Strategy of the Heart (Kuroo x Reader)

A year had almost come to an end, and Kuroo's graduation day had finally arrived. The gymnasium was packed with students, teachers, and proud families, all celebrating the graduating class. Y/N stood among the crowd, watching as Kuroo stood proudly in his cap and gown. He had that cocky smirk plastered across his face, but there was also a rare softness in his eyes when they met hers across the room.

Next to Y/N, Rika nudged her, grinning widely. "There's your man, looking all fancy and ready to conquer the world."

Y/N, her arms crossed, simply nodded, her usual calm demeanor unshaken. "Yeah, well, let's hope he doesn't trip when he goes up to get his diploma."

Rika snorted. "If he does, that's all anyone will remember from his big day."

As the ceremony dragged on, Y/N found herself zoning out. Graduation ceremonies were never particularly exciting to her, and today wasn't any different. Still, she was here for Kuroo, and even if she didn't show it outwardly, she felt a sense of pride watching him move on to the next chapter of his life.

When the event finally ended, Kuroo spotted her in the crowd, a bright grin lighting up his face. He wove through the throng of people, heading straight toward her, his long legs making quick work of the distance.

"Hey," he greeted, slightly breathless as he reached her. "You made it."

Y/N looked at him with a half-smile, her eyes softening just a bit. "I told you I would."

Kuroo's grin widened, and before she could react, he pulled her into a quick hug, lifting her slightly off the ground. "I can't believe it's over," he said, setting her back down. "Feels kinda weird, doesn't it?"

"Not really," Y/N replied nonchalantly, smoothing her hair after the unexpected hug. "You're still you. Just not in school anymore."

"Always so poetic, aren't you?" Kuroo teased, but his tone was affectionate.

Before they could say anything more, the rest of the volleyball team appeared, grinning like a bunch of schoolboys who were up to no good.

"Look at the power couple over here!" Yamamoto shouted, throwing his arm over Kuroo's shoulder. "We've got the legendary Kuroo and the ice queen herself!"

"Yamamoto, shut up," Y/N said, though her voice was more tired than angry. She glanced at Rika, who was already giggling along with the rest of the boys. "You're not helping."

Rika shrugged innocently. "I can't stop them. You know how they are."

Kenma, who had been lurking behind the group, chimed in, his voice deadpan as ever. "I give them about six months before they start calling you 'Mr. and Mrs. Kuroo.'"

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her expression still calm but with a slight edge. "Let them try. They'll regret it."

Kuroo, laughing at his team's antics, draped an arm over Y/N's shoulder, pulling her closer. "Come on, admit it. You'll miss this chaos."

"Miss what? The constant teasing or the fact that I'm surrounded by idiots?"

"Oh, you love us," Yamamoto said, winking at her.

Y/N gave a flat look. "Sure. In the same way people love getting sunburned."

Kuroo laughed loudly, ruffling her hair. "You know, I think I'm going to miss you putting everyone in their place even more than the actual games."

Y/N pushed his hand away, straightening her hair. "You'll survive."

As the group continued to banter, the rest of the graduates and their families began to file out of the gym. Kuroo's parents had already snapped their photos, congratulated him, and given him a thousand hugs, but now it was just him, Y/N, and the team.

Eventually, the team disbanded, each of them off to celebrate in their own way, and Kuroo and Y/N found a quiet corner of the school courtyard to escape the noise. Kuroo leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on Y/N as she stood beside him, her face illuminated by the soft evening light.

"So," Kuroo started, his voice quieter now that it was just the two of them, "You ready for me to leave you alone at school for your last year?"

Y/N glanced at him, her expression calm as always. "I'll manage. I've got Rika and... well, the rest of the team is still there, so it won't be completely unbearable."

"Unbearable, huh? I thought you'd say you'd miss me."

Y/N rolled her eyes, though there was a flicker of warmth in her voice. "Don't get a big head, Tetsu. Of course, I'll miss you. But it's not like you're disappearing off the face of the earth."

Kuroo chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her head. "I know. But still, it's weird, right? I mean, we're together, but I won't be around the school to keep everyone from flirting with you."

Y/N snorted. "I think I can handle a few high school boys. They're not exactly a threat."

"True, but I'll miss seeing you every day," Kuroo admitted, his voice softening again.

Y/N looked up at him, her gaze steady. "I'll miss you too. But we'll see each other on the weekends. You're not getting rid of me that easily."

Kuroo smiled, feeling that familiar warmth in his chest. "Good. Because I don't want to."

They stood there in comfortable silence for a few moments, the soft hum of the evening filling the space around them. Kuroo reached out, taking her hand in his, and Y/N allowed herself to lean into him slightly, feeling content in the calm between them.

"You know," Kuroo said after a while, his voice playful again, "My grandparents still expect me to propose to you one day."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, giving him a sidelong glance. "I hope you told them not to hold their breath."

Kuroo grinned. "Oh, don't worry, I did. But... someday, maybe?"

Y/N didn't answer right away, but there was a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "We'll see."

Kuroo's heart skipped a beat, and he squeezed her hand a little tighter, both of them looking forward to whatever adventures lay ahead, knowing that no matter what, they'd face them together.

THE END❤️