Yaku sits at one of the tables by the window, eyes focused on the falling snow, his hands cupping his hot chocolate. The bookstore and its coffee shop is only open in the morning this year for people to buy last-minute presents. He finished shopping weeks ago - he’s only here for a specific reason.
It’s been a year. 365 days since that fateful day. He couldn’t really believe it, honestly, that time flew so quickly. There were days he forgot he had a girlfriend and there were days when it hit him. I have a girlfriend. Kuroo never stopped teasing him for it. Yamamoto was able to practice talking to girls when she was around. Kenma talked about Love Live and other games with her. Most of the time, it just felt like she was part of the team, another member of the club.
But then he would walk her home at the end of the day and give her a kiss good night. And in the morning, he would pick her up and walk her to class afterward practice is over. They would spend most of their free time together and it wouldn’t seem like they were in a relationship.
Their first year anniversary was coming up and neither of them mentioned anything about each other something to celebrate. It’s also Christmas day, the only day they had to spend with family. That’s why Yaku asked her out this morning, just to see her, and tell her he loves her.
Except it’s been half an hour.
Yaku finishes his hot chocolate. He has a gift bag hidden by his feet and he taps it with his ankle to make sure it’s still there. His actual gift for her hasn’t arrived yet - he couldn’t think of what to get her so he ordered it too late - and this is the only thing he could whip up with such short notice. Maybe she had she same problem. She did sound hesitant in agreeing to meet with him today. Yaku couldn’t forget it.
“Do you want to meet at the usual place tomorrow in the morning? There’s something I want to give you.”
“Oh…really? Um, sure. I’ll meet you there.”
She didn’t even ask for more details like she usually did. She just agreed. That was what Yaku found most suspicious about it.
An hour passes. He stands to throw his cup away and sits back down. He glances at his phone and then keeps his eyes focused on the window.
You’re running down the sidewalk, careful not to slip (although you already fell once). You burst into the bookstore, acknowledge the sleepy cashier at the counter, and march toward the coffee shop. You know exactly where he is - not in the manga section, but at a table by the window. Your usual place. He’s there, head turned to face the window. He jumps slightly when you sit down across from him.
“I’m sorry!” you burst out before he can say anything. “I didn’t mean to be late! I was…I was trying to finish my present for you but I couldn’t finish it in time. That’s why…”
You trail off. Yaku blinks at you for a moment, the shock in his eyes turning into understanding. “I knew you would come,” he murmurs. “I would’ve waited for you all day until you did.”
His words make you fall silent. He takes your hand, his warm fingers curling around yours. “Stella-chan, over the last year, I’ve never been happier. Just being with you made me a better person. I know that sounds kind of cliché but it’s true. There are some days when I forget we’re dating and there are days when I realize that yes, we are dating and we are a couple. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Stella-chan…thank you. For everything.”
He brings your hand to his lips and plants a soft kiss. He smiles at your flustered expression. “I have something to give to you for our anniversary,” he says, “but it isn’t here yet…so I have something else.” He reaches underneath the table and places a bag in front of him. “I hope this will make up for not having anything today.”
“It’s better than me…I’m still not finished,” you say sheepishly. “I wanted to give it to you today but I couldn’t finish it in time. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize! I’m sorry too. I should’ve been more prepared. I guess we can do the exchange before the New Year,” he says. “It’ll be there before then, I’m sure.”
“I’ll be finished before the New Year too. So…it’s a date?”
He nods. “It’s a date.” He pushes the bag closer to you. “I’ll walk you home. I don’t want you to slip.” You smile in embarrassment at that.
Just as you arrive home, Yaku gives you a kiss and releases your hand. He watches you approach the door, calling out before you can enter. “Stella-chan?”
You look at him. He smiles, giving you the smile that you love so much. “Yes?”
“I love you. Merry Christmas.”