( Tanaka's_wifu) Who's that hot blond sitting next to you senpai?, he's almost as beautiful as Bookworm and Oikawa.

​

( Noya_4_president ) Yeah, I was gonna ask the same thing, he could totally pass off as a model!

​

( Travelling_Pixie_21 ) Hey megane kun, are you single? kiss emoji

​

(Noya_Noya4eva ) He's hotter than Oikawa, I swear!!!! eye heart emoji

​

( Backpack_warrior ) Lol at everyone drooling over blondie while the rest of the hotties look stunned and disappointed.

 

Bokuto huffed since in his opinion no one was as beautiful as Akaashi. Most were stunned by the sudden comments and all eyes were on Tsukishima who remained poker faced while whishing for a hole to open up underneath him to swallow him away from this place and spit out back to the comfort of his apartment. Kuroo had to agree with the fans, Tsukishima was as beautiful as Akashi if not more beautiful. Kenma elbowed him when he noticed him staring again. This was becoming embarrassing, and it was obviously making Tsukishima uncomfortable.

 

Oikawa isn't gonna like this...

 

Tanaka teased their fans, laughing as he pictured the youtubers most likely reaction at being called less attractive than some unknown blond man attending the party. Akaashi turned to Tsukishima. It was usually him against Oikawa for the most handsome face category while Bokuto was often against Ushijima as the hottest man category. Kuroo would be there if he'd show his face, but people didn't know what he looked like with the mask he insisted on wearing. It was the first time that he'd heard anyone agree with him about Tsukishima being indeed a beautiful man and he hoped that these comments would help improve his friend's self-esteem.

 

Oh fuck!

 

Tanaka, Nishinoya and Koganegawa exclaimed in unison, jumping as soon as the whole room went completely dark with a loud crackling sound. Upon closer inspection, they realized that the whole block was dark.

 

Well ladies and gents, it seems that we're experiencing a sudden blackout. 

 

Nishinoya explained, picking up the laptop so the audience could be witnesses of the surrounding darkness.

 

( Traveler_Peter ) What's that?

 

Someone in the side chat asked. Nishinoya quickly turned behind him, seeing nothing but the shapes of his friends behind him.

 

Just a bunch of drunks... Why?

 

Nishinoya answered with a chuckle, a little bit too drunk to take anything seriously and not very interested in paranormal topics.

 

( Traveler_Peter ) I mean it... There was something there just now.

 

The fan insisted that he'd seen a pale face looking through the window at the end of the room but Nishinoya just couldn't see what his fan was seeing. Tanaka closed the laptop, ending the live session, informing his friend that they needed to go to the convenience store to buy candles. The house was too dark, too dangerous for people too drunk to function properly.

 

Ok guys, we have to go buy candles, who wants to come with us? Anyone needs anything?

 

Tanaka asked, patting his pants pockets to make sure his wallet was there. Ushijima, Tendo, Aone, Taketora, and Sawamura decided to tag along. The rest stayed in the house, waiting for the electricity to return. 

 

.

 

So, you're Akaashi's friend, huh? Which videos have you helped him with?

 

Kuroo asked, moving closer to Tsukishima when Goshiki and Koganegawa stood up to check the dark street outside, alerted by something that Kindaishi had said to Kunimi who was feeling too lazy to move a muscle and see what that was all about. The blond hated small talk, especially small talk that involved strangers, but having nothing else to do when it was too dark to even allow him to walk away, he decided to entertain the other until The lights came back or his patience ran out, whichever came first.

 

I shared some research I did on the Missing 411 cases and on Gary Ridgeway...

 

Kuroo clearly heard a loud sigh. He'd forgotten that Kenma and probably Kunimi were still there, sitting in their spots, close to them. He was grateful for the darkness otherwise he was sure that his blush would be visible and if Kenma were a witness he'd be teased for it until the end of his days. Tsukishima wondered what that sigh had meant but since he couldn't see shit, he couldn't even see who'd sighed.

 

Do you do videos of your own?

 

Kuroo decided best to move forward with the conversation and ignore anybody else around them. Tsukishima took a bit too long to answer and Kuroo wondered for a moment if the blond hadn't heard his question. Then he got an answer.

 

No... 

 

Tsukishima wasn't a liar, but he didn't think it was wise to share things such as his Youtube persona with people he knew nothing about. Kuroo then inquired why Tsukishima helped Akaashi with his videos but had never been interested in creating content of his own.

 

I couldn't decide on a genre...

 

That was the reason why he had two channels, Tsukishima thought. Kuroo quickly jumped into talking about the latest video he'd watched on his favorite science channel in Youtube hoping to encourage the blond into joining the community. 

 

You should totally check Professor T's content, man, he's the best...

 

Kenma sighed louder, Kuroo felt slightly irritated. Tsukishima understood that whoever was sighing was doing so to tell Kuroo something. Perhaps it was the raven hairs boyfriend getting jealous and this only made the blond wish he'd stayed home that night.

 

Dark moon's content is better, don't listen to him, he's a science nerd...

 

Kenma spoke loud and clear. There was a soft chuckle somewhere close to them. Tsukishima cocked an eyebrow fir that was unexpected since he'd never heard anyone debating about his two channels.

 

I'm a fan of his horror stories... They're awesome and never disappoint.

 

Kunimi confessed, explaining that anime was his number one addiction, while horror was his second biggest addiction. This seemed to make Kenma open up and engage in conversation with him.

 

You guys don't know a good channel when you see it, if I say Professor T's superior in content compared to Dark moon, I mean it. That channel deserves more subscribers...

 

They were both his channels, Tsukishima thought, wishing for some reason that Kuroo would show more appreciation for his horror stories since those were his very own creations, while his science channel was just the result of the works of several people put together by him to help any science fan who needed the information.

 

Just listen to one of Dark moon's horror stories, Kuroo, then you'll understand why I insist on you contacting the guy for a collab video...

 

Kenma insisted, feeling slightly more irritated. Kunimi once again sided with him, agreeing that a collaboration between two of the brightest content makers in Youtube would be amazing and refreshing.

 

Listen to "The wind that blew the leaves" and then you'll get what we're trying to say.

 

Kenma thanked the gods that someone was finally siding with him. Seeing how Kenma was now focused on Kunimi, Kuroo took the chance to continue to have the blond's attention all to himself, grateful for the space and privacy to talk to Tsukishima without interruptions. Tsukishima felt suddenly nervous, praying to the gods for his cover not to be blown.

 

I prefer music channels...

 

Tsukishima said, hoping for Kuroo to drop the subject about his science and his horror story channels and talk about something else not Youtube related.

 

What sort of music do you look for when surfing the net?

 

Fancy way of asking what type of music someone liked, Tsukishima thought, but he wasn't going to complain since it was a good change of subject. Without a warning a bright flash of light fell on their faces, making Kuroo blink and forcing the blond to shield his face.

 

Hey, what the Hell sort of business do you have with Tsukki?

 

Goshiki was glaring as he held a flashlight. Behind him were Koganegawa and Kyoutani, looking sternly at the stranger with the awful hair that was sitting beside their friend.

 

I'm just a friendly stranger, who're you?

 

Kuroo asked, shielding his eyes from the light that was making his eyes grow increasingly watery. Goshiki stood proudly, puffing out his chest.

 

I'm Goshiki Tsutomu, future ace of Youtube, slash roommate, slash one of Tsukki's angels, get it?

 

The male with the bowl cut said with a mischievous grin, visibly proud of his reference to Charlie's angels. Tsukishima wished he could shove a foot inside his roommate's mouth before he said anything else as embarrassing as a lame movie reference.

 

And these are Koganegawa and Kyoutani... Also, Tsukki's angels... Who're you?

 

Kuroo was ready to introduce himself when a commotion behind the trio caught their attention. It seemed that Tanaka and Nishinoya hadn't been able to find any candles, but they'd brought more booze and chips.

 

No candles guys but who needs candles when there's booze, right? Who wants a can?

 

Taketora exclaimed, handing out the booze and the bags of chips that he'd been carrying. Tanaka and Nishinoya mimicked their friend, while Ushijima and Tendo handed their bought goods to their closest friends only.

 

Hey guys look!

 

Lev sat in between Kenma and Kunimi shaking the camping lantern he'd found in the closet. Neither Kunimi nor Kenma appreciated the sudden interruption of their conversation or the invasion of their personal space by the overly enthusiastic human puppy.

 

Oh shit, where did you guys find the flashlights?

 

Tanaka, Nishinoya and Taketora asked at once pointing to the several flashlights and lanterns that they'd spotted once they were done handing out the food and the drinks. 

 

Inside our cars...

 

Koganegawa answered. Kyoutani and Goshiki nodded. The tree of them kept the flashlights in their tire changing kits.

 

The closet...

 

Lev and Sugawara answered next, shaking the lanterns they'd found while investigating the space beside the bathroom while looking for candles and matches or any spare light bulbs.

 

Smartphone...

 

Yaku, Akaashi and Seita answered, proud of their mobile devices. Tanaka then got an idea that would help them continue their live ouija board session. He asked anyone with a light to focus it on the ouija board so they could test out if the thing worked for their fans’ enjoyment.

 

Ok guys, we're back even if the electricity isn't. We're gonna go back to summoning spirits, so please join us!

 

The group once again gathered around the board and Kuroo took the role of summoner more seriously. Goshiki called for Zuzu to come out in a joking manner, while Nishinoya asked said demon to bring Casper with him. Kenma, Kunimi and Tsukishima were the only ones visibly done with all the shenanigans of the people around them, letting go of the planchette almost at the same time. Kuroo quickly scolded them, opening an eye to warn them.

 

Man, this blows...

 

Taketora huffed and several had to agree seeing how the planchette wasn't moving an inch. Tanaka stood up and walked closer to the laptop, explaining that as was proven by that night's facts, ghosts were just made-up shit. Thunder roared at the same time as the lights dimly flickered only to go out again.

 

Again?

 

Lev sighed, leaning backwards, quite disappointed with the lack of anything eventful coming out of their activity. One after the other, the rest of the people touching the planchette, except for Kuroo, let go of it.

 

Hey, stop, we need to close the session... Wait, what are you doing?

 

Kuroo's voice nearly failed him as the board was snatched away by Tanaka who was done with the activity, deciding it was best to do something else, such as a question-and-answer session with their fellow youtubers to indulge their fans' curiosity. Kuroo was anxious. He was well aware of what the rules said about not saying goodbye after using the board but hoped for that to be just made-up information spread by superstitious people since it was too dark now with every flashlight focused in another part of the living room, making it hard to spot where the board had been left. He sighed, listening as the question-and-answer session began.

 

Are you alright?

 

Kenma asked, making Kuroo jump unaware that his best friend was still sitting beside him. He noticed that only his fingers, Kenma's and someone else's were still on the planchette. Leaning closer, he discovered that the long pale fingers belonged to Tsukishima. The blond excused himself, not wanting to be the third wheel even if he'd enjoyed Kuroo's company. It was oddly disappointing to know he was likely taken. Since Akaashi was now with Bokuto and the others and he couldn't spot Goshiki or Kyoutani, the blond returned to the "quiet people corner" wishing he could go home, regretting even thinking about attending a party where he was basically a stranger.

 

Yeah, I'm alright, just a little disappointed that no one took the session seriously... And worried about not closing the session...

 

Kenma elbowed his best friend on the ribs, exasperated by his response since that wasn't what he'd meant to get as response.

 

Cut the crap, Kuroo... You know what I'm talking about, don't play dumb... You like Tsukishima kun, don't you? 

 

Kenma was good at observing people and he'd seen the way Kuroo had been staring at the blond since the younger man's arrival at the party. Kuroo was the sort of romantic fool who'd fall in love at the drop of a hat, but the way he'd stared at Tsukishima was different. Kenma didn’t know the blond, but judging by his reaction, despite his poker face, that one last look at Kuroo before leaving told the pudding head that Tsukishima likely reciprocated whatever Kuroo was feeling.

 

I know, man, I know... I'll admit that the guy's attractive, you gotta admit that much, right?

 

Kenma would roll his eyes if he had the will to invest the limited amount of energy filling his system, but decided it was best not to push Kuroo's buttons too hard too soon when his confusion was more than obvious.

 

Yeah, yeah, we all know the guy's kinda good looking, whatever, but you know deep down this is not the typical flash-boom-there's-your-love at first sight you're so used to experiencing... And if it's of any help, I think the guy's in the same boat as you... 

 

Now that was kind of shocking to hear. Kuroo was aware of what he was feeling but perhaps he'd been too drawn to the blond to notice that there was the possibility of reciprocation in him.

 

How do you even...?

 

Kenma pulled out his console so he could resume the game he'd paused. He wasn't accustomed to physical contact, not even with his best friend, but decided it wouldn't hurt to give him a good pat on the shoulder since he seemed truly affected by what he was feeling.

 

It's all in the eyes, Kuroo... You both have been giving the other the same look all night, it's sickening, really...

 

Something cold making contact with his bare neck make Kuroo jump suddenly. Turning to his left just as suddenly he saw Bokuto bursting into laughter, juggling three bottles of beer in each hand. Kenma narrowed his eyes and turned his back to the noisy duo, focusing once again on his game.

 

Man, you should've seen your face! Oh man, it was fucking priceless! I wish I could’ve taken a pic!

 

Bokuto regretted not having his phone in hand, so he could've captured his best friend's face for posterity's sake. Kuroo felt tempted to hit Bokuto but decided best to help himself to three of the six bottles of beer the other was carrying, offering one to Kenma, but the pudding head, refused to drink what he called "Bitter piss".

 

Kenma, you're such an innocent baby...

 

Kenma turned and glared at Bokuto, flipping him the bird, which made the drunken ma burst out laughing. He was in the mood to sing, not giving a single fuck about the fact that there ws no electricity as explained by Kuroo. Bokuto gulped down half of his first beer and spoke.

 

We don't need the karaoke machine to sing! We know the songs by heart, come on, man, sing with me! I want to impress Akaashi...

 

Bokuto pouted. Kuroo sighed. Kenma felt embarrassed, pulling the hood of his jacket over his head. Kuroo began singing softly. Bokuto quickly joined, more loudly, more enthusiastically, the both of them hoping for their crush to be listening.

 

By the time Kuro and Bokuto were singing "just one kiss in the moonlight", Kenma, beyond embarrassed, decided it was about time to put some distance between himself and these two drunktards, so he scurried away to one spot where Kunimi seemed to have shied away too from all the chaos. He had Kuroo's console in his pocket, so he'd be more than happy to hand it to him and enjoy some anime-themed video game. Not Kuroo and not Bokuto noticed when the pudding head left, singing their hearts out for their crushes.

 

.

 

After getting something non-alcoholic from the kitchen and spotting Bokuto sitting down next to Kuroo, the both of them making fools of themselves even though they could sing pretty well, Akaashi decided to go sit with Tsukishima, who was alone in a corner, looking out the window that led to the terrace. There was a strange longing in his face, one he'd never seen on his friend before. He sat down right beside the blond, giving him a gentle push with his shoulder to offer him one of the two bottles of melon juice he'd found in the fridge.

 

What are you doing here in the dark?

 

Akaashi asked when the younger male, took the bottle being offered to him mouthing a soft "thanks" before opening it.  

 

Just trying to stay away from the wailing banshees over there...

 

Tsukishima regretted not bringing his headphones with him. He opened the bottle and took a good sip, nearly choking almost immediately when the taste of alcohol hit his throat. Akaashi gave him an odd look.

 

I wouldn't try it if I were you... It's spiked with alcohol...

 

The blond warned Akaashi. Bookworm simply chuckled, opening his bottle of supposed melon juice to try it out.

 

It's not so bad...

 

Akaashi nudged the other, but the blond simply shook his head, leaving the bottle in the small space between the wall and the nearest couch.

 

If you say so... So, what's their story?

 

Tsukishima jerked his head in the direction of the wailing banshees. Akashi moved his eyes in the direction of the duo's voices. Despite the nonchalance and his unaffected air, Akaashi knew why his friend was asking about the duo, scratch that, he had the feeling that he was asking about Kuroo.

 

If you must know, I've known them since high school and we've been inseparable ever since, along with Kenma...

 

Tsukishima simply nodded, fiddling with the shoelaces of his black Chuck Taylor's, wondering if he should push the subject or drop it for good.

 

So, you've been double dating since high school...?

 

Akaashi thanked the darkness because he felt the rush of blood flooding his face. He let out a nervous chuckle and shook his hands.

 

No, no, you got it all wrong... Bokuto and I aren't dating... He, well, he's not gay...

 

Tsukishima simply hummed. He could tell by the way Akaashi discreetly looked at Bokuto, so it was obvious to the blond that feelings were involved there. As for Bokuto not being gay, well he'd seen all night how clingy and protective this Bokuto was of Akaashi, in a way that screamed "mine!" to anyone who got too close to Bookworm. He sighed and nodded.

 

Ok, if you say so... So Kenma san and Kuroo san are the only ones dating...

 

Akaashi knew that Tsukishima had seen through him, that he'd caught on the fact that he'd had a crush on Bokuto for a long time. He too knew that despite his apparent disinterest, Tsukishima was interested in knowing more about Kuroo, so, he decided to be a good friend and put him a little bit at ease.

 

Wrong again. Kenma likes Lev, even if he denies it and Kuroo, well Kuroo falls in love pretty easily with pretty girls, but they can't seem to keep up with his energy and his hair...

 

Akaashi chuckled softly. Tsukishima felt a sudden sting in his chest. Kuroo liked pretty girls, something that the blond wasn't.

 

Hey, hey, hey! Why are you hiding back here? The party's over there!

 

Bokuto's voice boomed, making both introverts jump at the sudden sound and the sudden presence of two figures in front of them.

 

Why don't you two join us for a singing competition? Tanaka san suggested it. Do you wanna pair up with me, Tsukishima kun?

 

Kuroo suggested, kneeling down a couple of feet in front of Tsukishima. The blond didn't like how vulnerable and affected Kuroo made him feel. He knew it was time to go, but first he'd need to go to the bathroom. People were too drunk for the blond's liking.

 

If you excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom...

 

He stood up as if powered up by a giant spring and made a beeline for the hallway, careful not to trip in the reigning darkness.

 

What did I do?

 

Kuroo asked, feeling quite disappointed, wondering what had made the blond leave so suddenly. Bokuto patted his best bro's back. Akaashi offered a small smile, hoping that it would put Kuroo's mind at ease. Kuroo seemed both worried and disappointed at the same time.

 

Tsukishima kun's reaction has nothing to do with you, he's just not good with people, don't take it personal... 

 

Kuroo nodded even though it was obvious that he wasn't convinced by what his friend had said. Understanding this, Alaashi decided to encourage him.

 

He's a good kid past all his walls and layers, if you're genuine and up for the challenge, go talk to him. He asked me about you...

 

Akaashi didn't mean to rat out his younger friend but it wouldn't hurt to have more friends, especially the outgoing type like Kuroo. If nothing romantic came of it, they could still become close friends.

 

Please push him there if he won't go on his own...

 

Kenma pleaded somewhere to their right. Akashi gave a stern look in the direction of Kenma's voice, even if he understood that he meant no harm and was only trying to be encouraging. It wasn't like Kuroo to be shy or insecure, so it was likely that he felt something different and more genuine for the blond.

 

Need me to help you out?

 

Bokuto asked but Kuroo just shook his head. Kuroo gulped down what was left of his beer. It was now or never. He stood up carefully so he wouldn't step on any of his friends or trip with all the legs around him. He took out his phone and turned on the flashlight before he put his feet in motion in the direction of the hallway where the blond had vanished.

 

Tsukishima was fixing his shirt, just out of the bathroom, patting the walls to make his way back to the hallway when Kuroo found him, setting the flashlight in his direction, careful not to blind him by shinning it straight on the blond's face. 

 

Hey, you alright?

 

Kuroo broke the awkward silence, stepping closer to the blond who took the same number of steps back.

 

Why do you care?

 

Despite the butterflies in his stomach Tsukishima felt it was for the best to keep his distance with the raven haired, what Akaashi had said about Kuroo falling easily in love at the drop of a hat, echoing in his mind. Even if the blond wasn't a pretty girl, he didn't want to be one of Kuroo's fleeting love at first sight conquers, or worse, a one-night stand. He made his way past Kuroo but the bedhead placed himself right in front of the blond, blocking his exit from the hallway.

 

 

Did I do something that offended you?

 

Kuroo asked, stepping closer to Tuskishima who was quick to place a hand on the other's hand to prevent him from getting closer. He moved his hand away when he felt every well-toned muscle underneath, not wanting to deal with the feelings, the questions and the dirty thoughts the experience had left him.

 

No. It's time for me to go home, so if you'll excuse me...

 

Tsukishima tried to make his way past Kuroo and the raven haired took the chance to catch the blond by coiling his arms around his torso. Tsukishima shivered. Kuroo couldn't help but smile.

 

What if I don't want you to go...?

 

He whispered into the blond's ear, living a soft peck on his neck. Tsukishima bit the inside of his cheek to stop the sensual sound attempting to escape his lips. He remembered Akaashi's words and tried to free himself from the embrace.

 

Please let me go. I'm not a silly girl you can easily fool with your love at first sight story...

 

The blond tried to push Kuroo away unaware of the confusion plastered all over his handsome features.

 

Excuse me but what?

 

Tsukishima was putting up a good fight. Even though he was slender and his muscles not as bulky as the raven haired's he was still putting all his strength into freeing himself.

 

Nevermind, just let go of me!

 

 

Kuroo pulled Tsukishima closer and tilted his head in order to capture the plush petals that were his lips, kissing gently, keeping the passion flooding his system. The blond tried to pull away but was enraptured by the sensuality of that kiss, their closeness and his undeniable attraction to the raven haired. Before the blond knew it, he was kissing back, cupping Kuroo's face with both hands the moment he felt the other's hands slipping underneath his shirt. The kiss became deeper and more passionate, hips pressing together, while Tsukishima's hand moved to play with Kuroo's hair.

 

I like... I really, really like you...

 

Kuroo spoke into the kiss. Before Tsukishima could resume his protest, reminded by Akaashi's words or Kuroo could think of a more private place where to indulge in doing more than slipping his long fingers under the blond's shirt, a strong force shoved them against the wall. Their faces and teeth crashing hardly against the one in front of them. There were quick footsteps and the sound of a door opening and slamming shut. 

 

Son of a bitch!

 

Kuroo hissed, running in the direction of the room where whomever had shoved them so violently had gone to hide. He was furious, opening the door with a single swing, but finding it locked. He began pounding on the door with his fist.

 

Open this fucking door right now!

 

The door gave way and Kuroo rushed inside smartphone flashlight ready. The room was completely empty, nobody was inside. Not under the bed, not behind the door, not inside the closet. The bedhead ran out of the room.

 

Did someone run out?

 

Tsukishima rolled his eyes. The hallway was too dark to see shit, but he hadn't felt the air moving around him as it usually happened when someone walked by or moved around someone else.

 

What's going on?

 

The others had been alerted by Kuroo's booming voice, as well as by the banging on the door, but the few who'd made it to the entrance of the hallway stopped dead in their tracks when the loud scream of a woman echoed throughout the house, it even felt as if the whole house had been shaken by the agonizing scream. The lights came back, only for one light bulb after the other to explode in a chain reaction. Panicked, people began running out of the house.

 

.

 

Three days later, on Monday, at 3:00 pm, two small shadows began giggling and running around in the hallway that led to the bedrooms, a few steps from where Kuroo was sitting in his living room, twitting a poll in his Kool cat account on that social media site for his fans to help him pick out the topic of his next video. He'd been too busy most of the day doing some research on some ghost stories that two of his fans had shared with him on local ghost stories that no other Youtube paranormal account had covered before, to notice the strange happenings behind him past the sudden drop in the temperature within the apartment.

 

Ah shit...

 

Kuroo said, rubbing his arms to keep himself warm. It was late Summer and the days had been to hot to bear, but at that moment, it felt as if mid-Winter had come within the walls of the apartment. Even Kenma had complained before leaving, of how cold the place was.

 

Man, I'm beat...

 

The two shadows were still running around like they owned the hallway by the time Kuroo checked the time and realized with a grumbling of his stomach, that it was way past dinner time. He needed to go to the 24-hour convenience store to get some late night snacks to fill his empty stomach, feeling too tired to cook. Perhaps a good microwave meal would do. 

 

I guess I'll eat alone...

 

Kuroo said after reading a text message from Kenma to let him know that he would be staying over at Lev's apartment, where he'd be trying a new video game for a future Youtube gameplay video. Kuroo pocketed his smartphone, took his keys, put on a jacket and walked out of the place.

 

Oh, Kuroo san, good evening... Is your sister visiting tonight?

 

Twenty minutes later, one of his neighbors, an elderly man who was out smoking a cigarette had approached him to ask, obviously confused to see Kuroo walking down the street, on his way back from the convenience store that late at night, especially after he'd clearly seen two small children, running and jumping somewhere near the window, stopping for a few seconds to look out and wave at him, only to resume whatever game they were playing to amuse themselves. He hadn't seen the children's features clearly, but judging by their height and built, the old man was sure that it had been a boy and a girl around kindergarten age, reminding him of the younger man's niece and nephew that sometimes visited him along with their mother.

 

I'm afraid my sister's at home tonight, Watanabe san...

 

The man quickly pointed in the direction of a window that had been turned off just seconds before and that had suddenly been turned on, revealing the shapes of two small children that seemed to have their faces glued to the glass for a brief moment before fading away from the window seconds later as the lights went out again.

 

Did you see them? They’re your sister's children, aren't they?

 

Kuroo couldn't say a word and at the sudden silence both men felt suddenly shaken. The old man, visibly afraid, quickly put out his cigarette, rushing inside his home too quickly for a man his age, leaving Kuroo alone to decide if it was best to return to the convenience store, eat his late dinner there and wait until morning to go back home, or if he should man up and check out who was inside his apartment.

 

-

 

Who's there?

 

Bokuto sat up abruptly when he heard the faint sound of sobbing coming from somewhere near the foot of his bed. The clock on the nightstand to his left said it was 10:45 pm of that Monday evening. When his eyes finally adjusted to the darkness within his room, he spotted the pale face of a little girl wearing what looked like a light blue dress, standing a foot from his bed. Once again, she sobbed.

 

 

Where's mommy? I want my mommy...

 

The soft voice of the little girl reached Bokuto's ears. He rubbed his face vigorously, thinking that he was likely still asleep. When he looked back up in the direction of the end of his bed, the little girl was still there.

 

Please, help me find my mommy...

 

This time, the voice was deeper, almost guttural. The sound of spectral giggling pushed the youtuber out of bed, nearly tripping by the covers tangled around himself. That hadn't been a dream, he was sure.

 

Mommy... I want my mommy...

 

Came the original child-like voice, muffled, somewhere back in his bedroom. Bokuto wasn't going back in there. Not when his heart was threatening to come out of his throat and he was shaking like a leaf, shaken and deathly afraid.

 

What the hell is going on?

 

He pulled at his hair after gulping down a glass of water. He needed something stronger but didn't want to move from the kitchen, where he felt safe. The whole apartment felt as if he'd lowered the temperature of the thermostat.

 

Mommy!

 

The child cried. There was silence and then giggling that echoed throughout the place. Bokuto wanted to run out of there, but his legs weren't cooperating. He didn't even have his phone with him to call Kuroo or Akaashi and ask them to come over. In other words, he was fucked.

 

-

 

The human-sized shadow had begun walking back and forth in the studio of the apartment that Monday afternoon, where Akaashi liked to work on his videos by the time he was done eating his breakfast in the kitchen. As he sat in front of his desk, opening his laptop to continue with the editing of his new video, he felt someone standing behind him. He turned around but saw no one.

 

Weird...

 

He said to no one in particular before focusing once again on the work before him, wishing nothing more than to have this new video ready in time to have it uploaded on the usual weekday he'd set as the day for new crime cases video releases. 

 

Why is it so cold?

 

Akaashi looked out the window, it was sunny, and no wind was blowing. He went quickly to his bedroom to grab a sweater and went back to work, feeling slightly warmer with the thick sweater on. A ringtone alerted him of an incoming call. He walked to the living room where he'd left his phone charging. The caller ID told him that it was one of his professor's calling.

 

Yes, this is Akaashi Keiji...

 

That's when Akaashi noticed the man walking back and forth from one end of the studio to the other. His professor began asking if he was on the line but by then Akaashi had dropped his smartphone on the couch to walk on tip toe in the direction of the studio. A shadow on the floor told him that the man was still inside but as soon as he pushed the door all the way to the wall, he saw, incredulous, that his studio was empty. 

 

It was just an illusion.

 

His logical mind told him, but there was that little voice in the back of his head telling him to run. He made what he thought was the wisest decision and that was to get his wallet, his phone and go somewhere else to let his mind calm down. When he looked up at the window of his studio, he saw the figure still moving back and forth, as soldiers do when on watch.

 

-

 

The sound of a baby crying woke up Kunimi that Monday afternoon as he was taking a nap in the balcony after spending the last four hours watching a full marathon of the first season of a new anime he'd been recommended for review. He looked down at the grassy area below but saw no baby outside.

 

 

That's strange...

 

 

Kunimi scratched the top of his head, remembering that none of his neighbors had babies or children living with them, mostly because they were all university students too focused on their studies to care about reproduction.  He went inside his apartment, to his couch, quite eager to go back to his much-needed sleep, but as soon as he was starting to doze off, the sound of a baby crying echoed somewhere in his apartment.

 

What the fuck's going on?

 

Kunimi jumped up and away from the couch. He'd clearly felt cold little hands holding onto his ankles, moving slightly up on his legs, before a bit of weight steadied itself on his chins and it started moving upwards, following the lead of the little hands. He heard the giggling of an infant and that shook him out of his paralysis.

 

Kindaishi kun? Can I come over?

 

He asked as soon as his best friend answered the call. Kunimi didn't even bothered packing a bag or bringing his laptop, too distraught to think straight.

 

-

 

Goshiki let himself into Tsukishima's bedroom, not bothering to knock on the door, ready to wake him up that Monday morning, so they could start working on the ideas for Goshiki's and Koganegawa's next video. He saw with certain frustration, that his roommate was still under the covers, as shown by the blanket moving up and down as he breathed evenly. He wasn't careful when he went to shake him awake, too eager to care if his actions bothered his fellow youtuber.

 

What are you doing?

 

He heard Koganegawa's voice coming from behind him, a bowl of cereal in hand, studying his friend as if he were a specimen in an exhibition. 

 

What are you doing here this early?

 

Goshiki asked, dumbfounded. They'd agreed to meet at Koganegawa's apartment later that day, after Goshiki had gotten Tsukishima's point of view on the rough sketch of ideas that the Youtube duo had worked on the previous weekend.

 

Tsukki let me in, I forgot my laptop here last night... He left a while ago...

 

When Goshiki turned, his gaze back on the bed, he noticed that the blanket was lying flat on the mattress. There was no longer a human shape underneath it as he'd clearly seen it minutes before.

 

Hey, um... Why don't we go to your apartment instead...?

 

Goshiki swatted away a third fly that had buzzed too close to his ear and still confused and a bit freaked out by what he'd experienced. Koganegawa didn't want to go to his apartment, there had been tapping noises on his bedroom door and rapping on his windows, information he decided to withhold for the time being, so it was decided that they'd work on their video at some coffee shop close to their university.