Chapter 10

As I followed Akashi into the gym, I already heard the squeaking of shoes. The Rakuzan team usually goes and warm up very early in the morning. Today is no exception.

"Yuu-chan!"

I heard my name being called and turned my head to the right. I think that voice came from Hayama-kun. He's in the same class year as me. I then glanced over to a quiet Mibuchi-kun who gave me a slight nod. I nodded back.

Did I tell you, ever since Akashi and I went back on good terms, people have changed their attitudes towards me? Boys who didn't even know me would greet me. I'm not just talking about the basketball team. I'm referring to every boy at school. They would hold the door or smile or somehow acknowledge my existence.

But in drastic contrast, my interactions with girls didn't go as smoothly. Not like it went perfectly well before, but now just got a little more awkward. The girls in my class, I'm pretty sure, are talking behind me. Something about…Akashi and I… but I really wonder why they would jump to such a conclusion. It's not like Akashi and I are dating. We're just mentor and mentee. And maybe just a little closer since we had known each other for so long and went to the same middle school. But aside from that…

I stole a peek at the Rakuzan team captain. He's so serious on the court even though it's just a warm up. Same as always. He has such high expectations of himself… I wonder if he ever gets tired.

My eyes softened when I saw that he made his shot. Akashi turned and jogged back to his position, sparing me a slight glance but not long enough for me to make eye contact.

A memory from all the way back during the Teikō days replayed itself just then.

The court is where everything drops. Nothing is on my mind but the game and my inevitable victory. So only in those moments, I'm not promised to you. But every other minute of my life—they're all yours.

I wonder... if those words still apply now?

That question circulated in my brain the entire game. I didn't even realize it was over until the crowd cheered. I looked up and saw Akashi already staring at me, perhaps displeased by my lack of concentration.

I gave him all my attention after that. I watched as he lined up with his team and thanked the other team. And all the while, he never took his eyes off me. That made me feel a little strange, but I guiltily liked it. A few other eyes were on me too since they were curious about Akashi's stare.

When the losing team dispersed, I stood up from the bench and walked towards Akashi. A look of indifference was all I got, but I knew well enough that this was just another plain victory in his mind.

We were no further than two meters apart when a few girls intercepted our reunion.

Reunion must be a strange word to use. But I'm sure I picked the right word to describe it. Lately I find myself feeling very unsettled. Even if I'm away from him for a little while, I don't feel right. And when I am with him, and see him right in front of me, I can't help but want to be closer.

Not wanting my disappointment in our delayed reunion to be too obvious, I shifted my body to face somewhere else. But I was still close enough to keep and eye on him and the girls surrounding him.

To one particular girl, he was giving more attention. I mean who wouldn't be? Even I was. From the group of girls, she was the easiest to point out.

Her long brown hair was combed neatly over her left shoulder, exposing her fair skin. Her perfectly groomed appearance, clean-cut uniform, posture, thin frame, and angelic face—she would most likely make the cover of the Rakuzan brochure if they ever decide to create a new one. I could just picture her posing next to Akashi (the male most likely chosen to represent the school). Rakuzan is a prestigious school in academics, athletics, and most definitely appearances.

I deducted that she was of the Mika species. Her beauty could even be on par with my dear cousin if we were really going to compare. And then another thing hit me: she must be the new late transfer freshman that everyone was talking about.

I then looked back at Akashi. His face was apathetic, well, maybe a bit annoyed. Seeing that, I felt sudden relief. If he were to smile or show some kind of positive reaction, I'm afraid I might just get…upset.

So I stood there, waiting for the girls to clear out. And clear out they did when Akashi gave them the cold stare. He was never one to waste a minute, and certainly not a minute with fan girls. He never felt it was necessary to invest time into things that wouldn't prove rewarding on his standards. So I really wonder why he devotes so much time to me…

Akashi walked passed the girls and towards me. When he was close enough, he did not stop, only dropped two words, "Locker room."

He was barely audible, but I heard him so I nodded. When he was out of sight, I repeated the words to myself. Locker room. Locker room. Locker room!?

He wouldn't dare do something in there right? … Did I do something wrong? Come on, Yuukari. Think. Did he say it with a nice face or a mean face? Wait. It's always an unreadable face…

I stood frozen. And in less than a minute, the basketball players strolled out. Hayama giddily smiled and waved both hands in the air. I looked at him and he signaled me to go down to the lockers, a grin still on his face.

So with my head down, conjuring up the worse scenarios, I made my way to the boys' locker room where only boys should be.

…

I peeked through the opened doors. At a glance was a shirtless Akashi. I gulped. Boys only. I should stay out. Besides, it's not like he's going to force me to go inside.

"Yuukari."

I froze in place and held my breath, trying my best to erase my presence.

"Come in now or do I have to bring you in myself?" He didn't sound patient.

"I'll come in," I responded stupidly. Should have known. Can't win against him in everything. Can't disobey him in anything.

Stepping into the doorway, I looked straight at him. Straight at his naked porcelain skin. At his broad chest that must totally feel good to lean against. At his sculpted perfection.

I didn't say a word and just stared. I must be shameless.

A/N: 19 44 55. Hey everyone! Wanted to express my gratitude for your readership again! I hope I didn't take too long with this chapter (12 days ago-not bad). My excuse: working on a new Naruto ff that I've been anticipating for almost a year ago. I finally got the determination to publish it. I even have a set day of the week to post for that one. If only I can discipline myself to do the same with my other stories.

But still, I hope to see you soon in the next chapter. If you have anything in particular you want to see/read. Let me know. I'm all ears (eyes?). Ciao~