After hours of chaos during the interview because of his answer, Kise slumped down on the couch in the dressing room at the venue, along with a fumed in anger manager.
"Kise Ryouta, I want an explanation this instance. Just what the hell was that statement for?"
Kise sighed and explained, "I don't know what had gotten into me earlier to say something like that. I do admit it was a reckless answer on my part, especially when I am going to be retiring from being a model."
His manager sighed, "Since you revealed such information out of impulse due to idiocy, what is your plan now? More importantly, do you know someone who can pretend as your Fiancée? We both know you are single, and you exposed that you are not in a romantic relationship with Asane-san."
Kise was silent for a while before his eyes widened in realization. His manager was right. Why did he admit something that didn't exist in the first place? He couldn't help himself but let out a scream.
Kise's manager only sighed at his baby for a model's antics. Nonetheless, planning to lecture Kise when the model's phone suddenly rang.
Kise was confused by the caller. When he learned who it was, he couldn't help but feel his blood drained from his face, out of fear. The one who called was none other than Akashi Seijuurou.
Kise answered the phone and greeted him, a bit nervous, "H-Hey Akashi-cchi, what's up?"
Kise could hear the laughter at the other end of the line, "No need to be nervous, Kise. I am just calling on how you are doing. I am currently hanging out with Midorima. We were with Mayuzumi-san and Nijimura-san during your interview. They sent their regards to you.
"Eh? Midorima-cchi and Nijimura-senpai?"
"Yeah, but we were just discussing your blunter during your interview. We thought that you might be in a dilemma. I did not use my emperor eye, just saying." Akashi said, with a hint of teasing in his tone.
"Akashi-cchi~!" Kise whined at this.
"So, what's your plan?"
Kise was silent, which made Akashi sigh in exasperation through the phone.
"Look, Kise, Midorima and I will try our best to help you. We all know that you are single and that you do not have a girlfriend. In this situation you just created, it is quite dangerous to ask someone who is pretty much a stranger to you. Regardless of your retirement or not, many girls are still into you. I would not want you to be with someone with dangerous tendencies. We are just worried about you. So please do let us help you.' Akashi said, with a hint of worry, like the mother-hen he was.
"I agree with Akashi, Kise. Even without horoscope, it would be best to find someone who doesn't have any impure intentions to be with you, fake or not." Midorima spoke on the other side. The call must be on speakers.
"I-I… It was not my intention to be reckless like that. I just am stressed out from all those rumors circulating around. Miya-cchi is cool but we all know how she was like." Kise said, revealing his thoughts regarding the rumors.
Akashi and Midorima were silent, but Kise didn't mind and let out more of his frustrations.
"I do like someone, but I know it was impossible. That's why it frustrates me that I couldn't even confess because I was never enough for that person."
Hearing these frustrations, even his manager couldn't help but feel sorry for Kise.
After letting everything out, Akashi spoke, "I understand your frustration and I know for sure that Miyako wouldn't blame you. She knows how frustrating it was. I assure you Kise, Midorima and I will think of something, and we will help you. I am not sure if you want the others to know but I am sure they are willing to help if you felt the need to tell them."
"For now, it was already assuring that you and Midorima-cchi are there. I think I need to get some rest. I am drained, Akashi-cchi."
"It's alright, Kise. You should get some rest. Midorima and I will think of something. Have a good rest."
"Goodbye, Akashi-cchi." Kise dropped the call as he slouched on the couch, closing his eyes.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
-Akashi & Midorima's Apartment-
Akashi stared at his phone for a while, not expecting to be hung up like that.
"Kise must be tired. I do understand his concern. But what are you thinking, Akashi?" Midorima asked as he placed down a mug of hot coffee on their coffee table before sitting down on the couch, beside Akashi.
Akashi smiled softly and gave his thanks before grabbing the mug, to take a sip.
"To be honest, I am not sure. I want to help Kise but where do I start? If Miyako is not an option, most likely Nadeshiko will decline. Momoi is not an option, either. Aomine will kill us."
"I don't think anyone is suitable for the task. Unless…"
"Unless what, Midorima?" Akashi raised his eyebrow when he saw Midorima blushing slightly.
"Oh…" Akashi realized what Midorima was implying and was about to respond when a phone suddenly rang throughout their apartment.
Both looked at each other before checking their phones. Akashi raised his eyebrows by the caller.
"Well, this is unexpected." Akashi showed the caller to Midorima, who looked back, his green eyes widened in surprise.
"Indeed. I think you should answer the call. I'll just do some reading for my morning class tomorrow." Midorima said as he stood up from the couch.
"Ah. I'll let you know once I am done on the phone. You should probably call Takao or he will go nuts. Aren't you, his boyfriend?" Akashi said as he looked at Midorima, with a teasing smile plastered on his face.
Midorima blushed before denying, like the tsundere he was.
Akashi laughed at that as he saw Midorima walking away, he looked at his phone then answered.
"Good evening, Kuroko. How may I help you?"
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
-The next day, Kise's apartment-
Kise woke up from his slumber due to his phone ringing. He was feeling groggy and tired. Once he was aware of his surroundings, he quickly grabbed his phone on the bedside drawer. He answered the phone without looking on his screen.
"What is it…?"
"Good morning, Kise. Hope you have rested well?" The voice on the other line made him jump.
"A-Akashi-cchi?" Kise squeaked in surprise. He heard Akashi chuckle.
"Yes, Kise. Didn't you see the caller?"
"S-Sorry, I just woke up. Why did you call?"
"Do you remember what I said yesterday? When I said we will help you? We have found someone who can help with your predicament. If it is alright, we can meet up in Maji Burger before you are scheduled to move to Kobe next week. Maybe, in 2 days' time?"
"I have to get back to you on that, Akashi-cchi but will keep that in mind." Kise yawned and rubbed his eyes.
"I see. Apologies for disturbing your sleep. I will message you an update. I must end the call now. My class is starting soon."
"Bye, Akashi-cchi…" The call ended as Kise laid down on his bed.
"Gosh… I'm so stupid… Announcing my non-existing engagement to the world, where Kuroko-cchi was watching. Haaa… It's not like he cares. I know he likes Kagami-cchi. I should give up now." Kise sighed as he stared at the ceiling in his room.
"I do love Kuroko-cchi but whatever I do, I will always be annoying to him. I am not like Kagami-cchi and Aomine-cchi, who are his light. I will always be someone watching on the sidelines. Despite already being acknowledged by him in Basketball, I will never be someone his standard."
Kise covered eyes with his arm.
"I should stop now…I'll stop chasing at Kuroko-cchi…"
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
-Meanwhile, T-University-
Akashi once again, stared at his phone. Midorima, who noticed this, couldn't help but ask.
"What's wrong, Akashi?"
"Kise seems to be not in the mood. I called him about his situation, but he seems to be out of it."
"That's unusual but perhaps he's just sleepy. His schedule must be exhausting." Midorima said.
"Agree. I should go to my class now. See you later, Midorima." Akashi said as he waved his hand before separating with Midorima.
As Akashi was about to enter the building, he noticed a glimpse of brown hair a few feet distance from where he was before disappearing around the corner.
Akashi stared for a moment, in daze then snapped out of his reverie before dashing towards the direction. Once he turned around the corner, it already disappeared.
"Was it my imagination…?" Akashi mumbled to himself. He composed himself before walking away, going to first class on that morning.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
-Later that day, Kise's Apartment-
Kise was putting his clothes inside the luggage. He has been cleaning up his apartment for the whole day. He stuffed all necessary stuff in several boxes. Though he left some clothes out, for the remainder of his stay in Kanagawa. He doesn't have any lingering memories of the place due to his work and school. However, he would miss the place.
Once he was done. He lay down on his bed. He looked at the ceiling, thinking.
"It's been a while since I last called mom and dad. I wonder if they are doing fine in London."
Kise sighed before getting off the bed. He went to his mini-kitchen and opened the refrigerator, checking some ingredients that he could make with. Once he did, he took them out and started to cook.
Kise made a simple dish of beef stew, fresh Caesar salad and a bowl of rice and placed it on the table. He went to his fridge to get something to drink then went to the cabinet to get a glass. Once he did, he settled down on the mini dining table and switched on the television. The news of his sudden engagement has been the talk for a day now.
The news caused a mixed reaction from his fans. Some supported him and some became his anti-fans. He used to be active on social media but due to his declaration, he has not opened his accounts. Because he knew what he would see, and he rather not see them.
Once Kise was done eating his dinner, he turned off the television. He washed the dishes then placed them in the cupboard. He then went to take a bath.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
-The next day, 9:00am, Maji Burger-
Kise was pouting, standing at the table where most of the GoM members were sitting at.
Momoi was congratulating him on his engagement, nonstop.
Aomine was smirking at him. When Kise sat down beside Momoi, Aomine teasingly asked the blond, "Yo, Kise. Who's the lucky chick that you got? Does she have big boobs?"
"Aomine, stop being so crude. Can you be more discreet?" Midorima reprimanded Aomine, who clicked his tongue.
"Kise-chin, do you want me to bake some cake on your wedding?" Murasakibara said as he brought some sketch pad, designing a cake for Kise.
"Thank you, Murasakibara-cchi." Kise smiled sheepishly, all the while ignoring Aomine's question.
"Since Kise is here, where the hell were Tetsu and Akashi? Especially, Akashi was the one who told us to come here." Aomine complained after a while.
Momoi looked at Aomine for a bit then looked at the rest, who were present.
"Perhaps he's going to be late? Tetsu-kun on the other hand, said that he won't be able to come due to some matters."
"Wow~ Tetsu skipping a meeting is a surprise." Aomine whistled at this.
"You are not the right person who should be saying that Dai-chan who skips practice all the time!" Momoi pouted at this.
"Agree with Momoi, Aomine." Midorima crossed his arms around his chest.
"Seconded!" Kise and Murasakibara said, both at the same time.
"Oi!" Aomine exclaimed.
"Sounds like you guys are having fun."
They looked up, to see Akashi looking handsome in his casual attire.
"Good morning, everyone. Apologies for being late." Akashi said as he smiled at them.
"Good morning, Akashi. I have something for you. It is the lucky item for Sagittarius." Midorima gave a wallet to Akashi, who accepted it with gratitude.
"Good morning, Aka-chin~ I have made some desserts for you. I made it during class." Murasakibara gave a box of desserts to Akashi, who smiled. He said that he would share it with everyone.
"Good morning, Akashi-kun. You look handsome as always." Momoi smiled sweetly at Akashi, who returned the sentiment.
"Good morning, Akashi-cchi." Kise greeted, slightly tired but didn't show. Akashi smiled and patted Kise on the head.
"Morning, so what's the agenda?" Aomine said as he yawned. Akashi smiled in exasperation, used to Aomine's antics.
"I am here because I have something to tell. It has something to do with Kise. Is it alright if I explain the situation to them?"
"Yeah. I think it would be nice if they knew about it." Kise answered as he too, agreed with the redhead's statement.
"Let me guess, Kise doesn't really have a fiancée?"
"Yes, that's correct. Kise doesn't have a fiancée. The reason for that is because, according to my conversation with Kise the other day, has been pressured with all the rumors circulating about him and Miyako. We all know their history and we can all say that they are not compatible with one another. Preference being one." Akashi explained as they all looked at Kise who looked embarrassed.
"That explains a lot. I mean, we all know Kise's reference but Asane? That hard-headed woman." Aomine shrugged his shoulder.
"Muro-chin was right, Kise-chin being pressured."
"Well, I do understand Kise to a certain degree. I mean, it is not easy to shut down rumors. For someone like Kise, who is handsome, not to mention, a model to boot, it really isn't easy."
"Agree, especially nowadays, fangirls are aggressive. Satsuki did encounter some fans of Kise, who commented on her social media about some nasty stuffs." Aomine shivered at the thought.
"Dai-chan is right. Like they do not have the right to do that to me. They are jealous because I am closer to Kise-kun." Momoi said, proudly.
"Momo-cchi, sorry about that." Kise apologized, not realizing that his fans would do that to his dear friend.
"It's alright, Ki-chan. Besides, I have Dai-chan to defend me or anyone if they do, right? Future Police Officer-kun?"
"Haa? Why should I save your butt? But Satsuki's right. If you need anything, I'm here." Aomine said, grinning from ear to ear.
"It's nice to have Aomine as an ally. A reliable friend." Akashi smiled.
"Aomine-cchi!" Kise jumped out of his seat, to hug Aomine, who was trying to get away from the blond.
"Back to the matter at hand, because of Kise's circumstance, I have decided to help him find someone."
"Already? That's fast, Akashi."
"As expected from Aka-chin."
"Midorima did help me since we're roommates and all. But strange, she's a bit late."
"A shame that Tetsu is not around, huh."
"Dai-chan!" Momoi whacked Aomine on his shoulder.
"Ow!" Aomine yelped in pain.
"Oh, there she is. Kurosawa-san, over here." Akashi said as he raised his hand, waving slightly to someone.
The person who went near them was a pretty lady. She has jet black-colored shoulder length hair. She has a pair of royal blue eyes. She wore light make-up, enhancing her beauty. She was wearing a simple baby blue blouse, paired with a white pencil skirt and pair of 2-inches sandals. The woman screamed elegance and mystery to them.
Aomine has his jaw dropped while Momoi looked shocked at the pretty woman.
Midorima was fixing his glasses while Murasakibara was staring in awe.
Akashi was smiling, a bit in amusement and it did increase when he saw Kise's reaction.
Kise was staring at his guest, in awe. Not only that, but he also blushed slightly. His jaw was hung open as his eyes were wide, speechless.
"I know my dear guest is pretty, but staring is rude, snap out of it, you guys." Akashi's smooth yet amused voice echoed as they all snapped out of their reverie.
Akashi chuckled before he introduced his guest.
"Everyone, meet my guest. Kurosawa Tetsumi. She is a friend of mine and a relative of my cousin on their mother side."
Kurosawa bowed her head then greeted everyone around the table.
"Good morning, I'm Kurosawa Tetsumi. I am also a university student studying education for elementary school. I am of the same age as you all." Kurosawa said in a soft yet lovely voice and smiled slightly, a bit shy.
Akashi motioned for the GoM members to introduce themselves.
"Hi! I'm Momoi Satsuki. I am their former manager in Teiko. I am currently studying Information Technology and Social Science in Osaka." The pink-haired beauty introduced herself.
"Midorima Shintarou, we have met before. I am studying in the same university as Akashi but in the medical field."
"Murasakibara Atsushi, I am taking courses as a professional pâtisserie."
"Aomine Daiki, I am also currently studying in Osaka as a Law student with sports scholarship in Basketball."
"I thought you will be going to the Police Academy, Aomine-cchi?" Kise asked.
"After university, I plan to. It's going to be like a long time, I know. But that's the plan." Aomine grinned cheekily.
Realizing that Kise was the only one left, he smiled at Kurosawa. The smile that is a bit fake, though can still make girls and women swoon.
"Hi! I'm Kise Ryouta. I will be studying in Kobe as an Aviation student. Nice to meet you."
"I know who you are, Kise-san. You are quite famous as a model. I also watched your interview the other day. I must say, you are quite the heartbreaker." Kurosawa smiled teasingly at Kise, who blushed in embarrassment.
The others laughed at this.
Aomine then disrupted the atmosphere by asking Akashi, "So why is she here, Akashi? You're not going to tell us that she is the one that will pretend to be Kise's Fiancée, are you?"
The others looked at Akashi, expecting an answer.
Akashi smiled at this as he looked at the others in amusement. What Akashi said next made him more amused at their priceless expression.
Aomine and Kise had their jaw dropped.
Momoi was squealing in happiness.
Midorima smirked as he fixed his eyeglasses.
Murasakibara was staring at Akashi then to his guest, in awe.
.
.
.
.
.
"What are you all expecting for? Of course, that is the major reason why she is here, Aomine. Kurosawa-san here, will be Kise's Fiancée."