It was a cloudy evening when Akashi confessed to Kuroko.

The late afternoon was rather hot, so Kuroko had taken Akashi to a nearby stream to cool down. But by the time Akashi and Kuroko reached the stream, clouds had gathered in the sky and were obstructing the sun from reaching the earth. It was already starting to cool down. Nevertheless, Akashi still decided to make use of the stream, since he didn't want Kuroko's effort of bringing him there to go to waste. After removing his shoes, Akashi sat by the edge of the stream with his legs dangling into the water.

When Akashi noticed that Kuroko was just standing there, looking at his feet, he called for Kuroko.

Kuroko's head shot up.

"Come and sit with me. The water feels nice," said Akashi.

"Uh… ah, okay," Kuroko stuttered. Nevertheless, he took off his shoes and sat beside Akashi.

Akashi and Kuroko sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, before Akashi opened his mouth to speak. "Ano… Kuroko?"

Kuroko looked at Akashi curiously.

"You know how Tama has been going to your place every day? I… I think she's trying to set us up," explained Akashi. "And I think she's succeeding. Well, at least on my part anyway."

"Eh?"

Akashi avoided Kuroko's wide-eyed gaze by looking at his fists on his lap. "What I'm saying is… Well… I like you very much!" Akashi blurted out loudly. He had shut his eyes tightly, somewhat afraid of seeing Kuroko's reaction to his confession. "I think you are a remarkable person with such compassion and kindness… I… I have feelings for you!"

Kuroko stared at Akashi. If he was hearing things correctly, his feelings for Akashi were requited – Akashi felt the same way! The joy in his heart at Akashi's confession was indescribable. But… Kuroko was keeping a big secret from Akashi – Akashi didn't know that Kuroko was an immortal person with healing powers. Kuroko didn't want to enter a relationship with Akashi with such a secret.

Kuroko didn't say anything for a while. It was quiet. So, Akashi opened his eyes slowly and hesitantly to glance at Kuroko, who was still staring at Akashi with a blank expression.

"Kuroko?" Akashi uttered softly. He reached forward to take Kuroko's hand into his. "Kuroko? Please say something. It's okay if you reject-"

"I'm not rejecting you, Akashi-kun," Kuroko interrupted Akashi. "In fact, I feel the same way."

Kuroko did not miss Akashi's scared expression shifting into a happy grin.

"But…" Kuroko continued. "There's something important about me that I haven't told you."

"What is it, Kuroko?" asked Akashi, squeezing Kuroko's hand gently.

"I… I don't know how to tell you," said Kuroko. "I don't know how you'll react to it," he added.

"What do you mean?"

"You might not want to be in a relationship with me after you find out," explained Kuroko.

Akashi brought Kuroko's hand to his mouth and kissed it lightly, causing Kuroko to blush. "Whatever it is, at least let me hear it first? Then, I'll decide for myself."

Kuroko chewed on his lower lip. He was looking at Akashi with an uncertain expression. "I think… it's better that I show you," he told Akashi.

Akashi was gazing at Kuroko expectantly.

"But not right now. I will show you when the time is right," said Kuroko. "Can you wait?"

Akashi smiled at Kuroko affectionately. "I will wait for as long as it takes for you, Kuroko," replied Akashi.

Kuroko's blush turned a darker shade of red. "Don't say such embarrassing things, Akashi-kun!"

Akashi laughed. "Only you can make me say such things," he said. "I'll have you know that I have never said anything like this before."

"Akashi-kun…" Kuroko looked down into the stream. He couldn't bear to look at Akashi in the eye when he was so self-conscious.

"Kuroko," whispered Akashi. He placed his finger beneath Kuroko's chin and lifted Kuroko's head to face him. "Despite this, can I still see you? I promise I'll try to restrain myself-"

"Yes!" Kuroko blurted out hurriedly. He was sure Akashi was going to say something embarrassing again, and he wanted to avoid that.

"So, I am still welcome in your home?"

Kuroko's expression softened. "Of course, Akashi-kun."