Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke (except for the OCs)

~Chapter 3: School Festival~

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It was early June, the day of the annual Teikou Junior High School's festival.

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Just yesterday morning and the previous days, it was raining heavily, making all the students worried about the commencement of the festival. Thankfully it was sunny and bright on the afternoon of the setup day. Each class sets up a teru-teru bozu doll in hope for sunny day for the festival.

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Thankfully, the teru-teru bozu in every class works. Tsubaki's and Kise's class made lots of them to decorate their class, because since their class café name is, 'Teru-Teru Café'. The maids are dressed in white frilly dress that's slightly above the knee, a light blue apron with white laces, complimented with a dark blue headpiece and dark blue ribbon as their neckties. The butlers wear a white tailcoat, with white pants, and white collared shirt, complimented with a light blue vest and a dark blue bowtie. Kise and Tsubaki waited in front on the school gate with their maid and butler's uniform with the basket full of candies to promote the café from the time the school festival starts.

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*Flashback*

"Our School festival is coming up in a month on Saturday! This year, our class will be holding a maid café as requested! Let's use the lottery to be fair on who will be in the service area and those who are in the kitchen! Please take 1 paper per student! Lets make our class the best class of the year and have fun as well!" announced the class leader, Himuro Yui, as she placed the lottery box in the teacher's table. Each student told Yui on which area he or she got for the day. Both Kise and Tsubaki got the service area, and only 6 out of 28 students became the kitchen staff, since there is nothing much to do in the kitchen section.

"Now, that everyone has gotten their roles, let's pick a butler and a maid from the service area as the promotional staff. Of course, the promotional staff will only need to promote the café, they wouldn't do any other service, except photo taking with the customers. And we also need two from the service area for the one writing the reservations, consider him or her to be the head maid for the shift. And lastly, I'll be the cashier with another person!"

The girls and guys finally decided, out of votes, that Kise and Tsubaki would be a great choice for the promotional staff. And the other staff that'll write the reservations will be Harada Satoshi, and Daikakuji Mami.

Club activities are delayed by an hour everyday due to the festival preparation for the month, and most classes even came on Saturdays to help the class prepare for the festival.

Around two weeks before the festival, Tsubaki decided to join the basketball club as the manager. She was really inspired after looking at a certain tanned guy with blue hair, called Aomine Daiki. What surprises her is that he looked like a foreigner, but he's actually pure Japanese, whom got tanned because of playing basketball and crayfish fishing under the sun. She also managed to make female friends, Momoi Satsuki from the basketball club. She is Aomine's childhood friend, whom had a really good body figure, and is really pretty. She's really cheerful and kind as well, making her seems to be unbelievably perfect. Unfortunately her cooking skills is disastrous, Tsubaki even stayed in the clinic after eating Momoi's cooking, earning a laughter from Aomine.

She also made friends with Himuro Yui, her class leader. She just got back from America a month before the start of the middle school. Her brother and father are still in America, while she lives in Japan with her mom. Somehow, Tsubaki finds it easier to talk to her compared to the others. Perhaps it's all because of her friendliness and the fact that she understands how it feels to be a kind of foreign/international student there.

Tsubaki also decided to join the Light Music club because she likes music. Even though the members from the music club are the third year seniors, who will be graduating soon, she couldn't help herself but to join, especially with the warm and friendly welcome they gave when she came there to inquire about the club. Unfortunately, since there won't be enough members to make the group survive, it was decided that it will be disbanded before the winter holiday.

It was tough, going home late because of club practice, study, not to mention that she have some extra classes that her parent ordered her to do, but it was fun. Since her schedule is really cramped, her parents finally decided to take her back to the house rather than allowing her to live in their apartment. She would still go home together with Akashi at times, such as after basketball club, but other than that, their schedule is really different, so they decided that it'll be easier to go home by themselves. But it's all good, finally she managed to make friends with some girls at least.

She also noticed that Kise actually has a really great personality, or rather unexpected at some points such as his childish, loud personality, and honest. It was unusual to see a popular guy who is quite honest with his thoughts when he completely disagrees with it. Though some parts of her still dislike him for him to give lots of hopes for girls by being friendly to everyone, then rejecting them when they confess. But overall, he's not someone you'd hate or dislike; in fact he is a great friend, especially the fact that he has a completely different amusing look when he is teased.

As for her shifts on the festival day, it was rather cramped. When her shift for her class ended, she'll need to get changed and go on stage for the music performance with her group, and after that then she'll have her free time.

*End of Flashback*

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'Wearing a frilly maid dress with an apron is really embarrassing.' Tsubaki thought in the inside as she tried to smile while giving out the candies. It took a lot of effort just to do those, for someone who has little confidence. She took a quick peek at how Kise is doing, and saw him enjoying himself by posing and being more of a host to his fan girls. Yes, just because of his looks, he now has a fan club at the school, 'It must have been troublesome… but I personally don't think that he finds it troublesome.'

"Shira-chan~ Let's take a photo together to promote teru-teru café!"

Again, a cheerful cheeky smile is flashed on the blonde's face. The same cheeky smile, which normally melt the heart of the other sex most of the time.

She was about to say no, but then, for her class's sake, she'll just bear with it for a bit. Everyone is doing their absolute best there, so she can't just let them down just because of the one-sided slight dislike. A short reply escapes her lips, "Sure."

Definitely, this will be something she'll regret doing.

Following Kise's lead on modeling and posing for the photos, within minutes, they become the attraction to the people who came for the festival. Cameras flashing here and there, it's as if it's never ending. She hated it. The sound of the peers, the clicking sounds of the camera, the flash, all of it reminds her of how useless she is to her parents because of a few incidents that happen when she was younger. Quickly, after quite some of the pictures have been taken, she smiled to the crowds and said, "Unfortunately the photo session here has ended. Thank you for watching everyone." "And don't forget to visit our café at 1-C to try our delicious cakes, play games, have a chat and personally take photos with the maids and butlers there!" Kise chirped in as soon as Tsubaki finishes her sentence.

"Shira-chan~ Have you modeled somewhere before? You've got talent for it!" exclaimed Kise as they walked back to their class. Noticing that the other didn't seem to like it, he began questioning her, "I see that you don't seem to like it. Could you tell me why?"

"It's nothing. And yes, I do modeled before." A short and simple reply escapes her lips, "And is this really the way back to the our class?"

"Nope. Because I was wondering, why did you seem down recently? Is there something wrong?" Kise's sudden question startled her. Raising her eyebrows slightly, Tsubaki looked at him as he led them to a rather quiet place, the rooftop, instead of their class. He opened the door and walks his way to the centre of the rooftop. "I could see that you're not really smiling after the photo taking before. Have I done something wrong?" A follow up question escapes his lips.

Slowly Tsubaki followed him, leaving some distance between them before answering. "It's just a memory… Uh… It's nothing… But don't worry about it. It's not your fault Kise-kun. Now, we should hurry. Everyone in our class is waiting." She replied thoughtfully, a small smile were formed on her lips as she turned her back and walked to the door "It really is not your fault, so don't worry about it."

'Just… What is wrong with her? Sometimes she would look sad and irritated, but then she could always smile the next second. And she wouldn't seem to mind faking a smile whenever she pleases.' Kise thought silently as they walked down the stairs to their classroom, 'She always seemed so distant to others, and barely have any friends other than a red haired guy. Yet on those times when our eyes met, her eyes always seemed so sad and lonely. Or is that my imagination?'

"Watch out!"

Kise's train of thoughts was immediately shattered when he heard it. A few guys were foolishly running around the stairs from their left side and accidentally bump on Kise. He loses his balance and fall on top of Tsubaki, whom was unfortunately in front of him. Out of reflex, Kise hugged Tsubaki and protected her. So instead of being squashed by Kise, she's on top of him and was hugged tightly by him. He whimpered in pain as he releases his hug. "Are you ok Shira-chan?"

"Yes… Are you alright Kise-kun?" Tsubaki replied as she moved away from Kise, and offers him her hand to help him stands up. "Yeah… It just hurts a bit" He replied as he took her hand to stand up, "But it's nothing to be worried about!"

"Are you sure Kise-kun? Wouldn't it be better if we went to the clinic to check on it?" Tsubaki asked again, a hint of worry is present in her face and her tone. "There's no need to! I'm good~~" Insisted Kise as they started walking down the stairs to their classroom. 'Did she not see them? Or is it part of the things that she said before? Or perhaps… Is she thinking of something else?'

"Ok…" Tsubaki replies, "Um… Kise-kun?"

"Yeah?" Kise replied back, grinning cheeky as he stopped at his tracks and look at Tsubaki.

"Thank you for protecting me back then." Tsubaki stated, with a small genuine smile on her face.

'She does have a cute side too.' Kise thought as he walk behind her, slowly going by her side, 'If I'm not mistaken, she joined the Light Music club isn't she? I guess I'll just go and watch, rather than not having to do anything.'

"It's finally time for the long awaited Light Music club, Symphonica!" Announced the MC. The crowds began to cheer as the curtain began to unveil.

"Hello everyone! Thank you for coming today! This year, we have a new member, Tsubaki! Well then~ Let's start! Our first song will be: Arigatou!" A black haired girl, the bassist of the group announced, "Music start!"

If I trace the tears that are helplessly,

Unstoppably overflowing now

I'll be able to meet you in my memories

The words that for the life of me I was never able to come out and say

Thank you so much

Tsubaki got to play the guitar and became the lead singer. She would normally play the piano, but she was thought on how to play the guitar by her sempais. The two sempais that used to sing and plays the supporting guitar has graduated, and since only Tsubaki is interested in joining the club and has a talent for it, they decided to gave the role to her. Being on stage is embarrassing, but perhaps it's because she's with people she's comfortable with, it's not scary anymore. It's even fun.

Ah, the town where I grew up, cultivating reckless passion

Whenever things didn't go right I stopped believing in myself

But then I saw you, working so hard you were sweating

And it captivated me, it saved me, time and time again

Kise watch in awe, he was really amazed on how in sync the group is for their music. It even feels as if they're watching a real life performance from a popular band. And one thing that he's most amazed in is Tsubaki. Her voice, her look on stage, everything seemed perfect, and it's as if the usual her is just the shell. 'She seems to enjoy it and has a lot of confidence on stage. It's as if she's shining beautifully.'

I chased things I couldn't reach

And fell down like a fool

But you taught me

The importance of not giving up

Akashi was captivated. He knew that she has a talent for music, not to mention that she likes it a lot, but he didn't expect her to be this good. With only two months of practice, they were able to make it synchronize, perfectly.

If I trace the tears that are helplessly,

Unstoppably overflowing now

I'll be able to meet you in my memories

You enveloped me in an unchanging tenderness and strictness

Thank you so much

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With a total of four amazing songs that is played, it finally comes to an end. "Thank you for watching everyone! We hope that you'll enjoy the rest of the festival!" Tsubaki announced as the song finishes. The team formed a line and bowed down before leaving the stage.

"Encore! Encore!" The crowds cheered in amazement. Definitely it was one of the best attractions of the school. Though unfortunately there is no encore.

"The performance was amazing Tsubaki." Complimented Akashi as they toured around the school. He have had finished his 'challenge' before watching the music show, and placed all the gifts on the coach's office, since there are funds for the club as well.

"Thank you for the compliment Seii-chan~" Tsubaki replied, with a hint of blush on her face, "I'll be going with my sempais to celebrate our success after school. Do you want to join us?"

"Thank you, but unfortunately I can't. Father is asking for my presence at dinner. Have fun at the celebration though." A deep sigh escapes his lips; he was a bit envious of her for having slightly more freedom than he does. His father has always been strict to him and losing is an unacceptable act, 'At least I have a bit of freedom at school, or when I'm with her.'

"I see…" Slightly disappointed, she quickly tries to hide it with a smile to cheer him up, "Well then, lets enjoy the rest of the festival at our fullest! Where do you want to go next Seii-chan?"

"Well, how about we go to this place?"

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~Chapter 3 ends~

Author's note:

Thank you for reading and I hope that you enjoy it~

Reviews and Critiques are more than welcomed~ :D

I'm sorry if its really ooc (TT_TT)

Song used above: Arigatou by Sunset Swish