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 18
It is Indeed Beautiful
After taking Sakuya to the station, Akashi went back to his house that night. His ex-comrades have gone home and gave him a lot of presents to be brought home, especially Murasakibara. The giant purple-haired man gave him lots of sweets, shocking his father when he had arrived home. But alas, the aged man didn't mind it. Renshin has already accustomed to his son's friends.
"Where is Sakuya, Seijurou?" Renshin asked his son after Akashi has changed and put back his presents in his room. The two were in the living room; Renshin was reading while Akashi is enjoying his tea.
"I already brought her back to the station, father. She stays in Kyoto," Akashi replied calmly, earning a nod from his father.
"If I may ask, did Sakuya give you a gift?"
That question twitched Akashi's lips upwards, noticed by his father. Judging by his sudden smile, the girl did give Akashi a present. "Ah. If she did, may I know what is it?" Renshin asked again.
However, Akashi shook his head. "You can't see it, father. It is a special gift, after all," he remarked proudly, making his father confused.
"Do not want to tell me what it is, hm?" Renshin hummed in amusement. He then closed his book and took off his reading glasses. "Speaking of which, Seijurou, could you do me a favor?"
Akashi nodded. "What is it, father?"
"It is simple. I want you to invite Sakuya to our dinner on December 25."
Akashi raised his brows. "Dinner on Christmas Day?"
"That's right. Do you have any problems with that?"
"Not exactly. However," Akashi retorted as he was in deep thoughts. "I am sorry, father. I have another plan on that day."
This time, Renshin raised his brows at his son. "Is it about your basketball practice?"
"Of course not, father." Akashi sipped his tea again before setting his thoughtful gaze to his father. Proudly, he remarked, "I am going to spend my Christmas celebration with Sakuya somewhere together."
That answer sure picked Renshin's interest. "Is that so? Only the two of you?"
Akashi smiled when he heard that. He then recalled the times when he walked Sakuya back to the station after his surprise party.
"Are you sure you don't need a hand for bringing those boxes?" Sakuya asked with her worried tone, seeing Akashi had offered himself to walk her to the station and brought along his friends' presents with him. The redhead refused to let Sakuya brought some of them when the girl offered her help. He said he was fine bringing those boxes.
"I already told you, Sakuya. I am fine. These presents are not troubling me after all," Akashi replied calmly.
"If you say so." Sakuya took a peek at the plastic bag in Akashi's right hand grip. Inside the plastic bag, Murasakibara's presents were there. The amount was monstrous. She doubt Akashi can finish those sweets alone. "Atsushi-san gave you lots of sweet, didn't he?"
Akashi noticed the way Sakuya addresses the purple-head giant, but didn't mind it. He knows Sakuya has difficulties to pronounce Murasakibara's name. "He did, indeed."
"Speaking about sweets," Sakuya mused. "There is this stall which sells cotton candy in the amusement park earlier."
"Oh? What's wrong with it?"
"I want to try it, but it was very crowded, so I couldn't try it," Sakuya answered expressionlessly, although her disappointed tone can be heard by Akashi.
Akashi chuckled. "Do you like that cotton candy that much, Sakuya?"
Sakuya shook her head. "Not really. I just want to try it once, since I never try one before. My cousins said once to me it was really sweet and delicious, so it picked my interest."
"I see." Akashi nodded in understanding. "Sakuya. You said you were going to the amusement park with your cousins in your winter holidays?"
Sakuya blinked. "Yes, I said that before."
"If that's the case, you're going to go back to your house in Tokyo on December 25, I assume?"
"Yes. After school, I am going to go back to Tokyo and stay at my parents' house on Christmas Day until the end of the winter holidays."
"Then, you don't have any plans after arriving at your parents' house, right?"
Sakuya nodded silently, making Akashi smirked. "If you don't mind, I want to spend the Christmas celebration with you, Sakuya."
"Christmas celebration?" Sakuya thought for a while. "You're not going to celebrate it with your father, Sei-san?"
"Well, I do want to do it with my father. But, just for this year," Akashi looked to Sakuya and smiled to her. "I want to celebrate it together with you, or should I say, just the two of us."
Sakuya noticed the glint of hope that sparked within Akashi's mismatched eyes. The redhead is really eager to spend that day with her. She didn't know why, but she can't reject Akashi's offer that time. "I think I can approve with that, Sei-san."
Her agreement made Akashi just skipped a beat. He was glad Sakuya didn't reject his offer. "Thank you, Sakuya. Then, I will fetch you at your parents' house and guide you to our destination on December 25. I will tell you the details about our plan tomorrow."
Sakuya nodded in approval. "Speaking of which, where our destination will be, Sei-san?"
"It's obvious when I asked you about your plan with your said cousins," Akashi remarked proudly. He then gave his smile to the brown-haired girl. "The amusement park; that is our destination."
Ending his thoughts, Akashi looked to his father. "Yes. Only the two of us."
"I see," Renshin said with amusement. "Well, if that is your plan, I won't stop you. However, I want you to invite her to our dinner sometimes, Seijurou. Perhaps you can bring her here if you two want to have dinner after your own plan?"
Akashi narrowed his eyes. "Father, why are you so eager to bring Sakuya here for dinner?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Renshin chuckled. "I am interested with her; the girl which you don't want to be taken by someone else."
The statement made Akashi widened his eyes. His shocked reaction earned another chuckle from his father. "Do not be alarmed, Seijurou. Even though you didn't mention the person, I knew from that time you were talking about Sakuya. Do you think I didn't realize?" Renshin continued on. "Do not underestimate your father's physiology analyzing skill. You can hide your emotion with that poker face of yours, but I still can read it."
Akashi can only sigh at his father. "Putting that aside, why are you interested with Sakuya, father?" Akashi asked again.
"Hm? Didn't I tell you that I was interested with her because that was the first time I saw you telling me about a girl so eagerly?"
"I know that. But I feel that there's another reason behind it," Akashi stated while glaring to his father with suspicions. Renshin can only smirk at his son's behavior. "What are you trying to do, father?"
"I'm not trying anything, Seijurou. I just want her to join our dinner sometimes," Renshin remarked calmly, despite the menacing glare Akashi has given him didn't waver the aged man. He crossed his legs and adjusted his position as comfort as possible. "Isn't it fine to have another company in our house? We only enjoy our dinner just the two of us, even we do it rarely. With her presence, the house will be lively."
"…I know you are going to investigate her, father."
Renshin showed his trademark smile to Akashi; the smile that both of them use if they want something. "Do not worry, Seijurou," he assured Akashi. "Just tell me when you are going to invite her here again for dinner."
Although Akashi felt something suspicious with his father, he decided to let it go. Even if his father wants to do anything with Sakuya, Akashi will stop it with all costs. He won't lose even to his own father. "If you say so, I will tell you when she has the time, father."
The aged man nodded. "Speaking of which," he retorted while thinking. Akashi looked at him; waiting for his father to continue. "Who is this man who is qualified to be your opponent in gaining Sakuya, Seijurou?"
Hearing that question, Akashi sighed. "You said it like Sakuya is a thing, father."
"I didn't mean it like that. What I meant is gaining her heart," Renshin explained, which earned a confused look from Akashi. "Hm? Is something wrong?"
"Sakuya's… heart?" Akashi mumbled quietly, unheard by Renshin. The redhead didn't know what his father meant by it. He was completely bewildered.
Realizing that his son doesn't know anything about it, Renshin chortled. "Seijurou, let me ask you this." Renshin put down his book on the coffee table and crossed his legs. He looked to his son with calm demeanor. "You said you were afraid to hurt Sakuya because of your uncontrollable urge. You also said you didn't want to lose her because someone else would take her first instead." He then pointed to Akashi. "Tell me the reason why you felt that way; you don't want Sakuya to be taken by someone else."
Akashi can only be dumbfounded. The reason? What is his reason for feeling that way towards Sakuya? Now that his father mentioned it, Akashi realized he doesn't know the reason why.
What is it that makes him doesn't want to lose Sakuya? What is it that makes him so selfish if it concerns about Sakuya? What is it that makes him jealous every time Sakuya is with Midorima?
What is it that makes him wanted to kiss Sakuya at the balcony earlier?
"I see that you still don't understand about it. What a shame, Seijurou," his father remarked disappointedly.
Akashi glared at Renshin. "What are you trying to say, father?"
Renshin shook his head. "I am not going to tell you the answer. The answer itself lies between you and Sakuya only. All I want you to know is that I am disappointed with you right now, Seijurou," he said with a harsh tone, making Akashi twitched. He then stood up and wanted to leave to his room, along with his book. When he walked past the bewildered Akashi, Renshin glanced tot him and said, "If you are still in this state, I don't mind Sakuya is taken by someone else; whoever that person is."
Before Akashi countered his words, Renshin added again, "I have told you many times, Seijurou. Being an Akashi means you must excel at everything, including this trivial thing. Find it, and I don't need to worry anymore." The aged man then smirked. "Maybe I should prepare a prize if you happen to discover it, Seijurou. But then again, do remember every word from me today. Crave them into your mind. Also, remember about one thing that I told you one day; wanting someone so badly means you must be ready to lose them eventually." After saying all of that, Renshin left Akashi alone in the living room.
Akashi sighed in annoyance. He ruffled his hair and tried to comprehend what his father had said to him. But alas, he must find out his reason first in the end. He must master it before Sakuya is being taken away.
Then again, he asked himself why he doesn't want her to be in someone's grasp.
He sighed again. Things have become complicated than he thought. But that doesn't matter. He will find the answer if he spends more time with Sakuya. The girl will provide him the answer that his father demands from him. As for now, he must focus on his Christmas plan with Sakuya.
"I see. I am fine with it." Sakuya nodded to Akashi in understanding. The two were in an empty shogi clubroom and Akashi asked the girl to accompany him playing shogi; which the girl accepted nonetheless. He still played solo while Sakuya watched him from the opposite of him. During that time, Akashi decided to explain their plan in detail to Sakuya.
Akashi chuckled. "Then, after school I will help you bringing your bags to your house in Tokyo first and we will go to the amusement park after that," he said, earning another nod from Sakuya. Because Sakuya will also go back to her house in Tokyo on December 25, she will bring her bags there first and meet up with Akashi at the amusement park. However, Akashi offered another plan; they will go to her house and go to the amusement park together from there. They won't change their uniform first because Akashi told her he wanted to show her something before the night falls. The trip from Kyoto to Tokyo takes about two hours, and when they will get there it will be around 5 p.m. It will take about twenty minutes to arrive at Sakuya's house by taxi, and about twenty minutes again to get to the amusement park by taxi again. Akashi has set this time plan properly so he can show her something magnificent before 6 p.m. "You don't mind if we still wear our uniform?"
Sakuya shook her head. "I am fine with it. After all, you have planned this because you wanted to show me something, Sei-san."
Akashi blinked. How did Sakuya know about his plan?
"You are going to show me the sunset from the Ferris wheel view right, Sei-san?"
Her guess made Akashi's eyes widened. "My, I am being discovered," Akashi retorted amusingly. "I wanted to surprise you. But now that you know what I am going to do, it won't be a surprise anymore."
"Ah. I apologize for ruining your plan, Sei-san," Sakuya apologized politely like always. Akashi smiled to her and patted her head, telling her he was fine with it. "Then, I will wait for it. I can't wait seeing the sunset from the Ferris wheel with you, Sei-san," she said with eyes filled with sparkles. Sakuya was really eager to experience the great view on Christmas day.
"You really love the sunset, do you?" Akashi asked curiously. Every time Sakuya mentions about sunset, her face will be brightened like now. Seeing her with that look makes Akashi can't help but think the girl is cute.
Sakuya nodded vigorously. "Yes. It is beautiful."
"Beautiful, hm?" Akashi mused. For him, seeing the sunset is a normal thing for him. There is nothing special with it. It is a daily occurrence, after all.
"By the way, Sei-san. What if we don't make it to the Ferris wheel before the sun starts setting?" Sakuya then asked after being expressionless again.
The redhead chuckled. "Do not worry, Sakuya. We are going to see the sunset. Everything will be according to our plan."
Sakuya blinked. "You are very sure of it, Sei-san."
"Of course." Akashi smiled proudly. "Because I am Akashi Seijurou. I believe my own decisions and everything will be going smoothly."
"…You are still too full of yourself, Sei-san," Sakuya said honestly, making Akashi chuckled. "If you say so, then I will believe you. But just in case we don't make it, do you have another plan, Sei-san?"
"Another plan, hm?" Akashi halted his play and hummed. "Actually, my father asked me to invite you to our dinner on Christmas, Sakuya."
"Your father?"
Akashi nodded solemnly. "Well, if you have time for dinner that time, I will bring you to our house. That's only if we don't make it before the sunset. But if you don't have time for it…" Akashi thought for a moment. "Hm, I haven't planned for it."
"I see." Sakuya nodded. "Unfortunately, because my cousins will be gathering at my parents' house, I will spend the dinner time with all of them. I believe I can't fulfill your father's request for it."
"Is that so? Then I will tell my father about it." Akashi took one of his pieces and moved it forward. He continued playing shogi while Sakuya is observing him.
Not until Sakuya remembered something. "Sei-san. Could I ask you something?"
Heterochromatic eyes locked to harlequin eyes. "Go ahead."
"I heard from Atsushi-san that Shintarou-kun once lost his scarf when you were all still in middle school. He even yelled at you. Is that true?"
"Ah." Akashi stopped playing and crossed his arms. "He did yell at me that time. Also, that was the first time Shintarou is angry when something other than his lucky items is lost," he said, reminiscing his past with his friends in Teiko middle school.
That day was another usual day for Teiko regulars. Even though winter still lingered, practices were still held for them. They practiced diligently until night, something which is common for the prodigies even though they were still first year. Kise was not around because he joined in their second year; replacing Haizaki Shougo later.
After they were done, however, all of them were surprised by an uproar caused by Midorima Shintarou.
"It's gone!" Midorima shrieked in fear. He just wanted to change into his uniform when he realized his dark green scarf that he always wears in winter has gone. He searched in his locker, but he couldn't find it anywhere. He even took out all of his things inside his bag to search it thoroughly, making the locker room in such a mess because of it.
"What's wrong, Midorima-kun?" after changing into his uniform, Kuroko quietly approached Midorima and asked him what happened.
Midorima looked to Kuroko in desperation. "Kuroko!" he shouted his name, making everyone in the locker room turned to Midorima in confusion. "Did you see my scarf around here?!" he asked desperately.
Kuroko shook his head. "I'm sorry, Midorima-kun. I didn't see it anywhere."
"Dammit!" Feeling enraged, Midorima left his bag and his things just like that and walked around the locker room trying to find his scarf again.
"Is it Mido-chin's lucky item?" Murasakibara approached Kuroko and asked the light-blue-haired guy. Kuroko shook his head again.
"Midorima-kun's lucky item is that owl statue," Kuroko said and pointed to the deserted owl statue near the bench that Midorima brought from the morning. The man said himself that it was his lucky item of the day. Because that day he ranked last, the size of the statue was enormous. They just didn't know how Midorima could bring it to school.
"Then why Mido-chin was upset when his scarf is gone?" Murasakibara asked again, this time he watched Midorima still tried to search for his scarf.
"Maybe it is his important thing," Kuroko speculated. Silently, he also walked around the locker room; helping Midorima searched the scarf. Murasakibara also followed the phantom suit while munching his snack. "By the way, what was the scarf like?" Murasakibara asked again.
Kuroko sighed. Murasakibara is very ignorant of all things except his snacks. He didn't realize that Midorima always wears scarf in winter all the time. "It is dark green in color."
A while later, Aomine and Momoi went inside. When they spotted the three were looking for something, Aomine stopped Kuroko and asked his partner. "Yo, Tetsu. What are you looking for?"
"It's Midorima-kun's scarf," Kuroko replied monotonously. "Have you seen his scarf around, Aomine-kun?"
"Midorima's scarf?" Aomine scratched his head, trying to remember if Midorima ever wears one. "Wait. Does he wear that? I don't remember seeing him wearing one."
Kuroko and Momoi sighed. Aomine is the kind of guy who doesn't care about anything else except basketball. That's just the kind of guy he is. But, it's annoying sometimes. "Jeez, Aomine-kun! Midorin always wears one, you know! Where were your eyes?" Satsuki yelled at her childhood friend for being inconsiderate.
"Don't shout at me like that, Satsuki…" Aomine scoffed. "So? What's the matter with the scarf?"
"Mido-chin lost his scarf, so we were helping him finding it~" Murasakibara answered Aomine's inquiry while inspecting each lockers.
"His scarf is gone?" Momoi then glanced to Midorima who was still searching around the lockers. When she spotted his desperate look, she was quite surprised. "It's the first time I see Midorin is that desperate to find his thing other than his lucky items…" she retorted quietly.
"What's with the uproar?" Not long after, Akashi came inside. He saw Kuroko, Aomine, and Momoi were gathering together while Murasakibara and Midorima were looking inside the lockers. "Hm? Is there something the matter?" he approached the trio who seemed to know the situation.
"Midorima-kun lost his scarf, Akashi-kun," Kuroko explained to the redhead. "Right now, we are trying to find it around here."
"His scarf?" Akashi thought for a moment. "Hm… it's not his lucky item for today, yet," Akashi glanced to Midorima. Seeing his desperate look, his messy hair, and his heavy breaths gave clues to him that the greenhead was trying his best to find the said item. "Midorima is panicking. I guess it is his important thing?"
Feeling the need that he must help Midorima, Akashi approached the greenhead. He tapped his shoulder once so Midorima would look to him. "Midorima. Is something the matter?" he asked again to make sure.
"Akashi…" Midorima tried to regain his composure after seeing his captain. "I am searching for my scarf."
"I see." Akashi nodded in understanding. "Where did you put it, Midorima?"
"In my locker. But then I couldn't find it when I wanted to change," Midorima replied nervously. "Have you seen it, Akashi?"
"I suppose not. I saw you wore your scarf when we got here to change into our sport attire," Akashi stated. "Have you searched around here?"
"I have."
"Maybe you could search around-" Akashi glanced to the clock hanging on the wall. It is 6.35 p.m. "It is already this dark, Midorima."
Midorima followed Akashi's gaze and realized the time also. "Damn. I haven't found it…" he muttered under his breath.
"We should leave the school immediately or the coach will yell at us for being here too long," Akashi reminded his teammates, indirectly telling them to quickly change their clothes and leave the school afterwards. "You should change, Midorima," Akashi told Midorima next after seeing the others were changing their uniform.
"I can't," Midorima sternly stated. "I must find my scarf first. It's my priority."
Akashi sighed at Midorima's stubborn personality. "Midorima, I think you can search for it again tomorrow," he suggested, not realizing that Midorima twitched. "This is already dark. The school has been closed. You can search it tomorrow morning-"
However, Midorima was not agreed with that. "Tomorrow you said?" he snapped. "Don't tell me that, Akashi."
The redhead blinked hearing Midorima's tone suddenly change. "Why, Midorima? It is better to search for lost items when it is in the daylight, right? That's why I said you could search it tomorrow morning," Akashi said calmly.
"I CAN'T!" Midorima suddenly yelled; making everyone in the locker room shocked hearing his shouting voice. Even Akashi was surprised, too. It was his first time seeing Midorima that enraged. "You don't know how much that scarf means to me, Akashi!"
"Oi, Midorima… Cool yourself," Aomine approached the two and tried to calm Midorima down.
"It is fine, Aomine." Akashi raised his hand at Aomine, stopping him. He looked to Midorima with his sharp red eyes. "Even if you tell me that, I still suggest you to search for it tomorrow morning, Midorima. It is better than lurking around in the dark."
"DON'T TELL ME THAT!" Without warnings, Midorima grabbed Akashi's shirt and pulled him up forcefully. Their teammates were horrified seeing the scene before them. They never thought Midorima would do that to Akashi. The redhead even widened his eyes; didn't believe at what Midorima had done to him. The greenhead glared at his captain. "I must find my scarf now! I can't wait for tomorrow morning! If I can't find my scarf, I… I…" Midorima shouted while panting. Being angry takes lots of his breaths. "I don't know what will happen to me if that scarf is really gone! That's the only scarf I have!"
"Alright you two, calm down!" Aomine tried to take over the situation. He didn't want it to be worse. Murasakibara and Kuroko also helped the tanned man pinned Midorima.
"Mido-chin, calm down. You will hurt Aka-chin like that," Murasakibara told Midorima as he encircled his arms around the greenhead's armpits.
"Midorima, calm yourself," finally Akashi stated firmly, making Midorima released his grip on Akashi's shirt. The redhead observed Midorima's look thoughtfully after that.
"Are you alright, Akashi-kun?" Kuroko asked worriedly, which earned a nod from Akashi.
"You shouldn't fight each other just because of your scarf, Mido-chin~" Murasakibara told, or rather, preached Midorima when the man just calmed down. He released his arms around the greenhead's armpits and leaned away.
"...Leave me alone," Midorima remarked and he quietly went outside, probably continued his searching. The others watched Midorima walked away and quitted the door.
Aomine sighed. "What's the deal with that dude? He suddenly got angry like that…"
"Is Midorima-kun going to search his scarf again?" Kuroko looked up to his teammates. "We should help him. I have a feeling he is not going to go home before he finds it. Midorima-kun is a stubborn person, after all."
"He is indeed stubborn," Akashi then remarked. He crossed his arms and looked to his teammates seriously. "Before things get worse, we should help him finding it."
"But it's already this dark…" Aomine looked to the clock again to make sure. "It's going to be 7 p.m."
"I know. I won't let you go home before any of you find Midorima's scarf," Akashi stated, making everyone gasped at their captain. "Just to let you know, I really mean it when I said I wouldn't let you go home. I don't want one of my teammates is left alone at school because of a lost item."
"Are you serious, Akashi?" Aomine scratched his head.
"I am serious. In fact, if I catch any of you trying to sneak out from school, I will triple all of your trainings," Akashi said next, making everyone feared their captain. The redhead is really serious when he said it. "What are you waiting for? Go."
Without words, all of the regulars started searching for Midorima's scarf. They searched around the gym thoroughly by Akashi's demand. Their search didn't last long, because Momoi finally found the dark green scarf beneath the towels in the laundry room. She speculated maybe someone mistook the scarf and put it with the towels. She gave it to Midorima, and the greenhead was relieved he found his scarf back. He thanked Momoi for finding it.
After that uproar, Akashi was perplexed. He was curious on why Midorima would act that way that day. The greenhead even almost wanted to hit him, if Aomine and Murasakibara didn't calm him down. But what made him astounded was Midorima's look when he found his scarf back.
Midorima's eyes were glistened and he smiled in relief. He held his scarf closer to him like it was a keepsake from someone's important of him.
"Fortunately, that time we managed to find his scarf immediately. Momoi was the one who found it first; buried under the towels." Akashi ended his thoughts and looked back to Sakuya. "Why do you ask, Sakuya? And how do you know about Shintarou's lost scarf?"
"It's because I am curious," Sakuya replied honestly. "And I know it because I gave the scarf to Shintarou-kun as a birthday gift."
Akashi's eyes widened. "You were the one who gave his scarf?"
Sakuya nodded solemnly. "Yes. I gave it on his twelfth birthday."
The redhead fell silent for a while; comprehending Sakuya's words to him earlier. Now that he knows, Akashi finally understood why Midorima acted that way. It was simply because Sakuya was the one who gave the thing to the greenhead; hence it became the shooter's important item. Somehow, he was aghast with how a person can react that way towards an item. Maybe for some other people, that item is not that important. But the value of the thing rises when you gain it for some reasons. As for Midorima, the dark green scarf is invaluable because he gained it from his childhood friend. To complete that part, he gained it for his birthday.
But at the same time, he felt jealous. He wanted to receive at least something from Sakuya and he could keep it to himself; a keepsake. He wanted to experience just like how Midorima feels towards his scarf.
"I see." Ending his thoughts, he continued moving his pawns again on the shogi board. He tried to hide his jealousy by focusing his gaze on the board rather than looking at Sakuya.
"By the way, Sei-san," Sakuya called out again. Akashi's eyes were still focused on the board. "How do you usually spend the Christmas day?"
Still not wanting to look at Sakuya, Akashi continued playing shogi while answering her inquiry. "I usually spend it with my father; having a grand dinner. Sometimes we do it at home, or if my father has time we have it at a restaurant. If my father is away, I spend it alone at home playing shogi."
Sakuya blinked. "Playing shogi? You didn't go out with your friends?"
"Only once, though; in my second year of middle school."
Sakuya hummed in understanding. Feeling she had enough asking her questions, she silently watched Akashi played shogi. Silence filled the air after that. None of them wanted to initiate any conversation as they had their own activity. Yet, they didn't mind the quiet and awkward atmosphere. As his hand moved, Akashi could feel Sakuya's gaze lingered to him. The girl observed his movements without raising any voice. She didn't want to break his concentration. Her gaze felt powerful to him; he didn't know why. He wanted to look at her harlequin eyes, but there's something inside him that yelled at him not to do it.
"I wonder what's wrong with me?" Akashi thought. After done moving his own piece, his hand moved to the other side to change the position of the pawn of his enemy. However, another hand took one of the pawns and moved it to another place instead. He was halted by its action.
"It's going one step forward, I assume?" Sakuya innocently retorted. However, Akashi didn't answer her. "Um, did I do it wrong?"
Akashi finally raised his face and looked at Sakuya with unreadable expression. When their eyes met, Sakuya suddenly giggled. Akashi raised his brows. "Why are you laughing, Sakuya?" the redhead asked.
"You're finally seeing me," was the answer Sakuya provided to him. "When I asked you that question earlier, you didn't look at me in the eyes, Sei-san. You never do that to me until now."
Her statement made Akashi astounded. He was terrified Sakuya noticed that little thing. Her sharpness of her surroundings is amazing. He was even more terrified when Sakuya asked, "Is there something on your mind?"
Akashi was perplexed. The girl's observation skill even can notice his uneasiness. Knowing that, he couldn't help himself but chuckled. He then ruffled his hair as he gazed intensely into Sakuya's eyes.
Yes. Every time his eyes are locked into hers, that feeling always rises onto surface. But this feeling is different when he felt jealousy. It is something else.
Maybe this is the feeling that he can't comprehend; the answer his father mentioned to him yesterday.
"Ah… Why are you giving me this kind of feeling, Sakuya?" Akashi asked, making Sakuya blinked at his words.
"What do you mean, Sei-san?"
"I don't know, either. But if I don't find it soon," Akashi then frowned. "You will be taken away from me."
Sakuya wanted to say that she wouldn't go anywhere, but she stopped when Akashi stood up from his chair and approached her, and trapped her by putting his arms on both sides of the chair. She was bewildered at Akashi's behavior, but she knows her friend has something on his mind. "Sei-san?" she called out his name.
There was silence between their closeness, not until Akashi spoke out. "Sakuya…" he trailed off. "I don't know why, but I really want to devour you so anyone can't take you away from me."
"…I am not edible, Sei-san," Sakuya deadpanned.
Akashi chuckled. "You should not go away from me," he continued, this time he encircled his arms around Sakuya's shoulders; embracing her. He closed his eyes; trying to inhale her sweet scent – the scent he finds addicting.
"Why?" she asked him innocently.
"Because you are…" when Akashi wanted to continue his speech, his tongue was halted. Something inside his throat hindered him to say those words. It's like warning him to not say that, or he will lose Sakuya.
But he must say it so the girl will understand. He must say it so the girl knows what he wants. He must say it so any man can't snatch her away from him.
Because Urenomiya Sakuya is-
Suddenly, a classical tune rang. Sakuya's phone was ringing. Hearing it, the girl wanted to answer the incoming call. "Um, Sei-san. If you don't mind…" she requested Akashi to release his embrace, which the man immediately did to give her some space. Sakuya answered the phone, which is from Takano, and talked for a while. After she was done, she put back her phone inside her pocket and looked up to Akashi. "I apologize, Sei-san. I am going to meet up with Takano-san and the others. They are waiting for me."
"Is that so?" Akashi backed away. "Then, I will continue to play here."
"Is that okay for you?"
Akashi nodded. "Do not worry. I will meet you again at the class, after all."
"I see. Then, please excuse me." Sakuya stood up and bowed to Akashi, and she went out from the clubroom to meet up with her friends. After she was gone, Akashi sat again on his chair and tried to remember what he was going to say to Sakuya before. But somehow, he suddenly couldn't remember.
"What was I going to say?" Akashi asked himself. He looked to the door, where Sakuya just left from. "Because Sakuya is…" Akashi tried to finish that particular statement. But alas, he was puzzled. He couldn't finish it with appropriate words.
How strange.
After a few days have passed, it is the day Akashi has been waiting for.
It is Friday. December 25th. Even though it is Christmas day, students are still attending school. The same goes to Rakuzan High School. That's why some students usually spend their Christmas day on weekend.
But it is different case with Akashi. Today he has plan with Sakuya. He will execute it and make Sakuya in awe. He already made sure his timing will be perfect for today.
And so, after the school has finished, the two of them left school and going to visit Sakuya's apartment first to help her bringing her belongings to her parent's house first before going to the amusement park.
However, the girl said, "I already put my belongings yesterday, Sei-san. So we don't need to visit my parent's house first."
Akashi blinked when he heard that. "You already put them yesterday?" he asked on their way to the station. Just as when they arrived in front of Sakuya's apartment, the girl didn't stop there and kept walking. It seemed Sakuya really had done it yesterday.
"Yes. So it will save up more time for today's plan," Sakuya replied. "I don't want your plan to be ruined, Sei-san. After all, I am also eager to watch the sunset with you."
"My, you don't need to do that. But thank you for being considerate." Akashi patted Sakuya's head gently. "If you did that, why you didn't call me yesterday? I could help you bringing those bags for you."
"It's alright. My uncle helped me bringing them yesterday."
The two then got on the train after buying their tickets to their destination; Tokyo. On the train, they sat beside each other; chatting about some random things as two hours passed. When they arrived in Tokyo later, Akashi called for a taxi and they immediately drove to the amusement park. Akashi looked to his watch - it is 5.45 p.m., after the two arrived at their final destination. He paid the fee after struggling with Sakuya who wanted to share their payment.
Much to his anticipation, the park was a little bit crowded, but not that crowded like the last time he went there with Sakuya. Most of them are teenagers with their uniform, and some of them are couples. They were probably wanted to spend their Christmas day together with their partner.
"Ah." Suddenly, Sakuya was somehow surprised about something when they walked into the amusement park and avoided people who passed by.
"What is it, Sakuya?" Akashi asked the girl, and he followed the girl's line of sight to see some people they know were walking together from afar. They are Riko and Hyuuga; people from Seirin. The two of them were walking together awkwardly and sheepishly.
"It's Aida-san and Hyuuga-san," Sakuya retorted as she watched the couple walked inside a crane game.
Akashi chuckled. "It is a coincidence to see them here together of all places. It seems their teammates are not with them at the moment."
Sakuya nodded at that. "Today is Christmas day, after all."
Akashi glanced at Sakuya who seems enjoying the view before her. "What is that supposed to mean? Of course today is Christmas day."
"Yes. And because of that, I think Aida-san and Hyuuga-san used this opportunity to spend their time together. Just like the others around," Sakuya explained while eying all the couples around them. She can see the intimacy between them.
Akashi also followed Sakuya's suit, however he couldn't understand what Sakuya had meant to him. The girl seems to understand about something, yet he's the one who couldn't. "Is there something going on between them?" Akashi decided to ask his bewilderment.
Innocently, Sakuya looked up to Akashi and replied, "They are dating, Sei-san."
The word 'dating' stuck into Akashi's mind. As far as he knows, dating means you are officially in a relationship with other person. However, he doesn't understand what kind of relationship they have. "So," Akashi took a peek at Riko and Hyuuga again. "Those two are in a relationship right now?"
"Yes." Sakuya then giggled. "I guess Hyuuga-san finally confessed his feelings to Aida-san. They are officially lovers now."
The two of them then watched Hyuuga trying to hold hands with Riko as they walked around again. When he managed to hold her hand, however, Riko was flushed and she slapped his hand out of her embarrassment. Hyuuga didn't give up, though. After that, he managed to hold her hand after saying something to Riko, which made the short brown-haired girl blushed. Seeing that reaction, Sakuya once again giggled. She was really enjoying the scene between those two.
"Both of them are cute," she said. "I wonder if their teammates have known about their relationship."
Akashi could only watch their behavior in silence. He was perplexed and confused at the same time.
If the couples he has seen around were dating, what about him and Sakuya now? What are they doing right now? Is it the same as dating? Or is it something else?
However, does he have that relationship like the couples out there with Sakuya right now? All that he knows, he and Sakuya are friends. But he wants more than that when Sakuya told him that she saw her as a friend. He wants more than Sakuya has with Midorima.
They are officially lovers now.
The thing he wants more… is it being lovers?
"Should we hurry up to the Ferris wheel, Sei-san?" Sakuya voiced out, snapping Akashi back to reality.
"I guess so," Akashi replied. The two then continued walking to queue for the Ferris wheel. Fortunately, there are less people queuing there. The sky is also getting redder. The sunset is going to commence soon. "Speaking of which, Sakuya," the redhead glanced to Sakuya. "What do you think about our activity today?"
Sakuya blinked. "You mean what are we doing right now?"
Akashi smirked. "If I say we are dating, what do you think?"
He expected Sakuya would be surprised and denied his words. However, Sakuya's reaction was calm. Rather than be shocked, she was being thoughtful. Sakuya rubbed her chin; deep in thoughts. She was contemplating what Akashi had said to her. "Actually, this can be called dating," she remarked after thinking for a while, shocking Akashi with her blunt answer.
"Is that so?"
"Well, if other people see us like this, they will think we are dating," Sakuya continued on. "As for ourselves, we are just strolling; two friends are going to have fun in the amusement park."
Akashi was a bit disappointed hearing that. The girl, although agreed first, denied it in the end that they were dating. "Then, what should I do so you can think we are dating right now?" he asked her teasingly.
However, Akashi couldn't hear her response because they were already in the front row and got into the cabin with the help of the operator. Even when they got inside, there was no sign of Sakuya wanting to reply his inquiry. The girl just looked through the window, excited for the ride. It was clearly exposed in her eyes although her face looked blank.
"My, my. Aren't you excited for this?" Akashi voiced out his amusement. Seeing an expressionless Sakuya, who was sitting the opposite of him, sparkled is an enjoyable thing for him. Sakuya silently nodded at that.
"Because we are finally going to watch the sunset from here," she responded happily; known by her change of tone which is higher than usual. "And finally we can ride the Ferris wheel."
Akashi chuckled at her behavior. "You are really adorable, Sakuya."
Their cabin slowly moved as another people got inside to the other cabins one by one. The sky painted with reddish color. As they almost reached to the top, they could see the sun gradually sets to the west; slowly sinks into the horizon. Akashi gazed to it, practically felt normal to that daily occurrence. In his eyes, the sunset is just a boring event since he always sees it. There is nothing special in it. But he kept that thinking to himself because he wants to make Sakuya happy.
"It's the sunset," Sakuya remarked in their silence.
Akashi hummed in reply. "Good thing that we get to see it from the top, hm?" The redhead glanced to Sakuya, who is now gazing to the sun's direction. Her eyes clearly inspecting every movement of the sun as it gradually sinks deeper into the horizon. Judging by her reaction, she is focusing herself to indulge in her observation. Akashi decided not to disturb her and let Sakuya enjoyed the blissful moment.
Not until Sakuya finally spoke; praising the sunset's account in her soft, low voice. She turned to Akashi and gave him her genuine smile, as she said, "It is beautiful."
Akashi was stunned, but not because of her smile across her face. He was struck by her harlequin eyes.
Her eyes, which always seem blank, are smiling.
Through those eyes, Akashi somehow can read what Sakuya is feeling now. The girl is in awe, and also feeling gratitude because she manages to see the sunset from her desired view. They are also telling him that the sunset is really beautiful, just like she said. Those eyes are like some kind of proof to show people that she is not lying.
Seeing her with that look and the sunlight showered her being, Sakuya seems glowing.
And for him, she looks beautiful, very beautiful.
"Isn't it beautiful, Sei-san?" Sakuya asked his opinion and eagerly waiting for his response.
The redhead dazed for a while, before glancing to the sunset and turned back to face Sakuya. He then closed his eyes and opened them again to observe Sakuya's presence in front of him.
In his mind, he asked himself a question. Does the sunset can be this enormously wonderful to him? Just before, he thought it was plain. But now, when he gazed into it again, he thought it is actually quite fascinating.
And when he looked back to Sakuya, he had a feeling it was his honest remark. Also, he knew because of one thing.
Sakuya is with him right now.
Akashi smiled, and relaxed himself. One last time, he watched the sunset again as it completely sinks into the horizon, making the sky darker with a tinge of purple.
"It is indeed beautiful."
You make it beautiful, just being here together with me.
His honest response made Sakuya giggled. "I am glad you are also thinking the same, Sei-san."
The sky has gotten darker, and the night falls. Their cabin slowly moved down; their time has finished. Before they are going out, Sakuya quickly grab her school bag and searched something inside it. Akashi raised his brows at the girl. "Searching for something, Sakuya?" he asked her.
Sakuya then found what she was searching for and took it out to reveal a white rectangular-wrapped box from her bag. "This is for you, Sei-san," she said and handed it to Akashi.
"What is this?" Akashi was confused, but he ended up received the box from her.
"Your Christmas gift," she replied monotonously, making Akashi arched his brows. "You can open it right now, Sei-san."
Feeling curious, Akashi untied the red bow and opened the box. Inside it lies a white knit scarf with amaranth stripes; creating a tartan texture. Judging by its look, it's a handmade one. He took a glance at Sakuya, and back to the scarf. "Is this for me?"
"Yes. I made it for you." Sakuya tilted her head. "Do you like it?"
Silently, Akashi took his gift and wore it around his neck. The moment he wears it, he feels warm. But somehow, he can smell a sweet smell from the scarf itself. It is probably Sakuya's scent tainted on the material when the girl was making it. Nonchalantly, he inhaled it and felt the softness of the scarf. "I really like this. Thank you, Sakuya," he thanked her gratefully.
"You're welcome, Sei-san. Also, thank you for bringing me here."
"It is nothing much." Akashi smirked. "Too bad I didn't give you a present for Christmas. It didn't occur in my mind."
Sakuya blinked. "You already gave it to me, Sei-san," she retorted. "A 'ticket' to watch the sunset."
That statement made Akashi's heart suddenly skipped a beat. The girl thought he already gave her a present, and it's the today's plan? "You are flattering me, Sakuya," he responded.
Sakuya shook her head. "No. I am serious. I really thank you for today's plan, Sei-san. I really mean it," she said with her serious look. "I apologize if I only can give you that scarf as your Christmas gift."
"What are you talking about now?" Akashi chuckled. He touched his new scarf and smirked. "I am happy to receive this, because this is from you."
I will take care of this thing you gave me. Why? Because it is from you.
Yes, from you.
You; the only person who I think of as a…
Akashi's gaze softened. He then approached Sakuya and kneeled in front of her. He took her hand and gently kissed it, making Sakuya gasped at his sudden action. He put his lips on her hand for long, before looking up to Sakuya.
"Thank you for the keepsake, Sakuya."
For a moment, Sakuya felt her cheeks getting warmer. She was blushing; embarrassed at what Akashi had done to her. "Y-you didn't have to kiss my hand to thank me, Sei-san…" she said shyly. Akashi chuckled again seeing her reaction.
"My, aren't you cute blushing like that?" Akashi teased. Before Sakuya countered him however, he leaned closer to her face; startled her.
"Sei-san?"
"Forgive me, but…" Not continuing his words, the redhead slowly closing the gap between them. He titled his head a little and just a few centimeters again their lips will met. He can feel her breath brushing against his skin. Yet from that closeness, Sakuya remained still and calm. Her gaze locked into his; trying to read his next move.
Taking his chance, he closed the distance between them immediately without warning. As he closed his eyes, he can feel his lips are touching something soft for a moment, before leaning away and smiled to the still-expressionless-Sakuya. "Can I replace Reo's kiss on your cheek with mine?" Akashi then remarked playfully.
The brown-haired girl rubbed the cheek that Akashi has kissed earlier. The warmth still lingered on her skin. She then blushed again and narrowed her eyes. "Please don't tease me, Sei-san. And please address Reo-senpai formally."
"I am not teasing you, Sakuya."
Sakuya sighed. Before she had the chance to complaint, they had arrived at the ground and expected to get out from the cabin. Akashi then asked the girl if she wants to try another rides before going to their home, which the girl agreed on. On their way, Sakuya managed to complaint to Akashi, but the redhead only replied her with his trademark smile.
As the sky gradually painted with shades of blue and black, Akashi thought about his behavior in the cabin earlier. Truth to be spoken, he actually wanted to kiss Sakuya on the lips. However, he decided to kiss her on the cheek instead. He felt he needed to do that to cleanse other man's mark on her and replaced her with his instead. After he had done that, he will have that opportunity to kiss Sakuya on the lips, just like he wanted.
Then, a mystery rises on his surface.
Why did he think that kind of thing?
He sighed. Every time he thinks that way with Sakuya, that question always rises. Why, why, and why. Why did he feel like that? Why did he think like that? Why did he do that towards Sakuya?
Why all of those things focused on just that one girl?
Akashi feels he needs more to learn, more to expose, more to be solved. He feels the answer still beyond his reach. However, he also feels the answer probably already in his grasp.
It's just that he doesn't realize it… yet.
He needs a trigger first to realize it in the first place.
Author's Note:
I'm back from my errands and exams, finally! I rushed to finish this one chapter. Sorry if this takes too long!
Maybe this chapter is a bit lame (?) I dunno, I just think it like that. But anyway, enjoy this Christmas chapter!
Have a nice day! Reviews are welcomed!