HotViniMon

"Come on!" Touya grabs your free hand and starts pulling you down the hallway. "I want to show you my room first, and then we can play games, and Mom's making yakitori for dinner, and we can stay up late and watch movies, and..."

"Touya, let the poor girl breathe."

You look up to see a woman with white hair pulled back in a gentle bun, wearing an apron over her clothes. She has the kindest eyes you've ever seen, and when she smiles at you, something warm spreads in your chest.

"You must be Y/N," she says, crouching down to your level. "I'm Rei, Touya's mother. We're so happy to have you stay with us tonight."

"Thank you for letting me come over, Mrs. Todoroki," you say quietly, remembering the polite words your mother taught you.

"Of course, sweetheart. Any friend of Touya's is welcome here." She reaches out and gently touches your shoulder, and you have to resist the urge to flinch. Adult hands usually mean pain, but hers is warm and careful. "Are you hungry? Dinner won't be ready for a while, but I can get you a snack."

"She's not hungry," Touya says impatiently, still holding your hand. "We have important things to do. Come ON, Y/N."

Mrs. Todoroki laughs, a sound like wind chimes. "Go ahead, but don't wear her out before dinner."

Touya drags you up the stairs, chattering the entire time about all the things he wants to show you. His room is bigger than your entire living room, with shelves full of books and toys, posters of heroes on the walls, and a bed that looks impossibly soft.

"This is where you'll sleep," he says, pointing to a futon that's been set up next to his bed. "Mom put out extra blankets in case you get cold. And look!" He rushes to his desk and picks up something small and shiny. "I got a new game yesterday! It's got dragons and everything!"

You set your bag down carefully and look around the room with wide eyes. There are so many things, more toys than you've ever seen in one place, a window that looks out over a garden, glow-in-the-dark stars stuck to the ceiling. It's like a wonderland.

"Do you like it?" Touya asks, and there's something almost anxious in his voice, like your opinion really matters to him.

"It's amazing," you breathe, and his face lights up like sunrise.

"Want to see my hero figurine collection? I have the limited edition All Might one, and Endeavor, and..."

A small voice from the doorway interrupts him. "Touya? Who's that?"

You turn to see a tiny boy with white and red hair, maybe five years old, peeking into the room with curious eyes. He's holding a stuffed penguin almost as big as he is.

"Go away, Shoto," Touya says immediately, moving to block his little brother's view of you. "We're busy."

"But who is she?" Shoto persists, trying to crane his neck around Touya. "Is she your friend?"

"She's MY friend," Touya emphasizes. "Not yours. Go play with your own toys."

But Shoto is already toddling into the room, his penguin dragging behind him. He looks up at you with the biggest, most innocent eyes you've ever seen.

"Hi," he says solemnly. "I'm Shoto. What's your name?"

Your heart melts instantly. He's so small and serious, like a tiny adult. "I'm Y/N. It's nice to meet you, Shoto."

"That's a pretty name," he says, and you can't help but smile.

"Okay, you met her, now go away," Touya says, taking your hand possessively. "We have things to do that are too grown-up for little kids."

"I'm not little," Shoto protests, puffing out his cheeks. "I'm five!"

"Exactly. Little." Touya turns back to you. "Come on, Y/N, let me show you the game."

But you're still looking at Shoto, who's now hugging his penguin and looking slightly hurt. "What's your penguin's name?" you ask him.

His face brightens immediately. "Mr. Freeze! He's a superhero penguin who fights bad guys with ice powers."

"That's so cool," you say, and mean it. "Can he fly too?"

"Well..." Shoto considers this seriously. "Penguins can't really fly, but Mr. Freeze is special, so maybe..."

"Y/N!" Touya says loudly, tugging on your hand. "You're supposed to be paying attention to me! I'm the one who invited you over!"

"Sorry," you say quickly, but you can't help glancing back at Shoto, who's now making whooshing sounds as he flies his penguin around the room.

"Whatever," Touya mutters. "Shoto's boring anyway. Look at this game..."

But before he can explain the rules, another voice calls from downstairs.

"Kids! Can you come help set the table for dinner?"

"Coming, Mom!" Touya calls back, then looks at you. "You'll like dinner. Mom makes the best food ever, and Dad tells funny stories, and Fuyumi always tries to make everyone eat vegetables but they're not that bad, and Natsuo will probably try to steal your yakitori but don't let him..."

As you follow Touya downstairs, Shoto trailing behind with his penguin.

In the kitchen, you meet Touya's younger siblings. Fuyumi, who's eight and immediately offers to braid your hair after dinner. Natsuo, who's six and grins at you while asking if you want to see his bug collection later (Touya immediately vetoes this idea).

And then there's Mr. Todoroki, Endeavor himself, the number two hero, sitting at the kitchen table reading a newspaper. You freeze when you see him, memories of your own father making you instinctively step behind Touya.

But when he looks up and sees you, he just smiles. "You must be Y/N. Touya's told us a lot about you."

"He talks about her ALL the time," Natsuo adds with a grin, making Touya's face turn red.

"Do not!"

"Do too! 'Y/N this, Y/N that, Y/N said the funniest thing today...'"

"Shut up, Natsuo!"

"Boys," Mrs. Todoroki says gently, but she's smiling. "Y/N, would you like to help me finish the yakitori? Touya can show you how we do things here."

And so you find yourself in a warm kitchen, helping to prepare dinner while the family chatters around you. Touya stays close to your side, proudly explaining each step like he's the one teaching you instead of his mother. Shoto sits at the table, making his penguin dance while he waits. Fuyumi hums while she cuts vegetables. Natsuo sneaks pieces of food when he thinks no one is looking.

When you sit down to dinner, Mr. Todoroki asks you about school, and Mrs. Todoroki makes sure you have enough food, and the siblings all talk over each other in a way that should be annoying but somehow isn't.

And when Mrs. Todoroki notices you and Touya both wearing matching rings, she gets the softest look on her face.

"Those are lovely rings," she says quietly. "Very grown-up."

Touya immediately goes bright red. "Mom..."

"Are you two married?" Shoto asks innocently, and the entire table erupts in laughter while Touya practically slides under his chair in embarrassment.

"We're not married!" he protests. "We're just... we just..."

"They're very good friends," Mrs. Todoroki says diplomatically, but you can see she's trying not to smile.

"With matching rings," Fuyumi adds teasingly.

"Like married people," Natsuo chimes in.

-

Friday nights

"He's going to break up with me, I know it," you claim, sucking loudly on your straw.

Your friend sighs in exasperation. "No, he won't."

"He will."

"He won't."

"You don't know that."

“The guy looks at you like you hold the galaxy in the palm of your hand and you think he doesn’t love you?”

"He told me half an hour ago!" You tell her, putting your empty drink down with more force than necessary and turning to speak to the accused directly. "Tell her, Asahi!"

Asahi sighs. "All I asked is for you not to cuddle me while I'm in the toilet."

"See?" You turn back to your friend. "He hates me."

"Ooookay," your friend pulls a face, "No more drinks for you!"

-

Thursday Dinners

"You want me to shout from the rooftops? Because damn it, I will."

"I don't think the people would appreciate it," Asahi points out softly, one large hand swallowing yours as you pull him down the sidewalk. "But I appreciate the gesture."

"But! But!" You gesture wildly with your free hand. "Everyone should know!"

You turn just in time to see him blush.

"What?" You stop abruptly, both your tirade and you're quick pace. "What is it, honey?"

The red on his cheeks intensifies. He's a sucker for pet names, you've realized early on.

"I'm just... I... It means a lot to me that you're so proud of our relationship."

"Of course, I'm proud of our relationship!" You step closer, move to cradle his cheek in your free hand. "I still can't believe I managed to rizz you up."

He laughs now, cheeks still flushed. "You sound like Sugawara. And I- I mean, I should-"

"Nuhuh," you cut him off, already guessing where this is going to go. "You're the catch here, not me. I bagged the rich Fashion Designer Husband."

"Not rich," he points out and you shrug. "I don't care about money anyway. But seriously, forget that nasty woman. You don't look that old. And even if, I'd love for you to be my Sugar Daddy."

"Don't say it like that," he groans, pulling you close. "That makes me sound so lewd."

"Worse than her calling you my literal Dad?" You joke, your earlier anger almost forgotten.

Asahi tickles you in retaliation.

-

Tuesday Lunches

“Please stop before I fall in love with you!” You tell the handsome stranger, who is not only handsome but downright pure-hearted.

It's meant as a joke, mainly because he's already good-looking but now also cuddling a terrifyingly cute puppy and the sight of them together is doing bad things to your heart. Not that you'd have a chance with Mr. Gorgeous, no matter how many times you've seen him in the park this last month (You hope he doesn't know he's the reason you're here so often).

Bright red flushes his face as he looks up at you and to your surprise, he's stammering.

"I- no, I mean you- You can't. I-"

"Relax," you tell him with a smile, "I totally get that you're taken." Even though it hurts to think about it, you add in your thoughts.

"NO!" He exclaims urgently, scaring the Puppy and immediately muttering soft nothings to calm it.

"No," he adds a little quieter, though with no less urgency, "I'm not- I'm single, really! I-"

"Yes?" You lower yourself until you're on par with him, stretch out your hand to let the Puppy sniff it. "You're single and?"

But he doesn't continue, rather turning an impressive shade of red, darker than before.

Something like hope lurches in your throat, making you act on impulse rather than rational thinking. You're surely going to regret this.

"I was on my way out for Lunch. Do you wanna come with?"

He nods enthusiastically, seemingly unable to speak. His puppy yaps in his place, eagerly agreeing.

As it turns out, his name is Asahi Azumane, Fashion Designer, proud Uncle of said Puppy.

"I asked to walk it today," he admits on your way back from Lunch, "because Suga, my friend, he... he said no one can resist Puppy Dog Eyes."

"Well, he's right of course," you say, thinking of Asahi's own set of Puppy Dog Eyes.

"I was... uh... I was really hoping you'd walk by today too." He adds shyly, his hand moving to grab yours.

June 21, this Wednesday, was Hinata Shoyo's birthday.

"And today is... Tuesday the 13th," You mutter quietly, working things out in your head.

Eight days until your boyfriend's special day.

You smile to yourself, "I can do this."

"Baby! I'm hoooome!" Shoyo calls out, slipping off his shoes by the door, "baby?" he peers around curiously at no response.

"Sho!"

His face automatically brightens at the sound of your voice, immediately dropping his sports bag and anything else he was holding as his partner leaps into his arms, "I missed youuuu."

"I missed you tooooo!" He lowers you back onto the ground, peppering your face in an abundance of tickling kisses.

Despite his aching calves and sore shoulders, he smiles gleefully at the sight of his love, always happy to see you at the end of the day, "How was your work?"

"It was busy, as usual. But I think things are going to start slowing down now, thank god. How was training?"

"Tiring," Shoyo lets out an exaggerated sigh, eyes closed dramatically before he props one open again, "but I feel better now that I've seen you." He grins cheekily.

You roll your eyes, scoffing playfully, "You saw me this morning."

"But that was ages ago~" He whines, clinging onto you as you make your way into the kitchen, "I wanted to see you at lunch but Atsumu dragged us all out instead."

"I was working anyway," You laugh.

Shoyo pouts, "I just wanted to say hi..."

You can't help but shake your head fondly at his light hearted compaints, patting him on the arm.

"It's okay—you're here now, love. Now go pick up your bag and have a shower, I don't wanna be tripping over it later."

"Yes, Captain!" He does as he's told with a goofy grin, giving you one last kiss on the cheek before bounding away happily.

"Oh, Sho?" He obediently whips back around at your call, "is there anything you want to do this week? Or... anything you want in general?"

He blinks with wide eyes. A blank slate.

"Mmm, nope! Not really. Oh! I have been meaning to refurbish the soles on my training shoes though, I keep putting it off..."

"That's not--" You brush it off, "ah, nevermind. But... aren't you forgetting something?"

"Oh, right!" A spark ignite in you as Shoyo perks up, only for him to bounce over to you to give you a big smooch with a giggle, "thanks for preparing dinner, baby," before turning back around to do as earlier requested.

You watch him leave the room with a half-turned smile and hot cheeks, hearing him hum a little tune as he does so.

Your smiling eyes down turn ever so slightly when you notice him massaging the muscle of his right shoulder where his bag strap sat; no doubt already sore from his practice.

A soft but determined breath leaves your lips as you look back at the calendar hanging on the wall.

"Mission: birthday week, begins tomorrow!"

Day 1, Wednesday 14 - 7 days until Shoyo's birthday!

Shoyo groans, cracking a reluctant eye open at the sound of his alarm going off—four forty-five in the freaking morning. His coach wanted the team there by six-thirty, but someone complained about it (its too early for him to remember who) so it was changed to five instead. He was naturally an early riser, so usually he wouldn't have any complaints anyway, but recently things had been taking a toll on him.

He blinks tiredly as he turns off the noise maker, vision blurry as he pats the bedding beside him to feel for a certain someone. He frowns, only feeling the cold empty covers. "Mm, baby...?"

"Sho~" He perks up at the sound of his name, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. He blinks slowly as his eyes clear up, revealing the smiling face of his beloved holding a tray of food, "good morning, sunshine." Your greeting results in a bright smile from him too.

He tilts his bedhead at you.

"What're you doing up so early? Did you get called in to work?" He subconsciously licks his lips at the sight of the breakfast tray. You giggle at his expression and place it in his lap, motioning for him to eat up.

"No, I just thought you should get a good meal in since you have to head in earlier today."

"Wow! This looks so good!" His eyes sparkle, tiredness disappearing in an instant, "you made all of this?"

You nod.

"Yeah, I've pack you lunch and some money in case you want to buy meat buns later as well," You smile as he eagerly picks up his utensils and begins to eat, "I know Bokuto likes to steal them off of you."

He swallows some of his food, "Mm, eat with me!" He frowns as you shake your head, and you holds back the urge to coo and squeeze at his cheeks when he pouts.

"No, thanks Sho," You giggle at his disgruntled features, "it's for you."

"But I wanna share it with you!" He scoops some rice onto his spoon with his chopsticks, adding a small piece of grilled salmon on top.

"Pleeeeaaaaase?"

His large honey-brown eyes tug a string in your heart, and you sigh in defeat. 'If that's what he wants...' You smile softly.

"Alright then." You snort as the tangerine lets out a shout of happiness ("YOSH!!") before opening your mouth for him to feed you.

You flush under his intense gaze, nodding your head and covering your mouth with your hand as you chew, "mm, it's gwood."

"I know," He beams proudly, "my partner made it for me." Shoyo's smile brightens at the sound of your laughter.

Day 2, Thursday 15 - 6 days until Shoyo's birthday!

Your shoes pitter patter along the polished floor of the corridor, a skip in your step as you turn a corner. Your features brighten at the sound of shoes squeaking and muffled shouts reverberating through the double doors ahead.

You eagerly pick up your pace.

Clutching the neatly wrapped bento box close, you quickly reach into your pocket and click on your phone. Checking the time, you nod to yourself with an affirmative 'hmph!' before reaching for the door.

A whistle is heard from behind the barrier, a muffled voice calling out, "Alright! Take a break. Back in an hour!"

"Hai!"

'Ah, so I'm right on time,' You rap your knuckles on the door, 'good job me!'

You push open the door.

"Ohayo!" Your greeting earns you many head turns, and your wave at the familiar faces that you see.

"Oya?" Bokuto spins around curiously before smiling, "Hey hey hey, [name]! Long time no see!"

"[name]-san." Sakusa greets briefly with a nod.

"Mm, mm!" Atsumu waves her over from the side, drinking from his water bottle.

"Eh? [name]?" Shoyo blinks, clutching a volleyball in his hands. He turns his head and visibly brightens at the sight of you; a wide smile spreads across his face and he drops the volleyball, letting bounce and roll on the ground as he dashes over, "baby!"

He almost tramples you in his excitement, giving you a sweet kiss before grabbing your hand and leading you over to the side bench.

"What are you doing here?" He asks before stiffening, "I-I mean, not that I don't appreciate it or anything—I'm actually really glad you're here, I didn't get to say goodbye to you properly this morning and—"

"Sho?" He keeps rambling, "Shoyo? Baby!" You finally get his attention again, hand placed on his cheek to hold him still.

A giddy feeling wells up inside you as Shoyo's eyes meet yours, a large blush covering his cheeks. "It's okay," you laugh, and he smiles back at you, "I came to bring you lunch."

The human tangerine glances down at the wrapped up bento box in your other hand, "What is it?"

You hand it to him, watching as he undoes the bow, the fabric falling back, and revealing the enclosed contents of the lunchbox through its transparent lid, "I made you your favourite."

The man's face lights up.

"Really!? Tamago gohan?! YES!" He bounces up happily, almost dropping the bento box, "Thanks, baby!"

"Anything for the rest of us?" Shoyo narrows his eyes as Bokuto bowls on over, slinging an arm around his partner's shoulders with a grin, "man, you're cooking is amazing!"

"Shrimpy here will share, right?" Atsumu smirks at the shorter male, ignoring the fact that he was silently blowing a fuse.

Noticing your boyfriend's eyes piercing the arm around your shoulders, you laugh and push it off, "Sorry guys, but my Shoyo comes first. I'll make something next time though."

You give him a hug to ease his angry pout.

"Aw, hell yeah!" The owl haired male fist pumps, high fiving Atsumu victoriously before jogging away.

You laugh at the sulking pout still adorning your Shoyo's face, "Don't worry, Sho. You don't have to share your lunch with anyone."

Day 3, Friday 16 - 5 days until Shoyo's birthday!

Fridays through to Sundays were rest days for the MSBY team; as athletes, they needed to train often, however, if they didn't rest they would risk heavy injury in the future.

Three days seemed a bit much for a few of them. But more often than not they either met up or did individual training to stay on track, wherein the remaining days they would take it easy.

This time, you suggested to Shoyo that you two do something fun for a day out, like go to the beach. Already excited before you even finished piping the idea to him, your boyfriend very readily agreed.

"Whaaa, this is so cool!" Shoyo exclaims, dropping everything under the beach umbrella. He hears you giggling behind him as you move around, laying out the towels and opening your bags.

"It is a nice day, isn't it?" You use your hand to shield your eyes from the ever burning sun, looking out towards the ocean. It wasn't too windy, but there a few good waves. Your loose cover up blows along with the breeze.

"It isn't too busy either--that's good!"

Shoyo nods along happily, ruffling his already fluffy hair as he eyes the shoreline, "Hey, do you think we could-" He lets out a noise of shock as he turns his head, spotting you slipping off your cover up to reveal your swim wear.

He swallows as a large blush races across his cheeks, eyes running up and down your form unabashedly "I-I, uh, um... b-baby..!"

'O..-Oh no..! I'm a... PERVERT..!"

"Have you seen the sunscreen?" You ask distractedly, dropping the cover up onto a towel as you search through one of the bags.

Shoyo snaps himself out of his stupor, smacking himself in the face with a gulp as he speedily reaches into the bag closest to him, pulling out said item in question.

"UM! I-I'VE GOT IT!" He clears his throat, "let.. let me help you..! Please?"

"Sure. Thanks, love." You smile at him, causing his brain to short circuit.

Turning around, you sit with your back towards your flustered boyfriend, who practically self combusts.

'WHAAAAAAAAAA I'M SO LUCKY!!' His inner self weeps with gratitude to the gods above.

Opening the cap, he gently applies the sunscreen to the open skin on your back, massaging gently.

His hands are slightly calloused, proof of all of his hard work, but it feels nice nonetheless. His face reddens when you let out a noise of contentment. His actions slow, but he continues to rub your back as his head leans down, heat radiating from him in embarrassment.

If you looked at him now you'd think he was already sunburnt.

He looks up shyly, admiring you while you remain oblivious to his fluster.

'My baby's so pretty...' He bites his lip bashfully, hands coming to a stop at your lower back. You straighten up slightly.

"Oh, are you done?" You move to turn around, "I can do yours if you want—"

"I CAN'T HANDLE IT!" Shoyo topples you over, pressing you down against the towel as he leans over you, arms either side of your head.

"Y-You're too gorgeous!" He almost seems to pout at that, face flushed red.

You blink up at him, cheeks growing warm, "S-Sho..?" He frowns, lips pursed--he looks like a kicked puppy.

"I don't..." He lowers his voice, almost mumbling, "I don't want anyone else to look at you..."

You smile up at him awkwardly in your own fluster.

"I'm only here for you, sunshine," You reassure, wrapping your arms around his neck and bringing him into a kiss. He trembles at your touch, embarrassment overwhelming him as he suddenly realises your position.

"W-Wait, baby...!"

Day 4, Saturday 17 - 4 days until Shoyo's birthday!

"It's too far!" You puff out, hands on your hips as you fight for your life, "when I said I'd help you train I didn't mean I'd actually do it with you."

"We've barely started," Shoyo grins, "come oooon! We can stop at the park on the way!"

"No, I love you, but I can't run, Sho."

He laughs, "What if we get ice cream later?"

You wave him off, "I can get that anyway."

"What if I carry you?"

"You can't carry me and run, Shoyo," You still heave for your precious air--never again will you take it for granted--fanning yourself. Your boyfriend raises an eyebrow.

"Is that a challenge?!" His eyes widen with a mischievous sheen.

"What? No, no. Sho—SHOYO!" You squeal when your plucked up and forced to shift onto his back for a piggyback ride.

"C'mon, baby! This'll be fun! Plus, I get to show you how strong I've gotten!"

...Admittedly, you do drool over the feel of his muscles at work.

Day 5, Sunday 18 - 3 days until Shoyo's birthday!

"Shoyo?" You look up at your boyfriend sleepily, only feeling his grip tighten on you. You shuffle closer to him under the bed covers, hearing him sigh peacefully at the feeling of you pressed against him.

"Are you—" You yawn, "—doing any training today?"

The orange haired male slowly blinks himself awake, glancing at the sunlight seeping through the cracks of their closed blinds.

"Mm, no..." He nuzzles into you, "I just wanna sleep in today..."

You smile softly, "Alright," you press your lips to his, the man humming in response, "rest well, sunshine."

He hugs you tighter.

"You're the best. I love youuu~."

"Mm, I love you too, Sho."

Day 6, Monday 19 - 2 days until Shoyo's birthday!

Another long day of training for the tangerine, and he couldn't wait to see his special someone when he got home. Even his teammates asked if he was doing alright, in which he responded he was fine, though his tender muscles and tired eyes said otherwise.

"Welcome home~" You greet him as soon as he opens the door, concern flickering in your eyes as you immediately notice his off demeanor.

"How are you feeling?"

He beams at you.

It wasn't fake, or an attempt to cover up his exhaustion—but simply his heart shining through.

Seeing you always gave him an extra boost.

"Everything's great! We had a practice match today, so I'm a little tired is all. How about you?" He sags into your touch with a contented sigh.

"I'm good, love. I just got started on dinner," You give him a quick peck on the lips, "how about you go take a bath—don't worry about helping me cook, I've got it handled.'

"Are you sure?" Shoyo makes his way into the bedroom, placing his sports bag by the end of the bed, "what about you? You're not gonna join me?"

You giggle at him, shaking your head, "No, Sho. But, uh, if you want," your face flushes with warmth and you dart your eyes away unsurely, "I... could give you a massage after dinner?"

You panic as Shoyo freezes and turns red, "I DON'T MEAN ANYTHING BY IT! J-JUST TO HELP YOU FEEL BETTER!"

A sigh escapes you, "I've noticed how sore you've been after practice recently, so... I though I might be able to help..?"

His eyes soften, and he places a light kiss on your forehead to ease your embarrassment, "Sure! I don't mind."

You smile at him, bouncing on your heel excitedly, "Great!" you slow, clearing her throat awkwardly, "I'll, uh... I-I'll go get dinner ready. Eheh."

Shoyo watches fondly as you scurries away, a loving curve to his lips.

Day 7, Tuesday 20 - 1 day until Shoyo's birthday!

The tangerine haired male huffs out a tired sigh, seating himself on the side bench while he takes a swig of water from his bottle. He didn't get to see you properly this morning since you seemed to be up and running from the crack of dawn.

You'd cooked him a quick breakfast in bed again, though you couldn't join him this time since you had a few errands to run. Selfishly, he wanted to grab you and sit you down next to him so you would get a meal in as well, but he knew he'd get in trouble by you if he did.

Although he almost had you by giving you his classic puppy eyes, but you managed to escape it.

This time.

Just barely.

He hums to himself in thought.

'Man, [name]'s been extra nice this week... I mean, they're always nice and do these things every now and then, but it feels like they've been SUUUUPERRR nice.' He smiles, face tinted pink, 'I'm so lucky~'

"Hey! Shrimpy!" He looks up to see Atsumu already back on the court after his water break, "come hit a few sets for me, will ya?"

"Alright!" Shoyo stands up, stretching his arms over his head and awing at the lack of soreness in his muscles, "whaa, that massage really worked, huh?" He mumbles under his breath.

About to step back onto the court, he stops whenhe hears his phone ping on the bench, "hm?"

A small smile rests on his lips at the contact name.

It was you. He unlocks his phone to read your message.

His smile widens. 'I really am lucky.'

Wednesday 21 - Shoyo's Birthday!

Aaaand another long day of training it was for Shoyo.

What was weird though was that some of his teammates were rather skittish during practice too—namely Bokuto and Atsumu. Bokuto was awfully giggly whereas the latter kept sending him cheeky looks--although Sakusa couldn't seem to care any less. He was a little agitated at the duos extra hype.

To make things even harder though, and with everyone eager to get home, they all made a bet in which the loser would stay behind to pack up all the volleyballs—they worked together to put the nets away, and the floors were mopped--but no one seemed to have the energy to gather all of the balls scattered around the gymnasium.

A bet which Shoyo unfortunately lost, and the others spared no pity and left him to lock up as well.

Upset that he would be home a little later than usual, he sent you a quick text about the change in time so you wouldn't worry.

So after another thirty minutes of cleanup (one of the balls got stuck between the bleachers) he finally locked up and left for home.

The whole day had been a bit... odd. It just felt like something was off.

Oh well.

"Baby?" Shoyo calls out from the door, "I'm hooome!"

He frowns at the lack of response, stomach dropping at the fact that all the lights were off as well.

Worry begins to boil in the pit of his stomach, "Baby?"

He drops his bag by the door, not bothering to slip off his shoes as he rushes into the darkness. He winces, hitting his thigh against the corner of (presumably) the kitchen counter before reaching the living room.

His eyes slowly adjust to the dark, and he begins to see figures moving about. He prepares himself to launch the decorative vase on his left.

"[name]!?"

He flicks on the light.

"SURPRISE!"

He jumps back as a chorus of voices hit his ears. He blinks at the sight in front of him; a large group of his friends scattered throughout the room, a large happy birthday banner dangling from one end of the ceiling to the other along with a series of streamers and balloons.

He spots a pile of gifts by one side of the couch, and a heap of snacks and drinks set atop the coffee table.

"Happy birthday, Sho!" Shoyo zones in on the figure in front of him, a smile of refrained excitement on they're face.

"Baby?"

"Hi," You grin at him, "you've been working yourself a lot lately, and you still make time for me even though you're tired after training. So, I though... why not surprise you for your birthday?"

You open your arms toward him.

Shoyo tears up, "Babyyyy...!" He bolts into your embrace, laughing gleefully alongside you when you stumble before catching your footing.

"That's what this week's been about?!" You laugh at his sudden realisation, "[name], you're so cool!"

"Aw," You giggle, "I'm glad, sunshine."

"Oi," You break away from your embrace, turning to see a familiar blueberry resembling friend, "happy birthday, stupid."

Kageyama greets, the smallest of smile on his face before he scoffs and rolls his eyes when Shoyo awes obnoxiously.

"Kageyama!" The tangerine launches himself towards said male, who tries (and fails) to dodge him.

"Get—Get off me, idiot!"

"And Nishinoya-senpai? Tanaka-senpai?" Shoyo beams at the sight of his old teammates, "Suga-san? Daichi-san!?" Everyone gives their own greeting and wishes him happy birthday, "Yamagichi? even Tsukishima!?"

"Don't think this means anything." The blonde huffs.

"I'm here because [name] asked. But happy birthday anyway, I guess."

"Be nice, Tsukki."

"Whatever, Yamaguchi."

Shoyo scans his eyes around the room once more, spotting old rivals and whatnot as well. He sees Kuroo and Kenma alongside Lev, Inouka and Yaku, and Akaashi, and Osamu and Suna, and Oikawa and Iwaizumi, and Aone—and the rest of the MSBY team.

So that's why they all scurried off so quick.

He shakes his head, laughing to himself.

Turning around, he notices you immersed in a conversation with Asahi, Kiyoko, and Yachi. There were people everywhere!

He grins to himself, all worries and stress on his shoulders suddenly lifting—and he feels fully energised for the first time in weeks.

"Bye!"

"Thanks for coming!"

"See you later, guys!"

"Oh yeah, happy birthday bro!"

"Man, that was fun..."

"Night everyone!"

"See you! Thanks everyone!" The couple wave goodbye to their last few visitors, reaching the end of the party.

"Ah, it was nice seeing everyone again, that's for sure." You breathe out, hands lax on your hips.

"Definitely," Shoyo nods.

He smiles at you gratefully, eyes crinkling, "I can't believe you did all that for me."

"I can't believe you forgot your own birthday," You giggle, playfully flicking his forehead, "I'm glad you had fun. I know you've had a hard time the past few weeks, so I wanted to help you feel better."

You squeal when he launches at you, peppering your face with kisses.

"You're so sweet!" He lets out a sudden gasp, "oh! I know! It's my birthday, right?"

Shoyo grins, a glint in his honey brown eyes when nod with an unknowing hum, "know what would make it even better...?"

You raise a bemused brow, shrugging, "I dunno, what?"

"If I could open my present."

You perk up, glancing over your shoulder at the pile of gifts by the couch, "Oh, that's right! Come, sit over here—"

Shoyo grips you by the waist, stopping you in your tracks.

"Eh?"

He's quick to spin back around to face him.

"No, baby, not those ones--" He beaming grin curls into something a little cheekier, ears tinted red as he gets a little handsy, feeling up your sides.

His eyes flick down past your face to your stomach, trailing up your torso and chest before settling on your lips. A hand slips past the hem of your shirt, and he slides a leg between yours as he starts backing you towards the couch.

"--this one."

Your breath hitches in your throat as his eyes dim.

Oh.

Your heart drops excitedly when his tongue traces over your lips, his touch growing a little less innocent with each heated kiss.

Oh.

You had never truly fallen in love before, but you imagined that when you did in the future it would be nothing like the movies. Truthfully, you didn’t want it to be anything like the movies. The whole idea of love at first sight seemed rather…superficial to you. Like, how were you supposed to look at someone and just know that they were the one for you?

In your opinion, love at first sight didn’t exist. Maybe attraction at first sight did, but how could you love someone you didn’t know anything about? The first time you saw someone the only thing you knew about them was how they looked. That’s why love at first sight always seemed shallow and fake to you. It was more about your outer appearance than who you were as a person.

So no, you didn’t believe in love at first sight. You never had, and you didn’t think you ever would. And although you had never fallen in love before, you had plenty of ideas about what it should be like. Probably too many for someone who hadn’t even had their first kiss. But that didn’t stop you.

In your mind, love was slow, like the trickle of syrupy sweetness that slid off your popsicle and pooled on your skin on a hot summer day. Love was something like that line from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. You know, that one that goes “I fell in love the way you fall asleep. Slowly, then all at once.”

Because love wasn’t something that just appeared. It was something that had to be built, something that built up over time before sucker punching you in the gut when you least expect it. You can’t just decide to love someone and charge blindly in. Love chose you, and it took time.

Being a hopeless romantic, you had spent countless nights laying awake and formulating what your idea of love was. But in all of those sleepless nights you never once imagined love would look like a uselessly tall fool with freaky blue eyes nearly bulldozing you over outside of a mochi shop.

Wise men say only fools rush in

The bright packaging on a box of kikufuku mochi on display at your local supermarket had caught your eye a few weeks ago, and you had impulsively tossed it into your cart before promptly forgetting about it until earlier that morning when you had found it in your pantry. For some reason, the resounding loss that filled you at the sight of the expired mochi was so strong, you found yourself struggling to breathe momentarily.

By the time you had remembered how to inhale properly, you found yourself putting your shoes on and headed out to buy some more. You couldn’t explain why you suddenly needed the mochi, seeing as you didn’t even particularly like it, yet you instinctively knew that the expired mochi in your pantry was wrong.

And so, guided by a foreign sense of loss, you found yourself walking to a nearby mochi store, confident you knew where you were going despite having never been to the store before. Lost in your thoughts, you had somehow managed to not notice the lanky giant leaving the store right as you stepped in, causing you to crash forcefully into his chest.

To your mild chagrin, he barely budged, not even wobbling while the force of the impact sent you flying back on your ass.

“Hey there.” Startling blue eyes stared at you from behind tinted shades as their owner bent down with a crooked smile. “You good?”

Meeting his eyes, you couldn’t help but feel something just click into place. There was just something so right about him and his presence. Something that was as familiar and comforting as crawling into your bed after a long day. Something that felt like home.

Time seemed to stop, and the two of you just looking at each other, mapping out faces that already felt so nostalgic. Your gaze lingered a little longer on the dimples in his cheeks, as they were possibly the cutest things you had ever seen, screaming boyish humor and good looks. 

The laughter of his friends teasing him for freezing because he accidentally knocked an attractive person over shook you out of your stupor, reminding you that you were still sitting on your ass on rough, filthy concrete.

Their teasing seemed to reawaken him as well, as he reached out a hand to help you up. You accepted, your face heating as a full body shiver ran through you as your palms connected.

Releasing his hand, you scrambled to your feet, brushing yourself off as you apologized. A little freaked out by the inexplicable connection you felt with him, you sidestepped him and attempted to enter the store.

But it seemed the handsome white haired stranger had other ideas, one long arm extending as he grabbed your arm, stopping you in your tracks. Flustered, you looked back, and when your eyes met for a second time, you knew it for sure. 

So this is what falling in love at first sight was like. Who knew it actually existed?

But I can't help falling in love with you

That day, the two of you exchanged numbers, and after that things flew by. You went from being complete strangers to best friends in a matter of months, hanging out one on one or in a group at least three times a week. 

As much as you tried to fight it, as much as you hated the idea of love at first sight, you couldn’t help yourself. The instant you had laid eyes on him you had just known somehow. Known he was the one. And despite your attempts to fight it, to fight the inevitability of him, it was far too late for you. If your first encounter had been your downfall, then each interaction after that had been bolts locking your fate into place. Your fate with him.

During that awkward phase where you both pointedly ignored the obvious connection you shared in favor of getting to know each other as friends, you got to know the man Gojo Satoru was, and found yourself falling deeper, the little details adding up and pulling you further.

Like, for someone who pretends to be super cool and popular he’s actually a total dweeb. The first time he let you into his room you spent several minutes gawking at the sheer amount of Digimon paraphernalia carefully placed around the space. When you had finally regained your ability to speak you made the mistake of asking him about it, and were regaled with the tales of his epic Digimon achievements and boasts about how he’s never even touched a guide. 

What can you say? Dweeby men are hot. Apparently slightly pathetic men who are desperate for your affection are also right up your alley. And sure, he was a little clueless when it came to interacting with someone he’s interested in (ie. buys ridiculously expensive gifts/flat out begs), and definitely more than a little immature (ie. dick jokes and pranks) be he was also so much more than that.

Watching him interact with his students and coworkers and hearing him recount stories, you could see just how deeply he cared. From putting the comfort of his students before his own, to always being ready to go to bat for them, he showed his reliability and the type of man he was.

Sure he was annoying at times, and probably indulged in childish shenanigans a bit too much, but at heart he was a good man. A caring man who would give everything he had and more if it would make his students happy. So maybe it was only natural that you found yourself picturing a life with him when you weren’t paying attention.

When you were with him things just felt right. You could count on him to watch out for you, and listen with care and attention. He instinctively knew when something was wrong, and never failed to cheer you up.

In a short period of time you had become so dependent on him it scared you a little. But you knew that you were what he needed as well. When the dark thoughts took over and he couldn’t stop wondering if he was doing enough, if anyone actually liked him for him you were there to haul him out of the murkiness of his own mind. 

The two of you just clicked…who knows, maybe if you hadn’t only just come around on the idea of love at first sight you would consider the idea that the two of you were soulmates. That’s just how seamlessly the two of you fit into each other's lives.

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

All the months spent in the weird limbo between being completely in love with each other and just friends finally came to a head one particularly rough day. He found you curled up in bed, your burrito of depression and fluffy blankets the only thing protecting you from the outside world. 

Bouncing into your room, he was already halfway through a dramatic retelling of some tea about Megumi and Yuuji when he noticed the dank mood emanating from your swaddled form.

“Hey,” He tones down his voice and approaches your bed, sitting gently on the edge instead of violently flopping on top of you like he normally would. “What’s up with the mood? Something happen?”

The bed dips as he scootches closer to you, moving around in an attempt to catch a glimpse of your face. “Hrgghh it’s nothing- hey!”

You squirm away as he prods your cheek, burrowing further into your massive mountain of comfort blankets and stuffed animals.

“Nooooo.” You feel him flop his chin onto your shoulder, his long arms snaking out to gather you up in his lap. “Let me see your pretty face. Please?”

You ignore him, remaining firmly hidden away in your cocoon. “I said I’m fine.”

“And I don’t believe you. So, do I need to go throw you in a pond, or are you going to talk?”

“Why would you throw me into a pond?” He’s silent for a moment. “That’s beside the point. I just want to know what’s bothering you. Is that too much to ask?”

You hear more than see the pout in his voice, and the knowledge that he’s going to continue to pester you until you give in convinces you to spill.

“I don’t know. Sometimes I just wonder if people actually like me. Like, I don’t know. I’m just me. And I want to go outside and do things, I just can’t. On top of that, there’s nothing that special about me to make up for any of my flaws.”

He hums quietly, rubbing your back through the many layers of blanket. “Remember when I was in a funk a few weeks ago because I felt like people only liked me for my looks, or what they thought I was?”

You scoff a little. “Imagine being so confident in your looks it makes you insecure. But yes. All jokes aside I remember. Why?”

“Because you told me that I was amazing and special and that I have so much more than my looks and wealth to offer.”

“And?”

“And if I’m that special, it would make the person I’m in love with pretty special too, wouldn’t you say so?”

Silence and his smug satisfaction over his logic fill the room as you struggle to process what he just said. “I-What. Satoru. Did you just confess to me? I’m pretty sure I heard you wrong because there’s no way you just said that so casually.”

“Nope you heard me right. I’m in love with you. Have been for a while.”

You splutter, unable to formulate a response, completely thrown off  guard with the causal suddenness of it all. “Uh…I um. Well…”

He stands, gently peeling the blankets off you, one after another until you’re left sitting on your bed in one of his hoodies and a pair of sweatpants. Placing them neatly to the side, he cups your face in his large, calloused palms and looks at you with unfettered affection.

“There you are.” He plants a kiss on your forehead, then straightens and extends his hand out in an invitation for you to take it.

“I don’t know how to fix you feeling like you’re not special, but I do know that I’m completely, foolishly in love with you. I wish I could make you see yourself the way you do, but I can’t so I’m just going to do what I can. Which right now looks like helping you get out of your own mind and outside to have some fun.”

He coughs awkwardly and rubs the back of his head with his other hand. “Like, as a date. I love you, and want to give you my everything. If you’ll have it, that is.”

For the first time that day, everything felt right. Or maybe things started feeling right the second he entered your room. You weren’t sure. What you were sure of though was how much you loved him. Beaming so hard your cheeks hurt, you look at him.

“That sounds amazing, as long as I get to give you my everything. If you’ll have it, that is.”

Relief shines in his eyes as you place your hand in his and allow him to pull you to your feet. When the two of you lean in, getting closer and closer until your lips finally touch, you feel complete. You know that everything will be okay from here on out. 

Because things will always be okay as long as the two of you are together, and neither of you are going anywhere anytime soon.

Take my hand, take my whole life, too

If I can't help falling in love with you

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