Chapter Text
The past two months for Oikawa has been an absolute rollercoaster.
He felt like he’d lived more within that brief span of time, endured through twists and turns of events which, thinking back now, seemed almost fabricated even to himself.
There were moments - some good, some bad, and some just downright shitty. But you know what? Just like the news it was now all in the past, and there really was no need to dwell on history more than necessary.
All Oikawa needed to reflect on now was how he is still here, alive, and happier than he’d ever been in a long time.
And at the end of the day, that’s all that really counts.
“TOBIO!” Oikawa screamed at the top of his lungs, veins popping out of his neck and forehead. Those three syllabus which fuelled his anger and resentment. He didn’t even care about hiding his grudge toward the fellow reporter. At this stage, it was very much apparent amongst the entire office so he might as well express it with pride.
There were the ambient sounds of the busy office outside his room, though his ears soon pricked at the distinct shuffling of shoes. He glowered at the door, waiting, until the door knob rattled and it clicked open.
Kageyama’s head popped in, eyes darting around. They flinched at sight of Oikawa already shooting him daggers. “Uh.. did you call-“
“Don’t just stand there gawking! Get in here!” Oikawa snapped. “And shut the door behind you!”
“O-okay,” the reporter hastily scurried in and closed the door. He took a few hesitant steps closer but kept a safe distance from the other. “Did you need something?”
Oikawa scoffed, then sent him a withering glare. “Oh, I think you’ve done enough.”
Kageyama blinked. “Um..” He glanced to the right then back. “I don’t think I understand.”
“You!” Oikawa snarled, pointing an accusing finger at him. “You’re one sly dog, you know that?”
“… You’ll need to elaborate alittle further-”
“Elaborate? Elaborate?!” Oikawa lunged at his desk, causing Kageyama to jump. He yanked the charger cord from his laptop and flipped it around so the screen faced the other. “This!” he barked. “Explain this!”
Kageyama’s eyes widened at the bold news title slabbed right on the screen and immediately broke in to a sweat. He swallowed hard, then rubbed the back of his neck. “Uhh..”
Oikawa leaned over, craning his neck as he peered down at the screen. “City is at peace now as ‘Guess Monster’ terror comes to an end,” he read, voice rising. “Culprit is finally caught after a final showdown with the police.”
He glanced up, eyes flashing. “Hm?” he challenged, raising his perfectly-plucked eyebrows to severe heights. “Well then?”
Kageyama shuffled on the spot, now regretting having closed the door. Being stuck in the room with his senior was hands-down one of the most frightening experiences to live through. “I-In my defence, I didn’t interview Iwaizumi-san,” he answered hastily. “It was one of the other cops. K-Kuroo-san. The one with the.. you know,” he gestured at his head. “The hair.”
“I’m well aware which one Kuroo is. He is the absolute last person you should have interviewed for this entire mess of a situation!”
Kageyama’s face paled at the remark. “Why? Is he unreliable? Should I have asked someone else?” he questioned worriedly.
Oikawa scoffed loudly almost in disbelief. “What does it matter?! We got far bigger issues to deal with right now!”
He jabbed a finger at the lower right corner of the screen, eyes wide with fury. “Like this!”
The reporter followed the direction of the finger with his eyes and stared at the small picture on the screen. Kageyama peered up at the other. “Huh?”
“This! Are you blind?! This! This right here!” Oikawa screeched. He double clicked the image and zoomed in on it. “This picture! Who gave you the right to use this monstrosity?”
“K-Kuroo-san gave it to me. He said it would make the story more plausible-”
“Why are you taking the advice of a non-professional who doesn’t even work in a field remotely related to this media industry?”
Kageyama examined the picture, confused. “I just thought it would add to the article-”
“How dare you,” Oikawa jabbed at the screen. “Do you even know when this photo was taken? Two months ago!”
Kageyama gasped, realising his mistake. “Wait.. this wasn’t taken the night of the kidnap?”
He looked up at the other, concerned. “Then.. what happened to your face?”
“Okay, first of all, that is just plain rude. Learn some manners. Second, the cop caught me off-guard when he snapped this shot! I went through hell and back that night, okay? You would’ve looked infinitely worse.”
The reporter paused to re-examine the photo and he let out an anguished cry, disgusted at his own self. “Oh god, there’s a double chin! Why didn’t you photoshop out the double chin?!”
“But wouldn’t that make it unreliable-”
“I can’t believe this. First you try to steal Iwa-chan from me and now you’re tag-teaming with the officers to destroy my great asset. I have to give it to you, I underestimated you. I didn’t think you were this devious.”
“It’s just a photo, Oikawa-san. I’m sure no one is going to pay that much attention to it.”
Oikawa squinted at the other with one eye, the other wide with a raised brow. “Perhaps you’re not aware of the company which you work for. We are the number one news company. Which means thousands and thousands of people are relying on us for the update on news. Which means thousands and thousands will be reading this. Which means thousands and thousands will see this picture slabbed across the front! Does that make sense, Tobio-chan?”
Before the other could reply, he threw his head back and let out a woeful moan. “I’ve been through so much these past few months: attacked, twice, publically humiliated in front of my co-workers, mentally scarred by hooligan officers.."
"I come back here, ready to get this traumatic experience past me, only to see this fat article title slabbed across the front of the site! Imagine my shock when I read through and find this hideous reminder of my past- are you smiling right now? You think this is funny?” Agitated, Oikawa scowled at the other.
Kageyama immediately dropped his smile and shook his head. “No, I don’t. It’s just.. I didn’t think you would.. um.. rmm mm..”
“Speak louder when you’re answering me!”
“I said.. I didn’t think you’d ever.. read my works again.”
Oikawa’s expression flickered from anger to blank in a split second. “.. What?”
Kageyama looked uncomfortable, embarrassed almost. “Well.. because of last time..”
There was a moment of delicate silence, the weight of his words bringing back a rigid tension.
Oikawa had been meaning to apologise about their last encounter.
As much as he despised the other, it was true he may have stepped over the line alittle. He didn’t forget the look on Kageyama’s face that day he’d thundered in the office, emotions stirred up like an uncontrollable storm. He wasn’t in his right state of mind and thinking about it now, Oikawa did regret how things turned out.
Kageyama was the first to break silence, clearing his throat. He peered up at him, cautiously. “Was it.. was the article okay?” he asked nervously.
Oikawa really did want to apologise. But it was a lot harder doing it in person, facing the other like this. Before he could think, his words blabbed out on their own. “It was tacky and I've read better.”
The hope in Kageyama’s gaze depleted like air squeezed out of a balloon and he dropped his head. “Oh. Okay.”
Oikawa braced himself, almost expecting the other to bombard him with endless questions like he always did: “You thought it was tacky? Why did you think so? What do you think I could improve on? What would you have written, Oikawa-san? Would it have been better if I wrote this? What do you think about it now? Could you teach me, Oikawa-san?”
But none of the questions came.
Instead, Kageyama stood from his chair and bowed deeply. “Thank you for your honesty.”
Oikawa stopped, blinking. “What?” He sat up properly. “Where are you going?”
“I should get back to my desk. I’ve got a report due by five so..” The younger reporter didn’t meet his eyes. His fingers flittered at his side, unable to keep still. He tucked the chair in and began to leave. However, he hesitated in his tracks and turned around again, this time meeting his eyes.
“I know you’re probably wondering why I’m still here. Why I’m working here under the same roof as you,” Kageyama called to him, voice low and hushed. He held a strong gaze, unwavering which caught Oikawa slightly off-guard. It was as though he’d shed his meekness, revealing an intensity Oikawa had never encountered before.
“You’ve gone through a lot, endured many things, but so have I. And despite all of it, I want to do my best. I want to be the best. Which is why I want to work with the best.”
He looked Oikawa squarely in the eyes. “I know you don’t like me, nor do you want me here. But I have goals too. I want to be a top reporter like you.”
Oikawa didn’t reply, but sat watching him steadily.
Silence blanketed the room, neither making a move.
Finally, Kageyama bowed. “Apologies for wasting your time. I’m sorry about the picture too. I’ll make sure not to make the same mistake.” He turned and began to leave the room. “Have a good after-”
“You were too colloquial with your language.”
Kageyama paused, mid-movement. He blinked several times. “..Eh?”
Oikawa propped his elbow on the desk and rested his chin on his fist. “The article was too casual. It makes it sound far too personal than it should be,” he replied. “Try to maintain some formality in your writing. And avoid using so much emotive language too. Or at least scatter it out alittle more throughout the article. If you dump it all at once, readers will get put off.”
He tapped on the screen, shooting him a dull stare. “Third paragraph was too much. You should’ve deleted it.”
He turned the laptop to his favour, eyes skimming through then he nodded. “Yeah, it would’ve sounded a lot smoother without it. But I suppose it’s decent. For a rookie, that is,” he added miffly.
Oikawa propped up his chin on his hand again for a long minute, gazing down at Kageyama’s face. He raised a brow. “What?” he asked. “You going to say something or just stand there staring like a mute?”
The half-hearted insult didn’t affect him in the slightest. Kageyama lit up, mouth curling in to a wide smile. Though he caught himself and squashed it down. He nodded jerkily. “Thank you very much, yes I'll work on it. Thank you Oikawa-san.”
Oikawa sniffed, looking away. He waved his hand. “I would expect so. Now get out. I’ve got work to do.”
“I-I, yes! I will. Thank you again,” Kageyama bowed quickly. He stumbled, tripping over his own feet on his way out. “Thank you, have a good day!”
Oikawa examined the wall to his right, waiting till he heard the click of the door closing shut. Then he snorted, no longer able to hide the small smile which begrudgingly forced itself on his lips. The reporter let out a deep sigh and leaned back for a stretch.
“God, I hate him so much.”
∞
Was this a dream? If it was, he had to say this was the best he’d ever had.
Kageyama gently shut the door behind him eyes still wide with disbelief. The office was alive, workers hustling about with the endless wailing of phones piercing his ears. He didn’t react, staring out in a blank stare.
“Kageyama!”
He flinched lightly, broken out of his daze. The familiar mop of orange filled his vision as Hinata ran over and grabbed him. He looked frightened. “What happened?! Why was Oikawa calling you? What did he want? Was he being mean again?” Hinata ran him hands over the other, examining him for wounds.
“He praised my work,” Kageyama said faintly. He blinked several times. “Oikawa Tooru praised my work.”
Hinata’s mouth dropped. “What?! Really?”
The reporter nodded numbly. His mouth began to curl in to a wide smile. “I can’t believe this.. I must be dreaming- ow!” He yowled in surprised pain, then lunged out to attack the other. “That hurt, you dumbass!”
Hinata leapt back, dodging his swipes. “Because you said you were dreaming! It’s just a little pinch, quit being such a baby.”
“Yeah? Then let me pinch you back. See if you don’t react.”
“No way! I’m no stupid!”
“Don’t you know lying is bad?”
Hinata shot him a grumpy look. “Quit being such an ass.”
His expression soon melted in to awe and he leaned in again. His voice dropped down to a hush. “Wow,” he whispered. “I can’t believe Oikawa praised your work.”
Kageyama suddenly grew uncomfortable and he shrugged. “Yeah..”
“Yeah? That’s it? You should be screaming and shouting at the top of your lungs!”
“I am excited! I’m just.. it all seems surreal, that’s all.”
“Want me to pinch you again?”
“No!”
“Just making sure.” Hinata grinned widely. He elbowed him lightly. “Well, no surprise though. The article was amazing, Kageyama.”
The reporter glanced up, over at him. “Really?” he asked.
“Yeah! I read it about three times,” The cheekiness in Hinata’s smile melted away, leaving a curve to his mouth that felt entirely too genuine. “You’re a brilliant writer.”
Kageyama stared at him for a moment too long and he looked away. His heart began to race and he inwardly cursed himself for being such a softie to his praise. “Thanks.”
“No problem. Hey, does that mean you’re going to be a top reporter now? You’ve already gotten two headlines even though you’re still so new,” Hinata’s eyes glistened. “You’re going to be the next biggest thing! Everyone will want you to write for them. I wonder if you’ll even have time left for me too.”
Kageyama felt a wave of smugness roll over him and he crossed his arms, tipping his chin up. “Who knows? I’m going to be far too busy to be hanging out with a lower title like you,” he teased. He glanced over with a grin, but it faltered at the hurt expression of the other.
Hinata looked at the ground and nodded slowly. “I suppose that’s true.”
He smiled up at him, eyes full of sincerity. “But that’s awesome, Kageyama. I’m so happy for you.”
Kageyama stared, chest suddenly growing tight. He didn’t know what to say.
Hinata’s gaze dropped and he looked away. The photographer nodded to himself and swung his arms back and forth. “Yeah.. a-ny-way, I better get to work. I’ll talk to you later.”
He began to walk away and Kageyama panicked. He grabbed for the other impulsively and in his haste, snatched his head.
“Woauee!” Hinata let out a startled screech, immediately jerking about to free himself. “What are you doing?!”
“Sorr- wait, stop!” Kageyama snapped, frightened by the situation aswell. “Stop! Calm down!”
“How am I meant to calm down?! You’re crushing my skull!”
“Just stop freaking out! You’re going to draw attention!”
It was too late, nearby workers staring at the sight of the two men screaming, one wriggling about on the spot, and the other latched on to his scalp.
“Let go, let go, let go, let go!”
“Okay, okay fine!” Kageyama jerked his hands away, holding them up. “See, I stopped! Now would you please st- aurgh!” He let out a yelp as the photographer jumped right in his face and yanked his fringe roughly.
“Yeah, see! Hurts doesn’t it?” Hinata shot back, but he immediately jumped a safe distance from the other. “Don’t mess with me!”
“I wasn’t trying to mess with you!” Kageyama snapped, nursing his scalp. He wiped away the small beads of tears which had formed. “I just wanted to ask you something!”
“Ask me something?” Hinata looked completely baffled. “Then just ask me?! Instead of tearing my head apart!”
“I want you to be my partner.”
Hinata paused, outrage momentarily forgotten. He blinked. “What?”
“I want you to be my partner,” Kageyama repeated. He looked like he was going to elaborate but he just shrugged. “I like your work. I would like to work with you. Please.”
Hinata’s eyes grew wide. He checked over his shoulder then turned back to him. “Is that.. You want to.. with me?” he asked quietly.
Kageyama fidgeted on the spot. He felt strangely nervous. “If you want to.”
“Of course I want to!”
Kageyama jolted at the yell and stumbled back when the other pulled himself right in to his space, hands clenched over his sweater. Hinata’s eyes sheened like he was going to cry. His piercings dangled as he nodded frantically. “I want to! I really want to! I’ve wanted to! Yes!”
Kageyama blinked, before he felt his face erupt with heat. “Okay relax, you’re acting as though I proposed to you.”
Hinata paused before his expression grew serious. “Well, technically, you did ask to be my partner so-”
“Shut up!” Kageyama squeaked, voice high pitch and furious. “I-I’m not ready for that commitment yet!”
“Oh good, cause neither am I,” Hinata let out a relieved sigh. He glanced over at the other, eyes alive and smiling. “Do you really want me as your partner? I mean, you’ve made two headlines already. You could easily get someone more experienced and better than me.”
“I know.”
“Hey! You’re meant to say no!”
“But,” Kageyama interjected before Hinata could erupt in another tantrum. “I was an intern once too. I want to work someone who can experience all this with me together. Someone who started from the ground. If we work hard, we rise together and become the best. Maybe even grow greater than Oikawa.”
“That’s abit of a stretch there.”
“Do you want to do this or not?”
“Yes, I do!” Hinata beamed widely. He began tapping the side of his camera the way he always did when he was pleased. “If you want, you can work with other photographers whilst I’m still an intern. I can always catch up by working with other reporters. It’ll enrich our expe-”
“No!”
Hinata paused, looking up in question. “No?”
“I said no,” Kageyama repeated. He towered over the other, glaring. “You agreed to be my partner. You can’t just go be with someone else. Why bother being in a partnership then? If you do that I’ll never work with you, ever.”
“O-Okay, okay, sorry! I was just suggesting!” Hinata squawked, eyes wide in alarm. “It wasn’t like I was going to betray you or anything! Don’t you want to broaden your experience?”
Kageyama’s eyes dropped in an assessing squint but he eventually nodded. “I’ll.. consider it. Maybe. Depends on who you work with.”
“Fine. Same goes for you!”
“.. Fine. No takebacks either.”
Hinata puffed up. “Same goes for you!” He frowned lightly, crossing his arms. “And I demand to be treated with respect. I am a professional and want to be treated as one.”
Kageyama snorted and crossed his arms. “Real professional looking like that,” he scorned, flicking at Hinata’s golden piercings.
“Hey!” Hinata clamped a hand over his ear and glared up at the other, defiance flaring in his eyes. “I’m just as professional as you! Fine! I can look the part too! Think I won’t do it?” He reached up for the first piercing when his hands were harshly slapped away. “Ouch!”
“I was kidding!” Kageyama snapped. “You can- you can keep them.”
Hinata stared at his friend who looked oddly angry and flustered at the same time, his face bright red. He felt his own cheeks grow warm and turned his head in embarrassment. “You want them or you don’t, make up your mind sheesh! You’re like my mother. God, you’re so weird.”
Kageyama huffed loudly. He glanced over at the other from the corner of his eye. “I’m going to wait for you. Once your internship is over and you’re offered a position we can start looking at collaborative works.”
“If they hire me.”
“Of course they will, I’ll make sure of it. I’ll include a recommendation if I need to.”
Hinata snapped his head up. “Yeah?” he whispered.
Kageyama reeled in his head in surprise. “Well, duh. You may suck a reporting but I suppose you’re decent at photography. But if it doesn’t work out then I guess you can work as my coffee boy- ow!”
“You take that back! If I don’t get this job, it’s because you jinxed it!”
“Don’t blame me for your poor behaviour! That’s all your doing?”
Hinata jumped back, a determined look in his eyes. “I’m going to catch up to you!” he declared.
Kageyama rubbed at his sore arm, scowling. “You better keep up then.”
Hinata glared up at him for a while, not saying anything. He then paused and peered over his shoulders again, eyeing his surroundings.
Kageyama glanced around questioningly. “What are you looking at?” he asked, but it was cut off with a startled squeak when the other lunged in and wrapped his arms around in a tight hug.
Hinata let go quickly, smiling up at him with shining eyes. He pointed at him. “You better wait for me, Kageyama.”
He turned around and immediately ran off in to the bustling office, his orange hair disappearing in the tall crowd.
Kageyama stared in utter shock. He stood there for a long period before he collapsed on to the ground, furiously blushing and mortified.
∞
Kuroo had come to believe that there were some puzzles in life that simply could not be solved.
Mysteries always fascinated him. As a kid, he spent many of his after-school hours rushing home just in time to watch the ‘Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe’ documentaries which aired on cable television every noon. It was intriguing how there existed phenomenons which even science could not explain.
Even now as a fully-grown adult, curiosity quelled deep within him. Kuroo leaned back against a counter in the coffee room, his fascination peaked. The scent of burnt coffee lingered in the air but he paid no more, far more interested in assessing the scene before him.
His dear best brofriend Bokuto deeply engrossed in what appeared to be a one-sided conversation with his boyfriend, Akaashi. The officer was talking at an alarming speed using wild, elaborate body gestures, and Akaashi didn’t seem to mind, far too amused by his silly act to care.
Both were far too occupied to notice Kuroo squinting over at them as he inhaled and exhaled through his nose in contemplation.
Bokuto had declared at the end of his shift he was off to visit Akaashi at work and offered Kuroo to join him. Of course, Kuroo couldn’t say no to that – he’d been keen on visiting a certain someone at the office and thus had eagerly tagged along.
Only to discover that today had in fact been Kenma’s day off.
Kuroo hunched his shoulders, lower lip jutted as he watched Bokuto greeted his boyfriend – or rather, startle him with a big bear hug and a blatant kiss on the cheek. He’d had no choice but to tag along with the two, trailing close behind, having to endure through multiple sessions of awkward PDA’s.
But as time passed, and the longer he observed the interaction between the two, one particular thought seemed to nag his mind.
Kuroo’s gaze shifted over toward Akaashi. The photographer listened intently to Bokuto’s words, nodding occasionally. At one comment, he raised a brow and shook his head, huffing in faint amusement. Kuroo frowned at the sight.
Now, the thing here is, Akaashi is not your ordinary person. For starters, he’s beautiful. Even Kuroo couldn’t deny it, Akaashi was definitely a good looker, practically a model. He seemed charming enough too, very well-mannered. Polite with an air of sophistication which made those around him look like an awkward mess. Not to mention he was a man with a fat salary and probably high taste.
No matter how you look at it, Akaashi is an all-rounder ten out of ten.
So how was it that he ended up with someone like Bokuto?
Don’t get him wrong, Bo was a great guy, a really great guy and he deserves the world. But Akaashi? The two were practically at bipolar ends. It’s not that he say Akaashi was out of his league, but moreso that perhaps he was just alittle too.. perfect? Kuroo frowned at the thought.
“K-Cat, are you listening?”
He blinked, thoughts shattered to find Bokuto and Akaashi watching. “Hm? Oh yeah. I’m listening.”
Bokuto grinned, a childish smile sliding back in to place. “Sooo? What do you think?”
Ah, crap. Kuroo shrugged and sent him a lazy grin. “I’m thinking whatever you’re thinking.”
It seemed to be the right response. Bokuto lit up and he clasped a hand over his shoulder. “We should figure out a time and go together! I can’t wait!”
Ah, crap again. Kuroo glanced over at Akaashi, still smiling but confused. What the heck did Bo say?
Akaashi seemed to get the message. “It sounds like a nice plan. The movies sounds like fun.”
Ah, movies. Kuroo nodded, going along with the flow. “Yeah going to be great, Bo.”
He paused, a sudden thought crossing his mind. Wait.. aren’t movies sort of date-materialy? If Akaashi’s coming too, did that mean this was going to be a date? Was that mean he’d end up as the third wheel? Kuroo grimaced at the thought.
Bokuto carried enough excitement for the both of them, hopping from one foot to the other. “It’s going to be great! Just me, my boyfriend, and my best bro! I’m so psyched!”
He paused, before looking over at Kuroo. “Hey, if you want, we could invite Kenma too.”
Kuroo perked up at that, attention grabbed. “Kenma?”
“Yeah! The more, the merrier, right?” Bokuto glanced up in contemplation, then he smiled. “Like a double date!”
Kuroo’s heart did a little somersault at that. “Yeah, sure. I’ll invite him,” he replied, feeling significantly better now. He glanced over to find Akaashi watching.
He had a strange look on his face but it was gone in an instant. He smiled politely. “Sounds nice.”
He opened his mouth to say something else, but paused. Akaashi looked over at Bokuto, a sheepish look on his face. “Bokuto, I think I’ve left my folder back on my desk,” he apologised. “Could you please get it for me? It’s a navy blue folder with a white binder. I think I left it in my first draw.”
Bokuto bounced up, a keen shine in his eyes. “Sure, sure! Anything for my boo! I’ll be right back,” he hurried off, slipping lightly on the kitchen tiles in an eager rush.
Kuroo snorted at the sight and leaned back against the counter. He raised a brow at the other. “My boo?”
It was impressive how composed he looked, though Kuroo could didn’t miss the redness seeping in his cheeks. “He’s.. very affectionate to say in the least,” Akaashi replied, turning away to fiddle with a coffee machine. He glanced over. "I'm making a cup. Did you want one?"
“Oh yeah, he’s just a big cuddle monster that one,” Kuroo agreed. "And sure, thanks."
He watched as the photographer pulled out two paper cups and began to pour a sachet of coffee beans in to the coffee grinder. “Fancy coffee too? You know how to do everything, don’t you?”
Akaashi turned, lips tugged in a polite smile. “Yes,” he replied. “I’m capable of many things.”
He lightly tapped the grinder to even out the level. “So. You and Kenma.”
Kuroo blinked owlishly, then grinned. “Me and Kenma,” he repeated.
He liked the sound of that.
Akaashi nodded. He raised the container to his eye level, checking the beans. “Mm. What’s the situation with that?”
“Oh. Well. We’re.. you know,” Kuroo shrugged, playing it cool. Then let out a girlish giggle. “I don’t know, just- we’re cool. Very cool.” He wiggled his brows suggestively.
Akaashi sent him a sidelong glance, dark eyes unblinking. “Are you now?” He smiled lightly.
“Yeah, he’s a fun guy. Very witty too. He invited me to hang out at his last Thursday. No big deal, just two dudes chilling close together-“
Kuroo jumped at a sudden loud bang and snapped his head over.
Akaashi had his hand pressed over the lid of the grinder. He glanced over to meet his gaze. “Sorry, the machine gets stuck sometimes. Need to make sure it’s secured.”
“Oh,” Kuroo laughed. “No worries. Just make me jump, that’s all.”
Akaashi held his gaze for longer than necessary before refocusing on the machine. “So how long has this been going on for?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Not that long I suppose,” Kuroo paused to think. “More just a spontaneous move on my behalf, really.”
“Spontaneous?”
“Well, not spontaneous, but I did jumpstart this fiery passion, if you get what I mean,” The officer glanced over his shoulder then leaned in toward the other. “Hey,” Kuroo whispered. “I’m thinking of taking him out to dinner some time. Do you know what sort of food Kenma likes? Or dislikes?”
Akaashi clicked at several buttons then stepped back as the machine whirred in to action. “Isn’t that something you should be asking him, not me?”
“Well.. yeah. But I kind of want to surprise him. Help me score some brownie points, y’know?”
Akaashi didn’t reply for a while. He stared at the coffee machine, watching the dark liquid begin to drip out in to the coffee jug. The sudden drop of conversation brought an odd atmosphere in the coffee room. It sent Kuroo an uncomfortable twinge and he smiled awkwardly. The officer scratched the back of his head. “I mean, if you know anything. If you don’t that’s fine too…”
The photographer then turned to him, slowly but surely, his dark eyes staring with unshaken intensity. “Kenma likes it hot.”
Kuroo’s eyes grew comically wide, the size of dinner plates. He reeled his head back in shock. “E-excuse me-”
“Coffee,” Akaashi replied. “He likes his coffee extra hot.”
“Oh. O-Oh, right.” He huffed an embarrassed laugh. “You surprised me for a second there, Akaashi.”
Kuroo smiled over at the other, but faltered when it wasn't returned.
Akaashi gazed over at him without a smile, nor any expression. Behind him, the coffee machine beeped to indicate the coffee was finished.
Kuroo glanced over at it, before looking back at him. “Um.. I think the coffee is d-”
“I drink my coffee black,” Akaashi interrupted. His dark eyes watched him, unwavering.
It was beyond unnerving. The officer felt the back of his neck begin to prickle uncomfortably and he tugged at his collar. “Uhh, cool. That’s nice..”
“Would you like to know why I like my coffee black?”
“.. W-why..?”
“Because,” Akaashi turned around and pulled out the coffee jug. He looked down as the black liquid sloshed side to side. “I like it straight. No sweetener or artificial creamer to mask its true flavour. If you add that sort of stuff, it ends up tasting fake.”
He glanced up, staring directly in to his eyes. “I don’t like fake.”
Kuroo let out a nervous chuckle, eyes darting to the right. What’s taking Bokuto so long? “That’s cool I guess.. I think that’s uh, y-yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck which had already begun to sweat.
Akaashi reached over and grabbed a paper cup, holding it toward him. “Coffee isn’t the only exception.”
He began to the coffee with frightening calm, eyes not leaving his. “Do you understand what I am saying?”
Kuroo didn’t know what scared him more: the fact that he actually had no idea what Akaashi was on about, or the man’s accuracy with pouring that coffee. No seriously, he wasn’t even spilling a single drop without looking. How the hell is that possible?
The officer swallowed hard. “U-um, I’m just.. h-hey, what’s taking B-Dawgs so long with that file? Maybe I should help him- !” He jumped when the coffee jug was slammed back on the counter and Akaashi suddenly lunged right in to his personal space, so close, his body heat radiated on to Kuroo’s skin.
“Let me be frank with you. I don’t know what your relations are with Kenma, but please be aware that if I find out you have hurt him in any way..”
He leaned in close, voice low and deadly calm. “They will not find your body.”
Kuroo’s eyes widened, completely round with shock.
He stayed as still as possible as Akaashi reached over past his arm, grabbing something from behind. He pulled back and held it up in front of his eyes. “Biscuit?” Akaashi asked politely.
Kuroo gaped, not quite sure how to respond. He gave a jerky, awkward nod and slowly accepted it with shaky hands. “Um.. I-I, yes. Yes, please. Thanks.”
Akaashi stared for a long time as though assessing his reaction. Then smiled politely. “Not a problem, K-Cat.”
Before Kuroo could utter a response, Bokuto came crashing in, dishevelled and panting.
“Akaashi, I’m sorry! I couldn’t find the file anywhere!” He wailed, looking utterly distraught. “I looked in the draws, I checked your desks! I asked others to check if I was at the right desk but I just couldn’t find it, I’m sorry!”
Akaashi expression shifted instantly, melting in to exasperated fondness. “It’s alright, Bokuto. Nothing to get upset about. I’m sure it’s around somewhere. Thank you for looking though.”
Bokuto wiped his forehead, still distressed, though he forced a smile. “I’m sorry,” he apologised again.
The photographer shook his head, a charming smile playing his lips. “Don’t worry, I probably put it elsewhere. I’m due back anyway so I’ll go have a look,” he said as he reached over to smooth down Bokuto’s tie. His eyes flickered up to meet the other’s. “I need to work. I’ll give you a call later?” Akaashi asked, sounding almost shy.
Bokuto looked like he was going to combust. He sucked his lips in, trembling from the effort before he burst out in a high-pitched giggle. He had a goofy grin on his face, highlighting a dimple that deepened on his left cheek. The officer nodded vigorously, face flushed a pleasant red. “Yes! I’ll wait! I’ll definitely answer. I’ll wait for you!”
Akaashi snorted lightly and gently pushed him away. “Your honesty is refreshing. I better get going now.”
Kuroo flinched when Akaashi leaned in, far too closely. The photographer held up a paper cup. “Your coffee, Kuroo.”
Kuroo eyed it warily and accepted it.
Akaashi bowed his head lightly. “Remember to give Kenma a call about the movies. It would be nice if he could join us.”
He turned to give Bokuto one final smile and began to make his way out the coffee room.
Kuroo stared numbly at the coffee in his hand. Suddenly, a thought struck and realisation dawned upon him. Kuroo’s eyes widened and he whipped his head over. “Hey Akaashi!” he called out.
Akaashi paused, looking at him questioningly. Bokuto blinked owlishly, looking back and forth at the two.
The officer opened his mouth, then closed it. “There was no file, was there?” he asked.
Akaashi stared for a long time. Then smiled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Kuroo.”
He spun on his heel and strode out, coffee in one hand.
Beside him, Bokuto let out a long, loving sigh. “K-Cat, isn’t he perfect?”
Kuroo blinked several times. “Holy shit,” he murmured still in disbelief at what had just happened. He just discovered Akaashi’s flaw.
He was badshit crazy.
∞
Work was a huge component of Iwaizumi’s lifestyle.
Being an officer was time-consuming enough, but as a senior officer, it was just hectic. Even with the case finally closed, he was still as busy as ever.
“I appreciate the offer but I’m going to have to decline,” Iwaizumi repeatedly patiently for the umpteenth time today. He lightly massaged his temple, eyes shut as he waited for the rambling to stop on the other line. “Yes, yes, that’s nice but I’m not taking any more interviews. Now, please do not call the office lines unless there is an emergency, thank you.”
He quickly hung up before the other could squeeze in another offer and tossed the phone on the table like it was tainted. Iwaizumi slunk back in his chair with a weary sigh. This was exactly why he didn’t like reporters – once you accept an interview, the rest come swarming around like vultures.
It had been non-stop pestering since Kageyama had posted their interview article together, and now with the recent update, the press were on his back practically 24/7. He’d even had to resort to sneaking out the back after his shift, knowing full well there were still a few reporters lurking about near their station.
“I don’t get it,” Kuroo complained earlier this morning when Iwaizumi rushed in to the office wearing his jacket over his face to avoid possible photos. “How come Wazzy still gets the attention when I was the one who was interviewed in the paper?”
“Because he’s the titled ‘hero’ of the whole ordeal,” Daichi replied easily. “He’s also the one in charge of the case.”
“That’s ridiculous. It wouldn’t kill to send some paparazzi to me too! I’d be more than willing to comply.”
“Maybe it’s because you don’t look so..” Daichi gestured over his face. “Welcoming. Friendly. Policeman material.”
Kuroo scoffed indignantly. “How dare you mock thee. I’ll have you know Kenma thinks I have a wonderful face!”
“Did he really say that?”
“It may be alittle paraphrased but the message was there.”
“Consider yourself lucky, Kuroo,” Iwaizumi rubbed his face, shooting him a spent look. “You do not want reporters chasing you. Trust me, they’re a complete energy-drainer.”
Which was most definitely true. He was satisfied keeping up with just one.
Ring Ring Ring Ring
Iwaizumi jerked out of his train of thoughts to find himself back in his office. He dropped his gaze to find the office phone going off again and he let out a sigh. “Go away,” he groaned as he sat up and clicked the green dial button. “Hello, this is Iwaizumi Hajime speaking.”
“Iwa-chan! Hello!”
Iwaizumi straightened his back immediately, now wide awake. “Oikawa.”
He subconsciously began to straighten his tie. “Hi, yes, hey. Why’d you call through the office line? You should’ve gone through my mobile.”
Oikawa huffed lightly on the other line. “I did but you didn’t answer! Iwa-chan, you really need to keep your phone with you. You’re terrible at answering.”
“Right, right, sorry.” He nodded despite the other not being able to see him. “How are you?”
“Tired. I’m at work, on my lunch break. What about you?”
“Work, the usual,” Iwaizumi tapped at his desk. “Isn’t it abit late for lunch? What are you eating?”
“I was meant to have a break earlier but I got side-tracked. I had to finish a report due by five today and I wanted to get it over and done with,” There was a light hum. “And I don’t know what I want. I’m just going to grab something from the vending machine but there aren’t many options.”
Iwaizumi furrowed his brows. “You shouldn’t keep eating from those. They’re not good for you.”
“They’re quick and easy! I don’t have time to make food.”
“Come over to mine then. I’ll make you something,” Iwaizumi answered without really thinking about it. He paused, blinking to himself. “I mean, if you want-”
“Ooh! You can cook? I’d be more than happy to eat your meals!” Oikawa gushed in his ear. He sounded significantly happier now. “What can you make?”
“What’s your favourite food?”
The answer was almost immediate. “Milk bread.”
Iwaizumi grimaced lightly. “That’s horrid. I’ll make hot pot.”
There was an amused laugh. “That’s not cooking. You’re just throwing veggies in a light broth! Anyone can make that.”
“Do you want to eat it or not?”
“I’ll eat it. Thank you, Iwa-chan.”
Iwaizumi rolled his eyes. “You’re welcome. Just message me when you’re free and I’ll see when it matches with my schedule. I want to pay you back somehow for last dinner.”
“Oh please, that wasn’t a big deal,” Oikawa replied casually. There were soft beeps which Iwaizumi assumed was the other pressing at the vending machine. “Hey Iwa-chan?” his partner’s voice called in his ear.
“Hm?”
“Did you..” His voice suddenly grew quiet, sounding alittle hesitant. “Did you have fun last time?”
Iwaizumi blinked at the random question. Then erupted in a furious blush. “It was, uh, yes,” he coughed, nodding jerkily. “I did. It was good. Did you enjoy it?”
“I did. I wasn’t too sure what food you liked so I just picked a random place.”
“No, it was nice. I like all types of food. Unlike someone who seems to underappreciate the artistry of hot pot cooking.”
“I never said I didn’t like it! I can’t wait to eat Iwa-chan’s!”
“Ahuh, right,” Iwaizumi eyed the stack of unfinished reports on his desk. “Well, don’t get too excited cause I’ve got quite a lot on my plate so I don’t know when that’s going to happen.”
“Oh. Are you really busy?”
“Very. Got given another case the moment I finished this one.”
“Oh no, poor Iwa-chan!” Oikawa let out a sympathetic tut and Iwaizumi couldn’t help but feel alittle pleased. “What is it? What are you working on?”
“Not too sure as of yet,” Iwaizumi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know if it’s a big case yet or just some false alarm.”
“Aww, it’s okay. Don’t get too stressed, okay?” There was a light rustle of paper. “Now tell Oikawa your concerns. What’s the case about?”
“Well,” Iwaizumi peered at his fan spiralling in lazy circles. “There was a report earlier which came in regards to a missing child. She’s about six years old, petite girl.”
“Mhm, missing girl, about six years old. What else?”
“Uhh.. well, she’s been missing for seven hours but technically we can’t warrant a search until it has been at least twenty four hours. But the mother is insisting we do something about it now.”
“Ooh, I see, I see,” Oikawa murmured distantly. “Missing for a few hours, mother is devastated and pleads for help from the police.”
“Yeah,” Iwaizumi replied. “I don’t know about this one though, cause the girl went missing at school. But in that sort of situation, it is more likely she had- wait.”
The officer paused, listening. There was a faint scratching sound in his ear and he felt his eyes drop to a suspicious squint. Iwaizumi glared. “Are you writing this down?”
There was a long pause on the other line.
“… Well-”
“Oikawa!”
“I’m sorry! Your story just sounded so interesting, I wanted to investigate it further!”
“Yeah right! You just wanted another big story, didn’t you!”
“Come on, Iwa-chan! Tobio’s been doing so well lately it’s pissing me off! I need to kick him off the front headlines before he does any further collateral damage!”
“No! I told you, I’m not doing any more stories!”
Oikawa sulked on the other line. “Okay, fine! I can still destroy him without your help anyway.”
Iwaizumi scowled. ”See, this is why I don’t like reporters. Always interfering with my work. And it doesn’t help that the press is hounding me over the whole Guess Monster case,” Iwaizumi spun in his chair. “I think I got thirty calls today alone. They sure are persistent.”
Oikawa reacted as though Iwaizumi had hit him, drawing in a sharp breath. “Who called? Who was it? Was it the Fukurodani Agency? I swear they’re always trying to steal our headlines! You didn’t accept any of their offers did you, Iwa-chan? Don’t tell me you did!”
“Relax, relax, I didn’t, sheesh,” Iwaizumi grumbled, rolling his eyes. “I don’t know which news agency it was. There were a few.”
“Oh good. Good, good. Iwa-chan, don’t go talking to those strangers, okay? They’re no good and they’ll only want you to spill the beans before they use your words against you.”
Iwaizumi raised an unamused brow. “Sounds familiar.”
“I was just kidding! I would never use you like that. I’m far too fond of you.”
Iwaizumi opened his mouth to shoot back a snarky comeback but found himself alittle taken back. He smiled, sheepishly pleased. “Yeah, yeah. I should go now. You enjoy your break.”
“Okay. I’ll send you my schedule for the next week and give me a reply asap when you’re free. I can’t wait to eat Iwa-chan’s hot pot,” Oikawa spoke lightly, a fondness in his tone.
“Alright. Don’t overwork yourself.”
“You too. Have a good day. Restrain from shooting your bumble-headed officers.”
Iwaizumi snorted. “I’ll try not to,” he teased. “Or then again, I could just dump their bodies where no one will find them,” he joked just as the door swung open and his senior officer stood at the door.
Iwaizumi’s cheeky grin dropped immediately and he froze, like a deer caught in the deadlights.
Ushijima stared at him, brows raised.
“Ooh, naughty, Iwa-chan!” Oikawa chirped in his ear which kind of made him want to shrivel up alittle further. “And what happens if I d-”
“Ineedtogonowtalktoyoulaterbye,” Iwaizumi rushed in one breath and immediately hung up. He placed the phone down and did his best to gather up the rest of his dignity and look as professional as possible. “Evening, sir,” he greeted.
Ushijima eyed him carefully before he nodded. He closed the door behind him and sat right across from him. “You’ve read the news lately, I assume?” he asked, and that was so ‘him’. He never beat around the bush, always jumping right to the point.
Iwaizumi felt his good mood begin to melt away and he nodded. “Yes.”
“’Guess Monster’ they called him.”
“Yes.”
Ushijima nodded moreso to himself and sat back. He crossed his fingers together and placed them neatly in his lap, watching the other.
The strain of his gaze left Iwaizumi tense, apprehending. He looked away, focusing on the stack of files instead.
“They relocated the culprit.” He said, despite being fully aware his senior already knew this.
Ushijima sniffed once and glanced elsewhere. “He has been moved to a small cell for the time being. The district team is in the midst of examining his home and trying to piece his criminal history. For the time being, it only seems to be a string of petty crimes, nothing more serious.”
He peered over at him from the corner of his eye. “I’ll be paying a visit to hopefully get more insight from him.”
Iwaizumi nodded. “That’s good to hear-”
“Hajime.”
The officer grew rigid. He was already anticipating this speech, but he felt his muscles tighten like it was preparing for a physical blow.
Ushijima’s eyes had sharpened significantly. He gazed down at the other, expressionless. “You defied my orders.”
Iwaizumi forced himself to look up at the other. His heart was palpating uncomfortably but he kept still. “Yes,” he replied.
“You’ve purposely defied my orders despite being displaced off the case.”
“I did.”
“You chose not to listen. Instead, you decided to take measures in your own hands without notifying me of the situation. Not only that, you even dragged your fellow officers in to this mess.”
Iwaizumi clenched his jaw. “They are well-managed officers, sir. You give them less credit than they deserve.”
Ushijima didn’t seem to notice, unaffected by his clipped response. “You placed them under great risk without any consideration of the potential dangers of the culprit.”
His self assurance irritated him beyond measure.
“Excuse my manners but it’s not that I didn’t consider the danger of the situation. I had it under control.”
“There is no guaranteed control over a ransom.”
Iwaizumi flared up, anger chipping away at his self-control. “I saved his life,” he answered in a low voice. “You have no idea what it was like for him. When I found him, he was tied to a chair in an abandoned warehouse. If anything were to happen to him, no one would’ve known.”
The officer leaned in, challenging the other. “He was forced in to a dangerous situation and I did the best I could do and got him out of it. If it weren’t for me and my men, he could’ve ended up much worse.”
Ushijima maintained his gaze, unmoved. He unlinked his fingers and sat forward. “Yes,” he replied in a casual tone. "Which is why I’m here to commend you.”
“Yes, well I- ” Iwaizumi paused. He blinked once. “Huh?”
Ushijima stared at him, stern as ever. “I said I am here to commend you,” he repeated. He held out a hand. “You defied my orders despite the consequences and risked your own safety in order to save a life. You’ve gone above and beyond your duties. I commend you for following your instincts. Good job, officer.”
Iwaizumi stared, looking thoroughly confused. He looked down at the outstretched hand then back up at him.
The senior officer raised a brow. “You’re meant to shake it, officer.”
“A-ah, right,” Iwaizumi quickly accepted the hand shake. He didn’t know how to react. “Thank you,” he said, still baffled.
Ushijima eyed him. His lip quirked up in a charming smile. “Continue to make me proud.”
Iwaizumi’s eyes widened for a brief moment and he immediately dropped in to a deep bow. “Thank you sir.” He repeated, this time much louder and definite.
Ushijima inspected him lightly then gave a nod of affirmation. “I just wanted to stop by to express my gratitude. I’ll be on my way now.”
He stood up from the chair and Iwaizumi immediately followed. The senior officer held a hand out to usher him back down. “Don’t bother.”
Iwaizumi stood anyway and bowed deeply. “Have a good evening, sir.”
Ushijima acknowledged his farewell. “Likewise,” and began to make his way to the door. However, he paused midway.
“Oh and,” the senior peered over his shoulder. “Give your men a break once in a while. Whenever I visit here, they’re always working hard, especially Kuroo and Bokuto. Let them relax abit.
Iwaizumi fought back a snort. Oh, the irony.
“You won’t get mad if I let them loose?” he smiled lightly. “Even if they go wild and cause a havoc?”
“It’s not that I approve of it, but I’ll turn a blind eye just this once.”
“I don’t recommend it, sir. It could end up catastrophic.”
“Yes, well.. then again,” Ushijima paused, raising his eyes to the ceiling in brief contemplation. They flickered back down to meet his and for a brief moment, Iwaizumi could’ve sworn he saw faint amusement. “I suppose you could just ‘dump their bodies where no one will find them’.”
It took a while for Iwaizumi to register what the other had said and by the time he had, Ushijima was out the door bidding farewell to the other officers.
The officer sat there for a long time before he dropped his head and laughed.
Work was a pain. But he enjoyed it anyway.