BokuAka (Bokuto/Akaashi) | Fluff/Romance | 1st Year/2nd Year, in which Bokuto has Akaashi help him study
"Your falling asleep again," Akaashi said sharply, delivering a poke of his pencil to Bokuto's forehead.
Bokuto jerked awake, blinking sleep from his eyes. He grimaced, remembering that they were studying in the School library. He glanced down at his paper, noting he hadn't made a whole lot of progress without Akaashi's help. Grumbling, he forced himself to concentrate on the next question.
He really didn't understand a lot of this, truthfully. And it was incredibly infuriating being stuck on the same question for more than thirty minutes. He dreaded asking for help, because he didn't like to seem unreliable. Plus, it wasn't fun to ask the same person for help constantly. He tapped the tip of his pencil against the desk unconsciously, his fingers moving tirelessly. Plus, every time he tried to focus on the answer, he'd get distracted. By the little dust particles drifting in the sunlight, or the way Akaashi's lashes glowed softly under the rays.
The way his hair lit up to a golden brown, the way he pursed his lips every so often, before gliding through the question with ease. He'd be jealous if he wasn't in complete awe of him. Akaashi was in the college prep classes, so it was extremely well known that he was particularly smart. Bokuto smiled to himself, watching him for another moment. His cheeks seemed a little more flushed than usual, now that he thought about it. He hoped he wasn't catching a fever.
Suddenly, Bokuto groaned rather loudly, rummaging his hands through his hair in absolute frustration. He'd done it again and had gotten distracted.
He let his head fall against the desk with a painfully loud thump, but he didn't mind it any. It was welcome, in a sense. He'd reacted suddenly and without much thought, so now he was a bit too embarrassed to look up. Akaashi would have noticed, and he would know that Bokuto definitely needed help again. And just as the thought came, something tapped him lightly in the middle of his head, where his hair split.
"Bokuto," Akaashi's calm voice said, a hint of amusement mingling with the single word. "Are you stuck?"
"Yeph," he mumbled against the table. It was really embarrassing that he had to have a First year help him in his own Second year studies. Another thing to prove just exactly how amazing Akaashi was. Truly a saint, to stay behind and offer him his advice and tutorship. Despite their teammates warnings of Bokuto being a lost cause, he hadn't even batted an eye.
"What?" Akaashi asked, tapping his head again, and more persistently. It was probably the end of his pencil.
Looking up with a resigned expression, Bokuto grimaced and gave a small pout. "Yes," he said, more clearly now that his face wasn't being shielded.
He was a bit surprised when Akaashi suddenly got up, moving so that he was sitting in the seat next to Bokuto. He hadn't done this earlier, but now he was sitting adjacent to him. Fighting the urge to flinch away at the closeness, he firmly gripped his pencil and shook his head to the First year. Defiantly, he said, "No, I don't want to keep asking you for help. Plus, you have your own studying to do."
He was met with a slight smile, something that had no lesser effect than making him feel as if he'd swallowed hot chocolate. Sweet, and warm. "I'm almost finished anyways. See, only a few questions left," Akaashi responded, tapping at the end of his paper to show that he was, in fact, almost finished.
How smart is he, exactly? Bokuto wondered, wishing he could steal at least some of his intellect.
Encouraged a bit more by this, Bokuto gave in and pushed his paper a bit closer, which in turn prompted Akaashi to scooch his chair closer so he could lean in. Feeling his ears begin to warm, he ignored the way Akaashi's shoulder was lightly brushing his own, or the way he looked as he leaned down to read the question.
His brain was buzzing with the effort to not lean closer, or brush that stray bit of hair that was curling way too close to his eyes. His fingers did twitch at the thought, though. His heart beating, he was so enamored with Akaashi that he didn't pay any attention to the words he was saying. He spoke so surely, with no hesitance. His expression furrowed with thought as he considered what he was saying. Much the opposite of Bokuto, as far as studying went. Where he lacked confidence in knowledge, Akaashi seemed to be overflowing in it. Though when it came to Volleyball, it seemed the confidence was more in his favor, thankfully.
"Bokuto," Akaashi said suddenly, his expression now sour with a frown. He watched as he leaned away, his expression piercing as he asked, "So. Did you even hear a thing I said?"
"Wha—um... yes?" Bokuto said suddenly, in automatic response. Shit. He definitely had not been paying attention.
"Really?" Akaashi countered, leaning back in his chair and fixing him with a cold, hard expression. His eyes were unflinchingly direct, sharp and to the point. If he ever wanted to be a Teacher, he was sure he'd do just fine. That kind of expression was enough to douse a Student with cold water and stand alert. "What did I just say, then?"
Bokuto paled and hunched over, tapping his pencil against the paper and leaving tiny little marks. "Uh... uhm... yeah, I lied. Sorry. I got distracted."
He was met with a sigh of exasperation. "Distracted by what? There isn't any else here," the First year scolded, tsking and pointing suddenly at the question. "I'm not going to explain this again, so you'd better pay attention, got it?"
Nodding eagerly, Bokuto peeled his gaze away from Akaashi and focused instead on the question. If he didn't that probably meant Akaashi was going to leave because he'd get fed up with Bokuto. And he wanted to spend a little bit more time with him, even if it wasn't all that much. Just a little bit more time to notice all the small details in Akaashi's expression, or the way their shoulders were still brushing together.
He grimaced as someone haphazardly threw their arm around him, shoving into him with all of their weight. When he glanced over, he wasn't surprised to see it was Komi. A bored looking Konoha toted behind him, as if it were only a second thought that he was there. Surprisingly, there was no Bokuto in sight, which confused him. But only slightly. It was Exams season, and he'd been helping Bokuto relentlessly with studying.
"Yoo, Akaashi!" Komi greeted loudly, before tottering away slightly and grinning broadly. "Guess what!"
"What?" he said, not entirely a fan of guessing games. Konoha just short him a smirk, his eyes momentarily drifting away from his phone screen and to the conversation. It was already after School, so they would hopefully not be scolded by any Teachers. Even more of a fact that it was weird Bokuto wasn't here. He was always first to be excited about getting to practice.
"Boo, your no fun," Komi sighed, before a devilish grin flashed across his face. "Bokuto had to take a supplementary lesson because he failed the test first time around."
"Is that why he's not here right now...?" Akaashi asked, a bit confused. Why was he just now hearing about this? It was extremely hard for Bokuto to hold back any, and all information. He just simply talked a lot — sometimes, too much for his own good.
"Because he was embarrassed and didn't want to tell you. He was moping about how he'd let you down and everything. It was really funny actually. He was all, 'I can't believe this! I don't deserve to be tutored by Akaashi because he's just so amaz—ow!" Konoha monologued, before yelping as an elbow was delivered to his ribs. Komi had fixed him with a very stern expression, which seemed to damper the other's agitation.
"Anyways... he should be done soon, so we should all get changed for practice," Komi said, leading the way to the club room.
Akaashi frowned, following them with his eyes drifting up to the second floor every so often. Why'd he be embarrassed to tell him about failing his test? Or even ashamed, really. He wasn't a stranger to Bokuto and his somewhat aloof antics. Plus, though he wouldn't say it aloud, he definitely wasn't academically gifted. Which would have been all the more reason to have come to Akaashi when he'd failed, so that he could help him study for his supplementary lesson. Everyone knew he struggled with studying, so why was it so awful that he'd failed? He just didn't understand his thought process.
Sighing, he followed Komi and Konoha into the club room to change into their practice attire.
Practice didn't last too long, much to Akaashi's surprise. Something about the Third years having plans, and the Captain not wanting to stay behind. They left lockup to the Second years, with supervised cleaning duty. It was starting to get cooler out by the time they were done. Akaashi glanced at the sun, which was casting pastel steaks in the sky. Soon it'd be dark and crimson.
Which was even more concerning, when he noted that Bokuto was still not hear. Changing his clothes, he paused outside the gym and hesitated as Komi and Konoha led the way towards the Entrance.
Noticing that he'd seemed reluctant to follow, Konoha asked, "Whats up?"
"Just thought Bokuto would probably come here first, before checking the entrance. He probably still thinks we're all practicing, so I'll wait for him here," he answered. Akaashi set his bag down on the ground. It wasn't so much a concern, as it was amusing that he'd picked up on so many of Bokuto's habits. It would be like him to check here, after all. And he felt that he knew the Spiker pretty well. Knowing him, he'd think they were still at practice and would be rearing to go.
Sighing in unison, Komi and Konoha walked a bit of ways to the nearest vending machine. They came back with four drinks. Milk Coffee for the both of them, and then a peach drink and a tea drink. Akaashi wrinkled his nose at the thought of drinking the tea. But, he knew that Bokuto liked sweeter things. So, he took the tea without a complaint. When Bokuto pouted, it was a headache for all of them.
They didn't have to wait too long before they heard panting, followed by a shout. Akaashi glanced up, standing and brushing any dust from his pants. He'd been sitting on the step that led into the gym, so his legs were a bit sore from the discomfort. Bokuto was charging at them with a wildly excited expression on his face, waving a paper in the air like it was some flashy certificate. He definitely looked happy with himself.
Alarmingly, Bokuto didn't slow his run as he got closer. And even more alarmingly, he was heading straight for Akaashi.
Bracing for impact, he reeled back a little as Bokuto suddenly made a wide, sweeping gesture. He was swept up in an instant between two incredibly strong arms, lifted into the air, and being swung around in the pale haired man's excitement. Akaashi was glad that his face was slightly hidden from view, because he could feel his body tensing up and his face turning bright red.
"Bokuto, your going to crush him to death!" Komi suddenly exclaimed, halting the midair assault.
Akaashi was set to the ground, stumbling back a bit as he regained some of his composure. "What...?" he gasped, staring blankly at Bokuto.
He was beaming from ear to ear as he suddenly thrust his paper forward, his golden eyes swimming with pride. Akaashi slowly broke his gaze away from Bokuto's adorably excited expression, and focused on the bold, circled writing in the top right hand corner. Tapping the paper, he said, "Look!"
"Wow, 85? That's great," Akaashi congratulated, and the words probably seemed a bit informal. But his tone held exactly how proud he was of him. Someone who would struggle on a single question for 30 minutes straight. Akaashi's voice held his honestly, which made the Spiker's smile grow even more stupidly wide.
"All thanks to you, and your amazing tutoring skills!" Bokuto exclaimed, shoving the paper, now crinkled, into his bag.
Komi and Konoha handed him the drink, suddenly, both of them looked amused. Akaashi, still a bit shaken from Bokuto's bear hug, relaxed for the first time that evening. He hadn't realized how stressful it'd been without him there at practice. Somehow, Bokuto seemed to really lift the others' moods. He really knew how to bring out the best in their teammates, even at times when he wasn't doing so hot himself.
"Everyone went home already," Akaashi suddenly said, staring at him with a level expression.
"What! Already? Maannn," Bokuto grumbled, taking a gulp of the peach drink. Swallowing, he added, "But you'll toss me some, right, 'Kaashi?"
Akaashi fought a small smile, threatening to tug at his lips. Of course he was admittedly a bit excited at the thought of being able to practice more with Bokuto. But, he instead opted to frowning slightly, knowing full and well that his expression was probably unreadable. "I don't know, Bokuto. I mean, it is getting pretty late. Plus, we've already cleaned up..."
"Please!" Bokuto exclaimed, grabbing both of Akaashi's shoulders as if his life depended on this practice.
Akaashi fought the smile again, his expression softening slightly. He couldn't understand what amused him so much about Bokuto. Or, heaven forbid, why he found him to be so interesting. It wasn't like he usually got along with guys like him. Or maybe, he'd just never really tried to get along with them. But for some reason, he drew out the best possible outcome in every interaction. He was like a magnet, in a sense.
"Ugh, you guys are gonna make me sick. I'm going home," Konoha said with a groan, turning and walking away.
Komi flung the keys at them, smirking as he said, "You guys are responsible for locking up!" before scampering after their teammate.
He watched as they left, before smiling and turning back towards the club room. Glancing over his shoulder, he said a quick, "Lets get changed," and led the way. He couldn't lie, the way Bokuto happily dashed after him made him a tiny bit happy. As much of a handful as he was, he'd grown rather used to the other's moods, and company.
They'd finished up cleaning the gym, and were already heading back home. The sky was dotted with tiny, barley visible stars, inky and black. A shiver rushed up his spine, making him focus his gaze on the roads. "Hey, Akaashi?" he suddenly asked.
Akaashi replied with a tired, "Mm?"
Bokuto glanced sideways at him, studying his expression. He definitely seemed worn out; he felt pretty bad for roping him into even more extra practice. The guilty feeling had definitely gotten way stronger on the silent walk home. Especially since Akaashi seemed to be kind of out of it, when he usually wasn't.
"Wanna go get something to eat, as a treat? I feel bad for making you practice with me," Bokuto said honestly, hoping Akaashi would accept. It wasn't every day he was able to treat him to something, or even have the guts to hang out one on one with him. His nerves were all jumbled up from even asking him.
Akaashi suddenly looked up in surprise, frowning slightly. "I wanted to practice though, Bokuto. It's not like you forced me to be there."
"Still, let me get you something. I'm hungry anyways," he countered, frowning right back at him. Akaashi and Bokuto were both pretty stubborn, so Bokuto hoped that he was even just a smidgen more stubborn than him. That way, he'd have a chance at him accepting.
After a moment of silence, Akaashi sighed and gave in. "Alright."
Grinning broadly, Bokuto led them off course from their usual path. He knew a small convenience store that sold some quick food, and it sat on a cozy spot along the River. There was even a space where you could sit, and look at the water. Though he grimaced at how excited he sounded about planning this out. It wasn't something to get so worked up over, right?
Pushing the thought away, he and Akaashi walked until the store was within view. He pushed the door open eagerly, buying the both of them a riceball, and then a meat bun for himself. Akaashi had scolded him about buying too much to eat before dinner, to which Bokuto waved him off. He would still have an appetite when he got home, so he didn't mind. He was always hungry, anyways.
Exiting the shop, he stopped Akaashi from returning home and instead led the way to the little area. It was clear, with a few seats placed at the edge of the river. The water sparkled with lights from shops still open at this hour, dancing on the moving surface. Bokuto sat down, stirring only when Akaashi decided to seat himself next to him.
They ate in silence. It was more comfortable than the first time they'd walked home together, which had been so awkward and unsure. Bokuto smiled at the memory, amused at how he'd been so incredibly nervous. He was still a little bit nervous, but the feeling had become familiar, and a bit different. The best way to describe it was that he always felt more warm, whenever Akaashi was around.
"I'm really glad I decided to come to this School, and join the Volleyball team," Akaashi said suddenly, his fingers placed neatly in his lap. Bokuto glanced over at him, noting that his blue eyes looked even prettier with all of the lights glinting off of them. His held a slight smile, content and unburdened with worry. His words even struck him as a little surprising; it was rare Akaashi ever opened up fully in conversation.
"Really?" he responded, his interest piqued. He would take whatever he would get, honestly. "How come?"
His smile didn't waver, or flicker in the slightest. If anything, it seemed to grow even warmer. Whatever he was thinking, he must be incredibly happy about it. His heart thumped just a little bit faster. Akaashi glanced over at him and answered simply, "I just really like the team, and everyone on it, I guess."
He seemed to want to say more, but then thought better of it. Though he was curious, he didn't want to push it. Leaning against his chair, he finished his meat bun and sighed tiredly. He could close his eyes and just sleep, right then and there. It was peaceful, with the ambient city sounds drifting around in the background. The water was gushing below, and he was spending the evening with someone he really enjoyed being around.
What wasn't there to enjoy about tonight? It was pretty perfect.
"C'mon, lets head home, before you fall asleep," Akaashi finally said, though his tone made it sound like he didn't want to go home either. Sighing and giving in, he watched as he began to walk away, hands tucked neatly in his pockets, with his bag swinging over his shoulder. Pushing himself up, he followed after Akaashi. Sometimes he wished he could pause moments like this. To be able to take in everything, with as much time as possible.