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Kei was about to retreat to the dormitory when he noticed the third gym down the hall still had its light on. His curiosity was discouraged by his motivation to lay down and listen to his music before bed. He's bound to expect chaos if he takes a left turn instead of forward.
Look away, Tsukishima. He thought to himself, taking one big step onward. Look away—
“Oya? It's Tsukki!”
Crap.
The first year froze in his spot when Bokuto peeked out of the third gym, his stature resembling an owl in the blonde’s eyes as he stared down at him. “Hey hey! C’mere!”
“Ah.. um..” Kei stuttered. He took another step forward. “I’m going to bed, good nigh—”
“Ara? Megane-kun won’t join us tonight?” Kuroo followed Bokuto to the door, and Kei could already sense the irritation beginning to rise. “That’s no fun, and it’s the last night of camp too.”
“Yeah yeah!” Bokuto agreed, then made a sound of protest when Kei took another step. “Oiiii, Tsukki! Don’t go…”
When each step resulted in louder whines from Bokuto, Kei groaned frustratingly as he stormed back, approaching the two third year students.
“Fine!” Kei exasperated, unable to find Bokuto’s parted hair amusing at the moment. “Just please stop howling like a wolf. You’ll wake up the whole school at this point.”
Like a wilted plant that was revived, Bokuto’s slouched posture straightened up immediately. His hair was upright again—for a second, Kei wondered if Bokuto’s hair had powers, then thought it’d be too absurd if true.
The Tokyo students exchanged triumphant glances, however, which irked Kei as they pushed him into the third gym. Bah, he shouldn’t have noticed them in the first place!
Stupid owl. Stupid cat. Stupid Kei for giving in. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Well, deciding to follow his curiosity wasn’t exactly a dreadful experience.
But that was mostly due to Akaashi’s presence, whose like-mindedness comforted Kei greatly. The three of them—Bokuto, Akaashi, and Kuroo in particular—were simply hanging out in the gym as it would be Kuroo’s and Bokuto’s last night here.
“You all would see each other again in Nationals, though.” Kei quipped. He failed to find the sentimentality of this gym. At least, not right now.
“Mn, yeah! We'll see each other often, given that we'd always be involved in volleyball.” Bokuto responded, passing the ball back to Kuroo. “But it's not like we'd be able to play another practice match in this gym. Akaashi would, and you would too—but not us.”
“Mmm.” Kuroo hummed in agreement, unsurprised at Bokuto’s serious tone. He bumps the ball over the net, “We’ve spent the past three years learning what we know now in this empty gym, after all. It doesn't hurt to miss it.” The raven huffs out a teasing smirk. “You'd understand when you're in your third year.”
Kei scoffed, but chose not to retort. Deep down, he understood where they're coming from.
Akaashi, always the observant one, leaned back and muttered. “Never mind those two. They're acting like senior citizens reminiscing about the past.”
The remark, added with Kuroo’s failed attempt to look cool in front of his juniors (the ball hit the side of his head when he wasn’t looking), made Kei laugh in a genuine manner. It was swiftly followed with a cough or two, but Kei ignored the teasing when the three noticed that he could actually laugh like a high schooler.
Such comfort was devoured by anxiety in an instant when he was dragged into a game of truth or dare.
The blonde was placed in a predicament: to give in to their requests or to give in to their burning questions. He considered leaving more than once, but Akaashi convinced him to stay—a skill that neither Bokuto nor Kuroo had when it came to their youngest kouhai.
With a pen to serve as the pointer in the center, Bokuto spun it around. Kei held his breath whenever the ballpoint tip nearly stopped in front of him. However, he was determined to receive a dare and deny it at the last second, instead of accepting a question that would make him vulnerable and incline him to drop volleyball for the rest of his life [if it meant carrying the story of his life to the grave].
The ballpoint finally reached him after five rounds. Five rounds of Bokuto and Kuroo giving each other the most impossible of dares, really; Akaashi has yet to do something silly, but Kei doubts he would.
“Okay, Tsukki, your luck’s finally run out.” Bokuto declared triumphantly, picking up the pen and pointing its tip to the blonde. “Truth or dare?”
“Dare.”
“Eeeeh…” That wasn’t a reaction Kei expected. “Seriously..?”
Bokuto looked around as if he’d find the appropriate dare for Kei with the right amount of effort. He threw a knowing glance at Akaashi’s direction, and the blonde was sure the senior was in need of ideas.
“Bokuto-san, surely you have a dare prepared for me, or are we ready to skip?”
“Nuh-uh!”
“Well, I have one.” Akaashi said. Without looking around like Bokuto, he then crossed his arms with his hands pointing at Kei and Kuroo. “I dare you two to wear each other’s jackets.”
“Ha?” The blonde and the Nekoma captain reacted to the ‘dare’ simultaneously. Jackets? And exchanging them? Even something as simple as exchanging a glance felt too much for Kei.
The blonde asked, “And if I don’t do it?”
“Mm, then,” the Fukurodani setter’s lips quirked up in amusement. That usually meant trouble. “You’ll take home Kuroo’s jacket.”
That stirred a more confused reaction out of Kuroo. “Haaaa? ‘Ji, this is robbery!”
“It wouldn’t be if you’d just do the dare.” Akaashi challenged the older raven’s stare, seemingly aware of where he was coming from. “What, haven't you taken a shower yet?”
Kei faked a gag, “If that’s the case, then I’d keep my jacket to myself. Thanks.”
“My god, I smell great if that’s what you’re concerned about,” Kuroo groaned, pulling his arms out of the large red jacket. The gap between them wasn’t too wide, and the jacket easily landed on Kei’s lap. What the fuck, Kei had thought, how is this so.. warm?
“There. Now pass me yours.”
“A-Ah.. right.” Kei was surprised at his own doing as he stripped himself of the jacket from the volleyball club, folding it before throwing it to Kuroo’s lap. Not wearing a jacket really does make the wind tickle his skin, and he shivers at the sensation.
Alas, he has to wear someone else’s jacket, whose body heat and scent lingering in its sleeves and pockets would invade Kei’s comfort zone. Based on observation alone, he knows it would be too big on him. Too loose, too long, despite him being slightly taller than Kuroo. And, unfortunately for him, observing the jacket wouldn’t exactly convince Akaashi and Bokuto and Kuroo that he’s already wearing it.
“Hum.” Kuroo adjusted the sleeves as they were snugly fit in his arms. How could he wear Kei’s jacket so casually, Kei would never know. “In all fairness,” the raven inspected himself. “It’s a bit cozy. Tight, but cozy.”
“I’m sorry for being underweight then, senpai.” Kei snarked, still holding the red jacket in his hands.
“And that’s why you have to eat aaaaall the meat tomorrow!” Bokuto reminded him, demonstrating just how much meat there would be by spreading his arms wide. “You’re not going back to Miyagi without a full stomach, and that’s final.”
Before Kei could react, the younger raven cleared his throat to catch his attention. He didn’t need to open his mouth for Kei to hear what he was about to say. You still need to wear the jacket, Tsukishima-san.
…
Now he really regrets giving in to this damn owl and cat duo. And he also regrets feeling complacent around Akaashi. He should’ve known.
But with a scoff and a disgusted frown, Kei slipped one arm through a sleeve, then through the other, until he was fully wearing it. The experience was just as he expected it to be: it was visibly larger, with the shoulder seams dropping down to the level of his armpits. The cuffs were worn and had lost their elasticity, covering his hands well so that it looked like he had sweater paws.
What really intrigued Kei was the warmth emanated by the jacket. He could only wonder if this was a bad case of sweat or simply hyperthermia. Yet, wonder doesn’t deny him of the instinct to sink into its soft texture.
“Ohoho, Tsukki, you look good in red.” Bokuto said, looking at him in awe.
“Indeed, Bokuto-san.” Curse you, Akaashi-san. “Does it feel cozy? I’ve heard Nekoma has always prioritized comfort in their uniforms.”
“Is that so? Nee, dare me next, Akaashi! I wanna try, too!”
Akaashi shakes his head, which results in a dramatic gasp from the Fukurodani captain. “Don’t be silly, Bokuto-san. You can always just ask Kuroo-san for it, no? Besides,” Kei followed the raven’s glance towards Kuroo, who was rendered speechless. “I think it’s time to rest up.”
“Eh? Akaa-san, wai—”
Everything moved in a flash, with Akaashi already dragging an equally confused Bokuto out the door.
“Don’t forget to lock the gym!” Akaashi exclaimed before leaving. Kei squinted in confusion when the younger raven gave a thumbs up to the silent Nekoma captain. They both could hear Bokuto’s mouth running at a distance, asking Akaashi a number of questions until Bokuto had shut up—Akaashi’s voice was quiet enough for Kei not to hear the second year’s explanation.
Looking past the door, Kei felt inclined to ask. “Was this intentional?”
“No,” Kuroo admitted. “I didn’t expect that from Akaashi, of all people. Leaving us behind so suddenly, too.
“Well!” The raven stood up, Kei’s jacket still on his person, as he offered a hand. “Feeling sleepy? Or shall I tour you around Shinzen?”
Kei scoffs involuntarily, ignoring the raven’s hand. “As if we could do that at night.”
“‘Course we can! That was how me and Bo got along in the first place.”
Kei shook his head; there’s no way he’ll get himself in trouble. He’d prefer not to be lumped with the freak duo. He’d also prefer not to be the center of attention on their final day of camp.
“Any other ideas? I don’t think we can get back to the dorms without making noise, anyway.” Kei says. Oh, he can already imagine Tadashi and his inquisitive gaze boring into his skull if he were to lie about his whereabouts tonight. With his height, he’s bound to spook somebody too. So, Kei would rather play safe and stay up for a little while longer. “Unless you’re going back.. in that case, I’ll return your jacket—”
“No! No, no.” Kuroo sucked in a breath, swiftly removing his hold on Kei’s hands that were about to remove his jacket. Instead, he worked on the zipper so that Kei wasn't exposed to the cold. “Sorry—we can, um, visit the garden for a bit. They have this good stargazing spot that the students tend to visit whenever there’s overnight events.”
…
Kei wouldn’t say no to that.
“Okay.”
Along the way, the Nekoma captain served as a temporary guide, sharing to Kei a fragment of his knowledge about Shinzen High and the Saitama Prefecture. It was a side of him that Kei witnessed for the first time: whimsical in his narration, yet filled with information, like a nerd rambling about his interests. Kuroo, for once, was a person Kei could relate to.
Though Kei had always perceived Kuroo as someone highly intelligent, passionate, and an overall good person to be with. The man was undoubtedly amazing, but he could also be absolutely annoying at times. In a span of one week, Kei was certain of this rapidly developing crush for the Nekoma captain; right now, he feels like he just missed a step or two in this game of bases.
“We're here.” Kuroo announces softly, sitting down on the trimmed grass. As he gestured to Kei to sit beside him, he prompted, “So, how's my jacket out of 10?”
“Mm.. the jacket alone is a solid.. seven. The owner of the jacket, maybe even lower.”
“Oi.” Kuroo frowned. “I’ve been such a good senpai to you this entire week, haven't I?”
He earned an eye roll from Kei as a response. “Aside from teaching me how to block? Not at all.”
“Oh come on, you vilify me.” The raven puts one hand atop his chest, posing dramatically. “I've been kind enough to let you wear my jacket, though.”
Kei doesn't respond right away, whose focus has been at the stars above and at the funny feeling in his gut. He doesn't tell Kuroo how his jacket was heavy or how it almost slipped off his shoulders a few times while walking. Nor does he criticize the husky scent that's bound to linger on his shirt until dawn.
Instead, Kei composed a question. He was aware that Kuroo was watching him quietly. “Even if it wasn't a dare, would you have still lent me your jacket?”
“I would.”
The blonde quickly directed his gaze back at Kuroo yet the senior wasn’t looking back. “I’ve considered it numerous times, actually. But,” he lets out a pitiful laugh. “I’m a bit of a coward. And I wouldn’t want Daichi chasing me with murderous intent. Nor do I want to hear your rejection if I just gave it to you.”
“What made you think that?” Kei asked. His heart skipped a beat when Kuroo locked eyes with him.
“No particular reason.” Kuroo shrugged. “I’m just a silly man with exaggerated thinking abilities.”
“Well then, you’re an idiot.” The first year declared, stunning Kuroo. He dug his fists deep into the pockets, the awkwardness creeping in as he obscured the older one’s view of him by sinking into the jacket. “I would have worn it if you had just approached me.”
“A-Ah?” Kuroo pretended not to hear what he said, seeking the opportunity to tease him further. “What did you say?”
“I know you heard me,” Kei replied, his voice muffled by the heavy cloth. “I’m not repeating myself.”
…
Kuroo had a goofy smile plastered on his face. His emotions were all over the place, but excitement exceeded them all.
“Who would’ve thought?” The senior laughed while also keeping a comfortable distance between them. “I’ve been reading Tsukishima Kei wrong this whole time! I thought you’d be an asshole and hate me if I made a move.”
Offended as he was, Kei couldn’t argue back as fast as he usually does. Or rather, his voice didn’t allow him to out of sheer embarrassment. He tried to hide his flustered face further into the loose collar, only to hear Kuroo giggle. It just didn’t make sense that the jacket was larger than him.
Yet, then again, this was Kuroo. One way or another, he was undefeatable. Even in jackets.
“As annoying as you are, I probably would.” Kei said meekly, avoiding such a curious gaze. He would have said that he’d remove the jacket as a joke, but that would be against his will. “But I’m not that much of an asshole.”
“Hehe. I know.” Kuroo mumbled in reply, his cheeks burning at this point. He hoped it was unnoticeable in Kei’s perspective. “And hey.”
Kei looked at him, shy yet interested. He stifled a laugh at how equally red Kuroo’s face was.
Kuroo grinned. “You can always wear it again. I’d love it if you’d wear my jacket again.”
“Mm. Is that another dare?”
“No, it’s asking for your permission.” Kuroo’s hands found themselves on top of Kei’s, blocking the breeze that went through the sleeves. The blonde’s fingers curled up to intertwine them with the senior’s. It felt better that way. “Wouldn’t want to force you. We can start slow.”
Kei laughed at that, his eyes crinkling in glee. “Will you let me take this back to Miyagi?”
“After Nationals.” Kuroo offered. “You can even have my jersey if we lose to you guys.”
“Now that’s the dare, huh.”
The captain cackled, squeezing the blonde’s hands. “Yeah. You’d have a trophy to display Karasuno’s win. And how you won my heart.”
“Pff. Okay. Too far.”
“Too far? Eh…” Kuroo leaned forward until their foreheads were close to bumping into each other. He whispered, “Will a kiss also cross that boundary?”
The first year lets out an eager hum, then a chuckle when the captain pulls the zipper past the neck collar. “Cats and their curiosity. Fuck around and find out, then.”
Cupping his face with both hands, Kuroo closes the gap between them, tasting the lip gloss on his bottom lip. Kei suckles in a breath as he grips gently on both of the raven's wrists. He follows Kuroo’s rhythm until he can't breathe anymore, covering the captain’s hands with his own, frantic to move faster; to get closer.
Of course this man was good at kissing, that was another point added to Kuroo’s tally. How annoying.
…
“You really have a knack for sweet things, huh?” Kuroo wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, smiling foolishly at Kei. “You taste sweet. Very addicting.”
“Shut up,” Kei had said, but he was smiling all the same.
“Kuroo-san.”
“Yeah?”
“Please allow me to wear your jacket during Nationals.”
It was the cutest and funniest way to ask for permission. Kuroo died inside that day and Kei knew what he was doing to the poor guy.