Warnings: One-sided KuroAka, angst, etc. Short chapter.

As disinterested in other people as he is, Akashi is rather observant. He notices changes in people's behaviour easily even if he's not necessarily close to them – that being said, people he's actually close to are like open books to him.

So no matter what Tetsuya says or does, Akashi knows there's something bothering him. The problem is he has no idea how to make the boy talk; he might be able to read Tetsuya enough to know he's got things on his mind but that doesn't mean he knows what they are. And when he asks, all he gets is a shrug and a dismissive answer along the lines of 'I'm fine, just a bit sleep deprived' (which, in all honesty, is quite possible, considering Tetsuya sleeps a lot less than Akashi does).

Still, Akashi worries.

You don't want to die anymore, do you? Please tell me you're not planning to hurt yourself again. You're all I have. If anything were to happen to you and I couldn't stay here, where will I go?

Tetsuya, you're important to me. Even if I can't return your feelings, I care about you. So tell me, whatever it is that's bothering you. I'll listen. It's the least I can do after everything you've done for me.

After the talk with his therapist Kuroko has thought of the situation and how to solve it. Working to get over his feelings is what he should do and also what he wants to do, but how can he when the object of his affections is right there most of the time? How can he not get hopeful every time he realises how dependent Akashi is on him?

He can't. That leaves only one option.

(He decidedly ignores the voice that says 'you could manipulate him, you know. He's in your mercy, I bet he'd be ready to do all kinds of things to get to stay.'

Because he'd never blackmail anyone like that.)

"I'd like you to leave."

A beat of silence before Akashi gathers himself. He turns to Tetsuya, takes in the determined expression of the boy, the way he's clenching his fists.

"You're… serious." It starts as a question but he doesn't really need to ask anything; he already knows the answer anyway.

Still, Tetsuya nods.

"Right then." Akashi pats his hands against his thighs, trying to think of something to say. But his head draws a blank. He knows of Tetsuya's feelings for him, he has sensed the extreme awkwardness between them lately, he's realised something is going to happen – but this still takes him by surprise.

"Well, uh, I guess I'll be going then. Maybe not right now but… soon." Akashi scrutinises Tetsuya in hope of finding any hints of hesitation, of him not being serious, anything at all. But Tetsuya remains expressionless.

What did I do? I don't recall any fights, disagreements or anything like that. Have you just grown tired of having to keep me here? Have I become a burden? That's alright, I don't mind. You have enough issues even without me here.

His thoughts in a chaos, Akashi forces a smile; it comes rather easily, as he's had a lifetime to practice fake smiles, living with his parents. "It's fine, you shouldn't worry about me."

Maybe that relieves Tetsuya a bit; at least some of the tenseness in his shoulders dissipates and he actually tries to smile. "That's… good."

That's the end of the conversation.

"I told him to leave yesterday."

"The friend who's staying at your house?"

Kuroko nods.

"I see. So he's leaving then? Or did he already leave? And how did he take it?"

"…"

The therapist shifts in his chair. "We can talk about something else if you don't want to talk about this. How about… you'll get the university results soon, won't you?"

"Yes."

"Aren't you excited to find out what school you'll be going to?"

Kuroko blinks and something like a wry smile wrings his lips. "Not really."

The doctor nods with a small sigh – Kuroko is clearly not in a talkative mood, what with the curt responses. Well, there's still some time left so he must try to get the boy to talk.

"You'll be starting in a new school, meeting new people, making new friends. Isn't that something to look forward to?"

Finally Kuroko looks him in the eye – but then he opens his mouth and instead of a reply to the question, what comes out is "…may I leave early?"

This is the most dismissive Kuroko has ever been, and frankly it doesn't seem like he's about to open up about anything. So he might as well go. "Alright then, if you really don't feel like talking. But next time, you must give me something, okay? Remember, I'm here to help you."

Kuroko only nods before getting up and leaving.

Akashi splashes ice-cold water on his face and watches as it trails down his chin to his neck, over his scar and then down to his collar bones. It feels good but does nothing to remove the cloud of darkness lurking in his heart.

He's going back home.

And that isn't even the worst part. No. The worst part is that he won't get to see Tetsuya after leaving. Ever, if his parents get a say in it.

But what can he do?

When he leaves Tetsuya's house, he'll either have to live in the streets or go back to his parents' house. And honestly, neither of those options is particularly appealing. If he could, he'd stay with Tetsuya.

In a perfect world he maybe could. But real life has never been that kind to him.

"So. I guess this is goodbye." He doesn't have any belongings to take with him; Tetsuya has been kind enough to lend him some clothes and money but that's all he has.

Tetsuya avoids his gaze, staying silent.

"Please promise me that the next time I hear of you won't be to hear you did something to yourself again," Akashi pleads, stepping forward to grab and squeeze Tetsuya's wrists tightly. He wishes he could change things, that he didn't have to leave, but it's too late.

He can see that in Tetsuya's eyes.

And just as he's finished that thought, Tetsuya gently but determinedly shakes his hands free of Akashi's hold.

"Take care, Akashi-kun."

"…you too, Tetsuya." The door shuts before Akashi has a chance to say anything more.

"Goodbye then," he whispers, leaning his forehead against the door. It's suddenly a little hard to breathe; he doesn't feel like moving, not just yet. This might the last peaceful moment he gets in a long time so he wants to make it last as long as possible.

He's not entirely sure how much time has passed by the time he finally feels like opening his eyes again. The hallway is dark and quiet as Akashi makes his way outside and takes a deep breath.

Well then. Time to take on the world on his own again.

A/N: I'm about 99% sure that this story is going to have a sad ending… angst is fun tho. In other news, I'll be starting school in a few weeks which means less time for writing (but I'm still excited because I'm moving abroad o).

Anyhow, I'll try to finish this because asap because there really isn't much to the story anymore. Also thanks for the support, hopefully the next chapter won't take a million years ;w;