Author's note: Hello! :) Here is another chapter for you guys, hope you'll enjoy it. I just wanted to say thank you for all your support and reading, that's the best motivation ever. I believe I will see you next week probably, with next part, but for now you belong to Chiara and Akashi, as always waiting for your opinion. All the best for you, guys! :)
One more time I tried to rip away my blazer's sleeve from Lena's grasp, but it was useless. She was dragging me to the gym acrimoniously, from where I could hear the noise of gathered public. Did she really think, she would take me on a basketball match? I like this sport, a lot actually. During those three years in Teikou I had learned much more about it than through my whole life, I truly got myself into it. It would be hard not to, while having Nijimura and Generation of Miracles around. So I growled quietly, finally letting my friend take control over me for once.
"Do I really have to go there?" I asked, already knowing the answer. The blonde glanced at me as if I were out of my mind.
"Of course you do, stop with those stupid questions! I don't believe you do not want to watch your old acquaintance again. You had been talking about him for so long in our first year, how awesome he and his teammates are, so just give me a chance to acknowledge it,'kay?"
I sighed reconciled, inwardly conceding she was right. I should have closed my mouth, but I simply couldn't. I have always been impressed by his skillful hands and analytical mind. How could I know that this lad would enter Rakuzan? With no more words left I followed Lena, who almost jumped with excitement, at the very thought of upcoming match. Last year I repeatedly watched Reo and the rest, crushing their opponents. Was the redhead the only reason for me to give up on this pastime? I am going to support, but my friends. And he is definitely not one of them.
By the skin of our teeth we managed to find quite formidable seats on the tribune. My friend had been laughing it was thanks to her blonde curls and my position in school. I eyed her up and down but subconsciously I felt she might be right. Ever since we showed up in high school she has been receiving at least one love letter or confession each week. She squashed notes with laughter, and braver ones rejected. Only after meeting my Matt she changed her heart. Earlier she had played with admirers, later she had mercy on them. But still she's been laughing at those who tried to win me over. For first glance we appear totally different, therefore we attracted various kinds of boys. Similarly to Lena, I had never said 'yes' to any of them and even though they'd tried really hard I hadn't explained why. Does excuse: I have a broken heart, but I believe the one who broke it will come to fix it make any sense? I don't think so.
Both teams were in the middle of warm-ups, so I leaned my hands and myself slightly out, checking out players. I didn't associate the school's name we were about to play, thus I assumed they had a weak football team. Otherwise I would definitely recognize them. A red fuzz easily caught my eye. I didn't have to labour too much. They were practising lay-ups; I observed then how they land the ball in the basket with this fluid motion and rhythm. Damn, that's something scary; my boys could score ceaselessly just like them. How much of a training does it take?
After few minutes I felt somebody's sight on me. Hayama was waving at me madly. I smiled and reciprocated the gesture, greeting Reo and Nebuya by chance. Those two were arguing fiercely and I probably didn't want to know why.
"Hey, Chiara, look who can't take his eyes off you!" Lena whispered, immediately making my cheeks blush. Not far from Crownless Generals stood Akashi. Oh mother, his sight will kill me someday. Does he has to drill a hole in my soul and drag everything out every frickin' time? Why am I even here. I could have gone home.
"One more word..." I said, rapidly loosing my mood. The sound of referee's whistle broke through the air, so everyone left the court to take off their hoodies. A soft moan of acknowledgement left my lips unwittingly as I was watching our basketball boys. Uniforms suited them well, emphasizing their toned arms and legs. I moved my eyes to the redhead. Rakuzan clothes' color scheme were similar to those from Teikou and it really made me want to cry. Why did all had to remind me about that year! Akashi looked incredibly tempting either, if I could only take his jersey off... For God's sake, stop your libido, Attaviano, what's got into you! When he had offered you that ride you were going crazy too. Be ashamed of yourself. I wonder what would you do if you were left without the chauffeur.
The emcee started presenting starting lines for both teams, and when Akashi entered the court, inhuman buzz filled the air. I didn't expect such reaction. People were usually scared of him, then why would he deserve this applause? The basketball player raised his hand and looked in my direction. He bowed slightly with a pert smile. I twiddled my head feeling disgusted and offended by this affection.
The referee threw the ball in the air and the match has finally begun.
I left tribunes snorting quietly. It was obvious they would win this match. Although I didn't foresee them quadrupling opponent's score. But honestly, the funniest thing to see was Akashi's behavior - he ran all over the court, perfectly passing the ball, showing off in the same time. I mean, who has ever seen a point guard making dunks so often? Ignoring the fact, that redhead isn't the tallest one. It was me who presented him in junior high school the best way to improve calves; my most treasured in football muscles. They are the most effective when it comes to high jump. He scored more than thirty points if I remember well. Damn Generation of Miracles, is there something they cannot do?!
I went to the Council's office. Even after my change in position I spent there majority of my free time. From time to time Lena would show up to take me for lunch or gossips. Akashi usually stared at us with contempt, but didn't dare to say a word about that. I was thankful to him regardless. I did not wanted another arguments after which I'd end up panting, pressed to the wall with shaky legs. Self-satisfied I started humming some melody, packing rest of things to the bag. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't notice one more person coming into the classroom.
"I hope you did enjoyed the match." Akashi's voice interrupted my quiet singing. I winced and turned around, blaming myself inwardly for my vulnerability. He came inside, sitting by his desk and taking latest documents. His hair were still wet after leaving the shower. Why did he escape from his team so quickly? In such a short amount of time it's impossible to discuss the game in lockers. Did they quarrel?
"Congratulations on winning, you are in an excellent form." I answered, raising my eyebrow. What did he want to talk about with me? I am mediocre in basketball, I only know the basics. I do not touch the strategy and tactic because that would cause a fierce dispute. I am always left with a good, substantial compliment.
"Thank you. I only rue you fended off my question."
"Forgive me, but it sounded more like stating the obvious. Why wouldn't I enjoy it? You won without any troubles, so what's the point?" I asked, approaching the window. With hands leaned on the sill I looked outside. Most people had already left the gym and now were heading toward their homes. The school day was coming to an end and no one wanted to stay longer than needed.
"You had never told me if basketball matches actually pleasure you in any possible way." said redhead, putting aside signed papers. What was his deal? I had to start avoiding those conversations in Council's room, they happened too often and vexed me. I turned to him again; he was watching me interested.
"I always thought that my regular presence on your games was enough proof. I do like this sport. It's a pleasure to watch you in action. I guess I will probably have a chance to see the rest of Generation on InterHigh. Right, I wonder who will win this year..." I commented, biting my lip. That has been bothering me from some time. If each of them ended in different high school, how strong were they now? I couldn't say Rakuzan didn't stand a chance. I saw them in semifinal, no, maybe even final comfortably. But how to be sure about their victory? The best also have their bad days.
"I deem it was a rhetorical question. Platitude is my future victory." Akashi got up and made few steps toward me. I stepped aside instinctively, getting closer to drawers. He followed me, what immediately made me whet my vigilance. Something was wrong.
"It is impossible to see into the future that far, Akashi. Even you cannot do it. Many factors influence the game, maybe you will drop out in the very beginning?" I snorted. Redhead only chuckled, flustering me. There was nothing funny in my words, then why did he laugh? He was closer than before, I could feel the heat coming from under his shirt. Suddenly I felt the scent of shower gel. Feeling awkward I took a step to the front, but he had me up against the wall, resting his left hand next to my head.
"I am absolute, Chiara. I can see the entirety of the future. It is but a simple matter to change it. You think I will not win? I would love to see your face when I will be receiving the cup in the end of August. Don't you have your own tournament then?"
"Indeed, that is why I will be very busy winning it." I snapped, folding my arms. He closed the gap between us so much I could see the drops of water on his forehead. I had to stop myself from wiping it with my fingers.
"You will come to my final and watch it. I want you to be witness of my glorious might." he lowered his voice, bending even more. Our noses were almost touching. My heart was beating inhumanly fast; I wanted to run away as soon as possible from him and this crippling stare he has been using on me. Or maybe I didn't? I bit the inner side of cheek, knitting my eyebrows.
"What if you don't win? What if I only come to see your disgrateful defeat?"
"Impossible. But since you are being so stubborn, let's make a deal. If I lose InterHigh, what seems riddiculous, I will carry out your one order. Any type. You can ask me anything. But the deal works also the other side. If I win, you will be at my disposal for one night." he whispered into my ear. His warm breath was caressing my neck skin, so unconsciously I moaned quietly, closing my eyes.
"It's simply preposterous." I muttered. "But I agree. Hence, I am not left without a chance. You may always fail, Akashi."
"It is said that nobody's perfect; I am still waiting for someone to point out my flaws. Why are you clamping your thighs so tightly, Chiara? You are burning, is it a fever? Or maybe I should just come a bit closer to witness other interesting reactions of your body?" he skimmed his nose lightly against my neck, stopping right next to the ear. "I can't wait till my victory. Why would I need the cup, when I will get much better prize afterwards?"
I completely forgot how he put his voice to good usage. Low, vibrating whisper audible only for the two of us, his hands blocking me from escaping, wet lips few centimeters away... I swallowed and look to the side. Crap, I let myself fall into his trap. I had to resist him, maybe stamping on his foot, or classical fist... No, it won't work. Just like me he has those Eyes, he'll predict my moves. I let him win this small battle between us, even though I ran from every confrontation. Now I only worsened my situation with this bet. Where is my sober mind when he's around? I tried to step back, but I stumbled miserably; my cheek landed right in front of his face. He raised his eyebrows, smiling mischievously.
"I will be waiting, Chiara. Unfortunately I have to leave you, what can be considered mean looking at your current state, but I am supposed to sum up the match with my teammates. I finally gained motivation to win InterHigh even higher. I should be grateful to you. See you later." With those word he pinched my cheek and went out, extremely self-satisfied. Me, on the other hand, finally started breathing properly; I wasn't aware I'd been keeping it inside. What the hell have I just done?!