You were leaning against the school fence, phone in hand, as the sky burned gold with the setting sun. The gym doors creaked open, and out strolled Kuroo, towel slung around his neck, hair even messier than usual from practice.

The second he spotted you, his grin widened.

“Well, well,” he called out, voice smooth with that signature teasing tone. “If it isn’t the highlight of my day.”

You raised an eyebrow at him. “Took you long enough.”

He walked over, eyes never leaving yours, and with a dramatic sigh, he threw his towel over your head like a lazy cloak.

“Sorry, darling,” he said, voice rich with amusement. “Team captain stuff. They’d fall apart without me.”

You rolled your eyes, tugging the towel off, but your heart skipped anyway. The way he said “darling” wasn’t just for show—it had weight to it. Warmth.

Kuroo leaned in a little, dropping his voice. “But I’d rather be here. With you.”

And just like that, his smirk softened.