25 Dates of Christmas: Day Ten
Waking up alone was not something you were used to. As you turned over to say good morning to your boyfriend you noticed he was already gone. Puzzled, but not thinking much of it you stretched before getting out of bed to go get ready for the day.
As you entered your bathroom you noticed a note taped to the mirror.
Good morning beautiful. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you when you woke up, but I have a little something planned for you for today. When you're done getting ready, meet me at the place where we shared our first kiss. I can’t wait to see you.
You couldn’t help the excitement that radiated off you as you got ready for the day, knowing Tetsuro planned something special just for you. You took a quick shower before getting ready for the day. After drying your hair you decided on wearing your favorite pair of jeans with a beautiful sweater that Tetsuro had bought for you. You grabbed your black boots from the closet, grabbed your phone and headed out the door.
-
As you neared the park, the memory of your first kiss came rushing back. You and the raven haired boy had been the best of friends for as long as you could remember. It was always you, him, and Kozume. The three musketeers as your mom used to call you. You remember being in love with him since the first day you saw him. Watching him and Kozume practicing volleyball in the park as kids. There was just something about him that made you fall head over heels for him. Fast forward a few years and you were walking home, just the two of you, when he stopped suddenly.
“Are you okay?” You asked as you stopped a few feet in front of him, looking back at him.
“Can I kiss you?” He asked, suddenly catching you off guard. Your cheeks darkened, realizing what he had just asked.
You could only nod, not trusting your words before you felt his lips brush against your own. The kiss was light and quick as he tested out the waters. When you didn’t pull back he pressed his lips harder against your own. Your arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. Your heart beat wildly against your chest as your lips moved alongside his.
You were the first to pull back, resting your forehead against his as you both got some much needed air.
“What was that for?” You asked in a whisper as you forced the air back into your lungs.
“I like you. A lot.” He answered in a hushed voice, his lips brushing against yours once again. “Will you be my girlfriend?” He asked before leaning back to look you in your eyes.
“Yes.” You answered as your lips were once again pressed against his own. With the moon as your witness you kissed the man before you over and over and over again.
-
“YN! Over here!” A familiar voice yelled interrupting you from your thoughts.
“Bokuto what are you doing here?” You asked, making your way over to where he stood, Akaashi standing by his side, snow falling around the both of them making them look angelic.
“We have a letter from Kuroo!” He shouted cheerfully before looking down at Akaashi.
“He wanted us to meet you here and give you this.” Akaashi said as he grabbed the letter from his jacket pocket, handing it to you.
Tearing it open gently, to not rip it you pulled it out and read it.
This place has a lot of memories for us, but this might be my favorite one. I can’t express how thankful I am that you said yes that day. I could've kissed you for hours that night. I’ll never forget the feeling of your lips against mine for as long as I live. I had to run so I hope you're okay with seeing Bokuto and Akaashi. Meet me at the place where we had our first date. I can’t wait to see you.
You spent the next few minutes catching up with the boys before thanking them and heading off to your next spot; the aquarium.
Thankfully the aquarium was only a 15 minute walk from the park. As the entrance came into view the memory of your first time here with Tetsuro came back.
-
“You ready to see some animals?” He asked as you walked up to the window to pay.
“I’m so excited!” You shouted gleefully as you tried to contain your excitement. You loved the aquarium. Seeing and learning about all the different types of animals was just something you always loved. Especially watching the penguins swim around.
“Alright, beautiful, let’s go.” He said with a laugh before taking your hand, letting you pull him to all the different exhibits.
He memorized every small thing you did. From the way your face lit up as you learned about the different animals to the way you jumped with glee when you found the penguins. He couldn’t believe how adorable you looked as you ran from one place to the next, his hand never leaving yours. While you were in the bathroom washing up from spilling a drink on yourself, he ran to the gift shop to buy you a stuffed penguin and matching penguin keychains.
You couldn’t help the grin you gave him when he handed you your gifts. “You didn’t have to buy me anything.” You said as you hugged the penguin to your chest.
“It was worth it.” He answered as he grabbed your hand once more as you left the aquarium.
-
You looked up and saw Tsukishima and Yamaguchi standing outside the entrance.
“It’s about time you got here.” Tsuki mumbled before getting smacked upside the head by Yamaguchi.
“Hello to you too, Tsuki.” You said giving the grumpy man a smile before turning to Yamaguchi. “Hi Yams. I’ve missed you!” You said before giving him a hug.
“Kuroo wanted me to give this to you.” Tsuki said, handing you yet another letter, trying to get this over with as fast as he could.
I love this place as much as the previous one. I’ll never forget how beautiful you looked as you saw all the animals, especially the penguins. I never knew something so small could make someone so happy. I can’t wait to bring our future children here to see if they react like you do. I’m sorry I missed you again, but this time meet me at the place we had our first fight. I can’t wait to see you.
“Thanks for meeting me here guys. I’ll see you soon.” You said giving them a wave before heading over to Kozume’s house. You had no idea why he wanted you to relive that particular memory, but knowing Tetsuro it was for a reason.
The walk to Kozume’s house was ingrained in your brain. You had spent so much time there growing up, it almost seemed like you had moved in. As you got closer to his family home, the memory of your first fight came rushing back.
-
You had been dating Tetsuro for almost a year before you guys got into a fight. You were tired of how he always seemed to put volleyball before you, even blowing off date night to stay late and practice. You knew it was something he loved, and you encouraged him wholeheartedly, until he began to ignore you altogether.
You were standing outside the restaurant for almost an hour as you waited for him to show up. He had reassured you ten times that he would be there, and you believed him. You knew he was stressed with school and the team, but he had never stood you up before. Sure he had cancelled at the last minute a few times, but he always told you beforehand.
You texted Kozume and asked if he knew where Tetsuro was. Sure enough he was at his house. With a quick text you told him you were on your way and would be there in 5 minutes.
With tears threatening to spill you raced over to Kozume’s house, only to find Tetsuro standing outside when you got there.
“YN I’m so…” He started as he walked towards you but stopped when you held a hand out to stop him. His face dropping when he got a look at you.
The tears were now running down your face as you finally looked him in the eyes. “I understand you’re busy, Kuroo, I do.” You said watching him flinch as you used his last name. “But to leave me sitting in front of the restaurant for an hour without a text or call is unacceptable.” Tears still falling, you continued, “I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” The last line coming out as more of a whisper, while you tried to keep yourself up.
“I’m sorry. I had practice and I just forgot. It won’t happen again.” He said, trying to move towards you again.
“You’ll always have practice. You’ll always have school work. I’ll always be second in your list of priorities.” You cried out, taking another step back.
He stepped back, like a reflex, as if you had just slapped him. “You’re my first priority always.”
You shook your head at him before wiping the tears from your eyes. “I think I need some time to think. I’m sorry, Kuroo.” You said before turning and walking away.
The next day you had skipped school telling your mom you weren’t feeling well. You just needed some space and time to think. You loved Tetsuro and were planning on telling him last night at the restaurant, but plans changed. You hated how you felt. You knew he was trying his best to be a good captain, student, and boyfriend, but somewhere along the way it felt like the first two were more important than the latter.
The doorbell rang interrupting you from your thoughts as you slowly got out of bed to go see who it was.
“How can I help..” You started but stopped when you saw Kuroo standing in front of you, looking like he just got run over by a train. His hair was even more unkempt than usual and his eyes were bloodshot.
“I’m so sorry about last night. I know I’ve been a shit boyfriend to you, and I know you probably don’t want my apologies. You have every right to break up with me, but I promise, I’ll be better. I’ll do better. I can’t imagine my life without you, YN. Please give me one more chance.” He begged as he looked down at you with sad eyes.
You looked at him as you ran his apology over in your head. You knew he meant every word and you knew you would forgive him the minute he showed up at your doorstep.
“One more chance.” You agreed with a nod before being pulled into his chest. His lips kissing the top of your head lightly as he held you like you could disappear at any moment.
-
“Hey, YN.” Kozume said, standing in front of his parents house.
“Kozu!” You shouted as you ran up to him, pulling him in for a tight hug. “I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
His arms wrapped around your waist as he hugged you back. “I had a business trip I couldn’t get out of. I missed you and Kuroo, though.”
“We missed you too. It’s weird not having you over for dinner at least twice a week.” You said with a laugh.
“I have something for you.” He announced with a chuckle as he handed you another letter.
“Thank you.” You said as you grabbed it from his hands and read it.
You may be wondering why I sent you here and in due time I’ll explain it. That fight was the scariest day of my life. When Kenma told me you were coming over I instantly knew I fucked up. I will never be able to apologize enough for that day. I am so relieved that you ended up giving me another chance. I love you so much. Speaking of I love you’s meet me at the place where I first said it. I’ll be there this time. I can’t wait to see you my love.
“He’s got something up his sleeve doesn’t he?” You asked looking at your best friend.
He just shrugged his shoulders before giving you a small smile. “Don’t keep him waiting.”
You nodded before taking off towards the gymnasium that hosted the interhigh prelims. The memory makes your heart beat wildly in your chest.
-
You were standing in the crowd, cheering your boys on as they dominated the other team. This was the game that determined if they would make it to nationals or not. It was the second match and they only needed one more point before qualifying.
After an amazing set from Kozume, Tetsuro hit an amazing spike that the other team couldn’t keep up. As the game was called and the crowd went wild, you ran down to the court, waiting for your boyfriend to thank the other team and the crowd for coming. Once that was done and his eyes met yours, you ran into his arms. He caught you effortlessly and spun you around as your lips landed on his.
“I’m so proud of you!” You said your voice filled with pride.
He set you down and placed another kiss to your lips before looking you in the eyes giving you one of his signature smiles. “I love you.”
You didn’t think your heart could beat as fast as it did in that moment. His eyes were filled with nothing but love and adoration for you. “I love you too.” You replied, pulling him down for another kiss.
-
Taking a deep breath you opened the door to the gym and was stunned at the sight before you. The hallway leading up to the gym was filled with pictures of the two of you, dating all the way back to your childhood. Candles littered the ground as rose petals were placed on the floor, making a path to the gym.
As you continued your walk to the gym you couldn’t help the tears that fell. Looking back at all the memories you guys had made had your heart fluttering in your chest.
Tetsuro was standing in the middle of the gym a bouquet of flowers in his hand as his eyes met yours. He met you halfway and grabbed your hand to lead you to where he stood before.
“Hi, beautiful.” He whispered as he pressed a kiss to your lips. “I know you're probably wondering why I had you go to all those places today and I plan on telling you, but first I just want to say that I missed you so much today.”
“I missed you too.” You said with a smile as you kissed him once more.
He let out a breath before he started his speech. “As the letters said every place you went to today has a special place in my heart. Our first kiss was something out of a fairy tale. To this day I think about how your lips felt against mine. I wanted to kiss you from the minute I first saw you. It took everything in me to wait until the right moment to ask you.’ He said taking a breath before continuing, “I don’t think I’ll ever get the image of you running up to the penguins out of my head. Your smile was mesmerizing. I wish I had gotten a picture of it.” He said, giving you a smile of his own.
“It must be weird that I had you relive our first fight but there’s a reason for that and I’ll get to that in a minute. First I want to say that telling you I loved you for the first time was something I was terrified of doing. Even though I knew I loved you from the first time I saw you, I was terrified you didn’t feel the same way. After getting a chance to go to nationals, I knew I had to tell you, and it’s a memory I will cherish forever.” He said before he dropped down to one knee, pulling a red box out from his pocket.
“YN, I love you more than anything on this earth, and I will love you for the rest of my life. I will love you through good times and bad. Through all the fights and hardships. I will be the man you want and need me to be.” He opened the box to reveal the most beautiful ring you had ever seen. “YN, will you marry me?”
“Yes.” You whispered, nodding your head like a maniac, not caring about the tears that spilled down your cheeks. “It will always be yes.”
He placed the ring on your finger before pulling you down to plant his lips on yours.
You couldn’t seem to speak, completely awestruck by this incredible adventure Kuroo had sent you on today. It all made sense now, the letters, your friends, his absence from your bed early this morning. He put so much effort and love into just the proposal. You couldn’t imagine a life that didn’t have him in it. Just how he couldn’t imagine a life without you.
As you watched snowflakes sprinkle to the ground, Tetsuro gently grabbed your left hand, lifting it to his lips to press a chaste kiss to the ring, now resting comfortably on your finger. Nothing was needed to be said; the happiness was felt radiating all around you both.
