Kuroko no Basuke:
"The Heart Sees What the Eyes Can't"
~~~2ND QUARTER~~~
The Man Known as "The Ice Prince"
Kagami Taiga stood at the middle of a street court alone as he dribbled the basketball in his hand. For a while, his eyes show that he remains in a daze with his head slightly bowed. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, his head snapped up and his dark red eyes lit up with fire.
.
"How strong is the 'Generation of Miracles'?"
.
Kagami dashed and avoided his imaginary opponents, misleading them with feints. All the while, a smooth baritone voice echoed through his head.
.
"From what I have heard, the five geniuses each entered a different veteran school this year. One of them is ensured to be standing at the top. You could say it is as if they intentionally did so as a promise to go against each other. Whether it is to prove that the Generation of Miracles is unbeatable by anyone other than themselves or for the mere clarification of who is the strongest, I cannot say for sure."
.
As Kagami escaped four of his imaginary opponents, the last one came to intercept him just as he was nearing the basket. He remembered the promise he made.
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"I've decided. I'll take all these guys down and become the Number One in Japan."
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"It's impossible alone. I'll make you the Number One in Japan."
.
At the brink of time, Kagami jumped and made the shot. As the ball went into the basket, it was as if the spell was broken. All five of Kagami's opponents faded and he was left alone in the court once more.
"Damn," he thought, "I just can't wait anymore. Whether it's official or not, I just want to play a match already!"
As if summoned by his thoughts, a voice startled the Wild Tiger out of his thoughts. It was the same smooth baritone voice that echoed in his thoughts for a while on court.
"Excited much…? You really are a Wild Tiger, Taiga-kun." Kuroyuki Sora stated.
When Kagami snapped his head towards the voice, he saw Kuroyuki picking up the ball. He was wearing a black shirt with a light blue outline of a clock at the middle. However, instead of numbers, there were symbols of the horoscopes: Aries at the top and as follows clockwise up to Pisces at eleven o'clock. The hands of the clock were bent and the glass was breaking. He also wore that with a long-sleeved lavender shirt that was unbuttoned all the way with the sleeves folded up to his elbows. He had ripped jeans and black converse with dangling chain belts. His hair was let down and Kagami noticed that he had two earrings on his left ear: one round pierce and a dangling cross.
He looked like a Punk-Goth model, really.
Kagami composed himself when Kuroyuki raised a brow at him for staring.
"What are you doing here?" he asked confusedly.
Kuroyuki blinked then smiled cordially, "Didn't you call me here?"
Kagami became more confused, "I don't even have your number."
Kuroyuki's smile turned to an amused grin, "That's not what I meant."
Kagami's expression then turned to disbelief in realization, "Can this guy read minds?"
"I'm not psychic."
Kagami gaped and Kuroyuki chuckled, "You're like an open book." The dark-haired male tossed the ball to him and Kagami caught it effortlessly.
"Knowing you, you'd be all excited and restless after hearing about the 'Generation of Miracles'. If you have that much energy to use, I'm more than willing to drain it out for you temporarily until you get your real match officially." He reasoned.
Kagami blinked before smirking at the obvious challenge. He was then surprised when Kuroyuki immediately took up a stance in front of him, and the latter seized the opportunity to steal the ball and sprint. Before Kagami knew it, Kuroyuki already made a lay-up at the basketball ring behind him.
"Hey!" he yelled.
Kuroyuki kept his back turned to Kagami and spoke with a serious voice, "The moment a challenge is accepted—especially if it's from me—the game will begin, Taiga-kun. Every gap in your concentration is a chance to score for your opponent, and believe me…" He looked over his left shoulder in which Kagami saw his lone silver glinting with an icy expression, "players like the 'Generation of Miracles' would even go so far as to crush your will and focus in order to seize point after point as steps to victory."
At that moment, Kagami felt a chill and it was the kind that you would feel from a glacier or a blizzard storm. Kuroyuki's expression immediately brightened when he turned to him fully, "Let's try again, shall we?"
"How strong are you really?" Kagami intervened.
Kuroyuki raised a brow and Kagami elaborated, "You have a scent that says you're strong, but it seems as if there's something else as well. You're not a no-scent like Kuroko but—"
"That's because my strength and my weakness have a mutual relationship."
"What…?"
Kuroyuki grinned as he tilted his head, "I'm not gonna tell you everything, but I could at least tell you this: I've gone against people stronger than the current 'Generation of Miracles'."
Kagami's eyes widened at the revelation, "People stronger than the 'Generation of Miracles'?"
Kuroyuki closed his eyes in thought, "You could say I raised their talents. I'm not interested in beating strong players and proving myself the best. I just want to leave something acquainted with my name behind: a legacy, so to speak…and the Miracles are the keys to it. No, it wouldn't even matter if my name is known really." At this point, Kuroyuki felt Kagami's confusion but he just left his statement hanging as he reopened his lone silver eye.
For the second time, Kagami felt that same blizzard chill and now he is certain that it came from the young man in front of him.
Kuroyuki turned away, "Ah, I've lost interest. I guess you have to drain that excited energy on your own after all. See you at school, Taiga-kun." He then walked away but realized he still had the ball in his hand, "Oh, I'm giving this back."
Kuroyuki shot the ball without looking back and it went in perfectly with a strange spin. The moment it touched the ground, it shot towards Kagami who caught it by pure instinct. The redhead observed a pebble where the ball bounced and his eyes widened in realization.
"He placed a spin in the ball so it could shoot towards my direction…after it hits the pebble?!" he exclaimed in his thoughts, "Besides that, did he even know there was a pebble there?!"
When Kagami looked up, Kuroyuki Sora was nowhere in sight.
Aida Riko loved raising talents like a mother.
It might be one of the reasons why she is the coach of the Seirin Boys' Basketball Club. Sure, it might also have something to do with the fact that she is good at it but her motivation—first and foremost—brings out her talent in spotting talent to the fullest.
She let her PSP rest on the desk as she grabbed the box of milk and sipped from the straw with a happy pink hue on her cheeks. She then sighed contently, "Bringing up guys is so nice~"
Just like that, her mini-heavenly moment ended.
"Coach, make me a real new club member!" Kagami Taiga barged in as he slammed his hand on Riko's desk.
In turn, Riko spat her milk in surprise and immediately wiped the liquid flowing down her chin with her sleeve.
"Geez, what's happening today?" she mumbled before turning to Kagami, "You too?"
"Too…?" Kagami echoed.
"Kuroko-kun came with Kuroyuki-kun earlier to ask the same thing." Riko explained
Kagami blinked, "Those guys…"
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"I'm not interested in beating strong players and proving myself the best. I just want to leave something acquainted with my name behind: a legacy, so to speak…and the Miracles are the keys to it."
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Riko's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, "Geez, the three of you sure are hasty ones, huh? You naughty boys…"
Kagami sweatdropped, "What the hell are you saying?"
Riko ignored him but handed a paper, "Well, you've got firepower and there's space on the bench so…be my guest."
Kagami smirked and started walking away, "I'll be able to play matches like this!"
"Ah, wait a second!"
"Huh…?"
"Just, the test to be accepted is on Monday at 8:40AM on the rooftop."
Kuroko Tetsuya stood in front of the bulletin board, staring at the newspaper that showed the Boys' Basketball Club's achievements last year. At the corner of his eye, he saw Kagami striding towards his direction but paid it no mind. He directed his gaze back at the board and waited silently as his Light stopped by his side, unaware of his presence as per usual.
"Heh," Kagami mused, "maybe Seirin's Basketball Club is actually quite amazing…"
"It is amazing." Kuroko said abruptly, scaring the daylights out of Kagami.
"Bastard…! Stop jumping out of nowhere and appear normally!" Kagami yelled.
Kuroko turned to him with a finger to his lips as a signal for silence while he used his other hand to point at the sign above that says Library.
Kagami's aura darkened and his forehead popped an angry vein. He grabbed Kuroko's head, "You're picking a fight…? You're picking a fight, right?! Answer me!"
"…I am not."
Kagami's eye was still twitching angrily as he let Kuroko go, "I can't believe this invisible guy is actually the Phantom Sixth Player of the 'Generation of Miracles'…" At his next thought, his angry expression turned into a wondering one.
"Come to think of it, Kuroyuki said that every member of the 'Generation of Miracles' went to veteran schools. Then, why didn't Kuroko do the same?"
He was about to voice out his thoughts until he heard a familiar name being called, to which Kuroko's attention also ended up at.
"Kuroyuki-sama…!"
Indeed, Kuroyuki was spotted at the far end of the hallway with his hands in his pockets while his bag hung over his left shoulder. He wore a long-sleeved white button-up shirt with the first two buttons undone, while the black uniform was draped over his shoulders like a cape as he strode gracefully with perfect posture. He looked over his shoulder, and Kagami and Kuroko saw a girl around their age stop at his side with an enthusiastic smile. Kuroyuki turned fully towards the girl and smiled politely.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
As expected, the girl started blushing and stuttering. "Umm…I-I wanted to ask if I could borrow your notes in English s-since I kind of forgot mine back home. I was h-hoping that you could also give me some pointers since you're from England and all."
Unnoticed by the girl, Kuroyuki's smile sharpened and his aura turned cold. Kuroko saw most of the observers shivered by instinct. He directed his gaze back at the scene with narrowed eyes. For some reason, this Kuroyuki seemed more distant and detached as if he's there but not there at the same time. Kagami felt the same way.
"I suppose I could spare my notes for today." He dug in his bag and handed his notebook, "As for pointers, is it safe to assume you are asking me to tutor you?" he asked courteously but colder than his last tone.
The girl's blush deepened as she nodded her head shyly as she looked down. At that time, Kagami and Kuroko could have sworn that Kuroyuki was glaring at the girl and his smile seemed strained. However, it happened in an instant that they could not be entirely sure.
Kuroyuki chuckled, "In that case, I'm afraid I cannot spare any time for you. I am already preoccupied by a set of activities like club practice and my part-time job."
At this, the girl looked up determinedly and proposed, "Then, will you be free this weekend? I could come to your house or you could come to mine. I really want to learn more from you, Kuroyuki-sama."
By this point, everyone knew where this conversation is going. Most of the girls scowled either in disgust or jealousy. Some boys sighed in exasperation while the rest glared at Kuroyuki. The said youth wore an emotionless expression for a moment and Kagami swore the tense silence was strangling him.
After a second, Kuroyuki smiled again and the temperature dropped a few degrees quite literally. This time, the girl noticed as well but paid it no heed. Kagami and Kuroko involuntarily shivered as they saw that familiar silver eye turn darker with well-hidden malice for those who cannot read people very well.
"I'll be honest with you. I am not entirely comfortable with tutoring other students unless they're my friend or if a teacher personally seeked my help. Do forgive me, but I must decline. If you really need help, I suggest you look for another person to tutor you. Well then, I bid you a good day. Please leave my notes under my desk once you're done."
With no further ado, Kuroyuki turned and walked away. He was heading towards Kagami and Kuroko's direction, and both young men's breaths hitched as they saw Kuroyuki's smile fade and his silver eye turned empty. He spared both of them a glance but continued on his way.
The moment he passed them, Kagami and Kuroko felt a crawling chill within their own veins as if every drop of their blood is being frozen.
"That's Kuroyuki Sora, right?"
They heard some guys talking once Kuroyuki was out of sight and decided to listen in.
"Yeah, that's him. I guess the rumors were true."
"What rumors?"
"They say he's a complete gentleman and all, but he's still pretty cold. I mean it in a literal and metaphorical sense. They say if he doesn't appreciate someone's presence the air turns colder and, although he retains his polite demeanor, he makes sure to be distant at all times as if hiding behind a mask."
"Really…? That seems a bit disturbing."
"Yeah, but his fan club is way worse. They actually get violent when people either harass or get too close to their 'Ice Prince'. Well, whether His Highness treats them poorly or gentlemanly, I have the feeling they'll still worship the dirt he walks on."
"That's what they call him…'Ice Prince'?"
"Apparently…"
Kagami stopped listening at this point and remembered the time at the street court when Kuroyuki confronted him, sort of. He knew the guy tended to literally make your skin crawl in a secretive and manipulative way. It could be taken more like a warning really.
"Ice Prince, huh? It suits him just fine, I guess." He thought. He then remembered that he was supposed to ask Kuroko something and turned to the Phantom…only to see him nowhere in sight.
"Well, it doesn't matter." Kagami said with a smile, though a vein was pulsing angrily at his temple for being ditched so suddenly.
Meanwhile, Kuroko followed Kuroyuki to class. As he fell into step with him, the taller male closed his eyes and the other knew he was acknowledged. The Phantom observed that the right sleeve of Kuroyuki's uniform jacket was wet and stained. Since it was black, it was unnoticeable but Kuroko's keen eyes saw it.
"The wet sensation was uncomfortable to wear, and I didn't want my white shirt to get wet as well. I didn't want my bag to pop and for my papers to get wet either, so I decided to drape it on my shoulders for now." Kuroyuki said, leaving his eyes closed.
Kuroko saw tension within Kuroyuki's form so he just kept quiet on the way to class. However, just as they reached the door, Kuroyuki opened his silver eye and Kuroko's bright blue orbs widened before softening as he followed his classmate.
"Kuroyuki-kun seems…lonely. Why is that?" He thought.
Monday
"Fufufu~ I was waiting."
"Are you an idiot?"
"Is it a duel?"
As instructed, the Freshmen gathered at the rooftop to accomplish the test of being a part of the team. Kagami impatiently told Riko to get things over with since the morning assembly was about to start. Kuroyuki entered at that moment, late as usual. However, this time, he was unnoticed and that may have something to do with the fact that his aura was slightly cold and suppressed at the moment.
"Before that, there is one thing I have to say. Last year, I made a promise when the Captain made me the coach." Riko said before swaying her left hand to the side, "We're playing basketball to aim for the Nationals. If you're not ready for this, feel free to go to another club."
Kagami was confused, "Ha…? What are you—?!"
"I know you're strong, but aside from that, what I'm looking for is a strong resolve and conviction. If you keep saying things like 'Maybe one day' or 'As long as I can', you will never get any farther. I want you to have a big, concrete objective and the will to achieve it no matter what."
Riko grinned as she pointed at the distance as she looked at everyone in the eye, "That's why, from here, you will shout your class, seat number, name, and goal this year! By the way, all the Second Years—including me—did this last year."
Riko dropped her hand to her side as her brown eyes developed a scheming glint, "If you can't accomplish your goal, I'll have you confess to the girl—or guy—you like completely naked."
Furihata, Fukuda, and Kawahara stared in shock, disbelief, and horror as they exclaimed together with their fellow batchmates. Kagami stared on in bewilderment and Kuroko was silent. Kuroyuki looked on, amused, and he directed a nostalgic gaze at Riko which went unnoticed. This coach extremely reminded him of another woman from his past.
Just as the first three Freshmen were hesitating, Riko emphasized her point regarding their conviction to surpass a big hurdle. Just as Kagami was about to speak, he halted as he saw Kuroyuki approach the railings calmly and jumped on it. He stood regally and confidently without losing his balance even with the wind blowing his hair quite dramatically, much to Riko's amazement.
He really did look like a prince.
"Class 1-B, Seat 8, Kuroyuki Sora…!" he yelled in a commanding tone, "I will mark my legacy upon the history of basketball and take Seirin to the seat of the strongest!"
On cue, the fan girls erupted in squeals and cheers.
"KYAA! KUROYUKI-SAMA!"
"WATCH YOUR STEP, KUROYUKI-SAMA!"
"KUROYUKI-SAMA, YOU'RE SO COOL!"
"I LOVE YOU, ICE PRINCE! MARRY ME!"
Anything else was squeals and incoherent screams.
Kuroyuki stepped down from the railing and looked towards Riko who was lightly blushing. The female coach was kind of touched that his personal goal—or at least one of it—was to take the team to the seat of the strongest. She also had to admit as a woman that Kuroyuki Sora matched the regality of a real prince. To her relief, Kuroyuki paid her blush no heed and just handed his application over.
As the young man stepped back, Kagami stepped forward.
"Heh, show-off…" the redhead muttered with a good-natured smirk as he passed the other. He was answered with an amused chuckle.
Kagami stood at the railing just as Kuroyuki did and yelled with powerful confidence,
"Class 1-B, Seat 7, Kagami Taiga…! I will defeat the 'Generation of Miracles' and become the Number One in Japan!"
At this point, the people below understood what was going on. The Sophomores from the Basketball Club were slightly surprised to see them doing it this year. Then, after Kagami, it was Kuroko's turn. When Riko was wondering where he was, the Phantom appeared by her side with a megaphone and scared the crap out of her as per usual.
"Sorry, I'm not good at shouting. May I use this instead?" he asked.
"…I guess." Riko replied.
Kagami also stared in surprise at Kuroko while Kuroyuki observed with masked interest with arms and crossed his arms. As always, it seemed he was the only one who could detect Kuroko's actions. At that time, his ear twitched at the sound of footsteps and he decided to hide in the shadows.
However, just as Kuroko took a deep breath, a teacher came in.
"KORAAA~! The Basketball Club again?!"
"Ah, they're quick this year!" Riko exclaimed.
For the rest of their time, they were scolded while forced to sit in a seiza. Suspiciously, Kuroyuki Sora was nowhere to be found the whole time.
Once again, at Maji Burger, Kagami Taiga finds himself sulking.
"Do they have to be that angry just because I spoke a little too loudly?" he asked himself.
He did not expect someone to respond, "I did not even do anything yet and I still got scolded."
Kagami spat his drink in shock when he found Kuroko pouting in front of him with a troubled expression. The redhead started contemplating the thought of changing stores as he lamented over the fact that they meet here too often.
He heard Kuroko muttering about some problem and he could only respond confusedly. When it became clear that the so-called problem was about his doubtful position in the team, Kagami was left in exasperation as he stared at Kuroko.
"What will I do if I'm unable to join the club?" Kuroko asked anxiously.
Just before he could say anything, His Royal Highness Kuroyuki came with perfect timing…again.
"Seriously, this guy might not be scaring the living daylights out of everyone like Kuroko does, but the way he just keeps popping out of nowhere with perfect timing is just as scary…or worse." Kagami shivered in thought.
"I think it was better that you did not get to yell at the rooftop." Kuroyuki said.
Kuroko looked up with horror in his eyes, but Kuroyuki just smiled amusedly.
"What I mean is…you are a Phantom, Tetsuya-kun. You should not let the school acknowledge your goal in such a straightforward way. If you cannot scream your heart out at the rooftop like we did, then all you really have to do is find another crafty way. If you really want to join the team, you should at least have that much in you, right?" he elaborated with that gentlemanly smile.
"Besides," he then patted Kuroko gently on the head, carefully fixing the light blue locks as he does so, "there is no way Seirin could have the audacity to deny your talent if they would be willing to accept someone like Taiga-kun."
"What do you mean someone like me?!" Kagami exclaimed with one of his fists raised.
Kuroko's eyes gleamed in hope and admiration as Kuroyuki stopped petting his head to sit by his side with another chair from the other tables.
The sight of Kuroyuki's waiter uniform made Kagami realize, "Shouldn't you be working?"
Kuroyuki's smile became strained again, something that only Kuroko noticed since Kagami munched on a burger before it turned to normal again.
For some reason, Kuroko's chest tightened when he saw that familiar loneliness in Kuroyuki's silver eye.
"I am on a short break." Kuroyuki said.
Kagami scowled before turning to Kuroko, "More importantly, there was something that was bothering me."
When silence greeted him, he took that as his cue to continue speaking, "You were considered to be good enough to become the Phantom Sixth Man, right? If so, why didn't you join a veteran school just like the other five guys like Kuroyuki said? Do you…have a reason to play basketball?"
Kuroko remained silent for a while but Kagami was not done as he turned to Kuroyuki this time, "And you…"
Kuroyuki just stared with his smile nowhere to be found but Kagami was undeterred, "You said something about going against people stronger than even the current Generation of Miracles. Were you bluffing? If not, did you…win against these people?"
At that piece of information, Kuroko's eyes actually widened in shock as his head snapped to the young man by his side.
"Stronger than the Generation of Miracles…? People like that actually exist…?" he thought with disbelief and awe.
Kuroyuki just closed his eyes, flipped his hair as if in dismissal, and then sipped his iced tea. Thinking that he was not going to answer the question unless Kuroko answers his first, Kagami and Kuroko made eye contact.
"As strong as my middle school was at basketball, there really was only one simple rule over there:
"Winning is everything."
At that statement, Kuroko and Kagami noticed Kuroyuki's grip tighten on his glass but ignored it for now.
"What was necessary for that sake wasn't teamwork but overwhelming individual skills. That was how the Generation of Miracles came to be the strongest. However, that really could not be called a 'team' anymore. I was playing well with these five geniuses, but I felt like I was missing something important."
"…so what is it?" Kagami asked, "It can't be that you were thinking of taking them down with your basketball, right?"
"To be honest, that was my first thought." Kuroko deadpanned, bringing an amused light in Kuroyuki's eye. This caused Kuroko's chest to flutter instead of the previous tightening it did.
"Seriously?!" Kagami exclaimed in disbelief.
Turning back to the redhead, Kuroko continued, "Rather than that, in this school, I found myself being moved by yours and senpai's words. Right now, the most important reason for which I'm playing basketball is because I want to make you and this team the best in Japan."
Kagami scowled though there was a spark in his eyes, "Spouting embarrassing stuff as usual…well, whatever, as long as I get to crush the 'Generation of Miracles'. Also…"
Kagami looked away, "it's not 'I want', right? You will make us Number One."
Kuroko looked up at him before giving a small smile.
Once again, there was silence…which was broken by Kuroyuki.
"The Knights of Celestia…"
Kagami and Kuroko turned to him in surprise for hearing him speak. Kuroyuki was unbothered as he continued,
"I do not know if you could still seek some information about them in the Internet or anywhere else, but you are free to try." He paused to sip his iced tea while his two companions blinked in confusion. Seeing this, Kuroyuki smirked and put down his now empty glass.
"You wanted to know whether I was bluffing or not, right? About the people stronger than the 'Generation of Miracles'…" he hinted, causing Kagami and Kuroko to gasp.
Kagami frowned, "And? Did you win against them?" Kuroko waited expectantly for the answer as well.
Kuroyuki smirked slyly, "Rather than saying whether I won against them or not, all I could say is that I lasted against them. It is not a matter of who is better among 'The Knights of Celestia'. They were what you could call the 'Generation of Miracles' from Britain."
Kuroko blinked, "From Britain…?"
Kuroyuki traced the brim of his glass as if in a daze, "A team composed of eleven people including the coach and the manager…Each of them had a talent that only a real genius can possess. If the 'Generation of Miracles' are the type of players that appear once every ten years, The Knights appear once every twenty.
"As I said, I do not know if there are still information left that you could research since they kind of disappeared off the face of the Earth just as they were about to debut in the professional circuit. However, I would tell you some hints so pay attention."
Kagami and Kuroko remained silent in shock as Kuroyuki continued, "There are four Aces: the Heart, the Spade, the Clover, and the Diamond. There are four Specialists: the Joker, the Mad Hatter, the Wild Cat, and the Puppeteer. Then, there are the wings of the team: the Vermillion and the Crane."
When Kuroyuki halted, the other two blinked in confusion.
Kagami's right twitched in suspense, "Those were only ten people. You said there were eleven of them."
Kuroyuki spared him a glance before crossing his arms, "The Aces are those who are considered to be the pace makers of the team with their all-around talents that complement their teammates. They take the lead in the offense and support when in defense. The Specialists are those who commence the 'turning of tables', so to speak. They are the ones who face the opponents head-on in a risky situation, and bring out manipulative methods to regain the advantage.
"However, the eleventh member is said to be the ultimate masterpiece. He is the Pillar that holds everything together and controls The Knights like King Arthur to his Knight of Rounds. He is what people call 'The Guardian Knight', the founder and captain of the team. The Knights of Knights…to the other Knights of Celestia, he is God."
He then stood up and collected the trays, "To tell you the truth, I do not really think there is much difference between them and the 'Generation of Miracles'."
Kuroko furrowed his brows in confusion, "Then why would you say they are better?"
Kuroyuki looked at him, "Because aside from being a genius and having overwhelming abilities, they have the decency to act like a real team."
At that statement, Kuroko felt a pang of realization. Then, Kuroyuki patted his head as he whispered to the Phantom that made his words inaudible to Kagami. Kuroko's eyes widened and gleamed with unknown joy as his heart felt a nostalgic warmth.
The warmth that made him feel acknowledged…
When Kuroyuki stopped patting him on the head, he turned to Kagami and asked, "Are you still going to eat that?"
Kagami looked down at the burgers before looking back at Kuroyuki, "Why?"
Kuroyuki smiled tiredly, "There are some kids in an orphanage that might appreciate a change in their menu tomorrow morning. I might as well make use of your leftovers, remake it into a new dish, and deliver it."
Kagami blinked before blushing, "W-When does your shift end?"
"Why?"
"Just tell me!"
"…in half an hour."
"We'll wait for you outside."
"…okay."
Little by little, a bond of friendship continued to grow ever stronger as they walked under the night sky together.
The next day, Kuroko Tetsuya came to school very early.
The sun was barely rising but the sky is already a bright blue. He finally came up with the creative way of speaking his goals as Kuroyuki advised. He already had a box of chalk in his hand, and was on his way to the quadrangle of the school. He gave a small smile as he remembered Kagami offering to walk home together.
"It seems even Kagami-kun was touched at the thought of Kuroyuki-kun helping out some children in an orphanage." He thought. His heart started to feel that warmth again, but shook the thought away.
Kuroko looked up and was very shocked to find Kuroyuki standing alone at the middle of the quadrangle. He was looking up at the sky but his eyes were closed. His black outer uniform was draped on his shoulders again, while his bag was resting by his feet.
At that time, Kuroko could have sword he saw wings behind Kuroyuki but it might have been a trick of the scenery.
"Kuroyuki-kun…" he called out shakily. For the first time, the Phantom prayed the other would not notice.
It was answered.
Kuroyuki made no move in reaction to his shaky call, and Kuroko just opted to approach him. He stood in front of the dazed male as he waited to be acknowledged. When Kuroyuki opened his eyes, Kuroko's own aquamarine orbs widened when he finally got the slightest glimpse of Kuroyuki's always hidden right eye.
It seemed…blind.
Kuroyuki looked down at him and blinked, startled for the first time of Kuroko's sudden presence. Nevertheless, he smiled. Kuroko noted that there were traces of exhaustion in his expression. He somehow felt relieved that Kuroyuki was pretty open to him. That, or the fact that he could at least read him better than others…
The taller youth noticed the box of chalk and gave a knowing smirk. He said no words as he took his bag and placed it at some bench, followed by his black uniform jacket. He bade Kuroko to come nearer and asked,
"What are you writing and where do we start?"
For the next hour, they worked on writing a big message of Kuroko's goal. Just as they finished, Kuroko realized that they used up the whole box since they made sure that the message is as visible as can be. He was also glad to see that Kuroyuki started to relax even more after their brief activity.
However, one thing still bothered him.
"I don't see it…" he muttered to himself.
Kuroyuki heard him clearly and turned to him with a questioning gaze, "I beg your pardon?"
Seeing that he was caught, Kuroko decided to be bold, "I don't see the Ice Prince within you just like what the rumors said…but I can't deny its existence either. Who are you, Kuroyuki-kun? Why do you play basketball? Why…" he paused but found enough courage when he saw that the ever composed Kuroyuki Sora was caught off guard, "…why are you so lonely?"
A silver eye widened then hardened before the owner of it turned his head away, almost in shame.
Kuroko bit the inside of his cheek nervously. He himself did not like being prodded about his past and figured that it was the same for the other man. Just as he was about to apologize, Kuroyuki spoke.
"You saw it, didn't you? The incident in the hallway…"
Kuroko nodded hesitatingly, "Yeah, about the girl asking to be tutored by you…right?"
Kuroyuki looked up at the sky, "That girl is just like everyone else. If it's not the Ice Prince, it's Mr. Honor Student. I have many names like those two: Mr. Perfect, The Heartthrob, Teacher's Pet, Mr. Know-It-All, etc… At some point, even Kuroyuki Sora just became a title that people admired."
He smiled in self-mockery, "After school, I was introduced to a new employee in Maji Burger who I was supposed to teach the ropes. I agreed, and there was no problem really. However, just before you and Kagami showed up in the restaurant, I heard a rather irritating conversation between the newbie and the manager."
Kuroko saw him clench his fists that it turned white. For a moment, Kuroko was frightened to see blood flowing anytime soon. Thankfully, the grip loosened but the fists were still clenched.
"Normally, a person would be happy when his peers say that he's very reliable and perfect. To me, it's actually the same. But the way they talked about it…offended me."
.
"Oh, Kuroyuki…? Yeah, he's perfect, right? You could count on him in just about anything. If you have a problem, just ask him and he'll handle it."
"He really is! I bet he can do anything, but really…"
"He's so kind that he's practically a dream come true."
.
Kuroyuki turned his gaze back to Kuroko. The Phantom felt that familiar tightening in his chest as he saw that icy loneliness in the other man's eye.
The dark-haired youth smiled, "No one could truly look at me and see me. In fact, I would say that my presence is bleaker than yours. They say I could never smile genuinely but, the truth is, none of them just tried hard enough to bring it out."
Kuroko wanted to disagree but the tightening in his chest made it hard for him to speak…so he could only listen.
"I was always perfection, never human for them…but I am. I'm always chained by expectations ever since I was young. I could never defy them because whatever I tried, I would end up on my own; therefore, I concluded that I might as well snatch that kind of attention and perfection just so I would not end up with nothing. Then, I discovered basketball. You asked me why I play basketball…right?"
Kuroko nodded silently, and Kuroyuki closed his eyes and embraced himself as if to feel his own warmth.
"I play basketball because that court makes me feel as if I'm in another world, one that exists for 40 minutes that I want to last forever. In that court, I can be no one and anyone at the same time. That means every chain I had to hold me down is gone. I'm not Mr. Perfect or the Ice Prince…I might not even be Kuroyuki Sora. I'm just me, and no one else could question it. At those times, I am untied and unbound. There are no expectations.
"In basketball, you dribble the ball, shoot it through the hoop, and prevent the opponents from doing the same thing. That court became my world for 40 minutes. In that world, there was only the team and the rivals. Nothing else mattered…not winning or losing, just playing as if to prove you're alive." He then tilted his head up with eyes still closed, and opened his arms as if awaiting to be embraced by the heavens.
"I play basketball because, in the court, I'm given the world that makes me feel alive as long as I could play regardless of victory or defeat…even for just 40 minutes, it made a difference in my purpose."
Looking at him now, Kuroko remembered the words Kuroyuki whispered to him last night.
.
At that statement, Kuroko felt a pang of realization. Then, Kuroyuki patted his head as he whispered to the Phantom that made his words inaudible to Kagami:
"Among the Miracles, you are the one closest to attaining the heights that The Knights of Celestia soared. I am glad for that."
.
Kuroyuki looked back at him abruptly as if awakening from a dream. He blinked and chuckled before striding and stopping in front of the Phantom Sixth Man.
The Ice Prince reached up a hand and cupped Kuroko's right cheek with his calloused left hand. He stroked it gently and leaned forward. Kuroko blushed lightly but Kuroyuki dismissed it as an effect of being exposed in the cold morning wind for too long.
"There's chalk dust on your face." He muttered then smiled cordially and leaned back. He laughed when he reached for Kuroko's right arm this time, "You have some on your sleeve as well. You're unexpectedly clumsy and messy, Tetsuya-kun."
When he finally let go, Kuroko was bowing his head and full-out blushing in embarrassment. He was grateful that Kuroyuki decided to be dense this time—probably because of his emotional revelation a while ago—and dismissed his embarrassment because of his supposed clumsiness. He composed himself after some difficulty, and regained his blank mask with just as much hardship.
"Let's leave before people start coming and noticing us here." Kuroyuki offered lightly. He started to walk towards his belongings and Kuroko watched him.
There were no tears but Kuroko wanted to shed them. Kuroyuki looked and felt so alone and, as much as Kuroko hated to admit it, the other man is in a height much too far away for him to give comfort. That is why Kuroko made another decision: he will get stronger and reach Kuroyuki so he can never be alone.
Kuroyuki turned to him after he properly wore the black outer uniform properly this time with his bag slung over his left shoulder.
"Are you coming, Tetsuya-kun?"
Kuroko blinked and nodded as he trailed after the other man. He looked at Kuroyuki, who had his eyes closed again, and smiled. Someday, he will reach Kuroyuki Sora's pedestal and make him smile. Kuroko will make sure to never leave his side and protect that smile. For now, it was just for the sake of friendship and what he felt was not necessarily love…but it was getting close.
Unknowingly, that moment became the start of a first love for Kuroko Tetsuya.
"What's with all the fuss?"
Kagami Taiga reached the window after passing through the crowd and saw a message:
I WILL MAKE YOU THE NUMBER ONE IN JAPAN.
There was no signed name but Kagami smirked knowingly. There was only one possible person he knows that would write something like that.
At the end of the classroom, Kuroko scratched his nose sheepishly. In front of the Phantom, Kuroyuki leaned on the windowpane as he looked over his shoulder to observe their secret masterpiece.
At another classroom, Aida Riko grinned in amusement as she placed the registration paper down on her desk. The name dictates that it belonged to one Kuroko Tetsuya.
On that same day, practice proceeded with quite a few interesting events.
Most of the members of the Seirin Team were gathered in the lockers as they got ready to get changed for today's practice. At one of the benches, Hyuuga Junpei spotted an old issue of a sports magazine which features basketball. The main topic was about the Generation of Miracles, showing articles for each member.
At least, almost every member…
"Kuroko…didn't get an article, huh?" Hyuuga wondered aloud.
"Even though you were the Phantom Sixth Player…didn't someone come to get data?"
Kuroko turned to his senpais blankly, "Someone came, but forgot about me."
"So painful!" the 2nd Years thought.
Kuroko looked out the window, "On top of that, someone like me is completely different from these five people…because they are true geniuses."
His thoughts wandered to a certain Ice Prince's words.
.
"Among the Miracles, you are the one closest to attaining the heights that The Knights of Celestia soared. I am glad for that."
.
Aquamarine eyes softened with heartwarming emotion. Kuroko shook it off as he turned to his locker to get dressed. He was admittedly touched that Kuroyuki thought he of all people could compare to a group of geniuses—who he seem to hold in high regard—that could supposedly surpass the Generation of Miracles.
"I've been thinking of Kuroyuki-kun quite frequently these past few times…" he thought, blushing lightly. Thankfully, no one noticed.
"Ah, Kuroyuki…how rare, you're early!" Koganei exclaimed. The rest of the 2nd Years were also surprised.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear, as they always say.
Kuroyuki nodded at them in acknowledgement before proceeding to his locker, which was right next to Kuroko's at the right. As per usual, he already came properly dressed in his sports attire with the exception of his rubber shoes which was probably in his locker. When he opened it, he took out said shoes and placed his bag inside.
Kuroko observed his fellow 1st Year at the corner of his eyes. Something was slightly different with the other man today. When Kuroyuki sat on the bench at the center of the room, Kuroko had to slightly look over his shoulder to keep him in sight.
"It's not the presence of an Ice Prince, but it's not his usual demeanor either." He mused.
When Kuroyuki finished tying his shoelaces securely, he paused before looking up at Kuroko who looked away just in time. Kuroyuki raised a brow before shaking his head and going back to his locker. He ignored the fact that Kuroko was still observing him as he brought out his uniform from the bag and hung it pristinely with the hangers in his locker. He closed it and went out of the room. Kuroko followed soon after.
The 2nd Years exchanged glances.
"Those two are getting pretty close lately." Hyuuga commented.
"Kagami is less obvious, but he's pretty much the same. He and Kuroko seem attached to Kuroyuki." Koganei said. Mitobe nodded in agreement before smiling while looking at the bench where Kuroyuki sat.
Koganei laughed before translating, "Mitobe says it must be his Princely charisma or something."
Izuki grinned, "One must be an Old Man (Oji) to be treated like a Prince (Ouji)."
Hyuuga sported an angry vein on his forehead before smacking Izuki on the head for his lousy pun.
After getting out of the locker room, Kuroko silently followed Kuroyuki to the gym. He was one step behind and was trailing after the taller male who seems to prefer silence today. He did not want to intrude so he settled himself with the pleasant silence.
Kuroyuki yawned, catching the Phantom off guard.
"You didn't get enough sleep?" Kuroko asked curiously.
Kuroyuki glanced at him before staring ahead, "I just woke up too early."
Kuroko nodded and left things as is, "He was probably just tired."
The truth is that Kuroko Tetsuya was worried that Kuroyuki felt awkward after their little talk earlier in the morning.
Meanwhile, Kuroyuki Sora was silently cursing his body clock. In truth, he was hoping to sneak some time to catch up some sleep once he arrives but did not expect Kuroko to appear. Moreover, there were only a few minutes until class when they were done and he was not the type to fall asleep in front of people.
Unfortunately, he gave into the urge some time at the midst of practice and disastrous results started to brew when the Captain noticed that the Coach was missing.
"Hey, what happened to the coach?" Hyuuga asked, "I know she was supposed to look for an opponent for a practice match but…"
"She came back already, and it just seems like she's skipping practice."
"SHE'S SKIPPING?!" Hyuuga exclaimed in dismay. He then turned to the rest of the team with a strained smirk, "You better be ready, everyone! If that girl is skipping practice, then that means our next opponent is quite a dangerous one."
With perfect timing, Aida Riko came into the gym while humming happily.
"Oh, welcome back." Kuroko greeted.
"I'm back~!" she sang, "Sorry, I'll get changed immediately." Just as she reached the locker rooms, she peeked out and smiled slyly, "Just a thing: I got a match ready with a school that has one of the 'Generation of Miracles'." After that, she closed the door.
Everyone was dumbfounded.
"WHA…?!"
"SERIOUSLY?!"
Kuroko and Kagami were silent, but both cannot deny the excitement they feel.
Just as a suffocating silence started to form, the coach came back. She was about to give out instructions with a closed-eyed smile when she heard a soft snore resound in the silence. Everyone was also confused and started to look around.
They saw a sleeping Kuroyuki on one of the benches with a book on his face, music ringing from the headphones attached to his hearing appendages, and his hands folded on his stomach.
Riko's good mood made a turn-around, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING SLEEPING, YOU SLACKER?!" She was about to deliver a good kick when one of Kuroyuki's hands shot up and caught her foot.
The temperature dropped a few degrees and everyone shivered involuntarily. By this time, the team knew about Kuroyuki's reputation as the Ice Prince and started being more considerate to him on terms of sentimentality. They were also aware that he has low blood pressure and could get cranky without caffeine, but he makes an effort to show mercy on women due to his gentlemanly instincts.
As he sat up, everyone watched in trepidation for the confrontation of two renowned demons in Seirin. The headphones rested on his shoulders, the book on his face slid down, and Kuroyuki was coincidentally looking further down the normal level of his eyes.
"White suits you just fine, Riko-san."
Everyone sported a bright red blush except for Kuroko who just deadpanned.
"KUROYUKI SORA…!" Riko yelled.
"…It's not my fault that you had to deliver an unlady-like kick while wearing a skirt, Riko-san." He reasoned blankly.
"QUADRUPLE AMOUNT OF TRAINING FOR YOU!"
"…"
.
.
.
Speaking of training, they were having a short "Freshmen vs. Sophomores Game" again.
This time, Kuroyuki decided to participate after completing his quadrupled exercises. The Coach excused herself briefly to vent off her embarrassment and frustration outside while they commence the match. He was intentionally keeping himself out of the spotlight by dribbling the ball and passing to Kagami, after receiving a misdirected pass from Kuroko. No one noticed his actions since Kagami was doing a good job at keeping the attention.
It took him a moment's pause before he sprinted past Izuki. However, after getting used to his agility, Izuki managed to keep up and block him from reaching the goal. Kagami, on the other hand, made an amazing countermeasure by making a nice cut and turning around swiftly. With great speed, he passed Izuki after making a turnaround before dunking the ball.
His stunt earned him praises from everyone, especially the other 1st Years.
"Whoa, nice shot…!"
"Incredible, he turned back even though he was going at full speed?! You wouldn't think that cut was made by a human."
Kuroyuki left brow twitched at the praise, "Oh please, couldn't these guys' standards get any shallower?"
"Do you think you could beat even the 'Generation of Miracles' with that?"
"It's possible! Actually, don't you think it's more than likely?!"
Kuroyuki walked towards the discarded ball and, again, no one noticed because everyone was busy gossiping and worshipping Kagami. He picked up the ball and listened with concealed irritation at the team's naivety.
"That kind of move isn't something anyone can do."
"Maybe he's surpassed them already."
Kuroyuki clenched his jaw and his eyes narrowed into an icy glare. A few people felt the temperature lower a few significant degrees and shivered instinctively. Kuroko glanced at Kuroyuki before turning back to observe Kagami's casual form as he ignored the whispers.
.
"With your current level, you can't hold a candle to any of them."
.
"That was what I said, but…" he muttered.
His doubt seemed to be the final straw for Kuroyuki Sora.
He needs to put Kagami in his place and the others in reality.
Kuroyuki gripped the ball hardly in-between his hands before hovering it over his head with only his left. His eyes widened as he slammed it down, a resounding bang echoed in the gym as the ball bounced in a straight line and almost touched the ceiling due to the impact. Everyone's gazes snapped to Kuroyuki's direction whose left eye was now hidden like his right one.
He slowly turned towards Kagami and his left eye held a menacing gleam that makes the coldest blizzard seem steamy. The ball fell lower and lower as the temperature got colder and colder. The ball bounced after touching the ground.
Then, everything else was like a flash of illusions.
After the ball bounced, Kuroyuki immediately raised right hand to catch while entering a pouncing stance. He dribbled the ball with unspeakable speed that was just enough to beat Kagami by a notch as afterimages of the ball and his figure formed like some ephemeral trail. He sprinted towards the Wild Tiger who had his red eyes widening in shock and slight nervousness at the aggressive attack. He took a subconscious step back, watching Kuroyuki's blurring form dribble the ball alternately between his two hands and legs.
Everyone gaped and could not even utter a warning as they knew a collision was inevitable with Kuroyuki's current speed and path.
However, Kuroyuki just smirked slyly.
It was like he was there but he was not. As he dribbled the ball without a pause as he was centimeters away from the redhead, the others saw Kuroyuki Sora literally pass through Kagami Taiga like a ghost! Everything happened in an instant yet it felt like it took excruciating hours as the sound of the ball being shot at the hoop successfully snapped everyone out of their dazed state.
Kuroko, the only one who managed to see Kuroyuki make the shot, stared in awe as the tall male shot the ball the right moment that he was parallel to the left side of the hoop. A shadowed figure seem to overlap with Kuroyuki's as he made a rounding motion with his right hand—which held the ball at the moment—before the orange object was thrown upwards and redirected by his left hand towards the hoop. The image faded as Kuroyuki landed on his feet past the line of the court.
The ball fell with a dull thud but, to everyone's ears, it sounded deafening.
Kuroyuki looked over his right shoulder as his bangs shielded his eyes from view.
"Do not get ahead of yourselves." He warned darkly, "Kagami's cut was mediocre at best, and simple-minded at worst. It takes so much more than that to surpass a Miracle. If you keep this casual naivety up, you'll get eaten before you make it to Nationals."
He placed his hands in his pockets while walking past Kagami from behind.
"Remember, Taiga-kun," he paused as he held his head up high, "every lapse in concentration is a chance to score."
Kuroyuki walked away calmly, his regal aura and commanding gaze silencing the whole court.
"How strong could he be? What is up with that move?" Hyuuga thought.
Izuki smiled, "Hard to believe that he's just a 1st Year after that lecture…"
Koganei broke into a slight cold sweat, "Scary, was that the Ice Prince?!"
.
.
.
After letting small incident pass, everyone gathered up for a meeting as they waited for the coach. There was a slight problem at the start since everyone could not spot Kuroko, who remained silent since he did not want to scare anyone and get yelled at again. Kuroyuki pulled him by the wrist and notified everyone that he found the Phantom, much to Kuroko's gratitude and everyone's relief.
After that, Riko returned and announced their next opponent.
"A practice match against Kaijou High?!" everyone exclaimed except for Riko, Kuroyuki, Kuroko, and Kagami.
"Yup!" Riko replied with a competitive gleam, "They won't be bad as an opponent. We'll be using all the Freshmen too."
Hyuuga deadpanned, "Rather than not bad, it's more like they'll be way too much."
"Are they that strong?" Kawahara asked.
"Kaijou High School, also known by the title of Blue Elites,is a school that focuses quite a significant attention on their athletes. Their Boys' Basketball Team is a powerful team of National Class, taking part in the Inter-High every year." Kuroyuki answered boredly.
"EHHH?!"
Kuroko watched Kuroyuki closely by his side, "His demeanor is definitely different today. He seems more irritable and…bored. It could be fatigue but…"
"More importantly, Coach," Hyuuga interjected, "what you said when you came back last time, were you serious?"
"What?" Kagami asked.
"Of course," Riko replied with a small smirk, "Kaijou is one of the schools that have a player of the 'Generation of Miracles', Kise Ryouta."
Kagami's eyes widened, "The Generation of Miracles…!"
Kuroko and Kuroyuki observed the Wild Tiger's reaction while the others were still rapidly participating with the conversation. They were not disappointed to see an excited smirk and competitive gleam on the redhead's face.
"To think it'd happen so quickly, I'm grateful! It's raising the tension." Kagami thought.
"On top of that," Hyuuga stated, "that Kise…isn't he that rumored model?"
"Seriously?!"
"Incredible!"
"He looks good and plays basketball well?! Isn't that harsh?!" Koganei exclaimed.
Izuki tightened his lips, "Well, if it's looks and basketball potential…"
Everyone's gazes turned to Kuroyuki who had his eyes closed as he flipped his hair over his shoulder. When he opened them again, he saw most of the males in the room looking at him with a deadpan expression to which he raised a genuinely confused brow since he tuned out most of the conversation.
"Fate is so cruel!" thought the boys except for Kagami and Kuroko.
Riko sweatdropped and muttered, "Idiots…is that all they think about?"
Exasperated with the simple-mindedness of her players, Riko looked away. She then noticed a crowd starting to build up near the entrance. She blinked once, twice, thrice…nope; the crowd was still there so she is definitely not imagining it.
"What?!" she exclaimed, "Why is there such a crowd here?"
"Aah, damn…" a voice muttered sheepishly, "I didn't come for that, but…"
Everyone was shocked and dumbfounded. The blonde, golden eyes, the light brown uniform…
"It has been a while." Kuroko greeted.
It was Kise Ryouta.
"Long time no see." He greeted back before smiling sheepishly, "I'm seriously sorry, uh…well, do you mind waiting a few minutes?"
Riko frowned; she did not know whether he was addressing the girls or them, but it is going to take him forever before he finishes signing those autographs. She turned to their resident Bishounen Ice Prince who was casually drinking from a water bottle, completely ignoring the ruckus going on around him. Her stare seem to have caught his attention as he turned to her with a raised brow.
"Kuroyuki-kun, go do your thing and deal with those girls, will you?" she demanded.
Kuroyuki frowned in confusion before turning his gaze to where she was pointing at. His eyes hardened and his expression turned emotionless. He sighed inaudibly and placed his water bottle aside. He then walked towards Kise and the crowd of girls calmly, making his teammates notice him and wait in anticipation for what is about to happen.
"Ladies," he called courteously. The crowd's attention—including Kise's—was then directed at him, and almost immediately, a gentlemanly smile grew on his face though his eyes held an icy glint as the temperature dropped a few degrees. The rest of the Seirin Team and Kise tensed, feeling the change of atmosphere.
"There goes the Ice Prince!" Seirin exclaimed in thought.
"As much as we appreciate your support and enthusiasm, your numbers are proving to be a big distraction to practice." Kuroyuki closed his eyes with his smile still intact, "Now, seeing as Kise Ryouta is our guest as of the moment, would it be reasonable to ask of you to wait outside as he gets his business with us done? I am sure he would be glad to sign those autographs later where he could give you utmost attention."
"In other words: 'Get the hell out of here. You are all an eyesore.' That's probably what he meant." Kagami thought with a deadpan expression.
For extra measures, Kuroyuki tilted his head slightly.
"Ne~ Onegai. (Please.)"
Just like that, the whole crowd of girls blushed madly and scrambled away while bowing and thanking Kise and Kuroyuki. The Ikemen (whose eyes were wide with amazement) and Bishounen (whose eyes were still closed but smiling pleasantly) followed their trail away with their heads.
{Translation(s): Ikemen = cool-looking and popular guy; Bishounen = beautiful and attractive guy}
"Kyaa…! Did you see that?!"
"The Ice Prince is so cool!"
"He was so majestic! Can you believe he smiled at us?!"
"He's so gentlemanly! It must be his English heritage!"
Those were some of the fan girls' mutterings as they left.
Kise whistled and was impressed that there was actually a guy that could control the fan girls with such expertise. He turned to said man and smirked, "Nice and smooth…you're good."
On cue, Kuroyuki lost his smile and opened his eyes as he turned his head back to regard the blonde. Kise raised a brow, feeling the intimidating presence looming over him. The guy was taller than him but since he was sitting at a height above him, Kise was the one who had to look down.
{A/N: FYI, Kuroyuki has a height of 198-200cm (adjusts due to his low-heeled boots) and weighs 80kg.}
"What is a member of the GoM like you doing here?" Kuroyuki asked bluntly, his hands in his pockets.
Kise blinked confusedly, "GoM…?"
"The Generation of Miracles…or would you prefer MiraGen…?"
"Oh! I see, and no…I like GoM better."
Kise jumped down from his seat and stepped beside Kuroyuki as he addressed the whole Seirin Team while answering the question at the same time.
"Well, when I heard that the next opponent was Seirin, I remembered it was the school Kurokocchi joined in so I came to say hi since we were the ones getting along the best in middle school." He turned to Kuroko with a cheerful smile, "Right?"
The Phantom replied bluntly without a pause, "Not particularly."
"So mean~ssu!" Kise exclaimed with comical tears running down his face.
Meanwhile, Kuroyuki was walking to the benches and boredly sat down. He did not really care if Kise Ryouta was here right now since his plans were already set in motion, and his earlier appearance just provided some filler to the main events. As long as the blonde does not do anything territorial, Kuroyuki would pay him no heed. He picked up his jacket and draped it over his shoulders before picking up a novel. He crossed his right leg over the other as his left hand held the book while his right held his left elbow upright.
"Since practice seems to be at a halt due to Ryouta-kun's presence, I might as well catch up some chapters." He thought dismissively.
While the Ice Prince was minding his own business, one of the guys finished reading a significant part of Kise's article in an old magazine.
"You've been playing for only two years?!"
"No, well…this article is exaggerating, really." Kise denied, "I'm glad I was called one of the Generation of Miracles; but, in other words, that just means I was the weakest of the bunch." He turned to Kuroko again, "That's why Kurokocchi and I were picked on quite often, right?"
"I wasn't particularly picked on. Actually, could you please stop making up things?" Kuroko replied bluntly again while his thoughts trailed, "I don't want to appear weak in front of…" He shook off the thought and blushed lightly for a split second, which made his slight embarrassment unnoticeable.
"What?! I was the only one?" Kise was crying comical tears again until he had to be serious for a moment to block a ball aimed at his face. He felt it at the last second and managed to instinctively bring up his hand to catch it.
Kuroyuki knew who threw the ball before it could make any impact, but he peeked from beneath his lashes to see Kise's expression. After that, he immediately looked back down.
"Sorry to mess up your reunion after such a long time," Kagami apologized though he did not look the least bit sorry with the wild grin on his face, "but you didn't come all the way here just for a greeting, right? Why don't you play with me a bit, Ikemen-kun?"
The rest of the Seirin Team stared in shock at Kagami's bold challenge. Kuroyuki just rolled his eyes before continuing to read nonchalantly, and Kuroko was actually quite surprised how uncaring he was.
Kise held the ball in one hand and remained silent for a while.
"If I had to base things on my observations so far, this guy—Kagami, was it?—is more impulsive. On the other hand, the other guy—whose name I didn't catch—seems to have the edge on terms of technique and speed at least." His golden eyes trailed to Kuroyuki's direction and were amused to see the latter to be so relaxed even when a member of the Generation of Miracles was near.
Kise smirked, "I want to go against the other one, but since I was challenged…"
"Alright," he replied to Kagami while removing his tie and jacket, "let's do this! I'll accept this challenge for showing me something good."
The corners of Kuroyuki's lips were being tugged into a smirk as he rested his novel over his face like a fan to hide his expression.
"This should be interesting. Maybe Taiga-kun would learn the difference of knowing the Miracles from seeing the Miracles." He muttered.
"This might be bad." Kuroko commented.
Riko turned to him, "Eh?"
At that moment, the game began with the ball in Kise's possession and Kagami on guard for anything. With experienced speed and agility, Kise sprinted past Kagami but the redhead caught up.
However, he made the same exact cut as Kagami demonstrated before as he halted, turned, and dashed to dunk.
"Once he sees a play, he can make it his own." Kuroko gravely muttered.
Riko gasped, "You can't call something of that level an imitation! He perfectly made it his own."
"Don't mess with me! That's the one I did earlier! You must be kidding, right?!" Kagami thought, instinctively managing to catch up to Kise and reaching the ball from behind.
Or so he thought…
"Whoa, Kagami's awesome too! He reacted in time?!"
Kuroyuki smirked, "It's useless. The cut and power was better than Taiga-kun's. Ryouta-kun does not just imitate but improves whatever weakness he spots in the play. If you want to stop that particular dunk, you need to be in front of him to block and not behind. What's more you need to pinpoint the center sweet spot to touch the ball and find the blind spot to Ryouta-kun's guard at the same time. Even if you manage this, the results would most likely cause a foul in an official game."
As stated by Kuroyuki's thoughts, Kise managed to dunk the ball successfully and cause Kagami to lose his balance and fall.
Kuroyuki promptly closed his book with one hand and placed it aside, "In theory, Taiga-kun's original play had been copied and adapted into a practically flawless maneuver by Ryouta-kun."
"Kuroko, isn't your friend way too incredible?"
"…I don't know that person." Kuroko replied.
At those words, Kuroyuki listened attentively and crossed his arms.
"Honestly, I was thinking naively earlier as well." Kuroko solemnly admitted.
Kuroyuki rolled his eyes, "At least someone got the point…"
"But…even though I haven't seen him in just a few months, he…" Kuroko paused as he cannot find it within himself to voice out his next words, "The abilities of the Generation of Miracles are evolving at a much higher pace than expected!"
Kise scratched the back of his head, "Umm…but well, you know…letting that kind of occasion go, I can't go back after just a greeting after all." He dropped his hand to his side, "Please give me Kurokocchi."
At his last statement, Kuroyuki's silver eye widened before it twitched.
"Give Tetsuya-kun, he says?" he thought darkly, "Who the hell does that blondie think he is?! What did he think Tetsuya-kun is: a doll? Here I thought Taiga-kun was arrogant!"
Kise looked at a momentarily stunned Kuroko, "Come to our school. Let's play basketball together again."
Everyone paused before yelling in unison, "WHAT?!"
On the other hand, Kuroyuki's fingers twitched before painfully gripping his own arms while in their crossed positions. He bowed his head which caused bangs to shield his eyes while smiling darkly.
"I'm serious!" Kise stated with an excited smile, "I respect you a lot, Kurokocchi! You're just wasting your talent in this place."
Kuroyuki twitched and he could not control his ominous aura which caused the temperature to dangerously drop.
Koganei shivered and, by instinct, turned to Kuroyuki's direction only to let out a soundless whimper. He poked Mitobe before pointing at the glowering Ice Prince, which then caused the silent man to pale. He then poked Izuki, and the chain continued until everyone except Kise, Kuroko, and Kagami were made aware of the barely concealed fury of His Royal Highness.
"So? How about it?" Kise prompted.
"I am honored that you think about me this way," Kuroko politely replied before pausing to bow slightly, "but I must humbly refuse that proposal."
"Doesn't that sound weird in that context?!" Kise whined, "Besides, this isn't like you! Wasn't winning everything for you? Why didn't you go to a stronger school?"
Although Seirin was still listening to the intense conversation, most of their eyes were glued to the still silent Ice Prince whose aura has not calmed at all. His sweet smile became a wicked smirk by this point, and every word from Kise made Kuroyuki's dark aura—which terrifyingly looked like a black shadow demon—grow like a mutant.
"My thinking has changed since that time." Kuroko answered, "More importantly, I already made a promise to Kagami-kun. It's the promise to defeat the Generation of Miracles."
"I also made a promise to myself." Kuroko thought with a soft gaze, "I have to get stronger and reach that person so he would not have to stand alone again…so that I could see his smile and protect it."
"…It's not like you after all, saying that kind of jokes…" Kise muttered.
"What the hell?!" Kagami thought, "So this is the Generation of Miracles…it's awesome, seriously. He wiped the floor with me, and he's saying there are still four stronger guys?! Not to mention the fact that Kuroyuki mentioned some guys that are actually stronger than the Miracles…!"
Kagami laughed as he nudged Kuroko to the side, "Damn, what the hell…! Don't go stealing my lines, Kuroko!"
Kuroko glanced at him before turning back to Kise, "The fact that I'm no good with jokes has not changed. I'm serious."
Kise stared at them with an unreadable expression. He was about to speak until Riko intervened.
"Umm…not to be rude but…"
The three turned to her and saw the entire Seirin Team practically shivering and wearing fearful expressions. Kagami and Kise furrowed their brows in confusion while Kuroko remained blank though his eyes held confusion as well.
At that moment, a very fast white object whooshed past the Light and Shadow of Seirin. The object was about to hit Kise square in the jaw if he had not turned and caught it in time.
"Again?!" the blonde whined before looking at the object, "Wait, why is it so small and hard? Is this…a baseball?!" He gaped at the object on his palm, Kuroko and Kagami doing the same.
"Here I thought my team was getting ahead of themselves…I guess the Generation of Miracles is one of a kind in more ways than one."
This time, the three previously oblivious prodigies turned to Kuroyuki's direction.
The young man was still pristinely sitting at the bench but his right arm was positioned as if to throw something, which must be the baseball. He uncrossed his long legs and stood up with a demeaning frown and a narrowed silver left eye that speaks of condemnation. Kuroko and Kagami stared with eyes while Kise was starting to slightly break in a cold sweat.
"This guy is starting to remind me of a certain redhead from my middle school days…" the blonde thought.
Kuroyuki then started to take deliberately slow steps forward, "In all honesty, I do not appreciate unannounced visitors but since I'm not the Coach, Captain, Vice-Captain, or even Manager of this team, I had no right to send you away. I also saw no problem with your little showdown with Taiga-kun since our dearest Wild Tiger was the one who challenged you."
He then halted in his tracks when he was just a step ahead before Kagami and Kuroko. He crossed his arms and the jacket over his shoulders seems to be moving like a cape blown by a wind as the sleeves fluttered. The shadow demon behind him looked like it had claws threatening to reach out to Kise once its master gave the command. The temperature dropped dramatically, and everyone—except for Kuroko and Kagami who resolutely held back the urge and just shivered, and Kise who was already frozen—instinctively hugged themselves and shivered.
"I feel like I'm in a freezer!" Koganei muttered. Mitobe nodded.
"However, you came in here disturbing our practice for a visit to a friend that you could have encountered in a practice match. After that, you insult the team right at my face while attempting to convince Tetsuya-kun to leave us for your school. To put the icing on the cake, you just have the nerve to do it in my territory!"
Kuroyuki grew a wickedly sadistic smirk, "For the cherry on top, you have the balls to do all this and end up trampling on my pride. In that case, it would only be fair to say that I am very much tempted to cut off the reason girls fantasize about you in their dreams every night. Wouldn't you say, Ryouta-kun?"
As if to emphasize his words, Kuroyuki uncrossed his arms and pulled out a large pair of black stainless scissors. He started snipping it threateningly as if to demonstrate its sharpness, and everyone paled at the sight.
Kise gulped, "He definitely reminds me of a certain person back in middle school. He just threatened to castrate me in a nice manner…and I didn't even know that was possible! Wait…did he just call me 'Ryouta-kun'?!"
Kuroyuki stopped playing with the scissors and pocketed it. He looked at Kise with no sign of emotion on his face and, with great reluctance, controlled his aura to revert the temperature in an acceptable level. He placed a hand on his right eye underneath the bangs in a tired fashion.
"If you have no further business, I suggest you tend to your fan girls that are waiting outside. Whatever loose ends you are going to leave here today will be settled tomorrow on the match."
Kise's lips tightened into a thin line before tilting his head to the side in an acknowledging bow, "Well then, I guess I'll see you tomorrow. I look forward to your performance as well."
He nodded at Kuroko who nodded back, and smirked at Kagami who smirked back.
He then stared at Kuroyuki who stared back and removed his hand from his eye. This action accidentally moved his bangs, causing Kise to get a glimpse of the mysterious right eye. Golden honey eyes widened before they settled back down.
He then stopped in his tracks when he remembered something important.
"Oh yeah, here's your baseball back!" Kise threw the ball back at Kuroyuki who caught it without a flinch or blink, "I didn't catch your name by the way."
Kuroyuki lowered the hand that held the white ball as he met Kise's stare directly, "Kuroyuki. Kuroyuki Sora."
Kise nodded with a smile, "Kuroyukicchi then."
Everyone blinked, "Kuroyukicchi?!"
With no further ado, Kise Ryouta made his exit and Seirin's Boys' Basketball Team vaguely heard some squeals and screams outside.
Everyone else glanced at Kuroyuki who was staring at the closed doors of the gym.
"Kise-kun adds '-cchi' to those he acknowledges, so I hope you're not bothered by your new nickname too much." Kuroko informed.
"…Hn." Kuroyuki then turned to Riko who flinched slightly, "Are we going to make use of the rest of practice, or are you going to dismiss us early, Coach?"
Riko blinked at the formal tone, "Ah yeah, you guys can be dismissed early today. I want you guys to preserve your energy for tomorrow. Besides, you all had enough excitement today."
Kuroyuki said nothing but nodded and bowed before heading towards the locker rooms. Kuroko followed his figure with his eyes before bowing at the upperclassmen himself and following suit. Kagami did the same, except he did not bother to turn back and bow. The Freshmen Trio followed their examples.
Now only the 2nd Years are left.
"The Ice Prince is really something." Hyuuga commented.
"Yeah, I really thought I was in the middle of a blizzard." Koganei said with a lingering shiver.
Mitobe nodded in solemn agreement.
Riko smiled, "A person with that kind of presence has something good within his sleeves. I'm excited to see what Kuroyuki-kun is really made of."
Izuki nodded eagerly with closed eyes and crossed arms. He then opened his eyes with a triumphant gleam before frowning, "Ah, I forgot my pun!"
On cue, Hyuuga and Riko simultaneously smacked him on the head while the others just shook their heads.
"WE DON'T NEED IT!"
Thus, another day went by.
Tomorrow, Seirin will face their first obstacle in becoming Number One!
A/N (Old): Thus, the plot is introduced and romance starts to brew. I am not sure whether I made the right decision to show Kuroyuki's reason this fast, but I figured that there would not be enough time in-between the competitions to give a glimpse of his vulnerable moments. This could also be a start for character development so I settled with this chapter.
BTW, regarding the ending, Kuroyuki is not necessarily a pervert. He is just indifferent to the matters of genders and nudity of the opposite sex, and since the GoM are the main love interests (which means Aomine Daiki included), I thought that might be an interesting trait to make up for Kuroyuki's lack of boobs. Hehe…
The 'Knights of Celestia' will play a major role for character development if you hadn't noticed in the summary and the details of this chapter. That would be fun to write since *SPOILER* not one of the players among the Knights will be OCs except for Kuroyuki…which leads me to this question: should I put this story in the category of Anime X-overs? This story will inevitably show A LOT of cameos everywhere, especially when we get to Kuroyuki's past.
A/N (New): Yeah, I edited and combined two of the chapters in the manga. Supposedly, the time Kuroko wrote his giant chalk message was the same day as Kise's visit to Seirin. At least I think so, since I can't really imagine Riko making two same announcements in different days. In order to not get confused with the timelines, I combined it into one chapter so here's the edited version.
Lots and lots of thanks to shyness123 for reviewing! Your comments inspired me!
PLEASE R&R!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke.
