Kuroko no Basket x Reader [Oneshots]

Empty Seats [Soulmate!AU] [Akashi Seijuro x Reader]

Soulmate!AU where a timer on your arm counts down to the moment you meet your soulmate

00 : 28 : 03

Less than an hour was left till your timer rang and you were just a huge bundle of nerves, unable to stand still at the anticipation of meeting your soulmate.

"[Name], we're running late!"

The muffled voice that came from outside jolted you back to the present and you tore your eyes off the numbers on your arm, quickly throwing on a light sweater before rushing out of your bedroom.

"Took you long enough," your sister teased as the two of you locked up the apartment and started walking to the car. "I would have thought you'd be more excited for this basketball game."

Trying to hide your nervousness, you forced a smile to appear on your face. "Yeah, yeah. I'm thrilled."

She laughed at the sarcasm in your words and started the car, an easy conversation starting as she drove to the sports hall in the university campus.

00 : 3 : 21

The indoor court was packed with people, loud voices coming from all around. You stayed close to your sister's side, trying to avoid getting bumped into as your eyes scanned the crowd to look for empty seats, but with everyone in such a lively mood and the movements all around, it was hard to find a place for two. This was definitely one of the reasons why you didn't fancy such events much; with all the noise and people everywhere.

Sighing out, you sneaked a glance at your timer and you suddenly realized that your soulmate was probably sitting somewhere on these very bleachers. The nervousness you felt previously grew tenfold and you looked around at the faces of all the people who could potentially have a countdown with the same number as yours.

"It looks like there's a spot there," your sister pointed to the front rows, and true enough, you saw some empty spaces there. "You go on ahead first. My stomach hurts and I really need the toilet."

"I told you not to eat that cotton candy ice cream!"

"It was good okay," she retorted before nudging you in the direction of the seats. "The game's going to start soon, so save me a spot!"

Watching your sister rush off in the opposite direction, you started to make your way down the steps. Loud cheers sounded all around as the teams started to enter the court and you quickened your pace, not wanting to miss the start of the game.

Taking a seat in the empty spot, your breath caught in your throat when you looked at the person sitting next to you. And when he turned to look at you, the ever present ticking sound in the back of your head ceased.

00 : 00 : 00

Rolling up your sleeve, you stared blankly at the numbers, your thoughts too incoherent to put into words beneath his piercing gaze.

"Did your timer just stop?" You asked, a little doubtful with his overly calm demeanor.

His features morphed into a grin at your expression and he showed you his arm, which reflected the same numbers yours did.

"Yes, you're my soulmate," he laughed light-heartedly. "I'm Akashi Seijuro by the way."

Telling him your name, he asked as the game started, "so, did you come alone?"

"No. I came with my sister but she's in the toilet... What about you?"

"I'm planning to join the team so I wanted to check the standards of the team."

Observing the way he analyzed the game that was going on, you turned to the court to watch the match as well. "You sound like you're a really good player."

"I am."

You were rather surprised his bold declaration. But when you saw the innocent look he had on his visage, you realized that he truly had confidence in his own skills. A smile hanging on your lips, you told him, "I'd love to see you play sometime."

Akashi looked at you with a soft regard before a loud cheer broke the little moment you two shared.

~~

"Eh? I thought the opposing team would be stronger, considering how tall the players are..."

"It's not only about height. Each player's individual strength and position has to be taken into account, in order for the playmaker to come up with a good tactic to win."

Akashi explained all your questions regarding basketball, and as the match got more heated towards the end of the second quarter, you caught a glimpse of an intense look in his eyes; his lips curled up in a knowing smirk. Before you could ask what that was all about, you heard your sister's voice.

"Aw the first half is almost over! Scoot over, [Name], there's not enough space. Wow the queue in the toilet was really long, and you'd never guess...."

Letting her prattle on, you were more conscious about how your side was practically pressed against Akashi. Scratch that, you were very conscious about it and it was making a blush threaten to appear on your cheeks.

He must have noticed your discomfort because he shifted over a tad, leaving a small space in between your bodies. But before you could get the wrong impression and let your thoughts run awry, he caught your fingers, lightly holding onto your hand.

Catching on to that little movement, a smug grin appeared on your sister's countenance. "You're her soulmate?"

"Yes, I am."

Maybe it was the way the light reflected against his eyes that made your heart skip a beat. But when Akashi turned to properly face your sister to reply her, you truly felt lucky to have met him right there and then.