Author's Note: This story will have fluff, angst, hurt/comfort, all of the good things! BokuAka is my comfort ship, and what was originally going to be a one-shot, has turned into a full-on chaptered story. Enjoy :))

Chapter 1

Bokuto laughed, the kind of laugh that exercises your core muscles. "I still can't believe this picture that Kenma took of you on your trip to the beach this summer," he loudly mused, phone in hand. The picture on his phone screen was a photo of Kuroo in a duck-print speedo with a giant splotch of strawberry ice cream streaking down his stomach, a disgruntled look on his face and his snorkel pushed up awkwardly onto his forehead. It was definitely not the most photogenic picture of his friend.

Kuroo shook his head. "They're sneaky, that one. But I have no more dignity left to lose, unfortunately," the young man with tousled black hair responded, a faint smirk playing at his lips. As much as he tried to be annoyed at his partner, it wasn't entirely their fault. Kuroo did act like a dork very often, knowing full well his potential consequences. There was nothing left for him to hide at this point, at least not from his partner, Kenma, or from his classmate and close friend, Bokuto. "Speaking of the devil reincarnate: Kozume should be getting off work in about an hour. They said we can begin studying in the cafe until they're ready, then we can head to the study rooms."

Bokuto hummed happily in acknowledgement, following Kuroo into the local coffee shop. As usual, the smell of coffee hit the two men in the face with its pleasant and robust scent. Kenma's waist-length, dark hair that faded to blonde at the ends was pulled up in a messy ponytail, and the young adult had their head bowed as they looked intently into the pitcher of steaming milk they were working on. A pout of concentration adorned his face as he muttered out a "good afternoon." Kuroo's smirk turned into a soft smile as he saw the human he had been in love with for years. Kuroo and Kenma had been friends since childhood, then spent a few years mutually pining after each other before officially beginning to date almost two years ago.

"Good afternoon," called out another soft voice, this one only slightly louder.

Bokuto turned his head toward the direction of the second voice, this one coming from the register. There stood the most beautiful person this boy had ever met. The stranger had short, curly black hair and lightly tanned skin with soft, graceful features that made Bokuto believe it must be a work of the gods. Calm, focused, blue eyes— or maybe green eyes?-– met his golden ones, and the man of many words suddenly had none. Bokuto felt his breathing hitch.

Kuroo raised an eyebrow at the sudden silence coming from his friend, but both moved toward the young barista that seemed ready to take their order. Kuroo ordered his cold brew with vanilla and oat milk, then it was Bokuto's turn to order. "One oat cappuccino!- Please– with honey!" He spoke quickly and loudly. He stumbled over his order, but it wasn't everyday man was faced with such trials as ordering from a stunning barista.

"Can I have your name?" the unfamiliar barista questioned, voice monotone.

Bokuto felt his heart land in stomach. His eyes widened and he cocked his head to the side in confusion. His name? The young man contemplated this. Did this stranger want to marry him already? Did he hear that right? That should be a red flag, but still, maybe it was fate after all? Sure, they didn't know each other, but they could get to know–

The stunning barista coughed quietly, interrupting Bokuto from his thoughts. "Your name? For the cappuccino…?"

Bokuto blushed, embarrassed by how miserably he had misread the situation. "It's Bokuto!" he exclaimed. Why was he still speaking so hurriedly?

The tiniest of smiles formed on the barista's lips. "We'll have your drink right out for you, Bokuto-san." The raven-haired stranger politely responded. There was a gesture towards the end of the bar, where Kenma was handing Kuroo his cold brew.

"Thanks, baby." Kuroo smiled at the shorter human.

Bokuto rushed over to his friend, happy to oblige with the polite stranger's directions. Shit. This person was stunning and cute? 'Bokuto-san.' The way the voice was so soft and gentle, almost like a lullaby.. But so self-assured, still. 'Bokuto-san.' He wanted to hear that again. He looked back as the black-haired beauty took the next customer's order, studying the nearly expressionless face. 'Bokuto-san.' That's it. He was captivated. Bokuto and Kuroo both received their coffees and sat at a table. Kuroo had his arms crossed as he waited for Bokuto's attention to turn to him.

After a couple minutes, Kuroo interrupted the silence, a sly smile on his face. "You know, the last time you were this quiet, you were asleep."

Bokuto's head snapped to face Kuroo. "I don't know what you're tal–"

"Oya, Bo? Are you saying you don't want to leave your number?"

Bokuto's cheeks reddened. "I would, but I don't have time for that kinda thing!"

"Make time."

"I don't even know their name!"

"Akaashi Keiji. He just started working here two days ago." Kenma interrupted.

So he was a guy. Bokuto was so blown away by the barista's beauty, he hadn't even thought to wonder about his gender. Although he had only dated men and only ever been attracted to men until this point, he had felt he could maybe date a girl or someone nonbinary if they looked like that.

"Akaashi Keiji." He wondered what the name would sound like if he said it aloud. When both Kuroo and Kenma looked at him in unison, he wondered if he had said it out loud after all. He was smitten either way.

"That's your friend you were telling me about from school, right?" Kuroo asked.

Kenma nodded once. "I'm in an organization with him. We started hanging out outside of school, and I got him the job here. He's a second year student, like me."

Bokuto often forgot that Kenma was younger than himself and Kuroo, who were both in their third year at university. Unlike Kenma, who worked and was involved in a couple of organizations, Bokuto's and Kuroo's free time was consumed by volleyball day and night unless they were studying or in class. But somehow Kuroo still had time for Kenma. He might as well ask this Akaashi out on a date, right? The worst that could happen was complete rejection, after all.

"Come on, Bo. I know that look," Kuroo teased. "Go leave your number."

"I think I will!" Bokuto nodded, a new energy coursing through his body as he pulled out a pen from his bag. Ripping a piece of paper from his calculus notebook, he wrote down his name and phone number. A fire burned behind his amber eyes that were framed by three chunks of his two-toned hair. He stormed up to the front counter.

"Hey hey hey!" Bokuto cheerfully greeted, a large smile shining across his face. Akaashi couldn't help but notice how the other man's eyes seemed to sparkle, and his features were handsome. His shoulders were incredibly broad, his biceps were barely contained by the tight t-shirt sleeves, and even his forearms were muscular as he waved energetically. Akaashi finally recognized the man as the ace from their college volleyball team, the most powerful and accurate outside on the whole team. And their school was really strong when it came to volleyball, so that's saying something. This athlete looked very different up close compared to the few times Akaashi had watched their games from the bleachers. And didn't he usually have his hair gelled up in crazy spikes?

"Hello." Akaashi gave a small smile.

"Akaashi, I'm Bokuto Kotaro. You're so pretty! Please go on a date with me," he pleaded. He slammed his hand down on the counter, sliding the piece of paper across the counter to Akaashi.

The raven-haired man's eyes widened as he took a step back, but when his eyes made contact with the sparkly golden orbs, he suddenly felt very warm. This man was clearly out of Akaashi's league, and his personality was so incredibly warm and bright compared to his own reserved personality. There's no way someone like that actually wanted to go on a date with him.

"You're the ace of our volleyball team, right?" questioned Akaashi.

"Oh, you know who I am? Heh, well, I guess some people would say so," Bokuto humbly responded, a hand on the back of his neck as he chuckled.

"Is this some kind of joke?"

"What?" Bokuto's eyes widened as he stepped forward earnestly, "No! I mean it fully! I want to get to know you better! If you're at all interested, please let me treat you tomorrow night, okay?"

Akaashi could feel the sincerity radiating from the slightly taller man. He was being completely honest, or he was a really skillful liar.

But damn, he was attractive. And Akaashi was very single.

A nod. "I'm free tomorrow."

"Wonderful! It's a date!"

The quieter man looked down, the soft smile returning to his face. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Bokuto-san."

"See you tomorrow!"

The next morning, as Bokuto was getting his post-morning-practice workout in, his phone dinged. It was a text from Akaashi.

Akaashi: This is Akaashi Keiji. Here is my dorm. (picture)

Bokuto: thank u! i will be there at 7pm!

Bokuto: i can't wait to see u!

Bokuto: how does dinner at tatsu-ya sound?

Akaashi: That sounds great, Bokuto-san.

Bokuto: :DDD

And just like that, he officially had a date with the stunning barista. Since it was a Tuesday, however, and all his classes were on Mondays and Wednesdays, he had no classes to help pass the time. Today was going to move so slowly, huh? Maybe he could kill more time at the gym today, then.

Finally, hour by painful hour, the morning and afternoon had come and gone. It was time for the date! Bokuto would be picking up Akaashi any minute now. He was sitting on his bed, anxiously fidgeting with his hands, when he heard the knock at the door. He had gone on a date a couple weeks ago, but he wasn't nearly as nervous for it as he was for this date. The last date had gone decently, but the other guy didn't know what he was looking for, so it ended after that one date. Come to think of it, Akaashi had never made it past the first few dates with any of the other guys he had ever gone out with. Would this one be any different? It felt different.

He answered the door, wearing straight-leg black jeans, cuffed at the ankles, and a blue long sleeved button up with the sleeves neatly rolled to ¾ length. He had black high-top vans on, and simple, black huggie hoops adorned his ears. His short curly hair was neatly styled, a few gelled curls falling onto his forehead.

"Good evening," he greeted.

"Hi Akaaaaaashi!"

Bokuto was wearing dark wash ripped skinny jeans with a black, tight, v-neck t-shirt and a light wash denim jacket with the sleeves haphazardly pushed up to reveal his forearms. Did he only own tight t-shirts? That's when Akaashi realized: maybe he's not wearing tight t-shirts, maybe that's just how normal shirts fit him. He also wore bright red converse, a silver watch on his left wrist, and his hair once again fell angelically around his eyes and ears. Akaashi still wasn't used to seeing Bokuto with his hair down, after only ever seeing him on the court until now.

Bokuto stepped forward. "You look great." His golden eyes held their usual sparkle as he complimented him.

"Thank you," Akaashi's face suddenly became very warm, "So do you."

"Th-thank you!" He grinned. "I bet you're hungry, right? Let's go!"

Akaashi nodded, happily following the energetic gray-haired man out the door. The conversation as they walked to the restaurant felt comfortable. Bokuto did most of the talking, which Akaashi was perfectly happy with. And whenever Akaashi asked a clarifying question or hummed thoughtfully, Bokuto knew that the other was genuinely listening. Akaashi was so entranced by his eyes that crinkled happily at the corners and how his eyebrows seemed to dance enthusiastically when he was particularly excited, that he didn't notice the crosswalk signal had turned red until a firm hand gripped his wrist and stopped him in his tracks.

The touch sent electricity to his spine.

Looking down at his wrist, he saw that the hand was indeed attached to his handsome date. And the touch was electric. That was new.

Bokuto rubbed the back of his own neck with his other hand as he apologized. "Sorry for grabbing you so suddenly! Just didn't know if you saw the crosswalk change. I didn't mean to startle you."

So he wasn't only a super fit athlete with an attractive face and energetic personality, but he was also considerate? This was only getting better. "It's fine," the younger replied.

As Bokuto began to lead Akaashi towards the restaurant once the light turned green, hand still on his wrist, Akaashi couldn't help but let his eyes wander down Bokuto's back and land on his behind. Those skinny jeans were definitely doing wonders for Bokuto's ass, Akaashi thought. Or maybe his butt was just naturally that hot? Well, he was an athlete, so both thoughts were likely true.

They finally arrived at the restaurant and took their seats.

"So, tell me all about yourself, Kaashi," Bokuto encouraged.

Akaashi blushed. 'Kaashi?' He kind of liked it, and he wasn't the nickname type of person. Then again, he didn't care for being called 'pretty' either, but when Bokuto did it yesterday, he thought he could enjoy that compliment as long as it was coming from him. And improper punctuation would usually be annoying, but from him, it was endearing. This man had already overturned his world in so many ways.

"Well, I work at Café Ne with Kenma-san. I'm an English major. My minor is art and animation."

Bokuto was enthralled by Akaashi's every word. "That's so cool! So you're like, really smart, right? To be an English major," the owl-reminiscent man encouraged. "And art! I want to see your art sometime, please, if that's okay with you?"

Bokuto noticed Akaashi fidgeting with his fingers again. It was cute how he did that when he was deep in thought. At first Bokuto had been worried the more reserved man would be annoyed by his energy, but Akaashi seemed invested, even if he was more laid back.

"Yeah, that would be okay," Akaashi responded.

The waiter came and took their orders, then left. Bokuto had ordered some sake for the both of them. Classy.

"You're the ace of the volleyball team. Tell me about that," Akaashi urged.

"Hah! There's not much to say, I just love playing volleyball! We've been doing really well in our games, and we have a tournament coming up." Bokuto spoke as if he wasn't one of the best outsides in all of college volleyball, and chose instead to talk about his team as a whole. He wasn't prideful, despite having every right to be, as the ace of such a great team. Akaashi was practically swooning now. Add humility to that list of positive qualities.

"Has your starting setter recovered from his knee surgery yet?"

"He hasn't made a full recovery yet, but he finally came to practice on Monday! I was so glad to have him back! We're really connected, you know. He knows how I like my sets, and he's really skilled, too. Wait, how do you know about his surgery? Just how invested are you in our team? I knew you had watched a few games, but…"

"Oh, I just really like watching, it's my favorite sport. When I noticed you had a different setter for a game recently, I got curious and looked it up on our school news website."

"Wow, so you're really observant! Have you ever tried playing volleyball?"

"Yeah, I've played a bit."

Bokuto's eyes widened in excitement, the sparkle shining even brighter, if that was possible. He looked even more owl-like, with his eyebrows shooting up toward his hairline in that way. "Whoaaaa! For how long did you play? Tell me more!"

"I played in middle school… and through high school."

"Whaa!? How cool! Did you like it?"

"I loved it, yes," Akaashi responded, a nostalgic grin on his face. This was the happiest he had looked since Bokuto first met him.

"You should have kept playing, then." Bokuto's voice became more gentle and serious.

"I wanted to…" Akaashi replied, his voice sounding distant and… disappointed?

Their food was delivered to their table. Bokuto continued, "Did you… did you try out for the team? I don't remember seeing you at freshman tryouts your freshman year?"

"That was a while ago, Bokuto-san. Over a year ago."

"But I would have remembered seeing you." His voice was sincere as his golden eyes locked onto him. As he made eye contact Bokuto finally realized that yes, Akaashi's eyes were blue, but the center of his iris had a beautiful array of green.

"I didn't go to tryouts. It's complicated," Akaashi responded softly as he looked away from the slightly taller man. He chose, instead, to look into his plate of food as he fidgeted with his hands once again. "But it's okay. I probably wouldn't have started, even if I did make the team."

"But if you loved the sport, you shouldn't have talked yourself out of tryouts like that!

"That's not the reason why I didn't go."

"Oh?"

"Again, it's complicated."

Bokuto knew better than to push the issue further, but gave the younger man a sympathetic look. He moved on from the topic of tryouts. "Can I ask what position you used to play?"

"Setter."

"Can you toss for me sometime?"

"I haven't played in so long, I'm sure that I'm rusty."

"Please!"

Akaashi couldn't say no to such a beautiful, sincere face. "Okay, if you insist. Just don't expect a lot."

"No expectations! I just wanna have fun with you," the golden-eyed boy pressed.

Akaashi couldn't help but smile again. "Then it's a deal," he added.

Bokuto happily nodded, then put a piece of sushi into his open mouth. This man was a dork. He definitely wasn't at all what Akaashi assumed a college athlete would have been like, especially after seeing his showy introductions on the volleyball court.

"But enough about volleyball," Bokuto interrupted his date's thoughts, "Tell me about your art!"

And so the two talked through the entire dinner, and through the walk to the ice cream shop, and through dessert, and through the walk back to Akaashi's dorm, until the date finally came to a close. They learned so many things about each other, some things important, and some facts that were mostly useless.

Bokuto learned that Akaashi's mom and dad had divorced when he was in high school. He is an only child, he had really great grades, felt lots of pressure from his parents, and loved his new job at Café Ne. His facial expressions were minimal yet very telling of his emotions, his eyes were serious (and seriousLY easy to get lost in), his face was beautiful, and he was very fun to annoy because his eyebrows would furrow and his nose would scrunch just so adorably when he was peeved.

Akaashi learned that Bokuto had two moms. He was adopted as a baby, and he had two older sisters, both of which were married. His family supported him by coming to watch his games whenever they could come into town. He had been friends with Kuroo since middle school, who he roomed with during his freshman year of college. He was a kinesiology major with a minor in sports medicine, his physical attractiveness matched his attractive personality, his heart was kind, and he was so easy to talk to because his bright smile outshined any darkness.

And after learning so much about each other, the two men stood in front of Akaashi's dorm building, a soft smile on Akaashi's lips and a grin encompassing the lower half of Bokuto's face. Did this day have to end so soon?

"Thank you, Bokuto-san," Akaashi spoke up with a slight bow. He stood and looked up at the other man's face, and even though he was only a few inches shorter, he couldn't help but feel safe and secure in the taller one's presence. His eyes were drawn to Bokuto's lips, and Akaashi couldn't help but dream of kissing those lips. What would they feel like? But would someone like Bokuto, who was attractive, energetic, and kind–the full package–even want to kiss him? Or go on another date? Or…

Suddenly his lips were caressed by moist, soft flesh. An electrical surge shot through Akaashi's entire body, enveloping him in a warmth he had never experienced before. Only once the soft flesh parted from his lips was he able to process what had just taken place. He then realized that Bokuto's hand was on the back of his neck, and the older's lips were still parted from the kiss. Bokuto's eyes opened, and his facial features formed a look of awe and reverence that immediately caused Akaashi's face to get hot. When did he get so close? Their bodies were mere inches apart, and Bokuto's face was still hovering in front of his lips.

"You know, if you wanted a kiss, you could have just asked instead of staring at my lips for like five minutes," teased the gray-haired boy. Even though he had initiated the kiss, he still wasn't expecting Akaashi's lips to be so damn soft. His mind was still running a thousand miles per hour trying to process how amazed he was by just that first, quick kiss.

As expected, Akaashi's eyebrows furrowed at the teasing, but the annoyed look was much less effective when his face was so flushed. He had been staring? How embarrassing. But with Bokuto's face still so close, and his own lips still tingling from the contact, Akaashi couldn't help but act on impulse. He grabbed Bokuto's face with both hands and closed the distance once again. His heart raced. But as Bokuto wrapped his arm around Akaashi's waist, pulling him even closer, Akaashi realized he would do everything in his power to keep this man in his life. And as Bokuto licked Akaashi's lower lip, and as Akaashi responded by allowing his tongue to enter, both men realized they had fallen so, so madly in love.

Akaashi pulled away this time, his blue eyes half lidded with satisfaction. His face was still flushed. His heart, racing. "Thank you for such a lovely night, Bokuto-san."

Bokuto's eyes glistened as he nodded, his face equally tinted. He smiled wide. "The pleasure was all mine, Kaashi," he responded.

God, he was such a charismatic gentleman. "Goodnight," Akaashi spoke with a small smile. He placed a quick kiss on the smiling cheek of his hot date, then turned to walk back up to his apartment.

"Wait, real quick! Come to my game tomorrow? It's at 7pm, here on campus. Some of my family's coming into town to watch, too. Will you be there?" Bokuto earnestly requested.

Akaashi looked over his shoulder at the gray-haired man, nodded, and replied softly. "I'll be there."

Bokuto beamed. "I'll see you then!"

Akaashi nodded again, finally making his way back to his dorm. Both young men would struggle to fall asleep that night, their thoughts consumed by the other. But for now, it was the perfect end to a perfect date.