'Dear Kuroko. Today was tough. I was lucky to survive. Today, nearly half of the entire squad died trying to at least get through the barriers but were not so lucky. But I swear that their sacrifices will not be in vain. I will avenge them. But Kuroko, what I really wanted to tell you.. Is that I don't know if I can keep writing to you. You know I love you right? I'd go to the ends of the earth for you. I do hope you know that. Also, I'm sure I'll be home for Christmas. Love you. –Kagami. Date: 8th October.'

Kuroko put down the letter, in tears. "Kagami-kun… please be safe." He whispers to no one. Ever since Kagami joined the army, everything in Kuroko's world shattered. Even though he has Kagami's daily letters to keep him company throughout his days, he knew. He knew that Kagami's days are limited. He would rather spend it with the man he loved then wither away in their shared apartment.

Kuroko never writes back to Kagami. Not because he doesn't feel the same way, but because he was always scared that they would never get to him. He tries to cope with the pain everyday but on some days, he just cries. He lets it all out. All the pent up frustration and sadness that he keeps welled up inside him. Its killing him. Little did Kagami know, that through protecting him, he was actually killing Kuroko inside not having little surprises when he walks through the door, not having the warm side of the bed to curl into once Kagami leaves.

But somehow, one way or another, life goes on. Kuroko does his morning routine of getting out of bed, changing his clothes, brushing his teeth and waiting outside for the mailman to come at 7.15am exactly. Midorima (the mailman) was never late. Always on time, bringing him Kagami's letter of the day. How the red head manages to send his letters everyday still surprises Kuroko until now. And at 7.15 sharp, Midorima turns around the bend and onto Kuroko's street, where the waiting bluenette stands, a small smile on his face. Midorima nods curtly, but doesn't stop. Instead, he goes over to the house next door and puts the mail into that instead.

"Um, Midorima-kun?" Kuroko calls out worried. "Where is my mail?"

"I have yet to receive any for your house yet Kuroko. But I will let you know as soon as I get it and deliver it to your house nodayo." Midorima replies hastily getting back onto his bicycle to continue his job. Kuroko sighs and walks back into his house. "Maybe he just forgot to send it? Or maybe its just late." He mumbles to himself as he prepares himself for work.

The next few days passed by like a blur, and Kuroko was yet to receive a single letter from Kagami. He was getting worried. No. Worried was an understatement. Behind the cool and calm façade, he was screaming, crying, and shouting. All he wanted was Kagami to come home. Was that too much to ask?

Very soon, it was Christmas eve, and Kuroko had yet to move from his bedroom. Momoi, who checked in on him regularly, sighed as she sat by his bedside.

"Kuroko-kun.. you need to eat." Momoi whispered, breaking the tense silence.

"No…" was the soft reply. "Not until Kagami-kun gets here. He promised he would be home." Kuroko said softly, eyes red and puffy from crying. Suddenly, a doorbell rang from downstairs and Kuroko's eyes lit up like a child opening his Christmas presents. Dashing to the door, he pulls it open to find Midorima standing there with a small parcel in his hands.

"Kuroko." Midorima says softly.

"Ah… Midorima-kun.." Kuroko whimpers softly. "What is that?" He whispers, tears threatening to fall once more.

"Its… I'll just let you find out. Take your time. And Merry Christmas Kuroko." Midorima says, closing the door silently behind him.

"Kuroko-kun? Who was that?" Momoi asks as she quickly bounds down the stairs to find a crying Kuroko. He was curled against the box that was just delivered.

"K-Kuroko? What happened?" Momoi asked as she sits down next to the crying boy, smoothening out his hair.

Handing her the slip of paper, it read.

'Dear Kuroko. This may very be the last letter you will ever receive from me. I'm sorry Kuroko. I love you. I can't tell you how much I love you with just words. Please forgive me. Wait for me Kuroko. Be patient. I love you. I know you can do it. There was one time someone told me that if you die, and you love someone very much, even in the afterlife you will wait for them until it is their time. And I will wait for you Kuroko. No matter how long. But since its Christmas that your reading this, I saved you a present. Im sorry its so small, but I hope the basketball makes you happy. I love you Kuroko. Don't forget it. Date: 10th October.'

.

.

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"Im coming Kagami-kun. You won't have to wait for me anymore. I love you."