Author's note: Hi! Here it is, finally, next chapter. A little bit shorter, cause I wanted to do IH in one. Hope you enjoy it, I leave you to my love birds. Let them know what you think and I'll see you after my exams at university. Wish me luck! See ya! :)

Next days were incredibly quiet, what didn't leave unnoticed by the rest of Council's team. Neither me, nor him spoke in the classroom, unless we had a case to solve with someone. The tension was so detectable, that people usually ran away from the office. Me, myself, came there reluctantly, fully aware he's going to be inside. I ditched to the rooftop with Lena even more often, so she could help me leash myself. Though I loved my Crownless friends I couldn't force myself to cheer for them. I had to win this bet with Akashi, otherwise my reputation will vanish into thin air. In the meantime I also trained extremely hard, cause we had to defend the title too. Most of my free evenings I spent with Sebastian, analyzing every possible data that had been provided by the managers. It's good to have them, at least we have no needless weight on our shoulders. The desk was filled with graphs, mind maps and pictures in ridiculously short amount of time. Fortunately none of my players had problem with understanding my weird sense of explanating. We will win, no matter what. No wonder they call us the Emperors of the Pitch. I completely cannot stand the choice of word: emperor, imperial. Seriously? How did it even come to their heads? As if there are no other words.

With books in my hands I passed the school library building, savouring the rays of sunshine. It wasn't shining that much, so I didn't dare to take off my blazer. This debility strongly impaired my muscles, and I had to recover fast. I was just about to reach the corner and enter the main building, when I noticed two figures standing behind the wall with my Eyes. I stopped, pressing my body into the surface. I sneaked a little, using my wide field of vision. I would never mistake those red hair. In front of him was standing cute, a bit shorter than me brunette. She had clenched fists and head bent down. Was she guilty of something? Akashi didn't seem angry, though. He was watching her clinically. Only after a while did I realize what scene it was. I had seen them million times, then why, when it pertained to the redhead, I hadn't figured out immediately? Maybe just my mind tried to throw this thought away. Remaining absolutely silent pricked up ears, wanting to hear everything.

"Thank you for coming, Akashi-kun." girl's quiet voice was pretty squeaky; she probably couldn't make up her mind. Besides, she was stuttering. I pitied her.

"You made sure the letter would be delivered to me, then I do not see the reason to repudiate this solicitation." he answered calmly, waiting for her further words. Few seconds had passed before she mustered up the courage to raise her head. Thanks to that her voice became more clear.

"I only wanted to say that I am strongly impressed by you, Akashi-kun. You have many amazing virtues that just get your attention. It's hard to be indifferent to you. I also think I'm not that bad." she let herself to giggle. "Then my question will be quite straightforward. I like you, would you like to go out with me?"

I almost dropped my books. Recently I had been doing nothing but getting into troubles. I always found myself in wrong place and time. I wanted to peep out and see how things are going, but redhead probably would notice me then. I had to come away unscathed from this. So I only inclined my head, waiting for boy's answer.

"First of all, I would like to say 'thank you' for your sincerity, Sakura. Bravery is one of those righteousness I appreciate the most. Very few people can consider themself honorable and you proved me you are one of them. Congratulations."

The girl smiled slightly, her hazel eyes lightened up with hope. Could it be that her effort didn't go down the drain? She could have sworn that corners of his lips twitched a bit. When you started spending time with him, he didn't seem that much scary. He still had this magnetic side that attracted people to him.

"Notwithstanding, I am truly contrite to say that, but I cannot go out with you. Your compassionate words flatter me a lot. Still, I could not make you happy the way you'd like it. You need someone completely different than me. Being absolutely honest, I am not interested in making acquaintance even. Forgive me this brutal abruptness, I do not desire to create ambiguities."

I'd probably pick up my jaw from the floor, if only I had parquet under my feet. Even me, hidden behind the wall and not being the addressee to those words, shivered. If he said that to me, I'd run away with cry. It sounded almost like an insult and I had to keep myself from showing up and helping the girl.

"I understand. If I may ask... what do I lack of?" I hid my face in hands, suppressing my laugh. The situation was not pleasurable at all and the only thing I could think about was giggling. Someone should have shot me a long time ago. With the corner of my eye I tried to see what was going on. Akashi folded his arms, as if he was contemplating on the answer.

"It is quite simple: dignity. I feel bounded to win heart of a woman, who had me captivated from the start and I cannot imagine her running after me. Farther, I am interested in person with high intellectual and cultural level, maybe a little bit pert."

I raised my eyebrow. Maybe he was aware of my presence and with this statement sent me some kind of a message? The girl stopped holding herself back and let the teardrops fall on her cheeks. I clenched my fists around the bag's belt. I'd never been rejected, but only because I never confessed. I turned down so many boys, still dreaming about my prince on a white horse. And what did I get? Male football team, Miraculous basketball players and their 'absolute' captain. Perfect.

"Then I am sorry I'm not excellent enough!" she shouted angrily, sending him quite a death glare. It couldn't possibly end well. " I've done so much only to hear such stupid excuse. Screw this, I even dyed my hair!"

The girl started running towards me faster than I expected. Passing me, she looked at me contemptuously and run away, wiping her wet face. Afraid of Akashi showing up in no time I decided to follow her. I've been still pressing the books to my chest, as if I believed they would protect me from the world's evil. Well, that was quite a show. She turned out to have stronger psyche than me. Yet, I couldn't understand the last words she screamed to redhead. Why would you even dye your hair for a guy if you don't know whether he prefers blondes or brunettes? Oh God, why such idiots live on Earth. Entering the main building I met Akashi; he was staring out of the window. I left him, pretending I didn't care, when I heard a soft whisper.

"Women, what a curse to the world."

I almost hit the wall with my face, still shocked.

I closed my beloved training bag, skimming through the list for the last time. I was pretty sure I took everything considered essential on this one week trip. An incredibly important moment for both mine and Akashi's teams has finally come. We both lead our respective crews to InterHigh finals, what meant we had to show up on the tournament. Because of many different schools, which had their teams in InterHigh for football and basketball, the event organizers decided to put them together. All matches will be played in one sport complex. Rakuzan booked for us rooms in hotel, so all I had to take were my game clothes. Marianna went crazy, trying to do everything for me. Even though we have three maids, a chef and a butler, she takes care of me. She promised my father not to let me sink into japanese culture, whatever that was supposed to mean. I still had to explain her I didn't need any food for the journey.

Finally I kissed her cheeks and ran to the car, throwing my bag on the back seat. Riding through the crowded, but beautiful Kyoto I observed people living their own lives. I've always enjoyed getting to know different cultures; that's why I learn languages so readily. I wanted to properly use this knowledge. My father wanted me to translate for his corporation. I didn't mind this idea, as long as it didn't interfere with my plan. I've dreamt to travel around the world, after my football career, and take part in international conferences. Should happen.

In front of the train station a part of my team has been already waiting for me. We still had some minutes to the official assembly, so I sat down on the bench, watching the group supposed to go. Besides us and basketball team I saw volleyball players, who almost equalled with my boy's height. Quite a crew.

"Yo, Chiara-chan!" I heard behind my back. Hayama sat next to me and grinned. I reciprocated the gesture, seeing he's alone. So the rest of Crownless hadn't come yet. We chattered a little, comparing chances for winning the Cups. In the end, volleyball team's coach interrupted us with his strong and loud voice. I joined my boys, when someone's warm hand found her place on my arm. Reo smiled at me and ran after Akashi, who only nodded at me.

"Hi." I muttered. Everyone entered the train, ready to finally end our adventure with InterHigh.