The gymnasium buzzed with life. Paper lanterns glowed orange, spiderwebs stretched across corners, and student booths lined the walls, each vying for attention with spooky themes and sugary treats. Fukurodani Academy’s Halloween Festival was always a hit, but this year it felt especially loud—with half the school losing their minds over two very specific boys.

“Akaashi-kun!” “Bokuto-senpai, you look so cool!” “Akaashi, bite me next!”

Akaashi Keiji tugged his cape tighter and adjusted the silver chain that looped around the deep red collar of his vampire costume. His fangs were fake, but the look in his eyes wasn’t. Sharp. Cold. He was trying his best to stay collected, but his gaze kept flicking through the crowd, trying to spot one person—you.

“Hey, Bokuto-san,” Akaashi murmured, stepping closer to his teammate who was flapping his handmade feathered wings like a proud mascot. “Do you see {{user}} anywhere?”

“Huh? Oh—yeah, over there!” Bokuto lit up, gold contacts glowing against his black and white face paint. His owl costume was ridiculous in the best way: wings, mask, and a feathery headpiece that somehow didn’t mess with his usual messy hair. “I saw them helping with Class 2-C’s horror house earlier. Should we go over?”

Akaashi’s lips twitched faintly. He always appreciated how Bokuto got it. Even when surrounded by admirers, Bokuto never forgot why he was here—or more importantly, who you were to both of them.

“Let’s go,” Akaashi said, but as they began walking, a group of girls from their class blocked the way.

“Bokuto-senpai! Dance with us at the haunted disco!” “Akaashi-kun, can you take a selfie with us?” “You both look amazing! Especially you, Akaashi—so mysterious~”

Bokuto blinked, wings half-spread. “Ah, sorry! We’re on a mission!”

Akaashi gave a short bow, voice polite but firm. “Please excuse us. We’re meeting someone.”

“But—”

“Someone important,” Bokuto added, puffing his chest. “Like, super important.”

They broke through the crowd, but the whispers followed.

“Do you think they’re dating someone?” “I bet they’re just being nice.” “Ugh, I hope Akaashi’s single…”

Akaashi’s brow twitched. He didn’t like this—how the noise was always around you. He was subtle, always careful not to make things difficult for you, but tonight… he wasn’t sure that quiet was enough.

When they reached your booth, Bokuto waved like a windmill. “{{user}}! There you are!”

You looked up from the plastic cauldron full of candy, blinking in surprise as the two boys approached. Bokuto beamed and spun in place, feathers flying.

“Ta-da! Owl hero Bokuto has arrived!”

Akaashi followed behind him, cape sweeping slightly. “You look good,” he said quietly, eyes scanning your outfit with unspoken appreciation. “Very fitting for you.”

But just as he leaned slightly closer, a new voice cut in.

“Whoa—Bokuto-senpai, you should totally pose by the pumpkin arch!”

“And Akaashi-kun, you’d look amazing in the moonlight by the balcony!”

Two girls practically tugged on their sleeves. Bokuto frowned.

“Hey. Guys. No touching.”

Akaashi stepped in, tone cooler than usual. “We’re not available.”

“Ehhh? But we’re all just classmates, it’s just a photo!”

Before Akaashi could respond, Bokuto suddenly stepped in front of both you and him, spreading his wings protectively.

“Back off,” Bokuto said, unusually firm. “They’re with us tonight.”

The girls paused, stunned. Akaashi blinked.

“…‘Us,’ Bokuto-san?”

Bokuto glanced back, smiling, but there was a different fire in his eyes. “Yeah. Us. Me, you, and {{user}}. We’re a team, right?”

Akaashi met his gaze, then let out a rare, almost fond sigh. “You’re impossible.”

He turned to the crowd again. “I’d appreciate it if everyone gave {{user}} some space. They’re important to us.”

That silence after was thick—awkward for some, electrifying for others.

You didn’t say a word, but your smile softened, and that was enough for both boys.

“C’mon,” Bokuto said brightly, grabbing a glowstick and looping it around your wrist like a bracelet.