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 10
Breath-Taking Encounter
After putting her bag in the corner of the hotel room, Sakuya laid herself on the comfy bed. The trip to Tokyo took about two hours and made her exhausted a little bit. Shirogane and his players have gone inside their rooms to rest for a while.
"The hotel here is quite expensive," Sakuya muttered. All of her surroundings are classy-look. The room she is right now has a LED TV, a big fridge, and the bathroom is nice, too. As expected of Rakuzan. They even have the money for this. For Sakuya, she is quite surprised.
"Speaking of which, I am the only one in the left wing," she muttered again. All the boys and Shirogane are in the right wing at the same floor. "Which means it will take a while to visit the others…"
A classical tune rang. Sakuya quickly searched inside her sling bag to pick up her phone. Takano is calling her. "Hello."
Takano's cheerful voice greeted her back. "Sakuya-chan! Have you arrived at Tokyo?"
"Yes. I am in my room right now," Sakuya's harlequin eyes trailed to her watch. Her eyes narrowed after seeing the time. "Takano-san, why are you calling me at this time?"
"Huh? Why?"
"This is still in lesson time. Why are you calling me?"
"Oh. Don't worry, I'm inside the restroom. I'll go back to the class. I just want to call you up, Sakuya-chan."
Takano could hear her friend's sigh. "Thank you for calling me, but I suggest you to go back to class right now. I don't want you to skip class."
"I know, Sakuya-chan! It's just that I miss you, you know? I'm gonna miss you so bad for this week…" Takano pouted, making Sakuya smiled at her friend's reaction.
"It is okay, Takano-san. You can message me anytime if you miss me. No calling, however. I don't want to disturb the others."
"YES!" Takano squealed so loud, making Sakuya almost deaf. With her monotone voice, Sakuya preached her, "Please do not yell so loud at my ear, Takano-san. Do remember that you are in the restroom."
"I'm sorry…" after apologizing, Takano remembered something. "Ah! Since you're in Tokyo, you will visit your house, too?"
"Yes."
"That means there's a possibility you could meet Ryouhei!" Takano exclaimed happily.
Sakuya was silent. She never thought about meeting her childhood friend when she is in Tokyo. After Takano mentioned about it, she pondered it would be a good idea to ask about Ryouhei's whereabouts to her aunt. Maybe she knows something, at least.
"Isn't it fun? Seeing your childhood friend again? If you meet him, I wanna see his photo, please!"
Sakuya sighed. "Only if I meet him, Takano-san."
"Nah, don't be like that! I'm sure you'll meet him. You're in Tokyo! Don't waste your precious chance!" Takano motivated Sakuya. "Go, Sakuya-chan! GO GO GO!"
"Please do not be so loud, Takano-san," Sakuya preached her friend again, making Takano pouted twice. "But, thank you, Takano-san. I will show you his photo when I finally meet him."
"Okay! I'll be waiting! I shall go back to the class now. See ya, Sakuya-chan!" and Takano ended the call after Sakuya promised her to bring back some souvenirs from Tokyo when the Winter Cup has reached the finals. The brown-haired girl put back her phone inside her bag and stood up when she heard someone knocked her room's door. She then opened the door to find Akashi, who is wearing his Rakuzan jersey over his basketball uniform, greeted her with his trademark smile.
"We are going to attend the opening ceremony now, Sakuya," Akashi reminded the girl with her hair tied in high ponytail. Sakuya nodded and brought her sling bag and white jacket along with her.
"Where are the others?" Sakuya asked after she locked her room with the key and walked side-by-side with Akashi to the lift.
"They are waiting downstairs."
"I see."
"Also, could I ask you to accompany me somewhere after the end of the ceremony?" Akashi glanced to her after he pressed the button 'down'. "I want to settle a business there."
"I don't mind. What kind of business do you have later, Akashi-san?"
Akashi gave his smirk to Sakuya. "I want to see my former teammates."
From afar, Akashi could see rainbow-colored hairs assembled together at the stairs outside the entrance to the Gymnasium. The first one he spotted is Murasakibara - he is taller than the others, trying to open his bag of chips. The purple-haired guy was rejected when he wanted to borrow Midorima's scissor, which happened to be his lucky item of the day. Much to his pleasure, Murasakibara managed to open it later and munched his chips happily.
"Why is the person who called us here late?" Kise whined to his former teammates, only to earn a growl from Aomine who was sitting contentedly on the step.
"Do not need to get angry. He is just that kind of person," Midorima stated while fixing his black-rimmed glasses.
After Akashi has arrived to the destined spot for his meeting, he greeted his former teammates. "Sorry I have kept you waiting."
All of his ex-teammates turned their head to find their former captain eyeing their being one by one with his heterochromatic eyes. The aura around him made the atmosphere tensed just by standing there.
"Daiki." Aomine was unusually quiet. His eyes narrowed.
"Ryota." Kise's charming smile faded away.
"Shintarou." Midorima's eyes twitched when he saw his former captain again.
"Atsushi." Murasakibara stopped eating his chips.
"And Tetsuya." Kuroko's gaze hardened. After mentioning their names, Akashi smiled to them. "I'm happy to see you all again. The fact that we are gathered here is very touching. However," Akashi glared to someone behind Kuroko, who is happened to be Furihata Kouki from Seirin. "I see someone who is not supposed to be here."
Furihata gulped when he heard the stern tone from Akashi. He sweated nonstop. His eyes are full of horror. "I want to talk with my comrades. Sorry but, can you leave?" Akashi demanded.
"Furihata-kun…" Kuroko glanced to his friend and worried for him since Furihata still froze in his spot. To his relief, a hand grabbed Furihata's shoulder to calm him down. That hand belongs to a dark-red-haired man with his Seirin jersey.
"Come on, that's cold. Don't leave him out of the loop," the man remarked confidently.
Both Kuroko and Furihata widened their eyes to see who he is. "KAGAMI?!" Furihata exclaimed. For them, it was a shock because Kagami Taiga was in the States to train there. It seems he has arrived safely to Japan and made his way to the Gymnasium before their coach; Aida Riko, will kill the fierce-looking guy for being late.
"Yup, I'm back. We can catch up later, but first," Kagami looked up to meet Akashi's eyes. When their eyes met, Kagami was somehow astonished. "So you're Akashi? Glad to meet you."
Akashi silently studied the man who bravely looked him in the eye aside from Sakuya. Kagami Taiga has that animalistic aura around him the moment Akashi spotted him. He also feels something different about Kagami, and it is the same feeling he felt for a moment back at the shogi clubroom when he was with Sakuya. Which means, Kagami is the new challenger to Generation of Miracles. Putting that aside, Akashi still not tolerates those who are looking at him. The redhead then descended the stairs and approached Midorima on his way to teach Kagami.
"Shintarou, can I borrow that scissor for a bit?" Akashi raised his hand to Midorima who was confused by the sudden request.
"What do you need it for?"
"I was thinking to cut my hair. It's been a hassle for me," Akashi explained, and Midorima immediately gave his scissor without further complaints. The redhead then continued descending the stairs until he got closer to Kagami. His heterochromatic eyes flickered dangerously to him. "But before that, you're Kagami?"
Before Kagami answered him, Akashi quickly moved his hand and wanted to stab Kagami with Midorima's scissor, which surprised Kuroko and Furihata. Fortunately, Kagami was able to dodge his surprise attack and got a graze on his left cheek. The blood was dripping from the cut.
"Kagami-kun!" Kuroko shrieked in panic.
"Impressive. He can dodge that," Akashi was amused. His devious smirk appeared on his face. "Wow, good job in dodging that," he praised Kagami mockingly. "For moving like that, I'll forgive you this time. But there won't be next time. If I say leave, then leave."
With the scissor still in his hand, Akashi carefully cut his long red bangs. Strands of hair fell to the ground while Akashi stated his words. "In this world, winning is everything; winner are validated and losers are denied. Until now, I've never lost at anything, and I won't in the future." Though, Akashi chuckled when he reminisced the time that he actually 'lost' to Sakuya, but he decided to keep it to himself.
"Since I always win, I'm always right."
The people around him are watching as Akashi finished cutting his bangs short; revealing his face clearly. His heterochromatic eyes glared arrogantly while he ended his last warning to Kagami. "If you oppose me, I'll kill you no matter who you are."
"Except for Sakuya's case, of course," Akashi added to himself. He then turned around, ascended the stairs, and returned Midorima's scissor back. "Well then, I'll get going. We're done for the day."
Hearing that, Aomine flinched. The tanned-skin man glared angrily at Akashi. "Akashi, don't give me that! You made us come here just for that?!" Aomine referred to when Akashi tried to stab Kagami and cut his bangs.
Akashi peered behind his shoulder to look at Aomine who was clearly pissed off right now. He could see the tick mark on the dark-blue-haired man's head. "Nah, actually I wanted to check one thing. But looking at everyone's face made me realize that it is not necessary," he remarked while remembering his ex-teammates expression when he called them one by one. "Since it seems like no one has forgotten our oath back then, so it's all good."
The redhead gave his smirk again to everyone there. "The next time we meet, it'll be in battle."
Murasakibara noticed something different from Akashi. The redhead is unusually in rush. It's like he wants to go back inside. "Aka-chin," he called. "Why are you in a rush?"
Everybody blinked and put their attention to Murasakibara. "In a rush?" Kise asked. The blond-haired guy then took a peek to Akashi who was still as calm as ever.
"Eh? Isn't that obvious?" Murasakibara stated it like it's a fact.
Kise sweated at Murasakibara. "Which part is obvious?!"
"Maybe Akashi-kun wants to go to the restroom since he can't hold it any longer," Kuroko suddenly retorted with his own deadpan way, making Kise and Aomine hold their laugh. Kagami and Furihata only sweated at Kuroko, while Midorima shook his head.
"Oh my. You can tell, Atsushi," Akashi chuckled, which surprised the Generation of Miracles. "But you are wrong about that, Tetsuya," he added again, only to receive a blank look from Kuroko.
"If that is the case, you should go back inside, Akashi," Midorima suggested the redhead.
"Of course." Akashi turned his head and focused his eyes inside the Gymnasium building. While still in his ex-teammates' range, Akashi said, "I don't want to make my chaperone waits me for too long."
The Generation of Miracles' eyes widened in shock. For them, it is the first time they hear Akashi has a chaperone. "Chaperone?" all of them said in unison, making Akashi chuckled seeing their confused yet shocked reaction.
"I'll introduce her to you sometime."
Kise gaped.
Aomine was dumbstruck.
Midorima froze.
Murasakibara threw his chips to the ground.
Kuroko sweated.
"EH?!" all of them shrieked in horror. "HIS CHAPERONE IS A GIRL?!"
"What's wrong with that?" Kagami was confused seeing their reaction. Isn't it fine to have a female chaperone with you? Especially Aomine, since he has Momoi around although Aomine denied it. Furihata nodded in approval with Kagami.
Akashi was amused. He never thought his ex-teammates will react like that. It will be much more interesting if he introduces Sakuya to them later. "Well then, see you all in the battle," Akashi lastly remarked and left them bewildered. After Akashi was not seen anymore, everyone was silent. Nobody even dare to raise a voice, not until Kuroko decided to ease the tension.
"Let's ignore about the 'chaperone' part, guys," Kuroko preached, making his former comrades turned their head to the light-blue-haired guy. "For now, we have to focus on our own battle."
Kise nodded to Kuroko. "You're right, Kurokocchi."
"Heh! You can say such great stuff, Tetsu," Aomine scoffed. He then walked away silently to go back to his team. Kise and Midorima followed his suit. Kuroko, Kagami, and Furihata also went back to meet their coach. As for Murasakibara, he eyed the place where Akashi had entered to.
"Aka-chin is somehow very happy when he mentioned his chaperone…" Murasakibara commented and left to the other building.
When he set himself inside the building, Akashi glanced to his right to find his supposed-to-be chaperone was sitting quietly while drinking the vanilla milk she had brought along with her. Akashi approached Sakuya and greeted her. "I hope I didn't make you wait too long."
"No, you didn't, Akashi-san," when Sakuya turned her head to see Akashi, she was surprised. Akashi has cut his bangs shorter, which makes him very different to the usual Akashi she always meets. She can feel the authoritative aura Akashi gives more than before. Sakuya was stunned at the drastic change in Akashi's appearance. She couldn't utter any words she wanted to say to him.
It's just that Akashi is much more charming like that to Sakuya.
Akashi smiled at Sakuya. He titled his head a bit, making his hair swayed. "Do you like it? My new appearance?"
Sakuya quickly regained her composure and nodded once to Akashi. The man then caressed her cheek like he usually does. "You're staring at me so intensely, Sakuya."
"I'm sorry. Is it disturbing you?"
"No," Akashi extended his hand to Sakuya. "We shall go see our teammates. We are going to have a match."
Without words, Sakuya accepted Akashi's hand and let the taller of the two led the way through the corridor. Much to her surprise, Akashi still held her hand even as they walked side-by-side. She glanced to Akashi once more to inspect his being; noticed by Akashi.
"Is there something on your mind, Sakuya?" Akashi asked as they walked.
"Well, there is," her harlequin eyes trailed to Akashi's hand which held hers. Akashi followed her line of sight and found what Sakuya was thinking.
"I want to hold your hand," he demanded. His response only got a mutter 'I see' from Sakuya.
"How was your meeting with your friends from middle school, Akashi-san?"
Akashi rolled his eyes. He didn't think Sakuya would initiate that question, since she is a passive talker. "It was intriguing. They are well, also still remember our oath back then in our third year of middle school."
"Oath?"
"Yes, an oath we made after we graduated from Teiko," after that, Akashi thought of something. "Do you want to know our oath?"
Sakuya thought for a while, and later shook her head. Akashi was quite taken aback with her reply, but decided to respect her answer. "Why do you want me to know?" Sakuya asked again.
Akashi was silent. Why did he want her to know his oath he made with his ex-teammates? He doesn't know why. He just feels Sakuya needs to know about it, but for what purpose? To know the Generation of Miracles or to know himself more? The answer is a mystery to him. "I don't know."
"Then, please keep it to yourself and your friends." As they continued walking, Sakuya realized something. "Akashi-san, where did you get the scissor to cut your hair? I don't see you bringing one today."
"Ah," Akashi chuckled at that. "I borrowed it from Shintarou."
"Shintarou? Midorima Shintarou?" Akashi nodded to her answer. "I don't understand. Why did he bring it? It can be dangerous."
"Dangerous, huh?" Akashi reminisced the time when he grazed Kagami's cheek with Midorima's scissor. "For Shintarou, as superstitious as he is, the scissor is his today's lucky item; as a thing called Oha Asa predicted. It is a kind of program which gives you daily horoscopes and tells your fortune."
"Oha Asa, hm?" for Sakuya, it is the first time she hears about it. "So Midorima-san brings the scissor as his lucky item of the day?" Akashi nodded again. "Even though if the so-called lucky item is a bizarre thing, he will still bring it?"
Akashi chuckled. "Yes. It was quite intriguing back then," he said, referring to his times in Teiko when Midorima always brought his said-to-be lucky item everyday to increase his luck and made the players were in terror.
"Is that so?" not long after, Sakuya smiled to Akashi. "Your friend is interesting, Akashi-san. I want to meet him in person one day."
Hearing her honest remark, Akashi smiled back to her. "You will meet him later in one of our matches." While he said that, he was very sure Midorima will be the first one from his former comrades to see the redhead's said chaperone.
Well, it is because Akashi knows everything.
The Winter Cup is finally begun. The first round takes place over the first two days using different courts; three main courts and one sub-court. There will be a total of 50 matches over the seven-day tournament. Its tournament itself is a classic tournament structure, a single-elimination tournament, known as sudden death. It will begin with two basic rounds, the eight-, quarter- and semi-finals and eventually the finals.
As the matches conclude, Rakuzan High has won every match they competed in the first two days. Akashi and his teammates sometimes watch the other match as well, and Akashi was quite surprised to see Kuroko's new skills; which amazed him. His team also watched Kaijo and Yosen match.
"We'll go back to the hotel," Shirogane told Sakuya and Mibuchi. It is evening and Shirogane with the the players are going back to the hotel after competing until this second day of Winter Cup. However, Sakuya wanted to visit her aunt that day and Shirogane let her go only if she is accompanied by someone. Mibuchi offered himself for that occasion. "If anything happens, just give me a call."
"We will, Shirogane-sensei." Both Sakuya and Mibuchi bowed to their teacher and bid 'good evening' to him. The two then left the building off to different route, while Shirogane and his players walked to the opposite direction to the bus stop.
Hayama then whistled. "It's like a date, you know?" he commented as Sakuya and Mibuchi were out of his sight. Hayama glanced to his captain who watched the two intensely. "Akashi, don't worry! Reo-nee will protect his girlfriend from any danger!"
"I know," Akashi chuckled. "I trust Reo for taking care of Sakuya. Although, it is such a shame I can't accompany her today."
"Eh? Just go along with them!"
Akashi shook his head. "I don't want to disturb Reo's time with Sakuya. Anyway, he just confessed his feeling to Sakuya two days ago."
Nebuya was shocked to hear that. "H-he confessed? For real?"
Akashi nodded. "However, judging from Sakuya's behavior, it seems she hasn't given him the reply yet."
"Well, all that we need to do is waiting for their decision," Hayama stated. "If it's official, we should celebrate it!"
"I don't want to…" Nebuya complained.
Mayuzumi glanced curiously to Akashi. "How did you know that, Akashi?"
Akashi replied with his devious smirk. "I know everything, Chihiro. That trivial matter, too, I also know."
On the other side, Mibuchi suddenly sneezed. He rubbed his nose. "Jeez. Why I suddenly sneeze-"
"Achoo!" Sakuya also sneezed, too, making Mibuchi quite surprised. He looked to Sakuya to check if she has a cold or something. "Sa-chan, you have a cold?"
"No. I think someone is talking about me," Sakuya retorted monotonously.
"Nah… I think someone is talking about me, too," Mibuchi also retorted, and both of them nodded to each other. As they walked together with Mibuchi holds Sakuya's hand, the two then arrived to their destination; Urenomiya household. The house is quite near the Gymnasium, so it only spends about 15 minutes by foot. When Mibuchi set his eyes on Sakuya's house, he was amazed. It is a two-story house with its classic style. Judging by its appearance, Sakuya's family is rich. Mibuchi sweated at that.
"Sakuya-chan!" an elderly woman greeted Sakuya while hugging her after Sakuya knocked the door. "Oh, how I miss you so much!"
"I'm sorry for disturbing you this time, Hotaru-san," Sakuya replied as her aunt released her embrace. Hotaru shook her head.
"No, you're not," Hotaru then noticed Mibuchi is standing behind her niece. "Oh, who is this handsome man here?"
Mibuchi bowed to Hotaru and smiled afterwards. "Good evening. I am Mibuchi Reo, Sa-chan's upperclassman in Rakuzan High."
"Oh my, pleasure to meet you. I am Urenomiya Hotaru, Sakuya-chan's aunt from her father's side," Hotaru also introduced herself. "Please come in, you two!"
Hotaru let Sakuya and Mibuchi went inside the house and led them to the living room. She then asked the two if they want to have a dinner together since she just had finished cooking, and they agreed to it. After Hotaru went back to the kitchen, Sakuya observed her old house.
"It is still the same," she commented, noticed by Mibuchi.
"By the way, Sa-chan," Mibuchi pointed to the white piano located near the corner of the room. "You can play piano?"
Sakuya shook her head. "My father can play it well."
"I see," Mibuchi nodded to himself. He then inspected the house again. "Your house is nice, Sa-chan. I like it."
"Thank you," Sakuya smiled to Mibuchi, making the man blushed. Not long after, Hotaru called the two over to have dinner. The three then enjoyed their food in the dining room.
"Mibuchi-kun, do you play basketball?" Hotaru asked in the midst of their dinner. The elderly woman spotted Mibuchi still wearing his Rakuzan jersey.
"Yes, I do. I and the others are joining this year's Winter Cup. Sa-chan is our manager."
"Oh? Sakuya-chan, you are their manager?"
"Only temporary," Sakuya said after she finished chewing her food. "Hotaru-san, where is Tosen-san?" she asked her uncle's whereabouts; Sagato Tosen, since she hasn't seen him around.
"He is having overtime today, so he will be late coming home."
"I see. Also, do you know Ryouhei-kun's whereabouts?" Sakuya asked again. Mibuchi blinked hearing that new name. Although he knows about Sakuya's big family (more than Akashi since the redhead only knows about her deceased parents), he doesn't know anything about this 'Ryouhei-kun'. The girl never talks about it, unless if someone brings it up.
Hotaru frowned. "Ryouhei-kun, hm? I haven't seen him anymore since you had moved to England, Sakuya-chan."
Sakuya blinked hearing that. "His family moved?"
"Yes. Her mother told me they were going to move, but still in this prefecture," Hotaru explained. "I think it's because his father was transferred to work in another hospital, so they had to move."
"I see," Sakuya nodded. "Do you know their new address or maybe their new contacts?"
"They gave me both of them. Wait here, Sakuya-chan. I'll bring it to you," Hotaru then stood up from her seat, took her plate and put it in the sink, and excused herself upstairs. Seeing the right opportunity to ask, Mibuchi gained Sakuya's attention.
"Sa-chan, who is this 'Ryouhei-kun' you two were talking about?"
Sakuya blinked. She just realized she hasn't told Mibuchi about her childhood friend. "I'm sorry to leave you out earlier, Reo-senpai," she apologized first, which Mibuchi replied by waving his hand. "Ryouhei-kun is my childhood friend. We've spent our times together back then until I moved to England. I haven't met him again after three years, and since we don't know about cell phones back then, we lost contact until now."
"Oh~" Mibuchi hummed. "From what I comprehend earlier, Ryouhei lived near here but moved to another place due to his father's job?" Sakuya nodded at that. "And you asked their address or contacts to know his condition right now?"
"Yes," a while later, a genuine smile spread on Sakuya's face. "I miss him so much."
"Is that so?" Mibuchi smiled back to her. "But what is this feeling? Jealousy? Oh my, Sa-chan said he's her childhood friend! I shouldn't think things too hard!"
Hotaru then came back from upstairs and gave her niece a piece of paper. An address and a home number were written on it. Sakuya thanked her aunt and kept it inside her pocket. The three then continued their talks in the dining room until Sakuya and Mibuchi finished their dinner and decided to leave to their hotel.
"Sakuya-chan, visit us again if you have time, okay?" Hotaru said happily. "Please take care of yourself. Wear more thick clothes on you, okay?"
"I will, Hotaru-san. Please be well," Sakuya responded. Hotaru rubbed Sakuya's head gently and bid goodbyes to Sakuya and Mibuchi as the two left the two-story house to the bus stop.
As the two kept walking, Mibuchi still holds Sakuya's hand. However, the two didn't initiate any conversation, which is unusual since Mibuchi always talks about random things with Sakuya. Mibuchi didn't know why he was being silent, too. He was afraid, no, reluctant to talk.
"Just what happened with me?" Mibuchi cried in his mind. "I was being gloomy so suddenly. What should I do?"
"Are you okay, Reo-senpai?" Sakuya then decided to ask the unusual atmosphere between them. The girl looked up to Mibuchi who twitched when he was called.
"I-I am okay, Sa-chan," Mibuchi tried to assure her, however it failed. Sakuya's harlequin eyes inspected his being thoughtfully.
"You're lying, Reo-senpai."
Hearing that statement, Mibuchi could only laugh nervously. "I-is that so?"
"If you have something in your mind, you can talk it to me. I'm willing to listen, Reo-senpai," Sakuya comforted Mibuchi.
"I'm sorry to make you worry, Sa-chan," Mibuchi apologized. "I do have something in my mind, but I think I can't tell you about it. Maybe some other time if I'm ready, Sa-chan."
"Okay. I will respect your decision. But please remember, Reo-senpai," Mibuchi blinked at her words. "I will always be there for you, so do not hesitate to find me if you have troubles."
Although Sakuya said it expressionlessly, Mibuchi can feel the honesty and comfort inside. He can't help himself but tighten his hold on Sakuya's hand. "Thank you, Sa-chan. I like you."
Sakuya only smiled to Mibuchi, and the two continued their way to the bus stop.
After taking a shower from the bathroom and changed to her pajamas, Sakuya pressed her phone buttons to call Ryouhei's house. Since she got it from her aunt, she immediately used that opportunity to call when she and Mibuchi safely arrived to the hotel and the black-haired man escorted her to her room before going back to his own.
At the second dial, someone picked up the call. A feminine voice greeted Sakuya. "Hello."
"Ah, is this?" Sakuya smiled to herself when she realized who answered her call. "Good evening, Meiko-chan."
The girl whom Sakuya called Meiko was being silent for a while. "I'm sorry, but who is this?"
"Ah, pardon me. This is Sakuya. Urenomiya Sakuya."
A while later, a gasp could be heard from the other line. Meiko was surprised. "S-Sakuya-senpai?! Is that you, Sakuya-senpai?!"
"Yes, I am," Sakuya replied, which later got a squeal from Meiko. "Meiko-chan, please do not yell loudly. You will disturb the others."
"Ah, sorry!" Meiko apologized. "I miss you so much, Sakuya-senpai! Are you still in England?"
"I miss you too, Meiko-chan. And no, I have got back to Japan."
Another gasp could be heard again. "You're back to Japan? Really?"
"Yes. Although, I stay in Kyoto, not in Tokyo," Sakuya explained. "But right now I am in Tokyo. For eight days only, since after that I will go back to Kyoto to attend school," she added again before Meiko flooded her with more questions. "Where are your parents, Meiko-chan?"
"Mom is watching TV. Dad is still at his work," Meiko trailed off for a while. "You don't want to ask about my brother, Sakuya-senpai?"
"I just want to ask that," Sakuya retorted.
"My brother is not at home yet," Meiko answered.
"I see," Sakuya was quite disappointed. She wanted to talk with her childhood friend, after all. "I'll just send my regards to him, then."
"Okay! I'll tell him when he got back! By the way, Sakuya-senpai, what are you doing in Tokyo?"
"I am accompanying my school's basketball team in the Winter Cup. I am their temporary manager. I am just filling in their manager's absence."
"Your school's basketball team? Which means… Rakuzan High?" suddenly, Meiko exclaimed. "It's that Emperor team! Wow, Sakuya-senpai! You are their manager? How lucky of you!"
"I don't know if I can say it 'lucky'…" Sakuya sighed; remembering the blackmail Akashi did to her so she accepted Shirogane's offer to be Rakuzan's basketball manager. "Meiko-chan, could I ask your brother's number?"
"Of course! He will be pleased when he knows you're back!" Meiko then told Sakuya Ryouhei's number. "By the way, will you visit here? Oh, you don't know the address…"
"Don't worry. My aunt has given me your new address. I will visit you if I have time," Sakuya glanced to the clock hanging on the wall. "I think I will hang up. I'm going to wake up early to prepare my team's needs."
"Eh? That soon?" Meiko whined, but decided to let it go. "Okay then. Good night, Sakuya-senpai!"
"Good night, Meiko-chan. Please say hello to your parents in my behalf," Sakuya replied, and ended the call. She then saved Ryouhei's number in her contacts and smiled. She will call Ryouhei if she has time later.
As for Meiko, after she put back the phone to its place, she turned around only to see a man with tall posture surprised her. He is her brother, Ryouhei. It seems he has just got home. "Jeez, brother! Don't surprise me like that!"
Ryouhei ignored his sister's rant and went straight to the point. "Who was calling just now?"
Meiko grinned to her brother. "You'll be shocked. It was Sakuya-senpai!" and true, Ryouhei was shocked. "She has got back from England and now she's in Tokyo! Only for eight days, though. She said she lived in Kyoto now, not in Tokyo anymore. Oh, and she sent her regards to you. Too bad you just arrived, brother."
"So, she's back…" Ryouhei said in relief. It has been three years and he really missed his childhood friend very much like Sakuya.
"Don't worry, brother! I gave her your number, so she can call you later! Only if she has time, though. She maybe busy with her errands as Rakuzan's basketball manager."
Ryouhei blinked at that. "Sakuya is Rakuzan's…?"
"She said it's only temporary due to the actual manager is absence," Meiko added.
Ryouhei nodded at that. "So, did you manage to ask her number, too?"
Meiko then froze. She scratched her head and smiled sheepishly. "Ups, I forgot," which only earned a growl from Ryouhei. "Anyways!" she tried to defend herself. "When she calls you, you must tell her that, brother! You got it? You must tell her that or she will be confused when someone tells her first!"
Hearing that statement, Ryouhei scowled. "I know! Don't yell to me like that!"
"It's your fault in the first place, too! Why did you not manage to tell her about it before she went to England?!" Meiko yelled to her brother. "Stupid brother! Stupid!"
"Don't call me stupid!"
And the sibling's bickering continued on until Ryouhei was defeated merciless by Meiko's deathly jibes.
Rakuzan has won every round in the Winter Cup; leading them to the semifinals at last. Akashi told Sakuya that she will meet one of his ex-teammates from Teiko later in their match against Shuutoku this afternoon and noted that it will be an amusing experience to her. The girl doesn't know why Akashi said that, but ignored it. After all, she will meet Midorima Shintarou, the superstitious man who believes in fortune-telling and always brings his lucky item of the day everywhere. She can't wait to see what kind of person Midorima is.
"The semifinals have Rakuzan, Shuutoku, Kaijo, and Seirin. All the teams have someone from Generation of Miracles," Sakuya thought. She and Mibuchi are now inside the train to go back to Tokyo. They just had went somewhere in the morning to buy supplies and Mibuchi accompanied her along. "Also, I still haven't called Ryouhei-kun, too. I just went straight to sleep after I got back to the hotel."
"We're here, Sa-chan," Mibuchi reminded Sakuya. The girl nodded to him. As the train stopped, many people exited the train; almost making Sakuya stumbled. Fortunately Mibuchi was near her, so the man guarded her and got her out safely from the crowd. "Are you okay, Sa-chan?" he asked to make sure his favorite girl is not hurt anywhere.
"I'm okay, Reo-senpai. Thank you for protecting me," she thanked Mibuchi gratefully.
"Alright, let's go to- Oops!" As Mibuchi started walking, he stopped and caught a short-haired high school girl from falling to the ground. It seems the girl bumped into each other and slipped her feet, making her fall. It's a relief Mibuchi was still near the train entrance so he could save her.
"I'm sorry!" the girl apologized after straightened up herself. The short brown-haired girl is happened to be Aida Riko; Seirin's coach.
"My my, are you okay?" Mibuchi asked Riko with his gentleman behavior. "You have to be more careful."
When Riko looked up to the tall man, she sweated. She knows that Rakuzan jersey Mibuchi is wearing now. "T-thank you…" she thanked Mibuchi nervously.
"Are you alright, Miss?" from behind, Sakuya showed herself to see Riko looked up to her. Her harlequin eyes observed Riko to check if she was hurt somewhere.
"Wow, she's tall!" Riko was amazed at Sakuya's height. The girl is taller than her, and to Riko's opinion, quite pretty. "I'm alright! Thank you for saving me earlier."
Sakuya smiled to her. "Are you alone?"
Riko shook her head. "No. I am here with my friends…" when Riko looked around, she spotted Hyuuga Junpei rushed towards her. It seems the Seirin's captain tried to find her.
"Coach!" Hyuuga called Riko after he found her. The glasses man approached Riko and also spotted the two people near his coach. When he set his eyes on Mibuchi, he was also shocked just like Riko. "This guy… he's from Rakuzan."
"Geez. You have to take good care of girls, okay?" Mibuchi suddenly preached Hyuuga and made the man fidgeted. The black-haired man doesn't like girls are being neglected due to his gentleman nature. Mibuchi glanced to Sakuya after that. "Let's get going, Sa-chan."
Sakuya nodded to him. "We'll take our leave," she said to Riko and Hyuuga. "Please take care of yourself. Excuse us." The two then left while Mibuchi holds Sakuya's hand due to his new habit.
After the two were not within their sight, the others from Seirin team gathered as they caught sight of Riko and Hyuuga together. "Good thing we found you, Riko," Kiyoshi Teppei commented as he showed his goofy smile.
"But, back then," Izuki Shun glanced to the way Sakuya and Mibuchi left. "That guy is from Rakuzan team, isn't he?" which earned a nod from Hyuuga. "Then, who's the girl?"
"I don't know. I think she is his girlfriend," Hyuuga replied.
"Forget about it!" Riko suddenly yelled; making the second-years turned their attention to their coach. "Let's hurry to the gymnasium. The match between Rakuzan versus Shuutoku will commence. I think the others will arrive later, so let's get going!"
All the boys nodded to Riko and they rushed towards the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium to watch the said match.
"Here comes!" the announcer exclaimed amidst the crowd inside the gymnasium. Everybody are gathered to watch the awaited match; Rakuzan High versus Shuutoku High. Some of the teams; including Seirin, were also joined to watch. "Among the Tokyo representatives that's been overthrown by the rookies; Touou and Seirin, it is the only school that did not lose its throne. The veteran who has been competing for 11 years straight with its immortal spirit that rings true to its name: Legendary Team, Shuutoku High School!"
The players of Shuutoku High went outside the locker room to the court confidently; led by their captain; Otsubo Taisuke. Their cheerleaders yelled their name loudly as they assembled together in their own bench.
"Look at this crowd, man," Takao Kazunari commented as he tied his shoe lace. "Don't you think it's incredible, Shin-chan?" he asked Midorima who is next to him, looking to his lucky item of the day; a shogi piece.
Midorima ignored Takao and focused his sight to their approaching opposing team for today as the announcer made his declaration. "And here comes! The number one high school! The school that has been playing in every Winter Cup ever since its founding tournament; its championship are unmatched. The oldest and the strongest king: Emperor of Creation, Rakuzan High School!"
Akashi led his team inside the court. The time when they set their foot into the court, the crowd cheered for them as well. They then assembled to their bench located at the opposite side from Shuutoku's and readied themselves.
Nebuya suddenly burped, making Mibuchi annoyed. The dark-skinned man scratched his neck. "I ate too much *gyudon," he remarked.
"That's gross! What were you thinking, eating that much right before the match?" Mibuchi preached Nebuya like he usually does, but Nebuya just ignored him.
"You see, I get my strength from meat," he explained like it is a fact. Like Mibuchi said, Nebuya went somewhere first before getting into the match. He filled his stomach with bowls of gyudon in a restaurant.
"Anyway, look-look!" Hayama gained Mibuchi's attention and happily pointed to Shuutoku's team. His eyes flashed excitement. "Look at them! We're screwed! They look super strong! For real!"
A tick mark appeared on Mibuchi. "So annoying."
Sakuya sighed. She has used to bear this kind of behavior from Nebuya and Hayama. At least she can understand the manager's burden this way. "Nebuya-senpai, please do not burp so loud. It's impolite," and like she usually does, she preached Nebuya with her monotone voice. "Hayama-senpai, I know you are excited for this match, but please keep your composure," she preached Hayama next.
Akashi chuckled while tying his shoe. "Yeah, they're strong," he responded Hayama's exclamation earlier. Mibuchi noticed Akashi was readying himself.
"Sei-chan, you're a starter today?" Mibuchi asked, earning a nod from Akashi.
"Coach approved already."
Nebuya burped again. "Hmm, that's nice. Our opponents so far have been too lame. I should have eaten a bit more."
"Nebuya-senpai, please do not burp," Sakuya preached Nebuya the second time. She then put a towel near Akashi's seat. "Akashi-san, I put your towel right here."
"Ah, thank you, Sakuya," Akashi thanked her while patting her shoulder a few times. He then stood up and walked to the court. A smirk plastered on his face. "Let's go."
Mibuchi, Hayama, Nebuya, and Mayuzumi silently followed their captain into the court. The starter team from Shuutoku was also present. Akashi then caught Midorima's sharp gaze to him when the redhead was in front of him.
"I'm gonna win, Akashi," Midorima declared.
Akashi shrugged. "That's impossible, Shintarou. Was there even a single match where you managed to make me surrender?"
Midorima glared. "Shogi and basketball are different."
"It's the same. There was never a single time when I said anything wrong," Akashi's eyes flickered intimidation and absolute. "I, who wins everything, am always right."
Akashi then remembered something and smirked to Midorima. "By the way, Shintarou," Midorima blinked when his former captain raised his hand and pointed at someone sitting on the bench. "Let me introduce you to my chaperone."
Midorima was surprised to hear that. He pushed up his glasses and declared, "I'm not interested with your said chaperone, Akashi."
"Do not say that," Akashi chuckled. "You are the first person to know about her. Be honored."
"Like I said, I am not interested with…" as Midorima's green eyes followed Akashi's line of point, he spotted a brown-haired girl who tied her hair into ponytail was looking at Akashi. Her harlequin eyes then trailed to the man who's behind Akashi and met Midorima's gaze. The girl blinked a few times.
"Is that Midorima Shintarou-san?" Sakuya thought. Like Akashi said to her the other day, Midorima has short green hair, wears glasses, and very tall. The man has a serious expression on his face. As she observed his appearance more, she found out that Midorima has a good-looking face. But what caught her interest are his sharp, narrowed eyes with its longer lower lashes. To her opinion, those eyes are beautiful.
And at that moment when their eyes locked to each other across the court, Sakuya realized something.
"He is Midorima Shintarou…?" she muttered his name silently. In her tone, lies a doubt within.
Akashi, who noticed Sakuya's uneasiness when the girl stared at Midorima, was surprised to see her shocked expression. What just happened to her? Judging by her look, Sakuya is very confused, not feeling awkward if someone she doesn't know look at her straight in the eye.
"Sakuya?" feeling the need to check the girl, Akashi turned his body and walked towards the stoic girl.
Before Midorima's low voice muttered something which shocked him. "…Sakuya?"
Akashi peered behind his shoulder to see Midorima's expression; in extreme shock. The green-haired man's eyes are widened and his mouth is opened. His shoulders are tensed, too.
"You know her, Shintarou?" Akashi asked Midorima, but the man didn't answer. Midorima still froze on his spot; gaped.
From the bench, Akashi could hear Sakuya's faint voice calling someone's name. The redhead already knows that name from the girl before, and was very shocked to hear it again from the girl's mouth. She even said it towards Midorima.
"Ryouhei-kun?"
Author's Note:
*gyudon: a Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with beef and onion simmered in a mildly sweet sauce.
This chapter is quite a surprise, or not? Maybe you guys have been expecting this? Oh well, anyway, chapter 10 is out!
Akashi met with his old teammates again and surprised them about his chaperone. Haha! I added some parts of the manga to blend with this story. Mibuchi suddenly got jealous of Ryouhei. Also, turns out Midorima is Sakuya's childhood friend; Ryouhei. How can this happen? The answer lies in the next chapter, everyone!
I managed to finish this chapter in my free time when I didn't have much college tasks, so sorry if I update this late. Oh, I forgot that the Winter Cup commenced for seven days, so I extended Rakuzan's stays to eight days. Why? Because after the final, which is finished at night, there's no way they will go back to Kyoto straight and like… exhausted from the match, right? So, I corrected some words in the previous chapter. Sorry to confuse you!
Oh yeah, when I read chapter 289.5, I was like… can't stop laughing. Mibuchi surprised me with his statement. And look at Hayama and Nebuya's face! I just wondered who this person Mibuchi sets his eyes to is. As for chapter 239, the last page also shocked me. I laughed at Aomine's remark about a Chihuahua facing a lion.
Putting those aside, thank you for those who give favorite, follow, or review this story! I hope I won't disappoint you in the future!
Have a nice day everyone!