They could hear the gentle creaking under their boots, the crisp sound of icicles forming on the tree branches that were encapsulated under piles of snow. The harsh winds that blew across the frozen land, denying everything in its path to receive a single ounce of warmth. Nobody would have thought to intrude in this cold and still environment, though Kei and Tobio were slightly different.
They had just ended volleyball training, and were on their way back home. Occasionally their walk would have been accompanied with the rowdy team, if not for Yamaguchi insisting the pair should enjoy some "alone time". Kei's annoyance was evident, he had not desired to stray off the path home, but after Tobio had suggested to take a short stroll through the forest, the blonde had to begrudgingly follow. Frozen dew drops were carelessly shaken off from the branches they had clinched onto, and the distinct way the branches had grown to block the entrance of the seemingly ethereal forest was quite the surreal sight.
Kei was quite the bookworm, as a child he had been obsessed with stories like the little prince, and if he could pull out a page from the secret garden it would have been be a complete replica, but make it winter. As the two ventured in further, they noticed a frozen pond that was sizeable enough to act as a skating rink. Without another thought Tobio reached out his hand to Kei, expectant of his hand as a response. Kei raised an eyebrow "don't blame me if you fall king" he said, causing Tobio's child like expression to turn into one of annoyance.
In an instant, Kei was being pulled towards the pond, although most of the sun was being blocked by the trees, the sun rays that still trickled in made the ice on the ground glimmer with radiance. Now hand in hand the two started making their way over to the "rink".
Kei was obviously annoyed by the cold but somehow seeing Tobio enjoying himself, as he attempted to skate on the ice was comforting.
Although unwilling, Kei was used to his boyfriend's antics and decided there was no harm in playing along. There were a few slips, but over time they managed to get the hand of it. They were lost in the moment, slowly sliding around on the ice as they held onto each other for support. The two always had special moments like this, where the world felt like it was just the two of them, and nothing could ever ruin it. Kei had never been a romantic, much less thought much about love. But there was something about Tobio that drew him in. Was it the way he talked? Most of the time like a complete dumbass,,, was he just attracted to idiots now? No, it was just him. Kei admired him, and yet he loathed him, envied him. How could someone be so talented, when they are such a simpleton.
But Tobio worked for it, Kei got to know him, and to this day he is still appalled that he fell in love with this exact same simpleton. When Kei came to the realisation that his sarcastic remarks, started turning into subtle compliments, he knew he was in deep. Originally he thought he would have kept his feelings to himself but that soon became unbearable.
Even Tobio would realise, Kei's smiles and his kind gestures, Whether it be buying him milk from the vending machine, or helping to tutor him even without being asked. Anyone would be able to tell that the hatred soon turned into adoration and desire.
When Kei snapped out of his thoughts, he tightly gripped his lover's hands indeed in and leaned in saying, "if we don't head home right now I will make you freeze to death with me." With a slight chuckle, Tobio agreed, Kei placed a kiss on his forehead, satisfied that he can finally warm up at home, he thought that, and yet it still felt nice and cozy right where he was. As they made their way out of the forest, Tobio without an inch of hesitation told him "I'm staying over tonight". With a smile growing on his face he stated "that was the plan King".
