Stepping out for 'fresh air' was probably a good idea. As much as he wants to run away to the park that memories were made, he held onto his ground and decided that even if he goes to the most comforting place, he wouldn't find peace and an easy solution out of this situation. After much contemplation, he decides to face the problem head on. Of course, in a logical way unlike some idiots in the room would do.

He feels his demonic-self slipping away and the caring Akashi came into place to reside back into the body. It felt right being the same caring person you once were and definitely not going back to be the same asshole that hurt his own love.

Taking a step at a time was the best he could think of. Accepting the fact that Kuroko has indeed lost memories of him, he shall make the best out of it. He will shower appropriate amount of love every single day to erase every flaw in the actions he did in the past.

Running his fingers through his hair and inhaling a deep breath of the fresh air, he walked back slowly into the room.

He knocked on the door signaling that he was coming in. When he peeped inside the room, Kuroko was all smiles with his former and pervious teammates. The look on his face was something Akashi hasn't seen in a long time. Happiness.

Ever since the breakup that they had, Kuroko never once smiled genuinely. Negative thoughts start to swarm his mind. What if Tetsuya is happier this way? What if he really doesn't want to remember me even though I will do my hardest to regain the lost memories back? Why did Tetsuya lose it while I remember what was forgotten? Wha-

"Akashi-kun," Kuroko chirped, snapping Akashi out of his thoughts, "Welcome back!"

Akashi almost chuckled at the tone the sick boy used. It sounds so bright that the redhead couldn't believe it was the dull and monotone boy's voice. He only ever heard those sounds when Kuroko is interested or excited in achieving something. He looks much livelier and chatty rather than the dull and monotonous Kuroko he knew but he preferred the old Kuroko (because he doesn't want anyone else to get other facial expressions out of Kuroko other than himself). It seemed as though Kuroko had changed ever since he woke up. His eyes so bright and full of liveliness like of a little child, his complexion full of color even though he is still that pale.

The redhead sat by the sides watching his former teammates converse. It is refreshing to be looking at the scene before him; Kuroko on the bed with many hand gestures on god-knows-what he's doing and talking with the guys. He smiled unknowingly to himself. It's good to see Kuroko brightening up unlike the ominous feeling akin to Akashi's he gives off.

People were always afraid of the AkaKuro duo. All were unable to figure out what goes on in their head and the reasons behind every action they do and they were always unpredictable. They were a match made in heaven, for they can only get affected by each other's presence and actions. When the redhead smiles, it was always very unnerving and it signals that something ominous and horrendous is going to happen. But ever since the two got together, they weren't so afraid till they'll just pee in their pants at the spot. Rather, they were relieved and happy that someone finally had a hold on the wild Akashi.

He smiled at the little thought but it turned bitter once he realized that Kuroko couldn't remember the past events that occurred between him and Kuroko. They just met minutes ago. There isn't any chemistry between them. Maybe it is for the best that Kuroko doesn't remember because he doesn't want him to go through all the pain once again even though it has already passed and Akashi will be standing by his side, taking in the pain together with him as well.

-line-

The next few days were taking a toll on Akashi. He has to pretend he doesn't know Kuroko and keep all suspicious actions at bay in case Kuroko gets freaked out because now the teal-haired boy is like a new person, feelings for Akashi are void. He has to take small steps at a time to reach for Kuroko's heart once again and this time, he makes sure that there are no gaps for imperfection to come in.

On the other hand, Kuroko is just so confused and lost. Everything looks so familiar yet distant. He knows their name but somehow, he just can't seem to remember some parts of his past. Some so vivid clear, some so disorientated. It feels hollow but he shrugged every feeling off. Right now, he should be watching out for his health and get better.

Akashi always makes him feel so unsettled with those eyes of his but he doesn't hate it even if they had only acquainted each other a few days ago. He kind of likes the fact that people are constantly around him and it makes him feel so wanted but he really wants peace and quietness at times (namely from Kise who is constantly around him being noisy that leads him to having a headache).

Even at school, he keeps receiving help which he deems unnecessary and extra care from his teammates and it's making him uncomfortable. There is an extreme change of attitude and it frustrates him to no end as to why they are doing this. His training menu is not even half of the toughness he has to do before the nationals.

When he questions them, all he got was "You have to rest well and stay hydrated." He is perfectly fine with being able to take care of himself why thank you.

It's a little crowded at his apartment because everyone's really worried about him and they constantly fuss over his well-being. Akashi forces Kuroko to eat more and more each day until he's able to eat the amount of food a normal person does. Kuroko whines and pouts for a while but ends up eating most of the food finish and the rest will go into Akashi's stomach and Akashi doesn't complain. He likes it when he eats food that has been touched by Kuroko (call him a pervert he doesn't care). Now that Kuroko's eating healthy, he can put his mind at ease. This level of intimacy for someone who is only a-few-days-old friend didn't make Kuroko suspicious of Akashi but rather grateful that there is really someone who genuinely cares for him and really wants him to get better.

Kuroko has been a little wary about his friends nowadays and it's really creeping him out due to the unnecessary attention he's been receiving every single day. He built up a little wall around himself and assures them that he is fine by himself that they don't have to waste their time away by spending time with him. I mean, they are giving him the extra attention that hasn't been there ever since the last time they've separated and Kuroko isn't sure what to think about his feelings. His feelings are so fragile unlike before that he doesn't know where the breaking point is. Unlike the past Kuroko, he is very vulnerable and emotions are easily pouring out of him even though he tries very hard to mask it.

Every single day, Akashi feels as though he is one step closer to catch the attention of Kuroko's heart. He showers the love that Kuroko hadn't experienced for a long time and to be honest, it's a little disheartening as he misses the expressions and reactions his lover gave to him in the past and he yearns to see it happening soon. Kuroko's opening up a little day by day to him and he can see the goal he's been reaching to coming closer.

He feels a little tinge of jealousy when everyone knows when Kuroko is feeling sad, anxious, happy, or mad. It's all surging out of him and it is driving Akashi crazy. He used to be the only one able to decipher Kuroko's thoughts and emotions. He always had this mask of indifference on and only Akashi is allowed and able to change it into something else. But now, it seems as though anyone could do it.

-line-

The very first time he's come into hand contact with Kuroko was when both Akashi and Kuroko were trying to pick up a fallen spoon. It caused a spark of electricity within Kuroko and he quickly pulled back his hand, face flushed red. It wasn't that he was blushing, but rather with the fact that his hands are still tingling with sensations and his heart is thumping erratically. It felt so warm within the hold of Akashi's but flipped the thought of being enveloped in the warmth of Akashi away.

Akashi picked up the utensil without paying much attention to Kuroko. Inside, he screamed and ran around in circles jumping up and down due to the fact that he actually came into contact with Kuroko's hands, even if it was by accident. He hasn't touched that oh-so-beautiful skin of his for god knows how long. A smile formed on his lips and it radiated off that everyone on the dining table felt it. That itself placed smiles on others faces too and resumed eating their food.

The hand contact was the first step that took place in getting into Kuroko's heart without Akashi himself knowing. He hasn't planned an exact way of reaching Kuroko's heart and will let the feeling take place itself. He knows somewhere deep inside, there is a piece of him in Kuroko that will resurface itself whether good or bad.

He hopes that the memory that will resurface, will allow Kuroko to remember him, painful way or not.


Hello! Sorry for the wait! I am back with a new chapter and I will try to update this story sooner. I finally found time to get this chapter done and I hope you guys enjoy it!