"Forever?" -->Kuroken

Part 5

The walk back to Kenma's house was quiet. Neither boy even dared to say a word. Kuroo never took his eyes off the ground as he walked.

Kenma wanted so badly to give Kuroo another hug, to tell him it was going to be alright, but he wasn't sure if those were the right words for this moment. He continued to wonder what was so important about a volleyball anyway. He knew that Kuroo seemed very passionate about the sport, but if that was it, he could just buy a new ball. There had to have been something that Kenma doesn't know.

"You know," Kuroo began, finally breaking the silence, "that volleyball was the last thing my mother gave me."

Kenma's eyes widened, "last?"

Kuroo finally looked at Kenma, giving him a sad smile. "I haven't seen her in a while. I don't think I'll ever see her again."

Kenma froze. He wasn't sure how to react. He just wanted to wrap Kuroo into another hug, but he didn't have to words to tell him how sorry he was. He didn't think any words could make Kuroo feel better. What happened to his mom? How could Kenma make it up to him? Is there even a way to fix this? Was there really anything Kenma could say? Would it even help? Would it-

"My parents got divorced. That why I moved here with my dad and my grandparents." Kuroo looked back down.

"I..." Kenma tried as hard as he could to speak, but he wasn't sure what to say.

"I guess it's a bit more peaceful now, compared to when they would fight constantly."

Kenma reached out and grabbed Kuroo's hand.

Kuroo looked at Kenma, the smaller boy's dark hair covering his face as he faced the ground.

"I-I'm so sorry this happened, Kuro."

Kuroo noticed the way Kenma said his name, but he decided not to bring it up. After what he just told Kenma, he knew trying to make a joke would make things worse.

"I know nothing I say will fix this, but-" Kenma was cut off by Kuroo wrapping his arms around him, pulling him close in a hug.

"I'm glad you're here, Kenma. Just you being here is enough to make me feel better."

Kenma was shocked at first, but soon hugged back, burying his face into Kuroo's shoulder. Kenma still wondered what he could do to help Kuroo feel better. He missed seeing Kuroo's bright smile and way his eyes sparkled when he got excited. He hated knowing Kuroo was upset and there was nothing he could do about it.

Kuroo soon pulled away, ending the hug. He grabbed Kenma's hand, thought this time he didn't take off running. He held his hand gently, a soft smile on his face.

Kenma couldn't help but notice how fake the smile was.

"Wanna go back and play video games?" Kuroo asked, his voice quiet and gentle.

Kenma stared at Kuroo for a moment, he wasn't sure if going back and playing video games would make this any better. But somewhere inside, he hoped that if he agreed, playing video games would take Kuroo's mind off of things.

"Sure."