I smiled at Akashi who was staring at the picnic basket in my hand. It's still 6 in the morning, and he is already glaring at me. I waved at him as I got out of the elevator. He was already waiting for me at the apartment mansion's entrance.

"Good morning, Akashi! I'm looking forward to what will happen today" I immediately greeted him. I am really amazed how things ended up to this. Sunday with Akashi and his grandmother

He didn't say anything back and just got the basket from me. I followed him and turned towards the sedan parked on the side road. Ken-san was already standing. For some reason, there's another car behind. Why?

Ken-san got the picnic basket from Akashi, and instead of him opening the door for me, Akashi was the one who opened it.

As I sat down, I greeted obaa-chan, who was smiling gently at me.

"Good morning, obaa-chan."

"Good morning, you sure have full of energy"

"Yes, I'm looking forward for today!"

Since last night, I was thinking of how I would be able to keep the mood, and how would I talk to obaa-chan or Akashi on the way- but, as expected from Akashi's grandmother, she has lots to say, and I am glad that I can keep up the conversation, since we both like it; classic orchestra.

"Grandmother, let (f/n) sleep" Akashi interrupted us though "she stupidly woke up early in the morning to prepare unnecessary stuffs"

"Don't say unnecessary." I immediately retorted since he even called me stupid, but noticed the looked at his grandma "sorry, I got too excited that I woke up earlier than planned to prepare some lunch. Ah but I didn't think that you might not want it"

"Does Seijurou eat the food you prepared already?

"Yes, I prepare his lunch every Tuesday and Thursday"

"Seijurou-sama knows (f/n)-sama's cooking" Ken-san also added, and I could see Akashi glaring at Ken-san

"Then I am looking forward to what you prepared. But then, go and take a sleep for now then-"

I shook my head and made a peace sign "don't worry, I slept early last night so I have enough sleep." I looked at Akashi and reminded him "I even messaged you last night at around 8. I slept after that"

I heard though his grandma chuckled and we started talking again. She asked what I cooked, and what I usually cook.

~

And since the temple was only about 45 minutes away, we arrived in the temple. It would be a bit of walking.

Once we stopped, the car I saw a while ago also stopped. Now I get it why there's another car. The people inside were the people working under obaa-chan, her driver, secretary, and I think medical people? Two nurses?

Ken-san opened the door for obaa-chan, and they all helped obaa-chan to go out. I was about to open the door on my side, but I was surprised when the door opened, and Akashi was the one who opened it.

"Thank you" I told him "I need to get the picnic basket"

"Ken and grandmother's driver will stay here" Akashi responded then his gaze went toward what was going with obaa-chan's side. But then he looked back at me "there's no place here where we can eat lunch, so we'll drive to a nearby park. But we're not going back here because of grandmother's situation"

"Yeah, I didn't think about that last night, so actually, I was about to ask if we could go to the nearby park. There's a nearby park here. But then, I also totally forgot to ask if she has some foods she needs to watch out"

"She eats all" was his short response

"I'll believe in your words then."

Not long after, grandma is being supported by her nurses. But she ordered them to just follow behind, and decided to walk on her own with her cane, but

"Grandmother, let your nurses support you."

"I still can do it-"

"You let (f/n) support you yesterday"

This stupid grandson!

I sighed and shook my head as I turned to his grandmother, "obaa-chan, if you wanted to hold, don't hesitate to hold into me."

"Thank you. I still can walk on my own at the moment"

"I figured. It's still early, but again don't hesitate to ask."

"Let's go" Akashi walked in front of us.

We followed him, and I adjusted to grandma's pace. But, what's surprising, even though Akashi was walking in front of us, he wasn't that far from us.

~

Even though I could say that we were really slow compared to the other tourists, we were enjoying the beautiful flowers and scenery. I was taking pictures as well. Obaa-chan and I were ecstatic talking everything.

"Ah, Sumika-sama! Welcome, welcome! The young master is here as well! We'll prepare place right away for you to rest later" A middle aged man suddenly approached us having this wide smile "and this lady here, might be the young lady from Umezikawa family?"

I smiled bitterly since well, of course, everyone knows after all that Akashi is engaged to Anna.

"No, she is (f/n). Make sure to remember her" obaa-chan was the one who introduced me "we're just here for a short visit. We have a place to go later."

"Indeed. Then please, if you need something, please don't hesitate to ask"

"Well then, we'll take our leave"

I just bowed down to the man I don't even know, and followed Akashi and obaa-chan. But then felt Obaa-chan's hand on my back. I looked at her and she smiled, seemed like comforting me.

We continued walking around and I couldn't help but took pictures every now and then. The hydrangeas were blooming beautifully!

~

However, not long after, I noticed Grandma setting her gaze toward a specific spot. Not much of people there, and the view was not eye-catching compared to the others. Well, I could see the area below, full of trees, and the other mountains. I could see a body of water as well, a lake probably. But to be honest, it's really not eye-catching compare to other areas

But her gaze was different, so I got my polaroid camera, then asked her

"Grandma, can I take a picture of you in that area? I'll be using a Polaroid so you can keep it, ah, but is it okay though?"

She chuckled and nodded "of course. Lead me there."

Me and one of her nurses lead her in the area. She held her cane with her two hands, and I could see her already smiling gently

"Then, obaa-chan, I'll take picture of you"

I immediately went to a good spot where I could take a nice shot. I set my polaroid first, then take a good peek in the lens. I raised my voice as I count down from 3.

Once I took the picture, I made an okay sign, waiting for the film to come.

"Give that thing to the lady behind you, and let's take a picture together"

"Is it okay?" I asked and she nodded

I handed the polaroid to one of her nurses then I went next to her. I felt her hand around my waist, and I couldn't help but did the same. Her nurse counted to zero, and once the flash appeared, an idea came to me.

"Akashi, join us here! Let's take a picture with us"

"Don't include me there"

"Come on, since you're here with us anyways" I insisted.

Though reluctant, he still joined us and stood next to obaa-chan. I didn't how the picture turned out, but once the flash was done, I immediately turned to the two

"Then the two of you" I left and stood next to the one taking pictures, and what's with the awkward ambiance between them. But well, at least we got a picture of them.

"The two of you next" obaa-chan chuckled, leaving Akashi on the spot, her secretary and one her nurses went to support her

"Eh, Akashi and I?" I questioned and Akashi was indeed waiting. Well, as if I had a choice, and seemed I reap what I sow, I stood to Akashi's right. I didn't know what should I do with my hands, and so, I just hid my left hand in my back, and made a peace sign on my right

After what an out of nowhere picture taking, we continued going around, and obaa-chan asked her secretary to take pictures of us time to time.

~

For lunch, we head back to the parking lot, and I found out that Ken-san and obaa-chan's driver went to buy lunch for them. We drove for 30 minutes and arrived in a park, which surprisingly, not much of people.

We found an empty table, and Ken-san was the one who put the basket on the table. I helped in setting the food, in which I could see grandma's grey eyes widening in surprised.

I did the usual gimbap, with Akashi's favourite miso soup. Good thing, we had a good thermos flask, the soup is still hot. Aside from that, I prepared chicken and side dishes, even salad.

"What an extravagant meal you prepared!" Obaa-chan excitedly commented

"Thank you! I hope you will like them. I handed a plate to her, and to Akashi as well. I looked around, but her nurses, secretary, her driver, and Ken-san, they all left.

"They will eat in different place." Akashi seemed knew what I was thinking.

"I see. Then let's eat lunch." I sat next to obaa-chan, Akashi sat across me. I helped obaa-chan with what she wanted, but she said that she wanted to try everything.

But I couldn't help but laugh inside since Akashi just got the miso to himself.

"Akashi, share some miso. Let obaa-chan have some as well" I handed a bowl, and he sighed, well, he still shared some. I handed it to obaa-chan, and she was hesitating for some reason, but still tried it.

"It's delicious! Also this taste..."

"Hmmm?" I looked at her and got really confused, but she made a gentle smile, shaking her head

"Nothing, it's very delicious"

We continued eating our lunch, in silence actually.

~

I was clearing up everything, and obaa-chan's secretary was helping me. For some reason, her nurses though started checking her pulses, and sugar level. I asked if she's diabetic, she said no, just the usual maintenance.

Akashi also left to who knows where.

Once done cleaning up, I got my pouch and handed the polaroid pictures we took a while ago. Obaa-chan was looking at me confusedly though

"The pictures a while ago. They turned out beautiful. I'll give them to you. Rare pictures of your grandson"

She laughed as she got the pictures and looked each of them, but handed them back to me

"Then please keep them. I want someone to treasure these moments, and please be that person. My grandson, unfortunately, might not want to."

"Well, might be. He disappeared to I don't know where."

"Oh" she gasped and again chuckled "my apologies. The very reason why Seijurou doesn't want to come here wasn't because of that temple, it was because it reminded him of his mother"

"Shiori-san?"

"From the spot where we took the pictures, you could see a lake there. Not really eye-catching, but Shiori was able to spot that. She searched for it, and was able to find. So, if you enter the forest from there, follow the pathway, in around 10 minutes, you'll find Seijurou"

"Eh, no need to go to him. I'll leave him to sentiments"

Obaa-chan again laughed but then she insisted "then call him for me. But return for about an hour. These nurses of mine had been twitching here."

I looked at them, and seemed they really wanted me to leave since they are smiling apologetically.

"I understand. I'll go find Akashi after I go around. We'll come back here after an hour." I stood up and got my bagpack.

~

Though there was not much to see around, I just went to find Akashi.

I entered where obaa-chan told me to, and there's indeed a pathway. I could only hear the wind, the rustling of leaves. It's too quiet that it's too calming.

After walking for I don't know how many minutes it took me, I finally could see the lake they mentioned.

What a splendid, beautiful art of nature. And it's the other end of the lake. I don't know how far this lake is, but the emerald colour is breathtaking. The trees surrounding added to the scenery.

I roamed my eyes around, I think not much of people knew this place, I mean, I could only few from the other side, but from where I was standing, there was no one aside from me, and that red guy leaning in one of the oak trees.

"Akashi" I called him as I approached him, and he somehow knew that I was coming here, since he didn't even look at me and just gazing towards the lake. His hand on his pockets, and he wasn't really bothered at all even though I stood next to him.

I just leaned my back against the oak tree as well and just enjoy the silence ambiance. It's calming by just standing here.

Though the silence was broken when Akashi spoke

"Grandmother really do unnecessary things"

"What do you mean?" I immediately asked

"She told you the story about this place"

"Not the full of it. She just mentioned that Shiori-san found it, and you are here reminiscing. I didn't want to get in your way but obaa-chan told me to call you-"

"Ah, right it's the time of the day. She even walked that much." Akashi chuckled interrupting me. I could hear that he's worried though. Even though he sounded mean.

"We still have around 30 minutes"

"One more hour to be exact." He immediately responded checking his wrist watch. "It usually take 2 hours after all."

I would like to ask what, but I'll leave it as it is. I don't want to ask further questions since I am already stepping to something I shouldn't be in. I mean, I shouldn't be here in this special place for Akashi.

"But still, this place is so beautiful and calming"

"Mother found this place. According to father, they had a family trip there, with both side." He started, then continued "Mother just got curious, and so she asked to visit this park. But she disappeared that caused ruckus to everyone. But she excitedly returned and brought everyone here." It's rare for Akashi to speak about his past, furthermore about his mother

"How about Akashi? Your mother brought you here?"

"...no" hmmm? Did he hesitate? "No need to know how"

"But it made me curious since you started it. Oh well, it might be something embarrassing, then never mind." Ahre, I think I just hit the right spot since he just glared at me "if you didn't want to tell me then I won't force you. Anyways, is there more here? Like something to see?"

He looked at me and he just nodded. I was about to ask where, but he started walking, gesturing me to follow him.

~

We went towards the other side of the lake, entered a narrowed pathway. I was just following Akashi behind, and I couldn't see anything much.

I didn't know how long we were walking, but the pathway was steep, and I really need to watch out to where I was stepping.

Though I could say that it's worth walking, because the scenery here was also a breathtaking. A field full of Lavender! The purple colour of each flower was a feast to my eyes!

"It's hidden... what a magnificent view..." I could only utter that much. There's literally no one here. Why did no one know about this place?!

"The owner of this field only told mother about it and she was only able to see it once. That one time was when she brought me here. This is open to public, but the owner doesn't advertise it much. Whoever finds it, finds it."

"This is such an amazing place. I didn't expect this one. First was the lake, and now this! Thank you so much!" I turned to Akashi and I didn't know what kind of face I was having.

"At least a good way to waste time"

"It's worth it though!" I immediately retorted and again gazed towards the field. I got my polaroid and took a picture of this beautiful place. I also got my phone out and I didn't know how many I took. But most of the time, I just roamed around and enjoy this magnificent moment. Furthermore, and unexpectedly, with Akashi following me behind.

~

I think we took more than the time obaa-chan needed, but Akashi said that it was totally okay.

We met up with obaa-chan, and I showed her where we went to in which she was also amazed and she also had no idea that it exist. Ah, I also took a selfie with Akashi in which obaa-chan also saw, well she couldn't help but laugh how awkward Akashi was.

"But I am glad you enjoyed today" obaa-chan told me as she gestured me to sit closer to her "Thank you for joining us today"

"It was fun for me as well. Thank you for letting me join you."

"But it's sad that the day is ending. I will be heading straight to Osaka to catch my evening flight to Tokyo. I wonder when I can see you again" obaa-chan sighed, and I could see how dejected she is

"If you visit Kyoto again, I'll go see you when you are free-"

"You'll see her during grandma's birthday" Akashi suddenly interrupted me

"Ohh, you'll bring her with you?!" Somehow she got excited

"I'll bring her since she is invited, personally by grandmother."

"That's a fantastic news! To think that you are also close to her!"

"Close? Well, I just did a favour to Aoki-obaachan, I mean..."

"Even still, if she invited you personally, then that's a huge thing already. Now, I would like to live longer to see how the progress would be." Now, she's glaring at Akashi! As expected from Akashi's grandmother "Seijuro, until when are you going to wait and clear things up between the Umezikawa family?"

"It will be soon. Umezikawa will be the one who needs to clean up their mess." Akashi responded immediately, with assurance

"It's partially our fault for not retorting right away, however, I also didn't think that you know someone like (f/n). So make sure that it will clear things up soon, so (f/n) could have a peace of mind while you two are dating."

"Uhm... Akashi and I are not dating..." I immediately retorted but obaa-chan looked at me, and somehow not buying what I'm saying "it's true though..."

"Then not yet? I am sure that my grandson here had mentioned about what we said to him about how his mother helped his father so he needed to look someone like her. No doubt, you are exceeding his expectations, sometimes unpredictable, giving him nightmares"

"He is the one giving me nightmares" I flinched though as I felt a cold gaze from Akashi. Did I say that out loud?! I cleared my throat and chuckled dryly "in any case, this is an awkward conversation and it's making me embarrassed."

"Says by someone who was able to confess, and reject someone at the same time"

"Huh?! Since when did I reject you?" I looked at Akashi who didn't even gaze away "also, this and that are different. Your grandmother is here, and even the others. Also, if confessing, you also did back in middle school" I hissed and this guy just closed his eyes, as if he care less now

"So you two are already in that stage and yet still not going out. I won't be surprised if you two already kissed." I couldn't retort to what obaa-chan said. And I could feel more embarrassed now. Why did I even retort to Akashi and dig my own grave?! And why are we even talking about this in front of Akashi's grandmother! "And you already did. Enjoy your youth and make sure to let me know when you officially become a couple, okay?"

"Sumika-sama, it's time for us to go" her driver excused himself, then her two nurses and secretary came forward to help her stand up

"It's already time. Anyways" obaa-chan looked at me and smiled "I'll see you in Aoki's birthday. And if you go out with Seijurou already, let me know right away. Ken, give my contact information to her, okay?. Well then, we'll take our leave first" obaa-chan patted my head then she waa supported by her nurses as they walked away

"Congratulations, (f/n)-sama!" Ken-san approached us as he handed a business card, obaa-chan's business card, then he got my picnic basket. But, what's the Congratulations for?

"For?"

"You are approved by Seijurou-sama's grandparents from both side. If Masaomi-sama also approves you, then the only thing left is for you two to go out" he smiled, and I did the same thing

"Ken-san, you sure understand that Akashi Seijuro is also listening? Did you know how embarrassing it was?!" I retorted then turned to Akashi, who was just sitting, not saying anything

"Well then, I'll take my leave first and wait you in the car"

"Eh? Aren't we going back together? I mean, we should also go with oba-" but Ken-san smiled at me then turned to Akashi, then bowed down leaving me with Akashi "are you going to talk to me about something?" I asked and then he sat down properly

"Someone is investigating you" he started, yes, without any warning

"Investigating me...? What?! Wait, all of a sudden?!"

"Someone has been following us since morning, taking pictures of us."

"Your fan?" I jokingly asked, but he seemed didn't feel like my jokes at the moment "sorry, I mean, I am having a roller-coaster emotions today. Now, I'm scared from what you said. But what did I even do to have someone investigate me? Also, is it okay for me to know?"

"My father did investigate you, but he stopped. I thought at first it was grandmother, but how she interacted to you, it was concluded that it wasn't her. I have multiple guesses, but I could say that this person might approach you or your parents. Also, you should also know since it involves you, and you mentioned that there should be communication"

"Well, indeed there's communication but I had no idea at all that there's something going on"

"I at least didn't want to ruin this day and give you unnecessary worry"

I could see Akashi's eyes glimpsing to the side, then turned to me. My instinct is telling me not to look towards that direction, and also him saying that there's indeed someone.

"Is it safe? I mean, Ken-san just left"

"And that's how I concluded what their motive is"

"Huh?"

"You were about to get into accident when you left grandmother's side, means they only wanted to target you when you are by your own. If you are with anyone, they won't approach you. Grandmother didn't know about it so she just let you without knowing the risk"

"Uhm... what you are saying is scary... so I was being followed when I was wondering around by myself? Also, is it just today? But, I am safe still"

"You are being followed for couple of weeks now. You are safe, because I asked someone to follow you these past weeks. Today, Ken and Kari followed you behind when you wonder of by yourself"

I blinked fast and what he was saying was absolutely not making any sense.

"First of all, Kari-san? That Kari-san? He's here?!"

"Following the person following you." He simply responded "do you think I would let them do as they please? They've been following you for quite some times now. So today I let Kari follow the person following you. Besides, that's Kari's specialty. Ken though followed you when you left grandmother's side." Akashi smiled, or more like his lips smiled, but his eyes weren't "but, it's their mistake for getting in the way"

"..."

"Don't worry, by the end of the day, I'll find out who is this scoundrel."

"Then I will leave that to you. Thank you for protecting me today and these past weeks. Today, I really had so much fun and was able to enjoy the temple, our picnic, the lake, and the lavender field, even though I was embarrassed and mad because of you, everything went well. I hope you had fun today too"

"I quite enjoy today" he stood up and extended his hand. Well, I didn't want to be rude so I got his hand "Anna's issue will be soon over. So be ready by then"

"...eh...?"

"Let's go"

"Uhm.."

Though I tried to ask what he meant, he wasn't saying anything. For now, I'll leave it as it is. Since I enjoy my Sunday.

~

Hello everyone!
Me is back! Lol!
Sorry, I was so busy at work, I had 5 weeks of training, then 2 weeks of adjustment to my new position...
I mean, to be honest, it was kinda stressful..
But am back now, and I can again update..
I will try to at least update twice a month, but I apologize in advance if I could only update once..

For now, I hope you enjoy the update..

Christmas is around the corner!
Have a merry Christmas!
And a Happy New Year!

Akashi's birthday is sooooooon!!!!

HiroC18~