sorry for taking so long!

school and stress takes time ):

Kuroko Tetsuya, the ever quiet shadow had been unusually walking by himself. Without the presence of his loud best friend today, he was able to immerse himself into his own thoughts. Aomine had been forcefully pulled out of basketball practice for a doctors checkup today, which he had been delaying for ages apparently, leaving Kuroko in a quiet chuckle.

"Sounds like something he'd do." the boy thought to himself.

His feet found himself unconsciously walking towards Maji Burger, and he turned a sharp right inside until he saw a familiar faced girl. With long ivory hair tumbling behind her back, it was obvious who it is.

"Shirokawa-san.." Kuroko mumbled.

Suddenly his thoughts turned back to a few days ago, to the success of Teikou's Music Festival. The girl who was only once known as 'the-girl-brave-enough-to-chat-casually-with-Akashi' became 'the-girl-who-was-a-talented-and-popular-musician'.

Kuroko had second thoughts about entering as he never really spoke individually with the girl herself, but he realised his misdirection skills probably wouldn't have her notice him anyways. Casually, he walked forwards and gave a quick glance at her face to double check - when he noticed something wrong.

Instead of her usual happy-go-lucky smile, her face was solemn and her eyebrows were furrowed. Red lips pursed and eyes almost watery. Usually he would've left strangers alone for their personal space, but something about her was off. As if she was in.. pain.

He sighed quietly, now knowing he wouldn't be able to go into Maji Burger anymore. Pulling out his phone, he politely texted his captain. It was the most help he could afford for Ayame.

Kuroko Tetsuya: Akashi-san, are you busy right now?

Akashi Seijuro: Tetsuya? How rare. No, I believe I am free. What did you want to discuss?

Kuroko Tetsuya: It may be in your interests that Shirokawa-san is in Maji Burger right now.

Akashi Seijuro: Oh?

Kuroko Tetsuya: Her attitude is unusual, and I've deduced she may be in some kind of pain. Sorry for the bother.

Akashi Seijuro: Hm, Thank you Tetsuya. Don't worry about Shirokawa-san, you may resume as usual.

Kuroko Tetsuya: Well then, goodbye Akashi-san.

Akashi Seijuro: Yes, see you later.

ooo

A blur of red entered Maji Burger with ease and grace. Despite it being an unfamiliar setting, Akashi locked onto his prey relatively easily. And yet, the redhead had sufficient acting skills to pretend it was a mere coincidence.

"Shirokawa-san, fancy seeing you here." He greeted evenly with a casual smile.

The girl in front of him smiled immediately, almost like a robotic formula - but his red eyes could spot the internal panic inside of her anyways. Pleasantries aside, Akashi sat himself across her and began a casual conversation. After all, they have had yet to see each other since her performance.

"I was finally able to watch you perform, wasn't I? You did well." Akashi said.

She nodded in reply, but kept the nervous smile on her lips. For the first time, Ayame was forcing herself to smile in front of him. Realising this, his eyes narrowed, losing all pleasantries.

"Unnatural." He stated, bluntly.

"Eh..?" The smile that was once graced on her face, was wiped off, leaving only confusion

"Your smile. Why are you faking it?"

Her wince almost, almost, made him regret his words as he saw the genuine worry on her face. So it wasn't him that her nervousness was aimed towards.

"I-I.." She stuttered, struggling to find the confidence and words to explain herself. "I think my leg is acting up again."

Understanding resolved in Akashi's as he did a double check on the girl in front of him. Her food had been finished long ago, and obviously cold as well. Her uniform was crinkled in one direction, like she had been constantly trying to move, but failed. And her posture, having hands under the table - one obviously to hold her knee. He looked at the clock, and realised she had been sitting here by herself for far too long.

"I'm too scared to move.." Ayame whispered.

Slightly sighing with a worried face, he stood up and helped her up too. Taking extra care to hold her hands carefully, Akashi gave her time to walk cautiously.

"Where do you live?" He inquired, as Ayame paid her bills.

"Somewhere around Nakano street.."

The redhead inwardly frowned, as he realised his own house would be closer than hers.

"My house is closer than yours. Would you like to go to my house for some medical attention first?"

Ayame nodded in relief, and he wasn't sure whether he was as happy as she was. As the frail girl gripped his hands for support, Akashi realised it was going to be a long trip.

ooo

The pair finally arrived at his house after what felt like a long and tense trip. Akashi opened the door to the cold and quiet house, as he turned on the light switch. The red head left Ayame on the couch, as she stared curiously at her surroundings. Soon after, he came back with a first aid kit to help relieve her pain.

"Thank you Akashi-san." She said, this time with a real smile on her face.

He nodded in reply, and began applying a splint to her leg. The red head pulled down her long socks and slightly lifted up her skirt with relative disinterest, focusing on getting his bandaging right. Pale skin, soft texture, and warmth was all tempting him. Every time his fingers would graze her skin, Ayame flinched a little, but he took himself to ignore it.

Breaking his concentration, she spoke up in a quiet voice. "Akashi-san, where are your parents?"

His eyes narrowed at the thought of his parents, and she seemed to notice it.

"Ah! Sorry, I don't mean to be rude. Uhm, I just wanted to apologise for barging into your house.."

And as usual, the girl only thought about the people around her. He gave a forgiving smile in her direction and replied while putting away the kit. "My parents are never home anyways. Don't worry about it."

Akashi turned around, ready to serve Ayame some tea when he noticed the blush on her face. "You mean.. we're alone?" she said in confusion.

Something inside Akashi snapped. Perhaps it was fustration or impatience, but he'd had enough of the tension around them. He strode towards her, setting down the tea. Her red, rosy lips, began to open to say something else when he slammed his arm next to her, leaning in. "Yes, we're alone, Shirokawa-san. Are you worried about me doing something?" They were centimeters apart, feeling the breath on each other's skin. His red eyes almost glinted, as he watched her face with utmost detail, expecting her to break out nervously. But she didn't.

Instead, she broke into a gentle smile and laughed sweetly. "It's alright, because your my friend Akashi-san. I trust in you."

Ah. His previous mood dissolved as he took in her trust in him. It was almost silly how much she trusted him, but it made him weirdly content. Removing his arm, he nodded in reply, pretending it was only a ruse.

And for once, Akashi smiled for her.

this was random

slow and steady wins the race (aka no development whoooops)

i have like 5 or so chapters planned out for now, not even near the end tho

reviews are loved xoxox