Spring meant new beginnings.

New school year, new leaves of trees, new flowers blooming, and more.

This was why spring has always been the favorite season of a lot of people. Truthfully, Nijimura Shuuzo thought the same. However, this spring might just be the worst beginning.

His father has brain tumor. Further tests needs to be done to determine whether it's cancerous or not.

Once again, he found himself in the hospital – hating the smell of disinfectant, the anxiety he felt, the cries of some, and the cheers of another during this spring break.

Wait, spring break.

Shit.

They've been busy with his father's tests these past days that he forgot about his promised gift to a snow-haired girl. There's only a few more days left before the break ends. Not wanting to disturb his sleeping father, he internally groaned in frustration, walked towards the hospital room's window and took out his phone. He realized she didn't text him at all. He wondered if she was disappointed, maybe even mad. Or maybe, she forgot? Once he pressed on her name on his contacts, his thumb hovered at the call button – contemplating on what he was going to tell her.

His attention shifted from his phone to the view outside. From the window, he watched the cherry blossoms falling down, and he thought that since spring break is not yet over, he still got time to reserve tickets. When his gaze landed under the cherry blossoms tree, though, he saw his younger brother taking a photo of his older sister; and a pang of guilt hit him. His sister, Rui, just graduated and was bound to enter university, so she should've been enjoying this break with her friends. His brother, Toshiki, will be a sixth-grader, so he also should've played video games or baseball with his friends. With such thoughts, he, therefore, decided to buy tickets at a later date, instead.

Soon after, he discreetly gave the ticket to her during the first day of school at practice – preparing himself for some awkward reaction since he's late and she's probably upset...or maybe she forgot about it! Damn, it would be so dumb and embarrassing, if that was the case.

"Thank you so much!"

The brightness she emitted, as she said that, however, stunned him.

Crap, she's so nice. The idea of pouring out his problems to her and wishing to receive some comfort, from her, briefly crossed his mind. And another wave of guilt hit him.

No. He can't do that. He can't worry her.

This was why starting today, he decided to be more positive – as if her radiance has infected him too. True to this, he found himself having more fun in practices, thinking that basketball and the club could distract him from the anxiety brought by his father's illness. Besides, as a captain, he has other things to worry about. An example would be that brat, Haizaki fucking Shougo.

The following Wednesday, after realizing he hasn't seen Haizaki for two days now, he went to the arcade, as per Kuroko's information. And there, he found his target, cursing and kicking at a claw crane machine. Of course, their 'talk' ended up in the language that both boys knew best – the language of the fists. When they were both finally exhausted, they both leaned against the alley near the game center. Obviously, the younger has more bruises than him, but he still has his own share of injuries; and he mentally scoffed at the bitter thought that he was heading to the hospital anyways.

Currently, no words were spoken, but they both felt that the other's hits and blows were heavier than usual, which means that they both have something going on in their silly lives. Quite frankly, Nijimura needed this – just letting off steam or some crap – and he's sure Haizaki needed this too. While it was tempting to leave things this way, the older guy was here to be a captain, so they should actually have a proper talk. Afterall, he understood that Haizaki skipping practice meant him wanting for some attention and him waiting for someone to confide in. However, before he could even attempt to, he got a call from his sister, which made him rush towards the hospital – not after reminding the confused ash-head to show up at training tomorrow.

Apparently, the results were out. Thankfully, it's not cancerous.

This good news was enough to keep him in a less foul mood the next day, that he felt more forgiving when Haizaki still didn't arrive, despite a wholeass beating. But such good mood has a limit. That Friday, he placed more effort in making the brat join practice. To his amusement, he found the bastard dumbly hiding behind a bush. It ended up with him comically chasing the other around; until the latter stupidly tripped. And boy, was he damn worried that the kid sustained injuries, which would not be the best for athletes like them. This concern abruptly disappeared, however, once Haizaki seemed to be too alright, as proven by how he found another way to piss him off. After some fists were thrown, he finally dragged his idiot of a junior to the first-string gym – with a victorious grin on his face.

After that ordeal with one kouhai was done, another kouhai came up to him after practice that same day.

It was Akashi.

Unlike the light-haired delinquent, who has a lot of bullshit in him, the deep ruby-haired model-student was nothing like that. Furthermore, it seemed like Akashi has enough of this bullshit with Haizaki. Straightforward as ever, the vice-captain expressed his opinions on the troublemaker. Fuck, the smartass even hit the nail on the head with his analysis of why Nijimura is being a bit lenient to Haizaki – comparing the two of them and saying how they're alike.

It was moments like this that makes him think just how much better a leader Akashi could be than him, and how mature Akashi is. No shit, it was kind of scary – especially with those serious scarlet orbs piercing through his very soul. But once he averts his gaze and looks instead at the top of the other's head (which was easy given the height difference), or at the slightly rounded cheeks the other still has, he's reminded of the fact that Akashi fucking Seijuuro is a middle-schooler as well, and is still younger than him.

Hence, he shrugged and grinned at the other, telling him how everything he said was indeed correct. Nijimura then directly followed it up by saying that this was his own way of acting as the captain – assuring him so that Akashi could stop stressing about Haizaki for a while. And as a cherry on top, he invited him to the convenience store on the way home (well in his case, on the way to the hospital). Akashi's reaction was pure gold. The rich kid was genuinely confused with the idea of eating meat buns before dinner. It was so adorable. He almost wanted to take a fucking picture.

And oh boy should he have taken a photo – he regretted once the weekend arrived.

Because who knows when will he be able to see that expression in the redhead's face again. Afterall, he was about to pass down the responsibilities of a captain to the mentioned second-year.

Right now, it was Sunday; and yesterday, the doctors talked to them, including his mom in a call, and explained his father's treatment and everything that's needed to be done. Along with this, was a proposition from their mother about all of them moving to the States. It was a lot to take in, yet it made a lot of sense. Nevertheless, it got him pondering about himself – his studies, his friends, basketball, the team and one last kouhai...her.

He finally came to the conclusion that he can't be a captain anymore. Besides, there was no doubt the younger could handle the position. Akashi Seijuuro was way better than him and –

A certain picture of two people – red and white – flashed in his mind and hit him. In an instant, though, he mentally slapped himself for such a stupid train of thought he just had.

Moreover, he felt a bit bad for his underclassman, since being the captain of the largest club in Teikou is still not an easy job. It meant leading a team of defending champions to another victory. The pressure might be too much. But as he turned around from his position at the hospital room's windowsill, and walked over to his family – his father, older sister and younger brother – he made up his mind and announced.

"I'm stepping down as captain."

Naturally, the three were taken aback. Despite his explanation, his sister, Rui, fought against it – saying she 'got this' and that he should focus on his team and the Nationals. Totally not okay with whatever she was suggesting, he scowled and argued back – eventually causing their father, Ryoutarou, to apologize and say that he's at fault.

His brother, Toshiki, reacted first and snapped at their father, "Dad!"

Frustrated, Shuuzo ran his hand through his hair and groaned, "Can we stop this damn drama? Jeez, it's not like I'm quitting the club."

The others foolishly stared at him, with their dad gladly voicing out, "You're not?"

"Tsk, what're 'ya thinking old man?", he rolled his steel eyes, "Basketball is my shit. I can't just suddenly stop."

Memories of the rainbow-colored kids on the court – playing so well, outshining most of their seniors, and even fucking growing taller – played in his mind; and he couldn't help but crack a fond smile.

"Besides, those first-years – no, second-year brats are just becoming better and better, and the next captain is definitely more reliable and intelligent than me."

While there's some kind of bitter feeling at the idea of his underclassmen surpassing him, he couldn't help but be proud of them and enjoy the rest of his days as their leader.

That was why that Monday, he immediately grabbed the chance once he saw Haizaki descending from the staircase at the third-year hallways – most likely coming from the rooftop, judging by the yawn the gray-haired kid let out. Without missing a beat, he punched the other's gut and hooked one arm to his neck – effectively dragging the whining brat to class 2-A, where two more brats stared at him in surprise.

Ruffling both crimson and snow locks on one hand, while feeling ash locks on another arm, it dawned upon him that these three were getting his attention too much these days.

"...since you're all my favorite kouhais."

As soon as he spouted that out, he instantly regretted it.

Fuck, that was too embarrassing.

What in the actual hell was he thinking?! To make it worse, Haizaki began sputtering curses and called him out for such line. Nonetheless, he didn't show his embarrassment, and instead, took it out on the foul-mouthed kid under his arm, by almost crushing his neck.

Good thing, it seemed like what he said has some benefits, because Haizaki actually willingly joined the training sessions the succeeding days. Moreover, after the training that Wednesday, the rebel approached him at a corner.

"Oi, you're fucking weird."

At that randomness, Nijimura could only raise his eyebrows. What the hell.

"I mean...you!", the silver-head pointed accusingly at him, as he grumbled, "...game center...you!...then...that...that favorite kouhai bullshit.."

The usually-loud fellow uttered the last part quietly – kind of shyly, that he almost found it adorable. But, this rare bashfulness swiftly transformed to typical anger, "Ah what the hell's wrong with 'ya? You're creeping me out, damn it!"

Blinking, the senpai realized that maybe this was the troublemaker's way of trying to begin a conversation. Right then and there, he could see himself.

A small smirk worked it's way on his mouth, as he responded, "Haizaki...you– "

"Excuse me, Nijimura-san", a gentle voice suddenly broke between their rough ones.

In the presence of the shorter sophomore, the senior watched the taller one glare at the back of his fellow second-year, before huffing to the side. Meanwhile, red orbs simply stared at him, politely waiting for some acknowledgment.

At this tension, his default frown returned. Sighing, the captain signaled the vice-captain to continue, anyways.

"Coach Sanada wishes to discuss about few matters regarding the new recruit."

At that seemingly urgent topic, Nijimura reckoned that his talk with Haizaki could be done later. Thus, he nodded at Akashi, then attempted to pat Haizaki's shoulder; yet the latter swatted his arm away and left, while raving, "Tsk. Forget it, asshole!

A vein pooped due to the other's tantrum, but he dismissed it and chose to follow Akashi, instead. Now, the decision of moving the mentioned newbie, Kise Ryouta, to the first-string, was a bit too surprising for him. It didn't also help that Haizaki was once more nowhere to be found the next day – heightening his stress levels. He could try to look for him and kick his ass to practice, but there were plenty of things keeping him occupied at the moment, aside from the addition of a member in the team. He was formally going to resign tomorrow, and he's mentally preparing himself on how he was going to explain the situation to the coaches.

Additionally, Saturday was approaching. It's the day he would take the young coach to the amusement park, as promised. How was he supposed to tell her everything?

He admits, he cares about her – a lot. She's gentle, hard-working, and responsible, yet sometimes, she's clumsy. As a student coach, she gets stressed and furrows her eyebrows at some matters. She gets flustered a lot too; and the pink on her cheeks was always a cute sight. Sometimes, she glares at him when she catches on to his teasing, but sometimes she plays along and teases back.

On another note, she's professional. The way she calls them by their full names during matches just felt different, in a good way. In connection to this, a memory of her beautifully clad in a kimono, arranging branches and flowers, struck him. The patience and focus she had while performing an ikebana, assured him of one thing. It's that she would take time to listen to him, just like what happened that winter night at the children's park.

The comfort he got while opening up to her felt pleasant, that he craved more of it. Perhaps, both their dark lenses could meet and she would offer an advice – using flowers for poetic shit, like she did that night. Perhaps, he could rest on her shoulders, and let her soft wavy locks sweep away the tiredness off his face. Perhaps, he could hold her tiny form again in his arms.

Now, that Christmas night was indeed unforgettable; but it was an exception.

He shouldn't dare abuse the kindness and constant care she has shown to him.

He couldn't expect her to stay by his side, only for him to leave if something happens to his father, or if they do move to the States. He couldn't expect her to share his burden after pouring out everything on her. He couldn't expect receiving comfort from her, with him not giving anything in return.

With these thoughts, he's reminded of someone, who might not exactly be pleased of what he was about to do. Therefore, on the way to the hospital, that Thursday evening, he held his phone against his ear, as he listened to the person on the other side of the line picking up.

"Oh, why did you decide to call me, Nijimura? Miss me?"

It was his former captain and the girl's brother, Irosuzuka Yuuta.

The power forward scoffed at the small forward, "As if", taking another breath before continuing, "I just wanna say I'm going to the amusement park with your sister this Saturday."

"A date?!"

The excitement in the bastard's tone was too much for his taste that he instantly slammed it down, "A gift. A late birthday gift."

Unconvinced, the older mischievously hummed, "Hmm so a date –"

"I'm gonna quit being a captain", the younger, on the other hand, was having none of it today, as he went straight to the point, consequently catching his senior off guard.

"Wha – you're leaving the club?!"

Rolling his eyes at what seemed to be everyone's assumption, he corrected, "No! Idiot. Just giving up my captaincy. I'm informing Coach Sanada tomorrow."

There was a pregnant pause, and Nijimura guessed that the other has most likely caught on to his initial intentions.

"...Does she know?"

Despite expecting such confrontation, he couldn't stop himself from nervously gulping, before replying, "I plan on telling her this Saturday"

"Ahh, you're going to drop the bad news that day."

A dry chuckle resonated before Yuuta placed more venom in his words, "You jerk."

This shift in tone made the conversation heavier; and at this moment, both teens understood that this was more than the captaincy. Well, maybe he's right. Maybe he's being a jerk – more of a coward – right now. Nonetheless, he has already made up his mind and he's prepared for this reaction. Why else would he contact her brother in the first place?

"You can punch me the next time you see me."

Sarcasm dripped, as Yuuta mocked, "Hey, I'm not like you, who resorts to violence", immediately succeeded by a question indicating how the second-year high-school guy was willing to let this pass depending on his answer.

"Well, what's your reason?"

Instead of the truth, which was a long story he somehow wished to tell her first, he boldly deadpanned, "I just don't wanna be a lameass captain like you", wishing for his death to be quick.

"Nijimura."

Ah. Did he go too far? Did he push it too much?

He lowered his voice, "Sorry...Just ask her the details...please."

Silence met him.

And he wondered if the fellow on the other end was mad or speechless at his current behavior. Whatever it was, he was not really enjoying the fucking weird mood.

Instinctively, the rebel in Nijimura came back, "Uh, I'm hanging up. I don't wanna talk to you anymore. You're voice is damn annoying."

At last, a long sigh escaped from Yuuta, indicating the little left of his patience.

"You owe me two punches because of that."

Nijimura hung up after that; and the following day, he snorted once he found out from the silver-haired girl that her brother was already in town to pick her up. When she called him 'captain', an odd – almost melancholic – feeling welled up inside of him.

"Captain, huh?"

That's right.

He's still a captain.. A senpai. And he couldn't drag her into his problems.

Afterall, she's his most favorite kouhai.


It was already dark when Tsumiko arrived home. After the scene at the Ferris wheel, they called it a day. They really didn't talk much on the way back; and Tsumiko insisted that she was fine in heading home from the station. Sensing some reluctance from the boy, she put on a smile and assured him once again that she's truly okay and that she's sincerely thankful for his gift, before parting ways.

As she entered the main door, she was relieved to find out that her parents pushed through with their scheduled dinner with someone and that her brother's also out.

.

.

.

"Look who's finally home~"

The masculine voice almost made her kick her shoes off. Turning to the source, she gaped at her brother, who was leaning against the wall, with his phone in his hands.

"Mom and dad just left for dinner with a friend", Yuuta casually chipped in, leading her to resume in taking her shoes off, all while listening to him elaborate, "After I finally convinced them to not bother and call you, since you're with your friends; and to not wait for you, since I'm here to inform them that you have arrived safe."

On cue, she heard a sound indicating a message was sent. Refusing to meet his gaze, she walked past him to hopefully escape, "Thanks, Yuuta-nii."

Behind her, he heard him jokingly boast, "I know I'm such an awesome brother. I mean – what were you supposed to say when they see you arrive looking like that", with the latter part freezing her on the spot.

"I'd tell them a friend shared their problem to me; and I felt bad about it", she quickly replied without looking back.

"Is that a lie?"

It technically wasn't.

"No."

"What did he say?"

Huh?

She whipped her head back, only to see Yuuta approach her – a knowing look etched on his face. Her opal irises followed her brother's figure, as he proceeded to take a seat on the couch, seemingly inviting her to join him.

"Nijimura called me two days ago", was his beginning sentence, effectively hooking her into this conversation.

"He told me you guys are going to the amusement park. Also, he mentioned that he was planning to give up his captaincy, but he didn't say why."

Yuuta faced her, "He just said that he doesn't want to be a lame captain like me", then shortly laughed, "That jerk."

Ah.

So there's that. Frankly, in her current state of mind, it was hard to process why he even bothered to inform Yuuta about his plans. Was it because he wanted some advice from his former senior slash captain? Was it because he felt sorry? No matter what his reasons were, she couldn't keep the truth from the expectant high-schooler, anymore.

With a defeated stance, she collapsed next to her brother. Tsumiko relayed to him what Nijimura has told her. The tiredness in her tone was probably audible, because Yuuta simply listened and didn't interrupt. Throughout her story, she could sense how he was coming to an understanding, himself.

Of course, she was careful not to go into the more intimate details, like the warmth of his hands while cupping her face and the embrace they shared. She also didn't mention her intentions and plans of confessing; and how she felt rejected before she could even confess. In the first place, it's not like he actually rejected her. But, to put it bluntly, it was more of like a door was locked with a sign saying it's close, stopping her for even trying to get near to the door.

To make it worse – or not, she wasn't sure – she's not even mad.

"I...", she trailed off after realizing how shaky her voice sounded. Letting out a dejected sigh, she revealed, "I just feel sad.."

In her periphery, she noticed that her brother has a sympathetic expression – clearly comprehending there was more than her being sad about Nijimura's situation.

Ah, her feelings for the boy was probably obvious, huh?

If it truly was blatant, though, Yuuta didn't say anything about it. Instead, he gently placed an arm over her shoulder and asked what flavor of pizza she craves for. That night, while their parents were away, the siblings ate pizza while watching some silly action-comedy movie, then played video games.

It was funny, really. She has never expected that it would be her brother who would comfort her in her first heartbreak. She imagined it to be with her best friend, Sena, or maybe even with the pink-haired manager. Somehow, though, she preferred it to be that way; and decided to not let her friends, including Momoi, know.

Come Monday, she was feeling better. Although she admits feeling kind of awkward with Nijimura, she didn't let it show; and it seemed like he did the same.

At the afternoon practice, however, Coach Shirogane appeared before the club, much to the surprise of most new members, even including Kuroko and Kise. In her case, though, she was startled for a different reason. With his presence, she figured the senior coaches has finally came up with a decision regarding the captaincy; and she, a student coach, was unaware of it.

A tightening in her chest slowly formed. Even if she was already expecting them to accept Nijimura's resignation, she wasn't prepared for it to be this soon. At her position beside Coach Sanada, she faced the members and listened to the announcement, all the while clutching her clipboard close to her chest – hiding her real emotions.

In an instant, Akashi Seijuuro was now officially the new captain. Subsequently, Midorima Shintarou was appointed as the new vice-captain. They were both second-year middle school students; but their reactions were different. Midorima was surprised. Akashi, on the other hand, was not. It did make sense, since the this news was not exactly new to the redhead, as well.

Among the perplexed teens across her, she found his content smile; and the heavy feeling she has began to fade. Relief washed over his stormy irises, causing warmth to spread across her chest, instead.

Meanwhile, the head coach wasted no time then started explaining their plans and schedule, especially since the Nationals was merely few months away. For a brief moment there, she met the gaze of Akashi. It was unreadable, as always; yet the crimson in his eyes reminded her of a flower in bloom.

Her lips curved up at a thought.

That's right. Nijimura chose a flower in bloom to succeed him; and it was her duty as a coach and an ikebana student to make more flowers totally bloom, and complete the rainbow arrangement.

Because it was spring, and spring meant new beginnings.

.

.

.

However, nobody told her that some beginnings are beginnings of the end.


A/N:

HI!

This marks the end of the first and longest part of the story, shin (真 , 'heaven'). The following two parts will be shorter, as mentioned in the prologue. Honestly, I was beginning to doubt myself if I could even finish a part. But! I've made it this far, thanks to all of your support ;A; Thank you so much to all the faves, follows, and reviews :)

To OriginalDrumy, hello! I'm glad to hear about your thoughts. Thanks a lot! :) And ikr :( I was actually contemplating whether to let her confess or not. At first, I wanted to make her confess, but then I was unsure how Nijimura would react to that. In the end, I decided not to, because indeed, it didn't feel right. But, hey maybe in the future, she'll get to tell him ;) Also, take care too!

Anyway, in this chapter, we get to see from Nijimura's perspective, and see how he's going through a lot right now T-T Also, some of the scenes with Haizaki and Akashi (like the game center, meat buns etc.) were taken from Nijimura's drama CD. Go check it out, if you guys haven't heard it yet! It's really great, especially for Niji fans, who crave for more rainbow captain content (lol).

So, are y'all excited for the next part? Are there certain events, you're looking forward to? Well, just let me know :) Thanks and stay safe!