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Chapter XV
Overwrite a Broken Bond
"Care to tell me what happened?" The Akashi heir asked as soon as they entered the car.
Kuroko knew he would notice this, even though he tried to act as normal as possible. "It's…. nothing."
Akashi sighed. It was clearly a lie. He knew something had happened the moment he saw him in the hallway, moreover, those blue orbs were too late to lie. "I know something happened, Tetsuya. Remember your promise?"
He looked away refusing to talk... Tears began to build up in his eyes again as he trembled.
"Tetsuya, please tell me."
Kuroko took a deep breath to calm down. He felt his eyes burnt as he said in his trembling voice."Akashi-kun… I... I met Kagami-kun in the hospital…. He was looking for me all this time, wanted to apologize to me…. But… I hurt him… Again. What a hateful person I am?" he said in a low trembling voice.
Akashi moved closer to the teal haired and held him close, calming down the now sobbing Kuroko. Akashi rubbed the smaller teen's back. "Is this what you really want? Tell me, Tetsuya… what does your heart tell you?"
Kuroko couldn't hold his emotion any longer. He just wanted to let all his frustration out. He broke the hug and stare at the other teen. "I don't know, Akashi-kun! All I want now is not to let him get close to me! I don't want him to get hurt again… I.. I don't want to get hurt." He said the last part in a low painful whisper.
Akashi heart clenched when he saw Kuroko this way, but he tried to reply as calmly as he can. "I understand. I will respect all your wishes. Right now, your job is to prepare yourself for the treatment. Just focus on getting better. Okay?" Akashi said as he wiped those tears away.
Akashi just got the preliminary game schedule from Satsuki Momoi, the team manager as well as Aomine's childhood friend. He scanned through the team list and sighed when he saw 'Seirin' written on it. If Seirin kept wining, they would face each other in Semi finals. Akashi put it back on his study desk and pinched his nose bridge.
Seirin High School, the new school which was founded two years ago, as well as the basketball team. Last year with only first years, they managed to get second place in the preliminary. This year, a freshman from America joined the team. From Satsuki's data, they won all their practice matches and the most impressive one was against Kaijo High, one of the strongest team in the other prefecture. The rumored freshman was stated as the ace of the team, the red haired tall guy wearing number 10 jersey, Kagami Taiga.
Akashi sighed, he knew this Kagami guy had gone back to Japan. In fact, they now were living in the same prefecture. He decided to not mention it to Kuroko until he wishes to meet the guy. But for them to meet in the hospital was clearly out of his expectation. Akashi sighed again before he decided to let this off, temporary. I will deal with this later. Now, I need to check on him. Akashi looked at the time, it was 11.45 pm, almost midnight. He stood up from his seat and walked to the blunette's room.
Akashi knocked on the door and came in. There, he saw the other teen was still sitting on his bed with a book.
"Tetsuya, why are you not sleeping yet?" Akashi reprimanded him. The slightly puffy eyes indicated he just cried. Akashi felt a pang in his heart but he decided not to discuss the topic.
"I tried to, but I can't sleep. So, I decided to read something." Kuroko said rubbing his red eyes as he closed the book. "How about you?"
Akashi sat on the corner side of his bed, looking tired. "I just finished my work."
Kuroko felt guilty all of the sudden. "I am sorry. It's because you spent more time to help me study."
"It's not your fault, Tetsuya. An employee sent me a wrong document and I need to fix that by tonight." Akashi lied.
"But you could have finished earlier if you didn't help me." Kuroko retorted back as he was still feeling guilty.
Akashi went near him as he gently cupped his cheeks . "Tetsuya, please listen to me. It's not your fault okay?"
"Akashi-kun, but…"
"It's not your fault." Akashi repeated. "So, please stop worrying about unnecessary stuff, okay?" The red haired reassured him again.
Kuroko sighed in defeat. "Alright."
Akashi smiled and began to feel sleepy. "Good. Now, let's get some sleep." He covered a yawn and then climbed the bed. "I am really sleepy."
"Akashi-kun?" Kuroko was confused as he looked at the red haired grabbed a pillow and laid down, closing his tired eyes. "Why are you sleeping here?"
The red haired captain opened an eye "Can't I?"
"It's not that. Won't you feel uncomfortable sleeping here with me?"
"I am comfortable." He said as he pulled the bluenette down gently and hugged his back, snuggled closer. "Hmm… I didn't know how nice it is to snuggle." Akashi inhaled his scent, making the other teen blushed and madly. "This... put me on ease…." Akashi trailed off as his unconsciousness took him away.
"Shintarou, I want to discuss about the preliminary game." Akashi started a conversation which made Midorima perked up. It was rare for the captain to have serious discussion in the middle of lunch time.
"Okay. What do you want to discuss about? If it is about the team, we are doing fine." The glasses teen resumed eating his perfect Japanese bentou.
"Of course. I know I can trust you. But I want to discuss is about Seirin High."
"Seirin High? That newly founded team?"
"Yes."
Midorima had analyzed all their opponents in the game, with Momoi's data. But so far, none of those teams could compete equally with them. "I can see no threat from that team. Though I heard they have a freshman ace."
"Yes. That ace is Kagami Taiga."
Midorima was silent. He didn't understand why the captain seemed to pay attention to this new guy. Of course they have never met this skillful guy in junior high but according to the data and the video of Seirin practice matches, this new guy still hadn't reached their level yet. This new guy was still developing his basketball skill.
So, that left him with the big main question. Why this red haired teen even bother to check his background? Unless if this new guy might caused him trouble or would be a threat in the future. If that's that was the case, then Akashi's life only revolved in two things: school and the family company.
School was clearly out of the question. No one had ever beaten him in studying. He always be no.1 in Japan ever since he was in kindergarten. As for the newly crowned ace, Midorima didn't have to check his transfer credits when he saw on Momoi's note that the freshman was called Bakagami by his teammates. In the business world, Midorima never heard of the Kagami family involved in big company. Either as investor, CEO, President Director or Owner. So... if not those two, then... does it mean this guy has something to do with Kuroko?
"You are right, Shintarou. This is about Tetsuya."
Midorima frowned in annoyance. "Would you please stop reading my mind?"
"It's written all over your face."
"Hmph! So what about it?"
Akashi decided to tell his right hand man about Kuroko and Kagami's past, avoiding some important details. He also told him about their unexpected meeting at the hospital and what Kuroko decided to do.
"I have a hunch that they will meet again. But until Tetsuya himself wishes to see him, I will do anything to prevent their encounter."
"I understand... but why are you telling me all of this? I know you are a respectable person." Midorima reffered to Akashi as an individual who can keep and respect other people secrets.
"I mean to ask you a favor. If by any chance, they see each other when I am not around, I want you to take care of Tetsuya in my place." Akashi said in serious tone which made Midorima completely stunned. It was extremely rare for the great Akashi to ask someone a favor. The vice captain didn't realize he was so tense while listening to the story.
Midorima relaxed his stiff shoulders. Finally you found someone that can drag you out of darkness. Midorima slightly smiled. "You can count on me."
"Thank you, Shintarou." Akashi smiled in gratitude.
Midorima nodded and said "Akashi, no matter what happen in the future, please don't ever lose your way again."
"Welcome back young master Seijuro-sama."
The red haired nodded and walked into the house. He planned to go straight to Kuroko's room but the fire place in the dimmed living room caught his attention. Someone's there. Could it be Tetsuya? Akashi decided to check there. But ge was beyond surprise to see the older Akashi sitting there with a shogi board and a cup of hot green tea.
"Seijuro, you are home."
"Good evening, Father. It's a surprise to see you here." Akashi said after gaining his composure.
"Yes. It's been awhile since the last time I stepped in here. Yuji-san really takes good care of the house." The older one stated while sipping his tea. Then he turned to face his son. "Seijuro, why don't you sit down and have a game with me?"
The younger Akashi felt anxious. His father was not the kind of a man who would you his spare time for a mere non-business small talk moreover playing a game. He decided to reject his offer politely. "I'd love to. But I need to check on Tetsuya now."
"Don't worry. He is doing well." The older one reassured his son. "We had dinner and a small conversation afterwards. I must say, he is an interesting boy." He explained. "Now, won't you sit down and play a game with me? It's been a long time since we played."
Akashi observed the older one as he walked and took a seat in the opposite direction. He looked at the board, the pieces were neatly arranged on it. He then looked at the older man who moved a shogi piece. He leaned back and took another sip, waiting for his son to move a piece.
"What were you and Tetsuya talking about?" The younger one asked as he moved a piece.
"A lot of things." He moved another piece.
"Would you please explain to me?" Akashi moved another piece as he took out his father's. They continue this father and son conversation while playing shogi game.
"We talked about our hobbies, school and... you."
His eyes perked up and looked at the man. "Me?"
"Yes. I heard you, Shintarou and the others are doing great at school."
"Yes. We do."
"I see... that's good to hear."
They were silent as they concentrated on the game. They continued playing the game for minutes until the younger one broke the silence. "Father, what exactly you want to talk about?"
The older one took out a piece and sighed. He leaned back against the leather sofa and closed his eyes. "A lot of things, Seijuro. So many things that I don't know where to start."
The younger one moved a piece and leaned back. "What do you mean by that?" He asked carefully.
"I was a foolish man... For choosing business over my family. Back then, I was too blind to realize what I did. Setsuna tried to reach me but I simply turned my back and walked away. I neglected her, leaving her with no reason to exist in the household... until you were born." Akashi was stunned as he tried to listen what he said. This was the first time he mentioned his mother's name in years.
The older man took his time before he continued. "Setsuna gave all her time, affection and love to raised you while I only provided money. You grew up well, I could feel that... and then, the accident happen." The older man flinched at the memory. "The accident that took away Setsuna's life... it also slowly changed you to someone I don't even recognized anymore. You look more like an ignorant obsessed, cold living being than a human. That also made me realized... money was not the only thing you need. You need love which I couldn't provide..." Akashi could see the older man eyes dwelling in regrets and sadness.
The older man broke the gaze, he stood up and walked to the fireplace. He looked at the red blaze as he continued. "For the past few weeks... I could feel that you started to change back. I tried to find the reason... and it led me to him, Kuroko Tetsuya..."
The older man turned and walked back to his son. He squatted so he could see him on eye level. He touched the smaller teen' shoulder. "Seijuro, I know it's really late to say this but I am really sorry for leaving you alone. Even after Setsuna had passed away..." The smaller one widen his eyes as he was too stunned to reply.
"Now that you found the important thing you had lost, I want you to hold onto it tightly, son. Never to let it go. And this time, I will do everything in my power to protect you. I will help Kuroko-kun to get better. So, don't give up yet. We will find a way to cure him."
The smaller teen had many things he wanted to say. A lot of misunderstandings he wanted to clear up with him. But he couldn't find a way to start. In the end he could only say a few things "Thank you, father. I really appreciate your help. It meant a lot to me." As he gave the older man the first smile in years.
Akashi Genji was touched. He pulled his son into a fatherly hug. "Anything to help you , son." The smaller one was surprised to get a hug but he soon returned it. "Thank you. And I forgave you, Father."
They stayed for a few minutes until the smaller one broke the hug. He smiled and said "By the way, you missed some details father."
"What did I miss?"
"The new kind of affection I found is different with Mother's. I hope you don't mind." The smaller teen stated.
The older one look confused for a second but he soon understand what the other Akashi meant. He coughed. "I was thinking to open a branch office in New York. Maybe you can manage it after you finished your study."
"No problem. You got a deal."
End of Chapter XV: Overwrite a Broken Bond
Chiararose07: Thanks for your review! I'm thinking to put it in separate chapter, so stay tuned! :D
BabyNightmareLady: Thanks for the review! :D
TrollQueen: Poor Kagami for getting a big rejection (Though it's for his own sake), anyway, things might get better in later chapter! So stay tuned! :D
Rinfantasy: Yes he is! He always put others before him and always be brave no matter what happen to him. The kind of character many people admire.
SSJ Mirai Gohan: Thanks! You will find out in the end of the chapter! :D
I would like to thank ErzaScarlet14, chiararose07, EmeraldStar642, xojadexo, ishimarumayu, ryu akai, Silver Comet. 0912, Scarletfire16, kudoshinichi1994, Tell. Me. I'm. Fine, Fierza-Ryanna, mamitsu27 for adding the story in your favorite and follow list!
Thank you so much and see you all on the next update! Have a great weekend! :D
