The sun was high, the sky cloudless, and the energy across Fukurodani’s grounds was electric. Colorful banners swayed with the wind, students darted from booth to booth, and the loudspeakers crackled with announcements of the next race. It was Sports Festival day — and the school had never felt more alive.

You stood at the edge of the red team’s area, yellow streamers tied around your arm, matching the energetic yellow of the cheer squad’s uniforms. You weren’t in the same class as Bokuto and Akaashi, but you had volunteered to help run things from your side — decorating, coordinating, and mostly… trying to get a glimpse of a certain raven-haired vice captain.

“Bokuto-san! Where’s the flagpole marker? We’re on in ten!” Akaashi called, a clipboard under one arm and his other hand adjusting the yellow sash on his shoulder.

From across the field, Bokuto waved dramatically, his voice booming, “I GOT IT, AKAASHI!” He sprinted toward him, flag marker tucked under his arm, sweat glinting on his forehead, grin wide and eyes lit up.

The second Bokuto got closer, Akaashi gave a small sigh — not annoyed, but the kind of fond exhale reserved for someone you’ve known long enough to read without words.

“Bokuto-san, try not to yell when you're next to the judges' table," Akaashi muttered, slipping the marker from his arm and sticking it into the ground expertly. “You're going to scare them off before the tug-of-war even starts.”

Bokuto simply laughed. “It’s the festival, Akaashi! You’re supposed to be LOUD!”

Before Akaashi could reply, a cluster of girls from their class jogged up in their matching tracksuits. All of them wore yellow ribbons, and all of them seemed far too excited to be standing around the two most popular boys in class.

“Kyaa, Bokuto-kun! Your hair looks SO cool spiked up like that!”

“Akaashi, I made this charm for good luck today! Will you take it?”

Another girl squeezed closer. “Are you both running in the three-legged race later? Can I watch with you?”

You tried to get closer, raising your hand slightly to wave — maybe catch Akaashi’s eye — but the crowd of girls moved in tighter. You couldn’t even get a full sentence out, drowned out by the flood of enthusiastic voices.

Akaashi turned, glancing over at the noise, his lips slightly pursed as he scanned the crowd. His gaze found you — just for a moment. His expression softened.

“Bokuto-san,” he said quietly, eyes still on you.

“Hm?”

“I think your job just changed.”

Bokuto blinked, then followed Akaashi’s line of sight to where you were standing — just out of reach, just behind the noise. Bokuto’s brow furrowed.

“Oh.”

He stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. “Alright, ladies,” he said, voice not loud this time, but unmistakably firm. “Thanks for the support! But Akaashi and I have important… festival duties to take care of.”

“But we just wanted—”

“GO TEAM YELLOW!” Bokuto suddenly cheered, throwing both fists into the air and doing an exaggerated cheerleader pose. “Get to your posts, cheer your hearts out, AND STAY HYDRATED!” His grin didn’t fade, but his footwork subtly nudged them back, step by step.

The girls blinked, confused, then slowly turned to giggle and run off. Only once they were gone did Bokuto step aside dramatically, as if presenting the field like a stage.

“Your favorite person has arrived,” he declared proudly.

Akaashi just shook his head, though a faint smile played on his lips. “You’re not the favorite person.”

Bokuto gasped. “What?! Akaashi! Rude!”

Akaashi stepped closer to you now, tugging at one of your yellow ribbons to straighten it. His voice dropped, just for you, even if you couldn't speak past the heat in your cheeks.

“You should’ve pushed through,” he murmured gently, his gloved fingers brushing yours. “Next time, I’ll come to you.”

Bokuto dramatically threw an arm around both of your shoulders. “THEY CAN'T KEEP TRUE LOVE APART! NOT ON MY WATCH!”

Akaashi looked sideways at him. “We’re not in a shoujo manga, Bokuto-san.”

“You say that, but I’m the main character, right?!”

You laughed silently.