I arrived in my place, feeling sluggish and tired. It was short training camp but it was indeed tiring.

But, sensei is right. I need to work on my stamina and weights. I realized that adding weights on my equipments could make my shooting difficulty to next level, and could help me with my shooting efficiency. So I also need to put weights for myself, and also my stamina to be able to hold them for enough quite of time

Before that!

I stood and immediately changed into my jersey.

"Time to have a running routine!" I got my phone, house key, put on my running shoes, and went out of the house, making sure that it was all locked.

~

I just came out of my apartment building but noticed that it was kind of dark already. I checked the time and it was only past 4:30 in the afternoon. It's spring, right?

Anyways, I stretched my arms and was about to run when my curiosity caught a brown box under the bridge in front of our apartment mansion, and it was moving. I went to see what it was and was dumbfounded to see a brown small husky, it's a puppy, wagging his tail, having his tongue out, looking at me

"Did someone leave you here?!" I immediately went towards him and noticed a jacket fall off inside the box "are you okay?" I asked and he kept on wagging his tail. I noticed his eyes, the left eye was gray, while the other is pure white. It wasn't heterochromatic eyes, but the right eye was indeed defected.

I crouched down and caressed his back, seems like he was liking it

"I think I'll just run tomorrow." I chuckled and there's something inside me telling me to adopt this dog. At least I have someone with me

"What are you doing here, (f/n)?" I flinched as I turned around and the least expected person I could see was standing behind me. This puppy also wagged his tail vigorously, excitedly barking at him

"...I-I just saw this puppy. Is he yours?" I asked and I just now noticed he was holding a box of almond milk, and a man-made bowl from an empty bottled water

"I saw him when I was on my way back." Akashi responded and was about to pour the milk when someone shouted

"You two over there! What the hell are you doing there?! Hurry up and get out of there!" We looked towards that man and he was wearing an orange vest and he was indeed anxious calling us. "HURRY UP!" He again shouted.

Akashi handed the milk and the bottle to me, then got the jacket, wrapped it to the husky then carried him.

We hurriedly went up to the side road, in which the man wearing vest was already there

"Didn't you see the notice?!" He angrily asked

"Notice?"

"There's a storm coming and the dam will release water today! There's a flood warning tonight until tomorrow! Didn't you see that" As he said that a loud warning noise resounded, in addition to that it started to rain

"Yama-san! All bridges on this side are now sealed. The trains also stop operating now!" A man on the other side of the bridge shouted

"Yeah! We'll almost done here as well!" This man named Yama-san shouted and then he looked at us "Now you two, go home already! Didn't you see the news that there's a big storm coming? Hurry up, go home and make yourself warm!"

After that he left and approached the other men putting barricades on the side of the road

"Akashi, uhm, if it's okay with you, I can take care of the husky and you can go home." I told him but he looked at me with stern expression

"My house is 3 trains away from the school, opposite side from here" he told me and the rain was pouring heavily now "I also need to cross the bridge."

"Just what on earth are you doing in this area?!" I asked in disbelief

"It's my jogging routine everytime I don't have activities. I know there would be a storm, but I didn't expect it to happen earlier than expected"

Jogging routine?! Three trains away?! Like how far does this guy run?!

No, before that! What should I do?

...

"If that's the case then... do you want to stay in my place first?" I pointed at the apartment mansion behind me "you can stay until the rain stops. My brother has some of his clothes still there"

Akashi looked behind and then looked back at me "I think I have no choice. I'll accept your offer"

I led the way and we hurriedly went to my place. I opened the door, and immediately got towels in the side cabinet. I put one on the husky then to Akashi's head and dried his hair.

...

But I stopped as I noticed his stare, and the actions I did

"S-sorry. Force of habit" I cleared my throat then got another towel. "Uhm, the bathroom is on the farthest when you turn right at the end of this hallway. The washer and dryer are in there. You can put your clothes there, then I'll put my brother's clothes outside the bathroom"

"And you?"

"Huh?"

"You aren't going to join us?" As he asked that, I felt my face boiled in embarrassment. I was about to retort when he chuckled "I am just joking. You should go first-"

"You should let me finish what I was saying." I hissed "there's a shower room in my parents' room. I'll go and use that instead. I'll get the clothes"

I removed my shoes, went to my brother's room and got clothes that could fit Akashi. As I got out of the room, Akashi was standing outside the bathroom, and I could see the husky already in the bathtub

"Here. You can use these. If you don't know how to use the washing and dryer, just leave your clothes there. I'll do them later. There are lots of towels in the cabinet above the sink. Ah, also there are new toothbrushes in the cabinet as well, so just go and use one from there."

I informed him then I went to my own room to get my own clothes.
I also made sure to closed my window, moved my cabinet to completely block the window.

I went to my parent's room, entered the shower room, and immediately fall on the floor.

Just...
What just happened?!
What is happening?!

Akashi is in my place?! He is the first one to come here! Sayaka hasn't even entered this house! But it's a worst timing! There's even a storm! I don't know at all! Was that the reason why we needed to come back early?!

But then, I immediately stood up and for some reason I wanted to cook food, well, for the husky, and for Akashi.

~

Once I was done taking shower, I put on my pajama, dried my hair and went to the kitchen to cook dinner. When I went out, I saw that they were still in the bathroom. Seems like he was doing his best to take a bath with the husky.

Speaking of which, I though of a name for him.

I put on my apron, and hunmed as I prepared soup for this worst weather.

~

As I turned around, I flinched since Akashi was already there. There were still some strands of water droplets on his hair, a refreshing new look from him, and-

"Oh gosh, he's gray?! And what happened to him, electrocuted?!" I asked since his fur were all standing

"He was dirty a while ago, this is his real colour, and I used the hair dryer to dry him" Akashi answered then put him down. I also noticed Akashi wearing my brother's clothes, and those  were the clothes I gave to my brother before. "Anyways, you are cooking?"

"Ah yeah. Chicken noodle soup. There's storm after all, and it's just that I cook depending on the weather." I chuckled "it will be done soon, so why don't you call your father first and let him know about your situation" though I said that, he looked at me "what?"

"Then, can I borrow your home phone?"

"Eh?"

"I don't have my phone with me. I don't bring it during running."

"Don't you have something on your ears a while ago?"

"I have my mp3 player with me, I was listening to the songs there"

Wow! The son of one of the richest men in Japan doesn't have his phone with him, and just an mp3. Unbelievable!

I couldn't help but shook my head and got my phone, unlocked it then gave it to him "here. I don't have home phone, since it's just me here. You can use my phone"

He roamed his eyes around but still got my phone. He went to the living room and there made a call.

"It's me, Seijurou" I heard him as I continued cooking "I knew it, you are looking for me. I am fine. I am in my friend's house." Well, I left him alone and let him talk to I don't know who.

I know his mother died during elementary, and his father was a total, well crazy enough to pressure him to be what he is right now. I really think his father was one of the main reasons why he became like this.

"(F/n)" I flinched then looked at him "what is your address?" I told him my address and asked why "they are around the corner- nevermind. They said they are on the other side of the bridge." He chuckled then he pointed my window "well, I can't see you since the windows are being blocked for some reason. Don't worry about me. I think I'll be in my friend's care for tonight, or until the storm passed by" he then ended the call then crossed his arms as he looked at me.

"Don't look at me like that. I know what you wanted to ask"

"You blocked all the windows, no sounds at all. (F/n), are you-"

"Now, Go-chan" I crouched down to carry the husky and he wagged his tail "the noodle soup is all set. I also broiled some chickens for you. Let's eat"

"Go-chan?"

"Yeah, I met him in the 5th month of the year" I answered then put him down beside the table, then put down a bowl with broiled chicken on it "sorry, I'll buy you dog foods later, so bare with these first"

"Go-chan?" He again asked then chuckled as he approached me, handing my phone back "Go-chan?"

"That's the third time! He's my dog now, so I'll name him that" I retorted then pull the chair "sit down. I'll serve the food"

Well he complied to sit down, then watch Go-chan eating his food. I also put the almond milk Akashi bought for him

I put the bowl of noodles in front of Akashi, then the chopsticks and spoon on the side "eat well"

I put my bowl on the other side, then put the pot in the middle. I also put side dishes, like kimchi, beans sprouts, and potatoes.

I sat down in front of him and smiled "I hope you will like it"

"Ittadakimasu" at least he still has a proper manner when eating

"Ittadakimasu" I followed him. Yum, as expected from the great me. I took a few slurp but stopped when I noticed Akashi looking at me "what? You didn't like it?"

"It was delicious. A new taste to my buds plus it indeed goes with these side dishes. I am just baffled that I am eating dinner with someone" he answered then took a delicate sip of the soup from the spoon. How can he eat so elegantly?!

...

Stop watching him, (f/n)! He'll know for sure!!

I cleared my throat and that reminded me "now that you mentioned it. Same goes with me. I haven't eaten dinner with anyone here in this house since my parents went to South Korea."

"That's surprising."

"Surprising?" I asked him "to be honest I am baffled that the first person who would visit my house is you. My friends haven't even gone here"

He looked at me and he just smirk

"What's that for?" I annoyingly asked him

"I am honoured to be the first person you invited here."

"Did I even have a choice a while ago in that situation? I am not a heartless person to leave, well a friend out there being soaked in the rain-" I sighed and just remembered again "there's storm in May, plus Golden week. Though good thing there's no class, but..."

"Why aren't you checking the weather forecasts? Or even check the news?"

"I don't" I immediately answered "I don't need negativity in my life anymore. Seeing devastating news all around the world make my mood depleted. There would be chances that I would just think about the news I see." I explained and he looked at me, yes, annoyingly! "Don't look at me like that! I just don't like watching news or checking what's going on out there. I have sns, I just don't use them much"

"Knowing what's going on around the world is basic common sense, (f/n). It will be a problem for you if you don't know anything"

"It's fine. I rather focus on my own interests rather than feeding myself with information that will affect my mood."

Akashi took a couple of slurp with his noodles and not long after he again talked

"Seeing the stuffs here, you rather have, empty hobbies aside from archery" I didn't know if he was mocking me or what, but that sounded rude for me

"Well sorry about that. Also, didn't you see the consoles there? I quite like playing games. Reading, and since Go-chan is here, we'll go out for walks"

"Then you need to know the weather at least" he hissed and started eating again

Well, he is right, but again, if I see that it's raining, it would make my mood worst already. Much worst if I find out that there will thunder roars and lightning. I rather be surprised instead of knowing it before hand.

Though, why am I making myself complicated?

~

We finished eating, and I felt satisfied as Akashi got two more servings. We surprisingly finished the noodle soup.

What surprised me more was when Akashi wanted to wash the dishes, but I just told him not to since I won't let guests to do chores.

He told me though "I am not a guest. I am a free loader who was stranded here"

He is technically correct, but I invited him so I still insisted. So, he went to the living room and just sat there with Go-chan.

~

After I finished cleaning the dining and kitchen, I went to my brother's room to put new blanket and bed sheets. To be honest though, my brother hasn't used this room. It was just my parents got this apartment, and chose to have my brother his own room, cause he might come back, and he has some room to stay in.

I went to living room to inform Akashi, and I was surprised he was caressing Go-chan's fur.

"The room is already prepared. You can stay in my brother's room. I'll lead you there"

He didn't response and he just stood up, gesturing Go-chan to follow him. I opened the door and let him to enter inside. He entered and Go-chan followed him.

"Technically, my brother hasn't used this room, so there are dusts. But I changed the sheets, and there's new blanket."

He roamed his eyes around and then he looked at me "aren't we going to stay in one room?"

My eyes widened, and I think I turned red from what he just asked

"Are you crazy or what?! Can you hear what are you saying?" I hastily asked and he just chuckled

"Well, aren't you scared of lightnings and thunder roars?" I knew it! He realized it! "You sure are brave enough to live on your own"

"I forgot about that when I decided to live by myself. Also, it's my first time, but I'll be fine since I blocked the windows and my father made sure that it's sound proof! You already realized that, right?!"

"Well then" he handed his mp3 and earphones to me, and I am confused to why "it's noise cancelation. Songs there are quite nice, recommended by Reo." He then crouched down and patted Go-chan "just knocked when your owner has a problem. So go to her and sleep with her"

"I'll be fine" I told him but he got my left hand and put his mp3 and earphones on it

"It's useful. You won't be able to hear anything, just the music. Well then." he held my shoulders then gently pushed me off the room "good night"

...

"Good night" I responded then he smiled as he closed the door.

Seriously, is he even the new Akashi or the Akashi before. His eyes though were different, so I am sure it's the new one.

But sometimes his voice is just sweet and gentle, that I thought I am talking to his former self. But then there's still thrill time to time

I sighed then looked at Go-chan, who was looking at me "let's go" I told him, and we entered my room, which was in front of my brother's room.

I slumped my whole body to my bed, and all the craziness that happened today just simply made my whole body weak.

It was then Go-chan jumped to my bed as well, and he went under my left arm. I chuckled and just scooped him into a bear hug.

"From now on, we'll live together" he responded with an enthusiastic bark, then sniffed the mp3 and earphones that were on my hand.

Well, since he lend me these, might as well use them. I put on the earphone, and played the music, and yeah, I couldn't hear the buzzing sound inside my room, and even the droplets and the wind that were smashing in my window. The music, yeah, symphonic orchestra, what really makes you fall asleep. I actually love this because my mom often listen to this. Crazy to think though that he is listening to this kind of musics while running.

~next day~

Morning came, and Go-chan was licking my face.

"Go-chan, good morning" I sat down and removed the earphone. That was a good sleep, despite of the storm. "Let's go"

As I got out of my room, I noticed nii-san's room and it was still closed. I wonder if he is still sleeping.

Though as I said that, once I entered the living room, Akashi was staring at the dark sky outside the window. He already removed the cabinet blocking it

"Morning" he greeted without even looking at me

"Morning. And I see that it's still raining outside. Is it morning or still evening?" I nervously asked

"It's 5 in the morning" he responded, and I sighed in relief then he looked at me "so you are okay during days, as long as it's not night"

"Yes. I don't mind seeing lightnings or hearing thunder roars during day time. Crazy, right?" I chuckled and was about to go to the kitchen as I finally noticed it "it's still 5, and you are wide awake?!"

"I woke up early and was planning to do a morning jog, but the weather is still like this and there's flood outside"

...

Ahre...
Then that means...?

I looked at him and he knew already what I was thinking,

"Yeah, my apologies but I'll still be in your care, (f/n)"

~TBC~