Akashi had been a lonely boy. Sure, he had some friends, but he felt he was never able to truly be himself around them. He was more of a young authority figure to them. That was probably his fault. He'd always been taught to see himself as a superior. Why, then, did he feel as if he was in the wrong?

Regardless, something in Akashi changed when he met him. Kuroko Tetsuya. He was small, quiet. Almost invisible. Akashi had been startled out of his wits when he first noticed him. He'd been practicing his violin after school. When he'd finished his beautiful solo, he'd been more than surprised to hear a single applause. Turning with wide crimson eyes, his gaze fell upon Kuroko. The bluenette was smiling, ever so lightly, and Akashi could see something strange flash across his yes. It was gone in an instant, though, and he quickly forgot about it.

"That was beautiful," Kuroko said.

Akashi walked over to him, eyeing him skeptically before breaking into a grin.

"Thanks. I'm Akashi Seijuro." He held his hand out, and Kuroko hesitantly placed his small, cold hand into his.

"Kuroko Tetsuya."

Akashi could feel it in his bones, that this was the start of a new friendship. A new him.

Months went by, and the boys grew ever closer. They shared secrets and longings and troubles, and Akashi was finally happy. Akashi's friends knew all about Kuroko, but they'd never met him. Akashi longed to introduce them, his old and new friends, but every time he mentioned it to Kuroko, the boy would get real still and offer some excuse as to why he couldn't that day. Akashi understood, he was shy.

But Kuroko couldn't hide forever.

One day, whilst Kuroko and Akashi were thoroughly caught up in their fun, Akashi's friends also happened to be in the area. They'd noticed the redhead and instantly made their way over to him.

"Ne, Aka-chin, what are you doing?"

Akashi looked up to Murisakabara, excitement in his eyes. "Oh, hey guys, this is great. You can finally meet Kuroko!"

Kise stepped up to the purple headed boy's side, blinking. "Akashi-cchi, where is he then?"

Akashi stared at him in disbelief, a laugh on his lips. "Don't be silly, Ryouta," he said.

Midorima stepped closer as well, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Akashi, there's no one here, it's clear. Did he run off?"

Akashi looked to his side with wide eyes. Kuroko was still standing there, but he looked distant. His eyes were dead, and he wouldn't meet Akahi's eyes.

Aomine spoke next. "He's not your imaginary friend, is he?" He laughed heartily, but Akashi frowned, turning to face Kuroko directly.

"K-Kuroko..?"

The bluenette finally raised his gaze to meet Akashi's, a small sad smile on his face.

"I'm sorry, Akashi. I told you I can't meet them."

In a flash, Kuroko had vanished completely, right before Akashi's eyes. His jaw went slack, his shoulders slumped, and tears filled his eyes. This was the day that Akashi Seijuro learned of his ability. To see the dead. Unfortunately, it was also the day he'd change forever. He never truly smiled again.