made to love you || ushijima wakatoshi x reader

nine

Words: 3817

Kenma stood outside your hospital room, peeking into the little window above the doorknob. You sat in there, rested on your bed with your injured leg under the blanket and your other one laid on top of it. The window in the room was open, the curtains pulled back as a cool breeze flowed through the room and sunlight bathed everything in a golden glow. The room was usually silent, occasionally interrupted by machines beeping or monotone conversation between you and him. It had been so long since he'd heard your usual upbeat voice, and he never thought he could miss it so much.

    But now, here he stood, listening to your laughter filter through the door.

    "Kenma!" Kuroo called, walking over to where the setter stood, "What are you-"

    "Shh!" Kenma turned to him, placing a finger over his lips. Then he beckoned Kuroo closer, gesturing inside the room. The taller of the two ducked down, peeking into the window.

    Ushijima sat next to the bed, his deep voice muffled as he told you a story. Your face was nearly illuminated as you listened to him, eyes bright as they watched his face, your lips set in a small smile. Neither Kenma or Kuroo had known Ushijima to be funny, but you were laughing at what he said like your life depended on it. It was a beautiful sight, one the two boys had gone far too long without seeing.

    "How does he do that?" Kenma asked quietly, not taking his eyes off you, "I haven't even seen her really smile in two months. But he shows up and it's almost like how it used to be."

    Kuroo looked at his best friend, a small smile at the corner of his lips, "Don't tell me you really haven't noticed. I thought you were supposed to be observant."

    Kenma sighed, meeting Kuroo's eyes, "I know she likes him. I'm not an idiot. I'm glad to see her smiling. It's just... I wish it wasn't only when he was around. I don't want her happiness to hinge on one person."

    "I get that." Kuroo murmured, stepping back and leaning against the wall next to the door, "But right now, I think we should be glad. If it weren't for him, I think she'd be much worse than she is now. He's all she has right now, but as she heals and figures things out, it'll be different."

    "Yeah. I guess. I just wish I could do more. I know I'm not too open to others, but... she's my sister. And she's hurt."

    "You're doing all that you can, Kenma. Just being here for her, and making sure others are when you can't be. We can't force her to open up to us or rely on us. If she does, it has to be her own choice. That'll only come with time."

    Kenma huffed, letting his head hang, "I hate it when you get all philosophical and intelligent."

    "I know you do." Kuroo chuckled, wrapping his arms around Kenma's shoulders and pulling him into a hug, one which the shorter of the two reluctantly gave in to, "Let's go get something to eat, let those two have some more time alone."

    "Okay. But we have to bring something back for y/n. She hates the hospital food."

    "Deal." Kuroo responded, and the two of them went on their way.

    Back inside the room, you listened to Ushijima's story, laughing so hard it hurt. You held your sides, leaning back against the pillows and breathing hard. Ushijima watched you, eyes shimmering with joy and lips curving into a subtle smile at seeing you so happy. It was much better seeing this than walking into the room only for you to be breaking down crying.

"Oh my God, oh my God, okay." You panted, grinning so wide your cheeks ached, "I need a minute to breathe."

"I didn't think my story could be so amusing." Ushijima responded honestly, hands intertwined in his lap.