Nox

No one had ever seen her wearing bright colors. Every accessory she owned looked like it had come straight out of a horror movie, and her long, straight black hair gave her an almost ghostly aura. Countless rumors surrounded (Reader)’s name. One claimed she could speak with the dead, another insisted she collected human bones, and the creepiest of all said she performed rituals behind the school. No one knew where those stories had originated, but no one was brave enough to approach her and ask. Before long, the entire school had grown somewhat afraid of her.

The only person who never believed those rumors because he knew what she was really like was Akashi. Somehow, the captain of both the Generation of Miracles and Rakuzan had gradually become interested in (Reader) as he got to know her, until she eventually became his girlfriend. His teammates only vaguely remembered when the change had begun, but Seijuro still treasured every moment of it as one of his most precious memories.

The final bell echoed through the hallways. Many students hurried home while others headed to their clubs or stayed behind to clean. (Reader), however, had a far more important task waiting for her—a mission behind the school. Her footsteps were quiet and short, almost as if she were floating. Every student she passed quickly stepped aside without even looking her in the eye. It had become part of her everyday life.

The area was enclosed by a fence, and nearby stood the gym along with several outdoor water faucets. (Reader) walked over while rummaging through her backpack. Two girls were using one of the faucets when she arrived.

—Good afternoon, —she greeted them with a polite bow, —I’m here now, so you can come out.

She said it as she approached the fence. A chill immediately ran down both girls’ spines. The rumors were true—(Reader) really talked to the dead. The two hurried away without taking their eyes off her, completely convinced they had just witnessed the beginning of a ritual.

—She’s actually crazy! —one of them exclaimed. —We have to warn everyone not to use the faucets near the gym. There must be an old cemetery underneath, that’s why she goes there to talk to ghosts!

—(Reader) is so creepy, —the other agreed.

The girls continued talking without lowering their voices as they passed the gym, where Rakuzan’s basketball team was practicing. Akashi Seijuro happened to be standing near the entrance, catching his breath, when he unintentionally overheard their ridiculous conversation. (Reader)’s name sounded familiar. He had heard many unpleasant rumors about her, but he had never been the kind of person to judge someone based on gossip. Perhaps that was why he let his curiosity guide him toward the faucets.

—Sorry I couldn’t come earlier. I had to go to work this morning, —her voice was calm as she poured cat food from a bag inside her backpack into several plastic containers. The cats, already familiar with her, gathered around without fear, some rubbing their heads affectionately against her.

Akashi silently watched the scene with quiet fondness. That was the moment his true interest began, eventually leading to the relationship they shared now. He took the time to know (Reader), to look beyond the rumors, and to fall in love with the wonderful person she truly was.

At this very moment, Akashi was training with the rest of Rakuzan’s basketball team, although he had separated himself to practice individually. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a dark silhouette passing by the gym entrance. He would recognize her anywhere. Even in her school uniform, (Reader) somehow managed to make it her own—black thigh-high socks, silver necklaces, rings, delicate lace peeking out beneath her skirt and decorating her hair, along with the white Rakuzan jacket he had lent her himself.

He made one last shot, sinking it cleanly into the basket, before heading toward the entrance to follow her, leaving practice for a moment. His teammates didn’t even bother asking where he was going anymore. It had become a habit for Seijuro to briefly disappear during practice just to see the girl he lovingly called “my wife.”

Akashi was always looking for excuses to see (Reader). He cherished those fleeting moments whenever they crossed paths around school. It was a side of him that only (Reader) knew, and she treasured it dearly. She liked believing that Akashi’s feelings truly belonged to her and only her.

Today was no different from any other day for (Reader), except that she had finally gathered the courage to wear one of Akashi’s jackets—the one he had given her after one of his games. As much as she loved her boyfriend with all her little black heart, she couldn’t help worrying about what people might say about him for dating someone like her. She knew her reputation had been ruined by the rumors, while he was the flawless captain of the Generation of Miracles.

Pushing those thoughts aside, she focused once again on her mission: feeding the stray cat colony behind the school.

—You can come out now, it’s safe, —she called softly toward the bushes behind her. A few cats had already been lingering nearby since (Reader) always arrived at the same time every day. One after another they approached, rubbing against her legs and meowing happily. —You all seem especially energetic today.

(Reader) filled the food bowls first, but just as she reached for the water tray, someone else’s hands moved faster than hers, lifting it to refill it.

—Akashi! —(Reader) jumped in surprise. Normally, he would wait for her after she finished feeding the cats, and only occasionally accompanied her. —You scared me to death.

Her boyfriend simply smiled. Akashi returned with the freshly filled water tray and placed it beside the food. The cats were already accustomed to both of them and continued eating peacefully. For a brief moment, (Reader) allowed herself to admire him, only for her gaze to be captured almost immediately by his mismatched eyes.

—(Reader), —her cheeks instantly flushed as she heard her name leave his lips, —the Winter Cup is getting closer. I was thinking we could go shopping for something nice for you to wear when you come cheer me on.

Naturally, he took one of her long black strands of hair and absentmindedly played with it between his fingers. He knew very well how much she loved fashion and shopping, and Akashi only encouraged that side of her even more.

—I’d love that! I found a gorgeous coat at a Lolita shop on Takeshita Street, —(Reader) truly appreciated how Seijuro always supported her love for fashion. Through little gestures like these, he constantly reminded her that he loved her exactly as she was, regardless of how she dressed. Little by little, (Reader) was learning to accept that someone could genuinely love her.

A mischievous cat stole her attention, pulling it away from Akashi, who responded by sticking his tongue out at the feline.

—Then we’ll go sometime this week, —before standing to return to practice, he gently kissed her cheek. —I’m heading back to training. Shall we walk home together afterward?

—Of course, —she replied with a warm smile, waving happily.

That very afternoon, they agreed through text to go shopping on Wednesday. It was only Monday, but (Reader) was already overflowing with excitement. By the time Wednesday finally arrived, a bright smile adorned her face as she walked through the hallways. Several students instinctively stepped aside.

—She’s in a good mood today… She probably completed some summoning ritual.

—She looks just like that ghost from TV.

—What a terrifyi—, —the student couldn’t finish the sentence because Akashi appeared right behind him. Everyone at Rakuzan knew they were dating, and everyone also knew Akashi wouldn’t tolerate a single disrespectful remark about his beloved girlfriend. —…adorable. Such an adorable smile.

He corrected himself immediately, though Akashi still didn’t look entirely satisfied.

When classes ended, the redhead was already waiting for her at the school entrance. He had received permission to skip practice for the day, something that had been granted without question. (Reader) had quickly gone to feed the cats before hurrying back toward him with a radiant smile.

—Are you ready?—Those simple words only made her even more excited.

—I can’t wait! —Her enthusiasm made Akashi’s heart race. There were moments like these that reminded him exactly why he had fallen in love with her.

The afternoon passed peacefully. Takeshita was filled with adorable little shops that perfectly matched (Reader)’s aesthetic. She found a pair of gloves and black lace stockings that matched a skirt she’d bought some time ago. She also picked out a gray scarf, but the true highlight of the day was the coat Akashi insisted on buying for her, despite her repeatedly telling him she had brought enough money herself.

It was a loose coat that draped from her shoulders to just below her waist, wrapping around her almost like a cape. Soft faux fur trimmed the cuffs, hem, hood, and collar. Hanging from the collar were two long black ribbons decorated with fluffy pom-poms. It was adorable in the most gothic way imaginable.

—You look so cute, —Akashi gently cupped her face in both hands, making her blush the moment they stepped outside the shop. She had decided to wear the coat immediately since the weather had grown chilly and she hadn’t brought a jacket.

—Thank you so much for the coat, —she gathered every bit of courage she had before placing a shy kiss on her boyfriend’s cheek.

—Only the best for my wife.

𖧷 ; Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. 🫪♡