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 15

Realization

The spectators are watching the final match between Seirin High and Rakuzan High in awe. Each team has showed their own skills which surprised them. Sometimes it was one-sided battle, but then the flow of the game changed again. As Seirin showed their true strength, Rakuzan responded by giving out their all, too. It is the first time in their life to watch such a thrilling, yet exciting game. Even the rest of Generation of Miracles and other teams who have come to the gymnasium to watch the final match agreed.

"With this, I even don't care who wins anymore," Aomine Daiki muttered. He then grinned when he watched the last seconds of the fourth round of the match. "Both of them are strong. There's no denying it."

Momoi Satsuki nodded in approval as the pink-haired girl observed the teams' players. They are completely drenched in sweat and panted greatly, but their will to fight don't waver. "Tetsu-kun has shined again through the shadow and Akashi-kun finally used his other skill."

"I never thought this battle will be interesting~" Murasakibara Atsushi said which earned a chuckle from Himuro Tatsuya. "I even see Aka-chin is very energetic somehow~"

"Taiga is the same," Himuro stated. "…No, all of them."

In the other side, Kise Ryouta with his Kaijo teammates sat together with Shuutoku to watch the ongoing match. The blonde man can't help himself but gets excited. "It makes me feel like I wanna play basketball soon!"

"I know you are excited, but stop shuddering like that!" Kasamatsu Yukio snapped at his underclassman as he slapped the back of Kise's head, making the copycat whined.

"You're so mean, captain!"

"So noisy," Midorima cursed in his mind, practically about Kise's annoying behavior. "I just can't believe we sit together like this. Takao must be the one to blame for this…"

However, the greenhead let it go and continued to watch the fourth round. It is still a few seconds left, and both teams scored their baskets alternately. "Even as Akashi's second skill was exposed, Seirin still can catch up although they almost stumbled. Even Kuroko surprised me, too, despite his lack of presence was fading in the first round. That Kagami also surpassed my thoughts of him," he thought deeply, but sighed afterwards. "This match is making me irritated by the looks of it."

"Don't say it like that, Shin-chan. Anyway, do you notice the crowd suddenly went much calmer than before?" Takao said to Midorima. Shuutoku and Kaijo who heard that took a look at their surroundings to clarify Takao's words. And the hawk-eye user was right. Usually the crowd is much noisier. But now it has calmed.

Midorima pushed up his glasses while his eyes still focused on the court. "That's why I said it made me irritated by the looks of it."

As for Sakuya, the brown-haired girl watched silently as she kept her hands clapped together. Just like she said before, she was still calm. That nervousness didn't catch her. The sound of the dribbling ball, the squeaking shoes, and the squishing nets has stirred that excitement inside her. She can hear the players' shouts of fight along the ticking time. This last round will determine the winner of Winter Cup.

Whether it will be Rakuzan or Seirin, she doesn't matter it.

As long as she knows, Sakuya smiles all the time thorough the game.

She enjoys the ongoing match before her, the first time she ever feels that way about basketball.

And when the whistle was blown and the timer went to zero, the final match has ended. Silence filled the whole gymnasium. It is a rare occurrence, indeed. Sakuya closed her eyes and took deep breaths, and she opened them to see the scoreboard.

120 – 121.

The favor goes to…

"They win?" Takano said in surprise. Both Yuzume and Katagiri gasped at the team who gets the highest score.

"So, they win," Aomine said in satisfaction. Not long after, he laughed. "They win!"

Momoi can only covered her mouth with both of her hands. Tears are starting to stream down from her eyes. "I-I guess… this is it…" she said while sobbing.

"The Winter Cup final has ended!" the announcer finally spoke out through his microphone. "This year's Winter Cup championship goes to Seirin High!"

After that long silent, the crowd finally cheered back. They shouted Seirin's name over and over; celebrating their winning.

The Seirin team still can't believe what they have heard. It was already said by the announcer that the winner is themselves. As they look to the scoreboard again, it really is true. 120 – 121, to Seirin's favor.

It's their score.

It's their winning.

"WE'VE WON!" suddenly Hyuuga shouted, bringing back his teammates to their sense. The glasses man looked to them with his wide grin. He run to Kiyoshi and dragged him along to get Izuki, Kagami, and Kuroko in his arms. "We've won, guys! We've won!"

"I know, Hyuuga! I know it!" Izuki retorted. A smile painted his face.

Not a while after, the others from Seirin also rushed to them and hugged the five of them. They cheered 'we've won' over and over, making Riko only sighed at her boys' antics. But she is happy now. She then joined the others as Hyuuga also dragged her along with them.

"Finally!" Kagami shouted in excitement. "We've made it!"

The usual expressionless Kuroko is smiling brightly than before. He joined his team's laughs and tears. As they celebrating themselves, he muttered, "We are finally number one in Japan."

All of them then shouted in unison, "NUMBER ONE IN JAPAN!"

"Great job, guys," Riko said as tears starting to develop her eyes. "At last, our dreams came true…"

Kiyoshi rubbed Riko's head gently and smiled at her. "It is all thanks to you, Riko."

But Riko shook her head. "No," she stared at his boys. "This is all because of us; our dreams, our wills, our motivations, our supports, all of it!"

Suddenly, the boys lifted Riko up and together they thrown her up in the air a few times. The short-haired girl almost gasped at her boys' action, but decided to let it slide. She just needs to punish them later if they ever drop her down.

On the other bench, Shirogane took a deep breath and sighed afterwards. "They actually can win, hm?" he muttered. Sakuya looked up to her teacher with confusion. "Well, I guess we have finally met such a unique, yet strong opponent. That's enough for us."

Finally knowing what her teacher meant, Sakuya nodded to Shirogane and she set her gaze to the Rakuzan starting players in the court. The five of them still stood frozen on their spot, looking at the scoreboard. They are still trying to catch their breath, since the match earlier took a lot of their stamina; the first time they would actually became that tired.

Not until Hayama laughed so hard, kicking back his teammates' sense. "Wow, that was great!" he exclaimed happily. He then smacked Nebuya's back. "Our first time loss, huh? Well, it's not that bad."

Nebuya grinned. "At least I can repay my deal with Kiyoshi today!" the big guy then ruffled Hayama's hair playfully. "You've done great, too, Kotarou!"

"Aw! That hurts!" Hayama cried as he tried to pull away from Nebuya's grip.

Mibuchi took a look at the scoreboard again to make sure he was not blind. "It really is our loss," the black-haired man thought. "To think they would defeat the team with me, Kotarou, and Nebuya inside... Not bad."

Mibuchi then noticed Sakuya stood up from the bench and walked silently towards him. The girl brought along five towels with her and she gave one to Mibuchi as she approached him. After he muttered 'thank you' to the girl and swipe his sweats, he smiled to her. "Looks like it's our loss, Sa-chan."

Sakuya who heard that only nodded in approval. "You have done great in your battle against Hyuuga-san, Reo-senpai," she said as she smiled back.

"Thank you~" Mibuchi took a peek at Akashi who is still frozen in his spot, looking to somewhere. "I wonder what will Sei-chan feel about this."

"Do not worry, Reo-senpai," Sakuya assured him. "Akashi-san will be fine. I'm sure of it."

Feeling the assurance in her monotone voice, Mibuchi's smile grown wider than before. He rubbed Sakuya's head gently like he always does to the girl. Sakuya said her leave as she gave the rest of the towels to Hayama and Nebuya, who thanked her later and talked for a while.

"I still don't care about the old and the new misdirection," Mayuzumi retorted after Sakuya gave the towel to him and they chatted for a while. "As long as I can play for the team, it's enough for me."

Sakuya smiled to the grey-haired man. "You are great, Chihiro-senpai. That's why your basketball is still different compared to Kuroko-san's. Although you two have the same lack of presence, but still you have different skills."

"That's why I said it's enough for me," he said in satisfaction. "And I guess I can quit the team without any burden. This is my last game in Rakuzan. I should prepare myself for the exams."

Like Mayuzumi said, since he is in third year and will graduate soon, he will take the entrance exam in February. And so, he must study hard for that. Sakuya then excused herself and she is going to give the last towel to Akashi. The redhead still looked to the scoreboard; frozen on his spot. Without words, Sakuya gently draped the towel around Akashi's neck. The redhead regained his sense and turned around to see Sakuya was smiling to him.

"Congratulation, Akashi-san," she said, making Akashi rolled his eyes.

He chuckled. "Why do you congratulate me, Sakuya? Isn't Seirin the one who won the championship?"

"Seirin is indeed the one who have won this match. But what I meant is not about that." Sakuya set her gaze to all the Seirin players who still rejoice their winning. She can see the contented look on their face and their tears of joy. But what makes it more appealing to her is that environment around them. She is not one of them, but she can see and feel it.

The warmth of comradeship and the trust with each individual's ability.

Sakuya then giggled, the first time Akashi heard the girl laughs. She glanced to Akashi with her meaningful smile. "I think you have realized it, too, Akashi-san."

Before Akashi asked her what she has meant by that, he heard footsteps approaching him. The two turned their heads to see Kuroko with Kagami behind the light-blue-haired guy. As polite as he is, Kuroko greeted the two of them. "Akashi-kun. Urenomiya-san."

Sakuya bowed slightly to Kuroko and greeted him back. "Hello, Kuroko-san. Kagami-san."

"What is it, Tetsuya?" Akashi asked.

"I want to congratulate you," Kuroko replied monotonously, making Akashi raised his brow.

"Are you trying to mock me?"

Kuroko shook his head. A while later, he smiled to Akashi. "Pardon me if I offended you, Akashi-kun. I just wanted to congratulate you for giving out all you have when you faced us."

"Of course. I gave all I have to defeat you, Tetsuya. There is no way I would use little strength to face you."

"Yes, I know that. But earlier," Kuroko's eyes softened. "In the match, it felt like I saw the old Teiko in our second year flashed again when you played with your teammates."

That statement sure made Akashi rolled his eyes. Kuroko saw the old Teiko in his team earlier?

"You have changed a lot from that time, Akashi-kun. I know that much. Yet I still feel astonished played against you. I also saw your hands trembling whenever you dribbled the ball."

"My hand?" when Kuroko mentioned it, Akashi raised his hand to observe it. Although the match has already ended, his hand still trembles. He doesn't know the reason why.

Kagami, who noticed Akashi stared at his own hand, grinned at the redhead. "That is called trembling in excitement!" he stated like it is a fact. He then took a step forward and extended his hand to Akashi. "You were indeed annoyed me back there, but it doesn't matter anymore. That was a great game! You have filled me with extreme zest! I should thank you for that!"

Akashi stared at Kagami's hand. The fierce-looking guy is offering him a handshake. "How arrogant, offering me a handshake."

But Kagami's words earlier perturbed him.

Trembling in excitement.

Now that Kagami mentioned it, Akashi realized there was that nagging feeling kept fluttering ever since Seirin made those impacts to Rakuzan. Hyuuga's three-pointers, Izuki's eagle-eye, Kiyoshi's rebounds, Kagami's incredible dunks, Kuroko's return, and not just five of them. The other Seirin players also did their best to stop Akashi and his team until their stamina has gone out. Akashi must say – although he was bewildered once, he respected their fight.

Rakuzan almost dominated them in the second round; Hayama's dribble, Mibuchi's three forms of shooting, Nebuya's overpowering, Mayuzumi's new model of misdirection, and Akashi's Emperor Eye. But Seirin showed their sign to not give up. They responded back with their hidden trump cards along their sleeves. The battle between them got more thrilling and pressuring.

That's when he showed his second ability aside from his Emperor Eye.

His second ability suddenly blossomed just like that. Rakuzan went back by dominating Seirin again because of it, but Kuroko's comeback balanced the flow of the game. The crowd slowly calmed, as they watched Rakuzan and Seirin throwing points for themselves. As both teams were fired up, Akashi felt that feeling. He continued playing while carrying that feeling along. He almost forgot the thought of his absolute basketball.

All that he thought about is to defeat Seirin.

He kept running, shooting, dribbling, passing, panting, all in order to defeat Seirin. If he defeats Seirin, his team will gain the championship.

"That is called trembling in excitement!"

How rare. He just realized it now.

He was stirred in excitement just by playing against his opponent.

"It felt like I saw the old Teiko in our second year flashed again when you played with your teammates."

He remembered the times when he was still in second year back at Teiko. He with his ex-comrades played some matches against other schools. He was appointed as the captain and led his team in order to achieve victory. It was hard because their body was still developing, but they worked together, putting their trust in each other. When they were pressured, they motivated each other to defeat their opponents.

All in order to win for the team.

For the team.

Because they were not alone.

They were together. They were comrades. They have worked together for this.

Akashi suddenly laughed, shocking the players in the court. He laughed as he ruffled his hair. Kagami sweated at the redhead, worried that Akashi was not okay because of the loss he experienced for the first time.

After Akashi stopped laughing and regained his composure, he sighed. "I see," he mused.

It's the first time he never thought that winning is given for him.

Winning is given only to those who work hard, polish their skill, put their trust to others, achieve it together,

And experience what defeat is.

Ending his thoughts, Akashi accepted Kagami's hand and shook hands with him. He looked up to Kagami and smiled proudly. "You have put me in difficulties because of your rough skill," Akashi muttered, making Kagami flinched when he heard that 'rough' word. "Aside from that, I had an amusing experience playing against you, Kagami Taiga. For now, I shall recognize you as my rival."

Kuroko was surprised to hear that, but smiled afterwards. "Akashi-kun…"

Kagami only scoffed at Akashi. "You should!"

The two men released both of their hands. Akashi turned face-to-face to Kuroko and offered his hand to him. "Tetsuya," he called out. "I can finally witness your answer. To be honest, I am quite astonished with that."

Akashi showed his satisfied smile and muttered, "You really are surpassed my expectations again."

Kuroko shook Akashi's hand and smiled warmly to him. "Let's play together again, Akashi-kun."

"Of course. In the future, we will take back our throne. Be prepared, Seirin."

The two teams then lined up and bowed as they shouted 'thank you' in unison. Everyone in the crowd clapped their hands as both teams shook hands with each other. For them, tonight's final match is an amazing game. Some of the players talked for a while. Shirogane praised Riko as the aged man shook hands with her and mentioned about her father a little. Nebuya clasped Kiyoshi and chatted about their times when they've played against each other in their first year of middle school. Mibuchi teased Hyuuga, making the glasses guy shuddered. Hayama annoyed Kagami with his cheerful personality. Mayuzumi and Kuroko talked about their similarities. Akashi praised Izuki and the freshmen trio for trying to stop him.

As Sakuya watched them enjoying their time, a reporter suddenly came to her with her cameraman. They are from one of the TV stations who came today to report about the Winter Cup's results. "Excuse me. Are you the Rakuzan's manager, Urenomiya Sakuya-san?" the formal lady asked politely.

Because Sakuya is not accustomed being filmed, she answered nervously. "Um, yes?"

"Oh my. I thought the manager is supposed to be Higuchi Shouta-san," the woman asked again. "He was presence in the Interhigh. What happened with him?"

"Um, I am just filling Higuchi-san's absence due to his family issue."

The woman nodded in understanding. "Speaking aside, we know that Seirin High is the winner of Winter Cup championship. Some people thought that it will be Rakuzan's winning again this year. What do you think?"

"Um…" Sakuya was at lost to answer that question. She was still nervous. But if she doesn't give the answer, it will be a bad impression on Rakuzan.

Much to her surprise, Akashi approached her and faced the reporter. He smiled to them. "Pardon for my interruption, but may I take over your interview? Our manager is not feeling well right now."

Sakuya blinked at Akashi's white lie. However, the reporter didn't realize it and followed Akashi's request with pleasure. They are going to interview Akashi Seijuro, after all. Even the man offered himself. "Of course! We would love to!"

Akashi smiled once again to them. He glanced at Sakuya and whispered, "Wait in the locker room with the others. I and the rest of us will catch up after we are done handling these."

Hearing that, Sakuya observed the teams and she saw some reporters are interviewing some of them; including the Uncrowned Kings and Seirin players. She turned back to Akashi and nodded to him, and took her leave silently with the rest of her teammates. After making sure Sakuya has gone inside safely, he turned to the reporter and showed his trademark smile.

"Before we start, could I ask a favor from you?"

The reporter blinked at the sudden request. "Yes, you can. What is it?"

The redhead narrowed his eyes and spoke sweetly. "Could you please erase your filming of our manager?"

That time, Shirogane didn't give his speech of their loss in their final match.

All the aged man did was saying that two sentences; "take back the throne next year" and "make this as a lesson of lifetime", and ended it with "great job".

Nobody raised a word at those. No disappointment nor tears. But they understood for one thing; they have won.

They have won as a team.

Even Akashi agreed with that and gave no complaints. His teammates were glad the redhead won't quit the club and gouged his eyes as atonement for his mistakes if they ever lost. After all, they still need that mesmerizing, leading figure around for their revenge next year.

Rakuzan then decided to celebrate their last time with Mayuzumi; who will quit the club to focus on his studies, and Sakuya; who will end her role as their manager. They have decided to visit a nearby restaurant. Takano, Yuzume, and Katagiri also came along as Sakuya asked permission from Shirogane, which the aged man agreed to it.

But they never thought that they will meet Seirin team inside that restaurant.

Not just Seirin. Somehow, the Generation of Miracles was there too along with their partner.

"Aka-chin~" Murasakibara waved his hand to Akashi when he spotted the redhead coming inside. The purple-haired guy sat together with Kise, Midorima, Aomine, and Kuroko in a round table. Their seat arrangement somehow was on purpose, as Akashi saw an empty seat just for him.

After excusing himself to his teammates, Akashi went to his ex-teammates and sat with them. "My my, what a coincidence to meet you all here together again."

"Well, it really was a coincidence…" Kise retorted. "I wanna grab a bite with Kasamatsu-senpai, and we met Aominecchi with Momoicchi. Murasakicchi was also here with Himuro-san."

"Then Sa-chin said we should sit together and arranged the seats for us when Mido-chin came with that hawk eye," Murasakibara added. "After that, Kuro-chin came with Seirin, then Aka-chin came last."

"And why we must sit together like this?" Midorima muttered darkly. The greenhead was really uncomfortable.

"You know how Satsuki is," Aomine retorted. "Well, doesn't matter. I wanna order something." The tanned-skin man grabbed the menu. After choosing his food, he asked the others their orders.

"Before I forgot," Akashi glanced to Murasakibara. "Do not order sweets, Atsushi."

"Eh? But I wanna crave something sweet…" Murasakibara pouted, but Akashi's hard glare made him to go along with the redhead. The six of them put their orders to the waiter and waited for their food.

"This is like the old times, huh?" Kise said happily. "We sat together in the rooftop and ate our lunch. The difference is just Momoicchi is not joining us now," Kise took a glance to the pink-haired girl who sat with other girls; Riko and four girls who came along with Rakuzan. Somehow, Momoi easily gets along with them. "Oh. Those girls came with your team, Akashicchi? Your friends from school?"

"They are indeed from my school. But I should say the three of them are my manager's friends," Akashi replied calmly. Midorima's ears twitched when he knew who Akashi was talking about.

"Oh yeah. Your manager is that girl with long brown hair and white jacket, right?" Kise asked again, which earned a nod from Akashi. Kise observed the said girl one more time to get a better view. "Huh? Wait a second. I think I saw her somewhere…" The blonde-haired man tried to remember where he saw Sakuya the first time. He saw that girl in the spectator's seat when the third place match has ended. He remembered Takao waved to that girl and called her 'Urenomiya'. Midorima also knows her, too, but the greenhead didn't answer Kise when he asked him who Urenomiya was. "Ah! I saw her was watching my match with Midorimacchi! She responded Takao's wave!"

"She is so small~" Murasakibara retorted when he spotted Sakuya was listening to her friends' talks. "But she is taller than Sa-chin and Kuro-chin~"

"Please do not mention it," Kuroko said sternly, making Aomine held his laugh because he knows Kuroko doesn't like his height being mentioned. But alas, Kuroko punched Aomine's stomach with his Ignite Pass and made the tanned man writhed in pain. "I'm sorry, Aomine-kun. My hand slipped."

"Tetsu, you brat!" Aomine snapped, but Kuroko ignored him.

"Midorimacchi, is she Takao's friend? They seem close, even waved to each other," Kise asked Midorima who is being silent all the time. When the greenhead was asked, his eyes twitched. Practically because he doesn't like his childhood friend is said to be close with Takao.

"She's not," Midorima replied curtly.

"Apparently, my manager is Shintarou's childhood friend," Akashi added.

"Oh, I see- EEEHHH?!" Kise was shocked when he heard that. His loud scream made everyone in the restaurant set their confused gaze to Kise. The blonde apologized to his surroundings for disturbing their time and went back to business. "Wait. Akashicchi, are you sure?"

"Of course. What is the point for me lying?"

Kuroko, Kise, Aomine, and Murasakibara observed their ex-captain. Judging by the redhead's expression, he is not joking. They turned to Midorima to make sure. Midorima noticed their curious look and sighed. It's better to reveal it or Kise will annoy him more. "She is my childhood friend."

His answer made the four of them gaped. They never know Midorima has a childhood friend. And she is Rakuzan manager! They took a peek at Sakuya, then back at Midorima. "You know? To think Midorima has a childhood friend and it's a girl… that was rather a surprise," Aomine retorted.

"I wonder if she tames Midorima-kun…" Kuroko retorted next, making Midorima twitched.

"What do you mean by that, Kuroko?"

Akashi's sudden chuckle put their sense together. "I shall introduce her to you," he stated as he stood up from his seat and approached the girls' table.

"Is he serious; going to introduce her?" Aomine remarked. Akashi then came back with Sakuya behind the redhead. He let Sakuya to stand beside him.

"She is my manager in Rakuzan," Akashi said. "Why don't you introduce yourselves first?" he demanded his ex-teammates.

"Huh? Why should I? I think she knows ourselves," Aomine retorted.

But Midorima didn't agree with the tanned man. "Sakuya doesn't know about you all since she spent her life in England after graduating from elementary school. She just got back here, from what I've heard."

"Mido-chin sure knows a lot about his childhood friend~" Murasakibara teased Midorima. The tallest of the five then introduced himself first. "Murasakibara Atsushi."

"Kise Ryouta! Nice to meet you!" Kise said with his charming smile.

Although he felt he didn't want to do it, Aomine was being elbowed by Kuroko to get into the flow. "Aomine Daiki," he muttered lazily.

"Kuroko Tetsuya. It's nice to see you again, Urenomiya-san," Kuroko said politely.

Sakuya nodded to four of them. She bowed slightly and greeted them back. "Urenomiya Sakuya. I am currently Rakuzan's temporary manager. It is nice to see you in general. I apologize if I had disturbed your time."

"Too polite." Kise, Aomine, and Murasakibara thought in their head.

"Is it true that you are Midorima-kun's childhood friend, Urenomiya-san?" Kuroko asked again to make sure.

"Yes, I am. Shintarou-kun is my childhood friend. We just met yesterday," Sakuya replied calmly, making everyone gaped.

Akashi chuckled. "One more thing," he said as he put his hand on Sakuya's left shoulder. With his calm demeanor, he told them, "She is my chaperone."

His blunt remark made the Generation of Miracles gasped. Now that they know Sakuya is Midorima's childhood friend, she is also the one Akashi mentioned the other day.

However, Sakuya was confused. In her life, she never heard about herself being Akashi's chaperone. "Excuse me, but I am not Akashi-san's chaperone," she remarked honestly. "I am just his friend."

"But you agreed when I asked you to accompany me seeing my ex-teammates after the opening ceremony," Akashi countered. "Isn't that makes you my chaperone, then?"

"No," Sakuya countered back. "Accompanying someone doesn't make that person as their chaperone, Akashi-san. Please stop spreading this misunderstanding to everyone."

Akashi smirked. The redhead keeps saying Sakuya is his chaperone, while Sakuya keeps denying it. The rest of Generation of Miracles watched the two's bickering with confusion and awe.

Confused with why Akashi still demands it as a fact, and awed with how Sakuya still denies the redhead politely. It's the first time for them to see someone dares to defy Akashi's words, although they are not sure if Akashi's words were true or not.

And they realized that Akashi is enjoying himself teasing the girl.

"That's enough." Much to Sakuya's relief, Midorima barged in. He pushed up his glasses and glared at Akashi. "If Sakuya says no, it means no. Do not push her, Akashi," he said while his eyes narrowed. "Or else, I won't stay calm."

Akashi rolled his eyes. Midorima was warning him.

"Oi, cool yourself, Midorima," before things starting to get worse, Aomine tried to ease the tension. "You're making the girl tensed."

Hearing that, Midorima glanced to Sakuya to see the girl's shoulders are tensed. The girl was afraid he and Akashi will collide because of her denying with Akashi. "Sorry," Midorima muttered. "I was in foul mood earlier. Forget about it."

"O-okay. By the way, let's eat our meal!" Kise exclaimed when he saw the waiter brought their orders from afar.

"I should go back to my table. Please excuse me." She bowed once again to them and excused herself. Takano and the others welcomed her when she got back to her seat and continued their girls talk. By the time she went back, the waiter put the boys' orders on their table. They said '*itadakimasu' in unison and started consuming their food.

While swallowing his food, Murasakibara suddenly muttered, "I should call Aka-chin's friend 'Nomiya-chin'." He was referring to Sakuya.

All heads turned to see a lazy-looking Murasakibara in disbelief. "Why did you suddenly blurt random things like that, Atsushi?" Akashi asked the purple-head giant with amusement.

"Because Nomiya-chin is Aka-chin's friend, and Aka-chin treats her as equal," Murasakibara stated like it's a fact. "Oh. And Nomiya-chin is similar to Kuro-chin, so I should call her like I always do to Kuro-chin."

Kuroko then sighed. "People always say that I am similar to Urenomiya-san. But I think that is unnecessary, Murasakibara-kun. You two are not that close, and I believe Urenomiya-san will feel awkward."

Murasakibara blinked. "Eh? So I can't call her 'Nomiya-chin', then?" he then pouted. "If I call her 'Urenomiya', it will tire my mouth."

"What kind of reason is that?!" Kise sweated at Murasakibara. But the blonde thought for a while. "Then I should call her-"

"Don't you dare, Kise," Midorima threatened Kise with his dark glare. The greenhead knows what Kise will do regarding his habit to add '-cchi' behind the name of someone who he respects or acknowledges. Imagining Kise does that, it gives chills to Midorima. "And you, Murasakibara. Don't just shorten people's name as you wish without asking their permission," he preached Murasakibara next.

"Eh? But I call you 'Mido-chin' and you didn't complain~"

"That's because you ignored my complaining and keeps calling me like that!"

"Midorima-kun is really sensitive regarding Urenomiya-san," Kuroko blurted out bluntly like he always does, making Kise and Aomine must hold their laugh. But the phantom man was actually right. "I suggest you should be more honest with your feeling, Midorima-kun," and Kuroko preached Midorima next.

Before Midorima snapped, Akashi cleared his throat and took over the situation. He smiled to Murasakibara. "You can call her that, only if you ask her permission, Atsushi." He then turned to Kise. "You can call her with your habit, Ryouta, but only if you ask her permission, too." And he concluded, "I want you to enjoy your meal calmly, so please keep your bickering after this."

Noticing the stressed words in Akashi's tone, the five of them nodded their head and continued their meal.

While at the other table, Momoi giggled. Her new companions looked at her in confusion. "What's wrong, Momoi-chan?" Yuzume asked the pink-haired girl.

"Well~" Momoi beamed to the girls. "I'm just happy they are having fun there," she said, referring to the reunion of the Generation of Miracles. As the girls watched the six men chatting after finishing their dinner, they agreed with Momoi. It's just like meeting with old friends, that kind of feeling. "By the way," Momoi looked up to Sakuya. "I can't believe you can face Akashi-kun like that. You are very brave, Sakuya-san!"

Sakuya didn't know what Momoi meant, but she smiled to her. "I'm just doing what I think is right."

"Well, for me is quite fascinating, especially it's Akashi-kun we are talking about here. And it's the first time I see Midorin is so protective of someone," Momoi then clapped her hands. "Oh! Is it because he likes you?" her eyes sparkled.

"Shintarou-kun likes me?" Sakuya shook her head. "I believe it's not like that."

Her answer got a curious look from her friends. Feeling the need to explain more, Sakuya added, "Shintarou-kun once said to me that he likes older women. Although we think each other as an important person, we are just close friends."

"It's surprising. But it's more surprising coming from someone like you, Sakuya-chan…" Takano sweated at her friend's impassive behavior. "Speaking aside, you are going back to Kyoto tomorrow, right?"

"Yes. I will attend the school the day after tomorrow," Sakuya explained which earned a nod from her classmates. "How will you go back to Kyoto, Takano-san?"

"We will use train, so after this we must hurry to the station," Takano replied.

Riko noticed something. "Then that means tomorrow is your last day to spend with Midorima-kun?" she asked Sakuya, since she is already being told that Midorima is Sakuya's childhood friend and heard their stories.

"I guess so. But it doesn't matter. We can call each other whenever we want." Sakuya then thought of something. "Maybe I will go back here in winter holidays. That time, I can meet up with Shintarou-kun."

"Oh, that's right. You said your hometown is here…" Riko nodded to herself. "Aw, I will miss you, Urenomiya-san."

"I will miss you too, Aida-san," Sakuya smiled to Riko. "And Momoi-san, too," she smiled to Momoi. Suddenly, the pink-haired girl gave a bone-crushing hug to Sakuya.

"YOU ARE SO CUTE, SAKUYA-SAN!" she exclaimed while crying comically. "AND WHY YOU ARE SO SIMILAR WITH TETSU-KUN?! I CAN'T BEAR IT BUT I WANNA HUG YOU WHEN YOU SMILE WITH THOSE EYES LIKE TETSU-KUN'S!"

"Momoi-san, you are suffocating her…" Riko deadpanned.

And their dinner continued on with Riko trying to pull Momoi from Sakuya and the Generation of Miracles' mess.

After finishing their dinner, each party decided to go back to their home. Murasakibara and Kise came to Sakuya and asked her if they can call her 'Nomiya-chin' and 'Urenomiyacchi' respectively. At first the brown-haired girl was confused, but in the end she agreed with them. Aomine and Momoi went back first after Momoi gave another bone-crushing hug to Sakuya, followed by Kise with Kasamatsu and Murasakibara with Himuro; who decided to accompany Takano, Yuzume, and Katagiri to the station as the two men also went back to their place in Akita by train. The Seirin team also went back after saying their farewell to Rakuzan and promised to play them again with more power next year.

"See ya, Urenomiya!" Takao waved from his bike. He is going to go home too with Midorima.

Sakuya waved Takao back. She then turned to face Midorima and smiled. "See you again, Shintarou-kun."

Midorima nodded to her. "I guess this is my last day to see you in Tokyo, huh?" he muttered under his breath. "…Take care on your way to the hotel, Sakuya."

"Yes. Take care too, Shintarou-kun." Sakuya peeked from behind her shoulder to see her teammates are waiting for her. "I'll be going now. The others are waiting for me."

Midorima hummed in reply. After saying her last greeting, she turned her heels and walked to her teammates.

Not until Midorima embraced her from behind.

The greenhead's act surprised Takao and Rakuzan team, including Akashi.

"Shintarou-kun?" Sakuya craned her neck to see Midorima frowned. The taller man put his nose on top of the girl's head; inhaling her scent. His hands are trembling even as he tightened his clasp.

"I…" Midorima stuttered. "Just… let me hold you like this… for a while."

His gentle voice made Sakuya had no choice but to let him 'feels' her being. She knows that Midorima misses her so much, and thinking he will not see her tomorrow put more pressure on him. Gently, Sakuya put her hand on Midorima's hands, while the other hand rubbed the man's head.

"Um, should we… leave them for privacy?" Hayama asked his teammates. The scene before him – although sweet, makes him embarrassed.

"Then let Sakuya-san go back to the hotel alone?" Mayuzumi asked back.

"W-well… one of us can wait for her, I think? I mean, it's kinda… awkward, watching them with this crowd. We should leave them alone…"

The boys then heard their coach chuckled slightly. "We should leave her," he demanded. "One of you should wait for her, then."

"I guess I will wait for Sa-chan," Mibuchi offered himself.

But Akashi pried in. "Let me do it," he demanded. "You can go back to the hotel, Reo. You were tired from the match. You need to rest."

Mibuchi blinked. He wanted to retort back, but the black-haired man noticed the aura around his captain. Realizing what it is, Mibuchi can only chuckle. "Alright, Sei-chan. Please take Sa-chan back safely~"

Akashi smirked. Shirogane and his boys excused themselves to Akashi and went back to the hotel first. The redhead glanced at Sakuya and Midorima who are still glued to each other, then at Takao who is enjoying the scene before him.

But Akashi is not amused at all.

However, he doesn't want to show it. He waited patiently in his spot while counting how many seconds have passed since Midorima hugged Sakuya.

Feeling his hands are relaxed, Sakuya decided it is now the time to end their short time together. She didn't want to make Akashi waits her for too long. Harlequin eyes stared to green eyes thoughtfully. She whispered, "Feeling better?" which earned a nod from Midorima. The greenhead released his arms from Sakuya's waist and leaned away. Both of his cheeks reddened when he realized he hugged Sakuya that long.

"S-sorry for holding you here," Midorima apologized to her as he pushed up his glasses whenever he feels nervous.

"It's alright. As long as you are feeling fine now." For the last time, Sakuya hugged Midorima back. She buried her face on his chest for a moment, and leaned away to look at Midorima again. "Good night, Shintarou-kun," she bid her farewell with her warm gaze.

The greenhead almost stunned by it, but he quickly recovered himself and smile to her. "Good night, Sakuya."

Releasing her embrace, she waved to Midorima and Takao and went to Akashi. The redhead led the way while Sakuya followed him from behind. After making sure Akashi had took her home, Midorima turned his body and rode his rickshaw. Before they went back to their home, Takao teased his partner.

"Very nice, Shin-chan~" Takao grinned to Midorima. "Too bad I didn't capture it with my phone~"

"Shut up, Takao." And so, the Shuutoku duo went back to their respective house.

On the way to the bus stop, Akashi and Sakuya walked together. No conversation was initiated between, because Akashi can't stop thinking about the scene he witnessed tonight. He never thought Midorima – the tsundere guy, would bluntly hug his childhood friend so openly even when his team was still around. That was a rare occurrence, coming from Midorima Shintarou. Well, maybe because the redhead never sees Midorima that close with a girl.

But it is also a rare occurrence from him; loathing Midorima for hugging Sakuya.

He loathes his hands which encircle the girl's small waist.

He loathes his nose which inhales the girl's sweet scent.

He loathes his lips which touch the girl's soft hair.

He loathes their proximity.

In the end, he will ask himself why he can think that way towards his ex-teammate. The guy didn't do anything wrong, he knows it. But he can't stop blaming Midorima for no reason.

He keeps blaming the greenhead, not realizing he was walking with faster pace; leaving Sakuya behind. He just realized it when Sakuya called out his name a few times.

"Please wait, Akashi-san!" she shouted, halting Akashi's tracks. The man turned around to see Sakuya panted heavily because she was running. "P-please… don't leave me behind…" she put her hands on her hips, trying to catch her breath.

"What am I doing?" Akashi cursed in his mind. He never thought he will be this careless. "Forgive me, Sakuya," he lamented. He offered both of his hands to Sakuya. The girl accepted his hands as Akashi helped her to stand properly.

After recovering herself, Sakuya stared at Akashi with her tired look. "I kept calling you a few times, but you didn't respond and walked faster than me," she retorted as she took another breath. "What's wrong?"

Akashi sighed and he averted his gaze to his hands which hold Sakuya's small hands. "I…" he trailed off. "I don't understand it myself."

Sakuya was confused with his reply. However, her guess suddenly perturbed him.

"Were you feeling enraged?"

Heterochromatic eyes widened in disbelief. He was feeling angry earlier? How? Why he was angry? What did make him angry? Who did make him angry?

He was confused.

But in the same time, he felt Sakuya was right.

Akashi set his gaze into Sakuya's harlequin eyes again to check her up.

And that feeling rises whenever he stares at those round eyes of her. This time, the feeling is different from the other times.

"Akashi-san?" Sakuya called the redhead again when he suddenly fell silent. The grip on her hands, however, tightened; making the girl winced. "It hurts, Akashi-san…"

Ah, so that's how it is.

He indeed was enraged.

The reason why he kept blaming Midorima for his loathness is because he was enraged. He was irritated because Midorima was the one who embraced the girl.

Not himself.

He is the one who deserved to encircle his hands around the girl's small waist, to inhale the girl's scent with his nose, to touch the girl's hair with his lips, to gain that proximity with the girl.

Only him, not other men.

Only him who can conquer the girl.

Akashi pulled Sakuya to him and immediately closed their distance with his embrace, making Sakuya gasped at the sudden force. There is no sign of him going to release her soon, as he tightened his hands around her back; keeping her secure. He closed his eyes while feeling her presence in him.

"A-Akashi-san?" Sakuya tried to release herself from Akashi, but the man's strength is greater than hers, thus her effort was futile. Feeling defeated, she let herself being chained by Akashi.

Ah, yes. It is better to keep the mouth shut to enjoy this silent blissfulness in this cold night.

"Do not resist me, Sakuya," he chanted in his mind. Because if she does, his possessiveness will worsen.

That possessiveness derived from the feeling of jealousy.

He must control it or he is afraid it will ended up that he won't take 'no' for an answer.

Or for the worse; causing the girl pain.

Author's Note:

*itadakimasu = Japanese way to thank the food given to us.

I can't believe I can finish this chapter in two days. The classic music really paced up my efforts. And so, chapter 15 is released!

I made Seirin won, yes I know that. My mood was telling me to pick Seirin, so I went along with it. And Akashi feels jealous! Wow! It was hard to build up the mood and the right words. Special chapters still wait in the line~

Thank you for your favorites, follows, and reviews! Have a nice day!