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

Chapter 5: The "Perfect Date Practice"

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The gym echoed with the sounds of bouncing volleyballs and laughter as Bokuto burst into (Y/n)’s line of sight, a beaming grin plastered on his face. It was one of those days where his energy seemed limitless, and (Y/n) couldn’t help but smile back, even if their heart tugged with a familiar longing.

“(Y/n)!” Bokuto called out, his voice a mix of excitement and determination. “I’ve got a brilliant idea! We’re going on a practice date!”

“A practice date?” (Y/n) echoed, a mix of confusion and delight swirling in their chest. “Like… an actual date?”

“Exactly!” Bokuto said, bouncing on his feet, his enthusiasm contagious. “But this one is just for you! I mean, it’s to help you get comfortable before your real date! So you won’t be nervous!”

“But I don’t have a date… or a crush,” (Y/n) tried to reason, but Bokuto was already too far into his planning to hear the uncertainty in their voice.

“Nonsense! This is perfect! We’ll work on all the skills you’ll need! Compliments, sharing food, everything!” His eyes sparkled with mischief as he began to list out activities like a kid announcing a surprise party.

Before (Y/n) could protest further, Bokuto had already whisked them away to the nearby café, chattering animatedly about how they needed to practice everything from sitting together to sharing a meal.

“Alright, first, we need to practice giving compliments!” Bokuto declared as they settled into a cozy booth at the café, his expression fierce and serious.

“Compliments?” (Y/n) repeated, amusement bubbling in their chest. “Like what?”

“Like, say something nice about me!” Bokuto leaned forward, grinning widely, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Uh… okay,” (Y/n) said, biting back laughter. “Your enthusiasm is… really something.”

“Perfect! Now I’ll say something nice about you!” He beamed. “You’re the best partner to have in practice! I mean, look at how well you receive the ball!”

(Y/n) laughed, shaking their head, but the warmth from Bokuto’s praise wrapped around their heart like a soft blanket. “Thanks, Bokuto.”

“Now, sharing food!” Bokuto clapped, pulling out a couple of sandwiches he’d ordered earlier, already half-eaten and somewhat squished. “I know how to do this!”

“Um, do we really have to share?” (Y/n) asked, eyeing the sandwich warily.

“Of course! It’s romantic!” Bokuto replied, leaning across the table as he took a huge bite of his sandwich, then offering half to (Y/n) with exaggerated flair. “Here, take a bite! It’s delicious!”

(Y/n) couldn’t help but smile at his antics, albeit with a twinge of heartache that made the joy bittersweet. Sharing a meal felt intimate, and they wished it was in a different context. Still, they leaned in, taking a bite from the offered half, and laughed at the ridiculousness of it all.

“This is quite the romantic setting,” (Y/n) joked, the lightheartedness of the moment making their heart flutter even as it ached.

“Exactly! Now, let’s practice the cheesy romantic scene!” Bokuto exclaimed, barely giving (Y/n) time to catch their breath. “You know, like in the movies? I’ll be the prince, and you can be the princess!”

(Y/n) chuckled, shaking their head as Bokuto dramatically positioned himself as if ready to sweep them off their feet. He took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and leaned closer, resting his chin on his hand. “My lady, your beauty is like the sun. You make my heart race, and I can’t imagine a day without your radiant smile.”

The corners of (Y/n)’s lips curled up, both enchanted and heartbroken. “That was… something, Bokuto.”

“Right?” He beamed, oblivious to the bittersweet tone in (Y/n)’s voice. “Now, you say something!”

Taking a moment to breathe, (Y/n) searched for the right words, feeling the weight of the moment. “Uh… your energy lights up the room, Bokuto. You make everything more fun.”

“See? This is great!” Bokuto laughed, completely missing the wistful tone of (Y/n)’s compliment. “You’re getting the hang of it! We’re totally ready for your real date now!”

As Bokuto continued with his over-the-top scenarios—practicing holding hands, exaggerated gestures, and even pretending to be shy when giving compliments—(Y/n) found it increasingly difficult to separate their heart from their longing. Each playful moment served as a painful reminder of how close they were to what they truly desired: an actual date with Bokuto himself.

Akaashi, who had been observing from a nearby table, sighed deeply as he watched Bokuto’s antics unfold. He shook his head slightly, fully aware that his friend was missing all the signs right in front of him. Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for (Y/n), who was clearly caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

When the practice date finally came to a close, Bokuto grinned, his eyes shining with excitement. “See? You’re all set now! Just remember, when you go on your real date, be yourself! It’ll be great!”

(Y/n) nodded, the weight of disappointment heavy in their chest. “Yeah, just be myself.”

As they left the café, Bokuto’s arm draped around (Y/n)’s shoulder, his laughter ringing in the air like music. (Y/n) felt a bittersweet smile form on their lips. They loved these moments—how effortlessly he could brighten their day—but they also felt a deeper ache, the longing for something that might never be.

“Thanks for helping me practice, Bokuto,” (Y/n) said softly, leaning into him as they walked side by side. “It was fun.”

“Anytime! I’m always here for you!” Bokuto replied, completely unaware of the deeper feelings swirling between them.

Akaashi followed behind, shaking his head with a small smile. Maybe one day Bokuto would realize just how much his best friend meant to (Y/n). But until then, he could only hope that (Y/n) would find a way to navigate their heart amidst all the playful chaos Bokuto created around them.