Akashi became busier that even his lunch time was used, in which he was annoyed. (F/N) on the other side, she would sometimes eat lunch with Sae, and their classmates she got close with.

During weekends, she would go to Tokyo. Just messaging her father that she would stay in her aunt's house.

~Last Wednesday of November~

"It's getting cold. I wasn't able to meet Akashi during lunch. We would just talk during class. Somehow I feel lonely." She sighed and surprised as she stood outside the gym for 1st string members. "I'm here... but what am I going to do?"

She peaked and was amazed seeing the members doing their practice. They perfectly shoot the ball on the goal without a miss. She roamed her eyes around and spotted Akashi on the side. He was reading something, and (F/N) couldn't help but smile to herself.

"As expected from the captain"

"Akashi-kun" she flinched when a beautiful girl called him and approached him, handing papers to him.

Akashi and the girl were seriously talking to each other, and they stand too close to each other. And it was then, Akashi flashed a gentle smile towards the person he was talking to.

"Ah... so that's the girl he likes. They look so good together."

"Ahre, Akashi's girlfriend, (F/N)-chan. What are you doing here?" (F/N) turned around and it was Hayama with Nebuya

"Do you want us to call Akashi?" Nebuya asked

"Uhm, no, I was just curious here but it's okay now. Besides he is busy talking there, so it's fine."

"Ah, he is talking with Fujisaki Ruru-chan. She is our manager." Hayama responded "don't get jealous, (F/N)-chan. They are pretty much close actually, since she is the manager and exceeded Akashi's expectations. But you are his girlfriend"

"So it's really her then" (F/N) thought and smiled "I won't, Hayama-senpai. Well then, I am on the way of your practice. I'll take my leave now. Good luck on your practice."

The two were confused to why (F/N) was there.

"Akashi, your girlfriend was here" Hayama informed him as they approached him, who was still talking to the manager, named Fujisaki Ruru

"(F/N)? Where is she?"

"She left already. She said she didn't want to interrupt you talking with Ruru-chan"

Akashi gazed away, wondered why she was there. But smiled to himself.

"I wonder why she was here? Then left without talking to Akashi?" Nebuya also wondered but Akashi told them to don't think about it.

~

"They surely are close to each other. No wonder Akashi likes her" she mumbled to herself and she was surprised that tears ran down on her cheeks. "Ahh... I totally fall for him. But like who wouldn't?"

"Are you falling for someone else? Or had a fight with your boyfriend?"

(F/N) wiped her tears then turned around and was surprised to see her bestfriend, Akiko.

"What are you doing here?"

"Visiting my bestfriend." Akiko responded as she approached (F/N)

"Eh?"

"I feel bad that she kept on visiting me. So I decided to go see her first thing when I remember everything" Akiko explained and smiled at (F/N) "I am back, (F/N)"

(F/N) couldn't help but cry bucket hearing what Akiko said. Akiko chuckled and hugged her, as tight as she could.

"Don't cry"

"But... but... is this real...?"

"Should I tell you everything since we met?" Akiko chuckled. (F/N) moved back and still tears running down her cheeks. Akiko wiped her tears and smiled at her

"When did you remember?"

"Yesterday"

"Eh? How?"

"Well, I could say that it triggered everything when I saw you falling down the stairs. Then, everytime you visited me, it triggered a little bit of memories. Yesterday, I fall down the stairs. I just woke up this morning and well, I remembered everything. I didn't tell anyone, since I want you to know it first. I am really happy, despite forgetting everything, you did your best to be my friend."

"Akiko... I am really glad that your memories returned. Akiko, I am sorry to what happened that day... I wasn't able to-"

"It wasn't your fault at all" Akiko hugged (F/N) and caressed her back "it wasn't your fault. You saved me back then but I didn't hold tight, and yet you did your best to be my friend again."

"I forgot that incident, but just remembered recently. I was also at lost to what should I do."

"Akashi-kun told you what to do right?" But as Akiko said it, (F/N) cried more "eh?! Why? Did you two fight? Did you break up? Or what?"

~

"I see... so you two are just pretending to shut that bitch."

The two went to a nearby park, and Akiko bought warm drinks when she saw a vending machine nearby. There, for the first time, she told someone else about her 'relationship' with Akashi.

"Yeah, it slipped on my tongue and he unexpectedly went with the flow. But he mentioned already that he likes someone else. And just a while ago, I found out who it is"

"So that was the reason why you were crying"

"I am actually having mixed emotions now. I am happy because your memories returned, but sad knowing that because of me, Akashi couldn't confess to the person he likes. And in order to that, I need to end it."

"End it, huh..." Akiko gazed away and was really confused "but based on what I saw and felt last time I was here, Akashi-kun likes (F/N)? Or was it really an act...? Ah! No... (F/N) is just thickheaded to realize that the person he likes is her. Even though he was saying in upfront already, she didn't believe in him"

"Akiko? Is there something wrong?"

"If you want to end pretending, then confess to him-"

"I can't!" (F/N) agitatedly objected

"Why?"

"From the very beginning, he likes someone else. It is wrong for me to like him"

"Liking someone will never be wrong, (F/N). If you would say it like that, then was it wrong for me and Yuya to like you?" (F/N) didn't retort from what she said "so if you really want to end it, confess to him. That's the easy way how to end your act."

"I wonder what would I feel when he rejects me"

"What do you mean?"

"The feeling I have for Akashi is really different from the feeling I had with Shouta. I mean, I was hurt when Shouta and Ririka started going out. But I couldn't imagine what will happen to me when it comes with Akashi"

"That explains that you really fall for him. You really love him" Akiko hugged her and chuckled "to think this day would come, that my bestfriend would fall hard with someone. I am glad that it isn't Shouta"

"Oh yeah, about Ririka and Shouta. He is bugging me to tell him what happened. But I told him that I would only if he breaks up with Ririka"

"Don't stress yourself with them anymore. Tell him clearly. Make sure to tell him when that bitch is present. I mean, (F/N)" Akiko looked straight in her eyes and smile "don't stress yourself with them anymore. Find your own happiness now. I am sorry that I became one of it, but now, you have been break free from the guilt you felt from that incident. Break free as well with the feeling you have with Akashi, with Shouta and Ririka, and with your family. Don't forget, I will always be here with you. Just let me know and I will go here right away"

"I really love you Akiko" (F/N) cried more "I became stronger, but if I am with you, I really just couldn't, I am a crybaby"

"Be a crybaby for me. I don't mind" Akiko laughed then hugged her "but Akashi-kun will not allow that. (F/N)'s scent is really different now"

~

"So you will stay here for the night?" (F/N) asked as they were now walking towards (F/N)'s house "somehow, I want to stay in your place"

"If you can, please."

(F/N) groaned though then sigh "dad is here, and we will be having a dinner. A suffocating dinner"

"Uncle really needs to know what those two witches are doing to you" Akiko sighed "Actually, I want us to graduate. Since by then, you can live on your own, right?"

"You told me a while ago, to break free from my family as well. I am thinking now, if I do that, I think I have a place where to stay."

"I think I know where." Akiko laughed and groaned seeing (F/N)'s step sister with (F/N)'s father, they were about to enter their house "I'll pretend first that I haven't gotten my memories back"

"I am back"

"Welcome back. Isn't she your classmate from middle school?"

"Yes, Finn Akiko. Due to some incident, she lost her memories and I am helping her to retrieve them. Akiko, it's my father, and my step-sister"

"That's not how you introduce her to other people." Her father retorted in calm manner

"Ask her how she introduced me to others, or like, does the others know my existence?" (F/N) chuckled then shook her head "anyways, thank you Akiko. Can you return to your house by yourself?"

"I would like to talk with you more but let's meet again next time. Well then, (F/N)'s father and step-sister, I shall take my leave"

As Akiko left, (F/N)'s father asked them to go inside, and as they were inside

"Why are you making everything hard, (F/N)?"

"About?"

"Kinako is your sister-"

"No, she is not. She isn't my sister, and will never be. Dad, open your eyes, your colleagues don't even know me not my existence. Couldn't you get it? Everytime they are here, I wasn't here? Because I was asked to leave the house. Gosh dad, we've been like this a lot now, so please. If you want to have a peaceful ambiance, don't force me to be kind to them, because I have been suffering for a long time now." (F/N) retorted with calm voice "have a good night. I won't join dinner. Enjoy it without me, they would love it instead" she left and went straight to her room.

As she slumped her whole body on her bed "everytime he goes home, it's always like this"

~

That next day, (F/N) was the same as usual, and she tried her best to be normal with Akashi.

Akashi asked her why she didn't talk to him when she stopped by, and she just dodged it saying that he was busy so she didn't want to be on his way.

Akiko and (F/N) decided not to tell anyone yet that she got her memories back. (F/N) wondered why.

During lunch, (F/N) was with her classmates, and they were eating inside their classroom. Though they were annoyed by the fact that Shouta and Ririka were there, and openly kissing each other.

"It's seriously annoying" Arai commented, loud enough for them to hear

"Mika, don't mind them." (F/N) chuckled

"But I'm losing my apetite"

They just continued eating their lunch, but it was then, Ririka and Shouta just didn't stop.

But then,

"Wow, you have such a scene inside your class" they all turned to that voice, and everyone wondered who she was "(F/N), I am here to invite you over the weekends."

"Akiko!" Shouta shouted but was ignored by her.

Akiko entered their class and approached (F/N), following behind her was Sae.

"You found Sae"

"Saw her with her boyfriend. Anyways, I will invite you and Sae this coming weekend" Akiko stood next to her and smiled at the others "sorry for the sudden visit. I am Finn Akiko, I visited your kingdom last time. The foods were all good" she then again looked at (F/N) and smiled

"I thought you already returned to Tokyo"

"I was about to, but I'll stay here until tomorrow."

"Invite from?" Sae curiously asked

"My mom decided to throw a party for me when I told her about that. I'll tell you on Friday night." She answered and (F/N) knew what she meant "so?"

"I'll go" (F/N) responded and showed her phone "being evicted again this weekend"

"I'll go!" Sae responded "I'll talk to coach."

"Cool. Then, I'll wait for the both of you tomorrow night, in our house. We'll have a whole night drive with mom. That's all" she smiled then as she turned around Shouta was there "what? Ah, you were the crazy guy last time. So you are the boyfriend of that lunatic girl"

"You really can't remember me"

"No"

"What happened to you? (F/N) doesn't want to tell m-"

"Are you crazy? How would I know? I can't remember anything. But, I know for sure 5 things" Akiko extended her fist towards him "1st, I don't know you. 2nd, I hate that girl there since the time I met her eyes. 3rd, your girlfriend is freaking liar, pushing (F/N) off the stairs then saying in straight face that she slipped. 4th, since she is your girlfriend, I don't want to talk to you. And 5th, you two are annoying"

"What did (F/N) tell you to be like that? We have a conflict with her, so she would tell you bad things" Shouta looked at (F/N) and worriely looked at Akiko

"Everytime she visits me, she never said any bad things about you. She never told me what happened. Compared to someone who pushed my friend, compared to someone who badmouthed others, I prefer her to be my friend. You and your liar girlfriend there, you two look good together" Akiko chuckled then excused herself, and reminded (F/N) and Sae again. And also, before she left "(F/N), make sure to tell that person, okay?"

Silence engulfed them once Akiko left. And the silence was broken when (F/N) just continued eating.

"Eh? That ended easily?" Sae chuckled "for some reason, she seems like normal, and doesn't have amnesia"

"Really? But how she talks to Shouta is different" (F/N) responded

"(F/N), what really happened to Akiko?!" Shouta raised his voice but received a sharp gaze from (F/N) "Sae!"

"Sae doesn't know. The people who only know, are me, Akashi, Ririka, and someone who saw everything. Yuya heard it from that person. But I am telling you, once Akiko remembers everything..." (F/N) turned to Ririka and chuckled "what are you going to do? Even if you change the story, what happened, happened" (F/N) sighed as she stand up, "I lost my appetite. I'll just go buy something to drink"

As she left, she was surprised that Akashi was there.

"You are here? Did you hear that?" She asked then passed by him

"Yeah" Akashi responded and followed her "when did she remember everything?"

(F/N) looked at him in surprised and chuckled "how did you know?"

"Instinct"

"Really?" She chuckled "she went to see me yesterday."

"Isn't that good?" Akashi patted her head and made a gentle smile "less problem now. You did a good job"

"Akashi!" She seriously turned to him, her face so red but she gazed away "uhm... well, thanks to you. I mean, because of you I did my best. Thank you"

"Anytime. Anyways, so you were evicted again?"

"Yeah, actually."

"Hmmmm?"

"I am planning to move out. Well I don't know how soon. But I need to break free and find my own happiness" (F/N) told him then walked towards the vending machine to buy a drink. She asked Akashi if he wanted some too, but Akashi told her no.

And that night, (F/N) had a video call with Akiko

"I am planning to say it tomorrow" (F/N) told her

"I'll support you. At least, it will stop now your act."

"Yeah, we are just pretending anyways. But to think that I'll fall for him like this. He is so kind."

(F/N) just told Akiko everything. But she didn't know,

"So she is pretending." (F/N)'s step-sister  chuckled. She went back to her room, grabbed her phone and in case scenario, she messaged Ririka "you told me once, to tell you interesting facts about (F/N). Then I'll tell you, I don't know who she is going out with, but she is telling that Akiko girl that they are just pretending."

Immediately, Ririka responded to her

"Oh my gosh! Thank you for telling me! Your step-sister is freaking annoying. But it's the end for her. Ah, also, this weekend, she's going to Tokyo again. Can't you tell your dad to transfer her to different school?"

"That's an easy job. I'll make is as soon as possible, like on Monday?"

"Thanks! I'll do something tomorrow, and see if they really are."

~Last Friday of November~

"Why it is so damn cold?" (F/N) sigh as she entered their class with Arai. "For some reason my heart is so cold too"

"What are you saying, (F/N)?" Arai asked and laugher at her "but well, it's really cold today"

"Good morning, (F/N)" Ririka greeted her, making a victorious smile "I hope you will have a good day"

"My day is already ruined because of a certain someone." (F/N) retorted

"Make sure to make your day good, okay" Ririka told her and then left

"What's her problem?" Arai annoyingly asked

"Don't mind her"

~after club activity~

(F/N) was so nervous, so nervous as she head towards the gym. Holding her bag, feeling cold because of the weather and nervousness.

She again peaked on the door, and found Akashi nowhere.

"Sei-chan went to the storage room on the side with Ruru-chan. Because there were missing balls, Sei-chan checked it" Mibuchi informed her when he noticed her

"Reo-nee... thank you. I'll go see him there then." (F/N) excused herself, making Mibuchi giggled.

~

"This is a problem, right?" The manager named Ruru told Akashi as she showed that they were missing 4 balls.

"It's okay. It's just 4. But tell coach about it. The regular classes might use it and forgot to return. Let's go-"

"Uhm, Akashi-kun" Ruru suddenly grabbed Akashi's arm when he was about to turn around and about to leave, and in instant she kissed him, but good thing Akashi was fast enough to dodge her, so she kissed his chin

"What are you...?" Akashi asked with cold voice

"Sorry, I know you are going out with someone. But I wanted you to know that I like you since first year."

"Isn't that great?" The two of them turned towards the door and there (F/N) stood, smiling, but her emotions overflow and tears ran down her cheeks "you two have mutual feelings. Well then, Congratulations" she bowed down and ran.

"Fujisaki." Akashi called her and glared at her. The manager flinched and looked at him, nervous to what he would say "probably, I would thank you for what you did. But, you and Wada, don't think that I won't do something about it."

Akashi then followed (F/N), but got his jersey jacket first, and immediately told Mibuchi that he needed to leave first and would get his stuffs later.

~

(F/N) ran away from what she saw, and for her, compared to when she found out Shouta, it hurts so bad for her. It hurts that for her, she didn't know how to move on.

For the meantime, she decided to go home

"Ahhh... it's the worst. It hurts." she cried

"(F/N)!" Akashi called her, but she ignored him and ran away. But Akashi was faster, so he caught up with her "wait" he hold both of her arms then sigh "let's talk"

"Sorry, Akashi, I don't think I can talk to you now. Please" she gazed away, trying to free herself

"I won't let you go. Just say what you want to say. I'll receive everything."

(F/N) stopped moving, still her head down, crying non-stop. The weather became colder, and flurries started falling down.

"Why it became like this?"

"What do you mean?"

(F/N) looked at Akashi, her eyes were swollen already. She thumped both her fists on his chest "I was okay just pretending. It was okay. Why do I need to realize my feelings towards you? I just started talking to you this year, but why do I feel like as if I know you for years? Why I have this feeling towards you?! But it's just me..." she put her hands down, gazed down, and sighed in defeat "...so please Akashi, let's stop this. So you can start going out with the person you like. Reject me now"

"I understand" Akashi responded, resulting for her to tremble, he freed her left arm and he let her wiped her tears "but before that, I need to hear that from you. Because you only questioned yourself. Tell me your feelings, and I'll response to you honestly"

She calmed herself, but still gazing down "I love you, Akashi. I just realized it recently. All your actions, your words, gestures, smile, everything. I love you so much that if we continue pretending, I fall for you more. I want you to be happy as well."

Akashi smiled to himself, finally hearing the words he wanted to hear for so long. Seeing her crying because she couldn't help but fall for him more.

"Shouldn't you say that to me while looking at me?"

"It's embarrassing! So I can't!"

"Look at me and say it"

(F/N) groaned in anger, but comply to his request, since for her it would be the last. She took a deep breath, nervous and embarrassed

And as she looked at him, "as I said I L-" but at that moment, Akashi conquered her lips. His cold lips touched hers, and she couldn't comprehend what was going on.

As he moved back, he chuckled seeing her expression, he shocked red face. He sighed and wiped the tears on her cheeks

"Just how slow and thickheaded are you?" He asked

"...ahre...?"

Akashi sighed again and pulled her in an embrace "the one I like is you, (L/N) (F/N). Why do you think I agreed on being you boyfriend? Why do you think I did all those things for you? Why do you think I said those words to you? All this time, the one that I like is you. Couldn't you be more slower?' Akashi sighed but pulled her closer to him "at first, I was just curious of you. But as times by, your existence grew inside me. I am being serious and honest here."

"Akashi..."

"Hmmmmm?"

"I want to hug you back, can I?"

"You don't need to ask." He chuckled and at that, (F/N) hugged him back

"Is this real?"

"This is real" Akashi assured her, and tighten his embrace

"Akashi, I really love you." (F/N) cried on his chest, making Akashi smile to himself.

He then moved back and looked straight to her swollen eyes. He smiled to her gently, again wiping her tears

"Your eyes are swollen." He commented then kissed her left eye. As he again moved back, "then, let's make it official and make things clear"

"Hmmmm?"

"(L/N) (F/N), from now on, you are my girlfriend. We aren't pretending anymore, but you are mine now. Remember that. You are the person chosen by me, Akashi Seijurou. You aren't allowed to object"

"As if I am going to object. Right now, I am so embarrassed, nervous, but I am so happy."

"(F/N), don't regret it. I won't let you escape from me."

As their eyes met once again, Akashi didn't wait anymore and kissed her. They didn't mind the strong wind, the flurries falling, if there were people around them, for them, they were in their own warm world.

~TBC~