There was silence from Akaashi. The silence remained for the rest of their walk to his apartment, up the multiple flights of stairs, and even until they were in the room and kicking off their shoes. It wasn't awkward, however, and not tense. It was a thoughtful silence. Akaashi was digesting Kuroo's words, drinking in every syllable to dissect it and understand it like the English major he was. And Kuroo walked along with a smile, knowing he'd said the right things he needed to get Akaashi to believe him, like the businessman he was. Akaashi is struggling and he's been on a silent, steady decline for years. Kuroo figures it out.