#its agedashi tofu

[mx-giraffe]

I HAVE RISEN

so i have actually been doing art n stuff, i just haven't been posting anything, because im too lazyyyy... 〒▽〒 ( •̀ ω •́ )y

but i bring gifts!! here are three lil cutie patooties :3

we dont talk about the fact that kenji and atsushi are off centre...

ranpo is on purpose though, because he's just that iconic.

these were made as gifts to two of my close friends! im currently working on a dazai and a chuuya one, for two of my other close friends :3

if you wanna use any of these as pfps or something else, credit me pretty please!!

alright that's it from meeeee

[prettyiwa]

26 October 2012 | 23:53

(previous) | (next)

It’s a text just before midnight, the small plea for Iwaizumi to come outside, knowing that he’s still awake.

He had only recently returned home, staying out with the third-years in an attempt to finish on a high note, though the bitter truth came crashing down nonetheless. Just as before, he’s hesitant to show this side to you, worried about what you would think of him.

Your team won today. You’re moving to the next round, facing off against an incredibly tough opponent. All the same, his feet carry him to the front door, hand turning the knob without conscious thought.

In your hands is a thick, insulated bag, protecting its contents from the cold. Your expression is hopeful, albeit solemn. Instead of resting, preparing for the finals, you’re here, wanting to console him. It makes him ache with yearning, ache with annoyance.

Are you here because you pity him? Because he lost, unable to make that last spike count? Are you here because you want to celebrate your win? And what the hell are you doing here anyway? You have a responsibility to your team and you’re here instead.

“I brought you agedashi tofu. I, uh, I made it myself. I’m not the greatest cook, but I think it should be good. If you don’t like it, I could take you out to a proper restaurant or you could disown me. Whatever works best for you,” you ramble, anxiety coloring your words.

That’s all it takes for all of his frustrations and grievances of the day to wash away, for him to push aside all negativity and appreciate what you’ve done. That’s all it takes for the reality of the day, of their loss, of your presence here, of his feelings for you to hit him with the force of a train.

A small gasp escapes you as he wraps his arms around you, surprised at the blatant expression of affection initiated by him, surprised that he had closed the distance so quickly.

“Thank you.” It comes out in a whisper, almost like a reverent prayer of gratitude mumbled into your hair.

“Always, Hajime.”

over the course of 24 hours masterlist | haikyuu!! masterlist

[sirichaiaat]

What are the best side dishes to order with my sushi?

Sushi is yummy on its own. If you agree to this statement then you need our help to make your meal even better! This blog gives some great choices to order at the best Japanese restaurant.  

What are some tasty options to add to my sushi meal?

Try these few extra dishes to make your meal even more exciting. Here are some great options:

Salmon Salad

Grilled salmon paired with creamy avocado is a fanstastic choice. The dish is further enhanced with crunchy quinoa and a touch of mayo. Order this if you need a fresh contrast to your sushi.

Black Kalamari 

Seafood lovers can order this dish featuring baby squid. The flavor is really enhanced with garlic chips and chili mayo. The dish contains spring onions which make a crispy addition to your sushi spread.

Agedashi Tofu

This dish includes crispy tofu along with a broth. This dish adds some different textures to your meal.

Kaisen Miso Soup

Miso soup is a classic Japanese side dish that pairs wonderfully with sushi. Kaisen miso soup has shrimp or fish. The additions makes it extra tasty and satisfying when combined with sushi. 

Why does Salmon Salad is a top pick at the best Japanese restaurant in Bangkok?

The salad is packed with flavors and tops our list because it adds good texture to your meal. The grilled salmon goes well with the creamy ingredients in the dish. Then you get the taste of mayo which adds a little richness. Overall the taste complements your sushi meal. This side dish can make your meal feel more complete and satisfying. Since salad is a light option, it will not overpower the taste of your sushi.

What makes Black Kalamari a great dish to order at a Bangkok Japanese restaurant?

Black kalamari is a tasty side dish that can really spice up your sushi meal. The fried baby squid is crispy and the garlic chips give it a unique taste. It is the right dish to order if you enjoy a bit of heat and crunch. The unique seafood flavor can contrast nicely with the sushi. Plus, the garlic and chili give a bold taste to your meal. 

Why Should I Try Agedashi Tofu with My Sushi at a Robatayaki restaurant in Bangkok?

Agedashi tofu is a great side dish because it offers a different texture. The crispy tofu adds a nice contrast to the sushi. The warm, savory broth you get with the tofu is really comforting. This side dish can make your sushi meal feel more diverse and interesting. Try this if you want to enjoy tofu in a unique way. 

What makes Kaisen Miso Soup a good choice?

This broth is perfect for sipping between bites of sushi. Adding seafood to the soup makes it even more flavorful and satisfying. It is a nice way to enjoy some extra seafood. The cool and fresh taste of sushi can find a great contrast in this warm dish. It can be a great way to start your meal or enjoy alongside your sushi.

Conclusion

Your sushi meal becomes even better with the right side dishes. You will not regret the experimentation when you pair the above listed side dishes with sushi. This combination can make your dining experience even more enjoyable. So next time you are having sushi, consider adding these tasty options. You can make your meal extra special by making a reservation at Yankii Restaurant. It is a well-known Japanese Restaurant and Barthat offers authentic a fresh take on fireside grilling. 

[40sandfabulousaf]

大家好! On my final day of leave, I wanted to try seafood tom yum goong at the coffee shop near my home. There were prawns, squid rings, fish, tomato and straw mushrooms in the clear spicy broth. It was pretty decent, although they used frozen prawns instead of fresh. The soup was tangy and not too salty, yummy when ladled over rice. I prefer their onion omelette, but this was pretty satisfying. There're a few other menu items that looked interesting, such as green curry, omelette with minced chicken or pork, seafood vermicelli and pad thai. I'll be back to try them.

Mummy was keen to try anago, so I introduced her to a restaurant which I previously brought Pa to. Our donburi came with miso soup and a side. She chose salad and I had agedashi tofu. We like the miso soup here because it comes with little clams, small pieces of carrots, salmon flakes, tiny mushrooms and seaweed and isn't too salty. Once Mummy bit into her anago, she immediately understood what I meant by anago being as delicious as unagi in a different way. It is a lot less fatty than unagi, but the flesh is so delicate, it's almost feathery. She said she'll revisit the restaurant and try their other menu items. So will I!

ML was still touring Europe and since she likes Hakka yong tau foo more than the standard type, nowadays we opt for standard yong tau foo when she's on leave. This way, when she's back, we can indulge in Hakka yong tau foo with her. SC, MI and I returned to our usual stall. For veggies, I chose bittergourd, brinjal, broccoli, Chinese flower mushroom, radish, okra and carrot and for protein, I went for an egg, tau kwa (firm tofu) as well as a dumpling. Eating this with rice kept me full till it was time for dinner.

A restaurant near the office had a pretty good lunch deal. SC, MI, CL, RY, DL and I decided to check it out. I ordered their $8.80 Kaisendon, which came with miso soup. For an additional $1.80, we can have refillable hot ocha (green tea). The quality was surprisingly good for such a bargain price! Salmon, maguro (tuna), tai (sea bream), boiled octopus, ama ebi (sweet shrimp), tobiko, cucumber and shredded seaweed sat on top of vinegary sushi rice. The seafood was quite fresh, the vinegary rice addictive and the miso soup decent. YUM! The rest also enjoyed their meals. Definitely returning for this as well as to try their other menu items!

The last time I stepped into a fastfood joint was on 4 July 2023, 15 months ago. By now, these meals seem like a distant memory; I don't crave them at all. It's been even longer where bacon, sodas and cereals are concerned. I don't think this counts as restrictive eating since I'm not denying myself what I don't crave. There was a period when I REALLY wanted sushi and I ate till the craving subsided. I just dealt with it sensibly instead of binge eating alot of sushi. The same applies to noodles. We have 21 meals a week; I can include something I really feel like eating for 1 or 2 meals until the craving goes away. Work smart vs work hard is a thing. How about making eat smart vs eat hard a thing? 下次见!

[kitgiz]

Agedashi Tofu Air Fryer

https://kitgiz.com/agedashi-tofu-air-fryer/ Agedashi Tofu Air Fryer Who wouldn’t want to try a delightful twist on a traditional Japanese favorite? Agedashi Tofu, typically deep-fried, transforms into a guilt-free treat when made in an air fryer. Simply pop the tofu into the air fryer, and in just 15 minutes at 375°F, you’ll achieve that perfect crispy exterior. What makes Agedashi Tofu special is its rich history in Japanese cuisine, known for its savory dashi broth and crispy texture. Using an air fryer not only reduces oil but also ensures a healthier dish without compromising on taste. Trust me, it's an easy, delicious option for a quick snack or a light meal. #AgedashiTofuAirFryer #AirFryerRecipes #JapaneseCuisine #HealthyEating #EasyRecipes

[onejamtart]

OJT EATS | Hana Bi

There are so many great Japanese restaurants in Taipei that it’s hard to know which one to go to! However, that hasn’t stopped us from trying as many as we can and luckily with the bar being set so high, you’re almost guaranteed a good meal when you go for Japanese in Taipei! This time, we decided to go try Hana Bi.

First up was a tamago yaki. Incredibly simple but such a tasty dish. The egg was wobbly with just that little bit of sweetness to it. A great start.

We love an Agedashi tofu with its slightly crispy yet almost chewy exterior and it’s super silky smooth middle. This one was particularly crisp, especially before it soaked up the soy, so good!

We ordered these chicken wings which were sticky, a little sweet and just the tiny bit spicy. The meat was juicy and tender, really good!

We ordered two of these rice pots cooked in these cast iron pots; one chicken and one veggie one. They are like bibimbaps and we were given a little timer to let us know when is the right time to start eating so that there are a nice little crispy crust to the rice.

This was the veggie version of the rice. This was pretty tasty with some crunchy bits due to the heat from the metal pot. The rice itself was well cooked and with the veggies, it was all very well seasoned too.

All in all, this was a really nice meal. The food was tasty, the atmosphere was nice and buzzy and as always in Taiwan, service was really good. There are so many good Japanese restaurants in Taipei that it's hard to stand out and Hana Bi isn't able to either but it definitely falls into that category of a good reliable tasty Japanese spot.

Hana Bi, 1之3號, No. 1之3號, Lane 20, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491

Cheers, JL

[ravenai-kirsche]

Agedashi Tofu Did you know that Agedashi Tofu is a traditional Japanese dish known for its crispy outer layer and soft, silky interior? Learn how to make it yourself and impress your friends.

[thehungrykat1]

Nikkei Nama Bar Reopens Original Makati Branch With New Japanese Peruvian Menu

Nikkei Nama Bar recently reopened its original Makati branch last July 12, 2023 after the popular restaurant underwent a few minor renovations on its classic Japanese interiors. It was just our first time to visit this pioneering outlet so we were excited to try their Japanese Peruvian fusion dishes as well as their enticing happy hour specials.

You can find the revamped Nikkei Nama Bar at Rada Street in Legazpi Village. There are several pay parking spaces along Rada street for your cars but make sure to follow the allowed time periods. Nikkei Nama Bar presents an innovative approach to Nikkei cuisine, promising a delightful convergence of culinary cultures that will captivate the taste buds of food enthusiasts. They are open from 12:00nn to 9:00pm on weekdays and up to 10:00pm on weekends.

The newly renovated interiors of Nikkei Nama Bar are accented with wooden features that bring you back to old Kyoto. I love the mix of traditional and modern elements which gives it a rustic and charming ambiance.

The restaurant actually looks like a small izakaya that you can find along the narrow streets of Tokyo or Osaka. You can choose to sit at the tables or even at the bar seats for a closer encounter with the chefs. The wooden elements stretch up to its high ceiling which gives the space a more relaxed feel.

I'm ready to experience the delectable convergence of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, but before that, let's first start with some of their colorful beverages.

Nikkei Nama Bar offers some Specialty Drinks like the Mr. Ozaki (P180) which has freshly squeezed lemonade layered with premium black tea. There's also the Strawberry Basil Lemonade (P180) with comes with strawberry sauce and a splash of soda and basil chiffon.

Make sure to try some of their Japanese Cocktails as well. We were seated right across the bar so I could see the bartender preparing these gorgeous drinks.

I ordered the Sake Sangria (P295) which a great combination of two of my favorite drinks. This lovely glass comes with Havana Club 3 years, Japanese sake, lychee syrup, ginger syrup, orange juice, and apple juice.

We visited Nikkei Nama Bar at the perfect time because they offer Happy Hour promotions from 2:00pm to 6:00pm daily. The Aperol Spritz (P350) is a trendy beverage that combines Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. If you come during happy hour, you can get two glasses of Aperol Spritz for only P595+.

Another great promotion lets you order any 3 of their selected happy hour drinks for only P595+. Aside from the Sake Sangria, the happy hour menu includes Ruby Sake Soda, Gin & Tonic, and Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon (P280) from Central Valley, Chile.

You can also order white wines, craft beers like the Crazy Carabao IPA (P280) and other imported beers like Heineken, Tiger Black, and Asahi for your happy hour set.

Now that we tried some of their fun beverages, it was time to sample their Japanese Peruvian specialties. Each table comes with complimentary chips and dips to nibble on while waiting for your orders.

The Small Plates menu lets you sample some of their tasty starters without getting too full. The Kurobuta Gyoza (P380) is a Nikkei Nama Bar exclusive which you won't find at their other Nikkei branches. This dumpling is made using Kurobuta pork from the Berkshire black pig which makes it more flavorful than your typical gyoza. It also comes with ponzu sauce and togarashi.

Another Nama exclusive is the Agedashi Tofu (P220). This is a crispy sensation with its deep fried soft tofu served with a delectable tempura sauce and topped with radish, ginger, quinoa, and scallions.

We were quite surprised with the Causa Platter (P395). We thought it was a sushi dish but this actually comes with Peruvian mashed potato bites topped with ebi, wagyu and salmon tartare. This is where you can see how the Japanese and Peruvian influences come into play.

One of our favorites that afternoon was the Yuzu Prawns (P520) which is a new dish on their menu. These plump and juicy prawns are cooked with yuzu mayo, rocoto mayo, tobiko, negi, lime, togarashi, and kizame yuzu.

You can eat the crunchy prawns as they are or wrap them in lettuce leaves for a healthier combination.

If you really want a full meal, the best dishes to order are their huge Nama Bowls. The Pescado Frito (P380) is a Japanese rice bowl topped with fried Alaskan Pollock, saltado vegetables, fried egg, fried onions, and cilantro miso aioli. I love eating British fish and chips so this bowl is like an Asian counterpart with its big serving of fried fish that you can mix with the rice and the crispy onions.

We also love eating unagi so we had to try their Unagi Don (P695). This soft and luscious Japanese style roasted eel is so good and it comes with sesame seeds, nori tempura, fried onion, onsen egg, and nuts. All nama bowls are also served with miso soup.

For dessert, we had the Housemade Ice Cream Combination (P395) which is their signature ice cream served on a steamed bun french toast. The ice cream comes in wasabi, sesame, and ginger flavors so you really get a kick out of these unique tastes.

We would like to thank Monica Modomo, PR & Communications Manager of the Nikkei Group, for hosting our visit and showing us the new look of Nikkei Nama Bar Makati. The refreshed interiors and always flavorful menu will continue to make this one of the most well-loved hotspots in the Makati business district.

Nikkei Nama Bar

G/F Frabelle Business Center, 111 Rada, Legaspi Village, Makati City

8880-0231 / (0927) 273-0114

www.nikkei.com.ph

www.facebook.com/nikkeinama

[thedisneychef]

Yakitori: How to Make Delicious Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers

Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish that features skewered pieces of chicken that are grilled to perfection over charcoal. The word "yakitori" comes from "yaki" which means "grilled" and "tori" which means "bird" or "chicken". This dish is a popular street food in Japan and can also be found in restaurants and izakayas, where it is often served as an appetizer or a main course. Yakitori is a simple yet flavorful dish that is loved for its tender and juicy chicken, crispy skin, and smoky flavor. The chicken is typically seasoned with salt or a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The skewers are grilled over charcoal, which gives them a distinctive smoky flavor and a crispy exterior. In Japan, there are many different types of yakitori, each with its own unique flavor and preparation method. Some popular variations include Negima (chicken and scallion skewers), Tsukune (chicken meatballs), and Momo (chicken thigh skewers). More Delicious Recipes You Will Love: - Quick and Easy Comfort: How Grilled Cheese Became the Ultimate Go-To Snack - Grilled Pineapple with Honey-Lime Glaze: A Sweet and Tangy Summer Dessert - Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers: A Sweet and Tangy Summer Delight Making Yakitori at home is relatively easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. By following the recipe and tips outlined above, you can create your own delicious and authentic Yakitori that is sure to impress your family and friends with its authentic Japanese flavors. So join me as we explore the history and ingredients of Yakitori, and discover how to make this delicious and flavorful Japanese grilled chicken skewer athome. Tips: - Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are the best cut of meat for Yakitori because they are tender and juicy, and hold up well on the skewers. - Soak the bamboo skewers in water: Soaking the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them helps prevent them from burning on the grill. - Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes: This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade and become more tender and juicy. - Use a combination of chicken and green onions: The green onions add a nice flavor and texture to the skewers, and also help keep the chicken from sticking to the grill. - Cook the skewers over medium-high heat: Grilling the skewers over medium-high heat helps ensure that the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred without burning. - Baste the skewers with marinade as they cook: Brushing the skewers with the marinade as they cook helps keep them moist and adds extra flavor. - Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds: Adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds to the finished skewers adds a nice visual touch and extra flavor. What are some popular side dishes to serve with Yakitori? - Edamame: Steamed soybeans served with salt. This is a classic Japanese appetizer that pairs well with Yakitori. - Gyoza: Pan-fried Japanese dumplings filled with pork and vegetables. Gyoza is a popular side dish that is often served at izakayas (Japanese pubs). - Tsukemono: Japanese pickles that come in a variety of flavors. Tsukemono is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs well with Yakitori. - Sunomono: A salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, seaweed, or octopus, dressed in vinegar and soy sauce. Sunomono is a light and refreshing side dish that helps balance the richness of the Yakitori. - Yakisoba: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat. Yakisoba is a popular Japanese street food that can be served as a side dish or a main course. - Agedashi Tofu: Deep-fried tofu served in a savory broth with grated daikon radish and green onions. Agedashi Tofu is a delicious and comforting side dish that pairs well with Yakitori. By pairing Yakitori with the right side dishes, you can create a well-balanced and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends with its authentic Japanese flavors. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for Yakitori, but keep in mind that chicken breast tends to be leaner and can dry out more easily than chicken thighs. To prevent the chicken breast from becoming dry, you can marinate it for a longer period of time, or brush it with oil or butter as it cooks on the grill. You may also need to adjust the cooking time since chicken breast cooks faster than chicken thighs. It's important to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked. Conclusion: Yakitori is a delicious and popular Japanese dish that features skewered pieces of chicken that are grilled to perfection over charcoal. With its tender and juicy chicken, crispy skin, and smoky flavor, Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish that is loved all over the world. Making Yakitori at home is relatively easy and requires only a few simple ingredients, such as chicken, green onions, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. By following the recipe and tips outlined above, you can create your own delicious and authentic Yakitori that is sure to impress your family and friends with its smoky and savory flavors. Whether you enjoy Yakitori as an appetizer or a main course, be sure to pair it with your favorite side dishes and beverages for a complete Japanese dining experience. Read the full article

[shinwoo]

fairytale — [iwaizumi hajime]

♤ keep in mind: fluff n angst, fake dating ♤ wc: 706 ♤ a/n: "I'M IN LOOOVE WITH A FAIRY TALEEEE EVEN THOOUGH IT HUUUUURTS, CAUSE I DON'T CAREEE IF I LOSE MY MINDD, I'M ALREEEADY CUUUURSEDD" - idek what this is, think i got carried away lol ♤ tw/cw: food, mentions of food

"can you pretend to be my boyfriend?" you begged, "for just a little while..."

"hah? why? just ask som-"

you shook your head fervently, "no, it has to be you. i-"

iwaizumi rolled his eyes and flicked you on the forehead. "idiot, there's no reason that it has to be me. i'm not going to pretend to be your boyfriend."

"ow. but iwaaa, i'll treat you... to some agedashi tofu~ all you can eat and whenever you want," you wiggled your eyebrows at him, laughing as you watched his face contort into a combination of temptation and stubbornness - but you knew you'd won.

"...how long?"

"just enough to make oikawa fall for me."

iwaizumi stared at you, considering his options: pretending to date you had its benefits and he couldn't seem to find any drawbacks. after a few more seconds, he looked away and nodded.

"fine, but i want some tofu right now."

you giggled, "alright, let's go!"

what you didn't know, however, was that his stomach transformed into a black hole when it came to agedashi tofu. he was on his 17th bowl, inhaling the food like someone was going to barge in and steal it from him, when he set the bowl and his chopsticks down on the table and looked at you.

"so," he started, crossing his arms, "what's your plan?"

you stared wide-eyed at the stack of bowls beside him and back at your wallet, "iwa, i don't think that's the problem right now..."

he shrugged, "you did say all that i could eat."

"i know, but i was expecting like 5 bowls at the most. not 20!"

"17," he corrected, "i've only had 17 bowls."

"oh, right, because that makes all the difference," you retorted.

iwaizumi sighed, "then you shouldn't have said 'all you can eat'."

"...you know what, let's go now before you're tempted to eat another bowl."

you took your receipt and headed to the cashier with iwaizumi following close behind. as you paid, the cashier glanced at the two of you and gushed, "my, your boyfriend is so tall and handsome, you're very lucky!"

"oh, he's not m- ouch-"

iwaizumi pinched your elbow. "thank you," he said to the cashier, laughing. the cashier smiled and counted out the change to hand to you. "thank you for the food," you both said in unison, bowing politely before leaving the restaurant. as you left, you rubbed your elbow and glared at iwaizumi.

"what was that for?"

"'pReteNd tO bE mY bOyfRieNd,'" iwaizumi mocked, "'oH, no, hE's nOt mY bOyfRienD.' don't ask me to do things for you if you can't even do them yourself in the first place, y/n."

before you could even defend yourself, you noticed iwaizumi's eyes widen a little. "kiss me," he whispered to you.

"what-"

iwazumi put a hand on your hip and pulled you in, lips softly brushing the tip of your nose. but of course, to anyone else it would look like he kissed you on the lips, a fleeting moment of passion that he just couldn't resist.

you heard squeals behind you - squeals you knew all too well. you turned around to find chocolate brown eyes locked onto yours, narrowing, and you could see the jealousy flash across his face. his mob of fangirls continuing to marvel at you and iwaizumi behind him.

but as quickly as it came, it went. oikawa approached you and iwaizumi with a light smile on his face. iwaizumi put an arm around your shoulder, maybe in an attempt to calm you down.

"iwa-chan~ funny seeing you here. with... y/n-chan. are you two dating?"

"i-"

"yeah, so what if we are?"

oikawa laughed, raising his hands in surrender, "no need to get defensive, iwa-chan. it was just a simple question. happy for the both of you. good luck."

"yeah, thanks..."

you both watched as he walked off, before glancing at each other again. iwaizumi went bright red when he realized that he'd kissed you without your permission.

"look, i'm sorry, i-"

you laughed, "it's okay, iwa, it was necessary in the moment. i don't blame you for anything. and... thank you for covering for me."

"don't mention it. but does this mean that we're done now?"

temp. taglist: @sscarchiyo, @mysterystarz, @sarose

[suna-reversed]

4 seats away

College!AU Iwaizumi x gn reader (part1/?)

Iwaizumi Hajime was an absolute mystery to you when you first met him. Despite being just 4 seats away, the distance between you seemed like oceans apart. Little did you know of just how the tides would turn to bring the two of you a little closer.

slowburn-friends to lovers-flufff

(warnings- cuss words, mentions of harassment)

a/n; this is my first ever fic so feedback would be appreciated!

Stepping onto your college campus for the first time, you felt both exhilarated and scared, but nonetheless, you were ready to take on your new life and all the adventures that it had in store for you. 

On the other hand, Iwaizumi Hajime was absolutely baffled by just how much california was different from the place that he had called his home. He had expected some adjustment difficulties but still, he wouldn't have guessed the cultural shock that hit him harder than that one ball he spiked at shittykawa’s head when they were second years. His lips twitched upwards at the thought of his best friend who he was miles away from. But then his eyes moved to the mess of cardboard boxes he still had to unpack, and just like that his face was set back into it’s usual stoic expression as his shoulders slumped and he got to work.

--------

2 months into college life and it had surpassed all your expectations of the freedom you had deemed to gain as a high school student. No, you weren't going to parties every single night, spending your day away drinking booze or getting high at 2 am while listening to arctic monkeys. But you could get waffles at 2:30 am if you wished to, eat nutella straight out the jar AND play the yarichin bitch club’s theme song on the living room television and dance around with your roommates with no judgment whatsoever. 

Who was there to judge you after all anyways?

Unfortunately, that carefree attitude crumbled to dust as you walked out your class, absentmindedly texting your friend, and immediately slammed into what seemed like a walking brick wall. It took you 3.5 seconds to hear the clutter of the books and stationery the stranger was carrying to fall onto the floor, and another second to snap back to reality. You hurriedly bent down and hastily gathered the mess while a string of almost incoherent apologies left your mouth.  Realising the lack of response from the mystery person, you snapped your head up wondering if you may have given them a concussion with just how hard you knocked into each other. Instead, you were met with honey brown orbs peering down at you from a face as cold as ice. You didn't even realise how hard you were staring until the unknown boy bent down, taking the items from your hands gently and gathering the rest from the floor. His husky but tender voice snapped you of your trance. He seemed to murmur an apology before slightly bowing and then stopping halfway as if he caught himself doing something wrong. Another “sorry” and a slight nod was all you got before he walked away. 

That was your first encounter with what seemed to be an ever perplexing and mysterious boy. Fortunately, it wasn't the last. 

---------

The next time you saw him was on the bus on your way to the cafe where you worked part-time. You didn’t realise his presence until you felt a pair of eyes boring into the back of your head with an intensity hard enough to cut through stone. As you turned your head around, your eyes locked onto each other. He was standing around 4 seats away from you, partially blocked by a middle aged man talking loudly on his phone. Instinctively, you waved at him with an awkward smile. To your surprise, he raised his hand back in greeting while giving you a slight nod. Just then, your pressed smile turned into a genuine one as the distance of those 4 seats seemed to lessen just a bit. 

-------

Since then, you had learned a little bit more about him. He had a class right next to yours. He didn't seem to interact much with too many people, but was always polite to everyone and had one constant friend who he was most often seen with. He was somehow also extremely oblivious to his popularity amongst the girls he had classes with (they had given him the title of the “mysterious hot foreign boy”). You truly questioned that when you once saw him try to baby talk to a cat while waiting for the bus, only for the cat to poke him right in the eye with its paw, leading to a very awkward 5 minutes of you asking him if he was okay and him reassuring you he was even though his eye twitched every two seconds. 

------

It was just another regular day for you travelling back from work. You had gotten onto the bus, followed your daily routine of acknowledgement given and received with “that one guy from college”, and went along your business bobbing your head along to the song you were listening to on your earphones. The bus was oddly crowded that day for a late afternoon in the middle of the week. Your senses seemed to heighten a little as you felt a tall figure enter your personal bubble. You tried to move around, but the task proved to be a little too difficult with the crowd and a seat right next to you blocking your way. A single road bump was all that was needed for the stranger to further invade your space as they pressed up against you, a hand slowly inching up your hip. Your breath hitched in your throat as you looked around with a panic filled expression, your eyes locking onto a pair of almond orbs you had grown too familiar with. 

It didn't even take Hajime a second to read your terror filled eyes and look down to realise the situation. And before he knew it, he was pushing through the crowd and physically placing himself right between you and the man. 

“Is there a problem?” he asked in an ever threatening tone to the man who was currently chuckling nervously as he cowarded away from Hajime's terrifying build. The man stuttered out an incoherent string of words that you were too shaken up to register before Hajime took one frightening step towards him, sending him scrambling away as far as possible in the stuffed bus. 

Hajime turned towards you, intending to move a step away from you to give you the much needed space. But before he could do that, he felt something tug onto the fabric of his jacket. Looking down, he saw your fist bundling up the corner of his jacket and he could have sworn he felt the sound of his heart break a little as he looked up to see a tear fall from your eyes as you sniffed slightly. 

“Hey, it's alright. Your name’s y/n right? You’re safe now y/n.” 

You were still too shaken up to wonder how he came to know your name or to even answer when he asked you if he should walk you back to your college dorm building. He took your fragile state as a yes as he simply signalled you to walk before him with a light tap to your arm when your stop came. You both walked in silence with you leading the way. When you reached right outside your dorm buidling, you finally looked up at him to thank him, only to see the smallest of smiles grace his lips as his eyes slightly darted down in between you two to where you still held onto his jacket. Your eyes widened as you realised you had never let go of it. That caused a small chuckle out of the usually stoic faced brunette. You found yourself letting out a nervous laugh as you pulled your hand away. 

“Oh god, I’m so sorry, I didn’t even realise it. And also sorry for the extra journey you had to make. I honestly don't know how to thank you for what you just di-” 

“It’s really not a problem. Besides, anyone would have done that. I just hope you are okay?” 

---------

The ice between you and Hajime hadn't been a slow process of thawing and melting. Instead, it had come crashing down and swept away as if in a thunderstorm. From that day onwards, Hajime himself had taken the initiative to cross the everlasting distance of those 4 seats between you. Small talks while standing next to each other soon enough turned into dying of laughter as Hajime made stupid faces at the baby in the arms of the woman in front, or the time you sneaked in a wholeass tub of ben and jerry’s and shared it with him right in front of the “no-food” sign on the bus. 

You learned something new about him almost everyday. He was majoring in sports science. He used to play volleyball in high school. He has a best friend who currently plays volleyball in a professional team in argentina. The said best friend also blames himself for why they did not go to nationals as third years even though that is absolutely not the case. Not that Hajime would ever tell him that. Hajime sometimes has extremely soft moments when you’re texting late at night, thus leading to appreciative conversations about his best friend. Not that he would ever address him as that on a regular day, instead opting for shittykawa or trashykawa and many other terms, that, as pointed by you, seemed to be getting lazier by the day on a creative level. At this point, you’re sure you know his best friend more than he knows himself. 

Anyways, back to Hajime; he’s weirdly good at carnival games (much proven by his 5 time winning streak over you in the bucket toss). He always ends up choosing the dinosaur plushie as his prize (you now have an ever increasing collection of dinosaur plushies by your bed). 

He loves staying healthy and learned how to make all his favourite foods from back home in the first two months of coming to Cali. His favourite being agedashi tofu, which he now has to make for you at least once a week since you have been obsessed with it ever since you first tried it from his plate (he acts like he’s pissed about it but low key loves seeing how your face lights up whenever you see him with a lunchbox in front your class). He’s very attentive to whatever you say or do and will happily watch your favourite anime/movie/show as long as you're willing to watch all the godzilla movies with him. 

There is still so much to learn for you to learn about Hajime, and you are more than willing and ready to do so. However, there are a few things that you don’t know of and Hajime would like to keep it that way. Like how he looks over at you with such tenderness in his eyes while you’re laughing at a video of puppies falling over, or how his heart swells with joy whenever you get on your tiptoes to fix his hair, or how sometimes he’ll catch your face just right in the sunlight and suddenly he’ll feel like everything would fall apart if he so much as breathes too loud. But you’d always snap him out of it by poking your tongue out at him while making the silliest of faces and he’d flick your nose in response, and once again he’d ground himself into the moment, simply enjoying the fact that you exist, you’re here, and you’re with him. He mentally thanks himself for crossing those 4 seats that led him to being this close to you almost every other day. But he wonders if he’ll ever be able to get past his cowardice and admit that maybe he wants you to be just a little bit more closer. 

[sugurus-rightnipple]

Gender neutral reader

When you surprise him with food during his practice

Daishou, Atsumu, Iwaizumi

I'm sorry these are so short

Daishou

As normal Suguru was doing his volleyball practice, and you decided to be nice for once and bring your precious boyfriend some food.

"Suguru!!" You yelled gaining the attention of everyone in the gym, some of them going back to practice being used to you barging into the gym.

"Yes?" Suguru says jogging up to you giving you a small kiss on your cheek.

"Here." you hand him a bag containing some of his favorite foods. "for after practice."

He takes the bag and looks away you can see the tips of his ears are red making you laugh slightly.

"Dont overwork yourself." You give him a kiss to the lips and walk out leaving him standing there looking like he short circuited.

Atsumu

"Astumu, I brought you something." you say holding up a bag of warm Chūtoro.

He takes the bag and looks in it "Are ya' sick? Why are ya' doin' somethin' nice- did ya' get bleach in yer' head or somethin' " He asks completely dumbfounded.

"I could just take this back and eat it myself, right in front of you" you say reaching out for the bag be he pulls it away glaring at you.

"No" he says "this is mine"

"Yeah, now go practice before I actually eat it" you threaten

"Okay! I'll be back to eat that later" he runs off but gets hit in the head with a volleyball.

"Oops, sorry, my hand slipped" suna says Osamu laughing his ass off on the other side of the court.

Iwaizumi

"IWA CHANNN SOMEONE IS HERE TO SEE YOU!!" Oikawa yells to his best friend, who is clearly flustered.

"SHUT UP SHITTYKAWA!" Iwaizumi demands now embarrassed.

"Hajime," a small voice calls out from behind him.

"Yes?" He turns around wrapping one of his arms around your waist.

"Here" you hand him a bento containing Agedashi Tofu "its for after practice i thought you would want some" you say softly.

"Thank you, I'll be sure to eat it right after practice" he says placing a quick kiss to your temple.

"Y/NNNNNN, WHERES MINEEEEEEEE?!" Oikawa screams bringing you into a tight hug fake comical tears coming out of his eyes.

"YOU DONT GET ANY CRAPPYKAWA" Iwaizumi yells pushing Oikawa off of you.

The two continue to argue so you just slowly back away.

[anneyg]

JAPONICA: Washoku 和食

Washoku or Japanese cuisine is well-known around the world as one of the most sophisticated, balanced, and nutritious cuisines. At its core, Washoku (meaning "harmony" and "to eat") states that the dishes should be both wholesome and appealing. Japanese cuisine also focuses on seasonal and regional eating. The season Shun 旬 is generously displayed in their dishes, attire, and decor. It also plays a huge role in arts and poetry.

Native Japanese rice-centered cuisine dates from more than 2000 years ago when the rice was served with vegetables, fish, and other marine products. However, it has developed to rich and various food, often adopted by foreign countries, which have changed and adapted some of the imported dishes. China is Japan's biggest culinary influencer, ingredients like rice, tofu, and soy sauce are critical elements.

Around the 6th century when Buddism was introduced in Japan, its laws gradually eliminated the eating of all kinds of meat, so vegetarian-style cooking known as shojin ryori, presented by the Zen movement was predominant. But later the consumption of pork and beef was quickly spread across Japan. Nowadays, Japanese cuisine is offered worldwide.

Here in Bulgaria, there aren't that many Japanese places but we are lucky to have the Japonica restaurant. It has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Facebook reviews. As soon as you enter the place, a feeling of zen surrounds you, which is a key for the Japanese interior. It may not be fully decorated in the Japanese traditional style, but it creates a feeling of the culture with the wooden and origami decorations. The style also included plants, wallpapers with Japanese nuances, and different pieces of art typical for their culture.

At the beginning of our dinner, they brought us hot hand towels called oshibori おしぼりthat are used to clean hands before eating as Japanese etiquette require that.

Then we ordered some starters like Tsukune つくね and Aspara Maki アスパラ豚巻き. Tsukune are traditional ground chicken meatballs that are skewered and grilled over charcoal. They served it with Teryaki sauce. Tsukune was incredibly delicious especially with the bits of shiso leaves and scallions on top.

The Aspara Maki dish was grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon. It was crispy and well-seasoned with tare and sesame seeds.

Knowing what we will order for the main course was actually a no-brainer, as we wanted to try the Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen 豚骨ラーメン for quite some time now. And we were surprised how well the dish was cooked and served. The dish originated from the region called Fukuoka. The broth (based on pork bones - Tonkotsu) is cooked slowly and is topped with sliced pork and noodles. Served with scallions, boiled eggs, spring onions, sesame seeds, pak choi, and narutomaki slices (fish surimi). We absolutely loved it!!

Our friends ordered vegetarian options from the menu: Agedashi Tofu 揚げ出し豆腐, which is tofu, coated with potato starch and served with soy sauce, bonito flakes, spring onions and fluffy daikon oroshi (a grated radish).

They also got the Yakisoba - typical veggie stir-fried noodles, served with cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and seasoned with sesame seeds, sweet & sour sauce, and spring onions.

For dessert, we had one of the most popular Japanese sweets - Dorayaki どら焼き. It is usually two small pancakes with sweet red bean paste in between. However, they served a variation - by replacing the red bean paste with creme caramel. So delicious!

Itadakimasu - meaning 'I humbly receive' is the way Japanese people wish you 'Bon Apetit!'

[settersprouts]

꠵ look at me : chapter four ꠵

パニック 。

"How in the hell did we manage to get in this situation?"

Iwaizumi's and Matsukawa's shared thoughts explained the worst possible situation they would be in : they lost Oikawa and Hanamaki.

"Damn, this is bad." Iwaizumi reached for his phone, dialing Oikawa's number for the seventeenth time. Of course, just like the other sixteen times, there was no answer : the call just went straight to voicemail. "He put his goddamn phone on silent, what the hell was he thinking?"

Matsukawa rubbed Iwaizumi's back, supporting his teammate. "I'm sure they're fine. Maybe they went to get food or something." He checked his own phone to see if Hanamaki had read his texts, but his results were the same as Iwaizumi's. "I got no answer from Makki. He probably turned his phone off as well."

Iwaizumi grabbed his own hair, practically tearing it out of his scalp. "Crap, they're really starting to worry the living shit out of me." Matsukawa snorted a little bit, taking Iwaizumi's hands in his own to force him to stop making himself go bald.

"Look, you need to calm down. If they were in actual danger, the last thing they need is you not thinking straight." Matsukawa flicked Iwaizumi's forehead. "So, just take a deep breath. Breathe with me. In for four, hold for four, and out for four." Iwaizumi matched his breathing with Matsukawa's, and after a couple minutes his mini panic-attack had gone down, and the veins that were popping out of his forehead earlier weren't visible anymore. Muttering a small thanks, he checked his phone again just to see if Oikawa had texted. It was the same as earlier; no answer.

"Hey!" Hanamaki's bright voice rang through both boys' ears. They turned to greet the huge smile plastered on the boy's face. "Sorry about leaving you guys, I got you some food!"

Matsukawa and Iwaizumi both let out a breath they didn't know they were holding. "About time," Matsukawa muttered, opening his arms to give Hanamaki a little hug. "Was 'boutta call the cops on your dumb ass."

Hanamaki scoffed, shoving two paper bags into his friend's arms. "Well, screw you. I even got yours and Iwa's favorite too."

Iwaizumi peaked over Matsukawa's shoulder as the latter opened the crinkled bag. Inside were two foil-wrapped packages, the smell emitting from the wrapping suggesting Hanamaki had bought some food. Iwaizumi reached inside and pulled out one of the packages, opening the foil just a little bit to reveal Matsukawa's favorite food, cheese-filled hamburg steak.

Matsukawa gasped, taking the food from Iwaizumi's hand and looking at it like it was his lifeline. "Makki, you are a literal angel. God bless. I love you." He took a bite out of the steak, closing his eyes and smiling. "No homo though." He added on in between bites, finishing the meat in under fifteen seconds.

He gave the other bag to Iwaizumi, which held little plastic containers with some agedashi tofu. He inhaled the food's scent, wrinkling his nose a little bit at the sudden waft. It smelled normal, but it wasn't like the tofu Oikawa and his okāsan⭒ used to make. Even though Toorū was a brat about making food for Iwaizumi sometimes, he still managed to cook something up that tasted absolutely fantastic. It kind of scared him.

Iwaizumi pulled out the container, popping the lid open and stabbing a toothpick into one of the tofu pieces, popping it into his mouth. "So, where's Crappykawa?"

Hanamaki shrugged. "Dunno. I think he chickened out." An unamused expression made its way onto Makki's face. "He's probably still pissed about Karasuno beating us, that he didn't want to watch them go against Shiratorizawa."

Matsukawa and Iwaizumi both glanced at each other as Hanamaki stalked off, hands in his pockets and everything. "Sometimes, I really wonder what goes on inside his head."

"Honestly." Matsukawa replied, as they both speed-walked to keep up with Hanamaki. "I've been meaning to ask you, how's 'Kawa doing?"

Iwaizumi stiffened a little at the mention of his friend. A thousand things flew through his head. Should he tell him? Would Oikawa get mad? How would Matsukawa take it? Would he call the cops? Would he believe him? Would he tell Makki?

"You know, if you don't want to answer, you don't have to. Just don't glare at me, you're giving me chills." Iwaizumi snapped back to reality at Matsukawa's words, realizing he was glaring daggers at his friend. He mumbled an 'oh, gomen'nasai ⭒ ,' feeling relieved when Mattsun waved it off like it was nothing. "If it's personal, I get it. I'd be pretty 'pressed too, if I was in his situation."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

Matsukawa sighed, looking up towards the cloudy sky. "Well, Oikawa is an amazing captain, and setter. He tried for three years to make it to Nationals at Seijoh, worked his knee into a brace, and his chances were all swiped out from underneath him." Iwaizumi noticed his fist clenched a little bit, but decided not to mention it. "You know, I don't blame him for hating Kageyama. He was just born gifted, while Oikawa worked his ass off to get to where he is right now."

Iwaizumi nodded, remembering Oikawa's semi-hatred for the first-year Karasuno setter. "But, even so, that doesn't explain why he tried hitting him. You remember that, right?"

"Seriously?" Matsukawa turned his head to stare into Iwaizumi's olive-colored eyes. "I mean, sure, but he was having a panic-attack, if the things you told me and Makki were true."

"A panic-attack?" Iwaizumi looked at Matsukawa in shock. "Shittykawa? Having a panic-attack?"

Hanamaki slowed his pace so that he was walking alongside Iwaizumi and Matsukawa. "Yeah. From what you told us, he was breathing really fast and his pupils were small," he pointed to his own eyes while saying this part. "And he was sweating a lot more than he should have been, since he didn't practice all that much yet. Seeing Kageyama probably triggered his flight or fight response, and made him freak out even more."

Iwaizumi's eyebrows furrowed as the facts dawned on him. It all made sense now, why Oikawa had distanced himself so much more from Kageyama than he did before the incident. He'd avoid him at all costs, making sure he never came too close in contact with his underclassman : probably in fear of coming close to hitting him again. What if Kageyama triggered another panic-attack, and Iwaizumi wasn't there to stop him from doing something he'd regret?

Hanamaki looked at Iwaizumi's expression, clapping him on the back. "Oikawa's come a long way since then. That was what, three years ago?" He intertwined his fingers, flipping his hands and holding his palms to the sky. "He's doing a lot better now, and I'm really proud of him." He flashed a bright smile at them, which nearly blinded Iwaizumi and Matsukawa.

"Aw, man. I should've brought sunglasses." Matsukawa muttered, rubbing his eyes. Hanamaki laughed, slinging his arms around the latter's and Iwaizumi's shoulders.

"Let's just find some seats. Maybe we'll find Oikawa!"

⊱─ ‧̥̥͙⋅. ♔ .⋅‧̥̥͙ ─ ⊰

Iwaizumi muttered incoherent curse words as he climbed the fourth set of stairs, looking for Oikawa on the right side of the stadium now. "I know he's here. Why the hell is he so hard to find?" He, Hanamaki, and Matsukawa had split up, deciding that it would be easier that way to find the setter quicker and easier if he even decided to watch the match. Iwaizumi was about to give up when he noticed the familiar chestnut-brown tufts of hair that peeked over one of the chairs in the stadium. There he is, Iwaizumi thought, walking up behind his friend.

"Ah. So you're here too."

Oikawa stiffened, turning around abruptly at Iwaizumi's voice, probably expecting his childhood best-friend to yell at him. Fortunately for him, he didn't get that reaction, and he relaxed his shoulders a bit, but was obviously still a little tense. "I thought you said you didn't want to come, since it'll piss you off no matter who won," Iwaizumi said, as he hopped over the back of the chairs to stand next to his friend.

Oikawa smiled slyly, taking his arms off his knees and leaning back into the chair he sat in. "No matter who wins, I'm going to be able to see the faces of whoever loses."

"Man. You really are a piece of crap." Iwaizumi glanced at Oikawa, who's face now held his "oh so famous" setter pout. It really confused the latter how every setter he saw seemed to make that same face whenever something pissed them off. It was kind of freaky. Pushing his thoughts aside, he sat down just one seat from Oikawa, knowing that he would want a little bit of personal space while dealing with all the crazy emotions going on inside his head.

Oikawa leaned forward in his seat a little bit, his eyes dead set on the so-called "Chibi-Chan." Iwaizumi could've have sworn he saw stars in his eyes, like Oikawa was just taken aback by every move the middle blocker made. Hell, maybe even every breath he took. Iwaizumi watched as the orange-haired ball of energy scored a point, yelling out in triumph. Oikawa seemed to smile with his eyes a little bit, his complexion brightening by the second. It was obvious what team he was mentally rooting for, even if he didn't say so himself.

Oikawa turned to Iwaizumi, probably to say some snotty remark about Ushiwaka, before noticing the latter was staring at him already. Chocolate-colored eyes met olive-colored ones, a blush rising on the setter's face. Oikawa quickly turned his head, his ears noticeably flushed.

Fuck. He's cute.

⊱ ─ ‧̥̥͙⋅. ♔ .⋅‧̥̥͙ ─ ⊰

⭒ dictionary !! ⭒

¶-12 : okāsan, お母さん : an honorific form of address; used to call someone else's mother.

¶-18 : gomen'nasai, ごめんなさい : i'm sorry

** some of the dialogue in this chapter is paraphrased or taken from the actual scene in [ haikyu!! ] . this was not with the intention to pass it off as my own original work : it was only put there to fit the timeline and script of the anime/manga. all rights reserved to haruichi furudate. **

chapter 5 !

[i-found-you-in-a-fanfic]

[ The Small Things About You ]

Summary: He would lay on Iwaizumi’s chest just to hear the steady beating of the drum in his chest, reminding him that they were there, together, and nothing at that moment could change that. His heart would go haywire when they were near, becoming a constant worry of whether the other boy could hear the lonely call of Oikawa’s raw longing.

Contains: IwaOi, ANGSTTTT, Unrequited love

A/N: Something I threw together! Hope you enjoy! -Mod Oikawa

Touch. The soft swipe of Iwaizumi’s fingertips along Oikawa’s palm, setting his nerves on fire, his skin screaming out for more. The aching in his bones, urging him to reach out and feel the soft lips that lay slightly parted in front of him.

The way they weren’t afraid of huddling together during a scary movie, Iwaizumi clutching Oikawa’s arm, distracting him from the film he had waited so long to see.

They way they stood, shoulders brushing during a game, reminding each other that they were still there. It brought Oikawa some peace, knowing Iwaizumi would be beside him, whether they won or lost. With Iwaizumi there, he was invincible.

The strong fist bumps that brought Oikawa out of a bad mood, their knuckles scraping with comfort and and reassurement and unspoken promises that were written in the wind and the stars.

The way Oikawa longed to feel Iwaizumi’s soft lips on his.

Smell. The sweaty stench of victory that radiated from their damp jerseys after winning a match, the salty scent of tears after they had lost. They way Iwaizumi smelled of sandalwood and cinnamon after a shower, how his body lost its scent before his hair.

How Iwaizumi’s smell lingered in the air after he left the area, driving Oikawa crazy even when he was gone.

How his scent was starting to mingle with someone else's'. It nauseated Oikawa.

Sound. How the pitter-pat of the rain brought them out of their houses and together underneath a large cherry blossom tree in the park, hands intertwined as they moved to the rhythm of the beat of the sky. How he could hear Iwaizumi’s delighted chuckles and content sighs as the rain drenched them from head to toe.

How the silence meant a conversation in their eyes, because they were able to talk without words. How Iwaizumi’s footsteps made his heart throb with anticipation because Iwaizumi was about to come and join him in whatever he was doing.

How the low, gravelly sound of his voice caused fireworks to explode in his head, dizzying him for a moment before he stepped back to enjoy the vibrant show. How his voice changed with his mood, low and soft when he was serious, barking and loud when he was teasing, carefree and loose when he was happy, seething and muttering when he was really, truly angry.

How the sound of his voice now brought a high pitched giggle at the end of every word, leaving Oikawa’s ears throbbing. How he had always wanted to hear him say ‘I love you’, but now that he heard it, he realized that those precious words would never be for him. Now they brought him to tears.

Taste. How Iwaizumi loved agedashi tofu so much that he had created his own recipe. He cooked it for Oikawa often, the mystery ingredient still unknown by Oikawa, how only the moon and Iwaizumi knew the secret.

How Iwaizumi loved all things savory. If something was too bitter or sweet, his nose would crinkle up and his eyes would squint, his expression looking like he had bitten down on a lemon. How his eyes would sparkle if he tasted something extraordinary.

One day when they were the ripe age of eight, Oikawa had kissed Iwaizumi teasingly, trying to annoy him into watching Aliens. He had tasted of butter and cinnamon and something sweet that Oikawa couldn’t put his finger on. He had gotten punched multiple times afterward, and they didn’t watch Alien that night, but it was worth it. He still cherished the moment. At the time, he didn’t know how much it would mean to him years later.

Oikawa had hoped that he would be able to taste Iwaizumi again, to put a name to the mystery sweetness that had lived on his tongue. But the only person who had that right was Yua. He burned with jealousy every time he thought of how privileged she was.

Sight. Iwaizumi was a work of art. His muscles rippled from his skin like waves across the ocean, stretching, pulling, sliding with every motion. His face was built to stay standing, to never fall even in the strongest of storms. It was made sturdy, but it was also made beautiful.

His eyes glittered underneath the stars, and even when the daylight blocked out the twinkling specks in the sky, his pupils had captured them in their depths, letting them sparkle when he was filled with mirth. He was able to push down a blush, something that Oikawa envied.

He only let himself look vulnerable around those he trusted. Although Iwaizumi looked hot when he smirked and tilted his head up arrogantly, something in Oikawa’s chest went wild when he let a soft smile draw on his lips, his eyes raw and safe.

Yua got to see him like that every day. In fact, the day when Iwaizumi got down on one knee, declaring his life to her if she would have it, she was the only one that got to see that beautiful look spread across his face. Oikawa wasn’t there. Maybe that was how Iwaizumi liked it.

Heart pounding. Whenever he was near Iwaizumi, their hearts would beat in sync. They would connect by the pulsing of their hearts and become one with the sky, one with the stars, one with each other.

He would lay on Iwaizumi’s chest just to hear the steady beating of the drum in his chest, reminding him that they were there, together, and nothing at that moment could change that. His heart would go haywire when they were near, becoming a constant worry of whether the other boy could hear the lonely call of Oikawa’s raw longing.

His heart wouldn’t stop throbbing, crying, begging for Iwaizumi, wailing on and on and on for eternity at the sight of Iwaizumi at the altar. He could hear Yua’s heartbeat match Iwaizumi’s, bringing them closer than Oikawa could ever come, connecting them in a way that Oikawa could never be. When they leaned in for a kiss, his heart stopped, faltering one last time before going silent, knowing that none of the other beats would ever matter.

Without Iwaizumi, nothing else he did mattered.

Especially not the pesky beating of his lonely, sorrowful, bitter heart.

[ This story is also on my ao3 here! ]

[ao3feed-iwaoi]

Fastlane

Read this masterpiece on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2PqXOBK

by surround

Iwaizumi does not expect his life in small town Aoba Johsai to include any of the following:

- Racing, racers, or any cars going particularly fast. - Watching his idiot best friends pull off something akin to a full-scale heist. Regularly. - Making friends at his university. - Punching people at his university. - Good agedashi tofu. - Oikawa Tooru. - Feelings.

It ended up including all of the above.

(OR matsuhana get into trouble, oikawa and iwaizumi (pretend to) hate each other's guts, and they all come together over some nice high-stakes card games, high-stakes car chases, and high-stakes misunderstandings. includes a healthy dose of angst, denial, neon lights, car trips into the desert, and my attempts at humour!)

Words: 2693, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Haikyuu!!

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Kyoutani Kentarou, Nishinoya Yuu, Azumane Asahi

Relationships: Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru, Hanamaki Takahiro/Matsukawa Issei, Sawamura Daichi/Sugawara Koushi, Minor or Background Relationship(s)

Additional Tags: Japan/America Fusion Setting, Alternate Universe - College/University, Alternate Universe - Car Racing, Street Racing, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, matsuhana are idiots and get into trouble, iwaizumi and oikawa have to deal with their shit, Mechanic Iwaizumi Hajime, Ex-Racer Iwaizumi Hajime, they hang out in a 24/7 diner its very retro and cool, will include snippets of just about every ship in haikyuu, Denial of Feelings

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2PqXOBK