Chapter 9

First, I would like to offer my most sincere apologies for having not been able to update

Second, I have decided that the story will mainly focus on Akashi and Umi, so yeah I wouldn't have time for any other ships, but I'll randomly include them at some point

Third, I'm going to take my college entrance exams 10 days from now, so wish me luck :)))

"Oi Shin-chan, didn't think you were so popular with the ladies?" – Takao snickered

"Shut up Takao"

"I was really disappointed to learn about Umi-chan and Akashi ya' know, I was originally planning to get you guys together but hey now Shin-chan can get his own girl right?"

"Hmf, there's no way Akashi would let himself be involved in some frivolous romantic pursuits"

"Are you jealous, Shin-chan?! And by the way, I heard that you are going home early today. Is there anywhere you have to drop by?"

"I have some business to attend to. I'm leaving"

Midorima picked up his belongings and left the gym. He headed towards a nearby temple

He had been so unlucky recently despite having religiouly following every single one of Oha Asa's advice. First, he lost to Akashi. Then he got into a series of bad luck for a whole week. So he decided to rid himself off some misfortune by dropping by the temple everyday from then on until his luck improved

What he didn't expect was a certain purple-haired girl, in a miko outfit, who greeted him with a knowing smile

"Glad to see you again, Shintarou-kun! What do you need?"

"I-I. What are you doing here?!" – he pushed up his glasses in confusion

'This woman is everywhere. It seems she's not joking about her spiritual power'

"I'm a helper at this temple. I see that you're having a great deal of bad luck recently, why don't you come inside and ask of God's blessings?"

If he could recall, she introduced herself as 'Nozomi Tojo', who was, to his surprise, just as superstitious as he was, if not more.

"If you keep up that grumpy attitude of yours, it's likely you will encounter even more bad luck Shintarou-kun. Oh, the entrance is that way" – Nozomi followed Midorima towards the altar

"You d-don't need to tell me that. I can go by myself"

"It's my duty to escort guests at this temple, Shintarou-kun"

"But I don't need a chaperone"

They reached the altar and both bowed to show respect. Midorima was quickly done with his 'service to God' when he saw Nozomi, eyes shut, hands clasped together tightly. She was mumbling something inaudible he couldn't make out and she was deeply immersed in her own world. The very sight was enchanting. She looked like a lovely goddess descended from the heaven

Midorima stood motionless for a few minutes, then snapped back to reality

"Are you going to sit there forever?"

She shot him an apologetic smile

"Sorry.. I forgot you are here too"

Then, Midorima noticed something in her eyes, something that hinted loneliness, but her sorrowful gaze was quickly replaced by her usual playful one

"Well, if you need to confide in God, just come here anytime, Shintarou-kun. God shall offer you spiritual guidance and lead you towards your goals!"

"I only come because my luck is declining, that's all"

"I see, goodbye Shintarou-kun! And thanks for coming!"

Midorima let out an annoyed 'Hmf' and headed home.

Nozomi's words stuck on his head

'Should I come tomorrow?'

Umi looked at herself in the mirror once again and sighed in disappointment. She never cared much about the way she dressed, as long as it's decent for her age and status. Now, however, she was frantically rummaging through her closet to find something 'presentable' as she couldn't possibly show up at Akashi's match wearing her school uniform

Fortunately, Kotori came to her rescue just in time

Kotori obviously had an eye for fashion. She designed Muse's extremely meticulous costumes and on numerous occasions even designed some custom-made outfits for Umi because 'Umi-chan would look good in anything'

"Umi-chan, you cannot wear something like this on a date!"

"It's not a date Kotori! You got it all wrong"

"Even so, showing up in front of Akashi-san with this attire is a crime, Umi-chan. You could get arrested by a fashion police!"

"Th-then what should I do?"

"Hmm, let me see"

On Kotori's suggestions (more like co-ercion), Umi wore a white sleeveless blouse along with a mint-coloured cardigan ; a miniskirt of the same shade and thigh-high brown boots. She also wore flowered shape golden earings to match the outfit

Kotori squealed in happiness the moment she saw her best friend

"Oh my god Umi-chan! Any man would fall for you if you dressed like this!"

"K-Kotori. This is embarrassing!"

"Go and have fun with Akashi-san!"

With that, Kotori waved goodbye to Umi and fled

'S-so many people are here' – Umi gasped as she stepped into the stadium. She carefully memorised the layout so that she would't get lost again

She reached the court – where the match would take place, and started looking for Akashi's team

"Isn't that Umi-chan? What are you doing here?"

Umi turned around to see the figure of a 195cm greenhaired man walking alongside a shorter raven-haired man

Midorima and Takao, the inseparable duo

"Why are you here, nanodayo?"

Umi flinched at Midorima's question, she couldn't possibly tell them that she came here on Akashi's request

"I-I..er"

"Umi-chan, did anyone tell you that you look very lovely today? Right, Shin-chan?" – Takao smirked victoriously at Midorima's reaction

"Th-thank you very much, I have to go now.."

"Why don't you watch the match with us, Umi-chan? Shin-chan might get lonely"

"Shut up Takao!"

"I have to go to the bathroom for a moment. Shin-chan, you and Umi-chan just go ahead without me. Oh and remember to spare a seat for me!"

Takao sneaked away, leaving the two awkward teens alone

"A-ano, I guess we should go?"

"How's your injury?"

"My – what?"

"Your injury. Haizaki did that to you, right?"

"I'm fine now. Thanks Midorima-kun"

She let out a soft giggle, startling Midorima

"Why are you laughing? Did I say something funny?"

"No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.."

They reached the spectators' row and took their seats.

"Is this,er, your lucky item for today?" – Umi asked pointing to his calculator

"Cancer ranks 6th today. So it's neither good or bad. But still carrying my lucky item is essential"

Umi looked at him rambling about the importance of lucky items and accidentally blurted out

"..just like Nozomi.."

"Nozomi?"

"Do you know her?" – she leaned in to ask, shock was written all over her face when Midorima mentioned Nozomi's name

"It's a long story. Y-you don't need to know about it" – Midorima pushed up his glasses and turned away hiding his red face

'And if that girl knew you are here, she's going to burn me alive'

"o-okay, sorry for asking"

"The match is starting, pay attention"

"Y-yes"

Rakuzan and Touou started their line-up and proceeded with the 1st quarter

Apparently Touou was a strong team known for its offense prowess

Umi watched Aomine with awe, but she still didn't understand why he could reach this insane speed on the court. Then Midorima sensed her confusion and started explaining

"Back in our middle school days, Aomine was the ace player of Teiko. His reflexes and speed are top-notch and unstoppable. He relies primarily on his instincts therefore making his moves unpredictable. Overall, Aomine is one difficult opponent, even for someone like Akashi" – He stopped for a moment –"his second persona may surface if the situation goes out of hand"

"Sei- Akashi-kun's second persona?"

So Umi gets a hint of Bokushi's existence within Akashi. What will she do? Will she freak out and run away from him? Or is she just as (in)sane as we are and continues to love Akashi no matter who he is?

Let's find out in the next chapter!

Ps: I really love reading all of your lovely and well-written reviews!