Author's Note: Yay, this is my first fic for KuroMomo (and probably the last)! This is a special fic for Christmas edition, and I'm planning to release it in three parts. I like two pairs in Kurobasu and KuroMomo is one of them, I also really adore these two, even when many people hates Momoi, but I think she's special in her own way and both of them are deserve one another. Her bright personality match well his calm and blank ones, I really hope that they'll get together in the end, or she'll end up with.. *wink*
I hope you enjoy this, and I'm currently writing for AkaMomo too, so if you're interested, feel free to check them in my profile. Happy reading!
Warning: … Don't like it don't read?
Disclaimer: This great piece of Anime belongs to our lovely Fujimaki Tadatoshi~
Pop Quiz: I took the tittle from a song by Aimer which entitled the same and was listening to it while I was writing this. It has a really calming vibe and touching lyric, I think that if you haven't heard it you'll probably want to start looking for it and listen (don't forget to read the lyric) to it, personally I think it's sad but also makes me very thankful towards my life and become strong. And the question is.. why do you think I choose this song? And who is intended by the song too? #kicked
x-x-x-x-x
owaranai yoru ni negai wa hitotsu "hoshi no nai sora ni kagayaku hikari o"
ima wa toosugite hakanai hoshi de mo umarekawatte yozora o kitto terasu
hoshikuzu no naka de deaeta kiseki ga hitogomi no naka ni mata mienaku naru
modoranai kako ni naita yorutachi ni tsugeru sayonara ashita wa kitto kagayakeru you ni
(In this endless night, I have only one wish: "Let there be shining light in the starless sky."
Even a star too distant to be visualized clearly will eventually radiate and illuminate tomorrow.
Our miraculous encounter in the stardust will be blurred out by the crowds of people again.
I bid goodbye to my unreturning past and the nights of weeping, so that tomorrow I'll be able to shine.)
x-x-x-x-x
ROKUTOUSEI NO YORU
I stopped liking him. Or at least, I pretend that I stopped liking him.
I know that it'll be over for me since we went to college. After high school, most people suddenly noticed who Kuroko Tetsuya is. The phantom sixth man suddenly became a hero. He finally got what he's looking for, existence, and I'm happy for him. He looked happy too.
Riko-san told me that he suddenly had a fan base with bunch of girls as his followers. They talked to Riko and asked any information about him. Eventually it ended up on me. "Are you his girlfriend?" they inquired. And of course I told them the truth. "Then stop being so clingy over him, it's disgusting. Don't you even have a pride as a girl? He doesn't even that attentive to you," one of them said. "Besides, what if he likes someone else and because of you that girl is hesitate to accept him, don't you feel bad for him?" another added.
I was not afraid of them, but they got a point. Tetsu-kun never showed any feelings for me. Sure he consoled me and all of that when I was down, but that's it. Nothing special, I was nothing more than a friend. And they were right, I don't want to hold him back if he does likes someone and that can bring him happiness, so I stepped back.
Of course, everybody was shock when I was acting normal around him and treat him indifferently with other boys. They asked if I stopped liking him or something, which I just replied with a smile. He didn't seem to mind either, so there's no problem.
"Sorry I'm late!" I apologize as I barge into the super large karaoke room. In there, each member of the generation of miracle are looking at me with awe, or simply staring.
It's weird really. We've been enemies for as long as we remembers, but we're also friends, and that's why my big mouth and Ki-chan suggested that we have to celebrates our bond every year in the day of Christmas eve no matter how we hate each other. It's even weirder when all of them agreed to it, even Midorin.
"S-satsuki.. your hair, what happened with your hair?" Dai-chan stares at my new pixie cut, amazed.
"Were you the one who cut it Aka-chin?" Mukkun lazily pop another bar of chocolate to his mouth and inquire Akashi-kun.
"How do you suppose I did that?" Akashi-kun sighs and cross his arms. He remains calm, just like Tetsu-kun who sits on the corner, quietly sipping his drink.
"Oh, this? I cut it to celebrate New Year. I know it's still days ahead, but I thought, why not now," I explains as I walk around to find a seat. I lied though. This is the last Christmas of our meeting. The boys will join the pro league this year, I even heard that some of them will be playing abroad, and one of them is Tetsu-kun. So next year.. I think that no one will come next year.
As for me… nothing is left for me. The pro league doesn't need me, the basketball world doesn't need me anymore, and so do they. I need to focus and find my own way, or I'll be crush and lost.
"I heard that woman with short hair will be lucky next year, nanodayo," Midorin touches his glasses with his usual gesture.
"Wow, Momochi stopped calling us with nick names, left her feminine style and now even cut her hair. I guess you really grow up now. You look nice though," Ki-chan smiles widely after he look closely to what I wear today; skinny jeans, leather boots, floral pink tank top, and over-sized furry cardigan.
"Thank you Kise," I smiles back at him as I sit next to him. None of them knows that even though I stop calling them with nick names, I still call them like that in my heart. The memory of six junior high school boys who loved basketball and played it passionately will always stays with me until the end.
Suddenly, I feel nervous. Tetsu-kun is sitting right across with his eyes boring at me. "Hello Tetsu-kun," feeling uncomfortable, I forces a small smile and gather my courage to look at him.
"Momoi-san," he nods, plain as usual.
"Okay, who's next?" Ki-chan exclaims cheerfully next to me.
"Me!" Dai-chan stands up right away.
"Where's my earplug?" Akashi-kun states flatly as he look around, looking for something.
"Like you're the one to talk!" Dai-chan yells at our former captain, using the microphone.
"Shut up! You're too noisy," Midorin scolds him, he covered his ears already.
"Akachin, I found it," while Mukkun hands something to Akashi-kun.
Dai-chan continues to yell until Ki-chan start the song desperately and my childhood friend has no choice but to sing. Like always, his voice is suck and we laugh together when we hear it. Or at least, Kise and I laughes, Tetsu-kun smiles, Akashi closes his eyes calmly, Mukkun hums along, and Midorin looks like he's about to die to an ear contamination.
It's really fun, laughing and talking together like this. But it's also sad because this is probably, good bye. I want to cry, but my mission is to brighten the mood. Thankfully, Kise does the same and we're doing a good job at it.
"I have present for you boys," I tells them half an hour later.
"Satsuki, we told you that no need for this, right?" Akashi-kun states coldly, even though I know that he showed some concern over me.
"It's okay, I don't expect something in return, I just like doing this, especially because we'll be separate really far away after this. That is the more reason why I have to do it," I argue as I pull out some things from my large paper bag. "So, I made them myself," and says proudly as I hands them my wrapped present one by one.
"This is… great, Satsuki, you did it," Dai-chan is looking very astonished as he stares at the navy blue pair of leg warmers I made for him.
"I know, right!" I nod in enthusiasm, happy that he finally acknowledges my skill after spending years and years teasing it.
"Is that why there're so many band aids on your fingers?" Tetsu-kun voice caught me off guard.
I turn my head to look at him and he look back at me, he's holding the pastel blue shawl tightly. "Right, but no problem," I quickly compose myself.
"I'll thank you properly later," says Akashi-kun while looking at the red jumper I knitted for him. Deep down inside, I know he's touched even with those displays of him. Hmm, boys are so cute~
"No need Akashi-kun, really," I shake my head and smile softly at him.
"I'll be looking for your new year lucky item, nanodayo," Midorin adjust his glasses again, already finished at looking his gift, a pair of green gloves.
"Sa-chin, I'll send you some delicious snack from US," I never seen Mukkun this happy before, he pour the rest of the candy and the rest of his snack into the large pouch from me right away.
"Thanks guys," I let out a small laugh before I realized. I'm so happy because they like it and even considering it. Are they somehow.. also realizes that this probably the last time we can all gather like this?
Like Mukkun, Ki-chan is also wearing the ear muff from me. "As a matter of fact, I prepare something for you," he then grabs his bag and put it on his lap.
"What? Really!" I inquire with disbelief, watching him pulls out a medium size gift box in red with green sparkly ribbon around it. He smile mischievously and hands it to me gently. "Can I open it?" I question after I received it, my eyes are twinkling with happiness. Finally, somebody who is really think of me!
"Be my guess," he gesture me with his pretty boy attitude.
I tear the package open with another five pair of eyes that are looking at me. And two minutes later, I pull out a pair of wedges shoes from it. I can't belief my eyes, this is a Christmas special edition from Tangled In Pink, I want to buy it tomorrow or the day after it because the line in front of the store is crazy today!
"How did you know..?" I stare at the yellow haired boy.. no, he's a man right now, and hug his gift. He let out a small chuckle, amuse because I really like it. "It's really lovely Kise," tears begins to well up in my eyes. Not because I want it this badly, but because he knows that I want this so badly.
"Anything for Momochi," he pats my head fondly with a big smile on his face. I choke back my tears and grin back at him.
"Are you guys dating or something?" suddenly, Akashi-kun speaks. And I almost forget that the rest of Kiseki no Sedai are here with us.
"Huh?" I shoot at him back, shock. Where in the world did that came from?
"What if we are?" but Ki-chan is putting his hand on my shoulder and pulling me closer to him until I practically lean to his chest.
"Hey, Kise!" I protest and shoot a glare at him.
"Belief me, you'll thank me later," but he whisper to my ear and rub my fore arm gently to calm me down. But, what did he mean?
"Nothing, it's about time that one of us dating her right now," Akashi-kun cross his arms again and stare at his shoes.
"Eyy~" I shake off the idea and break free from Ki-chan, straightens my back again.
"Are you okay Kuro-chin?" Mukkun voice attracts me. I turn my face at him, or to both of them, to be precise. Somehow, Tetsu-kun is covering his mouth and coughing for some time, and Mukkun is patting his back.
"He choked on ice," Midorin informs us all, he sits at the other side of Tetsu-kun.
We continue our event after Tetsu-kun settled with his cough, and we're laughing and having fun again. Like usual, Dai-chan and Ki-chan are fighting in the middle of it, Akashi-kun have to calm them down (actually, he threatened them), Mukkun prefers eating than singing, Midorin sings unfamiliar songs, Dai-chan pick a lot of sensual song (with almost porn video clip if Akashi-kun didn't stop him), and Tetsu-kun is flat like usual. I can't read him.
Then, before I know it.. Everything is over. Our time together is up..
"Bye," the rest of us wave our good bye to Midorin, Mukkun, and Akashi-kun, who left first. It's heart breaking, I don't want any of us to leave, if that even possible. I want to turn back time on those days if I can.
It's just Dai-chan, Tetsu-kun, Ki-chan and I now.
"Where are you going after this Momochi?" Ki-chan spin around to face me, both hands in his pocket. I used to think that he did that to look cool, but now, he really does look cool when he do that. All of them had grown up attractively, they're all gorgeous.
"I think I'm just going to look around first until this evening," I answer, unsure.
"Okay, I'll see you later," Ki-chan nod. He bowa towards me after that and plant an adoring kiss on my cheek.
"You're going to US you baka, and what's with the kiss?" I scold him for the fake motivation he gave me, and for stealing the kiss. I rub my cheek that previously kissed by him. He never did that again since high school because I ask him not to. What's wrong with him today?
"Can't I?" he looks really sad.
And I feel really guilty, he didn't mean anything bad or something like that. "It's not like that. I'll be dead if one of your fans around," I argue.
His face brightens straight away. "I'll protect you, ssu," he grins. I should've known that he faked his sadness.
"Will you two love birds just stop, it's disgusting. Right, Tetsu?" Dai-chan protests and looking slightly annoyed at both of us.
"It's none of our business," Tetsu-kun respond is quick and short, and he turn his head away.
Eh? What's wrong with him? This is the first time I see him.. upset, after a long time. Is it just my imagination? Did he..? No, that can't be the case.
"Kiss back?" Kise points his index finger on his cheek. Still caught off guard, I tip toe and give him a brief kiss before I even notice.
Dai-chan curse under his breath, Tetsu-kun still refuse the idea to look at me even though I want to send him away properly, and Ki-chan looking very pleased. So I decide that I'll probably leave first. There's no use in staying here longer, it will make my heart longed more for our togetherness. A minute later, I bow at them and bid them good bye. Tetsu-kun is finally looking back at me, and all of them send me away with warm wave and expression.
"Finally," I stretch my body and walking around the crowd. To be honest, I don't have any place to go to after this. But I figure that heading back home and celebrate the Christmas eve alone is the least thing in the world I want to do. So I'll hang around for a while, probably buying a large strawberry short cake to eat by myself and buying some movies to accompany me for the rest of the night. Some comedy will do.
"Thank you for your purchase," the door keeper greets me after I finally walk out from the DVD store. I smile back at her before I'm heading to the center of the town square and sitting on the bench next to the giant Christmas tree. After that, I scan the things I just bought in the plastic bag, trying to avoid my attention from the people who walk in pair, or in group. Even if there's someone who sit or stand alone, they're looking at their watch regularly, it's clear that they're waiting for someone.
I sigh and finally giving up. No matter how hard I try, the fact is still bothering me.
I'm alone now, while they're still and always will be the generation of miracles that radiates forever. I'm happy for them, and I will do anything to support them if they need me.
But, what will be of me..?
"Momoi-san," a soft voice calls from my right side.
I freeze for a while, but look up eventually. I know that voice. "Tetsu-kun?" I call back at Kuroko Tetsuya who is standing next to me for only God knows when.
He narrows his eyes a little bit, and looking at my face seriously. "Why are you crying? Did Kise's fans attack you?" just then I realizes, he's staring at the tears in my face.
"No, I'm just thinking so hard.." I quickly wipe them away. I don't want to make him worry, or looking like a crybaby.
"About what?" he takes a seat next to me, there's some concern in his tone. He didn't leave me, he wants to stay here for a while because he thinks I'm feeling blue right now. Ah.. My Tetsu-kun is really nice.. If only he's really mine..
"About how I will miss you guys," I tell him honestly and force out a smile. There's no use to hide the fact, he'll find out either way, and he won't leave me alone until he gets the truth. That kind of persistent and modesty, I admire it very much.. "I'm not going to be around anymore.. It's been fun and now, I don't know what to do," I admit as I look down to my shoes. I'm going to cry again if I look at him right now.
It feels like forever when he finally response. I think he just spent his time to study at me. "You still haven't changed aren't you?" he speaks again, and I finally muster my nerve to look at him. "Or at least, there's still the innocence you in there," he's smiling softly.
It's been so long since we talk together side by side like this, and it's been awfully while since I saw that serene smile. "There'll always be her in me," I snap and chuckle.
"I'm glad," his next response surprises me.
"Why?" and I can't help but feel curious towards it.
He doesn't answer it though. To the contrary, he looks around. "Say, Momoi-san, why don't we spend the rest of our time together until tonight?" and suggest after he finished. Again, I am stun. "Of course, if you also don't have plans," he adds kindly because I don't reply.
"I'd love to," I quickly agree after that. He nod and even though it doesn't reflect in his eyes, I know that he's glad.
Maybe he realized that this is the last opportunity we can talk like this, that's why he's being nice and considerate. Well, since he's like that, I decide that I'll enjoy my time with him and make sure he has a good time too.
"Come," he stands up and gesture me to walk with him. I put the plastic bag from earlier to my bag, and we walk around the square side by side after that. "Where do you want to go first?" he ask and searching something interesting around.
Actually, I have something in mind. "I.." but I'm so shy to admit it, especially because it has some story behind it.
"Yes?" he encourages me.
I take a deep breath. "Always wanted to try ice skating," and confess it, really embarrass.
"Can't you do it?" he observe me, there's no a hint of mocking in his voice, it's purely curiosity.
"Well, it's more like I'm too nervous to do it," I reply hesitantly. "Last time, Daiki tried to teach me but I kept falling and falling. Eventually he's frustrated and said that I'm stupid and did nothing but embarrassed our both in front of the people," and tell him the entire truth.
"Well, Aomine-kun has always been short-tempered right?" he looks amuse at the story, making me a bit uncomfortable. "Don't worry, I won't be like him," he quickly realizes this and calm me.
"But, what if I keep falling and embarrass our both?" I still hesitant to do it though.
"That's okay, it's been so long since I'm spending time with you anyway, Momoi-san," he nod and his mouth curves into a humble smile.
What is this? I know that he probably thought it as our last time or something, but he awfully beyond my anticipation. I pretend to look around for the skating rink and run away slightly so he can't see me fluster. Self-control, Satsuki! I remind myself. He quickly chases me after that, and of course he really thought that I was really excited and can't wait to find the place.
"What is your shoe size?" he questions when we finally found it and find our seat before the thick ice.
"Thirty nine," I answer automatically, and before I could ask why, he already departs to the bunch of people who organize the rink.
He's back about five minutes later, brings back two pair of shoes in each hand. "Is this right? Try it," he says as he sits next to me and hand the one on his right.
"Thank you," I receive it with a smile and try it afterwards. It fit. "You're really nice to everybody, Tetsu-kun," I add, watching him tying his shoe lace.
He doesn't reply. Next, both of us are heading towards the ice, he walk leisurely while I almost fell behind him a few times. "Careful," he steps first onto the ice and turn to face me. After that he lures his hands caringly. I blush, and he smile. Damn, he caught me. But I can't help it. He's so thoughtful.
Trying to compose myself, I grab his hands and let him escort me to the side carefully. "I can do it now," I state when I finally able to stand on my own.
He releases me after he makes sure that I'm balanced. "Now, pay attention," he takes some distance from me. "It's easy, move like you're making a V letter, one step at a time of course. And every time you want to fall just bend your knees like this, it'll prevent the falling," and explains while giving example.
To tell you the truth, his explanation is better than Dai-chan. That Aho was just moving around and saying "Do this, okay," over and over. How am I supposed to copy him without the theory?
"If you do fall, stand up like this, and don't worry, I'll help you," Tetsu-kun slides in front of me again. "Do you understand, Momoi-san?" he tilt his head.
"I'll try," I nod and smile firmly, pumped with determination since I have an idea how to do it now.
I knew that this would happen again, but my heart still betrays me and ponding harder and faster when Tetsu-kun holds my hands for the second time and teach me.
I try to focus but it's useless, I still steal some glances at him. At how his body moves, at his height that is much taller than me (he used to be barely taller than me), at his light and soft voice, and at his blue, clear eyes. He's even more handsome than he used to be, maybe because he has that sense of maturity on his face right now. His white turtle neck sweater looks really good on him, and the black coat that he's wearing is really perfect on him, it reaches his mid-thigh and has double buttons on it. He looks really elegant with the right amount of cuteness that is appropriate for his age.
"Good Momoi-san," Tetsu-kun compliments me about half an hour later. "I'm sure Aomine-kun will be proud at you and take back his words," he adds, beaming at me.
A big grin plasters on my face. I can finally skate without falling now. It's still slow, but at least I can do it. "I don't care about Daiki, it's you who help me," I turn my head at him and tells him cheerfully. "I think Kise is right, I grow up, or at least my skill," after that I bend my knees, brake.
"Is that true?" Tetsu-kun spun and stop in front of me. "You're dating Kise now?" he asks seriously.
Kise is really annoying sometimes, how come everybody belief his lie? "Of course not, Tetsu-kun should know better that he's a prankster. He always teased me, especially when he's fans around, it used to cause a lot of trouble until I have to settle it myself," I scratch my head tiredly. That memory in the last year of junior high is really unpleasant.
"Like what?" Tetsu-kun raises a brow, curious.
I slap my forehead. "This is kinda embarrassing, but I threatened him that I'd be asking for help to Akashi-kun," and tells him honestly.
I thought he's going to laugh or something. "I could help you to talk to him. Why didn't you come to me?" but he ask me again, his eyes are clouded.
Did I mishear, or seen it wrong? He looked.. sad, hurt. "What?"
He blink, and the feeling is subsiding. "You used to ask me for help," the former phantom sixth man explains.
"Oh," I'm still dazed though. "T-that's different, he's more afraid to Akashi-kun than you, Tetsu-kun," fortunately, I still able to make up a reason.
"I see," he mumble quietly, understand but not satisfy. This is.. confusing. "Do you want to try to skate to the middle of the rink?" thankfully, he changes the topic and turns his head away to the center area.
"Sure," I let out a relief sigh and skating away from him. He still look troubled, I can't help but want to cheer him again. "I'll be back, you wait here Tetsu-kun. Don't go anywhere!" I wave at him playfully and shout brightly. He is stun, but then he smile and wave back at me.
Crap, it's back, my old attitude it's back! Hold yourself Satsuki!
"One, two, three..!" suddenly, I caught a movement from the corner of my eyes. A bunch of college students are playing, one of them is sitting on the ice while his friend is pushing him really hard. They laugh together, but that is until his movement becomes uncontrollable and he violently twirls towards me.
"Whoaa! Move, move!" he screams.
How do he expect me to do that? I'm just a newbie, even if I can move he'll still hit me.
Panic hits me straight away. "Ouch!" I wail when he bumps my knee, practically tackle me to the hard ice.
I lay still and unable to feel anything. Oh no, I'm in a state of shock.. This is dangerous, who knows if my head is bleeding right now, or my bone is broken?
I'm taking deep breaths and trying to calm myself, the more I calm the faster my sense becomes normal.
It's odd though.. I don't think I'm laying against the ice.
-TbC-
How was it guys? I apologize if there's some spelling or grammatical errors since English is not my first language. So if any of you are willing to be my beta, please contact me.
This is probably cheesy and you'll probably doesn't want to know about it, but as I listened to the song and write the part where Momoi think about the time in Teiko and the GoM, I can't help but shed a tear. I think I can understand how she feels, or more like I already understand how it feels because it happened to me and I write it here :)
The second chapter will be release in 19/20 dec, I hope that everything will be settle until then.
Take care and have a nice day!
PS: Don't forget the pop quiz! ~(^.^~) #killed