#take chan x haruki

[roger-maylor-brian-tay]

The last pages.

Thank you @harukistan 😘💕❤️

Translated by me @roger-maylor-brian-tay

三

TakeHaru FTW ❤️

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Do not repost!

December 7, 2023

[roger-maylor-brian-tay]

I believe in the love Take chan has for Haruki

GIVEN | 5 things I adore about Take-chan

There is no denying that I love my Given babies. But there is also no denying that I am godforsakenly

IN LOVE WITH TAKE-CHAN! 😍😍😍

Let's talk why Yatake Koji is literally husband, best man material, and the healthiest bean on the planet! As well as...actual evidence pointing towards how Take-chan potentially liked Haruki at some point! 😮

(anime/manga spoilers ahead!)

1. He is reliable as fuck

In the Given anime, Take-chan was hinted as the event organiser of the first-live as he asked the Seasons to play at the venue that Mafuyu worked at. So when Haruki was having a freak-out and asked Take if he could cover for them, he said,

This, my friends, is what we call, TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY.

Whenever there is a new band member, trust me when I say that it takes a while to adjust, even for professional musicians! Music is all about reading non-verbal cues and it's really hard to be in sync straight away with each another! Also, at this point in time in the story, we gotta remember Mafuyu had literally been learning music for like 3 months and probably only agreed to properly join the band for 2 out of the 3. Take-chan knew the risk of asking the Seasons (which we in the music industry would define as emerging artists) to play yet he still wanted to give them a platform to perform. WHAT A FREAKING CHAMP. And he delivered! He got the crowd going and gave them 2-3 extra songs so that Mafuyama could gather themselves! Bless that boi <3

In the Given Manga, it's not as clear that Take was related to the organisation of the event or even to Mafuyu's workplace, but he still said to Haruki,

"But if you need it, I'll cover your ass".

You seriously can't get more reliable than that.

2. He is an acts-of-service man

Take-chan should really bill Given for the shit does for them! Like this is lowkey a joke but not a joke 'cause dudeeeeee the amount of stuff that Take-chan did for Given for free is absolutely ridiculous! Let me just quickly run some numbers for you.

Staying up and editing a video from a live show?! Bruh, easily $800 - 1000 US minimum industry standard, even more if it's multi-angle with special effects and colour corrections etc. Video-editing is also his major, he's gotten his undergrad degree and if he's already working for a company, he would be charging industry standard.

Also he was performing in the live AND filming for the live?! My man, when do you catch a break?!

Next person who laughs should owe you at least 5000 yen, Take-chan! A professional photoshoot in a studio with lighting set-up and backdrop should at least be worth $1500 - $2000 US min. Oh my goodness, then Take-chan actually said

"Do they suck, do you not like them?"

My angel, you are a professional doing them SUCH A HUGE FAVOUR, Given should take you out to dinner 5 times over!

So that's a total of almost $3000 US worth of marketing promo material that he just did for FREE!

Ok ok ok I know that not everything is about money and that Kizu did mention that Take-chan "does make music videos for bands he's chummy with" in his character profile but I just wanted to point out that without Take-chan, Given wouldn't have the amazing video that got them the crazy amount of online votes which probably wouldn't have gotten them such great results in the first two rounds of CAC, and subsequently the opportunities and approaches from record labels.

Take-chan's support and reliability kickstarted Given popularity and will be crucial to the success of all their careers!

He was even the first one to follow Given's Twitter! I think this also shows that Take-chan's main love language is probably ACTS OF SERVICE, which is very cute! But he also practices all the other forms of love languages as well, my goodness Take-chan if you were real I would not hesitate and ask you out immediately. <3

3. Has his own opinions but doesn't internalise other people's problems

In one of the comedy panels at the end of Chapter 13, we find out that Take-chan's never been a fan of Akihiko but this little side story is really interesting.

I was chatting to @edragoon and @raine-kai way back in Sept 2021 about this panel and they said that the word that Take-chan used to describe Akihiko here is really interesting. It's not hate, it's also not dislike, as @edragoon puts it,

"that sort of feeling that you have for a person that you know isn't a bad person, but your vibes just don't check."

This is because from Take-chan's perspective, the way that Akihiko and Take-chan treated Haruki back then were completely different.

Take-chan was all ACTS OF SERVICE

Akihiko was all "TAKE TAKE TAKE from Haruki" (sorry I had to make that pun LOLL)

So of course our angel Take-chan was completely unimpressed with how Akihiko was taking advantage of Haruki, especially knowing that Haruki wasn't getting enough sleep already as it was!!! 😩

---

Western vs. Japanese "Personal Dislike"

The three of us ended up discussing something that was quite fascinating that I think more people ought to know!

In Western culture, when we dislike someone and we say it's personal, it can be seen as a big deal and can be akin to a form of hatred where one may feel like they have the strong urge to "avenge" or "revenge" something.

But in Japanese culture, not so much. Take-chan's dislike of Akihiko is personal, but it's more like "my dislike is my business. And I personally wouldn't hang out with Akihiko one on one or work with him. " So it's not as much of a big deal where he wanted to fight Akihiko but rather he wouldn't be at the mix if it wasn't for Haruki.

Do you see what I am saying? So Take is saying that his personal feelings towards Akihiko is his own so it shouldn't concern Haruki because Haruki is a grown man and can take care of himself. As much as he dislikes what Akihiko is doing to Haruki, Take-chan is NOT INTERNALISING Haruki's issues and trusts that Haruki can take care of himself. and Haruki appreciates him so much for it!*

*I'll discuss this in detail later.

(edragoon and raine-kai please feel free to add further or make corrections, you guys probably have a much better grasp on this than I do 🙏)

-> Also, Take-chan is perceptive AF, that very bottom line is a HUGE HINT that he had a feeling that Akihiko was using his good looks to use himself as a male prostitute to get money from women. (Take-chan and his big brain energy let me tell you).

4. He respects other people's boundaries

When I was younger, I was often consumed by media which portrayed love as "we gotta sacrifice this and solve our loved ones' problems for them".

Over the years, I realised how wrong that mindset is because adulthood is learning that you can't solve everyone's problems for them.

Take-chan is the definition of a healthy bean because he is so good at asking Haruki for what he needs as well as respecting Haruki's personal boundaries.

Firstly, In Chapter 18 after Haruki's illusion of Akihiko got shattered and he was really shaken, Take-chan immediately asks,

Take-chan KNOWS that Haruki's low self-esteem means that he is always directing his attention onto everyone else so he makes sure that as a good friend, he CHECKED IN on Haruki to make sure he's ok.

But he is so amazing because he didn't push it when Haruki didn't want to share the details. He RESPECTED Haruki's privacy and instead, makes a suggestion,

"Why not play support for another band as a breather?"

I love that! Rather than forcing Haruki to tell him and potentially making him uncomfortable, he took a different approach of making suggestions.

Same thing here, when Haruki came over to Take-chan's place after THAT INCIDENT,

1. Take-chan asked Haruki what happened 2 times.

2. But he noticed that Haruki was not listening. He respected that Haruki was not in the mindset to talk about it and didn't push him and just offered what Haruki needed.

Let's recap Take-chan's internal monologue.

They just sat in silence. Take-chan took care of Haruki in the best way he knew how. ACT OF SERVICE. Haruki was not in the space to share so he respected that and cared for his friend in other ways

offered him tea

gave him a haircut

GIFTS - brought him green peppers from the countryside

QUALITY TIME - checked up on Haruki

5. Take-chan has secure attachment style

Take-chan upon finding out about Akihiko staying over momentarily couldn't hide his true opinion of the guy, and he accidentally slipped lollllll. But then he PATIENTLY LISTENED to Haruki explaining himself as to why he decided to take Akihiko in.

3. Take-chan then said this,

SO FREAKING HEALTHY!

Take-chan is displaying important qualities in a healthy individual who has secure attachment style:

lost his cool for a second but able to regulate emotions and feelings and regain his calm

*showing TRUST in Haruki knowing that he knows best how to take care of his own situation.

*able to hold space and allow Haruki to open himself to him when he's ready

*And Haruki appreciates the heck out of Take-chan for it! You don't have to do everything or solve everything for the people you love. This is something that all the Given characters should learn from Take-chan! Everyone else feels overwhelming emotions and internalises their loved one's problems. Take-chan is so freaking healthy because he loves Haruki knowing that Haruki is just trying to figure shit out.

Trusting them and being there for them is LOVE.

Can I just marry Take-chan already? ❤️

------

Ok I have a theory....

Take-chan potentially romantically liked Haruki at some point

A lot of people think that Take-chan is straight and I dunno,

I always got a bi/pan-vibe from him.

I was so glad when I saw in one of @a-voice-of-my-own posts that he thought the same! After some digging for this meta, I actually have some proof as to why I feel that way.

A) The Hair Token

Take-chan and Haruki met in college because they share the same undergrad film major. In his character profile, Kizu writes

"Film editing - mixing both his interest and the chance to make money"

From this, it is clear to me that he is a man with ambition, dreams and goals, he doesn't care if he doesn't fit the status quo, he would rather retake his exam and do what he actually wants in life than conform to societal norms.

This is the cover of Chapter 13 and a picture of Haruki and Take-chan from 2 years ago. Take's hair didn't seem long enough to be tied into a man-bun back then....

From what we find out in Chapter 20, Take-chan cuts his own hair and now he can tie it into a man-bun.

Remember in Given, the growing of long hair symbolises hope for love to be reciprocated. (scroll to "Tokens in Given")

So the fact that Take-chan grew his hair a little but maintains it himself at a man-bun length could mean that he has always liked Haruki however

kept his feelings in check rather than let it get out of control because he understands his sense of self worth.

Yes he liked Haruki but he's not gonna chase after someone who didn't feel the same. All the stuff he does for Given the band isn't actually for Haruki but because Take genuinely likes Given's music. He has such a great sense of self that he's not the type to chase Haruki like that. If he does do something nice for Haruki, it's because he genuinely cares for him and loves him, he doesn't need any sort of reciprocation. He does it because it aligns with his values and purpose in life WHICH I JUST ABSOLUTELY ADORE BECAUSE IT'S SO HEALTHY. 😩🙏❤️

Take-chan let me be your wife please! ❤️

B) The Mario Joke

Ok I think maybe it wasn't just me that found it a bit ~fruity~ when Haruki was major blushing as Take-chan gave him the USB of the live-video that he stayed up all night editing lol. But it seems like a lot of people still thinks that Take is straight, which is fine. That could just be healthy masculinity. I accept that interpretation.

But ok ok ok hear me out. Scroll up to the Chapter 13 side panel where Take-chan, Haruki and Akihiko are at the date-mix!

Take-chan flirted with the girls using the Mario joke!

Scroll up again and go back to the Chapter 22 panel that I posted!

In chapter 22, Take-chan, consciously or subconsciously, flirted with Haruki by using the Mario joke!

AND AKIHIKO HEARD EVERYTHING!!! Remember Akihiko was there at the date mix too so he knew that Take's go-to flirt line is the Mario joke! 🤯🤯🤯

That's why in that same chapter, Akihiko began to open up to Haruki that things are almost over between him and Ugetsu!!! Akihiko wanted to heal Haruki's broken heart and reignite any remnants of hope that Haruki had left in him!

Also, back when Akihiko said to Haruki in Chapter 17,

"You're more popular than you think you are,"

I 100% believe that Akihiko, being also the incredibly perceptive bean that he is, was referring to Take-chan liking Haruki. 😎Bruh, trust me.

------

Take-chan's journey of moving on

Ok let's just get one thing straight. Take-chan may have had feelings for Haruki but he was never holding out hope for Haruki to like him back. He just wanted to care for Haruki and he continued to live HIS LIFE and follow HIS PASSION.

However Chapter 22 is a pivotal turning point for him. Of course he personally didn't like witnessing Akihiko staying with Haruki but when he realised that Haruki finally stopped running away from his problems, he supported that and he realised that

Akihiko staying with Haruki was good for Haruki's personal growth.

That's why he said,

"If Haruki's ok with it, Take-chan is ok with it."

MY GAWD someone give that man a cookie I love him so much. Take-chan's love comes in the form of understanding and trusting that Haruki knows what is best for himself and that if Haruki does need anything from Take, Take will be there for him. Guys this is true love, true healthy love. We may never full confirm if Take's love was platonic or something more but this is true love right here.

-----

Then comes CAC live where Yoru Ga Akeru had such a positive impact and changed EVERYONE - Haruki, Akihiko, Ugetsu, and that's also where

❤️ Take-chan and Yayoi met ❤️

Take-chan and Yayoi are literally so well suited and healthy for each other because Yayoi is also someone who has a great sense of self-worth. Let me know if you want me to do a meta on them, they are so interesting as a couple!

---

I also really love this Given Movie extras panel:

LMAO Take-chan has the exact same reaction as Uecchi which is HILARIOUS HAHAH but now Akihiko is a changed man and finally we see Haruki being treated how Haruki should be treated. Also notice the differences between Chapter 13 extras panel and here?

PAST Akihiko crashed at Haruki's house whenever and ate Haruki's food, basically taking advantage of Haruki. Yes Akihiko was fighting his own demons but he was not treating Haruki very nicely. Two things can be true at the same time.

PRESENT boyfriend Akihiko keeps in touch with Haruki round the clock because Haruki is Akihiko's home, buys Haruki coffee, never late to rehearsals and practises hard at music .... wait

Akihiko becomes a man with his own ambitions and goals .....a man like Take-chan!

I wonder if Akihiko not only got inspired by Mafuyu's song but also by Take-chan??!! He secretly looked up to Take-chan and after hearing that convo between Haruki and Take-chan in Chapter 22, he's like holy crap I need to start pulling my shit together or I am seriously gonna lose Haruki forever. This is quite a plausible "take"! 😛

In Conclusion,

my love for Take-chan could be that I am literally Yayoi as I also have an adorkable little brother so I can't help but see Uenoyama and all the other characters in Given as my babies. However, there is no denying that Yatake Koji is such a wonderful guy and should be someone we all look up to for inspiration on how to form healthy bonds and secure attachments with other people!

😍WE LOVE YOU TAKE-CHAN!😍

--- Masterlist of my Given Metas

If you like what you read, all I post is basically Given analysis content! Give my blog a follow to be notified of future posts! #metapotato

[ms-erie]

Manga:

Given Episode 9 / Chapter 15

[viozeven]

Takeharu NSFW illustration is done! Find the full version, censored $10 and uncensored $15 now on my Patreon! ^-^

https://www.patreon.com/viozeven

[banyeet]

“𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴!”


Ah, young love. 🥰


[ 𝕘 𝕚 𝕧 𝕖 𝕟 ] #𝟷𝟷 - 𝚂𝚘𝚗𝚐𝟸

[cloversdreams]

Fandom: Given  post chap 28 Relationships: Kaji Akihiko/Nakayama Haruki Summary:

Koji sat in the chair next to his distraught friend. He put a gentle hand on his shoulder and assured him, “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

“Akihiko asked me out,” Haruki’s muffled voice explained from behind his palms.

Koji’s hand slipped from Haruki’s shoulder. He adjusted his glasses then cleared his throat and glanced at him before he asked, “Why am I getting the feeling you didn’t say yes?”

Haruki’s hands fell away from his face. He laid them in his lap and twiddled his thumbs as he tried to figure out the least embarrassing way to answer that. “Erm, well…”

“Haruki what did you do?” Koji asked a bit more sternly this time.

“I kind of made up a terrible excuse and, uh… ran away!” Haruki finally cried. Hearing it out loud was somehow worse than living it. Admitting it made it real. Oh god.

- (or… what if Haruki reacted a bit differently when Akihiko confessed)

[bakuhoewriting]

what becomes of the broken-hearted || sano family mini-series ft. twin!reader [part 2]

Idea: Sano!Family x Female Reader, Mikey-Twin!Reader Genre: Angst, Family, Romance Series Summary: The rise and fall of the Invincible Mikey and Irrefutable [N/N] through the eyes of those they've loved, lost and found.  Between shifting timelines, can the love of their friends and family save them from themselves? 

Part 1 – Part 2 

Chapter Summary: 

Baji would do anything for [Y/N]. His actions end with moments he wishes could last forever and moments that will haunt him for the rest of his life. 

Baji [Original Timeline] 

Baji Keisuke meets Sano [F/N] for the first time at age 5.

His mother takes him to the Sano Family Dojo after he gets his fourth warning at school where he sits sullenly in a corner, only to laugh when she knocks the instructor flat on his ass with a single punch. 

The instructor cries, calls his little sister a bully, and Kiesuki falls in love when she turns to him with a grin as sharp as his. 

Keisuke makes sure to sit back with her when his own introductory warm-up is over, makes sure they exchange names��("My name’s Baji Keisuke!" "Nice to meet ya! I’m Sano [F/N]!"), and Keisuke sits at [Y/N]'s side again for the next 8 years.

He learns quickly that she’s different from other children their age. Namely because [Y/N] is a twin, and Keisuki has never met a twin before.

Manjiro is fourteen minutes younger than his sister, but the younger Sano wins Keisuki over the same way [Y/N] did when he knocks out his training partner with a fierce kick.

Thankfully, it's not their brother this time (”Shin-kun is too soft!” she huffs, fondly) and respectfully, Keisuke laughs louder. 

[Y/N]'s father is killed and then her mother, and one day the twins are accompanied to the class by an even younger girl who Shin-chan introduces as their sister.

How they're still so strong, Keisuke doesn't know.

What he does know is that with Emma now in the family, Keisuki doesn't get to talk to [Y/N] as much as he'd like, which is fine.

In the time [Y/N] focuses on getting to know their new sister more, being a girl herself, Keisuke bonds with Manjiro.

Together, they give themselves new names in honour of their newest addition, and as [Y/N] pulls a flustered Emma back to them when she catches on to them, Keisuke never wants the moment to end.

Or rather, Edward doesn't want the moment to end as he sits and giggles with Mikey and [N/N], Emma smiling wider than she's ever had before. 

Over time, their friendship follows them outside the Dojo and with Emma finally comfortable to be away from [N/N]'s side, something in Keisuki's heart just feels right when she's there during Toman's creation.

He can tell the others are a little unsure about her being there (not that they're sexist, but because most of them have sisters and mothers and they see them when they look at [N/N])–but Keisuke reminds them all with his fierce grin and years worth of memories that [N/N] is equally as strong as her brother. 

Draken, who's come to know the twins just as well, notes her involvement in the fight a couple weeks ago and as the collective respect and admiration swells over the twins taking down Junpeke and his goons together–Keisuke thinks of the siblings he's gotten to know through the years.

He re-imagines Mikey as a spear, tearing through Junpeke's defences with his relentless kicks, and [N/N] as an impenetrable shield, blocking all the blind shots his goons had given, holding steady before she struck back just as hard.

The twins, he knows, are weapons in their own right, and Keisuke finds steel in his spine when he declares his oldest friends Co-Presidents. 

Haruki and Takashi are the ones who title them officially as the Invincible Mikey (a monicker Mikey had gotten a while back) and the Irrefutable [N/N], but Keisuke takes pride in being the one to get Toman up and running to begin with.

In fact, he thinks back to the day they chose their new names because he doesn't want this moment to end, either.

Not when his friends are all together, all riding on the high of this new era that they're about to create together, and not when [N/N] breaks away from Mikey's side to join his instead. 

"Ed," she grins, canines glinting, and [eye colour] eyes sparkling brightly despite the changing skylight. She’s the only who calls him by that name these days. 

He loves it. 

"[N/N]?" Keisuke says, chuckling. 

Practically glowing, his first friend (though she and Mikey are his oldest friends, being his first friend is an honour only [N/N] holds) thanks him for vouching for her before they fall into discussions about the future for the Gang. 

[N/N] explains that there are already people on her mind to bring in as seconds, territories she knows they can easily claim.

As she speaks and plans and schemes joyously, Keisuke’s smile is more soft than it is sharp when he tells her she’s already proving herself to be a good Co-president. That he’d volunteered her name because she’s someone he’d follow anywhere. 

He’d do anything for her. 

The statement leads him behind Kazutora as they break into this repair shop one evening, one where Kazutora says there are two bikes that their friends deserve. Just waiting to be taken to them. 

"They’re gonna love it, Kei!". 

Though Keisuke himself is not entirely convinced, he thinks of how excited [N/N] will be and he tags along. 

He’d do anything for her.

They don't get the bikes.

Instead, Keisuke finds heartbreak and grief and everything in between as he becomes an accomplice in her brother's accidental murder. 

“Shit, Shin-chan!”

When Kazutora is whisked away to Juvie, Keisuke is the one who faces the aftermath of their actions. The one who stands at the back of the funeral procession with his mother as they watch the Sano family assemble before Shin-kun’s grave. 

Shinichiro’s ghost stands behind the twins, behind Emma and their Grandfather, but his eyes are pinned on Keisuke. 

Slowly, he shifts his head to nod at the twins and as he does, Keisuke sees it. 

There’s something brewing in their eyes, something cold in [N/N]’s stare and something dangerous in Mikey’s that has him thinking of thunderclouds clustering before a storm. 

Unease settles in his stomach. And then Shinichiro vanishes, Emma runs from their Grandfather’s arms and crashes into the twins, and suddenly it’s as if everything was as it was before. 

Keisuke's heart swells and then breaks all at once and then again three weeks later when his oldest friends come looking for him with sunken eyes and tired smiles to tell him they forgive him. 

Shinichiro’s ghost visits his dreams in the months that follow, as does the memory of [N/N] and Mikey on that day ( It’s more haunting than the memory of the night Shinichiro died) and Keisuke wakes with the same guilt and shame pounding in his head. 

“Hey, Ed! Come back me up here! Draken always agrees with Mikey!” 

Jogging over to their little circle, the unease that’s followed him since the funeral grows into burning determination as [N/N] peers up at him, canines glinting as she smiles for the first time in months. 

He’d do anything for her.

[In another life, anything leads to his death.]

[watevermelon]

Unrequited | Kuroo Tetsurō x Reader

✧ Summary: Years of unrequited feelings and longing looks toward your childhood best-friend Kuroo, it was only when he was in the arms of another that he realized his true feelings for you; when it is almost too late.

-> Tags: lots of fluff, angst, BokuAka, slight Akaashi x Reader, Yaku is an amazing friend  ✧  Navigation

----xXxXxXxXxXxXx----

Almost everyone on the Nekoma volleyball team had a crush on the older Haiba sibling. Whether it was only aesthetic deep, no doubt from her striking green eyes, or a deeper infatuation from her cute, bubbly personality - everyone had a hint of feelings for the young woman, only two years older than the third-years.

Captain Kuroo was no exception.

You had seen the few times his gaze was drawn to her, the way his perceptive eyes would latch onto the woman cheering in the stands. Yaku was more vocal, often openly complimenting Alisa while the rest agreed in kind. And while they had every right to appreciate her good looks, to which you often admitted as well, it made you wonder if a certain someone ever saw you in a similar fashion.

Kuroo was your long-time friend and had long since convinced you to be the manager of the volleyball team. You had always wondered if it was to keep you close, Kuroo trying to keep your relationship close after all these years. When you had asked, he said it was simply because you were neat, organized, and got very passionate about the things you were working on.

Something had changed over the years, your nerdy best friend was more than just the fish loving idiot he was. He was the cute, smart, volleyball team captain that you felt your heart palpitate towards. There were times that had you questioning if he ever felt the same way, open flirting or smirks shot to one another.

That was, until you actually saw Kuroo flirting.

It was different and yet the same. Gone was the playful smile that he used with most people, replaced with a more serious smirk.

And it was never used towards you.

It only served to break your heart more when you heard the news at volleyball practice the next day.

Kai had his arms crossed while sporting a neutral smile. Lev was scowling, but you could tell that he was withholding an amused smile over the group. Kenma was in the far corner, playing something on his phone and not caring about the group of teens forming. Inuoka and Shibayama both looked excited, the former even jumping a few times to physically voice his eagerness.

“Kurooooo,” Yaku prolonged the name as he groaned, “You lucky asshole.”

“You better treat my sister right!”

“What does a college woman have in common with you?” Yaku continued complaining.

“She graduated high school last year, there’s only a year between us.” Kuroo responded.

“Bah.” Yaku whined, “But it’s you.”

Kuroo rolled his eyes before noticing you walking in the gymnasium. He smiled and walked over to you, “Hey, can I ask you a favor tonight?”

“What’s up?”

He raised a hand to sheepishly rub at his neck, “I have a date tonight and…”

What the fresh hell on earth was this? 

“And you need pointers talking to a female?” You teased to hide your pain.

“Please?”

You should say no. 

The love of your life was asking for help with another woman and here you were trying to help him?? Are you insane?? There was only one clear answer to this question.

“Sure, anything for you.”

“Thanks, (L/N)-chan.” He smiled, before ruffling your hair.

And true to your word, you went over to Kuroo’s house that night. Kenma was an unwilling member of the audience as well, sitting on the bed with his gaming console in his hands. You heard the telltale sounds of power-ups and scores, but the both of you were so used to it by now.

You watched Kuroo model two different outfits, trying to look casual as if he had not put that much effort into his clothes (which was anything but the truth). He wondered if he should try to tame his hair, but you stated that it was one of the things a lot of girls loved about him.

He thanked you before leaving saying, “You’re the best (L/N)-chan. I’ll treat ya to ice cream one of these days.”

You smiled and said it was not necessary, still sitting on his bed when Kuro closed the door behind him. You heard Alisa’s bubbly voice downstairs before the both of them left the house, the sound of the front-door closing also hammering itself down on your own heart.

You hadn’t realized how quiet it was until the moment dragged out. Kenma was looking directly at you, game off and tucked to the side as he sat-up in your direction.

“You okay?” He asked, patting the spot next to him for you to take.

The blond knew about your feelings for a while, not like you ever had to say anything. Kenma was the type to just know things. Whether from your overall behavior, from the way you spoke, anything was enough for the blond to tell your true feelings before you were even sure. He had urged you on two separate occasions to get over the captain, but had never truly pushed the situation.

“Yeah.” You bit out, less to reassure him, but more for yourself. “It’s just one date, right?”

“One date for now.” Kenma reasoned.

And while you knew he was not saying this to be mean, you almost felt a small crack in your heart. Kenma was being honest - it was not like Kuroo had ever expressed any interest in you at all. And now here he was, pursuing someone he was actually happy with.

You would support his happiness.

“Maybe you should get some distance.”

“Trying to get rid of me?” You joked, eyes already glistening with unshed tears.

Kenma smiled, a gentle hand reaching around your shoulders to lean you against him. He was never good at comforting you in these moments, but he would still be a shoulder for you to lean on. And in the quiet room of your childhood crush, you resolved to not think about Kuroo like this anymore.

You withstood it all: listening to Kuroo recount his date to the other team members, smiling and encouraging him to muster the courage to ask her out on another date, and even later congratulating him during their one-month anniversary.

It wasn’t just one date.

Not that Kuroo was forgetting his friends, he still hung-out with you and Kenma and upheld his responsibilities as captain greatly. But there were small changes, like Kuroo almost constantly texting his girlfriend on his phone, having busy weekends dedicated to dates, and just overall the schedule of a man newly in love.

In kind, you found yourself reaching out to your other friends more. You went out fishing with Kai  and Fukunaga. You accepted Lev and Inuoka’s invitations to go to the arcade in Shibuya. Yaku was someone you were often hovering around, the kind-soul inviting you out to dinner sometimes after school just the two of you.

Apparently, he had known as well.

It didn’t take much to figure it all out, Yaku stated not unkindly. From your constant flirting to the fact that you and Kuroo used to basically spend every free second together, he had thought long ago that you were already together.

Hearing that only hurt you more, to which Yaku immediately jumped out of his seat to sit next to yours. He pulled you into a comforting hug, not at all caring that the two of you were out in public at some random barbecue place.

It was strange to now always be in Kuroo’s circle from then on, but you honestly did try your best. You were still his friend, offering advice and hanging out with him (but usually only in groups). But there was an undeniable distance that you were putting with him. He had never questioned it, but you already had an excuse on the tip of your tongue if Kuroo ever did: you were giving him time and space with his girlfriend, it was only natural.

Time was moving forward and thankfully, so were you.

Seeing Kuroo and his girlfriend still brought that familiar pang, but it no longer rang in the depths of your bones. You simply watched and smiled, content that he was happy as you sorted out your own life.

That was, until a particular weekend training camp with Fukurodani.

You were long familiar with both Bokuto and Akaashi. Kuroo had tons of antics with both boys (and many other members of their team) to which you joined in. From hang-outs on the weekends to these annual training camps, you were on friendly terms with the captain and his vice.

“Hey hey hey!” Bokuto greeted you at the onset, the setter was a little ways away behind him. Akaashi smiled and waved at you in greeting, before getting pushed toward you. 

You shot Bokuto a confused smile and Akaashi looked as if he would neuter the ace where he stood.

Bokuto scurried away just as quickly, causing Akaashi to sigh before turning to you. 

“How have you been?” He asked politely.

You always appreciated how friendly the setter was, no matter how attractive or intimidating he looked.

“Alright, school exams. A dozen different guidance counselors asking you about your future, the usual. How about you?”

“Much of the same.” He replied before moving to clasp his hands behind his back. “Would you like to go out for dinner after this?”

You accepted without thinking too hard, “Sure! Who else is going?

A small smile grew from the corner of his lips, “Ah, I meant… Just the two of us.”

“Like a date?” You asked, again without thinking.

He laughed before looking at you fondly, “Yes, exactly that.”

You smiled back, no real reason to say not to the attractive young man. 

“I’d love to.”

Akaashi reflected a similar expression back before reaching for your hand,  “Great, I look forward to it.”

He kissed the top of your hand, every bit of chivalry that he was known for pouring out in your shared interaction. You felt your cheeks redden, already slightly overwhelmed from affection the setter was so willing to give. Akaashi bid you farewell and turned to head towards the corner of the gym his team commandeered, but the expressions on their faces showed this was a joint effort.

Bokuto rushed to slap him on the back while Yukie and Kaori shot him a thumbs-up. Haruki was seen smiling at their vice captain and whatever Konoha said caused the setter to erupt in a blush. You were curious and for once, the raging butterflies that had long since disappeared were gradually coming back.

Your team tried to bombard you with questions, but you maneuvered them back to their warm-ups and said they had games to win.

There was one look from Kuroo you could not decipher, when you had initially turned away from Akaashi. It was long, like he had not even been looking at you, the depth of his gaze following you every step until he turned back to his team.

After the practice matches you were free game, Inuoka being the first to rush you after he finished mopping his section of the gym.

“Is Akaashi your boyfriend?” He asked as he jumped from your peripheral to right in front of you, “How could you keep this a secret from us?!”

“You and Akaashi are so cute! We had no idea!” Shibayama added as he walked up to you. With those two breaking the ice, it seemed that was enough for the others of Nekoma to crowd you as well.

Kenma patted you on the shoulder, a knowing, yet happy look in his eye. Yaku shot you the same expression, but offered you an out in any form of call or text if you needed it. Kai nodded in agreement while the others expressed other forms of their excitement for you.

All but one, at least.

Something did not sit well in Kuroo’s stomach.

He watched you get buried by the group, curious questions linking you to the Fukurodani setter that many girls called the perfect boy next door. He was soft-spoken and yet confident. Had a good sense of humor and yet not immature. Akaashi was a great catch and, if there was anyone in the entire gymnasium right now that Kuroo had to pick for you to end up with, it would without a doubt be the setter.

At least… that’s what Kuroo thought.

And when Akaashi left the locker rooms, fully showered and changed back into regular clothes, he approached the group and it parted like the red sea for him. Akaashi held out a hand for you to take, to which you blushed but accepted as he guided you away. He held your gym bag like it was nothing, the two of you walking out with a chorus of teasing behind you.

Akaashi would treat you right, no doubt. And from your rosy expression and earlier eagerness, it seemed you were genuinely interested in the setter as well.

So why did it feel so wrong to see you in the arms of another guy?

That was when Kuroo learned the complications of desire firsthand.

He was still dating Alisa and it ate him up inside that his thoughts were often wandering off to you rather than his girlfriend of months. It was not even that long ago that thinking of the grey-headed woman in front of him would cause the raging swarm in his stomach. Something had unknowingly shifted, the only feeling left was the sinking pit that grew every time he saw you and Akaashi.

Kuroo kept constant tabs on you, not wanting to ask you outfront how your relationship was going. He heard updates from both Bokuto and Kenma, how the two of you were yet to be official, but had gone on a few dates already. 

You were distant in an understandable way, spending time with your budding relationship but still available to him and the team. It was not like you had dropped off the face of the planet, still active as the team manager and even hanging out with the group after-school.

After a while, it was noticeable that something was getting on Kuroo’s nerves. He wanted to say something, but withheld it from seeing how happy you were. And so instead he went to the others around you, many of them very willing and excitable parties to impart details of what they heard.

You were his close friend and often, that was his excuse when other people asked. He wanted to make sure you were not played by these other foolish boys. But with a boyfriend like Akaashi, there was no one better, in Kuroo’s opinion, to treat you like you deserved.

So why did it feel wrong?

It was only when Kuroo saw his worries bleed into his relationship with his girlfriend that he realized that shit, he might have feelings for you.

You were always such a steady figure in his life that he never had to worry before that you would just… not be there. From volleyball to classes, you were always together with him and Kenma. From the late night study groups to the even later video game parties, these were some of his favorite memories throughout high-school.

Kuroo remembered the first time you all went to the beach together as a team. You had worn a bathing suit that he, for whatever reason, did not approve of and had to change before you all headed out together. He remembered playfully dragging you into the freezing, early summer water and you throwing hands with him right after.

And it was not like you were going to cut him off completely once you had a boyfriend. Akaashi or anyone else, you were still one of his closest friends and a relationship would not be the end of it.

So why did it bother Kuroo so much?

Because he wanted to be your boyfriend.

It was one of the worst types of epiphanies someone could ever come to. 

To realize you had feelings for someone you knew you should not have.

Kuroo’s true feelings must have surfaced on his visage, since Alisa ended it at the three-month mark. She invited him to a dessert place somewhere in Shibuya, but never took off her coat and only ordered a drink. It was enough to signify that she had to leave, that she was in a rush to not be here.

Her green eyes portrayed a sad smile as she said that they were better off as friends, since their minds were growing in different places.

Kuroo didn’t want to ask her to specify, worried that she was going to say an answer that he was not ready for. It was one thing to believe he had feelings for you, but hearing it out-loud would be the final nail in his coffin.

It was all too much at once - him realizing his feelings and coming to the conclusion that he wanted to act on it.

Every day was a reminder of things that he could not and should not have. At the next practice match with Fukurodani, Kuroo had to endure watching you kiss Akaashi on the lips. Sitting together at lunch entailed listening to you go on about your perfect boyfriend Akaashi. The others would even agree, complimenting Akaashi’s chivalry and expressing their gladness that someone was treating you right.

Apparently Alisa hadn’t told Lev, since no one on the team had yet to bombarded him.

At least….

Kenma had long noticed his best friend’s, Kuroo’s, prolonged looks on you. 

But that would not do. 

When given the chance, Kenma would say something.

And it came in the form of the two of them sitting outside at lunch, waiting for the others when they saw you with your group of female friends. You waved at the both of them before heading towards the other table. It would take a couple minutes before the other volleyball players would leave their classrooms and come here.

“(F/N) looks really happy these days.” Kuroo commented as his eyes followed you.

“Yeah. And you shouldn’t try to mess it up.” Kenma replied, not even looking up from his console.

Kuroo stiffened, but turned to his childhood friend. “And how would I do that?”

“(F/N)’s finally falling in love with someone else. Just let her be for now.”

“With someone else…?”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t notice she was in love with you?” Kenma bit back, a frown forming on both his lips and the crease of his eyebrows.

“What?” The Nekoma captain turned to his friend more fully, looking at the blond more fully to make sure that he was being serious. “I had no idea…”

That was apparently not the reaction Kenma was hoping for, since he paused his game and placed it down. Instead, his sharp golden eyes focused and searched Kuroo in front of him.

“It’s not like it makes a difference now, right?”

Kuroo hesitated, his response drawn out. “Right.”

Kenma frowned, looking at his friend straight-on with an agonized look. He was Kuroo’s friend the longest, but the gamer still cared about you. And seeing you so down these past few years took rounds on his own mental state. He urged you on multiple occasions to say anything, if just to clear the air. But instead, you wallowed in your own feelings until you were finally able to move on.

And seeing you with Akaashi almost made him happy, reveling in the genuine cheerfulness he hadn’t seen so candidly on you in a while. Your natural, bright smiles were on display once again; rather than the tight ones Kenma had been seeing as of late.

But it seemed to have the inverse effect on his other friend.

Kenma long noticed the prolonged looks in your direction, the wistful smiles that Kuroo had whenever you laughed about something from the group. But what Kenma was not expecting was the pure anguish on his friends face after seeing you with your boyfriend.

Never had Kenma thought that Kuroo would reciprocate your feelings.

And yet he saw.

But you were both dating other people, this would do no good and only bring unnecessary drama when you were both finding happiness in other people. And so Kenma thought it was time he guided Kuroo back on the right path, back to Alisa where he was obviously interested before.

“How is your girlfriend?” Kenma asked (and while usually he would never actually care, it seemed Kuroo needed the reminder.)

Or at least, so he thought.

“She’s not my girlfriend anymore.” Kuroo responded, eyes scanning behind Kenma. But the setter knew better, he was looking for you. Whether consciously or not, Kuroo’s attention was drawn back to you.

It seemed you had it now, when you no longer wanted it.

Kenma decided not to push it anymore, Yaku and Kai coming up from the path and waving. They would be joining their lunch table soon and Kenma was sure he was just given a major secret, given how neither Lev nor Yaku had yet reacted to the news.

Was Kuroo developing feelings for you? Now of all times??

It seemed so when the situation only continued to drag on, Kuroo’s feigned smiles even enough for you to realize were a little too tight to be considered genuine. Eventually news did break out that the two of them were over. Lev glared at the captain for all of two weeks before his sister explained that they grew apart. Yaku asked if you were okay, but otherwise the team did not dwell on it much.

After all, for the first time in a while, you were happy.

Or at least, that’s what it looked like on the surface.

“Can I ask you something, honestly?” Akaashi asked you, the both of you lounging in his living room.

Akaashi was perfect in so many ways, there were times that it felt like he could read your mind over your needs and wants. So much so, that it often had you nervous or feeling inadequate in the eyes of the setter. There was always something that you thought you could improve on, always something that neither of you could see eye to eye to.

The setter made you feel adored, cared for. And while in the beginning it was exciting, to have a potential new love on the horizon after years of suffering in silence. When he kissed you, it felt nice. You reveled in the feel even, but never had you felt especially passionate. Never were there truly butterflies in your stomach. He made you feel safe, but not special.

And now, a month into your newfound relationship, there was something obviously missing to the both of you.

“How do you feel… about us?” He asked, eyes boring into your own as he sat across from you on the coffee table, you on the couch.

“You’re perfect.”

“Me.” Akaashi looked down, a grimace on his face before returning back to you. “Perfection isn’t always what we want.”

“Is something wrong, Akaashi?”

“Ask me the same question.”

You paused, before asking. “How do you feel about us?”

“I really care about you and you’ve grown to be one of my best friends.” He answered candidly.

He cared, but there was something missing. You filled in the blank for him, “But you don’t love me.”

“No, I don’t.” Akaashi confirmed before continuing, “Do you love me?”

You hesitated, eyes searching his own and going back and forth for a good minute.

“No, I don’t.”

There was no sudden heartbreak, no reason to suddenly burst out into tears. You did not love Akaashi, not in the way that you wanted to. A part of you was screaming at you, telling you to look at the man in front of you and be happy for what he was willing to give you. But another, the one that had wallowed in sadness for years, told you that running away would only cause pain in the long-run.

Akaashi had a blank expression as he took in your words before continuing, “We have everything that should make a relationship work - the routine, the friends, the dedication on both sides. But we don’t feel that deeply about one another.”

“I’m so sorry, Akaashi.”

He had a slight smile, raising a hand to your cheek and cupping your face there. “Why are you sorry? I’m sorry I asked you in the first place, when my heart ended up not being here.”

“I wish I was in love with you.”

“Me too. I’m sorry.” Akaashi repeated, “ I owe it to you to be honest. I remember when I first thought I liked you, how you wished me a good match and treated me kindly during last year's training camp. But I think I was just looking for a distraction for my heart.”

You perked up at his last words, “Is there someone you’re running from?”

“No, at least I don’t want there to be.”

“Humor me, one of your best friends.” You tried to make light of the situation, a small smile on your face. Akaashi just looked at you with a wistful smile, before glancing away. “... Is it Bokuto?”

The setter sighed before leaning back, “Was I that obvious?”

“Wait; you guys are so close!”

“Yes and I will continue to be his friend throughout our lives.” Akaashi supplied, “But he does not have romantic feelings for me, or any male really.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh.” Akaashi replied before moving to sit next to you. “I’m sorry if it feels like I led you on.”

“No, don’t think about it that way.” You quickly responded, moving a comforting hand over his.  “You had every right to try to pursue someone you thought would be enough. And honestly, you’re not the only one who doesn’t feel that spark.”

Akaashi upturned his hand and squeezed yours, “You’re the first person I’ve ever told about Bokuto.”

You turned to him and smiled, “Thank you for telling me. You know, it’s weird. But I still want to be really good friends with you.”

Akaashi was caressing around your fingers, “Me too. I always felt drawn to you, but I guess I know why.”

You flashed him a genuine smile before pulling him into a hug, “Thank you, Akaashi.”

And while you reassured each other that there were no hurt feelings, that did not mean you were entirely scott-free. Akaashi was still one of your close friends, someone you could be honest too without fear and get the same communication in return. But another part of you was especially hurt, wondering if Kuroo had ruined you for any other boy in the future.

On paper, Akaashi should have been the perfect boyfriend that would help guide you out of your feelings. But there was no spark there, nothing that ignited between the two of you to be all over each other and fall in love with one another. Would your heart be stuck on the one person you could never have?

The next day at school, this very thought continued to plague you. You were quiet through class and even worse during lunch, keeping to yourself and gazing out the window wondering if your heart would ever accept someone else.

Both Kuroo and Kenma had sent you prodding looks throughout the day, your childhood friends almost instantly aware that something was off. But you did not want to face them now, not when you were still unsure about life in general.

How’s your day going?

Akaashi had texted you a little after lunch. And while it should have been weird for exes to stay in contact, Akaashi did not necessarily feel like that. He was your friend, a really close one at that. And it seemed you were the only two people in-tune to a secret.

Absolute shiet. You texted back, And you?

Very much the same.

You sighed before typing, Existential crisis if you’ll ever love again?

Yes and it doesn’t help that Bokuto parades like a peacock.

But you love it.

… I do.

There was something comforting about talking about this with someone else. At least you had a close friend who understood what it was like. The others could listen and follow along, but Akaashi knew what it was like to have the heartbreak of a long, unrequited love.

You felt a small vibration after a few minutes and turned back to your phone.

Have you told the others yet?

Not yet, you?

I probably will today after practice.

That was another problem you did not want to breach. It would be hard to explain why you two had broken up, but at the same time it was not anyone else’s business. Regardless, that was a bandage you had to pull off later. And so you just kept staring outside the classroom window, hoping for this day to pass quickly.

Hearing you sigh for the ninth time in twenty minutes, Kuroo could feel himself almost physically itching in his seat to ask you what was wrong.

Did Akaashi do something wrong? Are you guys okay? Are you guys still dating?

But the look Kenma was shooting at him was enough warning that Kuroo should not interfere. You would come to the rest of them if it was important, but a bit part of him wanted to know now.

And throughout volleyball practice after school, Kuroo felt his gaze almost latch onto you in every free second he had. From when you were filling up water bottles to adjusting the scoreboard, Kuroo’s anxiety kept his eyes on you at all times off the court.

Yaku had even kicked at his knees for being so obvious.

But you said nothing, withdrawn like you had been all day at school. You were still physically present, but your smiles were noticeably tight.

It was only when the five of you had departed from school — Yaku, Kai, and Kenma audience to your quiet words.

“Akaashi and I broke up.”

They were nothing for a few seconds, Kuroo even hesitating in his step as he took in your words. Kenma put down his phone while Yaku moved closer to you, putting a comforting hand on your shoulder.

“When did this happen? Yesterday?” The libero questioned.

“Yeah.”

“What did he do!? Did he hurt you?” Yaku continued, rising anger visible on his face. Kai looked equally worried to your left.

“What? No!” You stopped in your tracks and raised your palms in defense. “It’s not like that... It’s actually mutual.”

Yaku’s eyes widened and then narrowed in confusion, “What? But you guys were doing so well.”

“Maybe on the outside.” You replied, “But he didn’t feel like my boyfriend, only in name. We agreed that something was off, it didn’t feel right.”

“What do you mean?” Kuroo asked this time, his cat-like gaze clinging onto your words.

“I couldn’t love Akaashi, not like that at least.” You explained, head down as you recalled the day prior.

“I’m so sorry.” Yaku put his arms around your shoulders, pulling you into a deep hug.

“I’m so scared.” You admitted to your close friends, feeling yourself tear up against the Libero’s chest.  “If I couldn’t fall in love with Akaashi who was perfect, what’s wrong with me?”

You felt something shift as Yaku maneuvered you around, a new set of arms wrapped around you.

“Nothings wrong with you.” Kuroo reassured, his taller stature dominating the hug as his strong arms pressed you into his chest.

“He should’ve been the one.” Your voice was near whispering, “And now it’s over.”

Kenma held one of your free hands, squeezing it as he looked at you. “I have ice cream at home if you want to share.”

You sighed out a smile, the first real one today. “Okay.”

Kuroo continued to hold your hand the entire way home, even after Yaku and Kai had waved off in a different direction. Kenma said nothing, not even typing away on his phone as the three of you took the train back.

You told yourself that Kuroo was just comforting you. He was one of your best friends, that’s all there was. There was no point in looking for more, especially when that overthinking is what got you so latched on in the first place.

But it was hard to think nothing of it when you were hyper-aware of Kuroo’s touch. It was more than just holding hands. It was the arm around you on the train, pulling you into his side. The feather light feel of his cheek against yours. The way his eyes lingered on you the entire night. 

God, Kuroo had you under his spell this entire time, hadn’t he?

It did not let up when you were eating ice cream in Kenma’s house and a part of you wanted to signal the blonde for help when Kuroo offered to walk the rest of the way home with you.

But Kenma knew you better than your own mind, offering you a mischievous smirk before waving the two of you goodnight.

Kuroo reached for your hand again and you pretended to be on your phone, occupied before he could make the move. But when you put it away, there was no mistaking it, he grabbed your hand then and the fight was over.

How ironic. 

You accepted a break-up with your boyfriend because of how hung up you were with the middle-blocker in front of you.

And now that you had his attention, it only made you want to run away.

“Thanks for walking me home.” You tried to pull your hand away once your house was in sight.

But Kuroo’s grip was relentless. “A lot of bad stuff can happen between here and the end of the block.”

And so you followed along, holding hands like two friends being bro’s, you screamed at yourself that that was all there was.

When he kissed your forehead goodnight? Nope. Just some homie love, nothing else. Who’s looking into this? Not you.

But it only persisted as the week went by. 

You broke the news to the rest of the team the next day, Lev offering to stomp him into the ground during the next practice match. But you reassured them by no means was Akaashi in the wrong. Still, the other members would coddle you in smaller ways. 

Yaku kept an eye out for you while Lev and Inuoka would pull you into sweaty hugs. Kai would offer you fruit packs time to time and Kenma had even let you place his newest game. They were all trying in their own little ways, but Kuroo was the most prominent of the bunch.

He was especially hanging around you, making arrangements to sit next to you at lunch, even when you started off the period with someone else. Any and all of your free time between periods was somehow spent together, whether in the classroom, the art room, or anywhere on campus. 

He was just being a good friend after all. You went through a breakup of all things, he was just looking out for one of his best bro’s. Right?

“You’re an idiot.”

“I know, but what for now?” You asked Kenma, his dead-panned face across the lunch table giving away nothing.

Once you had retreated to the roof just for a quiet moment alone, but he found you regardless. Tucked under his arm was some milk bread from the school concession and some juice packs.

He greeted you before motioning to his makeshift care-package, “Thought you’d like a snack.”

“Thanks, Kuroo.” You motioned to sit-up, but he took the seat on the bench next to you. “You’ve really been there for me this week.”

Kuroo paused before putting a gentle hand over your own, “I care about you a lot.”

“This goes both ways, y’know.” You replied, an honest smile reflecting back at him before you turned to put straws in the juice pack.

“I don’t want to rush you or anything….” Kuroo continued, “But know that I love you.”

“Aw, I love you too!” You answered back, offering a juice pack back to him.

Kuroo went through the motion and grabbed the juice, eyes narrowed in confusion as you easily reflected his words back at him. 

Were you really not getting it?

“No, I mean like.” Frustrated, Kuroo grabbed at his hair. “Here.”

He put both juices down, his free hand moving to your cheek, pulling you closer as he brushed his lips above your brow. You stilled at the motion, but Kuroo lingered for a moment before withdrawing enough to look you in the eyes.

“I’m in love with you. Please give me a chance to show you.”

You backed up immediately, hands flying between you as you stood.

“Woah, I— since when?!”

“A month ago.” Kuroo stood as well, “Just enough to realize I didn’t want to lose you to anyone else.”

You groaned aloud, “Kuroo, that’s not what love is.”

“Yes, it is. Love means I want to hold you and make you mine, to kiss you now and every day if I can.” He retorted, not moving in his spot and his eyes connected with yours.

“Kuroo, this… I don’t know!” You stumbled along your words, unable to hold his intense gaze as he bared his feelings. 

“I don’t mean to rush you, but I think it’d only be fair if you were aware of my feelings.”

You bit your lip, it seemed your life was full of ironies.

“I used to be in love with you for so long, Kuroo.”

He stopped then, eyes widening in surprise as you dropped your longest secret on your best friend.

“And then you were dating and in love with Alissa and I wanted nothing more than to move from you. And for my feelings to be nothing but a sad  memory.”

“I wasn’t in love with her.” Kuroo cut in.

“That doesn’t really matter, does it? Because I wasn’t enough for you to see then so what difference does it make now?”

“Wait.” Kuroo stepped closer and you took a reflexive step back, making him stop. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because you were going on and on about her! All of you — the whole team talked about her like she was the perfect person for you.” You answered, getting visibly agitated. “And who was I to stop you from being happy?”

Kuroo sighed, a small wistful smile on his face as he heard of your struggles. “God, I love you.”

“What?!”

“She doesn’t make me happy. Not like you do.”

“Kuroo — !”

“Stop overthinking.” Kuroo took two wide steps before you could run away, grabbing at your waist and encasing you in his arms. “I’m sorry that I hurt you in the past, but I am begging you to let me show you how much you mean to me.”

“But what if—“

“No. Stop thinking about the ifs.” Kuroo interrupted, leaning forward to press his lips against your forehead. “Let me prove to you how much I love you.”

You felt the crease of his lips against your skin, slowly making its way down before connecting your lips together in a chaste peck.

He could feel your hesitation, the way your hands stayed balled at your sides. “I won’t rush you. But please, give us a chance.”

You closed your eyes shut, taking a deep breathe before raising a palm to his chest.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

You laughed lightly, “Yes, you big ole nerd.”

Kuroo shot you one of his honest smiles back, not one of the goading smirks he sent opposing teams or the charismatic one when we wanted something. One of the arms around your waist crawled it’s way upward, settling behind your head as it pulled you closer.

He kissed at your forehead again, especially careful before he made his way downward. Taking some initiative, you leaned upward to kiss him firm on the lips.

Kuroo recoiled back in surprise before smiling again, pulling you into his chest as he leaned down for another smooch. The skin of his lips was surprisingly smooth, silky as it moved against yours.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Kuroo.”

—xXxXxXxXxXx—

Extra:

Your break with Akaashi was so minimal that you were actually excited to see the setter during Fukurodani’s practice match.

If only your team felt the same.

You reminded them time and time again that your break was nothing to worry about and it should definitely not be the reason behind unnecessary drama. Especially since you were Kuroo now, not even two weeks after. But with the way Lev and Yaku were training, you were sure they were going to attempt a beat down.

When the Fukurodani team entered the gym the next day, you waved at the managers excitedly and it was Kaori that came up to you looking sheepish.

“How’ve you been holding up?”

“Honestly, really well!” You answered.

“Oh, so you haven’t heard?”

“Heard about what?” You asked back, only to light up when Akaashi neared you. Giving him a hug in greeting, you smiled happily at the two.

“Woah.” Kaori commented.

“How’ve you been doing?” Akaashi asked as he pulled away from your prolonged hug, still shoulder-to-shoulder with you.

“Good — I would watch out for Lev though. I think he wants to pummel you.”

Akaashi sighed, “Beautiful.”

“Hey hey hey!” Bokuto cut in, literally in between the two of you and putting some space. “Who’s beautiful?”

The setter sighed before looking toward you.

“Don’t worry, Bokuto. We both can appreciate Akaashi’s beauty.” You joked, but the wing-spiker threw a possessive arm over his shoulders.

“Good — as long as you know he’s all mine.” Bokuto continued, pulling a red-faced Akaashi toward him.

You smiled before feeling an arm around your own shoulders.

“Am I missing out on the party?” Kuroo asked, playful tone contrasting with his hard gaze. He was trying a little too hard to look casual, but it was clear from his eyes that he was sizing up your ex-boyfriend.

“Nothing to miss out on.” You responded. “Just wanted to say hi to my good friend, Akaashi.”

Bokuto turned to the man under his hold and the setter nodded in agreement, “We text often, it’s nice to actually see each other.”

“You’re never this excited to see me!”

Akaashi smiled playfully before replying, “Bokuto-san, we see each other every day. Seeing her is special.”

Kuroo narrowed his eyes, evaluating the direction before leaning back. “Fine. Why don’t we catch-up too, Bokuto?”

“What? Are you crazy —!?”

But Kuroo was not paying attention, leaning down to give you a sloppy kiss with the other three as the audience.

He held the back of your head, guiding you back into him as you unintentionally moaned into his embrace. Kuroo particularly enjoyed ravishing you now, licking at your inner walls and relishing the slick of saliva that connected you two even after he pulled away.

“You asshole!” Bokuto exclaimed when Kuroo grabbed him, pulling him along as you stood there attempting to fix yourself.

Akaashi laughed at the display before turning to you with a smile.

“What a kiss.” Kaori had her hands to her face, secondhand embarrassment apparent from the blush. “Looks like Kuroo is every bit the jealous type as Bokuto.”

“Not usually.” You replied, still feeling the heat from your cheeks.

“I’m glad you found someone who makes you happy.” Akaashi stated, grabbing your hand and squeezing it. 

“I’m glad Bokuto came to his senses too.” You responded, squeezing in kind before hearing both your names exclaimed from across the gym. 

“5 feet away, minimum!” Bokuto was stretching out a space between his hands, pointing at the two of you.

Akaashi sighed before letting go, shooting you a tired but endearing smile. Kaori laughed, saying you two were so odd, but glad that the friendship between schools was preserved.

But it was the look on Kuroo’s face, as his narrowed eyes travelled from the setter than back to you, that told you just what was in store for you later.

And you wouldn’t have it any other way. 

[pennylanewrites]

Given Characters seeing you wear their clothes!

Reader is gender neutral <3

genre: uuuh I have no idea how this works so fluff?

cw: one curse word for akihiko

~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~

Mafuyu

→ you put one of his beige school cardigans on bc you were feeling chilly

→ had to take a good look at you to realise it was his cardigan

→ “this is mine right?” “are you sure you want to wear it?” “I haven’t washed it in a while”

→ “Mafuyu, it’s fine”

→ he only washes it again when your scent is barely there

Uenoyama

→ you wanted to try one of his band tees on so bad, so you sneaked into his room one day when he was in the shower

→ genuinely has no clue it was his shirt you were wearing

→ “oh you like the arctic monkeys too? I have the same shirt” “what do you mean it’s mine? you’re wearing it!”

→ has to ask Akihiko if it’s normal for a couple to wear each other’s clothes

→ Akihiko tells him it’s not to prank him so Uenoyama has a talk with you about how it’s not nice to steal clothes

→ was too embarrassed to look you in the eye for a week after it

Haruki

→ you took a shower in his house after a long day at university and decided to head for his closet instead of the clothes you already had there

→ he drops a bag of chips when you walk out in his shirt and sweatpants and picks everything up without breaking eye contact

→ “wow, ___.”

→ please wear his clothes more often, he’ll die of cuteness overload

→ can’t stop cuddling you all day, you just look so cozy and you two are wearing matching sweatpants

Akihiko

→ you put on his leather jacket to get on his motorcycle

→ looks you up and down and smirks before fixing the jacket that slipped from your shoulders

→ probably big on you, man is huge

→ “damn, if I knew you look this good in leather–” “seriously shut the fuck up” “I was just saying!”

Ugetsu

→ you put on one of his white button ups after sleeping over

→ “you look like a sack of potatoes”

→ “a pretty one though”

→ would love the way it slides down one of your shoulders as you light up the cigarette in his mouth but god forbid he admits it

Take-chan

→ you wore one of his bell bottom jeans just bc you wanted to try it on (yes he wears bell bottoms no I won’t elaborate)

→ the first thing he did was grab his camera and take a picture of you

→ runs to his bedroom and takes a pile of clothes, dropping it in front of you

→ “we’ll have a photo shoot” “babe, we don’t have to–” “put them on, ___.”

→ literally pinned the photos of you in his clothes on his art wall

Yayoi

→ she made you put on one of her white crop tops

→ also made you do a catwalk with the rest of her clothing

→ not her fault you look too damn good in them

→ “seriously yayoi, we’ve been at this for hours”

→ “yeah, you’re right. time for makeup”

Shizusumi

→ blinks slowly at the sight of you in one of his oversized sweatshirts

→ pretends he doesn’t care

→ he’s about to latch on you and kiss you

→ “shizu-chan, do you like my new shirt?”

→ “no, you look ugly”

→ showers you with kisses as an apology

Hiiragi

→you wore his favorite striped t-shirt to go out for coffee

→ “are you sure you wanna wear that”

→ “why not?”

→ he runs to the bathroom and washes his face

→ probably teared up but played it cool

→ would joke and say something like “damn shawty, looking good” and you’d beg him not to let those words come out his mouth ever again

Let’s see what Yuki thinks about this! 🎤⚰️

~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~

god I love them all so much [still have mixed feelings about akihiko cough cough (^_-) ] anyway I haven’t seen any x reader for the Given characters yet so I hope someone likes this lol

also just a reminder that requests are always open! ask away! <3

[80sakaashi]

➣Next Step

One shot: Mom!Reader x Adriah Tomas

My English is not my first language, I’m sorry.

Warning!VERYSOFT IM-, a little mention of BokuAka.

Words count: 1270

Adriah's face when he saw the brunette pass through the gym door was unique and apparently everyone had noticed about that, he was still surprised to have a girlfriend as attractive as she was. Her hair was a long reddish color tied in a messy ponytail, her slightly unbuttoned blouse giving an incredible view that none had gone unnoticed, that black tube skirt along with those stockings and those black stilettos that drove him crazy. The boys had turned away their looks embarrassed except for Atsumu who seemed to enjoy the view more, but his sight was ruined by that six foot boy going to hug his girlfriend with so much emotion.

"Y/N-chan!" Exclaimed the tall one who had also been received with a huge hug.He left a small kiss on her forehead, the stocky girl had black lines resting under those beautiful bright eyes of hers, her pink lips pouting which made the older one laugh slightly.

"Did I come very early?" She asked a little worried and behind her, a certain black-haired man approached the couple. "Akaashi-san and I finished early so we decided to come."

He nodded and Bokuto ran towards him, excited by that visit, giving little shouts of excitement.

Adriah just laughed to take her hand and lead her to the bench next to Sakusa who was drinking some water, the boy did not move away from her. He had noticed the girl's hygiene and the way in which she kept her distance from him with him so as not to damage her comfort zone, Y/N only greeted him with a nod which was reciprocated by the boy.

The tallest of her crouched down so he could look at her from below, Y/N had always adored the puppy looks that his boyfriend gave him every time he wanted something or when he was quite excited about little things. She had gotten used to little nights out or last minute dates for the simple fact that he was left hungry after training, or the times she worked late he would send her and Akaashi food to the publisher.

But he didn't say anything to her, they just looked at each other as if they were the only ones in the place and Sakusa simply moved away from there to give them some space.

"Do you know how much I missed you princess?" He asked and for a few moments he saw as if the boy had a tail wagging from side to side. "God even right now you look like a goddess, please sit on my face."

Y/N’ s laugh was enough to make the taller one laugh, the good thing is that they both didn't get so tall so it didn't make it difficult for both of them to kiss each other without the need to bend down or stand on tiptoe— at least Adriah did. Made her beg for that—, or just for Y/N to leave little kisses on his neck for every time the black-haired man was stressed by the jokes that Inunaki made him or when he didn't know how to get revenge on the smallest.

Despite the almost four years of relationship, everyone could think at first glance that both had only been dating for months because of the closeness and above all the love that they seemed to waste as if they were teenagers. But even with time they remained the same and love did not disappear, Akaashi had always told Y/N that they were both for each other. She really wasn't going to deny how much fun she could have with Tomas.

And what she loved the most was the fact that he treated her children as if they were his own.

"I missed you a lot too." She caressed her cheek with her thumb and left a small kiss on her lips which the older one responded immediately.

"I know we've been together for a long time, but I want to take the next step." Tomas felt his stomach turn when he said that, he had never told her what he really felt; he wanted to tell her to live together, perhaps he would not agree to give her a child of her own but with the ones she had he was satisfied because he really adored them as if they were his children.

Y/N licked her lips frightened clearly understanding what Tomas was referring to, she knew that if she hadn’t children the answer would be completely different - she wouldn’t have even thought about it and she would probably have been able to move in together a month after they were dating - if she did not have two children whom he adored with his life, she would not be between a rock and a hard place. Her children should also give her opinion on the matter and that made her tremble a little at the way her boyfriend gently grasped her hands, hinting that every answer was valid.

"I-I don't know Tomas ... you know this doesn't depend-" she was abruptly interrupted by a huge hug, so she released the boy, leaving him sitting on the floor.

"Mom!" Two cute boys appeared, a cute eleven-year-old boy and a little nine-year-old who seemed completely excited. “we did very well in school!”

The oldest of the children saw that something was strange in the environment, so he sat next to his mother and watched Adriah for a few seconds to see his cute mother again who seemed a little worried. The boy turned his gaze to his younger brother who had sat between the legs of the taller one who had rested his chin on the boy's head, surrounding him in a strong hug that made the innocent boy laugh.

"Mom ... did something happen?" She sighed, watching for a moment at Adriah and then at the youngest, surrounding him in a small hug which only corresponded.

"Haruki-chan," Y/N spoke affectionately as she stroked her son's hair. "Tomas and I want to take the next step ..."

The named opened his mouth but was interrupted by the minor.

"Is mom going to marry Tomas?" A huge blush appeared on the older man's face, who just hugged the boy a little more tightly, making him laugh.

Y/N just laughed back at that tender behavior, her boyfriend quickly shook her head.

"No Haruka-chan, I mean we want to move in together" she let go of Haruki's grip and took his little hands "as a family."

"So ... you and dad" Haruki blushed at the mistake, surprising the adults, he saw how her boyfriend released a few small tears that caught Y/N's attention. "Will you and Tomas-san live together at last?"

"The four of us would go to live together and we will have a cat that we will name Misifus," Tomas unconsciously blurted out, attracting the attention of the three of us.

"Mom ..." the older whimpered this time, hiding in his chest and wrapped his arms around him worried to see his little boy crying "you shouldn't ask us that, if you're happy with dad, just tell him yes."

That was enough to make both seniors cry this time, which caught the attention of the others who came to see what was happening. Tomas and Y/N got up to give each other a huge hug, to merge into a sweet kiss. They were really happy that the four of them could finally be together as the cute new family that they were.

[gilly-bean]

tagged by @liyazaki and @suzukibeanes thank you fellow gays ✨

three ships: teh x oh-aew for that messy, heartbreaking first love, patpran for those annoying high school sweethearts that actually are each other's first loves and stay together until they're old and wrinkly , wangxian for that soulmate bond that you literally take with you to the grave and beyond

first ever ship: wuuufff jesus. well probably drarry from Harry Potter. What can I say I grew up with those books and that was my first introduction to fandom. Luckily, I've come a long way since.

last song: I watched the Super Bowl and remembered how hard Anderson .Paak slaps. And he's an absolute delight.

last film: you know that syndrome where you don't have time to watch movies but you still watch 10 episodes of a show in one day? I have that all the time. My friend did make me watch that DiCaprio flick Don't Look Up. It was decent.

currently reading: Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore. Me and @elnotwoods have this cute little old wives book club (it's so cute y'all) and that's what we're reading. I told her I love magical realism and she said here's ten books we can read together and that's why, people, she is my internet wife. Along the same theme, I'm also currently (still) reading Isabel Allende's the House of Spirits.

currently watching: Not Me (I love my anarchist biker gang more than anyone else right now) and Euphoria (I love my toxic sapphics but fucking hell is it a rough show to get through). Oh and of course Rupaul's Drag Race. There's never not a time when I'm not watching that. Currently obsessed with Ms. Pangina Heals

currently consuming: I guess Euphoria because I have been binge watching that but I'm so not happy about it. On the upside, I also lowkey started writing the longest bad buddy fic of my life and I'm so excited about it. Guys, I'm doing research for it. This is actually consuming most of my time.

currently craving: A holiday in Phuket. With margaritas. That is all I need right now. Still waiting for that wedding ceremony @elnotwoods and @liyazaki

tagging: @becomingabeing, @elnotwoods, @kyr-kun-chan, @praninlove @plaidcladjuno and anyone who sees this

[roger-maylor-brian-tay]

Same energy

"Show me where Akihiko is"

===

That brilliant Given edit does not belong to me. Credits for the creator of that edit.

[fever-dreamer97]

Okay but hear me out...BKDK X given AU

Ritsuka Uenoyama = Bakugou

Mafuyu Sato = Izuku

Haruki Nakayama = Kaminari

Kaji Akihiko = Shinso

Yuki Yoshida = Shindo Yo

Ugestu Murata = Monoma

Kōji “Take-Chan” Yatake = Sero

Shōgo Itaya = Kirishima

Ryu Ueki = Tokoyami

Hiiragi Kashima = Iida

Yagi Shizusumi = Todoroki

Yayoi Uenoyama = Yao-Momo

[kookie-doughs]

Dialogue Fic

"I think I love you."

Bokuto Kotaro X Reader

"I believe in you. Give 'em hell!" You grinned patting the ace's back before he entered the court.

You made your way to the bleacher as you weren't a manager of the team. But reaching your spot next to Kaori Suzumeda, one of the two managers for the team. From what you heard there could only be one manager in court and Yukie Shirofuku won the rock, paper, scissors.

"Did they show off?" You grinned at the manager.

"Bokuto-kun seems too dazed to even move."

You turned to see everyone warming up, while their dear captain was staring emptily at the spot you had disappeared from, not that you noticed.

"Isn't it too soon for his emo mode?" You scrunched your eyebrows as you watched Bokuto get hit by a ball that the coach threw at him but didn't even flinch.

Akaashi was trying to get Bokuto to do anything since the other team had came in and was warming up. They were all looking at Bokuto who kept tanking all the balls thrown at him, by everyone.

"Bokuto!!" Washio shouted at Bokuto's ear. The captain flinched but didn't bother to do anything else.

Akaashi gave up and started looking around the bleachers.

"I think they need you there." Kaori nudged.

"I'm not the manager here. you go there and tell him to move his ass."

She pointed at the coach and Akaashi who were trying to get Bokuto to move but to no avail. "If he doesn't listen to Coach and Akaashi he'll listen to no one but his mother and you."

You assume it was you who met Akaashi's eyes. He signals his hand for you to come down. Some who saw turned their head at you.

"I told you so."

"I'm not a manager I'm not allowed to go in court."

Kaori then realized my point and brought out her phone, you saw Yukie bring out hers and went over to the coach and Akaashi.

Not long after Kaori's phone rang, Yukie had called her.

"They want you to talk to Bokuto." Kaori said. I shrugged and let out my hand so she could hand me her phone.

"Hello?" You said though you saw Akaashi holding the phone against his ear.

"L/N-san," Finally the dear captain moved on his own to turn to Akaashi. "could you snap to Bokuto-san out of his daze?"

"Yeah sure I guess? If it works..."

Akaashi puts the phone on speaker and gets it near Bokuto.

"Bokuto Kotaro. What the hell are you doing?" You said firmly.

As if cold water was poured down on him he snapped out of his daze. He looked at the phone in front of him and Akaashi holding it with the coach behind him frowning.

"Y/N-chan." He called. "Where are you in the bleacher?"

"I'm cheering here at the first row next to Kaori. We're in front of the banner."

He turned to see and you waved at him when you met eyes. There are more eyes on you now.

"I'll win and be the best one in the court, continue cheering for me okay?"

"Of course. I'll cheer for you and the team."

"Actually, just this one game. Could you cheer for me only?" He gave a nervous smile.

You blinked confused. "Why?"

"Please?"

"If you play at your best. Then I just might do that."

He gave his usual huge grin, "Yeah? Then you better cheer for me REALLY loud okay?!" His voice was so loud that you heard him just fine without the phone.

"Okay, now start warming up. Your game is about to start."

He gave you a smile before turning his back and walking towards the court taking a ball from the ground. He went behind the end line and gave you a glance. He threw the ball on air and hit it with his full power and the ball flew across landing exactly at the corner of the back zone.

Everyone was astonished and you saw the smug look on Bokuto's face.

"Thank you L/N-san for your help." Akaashi smiled at your direction before dropping the call.

You handed the phone back to Kaori. And the game began.

Just as you promised Bokuto, you cheered for him as loud as you can. His serves were on point, his spikes would make you suspicious as to why he was only 4th ace of the country, and surprisingly he had saved the ball multiple times which was supposedly Haruki Komi's job. And his emo mode never came.

So it wasn't a surprise when the team took both sets in a snap.

A loud cheer erupted from your side, as the players made their way in front of the bleacher to thank the audience. They all cheer and chant the team's captain's name.

"Y/N!" Bokuto called from below which kinda shut the audience up. It embarrassed you getting all the attention but the MVP had something to say so we must entertain.

Leaning closer to the rails you gave him a smile, "Congratulations Kotaro."

"I think I love you!" He shouted.

Your smile faded as a blush replaced it. Laughter from the team and a certain someone beside you was all you heard as you refused to hear the hollers and whoops from the others, even the ones on the other team were now looking at you.

"Where the hell are you getting that from?!" You stammered.

"When you were cheering on me, it was the only conclusion that came to me. I felt like I could take this game alone. And I don't want to be mean but I didn't care about the others' because your voice was the only one reaching me."

"Why are you telling me that now?!"

"Because! I won a game thinking of you and I'm in to much bliss to care!"

"What are you going to do if I reject you...."

"I would be really sad and cry about it forever." He said with a smile which really contradicts his answer.

"Win the next game again and I might say yes." You said with a blush and turning away.

"You'll cheer for me again?" He had a very hopeful gleam on his eyes it made your heart melt.

"Maybe! Just! Argh! Stop talking!" You screeched covering your face with your hands.

Take Me Back To Oneshot Aisle

And thus my first oneshot is completed! It is an utter shit but I enjoyed it nonetheless! I hope you did too!

-kookie-doughs

Taglist?

@gayer-than-the-gayest-gay

Ps I just want to thank you for supporting all my stories! Ilysm @gayer-than-the-gayest-gay but i'd appreciate it more if you gave me notes... jkjkjkjkjkjk.... unless....👀👀

[80ssatori]

➣Next Step

One shot: Mom!Reader x Adriah Tomas

English is not my first language, I’m sorry.

Warning!VERYSOFT IM-, a little mention of BokuAka.

Words count: 1270

Adriah's face when he saw the brunette pass through the gym door was unique and apparently everyone had noticed about that, he was still surprised to have a girlfriend as attractive as she was. Her hair was a long reddish color tied in a messy ponytail, her slightly unbuttoned blouse giving an incredible view that none had gone unnoticed, that black tube skirt along with those stockings and those black stilettos that drove him crazy. The boys had turned away their looks embarrassed except for Atsumu who seemed to enjoy the view more, but his sight was ruined by that six foot boy going to hug his girlfriend with so much emotion.

"Y/N-chan!" Exclaimed the tall one who had also been received with a huge hug.He left a small kiss on her forehead, the stocky girl had black lines resting under those beautiful bright eyes of hers, her pink lips pouting which made the older one laugh slightly.

"Did I come very early?" She asked a little worried and behind her, a certain black-haired man approached the couple. "Akaashi-san and I finished early so we decided to come."

He nodded and Bokuto ran towards him, excited by that visit, giving little shouts of excitement.

Adriah just laughed to take her hand and lead her to the bench next to Sakusa who was drinking some water, the boy did not move away from her. He had noticed the girl's hygiene and the way in which she kept her distance from him with him so as not to damage her comfort zone, Y/N only greeted him with a nod which was reciprocated by the boy.

The tallest of her crouched down so he could look at her from below, Y/N had always adored the puppy looks that his boyfriend gave him every time he wanted something or when he was quite excited about little things. She had gotten used to little nights out or last minute dates for the simple fact that he was left hungry after training, or the times she worked late he would send her and Akaashi food to the publisher.

But he didn't say anything to her, they just looked at each other as if they were the only ones in the place and Sakusa simply moved away from there to give them some space.

"Do you know how much I missed you princess?" He asked and for a few moments he saw as if the boy had a tail wagging from side to side. "God even right now you look like a goddess, please sit on my face."

Y/N’ s laugh was enough to make the taller one laugh, the good thing is that they both didn't get so tall so it didn't make it difficult for both of them to kiss each other without the need to bend down or stand on tiptoe— at least Adriah did. Made her beg for that—, or just for Y/N to leave little kisses on his neck for every time the black-haired man was stressed by the jokes that Inunaki made him or when he didn't know how to get revenge on the smallest.

Despite the almost four years of relationship, everyone could think at first glance that both had only been dating for months because of the closeness and above all the love that they seemed to waste as if they were teenagers. But even with time they remained the same and love did not disappear, Akaashi had always told Y/N that they were both for each other. She really wasn't going to deny how much fun she could have with Tomas.

And what she loved the most was the fact that he treated her children as if they were his own.

"I missed you a lot too." She caressed her cheek with her thumb and left a small kiss on her lips which the older one responded immediately.

"I know we've been together for a long time, but I want to take the next step." Tomas felt his stomach turn when he said that, he had never told her what he really felt; he wanted to tell her to live together, perhaps he would not agree to give her a child of her own but with the ones she had he was satisfied because he really adored them as if they were his children.

Y/N licked her lips frightened clearly understanding what Tomas was referring to, she knew that if she hadn’t children the answer would be completely different - she wouldn’t have even thought about it and she would probably have been able to move in together a month after they were dating - if she did not have two children whom he adored with his life, she would not be between a rock and a hard place. Her children should also give her opinion on the matter and that made her tremble a little at the way her boyfriend gently grasped her hands, hinting that every answer was valid.

"I-I don't know Tomas ... you know this doesn't depend-" she was abruptly interrupted by a huge hug, so she released the boy, leaving him sitting on the floor.

"Mom!" Two cute boys appeared, a cute eleven-year-old boy and a little nine-year-old who seemed completely excited. “we did very well in school!”

The oldest of the children saw that something was strange in the environment, so he sat next to his mother and watched Adriah for a few seconds to see his cute mother again who seemed a little worried. The boy turned his gaze to his younger brother who had sat between the legs of the taller one who had rested his chin on the boy's head, surrounding him in a strong hug that made the innocent boy laugh.

"Mom ... did something happen?" She sighed, watching for a moment at Adriah and then at the youngest, surrounding him in a small hug which only corresponded.

"Haruki-chan," Y/N spoke affectionately as she stroked her son's hair. "Tomas and I want to take the next step ..."

The named opened his mouth but was interrupted by the minor.

"Is mom going to marry Tomas?" A huge blush appeared on the older man's face, who just hugged the boy a little more tightly, making him laugh.

Y/N just laughed back at that tender behavior, her boyfriend quickly shook her head.

"No Haruka-chan, I mean we want to move in together" she let go of Haruki's grip and took his little hands "as a family."

"So ... you and dad" Haruki blushed at the mistake, surprising the adults, he saw how her boyfriend released a few small tears that caught Y/N's attention. "Will you and Tomas-san live together at last?"

"The four of us would go to live together and we will have a cat that we will name Misifus," Tomas unconsciously blurted out, attracting the attention of the three of us.

"Mom ..." the older whimpered this time, hiding in his chest and wrapped his arms around him worried to see his little boy crying "you shouldn't ask us that, if you're happy with dad, just tell him yes."

That was enough to make both seniors cry this time, which caught the attention of the others who came to see what was happening. Tomas and Y/N got up to give each other a huge hug, to merge into a sweet kiss. They were really happy that the four of them could finally be together as the cute new family that they were.

[medea10]

My Review of Remake Our Life!

How did I get into this anime? Pure randomness on my part!

Kyouya Hashiba is 28 and now unemployed. His life has been full of uncertainty when it came to work and would often wonder what life would have been like if he had gone to the art school he was accepted into instead of the normal university back when he was 18. The final straw snapped when Hashiba was given the opportunity to do odd jobs for a game company. This was actually perfect for Hashiba as he does have a lot of art and design skills and he does have a love for anime, games, and manga. And then the project that they were working on was frozen by the higher-ups and many people lost their job including Hashiba. After going through that, he thinks about what life would be like if he went to that art school again and heads off to sleep. He then wakes up…

IN THE YEAR 2006!!!

Oh God, who remembers this shitty year? Half of you watching this probably weren’t even born yet and if you were you didn’t have a grasp of shit around you. Me, I started my first paying job, was several years into college, started writing my script for you-know-what, and spent most of my days bitching either about work, the new cast change on Pokemon, or whatever President Bush did.

Good times!

And while we’re at it, waking up in a different year! Where have we seen this before? ReLife, Tokyo Revengers, Steins;Gate, Higurashi, ERASED…

So Hashiba ends up taking advantage of this opportunity and accepting the admittance into the art school. There, he winds up in a shared house with other aspiring artists Aki Shino (a.k.a. Shinoaki), Tsurayaki Rokuonji, and Nanako Kogure. While on campus, Hashiba sees someone from his previous timeline. In the final job before going back in time, Hashiba’s boss was Eiko Kawasegawa, someone he met under weird circumstances. There she is in one of his classes! And a bigger bombshell for Hashiba was learning that one of his favorite graphic artists during the other timeline happens to be living in the same house as him.

Who would have thought after Hashiba and Shinoaki’s first meeting was more sexual to the naked eye?!

BETWEEN THE SUB AND THE DUB: Another Crunchyroll exclusive and unknown if they’re going to do much with it despite the high fan count. As for the sub, I gotta give high praise to Aoi Koga. I didn’t know much about her until I watched Kaguya-sama. But she’s really grown on me in the last three years. I thought her accent for Shinoaki was cute. At least she speaks in this anime. Wait a few reviews and you’ll know what I mean. Here’s what you might recognize these folks from.

*Hashiba is played by Masahiro Itou

*Shinoaki is played by Aoi Koga (known for Komi on Komi-san Can’t Communicate, Kaguya on Kaguya-sama, Maria on Zombieland Saga, Sakuragi on Accelerator/Railgun, and Akemi on Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Pt. 4)

*Kawasegawa is played by Nao Touyama (known for Rin on Laid Back Camp, Chitoge on Nisekoi, Nii-chan on Blue Exorcist, Koga on Bunny Girl Senpai, Tsubaki on Oresuki, Momo on Ai Tenchi Muyo, and Yukiho on Love Live)

*Tsurayaki is played by Haruki Ishiya (known for Adachi on Kono Oto Tomare)

*Nanako is played by Aimi Terakawa

SHIPPING: You would think sharing a house near campus with two other women would cause some untimely misunderstandings and friendly romps. Yes! Right in the first God-damned episode there’s one of those misunderstandings. Shinoaki, what the hell were you thinking? Just because your roommate (whom you never met prior) has his room in order doesn’t mean you should go and sleep next to him.

Actually, we see Hashiba get along with Shinoaki quite swimmingly from the very beginning. He knows her to be the artist he admired from afar in the future, but here he’s getting to know the artist as a person. And this lead to a kiss in the 5th episode! That would cement the Hashiba x Shinoaki ship, right? Nanako actually grew some feelings for Hashiba and worst of all, she witnessed that very kiss. Now Hashiba didn’t say anything to these girls to say something like, “I like you” or “I think we should stay friends” or some other bullshit. As a result, you’ve got both Shinoaki and Nanako trying to get Hashiba’s attention by getting close to him or feeding him.

Now Hashiba really didn’t focus on love while at school. He was just caught in the cross-fire of Shinoaki and Nanako’s flaming libidos. He never set the record straight on who he liked the most. Or at least we never saw him saying anything to them. Otherwise we wouldn’t have gotten the next timeline where Hashiba is married.

ANIME REFERENCES: In a slice of life anime, you might come across characters that watch certain anime series or read certain mangas. And from episode one, it seemed to be the case when Hashiba mentions having the manga collection to Familiar of Zero. But then it seemed to continue when Hashiba is back in 2006 and goes to karaoke with Nanako. As soon as the song started, I said to myself, “That sounds like the first opening to Rurouni Kenshin”. Surprise, it was! But that had to be the end of that, right? Hahaha!

During a school festival, a band wasn’t going to show up due to a double-booking. So Hashiba asks Nanako to sing. This was during Nanako’s development phase so there was a lot of pep-talk and convincing going on. Anyways, she’s going to sing. I jokingly said, “Oh what is she going to sing, God Knows from Haruhi Suzumiya”.

I JOKINGLY SAID IT LITERALLY FIVE MINUTES PRIOR TO THE PERFORMANCE! I didn’t mean for them to actually do that. I forgot how much God Knows was a hit back in 2006 and maybe that sparked my stupid brain to utter such a thought. And then we got the collab art work that followed after this particular episode aired. Ugh, having to remind myself about Haruhi Suzumiya again gives me a migraine.

ENDING: When it comes to time-travel stories, actions have SEVERE consequences. Hashiba went back in time in order to fulfill a life-long dream of attending art school. And things went very well for him as he was able to make many connections, surprise his instructor with his work, and even put out a game for purchase. The game part was to earn money for Tsurayaki. He’s been pulling double and triple time with jobs and working himself to death in order to pay tuition because his parents won’t help him. After they made the game and made a killing with selling the final product, there was little celebration for Hashiba. Tsurayaki tells Hashiba that he’s dropping out of school effective immediately. Hashiba fucked this up! In the future, Tsurayaki was to be a great writer and Hashiba ruined this timeline.

This is when things get weird. He passes out talking to his friend. I can’t trust old lolitas with pink hairs. I have a suspicion she’s a time traveler or a witch or some shit. All we know is the next time Hashiba wakes up he’s in the year 2018 and has a kid WITH SHINOAKI!!!

Okay, we now know who he chose to be his bae!

In this timeline, Hashiba has a pretty decent life with a wife, child, and a job doing what he was born to do. So much better than his original timeline! Now here comes the “but”! But, Shinoaki quit drawing a long time ago. Not only that, Nanako hit a wall and is no longer putting out music and Tsurayaki isn’t writing novels like in Hashiba’s original timeline. On the plus side Kawasegawa was in a similar position when Hashiba met her in the original timeline in 2016. More successful, but more stressful!

Hashiba was starting to lose faith in everything. But before he could truly fall apart, he has to put out fires at his job. Let’s just say a mobile app that was under crucial deadlines was shoved through with glitches, bugs, and getting a horrible reputation on the opening day release. Even though this was under Kawasegawa’s department, Hashiba was involved with a lot of it. Hashiba ended up saving the project and even gave an extra boost to their artist who was feeling the burnout of drawing. This was the same burnout that Shinoaki felt years ago before giving up drawing altogether. At this point, Hashiba felt like he’s to blame for all of his friends giving up on their passions.

Kawasegawa slapped some sense into him and told him he doesn’t have to do everything himself. I suppose that’s the lesson here.

Hashiba runs into the pink-haired Lolita and realizes what needs to be done. He’s willing to give up his pretty stable life in 2018 and go back to college life in 2007. No cheating and nudge his friends to do things without his approval or help. And so he wakes up back in 2007 after trying to chase down Tsurayaki and stop him from dropping out. Hashiba eventually let it go that Tsurayaki isn’t coming back, but he’s going to do what he can so Nanako and Shinoaki don’t give up on their passions. Hashiba stopped being a crutch for Nanako and nudged her out of the nest to become a great entertainer. As for Shinoaki, she was burnt out after working on the game and is even questioning if she wants to continue drawing. It wasn’t until Hashiba ran into a girl he knew in the previous time-leap who was an artist that he decided to hook her and Shinoaki up. And we end with Tsurayaki coming back and being met by Hashiba.

Oh, there are a lot of time-leap animes this year including Tokyo Revengers and Higurashi. This was the better one. Higurashi pissed me off and I haven’t fully finished Tokyo Revengers. Look, I can honestly say that if given the opportunity, I would have done my college experience a lot different too. And I’m sure a lot of people feel the same way as well. When you’re in high school, you have parents, advisors, and peers pushing you to do one thing and you might want to do something the polar opposite. Or you feel that taking the safe route is the best method for a stable career in the future or it being the easy option at the time. Or maybe looking back you feel like you could have done something if given the second chance.

Unfortunately for us, we don’t get that redo option in our lives. We get what we get! But it’s still nice to see what would have been. But it was also nice to see this anime giving us the actions have consequences route as one person’s redo might mess with other people’s futures and change the course of action for all involved. As for the ending to the anime, I’m wondering if that really is the end or if there’s more to come. Do we see another future timeline except this time Hashiba hooks up with Nanako? I know Hashiba made it clear that he didn’t redo his life just so he can hook up with a girl. He just wanted to see if he could succeed in the art school if given the second chance. Well, I’ll leave my theories shelved for now and wait to see if this makes a revival or just a passing fancy. Either way, I give it a full recommendation.

If you would like to watch Remake Our Life, Crunchyroll has every episode (including the recap) available on their site.