Hello! I'm back~

This is my first time doing a KNB fic... and writing Akashi... and writing with an OC, so I hope this really went well! This is not finished, anyways. This is only a prologue I made so I can bring in the real plot later on.

But, I want to know first if this is good enough to continue, so please tell me if it's worth it so I may post later on the story.

This prologue only talks about how they confessed to each other. Nothing else. Angst comes later~

Hope you like it!

Warning: F word might appear.

Prologue

I'm an observant person, so I notice the smallest of things. I usually analyze everything I see and hear. I'm also able to adapt to things. This has brought me great results as I grew up and life got harder. I quickly gained great knowledge and talents— which besides the praises, brought me chances to open doors anyone would have dreamed of. My high IQ and academic knowledge for my age were worthy of calling me a 'prodigy'. By the end of my first year of middle school, my parents decided to develop my natural talents at a good school— so they enrolled me in Teikou Middle School.

When I entered Teikou Middle School as a second year, I devoted myself to my studies. As expected from that, I entered Class-A. There, I met the "all perfect" Akashi Seijuurou and the superstitious Midorima Shintarou. Inevitably, I quickly got along with the two— since we were the most alike in almost everything. When they were not with their teammates—and for me, not with my friends— we hanged out together. The closer we got, the more I noticed how awfully similar the red-haired 'prodigy' and me were. It wasn't too long until I felt myself falling for the boy.

I'm a stoic girl by nature, so I decided to ignore my feelings and focus on more important things. Controlling feelings is something I've been doing since God-knows-when, so it wasn't so hard...at the beginning. I have always been serious; silly things like school crushes were something alien to me. But even as I tried to deny it, I knew deep inside of me that this was not a school crush.

As I got to know Akashi more and more, I sank deeper— to the point I tried to stop hanging with them just so my heartache could heal. Of course, confusion reached them, and like Akashi was one of respecting people's opinions, he decided to not push so much into it— but Midorima did the opposite. He asked for me to wait for him after practices one Friday, so I did; even though I knew it would probably cause me more heartache.

"Everybody is gone." He said as he closes the gym, then takes my wrist and pulls me behind the building. I could sense by his movements he was being impatient; was it because my actions with no reason explained were pissing him off? No...I must be forgetting something.

We reached the back of the gym and Midorima released my wrist.

"I don't know why you're acting the way you are, but I may understand if you speak up. Now, explain to me what's going on." The green-haired boy said to me. I have to be careful with my words— the feelings I have been ignoring are building up inside me. If I don't pick my words correctly I might break down.

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean— I'm not acting in any way different from my original self." I speak nonchalantly.

"Perhaps Akashi isn't attempting in finding out your sudden actions towards us and is trying to ignore it, but you both are so awfully the same, I kind of have an idea of why both of you are doing all of... this senseless actions." Midorima spoke as if he was furious and exhausted the same time. My heart rises hearing Midorima's comparison of me and Akashi— I call myself an idiot inside my head because of that. "Oha Asa said your lucky item is a sweater and your advice for the day is— I quote 'Your secrets and silence are building up into a burden for you. Talking to a friend about it will rise your luck.'. It would be a good idea if you follow that advice. After all you're ranked number 6 today." He stated. And God he was right, but I can't lower myself to these feelings. They will die soon enough...I know.

"You don't have to put too much mind on this, Midorima. It's only temporary— I'm merely trying to focus on something that, unluckily, requires some isolation. This is nothing you need to worry about. When I'm done, I'll gladly explain what I was doing to both of you; because you deserve an explanation indeed. But, what idea could you possibly be thinking about?" I hear myself say. I'm quite curious about it— and nervous. Midorima stays quiet for a moment, thinking whether it was a good idea to say what was on his mind or not.

"It's strange for me to think like this, but I've only seen this behavior once with Akashi, which was when Kuroko asked him what basketball meant to him. He disregarded the question answering with some strategic answer and withdrew himself for a while from the conversations we had with the other teammates until the question was forgotten. It wasn't until a while he began acting like himself again, and he told me what he was doing: Akashi was looking for what his feelings were. He couldn't say what he felt, because it had emotion in it. You're doing the same thing but without the question that compliments it. So let me ask you, Hide." Midorima said. Oh no...please don't ask...please don't. Plea-

"What does Akashi means to you?"

I wide my eyes at that. I must have looked extremely taken aback, because Midorima's eyes had an I-knew-it expression on them.

"I don't know what you could possibly mean by that, Midorima. My sudden isolation has nothing to-"

"It has indeed to do with Akashi, Hide. Don't try to lie to me. If you continue like this it will be worst for you. Talk to me, Hide. This is between you and me, nothing of this will reach him. So stop avoiding it and answer me: what are your feelings towards Akashi." Even though my serious expression doesn't change, my body begins shaking. I must have been trembling quite badly, because the next second I see Midorima getting closer...

...and closer...

...until he hugs me. This takes me aback, Midorima Shintarou might be a tsundere, but his soft side would not reach to this level— or so I believed. Perhaps this is just because is the two of us. Automatically, my head end resting on his chest. "What's the meaning of this, Midorima?" I hear myself ask.

I hear him release a small chuckle. "You both are seriously one and the same when it comes to this. But your stubbornness is still an annoyance. It's getting in your way...your pride I mean. I'm not doing this because I just want to know about it— is just that this uncalled-for silence is not only unnecessarily distancing you two apart, but also hurting both of you."

'Oh how right you are, Midorima.' I thought.

"I...I know, Midorima. But it's only temporal...it's for the best."

"No it' not. I don't know why you [and Akashi] are trying to avoid this thinking is nothing serious; but in reality it is." He almost yells, but he tries to keep his voice.

"How would you—"

"I know because I see it." Midorima says to shut me up. I tense up. "I've seen it since I last remember and it's only getting stronger. There is something about you two that connects; and it's not [only] your signs." I chuckle mentally at that." It doesn't matter if Akashi or you don't show anything to hint it, it will still be there. And is not some stupid thing like a crush— it's stronger. It's... like you're tied by the akai ito (A/N red string of fate)" In all the tension that's building up, I wonder how desperate and annoyed Midorima is to make him open up like this.

"Oh, I recall you talking about this when we were studying folklore. You then blushed because I asked how you kne—" I spoke quietly before he cut me off.

"Don't change the conversation. It won't work."

I hear myself sigh. There's no escape, huh?

Perhaps I said that out-loud, because after that Midorima responded. "I'm just doing this for both yours and Akashi's sake. I don't want either of you to continue being silently in pain for something so stupid."

I chuckle, but it sounds more like a small whimper. "Why do you say it's stupid, Midorima? I'm just trying to avoid something that may end up being regrettable. I don't want to and fall and get hurt again for something temporal. It happened once, and that's enough." Oh no, I'm beginning to open up...I need to stop.

Midorima mutter something I can't hear and releases an annoyed sigh. "This time is not something temporal." He states.

"How do you—"

"I know. Don't ask me why, I just... know. I may even know way more than both of you, ironically. That's why, I want you to admit it. Everything will be okay, Hide. I'm sure of it. So please, tell me: are you in love with Akashi?"

I couldn't hold it anymore, my tolerance had reached it level. Without even noticing, my arms— which were later flat beside my sides— curled themselves around Midorima's waist as my hands took hold of his sweatshirt. My eyes started burning as I began trembling and suddenly my cheeks got wet. It wasn't until I stopped breathing and took a deep breath— which came out as a sob— that I realized I was crying.

Instantly, Midorima tightened his hug; trying to reassure me and make me confess. I still asked myself why he would be doing this, until I remembered, he has a little sister. Brotherly instincts, huh?

Back to this issue: I couldn't respond, so I just nodded. 'What will happen now?' I thought...

It's so strange coming from me...

but... I am...

...afraid.

Apparently Midorima noticed, because he just muttered an "It's alright... Everything will be okay, I promise." Even thought what he said sounded like he was telling me my fears were going to disappear, we both know he meant the contrary: I should open up to the fear, to take the risk.

"I tried, Midorima. I tried to avoid this. I thought this was nothing more than just simple admiration. But it grew more." I gasp as I try to continue to speak without my voice breaking anymore...but it's in vain. I try to speak the most quietly possible."Then... I thought I my queer feelings grew to just an irrelevant crush that I would get over with time... But they didn't. Midorima, I don't want...I don't want to have through another one-sided love again. I know Akashi wouldn't return what I feel. He has many other things to worry about...I would just be another burden." I do my best to control my speaking so is not completely overwhelmed by my emotions. "So I'm doing my best to stay away... so that this can go away too. But...but—"

"It won't go away, if that's something you wanted to know." Midorima responds and the only thing I can do is squeak a small 'I know' because he's right and my voice just doesn't give in and I end up crying even more. "

We don't speak until I have calmed myself down. "We should go now. The sun has already set." I nod and he releases me from his hug. He lends me his purple handkerchief— his lucky item for today— and I mutter a thanks. We start walking to the front of the building while I clean my dry-teared cheeks and eyes. We reach the front and go to the doors. Midorima opens them and I look at him confused.

"I need to pick up my bag in the lockers, if you want you may stay here." I shake my head. "No it's okay. I'll go in with you." He then goes and tries to unlock the doors but..

"It's unlocked? Strange..I don't remember leaving the door open... oh well." he claims, opens the door and we enter. The lockers are all the way back, so he goes there and I stay wondering around in the almost dark court. I see some basketball balls which look like they weren't picked up.

"Akashi would give the team triple their menu if he saw these on the floor." I mutter to myself as I then chuckle. Then I lean to pick up the nearest ball, and as I straightened up I see the hoop in front of me. Curiosity kicks in and I decide to make a shoot. The hoop's pretty far away, so I think I will fail. Not caring, I shoot— unexpectedly, it falls in. I giggle as I see it bounce on the floor until it stops. "If I were to practice I could even surpass even Midorima." Then I shiver. 'It's getting cold' I think.

"I should have brought my sweater." I mutter to myself as I cross my arms and rub my hands on them— trying to make some heat. As I say that, I feel something being placed on my back. 'It's warm' I think. "Thanks, Midorima." I say as I turn around to see the one I thought was Midorima— only to see the one and only Akashi Seijuurou. I almost gasp, but I stop myself.

"Oh, Akashi! You took me by surprise. I thought you were Midorima, I came with him to pick up his bag...Oh, so that would explain the unlocked door and the unplaced balls .. are you perhaps here for extra practice?" I begin a conversation as I put on the Teikou Basketball Team jacket he gave me... his jacket.

"No, I actually came to pick up a schedule Momoi left by accident. I hold no responsibility about the misplaced balls." 'Oh God, the team is fucked' I mentally say to myself.

"Oh, I see. Strange... that we didn't noticed you when we walked in." Something was not right... he is not lying, but there's something more.

"Hide... are you okay? Your voice sounds slightly... different..." 'As if you were crying'— he did not say that, but I'm completely sure he thought that.

"Oh, it's okay—"

"What's bothering you? Hide, I'm concerned about you." He interrupted me. Yes, definitely there is something wrong here. The recent feelings I released later start to build up again; but this time they're bigger. Is it because he's the one asking me? The one causing my pain is the one who wants to erase it, huh. I hold the laugh that threatens to get out. How ironic this situation is.

"Akashi." I hear a voice speak by our side. Midorima, thank god you're here.

"Midorima-kun, you're finally here." He says with a small smile portraying his face.

"Now were prepared to close. Let's get going, shall we?" I try to say cheerfully as I walk to the front doors.

"Hide, I was planning on walking you home... but an issue came with my sister. I'll walk you to the station, but that's my limit, I'm sorry."

"No need to worry, Midorima. You should meet as quickly as possible with your family. I can take care of myself. I appreciate the gesture, though." Yes...there is completely wrong here. I stand still with my back facing them.

"It's okay, Midorima-kun. I'll take her home; my driver is outside the gates waiting for me. I have no problem driving her home, that is, if it's okay with you, Hide."

Jackpot. Anger grows within me as I realize what's happening. DId they plan this? Did they make all of this just to have me indirectly confess? And now Midorima plans to leave me alone with Akashi? Just how low and dense do they think I am? I trusted Midorima!

I turn around and look at them. My anger must have been visible, because they're tense. I have to be strong. I need to find answers. But why are these emotions so stirred up?

"Just how foolish do you consider me being? Are you doing this for what? To confirm your doubts?! I don't believe you are low enough to mock me. So... why?" That last sentence goes out as a whisper—loud enough for them to hear. My body begins to tremble. My hands turn into fists by my sides. My cheeks begin feeling wet. I look down to hopelessly try to hide the falling tears.

I hear footsteps and the next thing I know is that Akashi is holding my chin harshly up, making me look at him. He looks angry. My first thought was that he wanted to see me breaking, but he wouldn't be angry then... could he... actually care for...

... for me?

"Midorima-kun, I'll lock the doors, I need to clear some issues here with Hide. You may go." He said while looking at me with a cold stare. How could Akashi look angry but still be this collected?

"I was about to take my leave anyways. I'm no longer needed here. See you on Monday then, both of you." Midorima claims as he gets out of the gym. Now is just the two of us. I'm not completely sure if I should be calmed or terrified. The moment Akashi knows that Midorima is gone, I feel his hand releasing my chin and then his arms wrap around me— pulling me harshly into his torso. I unconsciously wrap mine around him and I take hold of his shirt. Is he... shaking too?

"How dare you think I... I would... I would look down on you." He practically growls in rage. "I may not be able to speak for Midorima— but for myself, I had nothing to do with this. And we both know that I don't lie. I was truly looking for—"

"How much did you heard?" I ask abruptly.

Akashi relaxes his embrace and stays silent for while... as if he doesn't know what to say— like... like he's trying to find the perfect words...

... afraid of making a mistake.

"When Midorima-kun told you to not change the course of the conversation. I apologize for eavesdropping— it was not my intention." He states and releases a small sigh. "But still, why didn't you ever tell me?"

I don't speak for a moment... and then I give up and open up to Akashi.

"I have never told this to anyone before, but I... have the tendency to ruin things that were going well by making abrupt actions— specially relationships. I... I lost a friend because of my... my stupid crush confession towards him. I never requested anything, but he still decided to break up connections. Right now I wouldn't even feel pain for it, but before... I was too emotional and caring— so it hurt a lot. I was also lonely, so the pain became stronger. Since then, I've been careful with my relationships with people. I don't want to hurt anyone and I don't want someone to hurt me. I fear failure. I can't... I... I just don't want to ruin things anymore!" I yell the last part and break again. Screw it all. This has gone this far, if I'm losing Akashi already I'll just lose him with nothing left behind.

"Akashi, from all the people I have met and known, you are the most important to me. You make me feel like I'm not alone... because you understand me. I've never in my life felt something so unknown yet so strong for someone. And when I remember not everyone feels the same for one thing or one person, the only thing I'm able to think of is this fear of losing you by making another mistake of mine. What I feel for you is something I can't feel with anyone else— and I'm afraid of it. I'm afraid, Akashi. I tried to avoid it but it ended to no avail. Meeting with you almost everyday made it stronger. And I can only think that if I let this take over me I'll lose you. And I can't... I just can't."

I put my hands on his shoulders and push him to look Akashi eye to eye. I won't forgive myself after this... I'm losing him after this. But I have to face the price of my mistakes.

"I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I ever ended up without you in my life. I know you won't return this feeling, but I'll tell you anyways! Akashi, I—"

"I love you, Akashi."

"I love you, Hide." Akashi says sharp and clear at the same time with me.

Wait, what?

I stare at him in shock. He smiles gently at me, leans forward to place a kiss on my forehead and returns to look at me.

"What if I told you that all you said right now are the same things I'm feeling? If you don't provide me a chance to speak for myself then don't confirm things that you don't know. Even though it's strange for you to have this as a burden— since you usually analyze and know everything. This really blocked you, didn't it? Please don't jump into conclusions like that anymore, Hide. It's unpleasant— specially if it's a lie."

"Don't act so mighty, Akashi-sama." I say with an annoyed-mixed-with-mocking tone. "You didn't tell me either, so you're to blame too."

Akashi sighs at that. "We really are complicated people when it comes to feelings and emotions, huh?"

I chuckle in response. "Indeed, we are."

Strange... how the air changes from tense to calm so quickly. Maybe that's one of your charms, huh.

"Well, now it's really dark. Will you allow me to drive you to your apartment?" Akashi offers as we break the loose embrace.

"Yes, I appreciate it very much, Akashi."

After that we leave and he drives me home. We both seat at the extremes of the car— the middle seat separating us. The trip is silent— but peaceful. I distract myself watching through the window. A big burden has been removed from both of us and now we can finally relax. But still, I can't help but think about what's going to happen from here on. Will we still be friends? No, he confessed to me. Ugh, we need to talk about this.

As if Akashi had thought the same thing, he spoke. "Hide, have you planned anything to do for tomorrow?"

"Nothing that I can remember, why?" 'As if you didn't already know why, idiot' I think to myself.

"I see. Then tomorrow allow me to take you to my household. I know we both want and need to talk about this matter— unless you want me to visit you?" He asks me.

I think for a while.

"Yes, I would prefer it better if you came to my apartment." As I say this, we arrive to the front doors. I step out of the car and look back to see the window going down.

"Then tomorrow I'll be here. See you tomorrow, Hide."

I nod. "See you tomorrow then." Then the car begins to drive away.

I sigh happily and enter my apartment.

To be continued...

So here it reaches the end of the [long] prologue. Haha~ Please let me know if this was good enough to write the real plot.

Please please please please! I so want to write it but it's no use if nobody reads it or likes it! Sorry for asking for such a big favor. Hope you understand.

Until later on!

Update: Thank you for your support, I'm beginning to write the main story now. I apologize if it takes a while! Stay put~ Once again, thanks a lot!