Hey guys! It's so good to be here again! I'm done with all my university work, so I have a lot of time for upcoming three months. Hope you'll enjoy this chapter. As always I leave you to Chiara and Akashi. Let them know what you think, and I will see you guys soon! :)

The moment I woke up again, Akashi was already seated beside the table with a book in his hands. Dressed in a Rakuzan's uniform, he moved his shod foot in a swift move. I rubbed my eyes, remembering the position I fell asleep. When had woken up, had it been at least a little bit different? Oh God, why hadn't I seen his face then? I could have got up first, wriggle out of his embrace and pretend it had never happened. Now it was time to atone my mistakes. I sat more comfortably, looking around the room. In the daylight it seemed much more cozy.

"Good morning." said the redhead, not raising his head from the book. I caught a glimpse of the title; some business discourses. Is he really so interested or is it just another father's caprice? I threw off of me the sheets and immediately regreted it. My body covered with goosebumps. The bed was so warm, almost like his arms... Crap. With radiating cheeks I mumbled some greeting and ran to bathroom, catching my clothes. It didn't seem that Akashi would like to talk about it. Maybe he didn't remember a thing? Or simply moved away from me in his sleep? How many questions can one weird situation make.

I showered quickly, washed my hair and jumped into the uniform: black skirt, grey shirt and long stockings. Unlike most of the female students in my school I didn't wear anything around my neck. Rather opposite, I got used to unbuttoning the collar together with rolling up the sleeves. But this time I couldn't do it. I had to look exquisitely, so I left the cuffs alone. I also finally gave up on stockings, going for tights and shoes with a medium heel. I'll put on a coat and that should do the thing. It was demanded from us to come in a representative outfit, but why don't we add a little bit of
fanciness. I did my make up as fast as possible. The more time I spent in the bathroom, the calmer I was becoming. I even managed to do a properly winged eyeliner and mascara.

I left just to see Akashi putting his folders into the bag. He looked at me, his face held no sing of emotion.

"Ready for breakfast? I think we can leave for our first conference right after we finish eating."

"No problem." I answered, reaching for my coat. Before I could do anything, he had almost pulled it out from my hands to help me. I growled at him, be he only snickered. Akashi and his gentlemanly habits. Pleasant in a way, but sometimes incredibly crippling. I don't want to depend on him this much. No more repeating the Teikou era.

We exited the room. Passing by the reception I took a glance at the girl. She transparently tried to avoid basketball player's gaze, but seeing my smile she answered with a shy wave. I nodded at her understandingly and increased my pace, seeing my comrade get away. He had to completely forget about the unpleasant situation with the receptionist though, cause he only talked for a bit with a chauffeur and entered the restaurant. You know, there is one thing I really like about international hotels here in Japan - food. I've been really missing the true European food, because even Marianna often throws it away, cursing madly. She hates the vegetables here the most, she states they have no taste. Well, what can I do, nothing tastes better than fresh, Toscanian tomatoes or asparagus. Oh God, what would I do to actually eat risotto now! Alright Attaviano, it's time to come back, or Akashi will have to wake you up.

The redhead was currently approaching the table, planning to leave his things there. I followed him, while carefully observing the buffet. I could feel the saliva gathering in my mouth, so without thinking I took a plate and ran toward the food. I picked an omelette with vegetables, sweet buns with raising and a fresh orange juice. I also added a cup of tea and some fruits. The perfect way to start a day.

"Could you pass me the napkins?" I asked, looking at my neighbour. His plate was filled with tofu and I wondered, if that's all that he eats on a daily basis.

He complied with my request, reaching his arm to the right. As he was handing me the box, our fingers dabbed for a brief second. I winced; his hands were incredibly cold. 'Completely different from the morning...' I thought. Akashi didn't even pay attention to that, looking again for his cutlery. If I keep on behaving so suspicious, I will surely not avoid the confrontation. I looked down, trying to focus on my food. Suddenly, all my appetite was gone.

Only an hour was enough for weather to change from pleasant into cloudy; well, it even started to rain eventually. With a disgruntled face I took a glance into my bag, searching for an umbrella, when I heard a strange noise above my head. I looked up; Akashi was standing right beside me, with his own umbrella hovering over us. I snorted and moved forward, wanting to sit in a warm, comfortable car as fast as possible. Redhead's hand found it's way to my waist, reducing the distance between us. I felt my cheeks turning into red, radiating lights. I wanted to back away, but that would be considered rude. Besides, he was just making sure that I didn't get wet, right?

The chauffeur opened the door and I jumped in with a swift move. I nestled in my seat and took the folder out of my bag. I hadn't manage to go through all of the options in the train, but some of the classes seemed really interesting to me. I was hoping, that I would participate in as many as possible. In spite of appearances, this trip turned out to a great chance not only for further cooperation between Japanese high schools but also to meet other ambitious, talented people. I smiled involuntarily. How had he managed to get us this week? I still had no idea. Akashi sat down next to me and looked over my shoulder.

"Have you chosen the topics of your extracurricular lectures yet?" he asked. I nodded.

"Yeah, I think so. I am still hesitating about those international business contact classes though. But I think I should have my mind made after the presentation. How about you?"

"I've picked the last interesting suggestions in the morning. Maybe we will run into each other from time to time." he answered, moving his head. He exchanged few words with our chauffeur and drew attention to me again. I felt his sight on me, but I doggedly stared at the papers. I was afraid of my reactions.

"Probably, there aren't this many lectures after all." I muttered. The weather outside didn't look to good, so I sighed loudly. My hair will get all curly because of the dampness. As if I needed more attention to my person. Japanese may be the most polite and courteous people in the world, but at the same time it doesn't stop them from being critical and rude toward strangers. And that's what I was - outsider. And I will remain, until I finish high school. Akashi moved closer to me. I leaned on the car's door, without an escape.

"Are you alright? You've been extremely stiff since morning. Are you hurt? Your knee?" he asked, checking my body with his eyes. I denied. He must be kiddin' me. He had woken up first, and even if I had not managed somehow to untangle myself from his embrace, he had seen it all. How am I supposed to talk to him now? I feel so embarrassed! "Chiara, I am talking to you..."

"I beg your pardon? I'm sorry, I got lost in thoughts..." I answered. Was he talking to me for a while? What did he say? I raised my eyebrow and took a glance at him. The redhead only smirked and tilted his head.

"I asked if you want me to call the doctor, we are under a constant medical care in this hotel. What were you thinking of? Me, perhaps?"

"Oh, you'd like that." I growled, pushing him away. Akashi sat on his place and giggled. If we didn't have to appear elegant, I'd slap that face.

Akashi remained silent; after all, we finally reached our destination. I looked out of the window, I definitely liked that place. Enormous, glass rooms, modern equipment. Rakuzan was a classy school, it sometimes reminded me of a castle. Here I could feel this fresh air. Campus seemed to appear really well, despise ceaseless rain.

Still hidden under an umbrella we entered the university. Akashi immediately approached the reception in order to get some information. Me, at the same time, was looking around, admiring the views. University of Akita may not be the oldest one, but it surely had something that caught one's eye. I gave my coat to the porter, who smiled at me. It was so honest and natural, that my mood suddenly went up.

"Yes, of course, I would gladly attend... Chiara? Chiara Attaviano?"

I turned around, hearing someone call my name, and almost dropped my bag on the floor. Have I just mentioned, that I felt good? That day couldn't be worse. I stood there, frozen, unable to say anything, with my lips forming a perfect O-shape. I heard Akashi coming up to me and standing by my side.

"Kimiko?" I managed to stutter, looking at the girl in front of me.

"Well, this is quite a surprise."

"Indeed."

Oh how I missed more annoying and false people in my life. Did it really have to be her?