Of Cats and Crows (Sugawara Koushi)

Future Facing

The new semester was going swimmingly. Suga had officially moved into Mitsumi's spare bedroom. After taking care of her apartment while she was gone, his own mother had suggested the idea. Even after consulting with his Aunt, she said it made more sense. After all, he was barely ever home.

She was just returning from Russia. Apparently, something had happened to the venue and the game had to be postponed from its original date. And so she spent the weekend abroad. It wasn't a really big deal, but it was a pain having to get his belongings set up on his own. Plus, they would be celebrating her surprising victory that secured Japan a spot in the World Championships. Of course, he was going to go all out for it. Mitsumi was always really cranky when she got home from travelling. Kuroo didn't lie about the severity of it either. At first, the setter thought him and Bokuto were just being their overdramatic selves.

It was 9:00 p.m. Everyone was home from practice, so Mitsumi really had no excuse to stop by the gym. The sound of the door swinging open, luggage being dragged in, and shoes being kicked off came from the entryway. "I'm home!" Mitsumi huffed and tried to catch her breath. She dragged her bags inside, not even bothering to slip her house slippers on.

To her surprise, the apartment was decorated in a way she didn't remember at all. Fresh vases of flowers sat on the side tables at each end of the cream-colored sofa next to picture frames she didn't remember setting out. Some succulents and small potted plants sat on the windowsill in the front room. Some of the furniture had been rearranged, some of it replaced to match. The living room was themed to have cream, green, and woody brown colors.

"Don't tell me I walked into the wrong apartment," Mitsumi muttered under her breath.

Suga stepped out of the kitchen. He was just plating dinner up. "Welcome home, Sparks." He gave her the tight hug she had been looking forward to so much. "How was it?"

"Tiring. The flight was long, and Mom's driving skills are the absolute worst. Plus I ran into some fans who wanted photos." Mitsumi's mother had picked her up from the stadium since she was in the area. "Russia is an interesting place with interesting people. It makes me wonder how the heck Yaku is surviving." She returned his hug and snuggled into his embrace. He reeked of curry and spices. "Someone has been busy today."

"Plus, Aunt Nami's office was getting rid of surplus furniture. She came by to help me bring my stuff in and insisted that she make the space more homey." Suga pulled away but held her by the waist. His aunt was one of the best interior designers around Tokyo, so he figured it would be a nice surprise. "I hope you like it."

Mitsumi broke away and took another scan of the living area and nodded in approval. "It is very kind of her to generously give us all this furniture." She stood on her toes and pecked a kiss on his cheek. Her original plan was to shower and change first, but her stomach wasn't exactly the quietest thing. "What's cooking?"

"Curry and rice. It's already finished." Suga followed her to the dining table. "I already ate, so eat as much as you like. I'll package the leftovers for lunch tomorrow." He smiled and brought her a plate of hot food. It was a relief to see that she was devouring it. Sometimes, she would be too tired from travelling and then skip a meal.

The night was low-key. Suga was working on his homework as Mitsumi unpacked. The sound of the washing machine filled the silent apartment. Mitsumi knocked on his door, "Koushi, do mind helping me put this up?" She had a small Russian flag in her hand. She decided that she would get a small flag to hang up in her room from every country she played in. They were hung up on a piece of twine she could thread through a fold she'd make. The collection was mounted above her desk, so she needed some help to pull it down and put it back up.