Things Unspoken

Chapter 7: day 7, then 8, then 9, and forever

Tsukishima knew it was silly in retrospect.

He absolutely liked Kuroo—as a person, as a captain, as his soulmate. And, now that he had jumped over the hurdle of his own self-doubt, he could admit it clearly.

Yeah, he loved him.

It was too soon maybe. They'd known each other a grand total of six days. You aren't really supposed to fall in love with someone that quickly.

He supposed the soulmate thing made it easier.

Or, perhaps, it just sped up the process somehow. He didn't really know the science behind it, if there even was any.

"What're you thinking about, Kei?"

Tsukishima looked out across the dimly lit room to find a face looking back at him, eyes soft, lips slightly upturned, hand inching towards him. The blonde sighed in content, reaching out to grab Kuroo's fingers in his.

The two had arrived at the net café, and contrary to what Tsukishima believed to be true about them, this one was kept sparkling clean, each computer separated from one another in small booths, a dim blue light shining throughout the first floor. They were on the second floor now where patrons were allowed to rent out futons to lay across a tatami mat and sleep in small rooms separated only by thin paper doors. Through the window, the warm light of streetlamps outside filtered into the room, barely illuminating the dark inside.

Despite the lack of light in the room, Tsukishima found Kuroo easily. He stared back at him, squeezing their hands together. It had never been difficult to find him at all, to be honest. The only obstacle that had been in his way had been himself.

Kuroo's amber eyes patiently stared back at him, waiting for a reply. Tsukishima smiled, and he hoped the raven wouldn't be able to see how delighted he looked.

"How... I'll get to see the transformation of your hair as it takes its usual shape."

They were alone in their room, but, if Kuroo voiced his complaints in his normal voice, it would have carried over to others. Instead, he pouted, pulling Tsukishima closer to speak only above a whisper. "Kei, that's not very nice of you. I'm sensitive about my hair."

Tsukishima snorted, knowing he could never be too close to Kuroo, and yet, feeling way too self-conscious like this, near enough to each other to feel the rise and fall of their chests.

"Sorry," he breathed, eyes flitting down to Kuroo's lips before up again. "Can I make it up to you?"

Kuroo's breath hitched, and god, did Tsukishima revel the sound in that quiet room with no other guests to bother them. He knew there were customers downstairs gaming and a few more who had rented out small rooms similar to theirs, but, right now, his world was only he and Kuroo.

"Uh," Kuroo said, seemingly finding his voice again. He swallowed thickly and Tsukishima knew that Kuroo knew the blonde heard it. 'Fuck.'

Ignoring the heat in his own cheeks, Tsukishima leaned closer and their lips met quietly in the dark. It was different from the movie theater where they were crying and desperate to just be as close as possible to each other. This time, it was a soft kind of firmness, familiar and constant—a promise of many more kisses to come.

When Tsukishima pulled back, Kuroo did as well, eyes fluttering open as if in a daze.

"Wow, I love you."

Tsukishima knew it wasn't just the cramped space of the room that was making him warmer than usual. He bit his lip and looked away, uncertain what to do with the tightness in his chest. It was too much. He didn't want to cry again.