#gotou x reader

[kangen-wanshi]

Trust ft. Kakushi (Demon Slayer)

Sometimes it's difficult for him to trust you with the amount of times you've teased him. Although, perhaps, this time will be different..

Tags: kisses mwah mwah, reader is a hashira, no specific pronouns used, the other guy doesn't have a name so he technically can be anyone who wears a mask

A/N: I swear I have an unhealthy obsession with unpopular character

"And he came back more bloodied and more bruised, of course." He huffed, folding his arms in front of his chest, shaking his head, "Uugh.. But that kid sure is getting stronger every time he survives death. I swear! He never realized his potential nor his limit! A good slayer should recognize both!"

You only hummed, sitting next to him on the engawa, crossing your legs while propping your arm up to hold your cheek as you watched his expression only through his eyes.

"And that boar-kid..! I swear, if he ever steals from the kitchen again I'll — huh?" He abruptly stopped, his eyes now looking back at you, slightly widened in surprise, ".. What?"

"What?" You casually ask back as if he hadn't just caught you staring affectionately at him, "So? Did the boar-kid steal more food from the kitchen?"

"H- he, well, yeah!" He stuttered, immediately crumbling just from your lack of shame, "I mean I— We would've, we could've just given him food you know! If, if he just asks politely for it, I mean, I'm sure —" his eyes darted back to you for a split second, " —I'm sure we'll, we have some.. Food to spare.."

"Huh."

And silence. Before he immediately slapped a hand over your eyes. Warm palm trying to hide himself, and his shaming growing flustered face from you, "Stop that!"

"Stop what?!" You giggled, grabbing his hand, trying to pull it away from your face. But his hold is persistent, "Hey I didn't do anything!"

"You were staring!" He pointed out the obvious, which earned another fit of laugh from you, and an even further embarrassment for him, "It's rude! And embarrassing!"

"Hey - How could I be staring if you always hide your face from me?" You playfully struggled against his hold, but he only took you away further by using his other hand to hold your forearm, "Come on!"

"No! Stop staring!" He struggled more to keep your hands away and your eyes covered, but you just giggled, as you easily overpowered him by tugging his hand away from your face, now holding both of his wrists on the side of your face with a grin.

"Fine, fine, I'll close my eyes then." As promised, you closed your eyes, yet, the smile on your face never faltered, "Happy? Now can I stare at you more politely then?"

"Aha! So you admit you were staring!" Not wanting to give you the victory, he cackled, "Caught you now, huh! You think your hashiras were subtle!"

"Psh, that wasn't subtle at all," you chuckle, pulling his wrist closer in a second, forcing him to be yanked towards you, before you smirked right in front of his face, "Besides, I don't think you'd like it if I were to go around the bushes, right?"

"You..!" Incredibly flustered, and defeated, he can only attempt to pull himself off away from you by all the strength he has, which doesn't quite compare much to yours. Resulted in the most surprising, yet not so unpleasant result. 

Losing balance just temporarily, he managed to accidentally push you away on your back, yes, but with you still gripping his wrist, you dragged him along for the fall. And now, both of you are stuck at the most compromising position, with him being on top of you, his arms caging your head, and you carefully staring up to his eyes. His mask almost revealed the lower half of his face, his lips.

It was just for a mere split of second, but you swear, under that kakushi mask of his, you can see him smirk in victory.

Before he can claim his victory, you called out to him with a quiet "Hey," catching him off-guard yet again with your hands sneaking up to the side of his face, cradling his cheek carefully, pulling his mask back to his face to cover his lips yet again with the striped cloth.

"Do you trust me?" You ask him.

"No." He answers immediately, which earns a giggle from you as you shake your head, "C'mon, just this once?"

When he sighed in defeat, rolled his eyes and finally nodded, you smiled. In the next second, you closed your eyes, pushed yourself up towards him, and pressed your lips right where he are supposed to be, and kissed him carefully through his mask.

His lips were slightly agape, but blocked by the cloth, he could only tilt his head accordingly to fit and let the silent kiss deepen as best as he could. He didn't even realize it - but he had lowered his face towards yours the moment your hand caresses his cheek.

The kiss was sweet, it didn't last long, but the weight of it is enough to tell the both of you what it signifies as either of you finally pulled away from each other. With a grin on your face, and furrowed brows from him, it's easy to say that words unspoken have been said just within those few moments.

"See," you giggled, sneaking your finger under his collar, scratching the back of his neck carefully, "You should trust me more often from now on."

"Yeah right. And let you do something half-ass like that?" He scoffed, "I don't think so."

And out of the adrenaline from the previous kiss, he tugged on the edge of his mask off from your hold, as he let it dangle freely off of his face, creating an opening, removing the barrier that stops either of you from proceeding earlier.

And a rather smug, yet affectionate grin awaits you.

"Now, do you trust me?"

[mwalani]

Here are some characters I'd write for if I knew more about them:

(There's more but like, in those fandoms so take these characters as examples of fandoms)

[onecantsimply]

Part 4 of Jack x Tanjiro Reader? After the Entertainment District, Reader has been in a coma for awhile now (Jack and all the Human Fighters that met her after the Loki incident made sure to check on her to see if she’s okay since her stunt no doubt put a target on her back, especially from said prankster god)

Reader wakes up, and after asking about how her friends are doing, and says that she must be hallucinating that Inosuke is on the ceiling, thus Jack and the Human Fighters meet one of Reader’s friends, who’s tackles Reader while she’s still recovering and tries to pick a fight with everyone in the room

Bet-

---

Footsteps were heard walking down the cement corridors. It was a Kakushi.

(My name is Gotou. I work as a member of the Kakushi, the cleanup brigade of the Demon Slayers. I was the one who called Kamado (Y/n) out for sleeping during the Hashira meeting. I guess I'm somewhat connected to them now. And that weird gentleman partner of theirs. After all, I was the one who found them all in the Entertainment District. Jeez, all of them looked terrible. Almost all of them seem to be buddy buddy though. Well, that gentleman guy seems more detached, but whatever. All of them were pretty much out cold though. Most of them are younger than me, but they also became swordsmen and fought with their lives on the line. I truly do respect them. -Gotou)

He seemed to think back to Inosuke, his eyebrow arching when he had questioned the male's mask.

(And that's why I'm bringing them some high quality castella. I'm doing my upmost best not to gobble this up right here and now. It's a present since the kind one is still unconscious. I heard they have a good sense of smell, so maybe they'll wake up if I put this close to them. -Gotou)

He looked towards the castella in his grip before looking towards the door.

(... It's open. -Gotou)

He then entered the room, seeing Jack simply brushing his hand through (Y/n)'s hair.

There was a broken vase on the floor.

(.... Clean this shit up... -Gotou)

The male then looked towards Jack, who had been sitting next to (Y/n). The male himself had bandages over his figure, but didn't seem to mind his own injuries. Rather that he was more concerned for (Y/n).

(You guys just do whatever you want, don't you? The two of you are oddballs. It's a wonder of how you picked fights with other Gods. -Gotou)

He placed the castella down before gently cleaning up the shattered glass, now getting up, and walking towards the group. "Uh, I brought some castella over. So please clear the way so I can put it down. If it looks spoiled, just go ahead and eat it." He spoke. Jack turned to him. "Th...Thank you... so much..." (Y/n) mumbled. They were almost completely covered in bandages. Gotou seemed to stop for a moment.

"... You woke up?! Why aren't you screaming?!" He shouted. The male then turned to the closest person, which happened to be Jack. "You[re an utter airhead!! You're supposed to call someone!! They managed to regain consciousness, you dumbasses!!!" The male blinked as Gotou rushed out of the room. Jack seemed to faintly hum, muttering a small apology. "Everyone's worried sick about them!! I don't care if you're my superiors for now!!" He then peeked towards the hall. "Kiyo, Sumi, Naho, Aoi!! (Y/n)'s awake now!!"

Within only a few minutes, the the three small women were sobbing, clinging on to (Y/n) as they weakly chuckled, trying to comfort the trio.

"I'm so happy!" "I'll give you some red bean bread!" "The castella!"

Someone had suddenly ran into the room with a blanket over their head, making the three cry out monster. Though, Aoi, threw the blanket off, immediately relieving the three. "Oh, t's just Miss Aoi caught up in the laundry..." Aoi then went to (Y/n)'s side, pretty much sobbing. "I'm so glad you're awake...! You guys went in my place, so...!" She immediately wailed as (Y/n) looked towards her. "Thank you... Are... the others... doing okay...?" They mumbled, feeling Jack softly pet their head. "Sir Zenitsu left this place the day before yesterday. Fortunately, he's back in commission, and ready for service. So, he's already out on a job. But unfortunately, he was screaming and crying in his infirmary. He woke up the day after the accident." The male answered. "The sound pillar walked off with his wives supporting him. All the Kakushi backed away because he was way too tough. They were definitely scared though." Gotou spoke. (Y/n) faintly nodded. "I see... And Inosuke...?" They mumbled, looking up at the ceiling. "Sir Inosuke was on the verge of death at one point." Sumi mumbled. "Inosuke was in terrible condition... The poison had circulated through his body, so we were too late to stop the bleeding." Aoi sniffled, brushing her tears away with her tissue.

"Oh... Okay... Then I must be hallucinating Inosuke clinging to the ceiling there..." (Y/n) mumbled. The group all looked up, seeing a certain boar masked male certainly clinging to the ceiling.

"What the!!" Gotou shouted. "What is wrong with you?!" He yelled.

Inosuke had cackled. "I'm impressed you noticed me, (W/n)!!" He spoke. "Well... I am lying face up..." (Y/n) could only smile faintly before Inosuke dropped onto them, just barely landing on them. Jack gaped, in horror if (Y/n)'s wounds had opened up again. Yet, they seemed to be fine. Jack quickly pushed the other male off of their figure, questioning if the person were okay. “I’m… perfectly fine…” They weakly smiled. “Who the hell’re you?!” Inosuke pointed to Jack. “I am their Partner, mind you.” He spoke. “Partner?” Inosuke looked towards (Y/n). “You never said anything about you having a Partner!” They slowly nodded.

“Right… Sorry… I met… Sir Jack after my match….” (Y/n) mumbled. “Do you not remember him… before chipping the blade Sir Kanamori gave you…?” They mumbled again. “… Knack?” Inosuke looked towards Jack, seeing how the male had sighed from his worry. The boar masked man stood on the bed again, pointing to (Y/n). “I am the man that woke up seven days before you!!” He spoke. "Oh... Good for you, Inosuke..." (Y/n) softly answered. The boar masked male only cackled. "Praise me more!! You're a feeble person!! You made me worry!!" He yelled. Naho immediately perked up. "You're not normal!! Miss Shinobu said that herself!!" She spoke. "Look at this, Lord (Y/n)!" Kiyo held out a picture book towards (Y/n), allowing for them to look over. "It's a weasel from overseas called a 'honey badger'!! Its thick hide is like armor! It'll be completely fine, even if it fights a lion! And poison doesn't work on it, so it can eat even poisonous snakes!! Miss Shinobu said that Lord Inosuke is just like this thing!!" She said.

(Y/n) weakly laughed. "Lord Kocho is pretty random." Gotou spoke. Inosuke blinked with confusion. "Thinking about this guy is a pain in the butt..." Aoi mumbled, trying to get Inosuke off of the bed. "So basically, I'm immortal!!" He spoke. "No, you're just a moron." Gotou spoke. "Who's the moron here, you ass?!" Inosuke gripped onto his uniform as Sumi screamed. "Yeah, you may have poison resistance, but you also resist the medicine we give, so be careful!! Miss Shinobu said this too!! You keep forgetting?!" Aoi yelled. "Shut it, pipsqueak!! Don't pull on me!!" Inosuke shouted back. "Please quiet down..." Jack mumbled. "What was that?! You're almost the same height as I am!!" Aoi replied. "Please be quiet...!" Jack spoke. He could feel his irritation start to spike. "(Y/n) fell asleep, you two! Be quiet!!" Inosuke snapped his head towards them. "They're back in a coma?!" He yelled. "Don't say that! You'll jinx them!!" Aoi replied.

“Just be quiet.” Jack ordered, sighing as he gently brushed his hand through (Y/n)’s hair. They seemed to have a smile on their face, despite the events that had just occurred. “Sumi, Naho, let’s go make some gruel for them.” Kiyo spoke. “Kay!!” The pair agreed. "Hopefully they can eat a lot when they're recovered." Inosuke peeked over.

-- Only a week later, (Y/n) had made a full recovery --

(Y/n), who was now fully healed, had lifted Kiyo into the air with a chuckle. "I am the wind!" She spoke. "My turn!" Sumi and Naho spoke. Jack walked into the room with a small smile, carrying a tray of tea with him.

-- With Gotou --

"Aw, come on... You're all freaks of nature..." He mumbled, next to a sleeping Kakushi as he read the letter Kiyo had written for him.

-- Inosuke went back to work as well --

"This sucks...!" (Y/n) mumbled, having to stretch with Naho. "My stamina's not even coming back...!" They mumbled.

(I can't stretch flat out...! -(Y/n))

They then had their arms pulled back. "Oh, hey! Did I get a new sword while I was asleep? I chipped my old one." They spoke. Naho stopped. "Oh... Your sword- Well-" She let go of (Y/n), letting them flop to the floor. "Come with me-" She allowed the Demon Slayer to follow after her. Naho then slid a door open, seeing Jack reading through the papers. He seemed to softly sweatdrop. "... These letters... are definitely from Sir Haganezuka..." He mumbled.

The papers had all read as "I have no sword for you." "Go to Hell." "Fuck you." "You can go to Hell." "Hate."

"This... is not good..." (Y/n) mumbled. "Right..." Jack softly sighed. "He hasn't sent any swords for the last two months." Kiyo spoke as she walked over. "Oh, I see..." (Y/n) seemed to sweatdrop as well. "But I only chipped it this time... Maybe because I actually broke it before-?" They mumbled. Jack gently pat their back when he saw how stressed their color had gotten. "But people often damage their swords, right?" Sumi placed some treats down. "Maybe Sir Haganezuka's the one being difficult here..." She mumbled. "How about you head to the village then?" Kiyo suggested. "I think you should meet him in person and talk things out."

Jack had gotten a sudden shiver up his spine, already knowing that he and (Y/n) probably shouldn't go there.

"There's a village?" They questioned, eating at their crackers. "All the swordsmiths live there!" Kiyo explained. "Wait. I can go there?" (Y/n) blinked.

"Lord (Y/n), you have visitors!" Aoi called out. (Y/n) and Jack looked towards the door, seeing Buddha standing there, as well as Kojiro, Souji, and Kondou. "Oh, hi, all of you!" (Y/n) greeted, still biting at their crackers. "Hey there, kid. We heard you got injured." Kojiro spoke. "Mhm. It was a pretty tough battle. But we managed to get through it." (Y/n) replied, nodding. "And you're already fully healed?" Buddha arched an eyebrow. "Mhm! The nurses here are amazing!" (Y/n) replied again. "You sure it wasn't just him taking care of you every time?" They looked towards Jack. He sipped his tea, not bothering to look at the group. "Sir Jack did have some big concern when he himself woke up." Kiyo spoke. (Y/n) looked towards the male with a smile, as well as dotted eyes. "Thank you, Sir Jack." They spoke. The male could only nod, sipping his tea once more.

"Oh, I see now." Buddha smirked faintly. "Where's your crow?" Souji peeked over. "Ah, Matsuemon? He might be at the Demon Slayer Corps." (Y/n) replied. "Master Kondou, can we go-?" Souji turned to the taller male. "We have no idea of where that is-" He replied. "Anyhow, did you need anything?" Jack questioned the group.

"Yeah. It's about that stunt you pulled with Loki." Buddha spoke. He smiled faintly. "While it was amusing, both you and Jack have a target over your backs now." (Y/n) frowned faintly as the other male placed his tea down. "Be careful from now on, alright?" Buddha spoke. (Y/n) nodded. "We should be at least slightly okay, since Sir Jack is almost at a full recovery. Which reminds me, how are your wounds?” He looked down. “The poison never circulated far, fortunately.” Jack looked down. “… Am I slowing you down?” He questioned. (Y/n) blinked. They seemed to frown softly. “No. You’re just not as prepared as we are. And even with a Völundr, those won’t work on Demons since they only get injured with blades that are used from Sun ore.” They then tilted their head. “Perhaps we can get you a swordsmith, or have you pass the Final Selection so you can help me more.” (Y/n) smiled softly as they nibbled at their crackers. “Can I have one?” Kojiro questioned. “Go right ahead!” Sumi replied. “Thank you.” The male grabbed a cracker, biting into it.

“… Would that be okay?” Jack questioned. “Well, you would have to train to defeat it for sure. As you are now, you don’t know Total Concentration, and can only rely on sight of regular Human senses. We’ll need to help with that.” He blinked, tilting his head. “How do I do that?” He questioned. “What is Total Concentration anyways?” (Y/n) blinked.

Naturally, they were bad at explaining things.

“Uhm-“ They looked down.

(I’ll just go with what Makomo said… -(Y/n))

“Total Concentration Breathing accelerates your blood circulation and your heart rate, which causes your body temperature to spike. That makes you as strong as a Demon while remaining a Human. But that being said, you with a Völundr enhances physical prowess as well, yes?” Jack blinked.

Neither he or the group beside the Demon Slayer had understood.

“The important thing is to expand your lung capacity. When you bring lots of air into your blood, and when your blood starts getting excited, your bones and muscle will scurry to heat up and grow stronger.”

Buddha took the lollipop out of his mouth. “I’m not sure if any of us understood that.” He spoke. (Y/n) looked at him with dotted eyes, as well as a smile. “I don’t know how else to explain it- Makomo was the one to tell me, so I’m only going off from what she spoke of-“ Souji blinked. “Makomo?” He questioned. “My ghost friend from when I was first training to become a Demon Slayer.” Buddha blinked.

(Oh, so they might be kind of crazy. -Buddha)

He then softly grinned.

(Well, not like sane people are usually strong anyways. -Buddha)

“Well, how could anyone do that?” Kondou questioned. (Y/n) flashed a close eyed smile. “Train to death. At the end of the day, there was nothing else I could do.” Jack seemed to faintly slump. Still, (Y/n) gently pat his back. “Well, it would be necessary if you wish to protect them.” Kojiro looked towards the male. “… Will you do it?” He looked forward. “… Naturally.”

Jack eyed (Y/n) as they spoke with Naho about the swordsmith village. Before the male could speak another word, the doors had slammed open. “I’m back!!” Inosuke spoke. “Welcome back!” (Y/n) greeted. “Gimme!” Inosuke snatched the basket of crackers, lifting his mask to eat the treats. (Y/n) ate the last of what they had before looking forward. “Who’s this?” Buddha arched an eyebrow. Inosuke looked towards the male. The group seemed to be in entire silence. “Who the hell’re you?” (Y/n) smiled faintly. “Inosuke, this is Buddha. He’s a God.” Inosuke perked up. “So if I defeat this guy, I’m the strongest!” He spoke. “Uh- Please don’t-“ (Y/n) leaned forward as Kojiro arched an eyebrow. “And are all of these guys Gods too? I’ll beat ‘em all!!” (Y/n) softly sweatdropped. “Inosuke, please-“ They mumbled, seeing the male cackle as Souji put a hand on the hilt of his blade. Kondou seemed to stop him, however.

“No need, Souji.” The teen seemed to softly sigh before he let go of his blade. “Inosuke, back to your room!” Aoi pulled the male away from the room, the group hearing his yelling along the way.

[thekuroiookami]

KnB (Akashi x Reader): The Queen’s Gambit - Part 8

When he later looked back on that week, Akashi wouldn’t say it out loud, but he would think secretly to himself, where no one could see how much it hurt, that it was one of the worst things he’d ever experienced. He wasn’t superstitious, but maybe it had something to do with the fact that it had started on Friday the 13th.

Friday, 13th December

You heaved a sigh along with all the books you were carrying. The stack was so high, you could hardly see the stairs in front of you. No wonder everyone hated being class rep, it was a tedious job. You would be happy when Gotou-san was free to pick up her work again.

You were wondering whether Mama would make that nabe she had been promising for ages now when someone called out to you. The warning came too late; the boy who crashed into you couldn’t grab you in time and you lost your balance. Initially, there was nothing but the feeling of weightlessness. Then the pain hit in a choking wave and everything went black.

When you finally opened your eyes again, blinking through the incessant pounding in your head, there were sighs of relief. Trying to sift through the hazy feeling of hot nails in your skull, you took in the unfamiliar room. Everything was so…white. You tried to sit up and a woman in a pale blue uniform rushed over.

“There, don’t overexert yourself, dear. You need to rest.”

You touched a hand to your head, briefly surprised by the rough texture of bandages.

My head is…injured?

“Where…am I?”

“The hospital. Akashi-kun brought you here as soon as he could.” The nurse smiled reassuringly.

“____, do you remember what happened?” Your head turned to the owner of the low, strained voice.

You stared uncomprehendingly at him.

“Who…are you?”

XXX

Saturday, 14th December

Akashi stood outside the hospital door, fingers curled into a fist, eyes cast down. He didn’t know if he was ready to face this. Face the reality of you. The flowers crunched under his grip. He’d thought seeing you unconscious, a pool of blood around you, looking paler than snow, had been terrifying. It had been nothing compared to the moment he realized you didn’t remember him.

“Who…are you?”

He froze, eyes wide. His breath suddenly left his lungs and he couldn’t breathe.

What…did she just say?

“You said ___. How do you know my name?”

Akashi was glad there was one other person in the room, because his world had come crashing down around him and he was in a trance, watching it fall. You flinched as the nurse touched your arm, making you look back at her.

“My dear, do you know what year it is?”

She frowned as you said a date that had happened a year ago. Her voice was carefully gentle when she spoke.

“I’m afraid it’s much later, ____-san. You seem to have more damage than we suspected. Can you remember anything about your accident?”

You went completely still, your face losing what little colour it had. He watched it happen, hollow inside. You swallowed, trying to stifle the fear.

“I…don’t know. I can’t remember anything. I’m sorry.”

You seemed to curl in on yourself as the nurse left to speak to a doctor. You watched her go helplessly, fingers tightening around the blanket. Akashi came back to reality when your gaze met his, eyes blurry with panic.

What am I doing? She’s clearly alone and frightened, and here I am, losing my own calm.

He sat down next to the bed. You watched him, unsure but hopeful. His heart gave a painful thump when you pushed your hair back in a familiar movement. He took a breath and began to speak in low, soothing tones.

That was yesterday. He’d had a full day to let the implications sink in. None of it was good. It was bad enough that you didn’t remember your accident. It was made impossibly more painful when you couldn’t even remember meeting him. How did he even begin to fix that?

Right now, I’m no one to her. An absolute stranger. She has no memories of me.

A click made him look up. Your father stepped out of the room, exhaustion etched into his face. His eyes softened at the sight of Akashi standing there, jaw clenched and face shuttered. He put a hand on the boy’s shoulder.

“Go in. I know it’s difficult, but she will heal better if we support her. Even if she doesn’t know what happened. Besides, the doctor said it’s most likely temporary.”

Akashi nodded. Taking one last breath, he slid the door open. You looked up as he entered.

Oh, it’s the person from yesterday. I wonder if we were close…

“Akashi-san. Hello.” Your smile, while polite, held a tinge of uncertainty.

Ignoring the raking feeling in his chest, Akashi gave his own polite smile. “____-san. Has the pain reduced?”

You wondered how long you had known this young man. Did you know what his eyes were like when they weren’t hiding behind that mask? What was it that made you want to take him apart piece by piece until there was only raw emotion left? You tried to suppress the confusing knot of feelings this stranger aroused.

“Much better, thank you. The painkillers helped, but I don’t need them as much anymore.”

You looked at him curiously as he held out a bunch of flowers. His enigmatic smile gave nothing away, so you accepted the bouquet, letting out a breath of surprise.

“Oh, lavender. It’s so pretty. And it smells wonderful.” You gave him a genuine smile, eyes livelier. “Thank you, Akashi-san.”

“I’m glad you like it. I thought you might prefer something that reminded you of gardens and fields.”

Something echoed in you when he said that. You tilted your head, thinking. Being outdoors did make you happy. You looked back at him, curious again.

“How did you know that? I’ve been meaning to ask, but how is it that we know each other?”

His face abruptly hardened and you felt your heart drop when his hand briefly clenched. You hugged the bouquet to you and looked down.

“I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer that. It’s enough that you’re here. It’s just…I can’t remember anything.”

You gasped in shock as his warm fingers wrapped around your wrist. You became mired in his ruby gaze, the glitter of his eyes spellbinding. His voice was fierce when he spoke.

“Never apologize for wanting to know more about yourself. You did not ask for this to be inflicted on you. You are free to ask whatever you want, whenever you want.”

You swallowed, overwhelmed by his closeness and demeanour. Even as he stepped away, features arranged in neutrality again, you could feel your senses tingling.

“I apologise for startling you. What is it you wanted to know?”

“How-how we know each other. I remember seeing you at school, but we had never spoken.”

“That is correct. We met when you substituted for someone on the student council. As for what we are…I would say friends.”

What a weak word. No friend of mine has ever made me feel such depths and heights in one day.

You noted that pause at the end, but didn’t comment on it. “Then, it’s nice to meet you, Akashi-kun. I’m glad we’re friends.”

He seated himself on the chair in an elegant posture. “I am, as well. What else would you like to know?”

You thought about it. Boredom had you suggesting a game. “It’s no fun if you just tell me things. I haven’t been able to do anything all day, so shall we play a game?”

Akashi raised an eyebrow. Apparently some things about you could never be changed. “That depends on what kind of game it is.”

You shuffled closer to the edge of the bed, hair spilling over one shoulder. Akashi had to physically restrain himself from trailing his fingers through it. Your lips quirked up in a mischievous smile.

“How about you do a quiz with me and I’ll see if I can remember something. You tell me two statements that are true and one false, and I’ll see if I can pick out the lie. That way, I get to learn something, and you get to mislead me a bit.”

Akashi hid a smile at this. “And what if every statement were a lie? I could just leave you with a set of wrong impressions.”

You considered him for a moment, and tapped a finger against your lips. “I think, Akashi-kun, you wouldn’t lie to me about anything that matters.”

He stopped breathing again for a second as you looked at him in the same way you had in the park.

There it is, the groundless faith in me. Can I really hope for you to remember me?

That was promptly dashed to pieces when he remembered that you were missing a year’s worth of context and a Winter Cup. Without that basis for your interest, what reason did he have to keep you with him? He realized that without that history, there was no reason at all. None.

Your voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Akashi-kun, is something wrong?”

“Ah. No, just a thought I had. Shall we begin then?”

Having Akashi around made time pass much faster than it would have with you alone. There was a great deal of regret on your part when he looked at the clock and stood up to leave.

“I must be going now, it’s getting late. And you need to rest.”

You rubbed your temples, trying to relieve the headache that was slowly returning. “Thanks for spending time with me, Akashi-kun.”

“It was my pleasure. How long do you need to stay in the hospital?”

“If everything is alright, I can go home tomorrow afternoon. Amnesia aside, the injury is healing fine.”

He nodded. “Then, rest well, ____-san. Remember to take your medicines.” He turned to leave, but was halted by a tug on his sleeve.

Your face was a little flushed, your eyes desperate. “Will I see you again? Later?”

He resisted the urge to kiss your worries away. “Of course. If you want me to.”

You bit your lip with the realization of what you were asking of him. “I’d like that. If it’s not troublesome.”

He smiled, his expression tender, and your traitorous heart stuttered. “Then, I’ll see you later. Good night.”

XXX

Sunday, 15th December

He’d said he’d see you later, but that didn’t mean today, you supposed. Akashi probably had a life that didn’t involve playing nurse to a girl he wasn’t all that close to. You sighed at the logic of your own arguments.

That doesn’t mean I can’t wish he was here though. I wonder what he usually does on weekends?

The person occupying your thoughts was at that moment occupied with intense training. The frustration of the previous day needed to be dealt with, and a gym was as good a place as any to do it. Mibuchi gave up on running and stood there with his hands on his knees, breathless. Akashi leapt up and slammed the ball into the net, rattling the frame.

Hayama finally confronted the elephant in the room. “Akashi, what’s bothering you? You’ve been punishing yourself and the net for a while now.”

Nebuya rumbled, joining in. “Has ____-san’s condition gotten worse?”

Akashi paused for a moment in the process of towelling his face. His knuckles turned white against the cloth. “No, she is getting better. The problem is something else.”

When everyone stared expectantly at him, he continued, the words curt. “She lost her memory…for about a year.”

Mibuchi gasped. Hayama drew back in surprise, and Nebuya frowned.

The shooting guard was the first to speak. “How horrible, Sei-chan! Does that mean she can’t remember you? Or any of us?”

Akashi’s dead stare was the answer. He sounded immeasurably tired when he spoke again. “She doesn’t have any memory of Rakuzan in general. It’s…difficult for me to know how to respond.”

The other three exchanged concerned glances. Hayama piped up, trying to be positive.

“Don’t give up Akashi, I’m sure she’ll get better. Did you see her today?”

“No, I think her friend Kojima-san is visiting today. And it might be better if she isn’t overwhelmed with too much information.”

The blond haired boy scowled. “I get it, but wouldn’t she be happier if you were around? She might not remember you, but I’m sure she feels the same way as before.”

Akashi glanced at him sideways. “How do you know that? ____ doesn’t have any memory of the Winter Cup or the events from the school festival. From her perspective, she has no reason to take comfort in my presence.”

Mibuchi shook his head. “That’s might be true, but the things she liked about Sei-chan have stayed the same, right? She might just feel comforted with you around, even if she doesn’t know why.”

Akashi bent his head, shading his eyes. “And if she never recovers her memory? She might feel reassured now, but it’s not certain she would want to continue a relationship.”

Hayama and Mibuchi gaped at him. Nebuya scoffed. “Isn’t it obvious? Then you’ll just have to start over and make her your girlfriend again.”

That was an idea the captain obviously hadn’t considered. “Start over? You mean…court her?”

Three pairs of eyes were rolled. The center spoke again. “Yes, you know, flirt with her, make her like you. Something like that. The stuff that everyone does.”

Mibuchi chirped happily. “I’m sure it will be easy for Sei-chan, since she already liked you once. And it’s you, after all.”

His mouth tipped down, tense. “I hope you’re right.”

XXX

Monday 16th December

You looked around the classroom in curiosity, taking in the unfamiliar sight. Reina watched you anxiously as you turned to her.

“So, is this my seat?” You pointed to the desk in front of you.

“Yep. I’m in that row over there. Are you sure you’re okay with everyone knowing about…the amnesia?”

You set your bag on the desk and sat down to pull out your pencil-case. “Yes. It might be temporary, in which case it doesn’t matter. If not, it’ll be obvious when I can’t remember things everyone seems to know.”

You gave her a small but reassuring smile. She pursed her lips, not fully convinced. “Okay, but come get me if anything happens at all. Anything.”

“I will.”

Time passed in a dizzying blur until the bell rang for lunch. You were starting to feel the strain of trying to keep up with lessons. Worse, concerned people – teachers, classmates, even the school nurse – kept coming up to you with worried expressions and questions. The way they treated you like fragile glass wasn’t helping the situation any, though you understood they had good intentions. The insistent pain behind your eyes was returning.

You sighed in relief when Reina somehow got rid of another of those well-wishers. She smiled brightly at you. “Shall we go find a quiet spot for lunch?”

Your grateful reply was interrupted by the arrival of sharp-eyed boy. “Yo, Reina-chan, the garden is free, I just checked. We can have lunch there. ____-san, how are you feeling?”

Taken aback by his familiarity, it took you a moment to reply. “Takanashi-kun? What are you doing here?”

Naota looked suspicious. Reina slapped a hand to her head in realization. “Of course, I forgot. Your memory cuts off from before January. ____, Naota and I started dating earlier this year.”

Your breath left your lungs in shock. “I’m sorry, I hadn’t realized. Takanashi-kun, it’s good to see you, then.”

They’re…dating. How did I forget something like that? What other important things am I missing because of this? I feel…so alone.

The treasurer gave a lazy grin, unfazed. “It’s alright, ____-san. It’s my fault for dropping that on you suddenly. Shall we go eat?”

Akashi had been coming down the hallway in search of you when you slid the door open, nodding at something Reina said. He waited for you to register his presence. When you finally noticed him, your eyes widened slightly.

“Akashi-kun, hello.” Naota and Reina’s faces froze at your semi-formal greeting.

The president gave them a warning glance before responding. “_____-san. Are you feeling well enough to attend school today?”

“I’m alright, thank you. We were just heading out to have lunch.” You gave your friends an uncertain glance. “Would you like to join us?”

“Thank you, but I can’t at the moment. However, I would like it if you attended basketball practice today after class. You are taking a break from your club activities, yes?”

You were completely bewildered. Why on earth would you go watch the basketball club? Did you get their autographs for the twins or something? Just what kind of friend was Akashi to you?

Naota broke into your confused train of thought. “The kaichou is right, ___-san. There are people in the team who were probably worried about you. They’re your friends too. The kendo club can wait.”

Reina nodded her head in agreement. Akashi briefly gave them a thankful smile and slid his eyes back to you expectantly.

Still lost, you had no choice but to go with the flow. “…then I’ll see you after class, Akashi-kun.”

He inclined his head and walked away. You watched him go, feeling a little empty at the sight of him leaving.

…

At half-past three, you hesitantly walked into the practice area. Hayama stopped and swivelled in your direction at the sound of footsteps.

You bowed your head when the seniors walked over. “Excuse the interruption. Is Akashi-kun here?”

A joyful shout of your name was all the warning you got before Hayama and Mibuchi enveloped you in a bear hug. Nebuya settled for awkwardly watching from the sidelines. For the hundredth time that day, you became speechless in surprise.

“Koutarou. What do you think you’re doing?”

They set you back on the floor as Akashi prowled over, looking intensely irritated. You blushed, completely at sea. Somehow one year had created a whole new set of dynamics that you knew nothing about. This may have been the most outlandish one of all.

Hayama and Mibuchi suddenly realized that this had no context for you. “Ah, sorry ____-san. We were just so happy that you’re okay, we forgot you don’t know us.”

Mibuchi’s sad, melting expression made you feel guilty for some reason. “Ah, no-I’m – it just took me by surprise. H-how close were we, exactly?”

He perked up a little. “Very. You liked baking for us, ____-chan!”

“Oh. I see.” You didn’t, not really, but that seemed like the best response.

Akashi’s voice cut through the air, drawing attention back to him. “___-san, I’m sure you’re tired. Would you like to sit down?”

You were about to refuse, but got pushed in the direction of the bench anyway. Hayama looked at you like expectant puppy when you sat down. “Erm, sorry I came in late. Someone from kendo stopped me. I didn’t realize, but apparently I’m captain now.”

Mibuchi tried to give you something to go on. “You became captain after the last one retired to concentrate on their third year. And you’re a pretty good one. Isn’t that right, Sei-chan?”

Akashi hummed in agreement. “Anyone who can keep that vice-captain in check is worthy of admiration.”

You had a hunch about who the vice-captain was. “Thanks for telling me that. It was a bit stressful when a first year came up to me with questions I couldn’t answer.”

Nebuya, surprisingly, patted your shoulder in a comforting gesture. You looked up at him, lips parted in surprise. “It’ll be alright, ____-san. We’re there to help.”

Your clasped your hands together, overwhelmed by their generosity. “Thank you, senpai. I must have done something right if I have such good people for friends.”

Hayama flushed in pleasure. “Whoa, feels nice to be appreciated! Ne, Reo-nee?”

Reo tossed his hair back. “I doubt you were included in that statement, Kotarou.”

They bickered, returning to the court to continue their game. Akashi caught your attention by finally speaking again.

“If you don’t mind waiting a bit, practice will end soon. I’ll walk you home.”

Yet again, you wondered where this was coming from. You couldn’t imagine what circumstances might have led you to being friends with the force of nature that was Akashi.

Also, was it that my initial impression of him was wrong? He seemed rather cold and aloof. Did something happen that I can’t remember? I have a feeling it’s important…

“I will stay, but you don’t have to go out of your way to walk me home, Akashi-kun.”

His voice brooked no arguments. “I insist. You are still recovering.”

He walked off to join the others, and you were left with more questions than answers. The doubts swirling in your head quickly dissolved when they began playing. Rakuzan was a well-oiled machine, smoothly confident in their abilities. Akashi especially, seemed to be everywhere without actually moving. When they returned, you were still caught in the power of their teamwork, heart pounding.

“Senpais, you’re really good. I haven’t seen many matches, but I can imagine what you’re like in a competition.”

Hayama beamed. “Right? We’re going to bulldoze this Winter Cup. Seirin better watch out!”

Reo’s smile suddenly turned sly. “Say, ____-chan, who did you think was the best player? From what you just watched now.”

You blinked, mystified. “I can’t really say, Mibuchi-senpai. You all play different positions so it’s hard to compare.”

He pushed for an answer. “Still, if you had to pick one. I wouldn’t pick Eikichi, myself.”

Nebuya’s stare was flat. You really didn’t want to get involved in this debate. “You’re all good in your own way. I can’t pick one person.”

Hayama whined. “Come on, there must be someone, right? That you can’t help but watch? And you have to answer honestly!”

Akashi could see your discomfort at being cornered into answering. Despite his own curiosity, he decided to intervene. You spoke before he could say anything.

“I suppose…if I really had to pick…then Akashi-kun.” You shyly glanced his way and looked back again quickly.

Three heads turned to Akashi with knowing expressions. He lifted his eyebrows in a shrug-like movement.

Mibuchi hadn’t finished with the topic. “Ohhhh, interesting. Why is that, ____-chan?”

Your face went slightly pink. “Er- I don’t really know. He’s just…intense? Also, I don’t play a team sport, so I find a point guard’s ability to lead really impressive. There’s a lot of pressure on them to get it right. Akashi-kun makes it look easy. N-not that the other positions aren’t difficult as well.”

“As expected, you return to Sei-chan in the end.” Reo’s voice was so low, you barely caught it. Nebuya’s I-told-you-so-look was equally perplexing. There was a whole subtext here that you weren’t getting and it was frustrating.

A certain red-haired knight saved you from further embarrassment. “I think that’s enough for now, Mibuchi. ___-san, thank you for the compliment. If you’ll wait for me, I’ll see you home.”

Happy to leave before your interest in him was made any more obvious, you promised to meet Akashi at the school gate. As soon as the door closed behind you, the seniors turned to him with smug smiles.

“See, she still obviously likes you. You just need to tell her and it will work out fine.” Hayama was firm in his belief.

Akashi let out an exhale. “I’d rather not have her obligated to like me because of a memory she doesn’t have. She’s already dealing with a lot right now.”

Nebuya face-palmed. “Captain, for a smart person, you sure can be dense sometimes. I give up.”

Akashi watched them amble off to the showers, thoughts dark.

It’s not that I’m not aware how easy this is to solve. I promised never to let go, but I need to know. Will she stay loyal to me even when there’s no reason to? Will she keep her promise?

He’d find out soon enough.

XXX

Tuesday, 17th December

School was a little less difficult to navigate today. The headaches kept coming and going, but with them were flashes of memory. A certain colour or smell would bring back an incident. Walking into a room sometimes led to a spark of remembrance. Under it all though, you couldn’t help but feel something was very, very wrong. A whole piece of the puzzle was missing, but you couldn’t pinpoint what.

And you hadn’t seen Akashi around all day. Being near him lifted the uneasiness somewhat, his presence a strangely soothing balm. You felt safe with him, but had no idea why.

You stabbed at your bento with a little more violence than necessary. Reina watched you with wide eyes.

“Is…everything okay?”

You sighed and abandoned your lunch. “I’m fine. Well, not really, but I am dealing with it. I feel like there’s something really important I’ve forgotten, but it’s frustrating me that I can’t seem to find it.”

Your friend cast her eyes down. After a moment of silence, she spoke. “I think you should check your phone.”

“What?”

“You’ll understand. Go through the contacts and photos. Do you have it right now?”

“No, it’s back in the classroom. Reina, can’t you just tell me what it is?”

She shook her head. “It’s not really my place to say.”

You couldn’t interrogate her anymore after that, because classes started up again and you forgot about the strange conversation in the rush of school life. After class, you somehow ended up at basketball practice again, puzzling over the latest physics homework. You looked up hopefully at Hayama when he paused to take a break.

“Hayama-senpai, do you know how to solve this? I think I’m missing something.”

He blanched at the sight of numbers. “Crap, I have no idea. Oi, Reo-nee, over here!”

Mibuchi didn’t look too pleased at the summons. “What is it?”

Two minutes later, you realized that none of the seniors were going to be any help at all. At your dubious expression, Hayama shrugged.

“Hey, I do better at history than this stuff. Sorry.”

Reo nodded. “Same here, my speciality is literature. Oh, here comes Sei-chan. Let’s ask him. Sei-chan, come here for a second!”

Akashi came over with narrowed eyes and a clipboard. “Why is everyone gathered here when you should be practicing?”

You tried to prevent any trouble. “It’s my fault, sorry. I asked for help with something and they all ended up here.”

Akashi’s gaze dropped to the notebook. “It’s the second law of motion you should substitute there.”

You flipped back a few pages, found the equation, and suddenly the problem resolved itself. “Ah. I should have realized. Thank you, Akashi-kun.”

He graciously inclined his head. Hayama gave a low whistle of awe.

“That’s Akashi-kun for you. He can solve questions upside down.”

Akashi’s slitted eyes went back to the small forward. “I worry about your future sometimes.” They scampered back to practice before Akashi could launch into a lecture.

You smiled as they left. Akashi’s eyes gleamed, pleased that you were happy. He returned to the court with a reminder to not overexert yourself.

As practice drew to an end, a soft buzzing drew your attention to your cellphone. After confirming that it was just a message from the class rep, you paused as Reina’s mysterious suggestion came back. You swiped open the pictures and froze in shock.

It can’t…be…

You looked at Akashi, who was dodging someone on court. You looked back down again and opened up the contacts. One entry made you inhale sharply.

When the team returned to the bench, your face was dark with foreboding. Mibuchi noticed, and called out to you.

“Is something wrong, ___-chan?”

Everyone’s attention was redirected when a phone began chiming. Akashi frowned and pulled out his mobile from his bag. He went still when he saw the caller id.

Your voice was husky with suppressed anger. “So it was you. Seijuro.”

The room stilled in tense silence. A glance from Akashi had everyone clearing the room in a hurry. When it was just the both of you, he spoke.

“____. When did you realize?”

Your eyes were bright with pain and fury. “I scrolled through the pictures on my phone. There were so many of us together. And then I put the clues together.”

When he said nothing, the pent-up emotion of three days came rushing out. “When were you going to tell me I was your girlfriend, Akashi-kun?”

He flinched at the deliberately distant address. “____, I didn’t want to burden you-“

“I would have understood if you didn’t tell me immediately. But I’ve seen you so many times now, and you were going to leave me in the dark about this? Why? Am I- do you dislike me now?” Your voice broke on a sob.

He caught your shoulders, heart aching at causing you distress. “That’s not true. I didn’t want to confuse you further when you were dealing with so much. I could see it was already worrying you that there was so much you couldn’t remember.”

His breath caught as a teardrop fell onto his jacket. You spoke, feeling irreparably broken.

“All this time, I’ve been wondering why these people I didn’t know were so nice to me. I kept hating myself for not being able to remember why they were important. So many things changed from the time I can remember. Reina is dating someone. The club members changed. And I felt…so alone because I don’t know how any of it happened.”

His face looked as pained as yours when you caught his gaze again. “Worst of all, I forgot you. I’ve been feeling like a part of my soul was lost, and all this time, you let me feel that way. Did – did you ever really like me? Why would you keep this to yourself?”

Akashi’s grip on you tightened. “There is no one I care about more than you. When you said you couldn’t remember me, it felt like I had been torn in half. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want you to be obligated to feel something towards me. I would have- “

You jerked out of his grasp, face white. “Obligated? Is that what you thought of me? I may not remember us together, but if the way I felt these past few days is any indication, I know I loved you.”

His jaw turned rigid at the use of past tense. You were too splintered to care. “If you had any faith in me- in us- at all, you would have told me what we were to each other. Instead you decided to test me. Was I that…inadequate? What should I have done?”

He inhaled sharply. “____, you’re upset. You should-“

“Don’t. Not now.” You picked up your bag, eyes blurry with tears. “I’m going home.”

Akashi watched you walk away, falling into a dark, dark well as he was left alone once again.

XXX

Wednesday, 18th December

“Ne, kaichou? Do you have a second?”

Akashi looked up at Naota from his desk, papers stacked everywhere.

“What is it, Takanashi? I already approved the budget for the photography club.”

Naota took in the student president. His normal composure was starting to crack at the edges, and his eyes looked dull.

“_____-san doesn’t look too good today. Reina and I are worried. Is everything okay?”

Akashi closed his eyes briefly. There had been a wall of silence when you passed each other in the corridor and he’d felt the knowledge tear at him. “We…disagreed on something. That’s probably why.”

“Oh. Then make up soon. It’s making everyone jittery.” Naota waved as he left. “Or we’ll be forced to take action.”

You found out exactly what that drastic action was when you got locked into the storage room with Akashi after lunch. You sighed. Akashi’s face was unreadable in the dimly lit room.

A muffled voice came through the door. “You guys are staying there till you figure things out. Good luck!”

“Was that Takanashi-kun?” You were incredulous at their bravery.

“If I had to hazard a guess, the team is probably in on it as well.” His tone was dry.

“Are they actually our well-wishers or enemies?”

“Some days, I’m not entirely sure. I think they have subconscious death wishes.”

“I can help with that. This is officially getting on my nerves. We’re missing out on classes now.”

“It obviously wasn’t all that well thought through. They forgot to turn the lights on.”

“Yes, it would be much easier to have dramatic conversations if I could actually see you.”

There was a beat of silence. Both of you considered another dramatic conversation you had. Akashi finally broke the stillness, his voice low.

“____. I apologize for making you feel like I didn’t trust you. I admit you were right when you said I was testing you. It was an unfair thing to do when you were already struggling, and I let my own wavering resolve affect you. So forgive me. I hurt your feelings when you have been nothing but good to me.”

You bit your lip, uncertain. “I know I overreacted, and I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what it would be like if our situations were reversed. It’s just…I felt betrayed when the person who should have been closest to me didn’t want to acknowledge our relationship.”

There was a rustle as he shifted closer. You tilted your head back to meet his eyes. He was close enough for you to feel his body heat.

“____. I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you. Stay mine.”

“Akashi. You idiot.” Your fingers found his face. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. I never left.”

His lips unerringly met yours and that missing piece finally clicked into place. He kissed in way that was both a gift and a demand at the same time. Your fingers wound into his hair, trying to make up for days of separation in seconds. The gloomy chill of the room dissipated when he surrounded you with his warmth.

You pulled back for air. “So,” you said in between breaths, “are you convinced?”

In contrast, he didn’t even seem fazed. “No. I might have to test that theory again.” He stole another kiss, this one gentler, leaving you flushed with happiness.

You rested your head against the shelf as you struggled to catch your breath. “I can’t really bring myself to object to your doubts anymore. Not with the way you go about disproving them.”

The smile was evident in his voice. “Well, I was just about to say that you were going to have stay with me a long time to dispel these doubts. Perhaps years. It would be better if you resigned yourself to it.”

“That sounds like a great deal of suffering. Good thing I like you so much.” You sucked in a breath when he kissed the hollow of your throat.

“Hmm. That works out well indeed.” He drew back. “As much as I’d like to continue, we have some so-called friends to punish. Shall we?”

“Nothing would make me happier, especially when they could have locked us into a warmer room. But how do we get out?”

He twined his fingers with yours, guiding you. “I felt a draft earlier…ah. There, they left a window open.”

“Really, did they think this through at all? How were they planning to escape your wrath after this?”

“In fairness, I’m not feeling very wrathful right now,” he murmured. “I think they were counting on us reconciling.”

“Well, they forgot to account for me. I’ll make sure it haunts them.” Your voice came from a dark place.

Akashi glanced back at you. “Did I not do a good enough job distracting you?”

You gave him a half-smile. “You did, I assure you. But I can multitask.”

“Well. Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

“Keep up the good work and you’ll be fine.”

XXX

Thursday, 19th December

You woke up with your skull pounding. The headache was back with a vengeance, your vision hazy with pain. Your mother took one look at your strained face and ordered you to stay in bed. More than happy to comply, you took a couple of pills and buried yourself in your blankets.

A few hours later, when the sun had reached its peak, the ache had subsided. Blearily rubbing your eyes, you discovered a string of concerned messages cluttering up your inbox. You smiled at Reina’s excessive use of emoji and replied to her, as well as Akashi. Stretching your arms, you decided to change into something warm and go out for a walk.

“What should I wear now…it’s pretty cold.”

You mused over the merits of a beige sweater when you saw the box out of the corner of your eye. Curious, you pulled out the container and discovered that it was much larger than you had expected. The lid lifted away to reveal folds of dark purple fabric, heavily embroidered with flowers.

Your head jolted at the sight of a yukata you didn’t remember owning. Resting on the glossy clothing was a latched wooden box. You opened it with trembling fingers. A dragonfly glinted in the light, dancing among peonies. The hair pin cut painfully into your flesh as your grip tightened around it. The memories came back in a rush, short-circuiting your senses for a moment.

I remember the missing piece now. Is it too late?

You didn’t stop to consider the possibility, running out of the house as fast as you could.

XXX

Friday, 20th December

For all intents and purposes, it was a standard day in Akashi’s schedule. There was school in the morning, practice in the afternoon and things to be done when he got back home. And it largely would have been, had Hayama not been sneaking glances at him all day.

What are the chances they’ve planned something? Very high, I’d say.

There had been a surprising number of people greeting him all day. Kuroko, sensible as ever, called in the morning. Aomine’s text sounded so reluctant that Akashi could almost see Momoi standing over him with a glare. It was hard to get offended when Murasakibara’s call lasted 30 seconds, since his calling at all was a miracle. Midorima planned ahead and sent him his lucky item for the day.

Though, what am I supposed to do with this…is it a piggy bank? I can’t tell. I’ve never seen one shaped like a lamp before.

Even Kagami had sent a badly spelled text, which might have been the highlight of Akashi’s day. Altogether, Akashi was not surprised when Reo’s sly smiles and Nebuya’s sudden good behaviour all resulted in him being blindfolded and bundled into an unfamiliar café. He was still not surprised when the blindfold was taken off and a chorus of voices cheerfully sounded.

“Happy birthday, Akashi!”

He smiled, the happiness transforming his features to one of youthful innocence. Reina and Naota, who weren’t used to this version of Akashi, blinked at the radiance. His voice bubbled with barely contained amusement when he spoke.

“Thank you everyone. This is unexpected.”

Mibuchi didn’t look too convinced of this, but decided to let it go. Your twin siblings, no longer able to restrain themselves, burst into the scene.

“Akashi nii-san, look, look we made the cake. Isn’t it pretty?” Rui practically bounced off the floor.

Rio, slightly more collected than his excitable sister, grinned at the older boy. “Now you’re here, we can light the candles.”

Akashi surveyed the confection, which was an amorphous white mass, slightly askew with iced flowers and smiled again. “Thank you, Rio-kun, Rui-chan.”

The table with the cake on it had a small stack of wrapped gifts on it. A bunch of flowers sat next to plates of snacks. The only thing missing from the joyous atmosphere was an important person.

Reina noticed Akashi’s glance around the room. “____ will be here soon. She’s just running a bit late.”

He found this a bit strange but decided you must have had your reasons. Though hopefully you would arrive soon. He hadn’t seen you since Wednesday. Just as he finished the thought, you ran into the room, breathing hard.

“Sorry, it took me longer than I expected. Did I keep you waiting?”

Hayama’s grin was blinding as you unwound a thick scarf from around your neck. “Nah, we only got here a couple of minutes ago. We can get started now.”

Akashi gave you a concerned look. “Are you alright? You seem exhausted.”

You waved it away. “I’m fine. Just had to do something at the last minute.”

He couldn’t probe any further because the twins grabbed him by the arms and dragged him off towards the table. Naota, the unofficial photographer, snapped away merrily as Akashi’s face became politely confused.

Mibuchi lit the candles with a flourish. “Now, Sei-chan, make a wish!”

Akashi hesitated for a moment and then blew the candles out. The room erupted in applause, cheers and general mayhem. He was bemused.

“Everyone is strangely enthusiastic about my birthday. I feel undeserving of this.”

You laughed. “Well, it is an excuse to do something fun. I think some of us are here for the food, not you.”

Mibuchi, ever vigilant, scolded Nebuya as he swiped some icing off the cake. “Eikichi, behave yourself! Can’t you wait till I serve it on a plate?”

Nebuya didn’t seem to care. “Hey, this isn’t bad.”

Eventually everyone settled into comfortable conversation as the snacks disappeared. You and Reina gasped over the delicate beauty of the cupcakes.

“Mibuchi-senpai, did you really make these? They’re amazing!” You wondered why you had bothered baking so much if he was this talented.

“It’s a hobby of mine. Ask Sei-chan, I made chocolates last year.”

“We need to draft you into the home economics class. Look at that decoration!” Reina’s eyes sparkled with glee.

The twins abandoned their basketball lesson with Nebuya and ran over to Akashi.

“Nii-san, let’s do the presents now!”

“Yeah, open them!”

Everyone else turned their attention to the new development. Akashi’s eyes softened.

“Shall we, then?”

Rui and Rio watched like eager puppies as Akashi opened the first gift. It was a photo album, filled with news clippings of the team, photos from when the Teiko team got together, and other strangely sweet memories. Akashi looked up at them, eyes glinting.

“Did you make this all by yourselves?”

Rui nodded. “We’re good at finding things. Do you like it, nii-san?”

“Yes. I’ve never gotten a gift like this before. Thank you. I’ll treasure it.”

They gave him high voltage smiles in response. Akashi moved on to the next one. The ochre jacket was an interesting style, with a wide, sharp collar, almost formal in its appearance but given an edgy street fashion aura by its hood and loose ties.

Hayama rubbed his neck nervously. “You don’t wear normal clothes that much, so I thought it would be a change.”

Akashi smiled reassuringly. Nebuya’s oddly shaped parcel turned out to be a bag of organic tea.

His expression was serious. “It’s good for your health. Especially if you need to build muscle tone.” You had to hide a smile at this.

Akashi looked curiously at the envelope next. “Who is this from?”

Reina clasped her hands behind her back, shy. “Naota and I have two presents for you.”

Her boyfriend pointed to the slip Akashi held. “That’s a get-out-of-jail-free-card. For one day, you can ask the student council to take on your work so you’re free. I had to pull in a lot of favours for that one.”

Reina tipped her chin at a small glass box. “The chest has messages from…well, you’ll see.”

Akashi unrolled a tiny scroll of paper. It read: “Akashi-kun, thank you for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” He turned it over to find Kuroko’s neat signature.

“Are they all like this?” His face was composed, but his shoulders had gone stiff.

Rio suddenly piped in. “Uh-huh, and lots of people wrote them. Nii-san’s friends from Tokyo, the basketball team, the student council…Even onee-san’s kendo club.”

Akashi’s head stayed dipped a for second longer. Then he looked up at your friends, eyes gleaming. “I’m touched. Thank you.”

Mibuchi handed him a beautifully wrapped bundle. “Open mine next.”

Hayama’s eyes widened at the sight of a lovely white scarf. “Don’t tell me you knitted that yourself, Reo-nee!”

Reo flushed. “I can manage this much, thank you.”

Akashi smiled at him, scarf bundled around his neck. “You are as capable as always, Mibuchi.”

Everyone looked at expectantly at you. Akashi sat in watchful stillness as you pulled out your cellphone. After two rings, the person on the other end picked up.

“Yes, it’s me. I’ll put you on speaker, if that’s okay.”

You held the phone out for everyone to hear. A familiar voice trilled out.

“Akashi-kun, are you there?”

“Momoi? I’m listening.” Akashi had an eyebrow raised at you. You gestured for him to keep listening.

She barked into the background. “Everyone, would you stop squabbling for two seconds and pay attention? Akashi-kun is on the phone right now. Let’s wish him a happy birthday!”

Aomine sounded bored. “Yo. Congrats on surviving so far.”

Kise’s exuberance couldn’t be contained. “AKASHICCHIIIIII! Happy birthday!”

Kuroko’s voice could barely be heard. “Akashi-kun, happy returns of the day.”

Midorima was as curt as ever. “I hope you’re doing well, Akashi.”

Incredibly, Murasakibara was there as well. “Aka-chin, did you eat lots of sweets? You should.”

The person whose birthday it was looked deeply amused. “Thank you, everyone. I should ask…what is that noise? Are you on a train?”

Kise’s delighted voice came through. “Oh, clever as always, Akashicchi! Guess who’s coming to Kyoto for Christmas?”

Momoi regained control of the conversation. “Sheesh, Ki-chan, giving it away so quickly. Akashi-kun, we’ll be in Kyoto for a couple of days, so keep your schedule free!”

“Ah. I’ll look forward to it then.” There was a click as the call ended. Nebuya gave a low whistle.

“How did you manage to get them all to come here, ____-san?”

You thought about it. “Well, I had a lot of help from Satsuki-san, in honesty. Kuroko-san and Kise-san were easy to ask. As for the others, it just worked itself out somehow.”

The twins were ablaze with excitement. Rui’s eyes sparkled. “Imagine, all of the Generation of Miracles, here!”

You slanted a narrowed gaze at them. “Now, let’s not get carried away. They’re here for their own reasons.”

After a few more minutes of speculation, everyone said their goodbyes. You left last with Akashi, watching your friends disperse in different directions.

He took your hand into his. “I don’t think I’ve ever had to thank so many people in one day. Especially you, I think.”

You smiled into your scarf. “If it’s the visit, it should really be Satsuki-san you thank. She’s a wonder of organization.”

Akashi stopped when you blocked his path. “That’s why I want to give you my own present now.”

You pulled him towards a playground, seating yourself on a swing. He watched curiously as you pulled out a rectangular box from your bag. Your cheeks were pink when you held it out to him.

He pulled the string loose to reveal a flat box of pale wood. The checkered pattern on the outside looked familiar. He gave you a sharp look.

You nodded at the latch on the long edge. “Open it.”

Akashi sucked in a breath when the lid straightened out to reveal shiny shogi pieces set in a frame, glossy with black lacquer. Careful calligraphy delineated the positions of the pieces. The quality of the wood and the skill of the brushstrokes marked the set as a rare type.

“How did you...” His eyes were wide with surprise.

Your face deepened in colour. “I-I made it. There’s someone in the family who works as an engraver. They offered to teach me.”

His eyes moved to your hands, which were gripping the swing chains. “Is that why you had cuts on your hands two weeks ago?”

“Yeah. It took me a while to get it right. I didn’t do the calligraphy, but the woodwork is all mine. Check the side of the box.”

A closer inspection of the edges where the hinges were led to the discovery of Akashi’s name set among carved peonies. His fingers tightened as he realized how much work had gone into this.

You continued, not entirely sure how to be around him. “I’m sure you’ve noticed, but it’s made to be portable. The box folds out into the game board. Maybe you can test it with Midorima-san when he gets here.”

There was rattle as Akashi moved in front of you and covered your hands on the chains with his. You blinked as he rested his forehead against yours.

“____.” His voice was a whisper. “What do I do with you? Sometimes I think I don’t deserve this much, but I can’t seem to let go of you anyway.”

“Then don’t. Seijuro.” He drew back to stare into your eyes at the sound of his name.

“Did you…get your memories back?”

“Yes. I have the hairpin to thank for that.” You smiled at the fierce joy that lit his crimson irises.

“Then, you will know what it means when I tell you to be prepared. I’m going to keep you close for a while after that scare you gave me. Don’t expect me to be kind.”

You brushed your lips over his. “I won’t. I remember our promise. And I’ll keep it as long you want me to. Happy birthday, Seijuro.”