midterms are approaching so naturally i decided to start something new!
(prompt from trash-by-vouge tumblr!)
rating: gen.
tags: au-first meeting.
i actually did some research on owls for this one (they're not endangered but they do suffer from habitat loss).
1. as a hello
"Hi! I love you! Please go out with me!"
Keiji blinks up at the person casting a shadow over him and his textbook. His mind is still on the different neurotransmitters and hormones inside a brain, so it takes him a moment to register the boy in front of him, wearing a grin brighter than the afternoon sun and a sweater with a cartoon owl on the front and black-and-white hair that seems to think gravity is just a suggestion. Keiji pushes his glasses up, wondering if he's imagining this strange, striking man with the gold, gold eyes.
"I'm sorry," he begins, putting down his textbook. "But I don't think that's possible."
Instantly, the boy in front of him deflates, his grin slipping into a pout. For some reason Keiji feels a sense of panic, and tries to fix it.
"It's just," he says quickly, "I don't even know who you are."
The boy brightens, pointing to himself with his thumb. "I'm Bokuto! Bokuto Koutarou, at your service!"
Keiji bows. "Akaashi Keiji."
"That's such a pretty name! It suits you!"
Keiji blushes, reaching up to adjust his glasses. "Thanks, Bokuto-san. Your name... suits you, too."
Bokuto grins at him. "Right? It's great because I love owls! Hey, hey, your name sounds like an owl, too- have you heard of the akaashi-mori-fukurou?"
Keiji nods. "The one with the red feet, right?"
"Yes!" Bokuto looks absolutely delighted that Keiji caught the reference. He bounces on his feet, and Keiji wonders how is it possible that this boy who looks like he can lift him up no problem- like seriously, just look at those arms-how is it possible that he can give off a vibe that's as excitable and innocent as a child? It's adorable, really.
"Akaashi! You like owls, too!"
"Yes, I do."
"It's proof we're meant to be! It's like-it's like we're soulmates!"
Keiji's lips twitch. "I don't think that's how it works, Bokuto-san." As Bokuto begins to wilt again, Keiji pretends to adjust his glasses, and, against his better judgement, says, "Don't you mean... sowlmates?"
He peeks up to find the other standing there, dumbstruck, staring at him with his mouth hanging open slightly. Keiji bites his lip. Maybe he went a little too far? Those gold eyes are really something, he thinks, hoping Bokuto won't notice the burning at the tip of his ears.
"You're amazing," Bokuto breathes, finally. "I think I really do love you."
Keiji blushes, looking back down at his textbooks. "Why don't... why don't we be friends first, Bokuto-san."
Bokuto beams. "Okay! I'll be your best friend ever, Akaashi!" He pumps his fists in the air, whooping so loudly that passersby look over in alarm.
Keiji finds himself smiling. He gathers his things, and then glances at Bokuto. "Would you like to join me for lunch, best friend?"
i just wanted something light and happy and i used that stupid pun am i officially banished to volleyowl hell now
