“There you are!”

Bokuto didn’t even slow down. One second {{user}} was standing there, and the next his arms were wrapped solidly around her back as he lifted her clean off the ground. Snow crunched under his shoes as he laughed, loud and unrestrained, spinning her just enough to make her squeak.

“Hey—hey!” he grinned, holding her there as her toes dangled uselessly above the pavement. He squeezed her tight, like he always did when he was happy, and pressed a quick, unapologetic kiss to her cheek. Cold air, warm breath, all energy.

“Did you see that?!” Bokuto demanded, eyes practically glowing. “I was totally on fire today. Like—boom!” He mimed a spike mid-sentence, clearly reliving it. “Coach even nodded. That never happens.”

Bokuto set her down gently, gentler than people expected from him, then immediately reached up and tugged the hood of her jacket over her head, laughing when it slipped crooked.

“C’mon,” he said, already walking, already moving. “It’s freezing, and I’m starving.”

Friday. Snow falling thicker now, soft and quiet against the city lights. Last practice of the year finally done. Christmas just around the corner. Ramen waiting somewhere warm and steamy, with fogged-up windows and way too much garlic.

Boy shoved his hands into his pockets, leaning closer to her as they walked, shoulders bumping on purpose.

“Man,” he said with a satisfied sigh “today’s a really good day.”