Chapter 7- Overwork.

    “Home,” I muttered as Akashi pulled off in front of his mansion where we’re living. Yukina was fast asleep. I covered my blanket around her instead and took her in and afterwards, helped Akashi took out all luggages from the car. We settled down on the couch and did our own business.

    Akashi had a pile of papers on the table; he was signing and checking it. He wasn’t frowning like how almost all people did. I was watching him, fiddling with the hem of my shirt. “Aren’t you tired?” I asked.

    He glanced at me. “I am. But if you were in my shoes, you wouldn’t be resting in peace now.”

    I sighed. “You should rest,” I moved closer to him. “Let me do it.”

    He stopped and looked at me with that look of ‘are you crazy’ look.

    “I’ll check this and tomorrow morning, by the time you wake up, you can just sign it.”

    He shook his head and continued his work. “That will be unnecessary.”

    “Come on, don’t push yourself too much. I wouldn’t want to see your smile so painful and—“

    “Come here.” He cut me off. I blinked and went to him. To my greatest surprise, he reached out both of his hands and pulled me into an embrace. I fell silent. “All I need is just a hug. My work, I’ll do it myself. You, rest well.” He whispered.

    He was warm. “But you have to rest too.” I said.

    “Not now. I have work.”

    “Promise you’ll sleep early tomorrow.”

    He didn’t reply.

*  *  *  *

“AAAAAAHHHHHH DON’T MOVE REO!!!!”

“Holy shit for freaking’s sake REO STOP!!!!”

    Akashi chuckled at the thought of the spider incident at the library. Her sweet voice is still lingering in his head. Whenever she comes to mind, he’d smile. Even now, when Kizuna comes to mind, he wouldn’t hesitate to smile.

    “Why are you smiling to yourself, you’re creepy.”

    He looked up and saw Kizuna staring at him. Akashi smiled once again and shook his head then continued his work. “Let’s visit Rakuzan.” He spoke.

    “Rakuzan?” Kizuna asked.

    He nodded. “My ex-school.”

    “When?”

    “After work.”

    “No problem! I’ll be glad to see how your school looks like.”

So that evening, they set off to Rakuzan. It hadn’t changed that much. Memories sprinted in his mind. Those sweet and painful memories. It’s all in the past now; Akashi had learned to accept the fact and move on. He showed her his classroom during his first year and the second year.

    “How.... did you manage to study when you were so depressed?” she had asked, tracing her fingers on the clean blackboard.

    He opened the window and breathed in the fresh air. “I had no choice. I wouldn’t manage to stay in the Akashi household if I didn’t succeed both academics and CCA activities. I just had to, despite those depression.” He replied.

    “I’m glad you made it through,” Kizuna said. “Glad I met you.”

    He glanced at her who’s writing something on the blackboard. “Do you know, if I am somehow Kina’s partial reincarnation, your bonds and Kina would be amazing. It’s like three in one. It’s unforgettable bonds. Bonds. It’ll be me who connects you two.” She smiled and turned to him. Akashi read the writing; ‘Wasurenai no Kizuna’. Unforgettable Bonds.

    Indeed, what she said is true. She’s the one who connects them two. Even so, Akashi hated the idea of her being just the connector. It hurts if you were in her place. Akashi wanted to move on. Not to forget Kina, no, he’ll treasure her of course, but then again, will crying and mourning bring her back? No. Therefore, there’s the obvious reason where he needs to just smile and walks forward.

Towards who?

Yes, Akari Kizuna. She was the one to begin with.

    “You know,” Akashi spoke. “You aren’t just the connector. You too, are the light of that bond. You are at the other end of that string of fate. Kina and Kizuna, maybe you two are just the same. Maybe you two are actually one. So, that will be unnecessary to call yourself only as the connector.”

    Kizuna smiled and nodded. “Thank you.”

    “I should be thanking you instead.”

*  *  *  *

    Akashi came downstairs as me and Yukina were watching television together, eating ice-cream. He took out his phone and replied to whatever that is then sat beside Yukina. “Homework done, Yukina?” he asked.

    “All set.” She replied.

    “How about exams?” I asked.

    “Ah, another month to go.” She answered.

    The bell rang. Yukina and I turned to Akashi. He smiled. “Visitors.” He said and went to open the gate. I could hear laughters from a group of guys and they are approaching the house. Akashi entered, with three guys along. They are.... familiar. Wait, why does everyone he knows seems familiar to me? Why doesn’t Kisaragi seems familiar? Why must his old friends?

    The first one to enter were about the same height as Akashi; slick black hair. The second to enter has orange hair and shorter than the first one. The third is the biggest, tallest and the most muscular of all.

    “Reo....” I murmured. What? Who’s that? Reo? Who? “Kotarou....” I continued. No! Where did that come from!? “Eikichi.” I ended.

    I felt nauseous. W-why did I recognize them? How is that even possible? The three guys stared at me in awe.

    “N-nee-chan,” Yukina spoke, her innocent eyes stared straight into mine. “How do you know?”

    “I....” blank. Blank. Blank. Blank.

    I ran upstairs. I seriously don’t know why I did that. That was so cliche. I sat on the bed. It’s like I was possessed earlier. I don’t know what I was saying, it wasn’t me! It’s not—no, it’s not—it’s....

Kina....?

    My breathing stopped for a second. Kina. She may be the reason. Yes, that makes sense! The door opened and Akashi came in. “You okay?” he asked and sat down beside me.

    I turned to him. “I was just having some problems. I’m okay now. Let’s meet them.” I said and stood.

-^.^-

    “You doesn’t look much like Seiki-chan, but your voice is almost the same.” Reo commented as he gobbled the spaghetti I made half an hour before.

    “I’ve always wished I could meet her.” I smiled.

    “Reo-nii, what are you now?” Yukina asked.

    He turned to Yukina. “You were so, so small when I last met you. You’ve grown! Oh anyway, I’m working as a secret agent for the government—“

    “That’s a lie!” she interrupted and we all laughed. Someone’s missing; Akashi, he got a call earlier and went to his office. I wonder if it’s about work again.

    “So you’re staying here for how many days?” I asked them.

    “Only for tonight, too bad.” Kotarou replied.

    “Okay, Yukina. Show them their room, will you? It’s past midnight now. They need a good sleep.” I said. Yukina nodded and ran upstairs followed by the guys. Reo stayed behind though. I tidied the plates and started to wash them.

    “How’s Sei-chan?” Reo asked.

    “He’s stressed over his work. I tried to help him but he refused.” I replied.

    He chuckled. “He told me how you ended up living here together with them.”

    I smiled. “He’s great.”

    “He was, he still is and he will forever be.”

    “Had any girlfriend lately, Reo?”

    “Noooo, everyone hates me!”

    I laughed. “Maybe yours are coming a bit late. Just have patience.”

    “I am still waiting. Hope I’ll meet some hot girls here.”

    Two people is missing. “Chihiro, Chiharu.” I spoke and mentally slapped myself.

    Reo blinked then as if he understood, “They are at Hokkaido. Planning to get married sooner or later.”

    “Whoa! Really?!” um, why am I excited? I don’t even know them....

    He laughed and nodded. “I guess I’ll go now. I can’t open my eyes no more.”

    “Good night, Reo. Sweet dreams.”

    “Good night, Kizu-chan.”

    My heart warmed at the name he called me. After done washing all those plates, I glanced at my watch. 2:48 a.m. I turned off the lights downstairs and went up, heading towards the office. The lights are on. I knocked then entered.

    Akashi was with the papers, again. I sighed and went to him. He glanced at me. “Why aren’t you sleeping yet?” he asked.

    “I am the one who should be asking you that!” I said. “You haven’t even rest!” I was getting angrier.

    “Kizuna,” he said. “I know my limits. Right now, this is important.”

    “But your health is more important than that!!”

    “I know.”

    “Then!?”

    “Then, you should go out right now and go to sleep immediately. I do not wish to be disturbed.” He said.

    I wanted to cry, scream at him, throw this freaking chair at his face and drag him to his room. I clenched my fists. “Could you just—“ I trailed off and bit my lower lip so hard I could feel the blood. “Ugh! Never mind! DO WHATEVER YOU WANT AKASHI SEIJUUROU, I DON’T CARE!!”

And with that, I stormed out.