HELLO, GUESS WHO'S BACK. Yes, I managed to write something. Unfortunately, most of the files couldn't be saved, but I had my script stashed away in my papers, so I know where I am with the story. It's shorter than usual, but it is also something that's written after a longer break - you may notice some differences in my writing. Hope you'll like it and I'll try to be more regular about that! Lots of love!

"So, can you tell me what is going on between you and Kimiko?" Akashi asked once again. I think he's been set on finding out the whole story. He didn't say a word during our ride to the hotel, so I kinda hoped he would've given the issue up. Oh boy, was I wrong.

"Is it really something we need to discuss? I believe we should focus on the pamphlets we'd received. We'll be sorted into separate groups tomorrow, it would be the best if we decided on the lectures. If we split, we may gather as much information as possible..."

"Chiara. I asked you a question and I would like an answer. I am worried that Kimiko's presence may affect your performance." the redhead added. I snorted, disappointed.

"Of course it's something like that. Fine, if you really want to know... I met Kimiko last year. The school she's from was nominated for the same award as Rakuzan. Because I was the President last year, I participated in an event where they'd talk about high schools' importance and so on. Kimiko was there too. I don't know if you find it surprising, but we got along really well then. She's a bright, clever person. Lots of charisma. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for her then boyfriend. He was really sleazy, whenever Kimiko would look away, he'd steal glances at other girls' chests. Disgusting. I was waiting for a taxi to make it on time for the train, when he came up to me. He kept on touching my arms and leaning toward me. Kimiko saw it. She quickly assumed it was me who was flirting with him, and that bastard actually went with that version. She was so blinded with love she didn't even want to listen to me. Ever since, she considered me a slut."

The story was long, but I couldn't make it any shorter. I didn't feel guilty about this situation. I was disappointed that I lost a potential friend. I simply wished she wasn't so driven and stubborn. If it wasn't for that, maybe we'd talk it out some day.

"Why am I not surprised?" Akashi mused, clearly holding back from smirking. I rolled my eyes and went to the wardrobe. "I guess since we won't be using our school uniforms tomorrow, I can switch to more comfortable clothes."

"I'll head to the gym, then. I should be back in an hour or two." The redhead disappeared behind the bathroom's door with a bundle of clothes in his own hands. I used the time to pull on a hoodie and sweatpants. The warm fabric immediately made me happier. Before Akashi left the bathroom, I snatched the books and my tablet from the bag. I could use the time alone to learn and read that romance Reo recommended. He has such a good taste for slowburns!

I was somewhere in the middle of the story, my cheeks burning from the constant frustration and quiet squeals, when Akashi came back. I barely acknowledged his presence – my eyes noticed him, but my mind was too occupied with a certain football player to care. Only when I heard him shuffle through the shelves I looked up. He kept his fingers curled around an ointment, looking for the description. "What is it?"

"Nothing. I was helping a guy at the gym with bench presses and he overestimated his own power. My two fingers are stamped. I was looking for something to cool them."

I gasped and rushed to him. Without thinking I reached for my suitcase and found the first aid kit. The cooling spray, tapes, scissors and painkillers. I can't imagine going anywhere without that. It saved my ass many times, especially when I was out with the boys. Gently, I pulled Akashi to the bathroom. I placed his hand under a cold water from the tap and prepared the towels.

"There isn't really much that I can do. We'll keep on cooling it down. Doesn't it hurt a lot? I heard it's painful." I winced, watching the skin of his hand visibly red.

"It's not that bad. I used to get worse injuries as a child." Akashi answered. His face didn't show any expression.

"We could try to fix it? I could pull the fingers and apply some ointment. The swell should be gone by tomorrow."
"It's alright, Chiara..."
"It's not! You're a basketball player, Akashi! A captain! You need your hands in the best possible condition. I can't have you waste your time because some idiot thought he could press more!" I didn't know why I was getting so worked up over that. Maybe because I still had to be careful with my knee and couldn't go all out during the matches and practices. The redhead looked at me. "Are you worried about me?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, surprised. He blinked slowly. "I mean, I may have some grudges against you and think you're not acting as cool as you used to in Teiko, but we're still friends, right? I am willing to go to the gym and tell the guy off if you want."

My sudden confession made Akashi freeze. He took his hand and stepped closer. His lips stretched in an amused smile. "Maybe not, he didn't seem smart enough to understand Italian."

I laughed. It felt so good to laugh with him after so long. I quickly finished helping him, applied the ointment and left the bathroom.

It wasn't until I put down the phone when I realized that I still hadn't talked with Akashi about the previous night. He was already on his side of the bed, reading the last few adverts about the courses. With a pen, he was making small notes and circling interesting stuff. Since we've managed to take care of his fingers (he didn't let me to it for him, he pulled them on his own instead, hmpf!), we haven't spoken a lot. Mostly, he'd ask for my opinion on some courses. We created a plan with which we'd be able to cover almost all of the lectures. Unfortunately, it meant we will be waking up quite early. And here I thought I would get some rest.

"Did it become boring?" Akashi looked at the phone in my hands. I kinda stopped scrolling the feeds few minutes ago, staring into the wall instead. I blinked and averted my gaze. "Just lost in thoughts. By the way... have you ever experienced sleep talking?" I said before I could bite my tongue. The redhead pressed his lips into a thin line and shook his head.

"I don't think so. Why are you asking?"

"Oh, I used to sleep talk a lot as a child, you know. Everytime I would travel with my parents, the first night was a night of fear for them. Because those were new places, unknown rooms and this weird feeling of insecurity, I would be a restless sleeper. I talked in different languages, throwing some incoherent words. I'd even walk in my sleep. I was curious if I've been like that last night..." I hoped it was a safe way of starting this conversation. Habits can be difficult to change, so maybe Akashi was naturally someone who would cuddle a pillow at night? Many people do it. I tend to press my face into a pillow too.

"I can't possibly tell much, because I haven't been waking up in the middle of the night, but I am a light sleeper. So I would wake up if you were talking. No, I don't remember you spilling any secrets. A shame, maybe I could save them for later."

"Oi!" I nudged his side and frowned. "You'd be lucky if I were speaking Japanese. By the way, please make sure to stay on your side of the bed today. You almost pushed me out of bed."

"I am pretty positive that you didn't fall last night, though? Didn't I make sure about that?" he asked and I felt my cheeks flushing. HE KNEW. I moved slightly away from him, but he quickly put the papers on the bedtable and closed the distance. "You thought I would forget that?"

"No... I was kinda hoping you were too lost in your dreams..." I muttered. Suddenly, the sheets seemed to small for the two of us. Maybe if I had an extra blanket, I could make a cocoon and avoid him.

Akashi was clearly not having any of that, as he studied my red face. His lips were stretched in a knowing smirk. The same he used in situations where he felt completely in control. I wasn't sure if I hated that or was turned on by that. After all, it was an intimate situation. We could have changed the hotel, I realized. We were at the reception, why hadn't we asked? Because we both wanted one more night like that. That was the truth, a harsh one, but also alluring. "Why would I be lost in the dreams, if the reality was much much better?" he teased. I hid my hands under the sheets, so that he wouldn't notice them shaking.

"If there ever comes a chance, I will kick your ass." I promised. Akashi only laughed at my remark.

"Alright, I will make sure you have your moment. But..." he lowered his voice. "I owe you an apology. I hugged you rather unconsciously, however, I shouldn't have kept you in bed in the morning. It was against your will. I will refrain myself from repeating that. Feel free to wake me up when I misbehave."

I was surprised. Akashi isn't one to apologize, because he never considers himself to be wrong. Him accepting my distress meant he actually cared for my opinion and well-being. And that smelled way to much like Teiko memories. They led to the image of Akashi I still had in my head – adorable, considerate boy, who happened to be also the biggest crush of my life. It was my fault that we neved ended up together – I thought he was simply nice to everyone, so I tried to keep a distance. I've chosen Kyoto, but I could as well stay in Tokyo. I didn't really care where I would finish high school, because I knew I am leaving Japan afterwards. It didn't feel right to let this relationship bloom and tear it into pieces after three years. He deserved better.

But it was painful. Thinking about him with someone else. Someone like Kimiko. Yes, I noticed her gaze. Her body language was pretty clear to me.

"I didn't really mind that, though." I whispered under my breath. And it was true. Having Akashi so close to me for the first time was an eye-opening experience. It made me realize that the crush wasn't gone at all. The burning feeling kept on growing stronger and I had to be careful. If I made a wrong move, I'd get hurt.

Akashi heard my words. He set the alarm on his phone and fixed the pillow behind his head. "Well then... how about we try and fall asleep?"

I nodded and turned off the lights. We were lying in a complete silence, facing each other. It was awkward, but the tension was slowly fading away. I felt the need to get closer. Luckily, I wasn't the only one. Akashi also, slowly, inched toward me. We met in the middle – his hands around my waist, my head in the crook of his neck. The warmth of his skin was driving me crazy. His heartbeat was loud but steady. Before I lost my consciousness, I felt Akashi letting out a soft sigh into my hair.

Perfection.