((so i saw this art on twitter and fell in love with the idea of kuroo idly playing with kenma’s hair without thinking . . . and this happened. enjoy~))
It's been a really long day.
First exams, and then practice runs late. Coach Naoi goes out and buys a bunch of burgers for everyone once it's clear they're not going to make it home for dinner. The team sprawls out on the court to munch on the food, and Kenma takes the opportunity to immediately lay down on his side, using a volleyball as a pillow, and close his eyes. He's exhausted.
"Kenma, eat." Kuroo sits in front of his legs, nudging them gently with his elbow.
Kenma curls inward instinctively, burying his face further in his arm, as he tucks it around the volleyball. It's too much effort to sit up and eat right now, and he ignores any further attempts at rousing him. With a sigh, Kuroo gives up, yelling for Taketora to not hog the rest of the burgers and save one for Kenma. Knowing he'll get at least some rest now, Kenma relaxes against the wood of the court. He can feel his muscles growing stiff as a result of not doing enough cool down stretches, but he's too tired to care. He'll care later when it's difficult to move, but Kuroo will carry him if he gives him the right look.
Speaking of Kuroo . . .
Kenma feels the soft brush of fingers through his hair. He opens his eyes just slightly, thinking Kuroo wants his attention, but he's talking to Yaku and Kai beside him between bites of his burger. As he does, his fingers continue to run through Kenma's hair, lifting the strands, twirling them absently. He doesn't seem to realize he's doing it.
Normally, people touching him without his consent irks him. He definitely doesn't like people messing with his hair, moving it away from his face when he keeps it long and down for a reason. But this . . . this feels kind of nice. Kuroo's not tugging too hard or tangling the strands. His touch is whisper-soft and gentle, and Kenma imagines it feels like this when he pets the stray cats they see on the way home sometimes. A shiver runs down his spine, and goosebumps prickle his arms and the back of his neck, hidden beneath his sleeves and hair.
Kenma feels his cheeks grow warm, and he quickly shuts his eyes again. He doesn't make a sound or move a muscle, afraid if he does Kuroo will realize what he's doing and pull away. He'll probably apologize, which Kenma will hate because he doesn't like it when Kuroo apologizes for things that aren't his fault or actions Kenma doesn't mind him doing.
The fingers continue their tender movement, and pleasant tingles follow. Every once in a while, Kuroo's fingertips brush against his temple or the edge of his ear, and more heat blooms across Kenma's face and down his neck, into his chest. Thankfully, Kuroo's attention remains elsewhere, until Yaku says, surprised:
"Did Kenma just fall asleep on a volleyball?"
"Looks uncomfortable," Kai hums in agreement.
"Oh." Kuroo's fingers stop, as he no doubt looks down and notices. Kenma hears his soft chuckle, and his touch falls away. "I guess so. He can sleep pretty much anywhere, though, if he's tired enough."
"The second years had exams today," Yaku observes. "No wonder he's wiped out."
Kuroo's hand shakes his shoulder. "Kenma. Hey, Kenma."
"Mmrph." Kenma again buries his face, resenting Yaku somewhat for speaking up and ruining the moment.
Kuroo laughs again. "Come on sleepy head, it's time to go home. If you're that tired you can sleep on my shoulder on the train."
Kenma wrinkles his nose. "You probably smell," he says, even as he pushes himself up.
"I do not!" Kuroo protests, before taking a quick sniff at his underarm. He grimaces. "Well, maybe some. I'll hit the showers before we go, how about that?"
"It's whatever," Kenma says around a yawn. It's not as though he hasn't sat next to a stinking Kuroo before. And if they're going home, he'd rather do it now that he's up and awake than spend more time in the gym waiting for Kuroo to shower.
Kuroo stands, grabbing Kenma's arm to help him up as well. He notices the first and second years have already gone, and it's just Kuroo, Yaku, and Kai left in the gym, along with himself.
"When did everyone leave?"
"Man, you were really knocked out, huh?"
Kenma doesn't think he was, though. Was he so distracted by the feeling of Kuroo's fingers in his hair that he completely lost track of time? How disturbing. His face is growing warm again. Ducking his head to hide it behind his hair, he shoves his hands into the sides of his pants in lieu of pockets and heads for the door.
"Well, I guess we're leaving then. See you tomorrow!" Kuroo calls to the other two, following him.
He grabs their bags by the door, slinging them both over his shoulder instead of making Kenma carry his. A sting of guilt hits his chest, but he doesn't reach for it. His arms feel like they're connected to cement blocks anyway, and his feet shuffle against the sidewalk. He stifles another yawn.
"Don't tell me: you stayed up late playing your games even though you knew you had exams today."
Kenma makes a noise that's neither a yes or a no. He did, but he doesn't feel like being scolded. He knows he did well on his exams. Kuroo always helps him study.
Kuroo reaches over and ruffles his hair, a poor substitute for his ministrations earlier. Kenma swerves away, annoyed.
Kuroo laughs. "Make sure you go to sleep on time tonight! Make sure you eat, too. Don't think I won't follow up on that!"
"Fine," Kenma mutters, as his scalp tingles.
He ends up dozing on the train despite his best efforts, slumped against Kuroo's shoulder. He doesn't smell terrible. Kenma waits for him to start playing with his hair again, but his hands remain in his lap, thumbs twiddling.
Kenma squashes down any sense of disappointment he feels rising within him and remains still until he actually falls asleep.