a/n: i apologize for the wait!
what was supposed to be a two-week break became a 4-month one. ahahahuhu.
well, i got back in college in those 4 months, and it was unexpectedly busy. but yeaaah. the semester's almost over in 2 weeks, and i might get some more time to write by then.

also, i tried out Wattpad's new feature here. hahaha. i might use it again if i were to doodle/draw a scene or if i'm going to introduce a new character. or just for fun. pffft. 

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Both teams bowed in their own lines facing the other and thanked each other for the good match. They dispersed, and started talking to each other, shaking hands with members from the other team. The red-haired captain of Team Rakuzan approached a well-built player, who I assume is the ace of the other team, and the light blue-haired member, who I recognized to be Kuroko Tetsuya-kun, of Seirin's basketball team.

It was only then did I release a breath I was holding, Rakuzan's defeat dawning on me just now. I still couldn't believe Akashi-kun lost. He was absolute; he was always right; he was always winning. Watching him from the bleachers, however, only filled me with more confusion. Why did he seem so... contented? I've never seen him like that.

Today was the first time I saw him since the afternoon I don't want to talk about, and yet it felt like ages. Akashi-kun cut his bangs, and, mid-game, he kind of changed? It was like he became another person, but he's still Akashi-kun. I don't know. And I also don't know why I just watched the championship game of the Winter Cup with Yuki-chan and Aozora Kouyuu-san, an acquaintance from middle school, when I should be keeping myself from seeing the person who just rejected me.

I let out a sigh and lightly punched the pain in my chest. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

"Kyaaa!" Yuki-chan squealed for the hundreth time since Seirin scored their winning shot, her hands flailing in front of her. She turned to Aozora-san and energetically tugged at Aozora-san's Seirin uniform. "They won, Yuu-chan, they won!" She cheered loudly.

Even Aozora-san's eyes were shining as she watched her school's basketball team walk back to their bench. "I'm so happy for them!"

Amused at their reactions, I forced to shake off my worries and turned to them. "Yuki-chan, people are looking at you," I pointed out, albeit grinning as well. "Take it down a notch, won't you?"

Mom mode: On.

She pouted for a second, and her amethyst eyes went even brighter (if that was possible). "Do you think we should congratulate them personally? We should, right?" she suggested enthusiastically, grinning mostly at Aozora-san. When she turned to me, her expression turned a little apologetic. "I'm sorry for Rakuzan's loss though, Ki-chan."

I shrugged, though I swore I just witnessed a rare miracle with Rakuzan, especially Akashi-kun, losing. "That's how sports are."

"Well," she started as she narrowed her eyes and made a lopsided smirk, "It gives you a reason to console him, right?" she suggested teasingly, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively and poking my side.

I backed away in recoil and grabbed the finger she was using to poke me. "Nope. Not happening."

I never actually told Yuki-chan I was rejected recently, thus she's still teasing me with liking a certain guy. Yuki-chan has quite the temper when someone hurts her friends.

"Isn't that what brings the heroine closer to the ultra-hot oh-so-yummy bishounen in shoujo manga?" she asked. I forced myself not to laugh at her description. "Like the bishie would be like," she pretended to wipe away some imaginary manly tears and made her voice lower to sound like a male, "'No, leave me alone! I don't want to look so uncool in front of you!' And the girl will be like," her voice became higher-pitched and supposedly gentle as she placed her hand on her cheek, "'But you were so cool earlier! Besides, for me, you definitely won something!'" Then her voice became boyish again and she cried even more imaginary manly tears, "'And what would that be?'" Her voice went higher, "'My heart!'"

What the heck-

I laughed. Even Aozora-san was laughing! Yuki-chan watched us in satisfaction and giggled.

"Won't you guys be congratulating the winner now?" I asked, urging Yuki-chan, who was seated between Aozora-san and I, out of her seat to veer the conversation away from me attempting to console Akashi-kun. It was one the most absurd ideas I've heard that came out of her mouth, and one of those ideas included playing matchmaker on two obviously straight guys and our strict and terrorizing teacher in middle school being a human-eating youkai. I mean, just think about it: Akashi-kun and I were never really friends from the start, so I was never in a position to effectively console him. And it totally made perfect sense that he'd accept the consolation of the girl he just rejected before going to this competition, the girl who caused him trouble when he could have been training. (Note the sarcasm.)

After a few gentle pushes, Yuki-chan complied, standing up from her seat and pulling Aozora-san with her. I was sure they were going to leave until Yuki-chan frowned down at me, hands on her hips. I shot her a questioning look. Just leave me alone with my negative feelings, please.

"Are you really not going to console him?" she asked, and I opened my mouth to speak, and she cut me off. "Nope, don't pull that 'but we're not close enough' argument on me!" She stuck out her tongue childishly as I pouted at her. "He talked you into going back to school, right? So you guys must have a bond!" More like threatened and ordered. "So now that he's the one at the low point, it's perfectly fine if you're the one who'd pull him up this time!" She smiled her most convincing smile, and even I would be convinced if that was really the case. And then I remembered that he was the one who really ended my bullying conflict, so Yuki-chan would still make a valid point.

But if I really use that as a reason? Akashi-kun would probably say, "I was only doing my work as the school's student council president; do not imagine me being truly concerned for you." Or he'd even say something like, "I do not need consolation from you."

Oh, I can see it clearly.

But for Yuki-chan's benefit, I forced a smile and shrugged. "Point. But I think he'd need the company of his teammates more."

Yuki-chan didn't seem like she wanted to relent at the moment, but I noticed Aozora-san staring at the hallway leading to Seirin's designated locker rooms, so I could only assume that she's bent on getting there as soon as possible, and Yuki-chan and I's current banter was currently keeping her from doing so. As Yuki-chan frowned at me, I motioned to the distracted Aozora-san. Yuki-chan sighed, scratching the back of her silver head, and squinted at me briefly, as if to say, I'll let you get away with this just for once.

"Will you be waiting for us?" she asked, our conversation regarding the redhead forgotten. "I'd like to accompany you to the station, but..." She smiled sheepishly. "We might take a while."

I shook my head with a smile. "I'm going ahead. I'm quite tired, anyway."

She nodded apologetically. "Okay. I'll see you next week, then, Ki-chan."

Aozora-san looked at us now, and I could see the relief flooding in her gaze. Finally, she could go meet the team. "See you, Akiyama-san."

I picked up my bag and smiled at them. With that, we parted ways.

***

I checked my phone to look at the digital clock. There's still some time left before the train would arrive, and it wouldn't take me long to get to the station from here. There's also the option of waiting for my train in the station itself, but there would be too many rushing people for comfort. As much as possible, I wanted to reduce the period of time I have to stay in a crowded area, since the travel time back to my apartment would take at least two hours and I'd have to be stuck with a bunch of strangers for a long while.

What to do?

I already bought some warm bread and hot chocolate from a nearby convenience store, though I actually preferred eating some junk food at the moment if it wasn't getting colder outside. I also took my time going to the said store, and getting back to the stadium's area. For the past five minutes now, with a can of hot chocolate in my hands, I've been sitting on one of the benches in the (formerly) grassy area surrounding the stadium, which was now littered with leaves of warm hues of brown, red, orange, and yellow. As my gaze lingered on a pile of leaves, I smiled a little after being reminded of this song I liked which is about love in autumn; I then frowned upon being reminded of a certain redhead due to the red leaves and the concept of the said song.

Get out of my head, Akashi-kun!

"Ah. Akiyama Saki-san... is it?"

I looked up from my can of hot choco to the owner of the voice, and I was met by the vibrant green eyes of the owner. Even if I were to compare my green eyes with his, I'd say that his has the colors of spring stuck in them and mine would be the color of the typical Disney villain's aura. Or that they're just dull.

The young man was wearing a suit and tie, and his wavy blonde hair mostly fell into place, though a few locks managed to make the look messier. But gosh darn. He's freaking good-looking, I could recognize his face, but I had no idea who he is.

I smiled at him hesitantly, most probably looking like the dumbest person in the world, and said, "Y-Yeah... Hi... It's... getting cold out, huh...?" Waaay to greet a handsome creature of light, Saki. You're the absolute charmer!

The suit-wearing male stared at me for a few seconds, then burst out laughing and I could feel my cheeks burning (because I was embarrassed and what the actual heck his laugh was melodious). He flashed a crooked smile, and I felt like melting. "Sorry--- I suppose you don't exactly remember me, do you?" he asked apologetically, tilting his head to the side.

I managed a sheepish smile and nodded.

Chuckling, he said, "You might remember me as Seijuurou-sama's personal driver and servant." Does he mean Akashi-kun? He stuffed his gloved hands into his pockets. "Ring a bell?" Hot chocolate fudge, I think he does mean Akashi Seijuurou.

Wait, was he the driver on that murderous day who said somewhere in the lines of Akashi-kun was being strict and tough because he cares? Recognition flooded into my mind. "A Sebastian, huh..."

His eyes widened as his smile grew, and I realized what supposed to be a thought went out of my lips. He burst into a guffaw once again. Oh crap. Strike two, Saki! I tried to shake it off by forcing a giggle.

"Quite a Sebbie, but I'm actually Kanazaki Yuuto, age 20." He bowed, butler style. "It is a pleasure meeting you properly, milady."

In an effort to get along with the male, I replied, albeit awkwardly, "Nice to meet you too, Kanazaki Yuuto Age 20-san." I swore his eyes lit up like fairy lights, and the next second, he was laughing again, holding his stomach and covering his mouth.

Once he calmed down after a few seconds, he pointed to the spot next to me, smiling charmingly. "Do you mind? I have some time to kill, you see."

I shook my head. "Knock yourself out..." Despite being satisfied that I made this gorgeous guy laugh thrice, the uneasy feeling of being with almost strangers couldn't be shaken off of my chest that easily. When he plopped himself down half a meter away, I cautiously scooted away a little.

"So... How was Bocchan's match? I assume you watched it, right?" he asked good-naturedly, smiling at me, and emphasizing the way Kuroshitsuji's Sebastian refers to Ciel, his master. Up close, I could see dark bags under his eyes, and once I realized I might've been staring, I looked back down on my lap again. What remained of my hot cocoa has already gone cold.

Why did I think it was a good idea to watch the game with Yuki-chan?! What was I supposed to say to Akashi-kun's butler?

"It was... amazing," I replied softly, unsure of what to say as I glanced at the exterior of the stadium with architectural designs. "The game was really... thrilling. My heart was thumping loudly in anticipation the whole time..."

"Eh?!" His eyes were wide as saucers, and he was obviously taken aback, "You mean, the opposing team was able to stand against Seijuurou-sama?!"

I nodded.

He cursed under his breath. "I should've chosen to watch the game instead of doing my plates!" He leaned against the bench, his shoulders slumped and his disappointed expression facing the purple and orange sky. I remained silent, not really knowing how to console him. I currently had no idea if they do reruns of the championship game on television. I don't watch sports much in the first place (sports anime are an exception).

After a heavy sigh, he turned to me with a tired smile. "Well, how was he in the game?" he asked with an expectant look on his face, and I know that I wouldn't be able to escape from his question as far as my little communication skills could go.

I should've just told him that I have to get going. I wanted anything but to talk about the person who just rejected me, because (here I am, readily admitting something), I was well aware that there are still lingering feelings, and I'd either sound bitter or borderline fangirlish if I told him about how he was in the match.

Inwardly, I let out an exhausted sigh. "Uh... He was...," I tried to think of a notable part of the match (and it was hard, because freaking dammit I was watching him the whole effing time and I wasn't sure which event would be so notable to the average and normal viewer). I just went with a general opinion, and did my best to filter my words. "He seemed like a really... great leader. His teammates became... suddenly even better... near the end of the game. He's great at... rebounds... was it...?" I have no idea what I'm saying, but I'm pretty sure they're all freaking compliments. "But I think there was a point when he kind of played... solo?"

I glanced at Kanazaki-san, whose head was bent towards his smartphone. I remained silent for a few seconds, assessing if he was still listening. He pressed what I assumed to be the 'send' button before turning to look at me, eyebrows raised and smile still on his lips, as if telling me to continue. I have no idea what else to say. "So, yeah...," I concluded awkwardly.

Kanazaki-san's eyes seemed to glitter. "Well, that's interesting." He cocked his head to the side. "I don't usually hear people describe the young master in such a way."

Did I go overboard?!

All I could respond with was another awkward giggle that quickly died down when he remained silent. A stream of curses flowed in my mind. I didn't dare say anything else again, in fear that it would once again make me look stupid in front of his one hell of a butler.

"Hm." He broke the silence, much to my gratefulness. "This may come out of nowhere but," I could hear a bit of hesitation in his voice, but he continued anyway, "was there a time when you used to play the violin?"

My breath caught in my throat, I jerked my head to look at him. Nothing else came up on my blank head but several questions I couldn't quite voice out to the butler. How did you know? What urged you to ask that? Is that a random question or---

"Do you still play it?" The smile remained on his face.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words were able to come out. I took a sharp breath and averted my gaze to the stadium's entrance and---

Akashi-kun.

All my senses screamed at me to get out of the area as soon as possible, especially since I was just sitting beside his suit-wearing butler who could easily catch anyone's attention if they were standing where Akashi-kun currently stood. My mind quickly ran through the excuses I could think of that wouldn't seem suddenly abrupt or like I was also avoiding his question. One of the choices that came out of nowhere was that I just got a mental message that an alien was about to land somewhere in my apartment's area. Yes, like what the actual heck, Saki.

"Akiyama-san?" The blond's voice pulled me back to reality, and I was certain he could see the panicked look on my face. "Are you okay? Was that something I shouldn't've asked?"

I unconsciously glanced at where Akashi-kun stood. He had his phone on his ear, like he was calling someone. 

At the same second, Kanazaki-san's phone rang. He gave me an apologetic smile before answering it. "Yes, Bocchan---I mean, young master?" 

Holy cream cheese I'm so dead. 

I waved my hand to catch his attention, which I successfully did, and I pointed to my wristwatch. I pointed to the direction of the train station with my thumb, hoping that he'd get the message that I needed to go. I placed my hands together and bowed a little. 

He narrowed his eyes and gently grabbed my arm, shaking his head with a smile. "Ah, yes. I'm close by. I was just talking to---Oh, you could see me?" He turned towards where Akashi-kun was, I looked as well, and I could only wish to disappear. He was already walking toward us!

Aliens, please abduct me. Hades, please pull me temporarily to the underworld. 

"Understood." Kanazaki-san ended the call and waved enthusiastically at his young master, who remained straight-faced. I, on the other hand, was statue-stiff, like one of those smiling, posing metal sculptures seated on benches in some parks, only I was nowhere near a smiling mood. 

Once he was at least five meters away from us, I looked down on my lap, my head bowed down, and my hair and my bangs hiding my face. Kanazaki-san was still holding my arm, and I didn't want to seem hostile of him so I didn't pull it away. Still, I was frantically hoping and wishing and pleading that Akashi-kun wouldn't recognize me this way, that he'd think that I was just some random girl his personal assistant passed his time with. 

I sensed his presence behind me, and I felt myself shrinking. 

"I heard that you had a good game, young master!" said Kanazaki-san, standing up and letting go. I bit my lip, wincing. I never mentioned that... that Rakuzan was placed as a runner-up. 

Akashi-kun remained silent. He probably nodded or something.

"Let me get your stuff and I'll bring the car closer; you must be tired. Shall I leave you with Akiyama-san?" 

Why did you have to mention my name?! 

"You may," Akashi-kun replied, his voice flat. 

"Understood." I peeked through the strands of my hair. Akashi-kun gave his bag to Kanazaki-san. The blond turned to my direction and bent down. "I'll see you sometime, Akiyama-san," said he with a smile.

I looked up and tried my best to smile back.

And the next moment, I was left with Akashi-kun in deafening silence. I knew I was supposed to do something, but what? Excusing myself to leave would make it obvious that I was avoiding him, and he might even make a remark that I could be impolite, but attempting to talk to him might be seen as me trying to make advances toward him despite being rejected. 

I flashbacked to Yuki-chan's suggestion  of me consoling him, and I had to drown that idea to the deepest depths of my mind, inevitably to be forgotten.

He walked around the bench and sat right next to me, and I was internally screaming. 

Silence.

He should understand if I want to excuse myself, right? He rejected me after all (though I didn't even freaking confess)! 

I took a breath, formulating a string of words in my mind---

"Akiyama."

I jumped on my seat with a squeak and turned to him, eyes wide and expression panicked. 

But... Akiyama? I thought back to my disbelief back then when he just started calling me by my given name, and it was also disbelief coupled with confusion that was evading my thoughts now. 

Both of his crimson eyes with wide for a second, then they relaxed. His expression wasn't easy to be read as always, but why did I feel that he seemed gentler? I must've been imagining things. I must've been going mad.

"I-I apologize. I'm k-kind of jumpy today and since... stuff happened and I---I didn't mean to offend you or anything it's just---"

"It's okay," he cut me off, much to my surprise. His eyes went down momentarily to the pile of fallen leaves nearby, before they went back to meet my gaze. There wasn't a hint of a frown, which was far from I expected. "You watched the match?" 

I nodded uneasily, looking away. "Y-Yeah... I... accompanied Yuki-chan---I mean, Mashiro."

"I see." 

And again, we were silent. Was I supposed to say something? I had already decided that I wasn't going to console him, but what was I supposed to reply? That he was great, nonetheless? That would be ridiculous. 

"So you talked with Kanazaki?" he spoke again, changing the subject, but I didn't feel the least bit relieved.

I nodded, looking at my fumbling fingers on my lap. "Y-Yeah... He's... really nice. Friendly," I remarked, not knowing what else I should mention. I didn't think I could mention if Akashi-kun also knew of my violin-playing days, as I wanted to keep this talk as short, albeit awkward, as possible.

"Did he mention anything?" he asked. I could feel his gaze on me.

Violin. 

"He didn't... He was just curious about... the game." I grimaced at the word; I wasn't sure if I should be mentioning that.

He let out what I could think of as a sigh. "I see." 

And we were silent again. This time, instead of him asking another question, it was his phone's two beeps, most probably his message alert tone, that broke the silence. He let out another breath. "Kanazaki has the car ready." He paused. "Do you want a ride to the station?" 

I shook my head a little too immediately. I didn't want to spend more time with him. "Thank you but... no, thank you." I tried to force a smile to send his way, but it felt more like a stretching of my lips. "I'd like to... enjoy the Tokyo air?" I explained with an awkward shrug, scratching the back of my head. 

For a moment, he was quiet. "If that is what you prefer," he replied, standing up, but he didn't walk away just yet. "I'll see you at school, then." To my surprise, his voice didn't sound commanding. It sounded more like a normal goodbye. 

I looked up at him. I couldn't feel a tense air around him now as he looked back at me, the expression on his face tired but relaxed. 

"I'll see you...," I managed to reply, looking away. 

He finally walked away, and once his back was out of sight, I let out the longest sigh of relief I ever made and leaned back on the bench, exhausted. I looked up at the cloudy sky, taking easy breaths to calm my racing heart. 

What was that? 

----

a/n: Kanazaki Yuuto is Agemaki Kei of Otome Youkai Zakuro. <3 I recommend the anime/manga! ( I know, wrong suit. But yolo. )