A/N: Heeyy, I'm back~
First part's going to be how Akashi wooed Furihata into a relationship, and the last part's going to be smut. I'm sorry if I made Kouki blush a lot.

When these two men met in court, they both left strong impressions on each other. The only difference was that the rumors of what Furihata heard about Akashi was confirmed the moment he personally met him and as for Akashi... well, let's just say he was rather intrigued by the brunette's personality ...

Let me tell you one thing about Furihata Kouki. He is very naïve and gullible.

He may be the chihuahua who had guts to face the emperor in their match against Rakuzan, but that doesn't change the fact that he is very oblivious to the things that are happening to him. Chances are, he might only realize what really is happening to him when it's all too late and he already playing right into the hands of someone manipulative.

Let me introduce Akashi Seijuro. He is a talented young man who is capable of mastering anything that he wants to learn. He possesses a commanding presence that he uses to control every situation to the outcome that he wants to achieve. Taking the lead in almost everything that he's involved with is a pretty natural thing for Akashi to do. It was what everybody expects him to do and he never fails that expectation, rather he always exceeds it.

So when these two men met in court, they both left strong impressions on each other. The only difference was that the rumors of what Furihata heard about Akashi was confirmed the moment he personally met him and as for Akashi... well, let's just say he was rather intrigued by the brunette's personality to the point that he invited Kuroko for an afternoon tea just to learn more about Furihata.

At first, Kuroko was puzzled as to why his former captain had invited him so suddenly until Akashi asked him about questions revolving around the same person, that's when he knew that Akashi has ulterior motives. To be honest, he feels sorry for Furihata already. He doesn't know how his friend got the attention of the Akashi Seijuro, but it felt that Furihata-kun's not going to escape that easily. After all, Akashi seems really interested in him.

"Akashi-kun, why do you want to know so much about Furihata-kun?" Kuroko asked. He was trying to see if Akashi will be brave enough to tell him the real reason why.

Akashi tried to read his expression, but he knew it was futile. Kuroko has always worn that expressionless face. Kuroko was probably one of the people who has the guts to question him things, that other would seem going overboard already. He sighed as he took a sip of his tea. He just has to be honest with what he wants after all.

"Well, I don't know the real reason why, but I am intrigued by this Kouki." He furrowed his brows and stared at the floor as if he can find the answers there. "He piqued my interest, Kuroko."

"And you want to learn everything that you can about him because?" Kuroko urged him to continue.

A smile made its way on Akashi's face that instinctively hid with his hands, "I must've taken a liking on him, Kuroko. I honestly don't know."

Kuroko smiled. Furihata's more or less fucked.

Kouki didn't know what to do. One minute he was headed down to a convenience store to get some ice cream, the next minute happened in a blur, but he is now facing a certain redhead who was calmly looking at him while saying something. He didn't even know what the other was saying. He was still overwhelmed by what's happening

"-how about you, Kouki?" he heard Akashi address him. Since when were they on first name basis? Didn't they just meet here at the convenience store?

"Uhh, I-I'm sorry, Akashi-san. I didn't get what you said earlier. Can you please repeat it?" Kouki doesn't know why but it feels like he needs to use formal language when he is speaking with Akashi.

The redhead's eyes were observing his every move that Kouki suddenly became conscious of what he was going to do and much to his dismay, he was holding his ice cream on one hand and it was melting. He looked at Akashi and he was still looking at him. He seriously wants the earth to swallow him whole right now. Why him?

"Oh, Kouki. Your ice cream is about to drip on your hands," Akashi informed him. He didn't have any choice but to lick it. It's not supposed to be awkward. Licking your ice cream isn't supposed to be awkward when all you have as a company is another guy, but why does Kouki feel like he is supposed to be embarrassed by this?

Furihata managed to quickly finish his ice cream before he gets into an embarrassing situation again. He was taken aback when he stole a glance from Akashi's direction. His eyes maybe playing with him, but he saw a different expression before he fully looked at him. It was somewhat like how he usually was before the Winter Cup.

"Is there something wrong, Kouki?" Akashi tilted his head while smiling. Furihata decided to dismiss the thought he had earlier and shook his head in reply.

"What was that thing that you asked earlier, Akashi-san?"

"Oh, that." The redhead chuckled and waved his hand in the air. "Don't worry about that. It wasn't important."

"O-Okay." Kouki lowered his head. He tried to look at Akashi in the eyes while talking, but it seems like he can't. What is with this crazy atmosphere that Akashi brings? It surely is not the latter's fault. It's just that Kouki finds Akashi so intimidating.

But he was surprised to see Akashi smile so freely earlier. He knows that it may sound so cheesy, hell, he hates to admit, but Akashi was really stunning when he smiled. He made a mental note of being careful with his mouth. He might accidentally say it without meaning to.

Kouki's eyes traveled to Akashi's clothes. Apparently, he was still wearing his uniform. Even at the end of the day, it still looked like Akashi was just about to go to school. He looked so pristine and fresh on his uniform. This also sparked curiosity to Kouki's mind. If he's still wearing his uniform, he must've ridden a train to go here in Tokyo.

Akashi seemed to catch his gaze on his uniform, "You must be wondering why I'm still wearing my uniform."

This made Kouki divert his eyes anywhere but his direction, again (he learned now that Kouki must've been fond of doing that). "I-I'm sorry for staring."

Akashi found the gesture cute. "Oh, don't be. By all means, you have the right to be curious."

After talking to Kuroko, Akashi thought that knowing everything about Furihata- his flaws and insecurities, his likes and dislikes, he thought that this silly 'attraction' that he has for the boy would fade away. Surprisingly, it just increased until he just found himself buying a train ticket to go to Tokyo. All this, just to meet Furihata Kouki.

He skipped class for today- he knows it's unbecoming of him to do that, but his mind reasoned out that he can't focus on anything. So if he wants to actually accomplish something, he has to get rid of the distraction first and that distraction is Furihata Kouki.

It also seems like the fate was on his side. He was lounging on a convenience store, not far from Seirin. He was trying to formulate a plan to talk to Kouki when he heard the bell from the door chime indicating a customer and there he saw the person he was thinking of.

He was always taught that when an opportunity is right there in front of you, you don't need to hesitate to take it, after all, it has already been laid out for you. All you need is to take it.

It was easy luring Kouki into sitting together with him. All he plans to do is just to talk to Kouki, know him a little more than what he already knows, maybe tease him a little here and there, but all of that changed when he saw Kouki lick his ice cream.

Akashi shamelessly stared at Furihata and indecent thoughts flooded his mind. He knew it was inappropriate to think like that, but he can't help it. He was a young man, his hormones raging as ever. He supposes this thing is perfectly natural.

He looked like a kitten, softly licking the ice cream with his tongue and the blush that tinted his cheeks made Akashi imagine what it would look like if he was panting openly, his whole body flushed just like his cheeks.

From that moment, he knew that he was lusting over some man. He was going to take Kouki as his, by all means possible. Nobody was going to stop him.

To: Kouki
Subject: Weekend

Kouki, I'll be visiting Tokyo for the weekend. I trust that you'll be at the station on or before 10 in the morning.

Akashi pressed the send button and put away his phone. After checking everything that he needs is already in the duffel bag, he zipped it and set it aside. He makes sure to visit Tokyo at least for one weekend to see Kouki, now that he's finally established a connection from the brunette.

It took him a few months, going to Tokyo to and fro, asking (more like bribing him with his beloved milkshake) Kuroko where Kouki is, and spending time with Kouki, to get where he is right now. It wasn't easy, he admits but it was all worth it.

He finally got to see a more relaxed Kouki. He wasn't as tense like he was last few months. One thing that really pleases Seijuro is that Kouki is now comfortable with him.

He remembered the first few months that he kept visiting Tokyo. He would be wherever Kouki was. There was a time where Kouki grew suspicious of him and gathered his guts to ask him. Not that he was bothered by the question. If anything, he was glad that Kouki was finally noticing his frequent visits.

"Um, Akashi-san, if it's not a bother to you, I would like to ask you something." Kouki was fiddling with the hem of his shirt as he talked with Akashi.

It was a sunny weekend afternoon and Akashi has yet again pinpointed where Kouki is (he has Kuroko to thank for that). This time, he found him in a crowded arcade playing a crane game. After helping Kouki claim the plush toy he was aiming for, he invited him to join him into a café.

"Go ahead, Kouki."

"Do you always visit Tokyo during the weekends? Isn't it too much of a hassle for you? I mean, you have to travel quite long." Akashi didn't hide the smirk that was forming on his lips. It was so cute to see that Kouki was beating around the bush, though he already knew what answer Kouki wants from him. He always views everything Kouki does as cute.

"Thank you for your concern, Kouki," He flashed him a smile and he was rewarded with Kouki diverting his gaze and his cheeks with a faint blush. "To answer your questions, yes, as you can see I always visit Tokyo and I do not think of it as a hassle, really. The travel time might be long, but sacrifices must be made."

Akashi waited for him to ask him another question again but Kouki stayed silent after that. Akashi decided to take hold of the situation. In times like this, it is perfectly fine to be frank, especially if the person you are trying to win over is like Kouki who is very passive. Progress must be made and that's what Akashi plans to do.

"Do you want to know why I always visit Tokyo, Kouki?"

He saw Kouki gulp. Obviously, he didn't expect him to be too straightforward. "If it's not going to trouble you, Akashi-san. I mean, I am not in the position to ask your business here on Tokyo."

"Well, I want to spend time with a certain someone as much as I can, that's why I make time to go here." Akashi paused and waited for a reaction from Kouki.

And of course, Kouki doesn't disappoint. He looked at him with those curious eyes, his lips about to utter a question, but then at the least moment, he hesitates. Well, they'll have time to work on Kouki's shyness. In the meantime…

"You'll be very surprised to know who it is, Kouki," Akashi smiled.

"Is it okay to ask who that person is?"

"It's you, Kouki."

Akashi feels like he won something so priceless when he saw Kouki's composure crumble before him. His face was quickly flooded by redness as he vainly covered it with his hand, his eyes expressed how much surprised he is and brows crossed showing he is confused at the same time. It was a sight to behold.

"I-I… Wha- I'm sorry. I just don't know how to act in these situations, Akashi-san." Kouki mumbled through his covered mouth.

"It's fine, Kouki," Akashi chuckled. Why is this human so cute? "Oh, and Kouki, you don't need to be so formal when we're together. Use my first name and please lose the '-san', you make me feel like I'm older than you. You can talk to me like we're friends."

Probably, the only thing that Akashi regrets is that he implied that he wants to be friends with Kouki. Of course, he has already made up his mind and he wants to be more than friends with the brunette. The self-control he exerts whenever they're alone together is remarkable. He even wants to applaud himself.

Now that they're already 'friends' in Kouki's perspective, he wants Kouki to see him not only as a friend anymore but something else. He's going to take extra caution as to Kouki can be such a pure and innocent being sometimes.

Furihata was getting ready, checking everything that needs to be in place before going out of his house. As he went out, he checked the time on his phone again. 9:21. He still got time before Akashi's train arrives.

The weekend came fast just as Kouki hoped it would. He's been getting accustomed to Akashi's frequent visits that it doesn't surprise him anymore if the redhead informs him that he would be in Tokyo for the weekend.

He didn't really expect that he would be friends with the Rakuzan's basketball captain. To think of it, how they became friends unusual too, but who is he to complain? It's not bad to be friends with Akashi. As soon as he discovered that Akashi is like any high-school student that he knows, he started to warm up to the idea of being friends.

As he walked inside the station, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He slowed down in his tracks and fished his phone. It's probably Akashi.

From: Kuroko
Subject: Hotpot over Kagami's

Furihata-kun, we're planning on going to Kagami's house to have hotpot. Do you want to join?

It looked like it was going to be fun, but he's going to meet Akashi. Oh well, there's next time. Kouki immediately replied.

To: Kuroko
Subject: Re: Hotpot over Kagami's

Aww. I'd like to join, but I have to meet somebody today. Maybe next time?

As Kouki sent his message, he glanced over the time on his phone again. 9:49. Akashi will be here anytime by now. He leaned over a pillar as waited when his phone buzzed again.

From: Kuroko
Subject: Re: Hotpot over Kagami's

Akashi's visiting again, huh? Say hi to him for me.

And be careful, Furihata-kun.

Furihata was surprised that Kuroko knew he was going to meet Akashi. Does Akashi inform his ex-teammates whenever he visits their area? Ah, but it's none of his business. Besides, it's very trivial if he's going to ask Akashi this.

"Kouki."

His train of thoughts was interrupted when he heard Akashi's voice. Akashi looked dashing as ever even in casual clothes. He was just wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans. How does he make it look so attractive?

"Oh, good morning, Akashi-san. To where are we headed?"

"Good morning, Kouki. I told you to call me by my first name," he gently chided him. "I don't have anything planned today. You can decide for the both of us."

Kouki ignored Akashi's nagging. As much as he wants to call him by his first name, he can't. Yet. "Why don't we just take a stroll in the park? Sounds good?"

Akashi nodded. This is one of the things that he adores about Kouki. He isn't like the people that need to be in an expensive or exclusive place just to have a good time. Kouki's idea of hanging out is so simple, yet it never fails to be on par with the places he's been.

"Can we stop in a bakery first? I'm actually famished."

Kouki laughed, "Sure."

"Akashi-san, will you be staying the night here?" They were walking on the streets of Shinjuku and it was almost evening. Since Akashi didn't plan anything, he tried to show him the fun of spontaneity which he knew Akashi wasn't really fond of.

Akashi checked the time on his wristwatch, "I might as well. Do you want to accompany me for dinner?"

"Sure, but don't take me-"

Akashi gripped his shoulder and nodded, "I know, I know. I won't take you somewhere expensive. Seriously, Kouki, we could have an eight-course meal right now."

Furihata rolled his eyes, "The last time you brought me somewhere really exclusive- I swear I saw some celebrities eating there, I panicked so much that I spilled my appetizer on my lap."

"Nonsense," In Seijuro's opinion, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. No one saw. Besides, if he must be honest, it was amusing to watch Kouki squirm and look at him with pleading eyes to get him out of there.

"Trust me in this, Akashi-san. Oh, look- let's eat something Korean." Kouki dragged Akashi to the restaurant that he saw.

Actually, Akashi wasn't even interested in eating. They could eat wherever Kouki wants, but there are more important matters to pay attention to right now. For instance, how Kouki was leading the way and he was holding his wrist.

Akashi prevented himself from acting like a giddy high-school girl. It wasn't the first time that Kouki unconsciously initiated skinship, but he still gets taken aback, not that he's complaining, he actually likes it.

They entered the restaurant Kouki chose. It wasn't crowded like he expected it to be.

"Are you familiar with the dishes, Kouki?" He inquired.

"Hmm… Not quite. I just wanted to eat something spicy tonight. You want to suggest something?" Kouki slid the menu to him. Of course, he has extensive knowledge about Asian cuisine. He often organized events requested by his father.

He scanned the menu and called for the waiter to order. Kouki let him order their food. It seems like Kouki was hungry from all the roaming they did because they ate in silence, just striking up small talks from time to time. This gave Akashi time to think.

He was given another opportunity to get closer to Kouki again. They were in Shinjuku and as far as he knows, Kouki's house is far from Shinjuku and he would have to ride a train to get home. Besides, what time is it? It's almost 8, right?

He would have to convince Kouki to stay with him for the night, and then if the situation calls for it, he'll have the chance to make immense progress in their current relationship.

"Kouki, isn't it the time too late for you?" This has to be perfect.

Kouki has just finished eating and opened his phone to look at the time, "Oh, you're right. I still have to take the train."

"Wouldn't it be too difficult for you? It was already crowded before we ate, I doubt that it'll be easy for you."

A worried expression slowly made its way to Kouki's face. "Eh? But taxis are really expensive."

Great, it's all going according to what he wants. " … If you want, you can stay the night with me."

Kouki's next reaction almost made Akashi smirk.

"A-Akash-san. What are y-you talking about…" Kouki lowered his head, a thing he usually does when he's embarrassed. Akashi also didn't miss the redness in the tips of his ears.

"You can come and sleep with me." It won't hurt to tease Kouki a little.

"W-What?" His mouth went agape. Clearly, Kouki was getting the wrong idea. Akashi can clear things right away but then again, this was amusing him.

"Yes, you heard me right, Kouki. If you still want to go home, I can accompany you, but then it'll take time for you." He raised his hands and signaled that they will be paying. Akashi got his wallet from his pocket and withdrew a few notes to pay for their dinner.

Kouki was about to the same thing, but he immediately stopped him. "It's fine, Kouki."

The latter huffed, "You always do this, Akashi-san. Let me pay too."

Akashi's eyes gleamed. This is it. "Well, if you really want to make up for it… You can sleep with me tonight."

"B-But," Kouki's hands were waving exasperatedly. "It's wrong, Akashi-san."

Akashi almost laughed. He settled for a big grin instead. "What do you mean, Kouki? I was merely inviting you to stay with me for the night until you can go back home tomorrow."

As they went out of the restaurant, he pulled Kouki closer to him and brought his lips closer to his ears and whispered, "What were you thinking, Kouki?"

This caused Kouki to blush yet again. Akashi started to wonder how many times he made Kouki blush that day.

"Then, I-I'll call my mom and tell her I'll be sleeping over a friend's house."

"You can do that when we're at the hotel. Meanwhile, could you do me a favor and hail a cab?" Kouki nodded and Akashi dialed the number of a hotel his father co-owns. He informed the hotel that he'll need one suite for the night and immediately got an 'okay' signal.

"The cab is here, Akashi-san."

He turned to Kouki and gestured him to go inside the vehicle first, "Then, shall we go?"

As Kouki was talking to his mom on his phone, Akashi took a bath and lingered on the bathroom for awhile. Now that he already has Kouki, what will he do next? As much as he wants to seduce Kouki, he still can't. He needs to accomplish certain prerequisites, as he would call it.

He wrapped the bathrobe around his body and grabbed a towel to dry off his damp hair.

"Yeah, mom. I'll be home tomorrow." He heard Kouki giggle. "You don't need to worry. I swear."

Akashi decided to get out of the bathroom after Kouki was finished talking to his mother. "Are you done informing you mother?"

"Ah, yes. Thank you for letting me stay here, Akashi-san." Kouki turned to him and he was silent for a moment.

"You can freshen up in the bathroom if you like. I'm done using it." Akashi stepped away from the bathroom door and pointed at it.

"T-Thanks." Kouki tried to avoid meeting Akashi's eyes and entered the bathroom quickly as he can.

Akashi closed the door for him and sat on the divan. He won't deny the fact that he saw how Kouki reacted when he saw him.

Kouki's hand went up straight to his chest as soon as the door closed. He caught his breath and tried to calm himself. If he didn't flee the room earlier, he would've embarrassed himself again. He needs to get it together or Akashi will think that he's still not comfortable around him.

Hell, he doesn't even know why he's acting weird in front of Akashi. Why is he so weird?

The moment he saw Akashi in front of the bathroom door he grew silent. It felt like he didn't have a tongue. His body wasn't listening to him, his eyes were glued to Akashi's face (and body, he's just too shy to admit it). It was worse when he passed by him and got to smell his scent. It was… enticing. It was a mixture of expensive perfume, which, maybe stuck to him since he often uses it and the faint smell of the body he probably used earlier. If Kouki wasn't too busy saving himself he would've taken another whiff of the scent again.

He shook his head. Why is he thinking like that? He's acting like some teenage girl who's in love. Akashi is one of his friends now, and if he thinks like that, he might ruin a good friendship and he is not very fond of forming friendships. If anything, he's lucky that Akashi wants to be his friend when he has nothing to give.

In the first place, why did Akashi want to befriend him? The social classes are far different from each other, their personalities are not similar and their first impressions of each other weren't that great.

Kouki tried to dismiss the curiosity.

It was after he finished taking a bath when he realized a very important thing: he didn't have any spare clothes or boxers for that matter.

He wants to facepalm himself. After all the things he did to avoid embarrassment. Kouki sighed. He just hoped Akashi wouldn't find it awkward. He tried to rummage the cabinets and the dresser inside the bathroom, but he only found an extra robe, similar to what Akashi was wearing and nothing else.

He accepts the reality he's been put and slowly opened the door. Akashi looked up at his direction. He must've felt something that bothers him because he asks him right away.

"Do you need something, Kouki?"

"Yes," he fiddled with the ties of the robe as he spoke. "I was going to ask you if you have spare clothes?" His voice became lower and lower as he finished his sentence.

"Ah, yes. About that, I already asked the staff to provide us new clothes. It should be here any minute."

Kouki breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you so much, Akashi-san. I promise I would personally wash it before I return it to you."

Akashi chuckled, "There's no need to do that. While we're waiting, sit here for a moment." He patted the empty space beside him. Kouki obliged to his request and settled himself beside him.

Furihata tried to act normal. He attempted to ignore Akashi's scent, but that was put in vain when the redhead shifted closer to him. He was basically a few centimeters away from Akashi and he hitched his breath. What the hell, Kouki. Act normal! He mentally scolded himself.

"Kouki," Akashi faced him. "What do you think of me?"

Surprised by the sudden question, Kouki processed Akashi's words into his mind. He doesn't know how to answer that kind of question. Should he just say something common like, 'You're a very good friend, Akashi-san,' or say what he really thinks about him, 'You make me feel weird things, Akashi-san.'

Obviously, he can't say the latter. It might come off differently from what he is trying to imply.

"I want you to be honest as possible, Kouki," Akashi added. He was staring right into his eyes and Kouki felt like Akashi got hold of it. He can't divert his eyes like he always does. It was like he lost his control over his body in an instant, brain included because he can't think straight, so he says what pops right out of his mind.

"You're a very good friend, Akashi-san." Kouki was relieved he go for his second option. He thought that it is was enough and they were going to talk about other things, but Akashi was not satisfied with his answer.

Akashi smiled at him gently, "I don't think you got what I was trying say. Do you want me to say what I think of you?"

"I-I'm not sure I'm ready for that Akashi-san." Furihata nervously laughed, trying to get the atmosphere light again.

Akashi disregarded what he said. From then on, Kouki witnessed something that made all the hair on his nape stand. He swore he saw Akashi change into another person in a blink of an eye. His smile was replaced by a smirk, his eyelids dropped and the way he looked at Kouki changed.

"I was fascinated with you, Kouki. The first time I met you in court, you caught my attention," Furihata stiffens on his seat. "You really amuse me, Kouki."

To make matters worse, Akashi moved closer to him than before and all Kouki can do is gulp. Akashi's scent was literally just under his nose. His breath smelled like mint. Kouki thought it was a good idea to move away from Akashi while he can, but his plan backfired when Akashi was hovering above him and he was almost lying on his back.

"A-Akashi-san?" He whispered, but it more of a squeak. He felt like lost his voice. Akashi was leaning closer and closer to him and Kouki closed his eyes shut. He doesn't even know why he did that. Wait… Is he expecting that Akashi would kiss him?! Seriously, what is wrong with him today?

"I like you, Kouki." He heard Akashi's voice dangerously near his ears. He made a noise similar to that of a puppy. As much as he wants to give a properly reply, he can't as long as Akashi is still hovering above him.

Silence enveloped them. Kouki heard someone breathing heavily. He thinks it's him, but the thing is, he still hasn't opened his eyes. He was silently praying that this- whatever this is would end immediately.

As if he was heard by the gods, somebody knocked on the door and brought them back to the world. He felt Akashi removed himself from the divan and when he finally opened his eyes, Akashi was talking to somebody. It must be their clothes.

Kouki's heart- for the second time that day was beating erratically. It's as if it was going to break out of his ribcage anytime soon.

"Kouki, here are your clothes. I hope the size fits you." Akashi handed him a set of clothes. He murmured thanks to Akashi. "You can use the bathroom to change."

"No, it's okay, A-Akashi-san," he shook his head in refusal. "You can use it. I can change here."

The rest of the night was mellow, Furihata was grateful for that. The two of them shared the bed since it was big and they can have their own spaces. He originally planned to sleep on the divan but Akashi insisted and it seemed that all was back to normal. It was as if something didn't happen. Kouki was amazed by how Akashi took the whole thing. While he probably panicking all over the place, Akashi was still calm and collected.

He was contemplating on what to make of Akashi's confession. He doesn't know if it was a confession. Heck, he was thinking about this over and over since that night. He can't understand what Akashi either. Kouki was expecting that the redhead would bring up the matter but he didn't and… well, he really acted like it never happened.

Unlike before, Akashi wasn't texting him like he used to. They were always texting each other. Aghh! This was making his head hurt. He is supposed to focus on his subjects today. For god's sake, he was in school, yet he was thinking of Akashi.

"Yo, Furi! What's wrong?" He lifted his head to look at the person and saw Kagami standing before him.

"Oh, it's nothing." He forced a smile. If they knew that he was friends with one of the basketball team they consider as rivals, they would definitely freak out and ask a ton of questions, so Furihata decided it is best if he would stay quiet.

"Kagami-kun, can you go somewhere? I need to talk to Furihata-kun." Kuroko popped out of nowhere. They were not surprised by this since they consider it as one of the daily occurrences in the club.

"We can talk to him together," Kagami said pointedly.

"I mean, I need to talk to him alone," Kuroko replied with a deadpan expression. They had a staring contest first before Kagami conceded and walked out of the classroom grumbling on the way.

"Is it Akashi-kun?" Kuroko immediately asked him as soon as Kagami was out of sight.

"Wow, aren't you direct Kuroko," he tried to laugh it out but then failed. If there's someone that he could talk about what he was going through right now, Kuroko is the only person for it.

"Yes, I don't know how you guessed it correctly, but I don't know what to do, Kuroko." He was on the verge of crying from the frustration that he feels. God, he was turning into some drama queen.

"What did he do to you?"

"Well," he thought over what he's going to say. He'll just filter what he was going to tell Kuroko, he doesn't need to know everything. "Akashi told me that he likes me. I mean is that considered as a confession or am I just jumping into conclusion?"

"Oh, believe what he said to you, Furihata-kun. He really adores you." Kuroko's lips slightly upwards. "It's amusing to watch him be like that, but if you don't like him, just tell me and I'll be the one to explain it to him. He hasn't experience being rejected, you see."

Hearing everything in Kuroko's monotone voice made Kouki organize his thoughts, Akashi likes him more than a friend. If he thinks about it carefully, it was unbelievable and maybe it was Akashi trying to pull on a joke, but Kuroko just confirmed that it wasn't a joke and he trusts Kuroko.

Akashi definitely makes him feel weird things, akin to the feeling heroines in shoujo mangas usually experiences, but is it enough to confirm that he likes Akashi in the same perspective?

He dwelled on that question for the following days. For once in his life, he was actually assessing his feelings for another person. Of course, he wasn't that inexperienced when it comes to relationships, but this is a different case. He was getting frustrated by the issue at hand again, so when he finally got a text from Akashi at the end of the weekday, he felt like a needle has been pulled out from his heart.

From: Akashi
Subject: Good evening.

Kouki, I will be coming over this weekend as well. We have some matters to talk about.

Their last 'date' (as Akashi would like to call it) was quite eventful. He almost kissed Kouki right then and there, but then he was reminded of his plan. If it weren't for that, all of his hard work would've probably gone to waste. He decided to give himself a little punishment by not mentioning what happened or contacting Kouki over the following days he went back to Kyoto.

His teammates totally noticed that something must've happened since he was stricter and hot-tempered when practicing, but they chose not to bring it up. It was hard not to contact Kouki, a lot of people were involved in his self-given punishment, but by Friday, he finally texted Kouki and he they were finally going to talk about their relationship.

He thought about it. He considered the fact that he may have manipulated Furihata into this so-called friendship and eventually to develop feelings for him, but that was not the case. He was simply trying his chances if Furihata will be comfortable when with him. He gave him a few months to adjust and Kouki exceeded his expectations, indicating that Kouki was willing to be his friend and as for his sudden confession at the hotel, it only acted as a trigger for Kouki.

It will all come down on the weekend. If Kouki feels differently about him, he would gladly accept it and still be friends with him (though he knows there are still a lot of ways to divert that scenario) and if hopefully, things would exactly fall into what he expects, he would be happy about it.

It was already late afternoon when he arrived in Tokyo and they agreed to just meet at the park when he gets there. It turns out that Kouki was already waiting for him at the park. When he spotted him, he can obviously tell that Kouki was anxious. He quickly went to Kouki's area.

"I apologize if I made you wait, Kouki."

"It's fine, Akashi-san. I didn't wait that long." Although he was smiling, Akashi can still sense that he was nervous.

He decided to stall what they're supposed to talk about and settled for small talks. Kouki replied and asked him questions in return. Akashi thought Kouki's nervousness was already gone, but he was surprised when Kouki let out a cry.

"Ahh! I can't take this anymore!" He cried out while pulling out his hair. "Akashi-san, you said you like me right?"

Akashi suppressed his smile and nodded. "Yes. Are you ready to give me an answer?"

Kouki shook his head, "N-No. Not quite. I just... I'm not really sure of what I feel towards you- no, it's like I don't know what to make of it?" It was the first time Akashi saw Kouki talk so animatedly, his hands flailing everywhere as if to give emphasis on what he's trying to say.

"I'll tell you this honestly, Akashi-san." Kouki stood up from his seat and started to pace back forth as he rambled. "I'm not going to lie- you make me feel weird things. It's like I'm living on a shoujo manga, right now. I can say that I'm attracted to you," he sighed. "But is that enough to say that I like you too?"

Akashi feels like he's on cloud nine by what he heard. He didn't expect that one could experience happiness like this. "Then, do you want me to help you?" He also got up from the bench and went to stop Kouki from his tracks.

"Wh-What? How?"

Without warning he encircled his arms around Kouki's waist, bringing him closer to him and slowly, using his free hand, gently tilting the brunette's head he brought his lips closer to his.

"With this," he pressed his lips on Kouki's, feeling him froze by his actions. He was about to pull back when he felt Kouki lean to him, kissing him back.

That answer was enough for Akashi.

It was their first kiss that happened one and a half year ago. Akashi finally got Kouki to call him by his first name. Kouki calls him 'Sei' and they discovered a lot of things from each other as their relationship grew longer. A lot of things changed, they had a lot of ups and downs, but that was to be expected, they were in a relationship after all.

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Credits to the rightful owner of the picture used as the cover photo.