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"So… You and the Small fry…"
"Don't call him that."
"Chibi-chan…"
"Nope."
"Then what am I supposed to call him?
"Shoyo." The name slips from Kenma's lips so softly, almost intimate, that even he can hear it this time, so it comes as no surprise when Kuroo flinches dramatically with a gasp.
"So he's your new best friend?!"
As theatrical as his display is, Kenma can see right through him. It's not some silly jealousy or playful banter that he usually throws at Kenma. This time, though he tries to hide it behind a thick wall of being overly dramatic, Kuroo is hurt, and by the way Kenma has been staring lovingly at the number 10 of the Karasuno team this whole break, he has all the right to feel that way.
"He's a novelty. A breath of fresh air," he offers, trying to placate his partner both on court and in their private lives, but by the look in Kuroo's eyes, he doesn't do a very good job at it. "He's a good rival."
"Yeah, sure. Because Karasuno does so well with all their losses," Kuroo snaps bitterly, but they both know it's not his honest opinion about that team. He's hurt and mean, but he's smart, seeing the potential of Karasuno just as well as Kenma does. It's not about them. It's about Hinata and the way he activates something inside Kenma's brain, tickling it just right to have the boy's undivided attention throughout the last few days of training camp.
They stay silent for a moment, both considering their dialogue options. Kenma wishes he could have some bubbles over his head to choose from instead of having to come up with something on his own. He's not a man of many words, and usually it's an asset. He can bluntly say what he thinks on court, coming up with a perfect strategy, giving pointers to his teammates. But when it comes to feelings, he has a tendency to be a little harsh with his honesty. And he doesn't deal well with pretty words, more often than not fumbling horrendously while only trying to speak his mind. And Kuroo is good at reading him most of the time, so it's not a big issue. Except when he's really hurt. Kenma really went head-on into his obsession with Hinata a bit too far.
The silence between them stretches, and with every passing second, the pressure to say or do the right thing is pressing on him harder and harder. Kenma wants to run away. That's how he used to deal with big emotions. But Kuroo taught him well.
Instead, he gets up and offers his outstretched hand to his childhood friend. He doesn't even have to ask before the other boy takes it, trusting in him, even when Kenma was upsetting him for the past few days. Kenma looks into those honest, hazel eyes, returning the soft gaze. "Come with me," he says in a hushed voice and drags Kuroo away from the gym.
They walk near the trees, hiding in their shadows from both the summer heat and the watchful eyes of the teachers.
"Where are…?" Kuroo tries to ask, but Kenma shushes him, ducking to the ground just before Fukurodani's coach, who patrols this area, sees them. "Where are we going?" repeats Kuroo quietly, curiosity taking the place of sadness. His interest is definitely piqued, and Kenma smiles at that, stealing a small kiss from the corner of his mouth.
Before Kuroo can react to that, Kenma already gets up from the ground and lurks around the tree before sprinting towards the gates of the school. And by that action alone, Kuroo probably already knows it's important since Kenma absolutely hates running.
"Wait, we can't leave the school grounds?" argues Kuroo, once he joins Kenma on the other side of the street, but it's rather meek. He's surprised but not opposed to the secretive plan.
"Duh, that's why we were sneaking out." Kenma doesn't let them stay out in the open before making his way further away from the training camp. "We don't have much time, so we should hurry."
Kuroo looks confused, but doesn't question him at all, walking right by his side. He looks around, trying to figure out where they're going, but doesn't question their little adventure. Kenma can still see a faint blush on his cheeks from the quick kiss before, and he really wants to just find some dark alley and kiss that boy silly, till his brain turns to mush. But if that were the case, they'd miss the entire camp, as always losing track of time. That can wait for later, like a sweet treat after a hard-working day.
Instead, he reaches for Kuroo's hand and laces their fingers together. It's hot, and they're sweaty from the matches they played throughout the day, but nothing could stop Kenma from holding his boyfriend's hand when he wants to.
Kuroo's face turns into the shade of a ripe tomato, and Kenma could almost swear he hears the air sizzle next to him. They haven't dated for that long, so any type of physical contact in public is still a bit awkward, but that's fine. This is what Kenma wants to prove, even if he can't put it into words yet. 'You're important to me, and I want everyone to know that. '
Not long after, they reach a small convenience store.
"Wait here," orders Kenma, leaving Kuroo behind.
He enters the store with an old man sleeping behind the counter, having a fan pointed at his own face. Not very customer-friendly, but Kenma doesn't mind. He is on a mission, immediately walking towards the freezer filled with all sorts of ice cream cones and popsicles. He grabs the one he likes best and rather rudely wakes the owner up. He doesn't have the time or patience for being polite. The man sends him a stinky eye and complains about 'today's youth' as Kenma takes the money from a small pocket inside his sports shorts. The man scrunches his nose but ultimately shuts up.
"You dragged me all the way here for a popsicle?" When Kenma returns, Kuroo doesn't sound disappointed, only a little baffled. But in a good way.
Kenma smiles lightly.
"Not just any popsicle. A twin popsicle."
Sure enough, the cold, sweet treat has two sticks that both boys crack open. It splits perfectly in the middle - thanks to Kenma's little trick of pre-snapping them back at the store.
"Listen, I'm not that great at talking about my feelings," Kenma starts, as Kuroo happily licks the strawberry popsicle. "But I want you to know that no matter how much Hinata fascinates me, he's still just a friend. You are my partner. The one I want to share my twin popsicles and life with."
Kuroo looks at him with wide eyes, before erupting into a burst of unexpected hyena-like laughter. Kenma scowls at him immediately.
"Oh man, you're shit at analogies and apologies," Kuroo laughs even harder, bending in half and hitting his knee like a dad that just told the most unfunny joke in existence. Kenma chomps at his half of the popsicle angrily, reconsidering all his life choices. "But I love that you're trying. It's really sweet, Kyanma~."
"Shut up."
"I love you."
Kenma can't be angry with Kuroo after that love confession, but he still frowns, sending glares at him. It doesn't last long before sweet lips steal a kiss from him. He has no other way but to chuckle, happiness filling his belly with thousands of butterflies. He swats at his silly boyfriend, but eventually hugs Kuroo back.
"I love you too, Kuro."
Their way back takes way longer, and they get in trouble for disappearing for almost two hours without any notice, but it's worth it. Strawberry kisses might just be their favourite thing.