Hello, Hello!

Ramadan Mubarak for my Muslim readers!

This chapter marks the beginning of a new stage in the fanfic. As you know Kuroko no Basket takes place in high school, but that limits my options too much, so from now on we'll follow the boys to college. I have several ideas, but if you want to share something with me I would be grateful to hear!

Some major plot points here happened in other fanfics, like The Proposal and Our Season.

I still don't know if I'll be uploading weekly, but I'm alive, just know that. I also took the liberty of trying to write this chapter in third person. I hope it worked.

Have a good read!

[Kuroko No Basket belongs to Tadatoshi Fujimaki]

[English isn't my first language, so please be kind]

3rd Years

Midorima was frustrated. With his headphones on full blast, he listened to a melancholic song that was trending in Japan on the recommendation of Aimi, Aomine's girlfriend. He didn't talk to his friends' girlfriends often, but the last time they met, at the Winter Cup, he ended up asking Aimi for song names that best suited his recent mood. He sighed as he remembered that one of the reasons he was so bad was that he couldn't play basketball anymore, at least not for school, not anymore. It was difficult for him to end his final year without titles, but now he couldn't do anything else, the fate of Shūtoku High was no longer in his hands.

As the music boomed destroying his ears, Midorima held a crocheted bunny that Botan had gifted to him before she left for college. He knew he was being overly dramatic, she hadn't actually left, Tokyo University wasn't too far from their home, yet, with Botan living in the college dormitory, he felt that the distance between them had increased significantly. Botan now had more interesting friends, more interesting men to listen to, real doctors. She herself would be a doctor in the future and he would not. What if she changed her mind about him? What if she realized she didn't like dating athletes? What would he do?

Midorima closed his eyes and squeezed Botan's gift tighter, he always did this when his thoughts spiraled too quickly. He hadn't listened to the Oha Asa horoscope broadcast in days, that rabbit was the only lucky item he needed.

Suddenly Midorima felt a tightening in his stomach and quickly stood up, ripping off his headphones, until he found his little sister laughing at his situation.

- Are you crying again? - she asked, leaving him embarrassed. Midorima had cried a few times, but not today. Even so, he put his hand to the side of his eyes just to make sure.

- Leave me alone - he sighed, sitting on the sofa. His parents were at work and his sister was wearing her school uniform. She was doing volunteer work a few days in the afternoon and would soon have to leave.

- I just came to get my lunch - she ran to the kitchen, carefully picking the lunch box that their mother had prepared - I just don't understand why you're sad, Botan didn't die and soon you'll go to college too. Didn't you get accepted on a scholarship?

- You don't understand - Midorima rolled his eyes. Unlike him, his sister didn't need glasses. Lucky.

In fact, Midorima's college spot was already guaranteed. He didn't even have to worry about the national exam, but he prepared anyway, as he had been offered several universities because of his basketball skills. It wouldn't be long before the national team called him up, his future was secured.

"But even that doesn't seem to make Botan pay attention to me," he thought, looking at his phone. There was an unread message, which he imagined would be hers, but didn't have the courage to read. What if she was breaking up with him?

His sister got her backpack, but almost tripped when passing by some boxes that were in the living room.

- Isn't it today that the rich girl comes to get the piano books?

- Oh, yes - Midorima replied, the message could also be from Hayami. Akashi's girlfriend was doing social work for her father's company - she should be arriving soon. Are you sure you don't want to keep any of them?

- Yes, I do, I can't learn the piano at all. At least this way you won't be alone - his sister smiled, she was carrying a small stuffed frog, her lucky item of the day - I'll be back later!

She left so quickly that Midorima didn't even have time to say goodbye properly, but he didn't go back to throwing himself on the couch to listen to music, it wouldn't be right. Hayami should already be close to his house and he should welcome a visit with respect.

He then went to the kitchen to prepare tea while still thinking about how he would convince Botan that they could live together during college. Botan left home as she wanted to live in a different place, so she chose the dorm, but now she was angry because she didn't like her roommate who stopped her from studying. Midorima told her that they could share an apartment, but Botan's reaction was as if he had suggested a double suicide. He didn't understand why Botan had reacted so badly to his proposal, he even talked about Akashi and Hayami. Akashi confessed to him that Hayami was living at his house for a year now, they were just discreet, but Botan didn't like it when he used Akashi as an example, much less when he mentioned Hayami.

She still hadn't forgiven her for everything that happened with Takao.

When the doorbell rang, Midorima was sure it would be Hayami, but he was startled to see Takao's smiling face at his door.

- What are you doing here? You're not using me to meet in secret again, are you?

His words left the other young man confused, he stopped waving and kept his hands in the pockets of the yellow sweatshirt he was wearing.

- What do you mean? I told you it was coming.

Midorima realized what was happening, the unread message was actually from Takao and not Hayami.

- I came to get my clothes, thank you for letting me use your washing machine - Takao entered the house without ceremony, he already knew everything by heart, where to put the shoes, where the cups were, even where the sweets that his sister kept hid - I needed extra help before the trip, why so many boxes?

Midorima listened to him speak with a mixture of amazement and sadness. Sometimes he forgot that Takao was leaving.

- I'm donating some things before I go to college, I don't need so many books, so Hayami will come get them since she's in town.

The girl's name made Takao freeze, he was already halfway to the laundry room.

- Is she coming here?

- Yes - Midorima decided to act, he was faster than Takao and took the clothes that his mother had already left separated in a bag - so you better take the clothes and leave.

They had barely reached the kitchen when the doorbell rang again and this time it was Hayami on the other side. Midorima suggested that Takao hide if he wanted, but he refused.

"I can't believe I can't even suffer in peace," he thought as he opened the door.

- How are you, Shintarō? - Hayami greeted him with a smile. It was cold outside, so she was wearing a black overcoat over her clothes, and from her neat hair he guessed she was coming from some social event.

Midorima didn't want to open the door more than enough, but he couldn't avoid that encounter. He could feel Takao's nervousness behind him, not to mention that Hayami wasn't alone, there was a driver with her next to the car, he would probably be the one carrying the boxes.

- Takao is here - he said before Hayami saw the young man - but it wasn't planned.

Hayami's eyes widened for a small fraction of a second, but soon took on their usual calm expression, similar to Akashi's. Midorima took her coat, and she was wearing a black dress and high heels, indicating that she was indeed coming from some event, she just kept her hands behind her back, perhaps so that Takao wouldn't stare at the ring on her finger.

- It's been a long time, Ha-chin - Takao said.

Behind Hayami, Midorima shook his head, if Takao really wanted to show that he had overcome what happened calling her by that nickname wasn't a good idea.

- I know. I didn't know you would be here, if I had known...

- You wouldn't come.

Takao no longer smiled. This was exactly why Botan didn't like Hayami and she would probably kill Midorima when she found out about this. Then she would break up with him.

- Are you just here for the books? Couldn't you send someone to get them for you? I mean, what do you need them for?

- Charity - Hayami replied - and publicity, coming in person is important.

Her answer was short, but her harsh tone was what surprised Midorima the most. But for some reason, Takao smiled again. He wore a hair band to keep his hair out of his eyes, but it was crooked, so Hayami approached him and straightened it with her right hand.

- Do you think I have a chance? - Takao asked - In Europe I mean? Did I make the right decision?

Midorima blinked, he had no idea Hayami knew Takao was leaving.

- I think any team will be lucky to have you, I know you will do well.

Takao's smile got wider, he even looked more confident.

- Then I better go, I have a lot of things to pack before the trip - he looked at Midorima, then at Hayami once again - you look beautiful Ha-chin.

Hayami didn't smile, nor did she thank him for the compliment, and when Takao left her alone with Midorima, he soon turned his attention to the contents of the boxes.

- Music - she said.

- What?

- I would choose to study music if I could, but my father needs me, and so does Akashi. That's why I want to help other people study music.

Hayami started looking through the books, they were all in good condition, as Midorima had taken care of them for years.

- How did you know about Takao? Did he...

- I hadn't spoken to Takao in over a year - Hayami said, but that didn't answer his question - but while asking about my aspirations a friend of my dad asked about the Generation of Miracles, but Japan wouldn't let you run away now and take the risk of you deciding to defend another country, so I might have whispered Takao's name.

Midorima's surprise at what he just heard made him move closer to Hayami to hear more, but the girl's expression had changed. She took a deep breath and pressed her stomach. Midorima didn't want to make her cry.

- And how is Botan at college? - she changed the subject quickly - You must be excited to join her soon.

- More than that - Midorima replied. He had forgotten about the tea, the water was already boiling. - But you will also come to Tokyo with Akashi, right?

- I still don't know - Hayami continued leafing through the books - my choice doesn't depend on me.

Midorima didn't know if she still loved Takao or not, but they both still cared for each other. And that should be enough.

xxxxx

Kise was holding a lightstick in one hand and a bag of water and snacks in the other while Sana was clinging to his back like a baby monkey. She wasn't sick, she just didn't want to walk to the festival site that was being held at the university they were visiting today. It wasn't an official visit, they had already done that a few months ago and Sana was ready to start studying elsewhere, a fashion institute in Shibuya. Everything seemed so right and lined up perfectly for her, it was Kise who was full of doubts.

- Why do you use that anyway? - Kise asked, extending the lightstick forward.

Even in college he was followed by some fans, but the crowd helped him escape. Still, he waved a few times when he noticed a girl staring at him for too long.

- It's a symbol of our love and commitment as fans - he felt Sana sigh against his back. Kise knew that answer by heart, he just liked annoying Sana.

NCT 357 would be giving a special performance at Tokyo University that afternoon and they were invited by Botan to attend the event, as space would be limited, only a few students were allowed to invite two guests, so Sana begged Botan to come. Kise knew this because Botan sent Sana's pleading messages to Midorima, who, irritated, asked Kise to talk to Sana so that she would stop disturbing Botan's studies.

- Anyway, I don't see Aimi with one of those - he pointed to Aomine's girlfriend who was walking next to them taking photos of the food stalls with her cell phone.

- Here's good, Ryōta - Sana patted his back and Kise placed her on the floor, she was wearing a green shirt with the name of the Korean group in big letters. Her hair was down, but the blonde color was coming out, so there was a patch of black near the roots that Sana promised she'd fix before college started.

- These things cost a lot - Aimi said, unlike Sana she was wearing jeans and a dark blue sweater with buttons - I like the group, but not that much.

- You'll get there one day - Sana smiled.

She took the lightstick out of Kise's hands as she and Aimi struck a pose in front of the event poster while he took a photo. There were a lot of people, most seemed to be fans of the group as there were several girls wearing green. The food stalls were far from the stage, so Sana brought extra snacks in case she got hungry or thirsty.

Despite everything, the atmosphere of the place was great and vibrant, and Kise was happy that Sana was so excited. After all, NCT 357 was the catalyst for their relationship, so he would keep his worries inside for a while, at least until the concert ended.

- There's Botan! - Aimi pointed to a girl in a black sweatshirt, glasses and her hair tied up in a braid. She stood out in the crowd because she didn't dress like everyone else and didn't look very happy either.

- Hello! - Sana greeted her first with her usual enthusiasm - Thank you for inviting me, I promise that when I start fashion school I will give you all the pieces I can make for a whole year.

- I'll remember that - Botan smiled at everyone, she didn't seem sad, just tired - at least you'll be able to enjoy the noise.

- I thought it would be emptier because of the holidays - Aimi said, she would also start studying there in a few months - it didn't seem so crowded the last time we came.

- Despite the holidays some foreign students continue to live on campus, and there are study and research groups, like the one I was participating in last year.

Sana and Aimi listened to everything Botan said with extreme attention, as if she were a teacher and they were her enthusiastic students. But Kise had to admit that even he was impressed with Botan's academic skills.

- But I remember inviting Sana and Kise - Botan blinked, then faced Aimi - how did you get in?

- Oh, I think I'm guilty of this!

A guy with glasses and dark hair came running towards the group. It took Kise a while to realize that he had seen him before, but only when he stopped, panting, next to Botan, did he realize that this was Shoichi Imayoshi, former captain of the Tōō Academy basketball team.

- I didn't want Aimi to miss this - Sana said quickly - so as she had an acquaintance here I asked her if she could get an invitation from him.

- I asked for two invitations - Aimi added, she stared at the ground as if the group was judging her - Aomine also wanted to come.

- He wouldn't like it - Imayoshi and Botan said at the same time, but with different intonations.

That left Sana and Kise surprised.

- Anyway - Imayoshi stood next to Aimi, hugging her shoulders - let's buy something to eat first.

- Huh, just the two of us? I thought I would finally meet your girlfriend today...

Imayoshi took Aimi to one of the food stalls that were nearby. Sana looked at the time on her cell phone, they still had a few hours left before the concert.

- I think I better watch this bug - Sana looked at Kise - can you collect this information for me, please?

The blonde girl ran towards Aimi, getting between her and Imayoshi, leaving Kise and Botan alone.

- What did she mean by collecting information?

- Sana wants me to ask how do you know Imayoshi - Kise said, then waved again to some fans who recognized him from afar, he was already used to that.

- Oh - Botan smiled, then indicated a bench that had just become empty near the food stalls - although we study different majors, we can sometimes work together in study groups, there was an opportunity in a calculus team for extra credits and Imayoshi was there too. He's annoying, but smart, so he didn't bother me. But doing calculus was fun.

- Does he really have a girlfriend? - Kise tried to change the conversation before he started to hear the wind. He couldn't understand how calculus could be fun, under no circumstances should it be possible.

- I have no idea, I didn't care. I joined the calculus study group for fun and maybe to avoid talking to Shintarō about the future. - Botan shivered.

- So he must have recognized you for hanging out with us.

- Maybe - Botan accepted some of the water that Kise offered her - he asked several questions about Aomine, but I didn't know how to answer, who cares about Aomine?

Kise didn't want to smile, but he had to admit it was funny. He knew that it wasn't Aomine that was the focus of Imayoshi's attention, but the cheerleader who was now choosing hot dogs with Sana. From the way he behaved with Aimi, Kise was sure he didn't have a girlfriend.

- But what about you? - Botan straightened her posture. She was only a year older, but Kise felt a lot of maturity coming from her - What about college? Shintarō already chose his major.

Kise grimaced in pain. He had already talked to several people about this, but he was still full of uncertainty.

- I'm good at several things, as you probably already know, and like Midorimacchi I was able to choose where to study due to my talent in basketball.

- Talent in sports saved you. - Botan added.

- Me and Aominecchi! - Kise responded quickly - I'm not the only one who's bad at studying.

- I think you're better than him.

- Maybe you're right - Kise smiled, feeling a little better - even so, my sisters said I could take my time, but time has passed, and I'm still waiting, not knowing what to do.

- You are also a model - Botan said, she had kind eyes despite her determined expression - you could go to fashion school with Sana.

- Sanacchi told me the same - Kise sighed - but I think I need something different.

- She's not coming to this university, I know, but is she going to live at home or is thinking about finding a place?

- Sanacchi? - said Kise - I think she wants to be independent now, she is trying to convince Aimi to leave the house with her.

- Really? - She seemed genuinely interested in what she had just heard - Maybe I should talk to her.

Kise was silent for a moment, then looked at the trio who were returning from the food stalls. Since Sana was short, Imayoshi had no problem talking to Aimi over her.

- Anyway, I think you will choose well – Botan said - you can do everything, Kise.

Kise nodded, without revealing that that was the problem, he managed to do everything well.

xxxxx

Aomine lying on his bed in a bad mood. After spending almost two hours listening to his father rant about how he was irresponsible and not smart enough he was exhausted. His mother didn't defend him either, just reinforced what his father said with kinder words. "Try harder", "pay attention", "follow the example of your friends". Aomine already knew all that, he just didn't want to do it. He didn't have the strength to do it. Aomine wasn't smart like Midorima, he wasn't a quick learner like Kise, he wasn't a genius like Akashi nor was he observant like Kuroko, at least not outside the basketball court.

Since he was a child, he knew that all that mattered to him was basketball, nothing more than that, and no one seemed to care about what he did beyond that. Tōō Academy didn't even care if he attended classes or if he responded to the teachers, somehow, they always found a way for Aomine to pass and continue playing.

But apparently, he couldn't continue doing that in college.

"You're lucky because of your talent," that's what his father told him, "Otherwise no college would want someone like you."

Aomine picked up the basketball that was on his bed and twirled it with one of his fingers. He could do this as easily as breathing, even when lying down. He didn't respond to any of his father's insults, he even agreed with some, but he couldn't understand why no one saw that he was slowly changing.

Compared to his first year at Tōō Academy, Aomine's senior years were much better. He attended classes, attended team practices every day after school without complaining, even went with Aimi to the library a few times to try to read something and do his homework. It was difficult, but Aomine tried. And Aimi encouraged him every moment. Besides her, only Momoi seemed proud of his effort and improvement.

Aomine sighed. Momoi was now also heading away.

- I'm going in! - Momoi announced herself before even opening the door to Aomine's room, she was wearing a pink winter outfit that made her look like bubblegum.

- Hey - Aomine stopped spinning the basketball on his finger to wave at her. But he had no desire to get up.

Momoi seemed to have understood what had happened, in fact, when she arrived at Aomine's house she noticed that his parents seemed to have inflamed nerves, and she knew that his friend preferred to isolate himself when he was angry.

- Well, you look terrible Dai-chan.

- Really, Satsuki? - Aomine looked at Momoi for a moment - What do you want?

- Oh - she took a piece of paper from her pocket - I came to give you this.

Aomine straightened up on the bed and reached for the paper, opening it at the same time. It was a list full of things that Aomine recognized.

- What is that? - he asked. There were names of sweets, soft drinks, even the names of some restaurants and hygiene products.

- Aomine's wonderful list of likes - Momoi sat next to him - I printed one for Aimi too, but I haven't managed to give it to her yet, did you know she went to the festival at the university here in Tokyo? Why didn't you go with her?

- The invitations were limited - Aomine replied, still looking at the list, he didn't even remember liking all that - but why did you do that?

Momoi sighed, and Aomine felt worse because he couldn't understand another important thing.

- What do you like to drink during your break?

- Banana milk.

- And where do you buy this?

Aomine shrugged, so Momoi pointed to the list.

- At the convenience store or at any vending machine.

She then pointed to another topic on the list.

- You need to buy this at least once a month, you smell bad after training Dai-chan.

- Aimi never complained about my smell!

- Aimi is too good for you - Momoi continued - look here, the best restaurants around your university, they are not very expensive of course.

Aomine nodded. Momoi and Kuroko were going somewhere else together, and now Momoi passed the task of taking care of him to someone else, but afraid that Aimi wouldn't be able to handle it, she hoped that Aomine would learn to take care of himself too.

- Remember that you need to choose your major soon, the university gave you a deadline, didn't it? Do not forget!

- I won't! - Aomine replied. As a precaution, he had marked the end date on all the calendars in the house.

His phone rang. They were messages from Kise on 'Miragroup', a chat group he had created over a year ago after everyone became friends again.

- These are photos from the festival! - Momoi spied on the conversations.

In addition to several solo photos of Kise, there were some of Sana, Aimi and Botan next to the concert banner, and one of the entire group together. Aomine imagined that they looked like they were having fun, and as much as he wanted to stare longer at Aimi's face in the photo, he wouldn't do that with Momoi near him.

- Yeah, I don't know why Kise sends so many photos of himself…

Aomine threw his cell phone back on the bed and turned his attention to the careful list Momoi had made. He would miss her and Kuroko, but he understood why they wanted to go to a place where they could make their own story together.

Then his cell phone rang again, but this time it wasn't a new message from Kise, but from someone he hadn't seen in a while.

In the photo, Aimi looked back as if she had been called by someone, by him, by the person who took the photo, while the stage lights were on, giving her a magical aura. Imayoshi wrote something later, but Aomine didn't care. He sent a message to Kise this time, he wanted to know what his friend was going to study in college.

xxxxx

Murasakibara watched as Suki paced back and forth, avoiding eye contact with the computer that was now the bearer of her destiny. He had already received the results of his college entrance exams, he would go back to Tokyo with a full scholarship thanks to basketball. His mother had already cried a lot about him leaving, so Murasakibara was taking refuge with Suki that afternoon.

- Su-chin - he called her.

- What? - Suki looked back at him, she had cut her hair again a few days ago, and Murasakibara liked how nice it looked near her chin.

- I am hungry.

Suki rolled her eyes. Suki's house was too cramped for several tall people at once, so he preferred to stay in her bed, especially when Suki lay next to him, he didn't understand why she couldn't do that now.

So what if the college might reject her? She could try again next year. She could always try. Murasakibara didn't understand why people were so apprehensive about this.

In the days that passed, Suki had controlled her anxiety by baking cookies, so Murasakibara was a little disappointed when he arrived at her house today and didn't find anything tasty to eat. But now, despite his hunger, he worried that she seemed so nervous.

- Su-chin - Murasakibara called her again, this time extending his hand to take hers.

Suki didn't say anything, and he had never seen her so nervous, so he placed her on his lap, her head close to his chest. Off the court Murasakibara was always calm and Suki said that his heartbeat could calm her down faster than anything, whenever she needed and every time he wanted to hug her.

- Why aren't you nervous? - she asked - I know you're already in, but you still don't know where you're going to live in Tokyo and your family won't go with you this time, how are you so calm?

- I don't know - Murasakibara sighed - maybe not thinking about it too much is the key. I know I don't want to be a burden to my brothers right now. Eventually I'll find out.

Since Suki was so close to him, Murasakibara tried to take the chance to lift her skirt, but Suki slapped his hand away.

- We need to talk, Atsushi - Suki got off him, sitting on her desk chair and placing a pillow for Murasakibara to hold instead of her.

The young man didn't like those words, not exactly the words, but the tone Suki used when she said them. "We need to talk" meant he had done something wrong or insufficient and he tried to remember if he had done anything to anger her. Murasakibara was sure he was behaving well since they got back together and kept his promise to write her love letters every week, he had already written so many that Suki decorated a box just to keep them, a box that was next to her bed.

- These last few months I thought about going back to Denmark, you know I feel a little out of place since I came here - Suki spoke while Murasakibara looked carefully at her greenish eyes. He didn't notice how beautiful and shiny they were before. - People are kind, some are, others not so much, and then I thought, maybe I should go back home... Maybe to a place where the houses are bigger...

Suki smiled, she had tried to make a joke.

- I like cooking, but I decided to study English to teach children who arrive here even younger than me, imagine, arriving in another country and not even finding a smiling face to greet them...

Murasakibara reached out his hand again and Suki took it, intertwining her fingers with his.

- And suddenly I started thinking about everything, about my life here, about my parents, even about the possibility of marrying a Japanese man... He would have to understand me, wouldn't he? My future husband. I even thought about whether I should marry someone from here or not.

Suki suddenly let go of Murasakibara's hand and covered her face, she was crying, as she knew that what she said also hurt her boyfriend.

"My future husband", the phrase resonated in Murasakibara's mind like a warning. Does that mean Suki didn't think about a future with him? Would he have to try even harder for her to love him? Was his opponent now a faceless man?

- Hayami said she will accompany me wherever I go - Suki wiped her eyes while Murasakibara tried to dry her nose - and I've already been approved in Denmark, so... If Tokyo rejects me...

She stopped talking and Murasakibara hugged Suki tightly. He couldn't imagine that she had applied to college in Europe without even telling him. He didn't want to let her go.

- Okay, okay - Suki took a deep breath - I'll look at the result now. I told my parents that the results would only come out tomorrow so they would leave me alone today, I couldn't bear their disappointed looks.

Suki had to move away to see the result. She had her back turned, so she didn't see when Murasakibara put his hands together to pray. His family was Catholic, so he attended a Catholic school and Yōsen High School taught his students how to pray. But this time Murasakibara prayed with all his heart and made a single wish: that Suki would stay with him.

- Oh - Suki said, she didn't realize that Murasakibara still had his eyes closed - it looks like I'm going to Tokyo.

The young man opened his eyes, he knew it would work.

xxxxx

When the mansion became dark and silent, Akashi would leave his room and flee to Hayami's, getting into her blanket and hugging the girl until he could fall asleep. He didn't know if his father knew, nor if the mansion's servants knew, and he didn't really care. Ever since Hayami had come to visit him when he was sick over a year ago, she had never left. And no one opposed this decision, but maybe if it was known that they were sleeping together almost every day it would be too scandalous for two renowned families and Hayami's father could take her away until the wedding. And Akashi was very afraid of that possibility.

The wedding was supposed to happen as soon as they finished high school, but then new meetings were held and their parents decided that the union would be approved after college. Meanwhile, Hayami became more involved in the events her father attended, while Akashi fulfilled his duties as heir. Unfortunately, in the last few months he no longer had basketball as an escape, at least not at school anymore, so Hayami and him used to play together when they had some free time in the afternoon. Hayami didn't know how to play basketball, but she was quick to run and it was difficult to get the ball from her when she got it. Akashi knew that she was sacrificing her own free time to study music to be with him, but when the two were together Akashi's father didn't mind him playing basketball. So Hayami was his shield.

That night she had returned from a trip to Tokyo after a charity event for her father's company. Hayami was directly involved this time, as it had to do with music, it was a good way to make her debut in the public eye. The media loved charity work.

Hayami's presence also seemed to ease his father's pressure on Akashi. Hayami was present, they were getting married, she was always ready to learn and to pepper his father with questions when Akashi didn't feel like it. Again, Hayami was his shield.

So it came as a shock to him when the night she returned from Tokyo she revealed something:

- I met Takao at Midorima's house today.

Akashi felt his throat close. He hadn't heard that name in a long time.

They were fine, he thought they were fine, that his love for her, which had only grown in the last two years, had created a bond between them and that Hayami had started to love him too.

- We didn't plan to meet there - Hayami hurried to say, as she noticed the apprehension in Akashi's eyes - it was actually funny.

- And what happened? - Akashi asked, he didn't think that was funny.

- He is preparing for college just like you and me, he will soon leave Japan.

Hayami didn't seem shaken, or even emotional, she continued lying down, with the wet hair that Akashi liked so much. Since the wedding had been postponed, Akashi gave her a temporary promise ring, just to symbolize how he felt about her. They promised never to take it off since then and Akashi soon made sure she was still wearing it, but there it was, shining on her finger.

- Ha-chin - Akashi called her.

Hayami opened her eyes, she was tired, he knew that, but still bothered her, he still wanted to be close to her.

- That's why you applied to colleges outside of Japan? - he knew it would be impolite to ask that, she had already proven her loyalty to him. Saying that she had met Takao by chance had been a gesture of love - Did you want to meet him again?

- But of course not, Seijūrō - she turned towards him. They were both under the duvet, afraid that someone might come in and see them together.

Akashi still had doubts, he was too insecure when it came to love, but Hayami smiled.

-Actually, I applied to the same colleges as Suki - she said with a smile - she had doubts about whether she would stay in Japan or not, but she finally received the answer.

Hayami snuck out of the duvet to grab her cell phone, then approached Akashi to show him the messages.

Most of the texts were emojis of smiley faces and fireworks, but among them were messages from Suki saying she was staying in Japan.

-Suki was nervous, but I knew she could do it, she is more capable than she thinks!

Hayami's expression lit up when she talked about her friend. Akashi caressed her face. He didn't care about college, he wouldn't study what he really wanted, he just wanted to be with Hayami.

- You know what I want, don't you, for us to live together in Tokyo.

The girl closed the phone and sighed. Akashi placed his nose on her face to smell her perfume better.

- We already live together now, and we're going to study together, maybe it won't be so bad if we live in different places.

- But Ha-chin...

- Seijūrō - she interrupted him - we managed to keep the secret until now, but in Tokyo it will be different, now our parents want us to appear in public, soon our engagement will be public.

- I don't mind it being public - he said, even though he understood her reasons.

- I will live with Suki, I have everything ready, I will finally live with a friend! - she smiled again, and even in the dark her smile shone for Akashi - Can you imagine that?

Akashi wanted to be against it, but Hayami's smile was so bright that he couldn't contradict her.

These years together had been good for both of them, only they were able to give each other strength, even in therapy. Akashi didn't want to ruin this, but he didn't want to be too far away either, so he took advantage when Hayami finally fell asleep to send a message on 'Miragroup', maybe he also needed company, and maybe his friends were the answer.

Extra: Girl Talk

- What did you do, Sana? - Aimi asked as soon as they got a table in a busy cafe in the center of Tokyo.

Classes at school had officially ended, they were about to become university students soon, but for now they were enjoying what little freedom they had walking around the city.

- I didn't do anything, I swear! - the blonde girl raised one of her hands. She and Aimi wore matching shirts with a teddy bear design on them. Sana thought this was funny for taking pictures. - Well, if she wants the clothes I promised, I haven't started classes yet, I haven't done anything.

Aimi sighed, she had tied her brown hair into a ponytail and started drinking her frappuccino while Sana tried not to devour all the chocolate cake they were supposed to share. There was also a takeaway black coffee on the table that they had ordered for Botan.

- It's a little strange to meet her alone, don't you think? She's less scary when Midorima is around.

- They're both scary - Sana ate another piece of the cake, soon there would be nothing left - look, there she is!

Botan entered the cafe in a hurry, but she was much more dressed up than on the day of the festival, wearing formal pants and a button-down blouse. Her hair was down instead of tied up in the usual braid, and her eyes looked happy behind the lenses of her glasses.

- Hello - she said as she sat down and picked up the coffee - thank you for the coffee, you must be wondering why I called you here.

Neither Aimi nor Sana had the courage to ask, so Botan took a good sip of her coffee before continuing.

- Let's live together.

- What? - Aimi and Sana said at the same time.

- You're going to college, don't you want to be more independent? Don't you want to have more time for Kise and Aomine? If you stay at your parents' house you won't be able to do this, much less in the dorm, it's full of rules, but if we stay in an apartment...

Botan looked at Sana, she was quicker to understand certain things.

- Even so, we would have to have rules about this.

- Yes, we could create rules, and share the rent and bills, it would be perfect! - Botan picked up the fork that Aimi hadn't used yet and used it to eat a piece of the chocolate cake - no noisy roommates!

- What about Suki and Hayami? - Aimi suddenly asked.

Sana stopped smiling, she hadn't even thought about the two of them, but she was more worried about Botan's reaction.

- We don't need Hayami.

- She's rich – Aimi said.

- Very rich - Sana sighed - maybe she'll even get a place for free.

- The last time I spoke to Suki I heard that she and Hayami were looking for a place to stay in Tokyo too, Murasakibara and Akashi already have a place.

- Are they going to share a place? - Sana looked shocked - Wow, does Kise know?

- Aomine also wants to leave home, things aren't going very well with his parents.

Botan rolled her eyes, she knew where this conversation was going and she didn't like it.

- I just want to say... - Aimi tried to speak, unlike Sana she was careful with her words, perhaps too shy for a cheerleader performing on stage - That the more people we have, the cheaper for everyone.

The older girl sighed for a long moment. Takao had already traveled, he seemed happier, but he still wasn't the same Takao. No one was the same after having their heart broken.

- Fine - Botan finally said - but you guys sort it out with her, and if that happens I won't talk to her, or even share a room with that girl.

Botan got up quickly, taking her coffee and soon joining the crowd on the streets of Tokyo.

Sana and Aimi looked at each other, then started to smile.

Finally, they had a plan.