Bokuto Koutarou |2| Bokuaka

The usual bustle marked the end of the school day, with everyone ready to leave. Akaashi grabbed his backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and gently ran a hand through his hair as he approached Bokuto's classroom, intending only to suggest spending the afternoon together since they had barely seen each other all day.

Upon hearing the proposal, Bokuto let out a soft chuckle and, forcing a naturalness he didn't feel, uttered the rehearsed words:

—Sorry, I made plans with a girl. Maybe tomorrow?

Of course, there was no girl. Behind that enormous, proud smile, Bokuto's mind was a whirlwind of excitement and utter panic. It was all part of a meticulously planned strategy he'd seen on television the night before. The show's host had stated it with unwavering certainty: "If you want that special someone to like you, you have to act disinterested and show that you have plenty of options. That'll make them come looking for you immediately. "

For Bokuto, it had been a divine revelation. It was the perfect plan, a masterstroke, a surefire success. "It's obvious!" he told himself, puffing out his chest with pride. "If Akaashi thinks other girls are after me, he'll get jealous and realize he wants me by his side. I'm a genius! "

However, while maintaining the facade of a coveted ace, a small voice of guilt began to torment him. His own chest tightened for having rejected the opportunity to be with Akaashi, and amidst his brilliant logic, he could only mentally pray that his plan would work quickly and not end up ruining everything.