Chapter 9

As you may know, Mika and I attend Rakuzan together. The Tooru family chauffeur is supposed to drive us to school every morning. Least I repeat, supposed to. This routine was broken after the first week it started, which was last year. Therefore, I walk to school and take the train by myself everyday. Auntie and Uncle don't know about this, but that's fine. I mean they already do enough for me by paying my expensive tuition in exchange for me doing simple chores at home. So it's best if I don't bother complaining. I don't mind. But who knew he did…

It's been about two weeks since Akashi and I made up. And he's back to how I remembered—protective, but mostly territorial.

So as I was saying, when he found out that I was walking to school by myself, he wasn't too pleased. Especially with all those sexual assaults against high school girls on trains, he wasn't pleased at all.

He offered to take me to and from school. When I politely declined, his face went sullen before turning into a state of indifference. Did I mention he's stubborn? He doesn't take no for an answer. That day he offered and I rejected, he personally walked me back home. The following day, he was waiting outside the Tooru mansion.

I knew Akashi was always driven to school, but to have him walk all the way just to pick me up, was simply ridiculous. Who knew what time he had to wake up and just come over? As if school didn't start early enough.

So eventually, he guilted me into complying. I allowed him to escort me. But I really wonder if that was my defeat. Because after that, I just couldn't say no to him. Or more like, he wouldn't let me ever say no to any of his proposals.

But despite all this, I feel like we're much closer. At this rate, I think we could mend back our relationship very soon…and maybe…go a little further… oh god. What am I thinking?

Shaking my head a little, I snapped back into reality. Today was Saturday. There was a basketball game at Rakuzan and I, as mentor of Akashi Seijūro, captain of the team, must also attend. So, he decided that it was best for me to drop by his house first and then we go together.

So I obediently was picked up by the chauffeur, and, using the unreturned key (more like key he wouldn't accept back), opened the door and sat down on the table. Yes, I've been coming here so often nowadays that it was literally my second home. Strange enough, Akashi's father isn't back yet and no maids were around. He told me that it was normal for his father to be away for months at a time. As for the maids, he simply smirked.

A good five minutes passed before I heard footsteps descending the stairs. Donning the prestigious Rakuzan basketball uniform, Akashi finally appeared. He always looked sharp, with his red hair blazing with confidence, and that face…

"Yuukari."

His tone was light. That's good news. I looked at him and casually smiled, prompting him to continue. He must be in a good mood today…

"How many times have you had sex?"

My eyes popped out. I was sure of it. The smile that was on my face a moment ago, well that was gone. And probably not coming back anytime soon. My face was immediately flushed, the heat rushed over, causing me to get hotter by the second. What the…

"Answer me." His eyes showed no signs of embarrassment. I didn't answer and just awkwardly stared back until he concluded that I didn't hear. "How many times have you…"

"I heard you the first time," I angrily stated before crossing my arms defensively over my chest. This kind of question…what does he take me for? Wait…ugh…I guess it does makes sense that he asks me…but this directly?

Not wasting any more time, Akashi kneeled down with one knee in front of the chair I was sitting on. His objective was most likely to get a better look at my face, but I faced the other side. My face wasn't pretty that moment. And I knew it.

He slipped his hand in mine, causing me to look at him in surprise. He was indifferent, still expecting an answer.

I knew he wasn't trying to anger me, he probably just… had to ask. After all, that time…

Memories flooded. Thoughts of that incident triggered my tear ducts. I immediately looked down. That was too embarrassing, this was too embarrassing, I'm too embarrassing…

Just then, a firm hand stroked by cheek. I was woken from my little recalling of the past, well, the nice way to put it.

"Don't think about that." The way he calmly said those words, Akashi knew exactly what I was thinking. I nodded and he let me borrow his shoulder. "I just need to know."

When I finally found the courage to speak, I whispered quietly enough for him to hear. "None."

"Never?" he asked.

I shook my head. He stroked my hair. That was very soothing. Strange…given the circumstances and everything.

When he knew I was back to my usual self, he slowly pulled away. I looked into his beautiful two-colored eyes. They could be serious at times, and playful, but also loving, caring, and warm. But now, I recognized his expression; he was getting ready to tease me.

"I should probably confirm that." A wide smirk surfaced.

I pushed him away lightly, giving myself more breathing room, something I barely have when around this redhead.

"You don't need to. You're supposed to trust me."

"I trust myself."

"You need to learn to trust me."

"You need to teach me that I can. Let me trust you." His last words shot arrows through my heart. Oh right… how could I forget? I was the one who …

Akashi mildly knocked on my head before any foolish thoughts infiltrated my mind. Seeing my easily distressed state, he let out a small sigh and got up.

I disappointed him again. Why do I keep disappointing him? Is that the only thing I can give him?

I watched as he zipped up his jacket. He packed some things in his sports bag before swinging it over one shoulder. All this, he did silently. I then imagined, when it's only him, living by himself, all alone. That feeling. How does it feel like?

Then there was this sudden urge stirring within me. At that moment, all I wanted to do was be there. Be near him. Hug him. Hold him. Anything, to let him know I was there. But I didn't budge. I just sat, wordlessly watching him.

After he was done, he gave me a glance. He made it brief, sparing me only a second of connection. But that was more than enough. I pushed off from the seat and stood.

"Trust me." I looked sternly into his apathetic gaze. I needed him to know I was for real. I swallowed, hoping my two words would convey my two hundred thoughts. For a long time, I haven't mustered the courage to stand up to anyone. But Akashi, you give me courage. My eyes flickered, further emphasizing my newfound spirit.

"Time to go." He opened the door and stepped out. He didn't close it, leaving it wide open.

I grabbed my purse and followed after. I ducked my head as I walked out. Have I just been rejected…was what I thought before I cared enough to look at what was in front of me.

Akashi was standing right at the foot of the stairs, obviously waiting for me. I quickly skipped down the stairs. He walked ahead and I followed right behind. He also turned back slightly, almost unnoticeably, a few times. I knew he was checking on me even though I was just behind him.

I'm not sure if I reached him. Words alone don't mean anything without actions to support it. And actions take time.

Luckily, Akashi's willing to give that to me.

A/N: 17 40 48. Hey everyone! I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. I am very grateful for the comments! I'm always motivated to write when I see them. Also, thank you very much for reading and liking this story. Hope to see you soon in the next chapter! ~serianri