[Daichi's picked up on the fact that for all his needling and trying to redirect, Kuroo's being respectful. It's part of the reason he called him; there's more to Kuroo than anybody might think when they first meet him, especially if they meet him a a rival. Right now, he needs the side of Kuroo who sees him as an equal but isn't going to treat him with kid glove just because that equal isn't in the best condition.

The comment about the bear still earns an eyeroll.]

The bear's a pain in the ass. The chocolate was good, though.

[He slows his pace a little because this is hard. He could power through this as Captain Sawamura but he wants to talk to Kuroo as Daichi. That's going to take all his breath.]

It didn't happen at first sight, or second, or hundredth, but something happened. I got to know you and I got to like you.

[There. He said it, kind of. He continues before Kuroo has a chance to twist it or make a joke out of it.]

I like you and I wanted you to know in case one of us ends up leaving.