Notes

Some would find it spontaneous to meet two days after last time. However, it didn't seem out of the ordinary for the friends to hang out. Neither Bokuto nor Akaashi had built friendships so easily, since university. Both of them felt eager to meet one another.

Akaashi was forced into a car with Sugawara, who insisted on taking his friend for a drive. To his dismay, the silver-haired driver still hadn't let him go. The topic of his crush was still at the surface of half of their interactions. Akaashi could only roll his eyes every time Sugawara bothered him.

Some of the taller buildings were dusted by cloud particles, as high as they went. Akaashi willingly zoned out and paid mind to the big city scenery. Despite being a typical city boy, the manmade beauty phased him every time. Skyscrapers and cranes applied to an aesthetic only a few people understood.

The audible journey was dictated by Sugawara's music taste. Soft RnB played for three minutes before it switched to deep house. He swore the change of tone corresponded well to the scenery change. The average height of buildings lowered, while their own engine seemed to drive upward on a hill.

"Where are we going," Akaashi asked his friend, without taking his eyes off the greenery and different scenery.

"Driving is annoying when you have a lot to say, so we're just stopping a nice place," Sugawara didn't seem to be joking. Akaashi raised his eyebrows in anticipation but quietly nodded along with the plan.

He yawned, presumably due to the dark approaching them. Akaashi felt as if he had obtained night vision. Akaashi noted how the natural light source was the moonlight. Secondly, the moonlight seemed to be the least manmade filter of all, painting trees in hues that were dark green.

In the corner of his eye, Sugawara's expression was something between relaxed and serious. Akaashi always took his best friend seriously, despite not seeming that way.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them narrowed to a bridge. The steel protector of water shielded their vehicle. It was fascinating how the railing merged together as one, as if it were a flipbook merging into animation. It fit a soft rhythm dominated by slow bass and drums, with lyrics Akaashi didn't pay mind to. The song reached its chorus once they reached a small island. Akaashi did wonder where Sugawara was kidnapping him, but the scenery caused him not to pester him.

It was something about youth, staring into the view still. Akaashi was afraid of the dark canvasing the mirror in the window. Would he see himself, or his younger self when catching his reflection?

Sugawara's voice surfaced above the music volume for once and caught Akaashi's attention. Any reality was a double-edged sword. Tapping in and out of it was equally easy, and difficult. Akaashi turned his head to face Sugawara with a confused expression.

"Wastelands?" Akaashi looked at the containers. While it was legal to park there, he wondered what international ports brought to the aesthetic.

"It's not perfect, okay? Sawamura's dad often takes us here to fish," Sugawara chuckled lightly and pointed to the sign with a fish on it. The fishing park was closed at these hours. Understandably, the parking lot was appropriately empty. Akaashi couldn't conceal a genuine smile at how sweet that was.

"So, I wanted to talk to you for real. I saw you completely zoning out," Sugawara added with a small laugh, and fondly looked out the front window. Akaashi only presumed Sugawara would add something to elaborate, and stayed silent.

"What's stopping you from asking him out?" Sugawara asked him genuinely. He did like Bokuto now, or at least had a crush on him. Akaashi sighed lightly and rolled his eyes after facing the window.

"One, fear of rejection. Two, what if he doesn't see me that way? And, never mind that's another reason why he could reject me. In that case, rejection sucks," Akaashi shrugged his shoulders. Sugawara owned every ounce of empathy and understanding. However, he owned wisdom too.

"Did I tell you that Sawamura did date a girl in early high school, at the time I developed feelings? They were a power couple after all. It was sweet, and she was nice. Even my counselor gave me speeches to prepare to move on," Sugawara started an inspirational story, and soon received Akaashi's attention.

"I hadn't even asked him out and the opportunity went away. They lasted for a while, a half year or longer. It's a loss story when you think about it." Sugawara continued and looked up in thought. His eyes dwindled upon losing his train of thought and point. Akaashi bit back the urge to laugh at a serious moment like this.

"I don't remember what my point was going to be, hold on," Sugawara hummed in thought. Akaashi saw that he genuinely was trying to recall what wisdom he wished to share.

"Right. Well, I had every reason to give up. Yet, I went for it even after they stopped dating. For a dumb reason as well, since the university would split us apart anyway. Over to you, in your case, anyway," Sugawara's point dissipated throughout his speech, which brought a smile to Akaashi's face.

"My diplomatic point is that you can't give up. First, you told me that he's mature, kind, sweet, a gentleman, handsome, and whatnot. Is that the kind of guy that would reject you ruthlessly? Secondly, you did tell me it was a crush. It's better to confess now and get over it, rather than confessing when you have fullblown feelings," Sugawara clamped two arguments into one. He held up his fingers to illustrate the quantity. As much as Akaashi wanted to disagree, he knew his friend was right.

"You're not wrong," Akaashi sighed heavily, one that lasted for a long second. He rested his head against the seat and dared keep his eyes open for visual criticism. Indeed, Sugawara gave him a dumbfounded stare as if to corner him.

"Then? What's stopping you? I'm pestering you ever since you confessed that you indeed have a crush," Sugawara defended himself before Akaashi could attack him for being too invasive or whatsoever.

"Fuck it, I'll do it tomorrow. I mean, at the end of our hangout," Akaashi groaned and closed his eyes to prepare for the impact of an audible eruption. Sugawara indeed cheered and worsened it with loud clapping of his hands. Akaashi rolled his eyes slightly, in hopes to quiet down his friend. However, it didn't affect him.

"How do you feel?" Sugawara gasped at the confident remark. Upon taking into account what Akaashi just promised himself, his eyes widened. He felt the heat reach his cheeks, and wear a red hue only Sugawara caught.

Akaashi wanted to be embarrassed, but couldn't help but enjoy the fuzzy feeling of crushing. It was rare, but he wished to take advantage of it. Being embarrassed drained him of more energy, rather than enjoying the heat of it. No one demanded his feelings to remain long-term. As cliche, as the saying was, living in the moment, seemed easier.

To Sugawara's surprise, Akaashi turned his head to face him. His expression wore widened eyes, along with a small grin threatening to emerge. Sugawara widened his eyes at his excitement and held back his urge to high-five his friend.

"He's handsome, okay? Then, his hospitality and gentlemanly habits are so, yes," Akaashi was at a loss of words to unleash his truthful crush on Bokuto. Sugawara eagerly brought up his phone and scrolled through Spotify.

All of a sudden, the volume deafened both of their voices. The song had a weirdly sensual feel and a language that belonged to their neighboring country. Akaashi raised his eyebrows at Sugawara's small cough. It was clear he didn't know the lyrics, but he sure know what they meant.

"Mmmh, mmmh," Sugawara eagerly hummed along with the chorus. He slung his arm over Akaashi's shoulder despite sitting a seat away. Sugawara wasn't done with his performance, as he soon opened Bokuto's instagram.

He had fun laughing insanely during the verses, while slowly scrolling down his feed. Akaashi was forced to look toward the bright lights and felt himself bite his cheeks to restrain a dumb smile from displaying.

"I said, I said. Mmmh, mmmh," Sugawara least discreetly eyed between Akaashi and the pictures, and sang the chorus he knew. Akaashi blushed profusely in embarrassment, knowing he'd see the man tomorrow. Could he look Bokuto in the eye, knowing very well he had gushed over him the day prior?

"Is he just," Sugawara asked at the brink of the next mmmh lyrics specifically. As if to let the chorus finish his sentence. The silver-haired ridiculously nodded his head to the lyrics, still humming along.

"You're ruining it," Akaashi soon wore his normal expression, and threw his arms lightly in the air at Sugawara's growing annoying demeanor. Just as Akaashi looked away, he felt a pointy finger poke at his cheek. He wasn't afraid to glare at the older from the action but caught Sugawara laughing instead.

"Can we go, I have work," Akaashi muttered and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Eventually, it was the last line before laughter died down to occasional chuckles. The second drive on the bridge delved into a mellow one. Sugawara did do the favor of switching to relaxing, soft music of different genres. One could count the waves in the water, or one could count the lights reflected back on the surface. It was a free task occupying Akaashi for a while until they reached the familiarly painted concrete.

Taller buildings welcomed them back from the industrial fishing island. With little oxygen they were surrounded around, it was where Akaashi felt at home. The busy city life day and night was what he knew, after all. He looked toward Sugawara, who still smiled without regret.

It took a while before the familiarity gradually aligned with Akaashi's home. Sugawara patiently cracked his finger knuckles after parking near his apartment. Akaashi unbuckled his belt and carefully let it glide back to its place. He offered his friend a grateful smile, to which Sugawara waved off. He always insisted it was his job to drop Akaashi off, as a good best friend. Akaashi soon found himself enveloped in wind lacking temperature. He looked toward Sugawara through the window, before waving.

"Will you ask him out tomorrow?" Sugawara rolled Akaashi's window down. It was more to force an affirmation out of him, Akaashi was convinced.

"Yes, I will ask him out tomorrow," Akaashi couldn't help but laugh as the small bites rushed throughout his stomach. Butterflies, as they were commonly called. Akaashi had a way of keeping his composure, while his heartbeat played the beat of a rock song.

With that, Akaashi left the promise pending to be fulfilled or forsaken.
-

Bokuto and Kenma distributed tasks at a simple grocery shopping. Kuroo's work kept him from his husband, best friend, and niece. A sad day for the working male.

However, Yuki learned that she was very fond of uncle Kenma. She had asked to put pearls and ponytails in his long hair. While Kenma had difficulties with allowing pearls, he did allow her to make him a ponytail. One that he needed to fix, but it worked nonetheless. The girl had gone as far as to express disappointment with her father's hair. That incident led to Kenma and Bokuto sharing inside jokes afterward.

After Yuki's hairdresser game, she was excited to join grocery shopping. Bokuto didn't feel comfortable having Yuki close while buying liquor from a liquor store, which is among the reasons why Kenma was invited. He quickly obtained the two liquors from the store. The two were headed toward the grocery mart next.

"Where did you learn such a complex recipe, though? Tetsurou?" Kenma asked whilst holding Yuki's hand. He felt Yuki skip, as her hand occasionally felt weightless from the jumps. Kenma couldn't contain his smile as he caught her looking up at him so adoringly. Bokuto even acknowledged that Kenma was Yuki's favorite for today.

"Yeah, Tetsu knows how to mix," Bokuto replied, to which Kenma nodded in understanding. He wasn't surprised.

"I want egg," Yuki excitedly pointed at the grocery store she was familiar with. Bokuto snorted at the most iconic dialogue she made, every time she had the opportunity.

"What has dad taught you?" Bokuto switched to his sterner, yet softer tone. Yuki didn't seem to get it immediately but jumped in excitement once she remembered.

"Do you want egg, uncle Kenma," Yuki asked politely, to which Bokuto smiled in approval. He wished to implement the principle of sharing and collectivism. Bokuto did try to be an example by openly sharing snacks and food with Kuroo in front of her.

"Thank you for asking, honey. I'll have something else," Kenma cooed and lightly squeezed her hand. She only hummed in response and nodded.

"You're doing a good job of raising her," Kenma stated more randomly. The unexpected compliment caused Bokuto to smile genuinely.

"Thank you for always being available to help out," Bokuto genuinely thanked him for being there. Kenma just laughed lightly,

"She's my niece, hm?" Kenma raised his eyebrows before unexpectedly stopping up. Both of his surroundings wore a confused look. For a split second, the Bokutos shared the same expression. Kenma soon lifted her up into the air, through her squeals and laughs.

Bokuto found a second to snap a photo to send Kuroo, which received a fast response. The jealousy radiating from Kuroo's sent attachment caused Bokuto to laugh.

The rest of their grocery shopping went well. Yuki insisted on getting ten eggs. She was sad to receive only one, but Bokuto taught her a valuable lesson about gratitude and health. Kenma nearly shivered from remembering how his own dad lectured him, though stricter.

It was revealed that Kuroo was finished at work one hour after their grocery shopping. Bokuto's original plans consisted of dropping Kenma at his home and getting changed at his own home. Before stress could bite at his fingers, Bokuto only rewired his plan into something else.

At the end of the day, Yuki was pleasantly surprised to sit in the backseat with uncle Kuroo. None of the adults could sit without a smile plastered on their faces, as Yuki summarized her day. She pointed to her uncle Kenma's hair and picked up loose pearls from her pockets. Kuroo showed a fascination with the colors and what Yuki told him. After Bokuto reached his best friend's place, questions arose. Yuki sadly asked if they were leaving uncle Kuroo and uncle Kenma.

She was positively surprised once she was supposed to go to their house. Bokuto indeed didn't have time to change at his own home. Solving the problem meant borrowing Kuroo's clothes, and having Yuki stay at her uncle's house.

Yuki was distracted by playing with Kenma's hair, while Kuroo admired their sweet game. Kuroo heard footsteps down the carpeted stairs to see Bokuto wearing his button-up and looser jeans. To be fair, they did share clothes when necessary. Kuroo was surprised the shirt physically fit him, but also suited him. He raised his eyebrows at the untraditional clothing choice but nodded in approval.

Bokuto never left without properly reminding his daughter of how much he loved her, and that he would be back as soon as he could. After a heartfelt hug, Yuki was fast to be fascinated by Kenma's apparent video games. Bokuto thanked his best friends genuinely, before preparing his groceries in the backseat.

According to their text history, it was okay to meet at this hour. Bokuto wore a black and red mesh button-up, with a singlet underneath it. The red formed swirls or roses for all he knew. It had a comfortable stretch to it, and fit Kuroo's looser pair of black jeans. He was looking forward to hanging out with Akaashi again.

-

Remembering his promise, Akaashi was convinced to leave it forsaken. He did the last-minute extra cleaning of his kitchen, before checking for any source of the sound. He had the privilege of living on the first floor and thus having easy access to the door.

Akaashi had attempted to clean as much as he could after work. He bet Bokuto subconsciously had high standards for a clean place. He had prepared the kitchen especially, and even organized his fridge for space. It took a moment before he heard the sound of the engine. Akaashi nearly jumped, despite the low volume. As it went quiet, Akaashi took a deep breath and pretended as if his body was completely normal.

The exterior door was automatically open until nine. Akaashi instinctively heard footsteps in the corridor. He soon approached his front door and opened it, to alleviate Bokuto's work of finding his door.

"Hey," Akaashi greeted him and held the door open for his friend. He didn't immediately see the bags Bokuto carried before he could offer help. Bokuto let out a beam and greeted him back.

If he were honest, Akaashi was forced to come eye-to-eye with Bokuto's build. One could wear cotton, silk, velvet, or even wool. He soon discovered the mesh shading his upper body. Akaashi allowed him to pass through the door before he closed the door behind them both. Bokuto took off his shoes at the corner of where his pair lay.

Akaashi caught him look around in awe, and meet his gaze with a smile. He toned down and shut off all thoughts, before meeting his gaze too.

"You have a very nice place," Bokuto complemented with plastic bags in his hands. Akaashi mentally breathed in relief but externally expressed quiet gratitude.

"Let me help you, god," Akaashi nearly scolded himself for being so late on offering help. Bokuto shook his head lightly and reassured him. It was never his turn to be kind, Akaashi thought to himself.

"It's okay, these are nothing. Do you have room in your fridge or freezer?" Bokuto asked mostly for the drinks' sake. Akaashi nodded, almost proudly, before walking over to open the fridge door for him.

"I wish I could organize like this," Bokuto sighed, but seemingly admired the structure of the fridge. If he only knew. Akaashi decided to take out items from the bag and put the cold drinks in the fridge. Bokuto immediately thanked him, which caused Akaashi's heart to burst a little.

"I'm just one person here, so it isn't challenging," Akaashi chuckled lightly and closed the fridge once everything was emptied. He was surprised to see a small bag of a lemon. Bokuto proceeded to put a cocktail shaker set from the bag.

"Oh wow, you are doing this properly," Akaashi commented. Bokuto let out a full-blown laugh and shrugged his shoulders lightly.

"I mean, this is nothing. I do hope you'll like it," Bokuto sheepishly, and humbly replied. Akaashi's head played the song Sugawara introduced him to. It applied to some extent.

"Do you want to make it now, are you sure you wouldn't prefer sitting down first?" Akaashi asked, in case Bokuto would need to rest a little first. However, Bokuto reassured him.

"If you have ice cubes, I don't mind making it now," Bokuto replied. A good point. Luckily, Akaashi was addicted to cold coke, water, or any liquid. He nodded and took place near the fridge. Soon, it was established that Akaashi would be the assistant. The silly titles brought out nothing but humor as they spoke.

"Ice cubes, lemon, strawberry syrup, sprite, vodka, mint leaves, and strawberry liquor, please," Bokuto listed the entire recipe of seven ingredients. Akaashi was truthfully stunned at the ingredients he hadn't even thought of.

He opened the fridge to find all the ingredients easily. With Bokuto, it didn't even feel silly how they put everything into the fridge only to put it out again. Nor did it feel awkward.

"I can cut the lemon," Akaashi insisted. Bokuto kindly replied with a thankful nod. It was settled, and so he found himself before a cutting board. Akaashi willingly gazed toward Bokuto, as he explained the instructions. Bokuto's voice and arms were two conflicting factors Akaashi paid attention to. The mesh violated the privacy of the outlines of his muscle. Human anatomy hid behind the mesh top, which ridiculously seemed too small for him.

Bokuto used his bare hand to squish half a lemon into lemon juice. It dripped into the beholder before Bokuto poured it into the shaker. He blended all seven ingredients without measuring anything. He acted out of pure instincts. Akaashi's head was filled with wonder as he twisted the cap onto the shaker and started shaking. One could hear the ice clink within the shaker. Akaashi was more impressed by the speed, and force Bokuto shook it with.

Once it was blended, Bokuto poured Akaashi the first glass. The red-colored drink proved to look pretty, but nowhere near the crush in front of him. Akaashi almost accepted the glass, until Bokuto garnished the drink with a mint leaf on top of it.

"Voila, strawberry something," Bokuto snorted at the lack of a better title. Akaashi grinned lightly in anticipation, before taking the first sip of the drink.

"Oh my god that's dangerously good, and it doesn't taste like," Akaashi gulped one more sip without tasting the burn of alcohol. Akaashi had seen, heard of, and tasted drinks like these. However, not for free, and certainly not so easily.

"Yeah, I know. It's a silent threat," Bokuto nodded in agreement and sighed in relief as Akaashi enjoyed his third gulp of it. Bokuto reassured him he had enough ingredients to make at least three glasses. However, he didn't recommend that much.

"Take a seat. Ah, you've done all the work," Akaashi suddenly remembered to lead him toward the couch. His chairs weren't really comfortable for long-term sitting. Sharing a couch was the best option.

"Thank you," Bokuto quickly but politely, out of habit, thanked him. Akaashi was used to it by this point.

"No, thank you," Akaashi marked the pronoun. He glanced between the drink and his friend, who shook his head.

"I'm driving. I did mean I could make at least three glasses for you," Bokuto returned the favor of highlighting the pronoun. Akaashi's heart did a flip upon hearing the efforts Bokuto would make, merely for him. Sugawara's whispers called upon him from behind, as Bokuto's green flags waved all across the room.

It would be a bad idea to drink more than two glasses.