Mibuchi Reo prides himself to be very perceptive, calling it his woman's intuition.

He glanced around in the Rakuzan cafeteria from his seat observing the students rushing in for their lunch break.

The guy sitting at his 1 o clock, has been sneaking glances at Setsuna. Definitely a crush. And probably only dared to do so only with Akashi's back facing him.

Needless to say, the girls right next to their table giggling and whispering ever since the basketball regulars stepped in. Akashi's fan girls.

Yet, as Mibuchi tapped his index finger on the table, unabashedly staring at Akashi and Setsuna in front of him, both quietly eating their cafeteria food side by side, their relationship remained an enigma to him.

The strangest matter of all that perturbed Reo to no end, like a scratch that he cannot reach behind his back, was the reason Setsuna insisted calling her childhood friend on last name basis. When he brought this up to Setsuna, when he found her alone at the school gate waiting for Akashi, the girl had only answered vaguely.

"Because Akashi is Akashi. Sei kun is Sei kun."

He tried to probe further, but Akashi had already finished his student council work and stepped in, causing the brunette to lose his chance to perhaps finally unravel the mystery that is still driving him crazy.

Mibuchi knows they are childhood friends, but do simply childhood friends respond to each other in sync? Just as he was thinking about it, Setsuna had reached over grabbing the soya sauce on his side, giving it to Akashi, while the latter had took it without a word. All the while, his other hand holding chopsticks had placed Wakame on her bowl, and Setsuna had accepted without even acknowledging it.

When Akashi first took her to basketball practice introducing her to everyone, Mibuchi had already asked whether they are lovers. Akashi had calmly said they are not, while Setsuna responded that they are single and available, adding innocently that it just so happens that no one was interested in her. Mibuchi find Setsuna to be generally quite perceptive, yet when it comes to things related to her, she was absolutely clueless. She hadn't known that her 'childhood friend' had been using his Emperor eye or simply death glares warding off any guy who even dare to approach her.

After a few months of observation, Mibuchi had struck out sibling relations too. Sure, a brother can be overly protective of his younger sister, yet the atmosphere when they are alone together surely indicate otherwise. There was once the uncrowned king set out around school looking for Akashi, a rare occurrence because the Emperor is always on time, if not early, for practice.

When Mibuchi had finally found him, he was in for a surprise when he saw the emperor peacefully napping, with his head on Setsuna's lap under the red maple tree. The girl was nonchalantly reading her book with her hand occasionally brushing against his crimson hair, till she noticed Reo stared at them agape. She glanced at her watch, immediately shaking the boy awake. Akashi sat up slowly, exchanged a few quiet words with her then turned to look up at the still speechless brunette. Yet, when the boy had grabbed his taller friend running to the gym, Mibuchi had not noticed blushing or any attempt to cover up the sweet episode he had just saw.

When the rest of the team members, Hayama and Nebuya in particular, asked why Akashi was late, there was something that stopped Mibuchi from telling them what he saw. It almost felt sacrilegious to reveal such an intimate moment to his team, since the newly minted Captain, in a few short months, had racked up such an intimidating reputation in the team and in school. When he glanced at Akashi who was innocently doing 1000 basketball shots as punishment for being late, the shooting guard realized that even if he were to tell his teammates, they probably would not have believed him anyway. Before he can catch himself, he had easily lied replying that Akashi was simply caught up in student council work. The team, curiosity sated and partly finding the reason boring yet reasonable, went back to their training without further questions. When Mibuchi turned to look at the Red Emperor again, the heterochromatic-eyed boy merely smirked at him in amusement. It annoyed the brunette a little. He felt manipulated.


"Stop tapping and eat, Reo.", Akashi said without looking up from his food,"Give yourself ample time to chew and digest otherwise you will get a stomachache."

"Yes, yes~" Mibuchi picked up his chopstick and his bowl of rice," Thank you for the food!"

Just as he is about to dig in, Hayama and Nebuya joined them at their table uninvited, with the latter announcing his arrival with a loud burp.

"Eeeew! Get away from me, don't sit next to me, Nebuya!" Mibuchi frowned in frustration, inching away, waving around with his hand in a vain attempt to rid of the germs and smell.

"Oops, sorry." Nebuya said without really meaning it, setting his tray of food down. "Ne, Kuroko." Setsuna knew what he wanted, bringing up the obento box in front of him.

"Here's the food that we could bring back from the soiree yesterday." Setsuna continued while unbundling the obento cloth,"Are you really sure about this, Nebuya senpai? Even though it was only yesterday, but it is leftovers."

"Hotel Nikko is famous for their luxurious dinner buffet! There's no way I could pass this up!" Nebuya leaned forward towards the obento immediately forgetting about his cafeteria food,"Oei, what's this triangular thing?"

"Boulette d'Avesnes." Akashi answered without elaborating. Setsuna smiled explaining,"Basically cheese sprinkled with paprika, so it's a little spicy. It goes very well together. I can only take back items that won't spoil overnight."

"What about this one? this one?!" Hayama piped up who can barely contain his excitement anymore. He and Nebuya had been looking forward to this ever since Setsuna let slip that her and Akashi are going for a party with buffet at one of the top hotels in Kyoto.

"Tarte tatin." Akashi answered again without elaborating, bringing up his green tea to his mouth. Setsuna continued,"it's like a baked apple pie upside down. Please try it, Hayama senpai."

"Oei, Hayama! Don't steal my food!"

"Oh come on, you gorilla, SHARE! Oei oei! REO NEE! You just sneak the cheese into your mouth!"

It shortly become chaotic as Nebuya, Hayama and even Mibuchi had joined in fighting for the unique delicacies Setsuna had brought back for them. Akashi just leaned back on his chair with his green tea, a little annoyed with the noise but is used to it already. Setsuna was holding the obento cover, a little overwhelmed by the feedback. With the three athletes, they had instantly obliterate the entire layer with Nebuya immediately lifting it up since there were three layers.

"What are these Onigiri, Kuroko?"

"AH!" Setsuna replied blushing a little," I wasn't able to bring back much because the food were really popular with the guests. I was thinking it probably won't be enough, so I make the onigiris this morning. The three of them were stunned in silence for a short moment, touched by her thoughtful gesture, before immediately scrambled, fighting against each other to grab the onigiris in the box.

"O.M.G." Mibuchi who had elegantly nibble the first mouth bringing his hand up in utter amazement," I didn't know onigiris can be so delicious. What is this filling?"

"The one you are holding... Ah, Mentaiko mixed with mustard. It's nice perhaps because of the quality ingredients? I did make use of Akashi's kitchen afterall."

The two louder seniors were already wolfing down their third one while Mibuchi just smiled," Thank you so much for the food, Setsu-chan. It's utterly delicious."

"Mmmmh ommmph mmph!" Nebuya tried to talk but with his mouth stuffed full, nobody could understand what he said, though if Setsuna had to guess, he probably tried to agree with Mibuchi.

"Uhhh gawd... Dis ish delixious. Sankyuu, Setsunaaa!" Hayama managed to say after swallowing what was in his mouth.

Akashi who had been silent for the whole while, gently placed his cup of green tea down without a sound, he deadpanned," The three of you. If a single grain of rice were to fall on the table, I will triple your practice today."

Mibuchi had continued without breaking a sweat, but both Hayama and Nebuya immediately stiffened, forcing themselves to slow down their intake and eat more carefully.

After two more layers of obento and finishing their cafeteria food, they cleared their food just in time for the bell. As the three seniors once again thank Setsuna, leaving for their classrooms on the third floor, Akashi stayed behind, waiting for her to pack up the boxes and walked to their classroom together.

"...You spoil them too much." Akashi huffed without any particular tone or expression.

Setsuna mildly smiled, "They will need the energy to endure your spartan training regime later."


After classes and then practice, Akashi allowed said regime end slightly ahead of time, giving time for the members to study for their finals. The intimidating emperor naturally was more than ready for his exams, and he innately disapprove of their fruitless struggle to cram a year's worth of knowledge into their brains within a week. However, he understood what they needed and could not expect everyone to be ready as him. He was taught to be perfect, and at the same time, to give concessions to others so long they serve his purpose. After packing and ensuring everything in the gym was in order, he need not think too hard as to where to locate his childhood friend.

As he ambled off with his bag and a specific destination in mind, his thought wandered to his team's shooting guard. Though sensible most of the time, Mibuchi was simply too nosy for his own good. His curiosity over the nature of his and Setsuna's relationship is evident when Akashi caught his eyes flicking between the two of them, and had trailed behind them sometimes, thinking he was unnoticed. In his opinion, Mibuchi's mistake was trying to categorize him, his mind foolishly confined to thinking within the box.

Simply put, they were not conventional. They are more than childhood friends, characteristics of siblings' close relations but yet also not restricted by blood. The only thing for sure, Akashi thought as he had arrived to his destination, listening to a singular smooth string music piping through the music room, was…

She is as essential to him as breathing.

Akashi slide open the door, and as he had very well expected, she was playing on her violin practicing Vivaldi's Winter, a piece that the Akashi family music tutor had requested for her to perfect by next week.

She continued to play despite the interruption, though acknowledged Akashi's presence by briefly making eye contact with him. It was also an invitation, a wordless request that Akashi understood and decided to abide. As per how they always communicate, Akashi sauntered over to the piano without a sound, lifted up the cover, and joined into the piece flawlessly and harmoniously without breaking her stride.

Akashi grinned continuing to play, thinking how Setsuna's music always gets better when they play together. That said, she is far from perfect, at least to the Akashi family standards. Her style is very much like how she played her basketball, formless, unpredictable and yet, people are drawn to her elegance, like bees attracted to honey.

As soon as the piece is finished, Akashi commented,"Your E flat is too soft and weak, pull in with a little more strength."

"I invited you to play, not to criticize." Setsuna lowered her violin, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

"You know very well I won't have taken my time to join you, if not to coach you."

"Yes, yes, you are absolute. I will work on it alright? No wonder it sounded a little uneven…" Setsuna reached over to the music stand, flipping through the music notes she already knew by heart, frowning in concentration.

That is also something that Akashi admired in her. Spirit. He had no patience with people who refuse to admit their mistakes. Though Setsuna grumbles, she always take his advice to heart and is willing to put in the effort to improve.

"Just give me a minute." The girl continued without looking up,"Kawashima-san told me this morning when I make the onigiri that today's dinner is cold soba with tempura. I'm looking forward to it."

Kawashima-san is the head chef in the Akashi household. The scion only learned of his name from Setsuna who had make sure to memorize all the names of the Akashi household servants ever since she first stepped foot in the Kyoto mansion. She did not really need to do that, but she insisted doing that is more friendly rather than addressing them by their job title.

After packing and locking up the music room, they continued to walk towards the school gate where the car awaits. Akashi noticed she was fidgeting a little with the violin case in her hand, but he waited till she decided to broach the subject in her mind.


"I'm going to Tokyo during the Golden Week after our finals. Do you remember?" Setsuna finally took the plunge, fearing what the emperor will reply.

He knew what she was really trying to ask, but he refused to entertain her. He still felt angry about it. So he replied," Yes I do."

She sighed, perhaps taking the subtle hint but it had bothered her enough to continue pushing for an answer," Are you still angry with me?"

Angry? He thought. Still angry that she dared to refuse him? Yes. Angry that she is still keeping certain things from him? Yes.

"No. I understand clearly that you want to go alone." Akashi went on walking nonchalantly to the school gate, ignoring that she had flinched from his tone.

When they approached the black SUV parked just a few metres away from school, Chauffeur Sawano immediately exited the car, bowed and opened the door for them.

As both teenagers began to climb abroad, Akashi continued," I have arranged to go to the regional Shogi competition, it should keep me entertained."

Setsuna had thought there was nothing she could add since Akashi had as good as reassured her that he will be keeping himself busy from needlessly fretting with worry. Unfortunately, the next thing Akashi did make her realized she was not as adept at reading him as she originally thought. He gripped her hand tightly, enough to make his knuckle turned white and she winced in pain.

She turned towards the car window, preventing Akashi from seeing her expression, attempting to reassure him,"I will be back as soon as possible. I promise."

Only then, did Akashi released his grip a little.


It was finally the day that Setsuna is traveling to Tokyo. The servants in the household are professional, but if the huge obento and the well-packed luggage in both of her hands were of any indication, they were obviously a little bias towards her. After the chauffeur, Sawano had helped to carry her bags, Setsuna told him to give her a minute to say goodbye to both father and son. Masaomi was easy to find, he had just finished his breakfast and was about to leave for his study.

"Uncle Omi." Setsuna greeted him with a light respectful bow," I will be leaving today, thank you again for paying for the Shinkansen ticket."

Masaomi gently pat her head," The Vivaldi's Winter you performed last week was spectacular. You kept your end of the bargain and I will keep mine. That is all. No need for thanks."

When Setsuna had first moved in to the Kyoto mansion, one of the many things that Masaomi had offered her was giving her the choice to return to her Tokyo home every weekend. However, Setsuna adamantly refused to accept it, explaining that she could not have asked for more, since she already saved on rental by staying in his house. When she suggested that she will take part time jobs to earn her own ticket, Masaomi told her it was out of the question. After a tense standoff, they come to a compromise, Setsuna will learn violin lessons from Akashi's private music tutor. If she attends every single session together with Akashi and finish a test, she would have 'earned' her ticket.

After a brief goodbye, Masaomi left the living area leaving Setsuna alone. She walked up to the fireplace where its top was lined with frames containg a photo of each Akashi generation. She looked for one in particular, a photo of a beautiful red-haired woman holding a umbrella smiling radiantly at the camera.

"Auntie Shiori. I will be back soon." Setsuna smiled gently,"I didn't forget my promise. For now, please take care of Uncle Omi, Akashi and Sei Kun while I'm away, okay?"

"Are you done?"

Setsuna turned around and saw Akashi leaning at the doorway with his arms crossed, looking at her with his usual cold expression.

"Yes." She walked past him through the doorway, sat down tugging in her boots, getting ready to go,"Try not to trash your Shogi opponents."

"No guarantees. Provided that they entertain me." Akashi replied confidently, observing Setsuna as she opened the door when he stopped her again," Setsuna."

The girl waited for him to finish.

"Tell Tetsuya that I expect to see him at the Winter Cup."

Setsuna nodded in affirmation before closing the door, finally making her way to the station. Akashi turned back to his room, getting ready to change for the Shogi preliminaries held on that day.

Between them, good byes were not necessary.


A/N: Is the story confusing? The present timeline is set in the 1st Rakuzan year, after the Interhigh arc but before the Winter Cup. Their past will be slowly presented in various forms. Lastly, if you hadn't noticed, the only few times when Akashi was not with Setsuna, it was only when he's in practice as they share the same class together. They go to school and home together. They are ALWAYS together. A little creepy, no? Perhaps I need to warn people that the emperor Akashi is a yandere here? lol Please let me know your thoughts!