He understood it now, the hype. Color really was a wonderful thing. Kenma couldn't help but keep blinking, there was so much light and color, everything was so bright. There was just so much to take in, so much to see. He wasn't sure how much he would actually be able to pay attention to volleyball today, he was far too overwhelmed. His deep red and black Nekoma practice jersey hung loosely on his small frame, but he still appreciated it. After staring for a bit too long, Kenma shook his head and wandered outside, food on his mind.
Stepping outside was one of the best decisions Kenma had ever made. The sun shone brightly, reflecting off of the beautiful colors of nature. The grass was a deep green, the flowers various shades of reds and yellows. The light flowing between the light green leaves left Kenma breathless. He felt so much, finally experiencing all of this. If Kuroo had not come outside to collect him, there was a good chance Kenma would have been there all day.
"Kenma, you have to come eat," Kuroo called, jogging over to him.
"Look at it," Kenma mumbled, still in awe.
"I know Kenma, I've been able to see for a few months now, and it still manages to take my breath away," Kuroo admitted. "Now let's go," he instructed, pulling Kenma into the cafeteria.
"Kenma, over here! We already got you food!" Hinata called from across the room. Kenma froze, taking in the sight. Everyone was right, Hinata really was an energetic ball of sunshine. His bright orange hair stood out, and Kenma thought it was rather fitting.
"Kenma, what's wrong?" Hinata asked as Kuroo pushed Kenma towards the table.
"Nothing, I just never realized how bright your hair was," Kenma muttered, taking control of himself.
"You just realized that?" Kageyama asked, disbelief in his voice.
"Missing the point there King," Tsukishima scoffed. Kageyama responded by giving the tall middle blocker a confused stare.
"You can see," Hinata blinked, realization appearing on his face.
"Oh," Kageyama replied, suddenly understanding.
"Yeah," Kenma answered, admiring the deep blue of Kageyama's eyes. They were pretty, but they weren't Bokuto's golden eyes.
"Who?" Hinata asked. "How long?"
"A few hours," Kenma shrugged, purposefully ignoring the first question.
"So it's someone here," Kageyama concluded.
"Who though?" Hinata asked, leaning across the table towards Kenma. He wasn't sure why, but Kenma didn't really want to tell anyone yet.
"He's overwhelmed enough right now, stop with the interrogation," Tsukishima defended. Kenma had never really talked to the other boy, but since they both had to deal with Kuroo, they had a mutual understanding for each other. Kenma nodded a thank you and finished eating his food, glancing around and taking everything in.
"Hey Kenma, you gonna be able to play today?" Kuroo asked after finishing his meal.
"I don't know," he answered truthfully. He could probably play, but he felt like he would get distracted easily.
"I'm sure coach would let you off for a day," he responded, standing up and grabbing his tray, Kenma following suit. He didn't reply to Kuroo's suggestion, instead he just silently followed him into the gym. After a brief discussion between Kuroo and Coach Nekomata, it was decided that Kenma would take the day to observe rather than play. As he watched the teams warm up, he noticed a single star player nowhere to be seen.
"He's wandering around outside," Akaashi explained, seeing Kenma searching the gym. Kenma silently nodded and left the gym, going in search of his soulmate. He found him in the garden, sitting in the lush grass surrounded by pastel flowers. He looked so at peace, watching the petals flutter softly in the breeze.
"I always thought I had a good understanding of the world, but now everything's changed, I'm not so sure," he muttered, sensing Kenma's gaze.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" he asked, moving to sit on the grass next to him.
"It's a good thing. A really good thing," Bokuto smiled, looking over at Kenma. Kenma figured it was a soulmate thing, but he could look at Bokuto forever and never get bored.
"You're not playing today?" Kenma asked after a moment of silence.
"No way I'll be able to focus, there's too much going on right now," he answered.
"Yeah," Kenma agreed; he understood. They sat together in silence, enjoying the chirping of the birds and the slight breeze; the warm sunlight, and each other's company. It was nice, comfortable, and Kenma found himself thinking that it was something he could get used to. As soon as that thought crossed his mind, Kenma shut down.
"I'm sorry," he muttered, pulling his knees against his chest.
"Sorry for what?" Bokuto asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Sorry it's me. Sorry I'm the one you're stuck with," he elaborated, avoiding his gaze. Suddenly, his personal space was gone, and Bokuto was holding his hands; their faces inches apart.
"I have no control over how you see yourself, but you don't get to decide how others see you. I know you're skeptical of fate and soulmates, but whatever force is in charge obviously thinks we have a bond. Whether it's fate or not, the last say goes to us, and I say that no, you are not a burden. I don't consider you a problem, I consider you a blessing. Kenma, the world is already so much brighter and all you've done is fallen asleep on me. Good things are going to come from this, I know that."
Kenma wasn't sure if it was Bokuto's words or his breath on his face, but his mind went blank. There was a lot he wanted to say, needed to say, but as soon as Bokuto closed his mouth, Kenma had nothing. What he did have, however, was his instincts. Before he was able to process what was happening, the already limited space between the two was closing, and Kenma's eyes were as well. The touch was light and didn't last very long, but Kenma hoped Bokuto felt all the emotion he put into it. If Kenma couldn't reply with words, he would have to express himself with actions instead.
His lips tingled as he pulled back, and as he opened his eyes, he saw his message was received loud and clear. The look on Bokuto's face, the gleam in his eyes, the absolute love in his expression. It was everything Kenma had hoped for and more.
"Kenma," Bokuto whispered, his forehead resting against the other boy's. "Call me Koutaro."
This small request hit Kenma hard. The only person Kenma ever referred to by name was Shouyo; he didn't even call Kuroo by his first name and they had known each other for years. He wasn't exactly close to Bokuto, so calling his Koutaro should make him uncomfortable. Maybe it was because they were bound by fate, but the thought didn't make him uncomfortable at all, if anything, it made him happy.
"Koutaro," he muttered softly. Bokuto closed his eyes and hummed happily in response. Kenma smiled and pulled back, causing Bokuto's eyes to shoot open and stare at him. Standing up, Kenma grabbed his hand and pulled him up, leading him to the gym.
"Whatcha doin?" Bokuto chuckled, following Kenma obediently.
"I'm gonna set to you," Kenma answered simply. The only reply he received was a muffled squack, which he understood. Getting Kenma to set for someone was hard enough, but getting him to volunteer was unheard of. Hands still clasped together, they entered the gym, and everything went quiet.
The bounce of forgotten volleyballs echoed in the otherwise silent gym. Kenma had hoped everyone would be too busy to notice them, he should have realized that wouldn't be the case. The idea of Kenma re-entering the gym after being excused was odd enough, but add in the factor that he was holding hands with Bokuto, and it was no wonder everything stopped. Kenma, who was originally leading Bokuto, felt himself sink back towards him under everyones' gazes. That movement, Kenma putting himself closer to Bokuto, caused realization to hit everyone.
"Oh!" Hinata exclaimed, breaking the silence. Kenma's face went red and he turned his attention to his feet, earning a chuckle from Bokuto.
"Yeah," Bokuto responded for the both of them.
"My two best friends, together at last," Kuroo fake sobbed, wiping his invisible tears from his face. Kenma kept his attention at his feet, but smiled slightly at Kuroo's comment.
"It's been fun, but we have stuff to do," Bokuto decided, taking charge and leading Kenma towards the supply closet. They ignored the whoops and hollers and grabbed a few volleyballs before turning and leaving the gym.
Just before closing the door, Kenma locked eyes with Kuroo. The two had known each other for years, so with that one eye lock, they were able to communicate so much. Kuroo was happy for him, happy that he was accepting not just the idea of soulmates, but Bokuto as well. Kenma was just as glad.
They had only known they were soulmates for less than 24 hours, yet Kenma was sure, as he looked over at Bokuto.
He was in love.