Lyn

He’s the only one on the team missing his set.

Is it his fault?

Did he miscalculate his toss?

Is he off his game today?

Tooru tried shaking off all his negative thoughts. The team’s success depended on everyone’s ability to work together, so he needs to focus.

The team went back to practice, and everything was going smoothly until he tossed to Wakatoshi, and for the fourth time, he missed again.

Again.

Tooru took a deep breath. Trying to keep himself calm.

He politely excused himself to their coach and, without hesitation, grabbed Wakatoshi’s collar and dragged him off the court and into the locker room.

He can hear his teammates' giggles from behind at the sight.

He just glared at Wakatoshi for a few seconds, letting him feel his frustration.

The latter just kept quiet.

“Waka-chan, what’s going on? ” he broke the silence.

“Nothing,” he replied.

Tooru stepped closer, not believing him.

“Spill it, Waka-chan.”

Wakatoshi, who was usually composed, blushed unexpectedly.

He murmured something to himself before finally admitting,

“Your shorts – they’re distracting.”

It was his turn to be silent.

He can feel his face heat up from what Wakatoshi said.

Of all the possible reasons for his distraction, this was not what he had expected.

A few minutes later, they both stepped out of the locker room.

Whatever happened or was said after Wakatoshi’s awkward confession is just for the both of them.

Wakatoshi watched Tooru's face as he continued moving slowly, carefully, searching for any hint of discomfort, any indication that he should stop.

He would pause often. 

Mindful of every touch, every breath.

"Are you okay?" he whispered.

Tooru gently brushed stray strands of hair from his forehead.

"Yeah" he nodded, managing a small smile.

"Are you sure? We don't have to..."

Tooru pulled him closer, burying his face in the crook of his neck. 

"I want this. "I want you." his words muffled against his skin.

Their first time wasn't anything like they'd seen in movies. 

It wasn't in some fancy hotel but Wakatoshi's small apartment room, thick with the humid summer night air.

It was clumsy and uncertain, filled with awkward pauses and apologies. 

Much to Tooru's dismay, the squeak of their apartment door closing instantly drew Wakatoshi's attention from his book.

He tried his best to make little to no sound, but the latter glanced up from the couch, eyeing his suspiciously puffed-out jacket.

"I had a huge meal. "Like a real, huge one." He patted his swollen jacket nervously.

Wakatoshi raised a skeptical eyebrow, doubting that was the reason why he looked like he was stuffed with a small pillow.

"I'm p-pregnant?" he panicked.

"We haven't done it yet," Wakatoshi teased.

Tooru's face grew red at what he had just shamelessly said. Eyes darting around the room landing everywhere but Wakatoshi.

Feeling defeated as he has no more excuses to give. He slowly unzipped his jacket, revealing a shivering ball of fur.

A cat peeked out with wide, emerald eyes.

"I found her outside. It was pouring, and she was soaking wet and meowing her little heart out. I couldn't just leave her."

Wakatoshi stared at the cat and then back at Tooru.

"You know we can't keep her, we're not allowed to..."

"I know, I know!"

Tooru interrupted, his voice pleading.

"Just for tonight? Please, Waka-chan? I'll find her a good home. I have friends who can adopt her."

The cat, sensing its moment, let out a little “mew” and blinked at him.

"Fine" Wakatoshi relented.

A month later.

"It's unfair"

Tooru said, visibly sulking on their couch.

The cat is still very much present in their apartment and, what's more, she's basically glued to Wakatoshi. Meanwhile, Tooru would consider himself lucky if he could get her to stay for a minute on his lap.

"She loves you" Wakatoshi assured, sitting next to him with the cat snuggled into his neck.

When Tooru gave the 6'2, olive-eyed captain and wing spiker of their rival team a chance,

Ushioi switching bodies.

Imagine Hajime's confusion when Tooru suddenly became quiet with a deadpan face.

Tooru: Have you ever kissed a pretty setter with brown eyes?

Wakatoshi: No

Wakatoshi turning their patio into a sunroom for Tooru so he has a comfortable space to watch the sunrise

Day 5: Other sport

The day of the final match arrived, and the grandstands were packed. 

Oikawa Tooru and Ushijima Wakatoshi, two of the most celebrated polo players, were playing against each other. 

The sound of hooves and excited cheers filled the air as the game proceeded.

Tooru passed the ball with a deft flick of his mallet and was effortlessly maneuvering past his opponents, but Wakatoshi quickly countered, sending the ball soaring towards the goal. 

Both teams were locked in a fierce battle. 

With just seconds left on the clock, Tooru was able to cut off Wakatoshi's powerful shot. He sprinted down the field and, with a seamless move, directed the ball towards the goal. 

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the whistle blew, signaling the end of the match, and Tooru's team won. 

While everyone was busy celebrating the victory and exchanging congratulatory messages, the two were just in their own little world. 

"That's four on three," Tooru said proudly. 

They have their own little competition, counting how many matches they have won against each other. 

"Won't happen again, sweetheart." 

They shared a quick kiss before joining the chaotic celebration. 

Within hours, a photo of their sweet kiss spread like wildfire across social media. Fans were asking for responses or confirmations from both players; speculations were being made, but everyone could see the undeniable chemistry between them. 

“Guess everyone knows now,” Tooru said as he viewed another repost of the photo with which they were tagged. 

They even saw it on the news when they were watching TV. 

Wakatoshi took the phone away from him and snuggled closer. 

Day 4: Omegavere, Build

"That's the last box." 

Wakatoshi said after carrying all the boxes from the moving truck and putting the large box in the corner. 

They spent weeks searching for a perfect place—a place that would be big enough to start their family of three. 

Today marks a new chapter for them, and with Tooru's pregnancy in full bloom, they felt a sense of urgency mixed with excitement. 

Tooru was about to carry a box labeled "pup," but his alpha was quick to steal it from him and take it to one of the rooms where they had planned to have the nursery.

"Come on, I won't carry anything heavy and stop when I get tired, I promise." 

He has been trying to convince him to let him help, from packing from their old apartment to their new home, but his mate was adamant about doing everything himself and not letting him lift a single finger. 

Wakatoshi held his hands and kissed them. 

"You're already doing everything, sweetheart." 

"Carrying our little troublemaker is no joke," he continued. 

Tooru smiled, his hand instinctively resting on his round belly.

“Do you think this will be ready before our little pup arrives? " 

"I'll make sure of it," he assured him. 

They both paused for a moment to envision the nursery, complete with colorful wallpaper, soft blankets, and shelves filled with picture books. 

“I’ll take care of the decorating,” Tooru declared playfully. 

Wakatoshi just laughed, knowing what he meant, and gave his omega a quick kiss. 

Day 3: Melt, Childhood friends

For as long as anyone could remember, Wakatoshi and Tooru had been attached to the hips. 

They were always inseparable, sharing laughter, secrets, and dreams since childhood. 

Their fathers are best friends and live next to each other, so they naturally grew close. 

Wherever Tooru is, Wakatoshi will be there. 

But recently, it began to feel strained; that was what Tooru felt. 

It began subtly; Wakatoshi would shrug off his invitations, which he brushed off since there are still things that he may like but he doesn't, but for the past few weeks, it felt like he was just making excuses, his responses growing shorter whenever he tried to annoy him, and sometimes he would just ignore him completely. 

Each dismissal made his heart feel heavier, so when he could no longer bear it and after hours of staring at the ceiling trying to understand what was happening, he became determined to find out what was wrong. 

Tooru bolted to his house and just welcomed himself in. 

"Hi, Mister Ushijima!" he greeted when he saw his father in the living room. 

"Oh, Tooru! I haven't seen you around lately." 

He just smiled at the man and asked, "Is Toshi home?" 

"His upstairs, busy stud--" 

"Thank you!" He ran upstairs, not even letting the man finish. 

He pushed his bedroom door open, and there he was, slumped on his desk, busy reading his notes. 

Wakatoshi let out a sigh when he saw him. 

"What do you want, Tooru?" his tone was flat. 

“Why are you avoiding me? ” he demanded. 

He made his way to his bed and sat, facing his back. Making it known that he is not leaving until he gets answers. 

“You’ve been acting like I don't exist for the past few weeks! " 

Still no answer. 

"Did I do anything wrong?" his voice was soft, almost fragile. 

Wakatoshi put his hands on his face, looking defeated. 

"No, Tooru! You di--" 

"Then why!?" 

Without warning, Wakatoshi stood from his chair and crossed over to him, pinning him lightly against his bed. 

The seriousness of his expression caught Tooru off guard. 

Wakatoshi’s breath hitched. “I’m scared, Tooru." 

"I'm scared of what I might say or do when I'm around you." 

"I'm scared that if I admit what I feel, I will lose you." 

For a moment, Tooru could only stare at him, the realization of what he confessed slowly sinking in. 

Wakatoshi was about to pull away, but he didn't let him, and wrapped his arm around his neck, pulling him closer. 

"I like you too, Wakatoshi." 

Wakatoshi's eyes widened in disbelief, a smile breaking through his lips. 

"Really?" 

Day 2: Friends kiss each other all the time, right?

Oikawa Tooru had become a household name.

One of the most famous actors in his generation.

His face was all over magazine covers, commercials, television shows, and movie posters across the globe.

But fame came with its price, and on that particular night, the price was thousands of notifications, calls from her manager, and messages from family and friends flooding his phone.

Yesterday, he had a fan meet-and-greet. It was always fun meeting his fans and interacting with them.

He expected that there would be tags or mentions, but the content was not what he anticipated.

"Did you see the mark on Tooru's neck? ”

That's not an insect bite, right? "

"It's a love bite, definitely a love bite!"

"I thought he was single?"

"Tooru, tell us who, please."

There were photos everywhere, different angles taken of him at the event, and excited comments and re-shares from fans who spotted the undeniable mark on his skin.

Defeated, Tooru plopped down on the couch and turned off his phone. He'll deal with all the chaos tomorrow.

He closed his eyes, trying not to think too much about it, but his heart raced when he was flushed with the memory of how he got them.

Just on cue, he heard the doors unlocked.

The culprit is here.

“Wakatoshi! ”He called out as he walked in.

"What's up, ba--"

His easy smile disappeared the moment he saw the look on his face, followed by a shoe flying at him, which he barely dodged.

"Did you even think of telling me you left a mark behind my neck?” he demanded, already holding the other shoe in his hand.

"I didn’t realize it would be so visible,” he explained, trying to act innocent.

"Is that your excuse?” he shot back. "Do you have any idea about the uproar you've created? "

Wakatoshi thought for a moment, and his eyes widen when he realizes what might have happened, but the surprise doesn't last long.

"Just tell them it was me," he smirked.

"I just told all of them that we were only friends!"

Which Tooru did when he was in an interview, and was asked about the photos of them together that were posted by paparazzis.

They were only friends.

A week ago.

Wakatoshi shrugged. "Friends kiss each other all the time, right?"

Day 1: I wanted to see you again, Royalty

Excitement filled the air as the annual festival approached.

Colorful banners were hung on the streets, people were busy setting up stands to sell food, handmade crafts, or trinkets, and even conversations between the men asking the ladies to accompany them could be heard.

All are preparing because once the sun dips below the horizon, the first night of the evening festivities will begin.

Even the empire's crowned prince was.

Tooru put on simple clothes, ones that would help him blend in with the common folks; he got them by bribing a maid.

After dusk, he manages to successfully sneak out of the castle.

He made sure that his face was well covered with the hood of his cloak, just to make sure that no one recognized him before finally reaching the town square.

The laughter, people dancing, the shows, and the music of the festival drew him in.

Tooru couldn't help but be amazed. He danced, laughed, and sang with everyone, and for the first time, he felt like a normal person rather than the future king.

But as the night went on, danger seemed to seep into the festive atmosphere.

After buying a small souvenir from a booth as a reminder of his outing, someone from the crowd tried to snatch his necklace, a cherished gift from his late mother.

Tooru was quick to shield himself, preventing him from taking his necklace, but the thief seemed determined as he was still trying to pull the necklace from his neck.

The people around seemed too preoccupied to notice his situation, and he is thinking twice about shouting for help, because if the knights tasked with patrolling during the festival recognize that he is the prince, they might punish the man by taking his life right there and then for harming a member of the royal family, ruining the merry event.

Just when he thought his luck had run out, a determined voice cut through the chaos.

"Leave him alone!”

A man rushed to his side and fought the thief with deft movements.

The commotion of the two fighting seems to have caught attention as he hears the knights shouting from the distance, so he hurriedly grabbed the man's hand and pulled him away, running as fast as he could, dragging the man with him.

When he finally stopped, they were both breathless.

Tooru turned around, wanting to thank his savior, but his relief turned into worry when he saw the man's lips.

"You're hurt!” he exclaimed.

"I'm fine; it's just a scratch."

He waved off his concern, trying not to wince through the pain.

Without thinking, Tooru reached into his pocket, handed the man his handkerchief, and urged him to use it to wipe the blood off his lips.

The man stared at the delicate fabric and back at him, then immediately bowed his head.

"Your highness! I greet the crown prince, the future sun of the empire."

Confusion and then realization hit him when he noticed that the hood was no longer covering his face and remembered that the family crest was embroidered on the handkerchief.

"Oh no, please lift your head," he said, almost pleading.

So, the man did, but tried not to meet his eyes.

"May I know your name?" he asked.

"It's Wakatoshi, your highness."

"Thank you, Wakatoshi."

He gave him the brightest smile he could, truly thankful for what he did for him, and chuckled when he noticed Wakatoshi's ears were bright red.

"All that running made me hungry. Do you know any stalls with delicious food we can go to?"

"Your highness, if..."

"Tooru," he interrupts.

"Tonight, I am only Tooru."

Wakatoshi laughed, understanding what he meant.

It was the most beautiful and genuine thing he had ever heard.

Wakatoshi stepped closer to him and carefully covered the hood back on his head.

This time, it was Wakatoshi who held his hand.

"Let's go, Tooru. I know a good one."

Together, they wander through the stalls.

As the festival continued around them, Wakatoshi kept close to his side, ensuring he was safe, and made it his mission to show him the magic of the festival.

Their night ended with Tooru jumping with glee when the fireworks exploded in the night sky.

"Thank you for tonight,” he said softly as they arrived near the castle grounds.

Wakatoshi smiled and bowed his head slightly, but just as he was about to go his way, the latter said something that made his heart flutter.

"I won't forget tonight, either."

~

It was no surprise that his father found out immediately what he did the next day. Tooru was scolded for being irresponsible and putting himself and the future of their empire in danger.

Knights were stationed right outside his door, making sure that there would be no more successful attempt because he didn't stop trying to get outside the castle walls.

So here he is, still stuck and sulking inside his bedroom on the fifth and final night of the festival.

He was already on the twentieth sheep, trying to just sleep his dismay away, when he heard soft knocks on her balcony doors.

He tried to ignore it, as it may just be the wind or a bird, but got curious as it continued.

He got up from bed and anxiously opened the door.

To his shock, there Wakatoshi was—leaning against the stone wall of her balcony, a half-smile on his lips, a bouquet of wildflowers in his hand.

"Hello, Your Highness,” his voice laced with warmth.

"Wait, what? how? why?"

He's at a loss for words. Baffled at how he managed to reach his balcony or even enter the castle.

"I wanted to see you again."

A smile broke across Tooru's face, unable to hide how his words made him feel.

Tooru glanced over his shoulder at the closed bedroom door when he heard someone knocking. 

"Come in." His voice sounded hoarse. 

Just yesterday, he and his teammates were celebrating after they won a volleyball game, but now he had come down with a fever that seemed to sap his life. 

The door slowly opened, and Wakatoshi entered with a tray in hand. 

The latter decided to skip classes when he found out he was sick, joking that he didn't want to be a suspect if his fever somehow ended him.

"How are you feeling?"

"Awful," Tooru answered, and the cough that followed was a confirmation.

He sat himself on the bed as Wakatoshi placed the tray on his bedside table. 

"Eat, then take your medicine," he said, handing Tooru the bowl of porridge.

He looked at the food and then stared at Wakatoshi suspiciously. 

"I bought that," he frowned.

Tooru sighed in relief, still unable to forget the abomination that his roommate made when he first tried to cook. Just thinking about it makes his stomach churn.

Wakatoshi watches quietly, sitting beside his bed, as he finishes his food. After, he was quick to hand him his medicine.

"Thank you, father," he teased, since the guy was like a father nursing his child back to health.

He was still giggling to himself when he heard Wakatoshi whisper before making his way out of the room.

"Be thankful you're sick, or else I'm going to make you call me something else."

Tooru quickly turned to the now-closed door, his face red, unsure if he had heard him correctly.

Right. He must be hallucinating.

"Just hang on a bit longer, my king; we're almost to the end."

With one arm over his shoulder, Tooru aided him as they tried to escape through the dense forest.

Wakatoshi struggled to breathe as he felt the sharp pain from his wounds.

The battle was fierce. He did his best to stand his ground, fighting until he could no longer hold on, but alas, here he is, the once-mighty king, exhausted, bloodied, and wounded.

He could feel his body growing heavier with each step. Tooru was taking most of his weight and supporting him.

"You must escape, my love," his voice rasped. "Leave me here and save yourself."

"No," Tooru said, shaking his head as tears threatened to spill from his eyes.

"Tooru, please," he pleaded.

"I vowed to stay with you until my last breath," his voice trembling with emotion.

He tried to protest, but Tooru silenced him with a gentle kiss.

"You are my king, my love, and my everything, Wakatoshi," tears now streaming down his face. "I will follow you even to the deepest pits of hell."

Wakatoshi smiled weakly.

He knew he couldn't change his mind.

With a heavy heart, he accepted his decision.

Kuroo woke up in a daze.

His head was throbbing, and ears were ringing. He tried to move or speak, but it was futile; both his hands and feet were tied to the bed, and a piece of cloth gagged his mouth.

In panic, he tried to recall what had happened. 

He was rushing home to tell Kenma the good news. 

He and his best friend have been living together in a two-bedroom apartment for years now.

While he works in an office, Kenma works at home. It was a pretty good setup. They both get to save money since they share rent, and they get to look out for each other.

They haven't really been apart since they were kids.

Well, expect when he graduates high school, but even then, they will find time to meet and catch up. 

As soon as he got home, he barged into Kenma's room. 

"Kenma!" 

"What is it, Kuroo?" he answered, uninterested.

He was sitting at his desk, busy on his laptop. 

"Do you remember the girl I talked to you about?" he asked. 

Kenma faced him with a questioning look. 

"Yes" 

"I finally asked her to be my girlfriend, and she said yes!"

Kuroo jumped up and down in excitement before throwing himself onto the bed. He then proceeded to happily punch the air. 

"Oh..." 

Kuroo sat up and watched his reaction. 

"Come on, that's all you can say. Aren't you happy for me?" he pouted.

"Of course...I am. You said you really like her."

He just gave the latter a wide smile and rolled on the bed while happily humming.

The last thing he remembers is them having dinner and Kenma offering him a drink as congratulations, then everything went black.

The door creaked open, pulling him out of his thoughts, and standing by it was Kenma.

He tried, wanting to know what was going on, but all that came out were muffled sounds.

Kenma sat on the side of the bed and held his face.

Kuroo's eyes began to tear. For the first time, he felt genuinely scared of Kenma.

He moved his face closer to his.

"I'm not going to let anyone take you away from me, Tetsuro."

He kissed his forehead and smiled.