Stuck on you // Kuroo x Kenma

Chapter 22

Kuroo didn't want to get out of bed. How was it already graduation day? Where had the year gone? It had all been a blur of events happening, with classes, volleyball tournaments and exams. How he had managed to do well at any of his exams was beyond explanation. Somehow he had managed to get into one of the more prestigious colleges, his grades somehow still being at their best.

Kenma had stopped ignoring him like before, but things were still awkward between them. Kenma always seemed to be in a rush to get away from him the moment he didn't have to stay. Kuroo had tried his best to find a moment to tell Kenma that what he had overheard that day was not like it had seemed. Even though it was exactly like he had overheard. But the meaning behind it was something completely different. When Kuroo realised Kenma just wanted to get away as soon as practice or school was done, he ended up just letting him. They had drifted apart because of everything. Kuroo had cursed himself way too much after it all, but it seemed to be too late.

He forced his legs over the end of the bed. There was no need to stay and feel sorry for himself. He was gonna get through the graduation, if he liked it or not. Putting his school uniform on for the last time, he stopped and looked at himself in the mirror. He tried putting on a smile, but his eyes were not in it.

"Kuroo, are you ready yet?" his mom yelled from downstairs. Kuroo sighed, grabbed his phone, and started making his way down. As soon as he was almost down the stairs, his mom started squealing.

"I can't believe you are done with high school," she exclaimed dramatically, leaning onto Kuroo's father. Kuroo's head fell towards the ground, hoping it would come off as him being shy over his mom's reaction.

"You're growing up so fast," his father said. "It feels just like yesterday that you took your first steps."

"Dad, come on," Kuroo nagged, trying to put his shoes on, but was taken aback when his mom decided to embrace him, forcing a weird choking sound out of him.

"Umph, mom. It's not like I'm dying," he said trying to be comforting as he patted her head.

"No, but our little boy is going to college!" Kuroo looked up at his father in hopes for any kind of help, but his father just chuckled.

"I don't know about the little part, but-" he hummed in between his chuckles. Kuroo rolled his eyes at his dad before trying to peel his mother off of him.

"Mom, we gotta get going," he said, pointing towards the door in an attempt to free himself. His mom nodded quickly and hurried off of him, immediately latching herself onto her husband's arm.

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Kenma stood by the school gate letting his eyes glide across all the 3rd years grouped up everywhere. Somewhere he had spotted Yaku comforting a crying Lev, who was clinging onto a very stressed Shibayama. It was easy enough telling the 3rd years apart from the rest of the people, them having their diplomas in hand and all.

His heart was running laps in his chest as he kept scanning the school yard. It felt like a mistake being there. Did he even have the right to send Kuroo off after how strained their friendship had gotten? Would Kuroo even want him to be there? No, he definitely would've wanted his childhood friend to be there for him. Right? Maybe he should've stayed home instead. Just sent a message or something-

"Kenma?"

It felt like all the air disappeared around him. As he slowly turned around, there he was. Kuroo.

"Oh, uhm... Hi," Kenma awkwardly mumbled. He was avoiding eye contact, as it felt like Kuroo was staring into his soul. "I just... Wanted to send you off."

Was it too late to make a run for it?

"Thanks," Kuroo said. "Very kind of you."

Kenma had fixed his eyes onto the diploma in Kuroo's hand. It felt surreal, having to go to school without Kuroo being there. He knew that he'd stay in town, as he had overheard some conversations during practice, but it wouldn't be the same. Nothing was the same.

"Kuroooo-saaaan!" Lev wailed as he ran over to embrace Kuroo, who let out a surprised gasp.

"Lev, you'll suffocate him," Yaku sighed, walking over with Shibayama.

"Hi Kozume-san," Shibayama smiled. Kenma gave him a half-smile in return. As much as Lev could get on his nerves, he was grateful to be saved from the awkwardness that now appeared between Kuroo and himself.

"Lev, please," Kuroo pleaded, trying to push him off of him. "Let go!"

"I'm gonna miss you so much, Kuroo-san!" Lev sobbed into Kuroo's shoulder, showing no signs of letting go.

"Yeah, yeah," Kuroo rolled his eyes, still trying to pry Lev off of him. "Gonna miss you too, buddy."

"It's not like we're dying," Yaku laughed, finally lending Kuroo a hand to drag Lev off.

Kenma watched the chaos unfolding in front of him, a sting in his chest. This was it. Kuroo was officially not a highschooler anymore. Graduation day had always been something Kenma had dreaded, having to watch his childhood friend grow up. Now it felt more like an uncertain goodbye, as he had no clue if they would even stay in touch after this. Kuroo was starting college, moving out, growing up. Kenma didn't really imagine himself fitting in with all of that, especially seeing how they barely talked anymore anyhow.

All good things must come to an end sometime.