Chapter Text
Kunimi did not want to wake up that morning. He did not want to go to school, nor did he want to go to practice.
But Kindaichi would have been sad if he didn’t go.
But it’s such a hassle.
Kunimi debated the pros and cons of skipping school for a little while longer, before getting sidetracked when he shifted and suddenly he was oh so comfortable. It was a nice sensation, warm and fluffy, and he was all swaddled up in his blankets. It was cold in his room, but in this little cocoon, he could forget it was winter for a little while.
Ring, ring, ring.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Only one person on Kunimi’s phone had that specific ringtone pattern off silent. As Kunimi let his phone echo in his room, he begrudgingly made a move to answer it.
“Kindaichi.” His voice sounded groggy, but Kunimi couldn't care less.
“‘Nimi I know you’re still in bed. We have practice, silly. And…” Kindaichi trailed off for dramatic effect. “We have a practice match today~”
“Is that supposed to make me want to get up?” Kunimi asked, unimpressed.
“Uh, yeah?” Kindaichi sighed. “Kira, come on. I’ve got a surprise for you as well!”
“Finee—“ Kunimi groaned, rolling out of bed and grimacing in discomfort when the morning chill hit his body. He really wanted to get back in bed. Back in bed with the pillows and blankets and the lull of sleep and–
“Kira. You know you have to.” Kindaichi scolded. Kunimi pouted, even though he knew his friend couldn’t see him.
“I’m gonna shower, bye.” And he hung up.
True to his word, he quickly showered, not liking the feeling of whatever bodily fluid he excreted from his sleep sticking to him throughout the day. Putting on his practice clothes, he wore and extra layer of pants and grabbed his scarf.
Kunimi huffed as he turned the lock of his door, checking it once before tugging his scarf tighter around his neck. Winter sucked.
When he turned around, Kindaichi stood beaming underneath a streetlight. “You okay, Kira?” Kunimi didn't even bother with a response, and Kindaichi sighed, poking his arm. “Cheer up! We have volleyball in a few, and–” he grinned. “Tada!”
Kindaichi proudly whipped out something that he had been hiding behind his back the entire time. A thermos.
“New waterbottle? No, I’ve seen that before. What?” Kunimi blinked at the bottle, and Kindaichi laughed.
“Take it! This is sure to warm you up.” His friend took one of his hands and pushed the bottle into it. It was warm and Kunimi felt his mood rise ever so slightly. He liked warm; warm was good. “Thank you.”
“You don’t even know what’s inside yet,” he poked him once more. “Open it!”
He rolled his eyes at his friend but followed through with his request. Immediately, the first thing that Kunimi registered was the smell. The very distinct smell of his favourite food. Salted caramel.
There were a few distinct facts about Kunimi Akira. He hates winter, he hates being cold, he hates waking up. His best friend is Kindaichi, he plays volleyball, and he’s perpetually tired.
His favourite food is salted caramel.
Newfound motivation possessing him, he immediately twisted the cap off fully. The aroma was rich, sweet with just a hint of salty zest. A peek inside revealed a brown liquid, and Kunimi vaguely felt his face lighting up. He looked up at his friend, who was observing his reaction. “You made me hot chocolate?”
Kindaichi gave him a toothy grin, poking his cheek. He’s in a poky mood today I see. “Not just any hot chocolate. Salted caramel hot chocolate. Aren’t I like, the best best friend ever?”
Kunimi hummed in approval as he took a sip. He was no longer that cold; an obvious upgrade. The immediate taste of salty-sweet chocolate on his tongue felt even better. Kunimi shot his friend a smile who beamed right back down at him. The two made their way to the bus stop, waiting.
It didn’t matter that it was cold anymore. That’s a lie, it did kind of matter, but not as much as before. Winter might mean cold, might mean flu season, but it also meant Kindaichi would dote on him just a little bit more. Kunimi was a selfish person, and Kindaichi was happy to indulge him.
Of course, a few times during their years of friendship, Kunimi has asked how he could help Kindaichi. The older of the two waved him off, insisting that Kunimi has done a lot for him already. Kunimi wasn’t one to pry and accepted the explanation.
Once the bus arrived, the two took a seat, Kunimi immediately flopping against Kindaichi. “You’re like a cat.” he chuckled, before falling quiet once more. His friend woke him up once they reached their stop. They got off the bus, and Kunimi hissed at how much colder it was by the school than it was by their neighbourhood.
He shivered, scrunching into his scarf. He was so cold. He hated winter. What was the point of winter? All cold, things die, things freeze. Just make autumn longer, he could deal with autumn. Winter was unnecessary, a filler season so Christmas could have some designated time of the year.
He must have looked miserable, because not even second after he shrugged into his scarf, Kindaichi wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close. Kunimi was now tucked underneath his friends arm, who was very, very warm.
“Yuutaro—“ he whined, dragging the last syllable of his friend's name. Kindaichi squeezed him tighter. “Yeah, it really is cold.” he agreed.
The two entered through the gym doors, rushing towards the changeroom. The changerooms had some heating, which was marginally better than the chill outside.
Once they finished, practice was starting. It was really just running some drills and practicing hitting with Yahaba. Yahaba was a plenty good setter himself, Kunimi just hoped he didn’t compare himself too harshly against Oikawa. Comparing yourself against someone who’s limit is far beyond yours only makes you feel worse.
Kunimi didn’t worry too much though, considering how Watari and Kyoutani fussed over their fellow second-year. Watari gave him light teases and Kyoutani… Kunimi didn’t actually know what Kyoutani did, he just knew it helped Yahaba shake out of it.
Once practice was over, Mizoguchi and Irihata had them all gather.
“For today’s afternoon practice, we’re going to be having a practice match against Karasuno. The third years will be joining you, think of it as their farewell match. Make sure to play well today.”
“Yes sir!”
That certainly was something to look forward to. Kunimi quite enjoyed practice matches. He didn’t have to exert too much energy, but still got to improve on his skills. It was fun. Kunimi was already reflecting on their past matches while walking to the changerooms with Kindaichi.
While fixing his tie, an odd feeling fell upon him. “Kindaichi?” He turned over to his friend, before averting his eyes. Kindaichi was in the middle of pulling his shirt over his head. “Hm?”
“I think I’m having a premonition.”
“A what? Nimi don’t use big words.”
“Shush we’re in high school, we need big words,” Kindaichi whined and Kunimi patted his arm. “A bad feeling.”
Immediately, Kindaichi looked alarmed, turning over to Kunimi and grabbing his shoulders. “What? Did you injure yourself during practice? Are you sick? Is it a stomachache? No, you didn’t eat anything bad. A headache! I have some painkillers if you–”
“Calm down Yutaro.” Kunimi chided. Kindaichi paused at the use of his given name. “It’s just a–what did you call it? A gut feeling something bad is going to happen.”
“Oh,” he relaxed, dropping his hands down and grabbing his tie to fix it. “Okay. Why?”
“What do you mean why?”
“Why do you have a feeling?” he asked, tilting his head.
“How am I supposed to know? Now hurry up, we have to get to class.”
“Usually I’m the one telling you to hurry up,” he grumbled under his breath.
Throughout the day, Kunimi couldn't shake off that feeling. It was annoying, constantly in his mind. And if his mind was working, he couldn't take a nap. Come lunch with no power nap, Kunimi was in a less than pleasant mood.
“Kira!” Kindaichi ran up over beside him, bento in hand. “Oh man, you look like shit.”
“Shut up.” he muttered. Kindaichi sat down on the stairs. They had began to start eating in the stairwell once the cafeteria became too crowded for kunimi’s interest. Since winter had begun, less people were eating outside, opting for the indoor heating Aoba Johsai provided. Kunimi was never a fan of large crowds, and high schoolers were loud . He wasn’t the one who had brought up the idea of eating in the stairwell in the first place–that was Kindaichi.
“What’s wrong?” Kunimi sighed, plopping his head on his friends shoulder. “I didn’t get to nap.” He whined.
“You big baby, hey! No sleeping yet. Remember the rules, you need to eat something first before you go taking naps on me. That’s your rent that’s due mister.” Kindaichi wiggled his shoulder, earning a pout from Kunimi. He knew Kindaichi was weak to his pouting. “Nope! Nope nope you are not making that face here mister.” He put a palm on Kunimi’s face and looked away. “Immunity.”
Begrudgingly, Kunimi ate some of his lunch, and then remembered the hot chocolate from the morning. Taking it out of his bag, he took a quick sip, then offered some to Kindaichi, who accepted. “Funny,” he looked at the bottle thoughtfully. “I thought you would have finished this by now.”
Kunimi simply hummed, putting away his things and leaning on Kindaichi once more. “Sleepyhead,” he teased, but pat his head gently anyways. “You still having that bad feeling? Is that why?” Another affirmative hum. “Got it. You have about 20 more minutes, have a nice nap Kira.”
He closed his eyes.
“Today, if you haven’t already gathered, we’ll be having a practice match against Karasuno. This is purely for your improvement, so give it your all!” Mizoguchi yelled, pumping his fist. The third years were joining them today, one of their last practices with them. Kunimi tried not to feel too sad about it. He would miss the frequent banter that they all seemed to never run out of, but that’s just how life was. It kept moving. The team cheered, all ready for another match against Karasuno. They were all ready for another chance against Karasuno.
“Nimi,” Kindaichi breathed. “He’s here.”
“Stupid shallot head, of course he’s here. He’s their setter . And I thought you said you were over that. Remember what Hinata said?” Kunimi whacked him for good measure. “Don’t go overthinking this match just because of some junior high beef okay?”
“But–” Kunimi whacked him again.
“Nope. We are looking forward. Not left or right. Or backwards. Forward. Watch the game, watch the ball, watch me if that helps–don’t stress about it, Yutaro.” He said the last part quieter, and glared up at the offending shallot head. “What’s done is done, remember? We were kids, still are kids. Stupid decisions. He was a jerk, so were we. We’re all jerks. Better?”
“Nimi…” Kindaichi looked at him thoughtfully, and he simply shrugged, turning away.
“Someone has to pull your head out of your ass. Unfortunately, that appears to be me. Remember what I told Hinata at the training camp? We’re going to crush them.”
“Thanks.” Kunimi walked away, strangely satisfied with this warm feeling in his chest.
The game was pretty intense for one that wasn’t even an official match. Everyone seemed to be focused on every point scored. Kunimi himself was actually exerting a little more effort then what he usually did, much to Mizoguchi’s joy. It was probably his last time going to be playing with his senpai’s on the same team, and believe it or not, Kunimi did have a soft spot towards them. Don’t tell Oikawa he’d never hear the end of it.
They had gotten better collectively as a team at reading Karasuno’s freak quick. They were even able to block it a few times more successfully. Of course, Kageyama was being relentless, utilizing every one of the hitters that he had. It frustrated Oikawa, which was kind of funny to watch. Kunimi opted to ignore his senpai’s incessant ‘Tobio-chan’s’ and pretend they were just background noise.
It wasn’t as though they were all that frequent anyways. Currently, the score was 12-13 in their favor. They had won the first set, but Karasuno seemed gaining traction. Which obviously, was bad for them. Kunimi had rotated into the backrow, Kindaichi was serving. Afterwards, Watari would go sub in for Kindaichi once his serve was over. That’s what was supposed to happen. And what everyone, including himself, thought wa going to happen.
There was still a dry taste in his throat. Stupid premonition.
Kindaichi served, his accuracy having improved significantly. His serve, which was quite well placed, got received by their libero–Nishinoya? Who yelled out a special move. Something ending with thunder, Kunimi couldnt be bothered to listen to the whole thing. It went up, Kageyama sets it to the third year in a back attack, it’s deflected by Matsukawa. Received again, sent to Oikawa, setting to Hanamaki. Which gets received by their captain, which is once again sent to Kageyama.
Kunimi watches the setters hands, knowing that he wasn’t going to give away any signs, but still observing nonetheless. Reasonably, he would probably set over to their left, but Hinata was always an option. But Kunimi knew that Kageyama could see Matsukawa watching the middle diligently. Shifting so that he was facing number 5, Kunimi was ready for a straight. If his bet was right, well then that’s good on him.
For all of Kunimi’s avoidance, it appeared his luck had run out. Really, it was probably his own fault at that point. He was in the wrong spot at the worst possible time. That was gathered when he saw that his prediction had been right. But it seemed some sweat on the floor had messed up the second years approach.
He jumped a bit more hastily then what was needed, and hit a little bit harder earlier than he should have to compensate.
Kunimi watched the ball rocket towards his face, not even being able to get a thought to process before it slammed into his head. Shit.
Kunimi’s nose immediately swells up in pain as he’s knocked back, and the crack of his skull slamming against the hardwood floor nearly knocks him out. It hurts like hell.
He clasps his eyes shut. If I don’t acknowledge this just happened, then it didn’t happen.
Distantly, he understands there’s commotion going on all around him, but he could care less. He wanted to go home, take a nap, and swaddle himself up in blankets.
Not experience this excruciating throbbing pain. He didn’t want to go outside again in the harsh cold of winter. This was probably the source of his bad feeling. It’s like the universe was warning him. If Kunimi opened his eyes, he was sure he might have teared up. But he was smarter than that, and kept his eyes shut.
Frankly it would have been too much effort, and required energy he did not have at the moment.
“Kunimi!” A panicked voice cut through his thoughts. Ah, Kindaichi.
He vaguely understood a presence had slid down beside him, and was bundling him in his arms.
“Shoot— Akira are you alright? No, obviously not you just got a ball to the face and hit your head. Are you awake? Akira?” A light frantic tapping joined the blur of sensations he felt in his head. Ugh.
“Kindaichi, maybe don’t tap his head.” A gruff voice called out. I know this voice.
The fingers tapping stopped, settling for shifting him from the hardwood floor to a lap. A familiar one at that. Oh, Kindaichi is holding me.
Kunimi was vaguely aware of the chaos surrounding him currently, but decided against trying to fight it. Whatever, he could stay conscious. Or not. It didn’t matter to him.
“Kunimi-kun, can you hear me?” An older voice asked cautiously. Irihata.
He should have responded, but something was closing on his throat, making the simple act of speaking seem impossible.
“Kunimi?” He tried again, gently touching his arm. The arms holding him began to tremble, and Kunimi knew his friend was about to combust from anxiety.
“ Akira ?” Kindaichi whispered shakily. “Please be okay.”
There are many things Kunimi disliked in the world. Sweating, getting tired, being cold, to name a few. One thing that was relatively high up on his list?
A sad Kindaichi Yutaro.
Kindaichi didn’t get truly sad often, and pulled himself out of these slumps rather quickly. However, Kunimi knew his friend was a worrywart, and having him have an anxiety attack would be a pain.
So Kunimi forced himself to try and open his eyes, immediately regretting it. It was awful. The blaring florescent lights burnt his eyes, electric shocks of pain overwhelming his brain. He unwillingly let out a pained whimper, tears flooding the corners of his shut eyes.
“Oh my god, Akira. Shoot, where does it hurt? Your head obviously. Is it the lights? It has to be the lights. Yeah, the lights have to be what’s wrong right now. Um—“ Kindaichi rambled in a panic. “Me talking probably isn’t helping right now, is it? Uh– Watari-san!”
Kindaichi's tirade seemed to be cut off by him receiving something, and a quiet thank you rung in his ears. His friends fingers gently carded through his hair, before something cold was pressed against his head.
“Kunimi-chan, I’m honestly surprised you were the first man down. So cruel taking away someone so young–” the voice was immediately cut off with a pained yelp. “Iwa-chan! I’m just saying!”
“It’ll be alright, Akira. I’ve got you.” Kindaichi whispered, adjusting the ice pack again. It wasn’t the really hard block of ice ones, one of the much softer ones. Kunimi thanked whoever picked it out–Watari? He thanked him for his thoughtfulness.
“Kindaichi.” A different voice was heard, a bit awkward sounding. Kunimi felt Kindaichi stiffen. “Tanaka-san is really sorry.”
“Kageyama-kun,” a voice prodded at the other, dragging out the kun . “You said you were worried about Kunimi! You’re supposed to say that out loud .”
“Shut up Hinata! I was getting there.”
“You’re so awkward YamaYama– Ow!”
“Kindaichi.” Kageyama tried again. Kunimi decided to try and open his eyes again, this time a little less painful then the first. Only a little bit though. “Kunimi.” Kageyama took a deep breath. “I hope your head feels better. That looked like it hurt a lot. And make sure to watch him. Don’t do anything that needs lots of brain power. He definitely has a concussion.”
For once, Kunimi agreed with Kageyama. His brain felt like mush, and he was honestly surprised how genuine the advice sounded. Made a bit of sense though, considering who his partner was. Hinata, even at the training camp, was quite clumsy.
“I– thank you, Kageyama.” Kindaichi mumbled. Irihata spoke up.
“Kindaichi, go take Kunimi to the nurses office, she should still be there. The first responders should be there if she isnt. Yahaba, go with them in case Kindaichi needs help.”
“Yes coach!” Yahaba said. Kunimi groaned as he felt himself get lifted up. “It’s okay Akira, we’re going to get you help.”
“Kindaichi, want me to hold the ice pack so you can carry him easier?” Yahaba offered. Kindaichi must have nodded since the hand that was holding the ice pack was holding his neck instead. An arm hooked underneath his legs.
“I could probably walk yknow,” Kunimi mumbled. He was immediately shushed.
“Nope. That’s brain activity, what you’re not supposed to do. Besides, this is like training!” Kunimi could tell from the slight edge in his voice that Kindaichi was just worried, and backed off from arguing. Walking would have been a pain anyways.
“Just let me take care of you, okay?” Kunimi didn’t respond.