Ace of Hearts

Chapter Three

"Oy! Come on let's go in!"

Before I knew what was happening, Bokuto had scooped me up bridal style and carried me toward the little boba shop.

"Ack! Bo! You can't just—" I quickly made sure my skirt was covering everything. My face flushed. That's it I hate this goddamn knee injury. Everyone thinks that they can just manhandle me because I can't walk! I wanted to scream.

Bo slammed the door open with his foot, causing everyone in the crowded little shop to look at us. My eyes widened. Kill me. Just put me out of my misery now... I thought. I think a small embarrassed wheeze even escaped my mouth.

Before I knew it, Bo had set me down in the booth by the front window. "Here, you and Akaashi save our spot!" He declared before leaving to join the long line.

Kuroo couldn't contain his laughter as he followed Bo in line; he sent me a smug grin and he mouthed 'Your usual?' I nodded at him with an angry pout.

Lev and Chiyo sent me apologetic but amused looks as they joined the end of the line.

I glanced up at the boy in front of me, holding my crutches. "Ah thank you!" I blushed. "You can just set those against the wall."

"Not a problem," Akaashi returned with a small smile, before sliding into the booth next to me. "I should apologize to you for Bokuto's behavior, but I'm sure you're used to it by now."

I pressed my warm face into my hands. "More used to it than I should be," I admitted.

Akaashi laughed. I peaked through my fingers to steal a glance at him. His eyes were squeezed shut lightheartedly. I admired how the pink light from the store's neon sign played across his features. He had such a cute smile; it made me grin a little too.

"So how long have you known Bo?" I asked, resting my head in my hand and peering at him curiously.

"We met on the volleyball team during my first year of high school. So, a little over a year now," Akaashi admitted. "How about you?"

"Well, Kuroo introduced me to him," I pointed in the direction of my tall best friend, "back sometime when I was in middle school." I tore my gaze away from the wild haired pair of boys causing a ruckus in the line (I swear to god if they get us kicked out of here...).

"Oh wow, so have you and your boyfriend been together for that long?" Akaashi asked politely.

I blinked at him. "B-boyfriend?"

Akaashi's eyebrows furrowed together slightly. "Are you and Kuroo not together?" he asked in confusion.

"Ah—I... K-kuroo Tetsuro? My boyfriend?" I stuttered, mostly out of pure shock. Akaashi just looked at me in confusion. This time was my turn to laugh. I was shaking with laughter, covering my face with my hands and shaking my head. I couldn't believe someone actually thought Kuroo and I were together. Sure, Chiyo would tease me about it from time to time, but she was never serious... I wiped away tears with a giggle, glancing at Akaashi.

"Uh..." He smiled awkwardly, peering at me still in confusion.

"Kuroo's been my best friend since we were like 5," I laughed.

Akaashi chuckled shyly. "Ah sorry, for assuming," he said. "I guess he just talked about you a lot when we've hung out before."

I paused. I mean Kuroo talking about me to other people didn't surprise me; I talked about him to my teammates all the time—I mean, he was my best friend. I just didn't know that Bo had invited Kuroo to meet his other friends before—why was I never invited?