WHAT LOVERS DO ❨ kuroo tetsuro ❩

four. dinner with the parents

To say that Kuroo was already comfortable with Rin's mother and vice versa was an understatement. His dad treated Rin well, and it was not a secret that Rin's mother was very much fond of Kuroo. If someone else were to be asked about this kind of set up, they would definitely state that sooner or later, Kuroo and Rin might end up together.

However, to those two involved, it only came as a far fetched dream. Neither of them were aware of the other's feelings, and Rin's feelings weren't exactly deep enough to long for a committed relationship with Kuroo. Truly, she was fond of him and was certain that her feelings might have stepped over the line between platonic and romantic, but the gap between those two wasn't that big. Kuroo, however, had liked her since they were first year students.

Their parents were happily chatting about work and their children, while Kuroo and Rin had a conversation of their own.

"You mean to say, Yaku is training Lev these past few days? So, Lev is only practicing his receives these days?" Rin asked, and Kuroo nodded with a small smile.

"Admittedly, he might be tall and has potential for blocking, but his receives suck. Yaku's the best man for the job," Kuroo replied, chuckling as he saw the amusement in Rin's eyes.

"Yaku probably feels burdened but he might find it enjoyable in a way, too. He might get emotional if Lev turns out really good after their training."

Both teens chuckled at Rin's statement, imagining the look on Yaku's face while training Lev. Surely, he'd be pissed and would train Lev to the bone, but that was one good thing about Yaku— he was very hardworking and he looked after his teammates well. He was reliable both on and off court.

While Rin was spacing out, Kuroo was gazing at her with a small smile on his face. He never would have imagined that they'd end up getting this close, so close that their parents even knew each other and were fond of each other's presence. Not that he was complaining. In fact, he loved the fact that they were close. It gave him a little hope that if there was anyone Rin's mother would like for her daughter to end up with, it would be him. Perhaps, he could afford to dream like that.

While he was watching her, Kuroo did not notice that their parents were looking at him. They shook their heads— his father was aware that he had feelings for Rin, and this was proof enough for Rin's mother that he liked her daughter.

"Stop staring, you're making fun of my face, aren't you?" Rin asked, furrowing her brows and fake glaring at Kuroo who laughed and raised his hands in surrender.

"Yeah, you eat so messily. I almost thought I was looking at a child."

"Oh, please. And you cling onto me like a child. Who's more childish now?"

Their playful banter made their parents smile, totally amused by their children's attitude towards the other. Rin's mother was simply happy enough that her daughter found someone who was able to crack up her walls and allow her to act freely. Kuroo was a big help, and she noticed the significant change on Rin's behavior when they became friends. Rin became livelier and happier.

"You two fight like an old married couple. I swear, you might end up together if you keep it up," Kuroo's father joked, making the teens freeze and blush at the same time.

"Oh, uncle, please, he's such a headache. I don't wanna be married to someone like him," Rin replied, chuckling with Kuroo's dad.

"Wow. You wound me, Rin, I thought we had something going on," Kuroo's joke was enough to deepen the blush on Rin's cheeks, earning him a slap on his arm.

"Mom, please don't cook extra food for him tomorrow. I won't be eating lunch with him."

The rest of the evening flew by quickly, ending with their parents heading home first and the two taking a walk together. It was already around 10PM when they decided to head back, and Kuroo walked her home. The night was pretty much peaceful, and he wanted so bad to let things stay that way.

Rin had a peaceful smile on her face, and he couldn't help but admire the way she gazed at the stars. He wondered, if he hadn't bothered her that one day, will Rin ever smile like that in his presence? The thought of the girl smiling around someone else, being close with another person instead of him, those made his heart twitch in pain. He loved to see her shine, but at the same time, he wanted to be the one on the front seat.

Was that selfish of him? If he were to compare it to something else, it was akin to longing for the championship and wanting to be on the winning team. It was like wanting that ace on his team, as it would give him more reassurance that the game will go well if that person's around. He wanted to keep her close and at the same time, let others know of her brilliance.

In front of the gates of the Kimura Residence, Kuroo held onto the hem of Rin's shirt and stopped her from walking further. The simple action made Rin freeze on her spot, confused as to why Kuroo held her back. Did something happen? Was he bothered by something?

"Is something wrong, Tetsu?" Rin asked, tilting her head to the side while furrowing her brows. They had classes next morning, and it was already so late. What was so important that it couldn't wait until the following day?

"Oh, uh, nothing. I just wanted to ask you something," he replied, sighing as he nervously ran his hand through his already messy hair.

"Yes? What's it?"

"What's your favorite food?"

His question took her aback, as it was so sudden. Still, she wanted to give him an answer.

"I've never really thought about it. Maybe curry?" Her answer made him grin, nodding.

"Okay, got it."

Before she could ask him what he wanted, he already jogged away from her, leaving her wondering what the hell ran through his brain.

Then again, as close as they were, they never really asked each other those questions directly. They were just always around each other, but never took the initiative to know more about the other directly. To be asked was rather refreshing, and it was so sudden that she couldn't help but think about it all night.

When she was finally inside, she clicked her tongue because she couldn't fight back her curiosity. She fished out her phone and texted Kuroo, asking him the same question.

TETSURO

Rin
What's your favorite food?

Tetsuro
Grilled Salted Mackerel Pike

Rin
Okay

Tetsuro
Good night

Rin thought it was simply a question to get to know each other, but the following day proved her wrong. Kuroo Tetsuro was full of surprises. Always taking that extra mile, sometimes too much and unnecessarily. Not that she hated it.

In fact, she thought that was his charm.