Until winter ends - BokuAka [haikyuu]

[8] Between unspoken words

[Bokuto's point of view]

The drive back to the city is silent and tense. The road stretches out before us, winding through the night that quickly closes in around us. The silence inside the car is almost palpable, interrupted only by the constant sound of the engine and the light conversations we try to keep superficial.

The headlights illuminate the way. Akaashi's gaze, fixed on the road, reveals his growing exhaustion. His expression is tired and tense, and I can see that sleep is beginning to overtake him.

- Akaashi, maybe we should stop and rest a bit - I suggest, trying to bring some logic to the situation. - The night is getting late, and driving while tired is dangerous.

He gives me a weary look, and then, after a moment of hesitation, he nods.

- I agree. Let's find an inn. - His voice is low and dragging.

Minutes later, we find a small inn by the roadside. It's a simple place, with a lit sign and a cozy air, contrasting with the coldness of the night. The place seems perfect for a stop, and the idea of a warm bed and a pause in the journey offers a welcome relief.

After parking, we get out of the car and enter the reception. The place is simple but cozy, with a smell of wood and fresh coffee in the air. The receptionist gives us the key to a double room and shows us the way.

- It's just for one night, right? - Akaashi asks, his voice a bit more alert now.

- Yes, just one night - I confirm, trying to keep the tone light. - Tomorrow we continue our journey.

With only the necessary bags in hand, we go up to the room. The atmosphere is cozy, with soft lighting.

Akaashi lies down on the bed, visibly exhausted, while I sit beside him. The words we exchanged before arriving at the inn still linger in the air, and the feeling that we need to face this as soon as possible continues to bother us.

- I'll take a shower - I say. - Maybe it will help to relax.

Akaashi just nods, his eyes already closing as fatigue finally wins. I head to the bathroom, seeking a brief respite from the thoughts that seem to spin endlessly in my mind.

I take a hot shower, and when I come out of the bathroom, Akaashi is already asleep, his eyes closed and his breathing steady, signaling that he finally managed to relax. I lie down next to him, not touching him, the space between us small but significant.

::

[Akaashi's point of view]

The morning sun enters through the window of the inn room; the day is white but calm.
Even though the inn doesn't offer breakfast, when we go downstairs, an old lady invites us to join her and try the new recipe for muffins that had just come out of the oven, along with matcha tea.

Bokuto seems to be trying to regain normalcy, he is smiling and talking as usual, chatting with the woman about how to have a healthy diet to live until 130 years old. He gets along with everyone, it's amazing.

After we finish eating, we thank her and let her know that we need to hit the road early to avoid traffic.
We pack our things, pay the bill at the reception, and return to the car. The day is clear, and the road seems lighter now.

As we drive, the atmosphere in the car is more relaxed than the previous day. We talk about small things, trying to break the silence.

We stop at a convenience store and buy water. When we get back to the car, I hear a notification sound coming from Bokuto's phone. He picks up the device and checks it. His expression changes instantly upon reading the message he just received from his aunt. He falls silent, his eyes widen, and the color drains from his face.