Chapter Text
Kenma blinks awake to the sound of his alarm blaring from somewhere on his bed. He shoves his blankets around, lifts his pillow and actually has to stand at the side of his bed before he finds it, somehow tangled in a blanket he already shook out.
He swipes his alarm away and it quiets instantaneously. He blearily checks the time, momentarily panics because he’s definitely late for school, then quickly remembers he has a doctor’s appointment and his mother didn’t see the point of him going when she would be picking him up less than halfway through the day anyways. He thinks that she really just didn’t want to make so many trips across town.
He stretches his arms over his head, yawns, and scratches his bare stomach. His phone vibrates weakly in his hand and he thumbs open the chat.
9:02 a.m.
K-Swizz:
Kenma
Kenma
Kennnnmaaa
Kitty cat Kenam
ma
What are you doing?
B-Swizz:
Speak to us child
Kencat:
Ew.
B-Swizz:
Rude
K-Swizz:
rude af
Akaashi:
Go to class.
K-Swizz:
this just in
Akaashi thinks hes my dad
B-Swizz:
IM KINKSHAMING
Kenma huffs a quiet laugh, throws his phone on his bed, and goes to shower.
12:45 p.m.
K-Swizz:
Okay but if I have to sit through thaat class one more time I might die
B-Swizz:
dude should I have pizza for lunch or cereal
K-Swizz:
You
You've had pizza and cereal for lunch every day this week
B-Swizz:
yeah?
Akaashi:
Please eat something more substantial, Bokuto
B-Swizz:
Akaashi is texting during class what has the world come to
We corrupted him and Kenmas next just watch
K-Swizz:
tbh Kenma might be the worst one already
Kencat:
Rude.
Kenma reads the chat with mild amusement, only taking slight offense at Kuroo’s comment. It’s not uncommon for them to be antagonistic towards each other. Kenma knows that Kuroo doesn’t really mean anything by it.
Kenma watches more messages pour in, mostly Bokuto and Kuroo shouting obscenities at each other and Akaashi eventually admonishing them. Kenma doesn’t have anything of import to add to the conversation, so he doesn’t, instead ghosting in and out while he plays a game.
He forgets about the chat after a while, honestly. He’s stuck on a boss fight that he hasn’t been able to beat for days, but each time he gets just a little closer. When he dies after getting the boss’s HP down to twelve, though, he has to take a break, foregoing the urge to throw the controller in a fit of frustration.
Just as he picks up his phone, a notification pushes through.
K-Swizz:
@everyone let’s video call.
please for the love of all that is holy in the world
bc I need a distraction
B-swizz:
give me a sec
whats wrong
K-Swizz:
im just tired of lookin at this fuckin hw
do people not realize that microbio is boring af and i would rather be doing literally anything else
B-swizz:
im calling
Akaashi:
School.
K-Swizz:
oh yeah thats a thing that you do
The Best Boyyyyyss is calling…
B-swizz has joined the call
K-Swizz has joined the call
Akaashi is busy
Kenma genuinely contemplates it. Really, he wonders what it would be like to be comfortable enough to hit the accept button, to watch everyone’s faces fill his screen. He nearly does it, but he’s suddenly too self-conscious. He doesn’t want to be made fun of for how small he is, or his bad dye job or the plethora of other things he halfheartedly hates about himself.
Next time, he tells himself. Next time he’ll answer the call. As it is, he tosses his phone aside and pretends he never saw the message.
September 14th
4:13 p.m.
B-Swizz:
YOoooooo I tagged you guys in a thinkg on the tumbs pls watch
guys
guuuyyss
6:04 p.m.
Kencat:
Sorry, I had practice
The video made me laugh
My legs are sore
Do you think I could get Leg to carry me?
Lev
B-Swizz:
PRSCTICE? DO YOU PLAY A SPORT WHAT
Kenma blinks, leaning against Lev’s tall frame. Lev’s hands wave as he talks and Kenma tunes him out. He wonders if it’s really that surprising that he plays a sport, but he supposes it makes sense, because if his parents hadn’t pushed him, he wouldn’t be.
B-Swizz:
Is it track? I feel like its track.
Kencat:
Ew.
K-Swizz:
OMG KENMA WHAT
I have never once in my life pictured you playing a sport.
I HAVE BEEN BLIND TO THE POSSIBILITES
pls share
kindly if you would
what sport you play
for scientific purposes
Kencat:
Volleyball
Akaashi:
I just got done with volleyball practice as well. How coincidental.
K-Swizz:
I could scream right now
one moment
Kencat:
My parents wanted me to play
K-Swizz:
I'll have you know that Yakkun just hit me for yelling and it's all your fault
current goal: play volleyball with Bo Kaashi and Kenma
B-Swizz:
OMG ARE YOU SERIOUS
GUYS WE HAVE TO PLAY
WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY IM A WING SPIKER AND KUROO'S A SHITTY MIDDLE BLOCKER I THINK
K-Swizz:
Rude
We aren't friends anymore go home
K-Swizz has changed their name to Tetsu
Tetsu:
suck on that
Akaashi:
I'm a setter
Kencat:
Same
B-Swizz:
KUROO OMG
IM HEARTBROKEN
ALSO HOLY SHIT THAT MEANS YOU CAN BOTH TOSS TO ME WE HAVE TO MEET NOW THERE'S NOT GOING BACK
B-Swizz:
NO*
Kencat:
lolno
The next flood of messages are very much the same, so Kenma locks the screen and directs Lev’s attention to the small cat in the yard ahead of them.
Kenma scrolls absentmindedly through his dash, liking the occasional photo to reblog later when Akaashi’s url catches his eye.
It’s an ask he’s answered, and upon closer inspection Kenma realizes it’s actually anon hate. He frowns. Akaashi doesn’t interact much with people on the site, and certainly not in a way to warrant any negativity.
He opens the group chat to message Akaashi about it, only to see that Akaashi has already mentioned it.
September 16th
7:54 p.m.
Akaashi:
I got hate from someone?
I feel like it was one of you trying to be funny.
Kencat:
I just saw it, but it wasn’t me.
Tetsu:
Really? What did they say?
Akaashi:
"tbh you look like asshole pls stop"
I'm not certain how they know what I look like.
Tetsu:
Wow that's shitty.
Akaashi:
Unless they follow me on Instagram maybe.
Hm.
B-Swizz:
I'LL FIGHT THEM WHO WAS IT
you look perfect Akaashi dont listen
Actually what do you look like
Tetsu:
show yo face bro
and gimme that insta handle
Akaashi sends a photo without hesitation, and Kenma finds himself biting the inside of his cheek. It’s just a regular photo with a generic filter slapped over it, but Akaashi is cute. Cuter than Kenma is comfortable expressing. He hums and saves the photo. He deletes it a second later because that’s a weird thing to do.
Tetsu:
what the shit
you're fucking hot what
B-Swizz:
WOW AKKAASHI YOU LOOK GREAT
now we just need Kenma
Kenma feels his face flush at just the mention of him sending them a photo. It isn’t a cute sort of embarrassment, either. The three of them are disgustingly attractive and he certainly won’t hold up in comparison.
Tetsu:
yeeeessssss
B-Swizz:
I get a 'tall guy' vibe from him
Maybe red hair
Kencat:
lolno bye
Kenma swiftly exits the chat before they can talk him into doing anything dumb.
Later, when he’s in bed and rereading the day’s messages, he realizes he’s the only one who didn’t say anything about Akaashi’s photo. He feels guilty, and quickly taps off a message.
11:43 p.m.
Kencat:
You look nice, Akaashi
Kenma’s in the middle of eating a bowl of cereal when his phone vibrates for the first time that morning. His parents are at work, so there’s no one home to admonish him for picking it up.
It’s a private message from Kuroo and Kenma breathes a laugh. He knows exactly what it’s going to be about, because Kuroo had messaged him well into the morning about the very same thing.
A video game Kenma convinced him to buy only a week ago.
September 20th
11:23 a.m.
Tetsu:
KNEMA
Kencat:
Did you finish?
Tetsu:
um yes and the hurt is still too fresh
Kencat:
And the dlc?
Tetsu:
MY FUCKIN ARM
that dorian pavus tho
also now i need to play again and choose josie this time bc she gives me feelings
or cass bc i need a cute lady in my life that could lift me over her head with one hand
Kencat:
Told you
Tetsu:
what did yo u get me into
I HAVENT SLEPT YET AND ITS YOUR FAULT
also which is your favorite romance
for science
Kencat:
Iron bull
Tetsu:
jfkdl;afjdks;lf
Kencat:
He reminds me of Bo
Tetsu:
How?!?!
Kencat:
big
Tetsu:
GO AWAY
IM FUCKING KINKSHAMING
Kenma stares at his ask box. It’s mostly empty; there are a few messages he hasn’t gotten to, but he deletes them. The window to reply is too far gone.
That still leaves him with three messages. So far. He expects more will come; they always do when he asks for requests. He’s just been feeling uncreative lately, and everything he tries to draw ends up being trashed.
Still, the most recent message is…unexpected and he’s not certain if it’s a joke. He hopes it’s a joke.
He opens the group chat for insight.
3:02 p.m.
Kencat:
I opened requests and someone just asked me to draw a character drinking juice seductively
How does one drink juice seductively
B-Swizz:
LIKE THIS
Image Attached
Kencat:
I snorted
B-Swizz:
Rude
The photo is ridiculous, like most of Bokuto’s are. His eyes are crossed and he’s got a straw in his mouth that isn’t actually in any sort of liquid, just sort of hanging into space. His hair is wild, like he’s been lounging around all day.
Kenma saves the photo.
He scrolls back up and saves Akaashi’s, too.
September 22nd
4:13 p.m.
Tetsu:
Guys Yakkun is going home this weekend
Ill be all alone help
Bokutooo:
aw I'll come visit
Tetsu:
pls do
Bokutooo:
dude I really will
Tetsu:
I'm serious come stay with me this weekend
I have an apartment and everything
As long as you aren’t a murder
In which case
Apartment? what apartment?
Bokutooo:
holy shit yes let me buy a train ticket
don’t worry
if I was a murdere id make it quick
Tetsu:
Brooooooooooo
Kenma closes the app.
He’s not jealous.
He’s not.
Kenma’s been pouring over his homework for three hours. His eyes burn with the strain and he’s decided that putting his hair up isn’t actually a terrible thing to do. He finishes, finally, leans back in his chair and fumbles for his bottle of water.
It spills, because that’s just how Kenma’s day is going.
“Shit,” Kenma curses. His voice is hoarse, and he tries to remember if he’s actually spoken to anyone today.
He manages to save his homework, but the note pad on the edge of his desk is ruined. He shoves the assignment in his bag, unmutes the chat and flops on his bed.
September 25th
5:17 p.m.
Tetsu:
GUYS IM AT THE STATION TO PICK UP BO IS THIS REAL LIFE
Bokutooo:
BRO I'M NEARLY THERE THIS IS SO GREAT
Tetsu:
I'm lowkey kinda nervous
Kenma:
don't do anything dumb together
Tetsu:
it’s like you don’t know us at all
5:35 p.m.
Tetsu:
I CAN SEEE HIS HAAAIIIRRRR FROM HEEREEE IM SCEREAAMGINGAFJKLS
Video Attached
IM TOUCHING HIS FACE YOU DONY UNDERSTAND
HIS HAIR IS SO CRUNCHY
Bokutooo:
HE'S HHHHHEEEREEEE LOOK AT USSSSSS LOOK AT HIS FACE
GUYS LOOOOOK
LLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOKKK
Akaashi:
Cute.
Bokutooo:
Akaaaashi
Tetsu:
m fuckin crying bokuto says your name the same way he types it oh man oh man
um did you know that Bo's birthday was on the 20th and he didn't say anything
Bokutooo:
sorry
Akaashi:
Happy belated birthday, Bokuto.
Kencat:
You should have said something.
Bokutooo:
I just don't think birthdays are a big deal
Kuroo just hit me omg
Kencat:
Because you're being dumb
Akaashi:
You're our friend. I would have sent you a gift.
7:33 p.m.
Tetsu:
Yo let's do a video call
Bokutooo:
omg yes
Tetsu:
I'm calling
The Best Boyyyyyss is calling…
Bokutooo has joined the call
Tetsurou has joined the call
Kencat has joined the call
“Kenma someone called you,” Lev says, pressing his fingers against Kenma’s phone screen.
“It’s fine, just leave it,” Kenma tells him, sticking his feet in Lev’s lap and turning the page in his book. They’re sitting on his bed and Kenma is taking up entirely too much room for his small body, but Lev hasn’t complained so he doesn’t move.
“Oh, it’s a video thing.”
“Kennnmmmaaa,” a voice screeches from his phone, and Lev drops it as though it’s stung him.
“I think I answered.”
“I think I’m crying. Nice of you to finally grace us with your presence.” Kenma knows, without even looking, that that’s Kuroo’s voice. He speaks in the same sly tone that he types.
Lev picks up his phone again and waves at the screen.
“Hello!”
“Kenma! You’re a lot different than I thought. Hm. I was really sure you had red hair.”
“Oh, I’m not—”
Kenma snatches the phone from his hand before he can do anymore damage and swiftly ends the call.
Tetsu:
Keeeeeennmaaaa whyyyy
We didn't even get a good loook
Bokutooo:
But you’re fuckin cute
Tetsu:
Oh so you like small guys I see how it is
Bokutooo:
omg no I still love you
Tetsu:
no get out of my house
don’t ever come near me or my son again
Bokutooo:
He's holding a loaf of bread while he types that
Tetsu:
don’t make fun of my child
Akaashi:
You two are ridiculous.
Bokutooo:
Akaaaaashi why didn't you answer
Tetsu:
He hates us
Akaashi:
I'm babysitting, actually.
Tetsu:
oh wow shit that's cute
Akaashi:
Babysitting is cute?
Bokutooo:
yesssss
Kencat:
Who are you babysitting?
Tetsu:
Omg Kenma you're so rude
You can't just answer then hang up
Kencat:
I didn't answer
Leg did
Bokutooo:
wait were you the first guy or the second guy im lost
Kencat:
Take a guess
Tetsu:
the blond one
Bokutooo:
white haired guy
:0
so which one was you
Kencat:
Neither
I don't actually exist
Tetsu:
well you said Leg answered the call
so im gonna say he was the first one
and you're the blond one
Kencat:
rude
Tetsu:
what
October 18th
4:24 p.m.
Tetsu:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENMA
Bokutooo:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Akaashi:
Happy Birthday, Kenma. (:
Tetsu:
Akaashi wtf is that
is that an emoji omg
you never send me emoji's im so offended right now
Bokutooo:
Akaaaaashiii
rude
5:02 p.m.
Tetsu:
Dude where's Kenma
Bokutooo:
out with friends probably
Like Leg
Tetsu:
lowkey jealous
like Kenma is our friend, yes thank you pls back off
Bokutooo:
that's kinda highkey
9:54 p.m.
Bokutooo:
Kennnmmmaaaaaaaa
Tetsu:
Keeennnmmaaaa
Akaaaashiiii
Bokutooo:
That’s my thing excuse you
October 19th
9:22 a.m.
Akaashi:
Are you awake Kenma?
11:54 a.m.
Tetsu:
what the shit where are you
Kenma nearly stumbles over a sleeping Lev when he gets out of bed. He’s sprawled out on the floor next to Kenma’s bed, blanket twisted around his legs. He grunts, but goes back to sleep.
Kenma spies his phone stacked on top of Lev’s on his desk. He remembers wondering where it went last night.
It’s nearly dead, flashing with a warning to plug it in, so Kenma navigates back to his bed and does so.
He pulls down the notification bar and hums at the number of unread messages, both in the group chat and in each of their private conversations.
Kenma reads them with a mild sense of guilt.
12:25 p.m.
Kencat:
I'm alive
Bokutooo:
KENMA
Akaashi:
Are you alright? We were worried.
Kencat:
I'm okay.
My parents took me and a few friends out for dinner last night
I had an allergic reaction to something.
I was having trouble breathing, so I went to the ER
We got home late last night.
I would have replied
but I thought I had lost my phone
Leg had it, I guess.
Bokutooo:
WHATTT
But you’re okay now, right?
Kencat:
I'm fine now.
When the day passes without a single message from Kuroo, Kenma pulls up their private conversation.
10:22 p.m.
Kencat:
Kuro?
Tetsu: Yeah.
He replies instantly.
Kencat:
Are you mad at me?
Tetsu:
No.
Kencat:
Alright.
Tetsu:
I'm really not, I swear.
I just
I guess I never expected to worry about you so much.
It made me think that anything could happen to one of you guys and there's nothing I can to about it.
I guess it just makes me want to meet you guys that much more.
That's stupid, huh?
I'm gonna head to bed.
It’s such an honest admission of his feelings that Kenma doesn’t know how to respond. Kuroo doesn’t get serious very often, and upset even less frequently. Kenma stares at the message.
He wishes there wasn’t a screen between them.
October 20th
12:02 a.m.
Kencat:
It's not stupid.
Kenma succumbs to the pressure and makes a Snapchat account. Kuroo immediately sends him a dumb photo of himself with a book on his head.
Kenma thinks he can handle this.
He’s wrong.
It’s the photos of a sleepy Bokuto, peering at the camera with a soft smile on his face at three in the morning after a long conversation about things that stress them out.
A video of Akaashi and his niece singing halfheartedly to a song on the radio.
A series of photo’s documenting Kuroo’s apartment,
A video of Yaku,
A photo of Bokuto’s dog,
Akaashi smiling at something Kenma’s said,
Corny pick-up lines,
Trying on outfits at a store.
And Kenma’s replies are always of his ceiling,
The wood of his desk,
His PSP,
Or his finger covering the camera lens.
“Kennnmaaa,” Hinata whines, “You’re not even wearing a costume.”
Kenma likes Halloween, generally. He doesn’t, however, like dressing up. It just feels like another way to embarrass himself.
Hinata is having none of it. He scrounges in a box full of old costumes he and his sister have worn.
Kenma protests at three of them before Hinata sighs and pulls out one last item.
Kenma caves and passes out candy wearing old jeans, a hoodie and cat ears.
They’ve only been sitting outside for an hour when his phone buzzes against his thigh.
It’s a Snapchat from Kuroo. He’s definitely at a party and most likely a little drunk, but there, perched in the messy tangles of his hair are a pair of ears exactly like Kenma’s.
And Kenma wants to mention it, wants to send a cheeky photo with a ‘we match’ caption.
He picks at his fingernail and decides.
“Do you want to take a picture with me, Shouyou?”
Hinata, of course, agrees, and Kenma hands his phone over. There’s no going back now, and he feels…less anxious than he thought.
Hinata expertly angles the camera and nudges Kenma to smile. He does and though it doesn’t quite light up his face the way Hinata’s does, it’s…nice.
He saves the photo to his gallery and hesitates over the send button. In a last second burst of confidence he adds both Akaashi and Bokuto to the recipients and sends it.
He shoves his phone under his thigh as a group of kids approach them for candy.
His phone vibrates.
It vibrates again.
And again.
And six more times.
And Kenma knows his face is hot, so he tucks his chin into his hoodie and slowly unlocks his phone.
October 31st
6:24 p.m.
Tetsu:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
DSHAJK;
SO
DJSA
FUCK
Bokutooo:
Im living
Truly
Just
Living
Akaashi:
Bless.
My skin is clear
My crops are thriving
Tetsu:
Omf Akaashi just used a meme
Today is just
Clenches fisr
Amazing
Bokutooo:
KENMA YOU’VE BEEN HIDING YOUR CUTE FACE THIS WHOLE TIME
AHHH
IM KINDA MAD I DIDN’T SCREENSHOT
And Kenma covers his face with his hands, pretending he can’t hear Hinata asking him what’s wrong.
February 14th
9:23 a.m.
Bokutooo:
I have a serious question
Tetsurou, Kaashi, Kenma....
Will you be my Valentines?
Tetsu:
um yes
let's get married
10:54 a.m.
Kencat:
I just got confessed to
Tetsu:
OMG WAS IT LEG
Kencat:
ew no
Tetsu: lol rude
Akaashi:
It was me.
I apologize.
Tetsu:
WHAT
Bokutooo:
WHAT
Kencat:
He's joking
Akaashi:
Lol.
Kenma wishes it were true.
March 23rd
2:34 p.m.
Bokutooo:
GUYS I JUST MET AKKAASHIIIII
HE'S EVEN PRETTIER IN PERSON
Tetsu:
lmao you lie
Akaashi:
Image Attached
Tetsu:
WHAT
Akaashi:
Apparently he lives nearby
Bokuto:
MY SISTER JUST HAD A BABY SO I CAME HOME AND I WENT TO THE STORE DOWN THE STREET AND THERE HE WAS
Tetsu:
what the shit
come visit me
Akaashi:
I have a break soon
Tetsu:
what seriously
yes omg come
Bo too
and Kenma
please
He’s not jealous, he tells himself. It’s totally fine that the three of them are together, probably curled up on Kuroo’s couch together, legs touching and—
He’s not jealous.
April 12th
6:34 p.m.
Tetsu:
KENMA ITS SO WERID WITHOUT YOU COME VISIT ME
ALSO AKAASHI IS FUCKING PERFECT SHIT
Kencat:
LOL
Bokutooo:
Kennmaaaaa come visit us
Kencat:
lolno
but you can have this, i guess
shouyou took it the other day
Image Attached
Akaashi:
Thank you lord for this blessing
Tetsu:
HJFDKAFID
A LITTLE WARNING NEXT TIME
MY HEART CANT TAKE IT
AHHHHHHHHHHH
hinatas my new best friend
Bokutooo:
I AM
SO HAPPY
SEND MORE
I WANNA SEE MORE OF YOUR CUTE FACE
Kenma covers his face with his hands and groans.
May 25th
2:34 p.m.
Akaashi:
I graduate today.
Kencat:
same. Leg is crying
its kinda cute
he's trying not to
Tetsu:
um kenma you're not allowed to call anyone cute but us okay
that is what you agreed to when you joined this chat
Kencat:
fine
Akaashi is cute
Akaashi:
Thank you.
Tetsu:
um rude.
Kencat:
and Bo, I guess.
Tetsu:
FUCKING RUDE
Kencat:
lolbye
Bokutooo:
OMG THANKS
Kenma’s been at uni for a total of three days and it’s the dumbest thing he’s ever experienced in his life. The entire welcome weekend was a mess, and he was stuck doing things he wanted nothing to do with, like scavenger hunts and stupid meet and greets.
It didn’t help that his roommate was…strange. He was a nice guy, but Kenma just didn’t understand what possessed him to do some of the things he did. Like locking the door immediately after Kenma left the room, even if it was only to go to the bathroom.
August 22nd
10:34 a.m.
Kencat:
college is dumb
Tetsu:
LMAO have you even had classes yet
Kencat:
Yes. But, I don't get why I need a history course if I'm an art major.
Tetsu:
lol same
graduation requirements are stupid
omg how's your roommate
Kencat:
Fucking weird
Tetsu:
lmao really
Bokutoo:
:0
I don't think ive ever seen you curse
Kencat:
He brought a fridge and all he put in it was canned corn
Tetsu:
LMAO
Akaashi:
That's…
Why?
Kencat:
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
August 23rd
6:03 p.m.
Tetsu:
So I have an art class right and we had an assignment due today
even though its only the first class like we had to paint something so she had a basis of where we were all at
okay which is dumb like don’t give me assignment before classes even start
anyways Im looking and everyone painted flowers and trees and shit
and they're not terrible but they're not great either and then this guy walks in and tacks his to the board right beside everyone else's and like
shit everyone else's looks like ass now
Like he painted a person a fucking person and it looks so realistic and like the person he painted has orange hair
and like I would have just smashed on some orange paint and called it a day, but he used browns and reds too? I just
Im taking a picture
ABORT MY FLASH WAS ON EVERYONE SAW ME
Bokutooo:
LMAO
Tetsu:
I told him it was really good and he blushed really hard shit I didn’t mean to embarrass him
now he's buried in his phone sorry bro
Kenma blinks. Looks up at his piece on the wall. Glances around the classroom and shakes his head. It’s a coincidence. It has to be.
But he catches sight of a head of unruly hair and he’s not so sure.
Kencat:
…
Are you serious right now?
Kenma watches the guy’s face twist in confusion and then tap something on his phone. Two seconds later, Kenma’s phone vibrates.
Tetsu:
What
Kencat:
omfg
Tetsu:
im so lost
Kencat:
Is he wearing a red t-shirt and jeans. Black shoes. Dark hair?
Tetsu:
wtf yeah
Kenma feels anxious laughter bubbling in his chest. He presses it down. It’s not a coincidence. So, he types the first thing that comes to mind.
Kencat:
Lmao
your hair is worse in person
Bokutooo:
WHHHHATTTT
Akaashi:
What are the odds?
How unfortunate that you’re the first one he meets.
Tetsu:
DON'T DRAG ME AKAASHI
ALSO I THOUGHT YOU HAD BLOND HAIR
YOU CANT JUST DROP THIS ONM E RIGHT WHEN THE TEACHER STARTS TALKING
Kencat:
quit looking at me
Tetsu:
I cant you're fucking cute
Kencat:
stop
Tetsu:
what why are you making that face
Kencat:
She's calling on you
Tetsu:
sit next to me when we start working
6:38 p.m.
Tetsu:
rude
you literally chose the seat farthest away from me
Kenma:
I lik ebeing near the windows
And you’re embarrassing
Tetsu:
Im oming over there
“Excuse me, best friend who I definitely have not been talking to online for the last year, do you mind if I sit here?” Kuroo asks, already sliding into the seat.
Kenma ignores both him and the feeling he gets when Kuroo smiles.
6:54 p.m.
Kencat:
GUYS KNEMA WONT TAKE A PICTURE WITH ME
HOW FUCKING RUDE
BUT HERE'S ME ANYWAYS BC IM FUCKING CUTE
Image Attached
Bokutooo:
YEAH YOU ARE
but you should give him his phoen back lmao
Tetsu:
Guys kenma is really cute
Like his fucking eyes are like gold? What
Bokutooo:
I WANNA SEE
Tetsu:
Image Attached
Kenma flushes from his cheeks all the way to his ears when he reads the messages. Kuroo chuckles next to him and Kenma slides down in his chair and picks up his paintbrush.
Tetsu:
HE FLICKED PAINT AT ME
OMG COME VISIT ME AND WE CAN ALL HANG OUT NOW
Kencat:
Do your work
Tetsu:
Fuckkiinnng uhhh
Do it for me
Kenma:
No.
Kenma wakes to the loud ping of his phone against his ear. He flinches away from the offending noise and glances around the room. His roommate is gone and Kenma is a only tiny bit pleased.
He opens the notification, groans, and rolls out of bed.
September 12th
11:32 a.m.
Tetsu:
Kenmaaa
get lunch with me
Kencat: meet you in 15
Tetsu:
yessssssssssss
September 13th
1:22 p.m.
Tetsu:
guys come over this weekend
Bo:
lemme look at train times
what time do you get done with class on fridsya
Tetsu:
lmao I don’t have class on Friday
Kencat:
rude
Tetsu:
you don’t either you little shit
Akaashi:
Okay.
Bo:
AKAAHSI LETS TAKE THE SAME TRAIN
Akaashi:
I was planning on it.
Bo:
omg.
Tetsu:
GUYS NOW WE CAN ALL MEET OMG
Bo:
WE GET TO MEET KENMA
Kencat:
lmao no
Kuroo throws a pillow at his head and reaches for his phone. Kenma rears back, holding his phone out of reach. Kuroo leans his body across Kenma, and Kenma closes his eyes and swallows. When Kuroo stretches for his phone again, Kenma lets him have it.
Kuroo types away and then tosses the phone back at him. Kenma catches it and sticks out his tongue.
Kencat:
jds; jlsdajfi I o;
Bo:
what
Kencat has changed their name to Little fucking shit
Little fucking shit:
rude
Tetsu:
that’s what you get
Bo:
ARE YOU GUYS TOGETHER RIGHT NOW THAT’S SO UNFAIR
Tetsu:
Image attached
HE TAKES OVER MY BED LIKE HE OWNS IT
Akaashi:
Your room is a mess
Kenma snorts, because Akaashi isn’t wrong. It isn’t like Kuroo’s got trash all over the place, but there are quite a few pairs of jeans on the floor and his desk is over flowing with textbooks and spare papers.
Tetsu: wow rude
Little fucking shit:
He’s not lying, though
Tetsu:
LISTEN HERE
YOU COME INTO MY HOME
Bo:
does kenma live with you now or something
Tetsu:
nah but have you met his roommate
fuckin weird
Little fucking shit:
he filed a complaint about me lmao
Akaashi:
For what?
Little fucking shit:
I come back to the room too late and wake him up
im looking into apartments for next year tbh
Kuroo stands and calmly walks to the end of the bed Kenma’s sitting on. He snatches another pillow and smacks Kenma with it, once, twice, three times, before Kenma snatches it from his hands and throws it across the room.
“Let’s go talk to Yaku,” Kuroo singsongs and he’s got a sly look in his eye that Kenma knows better than to argue with.
Little fucking shit:
kdffa; ;lfjaieo
Bo:
kenma did you die
1:56 p.m.
Bo:
he ded
4:43 p.m.
Testu:
omg guess who’s moving in with me and yakkun next semester
Bo:
WHAT
IM JELLY
I WANNA LIVE WITH KENMA
Little fucking shit:
only because Yaku “worries for my safety”
Tetsu:
BECAUSE YOU DON’T EAT RIGHT YOU SHITHEAD
I SEE HOW IT IS, KOU
Akaashi:
You really should eat properly, Kenma. :(
Tetsu:
WHY DO YOU ONLY USE EMOJIS FOR KENMA IM SO OFFENDED
Little fucking shit:
bc he loves me and not you
Akaashi:
True.
Bo:
LMAO RIP KUROO
Tetsu:
I m
b y e
Tetsu has left the chat
Little fucking shit has added Tetsu to the chat
Tetsu:
LET ME DIE IN PEACE
Little fucking shit:
you just asked me to add you back
Akaashi:
I apologize
Tetsu:
SURE YOU DO
Bo:
AW BRO DON’T WORRY I LOVE YOU EVEN IF AKAASHI DOESN’T
Little fucking shit:
lmao
September 14th
10:22 p.m
Akaashi:
Kuroo I lve you to
really ifo
and kenma,
and kourtarou
Tetsu:
Akaashi are you okay?
Akaashi:
m great
ther's this party
Little fucking shit:
lmao
Tetsu:
Akaashi are you smashed what
Bo:
omfg Akaashi where are you
I’ll come get you
Akaashi has shared their location
Bo:
omw
September 25th
2:24 p.m.
Bo: JUST GOT ON THE TRAIN
Image attached
Tetsu:
Akaashi are you okay?
Akaashi:
I’m just tired.
Little fucking shit:
You can sleep when you get here.
Kuroo’s bed is comfortable
Akaashi:
Thank you.
Tetsu:
DdONT just offer my stuff like that
But yeah you can sleep in my bed
Kenma bounces on his toes in anticipation, fingers twisting together as he tried to peak over the height of the crowds. When a large rush of people pass them by, Kenma latches on to Kuroo’s sleeve to avoid being swept away.
Kuroo links their hands together instead, and if his face is flushed, it’s isn’t as though Kenma has room to talk.
Someone bumps into Kuroo, nearly knocking him over. He curses and tugs on Kenma’s hand.
“It’s too crowded here,” he says, “Let’s move over there.” He points to an empty space near the wall. It would be harder to find Bokuto and Akaashi, but it was better than being shoved all over the place. Kenma nods in agreement, it isn’t as though he can see anyways. Kuroo leads him to the spot, but he doesn’t let go of Kenma’s hand.
Kenma pulls out his phone and types out a message. It’s not an easy task with one hand but…he doesn’t want to let go.
4:36 p.m.
Little fucking shit:
we’re on the far wall
kept getting shoved
His phone pings almost immediately in response.
Akaashi:
Bo sees you
Kenma’s head shoots up when Kuroo’s hand jerks in his. Kuroo points and Kenma can barely see the top of Bokuto’s head.
Bo:
shit is that kenma
I keep forgetting how cute you are
HANDS
YOUR HOLDING HADS
Kenma starts to pull his hand from Kuroo’s, but Kuroo gives it a gentle squeeze.
Bokuto and Akaashi finally push through the crowd and Kenma realizes that Bokuto is taller than he thought, his shoulders broader. Bokuto lights up when he figures out there’s now a free path to reach them. He jogs in their direction and Kuroo rushes to meet up.
He and Bokuto collide in a hug and Kenma can see Bokuto’s hands gripping the back of Kuroo’s shirt, as though they’re going to be ripped away at any moment. Akaashi smiles and they pull him into the hug and Kenma twists his fingers again, suddenly feeling…wrong. They obviously loved Kuroo after meeting him in person, but what if they didn’t like Kenma? What if he was more annoying in person? What if they didn’t want to talk to him anymore after this? What if—
“Kenma!” Bokuto shrieks, momentarily drawing the attention of those around them. Kenma ducks his head until they look away and when he looks back up, Bokuto is pulling him into a hug.
“Fuck, you’re so tiny,” he says, and Kenma wants to be offended, but something in Bokuto’s voice tells him it isn’t a bad thing.
Bokuto pulls away and Akaashi immediately takes his place. “We were really excited to meet you,” he murmurs in Kenma’s ear and it send a chill racing down his spine.
“Let’s get food,” Bokuto shouts, accompanied by a fist bump and Kenma can’t help but laugh.
“The train ride wasn’t that long.”
“Even five minutes is too long to go without food, Kenma!”
Kuroo throws his head back and laughs. “Fine, fine. Let’s go eat.” He takes Bokuto’s hand and leads him away and Kenma thinks that should make him uncomfortable, but instead it presses a warmth to his chest. It spreads when Akaashi’s long fingers twist around his, linking them together.
“Is this alright?” he asks, and Kenma nods.
It’s more than alright.
It’s perfect.