Chapter 4

Day 7

Naughty|Nice

He was moping.

Daichi knew that's what it was, but he was stubborn. He didn't want to admit it out loud.

Especially to Suga.

Ugh, he never should've called Suga that night. He wouldn't have to hear him telling him how wrong he was to think that Kuroo didn't have any feelings towards him.

But Daichi couldn't get that shocked look out of his head. Kuroo had to hate him, right?

"If Kuroo hated you, then why has he been calling you nonstop since last week?" Suga asked over dinner.

Daichi picked at his food. "He's probably calling to tell me what a horrible friend I am. And maybe yell at me some."

"Ugh, you've got to be kidding me!" Suga said with a sigh. "You're so pathetic, Sawamura Daichi. You can't even see what's right in front of you!"

"Suga, you weren't there," Daichi said.

"I didn't need to be. I know exactly what Kuroo was thinking," Suga said. "Geez, it's no wonder you never get any dates."

"W-What?" Daichi squeaked.

"Yeah! Yui told me how you had no idea how to date," Suga said. He sighed and leaned on his hand. "You are so clueless. That girl was madly in love with you for three years! And you didn't have any idea!"

"Oi, are you trying to get thrown out?" Daichi said with a pout.

Suga shrugged. "I'm just saying! Instead of running away from this, don't you think you should talk to Kuroo?"

Daichi winced. "I… I don't want him to hate me, Suga."

Suga paused for a moment, his face softening. "I'm sure he doesn't hate you, Daichi."

"But what if he does? What if he never wants to speak to me again?" Daichi said. He leaned forward and put his head in his hands. "What if the only reason he's calling me is to tell me he doesn't feel the same way? I don't think I could handle hearing that, Suga."

He heard Suga shift in front of him, and then he felt arms wrap around his shoulders.

"Don't think like that, Daichi," Suga said softly. "He isn't going to reject you."

"Of course he is. I made such a huge mistake, Suga."

"Daichi…"

"He probably wants to tell me to forget it ever happened," Daichi said, spiraling into panic. "Oh, shit. We probably won't even be friends after this. I'm such a screw-up!"

"Stop it," Suga said softly, squeezing his shoulders tight. "You are not a screw-up."

"Ugh, you didn't even see his face after I kissed him, Suga," Daichi said. "He didn't even say a word. He was probably so… disgusted with me."

Suga paused again to sigh, one of his hands falling to Daichi's back.

"You haven't noticed how he looks at you, do you?" Suga asked.

Daichi hesitated and then slowly dropped his hands from his face, peering up at his best friend with furrowed brows.

"What are you talking about?" Daichi asked.

Suga rolled his eyes. "Dense Daichi strikes again."

"That's it. Get out."

"Fine, fine! Chill out!" Suga said, patting Daichi's back. "Every time I hang out with you two, he barely pays any attention to a word I say. You know why that is?"

Daichi tilted his head at him in confusion, trying to recall all of the times that they've hung out together. They all went out to a bar recently to hang out, and then there was that time when they decided to see a movie with Asahi. They've been hanging out a lot, but he couldn't really see what Suga was talking about.

"I don't… know," Daichi admitted.

"Well, that's obvious," Suga said. "He didn't hear what I had to say all those times because he was too busy giving you all of his attention."

Daichi quirked a brow at him, tilting his head slightly. Was he really? He never noticed Kuroo doing anything like that before.

But that was probably because Daichi was too distracted by Kuroo to notice anything.

"I don't know, Suga," Daichi said, feeling like dirt.

"Well, I do," Suga said, folding his arms across his chest. "That guy is head over heels for you. But you're too dumb to see it."

"Oh, come on! That hurts," Daichi said with a wince.

Suga shrugged. "Sorry, Daichi. But you're wallowing, and it's getting annoying," he said. "You need to snap out of this before you lose him forever."

Daichi rubbed the back of his neck as he hung his head.

He wasn't quite sure if his mind could handle doing anything at the moment. The only thing he could think of was how much he had messed things up.

"But what if that's what he wants?" Daichi asked. "What if Kuroo wants things to end?"

Suga sighed and reached around Daichi to rub his back. "That's something you need to find out for yourself."

Daichi knew he needed to talk things out with Kuroo, but he could never find it in himself to text or call him. He had several missed calls from the man already, and dozens of unread text messages that Daichi was too scared to open.

It went on like this for another whole week, and as each passing day came and went, Suga's words bounced around Daichi's mind constantly.

Daichi groaned as he slumped at his desk at work, feeling the ache in all of his bones. He'd been pulling double shifts to try to get Kuroo out of his mind but it really wasn't working, and his boss was starting to eye him with scrutiny. He would be forced to take a break soon—Daichi could feel it.

And if he were to take even one break, his mind would wander, and think of those broad shoulders, that silly hair, the handsome smirk that Daichi just wanted to kiss… and that look of pure horror when Daichi actually tried to.

"Ugh, this is the worst," Daichi said.

"Man, I've never seen you like this, Sergeant," Koji mentioned. "You doing okay?"

Daichi wasn't in the mood. "Yes, Koji. I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You look like you haven't slept in days," Koji said.

Daichi shook his head. "It's nothing."

"Well… if you're sure," Koji said. "I've got to meet up with a friend for a bit. You need me to pick up anything for your shift later? Coffee maybe?"

"Thanks, but I'll be okay," Daichi said.

Koji smiled gently at him. "Don't work too hard. Captain's been eyeing you, you know."

"I'm completely aware," Daichi said glumly.

Koji chuckled nervously before waving him off and leaving the precinct.

Daichi sighed and sat back up, rubbing his face. "Okay. No more moping for now. I've got a job to do."

So Daichi did just that. He filled out paperwork until his fingers were sore and then headed out to do a patrol. And of course, the night where he needed the most distractions was the night where there were no calls.

He pulled his squad car over and sat back against his seat, feeling utterly defeated. The past two weeks have been a hellish nightmare.

Nightmares…

Crap, Daichi thought. He really hoped Kuroo was doing okay with those. What if he'd been having nightmares since that night?

What if Daichi had caused even more nightmares to prey upon Kuroo's mind?

Daichi bonked his head against the door window. "I'm such a shitty friend."

The admission was soft and dissipated quickly in the empty car. He sighed and tilted his head, mussing up his hair a little against the window.

The sun was halfway down on the horizon, making the skies bloom in orange and purple hues. And up high in the dark blue were speckles of stars that were starting to peek out.

It was beautiful.

It reminded Daichi of Kuroo.

He leaned forward and rested his head on the steering wheel, heaving a long sigh.

This was ridiculous. He just needed to end things, right? Just call him up and finally set things straight. Suga was right—living in this in between of knowing or not knowing was brutal. He just needed the truth.

And if Kuroo didn't feel the same way, then… well…

At least he could have some closure.

Daichi sighed and leaned back up, pulling his phone from his pocket. He searched for Kuroo's contact and hovered over the call button, hesitating as he stared down at it. Tetsu it read. Daichi wondered if he would have to change that soon.

He took in a deep breath. He lowered his thumb to dial the number—

"Sergeant, this is Officer Koji! Are you there, over?"

Daichi nearly jumped out of his skin when his radio crackled to life. He took in a shallow breath and reached up to his shoulder to press the button to respond.

"Yes, Koji. What's up?" Daichi asked.

"A-Ah, y-you should come back to your friend's place right away! The one that had the break-in a few weeks ago?"

Daichi's heart flipped. "Why? What's going on?"

"Th-The guy came back! Your friend was robbed again, and he's s-seriously hurt!"

Daichi heart cracked. "Shit. Shit, shit, shit!"

He cranked his car back up and turned on his lights and sirens, speeding down the road and weaving in between slower vehicles.

"What happened, Koji? Talk to me. Is Tets—Kuroo all right?" Daichi asked.

"I… I don't know," Koji said.

He sounded a little funny, but Daichi didn't want to question it at the moment. He just wanted to get to Kuroo as quickly as possible.

Daichi sped around the corner that led to Kuroo's street.

"Okay, I'm pulling in now," Daichi said, pulling to a stop in front of the apartment complex.

As he got out, he realized he was the only squad car there. What the hell? Where were the emergency vehicles? Where was the ambulance, damn it?!

Daichi shook his head. He would worry about that later. For right now, he had to focus on Kuroo's wellbeing.

He raced into the complex and flew up the stairs to get to his apartment as quickly as possible. He drew his gun as he approached the right room, taking a breath as he stopped outside of the door. Then, in one swift motion, he kicked the door in, aiming his gun inside.

"Freeze!" Daichi yelled when he spotted movement.

But the only one to freeze in the end was Daichi.

Because instead of seeing a crime scene playing out in front of him, the first thing he saw was a large bouquet of flowers. Red roses.

Then, he noticed the man holding the flowers.

Kuroo was in a dark red button-up shirt and slacks, and damn it, he looked so fine.

"W-What…" Daichi whispered, lowering the gun as he took in everything.

Kuroo cleared his throat. "Ah, you made it." His voice was shaky, and the flowers seemed to tremble a bit in his grasp. Kuroo was nervous. "S-Sorry to get you down here like this."

Daichi blinked rapidly a few times, his brain trying to catch up.

And then it hit him.

Kuroo had set this whole thing up.

"You… You told Koji to come up with a fake police report?" Daichi asked, holstering his gun.

The strained smile completely fell from Kuroo's face as he looked down at the flowers.

"Um… well, yes, but…" He cleared his throat again, unable to look Daichi in the eyes. "You wouldn't return my calls or texts, so… I called Sugawara, and he gave me the idea."

Daichi huffed out a breath, shaking his head. Of course, Suga was involved in this, too.

"Do you know how dangerous this could've been?" Daichi asked, taking a step forward.

Kuroo slumped. "I know. I thought the plan was a little too much, but… I didn't know what else to do."

Daichi felt his cheeks redden as he looked past the man towards the kitchen and dining room. There was dinner on the table, steaming and ready to go. Lit candles were placed in the center of the table, giving the room just the right amount of romantic ambiance that made Daichi melt inside.

All of the doubts that had plagued his mind for the past few weeks dissolved in an instant. And now, all he felt was bold.

He swallowed and stepped even closer into Kuroo's space, his heart pounding away in his chest.

"That wasn't very nice of you, Tetsurou," Daichi said lowly.

Kuroo shivered, and finally lifted his head to meet Daichi's eyes. His cheeks flushed as he noticed the look on Daichi's face, and then that signature smirk tugged on his lips.

"Ah, well… I'm usually known for being a nice guy, but…" Kuroo said. "I guess sometimes being a bad guy has its perks."

Daichi smiled, his heart feeling full. He stepped into Kuroo's space and leaned his forehead against his, feeling Kuroo's messy hair tickling his skin. He looked into those catlike eyes and sighed, feeling warm.

"You really did all of this for me?" Daichi asked him.

Kuroo swallowed, his smile turning shy. "Well… I didn't know how else to get your attention." He frowned a little. "Sorry… It was probably too much, wasn't it?"

Daichi smiled. "Well, it was a surprise," he said. "But since it's you, I guess I can let it slide just this once."

Kuroo gasped quietly at his words, and he suddenly started to fidget, the bouquet in his grasp shaking slightly.

"Daichi, I… These last few weeks with you have been really amazing, and I've really liked getting to know you," Kuroo said. He gestured towards the flowers, lifting them up so Daichi could see them. "Um… So, I was wondering, um… Would you go out with me?"

Daichi huffed and took the flowers from Kuroo, smirking up at Kuroo.

"What, no confession?" he asked, teasing Kuroo.

Kuroo's face flushed a deep red. "Ah, w-wait a minute! I mean, of c-course I like—"

Before Kuroo could finish his sentence, Daichi cupped his cheek and leaned up to kiss him. Kuroo hummed into the kiss, his hand reaching up to squeeze Daichi's shoulder to encourage him to continue. His hand slid up Daichi's neck to hold the back of his head as he tilted him upward to deepen the kiss.

Daichi sighed as they parted, both starry-eyed and wet-lipped as they took in each other's breaths.

"Wow," Daichi said. "You're a good kisser."

Kuroo smiled, his ego obviously enjoying the praise. "I'll let you keep practicing on me so you can get better, too."

Daichi laughed and kissed Kuroo on the cheek. "Well, I would hope so since you're my boyfriend."

Kuroo gasped softly. "Boyfriend…"

Daichi smiled at him and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I like you, Tetsurou. I like you a lot," he said. "So, yes. I want to go out with you."

Kuroo's eyes fluttered shut as Daichi kissed along his jaw, and then he sighed as Daichi rested his forehead on his shoulder.

Daichi let out a huge sigh in relief and sagged against his new boyfriend.

"Shit. I'm so happy," Daichi said. "I was so worried that I had messed everything up."

"What? That's why you ignored my calls?" Kuroo asked, reaching up to rub the back of Daichi's neck. "Geez, Daichi. I thought you regretted what you did and panicked. I was afraid that I…" His voice cracked a little, making Daichi's heart leap. "I was scared that I disgusted you."

Daichi leaned up and grabbed Kuroo's shoulder. "Never! You could never disgust me!"

Kuroo just smiled gently. "I know. Suga had to convince me that you really did like me and that I shouldn't give up on you."

Daichi groaned. "Ugh, Suga's never going to let this go!"

"Nope! He even said that we owe him big time," Kuroo said.

"Fine, whatever," Daichi said. "I'm just… so happy that you like me back."

Kuroo smiled. "I do like you. A lot." He kissed Daichi's forehead, and the action made his legs feel like jelly. "C'mon. I cooked dinner for us. Not as spicy this time," he said with a wink.

Damn, that wink was sexy.

"Do I get something sweet then later?" Daichi asked, his unfiltered mouth spewing what his love-infused brain was already thinking.

Kuroo sputtered and lowered his head, grabbing Daichi's hand and leading him to the table.

"W-Well, I mean… if you'd like, y-you can… stay over," Kuroo said, his face turning redder by the second.

Daichi smiled at him, his lips wobbly as nervousness and excitement grew in his chest like a blossoming flower.

"Okay. Uh, I don't have any clothes with me, though…" Daichi said. "I just have my uniform."

Kuroo's ears were red hot. "Ah, that's okay." He turned his head a bit and smirked playfully. "I like a man in uniform."

Daichi was so doomed.

"So, you called Kenma about me?"

"Yeah… He told me that we were both idiots."

"Oh. I was expecting him to hate me."

"Pfft. Kenma wouldn't hate you for that."

Daichi and Kuroo were snuggled up together in Kuroo's bed, both only wearing their underwear. Daichi's head rested on Kuroo's bare chest, his hand gently stroking his side.

"Ah, so he and Suga both think we're dumb," Daichi said.

"Pretty much," Kuroo said.

Daichi sighed, burying his forehead on Kuroo's chest. "I should've talked to you. I never should've run out that night."

Kuroo rubbed Daichi's back. "No, don't beat yourself up over it." He kissed the top of Daichi's head. "I guess I should've confessed to you sooner. Then none of that heartache would've happened."

"Oh, like when?" Daichi asked. "Our feelings developed pretty quickly, didn't they? It's not like you would've realized it in the short time that we've reconnected."

Kuroo chuckled awkwardly and then scratched his cheek. "I actually… started liking you back in high school."

Daichi paused, letting the words float around for a moment.

Then, he pushed himself up to stare down at Kuroo.

"Wait a minute! You started liking me in high school?" Daichi asked.

Kuroo rubbed the side of his neck. "Uh… yes?"

"W-When? How?" Daichi asked.

"I already told you when, and I don't understand your second question."

Daichi grabbed his pillow and slapped Kuroo's face with it once.

"You know what I mean!" Daichi said.

Kuroo lowered the pillow, giving a low chuckle. He reached up and hooked his elbow around Daichi's neck and gently tugged him back down on his chest.

"It wasn't quite love at first sight, but you were a lot of fun to tease," Kuroo explained. "Our rivalry really turned me on."

"Oi."

Kuroo laughed. "I'm kidding! Well, only a little bit," he said. "I don't know, Daichi. It was during some of the interactions we'd had. And then, once graduation was over, I felt… well, I felt a little empty since I didn't have a chance to talk to you again."

Daichi's heart wrenched painfully inside. "Tetsu, I'm so sorry. I wish I had stayed in contact with you." He winced, his hand curling into a fist on Kuroo's chest. "If I had, then maybe we could've been together sooner."

Kuroo rested his hand on Daichi's chest. "It's okay. Really. We're together now, and that's what counts."

Daichi smiled and tilted his head up, locking eyes with Kuroo. He leaned up and kissed Kuroo softly, the other man melting into the touch. Once they parted, Daichi snuggled back up with Kuroo, letting his eyes fall closed as Kuroo ran his fingers through his hair.

"Oh, wow," Kuroo said. "The stars really are prettier here."

Daichi craned his neck to peek out the bedroom window, and he noticed the large array of stars that filled the night sky. It was just as beautiful as the night he reunited with Kuroo.

He looked back up at Kuroo, taking in his kind smile, his messy hair, his muscled body… and the amazing sparkle in his eyes.

"Yeah," Daichi said, not even remotely talking about the stars anymore. "They really are."