the jacket you never returned- Bokuaka

Part 4

Bokuto never remembered.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months and before they knew it, Bokuto already graduated.

Akaashi was playing Rondo Capriccioso when Kuroo suddenly said, "He's going to propose to her soon."

This time, he didn't play Clair de Lune.

But by the eight minute, he was already sobbing, knees buckling under him. Kuroo ran forward, reflex still smooth after all these years.

They went home early, Akaashi shaking and Kuroo with a tear-stained shirt.

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She said yes. Bokuto moved out of their apartment.

The day he was to leave, he approached Akaashi.

"Akaashi, you're my best friend, you know, yeah? Can you...Can you be my best man?"

He looked so ridiculously nervous, and for a second, Akaashi felt like this is Bokuto proposing to him.

But it's not. This is Bokuto asking him to stand by him as he gets married. Trusting him to catch him if he ever falls out of the loop. Asking him to watch him take another person as the love of his love. Asking him to watch him love someone else. Asking him to give him away--

"Sure."

"That's great! Thanks, Akaa--Akaashi? Hey, Akaashi, why are you crying?"

Akaashi forced a smile, the biggest smile he can muster when the person he loves loves someone else, when he knows he's forgotten, now, forever; When he knows that all he used to have is now just pieces of papers and worn-out pictures in his cabinet and drawer.

Because he can't be selfish. Not when he loves him this much.

So he does what he does best, with a tear-stained smile and a sob he tried his best to muffle.

"I'm just so happy for you, Bokuto-san."

(Unbeknownst to him, Bokuto felt something hurt. In his chest. He felt the need to touch Akaashi. He brushed it off.

Now's not the time to be silly.)