Lucky for you, and everyone else around, no one was at your apartment when you returned from breakfast. With that stress pushed into the back of your mind, you were able to make it through the week easily. Akaashi hadn't spoken of the events that unfolded between the two of you at your previous party, so you took that as a sign that it was just drunk nonsense, and tried not to think about it yourself. Everyone else seemed to not think much of it either. Nakamura acted as if he wanted to avoid the topic at all costs, probably due to him reading your text messages in the morning. (Y/Bff/N) seemed to be exceptionally busy with work and the two of you hadn't had any time for quality conversation. On Wednesday, you had lunch with Bokuto and a few of his teammates, but anytime someone brought up Akaashi, Bokuto was quick to change the subject. Paranoia was telling you it was intentional. It wasn't in your nature to think too much about things like this. After all, you were used to people not taking you seriously. Between most men's inability to keep their interest on one girl for any decent length of time and your fleeting yet flirty personality, you seemed to somehow always find yourself left in the dark. If it wasn't for the anonymous 'cute' boy surprising you with another coffee mid-shift that night, then you would have probably let it get to you a bit more. Unfortunately for you, it was still a mystery though as to who the cute guy was.

After that though, the weekend did not seem to be going in your favor either. Friday night after work, you and your best friends were meeting up at Bokuto's place for one of his parties. This one was starting very differently than usual. For starters, it was packed. Every room was almost body to body and it seemed like everyone was having to yell to each other just to be heard. When you spotted your usual group of friends, you realized you would be better off not joining. For starters, Kana was in Bokuto's lap, clutching onto him like a newborn kitten. She didn't miss your arrival at the party, but she was the only one. You went unnoticed by everyone else and weren't sure if that was a blessing or not given the site in front of you. She seemed to have made some friends already with a bunch of girls you didn't recognize. Some looked familiar, but no one you could pinpoint. They were sat around a few members of the Black Jackals and Akaashi, who seemed to be having a good time himself. Who wouldn't with a girl as pretty as the one sitting in his lap and grasping onto his shirt as if he was her last meal?

It was not unusual for Akaashi to have girls throwing themselves at him by any means, but this time felt different. The paranoia you let develop over the past week was mostly at fault for that, but it certainly did not help the way he seemed to not notice you at all. He was laughing, deep in conversation with a few other members of the group. He seemed to be doing nothing to stop the girl from clinging all over him, and judging by the way Kana kept looking at you with a hint of a smile on her lips, she was hoping this would get a reaction out of you. Being the stubborn, and sometimes awkward person that you are though, you decided to instead head to the kitchen and down drinks as fast as you could, hopefully running into (Y/Bff/N) or Nakamura along the way. The only flaw in this plan was the Bokuto's open floor plan, which gave you the perfect view of exactly what you didn't want to see. Reminding yourself that you had absolutely no right to feel as bitter as you were, you pushed it out of your mind. Akaashi is not your boyfriend. Making out with someone was common for people right? No feelings have to be present for a kiss to happen, so pushing the idea onto him just because you decided, would be unfair.

Once in the kitchen you helped yourself to a drink and hopped up on the counter next to (Y/Bff/N). She greeted you with an apologetic smile, almost as if she knew what you were thinking. Luckily, she knew you well enough to know not to talk about it. Instead, she wasted no time in offering you your favorite drink. Taking a sip immediately, you felt the familiar warmth lighten your mood just the slightest. This would help, but the trick to having a good evening would ultimately be up to your ability to keep your eyesight focused in the kitchen, and away from the familiar brunette with blue eyes in the living room.

Four drinks in, you thought you were doing a pretty good job. It was easy to keep a low profile and go under the radar while you were in this mood. Most of the people at this party were strangers to you on top of that. Normally, that wouldn't make a difference to you, but it was hard to warm up to anyone while you felt so cold inside. Tonight would be the night you quietly stood by your best friend's side and waited for the clock to wind down. To your horror, time had a different idea in mind though.

"SHIT!" Nakamura cursed out loud, gaining the focus of the group as he stood to his feet. Immediately looking around for you, he realized it was too late once he spotted you in the kitchen, not acting like your normal self. Internally, he cursed himself for not noticing you were at the party sooner, but there was nothing he would be able to do to save the night now.

"What's your de-?" Bokuto asked but quickly faded into silence as his eyes shifted in the same direction. Standing up, he almost caused Kana to spill her drink. Bokuto was completely oblivious as his mind raced with the same thoughts as yours and Nakamura. "Shit."

"What's wrong with both of you?" Kana asked confused and agitated. "It looks as if you see a ghost."

"Bokuto," Akaashi spoke, just as confused as Kana, "Who is that?" He may be out of the loop but he can read a room very well, so he instantly picked up on the complete shift in his friends' attitudes.

"Y/n's ex-boyfriend—" Bokuto answered quietly, clearly in some sort of deep thought process.

"—And the girl he cheated on her with." Nakamura finished, through a clenched jaw. "Whenever he shows up, he likes to pick fights with her as if she was one that cheated on him though. That's the bigger problem right now."

"Is (Y/n) here?" Akaashi asked, but received no answer as the guys around him all transfixed on the newcomers.

"TATSUO!" Bokuto cuffed his hands around his mouth as he yelled to be heard over all the noise. This was a name you wouldn't unfortunately never failed to miss. Looking up to Bokuto's direction, your eyes followed the direction of his and confirmed it was the last two people you ever want to see. Subconsciously, you began to grip your red cup a little too hard and were snapped out of your trance by the sudden crackling of the plastic. Intently observing the interaction between your friends and the monster you once loved, you watched Bokuto motion him over as he stepped forward a few feet. With a Cheshire grin that hinted he was up to no good, Tatsuo's fist collided with Bokuto's in a friendly manner.

"What's up, man?" Tatsuo begins the exchange on a friendly note. "It's been a while."

"Yeah, it has." Bokuto tried to come off as friendly, but also serious as he spoke to his old friend. He didn't hate the man after all, but he certainly didn't respect or trust him anymore. "Look man, you know what I have to say don't you?"

"She's here, isn't she?" Tatsuo's eyes narrowed as he started to look around. His girlfriend standing just slightly behind him scoffed at the thought.

"She should be," Bokuto said scanning around too. Lucky for you, you were still going unnoticed by most of the party, and now it was your mission to keep it that way. "but I can't have a repeat of last time. Seriously, man, I don't want to have to kick you out."

"I'm sorry. Look, I was drunk last time and couldn't help it. She always starts some shit." he began to ramble on but Bokuto held his hand up queuing him to stop.

"Let's not start playing the blame game or we'll be here all night." Bokuto was set on keeping the situation under control this time. He knew everything that happened during your relationship, breakup, and unfortunately the aftermath of both. "I don't care what does, or doesn't, go on between the two of you, just keep it out of my house."

"You got it," Tatsuo agreed and reached back to his girlfriend who was being handed a 12 pack of beer from a friend they brought along. "Brought some of your favorites to help make up for last time."

"ALRIGHT!" Bokuto cheered out sneaking an arm around your ex. "Now we're talking buddy! Glad you came by. Don't forget what I said though."

Tatsuo had done what he has always done best and effectively began charming his way into the party. Bokuto was just level one for him. Honestly, you were trying your hardest to ignore his presence, but he tended to make it damn near impossible. This party was just not going to go in your favor tonight. What you saw next really ticked you off unexpectedly. Tatsuo's attention directed itself to Akaashi of all people.

"Do I know you from somewhere?" Tatsuo asked Akaashi doing a double-take. As the new guy still in town, Akaashi didn't expect the male to pay him any mind, so this caught him off guard and his face showed it. "It's just that you look so familiar for some reason."

"No, I don't think so," Akaashi answered focusing on the thought of who this was in front of him. He had heard so many stories of this guy, from everyone but you, that he felt as if he did know him. Never being one to judge a book by its cover though, Akaashi's moral compass was forcing him to disregard those thoughts and give the guy the benefit of the doubt. Tatsuo then directed his attention to the pretty girl still clutched onto Akaashi for dear life.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he trailed off in thought and started to walk away. The exchange left Akaashi feeling uncomfortable though he wasn't sure exactly why. That feeling intensified as he looked up, eyes directly meeting with yours. Moving to give you a slight wave, he realized the compromising position he was in. Being courteous, you gave Akaashi a smile despite all the thoughts you were drowning in. Both of you looked away as the girl on his lap interrupted. Her lips decided to settle on Akaashi's neck, asking for attention, and that was not something you cared to witness tonight.

Looking away wasn't much better. The second you ripped your eyes away you noticed Tatsuo and his joke of a girlfriend were entering the kitchen, greeting half of the strangers surrounding you. (Y/Bff/N) noticed it too and took control of the situation for you. Turning you around in the opposite direction of their gaze, she presented you with a shot glass, ready to offer you comfort in the form of that familiar amber liquid again. Indulging her with a back to back shot, you decided to finally open your mouth on how you were feeling.

"I don't think I should be here tonight," you confessed with a glaze over your eyes. She took pity on the sight of her usually too energetic best friend in such a slump, but she knew there wasn't much she could do to change it in the current situation. She started to pack up her bottle and you reached out to stop her. Like a good friend, she intended on leaving with you, but you didn't want to ruin her fun. Not to mention, being alone to your thoughts was how you cared to spend the rest of your evening. She poured you one more shot 'for the road' and hugged you goodbye. Sneaking through the crowd of guests as best as you could, you gave one last look around. Akaashi was no longer sat on the couch with his new companion, causing you to naturally assume the worst. That one thought was enough to fully seal the deal on you leaving. Twisting the handle to the front door, you slipped out and welcomed the chilly, fresh air that awaited you.

The streets seemed uncharacteristically empty tonight, but you kept your phone out as a safety precaution just in case. Walking in the silence you noticed the night's air resembled your mood: chilly, dark, clouded. This comforted you in some way so you took your time on your walk home, genuinely trying to enjoy the short journey.

Buzz, Buzz.

The phone in your hand tickled a little as it started vibrating in your tight clutch. Seeing the Caller ID you were confused, but still, a smile snuck up on you.

"Hey, are you ok?" The boy's voice on the other end sounded genuinely concerned as he heard your answer. "You left in a bit of a hurry."

"Sorry, I should have said bye," you replied with a tinge of regret, before realizing why you didn't say bye to him. "Wanted to call it quits early tonight, so I just slipped out at my first chance."

"Ahh, thought so," the boy said as if he was in thought. He sighed deeply for a second, "That's understandable. Well, I just wanted to check on you. I'll talk to you soon."

"Have fun tonight, Akaashi." you ended the call before you could hear his response. The thought of him tonight had you looking completely defeated.

"Something upsetting you?" a calm voice called asked out.

You recognized the voice instantly and sighed at your luck. "What do you really want, Tatsuo?"

"You left quickly," he reached out to stop you from walking away so he could continue, "That's not like you. I was worried."

"You're a bad liar nowadays," you replied coldly, crossing your arms in annoyance. "What do you want?"

"Why have you been ignoring my calls?" he huffed, acting as if he really couldn't understand why.

"Oh, I don't know," you faked innocence as your sarcasm began to drip, "I think it had something to do with you having a girlfriend. Or maybe it was because you're a cheating bastard? Something like that."

"Stop bringing that up!" he yelled in frustration as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's been like 3 months now. I told you I was sorry and wanted to make it up to you. You said you would hear me out."

"That was before you made her your girlfriend and reminded me how stupid I was to ever trust you!" you screamed out, turning away from him and continuing your way home, now at a quicker pace. Not quick enough though, as he was following you spitting off about how you never listen to him. "Tatsuo, you left your girlfriend at Bo's. Stop chasing me!"

"I don't care where she is!" Tatsuo argued but was cut off.

"(Y/N)!" Akaashi's calm voice yelled out to you and you thanked the heavens for some good luck finally. Anyone interrupting this jerk's attempt at a shitty apology was like music to your ears at this point. Akaashi held out a black and gold sweatshirt to you as he ran up in-between the two of you. "You forgot this!"

After a brief moment, it occurred to you that this wasn't your hoodie. It must have been one of Akaashi's. Realizing he did this on purpose as if he somehow knew you would need a bailout, you quickly began to fall into the routine you were starting to get a bit too comfortable with. Hopefully, this wouldn't bring him any trouble, but with the stress of tonight's surprising interactions weighing down on you, you selfishly didn't give it a second thought.

"OH! I would have been so upset when I noticed!" you lied as you rubbed the fabric in your hands. your face softened as you melted internally at the thought that he schemed this up just to help you out. Running into his arms, you gave him the biggest hug you could muster, partly for show, but partly to convey just how thankful you were at his actions. "You came all the way out here just for me. Thank you so much 'Kaashi."

Leaning back you looked up to him with the biggest smile you had all night. Your eyes were glossy still, but drying more with every second that passed with him here. Akaashi's gaze met yours and he gave you a genuine smile at the sight of yours. Arms still around each other, you decided to take a risk and leaned up to kiss him. This kiss was different than the many previous ones you two shared. Either your actions took Akaashi off guard, or he wanted this. It was a tiny difference, but you noticed the faint breath he sucked in as you leaned in and took his lips to yours.

Hearing a scoff from your uninvited company, you couldn't help the smile that threatened to appear on your lips.

"Sorry, forgot we aren't alone," you responded although the way you were still in Akaashi's space showed just how much of a fake apology it was.

"Can I walk you home? You have no reason to say no this time seeing as I'm already out here." Akaashi continued the act for you, hoping that Tatsuo would get the hint and leave. As bad as you wanted to say yes, you didn't want to be the reason Akaashi missed out on whatever fun he had going for him back at his house. Akaashi looked at you with a cocked brow as you declined his offer. Deciding not to press the issue, Akaashi said his goodbye and headed off in the same direction as Tatsuo.

The rest of your walk was peaceful in comparison to the rest of the night, but Akaashi couldn't quite say the same. As soon as you were out of sight behind him, Tatsuo stopped and waited for Akaashi to catch up. Akaashi had no choice since they were both headed to his house. Akaashi had no intention of conversation with the jerk, but Tatsuo didn't care.

"I knew you looked familiar," Tatsuo grumbled out as he walked next to Akaashi now. "You would think I would have remembered the face of the bastard that stole my girlfriend."

Akaashi looked at the man as if he was crazy. "What are you talking about?"

Tatsuo took out his phone and scrolled through his photos until he pulled a very familiar scene up. You, on Akaashi's lap last weekend wearing only half your clothes, tongues down each other's throat. Akaashi smirked at the memory before realizing neither of you knew a photo was taken. "Where did you get that?" asked through an annoyed expression.

"Don't worry about it," Tatsuo growled back as he put this phone away. "How did you get her? You're new around here so I can let it slide this time. Pick another girl. Ask anyone, that one is mine."

"That's funny, I was under the impression she would never be yours again." Akaashi gave a sarcastic chuckle under his breath.

"Does she know about that girl on your lap earlier?" Tatsuo smirked a little as if he had corned Akaashi with that memory. "The one that left this?" Tatsuo reached out to a spot on Akaashi's neck, but Akaashi swatted his hand away before he could. "Guess that's all the answer I needed. I won't need to worry about you anymore once she finds that."

"Did you forget what you did to her?" Akaashi was starting to get visibly angry by this point, but still trying to keep his usually stoic demeanor as much as possible. "I don't have to explain anything to you."

Tatsuo didn't respond as he reached to open Bokuto's front door and walked in with a cocky grin plastered across his face. Clearly, he thought he won their little spat, but Akaashi knew better. He had heard horror stories of your past relationship by this point and knew it would take a hell of a lot to upset you as bad as this douchebag had. Still, something was bothering Akaashi and he was no longer in the mood to party either. Grabbing his keys off the table in the entryway of the house, he left without a word while his friends watching curiously from a room away.

Bokuto & Nakamura didn't miss the entrance he made alongside Tatsuo and hoped the latter would have an answer to his behavior. "Where's he going?" they asked in sync.

"To his girlfriend's house," Tatsuo answered with a smirk as he walked off to the kitchen, in search of the arm candy he left waiting in the kitchen for his return.