Unsurprisingly, I had to take four days off school, sick with the flu. Each day, Kyōtani stopped by after practice with Kirā, knowing I was missing my usual puppy love. I'd lay in bed with the five month old doberman and snuggle up to him whilst Kyōtani would either sit at the end of the bed or on the floor, usually only talking about volleyball or dogs. Nothing seemed different after what happened between us that night, and I was starting to feel dejected.

Finally, I managed to drag myself out of bed and to my classes on Wednesday, still a bit hoarse but not contagious. The day seemed to drag on forever, and I found myself constantly staring at the clock on the wall, eyes flicking with each tick of the hand. Each teacher sounded the same; a droning bore that just added to my frustration. Upon the sound of the bell, I was out the door before the last chime rang, almost jogging down the halls towards the gym.

Why am I so excited to get there? I don't even like volleyball…

I secretly knew the exact reason I wanted to be there so badly, but I didn't want to admit it. Kyōtani Kentarō would be there. I could spend several hours just watching him, being close to him, maybe even get to walk home with him. Just the thought was enough to make my heart skip. I was out of breath when I reached the gym, coughing and spluttering a little before I entered.

“(Y/N)-Chan! You're alive!” Oikawa bounded over to me and extended his arms. Even shocking myself, I accepted his hug, making him pause for a moment in surprise.

“I never thought I'd say this...but I actually missed your ugly mug, Crappykawa.” I chuckled, giving him a friendly squeeze before stepping back. His porcelain skin grew rosy as he scratched his head, grinning like a goofball.

“Did you hit your head or something? Still have a fever? Brain damage, perhaps?” Iwaizumi wore a horrified expression as he wandered over, placing the back of his hand against my forehead. I swatted him away with a laugh, shrugging my shoulders as I started to walk over to my usual bench across the court.

“I've never been better, Iwa-Senpai.” I waved them off and sat down, crossing my legs as I waited.

And waited…

And waited…

He didn't show up. The sun was setting, painting a vibrant orange hue in the sky as I just sat there, watching the team pack away the net and volleyballs. With a long, depressing sigh, I collected my bag and stood up, making my way to the doors.

“See you tomorrow, (Y/N)-Chan!” One of the first years called out, giving me a wave from where he was untying the net.

“Seeya, Onion Head.” I replied with a tired smirk, sliding the door open.

“It's Kindaichi!”

“Yeah yeah…” I heaved another sigh as I saw the residue of snow flecking the concrete from earlier that afternoon, pulling my sleeves down to cover my hands. The December break would start soon, and I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Especially since Kyōtani was the only person I really considered a friend. Both Oikawa and Iwazumi were kind of friends, but they'd be graduating soon and it would just be me and the Mad Dog.

Why am I even thinking about this now? He's my friend...I'm sure he just thinks that kiss was just me looking for comfort...I haven't ruined anything...he still came to see me when I was sick...but...what if that was just because he felt...sorry for me…?

I hugged myself as I walked; carefully avoiding piles of white slush. My throat itched, and I prayed that my mum had remembered to buy honey and lemons so I could make a warm, soothing drink when I got home.

“(Y/N)-Chan…” I yelped a little at the sudden call of my name and whipped my head around. Kyōtani stood a little ways behind me, bundled in a big olive trench coat with his hands shoved deep into the pockets.

“K..Ken-Kun? I thought you skipped practice…?” I questioned as he approached me, kind of surprised to see him.

“Yeah. I did.” He said shortly, giving me a rough nudge on my arm to get me to continue walking with him.

“Didn't feel like it?” I naturally fell into step with him and tried to read his face in case something was wrong. He looked uncomfortable and his entire face was tinged pink from the cold.

“Dunno.” He was hunched over with a foreign expression. I couldn't pin it. I pursed my lips and nodded, letting my eyes wander around for while before they gravitated back to him.

“You sure?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Positive?”

“Yes.”

“Really?” He clenched his jaw and gave me an agitated glare, making me smile a little. His short fuse didn't scare me anymore. It was actually quite entertaining. “You never miss practice. Something's up, right?” I jabbed him lightly with my elbow and he groaned, looking away and fidgeting in his pockets.

“Shut up. You're not making this any easier…” He grumbled, almost too low for me to hear. I cocked my head in confusion.

“Making what easier?” I asked curiously, leaning over to try to get him to face me. He leaned away, now exceptionally red in the cheeks.

“Nevermind…” He grunted, quickening his pace to escape me. I jogged to keep up, but it wasn't that difficult because he wasn't really trying so hard to get away.

“Oi, Ken-Kun!” I grabbed his sleeve and gave it a little tug and he stopped, spinning around and staring at me with those devilish amber orbs.

“Say it again.” He said firmly, earning himself a puzzled look from me as I raised a brow.

“Uh...Ken-Kun?” I complied and he took a step towards me.

Oh man...he's pretty close.

“Again.” He said quickly, taking my shoulders in his firm grasp.

“Ken...Kun…?” I began to fluster, unable to tear my eyes away.

What the hell is he doing…?

“Again.” He looked determined, brow creased as he looked down at my flushing self.

“Ken-Ku…!” The rest of my words were muffled by his lips. They were hot and powerful, stealing my breath away from the moment of impact. It was enough to thaw the ice at our feet, and just as I began to kiss back, he pulled away, turning his back to me.

“I like you, okay?!” He nearly shouted those words, and I had to move my hand to my chest to make sure my heart hadn't stopped mid beat. “I think you're great and pretty and you actually give a flying fuck about me and I want you to be my girlfriend!”

His voice broke a little and he stood there, facing away from me with a visible shiver, making his shoulders tremble.

His red face hadn't been due to the cold.

After taking a moment to process his confession, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his torso, pressing my face into the material of his coat.

“Yes…” I whispered, loud enough for him to hear me and stiffen completely. It was like hugging a plank of wood for a few moments before he whirled around and stared at me in utter disbelief.

“You're...you're not fucking with me…?” I embraced him again, standing up on my toes to plant a chaste kiss on the corner of his mouth.

“Shut up…” I murmured, pulling him down to my level and closing the gap again. He hesitated, hands hovering above my form before slithering around my waist and dragging me closer into his body.

He was rough; pressing his tongue to my teeth before I allowed him through, completely overpowering my kiss. It was intoxicating. Parting, his heavy breathing stirred the tiny hairs on my neck, sending a shiver into every cell of my body.

“Don't ever touch another guy…”

He kissed my forehead.

“Don't let them hold you…”

My nose.

“...or kiss you…”

My cheeks.

“...this is all for me…”

Again, he met my lips, forcing every thought out of my mind with the force of his tongue. I just clung to him tighter, completely melting under his heat and strength.

“Ken-Kun…” I murmured his name and brushed the tip of my nose against his, panting for breath before he could dive in for another kiss. “Why...did you pull away when I kissed you that night?” I couldn't help but ask, curling my glove clad hand into his. He pursed his lips, starting to walk again.

“You were upset...I didn't know if it was just a momentary lapse of judgement, ya know?”

Oh, wow...I didn't expect to hear such big words come out of him…

I laced my fingers through his and squeezed, moving closer into his side as we made our way down the frosted sidewalk.

“You're adorable.” I giggled, letting out a squeak as he yanked his hand from mine and threw his arm over my shoulders, dragging me in as close as he could without having to stop walking.

“Shut up.” He said with a hinted smirk, planting a sloppy kiss on the side of my head.

I wanna say make me...but it's a bit soon for that...

***Yo yo my dudes, I'm not dead.***