Chapter Text
You rub your sore fingers as you step out of the music building. The cool air feels good after the stuffy practice room. You had even taken off your long hair to cool off a little.
"Been awhile since we just had fun playing," Nishiki says, "We should do it more often. Playing music isn't just about being the best, you know."
"No," you say, looking sideways at him, "But it feels pretty damn good to have the bragging rights."
“Bragging rights? Bragging rights???” she looks at you, aghast, “Not landing a solo or a job as a professional musician?”
"Of course not! But its a nice bonus.."
She flashes you a smile, which quickly fades as she points forward. Ahead of you, boys in gym uniforms are filing out of the gym. Among them is a boy with salt and pepper hair and broad shoulders.
"Onaga-san!" calls Nishiki, raising her hand in the air. The other boy turns and waves back, jogging to meet the two of you. You see Bokuto and Akaashi stop and turn to watch.
"Hiya Nishiki, Y/n," says Onaga
“Hi Onaga,” you say quickly, “I’ll talk to Bokuto-senpai. Can you ask if he has a moment?"
"I don't need to ask him," he says, then turns and waves the waiting boys over. Bokuto practically runs over. Even after a sports practice he still moves like he's got a million volts of electricity running through his body- like if you get too close you'll be electrocuted. Akaashi follows behind him, his gaze is on his captain.
"Y/n, this is Bokuto-senpai. He's the captain of the volleyball team." Onaga says once they reach you. Bokuto bows slightly, his eyes never leaving your face. You return the gesture, mouth suddenly dry.
"You've got short hair now," he blurts out.
You blink. "Huh?"
"I mean, sorry, I meant uh, I wanted to apologize to you for hitting you with the ball yesterday," the words rush out of his mouth in a jumble. His hand reaches up to rub the back of his head and his foot kicks the ground. "I feel really bad about it, and I wanted to make sure you were okay."
You suddenly realize what Seiji meant by blunderingly sweet gestures. He's so nervous its slightly endearing. You suddenly feel a little bad about running away during lunch.
"Its alright, Bokuto-senpai," you say, "I appreciate your apology, but it's not necessary. It was an accident and could have happened to anyone, and it wasn't anyone's fault. I was just the one that happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"So you weren't hurt? You didn't have to sit out of club at all?"
"No not at all. Even if I did have a concussion I wouldn’t have had to. I’m in music club."
His shoulders slump as he sighs in relief. "That's good, that's good- oh!" he smacks his forehead. "I had something for you, its in the club room. Would you mind waiting so I can grab it?"
You try to protest but he's already off. Akaashi sighs and bows.
"Sorry about that, he tends to only act on impulses," he says softly. "The club room is this way." He leads you over to the building with the sports club rooms.
“I see that" you say, then bite the inside of your cheek. "Akaashi-san?” you ask hesitantly, “Did you recognize me last night?”
“Yes I did,” he says, “But its not my business, and not conversation fodder, despite what the rest of the school seems to think.”
You feel a rush of gratitude towards him. “Thanks, Akaashi-san, you’re pretty cool.”
He smiles briefly in thanks before heading into the club room.
“Man, I could’ve told you that,” says Onaga, grinning, “Thanks for doing this. It meant a lot to him.”
"I suppose so," you say absently, "I get what you said earlier. About Bokuto-senpai."
He chuckles. "Yeah he's something. Careful of his eyes though, they're easy to fall into. Or drown in."
Nishiki giggles.
"Oh my, are you starting to develop a crush on the volleyball captain?" you ask, waggling your eyes at him. Onaga laughs at that, then winces and rubs his chest.
"Worn your binder too long?" you ask.
"Yeah," he mutters, "I might need to just get a new one. This one is getting too loose and frayed. It's poking me."
"Ouch. I'll go with you if you want."
“Me too,” says Nishiki, “Though aren’t you not supposed to wear a binder when you’re working out? That could ruin getting top surgery in the future.”
“Yeah, that’s true,” He says, grimacing, “But its so hard to concentrate when I can’t shove them away, you know?”
“That’s fair,” she says, “Just also make sure you’re being healthy about it too.”
Onaga smiles. “I’ll take you guys up on that offer. Thanks.” He turns and walks inside.
You and Nishiki wait outside for the volleyball boys to finish changing. Nishiki is pink in the face. You raise an eyebrow at her.
“Are YOU developing a crush on Bokuto?”
“NO!” she yelps, “No no no, its nothing like that.”
You’re about to open your mouth when the club room opens and Bokuto walks through wearing his warmup sweats and schoolbag, and holding a familiar package.
"Here," he says, handing it to you with both hands.
You hesitate, then take it gingerly. It's wrapped in a wrinkled paper bag. You glance up and he's watching intently, hands clasped at his stomach, elbows tucked in close. You open the bag and peek inside. Inside are band-aids, two room-temperature ice packs, a microwave heat pad, an inflatable pillow, and dark chocolate. You burst out laughing.
Bokuto looks stricken. "What? What? Is it okay? I know its dumb but-"
"No! No, it's not dumb," You say, still laughing, "It's incredibly sweet. Thank you very much."
You're still grinning as you and Nishiki walk to the subway station.
"So what'd he get you?" She asks finally.
"Medical supplies and chocolate."
"You're joking."
"Of course not! Why would I lie?" you say feigning hurt, "Want a chocolate?"
"Sure, what kind did he get you?"
"Chocolate Kisses."
She gives you a long look before grabbing the piece of chocolate.