Ill-Fated Calf-Love

Akaashi

Returning to classes wasn't as bad as Akaashi expected it to be. Shirofuku Yukie helped with settling the gym class, approaching Akaashi after to ask him to join the cheer squad. He tried to dissuade her, but she was persistent, saying that he didn't have to be loud and people would be looking at the girls more than him.

Reluctantly, he agreed to give it a try and asked her to keep it a secret from Kuroo and the others. Though he wanted to tell them, he didn't trust Oikawa not to make fun of him. He went to the practices before and after school, hanging out with his friends at lunch and after practice.

Akaashi was still nervous by the night of the homecoming game, taking his place on the sidelines with the rest of the squad. It was loud, much louder than he expected it to be, yet his nerves melted away as soon as they started the first routine. His brain went into autopilot during the game, cheering without though until Kuroo met his eyes across the field and he nearly dropped the cheerleader he'd just lifted. He was nervous and a little overwhelmed, but he was still having fun and enjoying himself. He was okay.

Until he wasn't.

Oikawa scored the final point, winning the game and the crowd surged out of the stands and onto the field around him, pushing and shoving to reach the team. The shouting and yelling roared through his ears until the frantic beating of his own heart overpowered everything else. It was curshing, his breath coming in short gasps as he struggled to escape the crowd.

In the spot behind the bleachers, he collapsed, hugging his knees to his chest as he struggled to control his breathing and fight back the tears. He didn't know how much time had passed when Kuroo found him. The other boy pulled him into a hug, holding him tighter when he tried to pull away. It was only a moment before Akaashi gave up the fight and hid his face against the padding of his jersey instead.

"You probably think I'm a loser," he mumbled when he finally caught his breath.

"I wouldn't be here if I thought that. I'd be celebrating the win with our friends. I think you pushed yourself too hard to do something you weren't ready for."

"It's stupid. I should be able to handle a football game, but I was too weak."

Kuroo pushed Akaashi back, forcing him to make eye contact. "Stop that. You're not weak. If either of us is weak, it's me. You stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something you were afraid of, even if it didn't work out. That is so strong. I, um..." He stopped and cleared his throat, glancing away with a blush. "I should take a lesson from you."

"What could you possible learn from me? Other than math."

"To be brave. I haven't even been able to bring myself to tell the guy I like that I like him."

"Oh, um, you should tell him. I'm sure Yaku would feel the same. What? Why are you laughing?" Akaashi frowned at Kuroo as he fell over, clutching his stomach in maniacal laughter. "You sound like a hyena."

It took Kuroo a moment to get his laughter under control, pushing himself up to sit again and wiping at the tears. "You think I like Yaku? I could never! He's a great friend, but he's not my type."

"Then who could it be? I can't think of anyone else. I don't know your type."

"You."

"What?"

"You, Akaashi. You're my type. I like you."

Akaashi stared blankly at Kuroo, processing the words. "What? Why me?"

"You're pretty and kind. You don't complain about our groups crazy antics and you accepted us as your friends when you could have easily told us to get lost. You always help me with homework and you never ask for anything in return. You seem so quiet and shy, but now that we know you, you're always cracking jokes until we can't breathe from laughing."

"Stop. Kuroo, I... I'm sorry. I'm straight, I think."

"You think?"

Akaashi's face felt as though it were on fire. He'd never received so much praise from anyone except his parents. "I've never dated anyone before."

"Oh, well, that's okay. I don't want this to change our friendship, but I had to tell you my feelings. Even rejecting me, please stay my friend."

Akaashi nodded. "I need to go turn in my uniform."

"I've got to get changed, but I'll see you after break."

"Yeah, see you then." Akaashi wiped the tear streaks off his face as he walked back to the gym locker room, feeling better, but confused.