The Sea of Tranquility (MayuzumiXOCXAkashi)

Part 27

"I thought I was imagining things."

Hotaru snapped upon hearing the voice, quickly closing her book to face the person who just spoke.

A smile immediately crossed her face as she stood up from the stairs of the patio. "Fujita-san."

"It's really you." The owner of the name smiled back and approached Hotaru closely, skeptically studying her from head to toe. "Last time I saw you, you were only this tall." Fujita said, leveling a palm to her shoulders. "So..." a creased on her white apron appeared upon crossing arms, "Why were you sitting here at the patio? You should have went inside."

For a while, Hotaru couldn't decide what to do first. Greet her? Answer the question? Make a response to the comment regarding her height? Or last but not the least, note how she aged since the last time they saw each other. It was rare for her to visit the capital after all.

"I actually...just wanted to past some time while waiting for Seijuro-sama..." Hotaru smiled again. "...That's why."

"Oh, now that you mentioned Seijuro-sama's name, where is he?"

"He had something to do. He'd be here soon."

"I see. Then why don't you come in first?"

Hotaru nodded and stepped forward upon the invitation of the caretaker.

"I can prepare some tea for you, how's that?"

"Yes, thank you."

The two would be staying at the old mansion in the capital for the whole duration of the tournament. It was the place where they spent some of their time when they were young. Akashi, however, had most of his early memory in this place. He had lived here from the day he was born until the last breath of his mother. After that, it became a constant back and forth to Kyoto and Tokyo, until he stayed for good in Kyoto to attend Rakuzan.

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When Akashi came back, he had a different air around him. At first, Hotaru couldn't point out what caused it until she noticed his hair. Somehow, it had gotten shorter as if he just had a haircut. But a haircut for such a short duration of time? And why would he bother getting one at this time? It was quite inessential. Something must have happened. Regardless, she simply smiled. "Welcome back, Seijuro-sama."

He nodded, before handling his jacket to her. There were still some time before the match began. The other members of the team were already in the hotel so there was no need to rush. The school was generous enough to sponsor the whole team with such accommodation. Therefore, they might as well use it, though Akashi preferred to stay in their mansion. He had to see his father too, who would be arriving in two days from a business trip.

"What happened to your hair, Seijuro-sama?" She asked, as the two walked to the direction of the room he'd be using. It won't be just any room, in fact, it was the one he used before.

From the moment he arrived, Akashi was nonchalant despite not seeing the mansion after a long time. It was as if part of him had shut off any lingering emotion he had to the place. He didn't also say anything to the caretaker whom he hadn't seen since he was still a little boy.

"I cut it off."

She frowned, "On your own? Why—"

"It bothered me. That is all, Hotaru. There's no reason to emphasize such small matter." he said and that was enough to silence her. Right, it was a mere haircut. But she didn't think he'd do it just because. Either way, she didn't think she could speak again after that.