Kuroo had harbored a secret throughout his high school years, a secret that lingered quietly in the corners of his mind. It wasn’t anything to be ashamed of, not at all, but it was something he kept close, believing it was too lofty to share. In his heart, it felt like a dream too grand, a star just beyond his reach.

That secret was the simple, undeniable truth that he was hopelessly in love with the class president. How could he resist? You were radiant, witty, kind, and astoundingly intelligent—everything that seemed to belong to another world, one inhabited by goddesses. And just as the goddesses of Mount Olympus existed beyond the mortal grasp, so too did you seem beyond his.

But there were moments when Kuroo could not stand idly by, when his yearning to be near you became too great. He couldn’t ignore the pull to offer his help, to somehow be of service, to linger in your orbit for just a little longer.

And so here he was, walking beside you, carrying half of the projects destined for your teacher’s desk. He had noticed the stack in your arms and, despite knowing full well that you could manage on your own, he had offered to help. After all, could anyone truly fault him for wanting to be near you, if only for a brief moment?