So dinner was off to an awkward start. Kuroo sat next to you and Riku on the other side while your siblings were scattered over the place.
"So Kuroo," your mother began. "Do you have any plans for your future?" Kill me, you thought. Could your mum not act like this was an interview?
"Well, something to do with volleyball. I'm really passionate about the sport." You just knew your mother would love that answer.
"Really?" Her eyes glimmered. There it is. "Maybe you can teach Y/n to care about something that much too!"
Kuroo laughed nervously. "Yeah, maybe," he answered. Great! Now he was uncomfortable.
Riku could see that you both were and decided to interject by telling your mother about a story from where he worked — just a bakery near his house.
You silently thanked him. Riku was a good friend when it counted. You could always depend on him, especially to tease you about anything close to a "crush."
"Anyway, what's the project about?" Your mother asked.
"Uh," you stuttered, "It's um, it's about forces."
"Oh, really? Maybe it will force you to get the top grade this time," she laughed and the air grew thick.
Kuroo eyed your mum and then looked at you. He could see the blush that had flourished on your skin. Nobody else was laughing except your mother.
"Well actually," Kuroo interjected, "Y/n's one of the top students in Tokyo."
Your mother looked at you. "Is that true? You've never told me that."
Your mother didn't realise that you actually didn't tell her a lot of things. Why? Well it's because she'd say the same thing.
"Time to aim even higher!"
She wouldn't pause to congratulate you or say how proud of you she was, she'd always say that you could do better.
"Well it's true," Kuroo laughed. "She's really smart, a genius really. I think she'd have a shot at any path she decides to take."
Out of embarrassment from all the compliments, you blushed and smiled nervously. Your mother looked happy.
"Well, that's amazing to hear!" She said. "Next is being the best in Japan!" She laughed once more and of course, she ruined it.
"Japan's a pretty big deal," Kuroo laughed nervously.
"Well if she worked harder she could do it," your mother said and took a sip of her wine.
Tears began to prickle at your eyes. This was all so embarrassing. Why did she have to say these things in front of Kuroo? Riku too, except he was more used to it.
"Maybe if she stopped being so lazy, playing those games of hers all the time." That was the final straw.
You pushed your seat out and walked away toward your room, heart pounding and hot tears streaming down your face.
"Ugh," your mother scoffed. "I'm so sorry about her. She never knows how to take a joke." She laughed and Riku joined in but anyone could tell his was faked.
"The thing is though, jokes are meant to be funny aren't they?" Kuroo asked.
Your mother paled.
Kuroo gave a fake smiled and stood up.
"Thank you for the meal, but I think I'll be going now. Have a good night."
With that, Kuroo walked off toward your room. At the table, there was an uncomfortable silence.
Riku had tried once or twice to stand up to your mother but she was a very intimidating women. And that's why Riku now had even more respect for Kuroo.
To be continued...
