Someday {Akashi Seijūrō}

d a y n i n e

"I don't want to go there."

"Are you sure?"

~~

Hey, do you want to know who I am?

I stared down at my screen. Was this person really suggesting that he or she tell me?

Yes.

The response took a minute.

I'm afraid that you already know who I am.

I sighed in annoyance. Someone I already knew? The only person I would ever think of at this moment would be Akashi because what this person says corresponds to him, but he would never in his life do anything like this. Not dwelling on the matter any longer, I shut off my phone.

~+~+~

The tutoring sessions with Akashi continued through the month. Though, even with the extra help from Akashi (which was actually a lot considering he was on top every time), I was still insecure and unsure about my place. According to Kazuno, the Inter-High was coming to an end soon, and apparently Rakuzan had made it into the final bracket. As a result of that, she decided to drag me to another basketball practice. It's not really like I was complaining anymore. After all, from the other times she forced me to go with her, I had already gotten used to going.

We went to sit down at the regular, or her regular, bench spot. The team was practicing harder than usual because of the finals of the Inter-High coming around. Although, Akashi still spent a majority of the practice supervising the others. That was typical.

Even though, they all seemed to be practicing hard, none of them looked the slightest bit nervous about the upcoming game. I didn't know if they were being realistic or overconfident, but either way it would end with the same result.

Really, three Uncrowned Kings, the captain of the Generation of Miracles, and an invisible person. Literally the dream team.

Well, aside from Teikō Middle School that used to have all of the Generation of Miracles, but that's a different matter.

Until today, I've never really paid attention to the practices I came to. Now, since I had nothing to do, I watched the scene in front of me. I knew that our team was beyond amazing, but I never thought that they would be this well off.

It was mesmerizing, and that wasn't including Akashi.

It was no wonder they weren't nervous.

~+~+~

The day of the finals of the Inter-High, Kazuno went to watch at the stadium. I stayed behind at the school. Despite the fact that the basketball they play is incredible, my interest level wasn't as high as to give up my free time and/or studying time. Less of the latter, though.

There was a high chance that Rakuzan High would win the Inter-High, but I make it a habit not to be too overconfident.

As I was walking past one of the first year classrooms, I noticed someone crouched down in it. His back was facing me, but I had a vague sense of recognition. When I caught a peek of red hair, I swore my heart almost stopped. What was Akashi doing here? His team was playing in the Inter-High at this moment!

I stepped into the classroom, "... Akashi-kun?" There was no response. Slowly, I walked closer to get a better look. Although his head was lowered and his bangs were covering his eyes, it was Akashi. That was when I noticed the Shogi board in front of him. He was playing by himself.

Did he always do this?

"Akashi-kun, why aren't you at the game?" I asked.

"It wouldn't be any fun if I played, would it? I'm going later."

"But-"

"People under my training will not fail."

Well, at least he had faith in his teammates. Except, I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Feeling surprisingly bold, I sat in one of the desks to the side and spectated the one-man game. After a minute, Akashi said, "Who gave you permission to be here?"

"No one. I have nothing to do," I replied.

"If you have nothing to do, go find something productive to do."

I didn't answer, and Akashi continued on with the game, probably finding me not worth his time, or effort. "Hey, Akashi," I suddenly called. He didn't respond. I continued. "Are you afraid of something...?"

Akashi's hand froze on the board for a split second. It wasn't long, but it was long enough to give me my answer. I stood up from the seat and walked over to where Akashi was crouching on the floor. Reaching over, I picked up his king piece and twirled it in my hand. He gave me a pointed look.

"Even..." I started. "If someone's afraid, even a king can fall. Fear shouldn't be a driving force." I tossed the king piece up in the air and Akashi caught it in his open palm as it dropped down. I turned and left the room without a word.

When I was out into the hallway, I covered my face with my hands, reflecting on the situation. Oh God... what did I do...

~+~+~

Akashi looked at the king piece in his palm, closing his fist over it. He looked down at the Shogi board and his lips slowly formed into a smirk.

"Heh... interesting..."

~~