Authoress' Note: First and foremost, arigatou minna-san! I mean, wow, there were already more than fifteen reviews in just one chapter. And I assure you that I'm very glad with the effort and review or even just attention you gave to my story.

I really love you guys! I really really do! You're the best!

So, as a payment and as a token of my deepest gratitude, I hope you will like this new chapter I'll give you. I'll make it as loooooooonnnnnnnngggggggggg as I could, alright?

ENJOY!

PLEASE REVIEW! Your reviews or comments make my day! They're so hilarious and inspiring!

Disclaimer: I do not own KNB. Well, what a sad fact. XD

(When I say these: -name—or just -cchi, -chin. And those only mean one thing: They're thinking about Kuroko but since he's not part of their memories anymore, even his name couldn't be remembered by any of them.)

Love, rainbow roses and orange apple,

LFMH021


"Tell the Clock To Stop Ticking"

Chapter Two:

"Oi, Kuroko, hurry up! It's so damn cold and I want something warm!" Kagami complained from inside the store.

"Yes, coming." He sighed and was about to walk towards the red-head when he accidentally bumped into another's chest. "S-Sorry, I wasn't…" He trailed off when he looked up and found one crimson and one golden eyes staring back at him. "…Akashi-kun?"

"EH? Why are the Generation of Miracles here?!" Kagami exclaimed as he glared back at Aomine.

"You got a problem with that, hah, Bakagami?!"

"NO! How 'bout yah, Ahomine?!"

But Kuroko took no heed about the others as Akashi stared back at him in surprise. Was that recognition he saw in the other's eyes?

Akashi approached him and he took a step backwards. "You're—"

Kuroko waited as Akashi looked down at him and they stared at each other's eyes. Faces as emotionless and impassive as ever. "I—" He started but trailed off as his heart started to hammer rapidly inside his chest. He thought that he could almost hear it beating.

"You're—in the way." Akashi finally filled in which made Kuroko blink twice.

Um, what?

"…Huh?" The teal-head mumbled, dumbfounded and obviously confused if what he heard was the other said or if what he heard was a hallucination of his.

"I said that you were in the way and that's the reason why I want you to move out of my way and let me pass through." Akashi elaborated and casted a cold gaze towards Kuroko, who seemed as disappointed with the reply he received. "What, were you expecting something else?"

Kuroko sighed and looked up at his former captain. "You're utterly unpredictable as usual, Akashi-kun." He commented.

The red-head blinked and frowned as he tried to comprehend what the other just said. "What do you mean with that?"

The phantom player shook his head and changed the topic instead. "Oh, nothing, nothing. Anyway," He then moved aside and gestured as if he was welcoming a guest inside their home. "Here you go, emperor."

Akashi passed by Kuroko and casted a confused gaze towards the latter. "You seem familiar, though." He finally added, and frowned more as his head flashed images of someone in his head, but the problem was the images were blurry and shadowed. It was like they were purposely blocked.

The red-head got back in reality when the phantom player spoke up, "I heard that a lot before. I have misdirection and that must be a reason I'm usually left out and unnoticed." The other explained and smiled up at him.

"AH! Wait, who are you talking to, Akashicchi?" Kise exclaimed and looked around.

"Can't you see him?" The emperor demanded with exasperated sigh.

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "See who?"

Kuroko raised his hand and stood infront of Kise. The latter looked down at him and after few moments screamed. "Y-Y-Y-You! W-When did y-y-you appear?!" He gasped as he hid behind Aomine. "Minna-cchi! L-Look, have you s-seen him earlier?" He mumbled in fright as he pointed Kuroko.

"Who?" Midorima asked as he turned and looked at whom the other was pointing to and bent to fully see Kuroko, his face seemed a little surprised. "Were you here since earlier?"

Kuroko nodded and pointed Kagami. "I'm with Kagami-kun and we arrived here together." He explained and bowed. "Hello, everyone."

"Eh~ You're tiny." Murasakibara commented as he patted Kuroko and tilted his head at one side. "You're tiny but cute~" He mumbled in amusement.

Kuroko pouted and took a step backward. "Please stop that. I'll shrink more and I think I'm already small enough."

As he backed away, he bumped into someone and when he looked up he saw Aomine who looked at him in shock. "Ah, sorry." He apologized and blinked when the other blue-head grinned at him.

"Nah, that's alright. You surprised me there. You were with Kagami since the beginning, you said? That's weird, why didn't we see you?" He queried.

"Misdirection. An ability wherein you avert your opponent's attention to something else, so you can disappear and appear in another place instead. He possesses it." Akashi murmured.

"Oh? I think I've heard that before." Kise mumbled and got lost in deep thought.

"When he appeared out of nowhere and told us that we're his teammates and schoolmates, we were also surprised and thought that we've seen him before. He seems so familiar but at the same time unfamiliar, isn't that weird?" Kagami butted in and raised an eyebrow.

"Familiar?" Murasakibara repeated and bent to stare at Kuroko. "Familiar…? You do seem familiar…"

He sighed and patted his companion's head. "-chin, I'm hungry~"

"But you just ate."

"I'm still~ hungry!" He pouted.

"Murasakibara-kun, please stop petting me. I'm not a dog."

"Eh~ Are you already mad? I'm sorry -chin."

The other sighed. "That's alright. Just refrain from doing it alright? I'll shrink more." He pouted and handed a lollipop to him. "Do you want this, Murasakibara-kun? It's chocolate-flavored and I prefer vanilla."

He accepted it and smiled at his companion. "-chin, you're so kind~ Arigatou~"

"You're welcome." The other with him replied and smiled back at him. "Let's go or else we'll be late and Akashi-kun will be upset at us."

"Iyaah…Let's go…I don't like seeing Aka-chin angry~"

Murasakibara then chuckled with his companion as they ran towards their gymnasium.

The violet-head tilted his head in one side and petted Kuroko. "That's weird. There are those memories again…" He mumbled.

He stared in awe at the teal-head as the latter suddenly handed him a chocolate lollipop. The same as the one in his earlier memory. "Do you want some? I prefer vanilla."

Murasakibara stared at the sweets in the other's hand and blinked. "That's odd…" He commented and accepted it. "Arigatou." He mumbled and smiled in joy as the other repaid him with a slight smile.

"Hey," Midorima called out to him and he turned towards the green-head.

"Yes?" Kuroko replied.

The green-head stared at him and then looked at his lucky item for today. Wondering what it was?

It's a book of riddles.

Riddles he couldn't seem to answer.

When he saw the teal-head's face, his heart thumped loud like the other had been a part of his life before.

Like he had seen him before.

"Damn." Midorima cursed as he removed the stain of ketchup which accidentally was poured into his uniform awhile ago. It was definitely not his day today. Not when he woke up late because the battery of his alarm clock suddenly died out few hours after he slept. Not when Oha-Asa said that his sign was the unluckiest today. Not when he wasn't able to prepare his lucky item because if he did, he would be late. Not when almost ten misfortunes happened to him already.

"Midorima-kun," a familiar voice called out towards him.

He looked at where he heard the voice and saw someone blurry beside him. The other handed him a pack of tissue and a duck stuffed toy. "—name—What are those?"

"Objects." His companion replied. And Midorima must had already hit him if only he was Kise.

"No. You do know what I mean –name—" He sighed.

The other chuckled a very little and placed the two objects between his palms. "This pack of tissue is for your stained uniform. And this stuffed toy is your lucky item for today. I borrowed it from the quilt club." He explained and bowed. "Please excuse me now, then." He bade and ran back to their classroom.

Midorima stared at the things in his hands. "Thanks, -name—" He called out.

The blurred person nodded and disappeared.

The green-head backed away and shook his head to clear his mind. "This is ridiculous. Why did those images appear again? And he's…blurred."

Kuroko looked at Midorima and smiled bitterly. No one really does remember me.

The latter looked at him again and glanced at Akashi who was busy talking with someone in his phone.

This guy is familiar…

Kise approached the unusual teal-head and smiled down at him. "Hello! I'm Kise Ryouta!"

Kuroko blinked and nodded. "Hello to you too."

Silenced passed by the two of them for few moments before Kuroko spoke, "How have you been doing, Kise-kun?"

"Eh? Hm, well I'm doing fine." Kise replied and a something hit the back of his mind. Kise-kun..?

"That's good. How about your modeling? It must be hard being a basketball player and a model at the same time." The phantom player symphatized.

The copycat shakily laughed. "True, true—"

As Kuroko stared at him with emotionless eyes, flashbacks of unremembered past haunted his mind.

"…Future line~" Kuroko sang as he tried to reach for the highest part of the blackboard. "…Cannot…reach…!" He gasped.

He blinked at his teammate and laughed afterwards before getting the rag from –name—and reached for it, himself. "You should have just asked for my help, -cchi." He sighed in disbelief and cleaned the part his self-proclaimed best friend couldn't reach.

The other huffed. "Are you implying that I'm too tiny, Kise-kun?" He complained.

Kise panicked and shook his head. "N-No!"

"That hurt, Kise-kun. I mean, yes, I'm small but you don't need to be so proud of your height. It hurts my ego." His companion protested and started to walk away.

"Are you angry, -cchi? I'm sorry, alright? I really am sorry! Don't say this to Aominecchi, please!"

"I will." The other responded and he ran after his companion as the former rapidly walked towards the gymnasium right after they finished cleaning.

"Waaaahhhh! -cchi! Nooooo!" He protested and chased after the other.

It was not a sad memory, it was a fun one actually and Kise suddenly missed it.

But more than that, he missed, for an unknown reason, the person he couldn't seem to remember in that memory of his.

The other was there but at the same time was not there.

It was confusing, indeed but as he looked at the teal-head before him. His heart seemed to rejoice.

Kuroko frowned as Aomine tapped his shoulder. He turned and Aomine greeted him with, "Yo!"

"Ah, hello?" Kuroko replied in question.

The dark-head laughed and smacked Kuroko in the back, gently though. "Why did that turn into a question, idiot!"

"Perhaps because I'm not sure why you're greeting when we just didn't talk with each other in like two minutes." The teal-head bluntly replied which made Aomine blink.

"Damn, you're too straightforward." He mumbled and grinned. "I actually kinda like that. You're like…someone I knew before…someone I couldn't remember…?" He mumbled in sudden loss.

"…Aomine-kun?" The person before him mumbled.

That shadowed person in his dreams and memories last night started to haunt and bother him again.

It was like…he's being forced to remember but at the same time forget.

"Shit. You bastards, get out of my way!" He grunted as he tried to pass the two players who were blocking his way. And unfortunately, he couldn't see anything and that's the reason why he couldn't do anything but dribble the ball and couldn't pass it.

"Damn, they're all marked." He cursed as he saw the others being busily marked by their other opponents. "Wait—where's—"

"Aomine-kun!" He heard someone murmur from behind him. He turned and found –name- behind him, just meters away and being marked by their opponent's point guard. Both Kise and Midorima were blocked by their huge center player.

"…-?!" He gasped. "B-But—"

"Believe in -cchi, Aominecchi!" Kise yelled from where he was and grinned at him.

He looked at his shadowed 'shadow' and took a deep breath before passing the ball to him. The other ran as fast as he could before the ball hit the boundary line and even flew just to tap the ball back to Aomine as he finally passed his two opponents, and received the ball again. He dunked it in and looked for his 'shadow' and found him…in the ground, beside the bench and painstakingly sitting up. "…Eh?! Oi, you alright?" He exclaimed as he approached the other.

-Name—looked up at him and nodded. Before lifting a fist. "Nice dunk, Aomine-kun."

He laughed, bumped fist with –name—and supported him as he stood up. "It was your pass that was amazing, idiot."

"…You are familiar!" Aomine growled at Kuroko, which surprised the latter.

"Ah, familiar…? I heard that I'm familiar to almost everyone I saw yesterday and today. Odd, right?" Kuroko mumbled. "I'm as invisible as a shadow after all."

Shadow? Aomine and Kagami thought at the same time.

But as a chilly wind passed by, they all shivered. "Heeeeyyyyy!" Kagami groaned and breathed into his scarf. "It's so damn cold! I want hot chocolate!"

Akashi watched as Kuroko sighed and dragged Kagami by his ear inside the convenience store. "Fine, fine. Let's go so you'll stop whining."

"I want some hamburgers too." Kagami mumbled in the passing.

"Let's go." He ordered to the other four who seemed lost in thought as they stared at the teal-head as well. "I said, let's go." He repeated as he stood before the other four's sight.

"Ah? Ah, oh, yeah. Let's go! I'm hungry!" Aomine gasped and grabbed Kise's wrist as they entered the store and argued with each other what to buy.

"Hey~ Wait for me~" Murasakibara whined and followed after the first four to enter the convenience store.

As Midorima caught up with Akashi's pace. He glanced at the silent and expressionless red-head and pushed his eyeglasses. "Doesn't that blue-head seem familiar to you, A—"

"He does." Akashi cut in and suddenly his emotionless eyes portrayed bitterness. "He does, but I couldn't remember why, when and where he appeared in my life. Even if I do my best to remember him, I just couldn't and I feel like forgetting who he really was, was a big lost. If that's really him whom seemed familiar to me."

"-!" Akashi grunted as he suddenly got wet when –name—accidentally opened the faucet as he faced the hole of the hose infront of face.

"…Oops? I'm sorry." The shadowed person emotionlessly apologized and it ticked Akashi more.

"You don't look sincere in apologizing at all." He commented and faced the hose at the culprit. "Come back here! You did that in purpose, didn't you? Come back here, and I'll have my revenge." He grumbled and chased after the person he couldn't remember.

"Waah! What's happe-Ooommmpphhh!" Kise was cut in when Akashi pointed the hose at his face and made him wet as well. "Waah! That's mean!" The blonde whined, grabbed a bucket, filled it with water and threw the contents at Aomine. "Wee! So I'll not be alone!"

"You dumbass!" Aomine growled, grabbed a watering can and threw its content at Murasakibara instead.

"Aw~" The violet-head pouted and threw a pitcher of water at the retreating Midorima instead.

"What the-!" The green-head cursed, took another scattered bucket, filled it and threw its contents at the passing shadowed person.

"…So I got wet too?"

"Waah! Why did that sound do dirty, especially coming from you, -cchi?" Kise exclaimed.

Akashi faced the hose at the blonde's face again. "Shut up." He scolded and blocked him from the other's sight. "Whomever wets –name- again will be killed by me." He threatened and faced the hose at his other teammates' faces.

"Gaah! We're already wet enough!"

"That sounded as dirty as ever!" Aomine growled and started running away as well.

And that's when Akashi first enjoyed his life. Ever. Especially when he just saw the other's laughing face for the first time.

"I'm so hungry!" Kagami whined again as his stomach growled.

"Perhaps, I should just bring Nigou here, ne, Kagami-kun?" Kuroko suggested.

Kagami gasped and shook his head and followed after Kuroko obediently. "No, just not that!"

When the teal-head stared at Kagami with a poker face, the red-head growled and chased after the phantom player. "You asshole! How dare you scare me like that?!"

"I just started to feel killing some red-heads who is not part of Akashi clan." Akashi grunted which made Midorima cock an eyebrow in surprise and confusion.

~LFMH021~

"You mean you're the one who made that pass?! I…I just couldn't seem to remember you!" Kagami grunted and sighed in disappointment.

"Yes, keep remembering." Kuroko encouraged as he sipped his cappuccino.

"Huh? Are you actually encouraging me?" Kagami exclaimed.

"No, I'm just experimenting if people's brains explode when they're thinking too much." Kuroko replied which made Aomine and Kise laugh.

"You bastards! Why are you laughing?!" The exasperated Kagami growled. "Gaaah! This is your fault Kuroko Tetsuya!" He grunted at his 'shadow'.

Akashi's eyes widened as he heard that name.

"Ohhh, so your name is Kuroko Tetsuya, huh?" Kise exclaimed and offered a hand. "Kise Ryouta. Kaijo High School. Freshmen. Hiya, I shall call you…hm, Kurokocchi!"

"Already?" Kuroko mumbled as he shook the other's hand.

"Huh?"

"Ah, I heard before that the only ones you put –chi in their names are the ones you truly acknowledge."

"Yep, and because of what Kagamicchi said about you having misdirection and have already played against us, but just too invisible and so forth…I came to the conclusion, you're someone to look up to!"

"Thanks then…?"

"Waah! Why did that become a question?! That's mean!"

Kise was casted aside when Aomine pushed him and he ended up kissing the glass window. "Aomine Daiki. Touou High School. Freshmen too. Nice to meet you! Sorry for the memory gap, by the way. I just can't remember that I've fought against you before. As a payment for being forgetful, how about I call you Tetsu? I mean, I'm sure we'll get along fine!"

"Ah, that's alright."

"Midorima Shintarou, Shuutoku High School. Freshmen." Midorima stated and went back to finishing his red bean soup drink.

"Murasakibara Atsushi~ Nice to meet you. Since you gave me sweets and you're so kind, I shall call you…Ah, Kuro-chin~" The violet-head introduced and patted his head.

He dodged the pat and bumped into Akashi. Upon seeing the red-head's eyes, he instantly backed out and hid behind Kagami. "Your eyes are burning me alive."

"Oi, Kuroko, what's with you hiding behind me? Ah, are you afraid of Akashi? Well, he is kinda scary but you'll get used to it." He laughed and smacked his back.

"Ow. That hurt."

"Oops, sorry?"

Kuroko hand-chopped Kagami's side as revenge.

"OW! What the—Kuroko!" The red-head growled and for some unidentified reason, Akashi's eyebrows furrowed more as he saw the enjoying face the two made as they argued with each other.

What surprised everyone was when he grabbed Kuroko's wrist before dragging the teal-head out of the convenience store.

"O-Oi, Akashi—"

But he took no heed to the callings of his former teammates and called cab. One instantly stopped and let them in. He gave his instructions and they sat beside each other in silence.

What the hell did I get into? Kuroko wondered as silenced filled the cab. He pressed his wristband and it showed: 363 days, 5 hours, 34 minutes and 22 seconds.

So my life really is limited huh? Kuroko wondered and sadly clutched his wristband slash wristwatch. P-please tell the clock to stop ticking…Please…

Akashi caught the bitter smile the teal-head gave his wristband and his heart unnoticeably sank as the latter clutched his wristband and held onto it as if his life was decided upon it. He clenched his hands into fists.

Slowly, his hand reaches towards his seatmate and it caressed his companion's silky hair as a comfort.

Shock registered into Kuroko's face but then turned into a blissful one and he leaned in into Akashi's touch. "…Thank you…"He whispered and Akashi was sure that it was a drop of tear that poured down the teal-head's eye.

~LFMH021~

Kuroko's eyebrows furrowed as he stood before a building from London, no, Paris, no, USA, no, Europe, no England, no Germany, no, Italy, no…Japan! Yes, Japan. He was standing before one of the biggest and most fascinating structural building he ever saw in Japan. Akashi's main residence, in short.

"Um—"

"Let's go." Akashi cut in as three maids opened the huge gate and let them in. "This way." He instructed as he turned to a right and followed a flowery path towards the main house. "We're here." He mumbled as they stood before the greatest, most captivating, and most impressive house Kuroko had ever seen in his life.

Akashi looked at Kuroko for any reaction, but all he saw was…nothing. And he couldn't help laughing with it. "You're so…I can't explain it."

Kuroko blinked and smiled a little. "Well, I'm not expressive, so I'm sorry. But it is a fascinating house, Akashi-kun."

"Why, thank you." He whispered, opened the door and entered as Kuroko followed behind him. "My father called when you were talking with the members of the Generation of Miracles and told me to go back home as early as possible to stay with my younger brother since my father will be attending an errand and he doesn't like leaving him alone with the maids." He elaborated and turned to face the teal-head. "Sorry for suddenly dragging you. It's just...I want to talk to you personally."

Kuroko took steps towards him and placed a hand on Akashi's cheek and smiled. "I fully understand. And I'm not upset. I'm not in a hurry after all. Just don't drag me like that suddenly again or I'll get mad."

"Your face don't portray anger at all."

"I told you. I'm unexpressive. Unexpressive, unexpressive, unexpressive, unexpressive, unexpressive, unexpressive." He repeated.

Akashi's frown turned into a smile with his companion's ridicule.

Kuroko smiled back as he whispered, "You finally smiled."

Akashi's eyes widened with that and then poked Kuroko's nose. "Excuse me, but you also did."

"…Niichan?" Kuroko's hand dropped upon hearing a small voice whisper from behind a pillar of the ground floor of the mansion.

Akashi turned and bent a little. "Come on out, Senjuuro. This is your Niichan. I'm home." He murmured with gentle tone.

From behind the pillar came out a red-head who looked a lot like Akashi. The small boy held a small blue teddy bear in his hands and he was wearing pajamas. He possessed the same ivory-like skin tone as Kuroko's but has the redness of Akashi's hair and eyes.

Akashi patted the smaller red-head and introduced him. "He's Senjuuro Akashi. He's five years old. He's my younger brother. My mother died few months after he was born because of an unfortunate accident. He's a prodigy but small as well."

"Niichan!" Senjuuro protested in embarrassment.

Kuroko smiled and bent a little. "I'm Kuroko Tetsuya. Nice to meet you."

Senjuuro peeked at him from behind his brother's legs and stared right into Kuroko's eyes. "Your eyes are so clear, Tetsuya-niichan. So beautiful."

The phantom player's cheeks burned with the unexpected flattery and ruffled Senjuuro's hair. "You're cute too. You're so innocent and honest. Don't be influenced by your brother, alright?"

"Hey, what does that mean?"

"Akashi-kun is a bossy, strict, scary and creepy type of person. Do not follow him or else others will see you as a lion." Kuroko teased.

"I hate lions!" Senjuuro exclaimed in fright and ran away from Akashi and hid behind Kuroko instead.

"A-Ah, Senjuuro. Come here. Niichan won't creep you out. Come here. Tetsuya-niichan is also bad. He also suddenly disappears and appears. He's like a ghost. He's too pale and small too."

Kuroko glared at him for those two adjectives in his last sentence.

Senjuuro looked up at Kuroko then tilted his head in a side. "Ghosts…? Sen isn't scared of ghosts…And disappears…? Like a phantom?!" He enthusiastically exclaimed with glinting eyes.

"Yes, like a phantom. I play basketball like your Niichan and I'm a phantom player. A player who usually appears out of nowhere." He explained.

Senjuuro became more interested now. "Can you demo, Tetsuya-niichan?"

"Well, if it's Senjuuro, then perhaps I can." He replied and took out a token from his pocket. He looked at Senjuuro before throwing the token in the air.

The smaller red-head looked at the flying token and stared at it as it hit the ground. He looked up and found no Kuroko. "Eh…?! Tetsuya-niichan?!"

He gasped when two hands covered his eyes. "Here." The teal-head replied and removed his hands. "Satsified?"

"Waaah! That was amazing! Ne, ne, Tetsuya-niichan, play with me!" Senjuuro whined and dragged Kuroko to the living room.

The latter looked at the dumbfounded Akashi and gave him an emotionless face, which ticked off the red-head. "Hey! What's up with that face? Come, Senjuuro, why did you leave Niichan there alone?"

~LFMH021~

"Akashi-kun!" An unexpected voice called out to him.

He turned and found –name—waving at him. The latter ran towards him and kept the same pace as him. "Are you heading home?"

He shook his head. "I'm heading towards the nearest bookstore. I've run out of books to read at home."

"Ah, buying a new one huh? Me too, actually."

"What a coincidence huh." Akashi mumbled and they continued walking towards the still-far from here bookstore.

Akashi was expecting some decent, long, fun and a little sweet conversation with him but he guess, it was kind of odd to have such a conversation with someone as expressionless as the other.

He blinked when his companion suddenly covered his face. "—Name-?"

"…Well, you see…Um…I know…it's just that I imagined ourselves holding hands…And…yes, it's kind of weird. Forget that I said it."

For the first time in his life, he had seen the other blush. Blush as red as tomato.

He chuckled and intertwined his hand with the other's. "So, you're like this too, huh?"

"…"

He got no reply so he squeezed their hands more together and even though no words passed between the two of them, Akashi was already contented as he felt the warmth of the most important person to him's hand. Warmth and a fast beating heart, all because of him. And him alone. He had never felt so special.

"…shi-kun!...Akashi-kun! Akashi-kun!" His eyes widened when he realized that Kuroko was half-whispering and half-shouting his name. He looked up and found Kuroko before him.

He blinked. "…Um, what? Sorry about that…"

"Well, Senjuuro fell asleep when I was telling him some detective stories…What should we do?"

He looked over Kuroko's shoulder and indeed, his brother was sleeping soundly on the longest couch as he hugged his teddy bear. A thick blanket was already placed on top of him and he seemed comfortable enough. "Leave him be. He would be fine. If we move him, he'll awake and he won't easily get back to sleep afterwards."

"Ah, oh, alright." Kuroko mumbled and sat beside him instead.

Silence.

Silence.

Silence.

"Um, want some tea? Perhaps, I should make some—" The teal-head started.

"No. No need to tire yourself. We'll eat later after about half an hour, after all." He cut in.

"Eat? Uh, well you see, it's kinda embarrassing to—"

"It isn't. Senjuuro will be pleased actually, especially having his favorite Tetsuya-niichan with him for dinner." Akashi cut in again, his tone sarcastic.

Kuroko reacted as if he was stabbed. "Seriously, Akashi-kun. Don't be envious. I never knew he was into detective kind of stories. That's it. Besides, he whispered to me earlier that he stayed with me more today because he wanted you to take some rest from taking care of him because you looked so exhausted everyday."

He smiled in happiness as he gazed at Senjuuro. "That's good to know. He's really as kind as his brother, isn't he?"

Kuroko stared at him before asking, "Am I allowed to reject the thought?"

"No." Akashi instantly replied.

After a second of silence, they both chuckled.

Akashi glanced at Kuroko and smirked. "You know what, you're really so familiar to me, but I just couldn't remember you. Even if I want to, I just couldn't." He sighed and lifted a hand to touch Kuroko's soft cheek.

He then stood up, went to the kitchen and returned with two teacups filled with oolong tea. He placed them on the part of the table nearest to both of them. He sipped his and continued, "I want to. I really do…It seems like you're a very important part of my life, but what's the sense of that if I can't remember why and how…?" He murmured, placed his cup back on the table and sat on the floor and placed his chin on top of his two arms on the teal-head's lap.

Kuroko looked at Akashi in surprise. "Akashi-kun?"

"I like the feeling when you're with me. I know it's weird especially that we just met earlier…but…" Slowly, his eyes closed and he just felt hands caressing his head. He was sure it was Kuroko's gentle stroking, so he continued in pretending to be asleep.

"Kuroko…no…actually…" He mumbled as he half-opened his eyes again. "Can I call you Tetsuya?"

"…Tetsuya?" Kuroko echoed. "First name basis?"

"It's up to you if you want to call me Seijuuro, Sei, Seijuuro-kun, Sei-kun, or even Seiju. It's fine with me as long as it's only you who's allowed to do so." He whispered.

"Hm…I guess it's fine with me then." The phantom player responded with a small smile and intertwined both of their hands.

Akashi was falling into a sweet slumber when something rang and that didn't sound like a ring from his cellphone. He ignored it but it rang again, and suddenly—

THUD!

-He fell on the floor when Kuroko suddenly excused himself and entered the bathroom.

He frowned and sighed. I suddenly wanna kill someone right now. He mentally grunted, took their empty cups and headed towards the kitchen to clean the two cups.

~LFMH021~

Kuroko, with fast heartbeat, answered the call he got in his wristband. Yes, weird, but that's what exactly happened.

He pressed the green button instead of the red and that's when Jikan's face appeared in the screen.

"Hi." The orange-head greeted with a wide grin.

"Hello." He greeted back.

Jikan laughed with his usual emotionlessness. "You seem happy."

"I do?"

"Well, I won't say it if it's not true, right?" Jikan responded and flew around. "Anyway, I called to check how you are."

"Let me guess. You actually know already." Kuroko replied.

The caramel-eyed looked at him then laughed. "Yes, I actually do."

Kuroko sighed, dispirited. "Then, why did you have to ruin the moment?"

"Ohh, so that is the person who completes your day, huh? Quite tiny for is age." Jikan teased.

"We're not tiny, you guys are just tall." He protested and exhaled. "I'm doing fine. It'll be hard especially that memories we shared together were all really erased. It's quite saddening seeing them having that blank face when they see me. Yes, I do seem familiar to them, but I'll still need to start over. It's just so hard and bitter for me."

"I'm sorry for letting you experience this, Kuroko. But not all things are free." Jikan apologized. Then his smile vanished. "I repeat, you're already dead, Kuroko Tetsuya and no one must know that. Especially that it will ruin all that you've already progressed in your mission."

He stiffened. "Y-Yes, I understand."

"Hm, uh, yes!" Jikan shouted to someone. "I have a new job. Gotta excuse myself now. Enjoy~ Bye!" Then his wristband went back and it showed: 363 days, 4 hours and 24 minutes and 15 seconds. He sighed and went out of the bathroom.

Akashi, who was casually sitting and reading a book, looked up and smiled at him. "Dinner time. Come eat with us. The food are too much for me and Senjuuro after all."

"It's like I'm just eating with you because there's an excess." Kuroko mumbled.

"…Perhaps?" Akashi mumbled.

"Akashi-kun, you're really something." He sighed.

~LFMH021~

Kuroko put on his shoes and bowed. "I'll be heading home now."

Akashi nodded. "I beg your pardon for making you stay for a very long time. I hope your safety."

"Yes, thank you. And that was alright. I had fun. A lot of fun." He whispered and gave the red-head a sweet smile. "Thank you, Akashi-kun."

His eyes widened when Akashi approached him and caressed his cheek with his thumb. "Come anytime you want. You're always welcome. Call or text me anytime, I'll reply as fast I could."

He nodded. "Yes, thank you very much."

"…Tetsuya-niichan…" Senjuuro, who must have gotten awake because of the sound of door, approached him as he rubbed his sleepy eyes.

"Ah, Senjuuro." He whispered and bent. "Still sleepy?"

"Mm." The small one nodded then yawned.

"Tetsuya-niichan's going home now because it's already late."

Senjuuro's eyes widened. "Eh? Can't you stay with us even just tomight?"

Kuroko shook his head. "My parents will be worried."

Akashi patted his brother's head when the latter made a sad face. "He promised that he will visit as often as he can."

"Really?" Good thing, his expression brightened again.

"Yes, of course."

"It's eight now, Tetsuya. You need to go or you'll not reach the last train." Akashi stated.

Kuroko nodded and looked down at Senjuuro.

Akashi Senjuuro stared at him before smiling widely and hugging him tight. "I love Tetsuya-niichan! Even though…"

"Even though…?" Kuroko prompted as carried the small red-head in his arms.

Senjuuro paused before replying, "Even though you're already dead."

Silence filled the room. And suddenly a tense atmosphere enveloped them.

"…What?" Kuroko mumbled, his face paler than usual.

Akashi sighed upon seeing his brother sleep as he leaned against the former's legs. "…What's that he said? Seriously, I think it's the story you told him earlier or something he dreamt of." Akashi reassured, although he himself felt his heart thumped loud with what his brother said.

"A-Ah, must be. E-Excuse me. I need to run after the last train now. Thank you once again!"

He ran, his heart beating fast and his mind filled with the words: what, how, when, where, and why.

Suddenly, his wristband rang wildly and he was sweating a lot as he shakily pressed the green button. He shut his eyes for the worst scenario when Jikan spoke up, "Kuroko?"

He opened his eyes and blinked upon realizing that he's still where he stopped. "…Jikan-san?"

The orange-head then started apologizing, "SORRY, SORRY, SORRY! It was my fault. When I was talking with you when you were in the Akashi's bathroom, Senjuuro Akashi woke up to pee and heard our conversation. One of my friends here said it to me and that's why I called to inform you that it was my fault for not being careful. And another thing, he's beyond seven years old. If children beyond seven years old say those words to you then they're exceptions because their hearts are still innocent and could see through you a little."

"Oh…If you weren't my messenger. I would have yelled at you already." Kuroko confessed with furuious face.

Jikan shakily laughed. "I'm really sorry! Anyway, goodnight. Jobs are still waiting for me. Bye~"

And then their conversation ended. And Kuroko fell on his knees in relief.

~LFMH021~

Akashi was restless as he caressed his brother's head to make him fully asleep.

For some reason, his heart was beating fast and—

Then it stopped and his cellphone vibrated. He opened it and read the message passed by Kuroko.

Sender: Tetsuya Kuroko

Subj: Thank you.

Mess: I was just a minute earlier for the train to depart. Once again, thank you for the hospitality and everything. See you again soon. ~Tetsuya Kuroko

That's when he was able to heave a sigh of relief and his heart beating normal again. He then stood up and tiptoed out of brother's room.

He replied the other's text before heading towards his own room and falling into a blissful and satisfied slumber.

Sender: Akashi Seijuuro

Receiver: Tetsuya Kuroko

Subj: You're welcome.

Mess: Yes, yes, you're welcome. See you again soon as well. Take care. You're too invisible. Stand out even just a little or you'll get killed. Bye. ~Seijuuro Akashi.

~LFMH021~

"Kuroko Tetsuya, please answer number twenty nine." Their English Teacher instructed.

He blinked, stood up and read the Japanese words and formed the Japanese sentence into its' English one. "There was nothing that could be compared with the feeling I get when I see her."

"Very good. Next Kagami Taiga. If you couldn't translate that especially that you're a returnee, you'll be prohibited to get the free food in the cafeteria for today and tomorrow."

"That's unfair!" Kagami growled.

~LFMH021~

"So this is are the events we'll hold in our Foundations' Day…" Akashi stated as he wrote the details the students proposed.

"Hm, I think the first one is better."

"No, if you think about it, it's the second." Another one opposed.

"All in favor of the first one, raise your hands…" And Akashi's job as the student council president continued but he was fine with it. Very fine with it.


A/N: That's the longest chapter I have ever done in my whole life in writing fanfictions. I'll update the others when I have spare time.

Thanks guys! I love you guys!

Sorry for any mistakes you saw!

PLEASE REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!

Hugs, crocodile-shaped orange and pants-shaped pomelo,

LFMH021


SNEAK PEEK:

Kuroko stretched and realized something upon feeling like something's missing.

"Tetsuya?" Akashi called out as his eyes widened.

"…My wristband… that Jikan-san gave me…" HE murmured. "My wristband's missing!" He gasped. The wristband that tells me my life is missing?!