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The bright lights of Tokyo blurred past as Hinata Shoyo rode his bike through the bustling streets. The evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of street food and distant chatter. As he pedaled faster, his thoughts raced ahead to his destination. He had promised Kenma he would swing by the office with dinner.
Kenma’s company, Bouncing Ball, was a towering structure in the heart of the city. Despite the late hour, the building was alive with activity, the glass façade glowing like a beacon. Hinata secured his bike and made his way inside, the familiar scent of clean air and Kenma’s preferred orchid air freshener greeting him.
“Evening, Hinata-san,” the receptionist greeted with a knowing smile. Hinata beamed back, holding up the bag of takeout he’d brought.
“Evening! Is Kenma still in his office?”
“Yes, sir. He’s been waiting for you.”
Hinata’s smile widened as he headed towards the elevator. The sound of the elevator doors opening was almost like a Pavlovian bell, causing a flutter of excitement in his chest. As he reached Kenma’s floor, he could see the familiar light of the CEO’s office still on.
“Knock knock,” he called softly, opening the door without waiting for a response.
Kenma looked up from his computer screens, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Hinata. “Hey, Shoyo.”
“I brought dinner,” Hinata announced, holding up the bag triumphantly. “Thought you could use a break.”
Kenma smiled, a soft, genuine smile that was reserved just for Hinata. “Thanks. I’ve been buried all day.”
Hinata set the food on the table and began unpacking it, filling the office with the warm aroma of miso soup and tempura. Kenma’s eyes softened as he watched Hinata’s hurried movements and listened to his animated chatter about not wanting the food to get cold. Hinata handed Kenma a pair of chopsticks, silently admiring the sight of him in a button-up black shirt with neatly folded sleeves, his hair half tied up. Despite looking like he needed 40 hours of sleep, Kenma still managed to appear incredibly attractive. Hinata promptly blushed at his thoughts and mentally waved them away.
“You’re a lifesaver, Shoyo,” Kenma said, taking a seat across from him. “I was just thinking about how hungry I was.”
“Well, I can’t have my sole sponsor starving, can I?” Hinata grinned brightly.
As they ate, Hinata chattered about his day, the latest practice with the national team, and a particularly hilarious moment with Kageyama. Kenma listened, his usual quiet demeanor softening as he laughed at Hinata’s stories.
“And then Kageyama tripped over the ball and fell flat on his face,” Hinata laughed, almost spilling his soup.
Kenma chuckled, shaking his head. “Sounds like him. How’s the team doing?”
“Really well! Ushijima’s spikes are as terrifying as ever, and Sakusa’s serves are basically impossible to return. And Kageyama is... well, Kageyama.” Hinata’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “But we’re getting better every day. I can’t wait for the next match. I want to go against the German team - they were SOOOO talented to play with!”
Kenma’s eyes lingered on Hinata’s animated face, a warmth spreading in his chest. He chuckled. “You are something else, for sure. I couldn’t stand playing two sets, and now, after a whole day of practices, you are still so ready to play a five-set straight.”
“WHAAAT. Playing five sets is just the bare minimum! I’m always excited whenever we get a draw in the fourth set, you know, because we get to continue to play!”
Kenma shook his head in disbelief, amused by Hinata’s endless energy. They continued their conversation, shifting to Kenma’s day, which involved numerous financial negotiations and an upcoming big deal. Hinata listened intently, though most of it went over his head. The only key takeaway from the conversation, was that he decided to bring dinner over every night this week to make sure Kenma have proper meals, at least once in the whole day.
As the evening wore on, Hinata glanced at the clock. “I should head out soon. Got an early practice tomorrow.”
Kenma nodded. “Text me when you get home safely, okay?” It was pretty much their usual routine to text each other whenever they got home. Hinata’s heart still swelled, knowing that Kenma was looking out for him.
“Of course I will!” Hinata replied, standing up and stretching. He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and tugged at Kenma’s fingers affectionately. “Don’t work too hard, okay?”
Kenma rolled his eyes but didn’t pull away. “I’ll try.”
Hinata left the office with a light heart, pedaling back through the now quieter streets of Tokyo. It might just be Hinata’s wishful thinking, but Kenma always seemed more relaxed when they were together. His chest felt warmer at that thought.
The national team had just won a crucial match against France, qualifying them for the upcoming Olympics. The celebration was in full swing at one of Tokyo’s fanciest restaurants. The team was seated at a long table, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement and the clinking of glasses.
“To the best team!” Miya hollered.
Hinata basked in the camaraderie, his eyes shining with pride. Each player had contributed their unique strengths to make the team unstoppable. As the evening drew to a close, the waiter approached with the bill. The oldest member of the team, Ojiro, reached for his wallet, but the waiter held up a hand.
“The bill has already been taken care of.”
“What?” Ojiro blinked in surprise.
“Yes, sir. Mr. Kozume has an arrangement with the owner. Whenever a Hinata Shoyo is present, everything will be covered.”
The table erupted in laughter and teasing. “Looks like you’ve got a sugar daddy, Hinata!” Miya joked, nudging him playfully.
Hinata’s face turned bright red. “I-It’s not like that! Kenma’s just… really kind to friends.”
“‘Friends’? Is that what we call it nowadays?” Yaku mock frowned. “Ahhhh, I can’t keep up with you youngsters.”
Hoshiumi laughed wholeheartedly. “Just admit it, you’re spoiled.”
Hinata couldn’t help but feel lost amid Kenma's unconditional generosity. He laughed along with the team but pondered what their relationship looked like through others’ eyes. As they left the restaurant, Yaku nudged Hinata’s shoulder.
“I’m glad to see you guys still being close all these years.” Yaku smiled. “Really never saw him initiate a conversation with anyone except for you. The whole team was shocked when we met for the first match, you know.”
“You are exaggerating,” Hinata spluttered, his blush deepening.
“Don’t be shy.” Yaku said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “It’s nice, having someone who looks only your way.”
Hinata knew he should address the misunderstanding about their relationship, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Part of him liked the idea that others saw them as more than friends. If people thought they were in a relationship, it might keep any potential competition at bay. So, he settled with, “Yeah, it is.”
Later, as he headed home, his phone buzzed with a message from Kenma. Hope you had fun tonight.
Hinata sighed and quickly replied. You really don’t have to do that, Kenma!!!
Kenma’s response came immediately. I like spending money on you, is all.
Hinata’s heart fluttered. Kenma’s constant care and generosity always left him feeling both grateful and confused. The line between friendship and something more was becoming increasingly blurred, and Hinata wasn’t sure if he wanted to clarify it or simply let things continue as they were.
“So, how is the life of the two national players?” Yamaguchi asked, his sparkling gentle eyes and adorable freckles framing his genuine smile. The Karasuno first-year OG team had finally managed to coordinate their schedules and meet up after countless debates about the time and place. It was bizarre how things had changed - from seeing each other every day for three years in high school to now having to book a Google Calendar invitation months in advance just to catch up.
“I’m living the BEST LIFE!!” Hinata beamed, seeing Yamaguchi and Yachi’s faces light up with genuine smiles, and Tsukishima’s inevitable scoff. “Practices every day, flying in and out for training, meeting lots of talented players all over the world. WOW. Never thought I could make it here!”
“Yeah right, no one who saw your pathetic spikes and receives in first year could ever think you’d make it this far,” Kageyama smirked.
“Mean!!!” Hinata retorted, pouting slightly but unable to hide his grin.
The café’s warm ambiance felt like a comforting embrace as they reminisced about their high school days. The familiar banter flowed easily, filling Hinata with a sense of nostalgia and happiness. As they continued chatting, Hinata’s eyes caught sight of an apple pie in the display case. He grinned, remembering Kenma’s fondness for it.
“Hold on a sec, guys,” Hinata said, standing up and heading to the counter. He returned with a slice of apple pie, earning curious looks from his friends.
“Apple pie?” Tsukishima raised an eyebrow.
“It’s Kenma’s favorite,” Hinata explained with a shrug. “Thought I’d bring him a slice.”
“So when is the wedding again?” Tsukishima commented dryly.
Hinata’s face turned a bright shade of red. “W-We’re just friends! Stop making this weird, Stingyshima!”
“Huh,” Kageyama mused. “Why have I never had you buy me meat buns before?”
“Alright guys, stop teasing him.” Yamaguchi grabbed the two lanky guys by their shoulders, his captain aura on full force. “Let the guy have his apple pie.”
“Hope Kozume will enjoy it,” Yachi added quietly.
Hinata nodded frantically, his thoughts drifting to Kenma’s reaction to the apple pie. He worried that Kenma might only enjoy certain brands, as he was picky about many things. But then again, Hinata had read reviews of this café before buying the pie, and they seemed pretty decent, which settled his nerves a bit. He really hoped this wasn’t too weird. Kenma knew that the café his friends gathered at today was halfway across the city - did this make him sound too desperate?
Waving away all the negative thoughts, Hinata said his goodbyes to his friends with promise to catch up again soon. He then made his way to Kenma’s house. The familiarity of the route and the anticipation of seeing Kenma filled him with a sense of comfort. He rang the doorbell, holding the slice of apple pie carefully.
Kenma opened the door, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Hinata. “Hey, Shoyo.”
“Hey, Kenma! I brought you something,” Hinata greeted excitedly. “The café had apple pie, thought you might want to have a bite?”
Kenma’s eyes softened with warmth. He chuckled. “You spoil me, Shoyo.”
They settled on the couch, sharing the pie as they talked about their days. Kenma listened intently to Hinata’s animated stories about catching up with the Karasuno team, except for the part where he got teased about their relationship. Hinata noticed Kenma starting to get droopy and smiled. When Kenma suggested that Hinata should stay overnight, it was a familiar and welcome invitation. Hinata happily agreed, thinking of Kenma’s guest bedroom with the most comfortable mattress and luxurious bedding he had ever experienced. In his contentment, he completely forgot to ask Kenma’s opinion on the pie.
The rhythmic thudding of volleyballs echoed in the national training center, accompanied by the sharp calls of coaches and the determined grunts of players. The air was filled with the spicy, minty scent of muscle spray. Hinata loved the sound and the smell; it was like a symphony of hard work and passion. He was still filled with jittery energy as the team gathered for their usual post-practice meeting. Coach Hibarida Fuki, a man with a positive attitude and a cheery smile, stood before them, his face brightened with excitement.
“I have an announcement,” he began, his eyes scanning the room. “We’ve received a very generous donation of $500,000 from Bouncing Ball. They’ve sponsored a significant renovation of our gym and training facilities.”
The room buzzed with excitement and confusion. Bokuto leaned over to Hinata. “Isn’t Bouncing Ball our favorite Kenma’s company?”
Hinata nodded awkwardly. “Y-Yeah...”
Ushijima raised his hand, his expression serious. “Why would they do that?”
Hinata’s mind raced, his thoughts drifting back to the previous night’s conversation with Kenma, where he had jokingly mentioned that the gym spaces had become so cramped that he always had to queue to get his turn. But he had never imagined it would lead to anything more than casual conversation. As Coach Hibarida continued outlining the improvements, from new equipment and expanded gym spaces, to even a dedicated recovery room, Hinata half wanted to facepalm at the way Kenma was throwing money around, half really touched knowing that Kenma took every word coming from his mouth so seriously.
“This upgrade will greatly enhance our training capabilities and ensure that we’re in top condition for the upcoming competitions,” Coach Hibarida said, his smile wide and genuine. “Let’s work hard and give our all to show our appreciation to Bouncing Ball for their generosity.”
As the meeting concluded and the team began dispersing, Hinata’s phone buzzed with a message from Kenma. How was practice?
Hinata smiled at the notification, but then quickly frowned and quickly typed back. Did you really sponsor the renovation?! I was just telling you that as a conversation starter!
Kenma’s response came swiftly. I have money to spare.
Hinata wished he could ever say that straight to someone else’s face. Gosh. What’s next, you gonna buy the whole island if I say Tokyo is too cramped for me to live in?!
His phone pinged. A list of private islands around Asia showed up one after the other. You can choose one now. Or a few.
Stop!!!! 😭
As Hinata pocketed his phone, Kageyama approached him. “What’s up with Kozume? He really did this for you?”
Hinata rubbed the back of his neck, a bashful smile on his face. “I guess he just wanted to… help develop the potential of national sports talents?”
Kageyama scoffed. “Yeah right. Why didn’t I know you were that good at literature in high school?”
Hinata blinked, confused. “Huh?”
Kageyama rolled his eyes. “That explanation was so smooth it sounded like it came straight out of a novel. You were never that eloquent in school. I guess hanging out with Kozume has its perks.”
Hinata laughed out loud, but his thoughts lingered on Kenma. The generosity, caring gestures, and the attention to his offhanded comments... he really wished it meant something more.
The Kozume household was a picture of warmth and coziness. Today, it was filled with the smell of delicious food and the sound of cheerful chatter. Hinata stood in the kitchen, chopping vegetables with practiced ease. He glanced over at Kenma, who was stirring a pot on the stove, his movements slow and methodical.
“Shoyo, you didn’t have to bring so much,” Mrs. Kozume said, her eyes shining with gratitude as she accepted the huge bouquet Hinata had brought. She looked remarkably similar to Kenma, a natural beauty with cat-like eyes and delicate features, though her outgoing persona set her apart.
“It’s no trouble at all,” Hinata replied with a grin. “I wanted to make today special.”
Mrs. Kozume smiled warmly. “You always do, sweetheart.”
She then turned to Kenma and held a long, meaningful look, making him roll his eyes with his ears turning pink. Hinata wanted to know what that was about but couldn't bring himself to ask. He settled with chopping the fruits he had brought over instead.
As they cooked together, Hinata found himself feeling at home, the warmth of the Kozume family wrapping around him like a cozy blanket. He had always admired how close-knit they were, and they had welcomed him with open arms from the very beginning. It felt so right being here, like he was part of this family. And he wished Kenma knew how much he wanted to be part of his life.
“Shoyo, can you pass me the soy sauce?” Kenma asked, breaking Hinata out of his thoughts.
“Sure thing,” Hinata replied, handing over the bottle. “What’s next on the menu?”
“Mom’s favorite: miso-glazed salmon,” Kenma said with a small smile.
Hinata’s eyes lit up. “Can I have the first bite?!”
Kenma chuckled. “You’ll have to fight Mom for it.”
As they continued cooking, the conversation flowed easily, and Hinata felt a deep sense of belonging, a feeling that had only grown stronger over the years. Dinner was a joyful affair, filled with stories, laughter, and delicious food. Hinata couldn’t help but notice how Kenma’s eyes sparkled with happiness, a sight that always made his heart skip a beat.
If only Kenma knew how much he loved him. Being here with him and his family meant everything to Hinata.
After dinner, as they were tidying up, Mr. Kozume approached Hinata. “Shoyo, feel free to come by whenever you have time,” he said, a warm smile on his face. “Kenma has been really busy with his work, Tetsuro as well, and we old people need someone to order around.”
Hinata felt his cheeks heat up. “I will! I’m really good with house chores!”
Kenma was setting up the living room with fruits, not wanting his mother to do all the work on her own birthday. He looked over at Hinata and his father, a small smile playing on his lips. “Was he tiring you out?” Kenma asked.
Hinata scrunched his nose. “He can’t be worse than Natsu!” he replied, causing an amused chuckle from Kenma.
As the evening wore on, the conversation and laughter continued to flow effortlessly. The coziness of the Kozume household made time seem to fly by. Hinata felt a warmth in his chest, cherishing these moments of simple joy and connection.
Eventually, Mrs. Kozume began to yawn and mentioned that it was getting late. “Sleeping late is bad for health, you know,” she said with a playful wink. “And I still need to do my skincare routine.”
Hinata chuckled, understanding the cue. “Thank you so much for having me,” he said, standing up and giving a small bow. “I had a wonderful time.”
“You’re always welcome here, Shoyo,” Kenma’s father added with a smile.
Kenma walked Hinata to the door, the cool night air a gentle contrast to the warmth inside. They stepped out into the quiet street, and Hinata felt a twinge of reluctance to leave.
“I think you have won the title of their favorite son,” Kenma said with a light teasing tone as they reached his car. He opened the door on the passenger side so Hinata could get in first, then went to the driver’s seat. He had been doing it for years since they knew each other.
Upon sudden realization of the caring gesture, together with the possible implication from Kenma’s teasing, Hinata promptly blushed. He guessed he could blame the cold air. “Yeppp, I have that effect on everyone.”
The drive back to Hinata’s place was quiet but comfortable, occasionally interrupted by Hinata’s sudden chatter about random things he saw on the road. When they arrived, Hinata hesitated for a moment before getting out of the car.
“Thanks for the ride,” he said, looking at Kenma. “And for letting me join in tonight.”
Kenma nodded, his eyes reflecting the streetlights. “Anytime, Shoyo. See you tomorrow?”
Hinata grinned. “Yeah, see you tomorrow.”
As he watched Kenma drive away, Hinata felt such a deep contentment. He turned and headed inside, still feeling the warmth of the Kozume household lingering in his heart. Maybe one day he would find the courage to tell Kenma his feelings and how much he wanted to be a part of their family for real. For now, he was just happy being in Kenma’s life. Surely, no one else got to spend time with Kenma’s family like him, well, except for Kuroo, but he didn't count because he was practically Kenma’s brother already. So yeah, this was more than what he could possibly ask for.
Hinata’s family home was as lively as ever, filled with the sounds of laughter and the smell of home-cooked food. He had always loved coming back here, the familiar warmth and comfort never failing to make him feel at ease. Today, however, there was an added sense of curiosity as he sat with his sister Natsu, who was eagerly recounting her latest adventures in volleyball.
“And then, at the networking event, this Kozume-san helped me out,” Natsu said, her eyes wide with admiration.
Hinata’s interest was piqued. “Kenma did? What happened?”
Natsu nodded, her expression serious. “There was this old businessman who was being really pushy about some ‘deal’ he wanted to make with me. I didn’t know what to do, but then Kozume-san stepped in and handled it. He was sooooo handsome. If I didn’t know him before, I would’ve totally thought he was a prince! All my teammates were so jealous of me. Oh well, until they heard what I was rescued out of, though.”
Hinata's heart felt like it was about to fall out of his chest at the thought of Natsu facing such a situation. He immediately frowned. “What do you mean, ‘deal’?! Do you get that often?”
Natsu waved her hands dismissively. “Those businessmen want to bring home some trophy. It’s quite a common thing in athletics, actually. They promise to give more resources and get us to go pro quickly, or whatever nonsense they try to pull.” She shivered at the thought. “Can you imagine someone like Kozume-san having to actually talk with that kind of people at the negotiating table?”
“Why didn’t you call me? Oh my gosh…”
“Nah, it’s all good. Normally, I can still politely turn them down.” Natsu shrugged. “And I don’t get harassed that often! Our coach rarely lets us go to those events; our life mostly revolves around training and practicing.”
Hinata felt suffocated thinking about Natsu having to deal with such situations, yet he felt proud of how far she had come and how she could handle herself elegantly. He reluctantly said, “Still, tell me right away next time. I could totally do something and make sure it won’t happen again!”
“Well, I think that’s already been taken care of.”
“What do you mean?”
“Kozume-san stepped in and said something along the lines of cashing out his investment in that old man’s business. Then he said, and I quote, ‘Please be a smart man and do not ever come in contact with her again.’ He is just the BEST! Oh, that night he wore a very fancy suit with a sparkling golden watch and golden glasses, and he was SO HANDSOME. It was such a stark contrast to those disgusting people. Hahaha...”
Hinata must have looked so concerned, as Natsu stopped in the middle of her rambling to rush out, “Oh, don’t worry, you don’t have competition from me. I know Kozume-san is head over heels for you.”
Hinata’s eyes widened, his face turning a deep shade of red. “W-What are you talking about?”
Natsu grinned mischievously. “Come on, nii-chan. It’s so obvious. The way he looks at you like you score 30 points straight in a set? Anyone can see it!”
Hinata groaned. The last thing he wanted was for his little sister to meddle in his pathetic, years-long one-sided crush. He quickly scrambled to change the topic, shifting the conversation to their plans for the family gathering this month. If Natsu noticed the obvious deflection, she didn’t comment on it. Credit to his cute little sister for knowing when not to push.
“What got you so focused?”
Hinata tore his eyes away from the phone to see Kenma, still in his formal clothes, looking at him from where he stood. Hinata was making himself comfortable, lying down on the expensive couch in Kenma’s executive room. He had brought dinner for Kenma again, knowing that the busy man was entering the peak season before the annual general meeting and had forgotten to take care of himself. Kenma towered over him from above, and Hinata thought to himself that he could totally get used to this - looking up at Kenma from this angle while lying under him. Wait, stop. Brain. Stop your train of thought. Like, right now.
Hinata belatedly realized he still hadn’t given Kenma an answer, as the man was still looking down at him wordlessly. He managed to get something out. “Uhhhh… I was looking at a few studio listings? Bokuto-san is going to move out to live with Akaashi-san, as they finally got together after years of useless pining. Can you believe that?!!! Anyway, there’s just no point for me to live in a two-bedroom apartment, so…”
Kenma’s expression remained unreadable for a moment before he responded, “I see. Are you planning to move soon?”
Hinata sat up, feeling a bit flustered for reasons he couldn’t understand. “Yeah, I guess. It doesn’t make sense to keep such a big place just for myself.”
Kenma nodded thoughtfully. “You know, you could always stay with me if you need a place temporarily. I have plenty of space.”
Hinata's heart skipped a beat. “Stay with you? Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose…”
Kenma shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Well, who is gonna take the role of my mom and nag me to eat, then?” He ruffled Hinata’s hair before straightening up and turning back to his desk. “Think about it.”
His heartbeats were thumping so loud they might explode through his ears. Gosh. Hinata felt a bit feverish. The idea of living with Kenma, of being around him every day, seeing him just wake up, having breakfast with him… was incredibly appealing. Probably just a matter of how fast he could pack his belongings without looking too desperate to move in. Would tomorrow be too soon? Definitely. He should pretend to be thinking about it more, for like, a week or so? Yeah. That sounded more reasonable.
Who was he kidding? Literally the next day, Hinata brought the remainder of his stuff over to Kenma’s. Saying those were the ‘remainder,’ because now that he came to move in, he realized just how much of his belongings were already at Kenma’s place - pairs of clothes, cooking ingredients, stuffed animals, shoes, even a spare toothbrush and amenities. It was almost comical how seamlessly he seemed to fit into this house.
Kenma’s house was a beautiful blend of modern and traditional Japanese design. The wooden flooring, sliding shoji doors, and a small garden courtyard created a serene and welcoming atmosphere. Hinata had been here numerous times since high school, but now it felt different - like it was truly becoming his home.
Hinata's new room looked like a cozy sanctuary he often saw in those meditation life vlogs. The delicate lighting created a warm and inviting ambiance, and the window offered a picturesque view of a sunflower garden. A bookshelf lined one wall, filled with both Hinata’s favorite manga and new additions that, without asking, Hinata knew were Kenma’s doing. The room looked different from the last time Hinata had stayed over, with much more natural lighting. The floor had also changed from wooden to tatami flooring. Hinata knew that because there was one time, very long ago, when he slept over and mentioned that the wooden floor made his feet feel cold, though that was during winter.
He didn’t even have to ask before Kenma freely admitted, “I tried to do some quick renovations when you gave me short notice. I wanted you to feel comfortable.”
Hinata blushed at the “short notice” part; it seemed like he did come off as too eager, after all. He managed to stammer out, “Yeah, well, you did a magnificent job. I will stay in my room and never come out again,” which earned a (seriously) approving hum from Kenma.
That evening, Kenma cooked dinner. The familiar scents of miso soup, grilled salmon, and steamed rice filled the house. As they sat down to eat, Hinata couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. They chatted about their day, the upcoming travel plans, and Kenma’s random complaints about work that made Hinata bark out a laugh. He found himself stealing glances at Kenma, marveling at how natural and right everything felt. Could this be what their married life would be like? The thought was almost overwhelming in its sweetness.
Hinata got home to an empty house today, which was becoming increasingly odd these days. Kenma had been making true efforts to come back home either before him or swing by his training court to pick him up on the way back. The house felt quiet as he switched on the light and started sliding open the windows. The faint but comforting smell from the flower garden calmed his unsettling heart a bit.
He was in the middle of a movie marathon when he heard the door unlock. He looked up to see Kuroo practically dragging Kenma in. Both of them looked wasted.
“Hey, Chibi-chan,” Kuroo greeted, his voice tired.
Hinata jumped up, concern flooding his features. “What happened? Are you guys okay?”
Kuroo managed a weak smile. “Just a bit too much drinking,” he said, trying to steady Kenma, who was leaning heavily against him.
Kenma’s eyes were half-closed, and he looked like he was barely conscious. “Shoyo...,” he mumbled, his voice slurred.
Hinata rushed over and helped Kuroo guide Kenma to the couch. “Why did you let him drink so much?”
Kuroo sighed, flopping down onto a nearby chair. “You know how these events are. Kenma also drank quite a bit on my behalf. Well, at least we got a decent deal out of it.”
Hinata frowned, brushing a stray lock of hair from Kenma’s forehead. He went into the kitchen and returned with two glasses of warm water, one of which he offered to Kuroo.
“Here, Kenma, drink this,” Hinata said gently, helping Kenma sit up a bit.
Kenma took a few sips, his eyes fluttering open a little more. “Thanks, Shoyo,” he muttered, leaning back against the couch cushions.
Kuroo watched the exchange with an amused look, even in his state. After chugging down the water, he stood up straight. “Well, my job here is done. I’ll leave him in your capable hands. Goodnight, Chibi-chan.”
“You okay with getting home by yourself? I can call a cab…”
“Nah, Yakkun is waiting for me outside. He was pretty pissed off as well, so I better run now.” Kuroo snickered, then waved and headed out, leaving Hinata alone with a half-asleep Kenma. Hinata settled next to him, gently stroking his hair.
“You okay?” Hinata asked softly.
Kenma’s eyes opened a fraction more, and he gave a faint smile. “Yeah. Just missed you.”
Hinata’s heart skipped a beat. Kenma looked so vulnerable like this, with his face flushed, the golden rings in his eyes almost sparkling, and everything looked soft. He still managed to hold such an intense gaze on Hinata and made him breathless, even unknowingly.
“Y-Yeah? I’m right here with you.” Hinata sputtered, holding his breath for whatever came next.
“Hmm. I feel like you are too far away, though.”
Before Hinata could process Kenma’s words, Kenma leaned in, his lips brushing against Hinata’s in a soft, tentative kiss. Hinata’s eyes widened in surprise, his heart pounding hard in his chest. The world seemed to slow down, every sensation heightened.
Kenma's lips were soft, warm, and slightly parted. The initial contact was gentle, almost hesitant, but as Kenma pressed closer, the kiss deepened. Hinata could feel Kenma's breath mingling with his own, a heady mix of warmth and the faint taste of wine lingering on Kenma's lips. It was intoxicating, making Hinata's head spin. The kiss was everything he had dreamed of, filled with an intensity and tenderness that left him breathless.
When Kenma finally pulled away, Hinata’s face was full-on red, his breath coming in short gasps. “Kenma, I-I’ve wanted this for so long.” He stressed, for emphasis. “I have always loved you. For years.”
Kenma gave a satisfied hum, “Yeah?” before settling back into the cushion, his eyes starting to droop. “Me too…”
Hinata stayed by his side, watching over him as he slept. The living room was quiet, the only sound was the gentle breathing of the one person who meant more to him than anything else. The realization that they were officially a couple now was almost overwhelming. It was something he had yearned for, dreamt about for years, and now it was real. Everything felt perfectly in place.
From that night, Hinata decided to display his affection for Kenma in full force, now that they were officially together. He started finding all possible reasons to invade Kenma’s personal space. In the mornings, he would sit closer than necessary during breakfast, their knees brushing under the table. Whenever Kenma was absorbed in his phone, Hinata would lean in, his head almost resting on Kenma’s shoulder as he pretended to be interested in whatever Kenma was looking at. Out in public, Hinata would hold on to Kenma’s arm, intertwining their fingers as they walked down the street.
Kenma's reactions were a mix of endearing shyness and slight confusion. The first few times Hinata leaned into him, Kenma's face would turn a deep shade of red, and he would freeze, as if unsure of how to respond. Hinata could feel Kenma's body tense up, but the fact that he didn’t pull away encouraged him to continue. Kenma’s initial stiffness gradually gave way to a more relaxed acceptance, though he still blushed furiously whenever Hinata did something particularly bold, like resting his head on Kenma’s shoulder during movie nights or planting a coincidental near-kiss on his cheek when their faces got too close.
Hinata took these reactions as signs that Kenma was just shy or not yet accustomed to the increased intimacy. He made a mental note to be patient, to give Kenma the time he needed to adjust. In the meantime, he relished every small victory - the way Kenma’s hand would tentatively squeeze back when he held it, the soft smiles that would appear when he thought Hinata wasn’t looking, and the rare moments when Kenma would lean into him, seeking comfort and closeness.
Their friends noticed the change too. Kageyama raised an eyebrow the first time he saw Hinata clinging to Kenma’s arm at a team gathering but said nothing. Bokuto and Akaashi exchanged knowing glances, and even Tsukishima couldn’t resist making a snarky comment about the “newlyweds.” Through it all, Hinata remained undeterred, as he wanted nothing but for everyone in this whole world to know that they were finally together.
On their one-month anniversary, Hinata baked an apple pie and prepared a special dinner. When Kenma came home, he asked curiously, “What’s the special occasion?”
Hinata was momentarily surprised, thinking Kenma had forgotten their anniversary. But he quickly brushed it off, jokingly saying, “Just wanted to celebrate a special occasion. You better remember by the end of the day.”
After dinner, they sat together on the couch, watching a movie in dim lighting and drinking beers. The soft glow from the screen bathed them in a cozy light, and Hinata felt his nerves tingling with anticipation. He hesitated, then finally gathered his courage. “Hey, Kenma?”
“Hmm?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure, ask away.”
“Why is it that we don’t kiss?”
Kenma choked on his beer, his eyes wide with shock. “What?!”
Hinata’s face turned crimson, but he pressed on. “Because we’ve been dating for a month now, and every time I make any advances, you always freeze. So I think you might be uncomfortable with being intimate, which I totally understand. I just want you to talk to me…”
“What do you mean, dating?” Kenma’s voice was filled with confusion.
Hinata’s heart dropped, his voice trembling. “We… have been dating… right? It’s our one-month anniversary today.”
Kenma just stared at him.
Hinata rambled on, “You went back home drunk, then we kissed, then I confessed.” Gosh, he felt like he was convincing Kenma of a reality that Kenma didn't know of, and that was awful. “We - we live together, we visit each other’s parents, we hang out with each other’s friends, we do laundry, we cook dinner together… Your phone’s lock screen is literally my selfie! How is that NOT DATING?!”
“I mean, your photo is cute, so.”
The room fell silent as Hinata processed Kenma’s words. He looked up at Kenma, almost pleadingly, to see if it was just a joke that Kenma was trying to pull. His heart broke as all he could see was pure confusion. The sudden understanding that their relationship had been a misunderstanding all along came crashing in. Tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill over the edges, making him quickly look down so Kenma couldn’t see him crying.
“So, we are not dating, then?” It came out almost as a faint whisper.
Kenma reached out, holding Hinata’s hands in his. His hands were firm. “Shoyo, I… I am so, so sorry. I really thought that night, the kiss, was a dream.”
“So then… can we continue to date, please?”
“No.”
Hinata's heart shattered. Of course, this was all just a misunderstanding on his own. What’s next? He probably should text someone, maybe Kageyama or Yaku, to crash over at their house tonight. Gosh, what would he even explain to them after bragging about finally getting to date Kenma for the whole last month? Tears blurred his vision as he tried to reach for his phone.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” Kenma grabbed his shoulder, trying to get his attention. “I meant I want to start this over, properly. I want to bring you on dates. I want to court you properly. I want to buy you the most expensive rose bouquets, and limited edition shoes, and sports cars, and take you on holiday trips. Please, let me do that.”
“What do you mean, ‘court’? Is this in the 80s or something?” Hinata whimpered between sobs. Kenma frowned, and his eyes conveyed a hurt feeling, like it was physical pain for him to see Hinata this vulnerable. And it was caused by his doing. He almost stumbled out a ‘sorry’ again when Hinata continued.
“Can we cut to the relationship already? You have been planting a whole garden for me anyway. Also, all the shoes I am now wearing are gifts from you. Not to mention the trips to Taipei last month were on you, as well. And I can’t drive, so no point giving me those cars.”
Kenma blinked, then smiled. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ve been kind of slow, haven’t I?”
“Painfully slow,” Hinata sniffled, wiping his eyes. “Are you trying to turn me down gently? Because someone as smart as you couldn’t not figure out that I have been wanting to kiss your face for years.”
Kenma’s expression shifted from shock to desperation as he saw the tears streaming down Hinata’s face. He reached out, pulling Hinata closer, his voice frantic and filled with concern. “Shoyo, no, that’s not it at all! I promise, I have also been in love with you since high school. You can ask anyone on the Nekoma team about it. They all know.”
Hinata hiccupped between sobs, burying his face in Kenma’s chest. “Then why… why haven’t you said anything to meeeeeee?”
Kenma hugged him tighter, his fingers running through Hinata’s hair in a soothing gesture. “I’m so sorry, Shoyo. I didn’t know you were waiting for me. I was afraid of you not feeling the same, and I value our friendship so much I didn’t want to risk it.”
Hinata’s tears soaked through Kenma’s shirt, and he clung to Kenma’s waist, trembling. “You can say that before. But this whole month, you really didn’t think it was weird how I cling to you like glue?”
Kenma shook his head, his heart aching at the sight of Hinata’s distress. “I swear, I didn’t. I thought you were just being your usual affectionate self, if just a little bit more extra. But I should have asked. I’m sorry for being such an idiot.”
Hinata pulled back slightly, looking up at Kenma with red-rimmed eyes. “So… do you want to be with me now?”
Kenma cupped Hinata’s face gently, wiping away the tears with his thumbs. “Yes, Shoyo, I really do. I want to be with you, always. If you want, we can go to Europe right now to get married. I can arrange it.”
“Can you be less crazy?!” Hinata choked on his own tears and runny nose. His heart began to steady as he gazed into Kenma’s earnest eyes. “Let’s start things in order. There’s something you have owed me for a month already.”
Kenma’s breath caught in his throat. Without hesitation, he leaned in, pressing his lips to Hinata’s in a tender, heartfelt kiss. The world seemed to melt away as they finally connected, years of unspoken feelings and longing pouring into that one moment. Hinata’s eyes fluttered closed, his heart racing as he felt the warmth and softness of Kenma’s lips against his own.
They both sighed into the kiss, their hands instinctively reaching for each other. Kenma’s fingers tangled in Hinata’s hair, pulling him closer, while Hinata’s hands gripped the fabric of Kenma’s shirt, anchoring himself. The sensation of Kenma’s lips, gentle yet insistent, sent a shiver down Hinata’s spine. Kenma’s lips were so soft, and the taste of him was intoxicating, mingling with the faint hint of beer from earlier. His touch was both soothing and electrifying, his thumb brushing against Hinata’s cheek as he deepened the kiss. Hinata responded eagerly, his body pressing closer against Kenma’s, as if trying to merge their very beings. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own private universe.
Hinata’s breath hitched as Kenma’s tongue traced his lower lip, seeking permission. He parted his lips, inviting Kenma in, and a soft moan escaped him as their tongues met, exploring each other. The kiss grew more passionate, more urgent, as if they were trying to make up for all the lost time. Hinata’s fingers clutched Kenma’s shirt tighter, pulling him impossibly closer, while Kenma’s other hand slid down to Hinata’s waist, holding him firmly.
They broke apart briefly, both gasping for air, their foreheads resting against each other. Hinata’s eyes opened to find Kenma’s golden gaze staring back at him, filled with an intensity that took his breath away. Kenma’s cheeks were flushed, his lips slightly swollen from the kiss, and Hinata’s heart swelled with love.
“I’ve wanted this for so long,” Hinata confessed, his voice trembling with emotion. He almost wanted to bawl again.
Kenma’s eyes softened, his fingers gently tracing Hinata’s jawline. “Me too, Shoyo. I’m sorry you had to wait.”
“Stop saying sorry!!” Hinata pouted. His energetic self was coming back, gradually, and Kenma was more than relieved to see that.
Kenma chuckled softly, pressing another gentle kiss to Hinata’s forehead. “Alright, I promise I will do my absolute best, so I will never have to apologize to you, ever again.”
Hinata beamed, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. “Yeah. I will hold you on to that promise.”
Kenma nodded, smiling down at Hinata. “Deal. Now, how about we finish that amazing apple pie?”
Hinata laughed, the sound light and full of joy. “Sounds perfect.”
They settled back on the couch, Hinata snuggling close to Kenma, their fingers intertwined. The movie continued to play in the background, but Hinata’s focus was entirely on Kenma - the warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his breathing, the way his eyes sparkled when he looked at him.
“I love you,” he whispered.
Kenma turned to him, his eyes shining with emotion. “I love you too, Shoyo.” He pulled him close, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. In Kenma’s arms, Hinata felt truly at home.
Although the idea of courting had been turned down by Hinata, Kenma still took it seriously into his hands to make Hinata feel his affection. The day after, as Hinata had just got to the sports center, a thousand-rose bouquet was already waiting for him at the reception. The bouquet was so enormous it took up most of the reception desk, a towering arrangement of red and pink roses elegantly wrapped in silk ribbon. In the center of the bouquet was a small, gold-embossed card with the words “For Hinata Shoyo” in bold capitalized letters.
Hinata’s eyes widened in surprise.
“What in the world…,” Kageyama said, walking up behind him with Yaku straying behind. “That’s a giant bouquet.”
“Who’s the secret admirer, Hinata?” Yaku smirked, leaning in to get a closer look.
Hinata blushed, reaching for the card nestled among the roses. He opened it to reveal a simple message: “For my one and only. Love, Kenma.” He quickly flipped it closed again and pocketed it, not wanting the whole team to see this over-the-top gesture and tease him into the next month.
“What’s there to hide?” Kageyama scoffed, raising an eyebrow. “No doubt it’s Kozume-san.”
Hinata nodded, his cheeks still flushed. “Yeah, well. It’s a little bit embarrassing, is all.”
Yaku chuckled, patting Hinata on the back. “I have a feeling you’ve got to get used to it, Hinata.”
Turned out Yaku's feeling was accurate. Later that evening, Hinata met up with his teammates for dinner in Shibuya. As they walked through the busy streets, Hinata suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in disbelief.
At the Shibuya crossing, between numerous billboards of celebrities and big-name brands, there was one big screen displaying a message: "You spike my ❤️, Shoyo." His heart skipped a beat, and a rush of emotions washed over him. His teammates noticed his reaction and turned to look at the screen.
“Is that for real?” Bokuto exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Kenma did that?”
Hinata nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and flutter. “Yeah, I think there’s no one else doing this except for him.” He looked around to see so many people walking around him currently pointing at the billboard, giggling and taking pictures.
“This is sooooo over-the-top I feel the secondhand embarrassment.” Miya shuddered empathetically.
“You will never get to understand people being in love anyway.” Hoshiumi rolled his eyes.
As they started bickering, Bokuto looked up at the sky and pointed. “Wait, Hinata, look!”
Hinata’s eyes followed Bokuto’s finger, and his jaw dropped. A helicopter was flying overhead, trailing a banner that read, “You serve my soul, Shoyo.” The sight was so comical that Hinata couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief after a few seconds of pure shock. He had messaged Kenma to stop with all of those public displays or else he wouldn’t dare to step outside of the house. Kenma promised to do things more subtly, to which Hinata could only shake his head.
The following day, Hinata was leaving the sports center when he noticed a large, unfamiliar truck parked outside. Curiosity got the better of him, and he approached it. As he got closer, the side of the truck rolled up, and dozens of heart-shaped balloons in various shades of red and pink began to float out, filling the air around him.
Hinata’s eyes widened in astonishment, and a delighted laugh escaped his lips. Attached to the balloons was a banner that read, “Shoyo, you make my heart fly.”
He was still not knowing how to react when his teammates gathered around, taking pictures and laughing. “Surely he is getting more subtle this time at least,” Ushijima commented, shaking his head in amusement.
Hinata couldn’t stop his chuckle, despite his embarrassment.
When Hinata returned home that evening, he found Kenma preparing dinner in the kitchen. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, and the sight of Kenma working diligently brought a smile to Hinata’s face.
Kenma looked up, noticing Hinata’s presence. “Welcome home, Shoyo. Dinner’s almost ready.”
Hinata walked over, wrapping his arms around Kenma from behind and leaning his head on Kenma’s shoulder. “You don’t have to do all these things, you know. Just being with you is more than enough of a gift for me.”
Kenma smiled, his fingers gently tracing Hinata’s arms. “What can I say? I enjoy spoiling you.”
Hinata’s heart swelled with love. He gave Kenma a quick peck on the cheek. “Well then, I’m not complaining.”
After dinner, they settled into a comfortable routine. Hinata went out to the garden to water the plants and flowers, enjoying the peaceful evening air. Kenma joined him, tidying up the garden and making sure everything was in order. Once the garden was tended to, Hinata suggested they move inside to tackle the laundry. Kenma reluctantly mentioned he needed to get some work done before bedtime.
While Hinata folded the freshly washed clothes, Kenma headed to his home office to finish up some last-minute tasks. By the time Hinata was done with all the neatly folded clothes, he brought them into their bedroom. The room was dimly lit, with Kenma sitting on his side of the bed, typing something on his laptop.
Hinata climbed into bed, feeling the weight of the day lift off his shoulders as he nestled into the blankets. Kenma soon shut down the laptop and joined him, wrapping an arm around Hinata and pulling him close. “Goodnight, Shoyo,” he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to Hinata’s temple.
Hinata smiled, his eyes already growing heavy with sleep. “Goodnight, Kenma.”
And that was all he ever needed.