kiddo

chapter eleven

"Tetsu, let go, you're all gross and sweaty," I groan as I try to escape his tight embrace.

He shakes his head and murmurs, "Promise you'll make it to Nationals? We like you too much to not get to see you at least a few times a year."

"But we text like every day," I mumble into his chest, "And face time at least once a week, so I think we'll be okay."

"No, that's not the same as actually seeing each other," he states sternly, "Don't you agree with me Kenma?"

"Mhm, sure Kuro," he hums, not even looking up.

I laugh while pulling away, arguing, "I actually have to go, my team is waiting. I'll hopefully see you at Nationals, if not sooner."

"Ugh, fine. But, if you ever want to come back and manage our team, a spot is always available," he sighs as he lets go, the setting sun casting a golden hue on his face.

I scowl and hit his arm, "Don't neglect Sato-chan that way, she's way too good for all of you."

"Takinoue, are you coming?" Takeda calls from the bus doors.

I pick up my bag and yell, "Yeah, be there in a second!"

"Goodbye guys, I'll make sure to see you soon," I say, smiling as I look back at the two boys in front of me.

"Bye Koda," Kenma murmur quietly, his attention actually on me.

Testu sighs and mutters, "Goodbye, chibi-chan, see you soon."

I grin and jog up to the bus, stepping on and walking towards the front seat, watching as Keishin stands up.

"You want the window seat?" he asks with a grin.

I smile back, "Yes, thank you."

After making myself comfortable I look out the window, my reflection catching me somewhat off guard. My fingers come to my neck as I inspect the bruises, the colors only having become more saturated over time. 

I groan as I imagine what Yū will say, but a low hum of a voice snaps me back into reality.

"Again, sorry about those," Keishin mumbles, "I guess I forgot they're semi-permanent."

I chuckle quietly, "It's fine. I don't think anyone really cares, well, except maybe Yū. But after a while, he'll be fine too."

"Mh, I guess so," he mutters, his head coming to lean back on the seat.

It's quiet for a minute and then I begin to chuckle again, finally asking, "Why do we only ever have sex in public?"

His brow furrows, but then after a second, his eyes go wide as he realizes I'm right.

"I mean, I'm not really complaining, if we're being honest. But still, isn't it a bit strange?" I ask, my eyes meeting his as I look up.

He sighs and then moves closer, his face ever so close to my ear as he whispers, "I guess you'll just have to come over to my place tonight, and then we can change that."

I blush, a grin appearing on my face simultaneously. I think about it for a second and then look him in the eyes again, "I guess I will."

He smirks and leans back again, running his fingers through his hair while closing his eyes, whispering, "Looking forward to it."

I pull out my phone and text Yū, informing him that I'll be staying the night at Keishin's, and then I get my earbuds, pressing play as I lean back as well. After taking a deep sigh I feel the exhaustion finally hit me, the opening notes of Forrest Gump by Frank Ocean serenading my eardrums.

I suddenly feel fingers on my ear and I jerk my head back in surprise, but Keishin just takes an earbud and listens, shrugging as he closes his eyes again, one of my earbuds lodged in his ear. I click my tongue, but I'm far too tired to put up a fight, so I just rest my head on his shoulder, eyes flickering closed.

"I'll wake you up when we get there, okay?" I hear him whisper, his hand coming to caress my thigh.

I nod behind closed eyes, a wave of sleep falling over me as I drift off.