a/n: instantly thought to make this fic after all the feels on chapter 264. feel free to point out typo(s) or grammatical mistake(s). review is highly appreciated.
Winter Child
kuroko no basuke © fujimaki tadatoshi
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Chilly breeze pokes his nape softly, whispering a poignant tale of a winter nobody wants, for his existence only brings human coldness and inability to do normal activity as some facilities become immobilized. The winter is too strong, too cold, one could die of its extremely low temperature, but human couldn't do anything. Winter will still exist, will always be a part of human's life, wanted or not.
Seijuurou only responds it with his head bowing low, eyes looking emptily on the ground. He doesn't bothered by the cold, his sense's numb already, his mind's wondering if this is a dream or not.
He has tasted defeat and it's not okay.
He has failed fulfilling every expectation given to him—his responsibility of bringing Rakuzan to victory, his father's expectation of excellency in all areas—and it's really not okay.
There's no space for loser. He's a loser. He's unwanted. He will be wiped from history.
Media will mock him, write this grieving news titled `King Who Fell to the Ground` then put it on headline.
This eye. This golden eye. This infamous emperor eye. It doesn't have anything to offer anymore.
Will it be satisfying to gouge it out?
No.
He'd rather be dead.
"Akashi-kun."
That ghostly voice he doesn't want to hear right now.
"What is it, Tetsuya?"
He doesn't turn his head. His respond's colored with irritation.
"This is not the end."
He bites his bottom lip, brows twitching in anger.
"Go away, Tetsuya." His tone's dangerous.
But the shadow boy nonchalantly approaches him, takes a seat beside him. Together they sit on the park bench in silence.
"Failure strengthens you."
"If you come here just to console me, leave."
He doesn't let a word out anymore although it's not really his intention to console him. Seijuurou's irritated by his presence already and he doesn't want to make it worse.
He eyes the emperor who keeps bowing low.
O, lonely emperor, how he carries the burdens on his shoulder.
"Let's have a match again, Akashi-kun."
Ah, promise. That one oath he initiated with the other miracles has been won by Tetsuya. Of all wishes, the phantom chooses to battle again with him.
His head's raised and turned to face Tetsuya. Losing must have taken much toll on him as bitterness drawn over his face.
He sighs. "Whatever you want."
A faint smile appears as his wish's granted by the emperor.
"You'll become even more powerful, Akashi-kun."
Ooh yes he will. Yes, he will. Reclaim his victory and make sure they know their place, for whom they have to serve and bow. Yes, he will let them know.
His mismatched eyes glint dangerously as he locks them with Tetsuya's soothing cerulean eyes. A malicious smirk of grudge is curled on his lips.
"Till we meet again, Tetsuya."
He smiles as he stands up. "Till we meet again, Akashi-kun." He proceeds to walk into the building, leaving Seijuurou alone.
Tetsuya's smile turns sad as he turns his head, the shoulder that carries expectations on his vision.
Seijuurou has to know that he is not alone.
Tetsuya's will always be there for Seijuurou, wanted or not, as a foe or as a friend.
And he wishes he would share his pain with him.
Seijuurou heaves a sigh, somehow feeling better than before. His sense's back as he begins to stand, rubbing his hands, and then proceeds to search for a warmer place. He grins as he walks.
Always beyond my expectation, Tetsuya.