Author's Note:
Just a heads up; I'm going to add on a bit to the previous chapter later! (Not today, but as soon as I finish)
Whew, long chapter this week! (I keep wanting to update earlier for all of you, but it takes longer than expected...) But, I think I'm pretty proud of this one. 😊
I know people have different opinions about Kuroo (and maybe about the way I write about him in this book), but personally, I love him! He's honestly one of my favorite characters and I wanted to include him somehow, but I feel bad that it turned out this way... like a case of unrequited love.😞 I don't want to make him the bad guy or an object of pity or anything, but I'm really sorry for using him like this. Anyway, I hope just being friends with him is okay. 💙
***
Everyone chatted and got to know one another. All of the teams talked about their residences, in Tokyo or in Miyagi, and their respective tournaments.
Hinata, Lev, and Kenma chatted for a bit. Most of the volleyball teams talked amongst themselves and occasionally joined the main conversation. Ai evenly participated in each group, being as personable as possible. Ennoshita, Kinoshita, and Narita talked about their summer homework, while Tanaka and Nishinoya discussed volleyball and romance with Taketora. Akaashi entertained Kageyama's questions about being Fukurōdani's setter, and Nigou frisked about from person to person. The puppy jumped over outstretched legs and searched for the player who would give him the most attention or food. Eventually, he settled down next to Ai, away from the other person from America, to Kagami's great relief. Ai absentmindedly pet his fluffy fur, giggling when remembering her boyfriend's dislike for disobedient dogs.
Bokuto talked with Kuroo and Kai as captains, after getting along very well with Kise. Sugawara bashfully exchanged the team's embarrassments with Yaku, and Inuoka bounced between Hinata's group of three and the other first-years on his team. Asahi quietly relaxed with Tsukishima and Yamaguchi, and the basketball idiots talked about basketball. Hinata and Lev had to ask around for the newcomers' heights, and Karasuno's Number 10 explained his first impressions of Murasakibara and Himuro. Daichi made polite small talk with Akashi, and Momoi befriended Yachi and Kiyoko while Ai was busy playing hostess.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Reo-san. Thank you for being Seijuro's vice-captain." Ai smiled at Rakuzan's shooting guard while Akashi sat between them and listened.
"It's my pleasure! Sei-chan's a marvelous captain," he replied good-naturedly, smiling.
"I wonder if Shintarō-kun was as happy as you seem to be with the position," Ai said, glancing at Midorima who looked uncomfortable among the crowd of cats.
Akashi chuckled. "Well, I will say that I miss you on my team, Ai. Higuchi-san was a good teammate, but no one can fulfill the manager position as you do."
"No one except Satsuki, you mean." She gave him a look. "She and I come as a pair, thank you," she sassed.
His maroon eyes glimmered teasingly. "And, what of your new companions?" He meant Kiyoko and Yachi.
"Different sport," she answered simply. Just as Sugawara was the only one who could scold Daichi, Ai was the only one who could ever correct Akashi; the Absolute Emperor never made any errors to begin with, so it was a rare occurrence. "Speaking of Higuchi-san, I heard he joined the college street basketball team."
Akashi nodded.
"That's right!" Mibuchi cheerfully confirmed. "He and Mayuzumi-san both graduated this spring."
"It's a shame I couldn't meet them before they did," she said as she caught Akaashi watching over them fondly from beside a loud Bokuto. Ai smiled at the rufous-legged owl. "Seijuro, did you know Keiji-kun is also a second-year and the vice-captain for his team?" she introduced.
Akashi turned his attention to the setter in navy blue and nodded to him. "I see."
"Our captain's mood can be unstable," Akaashi explained. "Ai-san's been a great help. I heard our managers talking about it, too."
"Yukie-san and Kaori-san are the third-year managers for Fukurōdani," she told the two from Rakuzan.
"I'm glad to hear it." Akashi softly kissed her temple.
Then, Mibuchi suddenly exclaimed, "Oh! I knew your voice seemed familiar. You sound like Mayuzumi-san. Doesn't he, Sei-chan?"
"Yes, he does," Akashi agreed as he regarded Akaashi.
"He didn't talk much with us, so I didn't realize until now." The third-year with beautiful green eyes smiled. "Now, that's another person with the same voice!"
"I know, hearing Ryōta-kun with Kōtarō-san together is a bit strange." Ai looked at the two aces, each engrossed in their own conversations.
"Not just them, but two of your team members, too. They remind me of Kotarō and Jyunpei-chan from Seirin." Mibuchi winked.
"Ah, the captain of Kuroko's team," Akashi clarified. "And your friend, Ennoshita-kun, with Hayama."
Her classmate glanced back upon hearing his name being spoken, but she didn't say anything to him.
"Chikara does?"
The Night Spirit of the Uncrowned Kings nodded. "Yup! Kotarō wanted to come too, but he went out with Eikichi to eat. We're meeting them back at the hotel," Rakuzan's vice-captain explained.
"I've met Hyūga-san once." Ai gazed at Karasuno's ace next. "But, I think it's only their voices that he and Asahi-san have in common. My impression of Seirin's captain's personality is far from timid." She happened to meet Tsukishima's eyes, but he turned away quickly. It seemed she'd made the middle blocker poutful.
"Ai-chan! Were you really in Tokyo on Midorin's birthday?!" Momoi suddenly asked from a couple of feet away.
Ai shot her an apologetic smile. "It was only for the night, and I knew you were busy getting ready for Interhigh. Sorry, Satsuki."
The pink-haired girl pouted, and that was when Kai spoke up.
"I have to admit, Kuroo and I were glad she helped us. The whole team was," Nekoma's vice-captain said.
Momoi hummed, and her attitude lightened. "You know, you kind of sound like our coach."
Kai laughed. "Thanks, I guess."
"Seijuro, you and Reo-san don't have a Kansai accent like Imayoshi-san yet?" Ai pondered.
"Akashi with a Kyoto dialect?" Aomine laughed. "Ha! No way."
Her boyfriend smiled. "Maybe you'll have to teach me sometime."
She grinned back. "How is Coach Shirogane?"
"He's fine."
"I imagine running a big club like Rakuzan's basketball club is a lot of work," she said.
Akashi closed his eyes. "True."
As Aomine started to complain about his new captain, Midorima and Takao shared that Miyaji Yūya led the team after his brother Kiyoshi and the former captain Ōtsubo had graduated. Ai knew that Himuro had taken over Yōsen's team, and Kise told them that the incomprehensible Hayakawa was now Kaijō's captain.
Hinata and Lev started awing again at the basketball players, this time for their status as aces of the various teams. Aomine, Kise, Midorima, and Kagami were all rightfully the aces of Tōō, Kaijō, Shūtoku, and Seirin. The two first-years who aspired for the title had stars in their eyes, and Taketora boasted that he was still the current ace of Nekoma.
.
When everyone finished eating, Ai excused herself to help clean up. Yachi and a few of the guys who were willing volunteered to assist her. The second-year was about to leave the crowd in peace when Nekoma's captain, who was supposedly good at aggravating people in moderation, made a mistake.
"You should take a break once in a while, Chii," Kuroo unknowingly stepped on a landmine. Perhaps the envy from not being included in their earlier conversation had exploded.
"Yeah, Ai," Asahi added, carelessly pouring fuel to the flame. "You'll faint again."
The trash in her hands slipped and fell to the ground as she turned toward Akashi. Ai quietly sat back down in front of him onto the succulent grass. She could feel his fury, a hint of his hubristic other half showing through. The others who perceived his silent rage also kept their mouths shut.
The volleyball players, however, had no idea what was going on. They were stunned to see the normally confident and regal Ai become so humble and almost meek in the blink of an eye. Moreover, it was towards the person who was supposed to be her boyfriend, her equal.
"Ai. What do they mean?" His voice was chillingly cold in contrast to the hot summer temperature.
She heard Sugawara sigh and scold Asahi for his unintentional foolishness. "See what you did?" the vice-captain whisper-yelled.
Ai averted her eyes from his. She hadn't meant for him to find out this way. "I... fainted on the same day that we lost against Aoba Johsai at the Interhigh Preliminaries."
"Wait. Really, Chii?" Kuroo was as shocked as her boyfriend at hearing the truth, although Akashi didn't openly show it.
She bit her lip at the second use of her nickname while Rakuzan's captain held up a cold hand of dismissal to him. Ai tried to lighten the tension. "I wasn't coming down with an ailment or anything. I'm perfectly fine now."
Akashi's strong voice spoke to her and her only. "That was months ago. Why did you not tell me?"
She couldn't think of anything to say. "I didn't want you to worry..." The couple worried about each other enough as it were, especially since they were living so far apart.
Midorima sighed and came to her rescue. "I didn't tell you, either. I called her that day. However, she told me not to say anything."
"That was stupid of both of you," Aomine yawned.
"Dai-chan!" Momoi turned to her after scolding her childhood friend. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes. I'm sorry." She peeked up to meet his eyes.
"I expect no secrecy." He sounded harsh, but Ai knew that it was just because he was caught up in the moment. Then, Akashi's voice got more frigid as he addressed the other topic. "And, what did you call her?" The other Akashi wouldn't have had a shred of respect for the upperclassman, but he retained his composure.
"It's nothing, Seijuro. He's only an old friend." She feigned calmness. Mentally, however, Ai began to prepare for the worst, knowing things could escalate quickly. What if this was his last straw? Would he leave her? Her fingertips unconsciously touched the heart necklace she wore, perhaps for moral support.
Everyone except Kenma and the person in question was surprised.
"What do you mean, Ai-senpai?" Lev asked to clarify.
Daichi looked at her surprisedly as well.
"I knew him before I went to America. I've only recently connected the dots myself." She took Akashi's hand in hers and tugged at it, wondering if discussing this together alone would be better.
Did she make him jealous? But, being jealous meant acknowledging that the other person had a chance. That couldn't possibly be the case for the prideful emperor of all people, could it? Sure, Kuroo was fun and caring, but Akashi was the only one whom she thought of in that way.
Everybody was quiet, and some people shifted uncomfortably.
After a moment, he spoke again. "Ai, you'll stay here. Everyone will clean up after themselves. Midorima and the others will help in your place if need be."
The Karasuno and Nekoma teams slowly stood. They backed away with caution as if to not vex the enraged emperor any further. Bokuto and Akaashi did the same. Aomine, Kagami, and a few others who were uninterested in the lovers' quarrel also left.
Momoi shot Ai a worried look, then looked down as if deciding something. The analyst ended up standing to follow the blue-haired ace.
"That was a big error for keeping things from Sei-chan," Mibuchi softly criticized under his breath.
"Mibuchi."
With one word from Akashi, his vice-captain backed off. "Sorry," he regretted, feeling sincerely guilty.
"Ai." Her boyfriend opened an arm in invitation.
She crawled into the spot next to him. Akashi held her close to his body. His hand gripped her shoulder, but he remained silent for a while, making Ai wonder if she should say something.
"Seijuro?" she whispered, so quietly that she wasn't sure if he'd heard.
Akashi continued to face forward. He watched as some of the volleyball players poked at and reawakened the coal to grill some more food. It was nearing the evening.
She pursed her lips. Was he angry? Perhaps she should give him space. However, his hold on her shoulder didn't loosen at all.
As she welled in her thoughts, Akashi turned his head towards her. He saw how her magenta eyes looked up at him with worry. Worry that he would leave her? It pained him that she would look at him like that.
"I'm not mad at you," he said in a tone much softer than before. His opposite hand traced a thumb across her cheek as his gaze dropped to her neck, at the jewelry she wore. The pendant he'd given her. The red gem shimmered beautifully, suiting her perfectly. How could he be mad, when she clipped on the necklace every morning with him in mind?
She said soft goodnights as she took it off for bed, and her hand always sought out the silver heart resting against her collarbones whenever possible. There was no questioning how she felt.
"You didn't tell me you fainted?" His eyes were brimming with worry.
She bit her lip.
He condoned her, his maroon gaze softening. "I forgive you. But, I'd rather you be completely honest from now on. You can tell me anything."
Ai nodded, promising him. "Okay."
Akashi caught her chin between his fingers. "And, be more confident. Don't be afraid of me." He didn't like that she still acted a little submissive towards him. It could have been a habit from Teikō. But, he couldn't blame her.
"I know," she said, giving him a gentle smile.
His erratic other half might have attacked Kagami with scissors or offered to gouge his eyes out if his team lost to Shūtoku, but this Akashi understood people's emotions better. Despite the occasional violent outbursts, she wasn't afraid of either of them.
His shoulders relaxed as he sighed through his nose a little. The corners of his lips turned up, too. "You worry too much. Stop overthinking," he gently urged, moving his hand to hold her face.
"It's sort of my specialty," she jested.
Akashi pursed his lips before relenting a small smile. That was what worried him the most; she thought too much of others. "I'm well aware."
It was normal to have disagreements from time to time. Arguments and difficulties were a standard part of relationships, but they always got through them together. By making up for their imperfections, it was perfect.
.
Akashi and Ai sat together until it was time to prepare for Karasuno's departure. Some people ate watermelon for dessert and chatted leisurely, but being with Akashi was the most blissful for her.
Come sunset, he was forced to let her go pack her things. Giving Ai a kiss on her cheek, he helped her to stand and watched as she went back to work, lingering smiles on both of their faces.
Ai surveyed the barbecue area and the people, getting an idea of what to do. She scrubbed the iron racks and cleaned up a bit after the successful barbecue, bending over at the outdoor faucets. The men helped clear the ash and put away the grills. The paper plates and garbage were collected into large bags, which were tied once full. The event was slowly coming to an end.
Lazy footsteps sounded on the grass. Patches of dirt showed through the lawn near the water station. "Hey, Akatsuki."
"Yes, Daiki-kun?" Ai didn't need to look up to know who the voice belonged to as she rinsed the cooking grate.
"Why are you going out with Akashi?"
She stopped and looked at him. Aomine's expression was dead serious, making her wonder why he had a sudden interest. "Why do you ask?"
"Who cares? Just answer the question."
Deciding to act a little sly, her lips turned up a bit. "Did Satsuki say something? Or, was it Seijuro?"
Placing the last metal rack on top of the piled clean ones, she twisted the faucet closed and flicked the water droplets on her fingertips into the concrete basin.
He huffed. He was becoming irritated with her for not giving him a straight answer. "Does it matter why I'm asking? Why are you dating him?"
She pursed her lips. "Why are you asking?" she reiterated, stressing her words.
He stared down at her for a minute, like a staring contest. Finally, he clicked his tongue and forfeited the competition. "Fine! It was Satsuki, alright? She asked me if I ever had feelings for you."
"And?"
"And, what? You're supposed to answer my question now."
Ai held his stare and walked toward him. Aomine didn't as much as flinch at the look in her eyes. "I'm dating Seijuro," she placed a hand on his defined chest, "because he asked."
The basketball ace stood still, waiting for a more detailed explanation.
"He said that I wasn't fit for you, and he asked me to be with him instead." She dropped her gaze to her hand that touched his shirt.
He narrowed his eyes. "...That's it?"
"That's it."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
She shrugged. "What was there to tell? It was back in middle school."
"Then, you would have gone out with me if Satsuki had told me sooner? If I asked you?"
Why was he pressing the matter?
"Well, that's awfully dependent on Satsuki, isn't it?" Ai grinned. "You didn't need me, or want me for that matter." She huffed out a chuckle. "You needed time alone back then to process your loss, which I respected."
"What if I did need you?"
"Then, you certainly didn't show it." She looked up at him again. "And, you know how well I do my job," she teased.
Suddenly, Aomine grabbed her hand that was at his chest. "You could have told me. I thought we were friends." He raised his voice a bit and squeezed her hand, seeming a little desperate.
"We still are, Daiki-kun." She smiled and cupped his big hand with her free one. "What's wrong? Is there something concerning you?"
He stared into her eyes for a few more seconds, then looked away. "No," he stated, but he didn't let go of her hand, so neither did she.
"Sorry to interrupt your moment." Kuroo stepped up from behind her. He pulled on her shoulders, strong enough to make her stumble back a couple of steps, but he was careful that she didn't trip or fall. Creating a distance so that the basketball player was out of reach, the captain hugged her to his tall chest. "But, I have to borrow her for my team."
"Kuro," she chastised.
"Huh? Outsiders stay out of this." Her former teammate glared.
Kuroo chuckled through his nose, not budging. "Chii, come on. Kenma and Yakkun are waiting," he cooed above her head. She could hear the Cheshire grin in his voice.
She sighed. The cat captain was being unfair, and he knew it. Ai didn't want to keep them waiting. "Kuro, I'll be there in a second."
"What? Why? Kai's looking for you, too," he made up, sounding whiny. "The coaches wanted to see you."
She glanced around, trying to verify if what he was claiming was true. "Coach Nekomata is standing over there, talking to Shinzen's coach. You can come up with a better lie than that," she bantered.
"Get lost. We're in the middle of talking," Aomine affronted.
"And, we're in need of our manager," Kuroo countered.
"She was our manager first. You weren't at Teikō."
"Well, I knew her from before that."
Ai didn't like where this was going. She cared for both of them, but there was only one of her. "Kuro, I promise I'll get back to you. Just give me a minute." She turned around in Kuroo's arms to face him and reached a hand up to touch his jawline. That caught his attention.
Her childhood friend frowned. "You guys are leaving soon, right? I heard your teacher saying so. Come say bye to the team," he reasoned.
"I will," she assured. The clock was ticking, and Ai still had to double-check Karasuno's club bags before Takeda-sensei called for everyone to get on the bus. Unlike the two Tokyo schools, the ride back to Miyagi would take many hours, so they were planning on leaving as soon as they got ready.
"She'll be there when she'll be there. Back off," Aomine growled.
Then, a strong voice rang out that made them all turn towards it. "Aomine."
The blue-haired ace faced his former captain. "Akashi..."
Ai slipped out of Kuroo's hold while the volleyball captain was too surprised to notice. She stood in the middle, in between the three of them nervously.
"Don't go around starting fights," Akashi told the power forward. He glanced at Ai to make sure she was okay, to which she answered with a nod and small smile.
Aomine ignored everyone else and focused on her. "Akatsuki, come back to basketball. You were happy when we played earlier, right? You can go back to managing with Satsuki again."
Kuroo stood taller, attempting to make up for the four-centimeter difference. "Chii switched to volleyball, and she's our manager now."
"You shut up. That's not even her name." Aomine was never the type to care about upperclassmen hierarchies, and it applied to Nekoma's third-year as well.
"It's been her nickname since we were kids!"
"We went to middle school together! I've spent more time with her," Aomine boasted.
"I knew her when she was six! I've known her for longer."
Ai had just about had enough with these two going back and forth like this. "Stop acting so immature, both of you." She raised her voice, her command just as piercing as her glare.
She sighed. "Good grief, Daiki-kun. You sound like Ryōta-kun trying to get Kuroko-kun to join his team last year." The last thing she wanted was a fight between them.
"I will go back to Karasuno," she emphasized, to Kuroo in particular, "and prepare to return to Miyagi. You can sort out any problems amongst the three of you." Not sparing any of them a glance, she puffed out a breath and walked away. "Excuse me."
The three guys watched her until she disappeared, picking up a conversation with Yachi on her way to the classrooms. Ai must have changed her facial expression as soon as she turned her back on them because the blonde girl giggled at something she said, much less showed any signs of cowering.
Akashi's eyes flickered between the two other men. "I can guess the gist of what was going on here, but let me be clear. Her boyfriend is me. If you have something to say about it, you can say it to me."
They hesitated to open their mouths at first.
"You can't speak for her," Kuroo said, standing up on Ai's behalf.
Aomine agreed with a grunt.
"I can't. Though, that doesn't change the fact that she's my girlfriend, no matter what you say."
"So, what? Her opinion doesn't matter?" Kuroo challenged.
"Of course it matters."
"Then, who's to say she doesn't like us more?"
"Yeah, none of us knows who she likes the most," Tōō's ace joined in.
He raised a brow. "Do you truly want to break her heart by asking her to rank us? Trouble her to tell us who she likes more than the other?" Akashi questioned.
Nekoma's captain swallowed his words, then muttered, "Must be easy for you to say."
The captain of the Generation of Miracles faced him head-on. "Excuse me for saying this to an upperclassman, but frankly, yes, it is." If this were his emperor half, he might have lashed out more violently instead of with just words. "Ai isn't afraid to speak up about anything. She would have changed her mind by now if she wanted to." Although she didn't tell me about him when she stayed over the other night...
"I could've asked her out in middle school," the ace grumbled.
"Aomine, do you know what happened with Haizaki?"
The power forward furrowed his brows. "Huh? Haizaki? What's he got to do with this?"
"He preyed on her once, to get back at me for getting ejected from the team."
Aomine was shocked. This was the first time he'd heard of this. "Seriously?"
"Wait, who is this guy?" Kuroo asked, disoriented by the new name.
"Some douchebag from middle school," Aomine answered.
"He attacked her?"
"Cornered her. More emotional damage done than physical," Akashi explained, then turned to his former schoolmate. "I'm not surprised you didn't know. I don't think she's told Momoi, either."
"You're the only one who knew about this?"
"Kise does, and Murasakibara. They overheard when I spoke with the coach."
"Damn it!" Aomine kicked the ground. "Should've given him a second punch," he growled.
After the anger had dissipated a bit, Akashi spoke again. "Aomine, you only began to notice her after Momoi told you."
"Well, sorry for not being able to see the future like you."
"You were blinded by your loss for basketball, and I don't blame you."
Aomine clicked his tongue. "Whatever."
The middle blocker put his hand on his hips. "That's some messed up middle school. Aren't you guys to blame?"
Akashi turned to the third-year next. "Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship, Kuroo-san?"
"...No."
"Then, you don't know the agony of being separated when all you want to do is see her every day." His voice faltered a little with anguish. "Going to school and club practice, knowing that she won't be there. Instead, she goes to a different school, managing a different team, in a different prefecture, over eight hundred kilometers (about 500 miles) away from your own." Akashi sighed. "And, now that she's opened her heart again, it's harder than ever for her."
The small detail didn't slip past Kuroo. "What do you mean, 'again'?"
"I made her who she is now. I feel bad about it, but the hardship was inevitable." Akashi's posture exuded his usual body language, but the confidence in his tone wavered.
"It was your fault she got so cold," Kuroo finally understood. That girl he knew in Chiba... She was so precious and kind. All he wanted to do was protect her from the world.
"Like I said, I'm not proud of it."
The middle blocker glared. "It didn't have to be that way."
Akashi met the taller athlete's hazel eyes. "No. And neither did her family."
Kuroo flinched, hard. "...What?
"I assume you know her family, since you've known her for so long," Akashi started.
"Yeah, I know them. What about it?" he asked smugly, but inside, he was scared to hear the answer.
"She's had a lonely childhood, no thanks to either of us." Akashi's voice hardened again. "She doesn't need any more relationships falling apart."
"So, what? We're supposed to hold hands and act happy?"
"She'll see through that," Aomine bluntly pointed out.
"She will," Akashi concurred.
The third-year exhaled a loud mix of a sigh and a groan. "We'll just bury the hatchet, then."
The guys stared at each other, not one of them backing down.
"Oi, Kuroo!" Yaku yelled from across the lawn. "What are you doing? Come on, we're going to see Karasuno's guys off!"
"Yeah, I'll be there!" he shouted back. Giving the two basketball players a final austere look, Kuroo went to where the libero was waiting with his hands on his hips.
Akashi let a moment pass before speaking again. "Aomine."
"Yeah?" he spat, still in a foul mood.
"I know we don't get along easily, and that's just our personalities. But when it comes to her..."
The ace looked at the captain, and he reeled his head back at the ruthless red glare.
"I will not forgive anyone who hurts her."
Aomine was silent for a minute. "Including yourself?"
"Yes." Akashi glanced toward the pale school building, where she was. "Our history from Teikō connects all of us, and I don't expect it to crumble so easily. She has a relationship with you, as she does with Kise and Momoi." And probably with many other people she's met after graduating from Teikō, he thought bitterly. The volleyball teams here were nothing but proof of that. "It's not my place to intervene."
Finally, Aomine grunted and sighed defeatedly. "My bad for I raising my voice at you," he said, scratching the back of his head.
"It's not a bad thing that people look after her," her boyfriend supposed. Their old teammates and Nishinoya, who he'd recently accepted, came to mind. However, he would always be at the top. He'd care for her the most, more than anyone else.
.
Ai asked Yachi and Kiyoko to go on ahead and checked the empty classroom they'd been borrowing alone. No belongings forgotten.
Her gaze stayed cast downward after checking the floor for any dropped items. Her eyes got misty, remembering the three guys she'd left out on the lawn outside. They wouldn't have another fallout now, right? Every one of the Generation of Miracles have gotten past that.
Ai didn't realize that her bottom lip was tucked between her teeth. All she knew was that she wanted a secure hug. One from her boyfriend that told her she didn't have to worry, and that everything was going to be alright. However, she took a deep breath in and fought back the urge for now.
Thinking about checking the guys' room for lost things as well, she carried her black and fuchsia overnight bag and walked down the empty echoing hallway to the staircase. Her eyes widened when she saw her boyfriend waiting for her.
Akashi stood against the wall, at the small level between floors where the stairs stopped and turned in the opposite direction. He looked up at her footsteps, which had halted abruptly.
Ai hadn't heard him coming, too lost in her thoughts. How long had he been waiting? "Seijuro?"
Pushing his back off the wall, he started to climb the steps to take her bag for her, regardless of how heavy it weighed. "Let me."
When she relinquished it to him, he hooked the strap over his right shoulder and held out his left hand for her to take. Ai held his hand as they descended the stairs. He stopped at the halfway platform to check if she was okay.
She tugged on his hand just a little, making eye contact. "Seijuro?"
"Hm?"
"Where's Daiki-kun?"
"He's with Kuroko and the others."
"Oh." Her eyes flickered to their feet for a millisecond before meeting his gaze again. "Did he seem okay?"
Akashi smiled at her caring nature. "He's fine."
She made a tight-lipped smile and nodded.
Then, his face fell as he looked at her, and he frowned. Akashi lowered her bag onto the floor. "Come here." He opened his arms for her.
Gratefully, Ai hugged him and buried her face into his chest. Her cheek pressed against the space below his collarbones. She squeezed him, and then felt his arms hold her tighter.
Ai knew that it'd been wrong to keep secrets, but she hadn't wanted to talk about other guys on their night together. Why would she, in the right mind, do anything other than simply enjoy her boyfriend's company after being apart for half a year? Of course she wouldn't daydream or think about Kuroo when she was with Akashi. And, the way Aomine had acted after hearing of her old crush from Momoi... They all knew he liked idols, but it had seemed out of character for him to seriously think about romance. Had the stubborn ace felt that he'd lost to the captain?
Akashi hugged her, rubbing his hands on her back soothingly, for a good minute. She relaxed into his embrace and held him back around his waist. The staircase provided some privacy, and the point guard took full advantage of it. He was glad he'd asked Kiyoko where he could find her.
After feeling that the tension in her body had left, Akashi pulled back just enough so that they wouldn't be cross-eyed. He cupped the side of her face. "What's on your mind?"
"What?" she barely whispered. He was too close for her brain to function properly.
"You've been biting your lip again," Akashi said.
Her heart skipped a beat. How did he know?
His thumb rubbed across her bottom lip. "It's red, as if you're wearing lipstick."
Oh. "Nothing serious." She tried to smile to reassure him.
Wordlessly, he grabbed her hands and guided them over his shoulders. Ai wrapped her arms around his neck for another hug while Akashi held her waist this time. He pressed her closely. Her heels lifted from the floor, leaning up onto her toes to accommodate his taller height. When she hooked her chin over his left shoulder and rested her head against him, he tilted his head onto hers. Their bright red and dark black hairs matted together.
His voice sounded behind her ear. "I won't leave you."
All she could do was gasp an inhale. She was already hugging him as tightly as she could. "Seijuro..."
"I know."
She wanted to cry.
They stayed like that for a while. Normally, her heart would have been fretting about taking too much time, but his embrace kept her surprisingly calm. It was reassuring beyond words. She didn't know why or whether it was a good thing. Ai imagined that the sun was setting and getting darker outside by the second, but she indulged in her desire to be with him for longer.
He rubbed her back with splayed hands. The pads of his fingertips pressed firmly into the relaxing spots on her lower back. "Ai?"
"Hmm?"
Akashi didn't move away, keeping her from seeing his expression. She would've deciphered the look on his face if she saw it now.
Do you regret it? he wanted to ask. Do you ever wish you hadn't accepted the red tulip?
"Are you finished packing?"
"Yes."
"Good," he sighed. He wanted to stay with her to the last second, until they had to leave and part ways again. But, Akashi was a responsible guy. He knew she had to go soon. He loosened his arms around her, and she pulled back, too, when she felt it.
Akashi brought his hand up to hold her face, meeting her gaze. "No more secrets."
Ai nodded, staring into his eyes. They were beautiful and her favorite color. "Yes, I promise. No secrets."
He smiled softly. "And, I'll promise the same to you."
Don't go, they whispered in their heads.
Everything changes. Everybody changes. But...
Don't change. I want you here with me, he thought.
She sighed. "I wish I could stay for your Interhigh, but we have another tournament coming up soon."
"I know," he said somberly, but he smoothed his thumb across her cheekbone. "Summer isn't over yet for another month. Go to your Spring High Preliminaries. We'll make plans to meet again soon."
She nodded with a hopeful smile. Leaning up, she lightly tugged on the nape of his neck so he would bend down and kiss her. She closed her eyes. Their lips locked for a moment before pulling away.
.
The Karasuno Volleyball Club's guys gathered their bags and walked towards the parking lot.
Although he disliked being weak, Hinata was excited at the fact that there were more players above him, all who were much stronger than him. Oikawa, Ushijima, Bokuto, Sakusa, Kiryū... They were all up above him, and it drove him to get better.
At the front of the school, everyone came to see them off. She bowed to the coaches and teachers, thanking them for having her club over. Coach Nekomata and Coach Naoi gave her a pen as a parting gift and to show their gratitude for her work with their team. Nekoma's team also had a surprise for her.
"Ai-san," Nekoma's vice-captain called her over. The cats grinned mischievously, and they all formed a circle. "Put your fist out in the middle," Kai said.
She curiously did as she was told, and the others copied her.
"Ready?" Yaku asked beside her.
Kai placed his other hand on her shoulder. She looked at their faces, the people she'd become close friends with. Kuroo and Kenma stood side by side opposite of her while she was sandwiched between the other two third-years. Her heart swelled with emotion. She nodded and held the starting libero's back.
"We are the body's blood (俺達は血液だ)," Kuroo shouted. "Flow without stopping. (滞り無く流れろ) Circulate oxygen (酸素を回せ)."
Ai took a glance at the setter.
"So that the brain works properly! ("脳"が正常に働くために。)" Kuroo finished.
"Yeah!" Everyone cheered.
Ai felt overwhelmed by their welcome, as she hugged everyone one by one. "Yaku-san, Kai-san, Yūki, Sō, Shōhei, Taketora-kun, Tamahiko, Lev, Kenma..." She stepped back, leaving most of them in a red blush.
Kuroo was last. "Kuro. Thank you." She hugged him around his torso since he was too tall for her.
"Chii." When she let go, he put a hand on his best friend's shoulder. "Kenma may be our spine, brain, and heart, but you're our manager. With this rite, you're now officially a part of our team."
He and the rest of the guys smiled. Everyone was happy with the inauguration.
She clutched her hands to her heart. "Thank you... for letting me join and assist you all. It's such an honor and pleasure."
Additionally, Ai knew that she should have a word with the younger red libero before she left. "Yūki. I know you'll be helping the team again after I leave."
Shibayama stood straight and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, ma'am!"
She smiled a little. "You do an amazing job of it." Ai touched a pointer finger to his chest. "But, don't forget that you're a player, too. You might be filling in the spot for everyone, but you're not a manager. You're a libero, and of Nekoma, no less. Keep that athlete's spirit at heart."
Breathing in deeply, he nodded again with determination. "Yes!"
Ai hugged Bokuto and Akaashi, too. "Take care, Kōtarō-san, Keiji-kun."
"You too, Ai-san." Akaashi patted the top of her head. It must be instinct for tall guys to do that to shorter people.
"We'll meet again!" Bokuto grinned.
Once they parted with the four schools of the Fukurōdani Academy Group, she walked down the concrete staircase. She had to say goodbye to her basketball friends.
Akashi's limousine, big enough to fit all of the basketball players, was parked in one of the empty spaces. The guys and Momoi were going to get a ride to the nearest train station.
Aomine stood back leisurely behind Kise. He didn't avoid meeting her eyes and kept a straight face.
It seemed that he was alright after talking with Akashi.
"It was a pleasure talking with you, Reo-san." Ai shook his hand, but he pulled her in for a friendly hug, too.
"You as well, Ai-san." Rakuzan's vice-captain winked, seeming to approve of her being Akashi's girlfriend.
"Bye, Satsuki. I'll call you soon."
"Daiki-kun, thank you for coming. Don't cause Satsuki too much trouble."
"Ryōta-kun, behave at Kaijō. And, thank you for making the trip here."
"I owe you an apology, Shintarō-kun. I'm sorry for making you an accomplice. Thank you for your kindness."
"Kazunari-kun, take care of him for me. I believe he's happy to have you as a good friend."
"Bye, Taiga. Give my regards to Tatsuya if you see him at the tournament."
"Kuroko-kun, thank you for arranging the chance for Seijuro to come early. Bye, Nigou."
She gave a friendly hug to all of them and gave the puppy a good scratch behind his fluffy ear.
The moment she was done, Akashi pulled on her hand.
She hugged his neck as he bent slightly forward for her. "I'll miss you," she breathed.
"I'll miss you more." He kissed her temple and touched his forehead to hers before letting go. "Call me frequently, Ai."
She nodded. "I will."
He reached out to hold her heart necklace.
"I won't leave you," she repeated the words he'd said a few minutes ago, and grinned.
He smiled back. Akashi brought her hand up to his lips for a kiss.
The crows flocked into the bus and waved their dear friends goodbye.
The summer vacation training camp away games were now over.
***
Author's Note:
Back to Miyagi! It was fun while it lasted. 🥲
I'll write about Haizaki later, so don't worry, you didn't miss anything!
Also, if you graze your lips with your teeth, it'll become flushed like a natural lipstick! Same with if you pinch your cheeks for a blush! It's a trick for when you're not wearing makeup but want to add some rouge to your face. (Though I'm not sure if it works for all skin colors... Feel free to let me know if it does for you!)
***
Bonus: Characters that have the same voice actors!
Haikyuu and KnB edition!
(These are all Last name, First name)
(I know this is long overdue; sorry!)
Kimura Ryōhei:
Bokuto Kōtarō (Fukurōdani) &
Kise Ryota (Kaijō)
Hosoya Yoshimasa:
Azumane Asahi (Karasuno) &
Hyūga Jyunpei (Seirin)
Hoshino Takanori:
Kai Nobuyuki (Nekoma) &
Coach Harasawa Katsunori (Tōō)
Ishikawa Kaito:
Kageyama Tobio (Karasuno) &
Fukui Kensuke (Yōsen)
Hayashi Yū:
Tanaka Ryūnosuke (Karasuno) &
Ogiwara Shigehiro (Kuroko's friend)
Kamiya Hiroshi:
Takeda Ittetsu-sensei (Karasuno) &
Akashi Seijuro (Rakuzan)
Masuda Toshiki:
Ennoshita Chikara (Karasuno) &
Hayama Kotarō (Rakuzan)
Ōsaka Ryōta:
Akaashi Keiji (Fukurōdani) &
Mayuzumi Chihiro (Rakuzan)
Shōji Masayuki:
Koganegawa Kanji (Date Tech) &
Miyaji Kiyoshi (Shūtoku)
Kimura Subaru:
Tendō Satori (Shiratorizawa) &
Papa Mbaye Siki (Shinkyō)
Eguchi Takuya:
Terushima Yūji (Johzenji) &
Koganei Shinji (Seirin)
Shimazaki Nobunaga:
Suna Rintarō (Inarizaki) &
Sakurai Ryō (Tōō)
Toriumi Kōsuke:
Sakusa Kiyoomi (Itachiyama) &
Wakamatsu Kōsuke (Tōō)
Let me know if I missed anyone!
***
Think of future occupations/where they'll be in 3, 5, or 7 years for the basketball players!!
(Please, please, please give me ideas 😭😭😭
I really want to write about the Haikyuu timeskip and add the KnB characters, too!)
(I know that the Generation of Miracles plus Kuroko and Kagami have canon alternate jobs they would pursue, and I will use some of them! But that doesn't cover all of the other important characters,... from Seirin, Kaijō, Shūtoku, Tōō, Yōsen, Rakuzan, Kirisaki Daiichi, or Teikō... ???)
(Strky is just a college basketball team, but would the members continue playing?? Feel free to send me a long list or comment for just one person! You can also refer to and comment in the Team Information chapter!)
Who would go professional??
(Please, please help me! Any opinion would be greatly appreciated!!!)
Total Word Count: 7250