Chapter Text
15th December
Furihata threw the ball into the hoop. Wiping the sweat off his chin. He grinned and gave thumbs up to his teammates. It was their last practice together before the third years were to graduate.
It was a bittersweet day for all of them. But they played with no regrets left behind, Kuroko was confident that Seirin would continue the legacy they had left behind, and was sure that Furihata’s new appointed captain would continue guiding the team just as how Hyuuga and Furihata did.
“Man, I’m going to miss this gym.” Kawahara sighed sentimentally. Sniffing as he did, the first years rolled their eyes at the dramatic senior. They will surely miss the third years, but they’d rather keep to themselves before Kawahara throws himself over them, bawling sentimental words.
“On the bright side, we won’t have to keep paying for new hoops” one junior said.
“HEY! I’M STILL HERE, YOU KNOW!” Kagami shouted. Kuroko chuckled, watching Kagami playfully whacking the said junior. He turned to his side and saw Furihata digging into his bag.
Furihata grinned when he took out stacks of Christmas card. Turning to Kuroko first and handed him his Christmas card.
“Here’s for you, Kuroko.” Furihata said. Kuroko smiled and took the card in his hands.
Furihata handed the rest to the others.
When Kagami received his, the handmade card impressed him.
“Wow, Furi, I didn’t know you could draw.” Kagami said.
Furihata chuckled. “I didn’t draw that. I had help.”
“Oh?” Fukuda and Kawahara looked at Furihata.
“Thanks, Furi!” They all said with glee.
“Speaking of cards.” Kawahara lift his head up. “We should plan out trip to Kyoto for—AGH!” Kawahara landed side ways from Kuroko’s unexpected ignite pass. Cutting his words short.
Furihata was caught clueless and Kagami stepped in front of him to get his attention.
“Hey, Furi! Let’s go to Maji burger?” Kagami grinned.
Quickly forgetting Kawahara’s incident, he looked up at Kagami with an awkward laugh.
“I-uh” he began anxiously. Kagami tilt his head, a little confused.
“I already have plans, Kagami.” Furihata said regretfully. But Kagami grinned.
“Ah it’s fine. Some other time then” he said, slapping an assured hand on Furihata’s shoulder.
After Furihata took a shower in the bathroom by the changing room. He got dressed with the extra clothes he brought with him from his locker. Fixing his slightly damped hair on the mirror.
“You know, when you said you had plans,” Furihata jerked at the sudden voice behind him. He turned around to see a grinning Kagami and Kuroko who was smiling softly.
“We didn’t expect you to be going on a date.” Kaami continued. Furihata’s cheeks flushed. Eyes evading them.
“Eh—“ Furihata stuttered. With such stuttering and flushed cheeks, they took it as a yes.
“Is it someone we know, Furihata-kun?” Kuroko inquired.
Getting redder by the moment, Furihata stuttered speechlessly.
Kuroko chuckled. “Have fun, Furihata-kun.” He said, making Furihata relax slowly again.
Furihata returned the smile and nodded. He closed his locker and wore his gloves.
“See ya’ around, Kagami, Kuroko!” Furihata said as he left.
Kagami waved and watch Furihata leave. He turned back to Kuroko who was checking his phone.
“What’s up?” he asked the small one.
Without looking up, Kuroko answered. “Akashi-kun hasn’t responded to me yet.”
Kagami pulled his shirt over his head and wiped the remaining sweat with it.
“Maybe he doesn’t like Furi?”
“That’s unlikely the case, Kagami-kun. Akashi-kun has been trying to get along with Furihata-kun since the day he had changed to himself. “Also,” Kuroko paused. “Takao-kun told me that he and Midorima-kun encountered Akashi-kun and Furihata-kun in the bookstore yesterday… Akashi-kun didn’t even informed us that he was in Tokyo yesterday.”
Kagami smiled. “Then he must have given it to Furi.”
“No.” Kuroko responded quickly.
“It doesn’t look like Furihata-kun received an invitation. Unless…” Kuroko pressed his chin between his fingers in deep thoughts.
He then looked up Kagami with a knowing look. But Kagami, only stared back… confused.
“You know… I can’t read your mind like… at all.” Kagami said. “I have no idea what’s going on.”
“Kagami-kun…you’re really hopeless.”
❄
Akashi adjusted his scarf. It was a pretty windy day. Brushing his red locks aside. He was standing outside the coffee shop near the train station where he and Furihata had promised to meet up.
Furihata’s hand were sweaty under his gloved hands that were tucked in his winter coat.
Furihata doesn’t know what to expect from this day. He suppressed the urge to imagine the worst things that could happen.
“Stay calm” he whispered to himself whenever he was nervous.
He never knew that he would feel almost badly about Akashi’s proposal to a date. He should be excited, with the fact that he had a crush on the pretty little red head. But the thought of actually dating him, was far beyond the border of his imagination and yet, reality decided to see if he could handle something that’s beyond the imagination.
“Okay, Kouki... just, no dirty thoughts....... god damn it.” And dirty thoughts, he had.
Crushing on the first girl was kind or easy on him. He even had the guts to confess without passing out. Crushing on Akashi, was like going unicorn hunting. You want it, but it doesn’t exist, even if it did, Furihata wouldn’t be the one to have found it.
“And he’s here...” He whispered to himself. Slowing on his steps. Akashi was standing by the coffee shop, waiting.
Furihata heaved a breath.
“Don’t turn back...” he forced his heels to not twist and sprint from all the nerves that’s shaking up his body, and for some odd reason, growing cold that he was close to cluttering.
Akashi’s head turned to his direction. Their eyes met, he smiled, and Furihata had his knees melting, staying straight now was a struggle. He didn’t dare to move, afraid he might face-plant on floor again.
Akashi made his way towards Furihata, while the brunette stood frozen.
“Hey!” Furihata managed to say with a clear voice, and learn that his throat was suddenly the sahara desert.
“Hi.” Akashi smiled back.
‘Why are you so good looking?’ Furihata’s mind cried.
“I’m glad you could come” Akashi said. Furihata blushed, scratching his cheeks with his finger.
“T-Thank you, for inviting me.” Furihata stuttered.
“So, shall we?”
Furihata was close to giggling like a school girl, because Akashi was absolutely charming.
❄
The two went to the mall, Akashi booked two tickets to the movie and decided to spend their time there as they waited.
They walked into the bookstore where it was slightly more quiet than the merry festive outside. Furihata followed Akashi to the literature section where he picked up a red book.
“The greatest gift” Furihata read the title.
Akashi smiled and flipped through the pages.
“My mother used to read to me when I younger,” Akashi said reminiscently. “She would sit me by the fire on her lap, and read to me every night until we finish the book. This was one of her favorites.”
“What is it about?” Furihata asked.
“Hmm, it’s a about a suicidal man, named George who attempts to jump off a bridge on the eve of christmas, wishing to have never been born.”
“That’s... depressing.”
“But that’s not all, he met a stranger, who granted his wish.”
“That’s... even more depressing.”
“But he wasn’t actually dead. You see, he granted his wish and he had to go door to door, pretending to be a brush salesman. To later learn that no one recognises him.
“... I don’t know anything more depressing than that”
“Exactly, but the reason was to make him see what life would be like for those he loved if he was not to be born. So George went house to house, and his friends have taken the worse path of their life because he was never there to guide them in times of need. His brother died drowning without George to rescue him. And lastly his wife, was married to another man.”
“But, what happens after that? Did he have to live through his life like that?”
“No. So, he begged the stranger to change him back... realising the world of his loved ones was a mess without him, that they needed him. And the stranger granted his wish, saying ‘I just wanted to make sure that you did. You had the greatest gift of all conferred upon you— the gift of life, of being a part of this world and taking a part in it.’”
“And yet, he denied the gift”
Akashi smiled. That was the exact line after that. Akashi nodded.
“So, it’s kind of like the ‘Christmas Carol’?”
“Yes. My mother taught me many valuable lessons, through her kindness, compassion and stories.”
With a fallen smile, he continued. “I just wished that I had done value of other people’s lives as George had.”
“I’m sure you have” Furihata said. Akashi could scoff. It was a typical response from a person to such topic. But he couldn’t blame him.
Akashi shook his head. “I have hurt many people—“ surprised by the sudden touch of his hand, with a firm squeeze.
“I am not only saying that.” Furihata said firmly. Akashi could only stare in shock as his eyes met with burning brown ones.
“We all have hurt people, without knowing, without consent. But there are people who would believe in us that stays despite all that... that’s what Kuroko did, he stayed with you, Akashi-kun, because he believed in you.”
Akashi stared at Furihata. His genuine heart was sound and undeniable. Which came with little shock, but that’s when he realised how Furihata grew good streak of heart and determination, despite his trembling bones whenever facing a challenge.
It was foolish of Akashi as he admits he has once again, underestimated Furihata, probably owe him another apology.
Akashi gave a guilty smile. “Kind of like Scrooge, am I?”
Furihata chuckled. “Hmmm... maybe the Grinch?— story wise”
Akashi’s eyes widen at the unfamiliar name.
“The Grinch?” He asked obliviously.
“You don’t know the Grinch?” Furihata asked, blinking in mild surprise.
“No”
Furihata smiled. “Then I will tell you the story later.”
With another hour left before the movie starts. The duo walked around the mall. Furihata was mostly in awe with the decorations within the mall, a nest theme with little tree barks, circled with thin white and gold ribbons.
Over the crowded chitchats, they heard a cry. The two looked around and Furihata was the first spot a young girl, don’t look more than 5 years old was standing in the middle of the crowd, lost and alone.
Furihata ran towards her, Akashi followed when he noticed.
“Hey,” Furihata approached her and bend to her height, she was still small despite him already slouching his back. Looking down at her.
“Are you lost?” He asked gently. He reached to his bag and took out a handkerchief, patting her damp cheeks. She sniffed, calming down a little.
The little child blinked up at the teenager, with soft brown eyes, warm smile. Then up at the other beside him, standing by his side and smiling down at her with the same softness.
She nodded to them before slowly breaking into another cry.
Furihata took her hand gently before she starts screaming again.
“Don’t cry. Do you perhaps know where you last saw your parents?” He asked and she shook her head.
“I don’t think she’s able to speak yet,” Akashi said.
Furihata sighed.
“Let’s head to the concierge, they’ll know how to trace for her parents.” Akashi said. Furihata nodded then turn to the girl.
“We’ll help you search for your parents, okay?” he said and the little girl nodded. Two little arms stretch out towards him, hands grabbing the air.
Akashi chuckled. “I think she wants you to carry her.”
“Eh...” Furihata stared at the little girl, whose eyes were doe like, glassy eyes pleading to be picked up.
“Alright,” he said and brought his hand to pick up the little girl who giggled as she was being lifted.
Furihata held the little girl in his arms comfortably. She giggled and laughed as her small hands clutch onto Furihata’s handkerchief.
“She seems to really like you.” Akashi commented, causing Furihata to blush in embarrassment.
On their way to the concierge, the little girl began to wiggle and tugging onto Furihata’s shoulder, eyes staring into a direction.
“What is it?” He asked as they slowed down, turning their attention the girl’s silent demands.
She pointed over Furihata’s shoulder. They turned to look and saw a little gift store with various attractive items on the display windows.
“Do you want to go there?” Furihata asked.
She nodded.
“Do you see your parents there?” Akashi asked.
She shook her head.
Furihata smiled. “We can’t go there,” he said softly.
Her eyes widen in sad disappointment.
“We need to look for your parents first” said Akashi.
“And then you can bring your parents there, okay?” Furihata said after.
Her eyes began to water, her cheeks puffed and turned pink, and if Furihata isn’t mistaken from his experience with his baby cousins. The little girl looked like she was about to throw a fit.
She began to wail and pointed insistently. Tugging onto Furihata’s shoulder. Eyes pleading.
Akashi smiled. “It’s just one store. How bad could it be?” Akashi asked, turning to Furihata who looked disconcert.
“A lot...” Furihata whispered before following Akashi, and the girl in his arms clapped and squealed.
Ten minutes into the store. And Akashi understood why Furihata was unsettled by the idea.
The child wanted to touch everything. Wherever her eyes laid upon, that’s what she wanted to touch— she’s like a moth attracted to lights and lamps.
It doesn’t help that the gift store mostly consist of expensive gifts and toys that are mainly collectibles than play things.
The way Furihata handled her in his arms and quick to stop her hand from grabbing anything breakable, was an amusement to Akashi. Although he could see the anxious sweat by his forehead.
“That’s not... she has no idea what that is... doesn’t she?” Akashi asked, the teenagers were staring at the glass vibrator with bunny ears at the hilt. The little child, was tempted to grab it.
“Bu-bun” she stuttered. Pouting when neither made a move closer or even showing her the pretty little shiny bunny toy... which isn’t a toy.
“Ah...” Furihata was not sure what to think of it. Except that they have probably exposed a little girl to something she shouldn’t have seen, not at her age at least.
He looked else where, and his eyes lit up instantly, brown eyes glowing with interest and awe. "Wuw! Train~"
Akashi was confused and searched whatever Furihata was looking at.
Without saying anything, Furihata made his move towards it. Akashi only trailed behind.
“Ohhh~ look, trains” Furihata cooed, more like cooing to himself, really.
They were at a wooden train display, where the little train moved on the wooden railway in 360 circle, with tiny music emitting from the wooden box. It had very smooth finish, with crafted details.
There were more other alike, of different designs, different cities, animals on forest like area. But Furihata seemed to be only attracted to the train one.
Furihata and the little girls’s eyes were enticed by the train as they followed it go round and round. Akashi broke into a smile at the sight. They were like little children... well, Furihata was almost identical to the real child in his arms.
Akashi saw the charm in the train. It was rather simple but fascinating.
“Do you know what the steam train runs on?” Furihata then asked.
Furihata’s eyes were still tied to the circling train, but with the tone of voice, he assumed he was asking the child.
The little girl shook her head. Eyes also glued on the train.
“Coal. It produces steam in the boiler.” Furihata paused and laughed. “My brother would have tapped my mouth if he was here.”
Akashi chuckled. Seems to him, Furihata seemed to have interest of trains, which was what probably drawn the teenager in.
“You know the polar express?” Furihata asked again.
The little girl shook her head.
“Ah~” now head turned to the girl.
“You need to ask your parents to watch it with you,” he said “it is magic~” he said and poked her nose with the tip of his finger, she giggled at the feather like sensation.
Akashi chuckled. Feeling his stomach twisting gently, like ribbons being tied elegantly. Heart melting at the sight, he wasn’t sure if it’s just their interaction or Furihata’s glow under the warm light, reflecting perfect shadows and features of his face.
Akashi then shook his head.
He wasn’t into trains. He liked the idea of traveling and seeing the world but it wasn’t something of interest, although Furihata seem to spark that light in him and suddenly, he felt like he had taken the view of the world for granted.
Akashi glanced at the various styles of clocks hung on the wall on display. He checked his watch to confirm the time, it was fifteen minutes until showtime. He would hate to be the one to break Furihata and the girl’s little fun.
“We better get going.” Akashi said softly and the duo looked up at him with disappointment.
Chuckling lightly at their pout. They looked alike. It was amusing.
When they reached to the concierge. The little girl was very reluctant to be given away to the kind lady behind the desk.
She wiggled and protested. Eyes begging both Akashi and Furihata. Head shaking, sticking her tongue out at the lady, then back at the teenagers, grabbing the air for them.
“It’s okay, this kind lady will help you find your parents.” Furihata said gently, and gave her his handkerchief.
“You can keep this.”
She sniffed and clung onto the cloth. Bottom lip sticking out in a deep sulk.
“Be careful next time, okay?” Akashi said with a warm smile, brushing her chubby cheeks.
The little girl only watch on as the teenagers waved to her. Soon enough they were gone from her sight and the lady placed her on a baby cob within the concierge oval desk.
“Stay here, okay? I will page for you parents.” She said.
The little girl watched the kind lady turning back to the desk. Observing the big people around her who were distracted and busy to even watch her. The child began to climb, she tumbled lightly and she made her escape.
“I need to go to the washroom first, could you wait?” Furihata asked Akashi who nodded and waited at the by the row of shops while Furihata went to the washroom.
He watch the crowds of families, with bags of goods, children pulling their parents into stores and some sharing ice creams and candies.
The crowds also began to gather in the middle of the mall where was a small stage with Christmas decorations, he could see the orchestra bands moving up to the stage with their instruments to prepare for the little event.
Then there was something waddling on floor caught his eyes; the little girl which they had just hand to the care of the concierge.
“Oh no.” Akashi breathed.
The little girl was roaming about, looking up at all the big, tall adults. The world must have looked massive to her. She saw some dancers in elf costumes going to the back stage. She clapped and followed them.
“Hey, come back here.” Akashi called. He looked around, how is nobody noticing a wandering child?
Akashi moved to go after her.
“Hey, come here.” He called but she pretty fast for a little thing, squeezing past the crowds while keeping an eye on her, in a blink of an eye she would be out of sight if Akashi wasn’t careful.
Furihata got out from the washroom and stood confused to where Akashi was waiting for him. He was sure that Akashi was just standing here.
“Akashi?” He called, searching around. He dug for his phone and clucked his tongue when the battery was out.
“Oh great.” Furihata looked around and began searching through the ocean of crowd.
Akashi stretches his arm to catch the little girl, but he tripped and face planted on the floor. The little girl turned around and clapped and giggled. Akashi looked up and pushed himself up.
“Come here,” Akashi called softly, stretching his arms out. The little girl clapped and pointed towards the back stage.
“No, no” Akashi shook his head. Approaching closer. She giggled and ran towards the backstage.
“No—no!” Akashi grunted and went after her into the backstage.
The area was cluster-phobic, with very little room to move around. The performers and crews were too busy to notice him and the child running about.
The little girl went into a small dark room.
“There you are,” Akashi breathed. The girl turned and clapped her hands upon seeing Akashi. He went to her and picked her up. Giggling as he did.
“You’re one naughty one, aren’t you?” Akashi chuckled and turned to leave but stopped abruptly when the tiny room began to shake and slowly, moving up.
The little girl giggled and clapped her hands more.
Furihata went to the middle of the crowd of audience, searching around for Akashi.
“Akashi!” Furihata called, tipping his toes for better view.
Then he turned towards the stage, where the band of orchestra were at and the conductor in the middle.
The stage had mist, clouding from the bottom. The musicians looked rather confused as though it wasn’t part of the performance plan yet. Then a confused looking teenager with red cherry hair and a giggling little girl in his arms, appeared from the centre stage..
Furihata sighed in relief. “Ah there he is....” His eyes then widen as his smile fell in realisation.
“Oh no there he is!” He gasped, hands clasp over his gaping mouth.
A man with jet black hair slammed on the concierge desk “What do you mean you lost her?!”. The lady who had previously took care of the little girl jolted at the outburst.
“God damn it! I’ll go look for her!” He huffed and left. He search around and went to the railings where the crowds were gathered to look down below where the Christmas event was being held.
Then he saw her, the little girl.
“There you are!” He said and saw a familiar face holding onto the child.
“Akashi?”
Furihata closed his eyes at the sight of Akashi and the child. The musicians stared at Akashi cluelessly. And so were the crowds who notice the awkwardness and how he and the child looked out of place.
Akashi stood frozen. Eying the crowd and began to process the situation he was stuck in, he had to do something before security came running after him and dub him not only for trespassing, but maybe child napping too.
With a plan in mind, he opened his mouth and sang. “Hark, the herald Angel’s sing. ‘Glory to the new born king’ peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled~”
Furihata squeaked and peaked from the gap of his fingers. The orchestra seemed to follow through and played the Christmas carol piece, with the choir continuing the following lines of the song.
Akashi exhaled in relief and took the cue to get off of stage, back to the normal crowds that had forgotten what just happened.
“Akashi-kun!” Furihata called and ran towards Akashi and the child.
“Thank goodness! What happened? And why is she here?”
“I think our little friend here made an escape.” Akashi said.
“Keiko-chan!” They heard someone called and shoes running towards them. The little girl giggled and stretched her arm out. They turned around and a man with jet black hair came running to them.
“Keiko!” He then took the girl in his arms, hugging her and kissing the crown of her head.
Furihata smiled at the reunion and Akashi blinked at the man.
He looked up and smirked. “Oi, Akashi,” he greeted.
“Nijimura...san...” Akashi said in mild surprise.
“You weren’t trying to kidnap my niece did you?” He asked jokingly.
Akashi who didn’t look slightly amused by Nijimura’s joke. Something tells Furihata that he knew this man pretty well.
“So this is your niece, Nijimura-san?” Akashi asked, smiling.
Nijimura laughed and nodded “yeah, well, she’s a handful, I’ll tell ya’. Sorry she had caused you trouble.”
“None at all.” Akashi chuckled.
“She’s really cute.” Furihata said and the little girl giggled.
Nijimura looked at Furihata with mild surprised. “Ah, you must be Seirin’s Furihata.” He said and Furihata was startled.
“Ye-yes.” He bowed “nice to meet you.. uh?”
“Nijimura Shuzo.” He snorted “I bet the little shits didn’t tell you about me did they?”
“Little... shits?” Furihata whispered, confused.
“Generations of rainbows.” Nijimura said and Furihata’s eyes widen at the realisation before chuckling.
“Ah~ sorry— oh! You were Teiko’s captain, right?” Furihata nodded. “I remember Kuroko had told us little about you.” He added.
Nijimura laughed. “Ah, I miss those brats. Hey, Akashi, I received your letter.” He said and smiled “You bet I’ll be there.”
“Thank you, Nijimura-san.” Akashi said. Then he was pulled by Nijimura as he slung his arm over Akashi’s shoulder, bringing him into a whisper.
“Also, are you dating this cute little guy? I have to say, I have really good feeling about him.” Nijimura whispered.
Akashi kept a straight face despite his ears burning. Nijimura let out a hearty laugh.
“Ain’t that right, Keiko-chan?” He asked Keikk who nodded and giggled.
“Anyway, I better get going.” Nijimura said and let go of Akashi.
“Bye bye!” He waved to them with Keiko safe in his arms.
When they were out of sight. Akashi turned back to Furihata who looked rather down.
“Hey, Akashi-kun,” Furihata said lowly.
“I’m sorry we missed the movie.” He said. Akashi checked he watch and Furihata was right, they were already twenty minutes late.
Akashi smiled. “It’s alright. Besides, you could tell me about the Grinch?”
Furihata looked up, he smiled and nodded.
❄
The two got a drink of hot spearmint cocoa for Furihata, and a Spiced cinnamon tea for Akashi. While they took a stroll with Furihata story tell of the tale of The Grinch.
“Okay so, let me get this straight.” Akashi said as they strolled in the park, shoes crunching against the snow. “The Grinch, his heart suddenly grew three sizes?”
“Yes” Furihata said.
“How is that biologically possible?” Akashi questioned in puzzlement.
Furihata chuckled. “It’s a metaphor, Akashi.”
“I know that, but in that universe of 'WHO', his heart grew like, literally?”
“As illustrated, yes.” Furihata chuckled and opened the page of the book, which they have bought from the book store.
“I see,” Akashi nodded then turned to Furihata.
“So when you said I was more like the Grinch—“
“I did not say that, I said story wise— I corrected my phrasing.”
“Are you saying my heart was small?” Akashi asked, ignoring Furihata’s explanation.
“What? No—“ Furihata stuttered and shook his head frantically. Akashi laughed at the sight.
“I meant in a story where you have someone, like Cindy who came and stayed and believed in the Grinch despite his perception of Christmas. I mean the Grinch wasn’t selfish, really, unlike Mr.Scrooge. Grinch was misunderstood and just turned the way he is because people didn’t understand him with an open heart. But Cindy did, and the whole of Whoville gathered with her and showed him that they were more than just ordinary citizens, and Grinch just needed to see that the whole world, was more than anything he’d thought he knew.”
“So you’re saying, that Kuroko was the Cindy?”
Furihata chuckled and nodded. “Kuroko and the others. They believed in you, Akashi-kun. The real you.”
Akashi smiled with Furihata. He gave him a very warm feeling, almost familiar. Warm by the fireplace, with his mother smiling down at him after a story. That’s it, that was how it felt like at this moment.
“Akashi, are you okay?” Furihata asked, brows knitted in concern.
“You look really flushed.” Furihata said and took off one glove and brought his hand up to touch Akashi’s cheek which was suddenly growing much warmer.
Furihata then realise how soft and warm the cheek in his hand was. He didn’t quite realise what he was doing until later, it was an instinct reflex to care for those around him.
Noticing how Akashi’s eyes were burning into his. He averted his gaze else where, and the sight of Kagami and Kuroko strolling hand in hand came to sight. He smiled.
“Kagami, Kuroko!” He called, now waving his hand that has left Akashi’s cheek.
With Furihata being distracted, Akashi took the opportunity to face plant on the mushy snow, burying his burning onto the cold fluffy ice.
Kagami and Kuroko waved as they approached.
“Ah Furihata, so this was your plans huh?” Kagami teased once he was standing in front of the brunette who blushed and stuttered a yes.
While Kagami and Furihata were chatting up, Kuroko approached Akashi who was laying face flat on the snowy ground.
Akashi heard the crunches of the snow that stopped in front of him.
“Akashi-kun” Kuroko called.
Akashi didn’t really respond, only shifting his face slightly, probably burying it further.
“Is it safe to assume that you have given him the Christmas c—“
“No.” Akashi said as soon as he lifted his head up from the snow.
Kuroko tilt his head.
“Akashi-kun,”
Akashi recognise the face all too well. Kuroko has very good intentions, but has a bad habit of butting into people’s lives, necessary or not.
“Don’t say anything to him, okay?” Akashi said and Kuroko nodded.
“Hmm... you’re really flushed”
“I know that” Akashi glared sharply and Kuroko chuckled. It was an amusing sight of Akashi that the others and he as well has never get to witness.
“Akashi-kun, could it be perhaps you took him out on a date to reassure your feelings towards him?” Kuroko inquired.
“Yes. That is the case.” Akashi responded softly.
“Hmm.” Kuroko nodded knowingly.
“So this is how Akashi-kun is like when he is in love”
“I did not say that” Akashi retorted, feeling himself burning again. Kuroko tilt his head questionably.
“We’re not meant for each other, being friends is the best thing for us. There’s no way we can be lovers.” Akashi continued.
“And...?” Kuroko waited. Akashi was silent for a moment, staring up at Furihata’s back who was laughing along with Kagami, indulge in their conversation.
“I think...” Akashi swallowed the lump in his throat. Feeling his heart beating like a melodious beat drum.
“I’m falling for him...” Akashi whispered finally.
He had refuse to believe that it could be so, that there was no way he was in love with him.
Though he had never been confident about for these two years. But he couldn’t hide it anymore. He couldn’t do anything as Furihata was always on his mind, seeing this it must be.
Akashi was falling for him even though he was unaware. Furihata’s presence had delved deeply into his heart.
❄