Check and Mate (Akashi Seijuro x reader) KnB 16/?

Chapter 16

The following day, I arrived at school early with a simple shirt on instead of the uniform. Using the spare key for the gym given to me by the head coach, I entered the premises, our previous conversation still fresh in my memory.

It was after all the commotion yesterday...

I released a heavy sigh.

'Well, nothing I can do about it now...'

I put down my belongings to the side of the gym and started to clean/prepare the place before the members arrive.

----

I wiped the sweat off on my forehead as I finished mopping the floors and wiping the balls clean. The place was spotless, if I say so myself.

"Good morning"

I heard a voice call out. Turning to the source, I saw the familiar bluenette by the entrance of the gym.

"Good morning Tetsuya-kun" I greeted back with a light smile.

"You're up early..."

"Not as early as you it seems" he said pointing towards the rug on my hand. We both chuckled.

"I've been feeling a bit uneasy since I hardly did anything 'managerial-like' ever since I was invited here. Felt that I needed to do something at least..." I voices out my thoughts as I put away some of the stuffs clattered around.

"You don't have to push yourself too hard you know" he said, helping me ready the place.

"You're even doing something your not comfortable with..." He stopped when our hands met while picking up a ball.

I took the ball and placed it in the basket the holds the others.

"Well, since I've accepted the invitation it'll be rude if I don't do my part..." I answered

"That's nice of you considering you dislike this sport" came the voice of the green-haired shooting guard.

"Good morning Shin-chan~" I greeted. I saw him tripped on something nonexistent.

"I told you not to call me that" he said sternly while fixing his glasses, his shy side emerging.

"And it's rude to just butt in on others' conversation" I said and he coughed defensively.

I could hear Kuroko's meek greeting towards the new comer and Midorima's nod of a reply.

After a few minutes, the members of the basketball club started to fill in one by one. Aside from the two regulars, Aomine also arrived.

"Woah! This place is sparkling!" Aomine exclaimed as he took a ball and started dribbling.

"Hey Tetsuya, help me practise before everyone gets here" Aomine practically dragged Kuroko in the center of the gym to practise by themselves.

"Good morning everyone~!!" An excited greeting came from the blonde regular who burst through the doors.

"Good morning" I greeted back whilst the other regulars ignored the cheery greeting.

"[Name]cchi!" The blonde greeted loudly as he slung his arms over my frame and embraced me.

"They're being mean to me again! Look! All of them are ignoring me!" He wailed as he pointed towards the two in the center and the green-haired heading off to the side to do some stretches.

"[Name]cchi?" I asked as I covered my ears from his outburst. All I got was a nod of reply and a pout on his face, looking as would a hurt puppy do.

"They're just busy doing there own thing. No need to be upset" I said trying to reassure him.

There was a sudden silence that fell in the gym and I faintly heard a group of footsteps shuffling before the usual greeting of good morning was made. Looking over to the source, I could see both the purple-giant Murasakibara and the red-haired, Akashi. They greeted back and proceeded towards us.

"Good morning~!" the blonde waved as I nod as a greeting to the two.

"Kise." Akashi acknowledged with a piercing look. Kise giggled nervously.

"I'll catch up with you later okay [Name]cchi?" Kise whispered as I felt his grasp loosen. He then left to do his morning routine.

"Hello~" Murasakibara greeted while munching on yet another junk food.

"I see you've been busy" Akashi pointed out.

"Not that much really" I replied.

"[Name]-chan~ good morning!" A loud greeting from the pink-haired manager called out as I was once again engulfed in a tight embrace.

"Good morning Momoi-san" I greeted back while trying to maintain my balance.

"You're up early~" she stated which later earned her a mocking reply from the ace player across the room saying how someone new was better at taking care of the whole team than her. She decided to run towards the said man in complete vehemence as a retaliation.

Ignoring the commotion, Akashi who stood facing me tugged a loose strand of hair back my ear.

"You should take a rest" he said. Without waiting for a reply, he pulled me to the nearest bench and sat me down. Knowing Akashi, protesting would be futile so I just said my thanks instead, appreciating his gesture.

Everyone fell to their respective routines and I watched idly on the sides sometimes conversing with the other females within the crowd.

After sometime, a baritone voice called out for attention.

"Okay everyone, gather around!" exclaimed by the assistant coach.

"Momoi" he called out so as the female could take charge.

"As you all know, the Nationals are coming up..."

Momoi continued to explain the club's overall performance so far and what were expected from the club as a whole for the upcoming match. I didn't really listen to the ongoings of the conversation, feeling the tiredness from the early morning duties seeping through my being.

As the morning practise was done, all the members went to change to their respective uniforms and headed off their respective classes.

Upon changing to my uniform, I went back to the gym to gather my things and prepared to leave.

"[Name]" I heard the familiar voice of Akashi called out as he held up his hand which had my belongings. I went up to him and we both made our way to our class.

"Here. Thank you of lending this to me" I said quite flustered as I handed him his shirt which was neatly folded and washed while motioning to get my stuffs from his hand.

"Keep it" was his meek reply.

"But---" I tried to protest but he held my belongings out of reach as he made his way towards out class.

I tightened my hold on his shirt as I followed after him. Deep down, there was a nagging feeling in my gut that told me that it was a futile attempt remembering how adamant he is.

"Akashi wait!" I called out but gained no reply from him while his pace steadily quickened.

Remembering how he'd only reply once I called him by his name, I heaved a heavy sigh.

"Seijuro wait!" I called after he was already a few feet away from me.

He stopped in his tracks in the middle of the busy hallway and turned to look at me with a gentle smile.

I quickly strode towards him and hurriedly took my belongings, making a dash towards our class. I kept my head down to avoid the stares from my fellow students.

A loud thump was heard as I set my things down on my table. Ayame, who was on the far end of the room, looked my way with confusion written over her face.

Akashi was not far behind as he settled himself down by my side, still with a knowing smile plastered on his face. I decided to ignore him the very least, his earlier stunt irking me.

"[Name]" he said reaching for my bag.

"You've mistakenly took my bag as yours..." He stated as he took the bag in question and placed the one he held on the bag handle of my table. I could feel my face start to heat up due to embarrassment.

"You shouldn't be in such a hurry. We're not going anywhere... At least none as of yet" he said unto my ear and my mood further soured as I felt utterly defeated.

People stared for another minute or so before continuing on in their own respective activities. I took a quick glance over Akashi who was still gently smiling before burying my face on my arms.



Sometimes, Akashi can be the sweetest person ever and I can't take my eyes off of him...


Yet sometimes he'll shift to his pompous acts and I can't bear to look him in the eye.


Either way, I can't rid myself off of him.