The Piano (Akashi Seijuro x Reader)

The band room was his haven. There, he could find peace when pressure bore down on his mental vigor. His parents wanted so much from him, which in turn made him want so much from himself that he pushed his limits, especially in basketball. As the captain and point guard of Rakuzan, expectations for him are high. 

Expectations.

Akashi's fingers came to a halt on the piano keys. There, in the pit of his abdomen, he could feel his insides twisting and turning. He never spoke of it - he couldn't speak of it, or else his high-class and intimidating demeanor would be shattered. No one would look up to him, not even his teammates who are servant to him.

He moved his hands around the keys and started the song from the very beginning.

Zashiki Warashi's Theme - xxxHOLIC

Akashi closed his eyes. It felt as if he was in another world - a fantasy, you could say. It was white, and it was empty, and all he had was the feeling of his fingers pressing down on each key, eliciting vibrations that created a sound so beautiful to him. He felt his head slightly nod along with the tempo as he continued through the song. 

He didn't the song to end, so instead he repeated the chorus over and over again until he was satisfied. He drew the song out, slowing the tempo as he reached the eight count. He held the final note, opening his eyes as he did so.

"That's a really beautiful song. Did you write it?"

Akashi sat up straight and released the piano key. He turned around, his demeanor returning to him. He swore he was giving one of the most intimidating stares he's ever given to anyone, yet, for some reason, it didn't seem to phase you. 

"You're not going to answer me?"

He waited. He knew who you were - you two shared some classes together over the years - but he's never exchanged a word with you. Ever.

Well, at least not until now.

"What are you doing here?"

"I just finished my chores," you replied. "I was walking down the hall when I heard you playing the piano. You're really good."

Akashi turned back to face the piano. "And what do you want from me?"

You shrugged. "Nothing. Just wanted to hear you play. You wouldn't mind that, would you?"

"It's late," Akashi continued in a monotonous tone. "Go home."

"Can you just pretend I'm not here and continue playing? That song was really beautiful."

Akashi stood before grabbing his belongings. "I'm leaving. Don't ever ask me to play for you again."

"Can I at least walk with you down the hall? I'm leaving as well."

"Don't follow me."

"But we're both leaving so it makes sense-"

He glared at you, his eyes wide with animosity,

"Don't."

With that, he made a beeline for the door and left without another word. 

The next day, Akashi rushed into the band room, only to find that someone had taken his spot on the piano bench.

"I'm not going to leave unless you play that song for me," you said as you patted the empty spot next to you.

For the first time, Akashi felt his demeanor deflate. He wanted to try to scare you out of the room, but he knew - from the events that happened yesterday - that it wouldn't work. And too, he was craving the sound of the piano. He needed it right now, especially since basketball practice was going to pick up again tomorrow.

He set his bag down near the door and sat down beside you. The hem of his pants gently touched your thigh, and he noted this was probably the closest he's ever been to anyone, both physically and mentally. It kind of made him feel......

...good.