Jounetsuno KISS! Kono "seishun"ni KISS!
(A kiss of passion! A kiss to this "youth"!)
Ima ganbatteru kimiga daisuki
(I love you, working so hard)
Saikouno KISS! Sono "zenryoku"ni KISS!
(The best kiss! A kiss to all "your power"!)
Muneippaino omoi tsutaetaindayo
(I want to show you all these feelings in my heart)
Aisihiteru!
(I l.o.v.e y.o.u!)
It was slowly getting dark in Tokyo. Shadows were lying on the street and people was walking faster, to get to their homes as soon as possible. It was cold and in howling wind you could feel approaching snow.
Almost the entire Seirin's team gathered in Kagami's tight flat. Only two persons were missing – Hyuuga and Riko - but they wanted to talk about them, so they didn't invite them. Kagami also didn't know what's going on, but if the team came, he prepared a large pot of tea and brought it and ladle to the living room, where he placed it on a table. All his cups were from different sets; some of them he brought from America and some he bought here.
-I didn't know that you like cups with prints - said Kuroko, holding in his hands a cup with Grumpy Cat and inscription "I need coffee" on it.
-I think they're funny.
-Extremely - agreed Izuki, turning his cup in his hands: "I'm not the morning person".
Mitobe smiled too. Koganei, sitting next to him, was enthusiastically noting down something on a piece of paper. First-years were sitting behind them, each of them were silent.
-Ok, now that Izuki and Mitobe convened us here, maybe they'll tell what's going on - started Kagami. –And why didn't we invite captain and Riko?
-Because we'll talk about them.
Kiyoshi poured tea from the pot, thinking, that it's pretty clever, make so much tea at once. However, when he heard that the team wants to talk about Riko and Hyuuga, he felt unpleasant burden in the stomach.
-And what about them? - Kagami looked at his friends.
-Kagami, are you the only one that didn't notice that they're in love? - asked Kuroko incredulously.
-WHAT?! They're in love?! - Kagami opened his eyes wide. He didn't notice anything like that. Yes, he sometimes saw them together on a break or when they walked home together, but they probably worked on strategy, and didn't talk about…well, about what people talk about on dates. In Kagami's world, you could only love basketball.
-Not only that - Izuki smiled broadly. –They're dating. Oops. It slipped off. I'm sorry. You do not know that.
Mitobe nodded.
-Well, ok - Kiyoshi drank tea. What Izuki said hurt him. –But why they didn't tell us?
-Because, and focus now, "it could affect badly our relations" - Izuki grimaced contemptuously. –If any of you thinks that what is between them is bad, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.
Both he and Mitobe looked at them, their faces were saying "Say a word, and in the morning your dead body will be fish out from river." But when all of them kept silent for a few seconds, they smiled again.
-So, if they're in love - Kagami bended one finger – and are dating - he bended another – why do we have to meddle in it? They did a very good job without us.
-Kagami, the idea is to stop them from hiding, because they're not doing anything wrong - sighed Kuroko.
He was glad that Kagami can distinguish right from left and can tie shoes, otherwise they might have a problem.
-Maybe they have an important reason to hide? - said Kiyoshi. –You know, Riko's father doesn't look like a father who would turn a blind eye on what's his daughter doing.
-I think Mr. Aida is not our problem - said Tsuchida. –I think that they worrying about our reaction. You know, sometimes Riko has to touch us, she orders us to undress, in dressing room she sees us in a different states of negligee. Maybe Hyuuga's afraid that we'll be embarrassed?
-Or Riko is afraid that he'll be jealous - added Koganei.
-You think so bad about them? - snorted Kiyoshi. –They're over it.
-I agree with Teppei - said Izuki. –They're just like that.
-Okay - Kagami frowned. He tried to keep up with conversation. –But I still don't understand what's with this meeting. I they don't want to reveal their relationship…
-…we'll do it for them - finished Izuki. –Of course, they'll be angry at first. But then there will be weeping, sobbing and hugging.
-I hate when you're quoting Disney's movies - groaned Tsuchida.
-Down, Bessie! But back to the topic. We have to do something to stop them from hiding, at least in front of us.
-But what?
-We can stand in front of them and say: "Hey, we know everything, you don't have to hide" - figured Kagami. Seeing faces of his mates, he sighed. –What?
-You're so wildly inventive that you blinded me - groaned Izuki. –Why didn't I think about that? Ah, perhaps because it wouldn't be funny!
Kagami fell silent. Kuroko smiled to him.
-I think that Kagami's idea is good. As a last resort, if we didn't figure out something else, it will our only idea - he turned to his older friends.
-So you want to come up with something funny? - smiled Kiyoshi. –Good. Let's think.
Hyuuga was waiting twenty minutes at the bus stop. His irritation grew and grew as his friends were late. That's what you get when you agree to meet with morons, he thought, looking at the phone. He already tried to phone Izuki and Koga, but none of them was so genius to answer the phone. Besides, he wondered what they have in mind when they told him to pack some clothes for the next day.
-Hyuuga? - somebody touched his arm. He jumped, pulled out of his thoughts.
-Riko? - he noticed and sighed heavily. –Please, don't surprise me from behind like that - he groaned, and, using the opportunity that they're alone at the bus stop, he kissed her quickly.
Riko clenched her fingers on his jacket and smiled.
-I'm sorry that I'm late. Where are everyone?
-They didn't arrived yet - he said. –I don't know, first they arrange a meeting and then they're late.
-Maybe they missed the bus? - she wasn't sorry that their friends hasn't arrived yet. It gave her a few more minutes alone with Hyuuga. –Did you get any other anonym?
-No. And I'm not lying - he added, seeing her expression. –I told you that this'll get bored.
-Mhm - she slipped her hand in his and felt how he squeeze it. Although they both had gloves, they felt warm of each other pretty fast.
Hyuuga wanted to kiss her, but he caught a glimpse of Kuroko who was running to them.
Mitobe was right behind him.
-We're sorry! - groaned Kuroko, bending and trying to catch his breath. –We missed our bus. Kagami called that they missed their too. But everyone will be here in a moment.
-Okay - Hyuuga had a better humour already. He got a kiss, he couldn't be angry. –Mitobe, what a tasteful scarf - he said, and Mitobe glanced at his scarf made of multicolour yarn. –Your sister made it for you?
Mitobe nodded, hiding his nose in scarf. His sister gave it to him as a birthday present; they made it themselves, each one made another part.
-Lucky man, my sisters can only cut hair.
-They dyed your hair for a blond?
-Yeaah. Both. They had incredible fun - Hyuuga didn't like to go back to that, even in memories.
Fortunately, they didn't have to continue this subject any longer, because soon arrived the bus, from which the rest got off. It got crowded and loud, because everyone at the same time was trying to explain why they're late. Hyuuga tried to outshout them, but without success. People watched them with slight smiles. Many of them knew them from news and newspapers: stars of Seirin High School, winners of the Winter Cup, normally ordinary teenagers.
-So, what do you want to do?
-We're going to the cinema, and then we're gonna drink at somebody's place! - shouted Koganei.
-Alright - agreed Riko. –You have to de-stress before the match. But we'll train again, starting tomorrow, so don't get a mega hangover, ok?
-You'll be with us, you'll not let us - said Kiyoshi. –Did somebody chose a film or we're going blind?
-Blind. Spontaneity is so unpredictable! Damn, that was good, right? - Izuki looked at them, waiting for applause. The only thing he got was a couple of resigned glances and groan of Hyuuga, who found his joke very weak (like always).
After a while they came to the shopping centre. Moving in group was hard, because every now and then someone stopped to show something to the rest. Hyuuga tried to go near Riko, but he had his hands hidden in pockets.
Finally, they came to the cinema. They looked at the board on which were written off film shows. Riko sighed, seeing how all boys was staring at the movie, where were playing a sexy model and big robots. Probably they'll choose this one. Well, the majority's right…
-How about a horror? - asked Kiyoshi, according to plan.
–Let's see a horror.
-Horror? - groaned Riko. If there was something that she was afraid of, it were horrors.
-Good idea. Now they're playing a remake of horror about a little girls who haunts residential block - Tsuchida tapped the right image. –I saw it with my girlfriend, but I will watch it again with pleasure.
Everything is going according to plan, thought Izuki. Now they just had to buy tickets in this way, that two places will be separated from the rest. And it will be the best, if those two seats will be in such a place where everyone could see it. It's gonna be an interesting show, and none of the conspirators had the movie in mind.
-I'm not sure if letting them buy tickets is a good idea - said Kiyoshi, looking at Izuki and Kagami who stood at the checkout. –They don't look good.
-They can count points, so I guess they can count how much tickets we need - Riko was scared. She hoped that there will be not enough tickets, even one, and then she'll go see another movie. The best would be animated and for children, where nothing pops uot of nowhere and doesn't scare people.
-Okay, listen up, the matter is that almost the entire auditorium was occupied and they threw us a little - said Izuki, raising tickets. He made slightly disappointed face, but inside he was dancing with joy. –Most of us can sit at the top, but four people got seats on couches for couples. So. Someone wants these?
Silent fell. Boys weren't looking at each other. Finally Kuroko sighed heavily.
-I can take one, I don't mind - he said.
-So I can sit with Kuroko - said Kagami.
-Okay, so only one left - Izuki gave tickets to the stars of the team.
-I can sit on the couch, but someone will sit there with me - said Riko.
-Hmm? Volunteers? I warn you, once I saw a horror with Riko, not in the main role, and our trainer can strangle a man during the show - Izuki smiled shamelessly.
-Give me this ticket - grunted Hyuuga. He knew that Izuki made this casting on purpose, knowing that he will volunteer. Oh well. He shouldn't be angry; he will see film with Riko and Izuki gave them a pretext to hug.
All in all, when he thought about this calmly, when they sat in their seats, Izuki done them a favour.
Two rows further, Izuki nestled on his seat and reached for popcorn, which was on Mitobe's lap.
-That's gonna be an awesome show - he said, eating food and sipping Coke.
Mitobe nodded, also eating a lot. He offered popcorn to Teppei, who shook his head.
-I'm not hungry - he lied.
The truth was that it was hard to him watch Riko and Hyuuga. They sat next to each other and talked about something in low voices, leaning towards each other. He was jealous, but also strangely calm. Both of them were his friends, he was glad that they're happy together, but somewhere inside, a quiet voice told him that he would give a lot for sitting next to Riko now.
Kuroko squeezed into his seat and embraced himself with arms. Kagami looked at him suspiciously. He have never, even during the toughest matches, seen friend so uptight.
-Kuroko…are you afraid of horrors? - he asked finally.
-Awfully - he admitted. –When I was a child, I accidentally watched one in TV. Since then, I hate darkness and scary movies.
-So why did you agreed on Tsuchida's plan? If you're afraid of horrors, you should do what Kiyoshi said.
Kuroko shook his head.
-This plan was the best. I'll close my eyes and pretend that I don't see a thing.
Kagami turned his head and stared at the screen. On his cheeks appeared a slight blush, but he stretched discreetly his hand to Kuroko.
-If you get scared, you can squeeze me - he whispered.
He couldn't notice that, but Kuroko also blushed. And after a while Kagami felt on his skin touch of Kuroko's cold fingers, when he slipped his hand into his.
When the movie started, Riko lost the rest of her courage. She was glad, there was so dark that nothing could be seen; she slipped under Hyuuga's arm and hid her face in his neck. They sit like that for the first time, but after a while they both decided that they like it very much.
-You smell nice - she whispered.
Hyuuga coughed and blushed slightly. For an answer she must take that he run with his fingers on her neck in a gentle caress that caused a pleasant thrill. But when he felt her lips slightly tighten on his ear lobe, he trembled.
-Riko…- he moaned.
-I'm sorry - she smiled and laid her head so she could see the screen, but she also could safely hide.
When both of them got involved in the movie, they completely forgot that they're not alone in the auditorium. Hyuuga liked horrors and he liked the story which movie was telling; he also liked that he felt weight of Riko's head on his chest.
She also watched the movie, but in general, she didn't know what's going on in it. She discovered that dating Hyuuga isn't only about kissing and touching when the opportunity occurs. It is also listening to his heartbeat. This sound calmed her and gently lulled her, because she felt so safe like never, especially when watching horror movie.
Something in her broke and raised as new. She realized that what was connecting her and Hyuuga, wasn't usual crush and sexual attraction. She really loved him. Every beat of his heart knocked on her consciousness, as if it was saying "stop resisting and let me in".
When they walked out from the cinema, Izuki smiled at them. He noticed that Riko was slightly subdued and Hyuuga was absent minded. However, to his surprise, also Kuroko looked totally distracted, but Kagami smiled broadly. Their plan hasn't yet encountered any obstacles.
-Hey, what's up, Riko? Are you still alive? - he asked, approaching to her.
-Better worry about the captain, suffocation can be dangerous - said Tsuchida, joining them.
They walked now in this way, that Riko and Hyuuga were between Izuki and Tsuchida. The team behind them was preparing for another stage of the plan. One of the many stages, said Izuki, quoting Disney's film again.
-I'm alive, as you can see - snapped Hyuuga. –This movie wasn't so scary.
-True - Riko added, who didn't even know what this film was about.
-Maybe you'll like horrors - Kiyoshi laughed. –And someday we'll have a real marathon, all of us.
-Great idea! - shouted Koganei enthusiastically. –That will be fun.
The conspirators didn't know what's gonna be "fun", the marathon or what will soon happen: the final stage of their plan, it is binge drinking. They knew that only then man gets to be honest.
As in Japan you can buy alcohol when you're over 20, they stopped by suspicious-looking shop in a side street.
-Kagami, Kiyoshi, you look like you're old enough, go for supplies - ordered Izuki. –People, empty your pockets.
Every one of them gave their money to boys. Izuki knew that the owner of this shop rather never do any problems (here they bought alcohol for their first binge drinking in life, after that they had hangover for a two days; only Mitobe miraculously survived and made sure that they will sleep on mattresses and not on the floor).
When two boys went into the shop, Riko sighed deeply. She heard rumours about how boys for the first time went so drunk and she didn't like it very much, but she knew that there's no point in discussing with them. Moreover, they'll drink in somebody's house, so everything should be under passable control. She just hoped that Hyuuga and Kiyoshi will prevail over the team.
-You'll drink youngsters into insensibility? – she murmured to Izuki.
-They have to go through another stage of baptism of fire, right? They already made a promise from roof, bought sandwiches, we were drunk like Messerschmitts after one match, now it's their turn.
Trainer just sighed heavily.
-Just don't overdo it - she asked.
Finally, Kagami and Kiyoshi came out from the shop; their backpacks looked much heavier than before, additionally, they had two big bags in hands. At its justification, they said that apart from alcohol they bought something to eat.
-Okay, so where we're going?
-Who lives nearby?
-Who lives alone?
According to plan, Kagami invited them to his place. It wasn't far, only two bus stops, so they decided to go on foot. Along the way, they exchanged the ideas on how to shock Rakuzan High School, when they arrive in their place. Tsuchida proposed that they should wear war paint on their faces, most of them reacted with laughter to that. Only Kuroko wondered aloud, which colours would they chose. He also tried to walk near Kagami. He never drank alcohol and he had different, quite twisted, visions of what will happen.
In the flat was tightly, but somehow everybody get in. They sat around Kagami's table and on the table soon appeared potato chips, salty sticks, chocolate and two bottles of vodka.
-We bought Polish vodka. It's hard to get it, but this guy has connections - said Kiyoshi proudly. –Don't follow up vodka with chocolate, because you'll puke - he advised youngsters.
-I think that we'll all puke - groaned Riko.
After a while, as a warm up, they drank first round. Kagami explained to them that he already drank with Poles, who were on student exchange in Los Angeles.
-Never again - he said. – We need to be picked up from floor, and they were just getting warmed.
-Cheerful nation - smiled Izuki.
For discreet sign, given by Mitobe, Koganei made sure that glasses of Riko and Hyuuuga were always full. Of course, he poured to the glasses of others, too (Mitobe was the only one who wasn't drinking), but a little less. Even so, soon Kuroko had already healthy flushed face and leaned against Kagami, as if he was a comfortable chair. Kagami also turned red and sat in this way that Kuroko was sitting between his legs (he was afraid that his younger friend will slip down on the floor).
-Actually, Tsuchida - began Kuroko, with a little sleepy voice. –You're the only one of us who has a girlfriend.
-I think so - Tsuchida slightly embarrassed. –I date Mitobe's younger sister. Her name is Hyuna.
-Niiiiice - sighed Koganei, dreamy. –She's pretty, huh? Surely prettier than Mitobe.
Mitobe smiled broadly, and Koganei smiled back.
-You're pretty too, I always say that - he said to his friend, and Mitobe patted him on head.
-Of course she is. You wanna see a picture?
According to plan, all nodded and Tsuchida pulled picture out from a wallet, folded in half. There were he and pretty, dark-haired girl in funfair. They both smiled to the camera, as if they won on a lottery. Riko sighed, wishing that someday somebody will take such a picture of her and Hyuuga. She shivered, imagining how it will be, that she could embrace him without stressing that somebody will see them. Or just be able to hold his hand in a crowd of people.
-You're cold? - asked Hyuuga, leaning over her. She had to admit that his eyes were still bright, but he was blushing slowly. He took off his blouse and wrapped her arms, and he was then wearing only shirt and T-shirt, which he had underneath.
Kuroko looked at them with sheep's eyes.
-Tsuchida, how did you do it that you're together? I also keep an eye on somebody, but I don't know how to confess my feelings - he added. Kagami almost laughed. Even drunk, Kuroko still perfectly and convincingly play his role: lovesick.
-Normally. I asked her about it. I left a letter for her in cabinet. And I met her, when I was at Mitobe's place for notes.
-Captain - Kuroko yawned and rubbed his eyes and Kagami moved away from his fingertips his glass and gave him a glass with juice. –If you were in love, how will you tell it to your crush?
-What a question - Hyuuga blinked, surprised.
Riko felt as he buck up a little, sitting next to her. But she had already slightly elevated level of alcohol in blood, and in addition, she was pleasantly warm in a blouse, funnily enough, her boyfriend, she wanted to hear what he would answer.
-Tsuchida is the oldest, and the next is you. Will you give her your clothes so she will smell like you?
-Oh God, the next one is me - groaned Kiyoshi. –And I know nothing about girls - he was swaying slightly and his eyes were slowly losing visual acuity. -Hyuuga, tell them something smart, before they'll bother me with such questions.
-I would tell her that I love her. It's simple - said Hyuuga, he wasn't looking them in the eyes. –And I will tell her that we're going on a date.
-Oh, a little brutally - sighed Kuroko, who never has enough courage to blurt out with such demands,
-But it's cool - laughed Riko. –He stands in front of you and says that you're going to the cinema, full stop - she still giggled.
At the table fell silence. Everyone stared at her, even Hyuuga, who felt that in a moment they both will lose control over what they say. If Riko hasn't lost it already.
-What are you saying, Riko? - Kiyoshi blinked. –Did Hyuuga do it like that?
-Yeah. You wouldn't believe, would you? - she still was laughing. –He was so imperious and sweet! Oh…! I shouldn't have said that! - she covered her mouth with her hands.
-No, you shouldn't - sighed Hyuuga, but if the cat's out the bag, he could just embrace Riko with his arm. –Yes, we're couple - he said, a little rebellious craning nose up, as if he was challenging them.
But instead of words of criticism towards them rained thunderous applause, whistles and laughter. Team cheered up and friends patted Hyuuga on his arm. He and Riko felt a little lost in the noise. They didn't expect that everyone will respond so enthusiastically.
When everyone calmed a little, Kuroko looked at Izuki.
-Will I get an Oscar? - he asked, smiling broadly.
-You will. For the leading role. And Tsuchida for the script. I give one for myself for directing - they toasted, when brand-new couple looked at them in concentration. Riko had the impression that they pull their leg, but she didn't want to get angry at them. She felt as light as a feather, wonderfully free.
-You planned this? - Hyuuga looked suspiciously at his glass. There was no truth serum, and even if they all drank the same.
-Of course. Mitobe and I thought that's pointless, your hiding and stuff - Izuki, despite the amount of drunk alcohol, still was functioning as if he was sober. –We're family. The fact that you love each other will only raise our morale, not the opposite.
Riko felt as her eyes fill with tears. She blinked quickly to ward them off, but in the end, she wiped them with her sleeve.
-You're so sweet - she sobbed. Hyuuga just smiled broadly, knowing that he couldn't have better friends.
-So let's toast for love! - shouted Koganei, everyone raised their glasses and drunk up. Kuroko started to blink rapidly; there were tears in his eyes, too.
-Kagami? I think I got drunk - he sighed. He felt Kagami's hand on his head.
-I see. Come on, let's put you to sleep - he carefully helped Kuroko get up.
But it turned out that Kuroko wasn't able to stand on his own. Izuki said that they need to drink another one, this time for Kuroko being not much of a heavy drinker, while Kagami just took his younger friend in his arms and carried him to his room. He laid him on bed and started to undress him.
-You won't turn the lights out? - asked Kuroko quietly, feeling more and more sleepy.
-No. I will leave a lighten lamp, so you don't have to be scared - he promised, covering him with a blanket. He folded Kuroko's clothes and laid it on chair.
-Where will you sleep? - asked Kuroko, falling asleep.
-I don't know - sighed Kagami, knowing that Kuroko doesn't hear him. He completely zoned out. A note trembled in his heart; thoughtfulness. He wanted to take care of Kuroko.
Meanwhile, at the table, Izuki looked at his watch. And coughed.
-Kagami and Kuroko are long absent. Do you think the same as me?
-That they're puking together? – Tsuchida raised his head.
-No, moron. That soon we'll have to do another brilliant plan like this!
In the morning, Riko waked up in Hyuuga's arms. They slept on a couch, hugging each other. His glasses laid on a table, like most of his clothes. Riko quickly looked down and sighed with relief, seeing that she has her clothes on her. Although boys undressed each other when going to sleep, they didn't dare to undress her. She decided that this is sweet that even Hyuuga hadn't touched her; in addition, he slept so that he protected her from the rest of the room. For a moment she laid in silence, listening to the quiet snore of Izuki, who was sleeping on his stomach, with his head on Mitobe's lap. Koganei and first-years were balled up next to each other by the window, on bed made of blankets and pillows. Kagami was nowhere to be seen, so he was probably sleeping in one room with Kuroko. Kiyoshi slept in the semi-sitting position, with his head resting on the cabinet with the TV.
Like one, big, happy family, she thought, laying her head between arm and neck of Hyuuga. When boy moved restlessly, she stroked his stomach, and then embraced.
-Sleep, sweetheart. Sleep - she whispered and fell asleep again.
Momoi was going back from Aomine's place furious, as always. Ace of Tōō's team could ruin all day with his moods. He promised that he would go with her shopping and, yes, he went, but why he didn't let her chose clothes for him? She liked to dress him, believing that it's her duty, since Aomine has so rare contact with his parents. Meanwhile, he thought they were going shopping for her.
-Stupid Aomine - she murmured, searching for keys in her handbag. When it dropped on the ground, and everything from it spilled, she stamped her foot angrily. She would rather spend this day with Kuroko, but he was sleeping off yesterday's party with Seirin's team.
Momoi bended down to pick up her things, but she had problem with it. She couldn't see a thing through tears that filled her eyes. No one had time for her, Kuroko preferred his new team and Aomine didn't want her help. And when he proposed that he'll walk her home, she told him to get lost.
-He'll be angry - she murmured, groping her things.
-Who? - asked a familiar voice.
She raised her head and looked around. The street was dark, she couldn't see the caller. She had the impression that she knows his voice, but it was muffled by the scarf.
Down her spine slipped an unpleasant shudder.
-Who is this? Aomine, is that you? - she slightly raised, looking around. –Aomine, show up, don't scare me!
When she saw the caller, it was too late. She didn't have time to duck from a baseball bat, which hit her in the head, and the world plunged into emptiness, silence and darkness.
Uketomete, sasaeteite
(Accept me, support me)
Sukoshi dake demo
(Even if just a little)
Muimi na sekai nante nai to
(I can make a tomorrow that you are able to believe)
Shinjiru tame no ashita wo tsukuri ageru no
(That there is no such thing as a world without meaning)
Mou akirametari shinai kara
(I won't give up anymore)
In this chapter fragments of following songs were used: „Kiss, Kiss, Kiss" (Buono!) and „Zoetrope" (Yanagi Nagi).