𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐘 [Akaashi Keiji]

1. SILENCE

~ KEIJI ~

"Hey, hey, hey! The number one ace seems to be busy right now, so please leave a message. I'll see you later!"

I heard the dreaded voicemail beep that I had grown more familiar to than Bokuto's actual voice over the past few months. I sighed, knowing there was nothing more I could do. "Um... Hey, Bokuto-san. It's me again, Akaashi. I guess you could say this is another one of my weekly checkups."

"How are you lately?" I asked, even though there was no one to reply. "I hope you've been eating properly, as in, not overeating all of the time. How's training going for you? I hear you and your setter are getting along quite well..."

Your setter... Three months ago, those words would've been referring to me. That was until Bokuto left. Back then, I had thought to myself I would soon get used to it with the passing of time.

But the inexplainably troubling feeling of being replaced never went away.

After Bokuto and the other third years graduated, our team became a mess. With an almost entirely new roster, and only two veterans, including myself, we haven't won a single practice match since then. As their captain, I knew I had to take responsibility and at the very least keep their spirits up. But I couldn't stop the foolish, wishful thought that would occur to me from time to time - if only Bokuto was still here.

You idiot.

He had already moved on. He was thriving in a better place now, with better people who could help him reach his full potential. He was with teammates who could do everything I couldn't. And for that, I was happy for him.

He doesn't need me anymore...

"I hope everything's going well for you." I quickly picked up from where I left off before the silence became weird. "Anyways, call me back when you have time... if you have time. I mean, it's okay if you don't, I know you've been busy lately. Also, don't overwork yourself. I'll see you later... hopefully."

A brief moment of hesitation passed as I wondered whether or not I should spit out thoughts that were constantly on my mind. "I know I've probably said this a thousand times before but... it's very different not having you around." I choked out a laugh, a rather pathetic attempt to lessen the impact of those words. "It's definitely a lot quieter..."

I hung up, ending the message there. The last thing I wanted to do was make Bokuto worry. He probably had a lot on his mind already, without the unnecessary nonsense I was about to feed him. Knowing him, it was better to keep things simple.

Sliding the phone back into my pocket, I entered the gym once more. Although the room was filled with the usual noises of squeaking shoes and balls hitting the floor, it was still noticeable - the unsettling silence that ironically seemed unable to conceal itself.