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Bokuto had always looked forward to graduating from high school.
It was a prospect that always seemed to excite him and his classmates. They looked forward to leaving high school behind and venturing out into the real world.
Graduating meant no more high school, no more petty drama, and no more insufferable principal. Throughout his third year, he kept counting down the days until he could finally hold that diploma in his hands.
But the closer Bokuto got to actually graduating, the more he realized the pain of leaving things behind.
He was the captain of the Fukurodani Academy volleyball team, one of Tokyo's most powerful high school volleyball teams.
And if one thing was for certain, it was that he loved being their captain.
Throughout his time at Fukurodani, their team had played countless games and practice matches together, winning some and losing some, but having fun every time. They had even gone to nationals every year throughout his high school career, which were experiences Bokuto would never forget.
Bokuto loved going to practice, running drills, and motivating his team. He loved the people on his team as well, having made so many amazing friends who were truly irreplaceable.
His best friend on the team was their setter, Keiji Akaashi, who was only in his second year of high school. Bokuto knew that no matter what happened on or off the court, he could count on Akaashi to be there for him and support him through his on-and-off mood swings. He had many friends, but none were quite like Akaashi. He was what Bokuto would call his ‘ride or die,’ someone who would be right there for you no matter what.
But since Akaashi was only in his second year, he would not be graduating with him, and he would be one of the many things Bokuto would have to leave behind. Bokuto tried to confide in him about how he felt about graduating, but Akaashi just told him he was being overly emotional and that there was nothing to worry about. They would still find time to see each other and would be able to text whenever they wanted. Yet, hearing that didn’t take away that feeling of already missing something that wasn’t quite gone. Bokuto appreciated that Akaashi had tried to help, but his friend didn’t really understand what he was feeling, since he wasn’t graduating.
These feelings only grew as the end of the year grew closer. With every day, Bokuto’s heart grew a little sadder as he went through his routines and passed in homework assignments. He was trying his best to make the most of these final weeks, putting in excessive amounts of effort during each volleyball practice and making sure to connect with each and every one of his teammates.
A few of his teammates, besides Akaashi, seemed to notice his sorrowful mood, some coming up to check on him and asking if anything was the matter. Bokuto appreciated their consideration and care, knowing just how tuned in they were to his emotional swings.
But he couldn’t put all his feelings onto his teammates; that wasn’t what a captain was supposed to do, right? It would be inconsiderate and unfair of him to push all his fears about graduating on the people who already worked so hard for him. So he just smiled as best he could and assured them that everything was fine when it really wasn’t.
Bokuto also thought that if he stayed up later at night, time wouldn’t go by as fast as when he was asleep. Every waking minute mattered, and Bokuto sacrificed much sleep, especially in the final week of school, trying to somehow slow down time. He went to every party he was invited to, requested extra practice with Akaashi and the team, and went all out trying to connect with his classmates he wasn’t sure he knew very well.
It was exhausting, but it was worth it, right?
He managed to pull through just fine on the little sleep he had up until the end of finals week. But by the time he passed his last paper in, it took everything he had not to fall asleep on the spot. He looked forward to getting home and taking a nice, long nap.
That afternoon after school, Bokuto was waiting at the train station with the Volleyball second years when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Taking it out, he grinned when he saw a message from the biggest ever nuisance in his life.
Dumbass cat: Yo yo yo bro whatchu doin the day before graduation?
World’s greatest ACE: Whatever happened to hello? How are you? My name is??
Dumbass cat: Oldest joke in the book bro 🙄
Dumbass cat: Time for you to get a new joke
World’s greatest ACE: Time for you to find an original comeback ohhhh
Dumbass cat: Time for you to learn how to do a cross shot
World’s greatest ACE: Well time for YOU to learn how to BLOCK my super awesome cross shot that I can absolutely do!!!
Dumbass cat: Ez dubs, ez wins
Dumbass cat: Now time for you to answer my question
World’s greatest ACE: About graduation eve? I don’t think I have anything goin on, i’m just at home
World’s greatest ACE: Whyyy do u ask
Dumbass cat: Well, I was thinking
World’s greatest ACE: That’s hella dangerous for you man
Dumbass cat: You shaddup
World’s greatest ACE: 😛
Dumbass cat: Anyways
Dumbass cat: As I was saying
Dumbass cat: We should totally like, hang out the night before graduation
Dumbass cat: Like have a sleepover or smth
World’s greatest ACE: OOOO
World’s greatest ACE: HEY NOW THATS A GREAT IDEA
World’s greatest ACE: One final little get together before we graduate!!!
Dumbass cat: Yes yes yes. So you down?
World’s greatest ACE: Oh SO DOWN. I’ve never be downer
Dumbass cat: You actually have been downer
World’s greatest ACE: Oya!? How bro
Dumbass cat: You down bad for Akaashi
World’s greatest ACE: WOAH OK PAUSE
Bokuto had to put the phone down at that moment to put his hands over his face and suppress a giggle. He was currently on the bus ride home sitting next to Akaashi and had been trying to hold in his laughter for too long. Luckily Akaashi didn’t really seem to care, he just gave him a side eye and went back to looking out the window.
Dumbass cat: Resume
Dumbass cat: Also just to be sure, we do have Graduation the same day right?
World’s greatest ACE: Yep! March 23
Dumbass cat: Alright cool. And are we doin your place or my place?
World’s greatest ACE: Wanna do my place? I got the nintendo here and I’m sure my mom would love to make us some food!
Dumbass cat: Sure sounds good! You know I love ur mom’s food
So that was exactly what happened.
The evening of graduation, Kuroo arrived at Bokuto’s door bearing snacks and some blankets for one final high school sleepover.
Kuroo stepped up to the door, juggling his load of goodies to try and ring the doorbell. Not even a few seconds after it rang, the door swung open and Bokuto’s beaming face shone from the house.
“Hey hey hey Kuroo broooo!”
“Brooooo!”
Bokuto wasted no time in rushing forward to give Kuroo a big ol’ hug, which caused Kuroo to nearly drop all his belongings. But he didn’t care, he let them fall and wrapped his arms around his best friend, knowing damn well he could pick those things up after. After pulling apart, Bokuto helped Kuroo pick up everything that had fallen and took it inside. Kuroo followed him, making sure to slip off his shoes once indoors.
After setting down the belongings properly, Bokuto went back and gave Kuroo a better hug this time, nearly lifting him off of the ground. Kuroo grinned from ear to ear and squeezed him back, patting him roughly on the back.
“It’s so good to see you again dude! How have you been!?” Bokuto asked, setting him back down.
“Eh it’s been alright. Finals were rough this year though.” Kuroo rubbed his temple and laughed. “But I’m glad to have it finally over! Now all that’s left is the fun stuff!”
Bokuto nodded, but only a little at what Kuroo had to say. Kuroo noticed the slight shift in his mood but didn’t think much of it. “My finals were honestly not that bad this year, I think it’s because I put in the work to study!”
“Really? Well good for you ya academic scholar.” Bokuto giggled and Kuroo ruffled his hair, messing it up a bit. “Now where is dinner? I’m hungry and I was promised dinner.”
“Almost ready! My mom’s making her homemade ramen and some pork cutlet!”
“Oh yesss, now I know I’m eating good tonight!”
A little while later, Kuroo was seated at Bokuto’s table with him and his mom, ready to enjoy a tasty meal. Some time into dinner they were joined by one of Bokuto’s older sisters who was currently home from college. She greeted them happily and made sure to hug everyone before sitting down to eat. She ate quickly and then dispersed, saying she was going to meet up with some friends for a hangout.
Dinner was wonderful just as Kuroo had predicted, but he noticed that throughout the meal, Bokuto was not his usual chatty self. Bokuto’s mom was the one who kept up most of the conversation, asking Kuroo about how school and volleyball went and what plans he had for his break. Bokuto didn’t engage much in the conversation. He pitched in here and there and nodded his head at certain points, but overall stayed pretty quiet. Kuroo was not the only one who noticed this; Bokuto’s mom also seemed to be aware. She caught Kuroo’s eye and gave him a small smile.
“Bokuto has been looking forward to this sleepover! Isn’t that right Bo?” She turned to look at her son who was currently shoving a chunk of ramen in his mouth. Bokuto looked up at them as he slurped his ramen with embarrassment and swallowed. Clearing his throat, he nodded passionately while brightening up a bit.
“Absolutley! I have a bunch of ideas for what we can do! We can start with some Mario Kart if you want! I have a winning streak I need to maintain, you know!”
Kuroo grinned and nodded at him. “Oh you’re so on! Although I have no idea what streak you’re even talking about, you know I won against you last time we played, right”
“Uhm, NO!? That is NOT true.”
Internally, he sighed with relief. He didn’t want to see Bokuto sad, especially during their sleepover. His sad mood was not something Kuroo wanted to deal with that night.
By the time they finished dinner, both 3rd years were practically bursting with excitement to go play some video games and enjoy their last night before graduation. They both helped Bokuto’s mom clean up the dishes and Kuroo politely thanked her for the food.
“Oh, of course! It was such a pleasure to cook for you two tonight!” She smiled warmly at them, and Kuroo could see where Bokuto got it from. “Now I will be in my office, but don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything, alright?”
“Sounds good. Love ya mom!” Bokuto threw his arms around her and gave her a peck on the cheek before pulling Kuroo away to the living room.
Kuroo flopped down on the couch as Bokuto pulled out his Nintendo 64 and his box of video game cards. The two of them looked through their options before agreeing that Mario Kart was the game to play.
“Alright let’s do this!” Bokuto flopped down on the couch next to Kuroo, handing him a controller.
“Oh man it’s been a while since I’ve played this! I’ll need a warm-up round.” Kuroo fiddled with the joystick and buttons, adjusting to the weird shape of the Nintendo 64 controller. “You know I've never been a big fan of this design, probably my least favorite controller of all time.”
Bokuto nodded in agreement, his gaze very serious. “I have some beef with that company, but that can be settled another time. For now, we have some games we gotta play, I’ll go easy on you in the first round, but after that I’m not holding back on ya!”
“Heh, no need to go easy on me, I’m gonna smoke ya.” Kuroo smirked and got ready to play, leaning forward on the couch.
Mario Kart went by in a flash, the two of them playing so many rounds that they lost track. In the beginning, they kept score, but after a while it got boring and Bokuto suggested they play for fun instead.
A good thirty minutes of smash bros was played after Mario Kart, in which Kruoo absolutely dominated. After winning another round Kuroo whooped and Bokuto nearly tossed his controller across the room.
“No fair!! I play this game like tons more than you, how are you this good!?”
“I’m just that guy bro. The real guy”
“Nah you’re not that guy bro, you’re not that guy.”
“Eh whatever. Wanna watch a movie?”
A little while later they found themselves sprawled out on the couch with snacks and drinks, watching a random movie they had blind picked from Bokuto’s box. Halfway through the movie, Kuroo looked over to find Bokuto practically nodding out from exhaustion, struggling to keep his eyes open. He nudged the Fukurodani captain with his elbow to try and wake him up a bit.
“Hey Buddy don’t fall asleep on me now, it’s not even that late!”
Bokuto started a bit, blinking at him with weary eyes. “Really…? What time is it…?” Kruoo smiled warmly at the weary owl.
“It’s only 8:30, you wanted to stay up till midnight, remember?”
“Oh yeah… I remember. Don’t worry Kuroo, I’m wide awake…” Bokuto yawned big and without warning, leaned against Kuroo, resting his head on the captain’s shoulder. “Let’s just finish this movie…”
Kuroo chuckled, bringing his hand around Bokuto’s shoulders to hold him closer. “You sure you don’t wanna go to bed now? You don’t seem very awake Bo…” At this Bokuto shook his head very crossly.
“Nooooo I’m awake! I don’t wanna go to bed now, I wanna stay up…” He slumped against Kuroo with a huff, keeping his eyes on the TV. Kuroo smiled again and leaned his head on top of Bokuto’s mess of a hairdo, breathing in the scent of his shampoo. It smelled sweet, like an artificial flower scent. Kuroo chuckled a bit at this, wondering if he was sharing a bottle with a sister.
“Alright, let’s at least finish up this movie and see what you’re up for afterwards, yeah? Sounds good?” Kuroo asked, only to get a grunt of response from the very sleepy Bokuto. Kuroo shook his head with a sigh, bringing his other arm around the captain to pull him closer for a snuggle, as he himself leaned back farther on the couch. Bokuto happily obliged to the cuddle. Since he was a sucker for physical contact he always loved a good snuggle with his friends. Kuroo knew this and relished the opportunity, knowing damn well that it wouldn’t fly as easily with Kenma.
The movie itself was not the most exciting watch, but it kept them entertained for a while. But not even halfway through the two of them lost the plot and Kuroo decided to make some conversation instead.
“Hey so uh, how did your final week go? You didn’t really tell me much about it.” Kuroo brought his hand up to Bokuto’s head to brush his fingers through his hair. It felt silky and smooth, different from how it was gelled up most of the time. Bokuto sighed heavily, pressing his face against Kuroo’s chest.
“Wow, that bad?” Kuroo took the sigh as a response, patting him on the head.
“Nooo, it was alright. I just… dont wanna talk about it right now…” Bokuto mumbled into Kuroo’s shirt.
“Why so? Too tired or just not in the mood?”
“I don’t know…! I guess I’m just sad about, you know, lots of stuff right now. But I didn't really wanna bring it up during our sleepover because I just want this to be a fun time and I didn’t wanna rain on your parade…” His voice trailed off even quieter than before and he hunkered down with embarrassment.
Kuroo felt his heart soften a bit at those words, but he also felt a pang of sadness too. He wasted no time in bringing both arms around Bokuto to pull him closer so that his body could lay over his, with his head resting comfortably on his chest.
“Bo, you know you can always chat with me right? Look I may not be the most comforting person ever, but I'll always try to help in any way I can. So what if it’s during our sleepover? That's probably the best time to talk about heavy things anyways.”
“But sleepovers are supposed to be fun and lively, not heavy! I just wanted to make sure this was a fun time for us, not a Bokuto therapy session…” Bokuto sighed heavily. “But you’re not gonna let this go now, are you?”
Kuroo smiled and nodded, and brought his hands to Bokuto’s head again to hold it against his chest gently. “Yeah, I’m not gonna let this go man. I’m gonna be so annoying about it and bug you until I get my answers, and you know that.” Bokuto chuckled a bit and shifted his arms from where he lay so that he could hug Kuroo back.
“I’m sad for a stupid reason anyways, it’s not that big of a deal.”
“Well that’s just bullshit.” Kuroo shook Bokuto’s head from side to side, causing Bokuto to grumble and swat at him. “Unless the reason is Akaashi didn’t send the ball to you in practice, I don’t think it would be stupid at all. Just tell me.”
Bokuto sighed again and adjusted his position so that he was lying on his side, with his head resting on Kuroo's shoulder.
“No, it’s not that. I guess it’s just that I don’t wanna graduate.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. There’s so much that I will have to leave behind, and the thought of college scares me. I love my school, but more than that I love my team and being a captain… and it hurts. Like I already miss them even though I know I’ll still be able to see them after I graduate.” He brought his hands together to fidget a bit and inhaled a shaky breath. “I dunno… there’s just a lot on my mind.” Kuroo hummed and nodded, running his hands slowly and repeatedly through Bokuto’s hair.
“Mmm yeah, I understand how you feel. While I am looking forward to graduating and going off to college, I know that it’s gonna hurt like hell to leave some things behind. Like my team, my friends, Kenma…” His voice trailed off as he thought about his old friend who wouldn’t be graduating with him, but a whole year later. “Damn, I’m really gonna miss Kenma.”
“Same here with Akaashi… I don’t think I’m gonna be able to find anyone quite like him where I’m going.” His voice sounded uncharacteristically small as he came to that realization, clenching his fist in Kuroo’s shirt. “And that’s the main reason why I’m scared, Kuroo. Cuz how the hell am I gonna find a friend that understands me like he does?”
Kuroo understood that more than most. He himself was going to miss Kenma a ton when he left for college. It just didn’t feel fair that he would have to leave his lifelong friend behind just because they were separated by one year of school. But he also knew that somehow, someway, he would be alright. Kenma wouldn't want him to fret about going off on his own, and Kuroo was sure that he could adapt to whatever life was going to throw at him next.
But things were a little different with Bokuto and Akaashi. Kuroo had noticed that while they had such different, contrasting personalities, they seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces. It was like Akaashi was made for Bokuto, as he was the only person who truly understood Bokuto and the way his mind worked.
“Well, not trying to be hard on you or anything, but you’re right. I don’t think it is possible to go out there and find a friendship exactly like the one you have with Akaashi. That’s just the reality of this. There's gonna be a ton of change and lots of novelty in this situation. But that can’t stop you from still meeting new people and making new kinds of friendships. I know you can do that. You're great at making new friends, right?”
Bokuto gave the faintest of nods and Kuroo felt his head shift on his shoulder so that he could lay more comfortably. When he responded this time, his voice came out shakier and hitched when his emotions got the better of him.
“Sure, I’m good at making new friends. But that’s the thing, Kuroo, I don’t want a bunch of new friends, I’m happy with the ones I already have, and I don’t wanna leave them behind-” Bokuto’s strained words trailed off, and Kuroo felt him suddenly take a sharp and pained breath as he fought back his tears. He gave him a little squeeze as he held him there, giving him the time he needed to talk it out.
“I don’t wanna leave them behind. All my friends, that entire team… they mean so much to me. All those games we played together, all the times I hung out with the guys after school, it felt like I belonged, it felt like home. They all understood me more than most people, more than the teachers, my classmates. They really felt like a family to me…” Bokuto’s voice hitched again, and Kuroo could feel a tear land on his shirt. Oh gosh, the dude was about to start crying.
“I know for sure I’m nowhere near done with Volleyball. I’m still gonna play in college and do whatever it takes to go pro. I wanna keep playing until my body finally gives up, and won't allow me anymore. But volleyball in college…it won't be the same. I don’t know if it will ever feel like home, the way it felt when I played on this team. I’m so scared that I won’t be able to connect with the team…and that they won't accept me… and that I won’t be able to play my best… I’m so scared, and it hurts… It just hurts so bad… I’m not supposed to be scared! So why… why do I feel this way…”
A sob followed his words, his fist clenching the fabric of Kuroo’s shirt as he finally broke. After weeks of bottling up everything he had been feeling, Bokuto finally allowed himself to express his emotion. The tears began to fall as he reflected on his last few years at Fukurodani, and how much he had enjoyed every second of being there. Sure, part of him looked forward to moving forward in life, but he knew it would never be the same.
“Hey hey, it’s alright buddy, there there…” Kuroo spoke in a low tone as he brought both hands around Bokuto’s head and held him tight as he cried. His heart ached with sympathy and relatability towards his friend.
“You poor thing, how long have you been keeping this to yourself?”
Bokuto sniffed and shrugged as best he could.
“I don’t know… a while I guess… Kuroo I’m sorry…” Another sob shook his shoulders and he buried his head in the crook of his neck. “I’m so emotional today, and I'm probably so ruining your mood right now.”
“Oh shush, just let it out now dummy.” Kuroo chuckled, leaning his head down a bit to land a soft kiss on top of Bokuto’s head of hair. In truth, he was never bothered by Bokuto’s mood swings; he and many others actually found them quite adorable. When Bokuto was depressed on the court, his demeanor kinda reminded them of a sad, neglected puppy. His gelled-up hair would seem to droop, with his eyes looking comically saddened. Bokuto’s intense and passionate confidence could evaporate at any given moment if he was not playing the kind of game he wanted.
But those who knew him well knew exactly where he got that confidence from. Bokuto’s drive and belief in himself stemmed from those playing around him, as well as himself. Sure, Bokuto was a strong player on his own, but it was his team that really brought out his full strength and pushed him beyond. The more the people around him believed in him and were cheering him on, the better he could perform.
Kuroo knew that was why this transition was going to be especially tough for Bokuto, since the poor guy couldn’t know whether or not these new people were gonna be cheering him on like at Fukorodani. He leaned his head against Bokuto’s and sighed with him. Bokuto’s cries had subsided into small sniffles and unsteady breathing. He felt small, deflated. But the worst of it was over. Now it was time to bring back some of his confidence.
“You know, you’re a little stupid if you’re afraid no one will back you up on your new team. You know that, right?” Bokuto went quiet for a second out of confusion.
“Wh- huh?”
“You know what you were saying? About being afraid you won’t be able to connect with your new teammates?”
“Yeah, what about it?”
“Well…” Kuroo looked up, taking a moment to travel into his memories. “Do you remember the first time we met?”
“Oh yeah, that was our training camp right? During our first year?” Bokuto seemed to calm down further at the thought, shifting his position so he could sit right next to Kuroo while leaning against him.
“Yeah.” Kuroo smiled as he thought back to that time, when he first joined Nekoma and played volleyball amongst the high schoolers. It felt like it happened so long ago, yet it also felt like it was only yesterday he was the small insignificant first year. Now he was coming out of his journey as the captain of Nekoma, the one everyone else on his team looked up to. Kuroo had really never seen it coming.
“Going into that training camp, I didn’t have any idea who you were. Heck, I didn’t even have any idea what the other teams were gonna be like. To be honest with you, I was kinda nervous when I first arrived.” Bokuto scoffed a bit and let out a small chuckle.
“You? You were nervous? I don’t know why, but I find that hard to believe.”
“No dude, you gotta believe me! I actually was nervous.”
“But you’re so confident! It’s just kinda hard for me to picture.”
Kuroo sighed and smiled. “I wasn’t always this confident. Anyways, going into that first training camp, I was nervous and a little unsure. To make things clear, I was still super excited, I couldn't wait to play against all those different teams. But the intimidation I felt from seeing the rest of them practice got the better of me in the beginning. I was this close,” Kuroo made a tiny gap between his pointer and his thumb, “To asking my coach if I could sit out the first set. I wasn’t sure if I felt well enough to play or not.”
Bokuto’s eyes widened as he listened. Fully calmed down from his crying, he now sat snuggled up against Kuroo with his head leaning on his shoulder and his hands wiping the tears away from his face.
“But, I know you didn’t sit out that set, cuz that first set you played was against us, right? I remember that game. I remember it being really fun cuz your blocking was amazing.”
Kuroo looked at him in surprise and grinned big. “You remember that!? Wow man you have a hella good memory. But yeah, you’re right. I did end up playing. And it was all thanks to you, actually.”
“Wait, what!? Really?”
“Yep. Man, I remember that first meeting like it was yesterday. I was just getting ready to talk to my coach when all of a sudden I heard this agitating… grating voice…” Bokuto snickered at that and lightly punched Kuroo in the gut. Kuroo giggled and pushed him away cheekily.
“Let me finish! Let me finish.” He sighed and beckoned Bokuto to come back. The owl rolled his eyes and scooched back over to him, flopping back onto his shoulder.
“Anyways…” Kuroo giggled a bit more before recollecting himself and continuing. “Lo and behold here comes Koutarou Bokuto of Fukurodani loudly announcing himself to the entire Nekoma team saying shit like ‘Let’s have a great game!’ ‘Looking forward to playing with you guys!’ Wow, you guys wear red? Your jerseys look so cool I’ve always wanted to wear that color!’ And so on and so forth.” Bokuto’s snickers turned into full out giggles, knowing that what Kuroo was saying was the absolute truth. Kuroo laughed with him, hugging him close just glad he could hear that laugh right now.
“But all jokes aside, when you first introduced yourself to me, I took one look at you and all my fears and anxiety just…vanished. You came before me looking so confident and sure of yourself, and just ready to play a good game of volleyball. And when you introduced yourself as a first-year, I just knew it was all gonna be alright for me. If you could be so confident in yourself, then maybe I could be too.”
When Kuroo finished speaking, he noticed that Bokuto went silent. He looked over at him only for his jaw to drop as he saw Bokuto staring at him with huge, round, tear-filled eyes.
“Yo… no dude, you can’t cry at that?!” But Bokuto didn’t listen, and those stupid tears started to flow again.
“I-I’m sorry, Kuroo. That was-that was just so sweet…” There went the waterworks again. Kuroo’s lip quivered and he took a deep breath so that he wouldn't have to cry with him. Oh man, why was it contagious?
“Hey, come here ya big lug.” Kuroo shifted some pillows around and laid down along the length of the couch, with his head propped up on some pillows on the armrest. Fully laying down he beckoned Bokuto to join him and the guy happily obliged, nearly throwing himself onto Kuroo in a heavy and warm embrace.
Kuroo shifted his position so that Bokuto could lay semi-on top of him with his head resting in the crook of Kuroo’s neck. The Nekoma captain brought his hands around his back and held him there as he cried some more. Bokuto was heavier than he expected. Kuroo smiled, wondering how much the guy had been working out. He definitely gained muscle in the past year and his weight was almost too much, but Kuroo didn’t mind. Bokuto felt warm and snug from where he lay on top of him, like a weighted blanket.
“I’m sorry Kuroo…” Bokuto softly cried. There came those words again, didn’t he know he had nothing to be sorry about? “I don’t know what’s up with me tonight, I-I just feel so emotional… and what you said just really touched my heart…”
“Just shush.” Kuroo huffed, sandwiching Bokuto’s face between his palms, making him look up and make eye contact with him. “You got nothing to be sorry about, alright? You’re just an emotional person and that's honestly a good thing. I’d rather you be an emotional mess than a stuck up, bland guy. I’m sure anyone you ask would agree with me.”
“Kuroo…” Bokuro’s big round eyes were watery and his lips quivered at the compliment. Kuroo smiled as he looked up at him, and he smushed his face a little with his hands.
“The reason I talked about that first meeting was because I just want you to know that you’ll be alright. Bo, you have this unique ability to not only motivate your team on the court, but also your opponents. Whenever I play against you, I just know it is gonna be a good game because your presence brightens up whatever court you’re on. That skill you have, it’s not something possessed by many people. If you can get your opponents to like you, I know for a fact that you can get the people on your new team to love you. Because that’s just the kind of person you are.” He hugged him close and stared up at the ceiling, just taking a second to cherish the moment.
“You are a strong, talented, and one blessed guy. The Bokuto I know never gives up, he always finds a way through any challenge thrown at him. I’ve watched you grow and mature so much since our first years of high school, and achieve so much. And to think your journey’s barely begun.” Suddenly, Kuroo had to pause for a moment to take a breath as he felt the lump in his throat begin to form.
“Oh no…not me too…”
A muffled sound of surprise came from Bokuto, whose face was still pressed against Kuroo’s shirt.
“Oh no what? Are you gonna cry too??”
“Dude I’m trying not to… but it’s so…” His view of the ceiling became blurry as tears began to pool. But these weren’t the bad kind of tears, these tears came from a euphoria of all the wonderful memories suddenly flooding into Kuroo’s brain. He started to remember his first day at Nekoma, meeting the other first years, playing his first high school practice match, attending his first training camp, introducing Kenma to the team…damn was this what Bokuto had been feeling?
“Damn it, I’m gonna miss it too…” Then came the waterworks. Bokuto shifted his position lying down so that he could lie next to Kuroo, pulling him close for a spoon. Kuroo didn’t mind one bit and let himself be held. He had to admit to himself, it felt nice being the smaller guy for once.
Not much was said after that. The two of them laid there on the couch, listening to the faint sounds of the television and the patter of a light rain outside. It was quiet, cozy, and warm there in Bokuto’s living room, and Kuroo felt his thoughts wind down and decompress. This was exactly what he needed the night before he graduated.
Sooner or later the movie stopped running and Bokuto reached over Kuroo to grab the remote from the table by the couch to turn the tv off. Kuroo let out an exhale at the new quiet, his body seeming to tell him how tired he really was. Bokuto laid back down and bumped his head against the back of Kuroo’s neck.
“You up for anything else tonight or do ya wanna hit the hay?”
“I don’t know man… I guess I do feel pretty tired.”
“Yeah me too…” Bokuto huffed and exhaled, bringing one arm around Kuroo to softly touch his hair. Kuroo didn’t mind that. “I don’t know why I’m so tired today…”
“You think it’s because of that team party you were telling me about yesterday?” Kuroo chuckled.
“Oh wait yeah you’re so right! Man, that was a fun party… Did you have a party with Nekoma?”
“Yeah we did, we hung out the afternoon after the last day of school.” Kuroo chuckled and grinned. “Man you should’ve seen Lev, he tried to set a new record for the amount of sodas he could drink in one go, and after his twelfth, he let out the BIGGEST belch I’ve ever heard.” He broke off into more giggles at the memory. “I’m gonna miss that kid, he’s a funny one.”
“Sounds like Nekoma is in good hands.” Kuroo could practically feel Bokuto nodding to himself from where he lay behind him. “Yeah I wouldn’t worry one single bit.”
“I just know the first years that come after him are gonna be worse. Poor Kenma is gonna have to deal with three new Levs next school year.”
Bokuto chuckled. “I don’t even wanna imagine that…”
At this, the two of them drifted off into a comfortable silence, lying on that couch and just reflecting. Kuroo listened to the drum of the rain outside, the quiet sounds around Bokuto’s home, the hum of the random air purifier in the corner, Bokuto’s quiet, now steady breathing… It felt nice to lie there and just exist for just a little while. Tomorrow, they would be stepping into a new era of their lives. And while nothing could be predicted about the future, Kuroo knew that he was going to be alright, and Bokuto would be too. After lying there for a few moments longer, Bokuto broke the silence.
“Hey, bro?”
“Yeah, what’s up?” Kuroo could hear the slight hesitation from his friend before he responded.
“Funny question, but are you gonna do Volleyball after high school? I feel like this is something I should know, but I genuinely have no idea.”
Kuroo hummed at this. It was a valid question to ask. He hadn't really talked to anyone about what he was planning to do with volleyball after high school.
Kuroo had thought a lot about that exact thing. In truth, it had been something bugging him since before his third year, because he knew that he would have to make a decision based on whether or not he would keep playing. He never seriously considered going pro after he graduated. He wasn't sure how successful he would be as a professional volleyball player. Yes, he was good at the sport, but it was nothing astounding. Kuroo knew that it wouldn't even matter if he couldn't even get scouted, so he always had in mind another career that was sure to be successful if all else failed. No matter what, he wanted to make sure whatever he did was the best option for himself, even if it meant stepping away from volleyball.
"To be honest, Bo, I don't think I will. I've thought a lot about this, and I just don't think professional volleyball will be my thing."
"Whaaaat? But dude you're so good!"
Kuroo scoffed. "Yeah sure, I'm good. But there's tons of 'good' players out there who deserve a professional career much more than I do. Players who are so much more in love with the sport than I am. I love Volleyball, believe me I do, but professionally I could never make it. You feel me?"
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense. But if you're not gonna stick to that as a career, what are you planning to do instead? Do you have an idea already?"
Kuroo smiled, he sure did. "Well, yeah. Just because I won't wanna play volleyball professionally doesn't mean I have fallen out of love with the sport, and I didn't want to step away from it entirely. So I was thinking about working for the JVA after college."
"Wait actually!? THE JVA? Japan's official volleyball association??"
"Yes Bokuto, the real JVA." Kuroo laughed a bit at Bokuto's sudden excitement.
"I've already been accepted into this really nice college that offers really good business courses, and was thinking about also studying biochemistry while I'm at it. I can get a good degree, learn more about the logistics of the game… so on and so forth." Bokuto was silent for a moment after hearing this, and then snickered.
"Dude… you're such a nerd." Which led Kuroo to roll over just to punch him in the guts.
After that they decided it was time to head up to bed, since neither wanted to be tired for graduation day. They were both already in their pajamas, so all Bokuto had to do was show Kuroo to the bathroom where he could brush his teeth, and set up the futon for him next to his own bed.
Kuroo flopped down on the futon after fully ready for bed, exhaustion hitting him like a truck.
"Man… I guess this week was taxing. I can't wait for this to be done…"
Bokuto hummed in agreement while taking a sip out of his water bottle. "Mm, yeah I'm beat." He set the bottle down, turned off the main room lights while keeping the lamp on, and slowly turned around towards Kuroo with a big grin on his face.
Kuroo could sense the danger from afar. He quickly sat up in his bed, waving his hands and shaking his head.
"No no no stop right there, don't even think about it!" But Bokuto, being Bokuto, decided not to listen and ran at Kuroo, tackling him down onto the futon. Kuroo huffed as the air got knocked out of him due to Bokuto's weight and strength, and he wheezed out a laugh.
"Ouchhh dude, that hurttttt." Kuroo grinned and wasted no time in picking up his pillow and whamming it into Bokuto's head, causing the owl to fall over onto his back and land on the floor. Bokuto grinned at this and grabbed his own pillow for a counterattack.
The two of them continued this scuffle for another good ten minutes, eventually settling down on their respective beds when they ran out of stamina. They both laid on their backs, catching their breath and staring up at Bokuto's ceiling.
And then after that whole ordeal, Bokuto turned off the lamp, and the two of them just talked. Kuroo enjoyed that time, just talking about small, insignificant things, their topic of conversation changing naturally from one thing to another. It was a nice way to wind down and decompress after a busy week and emotional night. Kuroo remembered how fun it was to just settle down and talk with his best friend, and he cherished those moments he could get.
As the night went on, their conversation lessened and both of them fell into silence once more, near ready for sleep. But it was Bokuto who decided to break the silence one last time.
“Hey Kuroo?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m really glad I met you.”
“Heh, I’m really glad I met you too, Bo.”
“Really, you mean it?”
“Tsk, of course I mean it, you smooth-brained idiot.”
“Ha, you love me though.”
“Mmm yeah true. As long as you love me.”
“Deal. Though I can’t promise you the same amount of love I have reserved for Akaashi.”
“That bar is really high.”
“Yeah… wicked high.”
“... You ever gonna confess to him?”
“Hmmm. Nah I’ll wait.”
“You’ll wait? For how long?”
“I guess until I know for sure the time is right…”
"Hmmm. I guess we'll have to wait and see."
"I guess so."
Kuroo sighed and smiled, rolling to his side and pulling his blankets over his shoulder.
"Hm. Goodnight, Bokubro."
"Goodnight, Kubro."