"Is this for me?" Shiori took the small paper bag from Akaashi's hands as he handed it to her.
The setter nodded, giving her a small smile, "Yes. I hope it's to your liking."
She stared at him momentarily in surprise, "Thanks for the gift! I'm not sure what brought this on, actually. Did you buy too many things?" She questioned, wondering why he was gifting her things all of a sudden.
Akaashi opened his mouth, then closed it, and opened it again with a final answer. "I thought you'd like it…" He fiddled with his fingers, an evident habit from when he was nervous or thinking.
He sounds more nervous. I wonder if he made something himself and wanted me to try? She thought, wondering what was in the bag.
Needless to say, she gave him a hug in thanks, and went her way to her next class, gift in hand. She would take a look at it during a little break in class and text him her thoughts.
Akaashi breathed a sigh of relief he didn't know he was holding. His shoulders slumped slightly from the release, and he calmly headed towards his next class. He couldn't avoid the stares from other seniors that saw the initiation, but he paid them no mind.
He felt his phone buzz in his pocket, knowing exactly who it was. It was his manager, Yukie. She was currently in the same class as Shiori, and she had seen the little bag he had given to her.
You gave it to her! Good on ya!
Akaashi was glad he had Yukie on his side. She was someone who he had to consult on a daily basis because he didn't know what to do with his feelings for Shiori. Yukie, knowing both of them, would help to formulate plans that would help both sides, and possibly end in reconciliation of Akaashi's feelings. However, it was a tough task due to the context and other circumstances.
Akaashi wrote a quick reply and headed to class, hoping that his little gift would be appreciated.
Before the class started, Shiori took out the little gift Akaashi had given her. There were 2 small gift boxes in there, each one with a different ribbon. Each were pastel colours of pink and blue, with a little tag that mentioned what the items were.
"Chocolate and…earrings?" Shiori opened them up slowly, admiring the detail that had gone into them. When she opened the chocolate, it didn't look like it was store bought, rather it looked handmade. Similar to store bought chocolates, it was partitioned into 4, and each had a small truffle in different colours, indicative of the amount of cocoa in each.
"Oh? What's this?" Yukie sauntered over, already aware of what Akaashi had gifted to her, but wanted to see it anyway.
"Akaashi gave this to me earlier. Chocolates and earrings, I think." She popped a chocolate in her mouth and offered Yukie one as she chewed. "Damn, these are delicious!"
The manager smiled and shook her head, "Since Akaashi gave them to you, I think he wants you to specifically have it all."
Shiori nodded a couple of times, "Probably. I think he might be using me as a taste tester for his creations." She summarised.
Yukie blinked a couple of times, wondering if she heard her right. "Taste tester? Why? Isn't it a gift though?"
Sometimes, Yukie had no idea what went on in her friend's head.
"Yeah!" Shiori hummed, took a look around and deeming it safe, beckoned for Yukie to come closer. As she did, Shiori whispered, "I think it's because he really likes Bokuto that he's making these, and since he's a bit shy, he wanted me to taste test these before he gives them to him!"
Yukie pulled back, an expression of surprise on her sounded so sure of herself that it made her want to smack her head to the wall. "Really?"
She couldn't believe that Shiori thought Akaashi liked Bokuto. How did that even happen? She had to tell Akaashi, otherwise there'll be a huge misunderstanding somewhere.
Or, wait…maybe I should let it be and see how it goes? Yukie thought for a moment, wondering if the entertainment was worth it. She was sure the misunderstanding would clear up by itself, but how fast, she didn't know.
Should I lend a helping hand? She was confused, but ultimately decided that if she wanted things to work out between them, she had to at least let one of them know.
"Yeah, really! Whenever I talk to Bokuto recently, it feels like he doesn't really want us talking?" Shiori tilted her head to the side a bit, "I'm not too sure, but it's like he's watching us because he's envious or something."
Yukie made sure to keep a smile plastered on her face.
Oh dear.
"Are you sure Akaashi likes Bokuto and not you?" Yukie questioned lightly, laughing a little to make it seem a bit more lighthearted.
"Akaashi liking me? He and I are close but…" Shiori trailed off, unsure of what to say.
Yukie, feeling sorry for Akaashi, only pressed her lips together and nodded her head a couple of times, wondering how she should feel about the situation.
Even though Yukie's question gave Shiori some things to think about, it didn't stop her from looking at what earrings Akaashi had gifted her. When she opened them up, she found a cute pair of silver four leaf clover dangles. They were super cute, and right up Shiori's alley.
"He has good taste." Shiori nodded, grinning. She closed the gift boxes and mentally reminded herself to thank the setter, as class was starting. She also pushed aside the suggestion that Akaashi liked her - no thanks to Yukie - to focus, as it would be distracting to hear her voice in her head while she was working through a problem.
Yukie peered over to see Shiori's expression at the gift before class started, hoping that the situation wouldn't be as dire as the conversation before.
"She thinks I like Bokuto-san?!" Akaashi gasped in disbelief, pupils quivering as his jaw dropped.
Yukie smiled critter-like. "Yeah, it seems that way."
Akaashi was at a loss for words. He didn't think that she would see it this way, nor did he want her to think this way. It was even worse that Bokuto also liked her, and she thought something differently there too.
He supported his cheek with his fist, leaning against the table as he let out a long winded sigh. This wasn't what he was expecting when he got the report of how the present went. He was just expecting some cute news, but not this.
"Maybe you should confess or something. Make it clear." Yukie used her index fingers and moved them side to side.
"Confess? Now?" Akaashi shook his head, "I don't think now's the time."
His manager paused for a moment, thinking about his reasoning behind the decision, but then nodded in agreement.
"But don't you think Bokuto will confess if you don't?"
Akaashi stared at Yukie with an expression that she wanted to capture on film, one which simply said: 'Excuse me?!'
She ended up laughing at how out of character it was for Akaashi, but still wanted to support him. "Maybe see how it goes after school today during training."
Akaashi could only let out a hum of agreement, and continue on with his day knowing that something might happen after school.
Bokuto looked at Shiori, wondering if something about her changed. He didn't know if it was her volleyball play or if it was her character, but something was different. He thought for a moment, then shrugged and dismissed the idea, finding that it was too difficult to comprehend in his brain. He had other things to think about, for example, volleyball.
That was, until he overheard Yukie talking to Kaori about Akaashi's gift that Shori received earlier in the day. He stopped what it was doing as the topic piqued his interest, and went over, somehow pushing himself into the conversation. As he listened, he found the setter and Shiori talking over on the side about volleyball plays (he only knew because they were making volleyball movements), and immediately felt that the reason it was different wasn't because of Shiori, but rather Akaashi.
He understood that Akaashi also really liked Shiori, but he didn't realise until this point how deep it went. It was through this short conversation he barged into that made him realise that Akaashi didn't just like Shiori, he was hardcore crushing on the girl.
This made Bokuto think more about himself and his own feelings. He didn't know what to think, but he knew that he did like Shiori quite a bit, but looking at it further and comparing it to Akaashi, would he really call himself to have a crush on Shiori? He confused himself with these thoughts, and quickly exited the conversation to call Kuroo and hang out with him to discuss these urgent matters after training.
Yukie watched all the expressions on Bokuto's face, and wondered if she had made the wrong decision in revealing this information to him. Since it was said in passing to Kaori, she didn't expect him to come over after picking up on a couple of details, and ask for more information. Of course, she could have concealed it, however since Kaori knew, she would've filled him up on the details.
This is going to get tough, Yukie couldn't help but think. She had an inkling that some of this was somehow her fault, but she couldn't 100% blame herself either, as people become quite unreasonable when it comes to their emotions.
Oh well, let's see what happens.
Kuroo sighed for the upteenth time. He was out at dinner with Bokuto, eating at a close restaurant. Kenma wasn't with him today since Bokuto specifically called him out.
"And what did I say just now?" The tired captain of Nekoma shook his head for the twentieth time, wondering if Bokuto would ever listen to him.
"That me liking Shiori has nothing to do with Akaashi liking her too." Bokuto pouted, unable to process that information.
Battling the urge to roll his eyes, Kuroo smiled wryly. "You said before that you liked her, right? Are you 100% sure?" He was asking to make sure that he indeed had a crush on her, rather than just wanting to be her best buddy.
Bokuto hesitated in answering, staring at the empty plate in front of him as he thought of what to say. "I do want to give her a hug every time I see her, and…I don't know?" He questioned with a tilt of his head.
Kuroo could only continue smiling as he waited for an answer, but because Bokuto didn't even know, it was hard to conclude the conversation because he himself wasn't sure where it would take them.
In the end, Kuroo sighed, "Why not just do nothing, and see how it goes. Pay attention to how you feel when you're around them or think about them."
Look at me, sounding like a love expert. Kuroo wanted to laugh at himself. However, hearing from friends, media as well as his own thoughts about friendships and relationships, it would be safe to conclude that it may be the correct course of action for a confused person.
"Ok…" Kuroo could actually see the ears of a dejected owl from the captain, but said nothing.
Nekoma's captain patted Bokuto on his shoulder, "Don't worry about it too much, you'll find out in due time."
I sound like an old man, thought Kuroo.
As they finished up, Kuroo couldn't help but think of Akaashi and his bold move. It took him long enough, but to hear it actually happening was interesting. It made Kuroo want to see Shiori's reaction, but he had to keep himself in check.
Maybe I'll wait a little bit and see Akaashi's next move.
At the same time as Bokuto and Kuroo had gone out to eat, Akaashi and Shiori walked home together.
They chatted about a few topics and continued on with their conversation of volleyball, eventually leading to a talk about how Shiori was doing with the under 18s team. It was a pleasant conversation, and the two talked about their thoughts and aspirations in the future, particularly Shiori's recent thoughts of changing her career path.
As they did so, a shadowy figure appeared in the side of Akaashi's vision, prompting him to move closer to Shiori, grabbing her hand in the process. He pulled her closer to him and slowed down his walk, alert as he remembered the last time something like this happened.
Suddenly confused at the move, Shiori stared at him with wide eyes, subconsciously gripping his hand tighter when he pulled her to him.
"Keiji-kun?" She questioned, looking up. He wasn't even looking at her, but to the side where he saw the figure.
At this point, they both stopped walking and stood close to one another. Shiori swore she could feel his heart racing.
"Sorry Shiori-san." Akaashi let go of her hand after a light exhale, but was surprised that she kept holding on. It was only a couple of seconds before she also let go, taking half a step back, that she looked around to see what was happening.
"What happened?" Shiori questioned. She was sure Akaashi had a reason for doing so, so her guess was that it had something to do with that weird guy from before.
Akaashi stared at her for a moment, deciding not to think too much about what just happened. Knowing Shiori, it wouldn't have meant anything deeper, and that hurt Akaashi's sensitive heart.
"There was a shadowy figure from before. It might have been that guy from before." He replied.
"I see," Shiori took half a step forward towards him, looking up at him as he looked at her in surprise. He didn't make an effort to move back, however did lean back slightly from the sudden movement. "Then, please continue to protect me like before." She grabbed Akaashi's hand, holding it at just the right strength, in her hand.
She took half a step back and pulled him along as he stared at her, dumbfounded, wondering what the hell was going on. His mind short-circuited and he thought he was thinking and seeing things he shouldn't have been - but rest assured, it was all in real time and he wasn't hallucinating.
Shiori, seeing the bewildered teen, laughed lightly as she pulled his hand, tugging him along. His grip tightened and he went along, feeling a blush form on his features as his heart exploded with happiness. The previous feelings he harboured disintegrated and was replaced with a bright, fluffy feeling, and he couldn't help but try and hide his smile.
As the two of them did what they did, the shadowy figure stared at them for a moment, then at the female, before leaving.
It should be fine, Shiori thought, lying like starfish on her bed.
Yukie said he possibly liked me, so…she paused her thoughts for a moment, then recalled back when she made the bold move of grabbing his hand and the cute expressions she saw from him afterwards.
Yeah, actually he might. His reactions were so cute.
I was just going to hold his hand to see if he really did and test it out, but if he's going to show me those cute expressions and to no one else, that's going to be a little deadly…
She could already feel the excitement of wanting to see more of Akaashi's cute sides. He normally didn't show any of them when he was with others, and had more of a poker face. So, this new side of him was something Shiori wanted to see more and feel more. She didn't particularly do what she did to elicit this type of reaction, the most she expected to see was a blushing red face and absolute denial, if Yukie's words were true. But it seemed it was a little different, but she didn't hate it. In actuality, she wasn't to see more.
Doesn't that mean I was wrong about them then? Shiori crossed her arms and made a thinking expression.
Bokuto and Akaashi aren't in love with each other, but Akaashi likes me, I think…wait, no, that's not a definitive thing. Let's try this out for a little while longer and see what's going to happen.
Shiori didn't even realise that whatever she planned to do, was going to be the start of something that would make Akaashi cry.
"She did WHAT?!" Yukie nearly screamed into the phone, prompting Akaashi to hold it away from his ear. After a couple of moments, he slowly put it back next to his ear, wondering what Yukie had to say after calming down.
"Shirofuku-san? Are you ok?" Akaashi questioned, albeit slowly.
"Damn, what the hell do you think you're doing, Shiori!" Akaashi could just hear Yukie muttering to herself, probably thinking with her thoughts out loud.
Akaashi didn't mention anything, but whatever happened seemed to be quite…sudden, and although it was a very Shiori thing to do, it was a little suspicious how it was almost on purpose that it happened the way it did.
"Shirofuku-san, did you tell Shiori-san that I liked her, by any chance?" He couldn't hold this question in, he had to say it. Otherwise it would be in the back of his mind until he got his question answered.
Yukie was briefly silent, "I told her that…you might not like Bokuto and was interested in her instead…" Her voice became softer as she continued her sentence, probably imagining an irritated Akaashi on the other end.
"I see." Akaashi nodded to himself a couple of times, "So that explains the change in behaviour."
"Hm? You're not mad?"
"No, I was just curious. It makes sense with the way she behaved before. It was as if she was trying to tease me, almost…?" He tilted his head slightly, wondering if that was really the case.
There were a few words left unsaid, but he didn't dare say those thoughts. After the interaction where Akaashi was incredibly happy but also embarrassed about the situation, he truly wondered if there was anything that would happen between them. Shiori was known to break boundaries just by being herself, so he couldn't look too deep into it, even if they were by themselves. This was how he managed to figure out what the motives and behaviour behind what happened was, and it stung.
She's testing and teasing me, was the conclusion Akaashi came up with. Since he knew Shiori, he could somehow sum up her thoughts and figure out her train of thought. It was very particular, but it was something she would do.
There was one thing he wasn't sure of, and that was she was doing this. Was it that she wanted to have fun? Or was he amusing to watch? Or something else? Regardless of the reason, it almost seemed like she was playing with his feelings without knowing that she was, for her own amusement.
He remembered the look in her eyes and her expression when he was embarrassed, and it wasn't just a simple look of surprise. It was definitely something Shiori would chase after later.
Akaashi wondered if he was going to be okay. His mind did go into the negatives just now, but he also thought positively, and hoped that he would gain something from this.
"If it's Shiori, then that's possible." Yukie thought for a moment, agreeing with Akaashi's thoughts.
"Maybe I should ask her out on a date?" Akaashi questioned, taking a glance at his calendar.
"Do you even have time for a date?" Yukie questioned. She sounded like she was raising an eyebrow.
"...maybe a quick lunch, then?"
Yukie sighed and went on to rant about what Akaashi should do. Akaashi, not knowing what to do with Yukie's huge speech, proceeded to just nod and listen.