Scandalous - KuroKen

14

As Kenma and Akaashi made their way down to the company's lobby to grab drinks for the team, the quiet hum of the elevator filled the space between them. Akaashi, always observant, glanced over at Kenma.

"You've been doing well with the PR stuff lately," Akaashi said, his tone casual but purposeful.

Kenma raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure where this was going.

Akaashi continued, "First week, you and Kuroo were seen at the café. The second week, you two had that chat during your stream, which, by the way, got a lot of buzz. Third week was Kuroo's movie premiere, and last week, you had the tournament. Now we've only got one more week left, so just one more public appearance, and you're done."

Kenma blinked, slightly taken aback. "Has it really been a month?" It felt like they had just started. Time had flown by so fast, the blur of public outings and staged appearances almost blending together.

"Yeah, it sneaks up on you," Akaashi replied with a faint smile. "But you don't look too happy about it. What's up?"

Kenma shrugged, adjusting his hoodie. "I'm happy. Just tired. That's why I don't look it."

Akaashi gave him a look that said he wasn't entirely convinced, but he let it go. As they reached the lobby, Kenma's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen-Kuroo.

He answered, voice low, "Hey."

"Hey, you on break?" Kuroo asked, his voice sounding upbeat as usual.

"Yeah, why?"

"I'm outside."

Kenma frowned in confusion. "Outside? Why?"

"Just come out. I've got something for you."

Kenma glanced at Akaashi, who was watching him with curious eyes. "Go on," Akaashi said, taking the drinks from Kenma's hands. "I'll handle these. You should see what he wants."

Kenma hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

He made his way outside, and sure enough, there was Kuroo, leaning casually against his car, hands tucked into his pockets as he spotted Kenma approaching. He flashed that familiar grin.

Without a word, Kuroo opened the passenger door for Kenma, motioning him to get in.

Still confused, Kenma slid into the seat, glancing over at Kuroo as he joined him inside. "Where are we going?" Kenma asked, the question lingering in the air as Kuroo started the engine.

"It's a secret," Kuroo said, his tone teasing as they pulled away from the curb.

Kenma leaned back in his seat, still uncertain but strangely curious. Whatever Kuroo had planned, it was bound to be interesting.

As Kuroo drove them through the city, Kenma gazed out the window, watching the blur of buildings and busy streets roll by. He had no idea where Kuroo was taking him, but there was something oddly comforting about the spontaneity of it all. After a few minutes, the car pulled up to a quaint little bakery tucked away on a quiet corner, its warm lights spilling out onto the sidewalk.

Kuroo hopped out of the car, motioning for Kenma to follow. "Come on, we're here."

Kenma stepped out, his eyes scanning the modest storefront before following Kuroo inside. The bakery had a cozy, homey feel-wooden tables, the smell of freshly baked bread hanging in the air. It wasn't fancy, but it felt... real.

Kuroo led Kenma to a small table near the window and pulled out a chair for him. "Sit here, I'll be right back," he said, flashing Kenma a quick smile before heading up to the counter.