Graduation is to be expected by many as the days fold and the seasons roll. Akaashi can't even count on his fingers how many times the third years dismissed themselves from lunch or breaks in between for graduation practice. Bokuto always being the last to leave.
"I'll be going now Akaashi!" Bokuto would say, hastily packing away at his bento.
Akaashi would only offer a muffled "Mm" before saying. "Good luck Bokuto-san."
"Thanks I'll make sure to- Hey Konoha wait for me!" And just like that, he's off.
As Bokuto's figure goes running ahead, Akaashi finds him drifting further,
And further away from him.
The days Akaashi has left to spend time with everyone, falling away from his grasp. There's so much Akaashi wants to tell them. To tell him.
But there's so little time.
So instead, Akaashi dosen't say anything. He lets the days past by like graduation isn't drawing in. Allows the moments to sink in as if he'll be able to have this permanently. Pretends that he's alright when really, a sense of longing buries him under.
By the time it's graduation, Akaashi finds himself smiling more than he should be. He let's the pride build up inside of him just this once rather than single handedly roasting every one of his seniors for the times they reach out to him for their homework.
The ceremony ends well. And Akaashi, as expected, is at the dead center of the group hug. A few moments to shed tears and awful singing ensues. Akaashi wouldn't have it any other way.
It's only when the rest of the third years, or should Akaashi still call them that, leave does Bokuto approach him.
Being the last one to stay by Akaashi's side like always.
It's difficult. It's difficult to move, maybe give him a pat on the shoulder? It's difficult to say anything to Bokuto. Everything about the moment they're in, and perhaps their last one with each other, is difficult.
He's right here, Akaashi thinks.
Why can't Akaashi speak to him like he always has? Why can't he just say something. Everything.
"Hey Akaashi," Akaashi escapes the haze of his thoughts and finds Bokuto reeling him in back to reality. "I know that, you know, we're all taking different paths, I'm going to the V-league and you're going to be, writing-"
"College, Bokuto-san". Akaashi corrects but he wishes he didn't. There's something oddly endearing about the way Bokuto looks nervous. Akaashi can only feel like he's at the edge of a cliff to know why.
"Right! College, sorry." Bokuto tries to rub his neck and look away shyly. Akaashi wants to do the same with the way that his cheeks seem to warm up slowly.
"Look Akaashi, what I really wanted to say is, I need you." Something reaches out for Akaashi's hand, the gentle touch of Bokuto's own as he takes one of his hands into his own. Akaashi wants to melt away now.
"You need me for?" Akaashi looks down at their hands then up to Bokuto who's cheeks are fighting the urge to flourish in red. It fails miserably.
Then, slowly Bokuto puts something at the top of Akaashi's palm. And as he does, he utters a simple word.
A button. A small button rests on Akaashi palms and instinctively, Akaashi looks up and indeed all of the buttons on Bokuto's uniform are gone. Including the second button.
"Oh." Akaashi's voice cracks, then he finds it hard to breathe.
Not because of the lack of oxygen or his lungs just choosing to halt, but because of the amount of laughter that's spilling from his lips.
"Eh?! Akaashi, you ok?!" Bokuto's scrambling. Akaashi figures and it only makes him laugh a little more.
"Yes," Akaashi wipes away his tears. He can't tell if it's from the fear or relief. "yes I'm alright Bokuto-san."
Akaashi looks down at the button once more, smiling softly at it before he pulls Bokuto into a hug. Akaashi could care less about the way he feels warm all over.
Bokuto fumbles at first but then reciprocates it almost immediately. Their arms holding unto each other perfectly.
"Of course Bokuto-san," Akaashi whispers, the smile never leaving. "I'd love to be with you forever."
Day 3: Based on the incorrect quote!
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