Good day readers!

Anyone watching the eclipse time? It was one interesting experience! now I am hoping to see meteor showers too! XD

Anyway, thanks much for reading the previous chapter and the review!:D

Rinfantasy: I know! But it's the unexpected Akashi. He is like a man who will never bow down to anything. Thanks much for your review! :D

BabyNightmareLady: Thank you! You will find out more in this chapter! Hope you like it!

Ilove0t6forever: Thanks for dropping a review! I hope you like this story so far! Stay tuned :D

Alright! Here we go readers! Happy reading and enjoy! XD


Chapter IX

Insecurity


Minami-ko 6-2-5. Lizard Bar. 5 pm. Late or no show, you face the consequences.

The message kept replaying on Kuroko's mind. He couldn't concentrate in class nor listened to trio's conversation. The least he could do was try to cover it up with his famous deadpan face. The trio knew something odd about it. Kuroko was a quiet guy but he was a good listener. But he clearly was not in a mood.

"So Kurokochi, what do you think?"

"Huh? What?"

"I asked you about this." Kise handed him a magazine. His photo was made as the front cover. "What do you think?"

"It's a great photo, Kise-kun. You look fabulous." He commented.

"Of course I am. But that's not what I asked! It's about the hat. You weren't listening at all, were you?" Kise faked a sob.

"No one wants to listen to your girls talk, Kise." Aomine smirked.

"Aomine-kun is a meanie! And now Kurokochi hates me too! Murasakibarachi, save me!" Kise whinned. The giant paid no attention to him as he was in his own world, eating snacks.

"By the way, what's bothering you? You seemed off today."

"It's… nothing. We just got this group work. I am not good at doing it with other people. Please don't mind me." He swiftly lied.

"I see. I can imagine that. They must have got a hard time noticing you." Aomine teased.

"That's mean, Aominechi! Don't bully Kurokochi! Murasakibarachi go punish him!"

Hearing Kuroko's name was mentioned, Murasakibara turned to the blonde model. "Mmm~ and what will I get?"

"Maiubo sticks for a whole month!"

"Okkie~ Deal." Murasakibara stood up and walk to the laying tanned ace, towering above him and cracking his long fingers.

Aomine quickly sat up. "Huh?! W-wait! Hey, Kise! It's not fair! Murasakibara, w-wait! Stop!" Aomine crawled back. The giant started to show his wrestling skills without mercy. "M-Murasakibara! Wait! S-stop! Gyaaaaaaa…!"


"Tetsuya."

Kuroko who was in a hurry packing his stuff suddenly stop his movement. He didn't expect the red haired to show up in front of his classroom door. Akashi paid no attention to the curious stares and mumbles the others throw at him. "A-Akashi-kun. What are you doing here?" Kuroko flabbergasted.

Akashi gave a cold glance to the spectators, telling them to mind their own business. They got the message and immediately pack their stuff and leave. Only leaving the two of them and few people inside the class.

Akashi entered the class like normal. "Am I not allowed to be here?"

"No... but, it's just a rare chance to see you here." He replied hesitantly.

"Well, Actually I am looking for you."

"Looking for me? Why?"

"You didn't reply my text. I thought you are sick again but I am glad you are ok."

" I'm sorry, my phone was dead. What was it again?" He pretended to have not read his text yet.

"I said should we hang out somewhere? Since I got some free time."

"Um... sorry Akashi-kun. Actually, I have something to do today." Kuroko had prepared an excuse. He knew Akashi would probably confront him.

"And what would that be?"

" I need to visit my aunt in Tokyo hospital."

"Tokyo hospital? What happened to her?"

"She was in an accident yesterday. She broke her leg." He lied swiftly with deadpan look. I'm sorry for lying to you, Akashi-kun.

Akashi was silent for a while before replied him. "I see." He nodded. " I will drive you there."

"No. It's okay. I don't want to trouble you." Kuroko said as he picked up his bag.

"It's not a trouble. Besides, It's the same way to where I am heading to."

"But…"

"No buts, Tetsuya. Just consider this small thing as a replacement to our cancelled date." He insisted. Kuroko sighed, He knew he wouldn't win this argument. The more they argue, the more he might get suspicious.

"Okay, you win." He sighed in defeat.

Akashi smirked, not suspecting a single thing. "You are wrong, Tetsuya. I always win."


Kuroko stood in Minami-ko street which was located in a deserted area. Almost no one passing by and the people he met so far was like yakuza, wearing suites, sun glasses, drinking beer and smoking. He calmed himself down and only thought about the reason why he mustn't leave this place. He flipped his phone to check the address again. It should be around here. He walked a few meters and later he found a sign saying Lizard's. He gulped.

He entered the bar, inside accompanied by dim lights, he was greeted by bunch of people. Some of them were busy gambling. The others played dart or billiards. Some of the became the spectators and they were loud. The place was in a huge mess. cigarette buds, cans of beers and bottles of liquor were found everywhere. It reeked of smokes and alcohol. H e honestly couldn't stand being there!

He quickly scan the room. He found someone who was making a drink. He must be working here. I should go and ask him. He might know something.

"Excuse me, sir."

"Huh?" A muscular guy looking o his right and left. "I swear just heard somethin' "

"I am here." Kuroko raised a hand in front of the man.

"W-whoa! W-what?! Bastard! Since when are you here?!"

"A few seconds ago. Sir, I was told to come here by someone. Do you by any chance know something?"

He looked at Kuroko in silence then sighed. "Just go up to the second floor. There is a room there, just enter." He began doing his job again, not even bother to look at the bluenette.

"Thank you." Kuroko nodded and climbed the old stairs.

After climbing the stairs which he couldn't almost see a single step, he saw a door in a corner. He gulped again, a mixture feeling of anxiety, scared and nervous. He really wanted to run but he just couldn't! He took a couple of deep breaths and bravely stepped forward.

He stood in front of the wooden door and knocked. He heard a voice, ordering someone to open the door. Then there were foot step sound followed by a creaking door sound.

A man in his early 20s dressed in black, skin covered by tattoos and piercing, opened the door. He starred at Kuroko for a couple of minutes before yanking him inside and locked it.

Kuroko winced at the impact. He could feel the man is still holding one of his arm. At first, he can see nothing. The room was very dim but he still can see some figures. After his eyes have adjusted, he looked at those five men in the room. He didn't recognize them at first but when his eyes fell on a certain man, Kuroko let out a gasp.

"Hello there~ looks like you still remember me." A familiar figure sitting down on a sofa wave a hand at him. The other three men stood behind him. The man on sofa grinned wide.

"Haizaki-kun?! Why?!"

"I am flattered you know my name! to answer the question, I just wanna have a chat with Akashi's little friend. You don't mind, do you?"

"A chat?"

"That's right. Please sit down."

The man dragged Kuroko to a small chair in front of Haizaki and push him down forcefully. Then he stood next to him.

"So, I heard you recently become friends with Akashi, true?"

Kuroko was silent, he gave no respond. Seeing that, Haizaki gave a small nod to the man beside Kuroko. The man yanked his hair really hard which made him in a half standing position.

"Kuroko, I am not a man that love to repeat same question twice~ but since we don't know each other well yet, I let you go this time." He then gave another nod. The man released his hair.

"So, are you friend with Akashi?"

"Y-yes."

"Fantastic! So, I will cut the past talk and get down to business. I am asking you to do a favor." He evilly smiled. Kuroko got a bad feeling about this. His heart pounded hard. He almost can hear the beating sound.

"I want you to invite Akashi to our small party. it's only for Akashi. No one else is invited."

"What would you do?" He tried not to let his voice shake.

"I am sure you've seen it last night and even participated too!" He exclaimed happily and then stood up. he walked close to Kuroko. Bending his back so that his eye level met those baby blue eyes. "I just want the busy Akashi to take a break from his work. You also agree with me, right?"

Kuroko widen his eyes and his heart beat even faster. Deep down, he suspected this kind of thing would happen. But he knew his answer even from the moment he got the phone call.

"I believe Akashi-kun will be very busy." He said calmly.

"But not busy on Saturday right? We can arrange the schedule. We are good friends after all."

"Saturday?"

Haizaki moved back and explained. "I saw you guys went out last Saturday. I was hurt no one invited me. But I am a kind person. I forgive you two."

"Y-you saw us?"

Haizaki just grinned. "Will you do the honor and invite him for me?"

Kuroko blurted out instantly in a whisper. "No."

"What was that?"

"No." Kuroko said louder this time, looking at him sternly.

"Kuroko-kun…" He shook his head in amusement. "Looks like we don't know each other quite well yet. Should we have a more friendly talk?" Haizaki gave a signal to those men. They nodded and walked over to the bluenette.


Akashi had been checking his phone for the fifth time. The phone displayed nothing except email icons which he knew it's company related. The red haired began to worry. He clearly asked Kuroko to call him if he wanted to go home. It's almost 10pm now and he knew the visiting time was long over.

Akashi scan through his contact list and dialed the blue haired number. He waited patiently and it was almost until the end of the tone, he finally picked up.

"Tetsuya, I told you to text me if you're done. Where are you now?"

"Oh my~ aren't you the same old Akashi~?"

Akashi widen his eyes. "Haizaki." His voice full of venom. The other guy laughed like a maniac.

"Care to join our little party? We are having fun with your little Tetsuya."

He wasted no time to think. "Your location?" His voice sounded more like a command rather than a question.

"Eh~? I thought you are busy? Why not wait until I call you back?"

"Your location?" He repeated with even deadly voice than before.

" Relax moody boy~.. I will text you later. Bring no one else or you what happen. Bye!" He hang up.

Akashi cursed. He immediately asked for his secretary. "Go find information about Haizaki Shougo and his places! I want it ASAP!" The secretary nodded and quickly access his computer.

Akashi then dialed another number. He didn't wait for the other one to say hello. "Shintarou, It's emergency…"


End of Chapter IX: Insecurity

I'd like to thank RazenshiaSapphire1306, 7BlueHana, Tsubame0104, Namikaze Uzumaki Aika, , Sui-chan Hitachiin, galia.78, LxLightDeathNote, Babyytiian, , nawdah, HisOrdersAreAbsolute, Silvermist023 for adding the story in your follow and favorite list!

And also thank you for all silent readers out there for reading this story!

Have a great day! See you all on the next update! :D :D :D