Chapter 1: That feeling… again
That tightening of the heart, the one that it's like when your skin gets pierced by something sharp, it's a really hateful feeling. Why are humans able to feel these kinds of disgusting and burdensome feelings? I really can't understand. Isn't it better if people can't feel these emotions? If only we are able to dismiss these feelings and emotions, then, won't the world become a happy place?
And once again, I woke up with that feeling in my chest. It has been three months since that day, but I can't seem to get it off my mind. The scene keeps appearing in my mind. It keeps appearing in my dreams. Is this what we get when we try to love? But, I didn't take your hand to end up feeling like this. Please, tell me. What should I do? What should I do to stop feeling like this?
"…ko…"
No… was it my fault from the very beginning? If only I didn't take your hand…
"…roko!"
If only I didn't do that… will things be different? Huh? Am I dreaming? Why are you here? Is this an illusion? Please tell me… what should I do to not feel this way? Please… Don't go!
"KUROKO! Damn you! Are you listening to me?" And then it hit me, literally. Kagami-kun's hand came flying towards me and landed on my head.
"Ouch... Kagami-kun, you can't hit on other people's head like this."
"Idiot! If I didn't, you won't even listen to me. What are you spacing out for? This isn't like you. Are you all right? Your face looks pale."
"It's nothing. I had a nightmare last night." I said bluntly.
"Nightmare? What is it about?" Kagami-kun inquired curiously.
"One where the whole Seirin basketball team was in this dangerous looking forest and there seemed to be a festival going on. We went to check it and suddenly a gorilla came running towards us and ate Kagami-kun. And then there came another ghost an-"
"Wait a minute! What's with that?! Me getting eaten?! Just what are you dreaming of?"
"Nothing." A smile found its way to my lips as I saw Kagami-kun freaking out from my obvious lie that he doesn't seem to notice.
"Hey! Stop laughing!" Oh. It seems Kagami-kun caught me.
"Ah. Kagami-kun, what do you need?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"…Didn't you call me because you wanted something from me?"
"…AHHHHH! Damn it Kuroko! It's all your fault! We've gotta hurry to practice!" Kagami-kun shrieked.
Practice? ... Ah…
"And? Why are you two late?" The coach glared at us menacingly. You know, like those when one finds his prey…
"I'm sorry." Was what Kagami-kun and I can only say.
"All right! Kagami-kun and Kuroko-kun, your training menus are doubled!"
"What?!" Kagami-kun shouted.
"Stop talking and start your training now!" Coach commanded before kicking us, signaling us to start running.
"Y-YES MA'AM!"
"Uwah… She's a devil… Even though they were only ten minutes…"
"What did you say, Hyūga-kun?" A fierce aura suddenly enveloped around the coach. "Hyūga-kun… Yours is also doubled!"
"WHAT?!"
Amongst all the pants, all I could hear was the coach's distinct voice and her clapping.
"All right, is everyone back?"
"Y-Yes!" It's… Koganei-senpai?
"No! Kuroko is not here!" … Izuki-senpai?
Ah… They are looking for me.
"H-here…" I could only mumble for I was trying to cover my mouth as I was feeling nauseous.
"UWAH! Kuroko! Don't vomit here! AND DON'T JUST LIE ON THE FLOOR!" What seems to be captain's voice shouted anxiously. Oh no. I'm gonna-
"Are you all right, Kuroko?" Kiyoshi-senpai asked while patting my back gently.
"Yes… I'm sorry for the trouble everyone…again…" I bowed apologetically to everyone. It was because of my weak body that I troubled everyone. I've gotta become stronger…
"Don't need to be so reserved." Izuki-senpai smiled, while I saw Mitobe-senpai nodding his head silently.
"Kuroko, I knew it! You are really feeling sick. Your face was pale since morning." Kagami-kun said.
"Eh?! Kuroko-kun, you were feeling sick? Why didn't you tell me! You should have rest!" The coach was trying her best to tell me to make sure to inform her next time I was feeling sick. I smiled, coach is really kind.
"It's not like that, coach. I wasn't feeling sick this morning. Thank you."
"All right! Now that Kuroko is feeling better, we shall get going. The school's about to close!" Captain hurriedly gestured us out of the training court.
It was almost six in the evening. The sun was setting, and the street lamps flicked to life. The twelve of us are planning to head down to Maji burger since it has been a while since we went there together and it was a rare occasion where everybody was free for the day. So as usual, all of us were already at the school entrance waiting for Kiyoshi-senpai who forgot something from the court when Koganei-senpai spoke up.
"Come to think of it, Kuroko, we've seen three of the Generation of Miracles, Kise Ryota, Midorima Shintarō and Aomine Daiki. Who are the remaining two?"
It was a very sudden question. To be honest, I wasn't expecting such questions to be asked, especially when I didn't really want to talk about them… especially… him. But I knew it was sooner or later when the time will come where I would have to tell them whatever I know about those two. And since the question was brought up, I might as well, right?
"Ah… they are Murasakibara-kun and … Akashi-kun."
"Hmm?… Murasakibara and Akashi huh… I see…" As usual, whenever the topic of the conversation was about the Generation of Miracles, Kagami-kun's eyes will start to glint menacingly and then a creepy grin makes its way to his face.
"Yes."
"What are you guys talking about~ It looks fun~" Kiyoshi-senpai suddenly appeared behind captain. Heh. The scene was quite amusing, when captain flinched in surprise.
"Wah! Kiyoshi! Don't copy Kuroko!"
"Ah! Kuroko was just talking about the remaining two members of the Generation of Miracles, Murasakibara and Akashi." Furihata-kun answered his question.
"Oh? I knew it was something fun! So Kuroko, what are those two like? Though I know a little about Murasakibara." Kiyoshi-senpai, for some reason, was smiling.
"But first we should get going." Izuki-senpai signaled for us to move.
It's supposed to be a really short walk, since Maji Burger is just a traffic light and two blocks away from the school. It is really convenient for me to get those vanilla milkshakes. Hehe…
"So… what are they like?" Coach asked. I guess everybody is interested in them huh…
"Well… then let's start with Murasakibara-kun first. Murasakibara-kun is… You could say he was a 'baby' of the team."
"Baby?" Izuki-senpai questioned, while lifting one side of his eyebrow.
"Yes. He was always asking us for snacks and acts like a baby all the time. But he switches whenever he is playing basketball. So anything other than basketball, he doesn't seem serious about it at all. And he will pout whenever any of us refuses to give him sweets or snacks. That's why we all call him the 'baby' of the team. But, he's a really powerful center. And he's not only good in defense, he specializes in offense. Although he never shows it, his offense is a lot better than his defense."
"Wow… I never knew he was that kind of guy… about the part where he pouts…" Kiyoshi-senpai seemed surprised.
"Then what about Akashi?" Tsuchida-senpai asked.
Thump. For a moment, I could hear the pounding of my heart. And then suddenly, that tight feeling in the chest was here again. That feeling rose up to my throat and it started to choke me.
"Ah. Akashi-kun… he… he is…"
"Wouldn't it be easier if I were the one to explain that, Tetsuya?"
The world seemed to stop for a second. I turned towards the direction where the voice came from frantically and I caught a glimpse of red and gold. My eyes widened in shock. I froze when I made eye contact with him. And I was once again overwhelmed by those fearless and enchanting heterochromatic eyes. How long has it been? But why now? Why?
"A-Akashi-kun… Why?"
Note: This is my very first fanfic! I think it's going to be one long story. I would really appreciate if you would give me comments about this work. I just realized it takes lots of courage to upload a story the very first time. Haha. Hope you guys like it! The next chapter should be out in a few days.
Any similar stories are purely coincidental.
Do comment and review.
Thank you.