Chapter Text
FREESIA
The classroom was dead silent. Upon listening closely, one might be able to hear the scribbling of graphite against paper. Surprise tests happened to be this teacher’s specialty just like their seniors had warned them.
About an hour had passed when the teacher announced it to be the end of class and all answer sheets were collected setting the second-years free. For the time being. At his usual spot, Kenma stretched his arms and felt the tension ease out of his back, looking out the window on his right. Corner seat as always. He took his phone in his hands and turning the screen on, read through the recent notifications. One particular message caught his attention. It was from Kuroo.
“Will be at the south side benches for break.”
Kenma put the phone down without replying. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Yamamoto walk towards him from his own seat. He sighed, brown knitted. He absolutely did not need more social situations today. Half the school day had drained his HP and he was left to rot for the rest of the time with no back-ups. His hand itched for the console in his bag.
“Kenma!” Yamamoto yelled, drawing the attention of a few nearby classmates. Others mostly ignored, being aware of Yamamoto’s antics.
Kenma had tilted his head away, possibly as a reaction to being repelled from the sound.
“Kenma, are you listening to me?” Yamamoto said again, louder this time, as if to emphasise.
“What do you think, Tora?” Kenma replied in a contrasting quieter voice.
Yamamoto looked at him closely for a moment before a grin spread on his face and he slapped Kenma’s shoulder causing him to flinch. “You’re sulking again, Kenma!”, he said.
Kenma remained quiet, not wasting anymore energy unnecessarily on Yamamoto. He still had a long day ahead of him.
Kenma made his way down the stairs and out of the doors to the southern part of campus. From the vending machine nearby, Kenma picked out two drinks— an Apple juice carton and a small bottle of cold coffee. When he reached the benches, Kenma saw Kuroo sitting one a bench that was more protected from the sun rays.
Kuroo was petting a cat that seemed to affectionately butt its head against his leg. His lips curled slightly into a small smile. All of a sudden, the cat sped away into the distance, causing Kuroo to look over his shoulder the other side. Kenma was walking up to him and held out the bottled coffee.
“I heard you had a test today.” Kuroo said accepting the beverage. He twisted open the bottle cap and took a sip. “It’s not cold enough. Is the vending machine not working?”.
“Maybe” Kenma said taking a seat next to Kuroo and watched the cat bathe itself in sunlight at a distance.
“How did the test go? Was it Math or something?” Kuroo asked looking at Kenma.
“Computer Science. I’ll get good enough grades.” Kenma replied languidly. He was not at all in the mood to discuss academics considering how low his energy levels had dropped. He was drinking from his juice carton, hugging his schoolbag like it was the most precious thing in the world, which it was, for it contained his beloved handheld console of course.
Kuroo smiled at Kenma’s reply. “We have practice today after class, you remember right?” he said.
“You can do without me for a day.” Kenma said, fidgeting with his backpack shoulder straps.
“Of course not. You need to set.” Kuroo said and gulped down the rest of his beverage.
Kenma sulked at the thought of physical activity. Kuroo rested his elbows on his knees, listening to the other sigh — a tug of war between what was wanted and what was needed.
“Hey you two.” A voice called, forcing Kenma and Kuroo’s attention on this person that had appeared. Kenma’s eyes softened from the sudden surprise upon realisation of who it was. Kuroo spoke with indifference. “I don’t think I had sent you the location, Akira.”
“There’s only one pair of dudes where one of them has grown out badly bleached hair and the other has a permanent bed-head.” Akira said, matching Kuroo’s indifferent attitude.
Kuroo said nothing. He silently pointed at Kenma with his eyes, signalling Akira to help. They had accidentally created a secret code due to their many endeavours to get Kenma to practise.
“Say, Kenma, when are you heading to practise today?” Akira asked, trying to appear clueless.
“Not going.” Kenma replied without too much hesitation.
Akira’s eyes shifted between Kuroo and Kenma once before she said, “Well, I had band practise cancelled today so I was thinking I could bring you both some deserts after practise. Since you’ll not be there, I’ll only buy Kuroo’s portion.”
Kenma knew this trick. He knew this trick very well and he wouldn’t fall for it. Or so he wished. Akira had tried this countless times before. However, every time that Kenma showed up, deserts actually followed. It might have been a cheap trick on Akira’s part but it was good enough to put Kenma into a dilemma.
“I can get some myself.” Kenma said, still not fully convince, and more so, not ready to give in just yet. His longing for the blankets and games was stronger than the desire for sweet treats.
“We’ll play that two player game thing you were talking about tomorrow evening since there’s no practice.” Kuroo said. “Akira and me will go over after school.”
“I’ll probably be at the rehearsal pad with the band. If I’m free then sure. Kuroo will go anyway.” Akira mentioned quickly to Kenma.
This was it. Kenma had heard it well, and this opportunity was rarer than deserts. An evening of beating Kuroo at video games sounded extremely appealing.
Kenma whispered something rather annoyedly.
“I can’t hear you like this.” Akira said.
“I said I’ll go.” Kenma said getting up, eyebrows furrowed, but no apparent signs of tension on his face. “I’d like apple pie if they have one.”
“You got it.” Akira said, waving them bye and walking away.
You two win again, Akira and Kuro. Kenma thought.
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Freesia symbolises trust and friendship, primarily in platonic sense.
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Author's Note:
I am writing this again after so long. My writing skills are definitely rusted and need some brushing up. English is NOT my first language. Also, Akira Yasai is an OC I thought should have some cameos here in this story. I might add more about her later. For now, Akira likes to play guitar in a band and break gender stereotypes lmao.