Two hours pass in a blur of singing, snacking and laughter. I've long since made myself comfortable in the corner with Kuroko and Kagami, more than happy to leave the singing to the more confident, excitable people. Sei slipped out a few times to answer phone calls and between them he stands patiently with Midorima – discussing who only knows what.

Over all, it was amusing and somewhat fun. Therefore, when Shingi speaks for Mitobe and states his leave, no one puts up a protest to stay longer. We clean up after ourselves and relinquish the room's key to the bubble-gum chewer at the front desk, quickly pay for our use of the facilities and head outside.

The sky has grown a misty grey, the air nips at our exposed faces, but everyone says their cheery farewells and parts ways. Most turn toward the train station, while a few cross the road and scope for a warm meal to end their stay in Seirin for the weekend.

Rubbing at my fingers, I'm glad I donned the extra layer Sei suggested earlier that day. The red-head himself seems snug in his jersey, hair slightly ruffled from the light breeze. I offer a light smile, "Thank you for giving me a lift here, Sei, I really appreciate it."

He nods once, "It was my pleasure. Yet I must apologise for forcing this upon you at such short notice, you must have had things to do."

I quickly shake my head and step closer to him, widening my smile naturally, "No, I didn't and this was fun. I'm glad you asked,"

For a moment he stares at me, those eyes locking me in place. "You had a good time?"

"Of course." I could almost laugh at how serious he sounds.

"Good," he nods and rubs his fingers together against the cold. "I'm glad; you seemed down during the week."

"Oh-" I pause in the midst of my thoughts and stare at him, his averted eyes. You wouldn't be able to tell, but he's hiding something and I'm sure I know exactly what it is. "That's why you invited me?" I ask quietly, eyes burning and lips pressed into a small 'o'. "It wasn't…because of Midorima's singing, was it? You asked because you thought I looked sad."

Sei's eyes narrow and he places the brunt of that glare on me, teeth bared a little behind his snarling lips. "So what if I did?"

Akashi Seijūrō… DL: 10

I've never seen him like this. Truly angry. And for the life of me I can't begin to explain why I don't feel even an inkling of fear. In fact, I break into a grin and have to force myself not to hug him.

I tangle my fingers behind my back and rock on my heels, beaming from ear to ear. "That was very sweet of you, Sei. It makes me happy to know you'd do that for me, really." When he just continues to glare silently, I step forward and bump his shoulder with mine. "You're a great friend,"

He visibly relaxes at my side and if I'm correct, he might even have sighed. "Then, it helped?"

"Uh huh," I peek at him from the corner of my eye.

"I'm glad," he murmurs.

"You said that already," I giggle softly and breathe out, watching my breath form a tiny cloud of vapour. "I'll head back to the dorm when Hayashi-san gets here; I don't want you standing here alone."

This time when Sei sighs it's filled with exasperation. "Do you honestly think I'd let you walk back?"

"Yes?" I mumble, raising a brow. It's not like it's far to campus.

"In this weather? With those shoes? After I dragged you here?" I open my mouth to protest at least two of those things but he silences me by lifting a hand, "We shall drop you back at the Academy, no objections."

Despite my urge to do just that, I shake my head and snort, "You're much kinder than you seem,"

It's his turn to lift a questioning brow, "Do you wish for me to be mean?"

"No!" I squeak a little too quickly and try to hide it behind a smiling cough, "Ah, kind is good."

"Very well,"

We fall into silence and I take this time to observe the turbulent sky and shivering trees. It'll rain tonight. I know Riko dislikes winter; she's expressed it a few times during our time together that the nip in the air makes her crankier. When we get to her apartment tonight I wonder if she'll make good on her promise of hot chocolate. I already know she has enough blankets and pillows stuffed in the cupboard to stave off the chill.

A white sedan pulls up in front of us and before Hayashi-san can jump out to open the door, Sei steps forward and does it himself. He looks back over his shoulder expectantly, a devilish smirk across his face – reminding me of some sort of rake from a historical novel. I snort and shake my head, but climb in either way.

Once we're both settled in, Hayashi-san hands Sei a wool lined jacket.

Without a moment's pause, the red-head opens it over my knees and I glare at him, hissing: "What are you doing?"

"Being kind, is this not what you wanted?" He asks, eyes all wide and innocent, but I can see the glint of mischief behind his act.

I roll my eyes; "You're acting like you're my b-" I choke on the word before it can pass my lips. I look away and chew at my lip, think of something, think of something! "Ah!" Turning back I find his gaze still focused on me. "Are you…trying to make a joke?"

He shrugs his shoulders and leans back in the seat. "That depends."

I chew my lip further; I'm not entirely sure whether I want to ask on what it would depend, so I hold my tongue.

"Seijūrō-san, would you and Furihata-san like to stop for dinner before I take him back?" Hayashi questions from the front.

Sei looks to me, "Are you still keen on turnip soup? Or shall we dine on something else?"

My face bleeds red and I shake my head vigorously. "No, ah, I, um, I actually better be getting back to the dorm…if you don't mind, that is. Ah, I just, um, I need…"

"It's okay, Koji," Sei reassures, eyes softening, "We'll take you back then,"

"O-okay,"