Nekoma's Manager (Bokuto x OC)

Long Haul

Fukurodani fans and supporters had stormed the court after the final point, cheering for the new champions while the TV crew recorded the whole exciting ordeal. The awards ceremony followed and it was such an exciting and proud moment for Fukurodani. They received their gold medals and ginormous trophy, and they also got their name etched on the plaque for Japan's Under 19 Volleyball Nationals Champions.

The team had gotten together once the ceremony was finished and went off to celebrate. I didn't want to infringe on their gigantic win, so I happily went back to the hotel with my own team, of whom I was still so proud of for getting so far in the tournament.

It was about 8PM when my phone went off. Bzz, bzz. Kotaro: Are you doing anything right now? Can you meet me outside your hotel?

I text back, Sure! Give me 10 minutes.

Quickly, I grab a coat and head on out. This could be the moment to tell him how I feel and I'm suddenly so nervous.

Bokuto is waiting right outside the entrance by the time I get down there.

"Hey, tiger." I say. "Or should I say.. champ."

Seeing me, he smiles widely and pulls me into a hug that I wholeheartedly melt into. He's so warm and feels so good.

"Let's go sit on the bench in that park over there," he suggests. I agree and we walk over, hand in hand.

The night is so nice, with just the perfect amount of breeze that doesn't make it too warm or too cold. We make it to the bench and sit side by side.

"Baby.. I wanted to talk to you about something," Bokuto says.

He sounds nervous which automatically makes me nervous. No conversation ends well that starts with anything along the lines of 'we need to talk'.

I'm immediately on high alert and reply, "Yeah sure, what is it? Are you doing ok?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm doing great it's just that.. oh I don't know why I can't just say it.." He continues, "So.. I love volleyball. It's one of the biggest if not the biggest part of who I am and without it I'd be completely lost."

"Right.." I say. I know all that so why was he telling me? Where is he going with this?

"But also now, I'm not completely fulfilled by it alone. When you weren't there watching me at  yesterday's match.. I could really feel your absence. And I wasn't able to play as hard as I could have and it wasn't as enjoyable either, which hasn't ever happened to me before." He looks into my eyes. "That's when I realized.. it's you. It's all because of you. You are what fulfills me, what completes me. Since you came into my life, volleyball can't completely fulfill me anymore. I mean, it's ecstatic winning but without you to celebrate my wins with.. Nothing can replace you. And I- I love you, Y/N. I love you so much," he almost sounds like he is pleading. "I'm in this for the long haul, Y/N. I mean it. So if you don't feel the same..." he trails off.

Ha. I don't know why I doubted his feelings for me for a second. I take his face between my hands, gently turning him closer towards me. "Kotaro. There isn't a single ounce of doubt when I say this. I love you, too. I've been meaning to say it but the right time never seemed to come up. I am completely, utterly, and desperately in love with you. I want to be in this fully committed relationship with you. For the long haul. I choose you, Kotaro Bokuto."

I choke on his name and start to tear up. He smiles and circles his arms around my waist. I lift my face to his and at first just gently brush his lips against mine. He comes closer to kiss me deeper and again, I give in completely to him and get lost in the moment. Without a worry or anxiety in the world, I get lost in this perfect moment.