Sweet Love

Chapter 26: Valentine's Day

Akaashi knows Valentine's is coming. Last year, he had received many many chocolates from annoymous people as well as obligatory chocolate from the girls in his class. It was a pain to deal with all that chocolate last year. Bokuto had brought home at least half of it and the rest were distributed to his team mates.

But this year is different. Akaashi is worried for another reason -- what is he going to give Bokuto? Chocolate is definite. But there are so many types of chocolate- white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pralines, thins... Akaashi is in a dilemma. Should he make the chocolate himself or buy it at a store? Akaashi finally decides to handmake some chocolate.

"Bokuto-san, do you want to play some volleyball after school?" It is their usual recess break and Akaashi wants to practise his toss since the accuracy of his tosses during the spring interhigh were not up to his standard.

"I'm sorry Akaash. I'm busy today." Eh? Bokuto never was busy after school. Even if he was, he would definitely complain. Akaashi shakes his head and replies with an "okay". His toss practice could be done another day anyways. And he had stuff he needed to do too.

It is the day before Valentine's. Akaashi had finished touching up his chocolates before his parents came home. He takes one last look at the nicely sculptured chocolates and gently places them in a tupperware box.

He wraps the box in the most normal looking wrapping paper he can find, putting it back in the fridge.

Meanwhile, Bokuto stares at the beautifully wrapped chocolate box in his hands. Cutting away the price tag, Bokuto puts it in his bag.

Both cannot wait for tomorrow to arrive.

And tomorrow arrives.

Akaashi fiddles with his hands as he heads to school. Over and over again. Even the usually oblivious Bokuto starts to notice. Akaashi is nervous. He had planned at least ten ways to pass the gift to Bokuto but with Bokuto's random ways, Akaashi is not sure if things will go as planned.  

"Akaashi! Do you know what day it is today?" Suddenly, Bokuto speaks up.

"...huh?" Akaashi snaps out of his daydream and dazedly answers, "Tuesday."

"Urgh! No. I m-mean yes... But today is also a once in a year special event!" Akaashi is instantly hit with a sense of deja vu.

"It's Valentine's Day." Akaashi answers, finally fully regaining his senses.

Akaashi pulls out the present from his bag. "H-happy Valentine's Day Bokuto-san." Bokuto's eyes light up as he carefully receives the gift.

"Happy Valentine's Agaashi! Here's your gift!" Bokuto passes his box of chocolate to Akaashi.

Akaashi glances at the shop name repeatedly printed all over the wrapping paper. "La Chocolaterie? Is that not the famous desert shop downtown?"

"I queued an hour to get these. Be sure to enjoy every bite Akaashi."

"Was that why you said you were busy on Friday?"

Bokuto nods, lightly blushing. They continue their walk for a little more in comfortable silence before Bokuto suddenly pipes up, "Akaashi. Can I open up the chocolate?" Akaashi shyly nods. Bokuto tears open the wrapper to reveal the tupperware box. Bokuto starts glowing.

"Did you make these yourself?"

"Yes."

Bokuto immediately opens up the box and picks up the little owl shaped chocolate. "It's so cute! Akaaashi! You have good hands!"

"Thank you Bokuto-san."

Bokuto glances around then pulls Akaashi to a corner, lightly kissing him on the lips.

He pulls back and they both blush.

"...B-Bokuto-san. We should start heading off..."

"Ah!" Bokuto reverts to his bouncy self, rattling to Akaashi about his "fans that will definitely give him chocolates this year" as they walk along the path to school.