Today is colder than yesterday. Mayuzumi thought as he gazed up at the sky. He would have to find a temporary place to read once the rooftop became unbearable.

On a different thought, he wondered why his usual guest wasn't here yet. Not that he was waiting for her, rather, he was only curious. After all, the second volume of the novel they had been reading finally came out and knowing that she had read the first volume, a thought occurred to him that she might be happy if she found it out.

What was he thinking? Why was she in his thoughts anyway?

She was just a mere stranger enjoying the same book but as a fellow reader, he just knew what it would feel.

That was all.

Nonetheless, Mayuzumi brushed it off.

It wasn't like him to wait for someone.

It wasn't like him to worry about someone's reading hobby.

Did the story of the book influence him somehow? Like something might begin at this rooftop like the one in his LN?

No...

Very unlikely...

He didn't even know her.

Moreover, things like relationships, crushes, love and dating never impressed him.

In the end, he just continued reading the volume 2 of his LN. But just when he was about to get at the good part, he suddenly heard a new voice.

"Mayuzumi-san, is it? Hello there."

He blinked. Maybe having a guest wouldn't surprise him anymore but hearing a male voice all of a sudden was quite unexpected. Wait, thinking about it, wasn't that his ex-captain? And here he thought rooftop was a forbidden place to students?

"Aren't you being too friendly? Shouldn't it be "Nice to meet you." and not "Hello there." Either way, he continued on turning the pages of his book.

Truth to be told, he didn't like this freshman and yet there he was, acting too casual towards him when it was their first conversation.

"We were on the same basketball team until a few days ago."

Surprisingly, the third year didn't expect that. He dropped the book for a while to actually acknowledge his guest as he rose up his head to have a better look at the redhead. "That's unusual. There's hardly anyone who immediately remembers who I am."

"That's because... I know someone that resembles you very much." The redhead smirked before noticing the book that had been on the third year's possession since he arrived. "By the way, what are you reading?"

Without hesitation, Mayuzumi closed the book and handed it to the redhead. "A light novel."

"Light novel?" He mused upon accepting. He turned it on its back as he briefly scanned the summary.

"You don't know that?"

It wasn't that he didn't know. In fact, it was kind of familiar. He remembered reading the same title from before. Where could it be again?

"Are they good reads?"

"The story isn't as heavy as others, so they're easy to follow."

This time, Akashi turned it at the front cover. The artwork seemed familiar as well. He had seen this before. He remembered this character design.

Wasn't this the one he saw from Hotaru's collection of books?

"If it's a matter of like or hate then you'll like it. It's worth reading."

Akashi simpered, something that Mayuzumi didn't like. "You're making fun of the cover?" He asked in an ever-monotonous voice of him.

"No. In fact, I've read the first volume of this." He dropped the hand possessing the book to his side. "Anyway, you're actually similar to the phantom sixth man."

Mayuzumi snapped, "From Teiko Middle School..." Somehow, it earned his attention. "So that wasn't just a rumor? "He heard about that but never once confirmed the reliability of such, whether it really existed or not.

The third year blinked. He got it. The rumor was real and so...what about it?

"Yes. And here's the main part of the conversation."

Mayuzumi waited as the redhead delivered his next words. "Mayuzumi Chihiro, I'd like you to become the new phantom sixth man."

His eyes narrowed.

He'd like to...?
Clearly, that was not asking a favor nor requesting. Akashi Seijuro sounded firm as if he already decided it.

This was why he despised genius people like this one. As if they could get anything they wanted just because they wanted it.

He curtly stole the book from the redhead. "I decline." Wasn't the phantom sixth man only known in passing?

"I love myself. It would be boring to become a player specializing in passing the ball." He faced the redhead upfront, "It's not like I want to play in a game that badly. If I don't feel good, then there's no meaning to playing basketball."

Akashi smirked once again, but this time it was different. His eyes widened towards him.

"Amusing, you interest me even more. You can become a phantom player that surpasses Tetsuya."

Mayuzumi frowned, it didn't feel right. Akashi seemed like a different person all of a sudden.

Although he clearly stated his disagreement, he couldn't seem to proceed. For some reason, something about the redhead made it impossible for him to repeat his reason.

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It was one of his secret habit.

There were times when Mayzumi would go on and off randomly in a train station that he wasn't familiar.

Most of the time, he just wanted to spend some free time strolling around while observing people.

It became too interesting to wander around places he didn't know and crossed paths with people he didn't recognize while studying their movements. How did they look like when they were waiting to reach their destinations? Would there be at least someone like him who didn't have a particular destination in mind?

It was fascinating. He felt like he could understand anyone just by watching their actions. It could tell a lot about themselves, no need for words or a conversation.

Just like this moment, he went off from another station again.

After what happened last time at the rooftop with a certain freshman, he wanted a place to think. Though he wasn't really given an option, still, Mayuzumi didn't want to be kept in a situation he didn't like.

Just what would Akashi do anyway if he didn't want to? Well, he might be that intimidating but no way he would let a mere freshman dictates what he would do with his school life.

[...will arrive from Yamashina station.]

Here, the next train finally arrived.

His destination would be up to this train.

As he stepped inside, his eyes suddenly caught a familiar figure.

A black hair in a bob cut, wearing the female uniform of his school. She was holding onto the long steel near the corner where he planned to stand.

His steps halted as his eyesight unknowingly lingered on her—totally not what he intended. Good thing, she was busy looking outside.

Such a mystery, he seemed excited seeing her again but he knew very well that it wasn't a good idea nor feeling. He had to ignore this, and of course, her.

By this, he intended to take the opposite place, maybe proceed on the next cabin somewhere far from her.

Conversing with her was the last thing he wanted. Well, that was until he heard her voice. He knew it was her and he knew it was aimed towards him.

"Mayuzumi..."

Her face suddenly lightened up after catching his eyes.

Aren't you being too casual? He thought, paying her with his expressionless face. Was he supposed to greet her in this situation?

Her lips quickly formed into a smile. She blinked, shaking her head for a second. "I mean, Mayuzumi Chihiro-san."

Now, that's too formal.

She was looking at him as if wanting to start a conversation.

A slight frown came visible to his face due to that.

No matter how he looked at it, it didn't seem right. Clearly, they were strangers. He didn't even know her name. On the other hand, he sure had no idea how she knew his.

So, what was that look? The least they could do was acknowledge each other with a nod and be done with that.

That was what he did, a slight nod before aiming to take the next cubicle but due to her interference, other passengers already filled the way and he couldn't move from his spot anymore.

He sighed, maybe he'd just have to be comfortable here. He turned on his back so he wouldn't see her face, that way, there wouldn't be any awkwardness.

Or so he thought.

Surely, he sensed eyes darting at his back.

Few seconds later, the culprit walked forward and leveled her shoulder to his.

They were both holding on their respective handles inside the train. She was obviously glancing at him from time to time.

What is it? What does she want?

Mayuzumi put one hand inside his pocket as the awkwardness engulfed him. He never had this much closeness from an opposite gender before. Well, maybe he already did, but to have it to someone he didn't know but at the same time know... was a different story. In fact, it was too complicated to explain their relationship.

What does one do in such situation?

A minute passed before it stretched to what felt like 10 when she finally broke the silence. "Am I troubling you?" Hotaru whispered, slightly leaning beside.

She really had to ask? "Not really." Of course, he won't tell the truth.

She didn't seem to be asking for any deeper or longer conversation than what they already had. It made him thankful somehow. Small talk had never been his forte anyway.

Mayuzumi's eyes trailed on his bag, suddenly remembering the volume 2 of his light novel. He glanced at her wondering if he should tell that information. But how would he bring that up? Of course, he just had to open his mouth and say it, right? But it wasn't that easy.

Judging her, she didn't seem to be the type who would check bookstores from time to time.

This was him offering kindness to a fellow reader, he thought.

"A clock—"

"I'll be taking off from here." She informed all of a sudden just before he could finish his words. Her forefinger was airing and pointing at the direction of the door, outside. When her eyes fell on him, she noticed how his face seemed interrupted over something, Hotaru blinked, "Were you saying something?"

He blinked. "...No."

The girl looked behind and around, noting how the train suddenly got crowded. It might be just her imagination.

"I see." She stepped aside and tried to pass in between of the people around. Just a few seconds and the door would be opening but before that, she turned her head to face him once again. With a slight nod, she bid her goodbye while wearing a smile. "Then I'll be going now. See you again."

See you again... eh?

He sighed inwardly.

He wouldn't admit but that was the first time someone other than his family said that to him, like he was expected to be seen the next time.

Mayuzumi looked outside, trailing his eyes on the figure of the girl as she walked her way out of the area. She seemed to be in a hurry though.

As the voice over inside the train informed its departure, he lifted his eyebrows while thinking the possibility that maybe it wouldn't be that bad to at least answer that remark.

"Well... see you." he mumbled to his self.

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"First, fix your language. Casualness is a no-no. Always keep it formal. Second, Seijuro-sama, doesn't like seaweeds. Third, don't be too loud when you're with him. Try to understand that even though you're at the same age, his responsibilities are way too high compared to you so don't give him too much stress. Fourth, your loyalty should only be—"

"Yes, Aoyama-san, I got it all already." she chimed in, raising one arm to steal his attention.

"No. I need to tell you this everyday just to be sure."

"But I've already memorized it all. Please, Seijuro-sama is my superior. My loyalty belongs only to him, yes? It really is, in fact." The young girl stated.

Aoyama tapped her desk, somewhat irked with her constant interruption. Though, if she understood her task then that was all that he needed. "Then do it, especially the third one."

Third one? What was the third one again? Was it the 'don't be too loud whenever she's with him'?

Oh...

Hotaru snapped, as if she wasn't aware that she had been unconsciously doing a mistake. "B-But...he doesn't seem to mind that..."

"That's what you think! Seijuro-sama is just too busy to correct you but you must know that he particularly doesn't like noisy people! Alright let me teach you how to read the expression of his face."

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Hotaru was on her way to visit Aoyama— the lead attendant of the Akashi household when she was young.

On her way, she remembered again the lessons she often had with Aoyama.

Most information she knew about Seijuro came from the old man, while the other facts were gathered as the years passed by, as she got to know him better.

Several years had passed and he was now a retiree. But that didn't stop the connection she had with him. She was thankful of all the guidance and support he did for her especially when the duties at the mansion got tougher as time went by.

Hotaru entered the house as if she was already expected to arrive. The view of her old colleague was far from the man she used to see. The formal attire was now a piece of simple shirt and pants.

During the visit, the two talked about life in the mansion as usual. Then it would shift to Akashi Seijuro. It felt like she still wanted to hear every story about her superior despite knowing it already. It helped that Aoyama had known the heir even before his Mother died so he knew how the kid was like before Hotaru came in picture.

"He used to smile more when Shiori-sama was still here." Aoyama would often say—and still—every time they talked about it. He'd have his head shake in dismay due to that. "Why must life be that short?"

It was also the information that never left her mind. She liked to imagine how the young Akashi was like during that time. She liked to use the old attendant's story to visualize it herself.

"After the tragedy, Masaomi-sama didn't let him mourn. He only added more pressure to him by giving more lessons and educational tutoring."

As he narrated, the girl would always lend ears quietly.

She was aware of the fact that she would never ever know the weight he had to carry during those times. Yet, she wanted to understand, and that was why she wanted to hear more stories of that time.

"It was so sad, if you'd ask me. What a poor child."

Hotaru glanced at the old man. "Do you think Masaomi-sama was at fault?"

She noticed how the color of his hair had turned white. It really had been a long time since those times when she used to run in the hallway of the mansion as he chased her to give some scolding.

"I can't say for sure. I understand Masaomi-sama. He only wanted the best for his son." He sighed wistfully and shook his head once again before reaching the package that the girl brought for him.

While opening, he continued his words. "Maybe he didn't want Seijuro-sama be consumed with that...so he tried to divert the young master's attention." He scrunched his nose as he smelled the bun inside the box. "Oh, isn't this..."

She nodded with a small smile, "The bun you used to buy for us."

Another memory. A kind of memory where Akashi Seijuro was included, the old man recalled.

"Ahh. How nostalgic." Aoyama smiled, a visible pattern of aging was visible even in the surface around his mouth.

It seemed like every time Hotaru visited, they were only multiplying.

"Actually, that time, I only bought this for you. After all, Seijuro-sama wasn't allowed to eat unless it was from the chef of the house." He remembered, mesmerizing the days that were long gone as he carefully looked and inspected the smoothness of the white bun. The smell, the texture, it all brought those times back.

Hotaru smiled. "I really liked the thrill it gives whenever I sneak inside Seijuro-sama's room to give a piece of this."

His eyes widened, "Really, you used to be so careless." but still laughing at the end. This was how memories supposed to be like. There should be no regrets in reminiscing, even the bad ones.

"...but he liked it, Aoyama-san. —'Be grateful, this is the food of the regular-class human being!' — I remember saying that to him." The girl took another portion from the box.

The sound of the leaves swaying outside, from Aoyama's garden, accompanied them. The shoji door that was kept open gave enough brightness as well as cold air. It was indeed getting colder nowadays, Hotaru noticed.

"Of course, I'll never forget how you were both scolded by Masaomi-sama when he found it out." Aoyama clicked his tongue.

"But do you really have to bring that up, Aoyama-san?" The girl slightly narrowed her eyes. The sad memories were something she'd rather not remember. She sighed as she trailed off her eyes outside. The bun in her hand was already half, revealing the flavored fillings at the center.

"I wonder why he changed though..." she mused.

The older man lifted his brows, still munching some bits of bun but this didn't stop him from retorting. "What do you mean?"

Hotaru blinked, meeting his nonchalant face.

She wondered, ever since then, why did it seem like she was the only one who noticed the changes that took place during Seijuro's middle school years?

It was true that she never knew how he was like when Shiori was still alive. There was no comparison to rely with, except the stories she often heard from the head attendant and pictures she saw from before.

Akashi Seijuro used to smile a lot. He used to be a carefree kid.

They said his mother was there all the time despite the workload that his father gave. It was the reason why he was able to cope up with everything.

But after she died, it all changed. Hotaru knew him by then so she was aware of what he was like.

Hotaru had been there, since then, all the time. Maybe at first, she was only fooling around but really, her eyes never left him.

She knew, he was having a hard time but he could still find time to enjoy his youth.

In his club, when he was in middle school, even though they went on a different school she was still aware of his school life.

There were times when she would ask how his day turned out and he would always willingly tell her stories about it, especially in his club.

Basketball club, he liked to talk about that. Because of this, she knew how much he enjoyed that sports and Hotaru could assume he was having a good time in school.

He had friends, he would mention one time. They were all nice and liked the same sports, just like him.

The school was also known as the champion every year which earned the approval of his father.

Masaomi allowed him to continue that sport as long as it wouldn't interfere his studies. Knowing Seijuro, she knew he could do it without fail.

Everything was all fine and normal until she started noticing the gradual changes as it happened.

Some days he would arrive without uttering anything. Despite asking like the usual, he would just say nothing.

As day passed by, she noticed how the calmness he used to have had drifted away. Somehow, his face was turning more serious than ever, like he was always in deep thoughts, like he was growing too fast than her. Sometimes, she couldn't almost follow what he was saying.

He became more and more absorbed with his studies, that most of the time he was just inside his room. He refused to go out anymore to socialize with the staffs of the household. It was like he was carrying more pressure everyday and it kept piling up from time to time. Sometimes, she wanted to hit his head hard and say 'Breath.' But of course that was something she could never or would never do towards her superior.

Until one day, as if everything happened way too fast, the moment he arrived at the mansion from school, he looked at her with cold eyes and she knew right away that something was different.

It felt like he was not the Akashi Seijuro she grew up with. That he was not the Akashi Seijuro she used to watch. She wanted to ask why or what happened but no words left her.

She couldn't bring herself to do that because she knew whatever it was that he was carrying inside his heart and mind, whatever the reason why he suddenly became like that, there was nothing she could ever do. And ever since that day, she never heard him play the same tune in the piano. Although he still touched the instrument during his lessons, it was all different. He was only following those difficult notes written in the musical sheets. He was only turning them into a song. It wasn't the Akashi Seijuro she knew. It wasn't the person she heard before.

Of all these thoughts running inside her mind, she only let out one word to use as a reply from the old attendant's question.

"Nothing..." There was nothing...

Aoyama shrugged his shoulder. "Well..." he sighed before making a short smile. Who was it that was there as she grew up? If she claimed to be the one always watching over the red head then it would be Aoyama doing that towards her.

Ever since...

"...I guess that 'Nothing' has more weight to it than just how it sounds."

And he was just right. It did.

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Quick Note:

About Mayuzumi's train hopping, it's true! Mayuzumi likes to do that, it's in his bio. haha :))

here's that,

He spends his free time getting off at train stations he isn't familiar with, just to wander off.