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missmadella · 27 days ago

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Under the Surface (Kunimi x Reader)

Summary: Your relationship with Kunimi is a mess of sarcasm, teasing, and playful jabs that leave everyone wondering if you even like each other. It’s all fun and games, right? But beneath the surface, something more is quietly growing between you two.

Words: 7443

The gym was filled with the usual post-practice chatter, but something unusual caught the attention of the Aoba Johsai volleyball team: you and Kunimi, standing off to the side, engaged in one of your typical banter-filled exchanges.

Kunimi was leaning casually against a wall, arms crossed, his usual deadpan expression in place. You, as always, were standing just a little too close, teasing him with every word you said.

"So," you started, your voice dripping with sarcasm, "I’m pretty sure the only reason you keep winning at volleyball is because you’re too lazy to try at anything else. That must be it, right?"

Kunimi smirked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tilted his head, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "Oh, is that so? I guess it’s a miracle that I’m so naturally gifted at everything I do, then."

You raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his snark. "Ah yes, the mystical power of Kunimi's laziness. I’ve heard about it. I’m surprised it hasn’t been turned into a documentary yet."

Kunimi leaned in a little, pretending to be offended. "I’d be careful if I were you. You wouldn’t want to end up the next victim of my superior intellect."

You chuckled dryly. "You mean the intellect that can barely remember what color the gym mats are?"

Kunimi’s smirk only widened. "I guess I’ll have to teach you about it later. It’s not something you can learn overnight."

The rest of the Aoba Johsai team, including Oikawa and Iwaizumi, were watching this back-and-forth with wide eyes, unable to hide their curiosity.

“Hey, Iwa-chan,” Oikawa whispered, his eyes locked on you and Kunimi. “Have you noticed how they talk to each other?”

Iwaizumi, who had been wiping down his water bottle, glanced over. He raised an eyebrow at the sight of you and Kunimi casually exchanging barbs without any sign of stopping. “What about it?”

Oikawa, ever the observer of people’s behavior, leaned in closer. “They’re like exactly the same. Sarcastic, deadpan, mean—but there’s something else in the way they look at each other, you know?”

Iwaizumi glanced at Kunimi again, who was now lazily watching you with a hint of amusement. “Yeah, well, that’s just how they both are. Kunimi’s got his sarcasm, and (Y/N) isn’t exactly shy about throwing insults back. I don’t get it, but it’s just... them.”

Oikawa hummed, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “You're missing the point, Iwa-chan. How on earth are these two together? Do they even like each other with all the insults flying around? Iwaizumi blinked, clearly thrown off by Oikawa. “Honestly, I have no damn clue.” Before Iwaizumi could finish, Kunimi spoke up, his voice casual and sarcastic as usual, but with just the smallest hint of something softer.

“You’re one to talk, (Y/N). Honestly, I can’t believe you still tolerate my amazing company.”

You shot him a sideways glance, a smirk tugging at your lips. “I don’t tolerate it, Kunimi. I enjoy it. Your ego just makes it more fun to mess with you.”

Kunimi rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched as if he was holding back a smile. “Right. Enjoy it. Keep telling yourself that.”

The rest of the team, still standing nearby, exchanged confused looks. Oikawa could hardly contain his curiosity.

“Okay, I’m seriously asking now,” Oikawa spoke up louder than he probably intended. “How the hell are you two together?”

Iwaizumi sighed heavily, massaging his temples. “Don’t start, Oikawa.”

Kunimi looked over at Oikawa, his usual bored expression now carrying just a hint of annoyance. “Why does it matter to you?”

Oikawa grinned widely. “Oh, come on! We’ve been watching you two for ages, and I just don’t get it. You two are like... sarcastic twin flames or something, but I need to know how this actually happened.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Twin flames? Seriously?”

Kunimi raised an eyebrow at Oikawa, clearly uninterested in his question but mildly amused by it. “This isn’t some tragic love story, Oikawa. We just... clicked.”

Iwaizumi still wasn’t convinced. “Clicked how, exactly?”

You shrugged nonchalantly. “We’ve been like this since we met. Sarcastic. Dry. Annoying. It works. I think he just could not resist my charm.”

Kunimi gave a slow, exaggerated sigh. "Yeah, of course, that's what you're dreaming about at night, Y/N."

You chuckled lightly at the comment and stuck your tongue out at him. “It’s called endurance, Iwaizumi. You wouldn’t understand.”

The rest of the team went quiet for a moment, processing what you both had just said.

Oikawa blinked, clearly trying to wrap his head around it. "So... you two are just this sarcastic all the time?"

You and Kunimi exchanged a glance, both of you shrugging at the same time, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Of course we are,” Kunimi replied lazily. “How else would it work?”

You grinned. “It’s not all sarcasm, though. We do other stuff—like messing with Oikawa.”

The team all looked at you two in disbelief. It was clear now that this wasn’t just a phase or some surface-level thing. Despite the constant teasing and sarcasm, the way you and Kunimi interacted with each other was effortless, and it was clear you had something deeper, even if you both didn’t say it outright.

Oikawa blinked, then let out a low whistle. “I’ll never get it. But you two are definitely something.”

You smirked at Kunimi. “Guess we’ll just keep you all guessing, huh?”

Kunimi gave a dry laugh, and for the first time, the sarcasm in his voice softened just slightly. “I guess so.”

___________________________________________________________________________

The gym slowly emptied, and you and Kunimi lagged behind, both of you in no rush to leave. You stretched your arms above your head, feeling the exhaustion from practice but not quite ready to let the day end. The other team members had already packed up, chatting among themselves as they filed out the door, but you and Kunimi were always the last to leave.

You gathered your things from the bench, slipping your shoes on and shoving your water bottle into your bag. Kunimi was next to you, his movements slow and deliberate as he did the same. The two of you didn't speak much, your interactions usually filled with dry humor and quick-witted remarks, but the silence between you now felt... comfortable. Maybe it was the familiarity of it all.

As you walked toward the exit, Kunimi nudged you with his elbow—nothing harsh, just a playful jab to your side that made you stumble slightly.

“You’re lucky you’re cute when you’re annoying,” he said, his voice low, with just a hint of a teasing tone.

You rolled your eyes at him, though the smile that tugged at your lips was impossible to hide. “I’m sure that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,” you replied, trying to sound exasperated, but the amusement in your voice was clear.

Kunimi’s smirk widened, but there was something in his eyes that was softer than usual, almost affectionate. He shrugged nonchalantly, as if he hadn’t just made you feel a little lighter with his comment.

“Don’t get used to it,” he replied, his voice lowering slightly, almost a whisper now.

You couldn’t help the laugh that escaped at his tone—dry, but with just a touch of sincerity buried underneath. It was one of those rare moments when you realized, despite the sarcasm, that there was something more between the two of you. Something unspoken, hidden beneath the layers of teasing and deflecting.

You kept walking, trying to focus on putting one foot in front of the other, but your gaze shifted to him. For a split second, you caught Kunimi’s eyes, and you both locked in a brief, almost vulnerable stare. His usual indifferent expression softened, just a little, and your heart skipped a beat. He quickly looked away, pretending not to notice the shift in the air between you.

You were both good at pretending.

Kunimi reached for the door, holding it open for you, a small, almost imperceptible gesture that might have been missed by anyone else. He didn’t say anything as you walked through first, but you caught the way he was watching you from the corner of your eye.

“Thanks,” you said, your voice a little quieter than usual.

“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered, almost grumbling, though the hint of a smile still lingered at the corners of his lips. "I was just trying to be nice so you wouldn’t trip on your way out."

You shot him a playful glare, though it was clear from the smile on your face that you didn’t mind. "I don’t trip that much," you replied, teasing him back.

Kunimi just snorted, his hands in his pockets as he walked beside you, his usual cool demeanor back in full force. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

For a moment, the two of you walked in silence, the distance between you closed by the shared space, your steps matching in a rhythm that felt familiar and easy. There was something comfortable about it, despite the sarcastic barbs you always threw at each other. It was the kind of thing that wasn’t easy to explain, but in that moment, it didn’t matter.

You reached the parking lot, where the team’s cars were scattered in a loose circle. The others had already gone ahead, leaving you two alone. Kunimi stopped walking for a moment, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as he looked down at the ground. He hesitated for just a second before he spoke again.

“You know,” he started, his voice quieter than usual, “I don’t mind this... even if you are annoying sometimes.”

You paused, glancing at him, your heart suddenly racing at the vulnerability in his words. Kunimi wasn’t the type to express much of his feelings, and it was rare for him to say something even remotely sincere.

“Yeah?” You raised an eyebrow, trying to keep the conversation light, but you couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through you at his admission.

Kunimi shifted his gaze to the side, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. “Don’t get any ideas,” he muttered, smirking again to cover up the moment. “I just... don’t mind it. Having you around, I mean.”

Your breath caught in your throat, and for a second, you couldn’t tell if he was just teasing or if there was something more behind his words. But there was something in the way his eyes flicked back to you, soft and sincere, that made you think maybe this wasn’t just another sarcastic jab.

“Well, lucky for you, I don’t mind being around you either,” you said, your voice just as quiet, but there was a smile tugging at your lips.

Kunimi snorted, the familiar, playful edge to his expression returning. "You'd be lost without me."

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the smile that spread across your face. “Sure, Kunimi. Whatever you say.”

As you both reached your cars, Kunimi gave you one last look—a glance that seemed to hold more than just annoyance or sarcasm, but something deeper that neither of you was willing to acknowledge just yet.

_________________________________________________________________________

It was one of those rare moments when you and Kunimi found yourselves in a more private setting—one that didn’t involve the gym or the usual hustle and bustle of practice. It was a quiet evening, and Kunimi had invited you over to his house—well, technically, his parents’ house, but they weren’t home. It was just the two of you, and for once, you didn’t have to hide behind your sarcastic walls.

Kunimi leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, watching you as you rummaged through the fridge. "What, you're just gonna raid my food now?" he asked, his usual smirk in place.

You glanced over at him, raising an eyebrow. "You know, Kunimi, if you're gonna keep leaving all this food in here, it's practically begging to be eaten."

Kunimi let out an exaggerated sigh, though the amusement was clear in his eyes. "It's not my fault you have a bottomless pit for a stomach."

You rolled your eyes, pulling out a bottle of water and turning to face him. "I'm just getting my revenge for all the times you steal my snacks."

Kunimi snorted. "You're really gonna pull that card?"

You shot him a playful grin, but something about the way he was looking at you made your heart skip a beat. There was a shift in the air, something unspoken and different from the usual sarcastic jabs. It was as though you both knew what was happening, but neither of you was quite ready to admit it. The space between you had shrunk over time, and now it felt like you were both standing at the edge of something new.

You stepped closer to him, holding up the bottle of water like it was some kind of peace offering. "Here, since you're so generous with your food."

Kunimi's gaze flickered to the bottle in your hand, but instead of reaching for it, he took a step closer. His hand found the small of your back, pulling you just a little closer until there was barely any space between the two of you.

You froze for a moment, the tension thickening the air. Neither of you spoke, but the distance between you both seemed to vanish. Kunimi’s eyes darkened slightly, the playful sarcasm from earlier replaced by something else—something more intense, more raw.

"You’re always getting under my skin," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, but there was a softness there that you didn’t expect.

You swallowed, your heart beating a little faster. "I’m just being me, Kunimi."

His lips curved into a small, almost smug smile, but his fingers tightened on your waist, pulling you even closer. "Yeah, I noticed."

You could feel the warmth of his body now, the steady rise and fall of his chest as he leaned in just a little bit more. The air felt charged, and it was like the sarcastic front you’d both kept up for so long was crumbling around you, leaving only this moment.

Without another word, Kunimi’s hand slid to your cheek—his thumb brushing over your skin gently. He leaned in slowly, giving you plenty of time to back away, to stop this before it went any further. But you didn’t. Instead, you closed the gap between you, meeting him halfway.

The kiss was slow at first, tentative, as if neither of you was sure what would happen next. Kunimi’s lips were soft against yours, and for a split second, the sarcasm, the teasing, the witty comments—all of it faded away. It was just the two of you, caught in something that neither of you had been expecting.

When you pulled back slightly, both of you breathless, you could see the surprise in Kunimi’s eyes—maybe even a little wonder.

“You... really did that,” you whispered, your voice shaky from the unexpected intensity.

Kunimi blinked, his usual indifference returning, though his expression was softer than usual. “Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” he muttered, though you could hear the subtle warmth in his tone.

You smiled, your fingers tracing his jawline. "You keep saying that, but I think you’re full of surprises, Kuni."

Kunimi’s lips quirked at the sound of his first name slipping from your lips, a slight flush creeping up his neck. His gaze softened just slightly, and for a moment, you could see a vulnerability in him that wasn’t usually there. "I told you not to get used to it."

You laughed softly, your fingers threading through his hair, the sound of your laughter filling the otherwise quiet room. "I think I’m already used to it."

Kunimi's smirk returned, but it wasn’t quite as sharp as before. “Guess we’ll see how much you really like it, then,” he said, his voice low and teasing, but there was a warmth that you hadn’t heard before.

You leaned in to kiss him again, this time more confident, more certain. Kunimi kissed you back, a little harder this time, his hand coming up to your back, pulling you in closer. His lips moved against yours with more urgency, as if he were trying to make up for all the time you’d spent circling around each other. His hands slid from your waist to the back of your neck, keeping you close as though he never wanted to let go.

When you finally pulled away, breathless, you rested your forehead against his, your heart still racing. Kunimi’s eyes were dark, his usual sarcasm replaced with something softer—something genuine.

“You’re trouble,” he muttered, his voice rough.

You smiled, still feeling the warmth of his touch on your skin. “Maybe, but I think you like it.”

Kunimi let out a low chuckle, but there was something different about it now. He wasn’t hiding behind his usual façade anymore. There was a quiet affection in his eyes as he looked at you, something he didn’t show to anyone else.

“Maybe I do,” he admitted softly, his fingers tracing small circles on your back.

You smiled up at him, knowing this was just the beginning of something new between you two.

And for once, you didn’t need sarcasm to hide behind.

___________________________________________________________________________

The next day at school, everything seemed to be back to normal. You and Kunimi had shared a quiet, intimate evening the night before, but today you were back in the rhythm of your sarcastic banter and casual teasing. The two of you moved through the halls like nothing had changed. However, there was one thing you hadn’t anticipated: someone else noticing.

You were walking down the hallway, heading toward the gym after class when a familiar voice caught your attention.

“Hey, Y/N,” a boy from your class called out, his voice bright and eager. You turned to see him, a classmate you’d known for a while but hadn’t really talked to much—Ryota, a kid who had always been polite but not particularly someone you ever thought to spend time with.

“Hey, Ryota,” you said, offering a small smile, though you could tell something felt off. He was standing a little too close, his eyes lingering on you for a bit longer than you were comfortable with.

“So, uh... I was wondering, maybe you’d want to, you know, hang out sometime?” he asked, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "I know we don’t really talk much, but I was thinking it might be fun."

You felt the slight discomfort rise in your chest, a little awkward with how he was behaving. You weren’t rude, but it was hard to ignore the unease creeping up your spine. You shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to handle it without being too blunt.

“Uh, I’m kind of busy lately, Ryota,” you said, trying to deflect. “I’ve got practice and other stuff.”

He didn’t seem to take the hint. “Oh, that’s cool. I can watch your practice sometime, though. I’ve heard you’re really good—well, everyone says that. I think it’d be fun.” He was still standing way too close, his tone a little too eager for comfort.

You could feel your heart rate pick up, that uncomfortable flutter building in your stomach. You weren’t used to having people be so... persistent. You tried to take a step back, but he followed, stepping just a little closer, making you feel boxed in.

"Ryota, it’s really okay,” you said, more firmly now. “I’m just not interested."

But he didn’t seem to get it. "Oh, come on, just give me a chance—"

Before he could finish his sentence, the gym doors swung open and Kunimi stepped out, looking for you. He spotted the two of you almost immediately, and though his expression was as impassive as always, there was a subtle tension in his posture that didn’t go unnoticed.

Kunimi’s eyes flicked from you to Ryota, his gaze sharp. There was something about the way he stood that immediately made the air feel thicker, his usual indifference now replaced with something more protective—something you rarely saw from him.

"Is there a problem, Ryota?" Kunimi’s voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. He wasn’t shouting, but there was no mistaking the coldness that lingered in his tone.

Ryota blinked, suddenly aware of Kunimi’s presence. His face flushed slightly, and he stepped back, realizing he might have been overstepping. “Uh... no, no problem. I was just... uh, talking to Y/N,” he stammered, clearly uncomfortable under Kunimi's gaze.

Kunimi didn’t take his eyes off Ryota, his posture straight, like he wasn’t backing down. You could feel the shift in the air as the tension built between them, even though Kunimi’s expression didn’t change much. There was just something in the way he was standing, something unspoken that made it clear he wasn’t about to let this guy push any further.

“I think Y/N said she’s busy, Ryota,” Kunimi added, his voice still calm but the warning there if you knew how to read it.

Ryota swallowed, nodding quickly. “Right. Uh, I’ll just... I’ll catch you later, Y/N. Sorry about that.”

You gave him a polite nod, but you could feel the weight of Kunimi’s presence as he stood beside you. The second Ryota walked away, Kunimi’s gaze softened slightly, but his tone was still a little sharper than usual.

“You good?” he asked quietly, his voice low enough only for you to hear.

You blinked, realizing how tense you were, your body still coiled from the awkward encounter. You hadn’t even realized how much Kunimi had been paying attention. You forced a smile and nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... wasn’t expecting that.”

Kunimi’s eyes narrowed slightly, though he didn’t say anything else for a moment. He looked down at you, his gaze softening just a little as he reached out and adjusted your hair. "Don’t let people like that bother you. You don’t owe anyone anything," he said, his voice quieter now, like he was trying to comfort you without making a big deal out of it.

You glanced up at him, still surprised by the way he was acting. There was no sarcastic comment, no teasing. It was just Kunimi, standing there, concerned for you in his own way.

"Thanks, Kuni," you said softly, your voice almost a whisper. You couldn’t help but feel a little flustered at the change in his usual demeanor.

Kunimi smirked lightly, but the warmth in his eyes didn’t fade. "Don’t thank me yet. I’m just making sure no one else tries to steal my spot."

You rolled your eyes at the playful comment, but deep down, you felt a little safer, a little more at ease. Despite his usual cold exterior, Kunimi really did care about you more than you expected. And even though he didn’t show it like everyone else, you knew he would always be there when you needed him most.

___________________________________________________________________________

The gym floor was starting to clear, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished surface gradually fading as the team wrapped up their training. Some were still stretching, others collecting water bottles, but you, as always, were busy organizing the equipment and making sure everything was in order for the next practice.

Kunimi was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and gaze slightly downcast as he scrolled through his phone. He looked bored, but you knew better than to think he didn’t care. Kunimi always had a way of observing everything, even when he pretended to not be paying attention.

You weren’t exactly bothered, but Ryota, the guy from your class who had been steadily trying to get your attention, had been way too persistent lately. You had politely turned him down before, but it seemed like he wasn’t taking the hint. Today, after training, he seemed especially determined.

“Hey, Y/N,” Ryota called out, his voice breaking through the usual chatter of the team. You had just finished putting away the last few volleyballs when you turned to see him approaching. He was flashing that awkward smile again, clearly unsure how to word his question, but you knew what was coming.

“I was thinking... maybe we could grab some dinner after practice sometime. Just the two of us?” he asked, looking at you with expectant eyes.

You blinked and sighed inwardly. Ryota was a decent guy, but you weren’t interested, and you’d made that clear before.

“Ryota,” you began, trying to be as polite as possible, “I appreciate it, but I already have a boyfriend.” You let the words hang in the air, hoping the message would be clear.

To your dismay, Ryota didn’t seem to pick up on the hint right away. His eyes widened in surprise. “Oh... you do?”

Before you could even answer, Kunimi, who had been quietly observing the whole interaction from the side, pushed off the wall and casually walked over. He didn’t say anything right away, just stood there for a moment, his usual bored expression now replaced with something else, something sharper.

You could feel his presence beside you, but you didn’t look at him just yet, choosing to keep your focus on Ryota.

Kunimi glanced at you for a moment, an eyebrow raised, before he turned to Ryota. “I didn’t realize you were so persistent, man,” he said, his voice low but clear. There was no aggression in his tone, but there was a distinct edge of sarcasm and something else—something possessive. “I guess ‘no’ doesn’t mean much to you.”

Ryota, already looking uncomfortable, shifted from foot to foot. “I—uh, I didn’t mean to... you know... step on anyone’s toes, I just thought... well, maybe we could—”

Kunimi cut him off with a nonchalant shrug, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yeah, well, she’s already taken, so maybe try asking someone else. You wouldn’t want to be so persistent that it gets embarrassing, right?”

The tension in the air was thick, and Ryota’s face went from confused to flustered as he awkwardly glanced between you and Kunimi. He fumbled for something to say, but the words never came. Finally, he muttered a quick, “Sorry,” and hastily walked away, no longer trying to press the issue.

You exhaled, a little more relieved than you expected, and turned to Kunimi. “Thanks, I guess?” you said with a raised eyebrow. Kunimi just gave a small shrug, his hands in his pockets now.

“No need to thank me,” he replied, sounding utterly nonchalant as always. “Just don’t want him wasting his time.”

You glanced at him again, noticing how cool and composed he appeared. But something was different today. The way he stood closer to you, the way his gaze lingered—there was a protectiveness there, hidden beneath his usual sarcasm. You almost couldn’t believe how much he’d stepped in for you, even if he was trying to act like it was no big deal.

“I thought you didn’t care about stuff like that,” you said, teasing him just a little, but there was a softness in your voice.

Kunimi met your gaze, his lips curling into that trademark smirk. “I don’t. But it’s different when it’s you.”

You blinked, taken aback by the subtle shift in his demeanor. He didn’t elaborate, but the way he said it, so casually but with just enough weight behind his words, made your heart skip a beat.

“I... didn’t know you cared so much,” you said, your voice quiet now. You could feel the heat rise in your cheeks as you tried to suppress a smile.

Kunimi tilted his head slightly, his usual nonchalance returning as he shrugged again. “I don’t like seeing people waste their time, that’s all.”

“Right,” you said with a smile. “Well, thanks for stepping in. I’m glad you had my back.”

Kunimi glanced away, his gaze momentarily flickering to the ground. “It’s not like I’m doing it for you or anything,” he mumbled, though the way his voice softened gave him away. “Just don’t want to deal with annoying guys who don’t take a hint.”

There was a long pause, and then Kunimi finally met your gaze again, his expression still guarded but with a hint of warmth. “Don’t forget. You’re mine, Y/N.”

The words were casual—almost too casual—but they carried weight, and you could feel the possessiveness beneath his cool tone.

You smiled, warmth blooming in your chest as you leaned against the nearby wall, watching him for a moment. “I won’t forget,” you replied quietly.

Kunimi just smirked, turning toward the door as he motioned for you to follow him. “Let’s get out of here before the others start asking questions. I’m not in the mood to deal with that.”

You laughed softly and followed him out of the gym, your heart a little lighter than before.

___________________________________________________________________________

The kiss was heated, urgent, as if Kunimi couldn’t get enough of you. His hands were firmly gripping your hips, pulling you closer as you straddled his lap on the couch. Your heart raced in sync with the frantic pace of his lips moving over yours, every kiss desperate, hungry, as if he was trying to claim you all over again.

Kunimi’s hands slid up your back, fingers tangling in your hair, his thumb brushing against your jaw as he tilted your head slightly to deepen the kiss. Your chest pressed against his, and you could feel the tension in his body, the way his muscles were taut beneath your touch. It wasn’t just the kiss; it was everything—the fire in his eyes, the way he held you so possessively, like he never wanted to let you go.

But then, suddenly, his lips pulled away, leaving you breathless. Kunimi’s eyes locked onto yours, dark with something more than just desire. His voice was rough, laced with irritation. “I’m seriously pissed,” he muttered, his breath still heavy.

You blinked, momentarily thrown off by the abrupt shift in his mood. “What’s wrong?” you asked, your voice still shaky from the intensity of the kiss.

Kunimi’s jaw clenched, his brows furrowing as he stared at you. “Ryota,” he growled, the name dripping with annoyance. “How dare he try to ask you out, right in front of me. Like I’m not even sitting there.”

You swallowed, feeling a little taken aback by the heat in his voice. Kunimi wasn’t the type to show his emotions easily, but when he did, it was always raw, like now. You tried to steady yourself, but his hands on your hips weren’t letting you move an inch.

“Kunimi, I’m not—” you started, but he cut you off, a sharp edge to his voice.

“No, I’m not done,” he snapped, eyes blazing with a possessiveness that sent a shiver down your spine. “Did he seriously think you’d just drop me for him? Like some stupid game? And you didn’t even look at me when he was being all... cute with you. It’s like he didn’t even care that I was there.”

Your heart skipped a beat as Kunimi’s grip tightened, his fingers digging into your sides as if he was trying to keep you in place. His gaze flickered down to your lips, and then back to your eyes, but this time, there was an unspoken question, a demand for reassurance.

“I’m not interested in him,” you whispered, the words soft but firm, meant only for him. You leaned forward, brushing your lips against his in a gentle kiss, trying to ease the tension that had built up between you both.

Kunimi’s breath hitched, his hands pulling you even closer, almost possessively, as if he couldn’t stand the thought of anyone else getting even close to you. “Good,” he muttered against your lips, but there was still a bite to his tone. “Because you’re mine.”

You pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes, searching for the sincerity behind his words. Kunimi’s smirk returned, but it was softer now, almost teasing, though there was still an underlying possessiveness in the way his fingers traced the curve of your waist.

“Yeah?” you asked, your voice light, teasing. “And how do you plan on making sure no one else forgets that?”

Kunimi’s smirk deepened, his hands sliding around to your back as he pulled you in for another kiss, this one slower, more deliberate. “I’ll remind them every chance I get,” he murmured against your lips, his hands sliding up your back to tangle in your hair.

As the kiss deepened, Kunimi’s lips moved with possessive purpose. He wasn’t just kissing you for the sake of it; it felt like he was marking you, claiming you in a way that left no room for doubt. His lips trailed down to your neck, leaving soft kisses and gentle nips, and you gasped as his teeth grazed your skin. The slight sting was followed by the warmth of his mouth, sucking a hickey into your neck.

“Kunimi,” you gasped, your hands clutching at his shoulders for support as you felt him leave another mark, this one just below your ear.

“Don’t act like you don’t like it,” he muttered, his voice hushed but still full of that unmistakable possessiveness. “You’re mine, remember?”

You shivered at the way he said it, his hands pulling you even closer, if that was even possible. There was no mistaking the way he was marking you—each kiss, each hickey, a reminder of who you belonged to.

“I’m yours,” you breathed out, your words barely a whisper against his lips. “Always.”

Kunimi’s smirk returned, and this time, it was full of satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with something dangerous and possessive. “Damn right,” he muttered before kissing you again, this time slower, savoring the taste of your lips as he continued to claim you.

___________________________________________________________________________

Kunimi’s hands were firm on your waist as he pulled you even closer, the heat between you both building again. His lips were back on yours almost immediately, the kiss deeper now, more demanding. You could feel the frustration from earlier still simmering beneath the surface, his possessiveness coming through with every movement. His kiss was fierce, not giving you a moment to breathe, and yet, you didn’t want him to stop.

You couldn’t even think straight as his lips moved over yours, his tongue brushing against yours with a skill that made your pulse quicken. His hands slid under your shirt once more, his touch gentle yet insistent as he traced the curve of your back, his fingers brushing over the sensitive skin just below your ribs.

“Kunimi…” you gasped into the kiss, your hands gripping his shoulders for balance as you felt him tighten his hold on you, pulling you impossibly closer.

Kunimi didn’t respond with words, only increasing the intensity of the kiss, as if he needed to remind you—remind both of you—that you were his. His teeth gently grazed your bottom lip before he kissed you again, his lips moving with an intensity that made you dizzy. His hands roamed, not quite settling anywhere, as if he was just trying to get closer, marking every inch of your skin as his own.

You let out a soft moan when Kunimi’s lips moved to your neck, the cool air against your flushed skin mixing with the heat of his mouth. He kissed a trail along the side of your neck, his hands gripping your hips as he maneuvered you slightly, causing you to straddle him fully.

His teeth scraped along your skin, leaving a sting that only heightened the sensation. Kunimi was marking you, claiming you in his own way, and each hickey he left felt like a declaration of his emotions—raw, possessive, and undeniably passionate. His lips traveled lower, leaving soft, sucking kisses down the side of your neck before his mouth found your collarbone, the pressure building as he gave you another mark, this one deeper.

“Kunimi…” you gasped, your fingers twisting in his hair as you tilted your head back, giving him more access to your sensitive skin. Your body was already responding to him, heat pooling in your chest and spreading downward.

Kunimi grunted softly, his grip tightening around you as he pulled you closer still, pressing your body into his. He was clearly trying to keep his frustration in check, but it was evident in the way he kissed you—demanding, possessive, as if he needed to remind you of something he had already made clear.

“You’re mine,” he muttered against your skin, his voice dark and rough. “No one else gets to have you like this.”

His words only spurred you on, the possessiveness in his tone making your heart race. “I know,” you whispered back, your voice breathy with need. You cupped his face, pulling him into another kiss, this one softer but no less intense. The lingering frustration that had sparked earlier was still there, but now it had been replaced with a quiet, unspoken connection between the two of you.

Kunimi’s hands slipped under your shirt again, this time dragging it up over your head with one smooth motion. You didn’t even hesitate to help him, lifting your arms as he threw the fabric aside, his eyes trailing over you for a moment before locking back onto yours.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted this,” he muttered, his voice heavy with desire as his hands roamed down to your hips, gripping them firmly. “Wanted you.”

His lips found yours once more, harder this time, but still with that tenderness that always seemed to surprise you. You responded in kind, your hands trailing down his chest, fingers grazing the lines of his body as you moved against him.

Kunimi’s hands slid down your back, guiding you against him, pressing you closer with each shift of your hips. The kiss was dizzying now, both of you losing yourselves in the heat of the moment, the rest of the world fading away as you became absorbed in each other.

The room was quiet except for the sound of your breathing, the rhythmic movements of your bodies pressing together. Kunimi’s lips moved to your neck again, leaving soft, possessive kisses all the way down to the delicate spot just beneath your ear.

“I’m not letting anyone else get this close to you,” he muttered, his voice rough as he kissed the sensitive skin. “Got it?”

You nodded, a breathless smile forming on your lips as you pulled him into one more kiss. “I’m yours, Kunimi. Only yours.”

That seemed to satisfy him, his hands holding you in place as he kissed you deeper, his body moving against yours in a slow, languid rhythm that made your heart race and your body ache for more.

And in that moment, as you both gave in to the passion, the world outside of Kunimi’s apartment seemed to disappear completely.

___________________________________________________________________________

You woke up a little later than usual, your body still feeling warm from the previous night’s close moments with Kunimi. As you walked into the bathroom, your eyes met the mirror, and you froze. Your neck, covered in hickeys, stood out like a neon sign, a mix of purple and red that you hadn’t expected.

You groaned inwardly, a blush creeping up your neck as you traced the marks with your fingers. You didn’t regret last night, not in the slightest, but you hadn’t exactly planned on waking up with a visible declaration of Kunimi’s affection on your skin.

Your hand hovered over the marks, unsure of how to hide them. It was too late now, though—everyone would know. You sighed, wrapping a towel around your neck to at least try and cover them, but you knew that wouldn’t last long.

When you walked into the kitchen, Kunimi was already there, looking entirely unfazed as he sipped his coffee. You gave him a pointed look, and he smirked, noticing your hesitation.

“You look cute when you’re embarrassed,” he teased, a quiet chuckle escaping him.

You rolled your eyes, not meeting his gaze. “Thanks for that,” you muttered, your fingers still subconsciously touching the marks on your neck. “I’m going to need to hide these, aren’t I?”

Kunimi leaned back in his chair, his eyes briefly flicking to your neck. A small smirk tugged at his lips, but he didn’t make a big deal about it. “You’ll be fine. They look good on you.”

His tone was light, and it almost felt like he wasn’t bothered by it at all. But that was just Kunimi—never one to over-explain anything. He wouldn’t outwardly act possessive. Not unless it was just the two of you.

__________________________________________________________________________

The team was practicing, and you were in your usual spot by the sidelines, managing everything. As you moved around, making sure everyone had what they needed, you noticed Ryota staring at you for a moment longer than usual. It didn’t take long before you saw his gaze drop to your neck.

His expression faltered slightly, and you could see the gears turning in his head. He didn’t say anything, just continued his usual routine, but you could feel his eyes lingering on you with curiosity, maybe even something like realization.

You avoided his gaze, not wanting to draw attention to it. You didn’t want to deal with any awkward questions or explanations, but you knew it was too late. Ryota had already seen.

Kunimi, who had been leaning against the wall, caught sight of the situation and glanced over at you. His usual sarcastic smirk didn’t waver. He didn’t say anything aloud—he never would, especially not in front of everyone—but the small, amused glint in his eyes made it clear that he was aware of what was going on. As always, Kunimi kept his distance, quietly watching, letting things unfold without any interference.

Oikawa, ever the tease, noticed Ryota’s distraction and snickered. “Something on your mind, Ryota?” he asked, eyes glinting with mischief. “Maybe wondering how those marks ended up on Y/N’s neck?”

Ryota didn’t respond right away, his eyes flicking to Kunimi before looking away. He swallowed slightly, the truth dawning on him. Without saying a word, he grabbed his things and quietly started to leave the gym. The others didn’t seem to notice the shift in his behavior, but you caught it.

Kunimi, of course, didn’t say anything. He was too busy smirking at the confusion around him, letting Ryota silently piece things together. His tone remained even, a hint of amusement in his voice when he spoke to you. “Guess Ryota figured it out.”

You couldn’t help but snicker, glancing over at Kunimi, who still looked like he hadn’t a care in the world. “Guess so,” you muttered, but the way he wasn’t making a big deal out of it was exactly why you liked him. He didn’t feel the need to announce anything to the world—he was content just letting the pieces fall into place on their own.

Later that day, after the practice ended, you and Kunimi were walking out together, the awkwardness from earlier gone. You could still feel the faint traces of his marks on your neck, and you imagined the team might continue to wonder about it for a while, but Kunimi didn’t seem to care. He walked with his usual nonchalance, hands tucked in his pockets, as if nothing unusual had happened.

“You know,” you said, trying to keep your voice light, “if you wanted to mark me, you could’ve at least done it somewhere more private.”

Kunimi’s lip curled into a smirk as he glanced at you. “What’s the fun in that?” he replied dryly. “Let them wonder.”

You chuckled softly, walking a little closer to him. “I’m still going to have to hide these tomorrow,” you muttered, but Kunimi just shrugged.

“You’ll be fine. No one needs to know what happens between us.”

His casual words settled a little differently than you expected. You looked up at him, meeting his eyes for a moment. Despite the sarcasm and teasing, there was a deeper layer to Kunimi, one that made you realize he was completely at ease with this—he was never the type to flaunt his feelings, but he’d made his mark, and that was all you needed to know.

You smiled to yourself as you walked beside him, content in the quiet understanding you shared. The teasing and sarcasm were still there, but underneath it all, you knew exactly where you stood.

And that was enough.