Faded Memories (BokutoxAkaashi)

Chapter I

~5 years ago~

~Keiji Akaashi's POV~

The cold splatters of rain hit my neck as my raven hair stuck to my skin. I swayed mildly on the cold seat, my feet guiding me from north to south. The playground was empty as usual. I doubt anyone would want to get drenched in cold summer showers anyway. I look up a bit to see the satisfying pitter patters of the rain hitting the solid concrete ground.

I knew sometime I'd have to return home. I couldn't get up from the swing as if my legs didn't want me to move. I sigh as I pull my head up vigorously to look across the street and observe the pedestrians speeding off to their destinations.

I subsequently pushed myself off the seat and impelled my shivering legs. I began to walk off to wherever my legs would lead me, not even bothering to look up. The sound of adults that chattering and cars honking rang in my ear.

I stuffed my small hands into the pockets of my light brown cargo pants. The only things in my sight of vision were the sidewalk and the legs of others, my dripping wet raven-colored hair cutting off the rest of my peripheral vision. I notice the sidewalk cut off and turned into the street.

I continued walking, my vision still low. Partially through walking on the street, I abruptly heard a loud honking sound. I glance up slowly to see a semi-truck only meters away, headed right for me. I couldn't move. My heart stopped beating. My eyes widened at the sight.

I closed my eyes and used my arms to cover my head, bracing myself for the firm impact of the medal to fling me across the street. I suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist and tugged harshly backward. We went rolling back onto the sidewalk. They held tight until we stopped rolling. We stopped rolling as they rested on top of me.

"Are you okay?!" I made eye contact with a boy. He looked to be about my age. He had stunning golden cat-like eyes. His hair was black with the ends dipped in white and spiked with strands hanging down from what the rain had caused. He wore a white tank top with some colorful, thick lines going horizontally. His shorts were light green with a black and white Nike sign at the bottom of the shorts. He also wore a dark crimson jacket that tied around his waist.

"Yeah...I'm okay. Could you get off me?" I ask. He glances at me perplexed. He peers down and examines where he's at. A light tint of red blush covers his cheeks as rushes off me. We both felt awkward. "Ah, sorry." He states while avoiding eye contact.

News reporters soon swarmed around and attacked us with questions. The blinding light of flashing cameras irritated my eyes and the crowd caused me to make me feel anxious. The boy noticed and grabbed my wrist. He ran out of the crowd while dragging me along. We ran down the sidewalk away from everyone.

The rain hit our eyes. I closed my eyes and let the boy direct me. We suddenly stopped. I opened my eyes to see I had returned to the park. He began to climb up the closed slide. I looked at him in bewilderment. He then signals his small hand towards me to follow. I hesitantly start climbing up the slide.

It was dry and warm. I assumed he just wanted to get out of the rain. We made it to the top of the tube. I used my feet to press up against the opposing side so I wouldn't side back down. He gazed at me and smiled. I kept my emotionless face.

He then held out his hand. "I'm Bokuto, Kotaro. It means 'horned owl'. Just call me Bokuto." I stared down at his hand for a moment. I then reach out my hand and respond "Akaashi...Akaashi, Keiji." We shook hands. I grin a little. It felt nice not being alone.

"Why did you walk out into the street? Do you need glasses?" Bokuto asked me. My grin turned into a frown. I glance down at my hands on my thighs. "I wasn't paying attention." I sigh. "You should pay attention more often." I scoffed.