Archive of Our Own ^beta

The shinkansen is barely out of Kyoto station when Momoi calls, sounding pleased on the other end of the line. "Akashi-kun, I hear you're coming back to Tokyo this weekend. Will you join us for a few games of basketball?" She rattles off his ex-teammates' schedules before he can reply. Akashi listens, out of politeness sake, as Momoi talks about Kise's recent photoshoots and the omurice curry Kagami made them after last week's game, before interrupting.

"I will be unable to join you tomorrow. My father wishes to spend the day with me," Akashi says, watching the scenery outside. He wonders who leaked his schedule to her, and spends a second debating the higher probability between Mibuchi or Hayama's betrayal.

"I shall move the game to Sunday, then," Momoi replies smoothly, and Akashi almost misses having her as his manager.

Instead, he says, "I will be spending Sunday with my cousin, so I will be unable to make it to the street ball game."

Momoi hums for a bit, and Akashi can hear her tapping a pencil on something. "Akashi-kun only has one cousin currently living in Tokyo, right? I'm sure he wouldn't mind joining us." Akashi changes his mind and decides that he does not miss Momoi prodding into his life, after all.

In a momentary loss of tact, Akashi replies, "Unfortunately, I will be attending his school festival, which I suspect will take up the entire day. Please relay my apology to the others." He should have suspected something when she wished him goodbye sweetly. Instead, Akashi thinks about the last time he was forced to spend time with Cousin Suoh and feels his headache growing.

After spending an uneventful Saturday with his father, Akashi has the chauffeur drop him outside of the Ouran Academy gates come Sunday afternoon. For once, he feels relieved to see limos stretching around the street. Akashi takes one step onto campus and is glad for his decision to attend Rakuzan, which, despite its prestige and equally large endowment, proves to be less hectic and extravagant than Ouran. He had visited with his father once to scout possible high schools. Back then, Uncle Yuzuru spent more time grilling Akashi about his basketball career than promoting his own academy. They'd met Cousin Suoh for dinner, where Uncle Yuzuru made up erroneous tales about the origins of Japanese dishes while Cousin Suoh listened with the naivety of a child. Akashi spent the entire meal wondering if they were really related.

Still, Akashi's father had thought it polite for him to attend Cousin Suoh's school festival, especially after receiving elaborate invitations weeks in advance. His father had also made it clear that Cousin Suoh would eventually inherit the entire Suoh fortune, so Akashi decided that this visit would count for his yearly obligatory interaction with his half-French second cousin.

On his way to the building that houses the third music room, Akashi passes an array of outdoor club booths and students in costumes advertising their events. Akashi recognizes the standard blue blazers and yellow dress uniforms that everyone dons, which makes visitors stand out even more. This is how he spots a tall pair arguing near the entrance of the west wing while their companions look put-out. Akashi’s fight or flight response is instantly triggered.

He tries to evade them discreetly, but only gets a few meters away before Momoi calls out "Akashi-kun~". Akashi sighs as he makes his way over to an arguing Kagami and Aomine, who seem surprised to see him. Kuroko, on the other hand, doesn't even bat an eyelash.

"Oi," Aomine says, taking a moment to drop his grip on Kagami's shirt. "What are you doing here, Akashi?"

Akashi looks pointedly at Momoi, who smiles brilliantly at him. Then he turns to Kuroko, the person most likely to respond reasonably. "My cousin attends this academy and has invited me to come visit him. Why are you here?"

"Momoi-san informed me that Ouran Academy's agriculture club is selling limited edition Hokkaido milkshakes made with the Nikido family's secret recipe. Their recipe has won numerous awards at culinary expos." Kuroko returns his stare evenly.

Akashi tsks silently at Momoi and turns to Aomine and Kagami.

"Satsuki said there would be hot girls here."

"Kuroko said we were gonna play ball."

Momoi seems completely unperturbed by their narrowing gazes. "Akashi-kun's cousin is in the host club, right? Why don't we go pay him a visit? I'm sure he wouldn't mind us intruding. This is a festival, after all. The more the merrier, right?"

Akashi caliculates the probability of losing them in the crowd en route to the music room, but is forced to follow Momoi as he is pseudo-flanked by two unnecessarily tall people at his sides and Kuroko at his back. He's distracted by the shrills that greet them at the bottom of the staircase. Thus, it is with immense annoyance that Akashi discovers a group of girls circling around a familiar blonde.

"Ah, Momocchi!" Kise spots them easily through the crowd of admirers. He bids the girls goodbye before joining them, happily greeting a reluctant Kagami and an annoyed Aomine.

"Why are you here?" Kagami asks. He looks around them as if trying to spot the nearest basketball court. "Were you tricked too?"

Kise blinks. "Momocchi told me that Kurokocchi would be here. That is... He is here, right?"

"Kuroko walked off four minutes ago." Akashi nods towards the hallway to their right. When the others quickly shuffle down the corridors in search of Kuroko, Akashi follows at a respectable pace. He has an idea of what happens after this, and stops after coming across a dark hallway. "What in the world are you doing?" Akashi asks, squinting.

Midorima steps out of the shadows and adjusts his glasses. "I took refuge to avoid the commotion. Oha Asa ranked cancer in tenth place today. I refuse to tempt faith by mingling with people who will no doubt cause trouble." He puts a pink rabbit keychain in his back pocket and regards Akashi seriously. "Before you ask, I am here on Momoi's request. Although, for the record, I was misled into believing this would be a two person scouting trip."

"I see." What Akashi really sees in his peripheral vision is a group of people bounding over to him, followed by a reluctant looking Kuroko. "Now is your last chance to escape."

Midorima just pushes his glasses further up the bridge of his nose and stiltedly greets the others, who seem vastly indifferent to his presence. Except for Kise, who Akashi suspects would be excited to see a rock.

Akashi’s not even surprised when they find Murasakibara minutes later. Murasakibara ignores Midorima’s indignant what are you doing here and automatically goes to Akashi’s side. “Yosen is on spring break and the gym is being refurbished. I wanted to stay home, but Sacchin called and insisted I come.”

Akashi just nods at him. Unfortunately, Murasakibara takes Akashi’s silence as permission to pick a fight with Kagami over his eyebrows. Aomine joins in for reasons beyond Akashi’s comprehension, and Kise ends up having to hold Kagami back as they move through the hallway at a snail’s pace. Thankfully, they arrive at their destination before his ex-teammates can get Akashi escorted out for causing a public disturbance.

"Enough of this," Akashi says, opening the door to the third music room. He moves just in time as a strange shower of rose petals are blown in their direction, blocking the view. As Akashi glances at his companions (Kagami seems to be choking on petals that flew into his mouth), he is caught off guard by movements behind him.

"Welcome!" A pair of familiar faces chorus. "Oh, a new customer!"

"A boy?" The first twin says as the second twin leans over his shoulders. "Well, this isn't exactly the first time. Which host are you looking for?"

Akashi reexamines the plaque hanging outside of the door. Upon confirming the room number, he glances around the elaborate space and the girls seated on European furniture. Perhaps Cousin Suoh's club has recreated an afternoon tea lounge for the festival. "I'm looking for Suoh Tamaki-san," Akashi says, eventually. "He should be expecting me."

"Mmmm I never expected him to be your type." The second twin smirks before calling out, "Milord! A fan is here to see you!" His attention is set on Akashi's companions, who seem to have settled down after Kuroko vigorously patted Kagami out of his choking fit. Murasakibara is nowhere in sight, probably off to stalk the nearest dessert cart. Momoi has taken the liberty of inviting herself in as she examines the interior of the music room. Kise is once again surrounded by girls.

"Damnit, Kuroko!" Kagami hisses. "You almost killed me!"

"I was saving you from death by rose petals," Kuroko replies absently as Aomine laughs behind them. "I never knew flowers could be blown so aggressively towards one's person."

"You are more than welcome to leave and explore the festival on your own," Akashi says, turning to them. "Perhaps-" His words are cut off when something rams into his back in full force, and Akashi finds himself pulled into someone's chest as blonde hair invades his mouth.

"Seijuro-kun!!!!!" Cousin Suoh shrieks, rocking Akashi back and forth. "It is so kind of you to visit me! I haven't seen you in a year, and distance has made my memories of you grow fonder! I-" Cousin Suoh loses his grasp on Akashi before he goes tumbling down.

"Did Akashi-kun just ankle break his own cousin?" Kuroko asks quietly.

Cousin Suoh is unfazed and tries to embrace Akashi once more. He catches himself with the grace of a grade-schooler when Akashi evades his hug. "Are you too shy to embrace me in public? It's okay, Seijuro-kun! Remember when we played together as toddlers? You often grabbed my shirt and called me Onii-tan!"

"Onii-tan?" The twins, Aomine, and Kagami chorus with various levels of disbelief.

"That never happened," Akashi reminds him, shooting Aomine and Kagami a look that shuts them up. "Please stop spreading inaccurate information, Suoh-san. May I remind you that we grew up on separate continents?"

"Yes, that is unfortunate indeed," Cousin Suoh says as he dabs his eyes with a handkerchief. "But my father often shows me photos of you as a child. He keeps it in the same collection that houses my own baby photos! It is such a travesty that, despite our strong bond and proximity in the family tree, we had to grow up apart and grow into young men so different from e-"

"Akashi, are you really related to this person?" Aomine cuts in.

Cousin Suoh seems to notice Akashi's companions for the first time. "And you brought friends! How lovely! I'm so glad that you, too, were able to form such strong bonds of camaraderie with your-"

“We’re not really fri-” Kagami starts to say, but stops when Kuroko steps on his left foot.

This sends Cousin Suoh on another teary spill. "I'm so honored that Seijuro-kun took the time out of his busy schedule to visit and rekindle our friendship. I know he has obligations as the student council president of Rakuzan." His sentimentality only fans the flames, as Akashi finds himself under the scrutiny of the crowd growing around them.

"I believe Akashi-san's talents lie outside of the student council as well," another boy appears by Tamaki's side with a clipboard. He smiles in a way that reminds Akashi of Nijimura-san, who often adopted the same predatory expression before hunting Haizaki down. "Akashi Seijuro-san is also well known for his basketball skills. He has led both his middle school and high school basketball teams to the national stage. In fact, it seems that we have more than one athlete joining us today."

"Kyouya-kun! Long time no see!" Momoi chirps, joining who Akashi now recognizes as the third son of the Ootori family. Akashi remembers making small talk with him once at a gala. In fact, even the twins oo-ing and ahh-ing at them are starting to look familiar.

"How do you know each other?" Aomine asks, already irritated.

"Kyouya-kun and I met at a national student conference," Momoi says, which explains absolutely nothing. "When I heard that Akashi-kun was visiting his cousin at Ouran, I contacted Kyouya-kun. He was generous enough to invite us as well!"

"Eh? Basketball players?" The twins say in tandem as they round up on Midorima. One of them circles around an uncomfortable looking Midorima while the other peers unnecessarily close to his face.

"Hikaru, please stop making our guest uncomfortable," Ootori says. He ignores the way Cousin Tamaki is currently engaged in a one-man monologue about the beauty of basketball! Sportsmanship! Camaraderie! Rivals! Ootori turns to Momoi with a smile. "Our salon is about to wrap up soon. Would you like me to accompany you on a tour of our academy?"

"Yes!" Momoi says just as Midorima yelps. Hitachiin 1 seems to have stolen his glasses as the twins take turns donning it.

"Please return those at once," Midorima says stiffly, his mouth pulled into a tight line.

"Sure," Hitachiin 1 says, passing off the glasses to Hitachiin 2. Then they begin circling Midorima with agility and speed that Akashi rarely sees on the basketball court. The twins strike identical poses and grin in unison. "We'll return the glasses if you beat us at a game. Which game, you ask? The Guess Which One Is Hikaru-Kun Game!"

Midorima points to the one on the right.

"Wrong!"

Midorima points to the one on the left.

"Wrong!"

Midorima opens his mouth to complain, but Kise chooses then to resurface from the sea of admirers. "Eeeeh, it looks like Midorimacchi is quite popular!" Kise blinks when both twins redirect their gaze to him.

"Have we seen you somewhere before?" They ask.

Kise beams. "Actually, I'm a model! You may have seen me on the cover of-"

"Nope!" The twin currently wearing the glasses decides, turning away from Kise.

"Definitely not," the other twin chimes in. "We have better taste than that. Although, he does look a bit like a tall blonde character we know."

"Eehhh?" Kise squeaks, but the twins' attention is now on Kagami and Aomine.

"You're quite tall," Hitachiin 1 says. He peers up at Kagami, who responds by taking a step back. "And what's with that expression? Don't look so surprised! Have you never been up close and personal with another boy before?"

"Hikaru?" Hitachiin 2 asks as his eyes water. "Could it be that Hikaru secretly likes the tall, wild type?" He looks away and sighs a little. "Are you no longer satisfied with me?"

"No!" Hitachiin 1 insists, reaching for his brother until they're entwined in a foul-inducing embrace. He whispers while holding Hitachiin 2's hands. "Don't think that, Kaoru! You're more than enough for me. Nii-chan is sorry for his wandering eyes." Their little skit sends the girls in their vicinity into deafening shrills.

"H-h-homos?" Kagami yelps, taking a step behind Aomine. They straighten up when Momoi slaps them on the arm, mumbling something about taking one to know one. She's soon engaged in an argument with Aomine, who insists that he and Kagami have never touched dicks, what the fuck, Satsuki!

Akashi pointedly ignores their argument and looks around the room for traces of Murasakibara. He rubs his temples when Kuroko slides up to him. "I know what you are thinking," Akashi says.

"Really?" Kuroko replies, a small smile tugging on the corner of his lips. He looks at Cousin Suoh. "On the contrary, I see the resemblance. Akashi-kun was once quite dramatic too, although perhaps not to the same extent." He pauses when someone bumps into him, and both Kuroko and Akashi turn to a thin boy.

"Sorry," the newcomer says while holding onto a tray of tea. "I didn't see you there. Would you like something to drink? Sorry that this is all we have left from the club meeting." He lifts the tray up and smiles.

Akashi feels that it would be impolite to refuse, so he accepts a cup as Kuroko does the same. He's surprised when he recognizes the contents of the kettle as Gyokoro, the kind his father likes. Unfortunately, Akashi's enjoyment is interrupted when Cousin Suoh comes bouncing over.

"Haruhi!" Cousin Suoh wraps an arm around the slim boy's shoulders. "You must not burden yourself with manual labor! Let me help you!"

"Kurokocchi!" Kise skitters over and pulls Kuroko closer. "Ohhh let me try some of your tea!"

"No thank you," Kuroko and Haruhi reply in unison, wearing matching expressions of indifference. Both Cousin Suoh and Kise's faces crumble. Akashi turns away and privately wonders who is related to whom.

"Ah, Akachin." Murasakibara reappears then, towering over the girls. It's not until he stops in front of Akashi that Akashi realizes Murasakibara is holding someone in his arms, much like how a child would hold a stuffed animal. "Look what I found."

"Honey-Senpai! What are you doing?"

"Haru-chan! Tama-chan!" The very real child in Murasakibara's arm greets them happily. "Look! I found someone taller than Takashi!"

Akashi recognizes the not-child, closes his eyes, and counts to ten. "Please put him down," he says, to which Murasakibara obeys. He is equally alarmed and confused when the small boy pulls candy from his blazer pockets and hands it to Murasakibara. Akashi turns to face his cousin. "Suoh-san-"

"Call me Tamaki!" Cousin Suoh insists enthusiastically.

"Tamaki-san, It seems that you are quite busy, so I won't take up any more of your time. I'm sorry my companions have troubled you and disturbed your club meeting. You seem to be doing well, so I will take my leave and-"

"Seijuro-kun! Are you, perhaps, too shy to ask for my time? Rest assured that you are no burden at all!" Cousin Suoh hugs himself unnecessarily. "It pains me that I put you in this uncomfortable position when I was the one who invited you here. This must be what if feels like to be too loved, too in demand and-"

"Tamaki, you're free to go," Ootori cuts in with another dark-hair boy in tow. He extracts what appear to be Midorima's glasses and hands it to Midorima. "Business hours were over ten minutes ago, and the princesses are already on their way out. You can escort Akashi-san around if you'd like."

"But what about your friends?" Cousin Suoh asks.

As if expecting this question, Ootori procures packets of coupons and passes them around. "Unfortunately, host club hours are over, but you are more than welcome to stay for the festival. Please take these complementary coupon books from the student council, along with the event schedule for today. Take note that all the events will end by 7 pm to accommodate the student-run basketball tournament.”

“That’s what I’d rather be doing right now—playing basketball,” Aomine says. “Come on Tetsu. Let’s go find a court somewhere.”

Kagami knocks Aomine's arm off Kuroko. "Oi! Who says you'll be playing with Kuroko? I'm his partner now." Kagami frowns when Kise wines about how much he wants to play with Kurokocchi too. Midorima starts huffing about his star ranking for the day while Murasakibara slowly wanders away. The cacophony is interrupted when the sounds of whirling motor fills the room.

"How lovely!" A voice calls out as the floors open up and a platform rises from the ground. A girl with a ribbon in her hair beams down at them, her hands clasped over her heart. "The rivalry and inner turmoil among teammates! The thin line between love and hate on the court! Can anything be more beautiful than the angst between brothers turned lovers? Basketball is such a beautiful sport!"

"What the flying fuck," Aomine says the same time the Hitachiins chirp, "Not this again."

"Hi Renge-chan~" Haninozuka cheers.

"You don't have to hide it!" The girl name Renge points at Aomine. "I know all about your type! The tall, dark, and handsome lone wolf who desires love and attention from his teammates yet lacks the courage to ask for help!" She turns to Kagami. "A wild and fierce archetype who manages his uncontrollable rage by taking care of puppies in the rain!"

"Isn't Kagami afraid of dogs?" Someone asks.

"You!" Renge snaps, gesturing at Kuroko. "The quiet and aloof boy with a sadistic streak and a heart darker than the sea!" Her gaze lands on a glowering Midorima. "The tsundere with a heart of gold and a tragically beautiful back story." Then, Murasakibara. "The stoic body-guard who cultivates his unrequited love in silence."

"What about me?" Kise asks, raising his hand and looking excited.

Renge points at Cousin Suoh. "We already have a dumb blonde type here. You're not needed!" Ignoring Kise's wails, she looks at Akashi and sighs deeply. "And finally, the exceedingly polite prince-type with a traumatic past! Driven to the brink of breaking in order to reconcile his own desires with the burdens of his deeply scarred soul!" She fans herself gratuitously and bows. "Well? Did I get it right?"

"Hell no!" Kagami and Aomine howl the same time Kuroko says, "The last one was pretty accurate." Cousin Suoh's friends don't look surprised at all.

"What in the world are you talking about?" Midorima asks at last, aggressively cleaning his glasses.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Renge says as she steps down from the platform. "I am simply reciting the plot of the newest sports-based BL visual novel: Ruruko's Basketball!"

Kuroko is the first to speak up. "What a strange name."

Renge just fans herself cryptically. She walks out of the room with dramatically swaying hips and parting words of, "You'll see soon enough."

"What does that mean?" Kise glances around with wide eyes, but no one in the host club seems to takes what just happened seriously.

"Let's get out of here already," Kagami hisses, making a beeline for the door as Aomine follows. He snatches one of the coupon books out of Momoi's hands and is largely unaffected by her reprimands. Akashi has no doubt that they're on a mission to find food and all the shooting games on campus.

Midorima readjusts his glasses and turns towards the door. He makes an undignified noise when the twins flank him on both sides with matching grins. Midorima's attempts to shake them off is largely unsuccessful, and he's about to make a run for it when Hitachiin 2 dangles something on his fingers. "Is that?"

"Look at this cute thing I found." Hitachiin smirks as he holds up what Akashi recognizes as Midorima's lucky item of the day.

Midorima pats his back pockets and frowns when he finds a wooden cat doll instead. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Come play with us~" The twins chorus as they swing Midorima's lucky item by its chain in a circular motion. They run off into the halls and Midorima follows, muttering something about limited edition merch.

"Ah! At-chan." Haninozuka waves at Murasakibara. "Would you like me to show you to the dessert booths? The baking and cooking clubs are having a show down on the second floor soon. Takashi and I can take you there~" He points at the silent, dark-hair boy who Akashi can only assume is "Takashi."

Unsurprisingly, Murasakibara agrees. He picks Haninozuka up again and sets him on his shoulders like a father hoisting his child up in a crowd. They move towards the door while Haninozuka's dark-haired bodyguard follows.

"Remember to return at the designated time," Ootori reminds them. He smiles cryptically when Haninozuka gives him a thumbs up, and regards them when the strange trio leave. "Kise-san, would you like to accompany Momoi-san and I on a tour of Ouran?"

"But I want to be with Kurokocchi."

Kuroko seems to be doing his best at camouflaging himself with a vase. He stops when Haruhi pulls him away gently.

"I have a few questions I'd like to ask you," Kyouya says to Kise. His glasses shine unnaturally as he smiles politely, but firmly.

Momoi loops an arm through Kise's and pulls him away. "Come on, Ki-chan. It'll be fun~ Plus, I think Kyouya-kun is a fan of your work~"

Akashi watches as they exit the music room. He takes in the rest of the room's occupants and looks at Cousin Suoh.

"Looks like you're stuck with me and Haruhi!" Cousin Suoh smiles and extends a hand out to Akashi.

His weloming gesture is interrupted when Kuroko raises his hand next to Cousin Suoh. "Excuse me. I am also here."

Cousin Suoh jumps a notable height into the air and shrieks. "Where did you come from?"

"He was always here," Akashi answers before Kuroko can open his mouth. He glances at the fourth occupant. "Hello."

"Nice to meet you," the slim boy replies politely. He seems unaffected by Kuroko's misdirection. "I'm Fujioka. If you don't mind, I'll excuse myself now."

Cousin Suoh looks stricken at the news. "But Haruhi! The more the merrier! Plus, Kyouya asked me to remind you about... You know…." He looks away dramatically in a move completely uncalled for in a normal conversation.

Fujioka's expression darkens, and Akashi feels that he is witnessing some form of blackmail as Fujioka unwillingly follows them into the hallway. Cousin Suoh, with an unnecessarily amount of enthusiasm, assigns himself as their tour guide.

By the time they've finished touring all four floors of the West Wing, Akashi is willing to admit that the atmosphere here feels friendlier than Rakuzan. They pass by class-rooms turned into cafes, haunted houses, and arcades while female students greet Cousin Suoh left and right. Kuroko makes an impressive attempt to disappear into the second library they come across, but wanders back wordlessly when Fujioka asks where he is going.

"Do you see it now, Seijuro-kun? The beauty and cadence here at Ouran? This is a place where the students study together, grow up together, fall in love togethe-"

Kuroko, having gotten mouthier since defeating Akashi at the Winter Cup, interrupts. "Does that mean everyone falls in love with each other? Or as a collective?"

Cousin Suoh looks delighted when Fujioka laughs. "Haruhi??? Did you feel a personal connection to my moving speech?" He gasps loudly. "Could it be that you, too, have fallen in lo-"

"Please continue the tour, Senpai," Fujioka says, already moving. He's knocked forward when a pair of children in planet costumes come dashing past them in the hallway. Akashi immediately catches Fujioka from the back with an arm looped around Fujioka's chest.

Akashi pauses.

Fujioka stares at him.

Cousin Suoh looks absolutely horrified.

"Sorry!" The children yell and dash off quickly.

"It appears that there is a stage-play in the auditorium," Kuroko says when no one else speaks up.

"Would you like to see it?" Akashi asks after helping Fujioka up. "Tamaki-san, do you know what the play is about?"

"Call me Tamaki," Cousin Suho says, then catches up with his train of thoughts. "I mean- I'll need to ask someone from the grade school division but- I mean- You didn't notice anything?" He grabs Fujioka tightly by the shoulders and shakes Fujioka back and forth. "Could it be that even my esteemed cousin couldn't notice anything with your absolutely flat-"

"If you're referring to the fact that Fujioka-san is currently wearing the wrong uniform," Akashi interupts before Cousin Suoh can say something more embarrassing. "I noticed but felt it rude to ask."

Fujioka seems more annoyed than anything. She pushes Cousin Suoh away with a carefully placed hand on his face. “I believe the elementary division is putting on a production of Le Petit Prince. There are tickets in the coupon book Kyouya-senpai gave out."

"I would like to see this play," Kuroko says, already flipping through his coupon packet. He shows the time printed on the ticket to Akashi. "You can continue the tour, if you’d like."

"I'm interested in watching this too," Akashi decides after checking his cellphone for the time. "I'll come with you."

"Tamaki-senpai?" Fujioka asks quietly, when Cousin Suoh doesn't make a noise.

"Ah, sorry." Cousin Suoh flips his brilliantly blonde hair and gives them a smile that doesn't meet his eye. "Let's all go, then!"

They make it to the auditorium with enough time to find adjacent seats in the back. Akashi sits between Kuroko and Cousin Suoh, and is slightly surprised when Fujioka chooses to take a seat next to Kuroko. He takes a moment to admire the exquisite designs on the walls while excited parents chat around them.

The play starts innocently enough. A small boy dressed in a pilot's uniform appears at the edge of the stage and begins to narrate the opening. Akashi is impressed when the curtain lifts to show a desert. Fujioka looks visibily irritated three minutes into the play, when a mother in front of them whispers, "I hear the school imported real sand from the Sahara dessert."

"I can't believe this," Fujioka mutters under her breath. "Or rather, I can."

"I believe I am seeing a mirage. Otherwise, I believe there are real parts of a plane laid out on the stage," Kuroko adds.

Akashi reevaluates the set and decides that the small F-5B currently displayed may actually be real. He leans over when Cousin Suoh whispers into his ear. "Haruhi is a scholarship student, so she is easily impressed. Isn't that cute?"

Akashi says nothing.

"That is a very accurately made crater for an elementary school production," Kuroko mumbles when the prince appears on his planet.

"Is that girl wearing a dress made of rose petals?" Fujioka wants to know.

"Authenticity is something the Ouran drama department takes seriously," Cousin Suoh reminds Akashi, who has an inevitable vision of how the rest of the play will proceed. Thus, he is not surprised when a student appears on stage covered entirely in fox fur. Nor is he shocked when a real snake is let loose in the un-controlled environment of the stage.

In fact, Akashi finds that the high production value adds little to the story. The acting is decent enough that Akashi stays entertained despite Kuroko and Fujioka's joint attempts to ruin the ambiance with their commentaries. Kuroko, at least, seems to be making a new friend.

Akashi watches with mild interest as the climax is reached. He remembers reading the book, once. Akashi had been too young at the time to understand the symbolism, but sometimes he thought back to the story in French class, when verb conjugation failed to grab his attention. He's not surprised when the ending is met with rapturous applause by the parents, and Akashi joins Kuroko in clapping politely.

Exiting the auditorium is a slow process. Akashi listens to Kuroko converse with Fujioka for a bit before noticing the silence on his other side. Cousin Suoh watches the stage quietly, as if waiting for an extension of the story that will never come. He wonders if Cousin Suoh, who is every bit of a prince, regrets leaving his planet.

“Senpai? Are you ready?” Fujioka asks when the path is clear.

Cousin Suoh looks up and blinks. “Huh?”

Fujioka tilts her head. “You wanted to take us to your class’s attraction, right?”

The color quickly returns to Cousin Suoh’s face. “Yes! You must see the excellent display my class has set up this year!” He loops an arm through Akashi’s and is pulling them along before Akashi can object.

Cousin Suoh’s idea of excellence turns out to be an extremely accurate set-up of a matsuri inside of his classroom. He escorts them inside excitedly and points out all the food stands lining the walls. “Look, Haruhi! It’s a commoner’s festival!”

Fujioka looks unimpressed, although she does take a moment to examine the stalls. “Senpai, these prices are pretty accurate.”

“Of course! Kyouya and I did a lot of a research! Look, Otou-san even prepared an allowance for you!” He pulls out a small coin pouch and hands it to Fujioka.

“Otou-san?” Kuroko asks quietly, and pauses when Fujioka opens the pouch to find 100 yen coins still secured in bank rolls. He gives Akashi a look while Fujioka openly asks if Cousin Suoh has ever touched Japanese currency before. Fujioka seems unimpressed when Cousin Suoh tells her about his large collection of “commoners’ coins,” and wanders off without them.

Akashi gets distracted when Kagami comes trotting up to them with an armful of food. Kagami is juggling three boxes of okonomiyaki when Kuroko expertly swipes one from his grasp. “Oi, Kuroko! Get your own food!”

“Tetsu can have some of mine.” Aomine appears, holding two boxes of yaki soba. Together, he and Kagami coerce Kuroko into accompanying them on another round of the food stalls.

Akashi turns and finds Cousin Suoh smiling at him. “What do you think, Seijuro-kun?”

“The food looks good,” Akashi says as he spots a stall selling agedashi tofu. Cousin Suoh follows his gaze and pulls him towards the stand.

“Two orders please!” Cousin Suoh tells the classmate behind the stand, who responds with a cheerful Tamaki-sama! Cousin Suoh beams as he hands one of the orders to Akashi. “Seijuro-kun really likes tofu, right? My mother really loves it too!”

“I see,” Akashi says, looking down at his food. He sets some spare change on the counter while Cousin Suoh brandishes another roll of coins. Akashi attempts to slip away while Cousin Suoh fumbles with money, but Cousin Suoh catches up with him minutes later. By then, Akashi has already finished his tofu.

“Did you enjoy the play, Seijuro-kun?”

Akashi meets Cousin Suoh’s eyes and takes in the unassuming smile on the blonde’s face. “Yes, but it seems like you didn’t.”

Cousin Suoh’s expression falters a little. “It was a well-produced play! I’m amazed by the complexity conveyed in the students’ acting! And…” He trails off when Akashi gives him a pointed look. “It reminded me of something else, that’s all.”

Akashi chooses his next words carefully. “Most readers agree that although the Prince suffers greatly after departing from his planet, leaving his rose was a necessity. You should understand that. Even more so, you have the privilege of seeing your rose again.” He sets off towards the next tofu stand before his wayward cousin can reply. How silly, he thinks, it is to trade a mother’s love for empty estates and relatives who refuse to acknowledge his worth. Akashi knows, more than anyone, how Suoh Tamaki feels.

“Wait! Seijuro-kun!” Cousin Suoh catches Akashi’s arm. His cheeks are red when Akashi turns around. “You’re right. I’m more privileged than a lot of people. I know that.” Unexpected tears appear in his eyes. “I’m so sorry to have upset you, Seijuro-kun!”

Akashi blinks once, then twice. His brain to mouth filter is still broken since the Winter Cup, and Akashi replies. “You didn’t upset me. I was trying to upset you.”

“What?” Cousin Suoh cover his mouth. “Really? And here I thought I had caused you tremendous pain! Perhaps it’s our fate to inherit such traumatically beautiful faces and such wretched souls that earn to inflect damage on each othe-”

“You’ve watched too many dramas. I think they’ve rotted your brain.”

“Grandmother tells me that too…” Cousin Suoh trails off.

Akashi considers this. Cousin Suoh’s grandmother is similar to Akashi’s late grandfather in many ways, as siblings often are. Yet Akashi himself would not dare to cross the woman. “Your grandmother once told me that my hair was too bright and asked my father to dye it black.”

“She said that?” Cousin Suoh looks devastated.

“My father declined, and we were uninvited to dinner at the Main Suoh estate for a year. I dare say that I’m still not her favorite.” Akashi remembers the way his father had firmly rejected the suggestion and how he had run a hand through Akashi’s hair on the ride home. He remembers staring at the photo of his mother on his dresser when he came home, her hair a vibrant echo of his own.

“So we do have something in common!”

“Yes,” Akashi says. Then they’re both smiling, the ends of Akashi’s lips pulled up in unspoken agreement as Cousin Suoh grins at him.

They’re interrupted when Cousin Suoh’s phone goes off. As Cousin Suoh excuses himself, Akashi turns to find Aomine and Kagami heading over.

“So…” Kagami starts off, rubbing the back of his neck. “How good is your field of view?”

Akashi raises an eyebrow.

“We lost Kuroko,” Aomine cuts to the chase.

Akashi does a quick scan around them. “He’s no longer in this area.”

“So you can’t detect his presence nearby?” Kagami asks.

“No, because I am not a sonar radar,” Akashi replies drily.

Cousin Suoh returns then, looking apologetic. “You should go with them to look for your friend, Seijuro-kun! Kyouya just called, and I have some business to take care of! Come find me before you leave, though!”

“See you later,” Akashi agrees as Cousin Suoh quickly exits the room. He then turns to Aomine and Kagami. “Well? Let’s go.”

The search for Kuroko is tedious. Aomine grumbles about Kuroko’s inability to answer his phone while he and Kagami argue over which direction Kuroko must have gone. They eventually defer to Akashi’s expertise when he tries to ditch them. They encounter Midorima hiding behind a tree in the courtyard while holding a larger version of the pink rabbit plush, looking haggard. He sticks to Akashi like glue and refuses to explain anything until they pass by the baking club to find Murasakibara having afternoon tea.

“Hello, Aka-chin,” Murasakibara says with a mouthful of cake while Haninozuka waves at Midorima.

Haninozuka grins happily and blinks his large eyes at them. He pats the rabbit in Midorima’s arms when they walk over. “Shin-chan, was Usa-chan able to help you?”

“Yes,” Midorima says at last. “This served as a sufficient replacement for my lucky item, and I was able to evade the devilish twins.”

Haninozuka nods seriously in understanding. This is mimicked by the taller boy, who Akashi now recognizes as the heir of the Morinozuka clan, by his side. “Well, At-chan. It seems like your friends are here to pick you up! But you’re always welcome back here to have more cake, you know!”

“Bye Hani-chin.” Murasakibara waves a hand in their direction and wordlessly follows Akashi. He ignores Midorima’s comments about the food on his face and engages Akashi in conversation about the beauty of Ouran’s custom-ordered pastries.

Kise and Momoi are easy to locate. Akashi takes one look at the crowd of girls by the arcade and easily spots a tuft of blonde hair. Kise’s entire face lights up when he sees them, and he redistributes all the prizes he’s won to various admirers before making his way over. Momoi follows with a yellow bear plush in her arms. “I watched a boy win at the claw machine and used Perfect Copy to hone my skills! What do you think?”

“What happened to Ootori?” Akashi asks without answering.

Momoi taps a finger on her chin. “Kyouya-kun left to take care of some business. He did take a bunch of photos of Ki-chan around campus, though.”

“It’s so nice to meet someone who appreciates my beauty~”

“Did you ask what he planned on doing with those photos?” Midorima tsks. “You’re a professional model, yet you didn’t even charge someone for taking pictures of you. Do you know how much your photo cards cost at the idol shops?”

“Ehhh? Midorimacchi! Do you go to the idol shops just to buy my photos?! You should’ve just asked me!”

Akashi ignores Midorima’s sputter of that’s not the point and moves towards their destination—the agriculture club. There, they spot Kuroko and Fujioka, holding identical cups of the infamous Hokaiddo milkshake. Fujioka bids them goodbye politely upon checking the time.

“Well,” Aomine says, one arm on Kuroko’s shoulder as he stirs the smaller boy towards the exit. “Let’s go now. I’m tired of this joint.” They’re halfway into the hall when Momoi pulls on Aomine’s hoodie and tugs him back. “What? Satsuki?”

“Where do you think you’re going?” Momoi asks sweetly.

“Home?” Aomine raises an eyebrow. “All the booths are packing up.”

Momoi brings her hands together. “Yes. They’re closing down the festivities for the student basketball tournament—the one I signed you all up for.”

Akashi plugs fingers into his ears as a handful of “WHAT?!!”s echo through the halls.

Kuroko sips on his milkshake loudly. “I never lied to Kagami-kun about playing basketball.”

“Not all of us are wearing basketball clothes, Sacchin.”

“Ho ho ho~” A familiar voice says behind them, causing Midorima and Kise to jump. They turn around to find Renge, the strange girl from the host club, with a fan in her hand. “I just happen to have the first edition jerseys from Ruruko’s basketball on hand~”

“How fortunate!” Momoi says in unconvincing shock.

“I suppose you will have to wear these jerseys instead,” Momoi and Renge chorus in unison, hands joined in a high-five.

The jerseys, Akashi can deal with. This on-going friendship between Momoi and the Renge girl, however, is most alarming.

From what Akashi has gathered, the basketball tournament is organized by the student council. Each bracket consists of four pick-up teams, and each team is expected to win a 15 minute game before moving on to the next round. They use rock-paper-scissors to decide the starting lineup, so Akashi finds himself on the bench with a grumbling Kagami as the others play against a novice team. He’s surprised that Aomine agreed to play in such an easy game, but Akashi supposes they’ve all changed for the better. Kagami, for the most part, seems eager to be on the court. “Relax,” Akashi tells him as Kise dunks. “I’m sure you’ll get to play in the next game.”

Kagami gives Akashi what he assumes is the stink eye. “How can you sit so still when you could be playing?”

“Akashi-kun has always been very disciplined,” Momoi reminds them with a small smile. She doesn’t bother with note-taking—a sure sign that victory is guaranteed. She’s also donning a hoodie that matches their surprisingly functional cosplay jerseys, and Akashi wonders if she planned this all along.

As expected, the buzzer sounds on their victory. Their not-so-make shift team accepts the towels that Momoi hands them.

Their next opponents are the Ouran Basketball Club, who look overwhelmingly nervous.

“Ouran Academy has a nationally ranked lacross team, but I’m afraid their basketball club leaves much to be desired,” Momoi explains before the match. “With that said, I’m sure they know a thing or two about the high school basketball circuit. So, be nice. Dai-chan and Mido-rin, you two sit out.”

True to Momoi’s words, the basketball club is no match against them. Displaying any additional skills is largely unnecessary for winning. Kagami dunks on the buzzer beat and they soundly defeat their opponents. The term “Generation of Miracles” is only mentioned a few times.

“I guess the basketball club was hoping to win the tournament,” Momoi says during their break.

"Then who are we playing against in the final match?" Midorima asks, wiping his glasses clean. The crowd around the courts has grown significantly larger as on-lookers whispering excitedly among themselves.

"Wait," Aomine says, picking up a left-over flyer from the ground. He jabs a finger at the paper. "It says here that the winners will receive 100,000 yen! That's eight new pairs of basketball shoes!"

Akashi personally does not need a new pair of basketball shoes, but he can feel the entire team shift into game-mode at the announcement. He wonders who their unfortunate opponents are, and whether Ouran Academy is ready to see Aomine go into the zone for the sake of his shoe collection.

Their question is answered soon enough.

"What are you people doing here?!" Kagami screeches at the sight of the host club on the court. They are clad in matching jerseys sans Fujioka, who looks completely attached to her spot on the bench. "You guys play basketball?!!"

Hitachiin 1 shrugs, leaning into his brother. "We made it this far, didn't we?"

"Seijuro-kun!" Cousin Suoh beams when they're lined up for the tip-off. "It's so exciting to face you on the field! I, too, have seen the light—the beauty and grace of basketball in motion is truly amazing!"

"Let's have a good match," Akashi says.

"We'll beat your asses for sure," Aomine tells Ootori.

Ootori smiles unflinchingly. "Would you like to make a bet?"

"Ara?" Murasakibara looks down. "Those are big words."

The match is nothing like what Akashi expects. Within the first minute, Haninozuka earns a foul for attempting to make a goal while sitting on Morinozuka's shoulders. Cousin Suoh loses possession of the ball twice due to his inability to dribble. One of the twins knocks Kuroko down after not seeing him. The surprise contender is Morinozuka, who is unexpectedly aggressive on the court. With the help of Ootori, he manages to bring the host club's team to double digits first.

"Enough of this nonsense," Midorima decides and shoots his first high-arc three pointer. The crowd oohs in response, then the game really begins.

"I've been told that athletes have their own charm." Cousin Suoh attempts to start a conversation while Akashi is pseudo-marking him. "What do you think? Seijuro-kun? Should I begin my sports career?" He opens his arms in a welcoming motion as the basketball hits him on the head. "Ack!"

"Thanks, Milord!" Hitachiin 2 snatches the ball out of the air and proceeds to make a shot while Akashi is examining Cousin Suoh's skull for injuries.

"Oy, Akashi! Get your head in the game!" Aomine makes a face as he passes Akashi. He nearly trips over Haniozuka's body and earns the other team a free throw.

"Kise-kun, what do you think of signing a modeling contract with the Ouran Photography club?" Ootori says while Kise is guarding him. He pulls a few photos out of nowhere and shows them to Kise. "I had these pictures of you from today express-developed. I believe you are in high demand with the Ouran population. I dare say that you may even top Tamaki's popularity as the number one host of Ouran."

"Really?" Kise asks and completely misses the pass made for him. It goes out of bounds.

What follows is the strangest game Akashi has ever played in. Midorima misses a shot when the twins proposition him for a three-some. Murasakibara is completely unwilling to play against Haninozuka and lets the tiny third-year score on his watch. When Momoi calls for a member change, Kagami comes onto the court and covers his entire face when he almost gets flashed by Cousin Suoh.

"This is getting ridiculous," Akashi says during time out. "You should understand what is happening."

"Yes," Renge agrees, appearing in their huddle and causing a handful of them to jump back in alarm. "You've been distracted by the beastly call of their homosexuality. Fear not, for attraction to the same gender is nothing to frown upon! You must accept this heavy burden and embrace your forbidden lov-"

"Midorima will switch marks with me. Don't listen to anything my cousin says. Aomine-- focus on stopping Morinozuka. He's fast but no match for either you or Kagami. Kise will stick with what he's doing. I'll take care of the twins."

Taking care of the twins is easier said than done. Akashi keeps track of them with his emperor eye as the Kagami and Aomine pair counterattacks and gains back their lost points. With one minute on the clock, Akashi moves forward to stop Ootori and knocks into Hitachiin 2.

Hitachiin goes down and completely crumbles on the ground.

"Kaoru?!!!" His brother shrieks and is by his side immediately, to the delightful screams in the audience. "Kaoru?! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!"

"I-I'm okay, Hikaru," Hitachiin 2 says with tears in his eyes. He makes a pained face and grasps his brother's hand. "Please... don't weep for me!" This only sends the girls in the audience into a louder frenzy.

"But you're-" Hitachiin 1 cuts himself off, looking distraught. He cradles his brother's face in his hands. "How can I not? When you hurt, I hurt."

"What's happening?" Kise asks. "Did Akashicchi ankle break him too hard?"

Akashi wants to point out that he barely did anything, but is distracted by the sound of the buzzer. It's then that he realizes the whistle never blew when Hitachiin was injured, which means the game progressed while they all watched the nonsense unfold. In the confusion, Morinozuka managed to score against them.

"Winner, team white!" The referee announces to the overwhelming sound of cheers.

"Wait, what?!" Aomine demands. "That doesn't count! What the-"

"A loss is a loss," Ootori reminds him, his glasses flashing under the lights.

"Yeah… Accept your loss," the twins chorus, miraculous cured of their injury.

"I can't believe this." Midorima says, later, when they watch the host club accept their large trophy. "I've played in some truly ridiculous games in the past, but this was...It was..."

"I understand." Akashi looks at him, but somehow he feels more amused than annoyed.

"Seijuro-kun!" Cousin Suoh says when he comes bouncing over. "My father called us into his office!

Ah, Akashi thinks. "Alright."

"At-chan!" Haninozuka says. "I think all the extra food from the fair has been deposited in the cafeteria! We can probably grab some dessert before the night staff start cleaning everything up!" That does the trick, and both teams begin to wander off, lured by the promise of food.

Midorima gives Akashi a look that suggests they'll be waiting for him. Akashi smiles a little to himself as he follows Cousin Suoh up to the top floor of the main academy building.

Akashi expects a lot of things to happen in Uncle Yuzuru's office, but what he doesn't expect is to see his father and Uncle Yuzuru having tea. "Ah! Tamaki and Seijuro! How nice of you boys to join us!"

While Cousin Suoh greets Uncle Yuzuru, Akashi stares at the sight of his father on the couch. The man appears to be surrounded by photo albums, and Akashi has a sinking feeling in his stomach when he catches on. "Father-"

"Seijuro!" Uncle Yuzuru loops an arm around Akashi's shoulder while his other arm settles on Cousin Suoh. "I hope you had fun playing with your dear cousin! Tamaki always enjoys seeing you! You boys are similar in so many ways! It's a shame that you're not in Tokyo more often!"

Akashi feels his father's gaze on him and doesn't attempt to struggle. He responds politely to Uncle Yuzuru and allows himself to be manhandled to the couch.

"Your uncle called me this afternoon and invited me over," Akashi's father explains with a hint of amusement in his voice. "I had just finished work for the day and felt it appropriate to make a visit. He has a rather large collection of photos that I haven't seen in a while."

Akashi looks down at the photo album on his father's lap. He recognizes the woman in the wedding gown easily. After all, he's seen his parents' wedding portrait hung over the fireplace in his father's study countless times. His mother looks absolutely radiant as she dances with Uncle Yuzuru in this photo. "I've never seen this one before."

Uncle Yuzuru laughs. "Shiori was always more fond of candids than your father was. I'm sure she stored copies of these in your house somewhere." He opens another album and shows Akashi a series of black and white photographs. It takes Akashi a second to realize they're of his mother, taken when she was his age, maybe younger.

"Shiori was always so photogenic." Uncle Yuzuru hands the album over, and Akashi finds himself touching the edges for fear of smearing the surface.

Akashi stares at these private moments of his mother at the pool, standing on a swing hung from a tree, and holding a disgruntle-looking cat with humor in her eyes. Relatives always told Akashi that his mother was a lot like Uncle Yuzuru. Yet, the photos of her in his father's collection always seemed so prim and proper. He looks at a photo of her smiling as if sharing a joke with the person behind the camera. "She seems so happy in this one," Akashi says.

"Yes, of course," Uncle Yuzuru agrees. "You look a lot like her, you know."

Akashi knows. He is reminded of this at every family reunion. Still, Akashi's earliest memories had been of family gatherings at the Suoh estate, of holding his mother's hand as he is forced to greet every relative on the property. Back then, Akashi often wondered why Uncle Yuzuru didn't have a child of his own. He didn't hear about Suoh Tamaki's existence until years later. By then, his mother had passed away and Akashi had little concerns outside of basketball.

Akashi's thoughts are interrupted when Uncle Yuzuru points to another colored photograph. It's of two women, sitting side by side and laughing over something. Akashi's mother is on the left, looking radiant with her red hair pulled into a long braid. Given the chance, this is how Akashi wants to remember her forever. He looks at the photo again. To his mother’s right is a blonde woman who looks incredibly like Cousin Suoh.

"This is when Shiori went to France and met Anne-Sophie," Uncle Yuzuru explains fondly as he shares a smile with Akashi's father. "She waited months until she was sure that Seijuro could brave the flight."

Akashi blinks. "What?"

Akashi's father flips the page and shows them an unmistakable photo of two toddlers. The redhead, holding a block toy, is leaning partially on his companion as the blonde boy embraces him in a half-hug. Akashi never knew he was so chubby as a baby. His only consolation is that Cousin Suoh was in the same boat. Akashi looks up to find the blonde beaming at him.

"I told you," Cousin Suoh reminds him with a brilliant smile.

"Yeah," Akashi says and returns it.

It’s not until later, when Akashi’s father has dismissed him and Uncle Yuzuru has finished teasing Cousin Suoh, that they walk back down to the courtyard. The moonlight filters through the large casement windows in the hallway, illuminating Cousin Suoh’s face as he stops and says, “Let’s take a photo together! One day our children can look at them too!”

Akashi appreciates the thought, although he can’t see himself as a father anytime soon. Still, he scoots a little towards his cousin as the blonde tilts his phone up to take multiple selfies.

“Your friends are interesting,” Akashi says as he recalls the series of events today.

“They’re wonderful,” Cousin Suoh agrees happily, clicking through something on his phone. “I’m extremely grateful to have found people who accept me.” He looks up, smiling. “I’m sure you have, too.”

Akashi pauses. “My ex-teammates are… okay. They’re loud but entertaining, sometimes.”

“Really?” Cousin Suoh pulls him a bit closer. This time, when he loops an arm through Akashi’s, Akashi doesn’t shrug out of his grip. Cousin Suoh tilts his head as his eyes soften. “But I think you had a lot of fun today, Seijuro-kun.”

Akashi smiles and doesn’t deny it.

“Welcome to the host club!”

Takao is greeted with a shower of roses when he enters the room. He blinks at the boy with glasses at the entrance. “Huh? Isn’t this a music room?”

“Yes,” the boy tells him, scribbling something on his clipboard. “This music room is the official operating venue of the Ouran High School Host Club. Unfortunately, our regular hosts are not available today due to our special event. May I recommend one of our special event hosts?” He raises an arm and a large blackboard is wheeled into view.

Takao nearly chokes when he sees the Generation of Miracles’ pictures pinned on the board. Each picture is attached with a caption and summary of the host.

“Would you like the cool type? The wild type? The-”

Takao points at Midorima’s photo. “I want him.”

The boy gives him a knowing look. He gestures towards a girl at his right. “Of course. Please follow Renge-san to your designated host.”

Midorima is already sitting amongst a handful of girls when Takao arrives. He flushes upon spotting Takao and nearly drops the teacup in his hands.

“Shin-chan! You told me you had to skip practice for a piano recital! I even brought over the homework you left in the club room!” Takao accuses dramatically, taking a seat and pouting. “It turns out that you were ditching me to hang out with cute girls. I’m jealous~”

The girls around them pause. “Um…. Do you know Midorima-kun?”

Takao shoots them a grin. “This guy and I are partners on the basketball court! I guess you can say we’re the same off the court. Shin-chan is too shy to admit it, though.”

“TAKAO!” Midorima snaps, standing up and hauling Takao out of his seat. He shoots the girls an endearingly embarrassed look. “I must speak to him privately. Please excuse us!”

It’s not until they’re hiding behind a dessert cart that Midorima hisses, “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see you play the piano so I followed you,” Takao says truthfully, admiring the blush on Midorima’s face. “But this is even better, Shin-chan. What in the world are you doing here?” He glances around the room at the European styled furniture. “Also… Is that Kagami over there?!”

Midorima frowns deeply. “Aomine lost a bet, and consequentially got everyone into this mess.” He trails off, muttering something about completely ridiculous basketball games and crazy rich people. He doesn’t notice Takao wandering off.

“Akashi-kun, is it true that you’ve been the Captain of two nationally ranked basketball teams?”

Akashi nods. “Yes. I’m currently the Captain at Rakuzan in Kyoto. Prior to that, I was the captain at Teiko Middle School in Tokyo. Although we suffered a loss at the finals of the Winter Cup, we are still the reigning champions at the Interhigh and National Tournament.” He frowns, looking into his tea. “It would be untrue to say that I do not blame myself for our loss. However, I will do my best to bring Rakuzan back to the top at the Winter High. I simply hope that my teammates will continue to support me and help me overcome my inadequacies.”

“Akashi-kun!” One of the girls insists, eyes wide. “I’m sure your team does not blame you! Please don’t think like that!”

Takao can’t believe the nonsense Akashi is spewing. He doesn’t know if he should laugh or cry.

“Murasakibara-kun, you really like dessert, don’t you?” A pretty brunette says as she sits on the love chair across from Mursakibara. She smiles at the girl to her right and offers a plate to Murasakibara. “Here, please have more.”

“Mmmm.” Murasakibara hums, setting his plate down. He looks at the girl. “It’s not just dessert. I like sweet things in general. You’re pretty sweet too, Minachin.”

What the actual fuck, Takao wants to scream.

“Why in the world would I be jealous of Aomine?” Kagami is busy saying at another corner of the room. He glares into the floor, clearly sulking. “Just because he used to be Kuroko’s partner doesn’t mean anything. I’m the one playing with Kuroko now. I understand him the most.”

“Bakagami is jealous,” Aomine says, setting an arm around Kagami. “He’ll never understand Tetsu the way I do.”

“Is this true, Kuroko-kun?” The girls around them chorus, looking absolutely delighted at the threesome undertones of the conversation.

Kuroko looks completely unamused sitting between the two power forwards. “I generally dislike Kagami-kun and Aomine-kun using me as an excuse to flirt. They should acknowledge their attraction to each other before pulling me into their arguments.” His little rant is awarded by a chorus of squeals.

Well, Takao thinks, that’s actually pretty accurate.

“Kise-kun! Doesn’t it take up a lot of your time to balance basketball and a modeling career?”

Kise smiles. “I guess it does, but I just can’t bring myself to give up either. Although I’m not quite on the same level as Aominecchi and Kagamicchi… Sometimes basketball makes me feel really insecure, but I’m always trying to chase and catch up to my friends. It’s also brought me so much happiness and helped me make more friends. I can’t imagine giving it up for anything! You understand, right?”

“Yes, yes, of course!”

“Takao-kun, is that you?”

Takao looks up to find Momoi standing next to the boy he met at the entrance. “Momoi-chan! Thank God you’re here too! I’m going crazy watching these people act out of character.”

“Shhh.” Momoi puts a finger over her mouth. “Please don’t say that aloud. You’ll cause Kyouya-kun trouble. Right?”

Kyouya nods clinically as he reexamines Takao. “It’s true that our special events hosts had to undergo some training before they were allowed to interact with our clients. After the successful sales of Kise-kun’s photos, I felt the need to cash in on our bet. I do believe that our clients find something particularly attractive about athletes, although their choices of hosts are not unexpected given their normal designations.” He pauses. “Although I’m surprised that your type is the tsundere.”

Takao doesn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he grins at Momoi. “You took photos, right?”

“Of course.” Momoi smiles. “By the way. Have you met Renge-chan?” She nods towards the girl currently videotaping Midorima.

“Yes,” Takao says with a wicked grin. “I’m sure we’ll become good friends.”