Chapter Text
“Can you not keep smiling down at your phone like that?” Kenma says as he wipes the sweat off his face and prepares to change out of his practice clothes. “You’re scaring the first years. Lev thinks you’ve been replaced with someone else, and he keeps telling me to perform some voodoo magic to get the ‘old Kuroo-san’ back.”
Kuroo looks up from his phone and the dreamy smile on his face is quickly replaced with an annoyed frown. “Kenma, I can’t help how I’m feeling.”
“You think you could feel a little less?” Kenma suggests.
Kuroo scoffs as he pockets his cell phone and packs his things. “Like you’re any better. Ever since Akaashi and Bokuto asked you out, you’ve done nothing but stayed glued to your phone. You even giggle like a little school girl at Bokuto’s stupid jokes.”
Kenma attempts to hide the deep flush on his face behind his hair but Kuroo still catches it. “Koutarou’s jokes are not stupid.”
Kuroo raises an eyebrow and a cheshire grin easily spreads across his lips, “Koutarou, huh?”
Kenma shuts his locker. “Well, it’s definitely more progress than you’ve made.” He smirks at Kuroo’s wilting expression.
"Technically, we’re not dating,” Kuroo starts, “It would be weird to call her by her first name…even though I want to.”
“It’s nice of you to take it slow,” Kenma says.
“Of course I’m taking it slow! I don’t want to scare her off. What kind of a person do you think I am?” Kuroo asks, offended.
Kenma gives him a blank look, “Do you really want me to answer that question?”
Kuroo pinches Kenma’s cheek to piss him off and it works. The setter swats Kuroo’s hand away and hisses.
“Come on. Let’s go home, grumpy cat,” Kuroo says as he heads towards the locker room entrance. Kenma is not far behind, phone already in hand and a laugh bubbling past his lips. Kuroo sighs and rolls his eyes, Kids these days.
He feels his own phone vibrate in his pocket and smiles as he reaches for it.
***
Kuroo texted Yachi immediately after she gave him her number at the end of the summer training camp at Shinzen High School. As soon she stepped onto that bus with the rest of the crows, Kuroo texted her with his name and cute emojis tacked on at the end because Yachi definitely seemed like the type of person who would love emojis. Kuroo wasn’t wrong.
Ever since then, Kuroo and Yachi have been texting each other back and forth, and they even exchanged their Snapchat information. Sadly, Yachi didn’t send him enough pictures of herself since she was too shy, and Kuroo didn’t want to push her. On rare occasions though, he would get a picture of her with some other person from Karasuno (mostly it was Noya and Tanaka), and it took every ounce of the self-restraint he had accumulated during the eighteen years of his life to not take a screenshot because that would be beyond creepy. To Yachi, what use would Kuroo have of her picture? Except, you know, looking at it as he fell asleep every night and waking up to it in the morning. Kuroo didn’t have much to work with, but he was grateful for what he did get.
There are times when Kuroo thinks he can do this and then there are times when he just wants to jump onto the next bullet train to Miyagi so he can finally see his ray of sunshine. There’s only so much they can talk about through text. It’s nothing like the time he spent with her during the training camp. That was the best time he’d ever had in his life. He can still feel Yachi’s phantom touch in his hair as she gently scratched his scalp. And of course, he still remembers the promise. He doesn’t know when Yachi will be able to fulfill it, but he will always hold onto the hope; he will always have faith in Yachi. After all, she gave him her number for a reason, right?
As Kuroo works on his calculus homework that night before bed, his phone vibrates against his thigh. He reaches for it absentmindedly while still doing the integral problem. When his eyes see that the message is from Yachi, he fumbles to unlock his phone and open the messaging app, calculus forgotten. He’s expecting a response to the cat video he’d sent to Yachi earlier. (The cat was pooping while standing on its hind legs which Kuroo found hilarious. Of course he had to share it with Yachi.)
Instead of the usual “Hahaha” or “That is so cute, Kuroo-san!” and a few laughing face and heart eyed emojis at the end, he gets an ominous, “I have something to tell you. Can I please call?”
They have never called each other during the month and a half they’ve been texting, and Kuroo should be happy at finally hearing Yachi’s voice. However, Kuroo’s insides clench with worry and his heart starts beating much too fast. It’s uncomfortable and suddenly everything feels wrong. His soft clothes itch in the worst way possible and it feels like the four walls of his room are closing in around him.
This is it, Kuroo thinks helplessly. Yachi is going to call to tell me she can’t talk to me anymore. Maybe it was the cat videos that turned her away? Maybe he misinterpreted her affection towards felines or maybe he scared her off with his obsession? Regardless of the reason, his mind paints a picture of a very lonely, old Kuroo sitting on a rusty armchair as countless cats rubbed up against his calves, meowing for food while he bemoaned his lost love to the empty, stale air.
Kuroo snaps out of his reverie when he hears the trill of Shizu’s collar as she saunters into his room. Kuroo watches the graceful movements of his black cat and feels instantly at peace. She plops herself onto his lap and wiggles around a bit, trying to find the perfect position to nap in. She finally stills and looks up at him with her woe-is-me eyes that remind Kuroo of crisp autumn leaves. The message is clear: Pet me. And Kuroo does just that.
With each swipe of his hand through her soft fur, he builds his courage to respond to Yachi’s message. He doesn’t want to keep her waiting, so he texts back with a “Sure, I’ll call you.”
His thumb hovers over the call button and he finally presses it before he can back down. He doesn’t have to hold his breath for long because Yachi picks up her phone on the second ring.
“Hello, Kuroo-san?” He hears Yachi’s shy voice on the other end of the line and despite the gnawing deep in his gut, Kuroo can’t help but smile. He’d missed that voice.
“Hi, Yachi-san,” Kuroo replies, scratching Shizu’s neck. She purrs in delight and Kuroo feels the vibrations travel through his fingers. “How are you?”
Yachi’s voice brightens up considerably as she answers, and Kuroo can imagine the smile on her face. “I’m doing well! How are you?”
“I’m good,” Kuroo half-lies. “Just finishing up some calculus homework.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry for disturbing you!” Yachi gushes worriedly, “I’ll call back if you’re busy.”
“Yachi-san, it’s alright,” Kuroo assures her, “I was thinking of taking a break anyway.”
“Ok.” She still sounds a bit skeptical.
“So, what is that you wanted to tell me?” Kuroo asks slowly, closing his eyes and tightening his hold on the phone. Shizu licks his fingers comfortingly.
“Oh uh—,” Yachi stammers and Kuroo thinks sadly, This is it. She’s thinking of the least hurtful way to break off this friendship.
“So, my mother just told me that uh—she’s going to Tokyo this weekend for work, and I asked her if I could come with her. She said yes.” Yachi pauses, and Kuroo’s mind goes blank from what he’s just heard. “I—I was wondering if—if your offer from the summer training camp still stands?”
Yachi’s words ring loud and clear Kuroo’s head like a morning bell. If your offer from the summer training camp still stands?
Kuroo claps a hand over his mouth to stifle the relieved laugh threatening to escape past his lips. Shizu looks up at him curiously, probably wondering why he stopped petting her. Kuroo can’t believe it! Yachi doesn’t want to break off all contact with him! She’s coming to Tokyo and wants to see him!
“Um, Kuroo-san?” He hears some rustling as if Yachi is moving. “If not, then that’s ok too. I’m sorry for assuming.” Yachi sounds sad and the hope that colored her words just moments before is gone. Kuroo hurries to respond.
“No!” He practically screams. “No, you’re not assuming. I’m just…I’m really happy.”
“You are?”
“Yeah.” That doesn’t even begin to describe how Kuroo is feeling. “I would love to show you around Tokyo when you get here.”
“Really?” Yachi is excited now.
“Of course!” Kuroo nods even though Yachi can’t see. “I’m gonna show you the best Tokyo has to offer so be ready, Yachi-san.”
“I can’t wait!” She squeals.
“Me either.”
“I’m glad,” she says, the shyness returning.
“So, uh, exactly when are you getting here?” Kuroo needs to know much time he has to work with. He needs to start planning now.
“I think our train leaves in the morning on Saturday, so we’ll probably arrive early afternoon. And then my mom has her meeting.”
“I see.” Kuroo says. “And when are you returning to Miyagi?”
“We’re going back Sunday morning.” Kuroo hopes he isn’t imagining the disappointment in Yachi’s voice.
“I guess I’ll have less than a day to wow you and keep you coming back for more, huh?” Kuroo jokes.
Yachi giggles on the other end and Kuroo’s chest fills with warmth at the melodious sound. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that, Kuroo-san.”
Kuroo smiles as the warmth spreads across his cheeks.
Yachi continues, “Now about that cat video you sent me…”
***
The next morning Kuroo furiously tries to finish his calculus homework before class starts because how could he return to math after talking for hours with Yachi? He’d fallen asleep to her sweet voice replaying the promise of Saturday in his head.
Two more days. Two more days and he’ll see his little mouse.
***
How Kuroo makes it through the next two days is unbeknownst to him. For Kenma though, it’s hell. He almost, almost thinks of shaving Kuroo’s eyebrows off as revenge for having to deal with his whiny and impatient ass.
“‘Let’s watch movies and play video games’, he said,” Kenma mutters darkly on Friday night as Kuroo tries on clothes after clothes for his “date” the next day. “‘It’ll be fun,’ he said. ‘You hardly ever spend time with me now that you have your two boyfriends,’ he said. Guilt tripping bastard.”
Koutarou, you should’ve been here instead of me, Kenma texts his boyfriends on their group chat.
I’m there in spirit, babe, comes Bokuto’s quick reply.
“What do you think of this outfit, Kenma?” Kuroo walks out of his closet and twirls in front of his best friend.
Kenma facepalms. “Kuroo, even though you’re an eighty-five-year-old in an eighteen-year-old’s body, you’re going on a date around Tokyo, not getting admitted into the nearest nursing home.”
Kuroo gasps and wraps his arms around his middle in horror. “You did not just diss me and my argyle sweater vest like that.”
Kenma wants to scream. “You even using that in a sentence is nauseating, honestly,” he retorts. He doesn’t point out the fact that Kuroo did not deny it being a date. He doubts the crazy haired captain even heard him with the clothes crisis he’s currently having.
Kuroo groans in defeat and sheds the sweater vest and the button down underneath and spreads himself like a starfish next to Kenma. One of Kuroo’s hands slap Kenma on the thigh and Kenma glares, fully aware that it was not an accident.
Save me, Keiji, Kenma texts.
I really wish I could but Bokuto-san’s passed out on top of me, Akaashi replies. I can barely breathe. It’s actually I who needs to be saved.
Kenma giggles behind his hand.
“Kenmaaa,” Kuroo complains and gives him his best puppy dog eyes, which don’t have the desired effect with how small his eyes are. “Stop flirting with your boyfriends and help me!”
Kenma growls and smacks Kuroo in the face with a pillow.
“Ouch!” Kuroo yells, “What the hell was that for?”
“It’s ‘cause you’re being a whiny baby,” Kenma says, “Do you seriously think Yachi-san will care what you wear after she’s seen you with miso soup and potato salad staining your shirt just this past summer?”
“And whose fault was that?” Kuroo raises an eyebrow, arms crossed.
“If it wasn’t for my literal push in the right direction, you’d still be watching Yachi-san longingly from the distance and crying into your pillow every night,” Kenma quips. “I was the catalyst to your romantic reaction.”
“Yeah, I know,” Kuroo begrudgingly admits. It’s not like Kenma ever lets him forget it.
“If I recall correctly, I have yet to receive a thank you for that kind act,” Kenma teases.
“Aww Kenma, it’s cute that you think you’ll ever get one,” Kuroo says, flashing a saccharine sweet smile.
The setter sighs morosely and dabs the corners of his very dry eyes. “There’s just no appreciation left in this world anymore, I swear.” His lashes flutter as if he’s trying to keep the nonexistent tears at bay. He is such a drama queen¸ Kuroo thinks with a roll of his eyes.
“But out of the goodness of my heart,” Kuroo barks out a sardonic laugh after hearing that. Kenma ignores him and continues, “Out of the goodness of my heart, I will offer you free fashion advice: wear the red plaid shirt.”
Kuroo’s eyebrows furrow in confusion, “Which red plaid shirt?”
“Oh right, I forgot you own like twenty of the same kind,” Kenma deadpans. “I’m specifically talking about the one we both bought on sale during Golden Week. Pair that with a white T-shirt on the inside and some black skinny jeans, and you’re good to go.”
Kuroo raises his head so fast that Kenma is amazed his neck doesn’t snap in two. When Kuroo ruffles his blond hair though, Kenma wishes it had.
“That’s perfect!” Kuroo yelps as he runs to change into the suggested clothes.
Kenma clicks his tongue in annoyance and smooths down his rumpled hair.
Just gently move Koutarou off you then, Keiji, he texts Akaashi as he waits for his idiot best friend to finish changing.
It’s ok. I actually don’t mind the weight too much. The drool though…the drool is another matter entirely, Akaashi replies and Kenma grins because even though they’ve only been going out for a month, he’s definitely familiar with Bokuto’s sleeping habits.
“Ta-da!” Kuroo calls out, arms spread out and proudly flaunting Kenma’s suggested outfit.
Just as Kenma thought, he looks good. Kenma nods his head in approval and gives him a thumbs up.
“I actually wanted to wear my distressed skinny jeans, but I’m probably going to have to meet Yachi’s mother. I’d rather her not think I’m some kind of ruffian. You know, first impressions and all.” Kuroo admits as he inspects himself in front of the full length mirror.
Kenma snorts, “Then you’d better wear a wig tomorrow too.”
Kuroo lets his pillow do all the talking as he attacks Kenma.
***
It takes forever for Kuroo to fall asleep that night because he’s just so excited for the next day. Kenma leaves him after their pillow fight to go spend the night with Bokuto and Akaashi, and Kuroo (reluctantly) lets him go.
(“Please don’t leave me,” Kuroo begs, arms wrapped around Kenma’s middle and feet dragging behind him. “I’m sorry for hitting you so hard that you almost got a black eye.”
“Let. Me. Go. You overgrown piece of fur ball,” Kenma growls and tries to wrestle out of Kuroo’s death grip.
“But please! I need something to distract me! I’m so restless and I need to release all this pent up energy and excitement!”
“What are you? Eight?”
“Actually, according to you I’m eighty-five.”
“Argh! Just go to sleep!”
“I can’t!”
“How about I knock you out then?” Kenma suggests with a glint in his golden eyes as he rolls up his sleeves.
Kuroo finally releases the setter to cower behind his hands. “No! I need to look handsome tomorrow for Yachi!”
Kenma, finally out of Kuroo’s evil clutches, dashes out of the house like it’s caught on fire.
“Kenma!”)
On Saturday morning, Kuroo wakes up much too early. He shoots out of bed so fast that it leaves him dizzy and scrambling towards the wall for balance. He looks over at his alarm clock and it reads 7:02 a.m. in bright red. He definitely should sleep more, but all of a sudden he realizes that not only will he meet Yachi but also her mother.
“Oh fuck,” he whispers into his empty room as the blood drains from his face.
For some reason, his mind didn’t make a big deal out of this fact last night but now…now is a completely different matter. Now, it’s actually sinking in that he’ll meet Yachi’s mother (in a couple of hours no less!) for the first time, and he definitely knows a thing or two about first impressions being last impressions.
Kuroo thinks back to middle school and how he had thrown up all over his then-crush’s father’s shoes after consuming too much grilled mackerel at the end of the year barbeque. That hadn’t been pretty sight. After that incident, Kuroo had gotten over his crush practically overnight. It helped that he couldn’t even look her in the eye. At the next barbeque, Kuroo had run into her father again and the man had looked at Kuroo with the eyes of a person going through PTSD. It was like watching him experience war flashbacks. Kuroo had fled as fast as humanly possible from the man’s sight, blushing to the tips of his toes.
No, Kuroo definitely does not want a repeat of middle school. What could he do to make a lasting impression on Yachi’s mother? What could he do so that she would trust him to take care of her daughter?
Since his mind is already on the grilled mackerel, he latches onto the idea of food and follows that train of thought like Theseus following Ariadne’s thread in the Labyrinth.
How about some red velvet cupcakes? Kuroo thinks excitedly because baking something was always a safe bet. His mother should be home today too since it’s the weekend, so he could ask her for help. But when he gets downstairs, the house is empty. He checks the shoe rack and his suspicions are confirmed: both his parents’ are gone.
Kuroo sighs and makes his way to the kitchen to prepare a quick breakfast before getting down to business. There’s a note on the fridge from his mother informing him of about the emergency at the hospital which she and his father just couldn’t avoid. Having a nurse for a mother and a doctor for a father, Kuroo understands and is used to it by now. At least his mother made him some breakfast already, so he just reheats that and digs in.
As Kuroo eats his breakfast, he looks up the red velvet cupcake recipe on his phone. It looks easy enough and as he checks his pantry for the ingredients, he’s lucky to find most of them in there. He’ll still have to make a quick stop at the store for red food coloring and the cream cheese for the frosting though.
Kuroo is in and out of the grocery store in a matter of minutes since people prefer sleeping in on Saturday mornings. Once back home, he lays out all the ingredients and puts on a song from his favorite rock band. With his freshly washed hands and his mother’s apron on (it’s much too small but Kuroo doesn’t want to dirty his clothes), he begins the baking process.
It’s going well, especially since this is the first time he’s baking. He’s got the wet ingredients mixed and set aside and is currently working on the dry ingredients. That is when Kuroo’s plan to make the perfect red velvet cupcakes goes down the drain. He’s pouring sugar into the measuring cup when he hears a buzzing in his ear. He turns to the side and there is a giant wasp right in the face.
Kuroo’s glad no one is at home to hear him screech like a little girl. He jumps about a foot in the air and the sugar goes flying all over the countertop and worse, right into the wet ingredients. He swats the creature away wondering how he hell it got into the house. He shoos it out of the house and returns to the mess in the kitchen.
“Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!” He curses endlessly as he tries to scoop out the extra sugar from the bowl but unfortunately a lot of it has already melted. He hopes the cupcakes still turn out ok and continues with the recipe.
With the batter in the cupcake tins and the oven preheated to the right temperature, Kuroo offers a quick prayer to all the gods he can think of and puts the tray in the oven. The entire twenty minutes he’s restless. He decides to get some of his homework for the weekend done, but he gets up every five minutes to check on his cupcakes to see if they’re rising or not. In the end, Kuroo just gives up and sits in front of the oven, silently pleading with the baked goods to taste delicious.
As soon as his timer goes off, Kuroo pulls the tray out, almost burning himself in his haste to taste the cupcakes. They look just like the ones displayed on his phone, but Kuroo is still skeptical about the taste. When he takes a bite, it singes his tongue. He fans his mouth with his hand and braves through the pain.
The more he chews, the more his face contorts into a mask of pure disgust. They are much too sweet. So sweet in fact that he can’t even finish the one bite he took. It’s also really crumbly which he doubts is how the texture should be. He spits out the glob of sponge and saliva and downs a glass of water, washing away the sugary taste. He looks at the remaining eleven cupcakes in annoyance and in a fit of anger dumps them all in the trash.
He takes his phone and dials Kenma’s number as a last resort. Please pick up, please pick up, please pick up…, Kuroo chants in his head.
Just when Kuroo gives up hope, Kenma’s monotone voice cuts through, “What?”
“Oh Kenma, please I—,” Kuroo begins but is immediately cut off.
“No.”
“But you didn’t even let me finish!” Kuroo whines.
“I know you’re going to ask me to do something for you, and I’m already saying no. You know I spend my Saturdays with Koutarou and Keiji.”
“Please just this once help out your best friend!” Kuroo begs.
“I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
“Kenma, I am hurt!”
“And I am hanging up and going back to sleep.”
“No wait—,” Kuroo yells but it’s too late.
“I was going to get you the new Dark Souls for your birthday but not anymore!” Kuroo screams into the dead phone call.
He sighs and sags against the countertop. Kuroo could start again from scratch. He definitely still has enough ingredients, but he just feels so dejected. He doesn't even know if he has enough time to make another batch, let them cool and top them with the cream cheese frosting too. Maybe he should just buy something from the bakery before he sets the house on fire next time.
Kuroo’s made up his mind and is cleaning the kitchen and dishes when he hears the doorbell ring.
It can’t be Mom and Dad. They have the key, Kuroo thinks as he goes to answer the door.
There on his doorstep, stands Kenma with his classic I-so-don’t-want-to-be-here face. Akaashi and Bokuto flank his sides, one with his face passive and respectful and the other brimming with energy. Bokuto leaps into Kuroo’s arms before Kuroo can even express his surprise.
“Bro!” Bokuto shrieks and squeezes Kuroo’s middle so hard Kuroo’s surprised his ribs don’t snap.
“Br—bro!” Kuroo wheezes.
“Bokuto-san, let Kuroo-san go. He’s turning blue in the face,” Akaashi says calmly.
“Oh my bad, Kuroo.” Bokuto let’s go, and Kuroo shoots Akaashi a weak but grateful smile. Akaashi tips his chin down, acknowledging the thanks.
Kenma groans and pushes past Kuroo and into the house. “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”
“We heard from Kenma that you were having some kind of trouble,” Akaashi begins after they’ve all gathered inside. “We came as fast as we could.”
“Actually, I was dragged here against my will,” Kenma points out sullenly.
“So bro, what’s the problem? Having trouble with your cute girlfriend?” Bokuto asks with his arm around Kuroo’s shoulder.
Kuroo’s face heats up, “She’s not my girlfriend, Bo!”
“Not yet anyway,” Bokuto winks and waggles his eyebrows.
Kuroo doesn’t even correct him because he knows that would be lying. He really hopes in the future he’ll have the guts to actually ask Yachi out. Today doesn’t count, of course.
“So I realized that I’ll be meeting Yachi’s mother for the first time today, and I want to make a good impression,” Kuroo explains, scratching the back of his neck. “I thought I’d bake some red velvet cupcakes for her, but I completely messed up the first batch.” He presses his palms together and raises them to his forehead, eyes scrunching shut, “Please help me bake the second batch properly!”
Kuroo hears the telltale sign of the camera going off on Kenma’s phone and glares at his best friend.
“I’ve never seen you so desperate before,” Kenma smirks. “Good to have on record.”
Kuroo has half a mind to pounce on Kenma but resists. He is of use to Kuroo yet.
“Of course we’ll help you, Kuroo-san,” Akaashi says with a small smile, and Kuroo can’t help but stare for a few seconds at the beauty before Bokuto slaps him on the back good-naturedly.
“Yup!”
They make their way into the kitchen and this time around everything goes a lot smoother. There are no spills and mishaps, and Akaashi and Kenma even keep the two captains in line. Kuroo does do most of the work since the cupcakes are technically supposed to be made by him. He really only needed Kenma around to make sure he didn’t mess anything up, but he’s fine with Akaashi and Bokuto’s company too. He’s definitely glad Akaashi is there to teach him the trick of sifting the dry ingredients, so there are no clumps when mixed with the wet batter.
While the cupcakes bake, they work on the cream cheese frosting, which ends up being hell on Kuroo’s arm.
“Seriously, are you sure it’s supposed to get smooth?” Kuroo asks, massaging his bicep. “It still looks so clumpy.”
“Step aside, bro! I got this!” Bokuto says and his eyes are alit with a determined fire. He unnecessarily rolls up the sleeves of his T-shirt, and Kuroo watches Kenma and Akaashi practically swoon when his biceps come into view.
“Gross,” Kuroo mutters and feels the breakfast he just had crawl back up his throat.
Kuroo will admit though that Bokuto does a fantastic job of whisking the frosting into a fluffy consistency. His powerful arms whip the contents in the bowl at an alarming speed and his eyebrows are furrowed in concentration.
Besides Kuroo, Kenma shamelessly takes a video of Bokuto’s muscles flexing with the effort.
“Are you serious?” Kuroo deadpans.
“Shut up. It’s good content,” Kenma responds, continuing to film.
“Send it to me,” Akaashi says to Kenma.
“Of course.”
“Gross,” Kuroo repeats.
Meanwhile, his own phone chirps in his pocket. He takes it out and sees that there’s a message from Yachi.
Good morning, Kuroo-san! I hope I’m not disturbing you, but I just wanted to let you know that we’re on the train now. We’ll reach Tokyo in about three hours! :D
Another text comes and this time it’s an address of Yachi’s hotel. Google Maps tells him it’s about a twenty-minute train ride from his house. It’s also closer to Shinjuku which makes traveling a pain since Kuroo really wanted to take Yachi to Tokyo Tower. But he has almost an entire day, so he figures it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
He quickly types out a reply:
Good morning, Yachi-san! Don’t worry, I’m already awake. I’m glad you’re on the train. I checked and your hotel isn’t far from my place so just let me when you’re there and I’ll leave from here. That way you’ll have some time to freshen up from your travel before we take Tokyo by storm ;)
Hahaha! Sounds like a perfect plan! I can’t wait! ^_^
Me too!
I’m going to take a nap now. I hardly got any sleep last night from all the excitement.
Well, looks like I wasn’t the only one then, Kuroo thinks happily.
Yes, go ahead and sleep. I don’t want you passing out on me as we sightsee! :P
Kuroo thinks he really wouldn’t mind Yachi sleeping on him.
I agree. I’d be mortified >.< I’ll see you soon, Kuroo-san!
See you, Yachi-san!
Kuroo finally looks up from his phone to find his three friends gawking at him. He didn’t even realize when they’d gone quiet.
Bokuto places a hand over his heart and his eyes sparkle like yellow topazes. “They grow up so fast,” he sniffles.
Kuroo rolls his eyes and flicks flour at Bokuto’s stupid owl-like face.
***
After the flour fight that breaks out (Kenma and Akaashi literally have to pull Kuroo and Bokuto’s ears to make them stop) and icing the cupcakes, the trio leaves Kuroo to his own devices, including cleaning up the entire kitchen.
(“But Bokuto was just as involved in making the mess as I was!” Kuroo had griped.
“I don’t care,” Kenma had said stubbornly as he herded both his boyfriends by the hand towards the front door. “You asked us to help you bake the cupcakes. You never said anything about helping you with the cleanup too.” Bokuto stuck his tongue out and then they were gone before Kuroo would complain anymore.)
He takes practically ages in the shower, scrubbing his body until it burns red and smells as fragrant as a garden during spring. He styles his hair as best as possible but as soon as it dries, it reverts back to its natural bedhead. It’s annoying as hell and Kuroo grapples with the dark strands for almost twenty minutes before he gives up and considers getting a wig like Kenma had jokingly suggested last night. Seriously, he looks like a thug. He himself wouldn’t let his own daughter go out with a guy who looked like him. Kuroo’s hopes and dreams are really riding on those cupcakes. Maybe he should get flowers on his way too…
His phone chirps beside him and snaps him out of his thoughts.
It’s a text from Yachi letting him know that they’ve reached their hotel. Kuroo texts her back telling her he’s leaving his house. He quickly sprays on some of his favorite cologne and gives himself a once-over in the mirror before running back downstairs to get the things.
“Cupcakes? Check: boxed and bagged. Wallet? Phone?” He pats his pockets. “Check and check.”
“Keys?” He takes them off the key holder by the door and jingles them. “Check.”
“And I’m off!” Kuroo announces to nobody but his bright smile can be seen from a mile away.