"baby! Time to get up! It's so unusual for you to sleep for so long. Are you having a lazy day?" You tease as you open the curtains. Letting the sunlight cast its warm rays onto the bed and room. You look at the messy sheets and tug at them. "Come on I'm making breakfast! Your favourite! Get up or I might eat it all up!" You give a warning, though the smile on your lips betrays the threatening tone. You sigh and shake your head.. deciding to allow him five more minutes of sleep while you finish making breakfast and setting up the table.
And well, it is Saturday. One of his rare days off so you suppose you could indulge him and let him sleep in more. He must've trained hard for him to sleep for so long! Not that you can fault him. You saw how they train, you sweat just looking at them! You didn't understand how Bokuto could go through such rigorous training every day. But you suppose one really wouldn't find it that tiring if it's their passion.
You turn on your morning playlist. A list of songs you and bokuto had spent time and effort to make. Combining your favourite songs into one playlist. You hum along to the familiar lyrics as you turn off the fire and plate the bacon and waffle. His guilty pleasure.
The doorbell rings. "Coming!" You yell and quickly wipe the grease on your apron as you jog to the door. You take a peek through the peephole and smile when you see who it is. Opening the door. You jump at the man before he could let out a peep. And he grabs you with ease. His fresh scent invaded your nose, reminding you of the beach.
"Akaashi! It's been a while since I've seen you." Your warm cheek press against his as you realize how cold it was outside when the cold air rushes to bite at your bate skin. You rush him in, taking a glance outside to see the snow falling, you smile softly, letting out a breath and watching the white puff fade into the atmosphere. You close the door and head back inside, rubbing your arms to warm them up as you notice akaashi gazing at the two plates with a strange look.
A pained look.
And although you find it strange, you decide not to say anything for now and instead you smile sheepishly. "Sorry, I didn't know you were coming, give me a few minutes and I'll cook another batch up for you!"
"No, no need." Akaashi finally croaked, and when you notice how tired his voice is. You pause, turning to look at him with furrowed brows. You finally take a good look at him. Hair all messed up, his eyes sunken in. He hasn't shaved for a while it seems, or eaten. Your brows furrowed even further. "Is..is everything okay?"
Akaashi continues to stare at the plates. Opening his mouth hesitantly. As if he didn't even want to ask the question but forced himself to. ".. who's the other plate for..?"
Although you frown at him trying to change the subject. You still answer his rather obvious question. "Koutarou, who else silly? I made his favourite. They must've had a really tough practice yesterday cause he still hasn't gotten up!" You laugh good-naturedly, hoping maybe that'd lighten the mood. But it seems that hope was in vain. Akaashi closes his eyes with a pained expression. As if that's exactly what he was afraid to hear.
Trying to shake off the uneasy feeling inside of you. You chew on your lips. Now staring at the plates, "ah." You open the fridge and pull out some orange juice, placing three cups on the table. "Stop." Akaashi whispers, but you hear nonetheless.
"Stop what?" You questions as you pour the juice. Wondering if you should go wake up Bokuto again, this atmosphere was making you feel uncomfortable and it'd really help having Bokuto by your side. He always had a way to lighten the mood no matter what.
"This." He grabs your hand, preventing you from pouring the juice into Bokutos volleyball-shaped cup. You give Akaashi a bewildered and frankly nervous glance. You knew Akaashi would never hurt you but he was just acting so strange. "Akaashi what are you-"
"Please, please stop. This isn't healthy." At his begging tone, you finally stop resisting against his grip. Looking into his desperate eyes. Filled with so much despair and sorrow. And..pity?
"I-i, I really don't know what you mean Akaashi. I'm not doing anything?" You answer helplessly, trying to recall if you did anything. You truly had no idea what he was so upset about. Akaashi releases a breath and slowly lets go of your arm. Instead, he heads towards the coffee table to pick up the remote and turns on the TV. Switching through channels as you watch him, perplexed.
"Akaashi what are you-"
"Today, December the 18th, marks the first year since the passing away of the star player, Bokuto Koutaro. The previously up-and-coming star was the centre of attention and many fans have been heartbroken to hear of his death on the day of-"
You don't realize when you drop the cup in your hand. You don't realize when you step over the sharp shards, you don't realize the pain or the blood that almost caused you to slip either. You fall onto your knees in front of the TV. Wide eyes staring at a clip of Bokuto after he had won a match, cheering happily with a giant grin on his face.
You finally blink. Turning to look at Akaashi. You let laughter, that's more of a huff than a laugh. "Wha-what is this, is this some kind of sick prank or something...?" You can't really see Akaashi expression, your vision blurry for some reason. And it was also getting hard to breath. And funnily enough, in the back of your head you're even thinking of how upset Bokuto would be that your shattered his favourite cup.
It was Akaashis voice that finally made you snap out of the trance you're in, as he calls your name, voice cracking.
You've never heard akaashi anything less than collected. Never even heard him yell, let alone cry. But now...
You stand up, nearly stumbling onto the coffee, your hands slam onto the wooden table and you barely managed to hold yourself up. "No, no." Your voice sounded hysteric, nothing like you've ever heard before. "You don't understand Keiji! There must be some kind of mistake? There's no way he's dead! I just saw him! I-i talked to him! Look, look I can show you, come on!" You can barely grab onto his arm with how much you're shaking, barely able to stand, but you manage somehow and you tug him to the room. Ignoring the burning in your nose and Akaashis glum voice as he called your name pitifully.
And you hate it. God you hate it so much because this doesn't feel like a prank. It was too much to be a prank. This wasn't funny no matter how you tried to look at it. Bokuto being dead? For over a year? There was just no way.
"No no no, look! Look! There he is!" You point ecstatically at the big shape on the bed. "See?" For good measure, you let go of Akaashis arm and tug on the bed cover.
Only to have the shape deflate into nothing.
You freeze, before reaching to throw the covers on the floor and stare at the empty bed. Trying to spot even an imprint that showed that Bokuto was truly here. Because he was.
But. nothing.
"No." You mumur slowly. Brows furrowing and the head nearly splitting your head now as you tried to make sense of this awful, horrible, situation. You shake your head. Either to shake off the headache and the thoughts invading your head or deny the whole situation, you're not sure. "No...he was just here." You refuse to look at Akaashi, instead, you make your way to the bathroom, throwing the door open. "Babe? Babe, please come out!" You call out, voice getting more distraught by the second. "Koutarou? This isn't funny, please come out!"
But no matter where you looked, be it the bathroom, closet, or even under the bed. He wasn't there. "No, I swear to you, I swear to you he was literally there! I-im not lying!" Akaashi, with red-rimmed eyes and nose. Falls to his knees, looking so small and defeated, he wraps his arms around you. What suspiciously feels like tears stains your shirt. He holds you tightly. Perhaps, also trying desperately to hold himself together as well. He doesn't say anything, and just holds you. Akaashi holds you.
Even as you struggle
Even as you continue to swear you saw him.
Even as your struggles lessen and you slowly come to the dreadful realization that Bokuto was never here.
Even as you break down in defeated sobs when you realize he was gone, well and truly gone.
I hope every writer who sees this writes LOADS the next few months. Like freetime opens up, no writers block, the ability to focus, etc etc you’re able to write loads & make lots of progress <3
"Again?" You say exasperatedly as soon as you caught sight of who was outside your door. Said accused simply grinned and scratched his cheek. You sigh and move to the side. "Come in."
"excuse me for the intrusion!"
Almost as if it was his own house. Josuke took off his shoes and headed toward the kitchen. As he didn't want to stain your lovely couch with his blood. "Where's Koichi then? You two usually come in pairs."
"He wasn't there, I just had a fight with some assholes who made fun of my hair." He growled as he recalled their insults to his hair. Hands instinctively checking to see if his hair was still in good state or not.
You set the first aid kit on the table with a thud and hum. Seeing the scratch on his cheek. You reach out and swipe off the dripping blood with your hand as he fussed with his hair.
"Assholes indeed. How could they say that? People really can't mind their business." Josuke rolled his eyes and gave you an unimpressed stare. "Says the person whose first sentence to me was 'what a weird hairstyle'."
You pause dabbing his wounds with the alcohol-soaked cotton and protested. "Hey, I told you I didn't mean it in a bad way! Your hair is unique okay? I just couldn't fathom how you got it to look like that, let alone how long it takes." You place a bandaid on the small wound on his cheek and smack it as if to get your point across. Josuke hissing in faux pain and pouting. Telling you to be more gentle.
"Now that I'm think about it, it's impressive that you didn't go mental on me. Do you have a rule not to hit girls or something like that?" Josuke placed his mouth on his palm and shrugged.
"Something like that." He answered vaguely and you blink, tilting your head. You poke his shoulder. "What, you aren't going to tell me?"
"Do I have to? It was months ago!" Josuke complained and grabbed your wrist to stop you from constantly poking him. He didn't need more bruises, especially since crazy diamond couldn't heal them. You pout. Eyes narrowing and brows furrowing as you cross your arms and turn your head away.
"Alright. Guess I won't tell you what I've heard today either." At that, Josuke perked up and turned to look at you, looking very interested as he scooted his chair to face you.
"What did you hear?"
"Something very, very, interesting. But I guess I won't be telling you anything now that you've decided to be like that." Josuke stared at you suspiciously before he scoffed and leaned back.
"You've got nothing." He pointed out firmly. Realizing this was just a ploy to get him to confess.
At least he thought so.
"Mm, kay." You start tidying up the bandages and bandaids without giving Josuke a second glance.
"You...You really got something?"
"Yup."
You gave Josuke your back and place the first aid kit into the cabin. Unbeknownst to him, you had a smile smile stretching from eye to eye as you nearly cackle. You know Josuke, know that he loved to gossip just as much as the aunties that meet up in the streets and gossip about every person that passes by. It's not like you're not guilty of that as well. You'd sort of come to an agreement, every interesting news you heard. You'd share it with the other.
From Mrs. Takahashi having a thing with the mailman to whether Okuyasu is wearing bunny-themed socks and matching boxers or just normal ones, nothing you guys knew doesn't get shared with the other.
The point is, Josuke couldn't handle not knowing anything. It was like an itch. The idea that you knew something and he didn't is like a personal offence. He couldn't stand 5 minutes of not knowing. And considering its been 4 minutes, it should be coming any minute now...
"So..if I tell you, will you tell me?"
Hook.
"Hmm I don't know..maybe if you tell me first."
Line.
"I..alright. okay fine! I'll tell you!"
Sinker!
You twirl around and smile at him, placing your hands on the counter. "I'm all ears."
Josuke groaned, rubbing his face so hard it'd probably catch on fire. He stood up, his cheeks a tad pink but face determined as he approached you. You raised a brow, wondering what he had to say that he needed to get so close. Blinking, you lean back as he went as far as placing his hands on either side of your body. Trapping you against his firm body and the counter. You gulp, having to crane your neck to look at his face. He was pretty tall. And pretty. Damnit.
You wanted to bring up his closeness but found your tongue unable to move. Frozen in place.
"That day.." he stared at your face. Your pretty eyes, your slowly warming cheeks. Your lips. He could still remember that day you two first met. It was the schools opening entrance and you happened to be standing next to each other. And the first thing that came out of your mouth when you caught sight of him was,
"Your hair is so weird!"
And normally that type of comment would have sent the poor person who said it straight to the hospital.
But when he turned to look at you, smoke coming out of his nose and ears from the rage burning inside him. He heard a musical laugh coming from one of the most beautiful person he'd seen. That he even felt his anger dissipate and instead he felt awe rise in its stead at the sight of you laughing cutely. Nose scrunching adorably and eyes closing as you held a hand up to muffle your hearty laughter after getting strange looks from your fellow students. And even a teacher glaring at you.
He gulped, feeling his ears turn red as he realized he was staring and turned his head away. Rubbing his neck. You notice his silence after your laughter faded. You lean forward to peek at his face. — which he was trying very hard to neutralize right now but it ended up looking like he was annoyed. — biting your lips slightly. You smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I didn't mean it in a bad way. Your hair is actually really cool, but it's just not a hairstyle I'm used to seeing, I'm new here..or, in Japan in general." That caught his attention as he turned to look at you questioningly.
"You're a foreigner?"
"Yup!" You held out a hand and introduce yourself. Smile wide and pretty. He hesitated for a second before he took your hand. "Higashikata Josuke."
"Nice to meet you, Higashikata Josuke!" You beam at him, and he felt his ears turn red again as he rubbed his neck. "You too."
"Higashikata is also a wei-eer, unique name too."
"Higashikata is actually my last name, my actual name is Josuke."
"Ah, why would you say your last name first though?"
"It's something you do in Japan, you're supposed to say your last name followed by your first name."
"Ah, makes no sense but got it! That's gonna be a pain to remember though.." you mutter to yourself.
And that was their first meeting, and the first time he's ever fallen in love that quickly. Even if he didn't realize it at the time. You stared at him, mouth gaping at the story. "I-you, so-so you didn't do anything because.." your face gradually felt hotter. "Because you thought I was cute?" You watch him blush and look away. Despite the embarrassment, you couldn't help but feel a laugh babbling in the back of your throat as you held a hand up to your mouth.
The sight of your shoulders shaking pulled Josukes attention to you. "Are you..are you laughing!?"
"Pfft! I-i can't help it! Higashikata Josuke, you!" He sighed and let his hands leave the counter. But you suddenly grab the front of his uniform and pulled him back closer. "Hey!" He protested but soon went quiet as he saw your adoring gaze on him. "You're too cute." You lean up and kiss his cheek gently, pulling back to look into his eyes. "I've thought that since the first day I've met you. You're too cute, Higashikata Josuke." You giggle as his face nearly burst into flames. He stumbles back as you let go of his uniform and placed your hands back on the counter.
He brought his hand up to his mouth and glanced away from you. "A-anyways, it's your turn now. Spill it!"
"Oh, sure." You look around and lean forward. As if you were going to spill the secret of the year. And he found himself mirroring your moves, leaning forward as well. "I heard..that Koichi and Yukako are now officially dating!"
Josuke stumbled, nearly falling face first on the ground. "What?!" He couldn't help crying out, face baffled. THAT was your very, very interesting fact?! Everyone knew Koichi and Yukako were going to hook up. It was so obvious! It was as obvious as the sky being blue and the grass being green-wait.
Josuke blinked his pretty blue eyes and stared at you. Who purposefully avoided his gaze as he slowly came to the realization.. you were tricking him! You never had any interesting gossip, you just wanted to know what he was hiding! "You! You were tricking me!" You gasp dramatically. Placing a hand on your chest.
"Me? I'd never!"
"Oh yeah?" He narrowed his eyes. A playful smile climbed his lips as he marched over to you and held his hands out threateningly above him, in that very familiar motion. Making your eyes widen as you realized what he was trying to do.
"W-wait, let's talk about this Josuke-eek!" You cry out as he suddenly rushed at you, you duck under his arms. But he was much faster, grabbing you and pulling you to his chest. Long arms wrapping around your waist and tickling you until you were near squealing. Tears sprang to your eyes as you laughed boisterously. "Josuke! Hahah! S-stop-stop please please please!" You squealed.
He stopped, and all that was left was the sounds of your panting and his warmth against your back. You place your hands on his. Your cheeks aching from how hard you had smiled. Some might say you and Josuke's closeness was too abnormal for two supposed friends but you didn't mind. If only because there was a selfish part of you that wanted to be as close to him as humanly possible, even if that was pushing the boundaries of friends.
"Hey."
"Hm?"
"Wanna go out with me?" You blinked, and tried to crane your head back to catch a glimpse of his face. He tightened his arms and hid his face in your hair shyly.
"Higashikata Josuke," you called out playfully. "Are you trying to ask me out?"
"That's the idea."
You snickered and patted his hands as a nudge to let you go. Which he did with a little resistance. You turn around and cupped his cheeks. Smiling sweetly.
Will he be fighting Bokuto at the ring?? Or will Daichi?? YALL GET TO CHOOSE!! Polls are open on my twitter AND insta story!! (Yall can vote on both places if you really want em to win!!)
*through gritted teeth* it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done. it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done. it doesn’t have to be-
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