say something loving.

[jumpservice]

“Don’t look so sad, Koga-kun,” Oikawa says. “It’s Australia, not the other side of the world.”

“Who the hell looks sad?” Koga says, scowling into his muffler. He jams his hands deeper into his pockets, and strides ahead, churning through the freshly fallen snow. Just like a kid, Oikawa thinks, before the rest of his mind catches up and he hurries after him.

“Slow down, where are you going?” He catches up to Koga, and takes his arm, pulling him close to his side.

“I’m goin’ home, I’m not gonna stand around all night and freeze to death in the snow with you, Stupidkawa!”

Ah, he really isn’t taking this well. Oikawa figured he wouldn’t, but still. Like any animal when its soft and vulnerable underbelly is exposed, Koga gets pricklier and snappier, desperate to protect himself. Oikawa’s long since learned that.

He looks up at the sky. Snow is falling, their breaths white in the air. Koga’s quiet. Oikawa glances over at him. The tip of his nose is red, and the snowflakes blend in with his hair when they land on him.

“It isn’t forever,” he says, sliding his arm free and reaching down to lace their fingers together. He half expects Koga to yank himself free, and is pleased when he doesn’t.

“Stop tryin’ to make me feel better.” Koga’s still frowning. Oikawa wants to reach out and smooth the creases away. “I get it. It’s a good opportunity for you, and you’d be even dumber if ya’ didn’t take it.”

It’s an opportunity a continent away, Oikawa doesn’t point out. But it’s also a chance to be a part of something bigger, a chance for Oikawa to prove to himself and everyone else that he’s always going to be one of the best setters around. The only thing he hates is that he has to leave everyone behind to take it.

“It isn’t forever.”

“Heard ya’ the first time.”

“I’m sorry I’ll miss your shows,” Oikawa says. “You’ll get someone to record them for me, right? Or, no, I know! I’ll ask one of your fans to facetime it while it’s going on!”

Koga scoffs, but Oikawa sees the corner of his mouth twitch.

“I’ll be back before you know it.”

“When’re you flyin’ out?” Koga asks.

“Next week,” Oikawa says. He should’ve told Koga sooner, but between packing and getting ready to leave and knowing that Koga will be upset, well. Maybe he put it off longer than he should have.

“That’s soon.”

“You should come to the airport.”

“We’re gettin’ ready for the next event.” Koga looks at Oikawa. “I’ll try.”

They reach the foyer of Koga’s building, the warm light spilling out from the lobby. Oikawa’s reluctant to leave. “Nothing’s going to change.”

Koga snorts. “‘course not. And ya’ better not go and forget me while you’re there, don’t think I won’t fly there and beat you up if ya’ do.”

“What? Doesn’t that mean I should do that so Koga-kun will visit-- ow!!”

Oikawa rubs his bruised shoulder, and Koga shakes out his fist with a scowl.

“You’re so mean,” Oikawa says, but he’s smiling, “even to your boyfriend.”

“Stop doin’ stupid things and I’ll be nice,” Koga snarls, blushing furiously.

“How nice? Do I get a reward when I’m good? Because I have a few ideas--”

Koga yanks him down by the lapels and kisses him just like a wild animal would. Like he wants to eat him whole. Oikawa curls an arm around his waist, squeezing the narrow slant of Koga’s hip with his free hand. He kisses him back, tempers the rough kiss into something slower, drawn out and sweet.

It pays off. Koga’s lips are swollen and his pupils blown when they part, and Oikawa’s sure he isn’t much better off.

Koga buries his face against the thick coil of Oikawa’s scarf, until all Oikawa can see is a blur of silver hair. He thinks he hears Koga mumble something, the words blurry and indistinct.

“What?” he says, because for a second, he could’ve sworn--

“Nothing,” Koga says, louder this time, still against the scarf. When he pulls away, he’s disheveled and pink-faced. Oikawa wants desperately to kiss him again, heart twisting itself into knots. “Are ya’ comin’ in or what? Tooru.”

“I can’t,” he says, “I have a doctor’s appointment in the morning.”

“All right, whatever.” Koga says. He heads inside without a second glance, the tips of his ears red, his shoulders hunched in.

I love you.

Oikawa watches him disappear into the elevator, and hates himself a little.