It was 5 in the morning when Yuzuki entered the kitchen to make breakfast and realized that most of the necessities for meals are almost or completely finished. She calculated the time it'd take for her to go out and buy stuffs.

'Sano,' she called out, remembering that she saw him at the garden watering the plants on her way to the kitchen. 'Sano!'

The called guy emerged from behind a certain bush, holding a pair of garden shears. 'You called?'

'Yes,' said Yuzuki. 'I'm going out for a bit, if anyone asks.'

'Got it.'

-

Dark clouds enveloping the sky had yet to clear away. The convenience store was just 5 minutes away from her house and she arrived within the expected time. Yuzuki rubbed her hands together due to the coldness of the morning.

'Welcome!' the cashier greeted with a smile when she stepped in.

She shivered as she entered the air-conditioned store. Going straight towards the food aisle, she found someone standing by it. Judging by the built, it had to be a man. Yuzuki stood beside him to choose breakfasts for everyone at home then she and the man exchanged eye contacts.

'Oh,' Yuzuki tilted her head. 'Dr. Sasaki.'

'Hi there, Yuzuki.' He smiled.

'Why are you here?'

He held up his hand holding a sandwich. 'Breakfast.'

'You beat me to it,' Yuzuki laughed quietly. 'Sorry I realized it too late.'

The man blinked in confusion. 'Beat me to what?'

'Breakfast,' Yuzuki replied, looking at him in wonder. 'Don't you guys eat foods that I prepare?'

'You prepare foods?' he frowned.

'...You don't know?'

'I usually come back late from work and there's always no food on the table so I thought it's self-service. But I don't have the ability to cook.' He confessed regretfully.

'The gluttons must have finished them all without leaving some for you,' Yuzuki shook her head in disbelief then proceeded to pick all kinds of sandwiches from the aisle. 'It's okay; I'll prepare special portions for you from today onwards. Don't let the guys take your food.'

The doctor laughed nervously.

-

Yuzuki walked along the empty hallway heading towards the student council's room. It was an hour after the last class had ended and she was asked to hand in the participation form of class 2-E regarding the school festival that was nearing.

She knocked on the door and waited. Upon receiving no answers, she entered and found that the room was deserted. Yuzuki headed straight towards the president's room. Assuming that it was empty as well, she barged in like it was her own room.

Much to her dismay, Akashi was sitting behind his desk, leaning against his seat, his eyes staring straight at her as if he'd waited for her all his life. He had taken off his blazer and his necktie was loosened. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his collarbone. 'Gave up on knocking?' he queried.

'Sorry,' she replied and handed him the paper. 'From my class.'

He took it and scanned the content. 'I don't allow "none".'

'I know,' Yuzuki sighed then took a seat on the sofa uninvited. 'Nobody was listening to Iride so he had no choice but to hand in an empty sheet.'

'That's not my problem,' said Akashi. 'I want this filled.'

Yuzuki stood and snatched the paper from his hand and a pen lying on his desk. 'I know you'd say that, you heartless creature.' she began writing furiously. When done, she pushed the paper towards the president and squinted his eyes.

'No wonder you're single.' She murmured and spun to leave.

Akashi chuckled. 'That was a weak attempt at insulting. Can't you come up with a harsher one?' he leaned forward and his eyes glinted with amusement. 'My bad, your IQ is too low for that.'

Yuzuki turned to him, her face red in anger but she couldn't find anything to say for a counterattack. Her fists were clenched and she had a strong urge to throw a dictionary to his face.

'Why? Your brain too slow to process what I said?' Akashi continued to taunt her, enjoying it like a sadist.

She went to his desk and slammed her hands on it but the redhead didn't even flinch or blink. Yuzuki took the deepest breath ever and forced a smile. 'Have a nice day, President. See you this evening.' She said through gritted teeth and quickly left the room.

Akashi rested his chin on the palm of his hand, smiling.

-

Hayama Koutarou dribbled the ball after he managed to get a shot. The team was doing warm-ups and shooting at the basket for a starter. He stood in line once again right behind Mibuchi Reo.

'Hey, is it just me or there's someone watching us with pure intense bloodlust?' he spoke. Reo glanced at him then laughed.

'I heard she got into a fight with Sei-kun.' Reo replied.

'A physical fight?' Koutarou gasped.

'Verbal fight, probably,' said Reo, getting ready for his turn. 'Nobody tops Akashi at that.'

Koutarou giggled. 'I'm dying to know what kind of fight it was.'

-

Yuzuki stared at Akashi as if it could pierce him inside out but the redhead didn't even spare her a glance. He completely ignored her presence. She was still cross at his insults and she was not going to forgive him any time soon.

Their practice began soon after and Yuzuki got bored so she exited the gym for fresh air. There was a bench and a vending machine nearby so she sat down and watched the sky. It wasn't for long because someone appeared from behind her and bent down, blocking her view of the sky.

'Iride.' Yuzuki said.

Mao smiled and sat beside her. 'Why are you sunbathing at this hour?' he asked.

'I wasn't,' she chuckled. 'I got bored and staring upwards seem more interesting. Anyway, what are going to do for the school festival?'

'Oh that,' Mao sighed. 'Did you send the form?'

'Yeah, but the president didn't accept it,' said Yuzuki regretfully. 'And I wrote something on it out of anger...'

Mao stared at her. 'What did you write? I mean, that's better than nothing.'

'I don't think so.' She winced, remembering the words she wrote down clearly.

'It's okay, we'll do whatever it is.' Mao nodded, trying to convince her.

Yuzuki closed her eyes for a moment then frowned at Mao. 'I wrote there...' she trailed off then shook her head. 'No, no, I think you should see it for yourself when the president approves of it and paste it on the announcement board.'

'Yuzuki.' Mao said crossly.

'Please, I'd like to live a little while longer.' She clasped both of her hands.

'Fine but,' said Mao, giving up. 'I'll be with you no matter what ridiculous event it is.'

Yuzuki gaped then patted his shoulder. 'You're such a kind man.' She faked a sob and pretended to wipe her tears.

Mao chuckled. 'Why do you make it sound like you've never been treated kindly before?'

'Well, having to be closely acquainted to a certain someone,' she rolled her eyes as an image of red-haired guy crossed his mind. 'I feel like I've only learned what kindness is today.'

'You mean the president?' he asked, still grinning.

She groaned in annoyance. 'Let's not talk about that arrogant bastard.'

Mao laughed. 'You know what they say, the more you argue the closer you are.'

Yuzuki quickly shook her head. 'I just can't get along with that guy, maybe sometimes yes, but I'll probably cut off this friendship after I graduate.'

'That's not nice,' said Mao. 'Maintaining a friendship is a good thing.'

Yuzuki pouted then stood. 'Okay, I have to get back to that arrogant rich kid or he's going to slice me to pieces. See you, Iride.' She flashed him a smile and walked away.

They were still practicing when she entered the gym. Taking a seat beside the coach, she scrutinized each member and their movements, trying to understand how basketball works.

'Wait,' she began to monologue. 'Is it okay to push people like that?'

Coach Eiji heard her mumbling but he merely glanced at her, wanting to ignore her existence.

'Man, I'd probably step on somebody's foot with that kind of play,' she shook her head, continuing her own commentary. 'Wow, that's a smooth shoot for someone that small.'

Reo held up a hand after Akashi scored. The redhead high-fived him and they took their positions. The game resumed.

Yuzuki squinted her eyes at the speed. 'I didn't know people can move that fast,' she hummed. 'Oh, Hayama-guy sure can move—oh! W-what, how did he fall like that—whoa, Akashi a speed demon—ah, he passed it to Reo—damn it's back to Hayama-guy, he's going to score it—oh wait, the big guy's going to score instead—wow! That was awesome!'

Coach Eiji was getting distracted from the whispers of the newly appointed manager sitting beside him. The referee blew the whistle, indicating the end of the game. The teams bowed to each other and they dispersed.

Yuzuki waited and watched as they gathered around and talked to each other about some basketball stuffs and a "closing speech" from Coach Eiji. They cleaned the gym together and one by one began leaving the place, back home.

Akashi and Coach Eiji talked a little bit more and the elder man walked out. The captain approached Yuzuki, who was watching them intently.

'You probably weren't listening,' said Akashi. 'Judging by that distant expression in your eyes.'

'Listening to what? The meeting?' she raised her brows.

'We're having a training camp this weekend.'

'Again?!' she yelled.

'Not too loud, Yuzuki,' he frowned. 'Yes, again. Without your class.'

'Okay, what does it have to do with me?'

Akashi placed his face towel over his head. 'Is your IQ really that low? You're going with us, miss manager.' He replied.

Yuzuki gave him an ugly, troubled sort of look.

He shook his head. 'No exceptions. Wait in the car, I'm going to wash up.'

-

After sending Akashi back home, Yuzuki finally arrived home and it was already nearing 8pm. She waved Ikinoshita goodbye and lazily dragged her feet into her room, tired. She slid the door open and found the room was lit and there was someone by her foldable table, which she usually uses for studying.

She recognized the familiar built of the person.

'AH!'

The boy was startled by her voice and then turned around. He frowned. 'What are you shouting for?' he chided.

Yuzuki ran and hugged him like it was the end of the world.

'Hey, stop!' he struggled against her embrace.

'You're back!' Yuzuki pulled away and grinned. Her eyes were shining with bliss. 'Did Dad see you already?'

He winced. 'Yeah...'

She blinked. 'Don't tell me he has already dispatched his men to buy—'

'Yep, he's buying Wagyu beef sets, Fugu and Kobe Beef Steak Pizzas. Also, Densuke Black Watermelon.' He cut her off and uttered the food names with regret.

Yuzuki rolled her eyes. 'I told him not to waste his money of luxurious foods.' She hissed.

The boy chuckled. 'How are you doing?'

'Mostly fine,' Yuzuki replied, sitting cross-legged very closely to him. He didn't seem to mind the closeness. 'Dad got a new client and he goes to the same school as me. It sucks.'

'Ooh,' he tilted his head in wonder. 'I hope you're not troubling him.'

'Me? Troubling him?' Yuzuki clicked her tongue in irritation. 'It's the other way around.'

'I see, that's more like the job is given to you since you guys go to the same school.'

'Absolutely! I feel like I'm Dad's agent.' She pouted.

'That's not bad, you know, it might be something interesting you can recall when you're older later.'

'You wish.' She shook her head.

-

'What...is he doing here?' Yuzuki frowned at her father. Beside her, Akashi was sipping his tea calmly, complete with the traditional clothing provided by the household.

'I invited him,' Takato, the head of the Miyamura clan, replied cheerfully then pulled the arm of the person by his side. Akashi put down his drink and looked. 'Seijuurou-kun, this is my son, and Yuzuki's younger brother, Yuzuru.'

Akashi smiled slightly and bowed his head, in which Yuzuru copied his action.

'Okay, let's begin eating!' Yuzuki said out loud and held her chopsticks, ready to dive into the foods laid out on the table.

The others followed suit and soon, everyone was busy eating.

'Seijuurou-kun, how's Yuzuki doing at school?' Takato suddenly said. 'She doesn't tell me anything.'

'Dad!' Yuzuki whined.

Akashi glanced at her then smiled at her father. 'She joined a club recently.' He said.

Yuzuru and Takato looked up from their foods at the same time, staring at Akashi.

'Why do you guys look at him like he's turned into a kitten?' Yuzuki said, clicking her tongue. She knew they were beyond shocked that she joined a club.

'She's the manager of the basketball team,' continued Akashi. 'And we'll be going to a training camp this weekend.'

'Another camp?' Takato beamed then laughed. 'She's really got it good this year.'

'Again?' Yuzuru turned to his father. 'She went to one before?'

'Yeah, it was compulsory for her class.' Takato replied.

Yuzuru looked troubled. 'How did she do?'

'Nosebleed and stomachache before the first day ends.' Akashi retorted in amusement.

Yuzuru shook his head while Takato burst in laughter. Yuzuki pursed her lips into a thin line and imagined killing Akashi a hundred times in her head.

'She ate leaves, didn't she?' Yuzuru squinted his eyes.

Akashi raised a brow. 'Yes. I guess it's a normal thing for her to randomly eat plants.'

'That's one of the bad habits she has,' Yuzuru shook his head in disappointment. 'When we were small, Dad brought us to a jungle and she began eating leaves, not realizing there was a caterpillar on it.'

'Stop telling him unnecessary stuffs!' Yuzuki attempted to throw her utensils at her brother.

'Yuzuki!' Takato said grimly and she held back. 'No violence during dinner.'

She made a grunting noise and continued eating, obviously sulking.

Akashi and Yuzuru had an eye contact. The younger brother shook his head and mouthed, 'She's always like that.'

The redhead looked at Yuzuki, then to her brother. 'You guys are not alike.' He commented.

'That's true,' said Takato. 'They're the complete opposite. Maybe that's why Yuzuru decided to go for a boarding school. He can't stand her.'

'And you, Dad.' Yuzuru interjected firmly.

'I guess they're too loving of you, much to your dismay.' Akashi said.

'Exactly.' Yuzuru sighed.

Yuzuki hummed and put down her food. 'Now that you remind me, why are you suddenly back home? It's not the holiday season yet, right?' she questioned.

'I got bored of Tokyo and came here for a rest.' Yuzuru answered.

'If it's Tokyo, we're going there for the camp.' Akashi said as a matter of fact.

'HUH?' Yuzuki quickly turned to the redhead. 'We're going to Tokyo?!'

'You really don't listen to people, do you? Yes, we're going to Tokyo for the camp.'

-

It was way past midnight and Yuzuki was feeling super drowsy as she woke up and headed for the bathroom. The huge house was dark and almost everyone had gone to sleep. There were only a few guards at the front and back gates that were still awake.

She was half sleeping when she exited the toilet. The night was cold and she shivered at the slightest blow of the wind. The moon wasn't too bright so she continuous stumbled and tripped along the way.

Yuzuki arrived in front of her room but when she slid the door open, it turned out that it was the kitchen instead. Rubbing her eyes violently, she turned on her heels and walked away. She was too lazy to go back to her room, which was rather far from the kitchen so she entered one of the empty guest rooms.

She was planning to just sleep on the floor without a futon but there was one inside, already laid down. 'Must be Yuzuru...' she had thought and crawled inside the blanket, next to the figure lying down inside it as well. She was back facing him and had placed her head on the same pillow being used.

'Yuzuki...'

'Sorry, Yuzuru, I'm too lazy to go back to my room. I swear I won't hug you or anything, I'm too sleepy, good night.' She mumbled and was barely heard.

'Miyamura Yuzuki, wake up.'

She whined and shook her head before proceeding to sleep.

'You really don't care about anything when you're sleeping, huh? It's like that time.'

At first, the girl was silent.

Akashi sighed quietly and decided that waking her up would be futile. He closed his eyes.

Then suddenly a rustle was heard and without having time to react, a hand snaked around his waist. He looked. Yuzuki had her face buried unto his chest while hugging him; completely clueless that it wasn't Yuzuru she was holding so tightly.

'No wonder your brother ran away.' He said then reached for her cheek, pulling it like it was a leech.

'Oww!' she yelled and her eyes fluttered open. 'Stop it!'

She still didn't realize it was Akashi since it was dark.

'Are you trying to tear my cheek off my face?' she chided and sat up, rubbing her eyes. Akashi sat up as well and watched her.

Yuzuki frowned at him, angry with the resistance he put up. They stared at each other.

For a very long time.

Until her eyes widened in trepidation as she finally found out whom it really was sitting opposite her.

'A-Akashi!' she stuttered, much to her embarrassment. She felt heat rising to her cheeks. 'What are you doing here?'

'Isn't that my question?' he queried, enjoying the ridiculous look on her face.

'I mean, didn't you go home after dinner?' she said in a small voice.

'I wanted to but your dad insisted that it's dangerous, even with Ikinoshita as the driver.'

Yuzuki bit her lower lip and thought of an excuse but it didn't seem right to come up with any. 'Sorry...' she whispered.

'What?'

'Sorry...'

'I can't hear you at that volume.'

She clicked her tongue and stood angrily. 'I SAID SORRY!' she shouted and ran out.

Akashi laughed quietly. 'Amusing.'

-

A/N: Picture above is how I imagine Miyamura Yuzuru. It's Kurata Yui from Seishun Kouryakuhon. It's a nice manga, give it a try!

Thank you for reading! 

By my leave...