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Kuroko no Basuke is copyrighted by Fujimaki Tadatoshi-sensei. Give him the best regards for creating this great manga!

The OCs are mine.

Warning: Akashi x OC. Later on it will be Midorima x OC, but the main story is focused on Akashi.

Alluring Gaze

Chapter 09

The Time Has Come

Three pieces of shogi was thrown in the air.

Before a hand caught all of them dramatically.

Akashi Seijurou walked along the school's corridor after he grabbed the pieces in his hand. His heavy footsteps echoed. The sunlight reflected from the big windows illuminated his being.

A smirk then plastered across his face.

Today is November 7; the first day of the Winter Cup's preliminaries. Since Rakuzan won the championship in Interhigh last summer, his team is automatically placed. They just need to prepare themselves before the actual Winter Cup.

The Winter Cup is a tournament that takes place in winter and is held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. To Shirogane's demand, the team decided to book some rooms at a hotel in Tokyo. Their coach thought that taking train from Kyoto to Tokyo only waste their precious time and drain their energy before they compete in the competition later.

Aside from that, Akashi can't help but feel amused. He knows that this year's Winter Cup will be a war between the Generation of Miracles. He believes all of his ex-teammates will pass the preliminaries, and they will meet again soon. The redhead can't wait to see the outcome; who will reach the top?

"What are you doing, Akashi-san?"

Behind him, Sakuya was following him around. It is now break time, and Akashi asked the girl to accompany him somewhere. She agreed to him after she finished her lunch and let the taller of the two led the way.

"What do you mean by that, Sakuya?" Akashi asked. He still continued walking while slowing his pace so Sakuya can catch up with him. His heterochromatic eyes locked to her harlequin ones when she is beside him.

"You were catching those shogi pieces earlier after you thrown them in the air. I don't know why you did that."

"Is that so?" Akashi chuckled. "Is there something wrong with that?"

"Yes," Sakuya honestly replied. "You're too dramatic when caught those pieces, Akashi-san. It's strange, even stranger when the time you thrown them. What is the point for doing that?"

Akashi rubbed his chin; deep in thoughts. After a while, he sniggered. Sakuya raised her brows at him. "Is there something funny with my words earlier?"

"It's not that," Akashi replied. "It's just that I do not know myself why I did that. Maybe I did that because I want to make a dramatic introduction?"

Sakuya sighed. "Sometimes I just don't understand you, Akashi-san."

Akashi smirked again. Absentmindedly, he caressed Sakuya's cheek. "The same can be said from me."

The redhead then stopped his track when he found his destination. It is an empty shogi clubroom. He let Sakuya inside first before he closed the door. Akashi took a shogi board from the shelf and put it on one of the tables near the window. He arranged the position of each piece until they were all assembled.

"Do you like playing shogi, Akashi-san?" Sakuya asked after she sat across the chair Akashi has provided for her. Akashi nodded to her. "Then, who are you going to play with?"

"Particularly, no one," Akashi replied. "But, if you can play it, you can be my opponent, Sakuya."

The brown-haired girl shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't play shogi."

"I see," he chuckled. "Then I will play by myself."

Sakuya blinked. "Isn't shogi played by two people?"

"Indeed it is," Akashi moved one of his pawns a step forward. "Which means my opponent right now is myself, isn't it?"

"That is not called two people, Akashi-san," Sakuya deadpanned.

"I know," then Akashi moved one of the other side's pawns the same way like he did. "For now, let us assume it like that."

Sakuya watched Akashi moved another pawn forward, then the other piece of the other side, and got back to move his own pieces. "Then why did you invite me here?"

"I said I wanted you to accompany me, right?" Akashi said while his eyes still focused on the shogi board. "That was the purpose I invited you here."

"I see," Sakuya nodded solemnly. "Then I'll just watch you play shogi."

Akashi chuckled. "If you are not bored with that."

"It's okay. I am eager to know how skillful Akashi-san plays shogi."

Akashi halted his movement for a moment. "Why don't we do something else, then?"

"Something else?"

"I keep on playing shogi. I will ask you a question whenever I move my pieces, and when it's the other side's turn, I will move one of the pieces after you answer my question."

"What kind of question?"

Akashi smirked. "General questions. Will you join?"

Without much thought, Sakuya nodded to the redhead. Akashi then started his first question. "What do you think about the progress of our team?" and he moved the knight. He waited for Sakuya to answer before he can move the other side's pieces.

"It's going smoothly. Everyone has done their best maximizing their own capability in their own field. Although I do not know that much about basketball, I can see the difference now," Sakuya answered smoothly, and Akashi moved the pawn of the other side.

"I see," Akashi's eyes trailed to Sakuya's harlequin eyes for a while, before they reverted back to the board. "Put that aside, how are you feeling now?"

Tek!

"I'm feeling fine like usual."

Tek!

A thought crossed his mind. "Could I ask about yourself more, Sakuya?"

Tek!

Sakuya blinked a few times. "I don't mind."

Akashi then thought for a while. He said it himself he wanted to know more about Sakuya, but about what? Her favorite food? He knows that; milk tea. Her hobby? He knows it is reading. Her dislike? He knows it is improper attitudes. He knows some things about her, but he knows Sakuya still hides much more things from him. And he knows that Sakuya is the type like Kuroko; the kind of person who will not tell about themselves before being asked. The redhead then glanced at Sakuya who is waiting patiently for him. He spotted her harlequin eyes gazed intensely to him.

That familiar feeling again rose when he saw through those eyes of hers.

And he asked that question without his consent, "What is your ideal type of man, Sakuya?" and moved his piece.

Sakuya was surprised. She didn't expect Akashi would ask that question straight out. But she must answer it. "A gentleman type."

Akashi chuckled. "Of course you will choose that," he remarked after moving the piece again. "Which means, Reo is the candidate for that, I assume?"

"Mibuchi-senpai is a gentleman, indeed. And please use honorific when addressing Mibuchi-senpai, Akashi-san."

Akashi ignored her preaching. When he wanted to move the other side's piece, Sakuya added, "You are also quite a gentleman yourself, Akashi-san."

His hand stopped. He glanced again at Sakuya who gave him an innocent look. She was oblivious to the fact she was flattering him earlier. "Why, thank you for the compliment. It means I can also be your candidate?" he asked in his teasing manner.

"No," Sakuya answered bluntly, making Akashi rolled his eyes. "I like Mibuchi-senpai more. I, too, like you, Akashi-san. But I still prefer Mibuchi-senpai than you."

"Even though you love my smile?" Akashi asked, acting like he was depressed.

"That matter is different from this, Akashi-san."

Akashi chuckled. He moved his piece again. "I just remembered. When is your birthday, Sakuya?"

"On April 13." Akashi nodded at her, and started to move another piece again before Sakuya halted his movement. "What about yours, Akashi-san?"

"December 20."

"Ah," Sakuya hummed. "Then I shall prepare a gift for you next month."

"Oh really? I am waiting, then," Akashi smiled to her. "Too bad I missed your birthday. I would give you a gift."

"It can't be helped, Akashi-san. We haven't known each other this much. After all, *April is the starting month for us – high school students, to start school. First years were still adapting to their new environment."

"You had a point there," Akashi remarked. He admitted that he, too, was also still adapting to his new environment when he enrolled to Rakuzan. He didn't know much about his classmates. But if he knows them, he will remain distant. "I must note myself to give you a gift in our second year."

"You do not need to do that, Akashi-san. However, thank you very much," Sakuya thanked him gratefully.

Akashi nodded to her. The redhead kept asking questions whenever he moved his pieces, while Sakuya answered them one by one. The two spent their time knowing each other (although Akashi was the one initiated the questions). While he still continued playing shogi, Akashi finally found some things about Sakuya he hasn't discovered yet till now. Sakuya likes listening to classical music due to his father's job as a pianist. She can do handicraft; she once made a small plush doll to Takano. Her favorite colors are green and white. She dislikes spicy foods, and so on.

As for Sakuya, sometimes she asked some questions too to Akashi. She now finds out that Akashi's favorite food is tofu soup. He hates *wakame and disobedient dogs. He often goes horse-riding on off days. She only knows that three things, but for her, it's enough to know Akashi better.

And so, minutes have passed. Akashi finished his play. The winning goes to his side as he put the last piece on the board. He muttered *'oute' and smiled proudly.

"It seems like we have to use tactics and strategies if we want to push down our opponent in shogi," Sakuya commented, and added, "Just like you did on basketball practice, Akashi-san."

"Of course," Akashi replied. "You can say the way you play shogi and basketball is similar."

Sakuya titled her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Akashi smirked. "In the beginning, you start playing in slow pace. You assess the situation first before making the first move, and that is when you break their pattern; making them cannot grasp the flow of the game."

"I see," Sakuya nodded.

"By the way, Sakuya," Akashi gained the girl's attention. "Who do you think will win the Winter Cup?"

If it's other people Akashi asked, they will say Rakuzan because they know Rakuzan is a strong team from the start and the defending champion of the Winter Cup for the past five years. With addition of the captain from the Generation of Miracles and three Uncrowned Kings in the team, Rakuzan is unmatched. But for Sakuya, although she heard about Rakuzan's championships and its greatness, she thinks differently. The girl nonchalantly replied, "The one who reach the finals and win it."

"Oh? You don't want to say it's going to be Rakuzan's winning?"

Sakuya shook her head. "I just want to say, let us foresee the outcome in the end of the match."

"I see," Akashi then glanced to the window. From there, he can see the scenery outside. "But I must say this, Sakuya. I am always right. I will win this year's Winter Cup, and prove it to you."

He can hear Sakuya's sigh. "It's great to have confidence, however, I don't agree with your way of thinking, Akashi-san. You are a human. Humans can only predict the future, not consummating it. To put it simply, you are not always right," Sakuya remarked. "We should not keep our heads too high."

Without looking to Sakuya, Akashi asked, "Let us put it into a bet." Sakuya blinked when she heard the word 'bet'. "If I win, you will grant one wish from me. If I lose, I will grant your one wish."

"Why?"

Akashi didn't know why he said that. When Sakuya doubted his words, he thought he needs to prove his absolute to her. It's like proving your worth to your opponent. He doesn't want to be doubted. He wants Sakuya to believe in him. He wants Sakuya to say 'so this is the absolute Akashi Seijurou'.

"Anyway," Akashi continued on. "I can see the entirety of the future."

He trailed his heterochromatic eyes to look at the unreadable Sakuya. The girl is still calm when he said that. Lastly, he gave her his trademark smirk.

"It is but a simple matter to change it."

"I'm sorry, but I doubt it," Sakuya quickly countered. "And I don't want to be a part in the bet."

Akashi chuckled. He really can't make Sakuya in awe that easily. "What a shame. It will be amusing if you join, you know?" After all, he has prepared a wish Sakuya will execute to him later when he wins the Winter Cup championship.

To her last remark, Sakuya sternly replied, "I am humbly sorry, but I must reject your offer."

"Oh well, if you said so," Akashi stood up from his chair and started to put all the shogi pieces back to its container. When Sakuya wanted to help him out, Akashi stopped her; indicating that he will tidy it up himself. But Akashi suddenly froze. The redhead felt something earlier.

"Akashi-san?"

The Emperor then glanced to the window. His eyes were not focused to anything out there. But he knows for sure, something just happened outside. He believed his ex-teammates also felt that sensation, too. A smirk plastered on his face.

The 'door' to enter the place where the Generation of Miracles resides is being forcibly opened; another gifted player who forced himself to get through.

"I wonder whom," Akashi thought. "To think that someone had given us the signal so soon…"

He can't help but leered. He will see who the new challenger in the Winter Cup is later.

"Are you okay, Akashi-san?" because Sakuya was worried, she stood up and approached Akashi. She patted Akashi shoulder to make the man looked at her. When their gaze met, Akashi smiled to her.

"I'm alright."

"Really?" as caring as she is, Sakuya put her palm on Akashi's forehead; checking if he has a fever. Akashi chuckled at her behavior. He grabbed Sakuya's hand and put it down gently. "I said I was okay, Sakuya," he assured her, making the girl sighed in relief.

"I'm afraid you get a fever or catch a cold, Akashi-san. Winter has come; it will be chilly outside," Sakuya retorted. "Please take care of yourself before the tournament."

"I am strong," he said proudly. He raised his hand and started moving his fingers to play with Sakuya's long brown hair. "Sakuya."

"Yes?"

"Even though you didn't agree with my way of thinking, I still want you to keep cheering for us from the bench," Akashi smirked. "With your own way, of course."

"I will cheer on you all," Sakuya replied monotonously. Her short answer earned a pat on head from Akashi.

"Amuse me well, Sakuya."

The preliminaries of the Winter Cup commenced until the best two teams for each prefecture found. As Akashi predicted, all of his ex-teammates passed and so, leading them to meet again in the Winter Cup's league.

It is Monday. Like Shirogane had said to Akashi last week, he will tell about the booking for the hotel they will stay in Tokyo tomorrow. Their coach has assembled his regular players and other five second string players in the empty gym along with Sakuya who is sitting on the bench next to Shirogane. The other players are using the second gym, so they won't be disturbed with their meeting.

"I booked three rooms for all of you," Shirogane stated. In his hand, a paper consisted of the name of his players were written. "The rooms are luxury suite. They have two double beds for each, so in one room can fit to four people. I let you choose your own roommates after this, and when you're done just tell Sakuya so she can write down your name."

"What about you and Sakuya, coach?" Hayama asked.

"We get a deluxe single room for each of us," Shirogane replied, earning a nod from all of his players. "I have arranged the rooms to be in the same floor, so we can meet each other easily."

"Ah, I can visit Sa-chan's room like that, then," Mibuchi muttered quietly, noticed by Akashi who is next to him. The redhead only chuckled at that.

"From the hotel, we just take a bus to Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. If you want to eat dinner somewhere, go ahead. Just notify me so I can know where you are," Shirogane then glanced at Sakuya. "Keep in mind that we have Sakuya with us. I want her to be accompanied by at least one of you wherever she goes. If anything happens to her, I will punish you," Shirogane warned with his serious tone, making everyone shivered excluding Akashi and Sakuya. When their coach used that tone, it means they should do what he said. They nodded vigorously to him.

"Do not worry, Shirogane-sensei. I'll be fine on my own," Sakuya responded, but earned a shook from the aged man.

"You can be stubborn sometimes, Sakuya. I won't let you alone even in the gymnasium later."

"But I am fine by my own…" Sakuya sulked quietly.

After Shirogane told them some other things, he let his players to choose their roommates and left the gym to check the others at the second gym. The first group already reported their names to Sakuya. The second group included Hayama and Nebuya with another second string player, while the last one is Akashi's group.

"Akashi-san, Mibuchi-senpai, and…" Sakuya wrote the last player on her note. "Mayuzumi-senpai. Your room is number 80325, on the eight floor; right wing."

The third year with medium-length grey hair, who is the fifth man in the Rakuzan's regular team; Mayuzumi Chihiro, nodded silently to Sakuya. Before he went back to Akashi and Mibuchi who were waiting for him, Mayuzumi took a white handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to Sakuya. "Thank you for the other day, Urenomiya-san," he muttered silently. His action however noticed by Akashi who watched from afar.

Sakuya accepted the white handkerchief, which happens to be hers, and smiled to her upperclassman. "You're welcome, Mayuzumi-senpai."

"…You can call me Chihiro," the grey-haired man retorted expressionless. Sakuya blinked when hearing that. "The name 'Mayuzumi' seems too long for you to pronounce."

Sakuya thought for a second. "Then, is it alright if I call you 'Chihiro-senpai'?" She asked which earned a nod from Mayuzumi. "Alright, Chihiro-senpai. You can call me Sakuya in return, too. 'Urenomiya' is too long to pronounce for you."

Mayuzumi nodded again. "Sakuya-san," he tested calling her name. After excusing himself, Mayuzumi went back to Akashi and Mibuchi. He noticed the stare Akashi gave to him, and decided to ask. "What is it, Akashi?"

"I was curious about the 'other day' part when you returned Sakuya's white handkerchief," Akashi remarked. Mibuchi blinked a few times and looked to Mayuzumi. "You two had encounter somewhere?"

Mayuzumi nodded and explained, since Akashi demanded him. "We met by coincidence in a bookstore on Sunday after practice. A boy spilled his drink on my shirt that day. When I wanted to go to the restroom to change, Sakuya-san saw me and lent me her handkerchief. So today I returned it to her after I washed it."

"I see," Akashi chuckled. "I was surprised she recognized you, Chihiro."

"I was surprised, too," Mayuzumi admitted. As someone who lacks of presence like himself, he expects his teammates won't know him. But for Sakuya, the girl is different from the others. She recognizes Mayuzumi and so lent him her handkerchief.

"It's because she has a sharp observation, although I don't expect it leading to figure your presence," Akashi stated and earned a nod from Mayuzumi.

From the bench, Sakuya suddenly yelled. "Akashi-san, your menu is doubled."

Mibuchi giggled when he heard her stern voice. "Sa-chan is back to her usual discipline mode," he retorted, earned a chuckle from Akashi. The basketball players are now used to Sakuya's way to punish people when they are misbehaving; including Akashi. Even they nicknamed her behavior. "Let's start practice, Sei-chan, Mayu-san!" Mibuchi exclaimed and he ran to the court joining the others who have started their own training.

"That reminds me," Mayuzumi glanced at his captain who crossed his arms on his chest. "I wonder what will Mibuchi's reaction be when he knows Sakuya-san called me by my given name."

Akashi rolled his eyes. He didn't expect Mayuzumi to blurt out that statement. "And why you said that?"

"I just thought that Mibuchi likes his name to be called by Sakuya-san since he likes her, and it is a common thing for someone to be jealous when the person they like calls others with their given name casually but not for them."

Akashi thought deeply after Mayuzumi said that. It was a surprise for someone like Mayuzumi to know such a trivial matter, but the man has his point. After all, some people address Akashi by his given name or his nickname, too; indicating that they are close to him. Like how Mibuchi calls him 'Sei-chan', Kise calls him 'Akashicchi', Murasakibara calls him 'Aka-chin', Kuroko and Momoi call him 'Akashi-kun', and his father calls him 'Seijurou'. When he heard those people call his name that way, he also feels closer to them.

A thought then crossed his mind. If that is the case, he also wants Sakuya to call him by his given name. The two have been officially friend and Akashi calls the girl with her given name, too. Shouldn't Sakuya do the same thing, too? But then he doubted it. Even Sakuya won't call her best friend Takano 'Rika'.

But somehow, he slightly a bit irritated hearing 'Chihiro-senpai' word slipped from the girl's mouth. He doesn't know why.

"Then why did you suggest Sakuya to call you 'Chihiro' rather than 'Mayuzumi' if you know Mibuchi will get jealous?" the redhead asked with his brows arched.

Mayuzumi, who is oblivious to his captain's grimace, answered monotonously. "Because the name 'Mayuzumi' is too long to pronounce, so I suggested her to call me 'Chihiro' instead. She then agreed to it, and wanted me to call her 'Sakuya' rather than 'Urenomiya'."

"I see. It's about the length," Akashi muttered silently. Without words, he left Mayuzumi and approached Sakuya with a thought in mind. Sakuya blinked when Akashi was in front of her with his trademark smile.

"What is it this time, Akashi-san?" ever since she knows Akashi, whenever the redhead shows that smile of his, there's something on his mind. The man already proved the meaning behind his smile to her many times in the past.

"Sakuya," Akashi's voice echoed in the gym and made everyone halted their training to listen to Akashi. "Call me 'Seijurou'."

That short demand got a confused look from Sakuya. "Um, Akashi-san-"

Her words got cut in by Akashi. "Is it too long for you? Then, call me 'Sei'."

Everyone in the gym sweated at their captain. Just what make Akashi said that? They then looked to Sakuya who was still confused by the sudden call. "I'm sorry, Akashi-san-"

"Sei," Akashi repeated his name again.

"But Aka-"

"Sei."

Sakuya was still confused. Just what on earth happened to Akashi right now? She then glanced briefly at Mayuzumi who only shook his head, then at Mibuchi who shrugged his shoulders. "Seems like everyone don't know the problem, too…"

"I want to know first why you want me to call you that," Sakuya stated expressionlessly. Akashi then chuckled darkly, making his teammates shivered.

"I think it is about time for you to call me 'Sei'. We've been friends, and you still call me 'Akashi-san' even though I call you 'Sakuya'," his heterochromatic eyes trailed to Mayuzumi who is behind not far from him. "When I heard you called Chihiro with his given name, I thought that I want you to do that to me, too."

Mibuchi shocked when hearing that. "Sa-chan called Mayu-san…!" He shrieked. "SA-CHAN, I LIKE YOU! WHY WON'T YOU CALL ME 'REO', TOO?!"

"Cut it out, will ya?" Nebuya got annoyed at Mibuchi's behavior. "Just look at the situation here. It's a grief situation, dumbass."

"Don't worry! I call you 'Reo-nee'!" Hayama exclaimed, but got a smack from Nebuya to shut the orange-haired guy up.

"So, Sakuya?" Akashi asked again. "I want you to call me 'Sei'. Say it."

Sakuya's answer made everyone gulped. "I refuse."

Akashi narrowed his eyes. He sure doesn't like that reply.

"I don't have any difficulties when calling your name, so 'Akashi-san' is fine with me," Sakuya explained. "As for Chihiro-senpai, I do have it difficult to pronounce 'Mayuzumi' and so I agreed with him when he suggested me to call him 'Chihiro' instead."

"I won't let everybody practice if you don't call me 'Sei'," Akashi warned. He is really eager to make Sakuya calls his given name like a friend should.

Sakuya then sighed. Why suddenly Akashi acted like a spoiled child? "Akashi-"

"Sei."

Another sigh came again. "I am sorry, Akashi-san-"

"Didn't I tell you to call me 'Sei'?"

"And it is rude to cut somebody's speech before they finish it," the final declaration came. Sakuya's stern voice combined with her piercing gaze when she is pressured warned Akashi to not annoy her furthermore. Akashi was silenced with that.

"Did I make her angry?" Akashi thought to himself. He is not sure, though. Maybe her eyes gave that icy look, but her expression is still calm. This way, Akashi can't read Sakuya's mind. He pondered what action should he take to not make the girl upset.

Much to the others' relief, Shirogane came back from the second gym and indirectly saved them all from the tense atmosphere that was created from Akashi and Sakuya. "Boys, after you're done with your menu, we will move to other gym and let you use the facility there," he demanded and earned a nod from his players.

"Get back to your practice, Akashi-san," Sakuya muttered quietly. She has reverted back to her discipline mode with her note and pen in hands.

Akashi sighed. He failed to make Sakuya called his name. "I guess I let this off for other time. However, I really want you to call me 'Sei'."

"And once again, I must refuse."

Akashi chuckled. Maybe it must take a long time for Sakuya to call him like he wanted. He patted Sakuya's head and rushed off to the court joining his teammates after Sakuya told him his menu is tripled.

As for Mayuzumi, the grey-haired man ignored the jealous look from Mibuchi and quietly muttered, "I should not make Sakuya-san call me 'Chihiro', I guess…"

For no reason, he felt that the uproar earlier was his fault. He lamented it while doing his menu.

"And please stop staring at me like that, Mibuchi," Mayuzumi retorted, slightly pissed at Mibuchi who still staring at him deadly.

"Mayu-san, I really want to kill you…" Mibuchi remarked darkly. The players near him were taking some distance from the black-haired guy before getting involved.

Mayuzumi sighed. It really was his fault to begin with.

Ever since Sakuya became the temporary manager for Rakuzan's basketball team, Akashi and Mibuchi always offer themselves to accompany the girl home after practice. At first, Sakuya rejected their offer because her apartment is close, but in the end she let them do it because Mibuchi always sticks with her and Akashi keeps going on and on about a shameless man letting a woman walk alone at night.

"By the way, Sa-chan," Mibuchi glanced to the girl next to him. Akashi is not with them because he decided to stay longer in the gym and tell them to leave first, and so the two take their time walking together by the cobble street. "Why did you refuse Sei-chan's request? He seemed very eager to make you call him 'Sei'."

Sakuya looked up to Mibuchi and shook her head. "I can't do that. I feel like it's too soon to call Akashi-san by his given name."

"Is that so?" Mibuchi pondered for a bit. He then smiled to her. "Sa-chan is incredible."

"What do you mean, Mibuchi-senpai?"

"Well, it's because you can distract us in your unusual way," he smiled brightly. "And Sei-chan has taken a liking in you, too."

"Akashi-san… likes me?"

"How should I say it? It's like the way Sei-chan found me, Hayama, Nebuya, and Mayu-san and took us into his team. Maybe it's the same like his days in Teiko, too; his ex-teammates."

"Generation of Miracles, huh?" Sakuya muttered while looking up to the night sky. The midnight blue canvas is painted with several shades of blue and grey, with a small moon shines mysteriously to Sakuya's harlequin eyes. "I wonder what Akashi-san's ex-teammates are like."

Mibuchi giggled. "We will meet one of them in the Winter Cup later. All of them join it, after all."

"I see. But I wondered…" Sakuya trailed off. Mibuchi waited for her to continue speaking. "Why don't they join together in one school with Akashi-san? I'm sure it will pleasant playing together again in basketball."

Mibuchi shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Sei-chan never talks to me about his relationships with his old friends nor brings up about it. But I'm sure that they have their reasons."

Sakuya nodded in approval. "Tomorrow is going to be a cold war, huh? You should bring a jacket to Tokyo tomorrow, Mibuchi-senpai. It's winter, after all."

"I will bring one, of course. And," Mibuchi took Sakuya's left hand and entwined his fingers with her. The girl blinked at his action. "I can't wait to show Sa-chan my plays in the matches tomorrow and make you astounded."

Hearing his statement, Sakuya smiled gently at him. She decided to let Mibuchi to hold her hand on their way to her apartment. A few minutes have passed with them holding each other's hand with no conversation until the two arrived in front of Sakuya's apartment. Sakuya took out her keys and unlocked the door. Before she got in, she turned around to see Mibuchi again.

"Do you want to come in, Mibuchi-senpai?" she offered.

Mibuchi shook his head. "There's no need to. I shouldn't hold your time to prepare for tomorrow. We are going to Tokyo at tomorrow's morning, after all."

Sakuya nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mibuchi-senpai," she then bowed. "Thank you for walking me home."

"It's alright, Sa-chan. It's my duty as a man," Mibuchi smiled at her. "Ah! Before I forgot, could I ask you something, Sa-chan?"

"What is it?" the girl tilted her head innocently, making Mibuchi blushed. But the man quickly regained his composure before he will launch himself at Sakuya.

"W-will you call me 'Reo' instead?" he asked stuttered. "B-but if you don't want it, it's okay! You don't have to force yourself. I like whatever name you call me, Sa-chan."

"…Reo," Sakuya mumbled. Her lips were testing the way she pronounces that name. She was being silent for a moment; pondering Mibuchi's request. Mibuchi waited patiently for the girl to give her reply, until Sakuya's lips twitched upwards. "Reo-senpai," she called again.

"Y-yes?"

"Is it okay if I call you 'Reo-senpai'?"

Mibuchi nodded vigorously to her. In return, Sakuya smiled more brightly than before, making the red tint on Mibuchi's face exposed. "Good night then, Reo-senpai. Do your best in tomorrow's matches, too."

"I will, Sa-chan. And good night, too," Mibuchi replied with a grin on his face. He really was pleased; hearing his name slipped from his favorite girl. Without warnings, Mibuchi bent his body forward and gave a kiss on Sakuya's right cheek. His aggressive action sure made Sakuya blushed.

"Reo-senpai, please do not surprise me like that," Sakuya covered her face with her palms. Mibuchi chuckled at her reaction. He grabbed both of her hands to put them down so he could see her face.

"There's no need to hide it, Sa-chan. Anyway, I like you just the way you are," he confessed, making Sakuya froze up. The girl looked up to Mibuchi to meet his gaze. He was serious when said that part.

"Um, Reo-senpai…" Sakuya trailed off. She didn't know how to respond. Feeling her insecurity, Mibuchi shook his head. "Don't worry about it. You can answer it anytime when your feeling is clear," he assured the brown-haired girl. "I'll wait until the time's right."

"Is that okay for you?"

Mibuchi nodded. He then rubbed Sakuya's head gently. "See you tomorrow, Sa-chan."

The girl nodded silently and went inside her apartment. After the girl clicked the door, Mibuchi took his leave and went back to his place with a grin plastered on his face along the way.

As for Sakuya, after taking a shower and changed to her pajamas, she decided to pack her things up into her suitcase. Tomorrow's morning, the Rakuzan's basketball team is going to stay at a hotel in Tokyo for seven nights. They will check in at the morning, after that they will take a bus to the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium to attend the opening ceremony for the actual Winter Cup.

Since it is commenced in Tokyo, it means that Sakuya will visit her parent's home there. It has been already over three years since she left for England. She missed her hometown.

"Maybe I can visit my house later there. I must tell Hotaru-san about it," Sakuya took her phone from her study desk and dialed her house's number. Ever since she left the house, her aunt from his father's side; Urenomiya Hotaru, is the one who takes care of the house and live there with her husband. She sometimes sends letters to Sakuya; all of the contents always mention to visit them when Sakuya has time.

At the second dial, someone accepted the call. A woman's voice can be heard from the other line, who Sakuya thought is her aunt. "Hello."

"Good evening, Hotaru-san," Sakuya replied. From the other line, she can hear her aunt gasped. "It has been a while."

"Sakuya-chan!" her aunt exclaimed in glee. "How are you right now, dear?"

"I am fine here, Hotaru-san. By the way, I didn't disturb you?"

"No-no-no! I just watched TV. So, what is it?"

"I am going to visit Tokyo for five nights and stay at a hotel there. I want to tell you that I will visit the house in my free time."

"I see. I'll tell your uncle about it. Is there anything else?"

"No. I just want you to know about it," Sakuya paused for a second. "Then, I will excuse myself. Good night, Hotaru-san."

"Wait, that's all? Let's talk for a while…" Hotaru whined, making Sakuya smiled. Her aunt is really eager to talk with her.

"I'm sorry, but I must sleep soon. I am going to wake up early tomorrow."

"Auw… Okay then. Good night, Sakuya-chan! Sleep well!" Hotaru said and the call ended. When Sakuya wanted to put her phone back, someone called her number. Sakuya checked the dialer's name and quite surprised with it. It was Akashi calling her.

Without hesitation, Sakuya accepted the call. "Hello."

A chuckled greeted Sakuya first. "It seems you have arrived safely at your place."

"Yes. It's because Reo-senpai accompanied me."

Akashi noticed the change of Sakuya's way to address Mibuchi. "Well-well, I don't expect you to call Reo like that. He must be really happy right now."

Sakuya smiled; remembering the happy look from Mibuchi when she called him 'Reo-senpai'. "He really is. And please use honorific when you address Reo-senpai, Akashi-san. Is there something you need from me?"

"I just want to check you up."

"I see."

"And," Akashi continued on. "How do you feel right now, Sakuya? Regarding to tomorrow's Winter Cup championship."

Sakuya pondered for a bit. "I feel nervous."

Akashi chuckled again. "There is no need to feel that way. We will win the Winter Cup, so be at ease."

"I'm sorry, but I am not convinced with words alone," Sakuya bluntly stated. "Even so, I will keep cheering on you all. Do your best, Akashi-san."

"Of course," at the other side, Akashi smirked. His heterochromatic eyes glanced to the clock on the wall. "I guess I shouldn't hold you any longer. Sleep well, Sakuya."

"I will excuse myself, then. Good night, Akashi-san."

"Good night, Sakuya."

After the girl's ended the call, Akashi put back his red cell phone on his desk. He then walked to his window and leaned to it. From there, he can see the night sky. He set his gaze outside; pondering.

Tomorrow is going to be a war against his ex-teammates; a war against the Generation of Miracles. He can't help himself but feel amused at that fact.

But he also feels contented that Sakuya will watch him from the bench as the manager and cheers for him and his teammates. For some reasons, he is glad to know she will be there.

Akashi closed his eyes and smirked. "The time has come."

Author's Note:

*April = Japanese schools start their first day in April.

*wakame = An edible seaweed. It has a subtly sweet flavor and often served in soups and salads.

*oute = a phrase to give the warning "check!" in Japanese.

Oh great, I finished it at last! Chapter 09 is out! Whoa, I don't know how long will this chapter be. At least it turns out well…

And so, on to the Winter Cup! Haha, I got the reference of Akashi throwing shogi pieces in the air and catching them dramatically from the anime. Somehow I want Sakuya to comment his dramatic action (sorry, Akashi!). Mayuzumi is also appeared on this chapter, too, but I won't put him in the story too much (he's only a side character). I don't know how Mayuzumi address others, so I just write down any thoughts Mayuzumi would likely do since he looks polite to me. And Mibuchi just confessed to Sakuya! I thought I will make him do that later, but I guess putting that part now will be interesting later, I hope…

Has anyone read the chapter 238 of Kuroko no Basuke? Man, I read it and I was like… DAMN! My heart can't bear it. It's just too unbearable! Fujimaki-sensei, please update soon!

Putting that aside, thank you again for all of you who have give this story favorite and follow it till this far. I don't know how many chapters I will make until I get the right ending, though. As long as you enjoy reading it, I am glad. Sorry if I update this late. Blame the college's projects if you want.

Have a nice day, everyone! Please give review if you have time!