Kuroo – At the Café

Running in from the torrential downpour that erupted, Kuroo
shakes the water from his head and shirks his now soaked Nekoma team jacket.

“I thought the forecast called for sunshine today,” he grumbles, wringing the drenched garment over
the nearest potted plant. Shaking it out, he places the cold material over his
forearm as he readjusts the bag hanging on his shoulder. Looking around he
smiles. He’s never been to a place like this before but he’s heard Kenma talk
about them. Thanks to the sudden storm he’s found himself stranded in a book
café. Usually lacking any spare time to read for pleasure, he’s never had
reason to seek one out but it will do as a haven in this tempest.

Turning his head, he notices a chalkboard with the “perfect
pairings” of the day. Looking closer he sees these are recommendations of books
to read and which drinks to enjoy while you do.

“How clever,” he
thinks reading over the list:

A Study in Scarlet –
Lapsan Souchong Tea

Sense and Sensibility
– Earl Grey Tea

Harry Potter and the
Sorcerer’s Stone – Butter Beer Soda

The Hobbit – Hot Rum
Coffee

Chuckling to himself, Kuroo makes his way further into the
café, eyes trailing around to take in the décor. The walls are, unsurprisingly,
lined with shelves of books stretching all the way to the ceiling of the rather
tall building with ladders that have signs saying, “PLEASE ASK FOR ASSISTANCE.”

In the center of the room are various chairs, couches,
chaises and stools all exceptionally comfortable looking. In the very back,
around another shelf of books, lies an almost hidden alcove are four pods nestled
within the shelves where one can stretch out if they so desire. Finding them
empty, Kuroo takes advantage of his luck, slinging down his bag and crawling
into one of the spaces.

He’s surprised to find he fits and commends the
establishment for considering their taller patrons. Placing his hands behind
his head he’s just about to close his eyes when a giggle carries down the rows
of make believe causing his eyelids to fly open and himself to catapult out of
the comfy nook. Neglecting his bag, he rounds the corner to find the source of
the noise.

In little time, he comes across the drink and snack
dispensary and it’s there he finds what, or rather who, he’s looking for. He’d
know that giggle anywhere, no matter how many years it’s been since he last
heard it. His eyes widened when they land on your profile. You’re talking to a
customer, a regular from the looks of it, your eyes shining and grin confident.
You always were so sure of yourself, it was one of the things which attracted
Kuroo to you in the first place even at a young age.

He can’t help but stare at you because the last time he saw
you, when you both were twelve years old, he thought you were the cutest girl
in the world. Now…now you’re the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Your hair
is perfectly styled but at the same time has a natural look to it and his hand
itches to run his fingers through it. Your smile is bright and wide, one of his
most favorite features you possess. He’d always try to come up with ways to
make you smile, whether it was at his expense or the expense of others. He’d
loved making you blush, learning to craft his art of provocation based on your
reactions. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit he’s tried a time or two to make
other girls react the way you did when you were together, but it never is quite
the same.

And now, after 6 years, he can finally talk to you again.
That is, if he can get his legs to move or his mouth to work. He wasn’t
expecting this reaction to seeing you again. It’s like you’re the same person
and someone completely different at the same time. His teenage hormones aren’t
helping the situation either but that’s neither here nor there; there’s no way he’s leaving without at least
talking to you and hopefully getting your number.

He realizes he’s never fully let go of the crush he had on
you and just seeing you again has brought those feelings all the way to the
surface frighteningly quick. Despite his nervousness, he finally gets his feet
to work, striding to the counter now that the other customer has left.

Your back is to him as you arrange their order and when you
turn back around he’s smirking in the teasing manner he’s known for.

Your eyes grow exceptionally wide as you inhale a breath of
surprise. Then, before he knows what’s happening, you’ve launched yourself over
the counter, throwing your arms around his neck. His body moves on autopilot,
arms wrapping around your waist as you say rather loudly, “Oh my god, Tetsukuroo!”
The old nickname makes his heart warm further and he squeezes you tightly.

“Hey ______-chan, fancy meeting you here,” he says
chuckling.

When you finally pull back you’re blushing like mad, mostly
due to the snickers coming from behind by your co-worker. Extracting yourself
from Tetsuro, you smooth out your apron and shirt trying to calm your heart.
It’s been ages since you last saw him. You don’t quite know how you lost touch
when you moved but all the years seem to melt away when you look in his eyes.
Time has done him well. You always thought he was cute but now…damn!

“So, how long have you been back?” he asks, hands in his
pockets.

“Um, not very long, just under a month,” you reply tucking a
strand of hair behind your ear.

Just as he’s about to ask another question a throat clearing
catches both of your attention. Turning around you see your manager looking
pointedly at you and then the cash register. Squeaking out an apology, you grab
a napkin and hastily scrawl your phone number.

“Call or text me later, I’m off at 4:00,” you say hurriedly
and then dash back behind the counter.

Clutching the napkin like a life line, Kuroo makes his way
back to his stuff. The nook is still open so he lays back down. He’s thrilled
to have run into you again and even more happy at how happy you looked to see him.
Having you in his arms wasn’t bad either. Glancing at your number he puts it in
his phone but he has no plans of calling you. He’s going to wait here until
you’re done with your shift.

Pulling a random book from the shelf next to his head he
begins reading, finding the story surprisingly interesting. Before long two
hours has gone by and it’s time for you to get off. Gathering his stuff Kuroo
waits around the corner from where you have to walk to exit the food and drink
area. As you pass him he slinks up behind you and says, “Boo.”

You squeal turning around rapidly and almost dropping the
load of books in your arms. Helping to steady you, Kuroo laughs. “Still such a
scaredy cat,” he teases making you blush.

“And still such the schemer I see,” you retort with mock
irritation.

He grins and ruffles your hair. Again it’s like no time at
all has gone by and nothing’s changed save for the thundering in your heart
when you look at him.

Kuroo, unbeknownst to you, is having similar thoughts and
feelings. What he believed to be a childhood crush is rapidly growing into a
firm attraction for you.

“Get a grip Kuroo,”
he thinks as he walks with you to the exit, “You literally just found each other again. Don’t scare her off by
coming on too strong.”

“You didn’t have to wait for me you know,” you say as you
put the stack of books onto a cart that says RETURNS on it.

“Who said anything about waiting for you? I got wrapped up
in a book,” he quips smirking at you. It’s not entirely a lie, he really did
get sucked into the story he was reading but he can’t pass up an opportunity to
tease you.

You roll your eyes, shifting the bag on your shoulder.
Looking outside you can see it’s still raining cats and dogs out there and the
thought of rushing to the train stop in this downpour is less than inviting.
Looking back at Kuroo you say, “Well, since you’re here anyway we may as well
catch up. At least until the rain stops.”

“Sounds good, how about over there?” He points to a couch
near a hearth where a pleasant fire is burning. Nodding you follow him over,
the two of you placing your bags down before taking a seat facing one another.

Over the next two hours you talk about everything. What
you’ve been up to in your new home before coming back, how he’s the captain of
the volleyball team and all the preparations and practice the team is doing to
make it to Nationals. You talk school, friends, family, anything and
everything.

Eventually both of your stomachs rumble louder than the
thunder crashing outside.

Looking sheepish Kuroo asks, “I don’t suppose that little
place in the back does dinner?”

You laugh shaking your head. “No, just drinks, pastries and
simple snacks. I’m afraid if we want actual food we’re going to have to brave
the storm.”

Gathering your stuff, you make your way together to the
front door. Neither of you have an umbrella so you’ll have to make a run for
it. Dashing out the door you’re both soaked within seconds but are laughing as
you scamper towards the train station. Looking at Kuroo with his wide silly
grin makes you fall for him even harder. How can you feel so deeply for him
after only a couple of hours?

When you finally reach the station and look at each other
you burst out laughing at the same time. Kuroo’s hair is completely plastered
against his head and face and you doubt you look much better. The train hasn’t
arrived yet and as you wait you shiver. It’s quite cold in addition to being
wet. Suddenly you feel strong arms around you and turn into them, wrapping your
arms around Kuroo’s waist.

As your head settles on his chest you listen to his heart.
It’s beating fast and you can’t help but wonder if that’s due to the run or
because he’s holding you.

When you look up you find him already looking down at you.
Your eyes meet and a thousand words pass without a sound. You tilt your head
up, your face inching closer to his.

“_____-chan,” he says lowly, his warm breath caressing your
face. All you do is nod and he closes the distance, kissing you softly at
first. Then, as if setting a match to a tinder box, his arms move from your
shoulders to your waist tugging you against his firm torso. His lips are
insistent, hungrily massaging your own until you yield, allowing his tongue to
graze yours. Instant heat floods your belly moving outward to your limbs. This
is now your most favorite way of warming up.

For need of oxygen, you pull away inhaling deeply before
opening your eyes. Kuroo’s own are wide and dilated, his cheeks a rosy red and
his mouth curling up into his signature grin.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you like me
_____-chan,” he says nuzzling your nose.

You giggle giving him another peck. “You always could read
me like an open book, Tetsukuroo.”

He groans. “Argh, you and your puns!”

Then his eyes turn a little serious, his hand cupping your
cheek. “But that won’t stop me from liking you. I mean, really, really, really liking you.” He pauses, taking in
a deep breath before asking, “Be my girlfriend?”

You nod and he kisses you again, the perfect end to your
fairytale day and the perfect beginning of a grand new adventure.