A game of hearts {Kuroo}

18.

The confession between Kuroo and Y/N felt like a weight had been lifted from both of their shoulders. As the days passed, their newfound relationship began to take form. Despite the familiarity of their friendship, something had undeniably changed—there was an added layer of excitement, a slight nervousness that came with each touch, each lingering glance.

It wasn't long after their confession that Kuroo suggested, with his trademark grin, that they should go on a "real date." His proposal was casual, but the implication carried a certain gravity. This wasn't just another study session, or grabbing coffee after class. It was something that meant more.

---

Kuroo arrived at Y/N's dorm early in the afternoon. He was dressed in a simple but well-put-together outfit: dark jeans, a fitted jacket, and a scarf. He exuded a casual charm, but beneath his easy-going exterior, he felt more nervous than he expected. It was strange—he'd been out with Y/N countless times before, yet knowing this was their first official "date" made the whole experience feel new.

Y/N, on the other hand, had spent the better part of an hour standing in front of her mirror, second-guessing her outfit choices. She finally settled on a cozy sweater and jeans, something that reflected her laid-back personality. She didn't want to look like she was trying too hard, but at the same time, this was a first date—there was a certain pressure to make it memorable.

When Kuroo knocked on her door, Y/N felt a flutter of nerves. She opened the door to find him smiling at her, his eyes lighting up as he took in her appearance.

"Wow, you look great," Kuroo said, his tone genuine but slightly teasing. "You ready?"

Y/N blushed, feeling a mix of excitement and awkwardness. "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."

They both laughed, and the ease between them returned for a moment, helping to dispel some of the nervous energy.

---

Their first stop was a local restaurant near campus—a place neither of them had been to before, but it came highly recommended by Kuroo's volleyball teammates. It was a small, cozy café-style restaurant that specialized in comfort food, and the warm atmosphere seemed to melt away any lingering tension between them.

Once they were seated, Kuroo leaned back in his chair, trying to act casual despite the significance of the moment. "So," he began with a smirk, "what's the protocol for a first date when we already know everything about each other?"

Y/N smiled, feeling more at ease as she glanced over the menu. "I don't think we know everything," she replied playfully. "For instance, I don't know what your favorite dish here is."

Kuroo chuckled. "Fair point. I'll admit, I've never been here before, so I guess we're both trying something new."

After placing their orders, the conversation flowed effortlessly between them. They talked about their usual subjects—classes, their shared love of science, and volleyball. But now, there was a different energy between them. Every small touch—whether it was Kuroo brushing his hand against Y/N's as they passed the salt, or the way their knees touched under the table—felt charged with new meaning.

---

However, as with any first date, there were also awkward moments. When their food arrived, Y/N's plate nearly tipped over the edge of the table, and they both fumbled trying to catch it, laughing in unison. At one point, Kuroo knocked over his drink while enthusiastically explaining a volleyball play, leading to a minor mess on the table.

"Smooth," Y/N teased, handing him napkins.

"Hey, at least I didn't spill it on you this time," Kuroo shot back with a grin, referencing their initial encounter in the library.

Y/N smiled, but there was a warmth in her gaze that hadn't been there before. Even the little accidents felt right. This was them—imperfect, a little awkward, but natural.

---

After dinner, Kuroo suggested they take a walk through the campus park, where the trees had been strung with twinkling lights for the holiday season. The snow crunched under their feet as they walked side by side, their breath visible in the cold air.

For a while, they walked in comfortable silence, taking in the winter scenery. Eventually, Kuroo broke the quiet.

"You know," he said softly, glancing down at her, "I've been thinking about us a lot lately. Even before we talked in the park."

Y/N looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?"

Kuroo shrugged, his expression more serious than usual. "I guess I always knew you were different from anyone else I've ever been close to. But it took me a while to figure out that it wasn't just because we get along so well. It's because I genuinely like you, Y/N. I like being around you, talking to you. You make everything better, even the tough stuff."

Y/N felt her chest tighten with emotion. Hearing him say those words, out loud, in such a straightforward and honest way, made her realize how deep his feelings truly were.

"I've felt the same way," she admitted, her voice soft but sincere. "I didn't know how to explain it either, but I've always felt like we had something... more. Something special."

Kuroo stopped walking and turned to face her. The glow of the holiday lights reflected in his eyes, and for a moment, it felt like the entire world had fallen away, leaving just the two of them in the quiet, snow-covered park.

"Well," Kuroo said with a grin, "I'm glad we finally figured it out. Because I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited about what comes next."

Y/N smiled, feeling a wave of affection wash over her. "Yeah," she agreed softly. "Me too."

Kuroo reached out and gently took her hand in his, their fingers intertwining as they continued their walk through the park. The air was cold, but with Kuroo by her side, Y/N felt warm and content.

They weren't sure what the future held, but for the first time, they were ready to face it together.