[ Sometimes, the greatest teacher is just someone who encourages their student. Shoyo hasn't always had a big number of people rooting for him, and most of the time there are more people to doubt his skill just because of his height. He loves proving them wrong and showing that he can fight in the air just as much as someone twice his height.
He still hopes he grows a little more, of course.
Shoyo is pretty sure that Bokuto is used to the attention that he brings, so he probably doesn't notice the fact that their loud voices attract stares. It seems like another power of an ace, just making people pay attention to them everywhere they go because of their confidence and intimidating presence. Shoyo would be green with envy if he weren't always in awe. ]
That's true! And having a friend on your team means it's easier to trust them. I never really knew all that until this year. [ He laughs, a little quieter and more sheepish. ] In middle school, my volleyball team was kinda a joke. It was just me for two years. But I had friends on the other sports teams who helped me!
[Bokuto will always cheer for him, without any doubt. Even if they end up playing against each other sometimes, he'll be cheering for him because he wants him to get better and better because nothing's greater than having a good rival. And Hinata is shaping into being just that.
They arrive at the building just as Hinata says that and Bokuto stops to look at him. He's quiet for a moment, thinking, then tilting his head, curious.]
Why do you think your team was a joke? You took it seriously, didn't you? You even went to a tournament, right? [Have another head pat,] Just because you didn't win on that tournament, it doesn't mean it was a joke. After all, you got to Nationals! [He grins-] That team was just you starting off; I am sure you're gonna do great things in the future!
Ah! Elevator's here! [He perks up when the door open and people leave the elevator. He rushes over to it to hold the door open for Hinata.] Floor six, here we come!
[ Seeing Bokuto get quiet and serious makes Shoyo shiver, like it's the calm before a storm. He's seen the same sort of reaction from Kageyama and Daichi when they're thinking deeply about something that displeases them, and Shoyo instinctively takes a step back.
He flinches at first when Bokuto pats his head—instinct again, he really needs to stop acting so reflexively to everything—but then eases into the touch. It's such a simple way to look at things, and it makes him smile up at Bokuto with increased awe and respect. So yeah, maybe he'd had a little crush on the ace before, but this seems to solidify it. Bokuto's never looked down at him for his lack of size or experience and always pushed him to work harder. ]
A step towards a goal, right? [ He'd heard Kageyama say that and wished he knew how to think of cool things like that. ] I'm really grateful to that experience, don't get me wrong! I made friends with a lot of volleyball players in my neighborhood because of it. I just feel like I missed out on playing lots of volleyball in middle school like everyone else did. I was never the ball boy, so I'm catching up now!
[ It's something that he hadn't realized until he'd been forced to be the ball boy during the Miyagi training camp. The experience is one he'll never forget and always be grateful for, a foundation that he'd been missing as a first-year starting player for Karasuno. He feels much perkier now and follows Bokuto into the elevator with a spring in his step. ] What kind of schedule do you have? Do you need to get up really early?
[Well Kageyama keeps trying to pop his head in every argument they have so Bokuto won't be blaming Hinata for defensive reflexes. He'd have them too if Akaashi had ever tried to kick his ass. Which... he probably did want at times, considering the mood swings, but mostly he was supportive and always in search of a way to handle Bokuto's moods.
Bokuto gives Hinata a huge grin and a nod-] Yep! Like- like testing the water of the sea with toes before you take a run and jump in it! [Then it's either sink or swim. Bokuto still feels like that- he knows the basics of the swimming and sometimes he's so good at it, but sometimes it feels as if he's never done it before. But he's glad that whatever experience he has he can share with Hinata; he's not sure why, but ever since the training camp, the guy keeps growing on him and he just can't steer himself away from him. What was that comparison again- sunflower following the sun or something?]
You tried, and that's what counts. Your school didn't have a volleyball team and there was nothing you could do about it. I'm so proud of you! You've come such a long way! And being ballboy is great! Spiking is better, obviously, but ball boy has his advantages too! [The elevator arrives on his floor and Bokuto nudges Hinata out gently-] Nah! I go in the morning for a jog, but I took a few days off to settle in properly and to be with my guest, of course!
I never test the water! I just jump. [ He’s always been too eager for things like that, preferring to get started rather than bide his time and learn. Shoyo has always been a physical learner, anyways, so rushing head-long into things suits him. That’s not to say that it always works out, but he’s stayed alive this many years!
Letting himself be nudged along, Shoyo feels a pleased blush heat his cheeks. Being praised is wonderful from anyone, but from Bokuto? It’s twice as potent and goes straight to his heart. Bokuto is proud of him. True, he’d become his disciple somewhere between the training camps and nationals, but something about being praised while no one else is around feels even more important. Bokuto is saying it for Shoyo and that’s it. ] Oh, can I come with you? I always go for a run when I don’t have to bike to school or practice. We can see the neighborhood that way!
[Bokuto thinks, believes, that Hinata can go a long way, the way he's doing things. He has a determination for it, and he'd be damned if he doesn't support him. What kind of senpai would he be otherwise? Besides, he's always rewarded with that beaming smile in return. It's a wonderful thing.]
Oh sure! We can get breakfast on our way back!
[The elevator stops at his floor and Bokuto leads the way to the door at the end of the hall, pulling out his keys and unlocking them.] Here we are! Come on in!
[He pushes the door open and lets Hinata step in first, as he's the guest. The apartment is on the smaller side but seems cozy. The kitchen, living room and dining room are all connected into one like a studio, but there's a visible distinction between the parts. Couch, TV set, coffee table with a laptop on it, dinning table, few shelves and kitchen props (counters, stove, fridge). There are two doors leading to bedroom and bathroom respectively.]
[ His stomach grumbles appreciatively at the thought of breakfast, definitely ahead of schedule but thrilled with the thought of food all the same. He's glad that Bokuto has been thinking about eating as much as Shoyo, a good sign that they won't be going hungry this weekend as they eat their way through Tokyo.
Stepping into the apartment, he sets his bag next to the door and toes off his shoes so he can hop inside and start exploring. He zips around the open space, eyes wide at everything like he's never seen a kitchen or couch before. ] It's cool that you get all this space to yourself! But do you ever get lonely? I mean, I've never been away from my family for longer than a week.
[Breakfast is for tomorrow! He will, as promised, take Hinata out to have some gyoza. And some other treats they can buy here. And just show him around because there's a lot of stuff going on during the Golden Week! But yes, Bokuto almost always thinks about food- if it's not volleyball or sleeping (or certain student).
Bokuto takes his shoes off and grabs two pairs of slippers, one for himself and one for Hinata, and grins-]
Well! I recently moved in so my mom has been hanging around to make sure everything's in place. And now you're here! So I'm not lonely. [For now!] Besides, I'll probably spend a lot of time out of the apartment and at the gym in the future so I'll be fine! [He hopes, patting Hinata on the back.]
I have two futons in the bedroom- we can definitively move them to the living room to binge some movies tonight!
[ Shoyo tries to imagine Bokuto's mom while he slides his feet into the slippers. He wonders if she might be really similar with the same distinctive kind of hair and almost snorts with laughter at the thought. Does Bokuto have siblings? Were there little owls running around shouting "HEY HEY HEY" somewhere in Tokyo? It's a cute thought, and he snickers to himself about it. ]
Oh, that makes sense! Here is more for sleeping and stuff like that, you're probably with teams and people a lot during the day. [ It sounds like a dream to be playing so much volleyball every day at such a high level, and it reminds Shoyo of his future goal to go pro, too.
He gasps at the suggestion, eyes getting big. ] That sounds so fun! Mom never lets me sleep in the living room. Ah, I brought a movie in case you wanted to watch it! And, and— [ He scurries back over to his bag and digs around inside before pulling out the scarf that Bokuto had lent to him during Nationals. ] I brought it back!
[He's got his mom's features yes, hair and eyes, but his personality is entirely his father's. Sadly the family doesn't have other owls, Bokuto wished he had, at least one. If he had a sister he'd spoil her rotten, which would be really bad.]
Yep! Also it will be great if others want to come and hang out for a while or watch and discuss the games we played. [Bokuto said before, and he'll say it again, that Hinata's potential to become a pro is big. Especially because he doesn't let anything destroy his motivation- that's the biggest thing he has going on for him.]
Oooh! The scarf. [Bokuto laughs, taking it.] I completely forgot about it. I hope it did its duty to keep you warm!
You've got a lot of plans for this place! It'll be so cool hanging out here, you could have friends come to watch games. [ He's getting pretty jealous that he lives too far away to just pop in for random visits, but Bokuto's friendly enough that he'll surely be able to populate his apartment with plenty of warm company.
Handing the scarf over, he smiles up at Bokuto with just a hint of pink dusting his cheeks. ] It did, promise! I... used it a lot during the winter. I hope that's okay!
You're always welcome to drop by whenever you have free time! Just shoot me a message you're coming over to make sure I'm at the apartment! Can't let my guest sit at my doorstep, haha! [That's true, but he'd also love to have Hinata's enthusiasm and brightness fill in the rather dull looking room. Just standing there with his orange hair is a monumental difference! And Bokuto loves that.
His grin eases up into a happy smile- a blush, huh? He doesn't remember seeing Hinata blush ever unless it was from embarrassment when he misses a spike.]
Of course it's fine! That's what the scarf is for! Keep it, [damn, he wants to hug him...] if you like it, that is.
[ The invitation makes him grin, already imagining how much fun it would be to drop in on Bokuto for a weekend here and there. It'll be difficult, of course, because both of them have volleyball as well as other obligations and responsibilities. With the distance between Miyagi and Tokyo, Shoyo's certain that he'll only be able to if he has time off during holidays like he does now.
Still, just being welcome to such an extent makes his heart flutter. Bokuto is so kind and welcoming when others would be more worried about being inconvenienced. ]
Eh, really? Don't you need it? [ Then again, if he only had one scarf and gave it away to Shoyo, he surely would have bought another one soon after. Holding the scarf in both hands and rubbing the material between his fingers, he feels his blush grow hotter at the realization that he really wants to keep it. Maybe it seems trivial, but the memory that comes with being given the scarf is precious, too! It was when they'd discussed dating and Bokuto had accepted Shoyo despite mentioning he liked guys. ] I-I'd really like to keep it, if you're sure it's okay! That night was important to me.
[They'd find a way to make it work. The saying goes 'where there's a will, there's a way'. And visiting during the holidays isn't bad at all. There's always something going on in the town where they can go, spend time, and have some fun. Bokuto would be lying through his teeth if he ever said that Hinata didn't grow on him, in an unexpected way, ever since their chat back at Nationals. He's not sure how it happened but the boy's brightness is infectious and Bokuto just wants to spend more and more time with him.
...was this a crush?
His train of thought is interrupted with Hinata speaking again and he nods.]
I am 100% sure you can keep it! I have another one just like that. [Well, not exactly but very similar.] I'm glad I could've helped you out then. [He gives Hinata's hair a ruffle.]
Now settle in and rest a bit before we go out for that food and sight seeing!
Thanks, senpai! [ He grins brightly and slings the scarf around his neck, laughing because the spring weather is definitely getting too warm to wear a scarf. Still, the soft knit of it feels nice whether or not he can wear it for longer than a few minutes without having to take it off to let his neck cool down. The blush doesn't help with his temperature, either.
It doesn't take long for him to settle in, given that he'd only brought one bag, but he decides to change into pants for going out to dinner. He's not expecting anything fancy, but it's probably better to wear jeans than shorts, right? Once he's finished, he wanders to Bokuto's room to see if he's ready, too. ] Wanna go out now?
[He doesn't correct Hinata that he's not his senpai anymore (being out of high school and all) because it sounds so nice! If not during this spring anymore, there will be other winters to come where Hinata can use the scarf. And he still thinks that the blush is cute on him.
Bokuto doesn't have much to do with his outfit- he just ditches the jacket because it's hot, and changes shirt into a more fitting one. Wallet, keys and phone-] Yep! We need that dinner! [He heads out of the room, grin on his face as always.] Want to bring it over here or eat out? We'll get all kinds of stuff! [Bokuto exclaims, pulling on the shoes, again. He's not leaving his guest hungry while he's over.]
[ In his eyes, Bokuto will always be a senpai of volleyball. In the short times that they've had together, he's learned a lot from the spiker and been instilled with more confidence thanks to his encouragement. He's glad that they're able to build more of a friendship outside of the court, now, too, even if it's a little late considering one of them is in high school and the other is going on to bigger and better things.
The question is a good one, and he actually considers it while toeing on his shoes and following Bokuto back out of the apartment's front door. ] Maybe we should get a bunch of different stuff and bring it back here? That way, we can eat a lot and comfortably pass out after! [ He grins up at Bokuto, steps exceptionally bouncy as they walk side-by-side. ] And, and! That way, We can share more of the foods you love so I can try them all.
[Honestly, having Hinata look up to him was inspiring for him as it was for Hinata. He's not sure why or how but knowing that his play will make Hinata excited and happy, made him work even harder in volleyball. The boy was a true savior when he showed up at that match with 'Way of the Ace' shirt. He can't afford to goof around anymore.
It's never late to establish a friendship though. Not in Bokuto's opinion at least.]
Ohhh! Excellent idea! As expected of my best pupil! [Hinata gets a brief, wild hair ruffle as they head out.] We'll get everything then! Gyoza, meatbuns, takeout sushi, dumplings, takoyaki and then dango for deseert! It's a celebration!
[It sounds like a lot, but Bokuto's sure they'll eat all of it during the night as they hang out.]
[ It sounds like a lot, but not at all in a bad way! Shoyo's mouth hangs open for a moment as he considers such a feast, already drooling at the names alone. Bokuto has good taste in things other than sports and t-shirts. His presence being considered worthy of celebration makes him feel a little sheepish, but also he can't help beaming at the thought. If Bokuto was that happy to have him here, then there's no reason to be shy! ]
Hm? That's a hard one! [ He's never been a picky eater, though he's trying to keep a more well-rounded diet lately with focus on the right kinds of food to help his body before and after training. ] Um, I really like all of those things! My mom's egg on rice is the best, but that's not a special food. What about you, Bokuto-san?
[They'll eventually eat all of it! Especially if they plan on marathoning movies the entire nights. Hinata coming over, for the first time, IS a celebration! Especially because this is first time Bokuto's having guests in general (next time might not be as tidy...).]
Oooh! We can make that in the morning! I think I have eggs. [And his mom left him rice cooker because of course he has to have one. He can't cook, but he can dump rice and water in the cooker and he won't starve.] Me? I LOVE barbecue! Hot from the grill! 's expensive tho, haha. One day! I'll treat you to ALL the meat there is!
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He still hopes he grows a little more, of course.
Shoyo is pretty sure that Bokuto is used to the attention that he brings, so he probably doesn't notice the fact that their loud voices attract stares. It seems like another power of an ace, just making people pay attention to them everywhere they go because of their confidence and intimidating presence. Shoyo would be green with envy if he weren't always in awe. ]
That's true! And having a friend on your team means it's easier to trust them. I never really knew all that until this year. [ He laughs, a little quieter and more sheepish. ] In middle school, my volleyball team was kinda a joke. It was just me for two years. But I had friends on the other sports teams who helped me!
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They arrive at the building just as Hinata says that and Bokuto stops to look at him. He's quiet for a moment, thinking, then tilting his head, curious.]
Why do you think your team was a joke? You took it seriously, didn't you? You even went to a tournament, right? [Have another head pat,] Just because you didn't win on that tournament, it doesn't mean it was a joke. After all, you got to Nationals! [He grins-] That team was just you starting off; I am sure you're gonna do great things in the future!
Ah! Elevator's here! [He perks up when the door open and people leave the elevator. He rushes over to it to hold the door open for Hinata.] Floor six, here we come!
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He flinches at first when Bokuto pats his head—instinct again, he really needs to stop acting so reflexively to everything—but then eases into the touch. It's such a simple way to look at things, and it makes him smile up at Bokuto with increased awe and respect. So yeah, maybe he'd had a little crush on the ace before, but this seems to solidify it. Bokuto's never looked down at him for his lack of size or experience and always pushed him to work harder. ]
A step towards a goal, right? [ He'd heard Kageyama say that and wished he knew how to think of cool things like that. ] I'm really grateful to that experience, don't get me wrong! I made friends with a lot of volleyball players in my neighborhood because of it. I just feel like I missed out on playing lots of volleyball in middle school like everyone else did. I was never the ball boy, so I'm catching up now!
[ It's something that he hadn't realized until he'd been forced to be the ball boy during the Miyagi training camp. The experience is one he'll never forget and always be grateful for, a foundation that he'd been missing as a first-year starting player for Karasuno. He feels much perkier now and follows Bokuto into the elevator with a spring in his step. ] What kind of schedule do you have? Do you need to get up really early?
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Bokuto gives Hinata a huge grin and a nod-] Yep! Like- like testing the water of the sea with toes before you take a run and jump in it! [Then it's either sink or swim. Bokuto still feels like that- he knows the basics of the swimming and sometimes he's so good at it, but sometimes it feels as if he's never done it before. But he's glad that whatever experience he has he can share with Hinata; he's not sure why, but ever since the training camp, the guy keeps growing on him and he just can't steer himself away from him. What was that comparison again- sunflower following the sun or something?]
You tried, and that's what counts. Your school didn't have a volleyball team and there was nothing you could do about it. I'm so proud of you! You've come such a long way! And being ballboy is great! Spiking is better, obviously, but ball boy has his advantages too! [The elevator arrives on his floor and Bokuto nudges Hinata out gently-] Nah! I go in the morning for a jog, but I took a few days off to settle in properly and to be with my guest, of course!
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Letting himself be nudged along, Shoyo feels a pleased blush heat his cheeks. Being praised is wonderful from anyone, but from Bokuto? It’s twice as potent and goes straight to his heart. Bokuto is proud of him. True, he’d become his disciple somewhere between the training camps and nationals, but something about being praised while no one else is around feels even more important. Bokuto is saying it for Shoyo and that’s it. ] Oh, can I come with you? I always go for a run when I don’t have to bike to school or practice. We can see the neighborhood that way!
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Oh sure! We can get breakfast on our way back!
[The elevator stops at his floor and Bokuto leads the way to the door at the end of the hall, pulling out his keys and unlocking them.] Here we are! Come on in!
[He pushes the door open and lets Hinata step in first, as he's the guest. The apartment is on the smaller side but seems cozy. The kitchen, living room and dining room are all connected into one like a studio, but there's a visible distinction between the parts. Couch, TV set, coffee table with a laptop on it, dinning table, few shelves and kitchen props (counters, stove, fridge). There are two doors leading to bedroom and bathroom respectively.]
Make yourself at home!
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Stepping into the apartment, he sets his bag next to the door and toes off his shoes so he can hop inside and start exploring. He zips around the open space, eyes wide at everything like he's never seen a kitchen or couch before. ] It's cool that you get all this space to yourself! But do you ever get lonely? I mean, I've never been away from my family for longer than a week.
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or certain student).Bokuto takes his shoes off and grabs two pairs of slippers, one for himself and one for Hinata, and grins-]
Well! I recently moved in so my mom has been hanging around to make sure everything's in place. And now you're here! So I'm not lonely. [For now!] Besides, I'll probably spend a lot of time out of the apartment and at the gym in the future so I'll be fine! [He hopes, patting Hinata on the back.]
I have two futons in the bedroom- we can definitively move them to the living room to binge some movies tonight!
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Oh, that makes sense! Here is more for sleeping and stuff like that, you're probably with teams and people a lot during the day. [ It sounds like a dream to be playing so much volleyball every day at such a high level, and it reminds Shoyo of his future goal to go pro, too.
He gasps at the suggestion, eyes getting big. ] That sounds so fun! Mom never lets me sleep in the living room. Ah, I brought a movie in case you wanted to watch it! And, and— [ He scurries back over to his bag and digs around inside before pulling out the scarf that Bokuto had lent to him during Nationals. ] I brought it back!
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Yep! Also it will be great if others want to come and hang out for a while or watch and discuss the games we played. [Bokuto said before, and he'll say it again, that Hinata's potential to become a pro is big. Especially because he doesn't let anything destroy his motivation- that's the biggest thing he has going on for him.]
Oooh! The scarf. [Bokuto laughs, taking it.] I completely forgot about it. I hope it did its duty to keep you warm!
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Handing the scarf over, he smiles up at Bokuto with just a hint of pink dusting his cheeks. ] It did, promise! I... used it a lot during the winter. I hope that's okay!
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His grin eases up into a happy smile- a blush, huh? He doesn't remember seeing Hinata blush ever unless it was from embarrassment when he misses a spike.]
Of course it's fine! That's what the scarf is for! Keep it, [damn, he wants to hug him...] if you like it, that is.
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Still, just being welcome to such an extent makes his heart flutter. Bokuto is so kind and welcoming when others would be more worried about being inconvenienced. ]
Eh, really? Don't you need it? [ Then again, if he only had one scarf and gave it away to Shoyo, he surely would have bought another one soon after. Holding the scarf in both hands and rubbing the material between his fingers, he feels his blush grow hotter at the realization that he really wants to keep it. Maybe it seems trivial, but the memory that comes with being given the scarf is precious, too! It was when they'd discussed dating and Bokuto had accepted Shoyo despite mentioning he liked guys. ] I-I'd really like to keep it, if you're sure it's okay! That night was important to me.
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...was this a crush?
His train of thought is interrupted with Hinata speaking again and he nods.]
I am 100% sure you can keep it! I have another one just like that. [Well, not exactly but very similar.] I'm glad I could've helped you out then. [He gives Hinata's hair a ruffle.]
Now settle in and rest a bit before we go out for that food and sight seeing!
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It doesn't take long for him to settle in, given that he'd only brought one bag, but he decides to change into pants for going out to dinner. He's not expecting anything fancy, but it's probably better to wear jeans than shorts, right? Once he's finished, he wanders to Bokuto's room to see if he's ready, too. ] Wanna go out now?
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Bokuto doesn't have much to do with his outfit- he just ditches the jacket because it's hot, and changes shirt into a more fitting one. Wallet, keys and phone-] Yep! We need that dinner! [He heads out of the room, grin on his face as always.] Want to bring it over here or eat out? We'll get all kinds of stuff! [Bokuto exclaims, pulling on the shoes, again. He's not leaving his guest hungry while he's over.]
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The question is a good one, and he actually considers it while toeing on his shoes and following Bokuto back out of the apartment's front door. ] Maybe we should get a bunch of different stuff and bring it back here? That way, we can eat a lot and comfortably pass out after! [ He grins up at Bokuto, steps exceptionally bouncy as they walk side-by-side. ] And, and! That way, We can share more of the foods you love so I can try them all.
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It's never late to establish a friendship though. Not in Bokuto's opinion at least.]
Ohhh! Excellent idea! As expected of my best pupil! [Hinata gets a brief, wild hair ruffle as they head out.] We'll get everything then! Gyoza, meatbuns, takeout sushi, dumplings, takoyaki and then dango for deseert! It's a celebration!
[It sounds like a lot, but Bokuto's sure they'll eat all of it during the night as they hang out.]
What's your favorite food? We'll get that too!
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Hm? That's a hard one! [ He's never been a picky eater, though he's trying to keep a more well-rounded diet lately with focus on the right kinds of food to help his body before and after training. ] Um, I really like all of those things! My mom's egg on rice is the best, but that's not a special food. What about you, Bokuto-san?
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Oooh! We can make that in the morning! I think I have eggs. [And his mom left him rice cooker because of course he has to have one. He can't cook, but he can dump rice and water in the cooker and he won't starve.] Me? I LOVE barbecue! Hot from the grill! 's expensive tho, haha. One day! I'll treat you to ALL the meat there is!