hello! welcome to an ode to a phantom, where i write various short one-shots about kuroko tetsuya. i'm still a newbie at writing plus, english is not my first language so please leave any feedback or constructive criticism for me to improve.
here's the first short drabble which is an exploration of what it means to be a shadow for kuroko and if he had confidence in his abilities against akashi at the end. enjoy!
When Akashi introduces him to Mayuzumi Chihiro-the final model of the phantom sixth man, he says- he doesn't think Akashi-kun is being smart.
Akashi-kun is being foolish.
And Kuroko says it straight to his face.
He relishes in the twitch of Akashi's eyebrow and the slight widening of his eyes, to surprise the seer of the future is such a pleasurable sight.
Why would an undefeated emperor that sits on the top of his throne know what it's like to be a weak shadow that is at the very bottom of the hierarchy?
Why would he know how to endure the many sleepless nights haunted by the dreams of disappointing his friends, his team, his family all because of his weak self?
Why would he know just what kind of self-training, filled with aching hands and the feeling of vomit stuck in his throat and just endless pain, he goes through?
Why would he know how to specialize in one style of basketball just to keep on playing and be useful on the court that he loves and promised to meet a friend on?
Akashi-kun does not know the sacrifices a shadow makes. And that is his mistake.
This is why I will win, Kuroko says.
And he once again relishes in the flash of anger and annoyance on that arrogant face, to topple the emperor down his throne sends exciting shivers all over his body.
