Crushing It (Not Exactly) | K.Bokuto x reader |

Chapter 3: The Matchmaking Mishap

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The energy in the gym was high as Bokuto set his “master plan” into motion. He had gathered a few of his teammates before practice started, his face lit up with the excitement of a boy on a secret mission.

“Alright, everyone,” Bokuto began, voice low but vibrant, “we’re helping (Y/N) out today. The goal? To figure out who their crush is based on reactions. We watch them during practice, see who’s keeping an eye on them the most, and—bam! Mystery solved!”

The team gave each other amused, knowing looks, and Akaashi’s sharp gaze flickered between Bokuto and (Y/N) with a look that bordered on suspicion.

“Bokuto,” Akaashi started, a hint of skepticism in his tone, “how exactly do you plan to interpret these reactions?”

Bokuto waved a hand as if the answer was obvious. “Oh, you know—people will be watching (Y/N), maybe cheering them on, that kind of thing! We’ll just… feel it.”

(Y/N) couldn’t hide a soft laugh at Bokuto’s complete confidence in his plan. They appreciated his enthusiasm, even if he was a little too oblivious to see who their true feelings were for. And so, with a mix of nerves and hidden hope, they decided to go along with it.

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Practice began, and (Y/N) found themselves at the center of Bokuto’s attention, which meant the entire team was watching them too. Bokuto had somehow convinced nearly everyone to be in on this “reaction watch,” and they all cast (Y/N) knowing glances whenever they moved.

“Alright, (Y/N)!” Bokuto called out, bouncing on his heels with excitement. “Start off with some serves. Let’s show everyone what you’ve got!”

With a nervous but determined smile, (Y/N) took their position at the back of the court, the volleyball in their hands. They glanced quickly at Bokuto, who gave them a thumbs-up, his grin bright enough to make their heart skip a beat. Focusing, (Y/N) took a breath, tossed the ball into the air, and delivered a solid serve over the net.

“Nice one, (Y/N)!” Bokuto shouted, applauding louder than anyone else, his excitement genuine and infectious. But he didn’t stop there. With dramatic flair, he gestured to the team. “See that form? Did you all see that? They’re incredible!”

(Y/N) tried to hide their smile, heat rising to their cheeks as Bokuto’s enthusiasm washed over them. They weren’t sure whether to be embarrassed or flattered by his attention.

“Great serve, (Y/N),” Akaashi said with a nod, offering an encouraging smile as he watched Bokuto with a knowing gaze. It seemed that he, at least, was beginning to understand exactly where (Y/N)’s attention was truly directed.

But Bokuto, still utterly oblivious, was already plotting his next move.

“Alright, alright!” he called out, his competitive energy spiking. “Let’s see some spike receives! Konoha, I want you on the other side. And (Y/N)—be ready!”

(Y/N) got into position, heart racing a bit faster at the thought of performing under Bokuto’s watchful eye. Konoha set up across from them, ready to send the ball their way. As the drill began, (Y/N) focused on each movement, catching each spike from Konoha with precision and a growing sense of pride. Bokuto watched intently, and each time (Y/N) executed a move correctly, he’d give them a hearty cheer.

“Woo! That’s how it’s done, (Y/N)!” he bellowed, pumping a fist in the air.

Konoha and some of the others exchanged glances, stifling laughs as Bokuto’s praise grew more extravagant with each pass. The rest of the team could see it, but Bokuto remained oblivious to the fact that the only one truly captivated by (Y/N) was himself.

As the practice went on, Bokuto’s competitive side began to take over. If anyone so much as offered a simple compliment to (Y/N), he’d swoop in, trying to steal the show.

At one point, Yukie called out, “Nice block, (Y/N)!”

But before (Y/N) could even respond, Bokuto leaped in front of them with an exaggerated display of enthusiasm. “Hey, Yukie, did you see that last jump I did too? Pretty high, right? I was in the air for so long!”

(Y/N) couldn’t help but laugh at Bokuto’s antics, completely charmed by his endearing need to show off. His energy was contagious, and every time he tried to impress them, they found themselves smiling wider, heart pounding just a little harder.

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By the time the practice neared its end, Bokuto had practically turned it into his own one-man show, diving, spiking, and even adding flips here and there to make sure he had everyone’s attention—especially (Y/N)’s.

“Bokuto,” Akaashi finally said, his tone dry but amused as he watched Bokuto attempt yet another dramatic dive for a ball that was already out of bounds, “are you trying to impress someone?”

Bokuto sat up, panting but beaming. “What? No way, Akaashi! I’m just… helping! (Y/N)’s crush needs to see how amazing their teammate is, that’s all!” He stood up and dusted himself off with a satisfied smile.

Akaashi glanced subtly at (Y/N), catching the soft smile that lingered on their face as they watched Bokuto. He sighed, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Right,” Akaashi murmured to himself. “Helping.”

Bokuto, too focused on his mission, didn’t notice the exchange. Instead, he motioned to (Y/N) with boundless enthusiasm. “So, (Y/N), have you noticed anyone reacting a lot today?” he asked, practically buzzing with excitement.

(Y/N) stammered, not quite sure how to answer. You, they wanted to say. You’re the one I notice the most. But with Bokuto staring at them expectantly, their words caught in their throat.

“Well… I, uh…” (Y/N) faltered, their heart racing as they glanced around, trying to find a way to dodge the question. “I mean, maybe I just need to… keep watching a little more.”

Bokuto beamed, taking their hesitation as a sign to continue. “No problem! Take all the time you need! I’ll be right here, ready to help.”

Akaashi, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow as he watched Bokuto’s completely oblivious smile. He couldn’t help but shake his head slightly, a knowing glint in his eyes.

As practice wrapped up, (Y/N) couldn’t help but feel a strange mixture of exasperation and admiration. They were exhausted from all the drills and still no closer to revealing their feelings. And yet, they didn’t entirely mind. Watching Bokuto’s constant efforts to help—his enthusiasm, his boundless energy, his genuine excitement—only made their heart ache a little more.

And if anyone noticed the way (Y/N)’s gaze lingered on Bokuto just a moment too long, or the way their face lit up whenever he showed off just for them, well, it seemed that Akaashi was the only one truly catching on.

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As they gathered up their belongings, Akaashi sidled up to (Y/N), his expression calm but his eyes glinting with something akin to understanding.

“(Y/N),” he began in a low voice, careful to keep Bokuto from overhearing, “I think you’re going to need more than this ‘experiment’ if you want him to notice.”

(Y/N) looked at Akaashi, feeling their cheeks warm. “You… you noticed?”

Akaashi nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t think I’m the only one who’s noticed,” he said quietly, casting a brief glance in Bokuto’s direction. “Just… maybe the only one who realizes exactly what’s going on.”

(Y/N) managed a smile, grateful for Akaashi’s subtle support but still feeling the weight of Bokuto’s obliviousness. They glanced over at Bokuto, who was chatting animatedly with Konoha about “what a great job” they had done with the plan.

“Thanks, Akaashi,” (Y/N) said softly. “I guess… I’ll just keep waiting. Maybe he’ll catch on eventually.”

Akaashi gave them a gentle nod. “Maybe he just needs a little more help realizing who’s been watching him all along.”

As (Y/N) left the gym, they felt a new spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Bokuto would figure it out—though with a little more nudging from Akaashi, it might not take quite as long as they feared.