They were better than him. All of them. They were blooming but Akashi wasn't moving anywhere, he wasn't improving like they were. Despite Midorima's reassurances, the redhead still feared being left behind.
"You're going to cough up blood again dwelling on it like this."
"It's a reasonable fear."
"Yes, but I'm telling you that you don't need to worry as much as you are."
"I didn't expect you to understand. You're not the one being left behind."
Midorima had no words to say to this.
They were getting out of control. Basketball was no longer fun. They had to make bets with each other to enjoy themselves-win after win meant nothing anymore. Practice began to feel useless, eventually leading Aomine to skip practice.
Akashi did have one of his fits, like Midorima said he would stressing himself as he was.
They didn't want to listen anymore. Murasakibara had voiced this quite loudly, telling Akashi he didn't want to follow someone weaker than him. This had ticked the redhead off more than anything, leading him to challenge the confident teen to a one-on-one: if he won, he could have his way. First one to five.
4-0
4-0
Akashi had never lost, but now it was dangling in front of his face.
4-0
A familiar metallic taste was in the back of his throat.
4-0
No.
4-5
And that's how it ended, but he still let Atsushi skip practice anyhow, so long as he continued to preform well in games. He proceeded to tell the others they were free to do the same.
He felt better than he had in a long time, but Midorima could only be as upset with himself as he had been worried when he first saw Akashi have his fit.
Nijimura had considered texting Akashi on several occasions. Every time, he chickened out. The way things ended, he was too scared to break the silence.
One night though, he had called the redhead. It had been a hellish day, his father nearly passing on several occasions and they still weren't sure how he'd managed the night. Nijimura was trembling with so many emotions. He just wanted to hear Akashi's voice. That would be enough, to know he was okay, even if the guy didn't love him anymore.
There was no answer, save his recorded voice. The raven hung up before he could leave a message, tears falling freely and nose overly stuffed with mucus.
"You've reached Seijuro Akashi's number. I will only respond to messages I deem not a waste of my time."
A/N: I honestly think I could have done a little better on this chapter but between the slight writer's block and an injured hand, this will have to to. Can't wait to hear from you all.