Rain on the Windows | Kuroken

Chapter 2

A few years ago, Kozume Kenma hadn't even considered attending college for a possible degree. Kenma didn't like the idea of going to more school, even though he had no idea what he would want to do if he got a degree.

But now, here he was, at age 21, with a two-year degree, over two million subscribers on his streaming platform, and a potential offer for his new company. And the only person he had to thank for getting him here was Kuroo.

Kuroo was the one that had convinced him to attend college after his last year at Nekoma High. Kuroo was the one who stayed up with him for hours, studying and taking notes, even if he had his work to do. And he was the one that kept Kenma motivated and kept a smile on his face even when Kenma almost gave up. Kenma wouldn't be the person he is today if it wasn't for Kuroo. And there wasn't possibly a way he could thank Kuroo enough for it. At least, not in words.

But leaving him here right before he graduated? Kenma couldn't fathom the thought. Even if Kuroo continued to insist that he go, Kenma knew that he wouldn't be able to forgive himself for missing the graduation of the person he cared about most.

"Kenma, this is about you. Not me," Kuroo's face softened as Kenma turned his gaze to him. "This could make you so successful, Kenma. I shouldn't be the reason you don't follow your dreams."

Kenma knew he was (mostly) right. But this was Kenma's life as much as it was Kuroo's. The longest time Kenma had ever spent without Kuroo being right next door was just over a year, when Kenma was finishing high school. But even then, Kuroo's college was only a half-hour drive away. That was nothing compared to where Kenma was going to be now.

Kenma wanted to tell Kuroo that he couldn't leave. At the same time, Kenma knew he would never be good with words. He wouldn't be able to form the right words to explain his feelings correctly.

Knowing this made him feel helpless inside.

"-enma. Kenma? Are you listening to me?" Kuroo gave Kenma's shoulder a small shake, snapping him out of his thoughts. "When would you have to leave?"

"Friday." When Kenma received the offer, He was told to travel to Shikoku, but he had no idea how long he would have to stay there. It could be anywhere from a few days, to a month or longer. Kenma had asked if it was able to be an online meeting but was turned down almost immediately

"How long?"

Kenma shrugged his shoulders.

"I'll help you pack tomorrow," Kuroo smiled softly. Kenma tried to smile back, but he couldn't. There was no turning back now. Kenma wouldn't be able to explain why he didn't want to leave. Kenma just nodded.

Kenma went back to helping Kuroo study, staying silent unless Kuroo started making jokes. Whether they had something to do with science, or if they made no sense, Kenma laughed along with him. It helped in his desperate attempt to forget the dreaded days ahead of him.

~~~

Kuroo took Kenma to the airport that Friday. Kenma had suggested that he just fly to Shikoku instead of driving. And flying allowed him to ask Kuroo to drive him to the airport. A small attempt at receiving more time with him.

Kenma stood next to Kuroo, fidgeting with the straps on his backpack.

"You're nervous, aren't you?" Kenma felt his face flush. I'm that bad at hiding it? He thought to himself.

Kenma gave a slight nod, so Kuroo placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't be. You'll be amazing, and you're gonna come back a successful businessman." Kuroo tilted his chin up and pretended to push glasses up on his nose. Kenma laughed quietly next to him.

"Thanks, Kuro," Kenma used the one nickname that came ever so easy for him to call Kuroo. Kuroo smiled next to him.

"Of course, pudding," Kuroo ruffled Kenma's hair, knowing he would be embarrassed by the nickname. A voice came over the intercom system in the airport, announcing the boarding of Kenma's flight. Kenma turned to look at Kuroo. Kuroo smiled and pulled Kenma into a tight squeeze. "I'm so proud of you," Kuroo mumbled into Kenma's hair. Kenma couldn't help but smile. Words like those made Kenma realize that, maybe, this wouldn't be as hard as he thought. Nothing was ever that hard for him if he knew that he had someone that would root for him to the end.

Kenma pulled away, smiling up at Kuroo. "Thank you," Kenma said these words one last time, before turning on his heel and heading towards the boarding gate, refusing to look back at Kuroo one last time, fearing that if he did, he'd never be able to complete his journey.