First off. SORRY. REALLY REALLY SORRY. Yeah, I know, this chapter is due long wayyyy back. Anyway, I have just started on reading some fanfics on Naruto, needless to say, I'm hooked. That's basically where I am these days. I'm trying to start picking up the paces again, so this week or by next week? I'll get the updates going on. To make up for my long long hiatus, I'm posting 3 chapters of Dreams of Life! Hope you enjoy~

To Dina Sana: Kuroko as Yume's love interest, eh? I don't see why not, but I have to say, this is a friendship fic so the attraction will be there but subtle. I think the girls are smart enough not to let boys get in the way of their friendship.

To Guest97: About Aomine teaching Yume basketball, I actually already have plans for that! Your other suggestions are sound too. I'll probably tweak it a bit here and there. I have long list for these interactions now, hha. And thank you!

To VioletRyu: I have many people asking about Kise, and Kuroko, well yeah, Yume was less knowledgeable about that side of the world, entertainment stuffs. But hey, she have the resources and she might actually learned that fact before his addition to the club. Just tell me when you do, I'll definitely read it~! Oh, and Kuroko, that would be a surprise!

Pairings : Undecided

Warnings : Teikō Middle School Days.

Disclaimer : I own only the OCs.


Chapter 23 - A single spark can start a prairie fire

The third stringers of the basketball club appear busy as they continue to bustle around, making sure various jobs are done properly. Like any other schools, Teikō also rewards several best events of the Cultural Festival, one of which is chosen from amongst the clubs.

It's quite the prestigious award, since the winning club will be given the school's immediate approval for additional funds throughout the school year. This special exception is only granted once a year and to one club exclusively.

Usually, clubs applying for a raise in budget needs to be evaluated by the Student Council, then after a through investigation, it'll be passed on to the School Board, which takes at least a month, and half-a-year at most. Even then, there's no guarantee that it will be approved. Thus, the Cultural Festival presents the ultimate chance for the clubs seeking for more funds.

"I didn't know you're also a member of the basketball club, Kuroko-kun." Yume smiled amiably, tilting her head at the boy.

Being the observant boy he is, Kuroko notices the usage of the word 'also' and the implication behind it. "I applied at the beginning of the school year. Are your friends part of the basketball club, Manai-san?"

If it was weeks ago, Yume would be flustered, but now she can say it with confidence. She smiles sweetly, her cheeks pinkish. "Mm. I'm friends with Sat-chan and Daiki-kun. Oh, and clubmates with Akashi-kun and Midorima-kun. As for Murasakibara-kun..." she trailed off unsurely.

Yume isn't sure if she can call the purple giant her friend, and they aren't in the same club. "...we're in a working relationship, I guess.." she smiled sheepishly.

It's a fact that she has became the giant's personal sweets supplier. In actuality, Murasakibara had just placed an order for ten more boxes of maiubou and nerunerunerune candies a little over a week ago.

As weird as the last part was, Kuroko decided not to call her out on it. Instead, he addressed the matter regarding her friends. "They are members of the 1st string, Manai-san." he muttered.

From the way he said it, somehow Yume can detect a hint of sadness in the boy's voice. Was it perhaps because Kuroko's in the 3rd string? After hanging out with people like Momoi and Aomine, who probably have a basketball as a brain, she knows that Teikō's third stringers can never play in official match, and can rarely play in practice match.

Teikō's Basketball Club is especially strong and has lots of members, which is why the selection of the players are stricter, and to match their reputation, they make sure that only the best of best are representing the school. For those in the 3rd string, they aren't even a back-up and aren't expected much.

It's either they give up, or continue the club as mere hobby, that, or for exercise purposes, nothing serious or ambitious. It's that hopeless.

"...Why did Kuroko-kun join the basketball club?" Yume tried asking. When one starts to stray, it's best to recall the starting line.

As she expects, a fond expression crosses his features. "I love basketball. It's fun." he replied. "I also have a promise to fulfil with a friend." he added, seemingly to take a pleasant short trip to the past.

The boy is feeling better, and Yume can tell his sincere love for the sport. It encourages a smile. "You have a strong will, Kuroko-kun." she praised him. "If you're that determined, then there's sure to be a way."

Of course he's been telling himself the same thing, but hearing that from someone else encourages him. "Thank you, Manai-san." Kuroko smiled in gratitude. He stares at his feet. "I have been practicing until late so I can get better."

"Mm.. What are you practicing?" Yume asked curiously. She rarely visits the gym when the boys practice, and she isn't that knowledgeable about basketball in the first place.

"The basics, Manai-san." Kuroko admitted with a thin line now visible on his forehead. "I'm practicing dribbles, lay-ups, passes, shoots, drives, and few others."

The wry smile returns to his face. "If one's not good at the basics, he's not a good basketball player." he clenched his fists.

It isn't a rare occurrence for someone to grieve for what they are lacking instead of being grateful for what they have. However, when what you're lacking is what you truly need to succeed in the thing you love, that's when it really hurts.

Even for Yume, she understands this, and while she doesn't play basketball, she notices that the boy's small and frail build are already a minus for the sport. She does know a certain redhead with a similar stature who's still an excellent basketball player, but somehow, she feels like he is just an exception.

Yume is unable to provide him an answer nor consolation, she could only offer him silence for his peace of mind. What is it that she can do for Kuroko? She wants to help him, to alleviate his pain, and pushes him towards his dream of becoming a great basketball player, to fulfil his promise.

As an individual, Kuroko is undoubtedly lacking presence of his existence, in addition, his quiet and mild nature doesn't help. He also tends to have this blank, hard-to-read expression. In the bright side, he seems to be the type of person who think things through with a cool head and a calm state.

These, aren't hard for Yume to notice. While Kuroko is not an open-book as he's still not very adept at hiding his emotions, his babyblue eyes especially, are very honest. Eyes are the most expressive features of a human, and without exception, his as well.

Moreover, she's been able to notice 'things' about people ever since childhood. It wasn't by choice. Circumstances forced her to be aware of what line not to cross to stay within the social circle, which is why she has a pretty good sense of reading people.

"Err.. I don't think it will help your basic practice, but if you don't lose your head in a match, you might be able to function better as a player, Kuroko-kun." Yume tried suggesting as she stared at her feet.

She smiles at him. "I think that's where your potential lies." she paused at his slightly surprised expression. She's fidgeting. "I think you will be a good Point Guard, Kuroko-kun. Isn't that the position that most utilises the mind and circulate the team plays? A calm person like you would do good."

These informations, of course, came from the notebook Momoi gave her, which is about the gists of basketball. She has finished reading it long ago, but she's not quite sure about some parts since she doesn't actually play the sport.

"I'm not very good at defense, Manai-san. I always got the ball taken from me." Kuroko informed sadly. He had tried his best to perform well within a team to compensate for his weakness, but to no avail.

At her mistake, Yume is flustered. "E-Err... T-Then, perhaps Small Forward? Kuroko-kun can move around the court and make passes to your teammates?" she tried again, stuttering slightly.

"I'm not very fast, and my teammates often forget of my existence even on court." Kuroko almost deadpanned.

That leaves her with no more words to say. It seems her advice is really useless, seeing as she doesn't know much about basketball in the first place. Her complexion turns blue in her hopelessness.

On the other hand, Kuroko is actually amused by her reaction. Yume is quite honest with her feelings, too. "Thank you for your concern, Manai-san. I will try my best, so don't worry." he smiled teensy bit.

"..I'm sorry for not being more helpful.." Yume spoke dejectedly, her head hung low. She had wanted to cheer the boy, now it feels like the opposite instead.

"It's alright." Kuroko assured her, replacing his laughters with a smile. "Also, about the Cultural Festival, Manai-san.." he began.

The brunette's head shot up at this, finally remembering what she's here for. "A-Ah, yes.. Please tell me about that, Kuroko-kun.." she smiled sheepishly.

After a through discussion, it turns out that each string of the Basketball Club is doing different things; the 3rd stringers are holding a Escape-the-Maze in the 3rd Gym, the 2nd stringers are hosting a basketball shooting competition in the 2nd Gym, and as for the 1st stringers...

"Hmm.. I just need to see someone from the 1st stringers.." Yume mused to herself, steadying the papers in her arm.

Seeing as Momoi is the manager of the 1st string, the pinkette would have known what event they are doing. Even without that, Akashi and Midorima would have known anyway. Is there even a need for her to question the 1st stringers?

It's not like Akashi to do this. He is the type of person that does his works efficiently, so why did he assign her to a needless job? Yume frowns. She feels like the redhead has something in mind, something she doesn't like.

Then again, what else could she do but retrieve the papers and hear out what the 1st stringers have to say like she is expected to do? She is a member of the Student Council, and the President's order is absolute.

Even without his status, Yume still wouldn't dare to question the redhead. Few glimpses of what lies behind his daily mask is enough to scare her for life. There's just more to Akashi than his gentlemanly demeanour.

Amidst her self-musing, she finally spots a familiar presence just a few feet away from where she's standing. It's a person who can help her finish her job and let her return to her class to help for preparations.

"Niji—" Yume quicken her pace with a smile, heading for said person. Only to freeze on her third step as realisation hit her hard.

Tomigaoka's practice match. The very reason for her embarrassment that prevents her from ever looking at the ravenette 2nd year in the face. She blushes instantly, red flushing her cheeks, and even her ears.

Ever since that fateful day where something goes wrong, Yume has been avoiding the Gym at all costs, and whenever Momoi drags her to the Gym, she will always hide behind either Momoi or Aomine.

'It can't be another one of Akashi-kun mischievous schemes, can it...?' Yume cringed inwardly. Why must the redhead treats her like this?

Yume is restless; both her emotions and her feet. She is trapped between her duty and her conscience. However, her cheeks and her feet has a mind of its own, heating up and making a turn backward respectively without her realising.

"Hmm? Manai? Isn't that Manai?" the ravenette quirked his brow as he focused his gaze on the younger girl's form, unknowingly making her flinch.

As if the heart attack wasn't yet enough, the 2nd year male walks to her side without hesitation. "Are you here for the Student Council's matters?" he asked with a knowing tone.

Meanwhile, Yume's heart is ready to burst from mortification and her face burned scarlet. She tried opening her lips to speak only to closed it when no audible sounds left her throat.

In the end, she can only manage a weak nod while locking her gaze on the floor. She doesn't have the courage to look at her senpai in the eyes, lest he sees her reddened cheeks and embarrassed herself further.

This had Nijimura arched his brow knowingly. Frankly, he realised the cause behind the brunette's strange behaviours ever since the girl avoided seeing him to the point of desperately shielding herself with her friends whenever she comes over to the gym.

Even Nijimura still finds himself blushing whenever he recalls their previous exchange at the practice match. He knows she is embarrassed, but he can't say he feels nice avoided by the younger girl. Honestly, it bothers him quite a lot.

"..I will look for the papers you want. Wait here." Nijimura scratched his head awkwardly before making a turn into the 1st Gym.

The ravenette is aware that the girl was trying extra hard avoiding him. And so, even though he doesn't like it, he decided to let her be. But now, it has to stop. There's this nagging feeling at the back of his head.

Yume nods meekly, her grip on the papers in her hands increases as they act as her stress reliever while mentally scolding herself for her improper behaviours towards her senpai. She frowns, staring down at her jittery toes.

"Here, Manai." Nijimura called as he handed the papers to her face, surprising the latter since her thought was too muddled to notice his presence.

He feels sorry for the brunette, any longer and her cheeks are roasted. He did however, notice she looks adorable with the healthy shades of red brushing her cheeks. He shakes his thoughts away.

"Anyway, the 1st stringers are doing a one-on-one Teach-and-Learn Basketball event. The members of the 1st string will personally guide the customers to basketball, ranging from the basics, to more complicated techniques." Nijimura explained, his arms crossed and a thoughtful look on his expression.

If he remembers right, and Nijimura is sure he is, Akashi and Midorima should have been aware of what he just told the girl, and more details. He can't help but wonder why they sent her all the way here in this busy time.

Speaking of Yume, she is still red and staring on her feet like they are the most interesting thing. She did nod at some points when he's talking, but that's it. He sighed. "You know, Manai.. You can behave normally around me. I really don't mind your... kindness back then."

"Rather, I'm thankful." Nijimura paused a bit. He recalls his teammates falling one after another not long after the break then and can't help the shivers. "..Perhaps it's due to your lemon water I didn't collapse..." he muttered.

What he doesn't know, is that while it's true she saved him, it was her 'poison' that threatened him. Meaning, it's not that her lemon water improved his tired condition, it's the drink that is 'poison-free'. She sweat drops at her hidden thoughts.

Nijimura peeks at the brunette from the corner of his eyes before he looks elsewhere, scratching his cheeks with slight pinkish tint. "..and it doesn't feel nice avoided..." he murmured.

That gets Yume to look up and meet his eyes, surprise flickering in her limegreen eyes. "I-I'm sorry, N-Nijimura-san..!" she squeaked.

"I-It's just.." she tried to think of acceptable reason, anything but came up with only the truth. Yume hangs her head. "..I... I can't help but blush.. and stutter every time I see you..." she confessed shyly.

Yume grips her skirt, then bravely meets the ravenette's unreadable gaze. "I will try not to do it again." she said resolutely before shutting her eyes and bowing her head.

It's not her intention to offend the Captain, but still she did. Yume only wanted a cool-down period before she is ready to face Nijimura again, yet somehow she ended up dragging it far too long that he spoke to her about it.

With only the quietest murmurs from the closest gym, Nijimura smirks in amusement. He can't help the tingly feelings in his guts. Gingerly, he flicks her forehead with almost no force in it. "I will hold you on to that, Manai."

"Akashi will know the rest, so we can leave it there. I have stuffs to do." Nijimura got up and left, leaving behind the stunned girl on her own.

After what seems like forever, her mind finally processed what just transpired, her cheeks turn at least three shades redder. In her confusion, Yume manages to look up and notices the familiar colour dusting the older male's ears as he walked further away. It made her blush harder.

When she is the only one in the vicinity, Yume crouched down and brought the papers in her hands to cover her face, most notably her forehead and the spot that feels warmer than then the rest. It's something she would never do, but she did.

Unbeknownst to Yume, there's a certain pinkette just behind the wall, hiding with a grin stretching so wide it almost splits her face in half. It's a wonder how she can stop herself from uttering any high-pitched noises she is well-known for.


So yeah, how is it?

Reviews are very much appreciated!

Next time, how will this change the interactions between Yume and Nijimura? How about a certain redhead?