Thanks babe! I am! I know it’s not the best timing with everything going on, but I'm so excited to show you this city!
Keiji ❤️🦉
Me too. And it’s okay. No matter what happens, we’ll figure it out together.
Kou
Let me know if anything changes with your flight! I can’t wait to see you!
Keiji ❤️🦉
Same. I love you, Kou.
Kou
I love you too Keiji!!!!!
Akaashi’s jaw dropped as he took in the view from the apartment. City lights twinkled. Pedestrians and cyclists wove through narrow streets below. Across the way, people lounged on their balconies, enjoying the warm Paris evening. And not too far in the distance, the Eiffel Tower: standing proud over the metropolis like a beacon of hope.
Akaashi turned to his host, steeling his composure. “Tendou-san… how in the world did you manage to get this place?”
Tendou Satori, chocolatier and best friend of Olympian Ushijima Wakatoshi, just shrugged. “Oh, it’s no big deal…” He took a sip of wine, smirking over the glass rim.
Akaashi scoffed, wandering out onto the small balcony. “I know very well how expensive this city can be, especially in an apartment like this.”
Tendou chuckled. He passed a glass to Akaashi, who accepted eagerly, savoring the unique taste of Burgundy on his tongue.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to visit Paris.”
“Ahh,” Tendou nodded. “So that’s why Bokuto hassled Wakatoshi so much about letting you stay here with me, huh?”
Akaashi blushed. “I suppose.” For a while they were silent, absorbing the sounds of the city transitioning to nighttime. Akaashi could hear the sound of a violin echo down the street, and his fingers twitched instinctively. How long had it been since he played his instrument? Probably too long...
Suddenly Akaashi’s phone buzzed. He flinched, nearly dropping his wine as he scrambled to retrieve it from his coat. His heart, already beating faster than normal, kicked up another notch.
A text from his mother flashed on the screen. He sighed before replying, reassuring her that he’d made it to the city safely. But a frown pulled at his lips.
“You okay, Akaashi?” Tendou was looking at him curiously, obviously confused about his sudden change in mood.
“Ah, yes,” Akaashi nodded. “Sorry. It's just... Well, Bokuto and I… We’re waiting for some important news. And I thought that might be it.” He turned his phone’s ringer up before pocketing it again.
“News?” Tendou hummed. “From who?”
Akaashi took another deep, long breath, letting his eyelids flutter closed.
“From the adoption agency.”
Miya Atsumu @sexysets posted a video: First practice in Paris! Pretty impressive court. Watch out for my serves... they’re lethal 🏐🔥
[A video of Atsumu practicing serves. Sakusa is stretching his wrists in the corner. Meanwhile, Bokuto paces back and forth near the bench. At one point he sits down and grabs his phone, looking at it with a worried expression. Atsumu eventually calls him over for spiking practice. With one last glance at the phone, Bokuto nods, leaving it and jogging onto the court.]
Osamu Miya @onigrimiyaofficial: “Lethal?” Pretty sure I just saw one of those serves go out of bounds…
@sexysets replied to @onigrimiyaofficial STFU ASSHOLE🖕🖕 (hug mom for me, I miss u guys)
@onigrimiyaofficial replied to @sexysets: We’re all rooting for you.
@sportsguru: I’ll never get used to Sakusa’s wrists. I just can’t look away
@tokyotami: Wait, what’s going on with Bokuto in the background? Is he okay?
@vball4life replied to @tokyotami: I noticed that too. He seems anxious. Distracted. I hope he’s feeling alright.
@AdlersFreak replied to @vball4life: I mean, he’s at the Olympics. Even someone who’s been to them before would be nervous.
@YuiYama replied to @AdlersFreak: Plus, it’s his last tournament before retiring from competition. He probably feels pressured to do his best.
@tokyotami replied to @YuiYama: Awww I wish I could give him a hug !! :(
“So, yeah, I might visit that shop again tomorrow. I hope that rare poetry book is still there. I was hesitant to buy it, as it’s pretty expensive. But it’s so unique! And I don’t know when I’ll be here again…”
Bokuto smiled fondly. One of Akaashi’s hands gestured animatedly, the other held a cup of tea. Akaashi had told him it felt like a miracle that he was actually here. In Paris. The City of Lights—full of culture, excitement, and beauty.
And love, Bokuto thought dreamily, leaning his chin in his palm as he gazed at his partner. He let the man gush for a few more moments before carefully broaching the subject he’d been worrying about since arriving in France.
“So. Um.” Bokuto leaned back in his chair, scratching the side of his neck. “Have you heard anything? About, um, our application?”
Akaashi’s hands, which had been cutting a pastry in half, froze. A small divot appeared on his brow, causing his glasses to slide down his nose. “No.” He shook his head. “Not yet. Sorry, Kou.”
Bokuto sighed. He wasn’t too surprised, though. He hadn’t expected them to hear much this soon. Still, they’d been very nervous to leave their home country while things were still pending.
Adoption.
Bokuto didn’t think anything could be as nerve-wracking as representing his entire country at the Olympics. But this was. Hands down. Trying to adopt a baby, especially as two men, was the most stressful thing Bokuto had ever experienced. And the little girl… she was perfect! They loved her already.
So if it didn’t work out…
“Can we talk about something else?”
Bokuto looked up to see Akaashi gripping the teacup. Tension had formed in his shoulders, which was always a bad sign. Eager to undo the damage, Bokuto reached to place a hand atop of Akaashi’s and squeezed. “Of course. Sorry.”
He then glanced at Akaashi’s phone on the table. “Hey, I know!” Bokuto grinned, picking up the device and offering it to his partner. “You haven’t updated your socials since you arrived, right? Your followers probably want to know you’ve made it here!”
Akaashi smiled weakly and nodded. “Here, let’s take a photo together…”
Akaashi Keiji @akaashikeiji posted a photo: Bonsoir! I’m fulfilling a lifelong dream to visit Paris, France. Of course I’m here to support Koutarou at the Olympics, but I’ll also be filming some of my bookstore and museum adventures as well. Stay tuned!
[A photo of Bokuto and Akaashi, sitting at a small table outside a cafe. The sun is low, with streetlights already illuminated. A pile of books sits preciously on the edge of the table, near two ceramic teacups. Bokuto's arm is around Akaashi's shoulders. Akashi is leaning into the embrace. They are both smiling widely.]
Udai Tenma @officialudaitenma: Well look at you! My former editor is out there living his best life 🥺❤️ I’m so proud of you buddy
@akaashikeiji replied to @officialudaitenma: Thank you, Udai-san. I hope everyone at Shonen Vai is doing well.
@wanderlust_reads: So happy for you!!! Aww you guys are adorable
@jasmineflower98: Everything about this photo is so soft. The lighting, the expressions, everything. Beautiful.
@BookWorm411: So cute! Can’t wait to see the bookstore haul!
@jasmineflower98 replied to @BookWorm411: Same! I wonder if he visited the Latin Quarter? It's supposed to have so many amazing shops.
@sadknight: I wish I had what akaashi and bokuto have
@BookWorm411 replied to @sadnight: Right? And the fact they’ve been together for so long… *sigh*
@tokyotami: I was worried about Bokuto but he looks so happy here. Guess that’s what love will do...
Excerpt from a live Olympic broadcast:
Reporter 1: “Team Japan has made it to the opening ceremony! What an amazing moment for our country.”
Reporter 2: “It really is! Coming back after hosting such a challenging games in 2021, it really feels important that we are here.”
[The team is shown passing by on the River Seine. Bokuto is holding the Japanese flag high with one arm as he waves excitedly to the crowd with the other.]
Reporter 1: “Our flag bearer is Bokuto Koutarou: outside hitter for the men’s volleyball team. Bokuto has continued to be a fan favorite and media darling ever since he started his professional career.”
Reporter 2: “This is Bokuto’s third and final Olympics.”
[The camera pans over the athletes before returning to Bokuto, who shoots a finger gun and a blinding smile towards the fans gathered on shore.]
Reporter 1: “His retirement is a surprise for those of us who have followed his career. Volleyball is a sport where many players continue competing professionally past the age of 30, and Bokuto is still at the top of his game.”
Reporter 2: “He must have his reasons, don’t you think?”
Reporter 1: “Yes, definitely. It’ll be interesting to discover what those are.”
[As Bokuto passes the camera close by, his face softens. He holds up his thumb and index finger; the fingers form the shape of a tiny heart. He winks and mouths, “Love you.”]
Reporter 2: “In the meantime, let’s cheer on Bokuto, his teammates and all of our amazing athletes competing this summer!”
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
Congratulations on winning your first game!
Kou
AHHH THANK YOU!!! I’M SO PUMPED!!! I’M READY FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
Please rest properly, my love. Get to bed at a decent time tonight.
Kou
I wish you could be in my bed with me 😢
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
I know. But we’ll see each other soon.
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
Plus, I’ll be in the crowd for tomorrow’s match!
Kou
YES!!! I’m going to do my best since you’re there!!! Cheer me on, okay?
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
Always.
Sakusa Kiyoomi @sakusakiyoomi posted a photo: Two matches won, a few more to go. Let’s do this.
[A photo of Sakusa, Atsumu, their coach and a few other players in a huddle, celebrating their victory. In the background, Bokuto can be seen with his back to the camera, both arms up, reaching toward the stands of spectators. A blurry figure in the crowd is also holding his arms up in a similar gesture.]
Komori Motoya @morimori: Congrats! Guess you’re doing okay without me this time, after all 😉 ( I told you!)
@sakusakiyoomi replied to @morimori: That doesn’t mean I don’t wish you were here, too. But thank you.
@sportsguru: HELL YEAH JAPAN!!!!!!! Congrats boys
@umi99: I love this team so much
@AdlersFreak What is Bokuto doing? Waving to fans? lol
@BookWorm411 replied to @AdlersFreak His partner Akaashi was planning to be in the crowd today. So it’s probably him!
@AdlersFreak replied to @BookWorm411: Damn, there goes BokuAka reminding me I’m single again
@BookWorm411 replied to @AdlersFreak: I’m so invested in their love story it’s ridiculous
@jackalswhore: They’ve got to be THE hottest team at Paris 2024. Look at all those thick thighs.
@sportsguru replied to @jackalswhore: I can’t believe you’re still on here making thirst tweets. Thank you for your years of service.
“Holy shit! Hinata and Kageyama are on fire tonight!”
Akaashi grinned over his beer, pride swelling in his chest. He watched in amusement as Kuroo rose from his stool, pointing at the large television on the wall of the bar. On screen Hinata, who had just scored a set-winning point with his signature broad cross, is high-fiving his setter. Their team surrounds them, patting their backs and cheering.
“Their quick has always been amazing.” Kenma leaned forward against the bar top excitedly. “But yeah, they’ve been doing exceptional today.”
“And so is Bo!”
Akaashi nodded, rubbing a thumb through the condensation on his pint glass. “I was worried he’d be… distracted.”
“Well, I’m sure he is.” Kuroo shrugged. “But he’s gotten so good at managing his emotions during games. You know that better than anyone, Keiji.”
Akaashi hummed. Together, they watched the next rally. Japan’s opponents were ruthless this time around—unsurprising as the country was a volleyball powerhouse. Bokuto and his team truly had their work cut out for them.
During the next ad break, Kuroo finally cleared his throat and asked, hesitantly: “So, are you guys still waiting for..?”
“Yes.” Akaashi sighed, prepared for the question. Kuroo and Kenma were two of the only people outside their immediate families who knew he and Bokuto were trying to adopt. Bokuto had also told the Jackals, and Akaashi had explained the situation to a handful of close, trusted coworkers. “We should hear back any day now.”
“Wow.” Kuroo whistled. “You guys are totally ready, though. I can’t think of another couple more suited to be dads together.”
“Same,” Kenma nodded again. His eyes were soft, void of their usual intense scrutiny. “You’ll be awesome.”
Akaashi smiled. He took such comfort in the fact that these two people, who he’d known since he was fifteen, wholly supported his and his partner’s future. Without any hesitation. Grateful didn’t even begin to cover it.
“Thank you.” Akaashi smiled. He raised his glass, and his friends returned the gesture.
“Cheers!”
Japan’s Men’s Volleyball loses to Italy 3-2 after hard fought battle —Tokyo Sports Journal
Men’s team eliminated, will not advance to finals —Volleyball Japan Magazine
Japan’s volleyball team loses chance at a medal, but wins our hearts —Olympics Worldwide
A long, drawn-out sigh escaped Bokuto as he collapsed onto the bench. His limbs felt like jelly, his heart still beat wildly in his chest. He shivered as the sweat on his skin began to cool.
They lost.
It wasn’t a huge surprise, honestly. They had gotten so much further in the games than anyone expected. No one thought Japan would make it to the semifinals and give a team like Italy such a run for their money.
But they had.
Bokuto sighed again and nodded to himself. He was incredibly happy and content with their performance in Paris. With his final match with the national team. With his last professional game, ever.
He's satisfied with his decision. But he's definitely going to miss this. A lot.
The chime of his phone interrupted his wistful thoughts. He smiled, recognizing Keiji’s custom tone, and hurried to dig it out of his bag.
His eyes scanned the notification, then slowly widened. He blinked once. Twice.
And then his breath caught in his chest.
“Oh my god!”
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
Love, I know you’re probably exhausted, and dealing with a lot of emotions right now. But I just received a message from the agency back in Japan.
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
We’ve finally been approved.
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
We officially have a daughter.
Kou
Meet me at the airport.. we’ll get on the first flight out
Keiji ❤️ 🦉
See you there.
Hinata Shoyou @beachninja: It’s never easy to accept defeat, especially on the world stage. But we’re so proud of how far we went. Thank you everyone for your support!!!
[A photo of the team with their head coach, assistant coaches, trainers, etc. on the court. All are smiling, but tiredly and a bit sadly. They are holding a banner with TEAM JAPAN in red and black lettering. Bokuto, however, is glaringly absent from the photo.]
Hinata Natsu @redheadace: I’m so proud of you Sho. You've always inspired me so much, and this time is no different.
@beachninja replied to @redheadace: ❤️❤️❤️
@umi99: I’m so sad right now… this was such a special team!!
@YuiYama:I’ve been a fan of the JNT for a long time but this lineup was just exceptional. I’m gonna miss them so much.
@sadknight: This was the first Olympics I really followed jpn volleyball. It was so fun. I’m so proud they got this far
@tokyotami: Wait, where’s Bokuto? I see everyone except him
@bambamboo replied to @tokyotami: omg you’re right! I wonder if he’s okay??
@tokyotami replied to @bambamboo: I’ve been sort of worried about him this games tbh. He seemed a bit on edge
@YuiYama replied to @tokyotami and @bambamboo: Maybe he’s just in the bathroom, or with Akaashi. Let’s not jump to conclusions.
@vball4life: THANK YOU JNT FOR A GREAT OLYMPICS! WE LOVE U!
FIVE MONTHS LATER
Excerpt from Tokyo Sports Journal:
As I sit here, enthralled at the story Bokuto is telling me, we are suddenly interrupted.
Akaashi announces his presence as he enters the house. Bokuto hops off the couch, signaling for me to wait in the living room as he scurries off. I hear lowered voices. Socked feet shuffling over tiled floors. Items being placed on counters, the rustling of paper bags, the refrigerator being opened and closed.
And then, suddenly, I hear cooing.
I’m holding my breath as Bokuto returns, now holding a small bundle against his broad chest. The baby is wrapped in a light blanket, but one tiny foot, covered in a purple crocheted bootie, has escaped. A mop of messy black hair sticks out from the top of the blanket.
“Here she is,” Bokuto says quietly, maneuvering carefully around the furniture to where I still sit. “She’s still half-asleep. She usually falls asleep on car rides.”
I lean in to peek closer. The bundle squirms, and Bokuto shifts until the baby’s face is finally within view.
The little girl is adorable. I don’t know what other adjective I can use to describe her. Wispy lashes flutter open to reveal lovely chocolate-brown eyes, which observe me curiously.
I glance back at Bokuto.
Now, I’ve been following this man’s career for years, since he first joined the V.League. I’ve seen him win practice games, official matches and entire tournaments. I’ve witnessed him being named “Sexiest Athlete of the Year.” I’ve seen him be chosen for sponsorships, his face plastered on billboards. I’ve watched him lead his country into the Olympic games.
But I have never seen Bokuto Koutarou look as happy and proud as he does right now.
“This is ‘why,’” Bokuto says, gazing down at his daughter with a fondness anyone would envy. “She is everything to me now. Her and Keiji. This is what it’s all about.”
Bokuto Koutaoru @jackalowl posted a link: Thanks, Tokyo Sports Journal, for the great feature article! And for giving me the perfect opportunity to introduce everyone to my newest “project!” 😉 ❤️ My future looks pretty bright, doesn’t it?
[A photo of Bokuto, Akaashi and their daughter is attached. Bokuto’s arms are wrapped delicately around Akaashi, who is cradling the baby. The girl is dressed in a brown owl-themed onesie, grasping one of Bokuto’s fingers in her tiny hand. Her eyes are sparkling as she looks up at her dads. Both men smile back at her softly.]
Konoha Akinori @konoaki21: Please know that Komi, Saru, Yuki and I are currently sobbing together in a public bar. We look like idiots. How dare you do this to us, Bokuto Koutarou.
Shirofuku Yukie @sweetyukie: aaaaahhhhh 😭😭😭 we just love you two so muuuuucchh aaaahhhhhh
Tsukishima Kei @tsukishima_k: Congratulations, Bokuto-san and Akaashi-san.
Meian Shūgo @meianvolleyball: Welcome to parenthood! It’s incredible. Know that I’m here if you you ever need advice.
@sportsguru: BOKUTO KOUTAROU IS A FATHER EVERYONE THIS IS NOT A DRILL
@bambamboo: don’t mind me while I cry in the corner for the next hour
@sportsguru: Wait… so this is why he retired… he wanted to start a family with Akaashi... omg
@vball4life replied to @sportsguru: I’m literally sobbing right now. Real actual tears. My sister is worried
@jasmineflower98: I’m so glad I found Keiji’s BookTube channel years ago and ended up here, today, to witness this beautiful moment.
@tokyotami: My heart can’t take this holy shit
@YuiYama: Congratulations, Bokuto! I’ve been your fan for years, and seeing you so happy and content like this—I am just so happy for you. You've already had such an amazing life but looks like it’s just getting started.
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