Chapter 28

Ordinarily, she would have been a little ashamed, or she could have avoided the situation altogether, but at this moment, she really couldn't care less, ignoring the annoyed brown eyes that watched her every move. The sound of the crinkling wrapper echoed throughout the room as she happily devoured the bacon sandwich, the warm melted cheese adding to the great mix of flavors. She made sure to keep crumbs away from the paperwork for the last school festival for the year.

It was about to be eight o'clock in the evening, and Seijuuro was just lucky there was no training today, or any meetings to attend for the company. Kita thankfully had the latter handled, and was making progress on the collection of evidence against Ono Jintaro. This allowed Seijuuro to have a small breather, even if that was simply Student Council work.

"Shougo told me he hadn't seen you the whole day. Neither did Midorima, and he's your classmate," Shuuzo told her, unfolding his crossed arms to hand her a napkin to wipe her mouth with.

"I was busy."

"I can see that."

Seijuuro shrugged, moving the stack of papers from the chair next to her onto the table to make room for Shuuzo. The older boy reluctantly sat next to her as she finished the last of her sandwich, wiping away any spare crumbs before she set to work again.

"Why are you even the one working on this? Where's that Kiyotaka guy?"

"High school entrance exams to prepare for," Seijuuro shrugged, "so, honestly, it's a very valid excuse. He has cram school today."

After all, with the school year ending, it meant that Shuuzo himself would be going off to high school soon, wherever that would be. He was toying around with the idea of Touou, but he hadn't given anyone a clear answer yet.

"And no one else thought to help you?"

"I mean, I am the only second year," Seijuuro grimaced, quickly reaching for her handkerchief before coughing.

Shuuzo's lips pressed into a thin line. "Can't you just finish that tomorrow?"

"I can't," Seijuuro said as she scribbled a few notes on the margins of the proposal in front of her. She was certainly not opposed to a cotton candy booth, especially when it offered a variety of flavors such as blueberry and orange. She was already excited to try the coffee flavored one. "After school tomorrow, I have to attend a photoshoot with Kouki. I'll try to have a coffee on the way home, then I need to have an online meeting for the company. After that, depending on the debrief, I do still have that essay to write for Hasegawa-sensei's class. It shouldn't take me long, since it's just an English essay. Then, the last item on my to-do list is the statistics assignment, but Midorima and I got a headstart on that."

Shuuzo blinked as she recounted her packed schedule, before sighing and gently placing his hands on top of her own, stopping her from moving on to the next batch of proposals for the festival. "Could you… slow down for a second?"

"Why? Shuuzo, I have lots to do—"

"Just a few minutes, okay?" When she hesitantly nodded, he ignored the weird little jumpy feeling he was getting from his chest as he held onto her hands and said, "You're not joining practice this week. You'll be joining Momoi on the bench, going over everyone's training plans and strategizing for our strategy in the last few matches this season."

Seijuuro's tired eyes widened in shock. "You can't do that. The team needs me—"

"The team needs a Vice Captain who can stay awake," Shuuzo said sternly, "and who can take care of herself first. We only have a practice match next week with Shinrin, which you're sitting out on. You're going to rest up when you can. Captain's orders, no take backs."

"...Just because you're Captain—"

"I'll make use of it if I have to if it means you don't get yourself hospitalized," Shuuzo said, a bit snippy, but it made the fight in Seijuuro go away when she remembered that at home, away from the happiness that she and the team brought to him, he was the one who had to keep things in order, managing his two siblings and his sick father.

He probably…

He probably doesn't want the same thing happening to you. Getting sick, that is.

There's just so much to do right now…

And he knows that, which is why he's adjusting things for you. He's a good guy.

He's a great guy.

"How much more paperwork do you have to do?" Shuuzo asked as he glanced at the organized mess on the table.

Seijuuro glanced around. "After this stack of proposals, it should just be about prioritizing approvals for which class will be doing what this time around. Though, I suppose I could delegate that to Honda-san if I see him tomorrow."

"Good. Delegate," Shuuzo emphasized the word. "That's what you should be doing."

Seijuuro chuckled, though it came off as some soft, wheezing sort of sound before she started coughing slightly again.

Shuuzo frowned, standing up to get a paper cup in the room's supplies closet and filling it up with warm water. He gave it to a thankful Seijuuro, who took small slips. "Go finish those proposals then I'm taking you home."

"You mean, Kon-san's taking us home," Seijuuro smiled amusedly.

Shuuzo rolled his eyes good-naturedly as he crossed his arms on the table and leaned his head on them, peeking up at the redhead through his bangs. As always, she was hard at work, so focused on the papers in front of her that it seemed as if she was in her own little world, and he got to be a part of it.

Shuuzo smiled slightly, absentmindedly grasping a stray strand of red hair and twirling a finger around it. "Your hair's gotten longer."

Seijuuro, who had just approved a hamburger stall, glanced down at him. "Is it… bad? Maybe I should cut it short."

"I like it either way," Shuuzo said, "though anyone else's opinions regarding your looks shouldn't be important. As long as you feel good about yourself, what does it matter what people think?"

He could see her cheeks turn a pale red as she quickly looked away from him, trying so hard to focus on — okay, why was there a petition for a swimsuit competition? She better reject that… — the work in front of her. She really was cute.

Shuuzo closed his eyes to rest. All he could hear was her pen sliding across the paper, her soft breathing, and his own heartbeat.

He wished they could stay like this forever.

"I'm telling you, Ari-nee, she says they're just friends, and I don't doubt that, but something about her ticks me off," Kise Rika hissed through the phone as she remembered how her brother and the red-haired girl ate at their dining table. She was outside the dining room, lounging by a dimly lit set of stairs.

"Rika, we've been through this. Just because she has red hair—"

"And her last name—"

"Which really shouldn't matter to you—"

"You're not listening to me!" Rika sighed softly in frustration, careful to not raise her voice enough to be heard in case Ryota woke up in the middle of the night. "He's getting attached to her. And, he's happy, and he hasn't been like that in a while, which is why I'm scared that it's her of all people."

"Just give the girl a chance, Rika," her elder sister's sigh was audible. "She might be good for him."

"You'll regret saying that," Rika huffed as she glared at empty space. She didn't feel so good about Akashi Seijuuro, no matter how much Ryota had nothing but praise for his 'precious Akashicchi'.

The Akashi name had only ever hurt the people in their family. Rika couldn't let it happen again — not to her baby brother.

.

Kise Ryota hummed as he finished cleaning his room. It was a routine he quite enjoyed doing, and seeing the fixed and organized room afterwards was always worth the trouble. He was just about to plop down on his bed when a voice said, "I'm home!"

His eyes widened as he jumped up and sped downstairs, ignoring Rika's hollers to slow down, a grin stretching across his face as he tackled his mother into a hug.

Kise Mari was a beautiful woman who had received many offers to be a model before she had settled down with her husband. Currently, she worked as one of the managers at a large events company, so she was frequently out of town.

"Hello, Ryo~ It's been a while," she smiled as she treated her energetic son to a warm hug.

"A while? It's been months! It felt like years!" Kise whined before asking, "How long are you staying this time?"

"A month."

"Really?" Kise grinned before glomping her again. "You can meet my friends, then! They're coming over this weekend. Don't worry! One of them's already survived— I mean, met Rika-nee."

"Oh? I'd love to meet them, then, especially since I've yet to hear your sister complain about them."

Kise laughed nervously.

He had two older sisters: Arisa, the eldest, who was a doctor and lived an hour away from them, and Rika, who had been the one Seijuuro met when she came over. He was sure Arisa would easily be a favorite among the team, what with her tendency to be mothering towards him. He was sure Rika would get along with them well, too, with her witty remarks, but he wasn't quite sure why she couldn't bring herself to like Seijuuro. It wasn't as if she had anything to complain about. All she said was she was sensing some bad vibes.

Kise felt she was just on her time of the month, but he could be wrong.

"Right…"

"Anyways, what's for dinner?"

"Ari-nee sent over some pizza!"

.

The weekend arrived quickly, and it was a bouncing Kise who introduced his teammates to his mother, Mari. Mari sent them all warm smiles as they settled around the dining table, all giving her their own versions of 'it's nice to meet you'.

"So, this is Haizakicchi. He only wishes he was as good as me—"

"Hey!"

"—and this is Midorimacchi. I'm secretly his favorite—"

"..."

"—and this is Murasakibaracchi. He likes food more than people—"

Cue munching sounds from the purple giant who had brought out a chunky chocolate bar as an appetizer for his lunch.

"—and Aominecchi's my other brain cell, whenever he remembers that he has a brain—"

"What are these unwarranted insults for?!"

"Eh, Mine-chin, you know what 'unwarranted' means?"

"Excuse you!"

"You are excused."

"...right, and then one of my favorites is Kurokocchi! He doesn't talk a lot, but it's okay! He's adorable and—"

Kuroko nodded politely to Mari, while Kise continued to babble about how great the smaller boy was.

"—and… oh? Captain and Akashicchi aren't here yet?"

Shougo snorted. "They're almost here. Sorry for our teammates' delay, Kise-san. They went to pick up the gift we got for you."

"Oh! You didn't have to," Mari waved her hand elegantly, though she was flattered that they thought of getting something.

The boys all gave her a reassuring thumbs up.

That was when the doorbell rang and Kise perked up. "That must be them!"

Mari chatted with the remaining boys as her son went to fetch their other guests. She could hear their voices from the hallway as they shuffled inside the house.

"A strawberry mille feuille? How did you know Mom liked that? Are you in her fan club? I mean, she made me, so I can see why…"

"Kise, you literally told us two days ago."

"Oh, really? Whoops! Anyways, hurry, hurry, they're in the dining room."

Mari glanced at the entrance to see a tall boy with dark hair accompanied by a smaller girl with red hair. Both bowed to her and said it was nice to meet her before straightening themselves up, the box of the aforementioned pastry in the boy's arms.

Mari smiled at the boy first, though the scent of the pastry was so darn delicious she almost missed her son introducing the boy as Nijimura Shuuzo. When she turned to the girl, her breath hitched as she gazed into shining red orbs.

"—my absolute favorite, Akashicchi!"

Akashicchi.

Of course. How could she miss it?

He had said that earlier as well but Mari thought she had heard wrong. It appeared she was mistaken because standing in front of her was a female Akashi Masaomi.

"It's nice to meet you, too," she was able to say without missing a beat, but her eyes were locked onto the girl's form as she took a seat in between Shuuzo and Shougo.

Perhaps, years ago, Mari would have bawled her eyes out, crying about how unfair the world was and that she really should have just packed her things or gone out to a club or something. Anything, really.

Akashi Seijuuro was just… a teeny, tiny bit painful to look at.

She was the spitting image of the man she had come to love way (and she meant, way) back then, before he had fallen for someone else. She had no regrets about helping him reach an agreement with his father to break off his engagement with her. She wasn't going to trap herself in a loveless marriage, after all, but a younger Mari had hoped he would come to love her over time.

There were no outright traces of Shiori on the girl. A shame, really, but she would admit that it did ease whatever discomfort she might have felt upon gazing at the girl.

Nonetheless, Mari was happy with her life — she was very much in love with her husband and with the life she had built with her three children. Her life, as far as he was concerned, was perfect.

She put on a smile and focused on getting to know her son's new friends.

Shuuzo was fine. He had already met the boy before, and he knew that he and Seijuuro were firmly, definitely, strictly, just friends. That, however, didn't stop him from being annoyed at what he was seeing.

Earlier today, he saw that Seijuuro, despite the eyebags decorating her eyes, looked a bit more awake and alert.

"Did you have too much coffee today?" he joked as he watched her quickly and efficiently go through the last batch of paperwork for the school festival. These were mostly some last-minute requests to performance line-ups, or to the set-up of some classrooms (which, for some reason, the Student Council had to ensure was compliant with certain guidelines, but what did he know, anyways), and she seemed to have no problem going through them.

"Tatsuya's coming to visit," Seijuuro said with a small smile. He glanced at her and saw her eyes shining with excitement.

He was happy, really — happy that she didn't seem to be as lifeless as she had been for the past few days as she drowned in her never-ending workload. He was happy that she had something to look forward to, a little break from her monotonous cycle of productivity.

He was just a bit jealous he wasn't the reason for it.

He knew she barely saw Tatsuya, which was most likely why she was overjoyed, and she saw him every day at school, but the green-eyed monster chose to make a brief appearance.

Sometimes, in those few and very rare, and often fleeting moments, Shuuzo was jealous of him.

It was evident to himself as he watched Seijuuro finish the paperwork before quickly packing up her things. He saw it when he noticed the little skip in her step as they walked down to the gates. He saw it when she eagerly hugged the taller boy who greeted them with a smile and a wave.

Maybe it was simply because she never acted like that around him or around Shougo. With them, she was always trying to be composed, to be the mature one, but with Tatsuya, she just seemed to… let go of what, or who, she was trying to be.

With him, she was happy.

There was no other explanation. After all, he could see them hugging in front of him, and he knew they weren't together, that there was really nothing for him to be so affected by, but sometimes he wondered if she'd ever hug him the way she hugged Tatsuya.

"—and I made sure my afternoon was open!" he heard her tell the boy before turning to him. "Shuuzo, I'll see you tomorrow? Thanks for walking with me. Tatsuya said he'll bring me home."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure she's safe," Tatsuya smiled to reassure him, an arm casually wrapped around the girl's shoulders.

Shuuzo waved them off before walking home, ignoring how heavy his steps felt.

The Teiko Times

Three-pointer wonder secures Teiko an easy 92-31 against Suika!

by Yamaguchi Erin

Midorima Shintaro, second year shooting guard, was certainly the highlight of today's game. The first quarter of the game was focused on Teiko's infallible team dynamics, which already led to a seventeen-point lead by the end of it. By the second quarter, Aomine Daiki and Akashi Seijuuro's key plays easily shut down Suika's scorers and previously undefeated center, Ashido Ken.

At this point, Suika decided to triple team Aomine Daiki, who was able to manage a quick pass to Midorima Shintaro before his possibilities to shoot or to pass were blocked. When the ball reached his hands, the shooting guard seemed to have blossomed.

To everyone's shock, every time the ball was given to him, Midorima never failed to shoot from the three-point line.

Aomine was the first among the first string to seem invincible, a powerful force on the front line. Now, Midorima provides another avenue for scoring all the way from the back.

Many are speculating about what kind of programs the basketball team coaches are putting their players through because this kind of talent in a single middle school team is almost unfathomable. Should the rest of the team members perform exceptionally well, it certainly might be the sign of a miracle.

Ramen (Tuesday, 9:10 PM): no but it's the way i wasn't even mentioned in the article

Ramen (Tuesday, 9:10 PM): is this yamaguchi girl in your classes

Ramen (Tuesday, 9:10 PM): she needs to feature me too fr

Nerunerunerune (Tuesday, 9:15 PM): ?

Ramen (Tuesday, 9:15 PM): LOOK AT THIS

[Ramen has sent a link]

Ramen (Tuesday, 9:16 PM): she only talked about aomine and midorima like hELLO i'm here too

Nerunerunerune (Tuesday, 9:17 PM): lmao

NO, I'M going to the NBA (Tuesday, 9:18 PM): LOL Haizakicchi be jelly fr

Goin' NBA (Tuesday, 9:20 PM): Oh, cool, Noodles, you got featured, too!

Ramen (Tuesday, 9:22 PM): but where's mY FEATURE

NO, I'M going to the NBA (Tuesday, 9:23 PM): LOLOLOLOLOLOL

Noodles (Tuesday, 9:24 PM): I see

Noodles (Tuesday, 9:24 PM): Maybe you'll be featured if you actually do something to warrant Yamaguchi's attention

Goin' NBA (Tuesday, 9:25 PM): WHEW THAT'S A BURN

NO, I'M going to the NBA (Tuesday, 9:25 PM): Dang, Midorimacchi, didn't know you had it in you…

Noodles (Tuesday, 9:25 PM): ?

Noodles (Tuesday, 9:26 PM): We all know Yamaguchi only writes about things that 'interest' her. Ergo, Ramen has to do something interesting. It's just logic.

Nerunerunerune (Tuesday, 9:27 PM): lmao

Kaa-san (Tuesday, 9:28 PM): I literally just woke up. Let me backread.

Ramen (Tuesday, 9:28 PM): i'm being bullied Kaa-san help me

Kaa-san (Tuesday, 9:29 PM): By Noodles? That's not news to me.

Kaa-san (Tuesday, 9:29 PM): Congratulations on the feature, Noodles. I'm going to pass out now. Goodnight.

NO, I'M going to the NBA (Tuesday, 9:31 PM): LOLOLOLOLOL

Ramen (Tuesday, 9:32 PM): i hate you all REAL

To: Akashi Seijuuro

From: Furihata Kouki

Re: Confused

I'm not sure if I'm overthinking, but Father has been more attentive lately. Aside from making time to watch my matches, he's consistently asked about my day, and he even remembers food I want to try, even when I only mention these sparingly.

Is it weird that I'm finding it weird how normal it's starting to feel like? It's not like he had ever been outright mean to me, but it was obvious he preferred my brother.

Now, it feels like I'm on the same footing.

I should be pretty happy about this, but I guess, I just don't know what to feel about this, or how to process it. I mean, he's definitely not going to win a Dad of the Year Award, but… do you think it's okay if I accept the praise I'm getting, even if he's probably just using me for other means?

Is it okay to try and imagine that he's starting to really see me as a son that he loves unconditionally?

I wasn't really sure who to ask about this, and next thing I knew, I ended up typing this really long message for you. It was supposed to help me process, but I seem to have opened my email. I hope you don't mind! I'm just… really trying to sort out the thoughts in my head, confusing as they may be.

Anyways, how have you been doing lately? I recently joined the library committee. I joined because of a friend, but it's actually quite interesting. Our current task is to try and make it easier for students to identify where the books they need are located, kind of like how you'd stroll in a supermarket and easily find the aisle you're looking for. It's been a really fun project, and I'm excited to see it through. I think we also have an upcoming project to recommend more books to include, so even if that means I'll have to talk to a lot of people to get their thoughts, I'm hoping I can get past my shyness to complete the project.

I've also been practicing my cooking more. My brother and father said the omelet rice I made them was excellent! I guess I've finally mastered my seasonings! We should cook together sometime, if you're free.

Looking back, I see I've talked too much. No rush on the reply, okay! I know you're busy.

Hope I can see you again soon,

Kouki

Akashi and Furihata Groups announce development of AkaFuri Tower

The Akashi and Furihata Groups last caused a stir with the betrothal of their two heirs. Now, they are once again at the forefront of today's news with the announcement of AkaFuri Tower. A collaboration between the two groups, the tower is meant to provide endless amusement, a vast array of shopping areas, and a resort that begins at the top floor.

It has been revealed that some of the floors are in partnership with the Hirasawa Group, the company famous for developing indoor water parks and roller coasters. On the other hand, several high-end stores have signed with the groups to open branches in the tower.

'A world inside the world', as Furihata Kouji says.

AkaFuri Tower is estimated to finish construction within three years, and a soft opening is scheduled to be held three months after the tower's completion.

"It's an exciting project," Isayama Kurisu, one of Akashi Group's directors, adds. "Our goal is to reignite that feeling of wonder, of discovering something new. The groups will ensure that the customers will never get bored, and will always have more experiences, all in one tower."

Akashi Masaomi was unfortunately not available for an interview, as he is currently in Europe closing deals with more brands.

Uenoyama Sachiko, Correspondent

A/N: Bit of a shorter chapter today, but this will help build up the next few chapter c: Can confirm that the succeeding chapters will have a more serious tone since we're entering the part where conflicts arise and some loose ends are tied.

Thank you all for still sticking with this story! Really appreciate it.

See you in the next chapter!

Sidenote: any Arcane watchers? First 3 eps were craaaazzzyyy good, really excited for Warwick in the next few eps

Omake: A continuation of the HP AU but it's fourth year

(As a refresher: Dorea Malfoy - Sei, Harry Potter - Shuuzo, Ron Weasley - Shougo, Seamus Finnegan - Kazuya)

Pansy Parkinson scowled at the sight before her. It had literally been one of the most romantic proposals possible in this school! Conjured rose petals falling from the sky, a charmed quarter playing a ballad, and he had even asked her in the middle of the courtyard, where anyone could see them.

And everyone who did see them 'aww'-ed at the sight, and waited for that blasted blonde to say 'yes'.

She didn't.

In a flattered but sorry expression, Dorea Malfoy quickly apologized to the cute Durmstrang boy who had asked her out, saying that she already had a date. The boy, whose name was Ivan, looked disappointed but had taken it good-naturedly, wishing for her to enjoy with her date.

If only Ivan Petrova had asked Pansy out, instead! She wouldn't even have had to think to say 'yes', wouldn't even consider saying 'no'! The Petrovas were a perfectly rich, Pureblood family with good dealings and a clean background. The boy himself was also a pleasant person with a nice smile and a scarily good amount of knowledge in Arithmancy.

And Dorea Malfoy had said 'no'?!

Pansy remembered having to try hard to control herself from reacting badly to the rejection she had witnesses as but one of the many onlookers in the courtyard that day. Dorea Malfoy already had it all: beauty, the standing, the brains, the wealth. Did she think that was enough reason to shun a boy who was so clearly infatuated with her?if only she realized how easy she had it!

Pansy couldn't understand how she could so easily reject him. Cancel the date! Who could be better than Ivan Petrova? (Well, Viktor Krum, but last she heard, he was already going with someone else. She had half suspected it to be Dorea, but Viktor and Dorea treated each other like siblings.)

She got her answer on the night of the Yule Ball. After the shocker of Viktor Krum going with Hermione Granger, of all people — how did that disgusting Mudblood land her claws on him? Pansy had to know. — Dorea Malfoy appeared on the staircase, enchantingly ethereal with her long, white blonde hair and dark blue robes. Pansy hated it.

It honestly shouldn't have surprised her when, amongst the crowd of admirers that had gazed at her as she descended down the stairs, it was Harry Potter who had met her at the bottom, arm extended for her to wrap her own around.

Potter and Dorea Malfoy had a friendship no one could quite comprehend. When they were first Sorted, they already seemed to know each other, sometimes acting in sync when they woke up at the same time or when they reached for food to give to the other.

They complemented each other well. Dorea, who wasn't very fond of Quidditch, being forced to ride with Potter one time at midnight because he was flabbergasted she didn't enjoy it as much as he did, the Quidditch nut. And there was the time people thought Potter was the Heir of Slytherin, and she had simply glared at the Gryffindors who had been mocking him, letting a few hexes fly as she put them in their place. Potter had had to calm her down. (Pansy only knew this because of gossip she heard from Daphne Greengrass, who was on good terms with the Malfoy heiress.)

Potter even had the approval of Professor Snape, for Merlin's sake! Greengrass has informed her that Potter and Dorea usually had afternoon tea with Professor Snape on the weekends. If Potter already had the godfather's approval…

She should have seen this coming, really.

With one last jealous look at Dorea Malfoy, Pansy took Theodore Nott's arm and entered the Great Hall.