Chapter 7
"Easy there. Just take deep breaths."
"Ugh…"
"Are you okay? Does it hurt?"
"Y-Yeah, a litt—blegh!"
Bokuto rubbed soothing circles into Akaashi's back as he retched over the toilet. He winced at the sound, feeling his stomach twist in sympathy.
After Akaashi had been awake for a while, and after he was poked and prodded by several doctors, he was released and allowed to go home. Bokuto had helped him to his apartment with Tobio scooped up in his arms. When they got to the apartment, Bokuto had Akaashi sit on the couch while he put Tobio to bed.
Bokuto had planned to help Akaashi change out of his clothes and give him some water before he left, or maybe even make him a little soup to fill his empty stomach. But as soon as Bokuto tucked Tobio in, he heard feet pounding down the hallway that disappeared into the bathroom. And then, he heard the unsettling sound of painful vomiting.
Bokuto sat with Akaashi on the cold bathroom floor for almost an hour, trying to shush and comfort his friend as best as he possibly could. It was painful to watch, but Bokuto stuck it out. He did not want Akaashi to go through this alone. He felt chills run along his spine at the thought that Akaashi could be suffering through this by himself.
Akaashi coughed one more time and reached up to flush the toilet. He sighed and sat back on his feet, breathing slowly. Beads of sweat were sliding down his forehead and neck, making his skin shine.
"You feel better?" Bokuto asked, patting his back near his shoulder blades.
Akaashi nodded and let out a raspy, "Yeah."
Bokuto winced at the sound of his voice. He had gone completely hoarse from throwing up so much. He picked up a water bottle that he had grabbed from the kitchen earlier and handed it over to him. Akaashi took the bottle with trembling hands and uncapped it, taking slow sips to sooth his throat.
"I thought the doctors said the procedure was a success," Akaashi said after swallowing down the water.
"Ah, well…" Bokuto said, rubbing the back of his neck. "They also said that you could feel sick for a while after. They wanted to get the meds out of your system as best as possible."
Akaashi's face morphed into a combination of annoyance and exhaustion, and Bokuto could not help but smile. He stood to his feet and offered Akaashi a hand. Akaashi took his hand and Bokuto helped him to his feet.
"Let's get you to bed, okay?" Bokuto said, putting a supporting hand on his back.
He gingerly led them both out of the bathroom and to Akaashi's bedroom. When they reached Akaashi's bed, they both plopped down on the mattress. Akaashi scooted backward until his back touched the cool headboard, and Bokuto sat cross-legged in front of him.
"At least it's still Sunday, right? You don't have to go do anything today," Bokuto said.
Akaashi sighed and sat back, leaning against the headboard and letting the coolness hit his face. He stared up at the ceiling, looking a little forlorn.
"Yeah, well… let's hope I'm back at full health by tomorrow," Akaashi rasped.
Bokuto frowned. "What? You're planning on going into work tomorrow?"
Akaashi's deadpan expression did not change. "I have no choice. I need to be there."
Bokuto leaned back a little, reeling from his words. Just how strict was his job that he would have to come in even if he was not feeling well? Bokuto wondered how often Akaashi went to work while sick. He shook the thought away, feeling almost sick to his stomach at the idea.
"Akaashi, you're sick! You had a major procedure just a few hours ago!" Bokuto said. "You should take tomorrow off."
But Akaashi shook his head and then leaned back against the headboard again. He took a deep breath and sighed, his expression unreadable.
"I should be back to normal by tomorrow," Akaashi explained. "It's still really early in the morning. I have all day to recover."
"Akaashi…" Bokuto whined. "You can't be just saying that. You've been nauseous since we got back. Your stomach has to be hurting a lot!"
Akaashi averted his eyes, apparently finding the closet to be more interesting.
"It doesn't hurt that much," Akaashi said.
Bokuto quirked a brow. "Oh really?"
A slight hesitation, and then, "Yes."
Bokuto frowned and then leaned forward, reaching out his hand.
"So if I were to do this," Bokuto said as he pressed his hand on Akaashi's stomach, "it wouldn't hurt?"
Akaashi immediately recoiled and hissed, his face pulling into a wince. He gently knocked Bokuto's hand away to clutch his stomach.
"Doesn't hurt that much, huh?" Bokuto said skeptically. Akaashi only glared weakly at him in response, making him sigh. "Akaashi, the alcohol reacted to the pills and it ate away at your stomach. That's why you're in so much pain! You need to rest."
"Bokuto-san, please…" Akaashi said with a sigh. "I know. I know this, but…"
Akaashi's voice trailed off and his eyes went blank, his hand moving up to touch his bandaged cheek.
Bokuto's mouth clicked shut, the pieces falling together in one, screwed up puzzle. His face fell sadly as his shoulders sagged.
"Is… Is this about your parents?" Bokuto asked.
Akaashi turned his head and blinked out of his daze, the life sparking back into his eyes. He hesitated for a moment before letting his hand slowly fall from his bruised cheek to rest in his lap.
"My parents are not exactly… kind people," Akaashi said. He glanced down to look at his limp hands. "On the outside, they're kind and sophisticated. But deep down, they're incredibly critical of other people, and they have insanely high expectations."
Bokuto remained silent as Akaashi spoke, keeping his hands tight around his ankles. While he was excited to hear more about Akaashi's family life, he also felt a sense of dread. He desperately hoped that Akaashi had some semblance of a normal childhood.
But he knew that it wouldn't be true.
"Both of my parents are incredible musicians. They both play piano really well but my mother went on to play professionally while my father became a conductor," Akaashi continued.
He fiddled with his hands in his lap, looking as if he was straining to keep his face neutral. Bokuto noticed this little habit from time to time. He would tug on his fingers when he got especially nervous.
"They both advanced in their own careers until my mother launched her solo tours. Then, my father ended up as the new owner of the Tokyo Philharmonic. That was nearly twenty years ago now…" Akaashi said, his voice trailing off like an afterthought.
Bokuto cocked his head. "Did you ever get to see any of their performances?"
Akaashi's lip pulled to one side, resembling something like a grimace, and he shrugged halfheartedly.
"Sort of? I mean… I listened to my mother practicing in her studio a lot. And I got to hear some of the recordings from the orchestra when my father came home to analyze the performance," Akaashi said. "But other than that, I didn't get to go to the performance hall much."
"Why not?" Bokuto asked with a raised brow.
Akaashi's lips twisted for a moment, and then he turned his head away, looking a little sad.
"There was no one who could take me," Akaashi answered, his voice soft. "My parents were too busy to look after me at the performances, and the butler and maid were not required to go."
"Oh, so…" Bokuto stammered hesitantly. He bit his lip, not wanting to bring up foul or unpleasant memories. But he was genuinely curious of Akaashi's past, and he had a deep desire to get to know his new friend—especially with everything that had happened in the past few weeks. "So… your parents… Did they never… Were they…?"
"Ah. No, they weren't really around," Akaashi answered, saving Bokuto from the awkward and sensitive topic. But instead of feeling relief at hearing it straight from Akaashi's mouth, it only made him feel worse. "The butler and maid were really the ones who fed me up until I could cook on my own."
Bokuto swallowed. "And how old was that?"
Akaashi glanced up at the ceiling, seeming to calculate something in his mind.
"I guess I was nine or ten when I started cooking for myself," Akaashi said. He huffed out a humorless laugh. "Even when I started showing potential for being a musician, they only paid attention to me to make sure I was practicing a lot."
The story was getting worse as Akaashi kept speaking. It made Bokuto's eyes sting. He remembered his own household growing up with his brothers and sisters. It was always noisy and sometimes he would have to fight for attention.
But Bokuto never once felt unloved or lonely.
He stared down at his hands that were wrapped tightly around his ankles, rocking back and forth slowly to distract himself. His knee began to bounce as another question formed in his mind, and he was anxious to ask.
"Did… Did you hate practicing?" Bokuto asked.
He remembered the day he coaxed Akaashi down from the bridge, when he said through chattering teeth how he played violin. Bokuto had been impressed and sung Akaashi's praises on the darkened street. But he never took the time to ask if Akaashi even liked it.
"Quite the opposite, actually."
Akaashi's answer startled Bokuto, making him raise his head from his lap to stare at him with wide eyes. Akaashi was staring back, his hand absently touching the bandage on his cheek.
"You didn't?" Bokuto asked.
Akaashi lowered his hand and shook his head. "It was quite relaxing, actually. Whenever I felt sad or upset, I could just go play violin. I could express what I was feeling at any given moment."
Akaashi paused to lower his gaze, his lips curling into a small, timid smile. The sight made Bokuto's heart leap.
"It was… really fun," Akaashi said, and Bokuto could hear the love in his voice. Bokuto could count on his hand how many times he had seen Akaashi smile like that.
He wanted to see that smile more.
He suddenly leaned forward, locking eyes with Akaashi.
"Why don't you start playing again?" Bokuto asked.
Akaashi blinked at him, his eyes a little wide. "What?"
Bokuto smiled, unable to contain the excitement of his brilliant idea.
"Why don't you start playing violin again?" Bokuto asked.
Akaashi paused again, looking at him as if he had two heads. Then his face pulled into a wince.
"I'm really far behind," Akaashi said in a soft voice. "It'll take me ages to catch up to where I was before. I'm…"
He suddenly glanced away and pulled his arms close to his body. He looked so fragile and small that Bokuto thought he would break. And when he spoke again, his voice trembled.
"I'm no good anymore."
Bokuto, unable to control himself, leaned forward and gripped Akaashi's shoulders, holding them tightly. Akaashi startled, his red eyes going wide as he focused on Bokuto's face.
"Don't say things like that, Akaashi!" Bokuto said. "I might not know much about this stuff, but I know that it isn't true!"
Akaashi was on the verge of tears, his beautiful eyes shining in the darkened bedroom.
"I… I tried playing a few weeks ago, at the music hall," he said softly. "My father overheard me and he… he called my playing disgraceful."
Bokuto squeezed Akaashi's shoulders, as if trying to wake him up. His patience for Akaashi's deplorable parents had run thin. The more he heard about these two pompous and arrogant people, the more he felt the burning anger boiling in his veins.
"Who cares what your old man thinks?!" Bokuto said, his voice rising. Akaashi jumped at his voice. "You enjoy playing violin, right?"
Akaashi, a little stunned, nodded slowly. Bokuto hesitated, letting his hand loosen their grip on Akaashi's shoulders. He smiled and nodded once.
"Good. Then do what you enjoy, Akaashi. Don't let others get in your way. Okay?" Bokuto said, reaching forward to wipe away a stray tear on Akaashi's cheek.
Akaashi took a deep breath and sniffed, his cheeks tinted a light shade of pink. He nodded again, his body more calm.
"Yes," Akaashi said.
"Good," Bokuto said. He let go of Akaashi's shoulders and then rubbed the back of his neck. "I… I'd really like to hear you play sometime, Akaashi."
Akaashi hesitated, his lips twisting a little. "I'm… not sure."
"Please!" Bokuto begged, clasping his hands together and bowing his head. "I never really played or listened to those kinds of instruments before, and I really want to see you play! C'mon, please, Akaashi? Please?"
Akaashi's face fell into his usual deadpan expression. He rolled his eyes and sighed before looking off to the side.
"I… I suppose I could play for you one day this week," Akaashi said.
Bokuto smiled so wide that it made his cheeks hurt. "Really?! You really will?"
Akaashi looked back at him and nodded. "Yeah," he answered. He looked into his lap, his expression anxious. "Just… don't get your hopes up."
"Oh, it's gonna sound great, Akaashi!" Bokuto exclaimed. "I just know it will!"
"Right," Akaashi said, sounding bored. He suddenly yawned, his face looking drowsy. "Sorry. I guess I'm a little tired."
Bokuto nodded in understanding, taking his cue to stand up from Akaashi's bed.
"Do you need me to stay the night or will you be okay?" Bokuto asked.
Akaashi slipped into the covers of his bed, apparently retiring fast. He let his head fall onto the pillow and he glanced at Bokuto through heavy eyelids.
"I'll be fine, Bokuto-san," Akaashi said. "Thank you for helping me tonight. I… I really appreciate it."
Bokuto smiled as he grabbed the doorknob to Akaashi's room. "It's no trouble. I'll see you tomorrow, Akaashi!"
"Mmn. Goodnight, Bokuto-san."
Bokuto softly closed the door behind him, letting out a long sigh. The adrenaline from the night left him in one big rush, leaving him feeling exhausted and worn.
As he headed towards the front door, he dug into his pocket and pulled out his phone to look at the time. But when the screen came to life he was bombarded with several missed calls and even more unread texts.
And they were all from Kuroo.
~Bo, where the hell are you?!
~You better be dead.
~That was a lie. I don't want you to be dead.
~Don't make me call the police.
~Don't make me call your mother!
~BOKUTO.
Bokuto sighed as he hurried out the door, his thumb reaching to call his friend back.
He really hoped Kuroo had not called his mom.
Akaashi groaned as he walked into the music hall that morning. His stomach felt as if there was a hole in it, and it throbbed from its lack of substance. But the nausea had still not worn off, leaving Akaashi to wrinkle his nose at any food he saw.
Maybe he really should have taken the day off as Bokuto had recommended.
Akaashi sighed, seeing as it was too late now.
He dragged his feet to his office, ignoring the shocked expressions of people as he passed them. He knew the bandage on his face was obvious, but he noticed in the mirror this morning that he also had a black eye. He must have looked like a thug. Or a bully victim. Either way, his face was not a pretty sight.
And his coworkers were not the only ones to notice.
Akaashi's phone buzzed in his pocket and he took it out to see the twentieth text he had received since he dropped off Tobio at Fukudoroni.
From: Bokuto-san
~Akaashi, you seriously need to rest! Go home!
Akaashi sighed, pulling up another reply box to let Bokuto know that, yes he was fine, and no, he did not want to go back home. He was not sure how many times he had texted that to Bokuto within the past ten minutes, but it was getting redundant. Bokuto was lucky he had such a caring personality or Akaashi would have ripped into him by now.
His phone buzzed again as he turned down the hallway towards his office and he opened the text.
From: Bokuto-san
~Okay, fine. But I'll bring Tobio to you today. What's the address of your work?
Akaashi sighed and shook his head. Bokuto was really going all out for him.
He typed out a response to Bokuto's offer, but he paused.
"If you think I'm leaving your side because of this, then you're wrong. I'm sticking next to you whether you like it or not!"
"And I'm going to mess up whatever's been bothering you so you never have to go through this ever again!"
Bokuto's words from the hospital echoed in his mind, making him bite his lip in shame. Bokuto had already done so much for him. He could not possibly make him—
From: Bokuto-san
~I don't take 'no' for an answer!
Akaashi sighed, knowing full well that if he were to decline Bokuto's offer, one of three things could happen:
A, Bokuto would pout but say it was fine and that he would see him later.
B, Bokuto would find the address of the music hall online and just come anyway.
Or, C, Bokuto would become dejected and he would be grumpy for the rest of the day.
C was the most annoying.
With another sigh, Akaashi typed in the address to the hall in the reply and sent it back off to Bokuto. It only took a few seconds for his phone to buzz again and he opened the text to see a collection of strange emojis and hey, hey, hey's.
Akaashi managed a small smile. Sometimes, Bokuto's moods shifted so quickly that it gave him whiplash, but when they were positive, he could not help but feel positive, too. The man's smile was contagious, after all.
He turned the corner, his eyes still glued to his phone, and immediately slammed into a tall body, almost making him drop his phone.
"O-Oh, sorry. I didn't see—"
Akaashi's words died on his tongue as the piercing eyes of his father stared back into him.
His happy mood had completely vanished, and the hole in his stomach quivered, bringing nausea back to sit in his throat.
"Ah. I see you decided to show your face today," his father sneered with furrowed brows. "I waited by your office for so long that I didn't think you would show up."
Akaashi winced, taking a step back and out of his father's personal space. He cleared his throat and subconsciously reached up to touch his cheek. The bandage was still thick over his cut and the bruise was tenderer than it was the day before.
"Yes," Akaashi answered softly. Why was his voice shaking? "Mori-san wanted me to look at the bowings for the third act of the opera."
"I see," his father said, his expression remaining the same.
They lapsed into an uneasy silence that made Akaashi break out into a cold sweat. He bowed his head to his father and slowly tried to toe past him.
"Well, I have to get to work now," Akaashi said as he tried to hurry to his office door. It was only a few feet away.
"Have you made a decision, yet?" his father asked, making Akaashi stop.
Akaashi sighed softly, cursing himself for not being able to just ignore him. He turned around to face his father, steeling his expression into a neutral deadpan.
"Decision?" Akaashi asked.
"Yes, about joining my company."
Akaashi tried to swallow but noticed his throat was dry. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and reached up to tug on the collar of his shirt.
It was suddenly stifling in that hallway.
"I, uh… well, not… not exactly," Akaashi fumbled.
Way to make it sound so noncommittal, idiot. Your social skills are impeccable!
Akaashi felt his heart stammer at hearing that voice again. Why, just why wouldn't it leave him alone?!
"Well you better get to thinking about it," his father said gruffly.
His hands were in fists but he had quickly hidden them in his pockets. Akaashi knew that his father was trying to control his temper. His father did not want to lose his cool in public like he had done so a few nights before. It would further taint his image as a perfect businessman.
His father straightened his back, his face relaxed except for his eyebrows, which were still pulled tightly together.
"If I don't have an answer by next week, then I'll be forced to find someone new to take under my wing," his father said as he stalked off down the hall. "Your spot is easily replaceable."
He sauntered off down the hall with his shoulders squared and his head held high. He was the symbol of a proud man on a mission, not letting anyone stand in his way to get what he wanted done.
And Akaashi was left to stand in the quiet hallway with his hands shaking.
He had never felt so small.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed, and Akaashi nearly jumped out of his skin. He fumbled with the phone in his hands until he steadied it and pressed the home button. The screen brightened and there was another text from Bokuto.
From: Bokuto
~We're still planning on playing volleyball Thursday night if you want to go. I know you had a rough weekend and might be feeling sick, but I thought I'd ask. Are you in?
Akaashi hesitated, his thumb hovering over the characters on his phone. He was about to decline, his head still full of his father's harsh words. He expected that at any moment, the voice would come back and encourage him to tell Bokuto no. He could feel it. Any moment, that voice would speak, and he would be reduced to a depressed state that he could not dig himself out of for the rest of the day.
But, instead of the voice, Bokuto's words came to mind.
"Then do what you enjoy, Akaashi. Don't let others get in your way."
Akaashi gasped, almost dropping his phone. He suddenly felt light and warm, and his back stood tall.
He took a slow breath and smiled softly. He glanced down at the phone and typed back a quick response.
~I'll be there.
Akaashi fiddled with his shoelaces for the fifth time, untying them and retying them to make sure they were the right snugness on his feet. He could feel his nerves buzzing through him and sending tingles down his arms and to his fingertips.
It had been ages since he had last played volleyball. And now he was going to be playing with others who played on a regular basis.
You should just go home. You'll slow them down.
Akaashi paused in his tying to consider this. What exactly was he doing here, sitting on the floor of the Fukudoroni locker room? He did not belong here. He belonged tucked away in his office, forever living in his father's shadow. Maybe he really should just go…
"Daddy?"
Akaashi blinked rapidly and turned his head to see Tobio standing next to him. The boy was already dressed in shorts and a blue t-shirt with black sneakers on his feet. He was staring down at Akaashi's hands, which still each held one shoelace.
"Did you forget how to tie your shoes?" Tobio asked.
Akaashi glanced down at his hands, realizing that his shoe was still not tied. He smiled and shook his head, finally completing the laces.
"I think I forgot for a second, but I remember now," Akaashi said as he double-knotted the bow.
"Are you really going to play volleyball?" Tobio asked as Akaashi stood to his feet.
"Yep," Akaashi said. He leaned over on his knees. "You'll have to show me the ropes, though, okay?"
Tobio's eyes shined and he nodded quickly in excitement.
Akaashi smiled at him and then looked towards the locker room door. He could hear the distinct sounds of squeaking shoes and slapping balls as the other men warmed up. It all sounded so familiar, but his confidence was quickly fading.
You're going to mess up.
Akaashi took a deep breath, putting a hand to his chest. His heart was rattling against his ribcage, and he almost felt as if he was going to hurl, but Bokuto had gone to a lot of great lengths to convince him to come. There was no turning back now.
He glanced down at his son, trying to keep his face calm.
"Ready, Tobio?" Akaashi asked.
Tobio did not hesitate to nod and he led Akaashi to the door. He tried to push the door open himself but found it too heavy, and Akaashi came up behind him to help. The door opened wide and the beautiful sight of the court came into view, the freshly buffed wood gleaming underneath the lights.
Several guys were spiking at the net, and Akaashi glanced around for that familiar face. Bokuto was next in line to spike, bouncing on his heels in giddy anticipation. Akaashi led Tobio towards the sideline to get a better view.
When Bokuto's turn was up next, he took several steps back and lightly tossed the ball to the setter in the middle. The setter pushed the ball up into the air, and Akaashi squinted.
The toss was low, and it was way too far from the net.
Bokuto leapt into the air and tried to adjust. His form was perfect as he reared back his right hand and aimed with his left. He looked like he had the perfect spike ready.
But just before he slammed the ball down on the other side, a looming figure with wild hair jumped high on the opposite side of the net, his long fingers reaching up and forward in an intimidating fashion.
Bokuto grit his teeth, slamming the ball with an open palm. But the taller blocker on the other side quickly moved his arms to the side, efficiently blocking the ball and smacking it straight to the ground next to Bokuto's feet.
"Yeah!" the blocker cheered.
And Bokuto turned to face him and he growled, his face scrunching up in an irritated scowl.
"Kuroo!" Bokuto shouted, and the other shrugged and laughed.
Ah. So that was Kuroo. He was exactly how Bokuto had described him. Hair and all.
"What? I was just doing what I'm supposed to do," Kuroo teased, his expression smug.
"Ugh, you should just go back to teaching your nerdy science class," Bokuto said, waving his hand.
"You're just jealous," Kuroo said as Bokuto stomped away back to the line.
Bokuto was pouting as he stalked over to the sidelines, but his face immediately lit up when he spotted Akaashi.
"Akaashi!" Bokuto called, waving at him.
Akaashi smiled and lifted up a hand to wave back. Bokuto jogged over to them, smiling widely when he saw Tobio next to him.
"Oh, good! Tobio came, too!" Bokuto said. He knelt down to him and ruffled his hair. "Shouyou is here, too, you know! He'll be so excited that you came."
Tobio pouted a little at this but did not protest. Akaashi smiled, hoping that this meant that Tobio could get along with the boy.
Bokuto stood back up and placed his hands on his hips, smiling with all the excitement in the world.
"I'm glad you made it!" Bokuto said. "We're just warming up now, so you can join us."
"Ah, sure. Sorry I'm late," Akaashi apologized as he twisted his fingers in front of him. His eyes scanned the others as they continued to warm up by the net.
"Ah, not a problem! Did you stretch out?" Bokuto asked, to which Akaashi nodded. "Good! Let's go. Tobio, Shouyou is on the sideline practicing his bumps. He needs a good partner. What do you say?"
Tobio scowled but his eyes shined when he spotted a few balls flying around. He nodded slowly and headed over to where the redhead attempted to bounce the ball in the air. When he saw Tobio coming, he broke out into a smile but, not paying attention, the ball smacked him right in the face. Akaashi paled but Bokuto barked out a hearty laugh.
"He's fine," Bokuto assured. And sure enough, Shouyou was talking animatedly with Tobio, his face red from the ball. "C'mon, let's go meet the others."
Akaashi tugged on his fingers as he followed Bokuto over to where a few of the guys were chatting in a circle. Akaashi could immediately pick out Kuroo from earlier, but the others were new faces.
"Yo, guys! This is Akaashi! He's a friend of mine and is joining us today!" Bokuto introduced.
There were a collection of hi's and hello's as the group greeted him. Akaashi greeted them all back with a small nod.
"This is Sawamura and Azumane. They went to high school together," Bokuto introduced.
"Nice to meet you!" Sawamura said, standing firmly.
"Glad to have a new face here," Azumane said, his hand reaching up to rub the back of his neck.
Akaashi dipped his head in a small bow to them, and then Bokuto moved on to the other two guys in the circle.
"This tall guy is Kuroo. He's my roommate. You know, the one I've been telling you about?" Bokuto said.
"Hah? What kind of stuff have you been telling him?" Kuroo asked with a crooked brow.
"Nothing really," Bokuto lied.
Kuroo narrowed his eyes for a moment before looking to Akaashi, a crooked smile on his face. He reached out his hand for Akaashi, and Akaashi took it to shake.
"I'm Kuroo. Nice to finally see you in person, Akaashi," Kuroo greeted. His voice was dripping with some kind of charm that Akaashi couldn't put a finger on. "Oh, you're a lot shorter than I imagined."
Akaashi felt his eyebrow twitch.
He hoped this man did not treat his students this way or he could really be a pain in the ass.
"Just ignore him, Akaashi," Bokuto said, waving off Kuroo. "And this bored looking guy here is Kenma. Say hi, Kenma."
Kenma had been fiddling with his water bottle, looking bored as Bokuto had mentioned. But he raised his eyes to meet Akaashi's gaze, giving a quiet "hello" in response. Akaashi bowed back.
"Okay, now that that's out of the way, let's play! Akaashi, you're on my team!" Bokuto said.
Sawamura chuckled. "Already claiming him, huh?"
"Have you had any volleyball experience before, Akaashi?" Azumane asked, looking a little concerned.
"I played in high school, but not much after that," Akaashi explained.
"Oh, just like us then!" Azumane said.
"What position did you play?" Sawamura asked.
"Ah, I was the setter," Akaashi explained.
"Eh?! You were the setter?!" Bokuto exclaimed, reeling back dramatically.
"You didn't know that?" Sawamura asked with a raised brow and an amused smile.
"Well then, since we now have two old setters here, we should have a good match," Kuroo said, placing a hand on his hip.
Akaashi cocked his head, wondering what in the world he was talking about, when Sawamura pointed to Kenma.
"Kenma was also a setter. A pretty good one, too," he explained.
Akaashi stared at Kenma. He could not really get a good read on him, but he supposed that was the part of him that made him so good. If he was unreadable, then the blockers would be easily fooled.
"Shouldn't we ease him into this? I mean, it's his first day here," Azumane said, tapping his fingers together.
"Nah, he'll be fine if he's on my team!" Bokuto said, throwing a casual arm around Akaashi's shoulders. "C'mon, Akaashi. Let's formulate a plan."
Akaashi swallowed but followed him out onto one side of the net where other players had been gathered. Sawamura joined them while Azumane, Kuroo, and Kenma went to the other side.
They started to warm up as a team. They bumped, set, and hit the ball to each other to receive. The others looked natural on the court, receiving and landing hard on their knees.
Then, the ball came towards Akaashi for the first time. He ignored the worried glances of his teammates and put his arms up, ready to receive the ball overhead. The tips of his fingers came into contact and he pushed the ball up, high into the air. It felt natural, his body running on autopilot, and it was as if he was back in high school again. His teammates hooted and hollered, giving him words of encouragement as they continued.
"Just keep doing that, Akaashi," Bokuto said with a smile. "Was your team in high school really good? You look like you came from a good school."
Akaashi blushed lightly at the compliment. "Um. Well, we made it to the semifinals for the spot to nationals but lost on the fifth set."
"Ouch," Sawamura commented. "That's still really impressive. You can see it in your skills that you were a versatile player."
Akaashi's face flushed even more, and he picked at his fingers again to distract himself. "Th-Thank you."
Bokuto smiled and flung an arm over his shoulder again.
"You're gonna do fine. Don't be so nervous," Bokuto said.
Akaashi gave him a weary look. "But what if I mess up?"
Bokuto laughed, a little softer this time.
"Even if you mess up, I'll be there to help you out!" he said. "Okay?"
Akaashi peered at him, taking in his golden eyes and genuine smile. His strong arm was warm and solid around his shoulder and neck, but his words were what made him feel the most secure.
He nodded at Bokuto, his breathing stilted. But Bokuto did not seem to notice and he let go of Akaashi's neck in favor of spiking.
They practiced a few more drills until Akaashi felt his legs tingling. His body was warm, finally. And he was starting to get the hang of his teammates. Even Bokuto seemed more cooperative than he had expected. Well, he was a coach, after all.
"Yo! Are you guys ready to lose, or what?" Kuroo called from the other side of the net.
Sawamura caught the ball they had been practicing with and tucked it under his arm, throwing a darkened gaze over to the other team.
"Persistent as ever. You guys ready?" Sawamura asked, glancing around his teammates.
"Let's do it!" Bokuto said, raising a fist into the air.
After figuring out a plan, Bokuto pushed Akaashi to stand in between him and Sawamura in the rotation, saying that it would be perfect for when both of them were on the front line. Akaashi nodded in mild understanding, his mind working a kilometer a second. He thought of all the possibilities, where the ball could land, where it could go—
Before Akaashi could even process what was happening, the ball flew past his face towards the back row behind him.
He turned his head back to see Sawamura receiving the ball with ease, his legs steady underneath of him. He was like a solid rock or a firm foundation. His sturdy demeanor was written all over his face.
"Sorry, it's long!" Sawamura called, as he landed on his hands and glanced up.
The ball flew to the other side, Kuroo easily receiving it and popping it up towards Kenma.
Akaashi watched as Kenma's eyes locked onto the ball in a strange trance. Those eyes cut to gaze at Akaashi, making Akaashi suddenly feel exposed and frozen.
And before he knew it, Azumane was in the air and was hitting the ball with all of his might. The ball flew past two blockers on the front line but was quickly received by Sawamura again.
"It's up! Cover!" Sawamura called.
Akaashi glanced up as well and watched the ball slowly fall towards him. He lifted his hands into the air, his body moving on its own.
Who do I pass it to? Where are the spikers? How do they want their toss?
"Akaashi!"
Akaashi turned his head back at hearing his name being called, seeing Bokuto raising his hand up.
"Give me a good toss, Akaashi!" Bokuto bellowed.
Akaashi's eyes widened, remembering how he had first met Bokuto so many weeks ago. His form, his hang time, his power… it was all something that Akaahsi had wanted to see again since he stumbled across their practice in the school gym.
Akaashi was not just about to witness Bokuto's power.
He was going to be the doorway for it.
The ball fell perfectly into Akaashi's hands, and he pushed the ball up high, a little away from the net.
And then, he watched in amazement as Bokuto soared into the air next to him. His back was arched and his arm was reared back and ready to strike.
And he had the largest grin on his face.
In a flash, the ball whooshed through Kuroo's extended arms and slammed down hard on the other side of the net. The sound echoed pleasantly in the tall gym ceilings.
Bokuto landed on his feet and whirled around to face Akaashi, his grin even larger than before.
"A-kaa-shi!" Bokuto called in excitement, rushing over and throwing and arm around his neck. "That toss was perfect! Perfect!"
Akaashi struggled to remain upright in Bokuto's grasp. "Um, you really think so?"
"Of course! It was right in the sweet spot!" Bokuto said. He suddenly released Akaashi, looking determined and excited. "I want to do it again. Sawamura! Serve it up!"
Akaashi watched as he rushed off to retrieve the ball, shaking his head in amusement. He did not realize how much fun this would be.
Suddenly, Akaashi felt a tug on his shorts.
He glanced down to see Tobio standing next to him with wide eyes and a slacked jaw.
"Oh. Tobio, what is it?" Akaashi asked, turning to face him.
"Y-You… You play volleyball?" Tobio asked.
Akaashi smiled and crouched down to get on his level. He rested his elbows on his knees.
"Yep. I played when I was in school," Akaashi said.
Tobio looked amazed. "What pos… pu… position were you in?"
"It's called the setter. Remember what Bokuto-san taught you?" Akaashi asked.
Tobio nodded. "Yeah! Bokuto-san said the setter has the most important job!"
Akaashi rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, we're all a team. Everyone's job is important, but... yes. I suppose what Bokuto-san said was true."
"And that's what you do?!" Tobio asked.
"Um… well, yes. I mean, I was the setter when I was in high school," Akaashi said. He was baffled by Tobio's sudden excitement, especially since his attention was focused all on him and not on someone else, like Bokuto.
"I want to be a setter, too! Can you teach me?" Tobio asked, grabbing his dad's wrists and leaning close.
Akaashi's eyes widened. "You want me to teach you?"
Tobio nodded, his hands clinging to his father. "Yes! I wanna learn! I want to do it!"
Akaashi could not believe what he was seeing. Tobio was interacting with him. And it was more than just what he wanted for dinner. It was an actual conversation.
He felt the annoying burn of tears stinging in his eyes, and a lump formed in his throat. He tried to swallow it down before his teammates noticed his distress.
"O-Okay, Tobio. I can help you learn how to be the setter," Akaashi said.
Tobio's eyes sparkled. It took Akaashi's breath away.
"Hey, hey, hey! Are we ready to go?"
Akaashi glanced up to see that Bokuto was suddenly standing right next to him, the volleyball under his arm. He was standing in between Akaashi and the rest of the players, hiding him from sight. He had a knowing smile on his face, seemingly waiting for Akaashi's tears to dry.
Akaashi immediately took advantage of this and raised a hand to quickly wipe his eyes. He smiled at Tobio and ruffled his hair, and Tobio, surprisingly, let him. He stood to his feet and faced his team, a comfortable smile on his face.
"Yeah," Akaashi answered. "Let's win."
"Aw, man! We were so close!"
"Sorry. It seems my first set to you was a fluke."
"No, no, Akaashi! It was completely my fault. If I just had more power…"
"You had plenty of power, Bokuto-san."
"Really?"
"Really."
Bokuto and Akaashi walked down the darkened streets, a sleeping Tobio in his father's arms.
They had ultimately lost the match, Akaashi knowing it was his weakness that let his team down. Plus, Azumane's spikes were hard.
But as Akaashi watched Bokuto try to spike his flubbed sets, he knew that Bokuto was stronger. If only his sets had been more spot on...
"Well, I mean… I guess I had some power," Bokuto said, stuffing his hands into his pockets and pouting a little.
Akaashi laughed in his chest and patted Tobio's back as he snuggled deeper into his father's arms.
"You were great, Bokuto-san. I'm excited to play with you again," Akaashi said.
Bokuto perked up a bit, his smile widening. It always amazed Akaashi how quickly Bokuto's moods seemed to switch. He could barely keep up with him.
"You don't have to walk me home, you know. I'll be fine," Akaashi said.
Bokuto stretched his hands up and then rested them behind his head.
"I know. But you have Tobio with you and I wanted to make sure you guys got home safe," Bokuto said.
Akaashi sighed and shook his head, knowing he could not change Bokuto's mind. He decided to indulge the man. He did not have any energy to argue anyway.
When they made it to Akaashi's apartment, he held open the door for Bokuto.
"You want to come in for a drink? I just have to put Tobio to bed," Akaashi said, adjusting Tobio in his arm so he could hold open the door.
Bokuto blinked at him, suddenly looking a bit sheepish. He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Are you sure? It's not like… too late, is it?" Bokuto asked.
Akaashi shook his head. "It's barely nine, Bokuto-san. Come in."
That was all the permission Bokuto needed to step into Akaashi's apartment and shuffle out of his shoes.
"Make yourself at home. I'll be right back," Akaashi said, and he headed down the hall to put Tobio to bed.
Once Akaashi changed Tobio into his pajamas, he tucked Tobio into bed and kissed him on his head. His heart felt so warm at seeing Tobio having so much fun watching and learning volleyball. He seemed to have fun with Shouyou, too, which was worrying at the beginning. But he seemed to get along with the boy just fine, even with a little bickering.
Akaashi tiptoed out of Tobio's bedroom and headed back to the living room.
"Bokuto-san, would you like some tea or…"
Akaashi's voice trailed off when he saw Bokuto sitting on the couch with a collection of pages in his hands. Akaashi squinted to see what it was but he could not tell from a distance.
When Bokuto heard Akaashi's voice, he stiffened, putting the pages down on the coffee table.
"A-Ah, sorry!" Bokuto apologized. "This—It was tucked in between the sofa and the wall and I got curious…"
Akaashi raised a brow and walked over to see the papers better, and he sucked in a sharp breath.
It was sheet music. Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D Minor.
It was a beautifully classic piece with some wonderful solo parts and intense passages. It was one of Akaashi's favorite pieces.
Now that he thought about it… he had probably tucked that piece in between the sofa when Tobio was brought to him on that night…
"Um… Is this music for violin?"
Bokuto's voice pulled Akaashi back to reality and he glanced over to see his nervous friend still sitting patiently, looking almost like a scolded child. Akaashi realized that he had not said a word since he had been out here.
"Oh. Yes, it's a concerto. A good one," Akaashi said.
Bokuto's eyes shined. "Can you play it for me?!"
Akaashi's eyes widened, and he reared back as if he had been struck.
"Play violin? Right now?" Akaashi asked.
Bokuto was practically bouncing in his seat, unable to contain his excitement. He pumped his fists and nodded furiously.
"Yes! I want to hear you! Please, Akaashi? Please?" Bokuto said, his eyes begging.
Akaashi winced, reaching up to rub the back of his neck. His thoughts immediately went back in time to just a few weeks ago when his father had barged in on him trying to play one of the spare violins.
"Disgraceful."
"I… I don't know if I can," Akaashi said sheepishly.
Could he actually do this?
Would he be a disappointment?
Will Bokuto… think less of him?
"You can."
Akaashi snapped his gaze back to Bokuto, eyes wide. Bokuto was staring at him warmly, his eyes encouraging.
"You can, Akaashi. Believe in yourself a little. I know you can," Bokuto said.
Akaashi inhaled sharply as a shiver rushed through his body. His heart was pattering against his chest in a strange combination of nervousness and excitement.
"Um… well, I guess… I guess if you really want me to…" Akaashi said, unsure of himself.
Bokuto clapped his hands together and nodded, a huge smile on his face.
Akaashi could not resist that look.
He took a deep breath and curled his fingers into fists.
"I'll… I'll be right back," Akaashi said, and he hurried to his bedroom on wobbly legs.
He got down on the floor and peered under his bed, his eyes squinting. A familiar black case was resting right in the middle, the plastic material coated in a layer of dust. Akaashi reached for the handle and pulled it out, the dust falling off of it with ease.
When the case was in his hands, he just cradled it like a newborn. It felt so foreign to hold it in his hands after so many years of neglect.
He suddenly felt guilty.
Akaashi took a deep breath, not wanting to keep Bokuto waiting, and he stood to his feet, carrying the instrument back to the living room. Even though the case was light, it felt like it weighed a ton.
Bokuto's eyes lit up when he saw the case. "Wow! Is that it?"
Akaashi hummed and nodded in response before he carefully placed it on the coffee table. He took a moment to run his fingers along the edge before he clicked the clasps open.
His fingers shook as he opened it, revealing a beautiful, dark brown violin. It was just how Akaashi had remembered it; in perfect condition.
"It's pretty," Bokuto commented, startling Akaashi a little.
Akaashi could not find the words to say so he just hummed again. His heart trembled painfully in his chest and he sighed through his nose to try to calm it.
Bokuto-san says I can do this. So I will try. For him, Akaashi thought.
He took the violin and bow out of the case and fiddled with the strings, letting his fingers trace them. He plucked each string and listened to each note, tuning the instrument until it was where he wanted it to be. Then, he moved to the chin rest, and his fingers shook so badly that he fumbled with it and almost dropped it. Bokuto made no mention of it so he continued to adjust his body to the instrument without a word.
Once it felt comfortable, Akaashi lifted the bow and let it touch the strings. He glanced down at the music, eyeing the Second Movement of the concerto. He knew this piece, and he knew it well.
He took a deep breath through his nose.
And he began to play.
He noticed that his first note was a little squeaky but he pressed on, playing the beautifully sorrowful movement as best as he remembered.
He could hear the accompaniment as he played each note, the orchestra playing those wonderfully sad and romantic chords as he played the solo.
He closed his eyes, picturing himself back on stage when he was in college.
The lights above him were hot, and the auditorium was full.
The stage was crowded with the orchestra, and the conductor stood right next to him, waiting for his next cue as he continued up the line of heavy notes.
The floor beneath Akaashi's feet tingled as the sounds of the brass and strings vibrated the stage.
And Akaashi felt it in his bones.
He felt his body begin to move as he swayed with the motion of the piece, the music starting to swell into a heartbreaking climax.
His bow naturally moved faster, like the notes were already engrained in his body, and he climbed higher and higher along the strings, playing multiple notes at once until he reached the high point.
He could hear the orchestra die down around him as he played the last note, letting it taper off into silence. He lifted his bow in the air to take in the last note, the beauty of it still lingering and echoing in his imaginary music hall.
For a moment, Akaashi was in complete bliss.
He had longed to be able to play like this again, even if his performance wasn't the greatest.
It still was a part of his soul, and he felt relieved to allow his body to experience it.
Why had he not done this before?
Suddenly, a sharp sniffle pulled Akaashi away from his thoughts, the image of the stage quickly melting. He snapped his eyes open and promptly gasped, his jaw dropping.
Bokuto was wiping his eyes and sniffling into his other hand. He was… crying.
Akaashi lowered his violin and the bow to his sides and stood with wide, concerned eyes. His heart was pounding in fear.
"Bokuto-san?" His voice came out in a whisper.
Bokuto wiped his eyes on his sleeve and then looked up at Akaashi with the widest eyes.
"That… that was amazing," Bokuto said. He sniffled a little but looked completely serious. "It was… really beautiful, Akaashi."
Akaashi's hands jerked, almost dropping his violin, but he tightened his grip on it on the last second. A lump lodged itself in Akaashi's throat and his eyes stung.
How long had it been since someone called his playing beautiful?
He can't think of a time when anyone has ever said that to him.
Not even his own friends.
"You… You really think so?" Akaashi asked, his voice choked.
Bokuto nodded. "I know that I'm not really an expert, but… I really think you could be a professional. That was… so pretty. It… made me feel things."
A tear slipped from Akaashi's eye and he scrambled to wipe it away, almost poking himself in the cheek with his bow.
"Thank you, Bokuto-san. It… It means a lot that you said that," Akaashi said, wiping away another stray tear. "But I'm far from being a professional. I have to do a lot of practicing to catch up." He slumped, his hand returning to his side. "And with my job, I don't have any time to practice."
"What if you got a different job?"
Akaashi snapped his head up. He was bound to get whiplash by one of Bokuto's comments one day.
"A different job? You mean I should… quit?" Akaashi asked.
Bokuto scratched his cheek. "Well, I mean… You seem really sad at your current job, Akaashi. And just now, you… you looked so happy. I… I think you would have more fun doing that than what you're doing now."
Akaashi paused, taking in Bokuto's words for a moment. He fidgeted in place, his hands running along the hair of his bow.
"But, what job could I possibly do? I would need hours and hours a day to get back to my top shape," Akaashi said.
"Come work with me!" Bokuto said, leaning forward on his knees.
Akaashi blinked at him. "With you?"
"Yes! I need an assistant coach to help me out and you'd be great with it!" Bokuto said. "And that would give you time during the day to practice all you want. And I can even watch Tobio on the weekends if you need more time."
Akaashi tugged on the end of the bow, using it as a replacement for his fingers.
Was this really an option? Could he really be a professional again?
Could he actually go back to living out his dream?
All of the thoughts swirling around in his head made him dizzy. The adrenaline from earlier was still coursing through his veins, making it hard to concentrate.
"Can… Can I think about it?" Akaashi asked.
Bokuto nodded, and Akaashi could see that the skin under his eyes was red.
"Of course! Take all the time you need," Bokuto said. "Just let me know what you want to do, okay? I'll support you either way."
Akaashi hummed and glanced down at his violin. He felt so conflicted and nervous. It would be an all-or-nothing thing. If he messed up, there was no coming back from it.
"Akaashi."
Akaashi looked up at Bokuto one last time, taking in his smiling face.
And it made Akaashi feel so warm.
"Thank you for playing for me!" Bokuto said. "Can you play for me again sometime?"
Akaashi felt his lips tug into a smile. Bokuto's smiles really were contagious.
"Of course."
From: Bokuto
~I'm on my way with Tobio! We bought some awesome dinner!
Akaashi smiled down at his phone. Bokuto had told him that he would be getting off early to let his boys rest before a match over the weekend, and so he offered to grab Tobio and pick up dinner to bring to the music hall.
Akaashi was thankful, because he had gotten almost no work done this week.
He sent back a reply and sighed, setting the phone down on his desk and turning back to look at the stack of papers. An entire week had passed since his conversation with Bokuto, and he just could not shake it from his mind. It ate away at him and consumed his every thought, making it difficult to concentrate.
"I really think you could be a professional."
Akaashi's lip twitched. He had fiddled around with his violin a little in the past week, just to get his fingers adjusted, and he had already seen some progress. It made his heart squeeze, but he quickly shoved the feeling down.
He did not want to get his hopes up.
He turned back to his paperwork, trying to focus, but his mind wandered again. His eyes flitted to the computer screen and he hesitated, his hands moving to hover over the keyboard.
With a heavy sigh, Akaashi searched the internet for possible violin openings in Japan. He knew it was a stretch, and that finding an opening so local would be near impossible, but he just wanted to see if—
...A match came up on the top of his list.
There was an opening for violin in the New Japan Philharmonic.
And they were based in Tokyo.
Akaashi leaned close to the computer screen, clicking on the audition requirements and deadlines.
The required pieces were… difficult.
But it wasn't impossible.
He could… really go for it.
Akaashi could actually be a part of an orchestra again!
He could really go and be professio—
Three loud knocks pounded on Akaashi's door, making him jump out of his skin. He sighed and swiveled around in his chair so he could stand. He moved to the door and opened it, expecting to see a friendly face with his son.
His heart nearly leapt from his chest.
It was not Bokuto and Tobio.
Standing on the other side of the door was his father.
"Can I have a word with you?" his father asked snappily.
Akaashi swallowed and nodded, leaving his office to stand in the hallway. His father sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. Akaashi nearly grimaced at the gesture. His father looked impatient.
"So. Working with my company. What is your decision?" his father asked with furrowed brows.
Crap. Akaashi had forgotten all about his father's arbitrary deadline that he had made last week. Had it already been a week since then?
In response to Akaashi's silence, his father sighed and reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose. He was really starting to get angry now. Akaashi briefly wondered if his entire day had been that awful for him to get to this agitated state.
"I don't have time for games, Keiji. I need your answer. Now," his father said, dropping his hand to his side.
Akaashi looked at his father, watching how his brows pinched and his face was skewed in anger. His hands were in fists by his sides, fingers twitching and fidgeting.
You don't have a choice.
The voice spoke.
If you want to make him happy, you have to take this job.
So take it.
Take it and make Daddy happy.
Akaashi opened his mouth to speak.
Go ahead. Live under his thumb for the rest of your pathetic life!
Akaashi snapped his mouth shut, feeling his chest tighten at the voice. He glanced over his shoulder to see his computer in his office. The audition materials for that spot were still glowing on the screen like a beacon of hope.
"I really think you could be a professional."
"It was… really beautiful, Akaashi."
"You seem really sad at your current job, Akaashi. And just now, you… you looked so happy.
"I'll support you either way."
Akaashi clenched his fists, having made up his mind. He was feeling more determined than he had in ages. And it was all thanks to Bokuto's supporting words.
He turned back to his father, feeling confident, and gave him a deadpan stare.
"Sorry. But I don't want to work under you," Akaashi said.
His father's eyebrows lifted into his forehead in surprise. Then, they lowered right back down in fury.
"What did you just say?" he said in a threatening whisper.
Akaashi's hands shook by his sides but he managed to keep his expression neutral.
"I'm not going to work for your company," Akaashi said. "I think I've found a dream for myself, and I don't want to live in your shadow anymore."
His father's face twisted into a glare, the anger bleeding from every fiber of his being. He stood up taller and puffed out his chest, his shoulders rising as he inhaled.
"After everything I gave you! After all of the headache I went through to try to get you to where you are, and you just want to throw it all away?!" his father yelled. "How many times are you going to throw away the opportunities given to you?! What kind of son are you?"
His father continued to yell and shout, backing Akaashi up against the wall. Akaashi tried not to let the fear show on his face but he knew that his father could sense it, and he was taking advantage of every moment.
"You threw away my investments in you! And for what? A stupid child? How selfish could you possibly be? This is my name you're ruining!" his father yelled.
Akaashi swallowed and put up his hands, trying to calm down his crazed father.
"I'm going to go," Akaashi said, and he took a step to the side to get around his father.
"This conversation is not over!" his father yelled, yanking Akaashi back by his collar.
Akaashi choked and coughed as he was yanked back, the wind knocking right out of his throat. He glanced up to see his father's hand raised over his head, ready to strike. Akaashi's eyes widened. His father was going to hit him again!
"We obviously did not discipline you enough as a child! I suppose I will have to make up for my own mistake!" his father yelled, raising his hand a bit higher.
Akaashi squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for impact.
But, the impact never came.
And a boisterous voice yelled close to his ear.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Akaashi's eyes snapped open and he glanced up.
There was a hand holding back his father's wrist, and its grip was tightening painfully. He followed the hand up a bulky arm, and then he moved his gaze to meet a pair of golden eyes.
Akaashi's eyes widened.
"Bokuto-san?" Akaashi whispered.
Bokuto shoved his father back and away from Akaashi, moving to stand in between them.
"What the hell were you going to do to Akaashi?! Hah?!" Bokuto yelled.
Akaashi could not see Bokuto's face, but he could tell from Bokuto's back that he was angry. His hands were curled into shaking fists by his sides, and his broad back was tensed, the muscles flexing underneath his jacket.
"Daddy?"
Akaashi turned to see Tobio standing behind him, a plastic takeout bag in his hands. He looked concerned and scared, his eyes watery.
"What's going on?" he asked, his voice trembling a little.
Akaashi swallowed and took a deep breath. "Just stay behind me, okay?"
Tobio nodded, his mouth trembling.
"This is private business, boy," Akaashi's father said, rubbing the wrist that Bokuto had squeezed. "This does not concern you."
"Like hell it does!" Bokuto shouted, making Akaashi jump.
"You shouldn't interfere with family matters," Akaashi's father said. "Stand aside. I still have things to discuss with my son."
"What?" Bokuto said. He turned his head slightly, but Akaashi could not see his face. "Akaashi, this is your dad?"
Akaashi, a little thrown off guard, nodded and hummed. "Um… Mmn."
Bokuto's fists shook even harder. His muscles tensed further, looking like he was close to exploding.
"How dare you try to hit your own son!" Bokuto yelled. "He's your kid, for crying out loud! Show him some love! He's done nothing to deserve this hatred and violence!"
People had started to gather at the end of the hallway, and Akaashi knew that he had to end this soon or it could get ugly.
Akaashi reached forward, tentatively, to touch Bokuto's shoulder. Bokuto jumped and turned his head to look at Akaashi. The sight of Bokuto's face made him break out into goosebumps, and shivers ran down his spine.
Bokuto was furious.
"It's all right, Bokuto-san," Akaashi said. "I'm fine."
Bokuto's face softened a little and he turned to fully face Akaashi, his eyes roving over his body.
"But, Akaashi! He was going to hurt you again!" Bokuto said, his voice calming.
Akaashi nodded. "I know. But he didn't," he said. He glanced back to his office, the computer screen still lit up with the audition information on it. "And… I think I've got my answer."
Bokuto's face twisted in confusion as Akaashi walked past him and towards his father.
"Akaashi…" Bokuto called out softly.
Akaashi ignored his call and marched right up to his father. He stood tall, confident and poised, while his father still had remnants of his ugly, uncontrollable anger written on his face.
It was in that moment that Akaashi knew he was going to make the right decision.
"I think you need to find a new orchestra librarian," Akaashi said. "Because I quit."
He barely caught the horrified expression on his father's face before he turned around and marched right back to Bokuto, who was eyeing him with reverence.
"You said you picked up food?" Akaashi asked him as he passed him to scoop Tobio in his arms.
Bokuto blinked at him, confused at first, but he soon smiled widely. It was as if he realized what had just happened, and the pieces fell together. He hurried to Akaashi's side and ruffled Tobio's hair.
"Yeah! Little man and I found some really good food! Isn't that right, Tobio?" Bokuto asked.
Tobio nodded and lifted up the bag to show him. Akaashi smiled and kissed Tobio's cheek.
"You did a good job. Shall we go eat?" Akaashi said.
Bokuto hooted and pumped his fist. "Yes! I'm going to eat a ton!"
"Oh, me, too!" Tobio said, seemingly calm despite the episode earlier.
The three of them walked out of the music hall, laughing and talking about their days.
And Akaashi did not look back.