Day 22: "Overwhelmed"
Whumptober 2024 Prompt: Overwhelmed
Ship: Kuroo Tetsuro x Kenma Kozume
The sounds of the gaming convention filled Kenma's ears like an unrelenting wave. Everywhere he turned, crowds surged, voices blended into a continuous roar, and lights flashed from screens and displays, all pulsing in a rhythm he couldn't escape. He should've been excited—he loved gaming, after all. But the sheer magnitude of it all had him on edge, his heart racing, hands clammy as he forced himself to navigate the throngs of fans, players, and flashing lights.
"Hey, Kenma!" Kuroo's voice cut through the noise, and Kenma turned to see his boyfriend grinning, oblivious to the chaos that threatened to engulf him. "You good? This is awesome, huh?"
Kenma forced a smile, nodding, though he could barely muster the enthusiasm to meet Kuroo's energy. "Yeah. It's… a lot."
Kuroo's grin softened, eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Kenma's pale face and the tension in his posture. "Too much?"
Kenma nodded, trying to ignore the way his chest tightened. "Maybe a little. I'll be okay, though. Don't worry."
But he knew it was more than that. Every passing moment, the noise seemed to amplify, the press of people around him suffocating. He struggled to keep his breathing even, reminding himself to stay calm, but the feeling of being trapped only worsened with each step.
They walked through the aisles, Kuroo pointing out different booths and games, chatting excitedly, his hand gently resting on Kenma's shoulder. Kenma tried to focus, to stay present, but his vision blurred slightly, and his head felt too heavy.
Finally, when they reached a quieter corner near the exit, Kenma stopped, his legs refusing to carry him any further. He took a shaky breath, and Kuroo's hand was there, steady and warm.
"Kenma?" Kuroo's voice was soft now, his excitement replaced by concern. "Are you okay?"
Kenma shook his head, unable to speak as the weight of everything pressed down on him. He felt himself spiraling, his mind overwhelmed by the noise, the crowds, the expectations.
Kuroo wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. "Hey, it's alright. I'm here. Let's take a break, okay?"
Kenma clung to him, burying his face in Kuroo's shoulder as he struggled to regain control. The warmth of Kuroo's embrace was grounding, his steady heartbeat a reminder that he wasn't alone.
"It's just… too much," Kenma finally whispered, his voice barely audible over the noise around them.
Kuroo nodded, rubbing gentle circles on his back. "I get it. Let's get out of here. You don't have to do this if it's too overwhelming."
Kenma hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. He didn't want to ruin Kuroo's day. "But you were so excited…"
"Kenma." Kuroo pulled back slightly, his hands resting on Kenma's shoulders as he looked him in the eyes. "I'm here for you. If it's too much, we leave. No questions, no guilt. You come first."
Kenma's chest tightened again, this time with gratitude. He managed a small nod, allowing Kuroo to guide him out of the convention center and into the fresh air outside.
As they walked, Kenma's breathing began to steady, the weight on his chest lifting slightly with each step. Kuroo kept his arm around him, his presence a comforting anchor.
When they found a quiet bench, they sat down, and Kuroo handed him a water bottle. "Better?"
Kenma took a sip, nodding. "Yeah. Thanks, Kuroo."
Kuroo grinned, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Kenma's forehead. "Anytime, Kenma. You don't have to do everything alone, you know. I'm always here for you."
Kenma smiled, the last remnants of anxiety fading as he leaned into Kuroo's embrace, finally feeling at ease.