Seas are wild tonight Stretching over Sado Island Silent clouds of stars

- Matsuo Basho

“No word yet?” Seijuurou asked Higuchi as they walked down the hall of the manor. He opened his office door as the man followed, bowing respectfully before sitting in a seiza.

“None. As far as we know, there is no indication of an ‘IW’ in Seiho’s past records and we can’t find anything with those initials indicated by the Kirisaki,” Higuchi replied with the papers in his hands.  “The 600 could be time. It’d be too cheap if it was the price, so if we deduce that it was at six ‘o’ clock, Hayama-san has been going around the market during that time to test it out. So far, we have nothing.”

‘What a pain in the ass,’ Seijuurou kept to himself as he leaned back in his seat. He was aware of these nightly and morning trips Hayama has been taking to the black market and getting no results. Hayama’s got more important things to do than to wander around aimlessly, looking for something they don’t know a thing about.

“Get Terasaka to taking over Hayama’s search,” Seijuurou stated as he took the papers from Higuchi. “He’s got his own projects to work on and is already losing focus on those. He needs to be in better shape than that.”

“Yes, sir.”

“How’s business back at Mibuchi’s?” Seijuurou asked as he flipped the pages.

“Average. I believe he mentioned that people are still wary to return after what happened,” Higuchi explained.

“Of course.”

Seijuurou was silent as he sifted through the pages but could feel Higuchi trembling. He looked up at the man with confusion – Higuchi has been working with him for a long time; he wasn’t scared of him anymore.

So something must be wrong.

“Higuchi,” Seijuurou was calm. He leaned across his desk, watching the man look at him nervously. “What’s the matter?”

“I-I apologize, sir, but with everything happening, I wasn’t sure how to bring it up,” Higuchi bit his lower lip. “We thought it was just a mistake at first and went through all the calculations again just to be sure but…the numbers do not match.”

He narrowed his eyes.

“What do mean the numbers do not match?”

“The profits do not correlate with the estimate,” Higuchi announced. “Even with Blue Bar and Club Kaijou’s temporary close, the profits we have are much lower than what we expected. At first, we thought it was just an accounting error so when we checked again, we realized that the gap in sales is much wider than expected.” Higuchi visibly swallowed under Seijuurou’s narrowed gaze. “It is believed that…someone has been taking our funds.”

Seijuurou tapped his fingers on the table.

Higuchi flinched.

This was the last thing Seijuurou wanted and needed; someone from the inside damaging their profits. He could possibly narrow it down to the lower associates – an excess amount of drinking had happened therefore they had to dip into it, Mao somehow weaseled their members into paying extra for whatever reason, or even praying that whatever program the accountants were using was faulty.

But Seijuurou didn’t pray.

“Find the culprit,” Seijuurou leaned his chin on the back of his hands and smiled to Higuchi. He saw the stout man shiver and Seijuurou could feel his left eye twitch. “Bring him to me. Alive. We’ll have to question this perpetrator and get them to talk.”

Higuchi nodded. When he finished his report, he bowed and stepped out only for Hayama to enter in his stead. Hayama looked back at the anxious Higuchi as he disappeared and turned to Seijuurou – eyes dull and lifeless.

“Right on time,” Seijuurou didn’t say anything about those blank eyes. Hayama has been like this since their last trip to the hospital and has, in fact, brought down the morale of the group. Hayama had always been prone to mood swings so Seijuurou thought he would bounce back.

He didn’t and he was the reason why.

He squashed down the feeling of his stomach coiling and his face remained impassive.

“After your report, I need you to move on to more…important matters,” Seijuurou announced. The blond didn’t react as he continued. “Terasaka will take over for you. You’ll move onto the assignment we discussed earlier albeit a little early. My patience is running thin and I’m sure Kasuga wants some peace of mind.”

Hayama nodded obediently and looked down at his paper. This compliance unnerved Seijuurou but he didn’t say anything.

“There is a lead outside of Kirisaki’s usual district,” Hayama announced flatly. “They’re trying to build traction in Yamanishi. The branch that’s setting up there is still fresh though defensive. It’s apparently headed by Hara Kazuya, someone who has been rising in the ranks recently in Kirisaki and Hanamiya decided it was time for him to test his abilities. Since my assignment is going to change, giving Terasaka permission to engage will be next.”

“Noted,” Seijuurou nodded as Hayama handed him the report. “Excellent work. I’m glad that you’re concentrating fully on this.”

Hayama didn’t say a word.

It’s not in Seijuurou’s style to empathize with people – he had developed an underwhelming sense of that, able to separate himself from others. Even so, he could feel the pain radiating from the other man.

If he had told himself that he couldn’t see Furihata again, he would probably be conflicted. His moral code told him to stay away, keep civilians out of this, and move on. He was yakuza and knew that he brought upon death to everything he touched. The complexity of the situations, ranging from his businesses to shunning himself from society to becoming the next head – no matter what, it was not a path for anyone to take.

But Furihata made everything ridiculously simple. Even when Seijuurou knew he should push him away, he brought with him something free and straightforward. There were no hidden motives in his eyes or movements; he could be read so easily. Yet everything he does makes Seijuurou baffled, wanting to unwind and twist at the puzzle that is Furihata’s mind, needing to know more.

They had known each other for a few short months and this was how he felt.

He looked at Hayama’s tired face. Dark bags were under his eyes and his face was thinner and paler. Hayama had been burying himself in work and getting more than great results if being able to track down a lead in Yamanishi was anything to say about it. However, he was unsettling others without his usual energy.

And it was only going to get worse from here.

Seijuurou leaned back and stared.

“You leave tomorrow.” Back to business as usual. He couldn’t break his word. “If you run into trouble, contact Higuchi as soon as possible.”

For the first time since he entered the room – and perhaps since he returned from the hospital – there was a flicker of surprise.

“Not you?”

“I will be absent for the next couple of days,” He wasn’t going to reveal how he was going to a mountainous location alone with a civilian that he happened to be dating. “It was suggested by Mibuchi to have a short break. Higuchi will relay to me a summary each day so I am not completely off but if you feel the emergency is dire, do not hesitate to contact me.”

Hayama stared at him evenly and Seijuurou had no choice but to look back. There was a muted silence that Seijuurou could sense something was off about.

“Okay.”

Shoichi didn’t know how he got dragged into a guys’ night out by the station, but somehow he did.

He sat in this little bar with a sharp silver and forest green palette, mixing with modern and traditional Japanese-style floors, slowly drinking his shochu. Aomine was downing whatever beer had been brought to him in high spirits after managing to bust a small (but impactful) drug deal going on in the Sogo district where he and Wakamatsu were patrolling.

Turns out that they were just young juveniles in the end but they were selling drugs, claiming it to be the new miracle drug on the market. They were naïve and stupid and it was nowhere as potent as what the King Drug is, but the fact that they were able to find someone who has heard of it in their own hometown – well. Aomine definitely though he deserved free drinks.

Which he didn’t but he probably wouldn’t remember paying for them in the morning.

“He’s going nuts,” Kasamatsu snorted from across from Shoichi. He had a bottle of beer in his hand as he watched Aomine swinging his arm around Wakamatsu like they were best friends. The yelling from Wakamatsu said otherwise. “Control your guys.”

“Nah,” Shoichi had a grin on his face. He lifted up his phone and took a picture of his subordinate’s drunken state. “It’s more entertaining this way.”

“You’re awful.”

“I need some sort of material to use against him, you know.”

“You’re some crooked cop,” Mikoshiba landed next to him with a chortle. Yamazaki had taken a seat next to Kasamatsu, stern-faced like normal. Mikoshiba clucked his tongue but it sounded more amused. “You’re gonna give us a bad rep.”

“I think that lies in Aomine’s territory,” He said as he watched Aomine slur something to their sketch artist, Sakurai, before a red-faced Wakamatsu slammed him down to the floor. He was glad they got a private room.

“S-Satsuki!” Aomine groaned, his arm reaching out as Wakamatsu sat on his back. “H-Help! Get this gorilla off of me!”

“She’s not here!” Wakamatsu scowled. “For fuck’s sake. Get a grip!”

“Start blocking the drinks from him!” Kasamatsu took command and raised from his spot. Sometimes, Shoichi wondered why he was just a vice-captain before remembering that Riko was his boss.

More alcohol was placed next to Shoichi. He glanced up to see the smiling face of the bar owner, Kiyoshi, rather entertained at the rowdiness.

“Some water for the drunkard over there, please, Kiyoshi.”

“No problem,” He nodded and walked out of the room, closing the sliding door behind him.

“Wakamatsu,” Shoichi called out to the detective. “Try not to knock him out.”

“Are you sure? It might be easier to do so.”

Luckily for them, it wasn’t too long until Aomine fell asleep, lying on the floor against the wall. Everything else resumed smoothly (if not for the slightly drunken wails of Fukui as he challenged Wakamatsu to arm-wrestling) and Shoichi was only slightly tipsy – but it was enough for his tongue to slip.

“So, Imayoshi…” Mikoshiba was slurring a bit, looking pleased with his bottle of beer in his hand. “What’s yours and Aida’s deal?”

“Hmm?” Shoichi immediately noticed Yamazaki flinch and he could feel a dark gaze on him. He tried to hide his smirk but knew he was failing as a slithering feeling emerged in his chest. “What do you mean?”

“Like…” Mikoshiba paused, placing his chin in his palm. He waved his other hand absent-mindedly. “Are you two dating or something? You guys flirt around the office so much, it’s sickening.”

Ah. Of course Mikoshiba was interested in discussing this. He was a fiend when it came to this kind of information, always looking for the latest gossip. And based on how he kept glancing over at Yamazaki, he had an inkling to why this was being brought him.

“Riko and I have a very…special relationship,” He watched from the corner of his eyes as Yamazaki tense. He took a sip of his shochu and tried to not to snigger. “We’ve always been together. Can’t recall a time when we haven’t.”

“Hmm,” Mikoshiba sounded amused. “Even with that trip to Osaka a couple of months ago, you took her along even though she was given other stuff, yeah?”

“She was helpful during the trip,” Shoichi said as he filled his small cup again. Maybe he should stop drinking soon. “It’s not like I brought her just to be with her.”

“Oh ho, but that was a reason?” Mikoshiba’s eyes sparkled at the news and Yamazaki’s fist clenched on the table.

“If I say such a thing, she’d skin me alive,” Shoichi made it seem like he was laughing at the joke rather than Yamazaki’s reaction. It was just too easy. “But I can’t deny that being with her makes me feel…good.”

“Masochist,” He looked over at Kasamatsu who had his brows furrowed. There was also a hint of disgust that Shoichi cackled at.

“It’s true,” He took one last swig of his shochu before grabbing one of the untouched glasses of water on the table. “I don’t know how many times my ass has been saved by her. Of course, it’d probably be better if we were in the same division, but who am I to stop her from doing whatever she wants?”

“Even if she dates some other guy?” For the first time since the conversation started, Yamazaki spoke up. Shoichi looked at him and saw the challenge in his eyes. “If she was swooped off her feet and taken by some other guy?”

“Now, now,” Mikoshiba sat up when the tension suddenly got thick. “Don’t plant those things into her boyfriend’s head, Yamazaki—”

“That’s not what I heard from her,” Yamazaki leaned on the table with his forearms, eyes staying on Shoichi. “From what I know, she only considers you as a friend, Imayoshi.”

“Ah, really?” He knew better than to lie in a room full of cops. The alcohol may be affecting his brain but he wasn’t stupid. He clucked his tongue. “That hurts, Riko.”

His body moved on his own as he took out his cellphone without a word. He could feel curious stares as he pressed the number ‘2’ and it immediately rang. He lifted the phone to his ear, waiting for the other person to pick up.

“What the fuck, Shoichi?” He immediately grinned at her irritated voice. “It’s one-thirty in the morning and I’ve had a long day. Someone better had died!”

“Riko-tan~” He whined and heard her groan. He made sure to raise the volume louder. “You love me, right?”

“Get off the phone and get some water.”

“Not until you say it,” Shoichi’s eyes met Yamazaki with a taunting grin.

“Don’t force her to say something against her will,” Yamazaki growled and Shoichi heard Riko’s voice rising in his ear.

“Who are you with?” He could imagine her narrowing her eye. “Was that Yamazaki? Shoichi, what are you trying to do? I’m going to hang up—”

“Riko,” He interrupted with a much more serious and sober voice. For some reason, the cold water didn’t cool him down. His body became hot as if he was still drinking and his heart was thumping against his chest. His breathing became shaky. “I love you.”

There was a collective silence from both sides of his ears that he could only conclude was blood rushing through. Something settled and unsettled in his stomach, flopping around irritably after he said those words.

He heard her sigh from the other side. He knew he had put her in a rough spot and was taking advantage of that.

She couldn’t say no to that.

“I love you, too,” She sounded exhausted and Shoichi concluded that it must have been due to her long day. “So hurry the fuck home so I can beat you up.”

“Roger.”

He hung up, almost forgetting that he had an audience of at least ten officers. Even Aomine had somehow woken up from his drunken slumber, looking more alert than before.

He ignored their gazes and slowly got up. He threw a few bills on the table before walking up to Yamazaki with an arrogant smirk on his face.

“If Riko chooses to date another guy, she’s free to do so,” His smirk became much more cheerful though the unsettling feeling in his stomach remained. “However, he’ll have a lot of problems coming his way – her pride, her father, and me.

“So,” He made his way to the sliding door, still smiling but he opened his eyes slightly to look down at Yamazaki, “They better be ready.”

Note: This was supposed to come out earlier but I came home late and fell asleep so I didn’t really get a chance to post it.

Something is afoot on Akashi’s side and Imayoshi is showing some...possessiveness?

There was a lot of things I wanted to include but I didn’t feel like this would be the right time. I’m also changing a little bit of how I’m writing because it’s pretty stressful to cram everything I want in one chapter.

Long the summer day Patterns on The ocean sand Our idle footprints

- Masaoka Shiki

“Captain Imayoshi?” The man’s voice was calm as he entered the office. “Ginoza Nobuchika, head of the Organized Crime Control division here. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“As is mine,” Shoichi bowed. “Now, Ginoza-san, there are a few things I would like to discuss.”

“Certainly but if you can make this brief, that would be best, Imayoshi-san,” Ginoza pushed up his glasses further up on his nose. “Unfortunately, you came at the worst possible time and all help is needed. I was able to spare a few minutes because Toudaiji mentioned that this might have something to do with the Kirisaki-gumi?”

Shoichi smiled grimly.

He explained a brief overview to him; how they were looking for yakuza activity and any drug connections they might have. He didn’t mention the King Drug or else that might cause mayhem and, potentially, outsider interference.

“So, they’re causing trouble in Tokyo too?” Ginoza looked displeased at the news. “So, what is it that you want?”

Shoichi lifted up one finger and began. “Well, we don’t have full access to the database. We need a thorough investigation of the port as well as the locations of the Kirisaki-gumi’s territory. Seeing as the Teiko-gumi isn’t too far away, we will need information on them as well.”

“The information you cannot access is for internal use only,” Ginoza replied. “It has to do with the internal affairs of our station.”

“We are only looking for necessary information,” Shoichi grinned. “We aren’t interested in anything else.”

“It is still something not for you and your crew.”

“Then it wouldn’t be a problem if someone from internal double checked for us,” Shoichi continued to smile as if he wasn’t a nuisance at all. “I’m sure Toudaiji doesn’t mind.”

“She doesn’t have access.”

“Then someone who does,” Shoichi said. “We don’t need much.”

Ginoza stared at him. His eyes were unsmiling and piercing, examining Shoichi to see if there were any imperfections, flaws, mistakes. Being a cop, he was always under the eyes of suspicion, from Yagiri to even his own sister when necessary. It didn’t help that his personality made people even more wary of him.

Ginoza straightened up and spoke.

“We cannot give you access unless you give us something in return.”

“Hmm?” Shoichi’s smile remained unmoved. He wasn’t expecting this. There wasn’t anything that he could think of that the Osaka police would need from them. “Such as?”

Ginoza leaned back in his seat. He linked his fingers together and placed them on his desk. A smile that Shoichi was all too familiar with appeared on his lips. “Just a little information for information.”

Shoichi had realized that day that Ginoza was someone he wished to never cross. He’s already dealt with enough troublesome people to last a lifetime. He was relieved that he only had to deal with that station for a short amount of time and not on a regular basis.

If they did, he could always throw them Momoi’s way.

“Oi, Shoichi,” He turned only to see large brown eyes next to him. They were scowling at him. “You are paying attention and giving your honest opinions, right? Not just saying everything is good, right?”

“Of course I am,” Shoichi beamed. He peered at Riko’s serious expression, enjoying how peeved she looked. “Why would I lie?”

The expression changed to something more akin to ‘you’ve-got-to-be-kidding’ but he wasn’t fazed.

“Because when you’re preoccupied with something, you zone out with everything else,” Riko said truthfully which wasn’t too far from what Shoichi was doing at the moment. “Including your own family.”

“Well, what help would I be?” Shoichi rolled his eyes and looked around the full closets of white around him. He wasn’t particularly a fashion expert nor did he care about how he normally dressed. There was nothing that made him qualified in helping his sister select a wedding dress. “You remember that disaster I chose for her a thousand dresses ago?”

“That was two dresses ago.” Time seemed to have gone a lot slower last Shoichi checked. “And I saw you giggling to yourself when you found it and insisted for her to try it, despite us saying ‘no’!”

“What are you talking about? She killed it!” Shoichi tried to contain his laughter. The dress was so poofy and frilly that it hid his petite sister.

“It was horrible.”

“You laughed,” Shoichi leaned forward so their foreheads nearly touched. He smirked. “You thought it was hilarious too.”

“I was laughing at how stupid you are.”

“What are you two discussing so privately?” Shoichi nearly jumped when he heard Kagetora’s voice extremely close to his ear. He looked up and saw the man glaring down at them (more specifically, him), standing behind the couch they were seated at. Somehow, he had moved from next to Keiko to right behind them without making a single sound.

“Shoichi’s stupidity,” Riko replied without batting an eye. Shoichi huffed indignantly. “And that dress.”

“Oh?” Kagetora blinked. His glare turned to a laugh as he patted Shoichi on the back. “That was a good choice, Shoichi! A real contender there!”

“Don’t be ridiculous, dear,” Keiko glanced over at him with a sly smile. “Remember, you’re the one that can barely dress yourself without help.”

“I can dress myself fine!”

“If those socks and sandals that you almost wore had anything to say about that…”

“Maybe it was a bad idea to invite Sho and Kagetora-san,” Shoichi looked up to the right where Shizuka came out of a small hallway. She was in her fifth dress of the day; one that clung onto her body softly until it reached the midpoint of her legs, gracefully flaring out to the ground. The top also fit her body, accenting her sharp shoulders. She wore a sheer jacket that gave long sleeves, reminiscent of a Japanese kimono, intertwined with the obi.

“Oh.”

The room became hushed as she took centre stage on the platform in front of the mirror. She didn’t seem aware of the quietness as she examined herself, eyes peering over the straps hanging from the obi to the small strips of lace at her chest.

“Shi-chan,” Keiko was breathless, staring with wide eyes at the woman. Although Shoichi knew his sense of fashion was a little more off than most people, even he had to admit that this one was pretty nice. “That’s perfect.”

“Shizuka-san, this is just…!” Riko released a gasp after staring in shock. “It’s just…wow.”

Shoichi didn’t say anything even when he saw her glance at him. They haven’t really spoken since their argument a few weeks ago except for information, mainly at her work. She was still angry and even when they met today, it was straight to the dresses and nothing else.

“Hmm,” His sister twisted her hip, letting the bottom flare out a little. There were no needless ruffles like she hated – it was smooth and didn’t bounce, flowing against her lines and accenting her body. Her eyes were hard to read like usual.

“What do you think?” The assistant, Kuramae, asked with a bright smile.

Shizuka didn’t say anything for a long period. Everyone waited in anticipated while Shoichi almost yawned in boredom. As if she sensed him holding it back, she snapped her head towards him.

“May I speak with my brother alone for a bit?” She asked politely to Kuramae. “There is something I want to discuss.”

Kuramae nodded. “Certainly!” Immediately, her eyes turned to Riko, who jumped next to Shoichi. “If that’s the case, I’m sure Riko-san would like to try on some dresses!”

“Oh, I’m not—”

Before she got a chance to make a full protest, Kuramae grabbed her wrist and pulled them out of the area. The Aida family dispersed and Shoichi was sure he heard Kagetora complaining about how no dress was as beautiful as his Riko-tan, leaving the other two in complete silence. Shoichi looked at the woman who had turned back to the mirror to look at herself more.

Only the small clock on the wall filled their silence.

“It…” His sister’s voice was cautious. Shoichi leaned in a little to hear her, “…fine. Right?”

It took him a belatedly long minute to realize that she wasn’t talking about the dress – she was talking about the case, life, him and Riko, anything else except the dress – them. She was talking about them. Shoichi nearly rolled his eyes but leaned back in his seat, looking at his sister’s face from the mirror. She was calm and her eyes looked seriously at him.

“Yeah, it is,” Shoichi leaned an elbow on the arm of the sofa and his cheek in his palm.

She didn’t say anything but she turned to face him. She did look elegant in that dress, Shoichi had to admit. Although, it didn’t match the scowl on her face.

“You’re still an idiot.”

“Aneki, that’s rude.” Shoichi furrowed his eyebrows. “Are you really choosing your dress day to do this?”

“Hah,” She gave a heavy sigh. “After seeing you after so long, I knew I just had to do it. Besides, I was tired of mentally insulting you.”

“Thanks.”

“You don’t have many people to talk to anyways,” His sister said this offhandedly with a dismissive wave as if they didn’t ignore each other for the past month. He was getting irritated. “As your older sister, I don’t have the heart to bring it down even further.”

“Do you have a point to this?” Shoichi tried to maintain a smile to hide how pissed off he was. She wouldn’t fall for it – that much was sure – but she would know what he was thinking.

“I just care for you.”

“I can tell.”

“And you care for me.” She stepped down from the pedestal and kneeled in front of him. He looked at her as she took his right hand in hers, holding them in front of her. “And I know you want me to be away from the case. I heard from Riko that you’ve been pushing paperwork on her and keeping her close to you after that incident in the Komagi district – she’s not stupid, Sho.

“I don’t want you to work on this case as much as you don’t want me to,” She patted the back of his hand affectionately. “I know you love us even though all you do is piss us off. But we’re adults. We can make our own decisions and you can’t control us, just like how we can’t control you.”

The image of a stern looking woman with a strong jaw and surprise in her narrowed eyes; hair jet black except for streaks of grey that weren’t in his memories before. He waived those thoughts and turned to his sister instead.

“You’re my only family.” It was quiet and came out more vulnerable than he expected. He scowled immediately and turned away, almost punching himself as Shizuka laughed.

“I’m not, you moron,” Shizuka patted him on his hand again. “Look at the Aidas. Look at your co-workers.  Rei-san cares for you even though we’re not married yet. Even when I told his parents your job, they immediately became worried and wanted to make sure you were fine. They want to know if you’re eating right.”

Shoichi gave a snort of laughter making Shizuka smile. She stood up and released his hands, the warmth disappearing from his skin. She placed a hand on her hip and pointed to behind the couch.

“Now, go get the others,” She commanded with a firm voice and Shoichi rolled his eyes. He stood up, looming over her small frame.

“Yes, yes,” Shoichi agreed. He didn’t move for a moment, peering at her bright, sharp eyes, and the small smile on her lips that reminded him of their father.

He reached for her and grasped her in an embrace. Her body was stiff, probably not expecting it. She relaxed and he felt her arms on his back. A sense of warmth returning to him.

“You look good, by the way,” They released the hug. He looked at her with a genuine grin. “It suits you.”

“Oh. The first honest comment about the task at hand!”

“Well, I was honest,” Shoichi removed a strand of hair from her face. “You look good in everything after all.”

Her eyes sparkled in surprise. Her smirk transformed into a smile.

Then punched his arm, forcing him find the Aida family.

Kouki knew he couldn’t avoid it any longer.

He sat on the floor with his legs crossed, his phone on the ground in front of him. He had been staring at it for the past ten minutes, fingers itching and anticipating what to do next.

He knew he should call his brother. He knew that they should resolve things after their last real talk. His brother was able to respect his space even though Kouki knew he was being unreasonable. Now that his exams were over, he had to make sure the clawing guilt wouldn’t interrupt him during his interviews and his trip with Akashi.

He sighed and grabbed the phone. He went through his contact list and selected his brother’s number. It took four rings before he answered. He held his breath when he answered.

“Hello?” Hikaru’s voice was tentative and calm; a complete change from his usual cheerfulness. “Kouki?”

“Hi,” Kouki answered. He hesitated when there was a few seconds in silence. “Um. How are you?”

“Fine!” Hikaru replied merrily as if nothing had happened. “Mina is getting bigger each day. Work is exhausting like usual. Oh! We’re looking for a new place. Thinking of moving to a bigger place after the New Year and when the baby is due so we’re looking around. How are you? Finished the term?”

“Yeah. Finished. Exams were tough.” Kouki felt himself easing into normal conversation though it was far from such. His answers were short and Hikaru was rambling unnaturally fast. Both were nervous. “Interviews are happening soon so I’m preparing for that.”

“What companies have you applied for?’

“A couple of publishing companies my friend recommended. Some businesses that work internationally – you know, English becomes a bit useful with that.” Kouki ran a hand through his messy spikes. “So, it’s going to be a bit busy.”

“You have time for a break, right?” Hikaru asked with a pleased tone in his voice. “Your last summer before you go off and work. You won’t have much time after that.”

“Yeah. I’m…hanging out with a friend,” Kouki answered with much caution. “Just a short trip. Hanging out with Kuroko and the others too when our schedules don’t collide.”

“Nice. Where are you going?”

“Nikko.”

“Mountains?”

“Yeah.”

“Cool.” Hikaru sounded excited. “Tell me about it when you get back. I haven’t been to Nikko before.”

“Yeah, sure.”

And the easy conversation seemed to stop. Kouki tapped his fingers quickly against his knee to hear something other than the blank noise of the phone. He inwardly sighed.

“Hey—”

“Listen—“

They spoke and stopped at the same time. They waited and nobody said anything.

“I—” Hikaru stopped again. Kouki could almost imagine him fidgeting in his spot, getting up and down from his seat before pacing around. It wasn’t too far from how he acted. “I’m sorry. For like, a thousand things. I’m sorry I can’t come visit you. I’m sorry I can’t be there for you. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you—” He paused. Kouki could hear his ragged breathing. “I’m so sorry for leaving you.”

Kouki swallowed the bile of frustration in his throat.

“I left you in the end, didn’t I?” Kouki asked as he stretched his legs out. He laid back on his futon and stared at the light hanging above. “We’re even on that regard.”

“Not even close,” Hikaru replied. “I’ve always been pretty stupid, you know that. I didn’t know you were suffering and I didn’t check to see if you were fine. I…moved on. There was just so much—” He could hear him choke up. Kouki tried to remain impassive. “I fucked up a lot, didn’t I?”

“It’s not unusual.”

Hikaru’s laugh was blurred with the sound of snot sniffling through his nose.

“Mom would’ve smacked me,” Hikaru stated and Kouki’s stomach suddenly felt heavy. “And dad… I’m pretty sure dad would’ve done this same. Him and his cop training – do you remember?”

“Just you running around the house and screaming,” Kouki tried not to smile at the memory. It was fuzzy in his mind, but he barely remembered his brother at seven years old, buck naked as he tried to avoid taking a bath. He ran out of the shower when he thought their parents were looking only for their father to find him. He was crying by the end of the night.

“Dad was scary when he wanted to be!” Hikaru said defensively. “But…man. I feel old. I’m getting sentimental.”

“That has nothing to do with your age.”

“When you reach my age, you’ll feel it!” He protested.

“Okay, old man.”

“This is frustrating.”

Kouki stood up. He walked over to his blinds and pulled it open, letting the bright sun in. The sky was clear without a single speck of white. He placed a hand on the cool glass before resting his forehead on it.

“I still haven’t forgiven you.”

“I know.”

“I don’t think I ever will.”

“I deserve that.” Silence lapsed once again. “So are we going to be in a truce forever?”

“Unless you fuck up again.”

“Ah. Fair enough.

“Hey, Kouki…” Hikaru’s voice was soft and he only wished he could see what his expression was at that moment. “I just want to let you know that no matter what happens that I…I care for you. A lot. Like, I know I was a dickhead and I probably still am, but you’re my brother. If things get rough, I’ll always listen to you.”

Kouki gave a snort of amusement at how roundabout Hikaru was. He was married and getting a kid soon, so those words should be simple enough for him to say.

“You’re such a dickhead.”

“Goddammit, Kouki! I’m saying I love you!”

“Ah, I believe it now,” Kouki raised his eyebrows. He never expected to ever actually say it. His brother was an open book when it came to emotions, probably more so than Kouki, but he never verbalized his love for his him; probably because he wouldn’t think it would be manly. “Okay.”

He heard his brother snort on the other side and tried to hide his smile.

The silence wasn’t suffocating him anymore. It wasn’t as awkward as it could have been and Kouki knew that this issue was far from resolved. He knew that no matter what, there were still tangled problems that needed to be unravelled or cut but that had to be for another time – when they both were ready to face each other properly.

“So,” Hikaru broke him out of his reverie. There was calmness in the air now. “Keep in touch, okay? Enjoy your summer while you still can.”

“I will,” Kouki said as he paced around his room. He knew that they should continue to resolve more things but for now, they had to be satisfied with just this. “Enjoy your sleep while you still can.”

Hikaru laughed before there was silence again.

“Tell mom I say ‘hi’.”

“I will.”

They bid their goodbyes and hung up. Kouki placed his charger back into his phone and looked around his apartment; completely quiet and void of people.

He gave a sigh.

He guessed he should prepare.

Obi - sash for Japanese clothing; you can see them on kimonos

Note: I apologize for the delay in this chapter. A few things happened so that delayed me A LOT when it came to writing it (my other fic already had the most recent chapter written so I managed to post that). Also, I was hesitant with this one because I guess there isn’t much action? I wanted to resolve some family issues between the characters before moving on to the next part (this part is ending soon).

If you haven’t noticed, the timeline for the characters are really different. Shoichi is currently still in June while Kouki is in August right now. Seijuurou’s timeline usually corresponds with Kouki but there have been instances where they weren’t in sync.

Thanks for your patience!

Even a thatched hut May change with a new owner Into a doll’s house.

- Matsuo Basho

The car ride back to the manor was deafening. Hayama was lethargic and quiet. He didn’t say a thing to Seijuurou, choosing to stare out the window blankly just like Kasuga a few hours ago.

He knew Hayama was mad; furious even. But he wouldn’t show it to his boss. He had to remain composed despite the pain; despite the need to crumble and fall. He needed to act. He had to be the perfect loyal servant and perform his role.

“Akashi-san…” Hayama sounded weak. It almost disgusted Seijuurou. “Did you have to…talk to Miyaji-san like that?”

“It was necessary.” It was the truth. Even so, his response was short and detached. He couldn’t let Hayama butt in with more unnecessary things.

“But to threaten his family…” Hayama mumbled. He looked down at his lap; hands were curled on top of them and Seijuurou could see the tremble in his shoulders. “Miyaji-san didn’t deserve any of that.”

“Which is why it was better to leave him with that message,” Seijuurou replied without flinching. “He should have never gotten involved with you. He’s a civilian and doesn’t need some yakuza member hounding him.”

“What if he wasn’t?” Hayama’s eyes were genuinely curious. However, Seijuurou could see the pain beneath it, pleading for relief. “We still want to be together. If it came to it, Miyaji-san could—”

“Hayama.” Seijuurou’s voice was harsh enough to stop the man. “Don’t be stupid.”

“Nijimura-san did it!”

“Because he’s stupid,” Seijuurou stated. “And Himuro had nowhere else to go, just like when we took you in all those years ago. Miyaji is different. He has a loving family and his life would only benefit if you two weren’t together.

“What you’re proposing is for Miyaji to leave the life he has – that he has built up – just to be with you. Can you truly live with yourself knowing that you made him give up everything?”

The only response was silence. Slowly, Seijuurou could hear his subordinate’s distraught breathing as if holding back a sob.

“Yeah.” His voice cracked. “I guess you’re right.”

He sat in his room, only a small lamp lighting it. He had been preparing for bed when he decided to check the text messages on his personal phone. He scrolled through the messages, looking at what Furihata had sent him throughout the day. He smiled as he saw a picture of another cat lying comfortably in the shade. He never did get the chance to ask why cats reminded the boy of him and he filed that away to be asked next time.

Next time.

Seijuurou blinked.

He never took his personal phone out of the manor. He checked in the morning before he started his day and at night when he was finished. Furihata usually messaged him early enough for a quick chat from Tuesday to Friday and the occasional Sunday. However, it wasn’t unusual for them to be chatting until two-thirty at night since the boy was studying or working on a project. Apparently, he was reaching the final stretch of the term and also had to go through job-hunting which explained why he kept trying to take a nap on his lap during their date. Seijuurou never had to go through such a strenuous thing since his future had already been set for him.

He just couldn’t empathize.

After noticing the time in the corner of his phone, Seijuurou sent him a quick message to go to sleep and not to rely too much on coffee. He was only met with a kaomoji of a face with its tongue sticking out. Seijuurou laughed quietly to himself.

He didn’t have any trouble admitting to himself that he enjoyed Furihata’s company. He was a breath of fresh air; full of life and vitality. He was nervous but fearless, shining at Seijuurou even though he shouldn’t. His light attacked him in a warmth he had never felt before.

Even so, it was slowly contaminating him. The innocence made Seijuurou realize that Furihata shouldn’t stand close to him; shouldn’t feel relaxed and open in his presence.

Seijuurou was just a poison that would lead to his destruction.

He was an omen that could only mean death the closer he got to him, just like Hayama was to Miyaji. And he knew that the closer he got to Furihata, the more the shadows will overcome the light, no matter how much it tried to flicker.

But…

Seijuurou clenched the phone tightly as Furihata bid him goodnight in text.

He wanted to burn. He wanted the light to be stronger and overcome the darkness surrounding him. He didn’t want it to disappear or vanish from his sight. Now that he’s had a taste of it, it was hard to imagine his life without it. He didn’t want to let go.

Especially at how Furihata looked at him.

Maybe the boy didn’t know how alluring he was. He didn’t know the charm of his blushing face or the intensity of his stares or the power of his smile. If he did, surely he would use that power over Seijuurou. He was already having trouble holding back without him knowing; taking all of his self-control. He didn’t want to oppress them and just do what he wanted.

You don’t deserve him.

The voice in his head was telling him this. He agreed full-heartedly. It was ridiculous to think that he could develop such a relationship. Akashi Seijuurou, the leader of the most powerful yakuza group in Tokyo, was dating an innocent college boy.

Nothing good will come out of it.

‘I know.’

If he was ever discovered, can you imagine what power others will have on you?

‘I know.’

So why hold on?

Seijuurou didn’t answer. The question echoed in his mind and he could feel the voice mocking him.

He’s already corrupting you. He is no safe haven for you. The more you bring him closer to you, the more pain you’ll be in. He’s only seeing the part you show him – not your true self. Not the monster you can be and become—

‘I know!’ Seijuurou nearly shouted in anger. He placed his phone down next to him, afraid that he was going to break his only connection with the boy.

It was the next morning when Seijuurou got an unexpected phone call. He had to shove every thought from last night out of his head so he answered, preparing for his full attention to be used.

“Araki,” The woman rarely called, especially him. If she wanted to contact him, she would either send Mao or even Kozo to get in touch. It must be something serious (that involved her) for her to call.

“Akashi,” Her voice was serious as usual. Seijuurou was sure he had never seen her smile before. “I heard you are embarking on a war with the Kirisaki-gumi.”

Seijuurou rolled his eyes. Sometimes, Araki could be just as dramatic as Kozo. That was definitely the downside when their kumicho was their main father figure.

“You’re making it worse than it sounds,” Seijuurou said. He was sitting in the office of the corporate headquarters of the group. He tapped a pen on his desk as he stared at the computer. “I merely want some information and it just happens that their branch has it.”

“And you want to pursue whatever it is,” Araki stated. “Whatever led to Seiho’s downfall.”

“Wouldn’t you want to do so as well?” Seijuurou countered. He knew that Araki cared for her group just as much as anyone in the Teiko-gumi. He knew that she would unsheathe every sword she owned in order to get her revenge.

“Yes, but you are talking about going to enemy territory.”

“I didn’t expect you to care.”

“I don’t,” Araki huffed from the other line. “But I do want you to do something if you pursue this exploration: relieve your right as the next kumicho.”

“Ah,” Seijuurou nodded. He should have seen this coming. “I see.”

“Well?”

Seijuurou wanted to honestly tell her that he didn’t want the position. He wanted to protest just like he did with Kozo months ago – he wasn’t fit for it. He didn’t know why he was even chosen in the first place but he knew that he didn’t want to be the next leader. He didn’t want to bear the responsibility to keep their group together. He didn’t have the qualities to be a fit enough leader.

Yes, you do. Something inside was telling him. Seijuurou tried to ignore it. You are perfect for it.

“Are you saying that you can’t win your own right to be the next leader?” Seijuurou disregarded her insistence. “I’m disappointed, Araki.”

“You—!” There was the angry Araki he recognized. He heard her struggle with her words as she tried to maintain her composure. “You know you shouldn’t have that right, Akashi! For what reason did kumicho choose you instead of me? I’m the wakagashira! How could he overlook me?!”

“I’m afraid I can’t answer that,” Seijuurou flipped through some papers on his desk. “That’s something you have to ask him.”

“He’s firm on you.” Araki replied. “Wouldn’t budge a fucking inch. And, you probably know already, he told me to support you. The nerve.”

“That’s too bad.”

“If you do decide to go after the Kirisaki-gumi, you’re going against kumicho,” Araki said angrily. “Even if you are the leader of the absolute Rakuzan-kai, you can’t take on a web like Kirisaki. You’d go in and be utterly destroyed and what will happen? Teiko will fall.”

“You have such a low opinion of the group,” Seijuurou bemused. “No wonder you weren’t considered to be the next heir.”

“What utter bullshit,” Araki laughed with more ire than amusement. “I’m not the one underestimating the enemy, unlike someone else.”

“Who said I was underestimating the Kirisaki-gumi?” Seijuurou raised an eyebrow. “And who said I was going after them? There are many intricacies in this that you fail to understand.”

“There’s a larger picture than that that you seem to fail to understand.” Araki bit out. “I’m disappointed, Akashi.”

And she hung up. Araki always hung up first, feeling she needed to get the last word in. Every time he talked to her, it was like he was fighting fire with fire. She was too stubborn for her own good and always wanted things to her own way – dangerous when the Teiko-gumi had so many branches and so many people to deal with.

Too many people. Too much work.

He sighed. Seijuurou picked up the phone again and dialed.

“Hey,” He greeted when the other picked up. “What do you have on the Dokugumo?”

There was a moment of relief as Kouki handed in his last piece of research to Mayuzumi accompanied by his part of the paper. The man would be dealing with the final edits but seeing him look over it critically before giving a satisfied nod, Kouki nearly cheered.

“That concludes your part, Furihata,” He had been promoted from ‘Chihuahua’ to actually being acknowledged. It was an exciting thing. “Your final pay will be distributed in your account but you don’t need to come by anymore.”

Kouki nodded. He gave a bow. “Thank you for the past few months, Mayuzumi-san.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Mayuzumi nodded dismissively. “You’re free to go.” There was a pause. “If you see Kuroko, tell him that I need to talk to him about the final part of his research.”

Kouki nodded and walked out of the office, not giving the months of research a second thought.

June disappeared in the blink of an eye. July approached with rapid force, rain, and heat. Typhoon season was upon them and the storms gave Kouki a reason to actually stay inside and study.

Akashi had stopped contacting him for a bit of time. It wasn’t like they had broken up or anything but as soon as Kouki told him that there were two weeks left, he was told to study hard and that the man would talk to him after. He tried to protest, telling him that he could be responsible.

<Furihata-kun,> Akashi had messaged him the last time. <If you manage to do well on your exams and projects, how about a trip during your break in August? (^_~)>

<Of course! (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))> Kouki had written back furiously and too quickly. It took a few moments before Akashi replied.

<Then focus your studies. I will plan something special.>

Kouki missed his daily texting sessions with him but he couldn’t be distracted. Even though he didn’t want it to disappear, being so used to it at this point, he knew that he should use the time he was expecting Akashi’s messages to study.

That doesn’t mean he didn’t check his messages every five minutes though.

He couldn’t wait until it was over.

Over the next few weeks, he had spent most of his time in the library. If he studied at home, he would keep looking at his phone. His friends were also studying there – Yamaguchi mumbling, trying to memorize his equations while Yachi was panicking, working on her project designs, sometimes disappearing to the art department’s studio. Kuroko was there somewhere, also reading and writing his essays.

Kouki could hardly think as their time of death slowly approached. People were crying in the library where it was now a temporary home for students. Kouki left late at night and saw people sleeping in the back, using their backpack as a pillow and their books covering their body in a makeshift blanket. He was sure that they didn’t intend for such a thing but it became a natural progression.

Exams took place in the gymnasium with hundreds of desks separated. There were multiple courses that were taking their exams at the same time so Kouki saw a lot of scared first-years, cramming seconds, and relaxed third and fourth-years.

At one point, Kouki was sure he wasn’t going to make it.

When he got to the end of the week after their last exams were finished, he met up with his friends and they all celebrated together – as much as they could.

Kukuri was in high-spirits as she was the only one that didn’t go through the stress like all of them. She tried to get them to drink their beers and eat their meat, but while they were celebrating the end, they were also mourning.

“The fourth answer was Ogata Korin,” Yachi cried after drinking half of her beer. Kouki was sure she wasn’t even drunk – just distraught. “Ogata Korin! I can’t believe I got that wrong!”

“I’m sure that I used the wrong equation for that graph,” Yamaguchi mumbled, biting his thumb. “Realistically, my answer wouldn’t make any sense…”

“Now, now, guys,” Kukuri gave a nervous laugh as she turned to the younger students of their group. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Kuroko,” Kouki had placed his hands together, leaning his chin on top. He was sober enough to recall the exam questions. “Those multiple choice questions…”

“I know, Furihata-kun. I know.” Kuroko sounded just as severe. Their last exam was for their core class and had the most horrendously worded questions Kouki had ever encountered. The choices were equally as worse and Kouki was sure he could sense the wave of confusion and panic in the gymnasium from his classmates.

Kouki could hear Kukuri order more beer for the group and tried to redirect their attention back to summer vacation which officially started for them. She only had the Obon weekend off with a couple of days before and after so she mentioned how jealous she was that they got two months off.

“I got contacted for job interviews,” Kouki said with a sigh, trying to make out his schedule for August. “I still have to go shopping for a suit. I’ve just completely forgotten the past few weeks.”

“I managed to get mine last week,” Ogiwara came out from his unconscious state to comment. He grabbed some meat and stuffed it in his mouth. “It was so annoying.”

“You wouldn’t stop moving,” Kukuri rolled her eyes. “The poor tailor was having so much difficulty with you.”

“It’s not my fault I’m ticklish!”

Yachi’s forehead landed on the table.

“I have to finish my portfolio!” She quietly sobbed. She had somehow consumed her second beer already and they all knew she was gone. Yachi had always been a lightweight. “There’s so much to do!”

They finished up and Kukuri volunteered to bring Yachi back to her apartment. Ogiwara went along to help while Kouki, Yamaguchi, and Kuroko made their way back home. Kouki swayed a little as he clumsily placed his key in the door and opened it. He locked it and threw his shoes off, not caring that they were a mess before falling on his laid futon.

He felt a buzz from his pocket and grabbed his phone. The light blinded him at first before he saw the name.

It was a new text from Akashi – the first in two weeks. He forgone any tiredness and drunkenness and opened up the message.

<Congratulations on finishing your exams. Please make sure to rest well.>

Kouki smiled, staring at the bright screen absent-mindedly. At one moment, he had been looking over at the messages and all of a sudden, he heard a dial tone in his ears. He blinked, feeling quite confused when he heard Akashi’s voice.

“Hello, Furihata-kun,” It was like a soft melody of smooth and calm tones. Kouki couldn’t help but smile. “I was sure I told you to rest.”

“I just wanted to hear your voice,” Kouki felt himself say without thinking. Maybe he was a little drunker than he thought but he wasn’t going to admit it. “I missed it.”

There was silence. Kouki looked at the phone to make sure that he was still on the line. When he saw it was still connected, he placed it back to his ear.

“I sorta want to see you too,” The words spilled out as if his brain didn’t have a filter on what to say aloud. He didn’t wait for a reply. “Not sorta. Really wanna see you. Like. Akashi-san. I wanna touch you.”

He heard him cough from the other side and Kouki rolled over on his belly, waiting for his reply.

“Furihata-kun, are you perhaps drunk?” Akashi was quiet. Kouki laughed.

“Nah,” He said with a large grin. “I can hold my alcohol quite well.”

“Then why…?”

“I want to see you.” Kouki leaned on his elbows and stared sternly at the wall as if Akashi was right in front of him. “Are you going to visit me or not?”

Akashi chuckled and Kouki felt him smile.

“As long as you don’t drink anymore.”

“Hmm, I can’t guarantee that,” Kouki purposely slurred his words with a giggle. “So you better come over and make sure I don’t.”

“What a little devil.” Kouki laughed. He could imagine Akashi shaking his head. “I’ll be over in fifteen minutes.”

“Okay.”

They hung up and Kouki stood up, feeling a little sober than he was half an hour ago. He walked over to his fridge and opened up the freezer to grab some frozen spring rolls. He popped them in the microwave oven and began cleaning up his room. Textbooks were scattered on the ground so he went and shoved them against the wall. Hopefully Akashi doesn’t mind.

The spring rolls finished ten minutes later and the intercom chime rang exactly fifteen minutes after they hung up. Kouki checked the screen and saw Akashi there dressed in a hoodie covering his hair. He looked casual in comparison to normal that Kouki almost didn’t recognize him.

He pressed the button for the door to unlock and watched him open it and disappear. The doorbell rang and Kouki quickly opened the door, threw his arms around Akashi’s neck. He buried his face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the familiar scent. He felt Akashi’s arms wrap around his back.

It was comfortable even in the humid air.

“What a welcome.” Akashi chortled. Kouki grabbed his hand and led him in, closing the door behind. “I can definitely smell some alcohol.”

“I just came back from an after-exam party with my friends,” Kouki said as he walked in the small kitchen area. Akashi walked in as Kouki took out two bottles of beer from the fridge.

“And you’re going to drink some more?” Akashi raised an eyebrow. Kouki turned and pushed a bottle to his chest.

“There’s nothing wrong with it, right?” Kouki stepped in so his face was close to Akashi’s. He pressed his body against his, reaching for his hand. The alcohol would be his excuse for the night and he was fine with that. “Besides, my tolerance is much higher than normal.”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

“I’ve had four beers already. About to have my fifth,” Kouki moved from Akashi’s hand to his bicep. He rubbed his thumb on the muscle. “I’ve sobered up a little.”

“Really?” Akashi’s face leaned closer. Kouki shivered at his breath.

“Yeah,” Kouki pressed their bodies closer together. Akashi took a step and his back was to the wall. Kouki placed his leg between his. “I’m perfectly aware of what I’m doing right now.”

He leaned forward, unzipping the front of Akashi’s hoodie and placed his lips against the skin of his neck. He kissed it, licking it with the tip of his tongue. He heard Akashi exhale heavily as he continued to kiss him, moving from his neck to his collarbone to his Adam’s apple. With his spare hand, he ran a hand through his hair to bring him closer.

“Furihata-kun…” Akashi breathed. He gasped when Kouki took the moment to nip him. He loved hearing these sounds from Akashi and wanted to bite harder. “You’re drunk.”

“Hmm?” Kouki took the skin between his shoulder and neck in his teeth and bit down. Akashi groaned and he could feel something hard against his thigh. “Nah. I just really want this.”

He felt his cheeks being grabbed and a pair of lips claiming his. A tongue entered his mouth, a hand on his waist and suddenly, their positions were switched. Kouki’s legs gave out and he slid down the wall. Akashi didn’t let go.

Kouki moved to breathe and Akashi went down to his neck, sucking and licking at every piece of bare skin he could reach. He gasped when a hand snaked under shirt and played with the skin on his chest.

“Akashi-san,” He was shaking, unable to handle the heat of Akashi’s hands. He felt like he was going to burst.

Then Akashi stopped. His hands stilled and he looked up at Kouki. His face was flushed and eyes were glazed and he wondered how bad his face was in comparison.

“Not now,” Akashi whispered and kissed him on the forehead. He moved back and Kouki glared, rolling on his side where he saw the forgotten beer bottle.

“I wanna!”

“Not when you’re drunk.”

“I’m not drunk!” He whined and it was true. He was tipsy, sure, but he knew what he was doing. He knew his desire for Akashi has been growing and was gnawing at him to do something about it.

When he looked up, Akashi had made himself at home and grabbed a plate to put the spring rolls on. He placed them on the low table Kouki had cleared and grabbed the beer from him.

“Sober up.”

Kouki crawled over to the table and sat. Akashi placed a glass of water in front of him and opened the beer for himself. He pouted.

“Why do you get to drink?” Kouki kicked the other man.

“To make sure you don’t drink it,” Akashi replied coolly as he took another big gulp. “Drink the water and eat.”

“Boo.”

“If you do, we can talk about the trip I promised you.”

Kouki immediately straightened and drank the glass of water in one shot. He ate the spring rolls as Akashi snorted and Kouki had to shove one in his mouth.

He could feel the effects of the alcohol waning. He felt more alert now and turned to Akashi.

“So,” Kouki began as the man finished up the last spring roll. “What ideas do you have?”

“Hmm,” Akashi placed his chin in his palm, giving him a mysterious smile. “‘Even a thatched hut, may change with a new owner, into a doll’s house.’”

Kouki paused as his brain absorbed the familiar words. His eyes widened slightly as he realized the implications.

“Wait…” Kouki tried to gather his thoughts. He shook his head in disbelief. “Oku no Hosomichi?! Are you thinking of doing that route?!”

Akashi laughed. “Not the entire thing. We need at least a month to do that. I was thinking of just the first bit to Nikko if you are inclined. The weather isn’t as bad as Tokyo and it would be good for a short trip, no? I mean, you will be quite busy in August.”

Kouki nodded slowly. “A trip to Nikko would be great.”

“Great,” Akashi smiled. He leaned in closer to Kouki, who felt himself instinctively move back a centimeter, “I can book us a room with a private onsen so we can continue later.”

Kouki felt his cheeks burn. He stubbornly stared at him, refusing to back down. “You’re expecting me to wait so long?!”

“Patience leads to reward, Furihata-kun.” Akashi’s smile was sly.

It annoyed Kouki.

“Fine,” Kouki leaned close to Akashi as well so their lips were only a breath apart. “I can wait, but can you, Seijuurou-san?”

The blush across Akashi’s face made the wait a little more worth it.

Tiny sentences Brushing soft on My shutters Bush-clover voices

- Hirooka Sesshi

It was blazing hot.

Sweat ran down Kouki’s skin even in the shade of the building. Tokyo’s summers have always been one of the worst things he has ever experienced. He had always preferred the winter when it was cold and easy to roll under his covers. It was easier to sleep and he didn’t need to worry about the high air conditioner costs.

He sighed as he looked down at his watch. He had arrived twenty minutes early, rushing from his shift this morning, to home for a quick shower, and now, he was currently waiting outside of the theatre anxiously. His eyes always glanced over whenever he saw a flash of red whether it was a car or a shirt and always felt disappointed when it wasn’t Akashi.

He tried not to grin in excitement, gripping the strap of his bag across his chest. It had felt like forever since he saw Akashi or even heard his voice. They never really talked on the phone, only communicating through messaging. For Kouki, it was because he knew he wouldn’t pay attention to whatever Akashi said. He had been craving to hear the man’s smooth timbre and refined inflections. He would only hear it and just listen. There was something calming about his voice that made Kouki relax and sent him on edge at the same time.

He also wasn’t going to mention that he was afraid that Akashi’s voice was going to be the source of some intense fantasizing.

“Furihata-kun,” He could feel his face burn when he heard the voice he had just been thinking about.

Looking up, he saw Akashi standing in front of him coolly in an unbuttoned, dark blue, short sleeved shirt covering up another white one. They shaped his torso perfectly and Kouki felt himself jealous that he wasn’t able to look that good wearing something so normal. Akashi’s black pants clung to his waist and legs, accentuating how slim they were and highlighting the muscles of his thighs and calves. Kouki was sure they were emphasizing his ass just as well but he was determined not to walk behind Akashi today, in fear of getting caught staring.

“Furihata-kun?” He looked up at Akashi’s scarlet eyes, noticing how close he was. The man gave a small smirk and Kouki just realized he had just been caught staring right after he decided he wouldn’t.

It was getting way too hot outside now.

“You look good!” Kouki blurted without thinking. Akashi blinked as he continued. “Your…your clothes. They fit you very well and—”

“I’m sure they would fit your bedroom floor even more.”

Kouki could feel his mouth open and close to continue his rambling when he froze. Almost at the same time, he could see the realization dawn on Akashi’s face. The man looked away from Kouki, a hand on his neck and his cheeks tinging pink, and the boy was sure it wasn’t from the heat.

He was embarrassed.

Kouki never thought Akashi was that type. He tried not to laugh.

“Akashi-san…” He almost choked when his self-control disappeared and let out a hearty chuckle. “That was awful.”

Akashi smiled sheepishly. He didn’t seem like a sheepish person so Kouki was amused.

“You can blame Mibuchi.”

“Isn’t he the owner of a host club? He must have better pick-up lines than that!”

“Your expectations of him are unreasonably high.”

He laughed to himself, imagining what would happen if Mibuchi was there to listen to his friend’s words.

“Shall we go?” Akashi turned towards the theatre. Kouki nodded and tried to walk next to him so his eyes wouldn’t look at his backside.

“Do you want some popcorn or a drink?” Kouki asked, directing their attention to the concessions stand.

“We should grab our tickets first and select our seats,” Akashi pointed to the electronic ticket dispensers.

“I bought them already,” Kouki said. Akashi looked at him with a raised brow. Kouki immediately panicked, realizing he might have stepped over some boundaries. “Sorry! I should have asked which seat you wanted first…”

Akashi didn’t say anything at first. Kouki could feel his gaze studying him carefully.

“If that’s the case, I will go purchase you some popcorn and a drink. What would you like?”

“It’s completely fine! I can get my own.”

“I can too, which is why I would like to purchase something for you as well. You paid for my ticket after all, and I assume we will get into a similar argument if I try to pay you back.”

“Akashi-san, you’re so…so…”

“Hmm?” He gave a knowing smile.

“So stubborn!” Kouki finally declared as if it just revealed something scandalous.

“As are you, Furihata-kun.”

Kouki lost the fight against him, reluctantly letting him pay for the snacks and drinks. However, he didn’t expect Akashi to buy the biggest available size of popcorn he had ever seen along with his melon soda. When it was placed in his arms, Kouki couldn’t help but widen his eyes in shock.

“T-this much…!”

“You never specified how much you wanted so I just guessed,” Seijuurou shrugged as he placed the straw of his lemon tea between his lips. His eyes looked at Kouki with a shine of laughter, thoroughly enjoying how baffled the boy was.

Kouki didn’t argue with him on that.

They went to their theatre and found their seats. Kouki had chosen a pair in the middle, a couple of rows behind the center seats. He placed his cup in the older and the gigantic tub of popcorn in his lap. He glanced over at Akashi who was fiddling with his phone, placing it on silent.

He should do the same but Akashi’s expression caught his attention. He seemed less reserved at that moment, more relaxed and younger somehow. His eyes were bright as if he had been anticipating seeing this movie just as much as Kouki, unguarded yet still refined.

He glanced around the seats. It was still a bit early for the previews so there wasn’t anyone else there yet. He turned back to the man next to him.

“Hey, Akashi-san?”

He looked over at him.

“Yes, Furihata-k—”

He didn’t get a chance to finish when Kouki stuffed some popcorn in his mouth.

It was a strange, impulsive mood that struck him. He had been worried about ruining things with Akashi but this felt like the natural thing to do when his guard was down. It seemed like the other man was still processing what had just happened. He blinked, stunned at Kouki’s sudden action.

Kouki, on the other hand, was a little too pleased that he could surprise him like that.

“I can’t eat all of this by myself,” Kouki answered the unasked question. “Since we’re here together, we might as well share, right?”

Akashi was chewing the popcorn now. He gave his comment some thought, nodding slowly.

“It’s good,” Akashi said as if he wasn’t fazed at all. He picked up another piece from the tub and held it out in front of Kouki’s lips. “Have some.”

Kouki jolted back. The tables had turned as he did not expect Akashi to suddenly touch his lips like that, burning him in the air conditioned room. Akashi’s eyes were now calm, completely recovered in a mere few seconds. Kouki moved back a little in his seat with a shake of his head.

“I can feed myself.” He made sure that he kept moving so he wouldn’t fall into a similar trap he had set up for Akashi. “Thanks though.”

Unfortunately, as Kouki had discovered, Akashi was just as stubborn as him.

Kouki tried to lean as far back as possible but Akashi kept the piece of popcorn against his sealed lips. He tried to move without knocking the rest of the tub away but Akashi still kept finding his lips as if pinning him in his spot. He could feel the popcorn smearing him with salt and butter and he almost wanted to laugh at the ridiculousness.

“Aka—” He moved to the right. “—shi-san. What are you—” Left. “—doing?”

“It’s only fair that I get to feed you too, right?” He sounded completely serious despites his contradictory actions.

“I…” Kouki dodged again, unable to believe what was going on.

Akashi was being so childish.

Peopled started filtering in as the previews started. This seemed to be the signal for Akashi to stop and turn to the screen. He placed the popcorn he was trying to force on Kouki in his own lips without a second thought.

Kouki watched the previews rolling on the screen, tying to pick out which movies looked good enough that he was willing to watch in theatres versus streaming them online.

Darkness soon fell upon them as the movie began. The screen showed the production team’s logo. Kouki paid attention as it became black to signal it was starting.

Kouki reached into the tub for some popcorn only to touch Akashi’s fingers doing the same. He jumped, startled by the feeling of his cool flesh. He looked over at Akashi to send him a silent apology when he felt the coolness on his face.

Akashi’s hand had slowly reached his cheek, fingers playing against his skin and making the small hairs stand up. Kouki was confused at the sudden contact, but saw the way Akashi was staring at him and he suddenly wondered if the air conditioner in the building suddenly broke.

His fingers were a little rough with callouses, tracing his jaw to his lips. Kouki felt himself burn as the light touch lined the outside of his lips, smoothly moving across and creating a strange sensation in his belly. His eyes were mesmerized by Akashi’s serene ones just staring down at his lips. Akashi looked up and noticed Kouki staring. He gave him a smile.

Kouki felt his mouth open slightly at how lovely Akashi’s smile was that he hardly noticed something against his tongue. It took him five seconds to realize that Akashi had placed a piece of popcorn in his mouth.

The man, looking satisfied, turned away from Kouki. His hands leaving Kouki’s face and looked at the movie. The strange sensation in Kouki’s belly became displeased.

The movie finished and Kouki felt like he had missed some parts. He concentrated as much as he could on it but still could feel his eyes drifting towards the man next to him every once in a while. He knew he missed the first fifteen minutes of the film when he was panicking and trying to figure out some sort of response to it. Whenever there were some parts he wasn’t particularly engrossed with, his eyes naturally turned to Akashi; even the dark couldn’t hide his magnetic aura.

“I’m quite surprised,” Akashi spoke as they exited the theatre. “That was quite different from Ogata’s work though it’s not disappointing. On the contrary, it’s probably his best so far.”

He disposed of the tub that had miraculously become empty during the movie. They walked outside and were met with the bright sun glaring down at them as if it was still noon. It was still humid but it was welcome from the chill of the building.

They went to a nearby park where the trees were positioned perfectly so the path had lots of shade. Kouki was surprised at how engaged Akashi was during the movie and how much detail he picked up. Even the parts that he was fully paying attention to, he didn’t notice quite as much.

“You seemed to like it,” Kouki grinned. Akashi blinked and looked up, considering Kouki’s comment. “I’m glad.”

“It has been a while since I’ve seen a good movie,” Akashi concluded with a soft smile. “So it was quite nice.”

They continued to discuss the scenes that intrigued them the most – Kouki particularly liked the scene where the main characters first meet and Akashi liked the conflict of emotions of the male protagonist.

“It was painful, you could clearly see that,” Akashi explained with distant eyes. “He had a plan but it was becoming harder for him to go through with it. It was…heartbreaking in a sense.”

“I think he was lonely,” Kouki said. They arrived at an empty bench and sat down. The day was clear and there were a lot of people there – kids playing on the fields, a basketball court in the distance, and an ice cream shop nearby with couples grabbing cold desserts on the hot day. Even with the brightness, Kouki couldn’t help but feel the sadness of the character. “He lost his family. Anyone would feel the pain of that. I’m not saying what he did was right but he was lost and scared. You could tell that he loved his family from the bottom of his heart.”

Kouki stayed silent. The air had gotten incredibly awkward as he mulled over his thoughts.

“But to infiltrate another family and plan to betray them is dangerous,” Akashi said quietly. “If he wanted revenge, there was clearly another way.”

“Such as?”

“Furihata-kun, let’s be honest here,” Akashi gave him a look. “I’m sure you can think of many other ways.”

Kouki leaned back on the bench.

Dark Moon was about a man whose family was killed by another man whom they were indebted to. He grew up, planning his revenge by becoming the man’s future son-in-law so he could destroy the family from within. In the meanwhile, he started to fall in love with the man’s niece.

There were plenty of ways he could have gotten back at the antagonist. He could’ve just outright murdered him. He could’ve worked for the antagonist and gained the same result in the end. He didn’t need to go through the effort of learning about the daughter which led him to falling in love with another woman.

“Family is…such a delicate thing,” Kouki concluded with a nod. “To be part of a family is actually…a real privilege. Not everyone is born with such and if you manage to meld your way into one, there is the idea of acceptance. There is the idea of trust and an unbreakable bond. For him, I think he was aiming for the psychological torture – the idea of heartbreak, the idea that your trust can be your biggest weakness. He could’ve resolved it in a different way but in the end, would he truly be satisfied with just that?”

Kouki turned to Akashi as soon as he was met with silence. The man was watching him and looked a little shocked. Kouki shook his head and felt himself blush.

“Sorry! That was just some interpretation I just spewed out,” Kouki shook his head. “It’s a little hard to turn off when you’re in study mode.”

Akashi gave a small laugh. “It’s nothing to worry about, Furihata-kun. In fact, I was impressed with your analysis.”

Even as they continued their discussion on the film, they both could feel they were getting further away from it. For some reason, the air became heavy. The topics got a little too deep for a date and Kouki tried to figure out a way to divert the attention away.

He had waited so long to have a good date with Akashi again. He wasn’t going to let it be ruined.

“Those guys are pretty good, aren’t they?” Kouki glanced at the basketball. Akashi turned and watched someone make a skilled lay-up. “I used to play basketball back in high school. I wasn’t very good but it was fun.”

“Oh, did you?” Akashi turned to him with intrigue. “I used to play a little as well. I was a point guard.”

“Same here!” Kouki grinned. “My team was a small one and we barely had enough players to enter tournaments. I only managed to get into the starting line up once I got into third-year since my upperclassman was a point guard as well.”

“Really?”

Kouki nodded. He gave a small smile as he recalled the memories. “Practice wasn’t easy. Far from it. Our coach was a menace and more than once, I had to carry my best friend home after since he was so exhausted. After our first training camp, nobody could move and everyone fell asleep in the gym instead.

“But it was fun.” Kouki gave a laugh. “Our team wasn’t the greatest. We never got past the third round but it wasn’t important. We all had fun.”

Kouki recalled the time he was made captain of the team. It was huge surprise considering he hardly played in the previous years. It was a moment of surprise and pride – everyone seemed to think he was a good fit for the position even though he knew he was far from that. The team was supportive and his upperclassmen were as well, thinking he was the good, level-headed choice. Kuroko became his vice-captain to be his voice of reason and to scare everyone when they weren’t looking.

They didn’t make it very far in any of the tournaments, but Kouki had put his heart out into the sport during his last year. He never saw his upperclassmen cry during those times because he always assumed that everyone was thinking the same: they were playing for fun. However, when it came to their final game and knowing that they didn’t have a chance to play with the same team, Kouki knew that they were all hiding their tears in the end, just like he did.

“Do you want to play?”

Kouki turned to the man, surprised at the suggestion. Akashi indicated to the court with his head where there were still a couple of boys playing. “We can probably ask if we can join their game. It wouldn’t hurt, right?”

“Are you sure?” Kouki asked. He followed Akashi who stood up from the bench and began walking over to the court. They had escaped the comfortable shade for the fiery heat. Kouki was glad he put on sunscreen that day. “We might be bothering them.”

“There’s no harm in asking, correct?”

Without any doubt in his steps, Akashi walked up to the two boys playing one-on-one. He was much shorter than them as those others looked like stereotypical basketball players. They agreed and Kouki ran up to them.

One was a redhead named Kagami that looked like he could be in some sort of street gang. Kouki instinctively looked over at Akashi with his thoughts, remembering that this elegant looking man was actually in one of those, and decided to reserve his judgement. Kagami gave him a friendly smile though so it wasn’t too bad. The other was a loud man name Hayakawa that seemed to shout at everything. His words were a little harder to distinguish and mainly because he kept yelling.

“We’ll give you guys the first ball,” Kagami said as he threw it to Akashi.

Akashi caught it effortlessly and weighed it in his hands. A small spark appeared in his eyes that Kouki was sure he hadn’t seen before. His lips curled into a small, playful smirk as he turned to Kouki as if telling him that they were going to win this despite their obvious disadvantage.

Kouki believed this.

And he believed it more when he saw Akashi move.

It started off slow as Kagami and Hayakawa managed to get some points. It had been a few years since Kouki played and he wasn’t sure how much Akashi did. However, after those few points, for some reason, their number didn’t change. It wasn’t the flashiest of passes, but Akashi managed to get the ball to him every time. Whether he was being covered, somehow, it had snaked into his hand right when he was under the basket and able to shoot.

Akashi moved like he owned the court. Forward, backwards, around – he moved too gracefully for someone working up a sweat in the sun, playing basketball and making shots that Kouki didn’t think he could do. He moved like he hadn’t missed a single day of practice and was surprised when he – merely a centimeter or two taller that Kouki – managed to dunk.

This man was unreal.

They cut the game short since everyone was dying from the heat with Kagami and Hayakawa panting and baffled. They had won the game much to Kouki’s bewilderment and it was all thanks to Akashi. He seemed to hold his composure fairly well but Kouki could see the sweat. His hair was sticking to his pale skin and there was a flush on his face.

“Man, you really beat us,” Kagami inhaled to get some oxygen flowing. “Damn. We should play again some time.”

“Hmm,” Akashi tilted his head to consider it. “If we’re around the neighbourhood.”

They went their separate ways and Kouki and Akashi went to the ice cream stand where a vending machine stood in front of it. They grabbed some cool bottles of water and went back into the shade, finding a large tree that was perfect for resting. Kouki leaned against the trunk and drank nearly half of the bottle.

He glanced over at Akashi to compliment him when he saw the man slowly take off his blue shirt. The white tank top was now translucent with sweat and clinging to his body like a second skin. Not everywhere was wet, but enough for Kouki to take note of the lean muscles and see the outline of the irezumi on his back.

There didn’t seem to be much change from the last time he saw it; still a monochrome outline of a phoenix rising up. Kouki resisted the urge to touch the black ink as Seijuurou leaned his back against the tree so he couldn’t reach out. The movement made Kouki look at the man’s profile as he took a drink. Small droplets of water escaped the corners of his lips, trailing down his jaw where he watched his Adam’s apple bobbing with each drink.

No matter what Akashi seemed to do from basketball to just drinking a water bottle, there was just something hypnotic about it. Kouki could hardly turn his eyes away, finding himself drawn closer, wanting to touch, to feel. Having Akashi within his vicinity scared him and made him long for him, ensnared by the trap the man had set up since the first day they met.

Kouki wanted more.

Their silence was comfortable as they rested against the tree. They looked up at the blue sky and Kouki commented on some of the clouds that he saw, imagining the shapes as Akashi listened on. He didn’t know if the older man was bored or not, but went on, feeling that there was quiet permission to do so. At some point, they were lying on their backs to look up at it when Kouki suddenly felt drowsy, feeling his body suddenly weighted with exhaustion. He stopped talking, letting out a small yawn and turned to the man when he realized that the load he had felt on his left shoulder was actually Akashi’s resting head.

He didn’t know when it happened. Akashi had a loose grip on his water bottle that rested against his hip. His expression was relaxed, the smirk wiped from his face and he looked younger. Kouki felt the warm breath against him but it wasn’t overwhelming with heat. It came at a steady pattern that Kouki felt comfort in.

There was still a bit of sweat on his brow. Kouki reached to his bag on the other side, trying carefully not to wake up Akashi. He zipped up the main pocket to grab a handkerchief and saw the book he had promised him previously.

He had nearly forgotten it and took it out along with the handkerchief. He reached over to place the book on Akashi’s other side and gently wiped the sweat off of his face. He put it away and placed his still cool water bottle against Akashi’s forehead. He should probably get some more water just in case.

Kouki tried to move carefully to stand up. When he successfully pried himself, he moved to stand only for a grip on his wrist to stop him. He looked down at saw Akashi’s pale hand holding on. The man’s eyes were still closed but the grasp was strong, making him wonder if he was truly sleeping or not.

He tried to get him to release his wrist but it only tightened. Kouki almost laughed, not quite believing that he was in a situation he had only read in manga and watched in movies. It was obscure. Akashi surprised him every time.

Kouki sighed and laid back down. As soon as he did, Akashi shifted, moving closer to his side and placing his face in the nook of Kouki’s neck. He blushed furiously when he realized Akashi didn’t release his hand and now, it was pressed against his thigh. He tried to move it but was failing and it only made Akashi hold on tighter.

He was trapped.

And he gave up.

Kouki smiled as he looked down at Akashi’s peaceful face. His eyelashes were long and his nose was small and straight. There were a lot of attractive people in the world but it was Kouki’s first time admiring someone without a sense of jealousy. Akashi was beautiful and Kouki had him comfortable against his shoulder.

He leaned in and gave a soft peck on his forehead.

He guessed he could rest for a bit. He was just as tired from the heat and the game. It would only be a few minutes anyways.

Or so he thought.

He woke up with groggy eyes and a heavy body. The sun was still bright but based off the position, quite a bit of time had passed. Akashi wasn’t leaning against him anymore. In fact, when he woke up, he felt that he was in a different position than before – now resting on his side against a hard pillow with someone’s hands stroking his hair with a feather light touch.

He could feel the cool fingers and automatically knew it was Akashi. He didn’t know how he knew, but he could sense it. His slow movements were comfortable and soothing. Kouki released a satisfied sigh, feeling his eyes shutting again.

“Are you hungry, Furihata-kun?” Akashi’s quiet voice asked. Kouki reluctantly opened his eyes again, glancing up at the man. He had in his other hand the book Kouki had brought him. He looked at him inquiringly. “It’s a little too early for dinner, but I’m sure we can grab some ice cream from the stand.”

“Mm, what time is it?”

“Four-fifteen.”

Kouki squinted up. The light streamed through the leaves of the tree. It highlighted Akashi’s hair, making it glow. With his soft smile, it made it hard to believe that he was currently resting on the man’s lap, as if everything was just a beautiful dream.

“Mm, that means I have to get up?”

“Yes, it would.”

Kouki groaned and rolled on his side, towards Akashi. He rubbed his cheek against the fabric of Akashi’s pants, closing his eyes to fall back asleep again.

“Don’t wanna.”

Akashi let out a chortle. Kouki felt his body shaking in laughter, the peaceful pillow being disrupted. He opened his eyes and pouted. “Let me sleep.”

“Yes, yes.”

Kouki felt his eyes drift as he felt Akashi’s fingers against his hair once more. He had such a gentle touch that it wasn’t very long until his breathing evened out.

He could stay in that moment forever. It was still a little humid for his taste and he could feel Akashi’s body heat radiating at a rapid rate, but he didn’t care. The air gave a small breeze filling his nose with scents of summer and sounds of nature. The birds tweeted, the sound of children playing in the background, and the consistent page turn from Akashi kept him calm.

He sighed.

This is what he wanted.

He was semi-conscious, aware of Akashi’s slightest movement. His muscles in his thighs twitched slightly as he adjusted his position; the slight breeze as he turned the page. The hand in Kouki’s hair moved on his scalp and he knew that it wasn’t the most pleasant thing right now, probably lingering with sweat. Akashi traced relaxing circles on it, trailing down to his neck.

Kouki squeaked. He opened his eyes and placed a hand on the spot Akashi touched as if it burned him. When he met Akashi’s eyes, he could see the surprise.

“S-sorry!” Kouki felt breathless. “T-that’s just…it’s just…it’s fine.”

“Oh?” Akashi smirked. “Did I find a sensitive spot?”

“N-no!” Kouki sat up and immediately backed away from Akashi’s leer. “It’s just…no!”

“Hmm,” Akashi placed the book down and crawled over to him. Kouki suddenly had a vision of that cat that reminded him of Akashi. The man moved with the same feline grace towards him, curious and sly, examining him carefully. His movements were languid and nimble, a hand reaching towards him.

Kouki was too mesmerized to move. Akashi suddenly was in front of him, hand touching the skin of his forehead. His palm covered it as he stared directly into Kouki’s eyes.

His eyes looked down to avoid eye contact. At first, he thought he was safe from Akashi’s prowess when he saw a small movement. His eyes looked up to Akashi’s lips. The tip of his tongue was out at the corner, slowly moving across his lips – hungry.

Hungry for Kouki.

“You seem a little warm,” Akashi’s voice whispered. Kouki could feel his face burn up even more, knowing that the comment was just a mere understatement. “You must be…famished.”

“Ha, ha, a little…” Kouki closed his eyes tightly. Akashi was so close that he was sure surprised that the man didn’t hear it.

He waited in silence. He expected something from Akashi – he didn’t know what, but Kouki knew he wasn’t going to function properly until he did something. When nothing happened except for Akashi’s hand removing from his forehead, he opened one eye.

Akashi wasn’t look at him. He stood up and stretched, his shirt riding up slightly so Kouki could see his pale stomach for a moment. He glanced down at him and gave a smile.

“What flavour do you like? Vanilla? Chocolate?”

It took a full minute for Kouki’s brain to catch up with Akashi said. There was a drop of disappointment in his stomach but he tried to hide it.

“Chocolate,” Kouki replied as normally as possible. He gave a childish grin. “It’s the best after all.”

“Is that so?” Akashi asked with a teasing grin. “Okay. I’ll grab us some ice cream. I’ll be back.”

Kouki didn’t even protest when it meant that Akashi would be paying. He was glad to see his retreating back, relieved that he was able to breathe again. At the same time, he wanted to continue. Akashi had just been so close to him that everything stopped – his brain, his heart, his voice. He never felt so lost before, drowning in his eyes and warmth. It scared him but he was willing to get carried along with Akashi.

He returned momentarily with two cones of chocolate ice cream. Kouki managed to calm down by then and grabbed his eagerly. They had to eat fast. The ice cream melted too quickly down the cone and Kouki’s fingers. He had to lick off the sweetness and was sure that he caught Akashi glancing over at him at those moments.

“Furihata-kun,” Akashi’s voice was quiet and slightly strained. Kouki looked up at him and saw a strange look on Akashi’s face. The man held up some napkins for him. “Here.”

“Oh, thank you,” Kouki nodded. He wiped the melted dessert on his hand and his lips and continued to consume it, barely noticing that Akashi was still looking at him.

He felt peaceful once he finished. His throat felt cool and refreshed. They were leaning against the tree again, their arms touching. Neither moved. Kouki was completely comfortable, feeling no need to get any closer or to engage in conversation. He almost fell asleep again when he felt warmth against his hand.

Akashi’s pinky was intertwined with his in the smallest touch. Kouki smiled, turning to the man whose face was too red for someone who just cooled down with some ice cream.

The man’s scarlet eyes turned to him. They were tranquil and Kouki felt a large amount of longing from in his chest.

They didn’t say anything to each other but knew they were thinking the same thing. Kouki felt himself lean forward, lips meeting Akashi’s. It started off chaste, lips against lips before Kouki felt something brush against his. He opened his mouth in response. The touch of their tongues melded together, reminding him of the night in the hospital. Kouki could feel the sincerity of his kiss; an honesty that the man often hid behind smirks and courtesy. And it was all open for Kouki to feel.

A smile was hidden under the kiss.

Akashi’s kiss was hot and sweet. It was powerful and made him melt.

It tasted like his favourite chocolate ice cream.

Note: I’ve actually had this chapter completed since the first week of November but the idea of editing it made me a little nervous because I’m not particularly good at writing date scenes without it seeming ridiculously corny.