Soul Vrazy: Thank you for your review. It's because I still need him for the story too just like Aomine. Don't worry, I will tell you once I don't need him anymore -chuckles- Midorima and Tetsumi will be friend with each other though it will take a while before we reach that part. The members of GOM/Kiseki no Sedai are Akashi, Murasakibara, Aomine, Midorima, Kise and Tetsumi though aside from Aomine, Kise and Tetsumi both Akashi and Midorima don't come from the same middle school in my story. I hope that explanation helps you to understand :)
alaxsandra: Thank you again for the review. Tetsumi won't make a pact with the devil aka Akashi yet though she will do so in the next chapter ;)
Kuruizaki-hime: Thank you for your review. You can see what happens during the confrontation between Tetsumi and Akashi in this chapter. I'm glad to know you like this story. Hopefully, this chapter will satisfy you as well :)
Kuroshiroryuu: Thank you for your review. So I have replied your review through message before. I hope that had cleared the misunderstanding :)
ibookworm281: Thank you again for your review. I wished the same thing too though sadly we can't get that in the anime. That's why, I decided to make them get to know Kuroko more in my story. Although this chapter was the starting point for them to get to know Kuroko, I hope you enjoy it as well since from here onwards there will be more interactions between Tetsumi and the other Touou's regulars :D Yeah, I agreed with you about Sakurai being adorable; I won't mind to have a sibling like him XD
NewSlove: Thank you for your long review. Your long review in the previous chapter made me so happy XD I think each basketball team have their own personal hell training just like how Riko trains Seirin's regulars. And since Touou has Momoi, I just think why not? After all, Momoi will surely make one personal hell training with his data abilities XD About Kise and Midorima's interaction, I'm glad to know you like it as well. We will see more about them in later chapters. Well in a way they do give a sense of comic relief from all the dramas which happening in this story. Don't worry it's not just you who feel that way because I think the same too. Their relationship will be quite hilarious and awkward too after all with Kise and Midorima's personalities. Really? I quite like Akashi even with that personality of him. I hope you can endure Akashi's appearance in my story since he has a quite important role too in my story ;) We will see what Kuroko's grandmother meant with her words in later chapters since it will take a while before we reached that part. It was one of mysteries that won't be revealed soon XD Hopefully, you'll enjoy this chapter as well~
BrokenBlackCat: Thank you for your review. Yes, Akashi really loves sharp objects XD -chuckles- That's why I told you that he won't use scissors or fist since there are still other sharp objects he could use to replace his scissors ;) Well, I just want to make an impression about Tetsumi being a strong girl who doesn't like to be defended. That's why, she was angry at Aomine for talking in her place in the previous chapter. Although deep down she knows that Aomine only meant well for her. Don't worry even though she was mad at him, she still cares about him in her own way. Kise and Midorima will make one cute couple with how their personalities clash each other, I think their relationship will be an interesting one with Midorima's quirks and Kise's childishness. You'll see the regulars' reaction over Tetsumi in here although this chapter only a starting point for them. They will see more of Tetsumi from this chapter onwards ;D
Guest: Thank you for your review. It made me really happy to know you like my story :) The reason why my story doesn't really follow the canon was because I want to try to make a story where I can be free with my imagination without really following the canon though I still take some or little part from the canon as well :D
hitomi65: Thank you for your review :)
gigi323: Thank you for your review. About Fem!Midorima's name being the same with the name Fem!Shizuo from Durarara usually use, I just think with Midorima's personalities it will be perfect to name her Shizuka. After all Shizuka means quiet and from what I've seen in canon Midorima isn't a talkative person, so I think it will suit Fem!Midorima just fine :D We will see more of that couple in later chapters since I also enjoy writing both Kise and Midorima's relationship. They are quite hilarious when together after all XD Ah don't worry about the rift, even though the two of them aren't in a friendly term with each other now, at least Tetsumi can stand Aomine's presence although it felt a little awkward sometimes. Aomine will do something to fix their relationship though. Yep! Murasakibara won't do much in this chapter since I have a different plan for him. He will get his own interactions with Tetsumi in later chapters. Hope you'll enjoy this chapter too ^^
Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroko no Basuke. If I do, surely it will be filled with lots of yaoi in it! Also, I don't own the cover for this story, I merely taken it from pixiv. The credits for the cover goes to アケ with pixiv id 635762.
Warning: AU. OOC (it happens in this story). There will be a lot of gender bending too in this story, so if you feel bothered by it; I suggest you leave now. Unbeta, so beware of some mistakes and errors the authoress made. Also, please read the authorres' notes or the side notes (if there is one) because usually I write some important thing in there.
Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Drama, Romance
Pairings: AominexFem!Kuroko, Slight AkashixFem!Kuroko, One-sided KisexFem!Kuroko, KisexFem!Midorima
"..." for memories in Italic
'...' thought in Italic
And "..." present time
-Her Reason, His Value-
Meeting you was a fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control...
Mismatched eyes watched the small girl in front of him in amusement. The resolved look on her eyes was something Akashi found difficult to ignore with how intently she looked at him. It was the first time for Akashi to be on the receiving end of such look, usually people always cower under his gaze. Somehow the thought that this small girl in front of him did nothing of the such, only interest him further. Kuroko Tetsumi was really an enigma. One that Akashi can't wait to crack.
"So, what is it that you want to talk to me?" The redhead asked nonchalantly, his expression revealed nothing of what he was feeling at the moment as he signed for his childhood friend to take a break for a while from their practice game. The purple haired guy merely raised one of his eyebrows inquiringly at Akashi before he shrugged it off and walked to the side of the street court where he had stacked his precious snacks, leaving Akashi to talk alone with the light blue haired girl. It didn't stop him from watching though, since it was the first time for him to see his childhood friend looking so interested like that.
"Please cancel it. Your match with Aomine-kun this weekend, please cancel it." was the straight-forward reply the clear blue eyed girl gave to him. Her eyes looked unflinchingly at him, only stone determination filled her clear blue eyes. The redhead raised one of his eyebrows at the sudden demand though he chose to say nothing about it. It was clear that the expressionless girl was coming for her tanned friend's behalf.
"Is that why you come all this way? To ask me to cancel the match? Why? I thought you don't care about such a thing anymore," He gracefully crossed his arms and stared back at Tetsumi calmly. Even though the expression on his face remained unchanged, there's a hint of sarcasm in his voice when he said that to the light blue haired girl.
The light blue haired girl shook her head lightly, her clear blue eyes looked around her surroundings absentmindedly. As if she was lost in her own world while still talking with Akashi. "I just don't think the match will be worth of your time. After all, what's the purpose of it? Like what you have said before, you can still have a match with Aomine-kun in Interhigh and Winter Cup. There's no need for you to have one unofficial match against him."
Ruby and gold eyes turned to regard her intently, now that what the girl had said caught all of his attention. Clear blue eyes still looked around the street court absentmindedly, not in the least felt bothered by his gaze on her. It intrigued Akashi; the fact that Kuroko Tetsumi will go this far for one dark blue haired teen, it was something that he never expected will happen. Murasakibara watched how his friend looked at the small girl with such intensity. It was obvious that this girl really intrigued his childhood friend, if the look on the redhead was any indications. It befuddled him though as to the reason why such a small girl like that can caught Akashi's interest.
"You are strange, Tetsumi. For a girl who used to play basketball, you refused my challenge. Yet, you asked me to cancel my game against Daiki when it was obvious that he was doing that to defend your name and your reputation. Don't you care about that fact at all?" Heterochromatic eyes looked inquiringly at the light blue haired girl, his voice was becoming exceedingly amused.
The small girl's eyes turned to look at him, her eyes locked with mismatched eyes without any hint of hesitation or fear in them. "It's all in the past, Akashi-kun. I don't play basketball again now. And I can care less about my reputation, it's not like I asked for it in the first place anyway. Besides... I don't need Aomine-kun to defend my name or my reputation." She said slowly after a rather long pause.
Ruby and gold eyes watched the girl interestedly. It was clear that the other was trying to hide something from him, with how her clear blue eyes flickered for a second when she mentioned the ace's name. There's no doubt in Akashi's mind that Kuroko Tetsumi really cares about one Aomine Daiki than what she lets the tanned teen to see. The thought of it irked him though. Even though, Akashi didn't understand why he felt such a thing. After all, he was only interested in the small girl's basketball abilities; not more than that. At least that was what he told to his own self.
The red haired teen walked closer to the light blue haired girl, slowly approaching her as to not startle her without really giving her any room to escape. He stopped right in front of the small girl, his heterochromatic eyes looked closely at her as if by doing so could make him understand her thought better. Tetsumi merely looked back at him, her expression remained impassive like usual. She didn't even look bothered by their close proximity.
"It made me curious though. For you to do something like this... just what is it about Daiki that made you protect him that much? What's his value for you? And more importantly, just what's your reason for doing something like this?" He drawled out slowly, heterochromatic eyes never once averted his gaze away from her.
Tetsumi was silent for some minutes, almost making Akashi sure that he wouldn't get any answer out of the girl before she told him her answer. "I just think it won't be fair for both your team and Aomine-kun's team to get involved in a match where the main purpose was something personal. Besides, I'm not really protecting Aomine-kun. I just thought that it was a waste of time for both of you to continue with this ridiculous match. Also, sometimes we don't need any reason to do something, Akashi-kun. We just do it because we want to," was the only cryptic answer he got out of her before the small girl bowed at him politely and walked away from there. Leaving the red haired teen to stare silently at her retreating back.
It wasn't until the small girl was out of his sight, did Akashi scoffed lightly. His right hand covered his mismatched eyes briefly as a small smirk adorned his face. "Because she wanted to, huh?" He murmured lowly under his breath, the girl's voice echoed softly within his mind. The redhead let out a dark laugh at that before he took down his right hand out of his eyes. His eyes narrowed dangerously at the thought of the other's reason for coming to see him. He never likes it when people ask him to do something for other people's sake, it's not like he was a saint or martyr. And the thought of helping other people without gaining anything in return always left him with a rather bitter feeling. Although, he had to admit that the vague answer she had given to Akashi only made everything more interesting for him. It seemed like it will all be a while before the light blue haired girl can bore him with how she only makes Akashi more and more interested at her with every meeting they have with each other.
The tall purple haired teen who had stayed silent up until now, approached his childhood friend silently. His mouth kept busy munching his snacks, though his eyes were looking at the shorter teen intently. Akashi glanced briefly at the taller teen, his gaze clearly asked the other what he wanted to say though his face remained indifferent. "That small girl was brave. Is she the one that you told me about, Aka-chin?"
"She is. And I really can't wait to crack her shell and watched how she is going to react, Atsushi." Mismatched eyes glinted with excitement as his lips curled into one cold smirk. The slightly deep amethyst eyes stared at his friend's expression silently. The look he saw on his childhood friend was one which told him that the other was happy that he found something or someone who wouldn't bore him quickly. The last time he had seen that look on the heterochromatic eyed teen was when they were first introduced to basketball. Murasakibara Atsushi didn't know if he should felt happy for the redhead or sorry for the small girl. Oh well, it's not like that was his problem anyway. As long as he has his snacks, everything was good for him.
Aomine was in a foul mood. The tanned teen had been grumpy lately since he accepted the challenge from a certain redhead. The knowledge that the said challenge was getting closer and closer with each day passed by didn't help on brighten up his mood either. It wasn't a surprise if nearly everyone in the gym tried to avoid being in his presence as much as possible with how worst his temper had been lately. The only person who was safe from his bad temper probably was their manager, Momoi Satsuki.
The bright pink haired analyst had been the only one who could get close at the tanned teen without being snapped at. Since the analyst had to give the dark blue haired teen his training menu and watch over his progress. Besides, it's not like Momoi would keep silent either if Aomine snapped at him while he is in a bad mood. The usually bubbly manager had been rather stern and unforgiving to all of them since the time he informed them of their upcoming match with Rakuzan High. Although it was understandable with how strong their opponent is.
The analyst sighed heavily at his childhood friend's performance. He had asked Aomine to show him his skills earlier and after watching his childhood friend's play, Momoi wasn't sure if they can defeat the defending champion of Winter Cup easily. After all, there's a reason why Rakuzan High was called as the defending champion of Winter Cup and with everyone's abilities now; it will be difficult for them to win the upcoming match this weekend. Maybe if they were given more time, they will be able to at least catch up with those Rakuzan's players but with how short their time until the upcoming match; Momoi doubted that they could catch up with them.
He could only hope that Touou won't get slaughtered by Rakuzan High. It won't be good for the regulars' psychology if they lose against Rakuzan in an unofficial match. Especially when there's a possibility that they will face them again in Interhigh and Winter Cup later. Peach colored eyes followed all the regulars' training closely, taking everyone's weaknesses and thinking of a way to fix it. He had to focus on helping them improve their skills as much as possible since their match with Rakuzan High this weekend was important too for him. It involved a certain clear blue eyed girl's reputation after all.
"That's enough for today, Aomine-kun! I told you to get serious on the game. You can't expect to win against Rakuzan High without playing seriously!" Their bright pink haired manager snapped, his eyed looked icily at the ace.
"Tch, it's not my fault if they can't give me a good fight to make me get serious. That's why I told you practice for me is a wasting time," The dark blue haired teen huffed exasperatedly, sapphire blue eyes looked away from his friend's heated glare. He had been forced to attend practice for their upcoming match against Rakuzan High, even though Aomine had stated that he doesn't need any practices to win over them. But Momoi had been stubborn if not persistent and Aomine eventually relented under the other's constant nagging. Short story, he had been sulking ever since then.
The manager's eyes glared at the other's answer before he decided it's not worth of his time to get angry at the dark blue haired idiot as he turned to watch their shooter's practice. The fragile looking brunet had been the easiest one to manage as the meek brunet never once questioned Momoi's decision and did what he was told obediently unlike a certain idiot. Overall, Momoi was pretty pleased with Sakurai's development in his shooting. Their blond center was a different matter though. Although Wakamatsu had done exactly what he had been told to do, it was obvious that he was still angry at their ace for making them practices this hard.
Though, knowing how the blond center never likes the tanned teen's attitude; there isn't anything Momoi can do to stop the center's glare towards their ace's back who looked unperturbed at the entire situation. Really, sometimes Momoi wishes he could get a normal team rather than his current team with their dramas. Meanwhile, Aomine was walking back to the benches to get his water bottle when his cellphone vibrated lightly within his pocket. Taking his dark blue cellphone out of his shorts' pocket, sapphire blue eyes stared at the screen of his cellphone briefly. He raised one of his eyebrows at the notification of one text message in his cellphone screen, before he opened it.
Sapphire blue eyes widened slightly at his text message content. Especially once he noticed the name of its sender. Aomine really didn't expect the other to send him a text message and to him of all people. And just how the hell the redhead could get a hold of his cellphone number? Although, knowing how the red haired stalker had managed to acquire the information regarding his former female teammate; there's no doubt that in Aomine's mind that he would get a hold of Aomine's cellphone number too sooner or later.
It confused him though, to be on the receiving end of the redhead's message. He didn't know what the other's motives are by sending him a text message like this. 'There's no use on thinking about it though... Better ask it directly at him than wasting my time on pondering about it here.' The tanned teen sighed inwardly, his right hand slipped the cellphone back into his pocket as he turned to walk out of the gym instead.
Momoi who had been taking notes of the regulars' progress, stopped his writing as he looked up from his notes to see his childhood friend's retreating figure. Feeling agitated at the other's lack of spirit on their training for the upcoming match, the manager called out his childhood friend's name loudly. "And just where do you think you are going, Aomine-kun? We haven't finished yet with the practice!" Peach colored eyes narrowed dangerously as he said his words icily at their ace.
By now, everyone in the gym had pretty much stared at both teens in anxieties. They could even felt how the temperature in the gym dropped drastically under their manager's icy glare. Aomine glanced behind his back briefly, sapphire blue eyes locked with peach colored eyes for a moment before the tanned teen averted his gaze away. "I need a fresh air. This place was suffocating me," The dark blue haired teen mumbled exasperatedly, completely ignoring his friend's call over him as he walked away from there.
Ruby and gold eyes stared silently at the clear brown liquid in his cup, his hands remained holding the cup of tea within his grasp even as it went cold in his grasp. He was sitting alone in the slightly busy cafe, while waiting for his supposed to be companion to come. Murasakibara had went back to Akita already so Akashi was left alone to wait in the cafe. Of course he had taken his childhood friend to the train station first since he had to remind the other of what he had asked him to do.
He remembered when Tetsumi had approached him yesterday. It had been the first time for the small girl to look for Akashi instead the other way around, although Akashi didn't had any objections with the sudden change; it still irked him when he found out that the girl had approached him for her friend's sake. The red haired teen could even remember the way Tetsumi had looked at him, her clear blue eyes looked so determined at his heterochromatic eyes.
Despite everything that he had said to convince and change the girl's mind, she had been stubborn on keeping her decision. That light blue haired girl won't budge even under all the schemes Akashi had planned so far. Somehow the thought of it only made Akashi more and more interested at her than before. After all, not everyone can stand under all the pressures which is Akashi Seijuuro. No matter, he had just to use a different way to crack the clear blue eyed girl's shell. Akashi closed his eyes briefly at the thought of it. What he needs to do now was being patient without missing his chances though it seemed like he also has to watch over a certain tanned player as well in case the other teen will benefits Akashi in his plan.
He was brought back out of his mind though, the moment a certain dark blue haired teen walked inside the warm cafe and took a seat right in front of him. Akashi smiled suavely at the sight of the other teen, though the look on his eyes mirroring anything but the smile on his face. Sapphire blue eyes merely looked at the redhead across him blankly before a waitress came to their table to ask for his order. After telling the waitress his order, the taller teen sighed lightly; his expression turned to one which showed that he was serious now.
"You want to meet me," The dark blue haired ace stated calmly, regardless the raging emotions he felt at the moment.
Bringing his now cold tea closer to his lips, the redhead hummed absentmindedly in affirmation. The redhead sipped his tea slowly before he put the cup back to the table delicately, mismatched eyes regarded the teen across him in silent amusement. Aomine gritted his teeth at the sight of smugness from the red haired player, his hands clenched into fists under the table. It annoyed him to no end whenever he sees that smug look on the Rakuzan High's player even though Aomine knew that Akashi was only doing it to annoy him.
"I do. I'm sorry if I disturb you from your activities," The smaller teen said apologetically, though there's no hint of remorse at all in his voice when he said that.
"What do you want?" Never once for any pleasantries, the tanned teen immediately asked the question which had been bothered him since he received the other's message in his cellphone.
Akashi chuckled lightly under the taller teen's accusing gaze, his hand grabbing the teapot which had been left in their table by the waitress earlier. He poured himself another cup of tea and held it with both hands. "So impatient. As expected from the hot-headed Aomine Daiki. Well, if you really want to know about it; I want to cancel our match this weekend." The Rakuzan High's student sighed lightly, his lips twitched into a small smirk.
Sapphire blue eyes looked back at him with barely contained surprise. Of all things he had expected Akashi to say, that was the last thing he had thought about. After all, the red haired teen had been the one who gave such challenge. That's why, for him to suddenly call off the entire match like this was unbelievable. Aomine took in a deep breath and sighed heavily to calm his nerves. No need to let his emotions got the better of him in this kind of situations, especially remembering what had transpired the last time he had been too emotional.
"What's with the sudden change of mind?" His eyes looked inquiringly at the redhead. He nodded his head briefly in acknowledgement at the waitress who had came back with his order. The tanned teen brought his glass of orange juice closer to his mouth as he sipped the beverage slowly before he lowered the glass back to the table.
Akashi smiled as he took a small sip from his cup. "Nothing special actually. It just a certain beauty approached me yesterday and asked me to call off the entire game since she said it was nothing but a waste of time, remembering the fact that we will still face each other again in the Interhigh championship and Winter Cup."
If looks can really kill, the red haired teen would have died so many times now under the intensity of Aomine's glare. It wasn't that difficult for the taller teen to guess just who it is that Akashi was referring to since the only person who knows about the match aside from his team and Momoi had been his light blue haired friend, one Kuroko Tetsumi. Nonetheless, to know that the small girl had gone as far as to ask Akashi to cancel the entire match irked Aomine greatly. Why she had to do so? Does that mean she doesn't believe in Aomine's abilities to defeat Akashi Seijuuro? Or is there another reason?
The thought that his former captain had asked to Akashi to cancel the match because she was doubtful of Aomine's abilities angered him. The fact that the clear blue eyed girl probably had another reasons for doing such a thing was buried deep in the back of his mind as he paid no mind to that little fact. Overall, the tanned player was consumed in his own anger until he couldn't think rationally over the entire situations. Of all people, Kuroko Tetsumi's approval was and still is something that matters the most for Aomine. And the thought that the small girl was doubtful of his abilities to win against Akashi Seijuuro hurt his ego greatly.
Ruby and gold eyes turned to overlook the Tokyo evening scenery beyond the wide glass window as his hands held the cup of tea within his grasp. "I don't know what her reasons are for asking such a thing to me. Though, in my opinion; I think she did that to protect you." Akashi drawled without facing the silently fuming teen across him.
"I don't need her to protect me," Aomine said lowly under his breath, trying his best to contain his anger within.
"She thinks otherwise though," The young man shrugged. He then turned his gaze to the dark blue haired ace. "And I think she had done a good job on doing so with that short-temper of yours."
It took a lot of self-restrain in Aomine's part to stop him from standing and punching the guy right in his face for what he had said. Although he knew that what the redhead had said about him being protected by Tetsumi was true, he refused being reminded over it by the red haired stalker. After all, he was the man in here and it was supposed to be his job to protect Tetsumi; not the other way around. The fact that he had failed to do so and being protected by the small girl instead really annoyed him to no end. Aomine really didn't need another reminder of it especially one which came from the annoying redhead across him.
"Anyway, it's nice to talk with you, Daiki. I hope we will meet again soon," Akashi said politely, once he had finished his cup of tea. The redhead stood up from his seat across Aomine as he turned on his heel to leave. Even though the red haired teen had said that towards Aomine, the dark blue haired teen wasn't fooled by his polite act as he knew the other only did that out of courtesy when in truth the redhead probably wished nothing to do with Aomine. The dark blue haired teen kept sitting there for some minutes even after Akashi had left, his sapphire blue eyes stared blankly at his glass of orange juice while his mind was in turmoil.
Tetsumi opened her eyes at the ringing sound of her bell door being pushed down over and over again. She cracked one eye open and groaned, slowly sitting up to find the sun was going down from the window in her room. Tetsumi rubbed her eyes and sleepily mused her surroundings. It took her a while to remember that there's a person who is waiting for her outside her house before she woke up completely.
Tetsumi removed the sheets from herself and slightly shivered. It was rather chilly when she wore nothing but a loose shirt and shorts. She grabbed a jacket hanging from a chair and stepped out of the room, walking into the front door and fumbling briefly with her keys before she finally opened the door. The moment she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of none other than Aomine Daiki as the taller teen glared at her heatedly.
"Aomine-kun," Tetsumi muttered under her breath as clear blue eyes locked with furious sapphire blue eyes.
"What the hell have you done?" Aomine snarled, not even giving her any times to process his rather sour mood.
Not knowing what the other had meant by that sudden question, the small girl tilted her head to the side slightly. Clear blue eyes looked confusedly at her taller friend. "What do you mean, Aomine-kun? I don't understand,"
"Damn it! Why you have to ask him to cancel the match, Tetsu? Do you doubt my ability to defeat him?" Aomine snapped, his fist hitting the right side of her door frame out of anger.
"Please stop damaging my house, Aomine-kun. And if you're talking about that, I didn't do it because I doubt your skill." She shook her head. "I just don't think it was necessary for the both you to continue with such ridiculous game which purpose was anything but professional."
"It didn't change the fact that you have just cancelled it without my agreement! Besides, there's nothing ridiculous on trying to defend your reputation!" The tanned teen growled, not once backing out from what he thought was right. Tetsumi crossed her arms across her chest, her clear blue eyes observed Aomine's petulant frown and sighed heavily.
"What?" He spat out.
"Nothing. It just I have told you that my reputation doesn't mean anything for me. I don't care about it at all," She answered, a slightly exasperated tone coated her voice.
Aomine intently looked at her before averting his gaze. His sapphire blue eyes softened slightly from its furious state once he heard his friend's reply. "Doesn't mean you can just cancel it like that." was the only thing he could mumble out.
"I know," She sighed, her right hand massaging her temple lightly as if she was having a headache. "I just don't want you to do another reckless thing,"
Sapphire blue eyes hardened at his female friend's words. Even though he knew the other meant nothing bad with it, it annoyed him to know that the small girl always thought of him as a reckless friend who needs constant watch 24/7. "I'm sorry for being reckless then! If it bothers you that much, you can stop looking after me. It's not like I'm asking you to do it anyway," He growled, as he turned away from her and walked away from there in fury. Clear blue eyes stared silently at the retreating back of her former teammate.
Tetsumi poured herself a cup of warm milk tea and held it with both hands. She was sitting alone in her kitchen while her mind was busy thinking over everything that had happened today. The light blue haired girl was a little surprised when she was greeted by the sight of her tanned friend when she opened the door of her house earlier that evening. She didn't expect to see Aomine looked that furious and distracted when he showed up at her house. The sight of one disgruntled Aomine made her worried. Though, before she even had the chance to ask the other about it, Aomine snapped at her. Then she said a wrong thing which in turn only made the taller teen more angry at her.
The small girl sighed lightly at the thought of it. She didn't mean to say it like that, she just doesn't want Aomine to get involved in another trouble because of his need to protect her again. It had happened once before back when they were in middle school and Tetsumi doesn't want another repeat of it. To think that everything that had happened these days was just because of a certain game with Akashi Seijuuro, Tetsumi didn't want to think just how further the redhead will affect her life if the red haired teen continued to annoy her. Even though the heterochromatic teen had failed on taunting her, he had done a rather good job on riling Aomine up and that in turn had affected Tetsumi too regardless the fact that it was indirectly. Clear blue eyes stared absentmindedly at her cup, as her mind completely engrossed in another memories.
She still remembered it vividly, the first time she met with Aomine. At that time, she was only a confused eleven years old girl who was troubled by her mother's decision to move into another country. She accidentally met with him; a tanned boy who loves to play basketball in the street court not too far from her house. He had asked her why she looked so troubled despite the fact that they were a mere strangers that time. And when she told him about her trouble, he merely grinned that boyish smile of his as he told her his solution to such matter. Even though he was only a simple minded child at that time, Aomine had helped her on choosing the right path and that in itself had made her felt grateful towards him.
Then she met up with him again in their first day at middle school. She who had thought that she won't ever meet with him again for a second time, had been utterly happy to know that she was in the same school as him and the same class too. And along the way, she fall for him. From the very start, Aomine Daiki had been the only guy who can affect her this much. Even up until now Aomine still has that kind of effect on her. No matter how hard she tried to fight it, in the end there's nothing she can do to erase her feelings for the dark blue haired teen. Even when she was trying to avoid him, she still can't ignore him whenever she saw him in trouble. Overall, even when she was trying to stay as far as possible from him, she still tries in her own way to protect him and help him. Really, her devotion for him knows no end even after what had happened.
"Why I should love you this much, Aomine-kun...?" She whispered forlornly, her hands held the cup of milk tea within her grasp tightly.
The next morning, Imayoshi was the first one to arrive since he had a duty to open the gym before everyone else. And with the upcoming match they have with Rakuzan High, the Touou captain had been surprisingly fired up to practice early than anyone. After all, it will be an interesting experience to face the defending champion of Winter Cup in an unofficial game even though all of it was because of their ace's cockiness. As the time passed by, the gym started to get crowded with each members who came to practice.
The next regular who came after him had been Susa, followed by Sakurai and then their loud center; Wakamatsu. The glasses wearing captain merely greeted them with short greeting like usual before he continued his practice while the others started to warm up. In short, it was a normal morning practice for the basketball team until a certain light blue haired girl stepped into the gym and caught the attention of their meek shooter. Sakurai immediately stopped his shooting practice and approached the small girl who by now had caught everyone's attention. Even Wakamatsu who usually indifferent to such matter was silent once he noticed the girl, though from the look in his eyes; it seemed like he also recognized the small girl.
"Kuroko-san? Wh-...what are you doing in here? Is there something you need?" The meek brunet asked slowly as he stuttered a little, his large eyes looked hesitantly at his female friend.
The light blue haired girl smiled a little at her friend before clear blue eyes turned to look at the rest of the regulars who were standing not too far from Sakurai, no doubt trying to eavesdrop on their conversation. Somehow their behaviors kind of reminds her with how her former team used to behave in middle school. The small girl shook her head lightly as she answered the brunet's question. "Actually, I come because there's something I want to say to you and the other regulars. Can you please ask them to come closer, Sakurai-kun?"
Large brown eyes looked hesitant at first before the brunet nodded his head weakly and asked the rest of the regulars to step closer. Imayoshi raised one of his eyebrows in question at the request though he said nothing about it and merely complied with it. Once every regulars have all stood right in front of her, the clear blue eyed girl immediately bowed at them. Startling everyone who was watching over them with the sudden display while the regulars looked surprised at the sudden act as well.
"What do you think you're doing?" Wakamatsu asked loudly, being the first one to snap out of his stupor.
"I'm sorry for involving all of you in such a mess. Because of me, all of you have to endure Aomine-kun's selfishness. I'm really sorry," Tetsumi answered politely, her voice tinged with an apologetic tone as she kept bowing at the regulars.
"Ah, I'm sorry, little miss. But we don't really understand what you meant by that. Why you have to apologize for Aomine's behaviors?" Imayoshi chuckled lightly, though the tone in voice remained the same like usual; there's a hint of confusion in there.
Clear blue eyes looked up from its staring contest with the floor as Tetsumi locked her gaze with the raven haired teen who she guessed was the captain. The guy has a black, messy hair which is quite long and reaches over his eyes. He wears glasses and has an average height and build. From what she had seen, Tetsumi could say that the guy was a remarkable captain. And judging from his position as a captain, there's no doubt in Tetsumi's mind that he was intelligent and specializes in mind games as well.
"All of you probably don't know about it since Aomine-kun refused to say anything about it and Momoi-kun also didn't elaborate further about it, but the reason for your sudden upcoming match against Rakuzan High was because of me. Aomine-kun took it upon himself to have the match against Rakuzan High because I refused the challenge from its student. He took the challenge which meant for me. That's why, I'm sorry for involving all of you in this whole mess. But, it's all over now. You don't have to worry about that match again because the guy from Rakuzan High had cancelled it," She answered calmly, once she had finished with her observation over him.
"Wait! You mean all this whole mess was all because of you?" Wakamatsu asked loudly, his dark brown eyes looked at the small girl in disbelief.
"Yes... I'm sorry about that." She said slowly as clear blue eyes looked at the loud blond before her clear blue eyes filled with recognition at the sight of the blond senior. "You're that senior from that time..."
The muscular teen looked confused for a second before he understood what the girl had meant by that. He remembered that he had met the girl before on his first day in new semester. The small girl had asked him for the direction to her class at that time. Who would have thought that he would meet her again like this? The blond snapped out of his musings once he noticed the awaiting gaze she had on him. Wakamatsu scratched the back of his head sheepishly, dark brown eyes looked away from the small girl. "Yeah... You're that ghost girl," He mumbled gruffly, feeling a bit embarrassed at the reminder of what had happened on his first day in new semester.
"Thank you once again for helping me that time," Tetsumi said in gratitude at the blond teen, completely ignoring the fact that the other had called her a ghost girl. Wakamatsu merely mumbled a low affirmation at the girl's gratitude as a hint of pink tinge his cheek. The blond teen wasn't used to with such gratitude, especially one which comes from the opposite gender since he never gets close with any girls. Besides, those females always refused to get near him with his short-temper and loud mouth so it took Wakamatsu off guard to see Tetsumi was fine with it.
"Uhm... sorry but do you know Kuroko-san, Wakamatsu-san?" Sakurai looked inquiringly at the blond senior as he watched the conversation between his friend and the senior quietly.
"He helped me on finding our class on my first day, Sakurai-kun. I don't know that he is your senior in basketball team too," Tetsumi answered quickly before Wakamatsu could had a chance to answer that question by himself.
"Ah... I see..." The brunet trailed off, his large brown eyes looked sceptically at the usually loud senior as if not believing that the blond teen had helped his friend before. After all with how Wakamatsu usually acts, it was a little unbelievable to hear the blond senior helped another person most of all a girl. Though with Tetsumi's personalities and looks, Sakurai could imagine his loud senior caved in under her pleading gaze.
"You said that his challenge meant to be for you but you refused it. Does that mean you play basketball too?" Imayoshi asked suddenly, his eyes looked curiously at the light blue haired girl across them. If that challenge was really meant for the small girl, there's no doubt that this petite girl was a remarkable player as well. After all, not everyday a Rakuzan High's student challenged a basketball player out of the blue.
"...I used to play basketball but I don't play it anymore." She nodded her head briefly after some silence, she refused to elaborate about it any further though.
Susa who had been silent up until this far looked interestedly at the petite girl before he asked her the question which had been bothering him for a while since she first stepped into the gym. "You are Sakurai and Aomine's classmates, right? But what's your relation with Aomine? It seemed like you know him well enough,"
Clear blue eyes turned to the spiky black haired senior for a while before she averted her gaze away from him. Even though the expression on her face remained impassive, Imayoshi could see a hint of sadness in her eyes when Susa mentioned Aomine's name. Somehow, it only made the Touou captain more curious about the relationship between their ace and this small girl. Just what is it that make her look like that at the mention of the ace's name?
"We are friends, I guess..." was the only whispered answer she gave to them. Seeing the downcast look on her eyes, the regulars decided to leave it now and stopped pushing her for another answer. Tetsumi was grateful that they accepted her answer quickly and not asking about it anymore, since she wasn't sure what kind of answer she can give to them if they pushed her further about it.
Momoi was walking to the gym with Aomine after he managed to find the tanned teen from hiding in order to skip the morning practice. The dark blue haired teen had grumbled about it along their way to the gym, completely unhappy with the idea of doing another morning practice. They were currently bickering with each other about it when both of them walked into the gym and heard the familiar voice of their female friend in there.
Peach colored eyes and sapphire blue eyes widened in recognition and surprise the moment they saw their female friend talking with the regulars. The apology they heard coming out from the clear blue eyed girl's mouth made them realized her reason to be there. Without wasting another times, both teens immediately approached the light blue haired girl with Aomine being the first one to reach her. The tanned teen put his hand on Tetsumi's shoulder as he spun her around to face him. Startled clear blue eyes locked with sapphire blue eyes as the girl whispered his name.
"Aomine-kun..."
Authorres' Notes: Thank you so much for all your reviews in the previous chapter. Those really made me happy. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. We can see a glimpse of Aomine and Tetsumi's past in here also what Tetsumi had done to prevent the match. The next chapter will be filled with more Akashi and Tetsumi while Aomine gets jealous at their closeness! Anyway, what do you think of this chapter?
Please tell me what you really think of this chapter. Lastly, thank you once again for reading this story of mine. And like what I have stated in every of my stories before, I'm sorry if there are some mistakes and error tenses in this story of mine. Have a nice day~
