"If you have no expectations, you will not be disappointed."
—Frei Fuyuki
The Empress | Chapter 28
"Kagami-kun," Kuroko watched the male from a distance, "You shouldn't let your towel touch the water."
The male looked out-of-place as he responded, rather confused. "What? Really?"
Inside the onsen were Koganei, Teppei, Izuki, and Hyuga.
"Ah, viva-non." Koganei said in bliss as he slid deeper into the onsen.
Teppai looked towards the male curiously, "What's viva-non?"
Hyuga, who rested against the rocks with his eyes closed, cut in, "Who cares? Idiots."
Izuki was relaxed beside the two, "Your remarks are lacking bite, Hyuga."
"Of course they are." The captain stretched out his arms, "After all, we're at the onsen."
"This was a good idea," Teppai added.
"Yeah," Tsuchida nodded, "hot springs to refresh ourselves."
"Tomorrow we're going right back to practice." Hyuga drawled lazily, "Don't lose focus."
"I know." Teppei smiled at the sinking captain.
"Look, look!" Koganei exclaimed while swinging his arms and legs back and forth swiftly, "I'm doing the butterfly!"
"I knew you'd do that, but don't do the wildest stroke." Izuki scolded.
"Hey," Furihata pointed at an area off to the side, "let's go over there."
"Sure." Fukuda replied with his hands on his hips, Kawahara right side the two.
Hyuga stood up suddenly, "Hey guys!" proudly displaying his naked glory as he pointed. "Don't tastelessly wear your towels around your waists." he turned towards Kagami, "Look at Kagami." they followed his gaze. "His towel casually slung over his shoulder." he began, their eyes trailing from the top of his head and down, "His dashing standing figure. And! His swim trucks..."
". . ."
He did a double-take, "His swim trucks?!"
"Huh?" Kagami looked confused before looking down at his shorts, "Oh, I've never been to an onsen before."
Hyuuga sighed exasperatedly, "Kids from abroad... Fine, then." he went to sit on the stool in the washing station and pointed at his back confidently, "Underclassmen wash their upperclassmen's backs."
"What?" Kagami looked reluctant.
Izuki sighed, looking at his friend, "You just want to make him do it."
"Like this?"
Hyuuga was down, laying on the ground in pain.
"Hyuga!"
"Huh? How'd that happen?" The redhead questioned, looking down at his brush.
"What's wrong with you?! That brush is for cleaning!"
After a moment, the captain recovered for the most part yet still looked blue. "I thought he was going to kill me."
Off to the side of the onsen, Nigou whimpered with his eyes closed as Kuroko foamed him up. The Phantom was surrounded by foam himself as his hair was held up with a green plastic circle.
"You're turning into cotton candy!" Hyuga exclaimed.
"Huh?'
"Uh, um..." Hyuga pointed at all the foam engulfing him before grabbing his head in frustration, "I don't know where to start!"
"They said we could wash Number 2." Teppai smiled.
"In the bath?" Tsuchida asked.
Hyuga suddenly screamed in pain before he was down again.
"Hyuga, why?!"
"I thought I'd try again."
"With a scrubbing brush?!"
As Seirin players were about to continue with their shenanigans, they suddenly heard some giggling on the other side of the wooden onsen border.
"Things are pretty lively next door," Teppai glanced over with curious eyes.
Izuki nodded, "Now that Riko and Momoi-chan aren't alone."
"What?!" Koganei exclaimed in shock before remembering that there were indeed two beauties in the camp, "Right!" The male had sudden mental images of Momoi and Fuyuki. Together. He looked at Kagami who was brushing his back with his towel, "Kagami, come here."
"Hm?"
Koganei got on top of Kagami's shoulders and pointed at the bamboo wall separating the two sides of the onsen, "Match forward!"
"Hey, where are you going?!" Izuki exclaimed.
"Isn't it obvious?" he turned around and stuck his thumb up.
"Don't say that with a straight face!"
"Idiots!"
"Hyuga why are you going with them?!"
The captain was beside the pair, on Mitobe's shoulders.
"Izuki, you're lucky you have your Eagle Eye!"
"It doesn't work like that!"
The two on their teammate's shoulders fist-bumped.
"Riko would kill you if she sees you," Teppai watched them with a frown.
"Kiyoshi, shut..." Izuki yelled but he realized what the male said, "Y-You're right!"
They heard Nihou bark.
"Kuroko!"
The Phantom's cheeks were bright red as he sank into the water, "Sorry. I feel a bit dizzy." the male responded. It's not like he could tell them a sudden image of a certain girl with a towel wrapped around her figure flashed in his mind.
"Get out of the bath. Kagami, go with him."
"What?"
"What should we do?" Koganei asked.
"This isn't good."
Koganei and Hyuga looked troubled.
"Our peeping specialist disappeared." They slumped in defeat.
"His misdirection doesn't work like that, either!"
"Is that one of Kuroko's nicknames?" Teppai questioned.
Izuki screamed in frustration.
"Just a little more... I can't." Hyuuga's arms couldn't reach the top of the border, even while being on his reluctant kouhei's shoulders.
"There must be a way!"
"Ah!" Fukuda noticed something, "I FOUND A HOLE!" his eyes peeked through immediately.
"WHAT?!"
"GOOD WORK!" Hyuga praised.
This team is hopeless. Izuki wanted to give up on them.
"Now, now." Koganei put one arm over Izuki's defeated form, "You don't dislike this, do you? Aren't you curious?" he turned towards Tsuchida, "Come on, Tsucchi. You, too."
"Huh? But..." Tsuchida had a girlfriend and no matter how pretty the girls were, he couldn't betray his girlfriend like that.
Izuki, on the other hand, suddenly pictured Fuyuki smiling at the male with a tilt of her head as she slid into the onsen with her arms around her chest and legs pressed together. Immediately, he shook his head with a deep blush. The other two certainly didn't miss the action as Koganei grinned, knowing he got to his upperclassman.
If you can't beat them then join them, Izuki decided.
"Okay, who's first?!" Hyuga asked before slapped Furihata's back, "Furihata can go first!" In case anything goes wrong, Hyuga wanted to go second.
"Eh? Are you sure?!" Said the male asked excitedly, unaware of the captain's thoughts.
With a nod from his captain, Furihata looked through the hole. He was excited to see—
"What's taking go long? Hurry up!"
"Move if you're done!"
"Furihata, are you okay? You're really quiet." Izuki asked in concern.
"H-Her fa-ace i-in h-er che-est—" he passed out from the blood dripping from his nose.
"I'M NEXT!"
"NO FAIR! I WANNA BE NEXT!"
"!"
"AS YOUR CAPTAIN AND SENPAI, I CALL DIBS!"
"SHUT THE HELL UP, HYUGA!"
"You seem to be having fun." Her voice came behind them, "Let me join you."
They froze in horror. Hyuga's glasses craking.
"What are you boys doing?" Aida questioned with a knowing voice.
"C-C-Coach..."
The girl smiled sweetly.
"N-No. W-We—" They turned blue as they tried to come up with an excuse.
"I thought you were making a lot of noise." she kept up her sweet smile, "All of you, clench your teeth."
There were screams of pain that followed as the girl walked out of their side of the onsen while clapping her hands as if to get rid of something dirty.
Teppai watched on.
Hyuga sighed, "We shouldn't have peeped." he said under the water, sulking.
"Of course not," Izuki said holding his red cheek.
A voice called out, "You're as lively as ever."
Hyuga stood up in surprise as the mist cleared to reveal them. Seirin didn't realize some of Too academy and Shutoku High players were also in the onsen.
Even though Fuyuki agreed to stay the night, she didn't expect this. Momoi and she were currently inside the onsen. When Haru helped her getting off the tight top, Momoi had looked like she was ready to faint. But now—
Fuyuki thought the girl's figure was good enough to be a model, her skin soft and smooth under the onsen lights.
"Waah, you're skin is so pale and smooth!" Momoi exclaimed with sparkling eyes, unaware of Fuyuki's thoughts. Fuyuki was grateful that the girl couldn't see her slightly bruised hands and legs under the water. Thankfully, she arrived before the pinkette. Else she would have been answering meaningless questions and concerns.
As for Fuyuki's smooth skin, let's just say Haru spent a lot of time and money on grooming her to look as good as she does, so she couldn't really take credit. "Thank you."
"Ah," Momoi's eyes widened when her gaze landed on the light pink line of the scar just under her left breast. "What happened there, Frei-chan?" she pointed.
For a split second, Momoi thought Fuyuki's eyes changed. But she discarded that thought. There's no way her delegate and gentle idol would glare at her.
The two ignore the ruckus on the other side of the bamboo log wall.
"Momoi-chan..." The beauty stood up, exposing her whole front, and moved close to the pinkette, the water flowing gently around her naked figure as she walked. "has very smooth skin as well." she leaned over and ran her fingers on Momoi's bare shoulder, much to her surprise and embarrassment. Fuyuki's chest was completely exposed and in front of Momoi's face. Being so close to the beauty, Momoi couldn't think much other than the pale and pink in front of her. If she wasn't so focused on what's in front of her, Momoi would have noticed the purple tones on Fuyuki's calves and elbows, as well as a spot or two discolored on her wrist. She was fortunate it wasn't deep enough to see through the fog.
Hearing the noise on the other side become even louder, Fuyuki looked towards them, "They sure are noisy."
When she heard nothing in response, Fuyuki looked back at Momoi, "Ah," she noticed the girl passed out. She sure does that a lot. Perhaps the girl lacked nutrition.
Fuyuki debated leaving the girl there but thought better of it. She wrapped a towel around the pinkette—Fuyuki could at least respect her privacy—and called Haru. The beauty knew he was waiting outside for her.
When the butler walked in, he gazed directly at her naked form. Fuyuki didn't shield away as she pointed at the pinkette, "Fix her."
Haru's eyes were still on her form.
"And I don't need your help with the yukata." She walked past him.
"What are you reading Murasakibara?" Himuro asked. It was unusual for the purple-haired freshman to be so interested in magazines; the giant was only ever interested in snacks and sweets. One could say it was a hobby or a lifestyle at this point.
"Fuyu-chin was on the cover." Murasakibara had grabbed it during his snack run before arriving at the camp. But he didn't have time to see the content till now because of how busy the camp kept the basketball players.
"What?" Himuro squeezed in to see what his teammate was talking about.
Surprisingly, it was true. The beauty was on the page. In a bold font, it said 'Fans can't wait for Frei Fuyuki's upcoming figure skating performance!'. Just below the text was the beauty.
Himuro was used to seeing revealing outfits—he has been to America—but he wasn't ready for the Frei Fuyuki's bare skin.
Her short dress was exposing like most skating outfit requires for more freedom to move around in. It was black and almost looked strapless but it was actually skin-colored mesh that connected the thick black choker with the top of the dress. The top displayed some cleavage and didn't exactly look safe to move around in. The dress hugged her curves and ruffled at the bottom with white peeking through. The back of the dress was a bit longer than the front and flared down like a ball dress. There were black gloves in her hands while she held an intricately designed fan in her hand. Her long hair was tied in pigtails with her bangs framing her small face. Each side of her head had large black ribbons to put the whole look together.
(For reference: same hair and dress but with skin-colored mesh on the top and the length of the dress is much shorter - Picture in Wattpad.)
Himuro didn't know much about skating outfits but it certainly looked expansive and the girl looked lovely in it. It fit her to a tee so perhaps it was customized.
Their other two roommates, Liu Wei and Fukui Kensuke got closer to see what caught Himuro's attention as well.
After a moment, Liu nodded in appreciation while Fukui's jaws dropped.
"How did you managed to get a beauty like her, Murasakibara?!" Okamuraexclaimed in clear envy. The senior's love-live was non-existence yet here was his kouhei flaunting his girlfriend in front of them.
Murasakibara narrowed his eyes in warning. If Oka-chintries to take Fuyu-chin, I'll crush him, he decided.
However, Murasakibara wasn't pleased that the beauty didn't tell him about her tournament. It was only two days away.
"What are you doing?"
Fuyuki faced him and tilted her head ever so slightly. He wasn't exactly the first person she was expecting after exiting the onsen.
"Yuki is walking?"
He narrowed his eyes, "Don't get clever with me, Fuyuki."
"How strange," the beauty lessened the distance between him until they were a few inches from one another. "You're eyes..." her fingers hovered over the skin under his eyes, "they're back to normal."
The redhead knew she was trying to change the subject. But he won't fall for it. Grabbing his wrist, he pushed her against the wall. "Let Murasakibara go. He's not your toy."
Fuyuki stared at him before giggling crudely. "'Murasakibara', what happened to 'Atsushi'?" That definitely confirmed it. Seeing the unamused look in his eyes, Fuyuki's demeanor changed from playful to almost-mocking, "And if I don't?"
Akashi's grip on her wrist tightened. She almost flinched because he just had to grab the spot that bruised. "I'm sure Alexander-san wouldn't approve of what you're doing." he leaned closer, "And I, as his future son-in-law, should notify my father-in-law of my future wife's actions."
The male was trying to provoke her. Unfortunately for him, it wouldn't work.
Akashi paused when he saw the flicker of pain in her eyes, "...What's wrong?"
Pressing a hand over his chest. she pushed him back. Unsurprisingly, the push didn't do much but being the gentleman Akashi is, he backed up.
Ignoring his concern, she said, "Papa wouldn't care. You're just one of many. In other words," Fuyuki stepped closer to whisper in his ear, "you're disposable."
Akashi stared at the beauty, "At last, you're showing your true personality."
The Emperor was shocked when he first learned about the true Fuyuki. When the mask comes off, she was vicious. The girl was a master manipulator. Beforehand, he almost fell for her gentle and sweet act. That delicate and beautiful appearance certainly helped. But after witnessing thatincident, he became on guard around her.
Akashi wondered if her beloved childhood friend and step-cousin was aware of this side of her. The Emperor didn't think she would reveal it to him; after all, she was only shaping Echizen Ryoma to be her toy as she did everyone else. She couldn't possibly know anything about how to cherish someone.
"I wanted to warn you. The next time you use Murasakibara, I won't hold back."
"Hah!" With amusement clear in her eyes, Fuyuki said viciously, "Maybe you should tell Atsushi to stay away from me."
They both knew the giant wouldn't listen. Even if it was Akashi's order. So with a knowing look, she walked past him. "I always did prefer the other Akashi."
Akashi didn't say anything. Instead, he watched her go with glaring eyes.
She truly knew how to press his buttons.
Suddenly, the red-haired male felt a gaze on his form. Glancing, he finally noticed a figure behind the large potted plant. Akashi slowly said,
"...Kuroko?"
Who knew you had it in you?
Feeling pent up emotions, Fuyuki decided to go to the camp's underground; there is an ice rink below. In fact, all the camps sponsored by FREI Corp had an underground rink. It was a trademark of a sort.
Don't tell me it's because he was concerned about you?
Well, it worked out in Fuyuki's favor because now she wouldn't have to worry about getting enough hours of practice for the tournament.
Thankfully, most of everyone was either in the onsen or in their room or break room.
All except her shadow. He had found her as soon as he dealt with the pinkette. The butler turned on the lights around the rink and tied the skates on her dainty feet. Going down at her Yukata, she realized she couldn't move freely with it on. She was about to take it off when Haru stopped her and motioned towards the scissor in his hands. They didn't prepare to stay the night so there were no spare clothes for her.
Cutting the Yukata just below the swell of her bottom, he smiled 'gently', "All set, Fuyuki-sama."
With a nod, Fuyuki pushed herself through the narrow entrance of the ice rink. Gliding on the ice felt almost liberating.
Hah, you're so naive.
Her hair was tied up as to not interfere. The air was cool on her heated body.
You can't deny me forever.
With a nod from her, Haru started the music.
I'll smile, I know what it takes to fool this town
I'll do it 'til the sun goes down
With his eyes fixated on her, she already started her performance.
When the music stopped and she ended in her finishing pose, she turned to Haru. "What do you think?" It was her fifth time doing the same performance. She had to take breaks in between but the flow was smoother each time.
Haru nodded with a large smile, "I've been researching Fuyuki-sama's competitions for the last few days," So that's where he's been, "and I believe with that choreography, Fuyuki-sama will definitely win."
You even need Haru to check out the competition, huh?
Clenching her fist, Fuyuki decided she couldn't scold him because Haru was right to have no faith in her. After her performance last year, she wouldn't trust herself either. But she was all she had so there was no choice.
Yet you still refuse to accept me.
Still, what if Yuki messed up again? wouldRyochanleavemetoo—
"Good work, Haru."
There was no time for uncertainty.
The butler's eyes gleamed with happiness but Fuyuki saw right through him. He was just waiting for her to crumble.
Taking off the skates, she said, "Yuki is going to bed."
Fuyuki didn't wait for him as she left the basement.
This time, she decided, she would retire from figure skating after winning this tournament. Then, she would be remembered as a skilled figured skater and forever remain that. Fuyuki had seen the new talents and it alarmed her. If she didn't get the gold metal...
Fuyuki wasn't sure what she would do. However, Ryoma and papa would be watching her so she had to be the best.
If you let me perform, you would get the gold medal for sure.
Yuki doesn't need you!
Ara? A response for once?
The girl wrapped her arms around Fuyuki's neck, "You know you need me. You always have."
Fuyuki couldn't take it anymore. The girl spoke more and more lately and Fuyuki wanted to increase the dosage of her medication if only to keep her at bay.
"Stop denying my existence!" The girl screeched, appearing in front of her, "Those pills won't keep me away for long." Her demeanor changed as if remembering something. Fuyuki knew that expression very well, "The moment you mess up in the performance, you will call for me. Pleading to let me take over."
Would she really mess up?
That can't be. Fuyuki wouldn't mess up because her Ryo-chan would be there. Ryo-chan is Yuki's lucky charm. As long as Ryo-ch—
"Of course," The girl interrupted, her hazel eyes gleamed with cruelty, "I know because I a—"
"Huh? Someone is still awake?" A voice called from behind her. The girl vanished and Fuyuki turned to see who her 'savior' was.
Aomine Daiki.
"Aren't you..." he paused, his gaze lowered from her face, "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WEARING?"
Fuyuki flinched at the sudden volume. Looking down at herself, "Ah," it appears her now-short Yukata's obi loosened so not only was did the Yutaka show her upper thighs and panties but the front belt-like material holding it together came loose, barely covering her chest. Overall, it looked like a slutty costume than anything. "Yuki was skating," was the only thing she could say to prevent any strange thoughts or rumors.
The tanned male covered his mouth and cheeks with one hand but Fuyuki couldn't see him clearly because he was in the shadows while she stood under the dimmed lights of the camp. It was late so she was sure everyone was sleeping.
Based on the basketball in his hand, Fuyuki didn't have to ask to know what he was doing.
She fumbled with the obi; she was clueless about things like this. The obi was already tied sloppily in the first place because she had gone and told Haru she could dress herself.
After a moment of silence, while Fuyuki tried to make the obi work, he broke it. "...you skate?" She heard footsteps so she assumed he was coming closer.
"Ja," she said without lifting her head.
He put the ball down. "Here," his hands hesitantly hovered under her bust, where she was fumbling with the obi. Fuyuki let the material go so he could fix it.
The front came loose again and showed more skin that she actually wanted to show for once—his gaze was disturbing her.
Being so close, she was finally able to see him clearly. Her eyes widened when she noticed the red on his tanned cheek. He didn't think any color would show through his dark complexion. Fascinated for a moment, she subconsciously brought her palm to his cheek.
"!" Due to his surprise, his hands accidentally brushed against her bare chest making her pull her hand away. "Sorry..." he trailed off, the embarrassment clear on his face. Aomine thought he was used to seeing bare skin at this point, he had seen all the pictures featuring his favorite big-chested gravure idols. Yet, seeing the slim but curvy beauty in front of him, bearly dressed, made his stomach churn.
Fuyuki, on the other hand, couldn't help but misunderstand. It's not like Fuyuki could blame him; she was the one that reached down to him all of a sudden.
Once he tied the obi, he backed away from her, leaving a comfortable amount of space between them.
"Thank you."
The male looked uncertain again as he glanced at her with a strange look before looking at her hand. "Is your wrist okay?"
Fuyuki's eyes widened slightly as she gripped the bruised wrist with her other hand, "Yuki is fine."
Aomine frowned. He wasn't stupid, he could clearly see she was hurt. Not only her wrist but her calves as well. But why was she denying it? Something was clearly bothering her. He wanted to ask her but decided against it; she wouldn't be comfortable talking to him about it. A tense silence began between them until she said, "Yuki wants to win."
Aomine was surprised. He didn't expect her to talk about it; she didn't seem like the type to be so vulnerable or open in front of others. Aomine never thought she would ever worry about something so mundane; she always seemed to be so perfect, so in control of herself.
He didn't say anything, waiting for her to continue.
"That's what mama taught Yuki. To always win. There is no room for mistakes. No exceptions. Every game has to be perfect." her grip on her wrist tightened, her pain forgotten.
Seeing this, Aomine stepped forward, "He—"
"But Yuki doesn't think she can do it." she continued, her bangs covering her hazel orbs. "And if Yuki doesn't win then she's—..." she paused before whispering, "then she's no good."
The tanned male wasn't sure how to comfort her; he was never good at words, only actions. The only girl he knew was his childhood friend, Momoi. Scratching his chin, he tried to remember what he did whenever Momoi cried—which was often actually—as a child.
Fuyuki's eyes widened when she felt a hand on her head. More specifically, a large hand that was patting her.
Was he- was he treating her like a child? Or- or an animal?
Fuyuki wanted to be angry. Yet the warmth of his palm against her scalp drained any feeling of anger. Her shoulders slumped as she leaned into it.
As I thought, anyone would do for you. As long as they show you some sort of affection.
Fuyuki immediately moved away from the male and stared at him for a moment. He looked startled with a faint blush on his cheeks.
She turned away from him and left.
Always a coward, Yuki.
When the beauty was out of sight, Aomine brought his hand closer to him and stared at his palm. The smooth feeling of her hair and the smell of magnolia lingered.
But—
He clenched his fist.
-why did she look so betrayed?
I hope everyone is well and staying safe during the pandemic. I know being in a lockdown or staying home for so long can be rough but hang in there!
As some of you may notice, I took the onsen scene from the anime. It's really difficult for me to come up with a plot most time and my dumbass thought of starting KnB from the moment the anime ends o(╥﹏)o Anyways, I'll do my best but sorry if the plot sucks.
I finally updated but unfortunately, I still can't guarantee when the next update will be but I'll do my best to post the next chapter sometime soon. As well as a list of love interests (yes, I read all your comments (●'ω)).
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Edited: Jan 25, 2021