Ill-Fated Calf-Love

Akaashi

High school was worse than Akaashi expected.

He thought a powerhouse school with the colors of black and white would be serious, driven toward a goal without consideration for anything else, but what the school lacked in color was easily made up for by it's student body. There was no such thing as a quiet spot around campus, and Akaashi searched hard to find one. Within ten minutes he had already sent a text to Kuroo: I hate it here.

Akaashi hoped, prayed, the school would calm down after freshman orientation, but the only seemed to get crazier, louder. In the single hour it had taken the principal to welcome the freshmen and drone on about his hopes and dreams for their next three years, clubs and sports teams had set up booths and decorations in every open space throughout the halls, hoping to attract new members. He kept his head ducked as he searched for his locker, only glancing up when he heard a familiar voice call for him.

A sigh of relief escaped him as he made his way to where Yukie Shirofuku stood with the cheerleaders.

"I thought you were going to Nekoma," she greeted, giving him a one-armed hug. He was all too aware of the jealous looks other freshmen and even some upperclassmen sent his way.

"I was supposed to, but I moved over Summer, so now I'm here."

"I heard about Kuroo. How's he holding up?"

"He's doing a little better. Still not himself, but improving. I think he'll be even better when football starts up."

"Speaking of sports, why not join the cheer squad? We could use you and you were a natural in middle school."

"Thanks, but I don't think I could cheer for a team playing against Kuroo. That might hurt him and he doesn't need anymore hurt right now."

"I understand. If you change your mind, just let me know. I'll get you on the squad immediately. That also goes for if you just need a quiet place to escape. I'll get you into the squad room whenever you need, no questions asked. The other girls won't mind."

"Thank you." Akaashi meant it, knowing he'd take her up on the offer.

"Don't mention it. Fukurodani is loud and I know you have to get away from that sometimes. Let me give you my number and see your schedule."

Akaashi handed his phone and schedule over to her. Yukie typed in her number and called her phone so she could save his before handing it back.

"With these teachers you won't be able to get out of classes like you did before, but they're strict so it normally doesn't get too rowdy. Looks like the only class to really worry about is gym."

"I already expect gym to be loud."

"You have no idea. Two words: Bokuto Koutarou." As if the name were a summons, Akaashi heard a series of hoots behind him. He turned to look, easily spotting the man in question as he made his way through the crowd, greeting everyone as though he'd known them his whole life. "Captain of the football team, linebacker. He's a great player and super sweet, but he can be a little..."

"Obnoxious," Akaashi finished for her.

"Yeah... Gym classes don't change with the rest of our schedules so you'll be stuck with him for the next two years. Just insult his skills or tell him he's being too loud and he usually quiets down and pouts until the period is over."

"Is that okay?"

"Not really, but it's the only way you'll be able to deal with him. He can be a bit much." She handed Akaashi his schedule back. "If you need help at all during the next two years, don't be afraid to ask."

"I'm glad I know at least someone here."

"You can always count on me. Oh, and..." She gave him another hug, tugging up the collar of his shirt when she pulled away. "You may want to ask Kuroo to leave those somewhere else. People tend to stare and ask questions about hickeys here. Some of the girls have them on their chests and others have them on their thighs where they can be hidden by skirts."

Akaashi's face turned a bright red, his hand flying up to tug the collar higher. "T-thanks."

"Of course. I have to get bakc to recruiting, but we'll talk later. Good luck."

Akaashi rushed off to find his locker, more thankful for Yukie than he could ever express.