blind date | kenma kozume

# ten

#10 | WORK CONVERSATIONS

It had been a month and a half since that drunken kiss with Kenma—a month and a half since you had started avoiding him like the plague. The memory of that night haunted you, especially the way your heart had fluttered against your will. You couldn't shake the image of Kenma's lips on yours, the warmth of his breath, the way he had looked at you with something that was neither pure shock nor regret. But you had made a choice, and that choice was to pretend it never happened. And so, the avoidance began.

Today, like any other day, you were at volleyball practice, clipboard in hand, checking off inventory in the storage room. You moved through the aisles with practiced efficiency, mentally noting the stock levels of everything from water bottles to first-aid supplies. The familiar routine was comforting, a welcome distraction from the chaos that was your personal life.

Hinata, on his break, was chattering away beside you, his voice a constant background noise as he rambled about everything from his latest match to his favorite ramen place. Normally, you'd engage with him, but today, your mind was elsewhere.

"Y/n, you can't keep not hanging out with us," Hinata suddenly said, his tone more serious than usual. "Wait, are you avoiding Kenma again? Is it because of the k—"

Before he could finish, you slapped him lightly with the clipboard, cutting him off mid-sentence. "DO NOT say another word," you warned, your voice low and dangerous. "Or I will tell EVERYONE about you and Rin making out."

Hinata's eyes widened in shock, his hand flying to his mouth as if to stop himself from blurting out anything else. "Ow! Wait, what? How did you know about that?" he asked, his curiosity evident. Clearly, he had forgotten that anyone else was around during that moment.

"I was looking for you two and I saw you," you replied, trying to keep your voice nonchalant as you shoved a box of towels back onto the shelf. "I was going to take a photo for blackmail purposes, but someone threw up on me before I could."

Hinata blinked, processing this new information. He opened his mouth to ask more questions, but you were already moving on, eager to change the subject. "Anyway, we're not talking about me, remember? We're talking about you and Rin."

The mention of Rin effectively silenced him. Hinata's cheeks turned a bright shade of pink, and he started mumbling something incoherent under his breath. You almost felt bad for him—almost.

"Shouyou," you said, cutting through his nervous rambling, "you can't hide from this forever, you know? You should talk to her about it. Trust me, avoiding someone only makes things worse."

Hinata's expression softened as he looked at you, understanding dawning in his eyes. "You're right... but it's scary. What if it changes everything?"

You paused, the clipboard resting against your hip as you met his gaze. "It might," you admitted, your voice gentler now. "But it could also be the start of something new. You won't know until you try."

Hinata nodded slowly, clearly deep in thought. "Thanks, Y/n. I'll think about it."

"Good," you replied, giving him a small smile. "Now go finish your break before the coach starts wondering where you are."

Hinata flashed you a grateful grin before jogging off, leaving you alone with your thoughts once more. You sighed, running a hand through your hair. If only you could take your own advice.

────────────