Chapter Text
Darkness. All Tetsurou could see underneath his blindfold was the darkness and despite it being a mild inconvenience more than anything, it was still annoying. To say that Tetsurou was only annoyed though would be a complete understatement since he’s raging inside at the situation. After all, he’s currently kidnapped with his hot date. The kidnapper binded their wrists, put blindfolds on their eyes and duct tapes on their mouth and took them to a place only god knows where – or actually, his organization’s tracker and best friend, Kenma would probably know too but that’s beside the point.
The point was it was dark because of the blindfold and not in a sexy way. At least, the smell was not terrible, only the distinct smell of rusting metal was bad but other than that, not terrible. It still wasn’t an ideal place to date but whatever. The room, if it could be called a room, where they’re currently kept had been awfully quiet ever since the kidnappers left approximately half an hour ago.
Tetsurou could not help but worry about his companion with him, who had not spoken a single word the whole time. It might have been the duct tape on said companion’s mouth that’s preventing him from reassuring Tetsurou that he was doing alright despite the circumstances (and that he would love to see him again on a second date– shut up, mind, not the priority right now), but Tetsurou was at least hoping to hear any sound from the other, at least a grunt or a groan but there’s nothing. The only indicator that his companion was alive and well was the fact that their backs were leaning against each other and Tetsurou could still feel the beating of the heart of his hot date.
Yes, his hot date who was kidnapped with him, reminded Tetsurou's mind, which pissed him off tremendously. If he were alone, he would have done something already and he would have used the half hour to not only escape but also torture the kidnappers. Fortunately for him, it would be a piece of cake to do that for a secret agent who was used to dealing with these types of people and situations on a daily basis.
Unfortunately for him, this particular situation was not part of his area of expertise – no, not being kidnapped. Like mentioned, he could escape if he wanted to. What left him out of his comfort zone was the fact that there’s someone with him, someone who he was trying to impress and was trying to romantically get to know. He was afraid that if he were to reveal the nature of his job, his date would not only turn away from him but his life might also get involved.
Tetsurou did not like the thought of that so he tried not to do anything rash. For now, maybe he could wait it out and wait for Kenma to notice that something was up. He could play the victim while subtly protecting his date. It could work. He worked really hard to get this first date and he did not want to screw this up. Kidnapping aside, the date actually was going well and Tetsurou was looking forward to also landing a second one. Yes, he’s basically whipped after the first date but he couldn’t help it, okay? His date’s the perfect match for him since he had gradually got attached and more attracted to the other ever since they first met six months ago.
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Six months earlier.
It was bright inside the coffee shop, the natural light illuminating the place through the glass walls. It gave the place a cheerful ambiance, which Tetsurou found that he often liked. At the moment, he had mixed feelings about the brightness though as he stumbled through the doors with a yawn. He was out doing missions until four or five in the morning and he only managed to get three hours of sleep before he woke up at 8 a.m. since he still had more work to do. It was just a little too bright.
Still half asleep, he took a quick cold shower before heading straight to his favorite local coffee shop located just below his condominium. He needed his coffee and some bread to go with it. Tetsurou yawned again as he walked to the cashier only to slow down a bit when he noticed an unfamiliar figure manning the counter. Said figure was tall – probably taller than Tetsurou by like a couple of centimeters, was wearing glasses, and had short curly blonde hair.
A new barista, huh. Tetsurou thought as he observed the new face, who had a bored expression and looked like he was forced to be there. He was fiddling with his fingers while gazing absentmindedly at the cake selection of the store. He did not seem to notice Tetsurou’s arrival. Or maybe, he’s ignoring me because he’s shy? Tetsurou wondered.
Then, their gazes met and the barista’s eyes focused on Tetsurou as he greeted the latter with a deadpan voice, “Welcome to Karasuno Cafe. How may I help you?”
Tetsurou decided to return the bored expression with a friendly grin. In his couple of months of being a loyal customer ever since he moved to Sendai due to his job, Tetsurou had gotten to know the workers of this quaint little coffee shop. There was Yachi, the daughter of the owner and also the baker of the place, who appeared nervous at first glance but could actually manage when the situation called for it. There was Shimizu, a barista, who seemed cold and distant but was actually just shy and there was Tanaka, another barista, who was head over heels for Shimizu. There were also two other baristas named Hinata and Kageyama, who would always argue with each other even though they make a good team. The point was that they’re all interesting people and Tetsurou had gotten to know them in the past couple of months. He was also already attached to them a little bit and he was hoping this barista would not be so different.
“Hmm…” Tetsurou made a show of tapping his chin and looking through the menu. Being the type who liked to try new things, he had already tried various drinks the coffee shop had to offer and as an avid coffee drinker, he already knew that americano best suited his palate. But he’s curious about the new barista so he asked, “What would you recommend…” He trailed off as he glanced down at the barista’s chest, looking for a name tag but there’s none so he met the barista’s gaze again and opted to say, “Glasses.”
‘Glasses’ raised an eyebrow at him and then scoffed. “Is that the best you can come up with, bedhead?”
Tetsurou gaped at him. “Excuse you, my hair is one of my best features.”
“What a pity.” ‘Glasses’ said with an exaggerated frown, feigning pity before he snickered. Tetsurou could not help but laugh out loud. The barista was rude. How could Tetsurou mistake him as shy? As Tetsurou was still laughing, ‘Glasses’ cleared his throat and started speaking again, “Our best sellers are Americano, Spanish latte–”
“I know what the best sellers are.” Tetsurou interrupted him, finally calming down and flashing a grin. “I’m just curious what you would personally recommend.” ‘Glasses’ stared at him through narrowed eyes, looking at him dubiously, as if trying to figure out Tetsurou’s motive for asking. It was adorable but Tetsurou did not want him to jump to ridiculous conclusions (his expression looked like he was about to) so he added, “I know the other baristas and they each have their own tastes. They have each given me their recommendations before. I was just wondering what yours are.”
“I don’t drink much.” ‘Glasses’ replied, his voice still in that monotone voice and his eyebrows were furrowed as he glanced at the menu behind him. For a few seconds, ‘Glasses’ was silent and Tetsurou wondered for a moment if his question was about to be shut down. Then, ‘Glasses’ finally spoke up again, “But I find our iced strawberry cheesecake delicious. It might be too sweet for some people’s taste though.”
Tetsurou could not stop the wide smile appearing on his lips. “Then, I’ll get one large iced strawberry cheesecake, a milk bread, and your name, please.” Tetsurou hoped he was smooth enough but it’s hard to tell because the barista’s expression did not even change. He just looked bored and mildly annoyed.
“One iced strawberry cheesecake. One milk bread.” ‘Glasses’ said in a monotone voice as he punched the order in the cash register, pointedly ignoring Tetsurou’s last request. Tetsurou was watching him with a pout as he paid for his order but that got ignored too. Oh, well, maybe, Tetsurou could try his luck next time, he thought as he watched the barista prepare his order.
It took only a couple of minutes and when the drink was done, he handed it to Tetsurou with the same bored, slightly annoyed expression.
“Thanks.” Tetsurou smiled at the barista before taking his order. He did not leave the counter yet. Instead, wanting to give feedback to the recommendation, he took a sip from his drink and was immediately attacked by the sweetness with just a hint of sourness of the strawberry cheesecake drink. Tetsurou’s eyebrows were furrowed as he glared at said drink. He didn’t know what he was expecting but he thought strawberries and cheesecakes couldn’t be that sweet.
To Tetsurou’s surprise, his reaction successfully got a chuckle out of ‘Glasses’. When Tetsurou turned to look at him, a hint of a smile was there before he schooled his expression back to a neutral one.
“Haha, what’s so funny?” Tetsurou asked with a dry laugh.
“I warned you about the sweetness, didn’t I? You really don’t look like the type.” ‘Glasses’ said with a nonchalant shrug. Tetsurou was used to getting a reaction out of people but at the moment, it felt like he was being provoked.
“What type? It still tastes good to me though.” Tetsurou said, indignantly before taking another sip and – nope, it really was too sweet for his taste, he thought as he forced himself not to cough.
‘Glasses’ was laughing again and not in a cute way but rather, in a mocking way that made Tetsurou feel like he’s losing in a competition he had unknowingly entered. That would not do because Tetsurou had a naturally competitive nature that would not accept less than winning. Without thinking it through, Tetsurou gulped down the remainder of his drink, drinking the whole thing right in front of the barista. ‘Glasses’ had ceased laughing and instead was watching him with a surprised expression, if the widening of his eyes was any indicator because his expression did not change otherwise.
“That was really delicious. Yachi’s mom is really good at picking baristas.” Tetsurou said with a smirk, feeling triumphant that ‘Glasses’ looked displeased about the whole thing.
“We both know you did not like it.” ‘Glasses’ said after a beat of silence.
“But I finished it because I know it’s made of love.” Tetsurou said, winking playfully and the other scoffed at him before rolling his eyes. “So, will you tell me your name now?”
‘Glasses’ gave him the same doubtful look from earlier before he frowned slightly, tilting his head to the side. “You’re so weird.” He said, plainly.
“I guess that’s a no?” Tetsurou asked, feeling a little sheepish. He was being weird, wasn’t he? That didn’t seem like a very good impression. Hinata thought he was so cool when they first met and he was hoping to get the same first impression from this barista but that’s out of the window now.
“It’s Tsukishima.” ‘Glasses’ – no, Tsukishima said, his frown still present and his gaze was avoiding Tetsurou but the latter still considered it as a win.
“I’m Kuroo Tetsurou. Nice to meet you, Tsukishima.”
“Pleasure.” Tsukishima said, looking anything but pleased about the conversation but Tetsurou could not stop smiling. He found Tsukishima interesting and he was curious about the other. Getting his name was the first step to getting to know him. Tetsurou wanted to stay longer but then he felt his phone vibrate inside the pocket of his jacket. Duty calls.
“Anyway, I got to go. See you around!” Tetsurou said.
Tsukishima grumbled something under his breath, something about good riddance, but Tetsurou’s good mood was not dampened as he waved goodbye towards his newly made acquaintance while leaving the coffee shop.
Tetsurou had approached Tsukishima with friendly and innocent intentions at the beginning. As mentioned, he was curious about the other and someone who could keep up with his provocations and wits definitely deserved his attention and interest. Tetsurou found that he enjoyed bantering with Tsukishima more than just provoking people for fun. He also did not miss Tsukishima’s little smiles everytime he would render Tetsurou speechless with something sharp he just said. And there was also a certain satisfaction that Tetsurou would feel everytime the opposite would happen.
In an odd way, they got along well.
He was not sure how his perspective on their relationship changed. He could not pinpoint one instance or moment when he suddenly developed feelings. Instead, it was a gradual process. It started with a little curiosity from Tetsurou that turned into genuine interest and a spark of something. Then, with every cup of drink ordered, with every playful banter exchanged, with every playful smirk and rolling of eyes, the spark just gradually grew, expanding inside Tetsurou’s chest.
One of Tetsurou’s biggest flaws, however, was that he was a little slow when it came to feelings, even his own, that he did not notice the spark inside him until it was too difficult to ignore, like an explosion inside his chest. The realization of his own feelings did not occur to him until one night when it hit him like a tide.
Tetsurou had gotten himself injured on one of his missions. It was just a mere sprain on his right foot and nothing was broken so it was nothing serious. It was definitely not the worst case of injury that he had gotten from his job. So, he considered it as a normal injury and went about his day as usual. He went to the coffee shop that night to buy some bread for dinner and got excited when he noticed Tsukishima behind the cashier.
“Good evening, Tsukishima.” Tetsurou greeted as he limped towards the counter. Tsukishima was staring at the cakes again before he turned his gaze to Tetsurou, his bored expression immediately being replaced with worry. “Oh, come on, don’t make that face.” Tetsurou said, trying to sound reassuring.
“What happened to you?” Tsukishima asked, failing to hide his worry with his frown deepening as Tetsurou reached him.
“I kinda slipped and sprained my foot. It’s not a big deal.” Tetsurou said with a sheepish smile.
“Since when did you become so clumsy?” Tsukishima said, glaring at Tetsurou’s foot, as if his glare would scare the sprain away.
“We all have our moments.” Tetsurou answered, not helping but to chuckle. He felt the warmth inside his chest growing. It was strange because he hated worrying people for no reason but finding that Tsukishima cared for him was making him feel giddy. “I’m so moved that you’re worried about me.” He wanted to say it playfully but his voice came out all sincere.
“Who’s worried?” Tsukishima’s glare turned from his foot to his face and Tsukishima scowled even further. It shouldn’t have any right to be as adorable as it currently is and Tetsurou could not stop the grin even if he wanted to. “Stop making that face.”
“What face?” Tetsurou said, batting his eyelashes playfully and Tsukishima rolled his eyes. “It’s just adorable how you’re shy about caring. I know you love me so there’s no use denying it.”
“In your dreams.” Tsukishima said, clicking his tongue. “Now, Kuroo-san, how can I help you? Are you going to order coffee?”
Tetsurou wanted to talk more but he was getting hungry so he should probably order first. “No, just milk bread, please.”
“Won’t it ruin your appetite for dinner?” Tsukishima raised an eyebrow and at Tetsurou’s cheeky grin (because Tsukishima does care!), he scowled again. “Whatever, I don’t care.”
“What? I didn’t say anything.” Tetsurou said, his smile not fading. “But if you’re curious, the bread will be my dinner. I don’t think I’m up for a full meal tonight.” Tetsurou said it conversationally. He did not think it was a big deal anyway. There were even times he skipped meals when he’s specially tired from work. Tsukishima seemed to think otherwise though since after a long pause, he heaved a sigh.
“The new ramen place just opened.” Tsukishima said, his voice a low volume that Tetsurou barely heard him.
“I know but–”
“And I just got paid. Let me treat you.” There was a tint of red on Tsukishima’s cheeks but his gaze met Tetsurou and he looked determined about his statement that Tetsurou did not have the heart to say no. It was not like he wanted to say no though because seeing Tsukishima like that did something to Tetsurou's poor heart that was beating uncontrollably now and he found that he would do anything Tsukishima would tell him to.
“Oh, okay.” Tetsurou practically mumbled, not being able to look away.
“Good. Hinata will be here any minute now and then, we can go. You can sit for now while waiting.”
“Okay.” Tetsurou said, not knowing what else to say as his mind was going a mile a minute at the realization hitting him. He absentmindedly went to one of the tables and took a seat while his mind was elsewhere.
So, I like him that way. Huh.
There’s butterflies in his stomach and he realized it’s one of those times that Tsukishima had successfully rendered him speechless – and he did not even do anything witty yet.
I’m screwed.
Tetsurou did not know what to do at first. It was not like he had not dated before but ever since he started his job as a secret agent, he had not gotten into a serious relationship. He had also avoided dating much since involving people in his personal life, especially in a romantic manner, had a lot of risk involved. Putting them in danger was a possibility, although unlikely. There’s also the fact that his job was supposed to be confidential and Tetsurou had a choice of either keeping it a secret and losing his partner’s trust or telling them and unnecessarily involving them to the organization.
Either way, Tetsurou thought that it would not work out with Tsukishima. He did not even know if the latter swung his way. They had an easy friendship and Tetsurou did not want to ruin that by confessing and making things awkward. A part of Tetsurou had a feeling that things would not be awkward though and if Tsukishima’s reactions towards him were anything to go by, he might be a little interested too.
“Kuro, I don’t know. I say go for it.” Kenma, Tetsurou’s best friend since childhood, said with a shrug. They’re in Tetsurou’s condo, playing a fighting game using Kenma’s console that he brought with him. It had been a couple of weeks since Tetsurou had realized his feelings. He had just finished ranting about the dilemma regarding said feelings after overthinking it for two weeks. Meanwhile, Kenma had listened to him patiently all throughout even when Tetsurou had gone on circles for a few minutes gushing about Tsukishima’s very existence right before he sighed and said that he did not have a chance and if he had, he had no right to take it.
“I don’t think it’s good for either of us. What if–”
“If you don’t take this chance, you’ll end up regretting it.” Kenma put down his controller as the round finished and Tetsurou was beaten. He turned to look at Tetsurou with a pointed stare. “I think you’re overthinking this. It won’t hurt to confess. If he rejects you, then too bad but it won’t be the end of the world. If he accepts you, then good. If it doesn’t work out, it will suck but again, not the end of the world. If it does work out, only then you have to worry about your occupation being a problem for him.”
Tetsurou gaped at his best friend because first, he’s talking a lot, which was rare and second, Kenma had a point. “I… It’s not that simple–”
“It is that simple. You just have to stop being a coward and chase your own happiness for once.” Kenma said, turning his gaze back to the screen. “Now, are we playing or not?”
Tetsurou was a little speechless as he slowly processed Kenma’s words. Chase my own happiness? That had not even occurred to him but maybe, he could be selfish this one time, right? Tetsurou gulped and also turned his gaze towards the screen. “Sure, let’s play.”
The very next day, Tetsurou was determined to win over Tsukishima’s heart. Kenma’s words had moved him and he decided that regardless of where this would go, at the very least he seized the opportunity and tried his best. He went to Karasuno cafe in the morning and was pleased to see that it was Tsukishima behind the counter. The latter was sipping on his iced strawberry cheesecake drink (clearly, it was not a busy morning) and he looked up the moment Tetsurou entered the place.
Tetsurou’s steps faltered a little when Tsukishima flashed him a smile – it was very small but it’s still beautiful nonetheless. Tetsurou wondered for a second if Tsukishima’s expression would be replaced with disgust after he confessed but decided against entertaining that pessimistic thought. He reached the counter before he knew it and Tsukishima was putting his drink aside, mouth opening to give the usual customer service greeting but Tetsurou’s words were flying out of his mouth before the other could say anything.
“I want to court you.” He did not even realize he said it until his loud voice seemed to start echoing inside the practically empty coffee shop.
Tsukishima looked taken aback and Tetsurou could only smile sheepishly. He did not know how to explain himself but he knew there was no way Tsukishima misunderstood. “What kind of nonsense are you spouting now, Kuroo-san? One Americano, right?” Tetsurou noticed that Tsukishima’s hand was shaking a little as he punched the order to the cash register without waiting for Tetsurou’s response. Tetsurou could also feel his heart sinking at the blatant change of topic. That was not a good sign.
“Yes, one Americano.” Tetsurou’s voice was soft and his nervousness was showing. But he could not back out now. “And also, I’m serious. I like you, Tsukishima.” Tetsurou did not fail to notice the reddish hue in Tsukishima’s cheeks darkening and spreading up to his ears as the latter prepared his coffee. The latter did not reply though and the prolonged silence was deafening as Tetsurou could hear his heart beating so loudly.
Tsukishima seemed to take forever to finish making the coffee and when he finally did, he placed the coffee on the counter, avoiding eye contact. Oh no, does he hate me now?
“So, uh,” Tetsurou cleared his throat nervously but Tsukishima did not even look up. Tetsurou was having a difficult time reading his expression. “Do I have a chance?” As he was saying it, it finally occurred to him what Tsukishima’s expression meant. He looked conflicted and Tetsurou hated that he was the one who put him in that situation. “I mean, sorry for seeming to put you on the spot. I can just back off if it makes you uncomfortable. I just, um, want you to let you know, I guess, even if it turns out that I have no chance.”
“I don’t know.” Tsukishima said, his voice almost a mumble.
“What do you mean you don’t know?” Tetsurou asked. It wasn’t an outright rejection but Tetsurou was afraid that Tsukishima was just trying to let him down gently.
Tsukishima finally met his gaze. “I don’t know if you’re serious… or if it will work out… or something.”
“Of course, I’m serious. Why would I joke about that?” Tetsurou said with a slight frown. “And we won’t know if it will work out if we don't try. How about this? If I can prove to you how serious I am, will you go on one date with me?”
Tsukishima seemed to ponder it for a moment before his resolve seemed to break and he answered, “If you can prove it to me.”
But that was enough of an answer to Tetsurou. He smiled so wide, he felt like his face was going to hurt. “I will definitely prove it to you.”
So, Tetsurou put a lot of effort in courting Tsukishima to prove how serious he was. It took a month of convincing before he finally asked the other on a date, which to Tetsurou’s pleasant surprise, Tsukishima had agreed on. The first date went smoothly. That was, until they got kidnapped on the way back to Tsukishima’s apartment.
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Present.
Back to the present, Tetsurou could not help but heave a sigh. It’s been around 45 minutes since the kidnapper had left and he had no idea what’s keeping them. He heaved another sigh as he finally decided that he should start risking that second date instead of risking their lives while waiting for rescue to come.
“I’m sorry, Tsukki.” Tetsurou mumbled as he folded his wrist as far as it could go and fiddled with his watch until a small blade came out. Then, carefully, he began cutting the rope tied around his wrists.