Lost in a Pursuit

That room

A/N: Okay guys, here's a warning of non-canon stuff, although I've already mentioned it in the story synopsis ^^

"That was wonderful," Akashi complimented with a smile. I stiffened before thanking him.

I won't forget today's duet, I told myself immediately after that.

Then, on the way to the train station, I held Yuriko's hand on one side and Akashi held the other. I hadn't experienced this before, so it was felt quite refreshing. We passed by the swing once again, and I couldn't help it but stare with full attention as I walked past. He uttered, "Perhaps I should try the swing next time..."

I focused my attention on him. "Uh, Akashi, I'm sorry for that time... I'm an idiot for asking you to try out the swing."

He simply smiled without turning to me or saying anything.

We walked a couple of steps without exchanging a single word. Feeling awkward, I asked, "When are we meeting up again?"

He brought his finger to his chin. "Maybe next week. You have to finish your character designs and other illustrations."

"Okay... but same place again?"

"I don't think so. It's probably better if you come over to my house. I have printers, laptops, scanners, anything you need."

"W-Wait, your... house?! Really?! I can?"

"As long as it's for school-related work. My father doesn't like it if we're just going to be fooling around."

I gasped in awe, imagining what his house would look like. A palace or a castle? Nah, that would be too huge... Maybe a... mansion... or something along the lines... No doubt, a strong surge of excitement was welling up inside of me, and I knew I was smiling like an idiot. Chill, chill, chill, I reminded myself urgently. If Akashi were to see my expression... I think I'll... Yeah I would just burst out laughing.

Immediately after that thought, sounds of laughter escaped from my mouth and instantly I covered it, suppressing my laughter because we were in public space.

"Shizuko, are you alright?" Akashi asked in concern, stopping.

"I'm.. I'm okay... I'm sorry, oh my god, I don't know why I'm laughing," I started laughing harder and tearing up, losing my balance and almost tripping over a stone. Luckily, Akashi caught my wrist in time, stopping my face from sticking onto the floor.

Oh my god he's holding my wrist! I screamed in my mind.

The touch seemed electrifying --- I had never been touched by a guy before, and this sensation was really ticklish. This wasn't helping to cease my laughter at all.

"Please stop. People are looking at us," Akashi immediately warned.

"If you take your hand off my wrist..."

He released his grip. I took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to breathe normally. This worked. Now, my crazy laughter had subsided into a compressed smile. I glanced at Yuriko. She seemed pretty confused about what had happened to me. Ah well.

Isn't this kind of like a date? My brain asked.

Oh yeah, I have never thought of it that way...

***

A week passed, Yuriko was finally gone, I could finally finish the last touches of my illustrations and start on my homework! That reminded me, Akashi hadn't contacted me since the last time we met. I wonder if he's going to call me soon?