Moonlight

Chapter 16

Keishin was not yet home when they reached the house so Akane decided to just lock herself up inside. Tsukishima and Yamaguchi thought it would be better if she would not be alone after what happened. 

"I'll be fine, Tsuki... Thank you, the movie was great." Akane fixed her hair behind her ear, "It took things off my mind."

Yamaguchi stepped aside, "We can really provide you some company until Coach Ukai gets home, Akae-san."

Akane sighed. There's no brushing off from these guys, "Alright, come in. We can all wait for Uncle."

They all settled in the living room, watching the television. With the windows open and trauma fresh, Akane felt cold even with the turtleneck and Tsukishima's jacket. She left her friends to get her starry blanket. 

"Tsukki..." She handed out his jacket as she kept a tight hold of the blanket around her. She sat on the sofa, between the two lads. A detective drama was playing on the television which kept the silence at bay. Not long after, Akane's head started to drop, jerking her awake every time. Yamaguchi smiled and excused himself to the bathroom.

"Itsh on the right, Yamsh" Akane mumbled, slipping into her sleep again. Yamaguchi chuckled and gave her an ok sign.

Tsukishima, seeing how hard Akane is trying to fight off her sleep, gently nudged her down on his lap. She was so tired that she didn't even try to fight him off. Feeling comfortable with her position now, she gave in completely. 

"Thanks, Mr. Flagpow." She mumbled. 

Tsukishima smiled and closed his eyes, "No problem, shortcake."

Yamaguchi came back to the living room to see his ship sleeping. Squealing internally at the scene, he carefully got out his phone and took pictures. This is a different Tsukishima, too. He's glad to see this side of him and not just having to deal with all-cool middle-blocker that he is.

"I'm home, Akane!" Keishin called out, dropping his grocery bags on the dining table. He was out with Takeda as they bought the things they needed for their mission-date with Akane tomorrow. He had to lie to Akane earlier when he dropped her off at the station. They decided to do an at-home date for relaxation and rest. It's going to be a Sunday, anyway.

The television was on, so he thought Akane was in the living room. After putting the grocery in the fridge, he proceeded to the living room only to be met with surprise at Tsukishima and Yamaguchi's figures.

"H-hey, coach." Yamaguchi waved with a small smile.

"What are you guys doing here?" Keishin asked. His eyes fell on his niece who was snuggled in her comfort blanket. His heart sank at the realization.

"What happened?" He asked as he emotionally prepared for yet another story he'll want to burn.

---

Keishin woke up as the first ray of sunshine sneaked into the corridor. He woke up groggily. He remembered last night and the story both his players relayed. Anger bubbled inside him but he remained to be the bigger person as he knows they, too, were angry. 

He carried Akane to her room, making sure not to wake her up. After offering dinner to Tsukishima and Yamaguchi, he told them to get home since it was already around 8:00 in the evening when they wrapped up.

Takeda was also told of what happened already and they both shared the same sentiments. The pressure is on them to help pull out Akane from the dark place she is in now. 

"Don't worry, Ukai-kun! We have decided to make it a slow day for her. It's going to be helpful for her, I know." Takeda comforted the coach. They were both lying down, on their phones, talking about the day they were about to set foot on.

"Thank you, sensei." Keishin sighed and heard Akane's alarm go off, "Well, she will be up in a while now. We'll be there as soon as we can, sensei."

"Okay, I will start preparing the stuff in a while. Take care you both." Takeda chirped and ended the call.