Chapter 3: What do I do?
It didn't happen quickly that was for sure. It was gradual and hardly there, but Akashi can still remember the moment when Furihata Kouki went from ordinary to extraordinary. It may have been the moment when he had to spend the night at the Furihata residence, he hasn't completely forgiven Kuroko for worrying him so much that night but that seems so long ago now. Or it could have been one of the many moments they spoke through video chats, and slowly he grew to enjoy his company. They never really saw each other outside of practice games but the outings they have been have always been incredibly fun. So much fun that it always left Akashi feeling empty when it was over, but there is one outing that particularly stood out to him. And it is one that he has yet to share with anyone and would rather keep to himself.
The time Akashi lost his cool demeanor.
It was a Sunday afternoon during a practice game between Shuutoku and Seirin, it was a rare occasion but due to a meeting his father had with a business partner the red head found himself in Seirin's basketball court. He promised Kouki he'd come and watch him play against Shuutoku and was proud to admit that he had improved greatly, it also allowed him to catch up with his other friends he hadn't seen in a while. As always Midorima had his ridiculous lucky item with him, today happened to be a rather large purple bear with a top hat on, and held securely on his side as if it were a small child.
"It's rare to see you so interested in a second string game Akashi." The green haired teen spoke casually adjusting his glasses with his taped fingers.
"I'm just making sure my tips have been helpful, and they have since Kouki has improved greatly." Akashi said crossing his arms over his chest as he continued to watch the brunette's movements. Taking into account any mistakes he made mentally noted for the later advice he'd give him after the game was over.
From the corner of his left eye he saw the three point shooter shrug and paid him no mind as he just shifted his gaze from the ball to the brunette. Furihata was in position to make a shot and within a second his wrist snapped and the ball hit the rim and rolled around the rim until it fell in ending the game with a buzzer. The score finalized to be 51-49 in Seirin's favor and the Rakuzan captain was amused with the shots of happiness and the large grin that spread across his face. His own grin slowly cracked on his usual placid face.
"Akashi! When did you get here?!" Furihata shouted as he jogged up to him, sweat still lingering on his fringe and happiness radiating off of him.
"During the 3rd quarter. You've improved a lot Kouki, I'm glad." Akashi spoke softly a small smile over taking his face as he noticed the light tint of pink on the point guard's face and the beaming smile he gave him.
"I followed your advice. It helped a lot, though maybe I shouldn't have told Riko because now she has us on an even stricter schedule," He winced and rubbed his neck sheepishly, "I can hardly move after every practice…Anyways lemme get changed so we can head out." He said quickly and left.
"Where are you headed?" Midorima asked curiously as he picked up his bag near him and throwing the strap over his shoulder.
"We're just heading to the shops, I need to get new shoes and maybe watch a movie." Akashi responded as he retrieved his own bag.
"Oh, who else is going with you?" The green haired teen asked interested his glasses reflecting off the lights.
"No one it's just us. The rest of the team has their own plans." He shrugged as he started to walk to the entrance Midorima in tow.
"I see…" A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips but he hid it by clearing his throat and readjusted his glasses. "I'll see you another time Akashi, goodbye." He said curtly and left.
Akashi watched him bemused, he had a feeling he was missing something. Whatever it was it didn't seem to matter anyhow since Furihata came jogging back over to him and was ready to go. It didn't take them to long to get downtown and into the many shoe shops they spent what felt like 20 minutes but was in fact an hour and a half looking for shoes and talking with each other. That was something the red head could never get over, it was simply so easy to get lost in conversation with the other boy. They could talk about anything and he would never get bored it was something he really enjoyed.
"I like these red ones for you Akashi." Furihata said handing him a pair of Nike shoes with red souls and trimming around the shoes heightening the overall white of the shoes.
"Do you think they suit me?" He asked as he eyed the shoes, it was normally something he wouldn't get from his usual plain white or black ones, but if they made the brunette smile at him the way he was he would reconsider.
"They do! They almost match your hair," Furihata chuckled as he held up the shoe to his head grabbed a small strip hair. "Almost identical!" He beamed up at him, making Akashi smile and despite himself laugh softly.
"I'll get them then." He smiled and grabbed the shoe in his hand and stared confused at the slack jawed boy in front of him. "What is it?"
"I've never heard you laugh before…Or smile like that." Furihata spoke in wonderment, "I really like your smile Akashi, you should smile and laugh like that more often…" He said softly his own smile painting across his face.
Akashi however opened and closed his mouth, unsure of what to say. He could feel the heat gathering in his cheeks and it confused him greatly. Why was he feeling so elated from just hear simple words as that? Seeing that smile directed at him, it was something he wanted to see more. "I…" he cleared his throat when his voice came out a little horse. "I'll keep that in mind…I'm going to go pay for these and then we can head to the movies." He said softly smiling softly almost shy before he left. He attempted to bury the warmth he felt but somehow it didn't leave him for the rest of the day, it became a slight problem in the movies. The problem being that he watched more of Furihata's reactions than the plot itself but it still didn't derail the fun they both had that day.
It was from that day however, that Akashi slowly began to notice his feelings change slightly and he really had no clue how to deal with them. His heart race uncharacteristically on certain occasion, palms oddly became sweating, and his voice also got horse, always around Furihata. Sending messages to each other was fine, there was no problems there, video messaging was slightly more difficult but still manageable; being next to him however was a different matter. On the day of the training camp he will admit that he was excited but mostly nervous, he didn't exactly know why he was so nervous, Akashi don't feel nervousness in the slightest bit. But that first day started it off, he was relatively okay at the beginning managing a few sentences between them, but he just couldn't form words after a while. He was easily distracted. Furihata was distracting.
It came to a point to where he needed to talk to someone and that someone happened to be the infamous shadow of Seirin. He and Kuroko were close enough that he felt he wouldn't be judged about he was going to say, and naturally the bluenette already knew.
"You've been avoiding him." Kuroko said plainly as he leaned against the tree next to him.
"I can't be near him." The red head admitted after a short rustling in the bushed started, probably a rabbit looking for food.
"What do you mean exactly?" Kuroko asked tilting his head slightly to the side as he waited for an answer.
"I mean I can't be round him…" Akashi persisted clenching and unclenching his fists. He took a chance to look at the greenery around him. Everything was still, quiet. "I feel very different around him, it's not the same way if I were with you or the rest of my friends." He said finally his gaze back to the shorter male in front of him.
"Has it always been this way? Or is it something recently that has occurred?" Kuroko asked raising a brow at him.
"Recently." He muttered as he looked away from the blank stare.
"I'm afraid this is something I cannot help you with Akashi-kun. This must be something you must understand on your own." Kuroko said as he walked up to the captain in front him. "If you hurt my team mate however… I will not be so forgiving Akashi-kun." Teal haired boy said narrowing his eyebrows slightly before walking off.
"Why would I hurt him?" Akashi asked more to himself than he did to Kuroko, turning around as walking the other way deciding to go back to his room.
"Once you figure things out and you still require help, I'll gladly help in any way I can." Akashi heard the shadow say before he was out of ear shot. The red head soon found himself in his room, his roommate Reo, was already asleep on the futon next to him. It wasn't long before he was on his on futon staring blankly at the ceiling above him, the talk with Kuroko left him with more questions than answers. It was with a frustrated sigh that he finally turned to face the window before he fell asleep.
When the morning came, Akashi was greeted with the harsh sunlight shining in his face waking him from his restless sleep. He groaned quietly to himself when turned around to face the other way rubbing the sleep form his eyes. He was never a morning person, but when he was woken up he could never get back to sleep. He opened his bleary eyes and focused his gaze on Reo's sleeping form. The raven was sound asleep with no motion of waking up anytime soon, he was also drooling slightly, something he was sure the older male will deny with all his might. With a sigh he reached for his phone to check the time yawning quiet loudly before he viewed the screen. 6:47 am. Why was he awake at such an ungodly hour?
With another yawn the red head grabbed a pile of clean workout clothes and his toiletries and dragged his feet out of the room. He stumbled into his adjoined bathroom before clumsily getting into the lukewarm shower and got himself ready for the day. When he was done getting ready he rolled up his bed and placed it in the closet to his left. He then quietly left the room knowing that the basketball team did not need to be awake and ready for breakfast until 9 am. Akashi felt himself yawn again as he walked the empty hallways looking at his phone to check the time again, it was only 7:15 am. Quiet early to go out into the basketball courts and too early to eat breakfast since Kagami didn't start till 8 in the morning.
So what was he supposed due for another nearly two hours? Wander aimlessly? He highly doubts anyone would be awake at this time, but it was at least worth as shot. If anything, maybe Midorima was awake and willing to play a game of Shogi with him to pass time. With that thought in mind Akashi soon found himself heading over to the lounge area at a snail's pace. He still felt lethargic and the warm summer air wasn't helping him wake up at all. So it wasn't long till another round of a yawn came pricking tears to his eyes. He quickly found himself bumping into another warm body dthat finally snapped himself awake. He looked slightly down, his hand coming down from his mouth as he stared into familiar brown eyes. Brown eyes that led down to a button nose and plump lips, and the very person he was unnerved to be around. An incredible warmth rushed to his face.
Oh god, did Kouki see me yawn like that? How undignified did I look? Did I look ridiculous? What do I even say? I don't understand… Akashi soon felt cotton gather in the middle of his throat, preventing him from speaking. He should leave as soon as possible before he makes and even larger fool of himself he just didn't know how. How do you leave without making things awkward? Maybe he should try speaking first. That should be a good start.
"K-Kou…" He stumbled out before bringing a fist to his face in order to clear his throat looking to the side hoping to get his bearings. Yet as soon as he parted his lips to speak again and face the brunette in front of him, he was gone.
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Yes yes I know this is a very late update. No I didn't abandoned this story. I just am bad with updating... But here it is hope you enjoy sleepy Akashi :3