Chapter 8 :

" Did he leave any bruises on you?"

Akashi asked as he rested his face on his right hand with eyes fixedly looked at the other man sitting opposite him. He received no response, though.

"Tetsuya, don't be like that!"

Having put it that way, Akashi still heard nothing from Kuroko as the blue-haired male kept being somewhat resentful.

" Tetsuya dear, I recalled that it was you who tried to oppose rather aggressively."

" It was a fair thing to do to someone who imprisoned you."

Kuroko's tone was slightly harsh compared to usual along with an uncharacteristic glare.

" Imprison, you say? To me, it was more like giving you a secure safety."

Kuroko's reaction was an abrupt hit on the table. He stood up straight away and his eyes became fiercer as time went by. His actions were equal to an absolute disapproval.

" The very second I agreed with staying at your's place was a very beginning of extreme dangers. How foolish I was for believing in your words!"

Akashi was not in any way taken aback by Kuroko's sudden anger and just seemed to enjoy the rare display of emotions of the typically reserved young man. Despite knowing that, Kuroko did not even care and tried to get Akashi to hear him.

" And earlier, one of your lowly hired man twisted my arm upon seeing me approaching and questioning you. How is any of that safe?"

" He simply misunderstood, Tetsuya. If you want, I can fire him afterwards."

Akashi gave Kuroko one of his self-satisfied and smug look whick only irritated the man even more. Kuroko could not get anymore frustrated and soon spoke up:

"What I want? I want to know what are you attempt to do...with me?"

" I'm afraid I cannot answer that."

Akashi replied fast and quickly averted his eyes to his employees:

" Right now. I would like Tetsuya to be in his room."

They got the message and walked towards where Kuroko was sitting.

" Kuroko-sama," one of the maids requested." If you please follow us."

Of course, Kuroko denied right away and intended to stay in the living room where he was near the entrance of the house. However, he caught sight of those people's intense glances and above all, Akashi's grim smile. Therefore, opponency was unwise.

"Don't worry. This time, nobody would lock you up."

Kuroko was definitely relieved, but of course, he did not forget what he had learnt: do not trust the redhead, so he was cautious.

" However, I need you to do me a favour."

His word made Kuroko furrow his brows. He then gestured one of the girls to give Kuroko something.

" What is this?"

Kuroko asked while holding the object in his hand.

" Well, that's obviously a book."

" Yes, I know that! But why do you..."

" You just need to read it."

Akashi cut him off and said a vague order which greatly confused the blue-haired man.

" Read it?"

" Yes! That's it."

Kuroko stayed silent for a while and proceeded to question:

" What are you up to, Akashi-san? And you haven't answered me about the weird numbers I found."

The said man just smiled at that query and stood up. He then walked away while his cold voice echoed in the air:

" What I am up to will strongly depend on you, Tetsuya. And by saying that, I mean: if you're willing to entertain me, or not."

A statement that silenced everything and left all beings to question themselves. Such arrogance seemed human.


Kuroko did resist, but only to a certain extent. And sadly, that much was not enough to have Akashi's employees listen to him. Therefore, he had to spend more time inside the room where he had just been locked up.

Everything happened just the same as the day before. Kuroko had to follow them and got a somewhat forceful treatment. They would be nice if he did what was told so basically, he ought to act like a docile animal which was absurd. He could not find any other way to do, though, so in the meantime, tolerance was necessary.

"Kuroko-sama, just like what was told, we won't lock the door, so you can do whatever you wish."

Well, he could not vacate this place, could he?

" Can I not go to my room?"

The girl knitted her brows lightly at that.

" I'm afraid you must do that."

" Sure."

Kuroko sighed and without any further ado, he walked in and closed the door by himself, yet wanting to escape so badly. He leaned onto the door and longed for freedom as the suffocation was killing him. His eyes dejectedly looked at the sight in front of them. A beautiful room it was, with bluish walls, turquoise floor. A lava lamp next to a sizable, tidy bed and a fairly large desk with stacks of books along with a white wardrobe. In addiction, a rainbow abstract painting was hanged above his bed. He could not care less as he was exhausted and stressful. However, he did not want to sleep. Who know what might happen fo him when he was deep in his slumber?

He started to have a headache. He was nervous, but really, maybe reading the book was a good option to stay awake. He gazed at the cover and murmured the printed title:

" His broken mind?"

Not the best title, really. He thought its undefinite meaning gave him a rather anxious and fearful feelings. Not a very good sign.

Kuroko then turned the book over and curiously read the summary at the back cover:

" Tekyuro Katsou, a nonchalant man whose life was quiet and ordinary, was caught by a wicked demon who was hungry for him. Having trusted his playful words, Katsou was tricked into his castle and day after day, he was tortured horrifyingly until he went frenzied and lost his sanity. Katsou was then senseless and broken, much to the demon's desire as Katsou was perfect to be devoured."

Kuroko immediately put the book down and went the the bathroom. The story was crazy! He needed to calm himself down after reading it. It was only a synopsis, yet he was frightened. He was not used to horror, but still, he was strangely afraid.

He let the water wet his hands and splash into his face. It did feel better. He reached out and grabbed the towel to dry himself. Suddenly, he heard a noise, it was a ringtone. But where did it come from? He put the towel on its hook and quickly went outside, looking for the source of the sound. And it seemed to come from the wardrobe. He approached and opened it. And there was no clothes, just a small flip phone.

" Hello?"

Kuroko answered it but there was no reply. He then looked at the screen and realised it was a missed call. However, there was a text message and decided to have a look.

" 113247-678933-466732-132298-465781?"

End chapter 8.