HOLLA MI BAMBINO~~ lol so let's have a toast neee~~ I just finished uploading all the chapter of MONOGATARI at AO3 to those who haven't read them hope yo get some time to do so later~~anyways Kicchin was welcomed warmly at AO3 and for that I thank those who have been following me here in Fanfiction and AO3, I might be posting a different story at AO3 so to those who have them its going to be a different set of collections there soon-BUT WORRY NOT! For I shall not leave you hanging! Kicchin swore not to post that new story yet until I have finished at least LION or Hollow Thy Macabre. So whichever it is that finishes I will let you know there the title. AAAANYHOOOW I I am deeeeeeeply sorry for the VERY late update. I was having some massive writer's block and I got caught up watching Rinne no Wa, do you guys know that? And the latest season of Durarara as well, and speaking of God, I've recently just started with NORAGAMI's newest season oh pleaaaaaaaaase watch it *makes puppy eyes* AHAHAHA but yeah, lame excuses but PLEASEDONTKILLMEYETIHAVETOUPDATETOMORROW! *ahem* Well also, I WANNA SAY, A MASSIVE THANK YOU GUYS FOR THE WARM AND VERY HEATED WELCOME FOR MIZUIRO TO BENI KOI! Its was great feeling to know you guys liked it, and is waiting for it, though Kicchin is such a slowpoke with the updates.
By the way, some details here is with the help of a friend whom refused to be named LOL but since I think he's contributed BIG with a lot of details I placed so yeah hello from the other side if you are reading this, in Japan the music and show business industry really is taken seriously, LIKE REALLY SERIOUS. They have schools exclusively to nurture talents for theater, music, TV drama and so on. If you have watched Utau no Prince-sama YES those kinds of school really DOES exist in Japan. Well not really luxury type butt almost like that. AND BEFOOOORE I START SPOILING THE WHOLE CHAPTER I shall first thank our reviwers and those who dropped a fav and a follow, hello there *pops out somewhere in your screen and started waving* THANK YOU *gives a big hug to everyone* AND TO YOU TOO SILENT READER! *smiles at you* Thank you for giving Mizuiro to Beni Koi a shot, I will do my best to make this a memorable fanfic for you! Thanks to RandomSekihanFan AHAHAHA let's see...YES YOU ARE CORRECT, ahahaha, T. Kazue is Takao's penname-but the big question will be...WHAT WILL TsundeRima do when he realizes T. Kazue is actually a guy LOL. Btw guys FYI Kazue is almost similar in meaning with Kazunari-the first kanji for the name is the same however the last would be different, however it would translate almost similar-TO CREATE HARMONY. Kazu for harmony while "nari" means to create while "e" for Kazue means to be one, though in normal terms the name could also mean ONE BLESSING. And to Bubbles9595 Midotaka really is golden it starting to look so CANON in both the anime and manga, ahahaha, and I think the way I dress Kuroko here is something I have been meaning and dying to see him in the anime to wear or even at least in the manga, I mean megane Kuroko is LIFE. Ahahaha I sound so creepy just there LOL. And to AJ-san AHAHAHA what will Midorima do indeed. And could this really be the BIG SIGN Riko was waiting for? Will Kuroko make it? ANd lastly to Guest-san FINALLY I get to update, I AM SOOOOOO sorry for making you wait, i hope this chapter was worth the wait! Send me your thoughts again!
AAAGAIN THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR SENDING SO MUCH LOVES TO MIZUIRO TO BENI KOI! Hope you like today's update and PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW~ Bye bye beee~~~
Chapter 4: Curtains Up
Teiko Academy of Music, a school built to cater only the most talented children in the fields of music. Those who excel were put in a special class that aimed to introduce them to the public as soon as possible and polish their skills. As a child Kuroko had always wanted to sing, music was everything, and even if it meant going against his parents' will he pushed the thought and during his middle school transferred to Teiko Academy. They will crush the poor boy with pressure, was what his parents thought. However when they saw the determination in their son's eyes they couldn't say no anymore, April that very year Kuroko Tetsuya first stepped in the halls of the famous Teiko Academy of Music, but he was no ordinary among the rest if not even probably below average. Kuroko wasn't surprised when a student told him that he probably only got in because his father was a former musical director who made a number of musical plays successful—out of pity in short. Next to the students of the class 2, Kuroko Tetsuya couldn't be compared.
Every project he did failed, every time he tried it would back fire and he couldn't even move away from the farthest class which meant it was nearly impossible for him to get something in the music industry.
"I need to be frank with you Kuroko-san." His teacher said one day as he called the boy out after handing out the project, "The light of the stage is dim at you, I'm not saying you should quit school but it's your choice, I just want to be frank I don't want you expecting any more than you do now. Your skills are barely average. And your voice, its just impossible. Yes it is beautiful and there really isn't anything wrong or have you gone out of tune, its actually the contrary Kuroko-san."
For a young boy like him who was only starting in the field of music Kuroko didn't understand what his teacher wanted to convey about his voice. But the fact they told him it was impossible for him to get anything more than that it crushed him harshly. There was no explaining the way his chest convulsed with mix feelings of hurt and disappointment to himself. However the day passed and Kuroko realized he just couldn't give up his dream, alone in the second auditorium every after class the teal haired boy would sit in the huge empty hall and sing his heart out trying to figure out what he lacks. Every single time, and he would practice aimlessly with his guitar. He couldn't figure it out though, what was wrong with him, why cannot he do it, why can't he good as those others?
"Eh?" Looking up Kuroko found a dark skinned guy with navy blue hair stepping in the room with a bass guitar in hand, he looked oblivious of Kuroko's presence and just continued walking towards the stage where the lone teal haired boy sat with his legs crossed. Staring at the other's uniform Kuroko found a familiar patch in the other's clothes—a student from the class 1, the elite class.
"Hello." Kuroko greeted the other casually, however the casual greeting resulted to twin midnight blue eyes staring at him and an outburst of—
"AAAH!"
Kuroko blinked as he found the guy walking backwards in inhuman speed and facing the wall while cowering like a child—a guy who practically was a foot and a half taller than him, cowering in the corner. Leaving his spot albeit confused, the teal haired boy walked towards the guy. "Uh…excuse me, are you alright?" Kuroko asked. The guy slowly turned to look at him and slowly blinked before grabbing cupping Kuroko's face in his hands. "E-Eh?"
"Y-You're…real? You're not a-a ghost?"
"That's quite rude but…yeah, I'm not." The guy let go of Kuroko's face and took a breathe of relief before chuckling awkwardly.
"S-Sorry 'bout that, man, thought it was true that there was a ghost here, who would think it was just a student as well." The guy said before flashing Kuroko a grin, "Aomine Daiki by the way."
Kuroko bowed politely, "Kuroko Tetsuya."
"Eh, so what are you doing here on your own?"
"Practice." Kuroko said, "How about Aomine-kun, you're from class 1, I thought you guys have a special auditorium?"
"Its crowded and really noisy with everyone practicing their own instruments." Aomine replied as he turned his eyes towards the stage and spotted Kuroko's guitar. "Ooh, cool you play too?"
Kuroko nodded, "But as you see I'm no good."
"…Yet." Aomine said smiling at the other, "You're practicing, right? Let me hear it!"
Kuroko stared at Aomine as if asking him if he was serious, he didn't answer however the way Aomine ran to the stage and made himself comfortable there told Kuroko that he is indeed serious. Kuroko followed the guy upstage quietly looking at the taller guy, he placed his guitar on the floor waiting for teal haired boy to settle. When Kuroko came back he picked up his guitar and sat in front of Aomine and started playing, it wasn't his own composition, a project that he supposedly failed. Aomine didn't show any reaction as Kuroko started playing making the boy a little confident about what he was doing, he started singing the first part of the song and just like that Aomine remained quiet while nodding his head a bit. When the chorus ended Aomine was still there.
"What do you think Aomine-san?"
Aomine blinked and smiled at Kuroko, "Well you still need improvement but you're okay."
Kuroko bit his lower lip in frustration, need improvement, what exactly does he lacks. What was so wrong about him? Why can't he be just…enough? "Okay…won't save my dreams." He said under his breath. Aomine raised an eyebrow at him.
"What do you mean?"
"My teacher told me its impossible…he suggest I quit."
"WHAT?!" Aomine's outburst echoed in the entire auditorium. Kuroko was shock to hear someone like Aomine would sympathize to someone like him, or even the fact that the other was actually hearing him out, after all this guy was an inch close to his dream. Anytime someone from the music industry may come and bring him to sign contracts. But he was there listening to his ramblings. "He's a teacher he's supposed to encouraging his students not the other way around! Tsk, you're probably more worthy of a spot in Class 1 than Haizaki."
Kuroko chuckled, "Don't say that Aomine-kun, you know…we both know I lack something essential."
Aomine fell silent for a moment but he soon flashed another smile and gave the other a thumbs up, "I've decided, I'll help you improve then, let's practice here together!"
Since then Aomine came there to help Kuroko learn more about music, Kuroko learned more about reading musical sheets from Aomine who brings his musical sheets. Aomine was a good bass guitar player and his vocals were very masculine, it has a touch of a bit close to something you'd hear from visual kei artists. And it was Aomine who brought the change to Kuroko—the change in the form of a scarlet haired student who came one day in search for Aomine.
"Aomine."
The two turned towards the door where a scarlet haired young man walked in with a tall emerald bespectacled young man in his tail. Aomine stood and ran to greet the two new comers. Kuroko who was fond of formalities and all followed his new friend to greet the other two who wore the same patched uniform as he does. "Akashi, what are you doing here?" Aomine asked.
"I am the one who is supposed to ask you that," Akashi said sighing, "I have been looking all over for you, this is where you have been this past few days, what are you doing here?"
"Practicing." Aomine answered. "By the way, meet Kuroko."
"Who?" Akashi asked raising a brow.
"That would be me."
Akashi's eyes widen at the sight of the boy who suddenly appeared behind Aomine, he could easily pass anyone's eyes but something about his teal hair and powder blue eyes look very stunning. "Oh…Oh." Akashi found himself taken aback, despite his features his presence was as thin as air. The boy bowed his head at Akashi.
"My name is Kuroko Tetsuya, I am from class 3." He said curtly.
Akashi's eyes widen as he heard the other's voice clearer. Could it be that he possess that kind of voice, was he the one…the one he had been waiting for? "You say…you're in the Class 3?" Kuroko nodded, Akashi smiled, "Do you want to transfer to Class 1?"
Kuroko's eyes widen at the sudden question, was he toying with him, he knows well it isn't that easy to get promotated to Class 1. How can he say so easily? However the glint and interest in the scarlet young man's eyes and Aomine's lack of interjection proved him that maybe this guy is serious. But serious…how can he do that?
"If you are interested I want you to come to the auditorium of the Class 1 next week." Akashi smiled.
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"We have our first audition!" Furihata exclaimed as he walked in the studio.
Takao stood and waited as the new comer came in. Kagami did the same however, his eyes widen as he spotted a fluff of teal hair behind Furihata, if he would base again with the presence he wwas sure he would be taken by surprise again just like that time, however Kagami wasn't surprise to see the very same face he saw a met then. His eyes went wide as saucers as Furihata step aside to introduce him. "I am Kuroko Tetsuya, I found your post this morning about the audition I hope the offer still stands." He said formally. Takao turned to found Kagami gawking at the corner finger pointed at the boy standing there.
"YOU!" Kagami exclaimed.
"Oh, hello Kagami-kun." Kuroko bowed his head again, "I…didn't know you were the one who posted that."
"Eh, actually it was me." Furihata interjected smiling, "How did you know Kagami-kun?"
Kuroko thought for a moment before answering, "Oh a few days ago we met when he got lo—"Kuroko was suddenly interrupted when Kagami covered his mouth with his insanely huge hands. The teal haired boy frowned seemingly not amused by how the other interrupted him while talking. Kagami didn't need any more embrassment from Takao if he ever found out that Kuroko was the guy who he was a few days ago. He'd tease him nonstop!
"Eh, what is this Kagami, you know a cutie like him?" Takao smirked slyly, he didn't need to hear it all. Kagami despite all his personality is a huge shy ball, it was rare of him to be acquainted with people that easily, if he wasn't mistaking this boy was the one Kagami was with the other day, the one he went to the play with. The thought made Takao's smirk wider. Slender, fair skinned and those big baby blue eyes—he looks like someone who would be popular with young girls.
"I-It was a long story!" Kagami said.
"Hmm," Takao smirked, "Well I'm willing to listen."
Kagami for some reason started blushing like a ripe tomato making even Furihata chuckle at the sight, Kuroko who was oblivious of what was happening didn't like the fact that Kagami was still covering his mouth with his hand, the other doesn't seem to realize his discomfort as he was busy defending his ego which to what it seems is a mission going down the every wrong way. Frowning as the other still for the umpteenth time wont let go, the teal haired stage actor did what he thought was the only thing would call Kagami's attention and inevitably get his hands off his face—
Lick
"WHAT THE FUCK!" Kagami exclaimed as he felt something wet against the palm of his hand, detaching his hand from Kuroko he stared at Kuroko who still had that stone face but his lips were curved down showing the other's displeasure. "HEY that was gross!"
"But you won't let go of me, I'm starting to suffocate."
"EH! What are you a kid?"
Kuroko frowned deepen, how dare he call him a kid, "No, but you might be Kagami-kun."
"That was uncalled for you could have told me you were—"
"You were covering my mouth how can I speak."
"T-Then you should have done something."
"I did."
The room was quiet for a moment as Kagami's eyebrow twitch in annoyance. THE NERVE OF IT! However the silence was broke but small "Pfft—" and giggles which slowly started turning into a full blown laughter. Kuroko who was shock himself he wasn't the kind of person who easily forget about the people around them, looking around he found the raven haired guy and the brown haired guy both laughing. Kagami meanwhile was fuming and cheeks red. Realizing what he had done he found himself getting swallowed in embarrassment. "They look so cute!" Takao squealed. He had been writing romance stuffs but really the real deal was indeed better in more ways than one. The two were blushing and averting each other's eyes making them look like high school couple.
"I agree with Takao-kun, it seems like you guys had known each other for so long." Furihata said making the two tensed for some reason and Kagami's blush grew darker.
"Oh, now that we have that, I think Kagami can't be here when we ask you to do the audition." Takao said making Kagami raised an eyebrow, confused. "You'll be bias."
"EEH! NO I wont!"
"I knew Kagami-kun never saw me as a friend, how sad."
"HUH!" Kagami whipped his head and saw Kuroko with his unwavering stone face making the other's eyebrow twitch, "CAN YOU HAVE MORE EXPRESSION ON YOUR FACE I FEEL LIKE TALKING TO A WALL!"
"I'm not a wall Kagami-kun, you hurt my feelings. I'm not that fat."
"YOU DON'T LOOK HURT."
"Now, now, you too, let's get Kuroko-kun's audtion."
The two was silenced by Takao's declaration. Kuroko faced the mangaka and bowed his head politely. Takao smiled back and looked at Kagami, "So can you step out for a while Kagami?"
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"Are you ready Kuroko-san?"
Kuroko looked at Takao and Furihata both of them were smiling at Kuroko as if silently cheering him up, the teal haired boy was momentarily reminded of the very first time he auditioned, and it was on the entrance exam of Teiko Academy. It was a bigger and much spacious than this, however for some reason the thought of Kagami just close by put Kuroko's nerve's slightly at ease. Kagami left the room and was standing outside just as Furihata instructed the other. With slightly trembling hands Kuroko nodded at Takao's question. "You can start whenever you feel like it." Takao said. "Please introduce yourself first then you can start."
Kuroko nodded again as he held the guitar securely before bowing, "My name is Kuroko Tetsuya, I'll be playing and singing Eternal Now." Takao nodded and turned to Furihata, Takao quietly asked Furihata who the original singer was and the brunette answered. Kuroko started strumming his guitar and soon he started singing.
At first Takao couldn't quite understand why he seems to feel something was strange about Kuroko, he seems to be hitting the notes perfectly, his playing isn't out of tune, and there was a beat in his voice—but something was just strange. Furihata sensed it as well however he wasn't sure. He watched in awe, Kuroko's voice alone was good, smooth, cold to the ears but in a very pleasant way. His eyes however, something was amiss with the way he performed, it was like it was all scripted to be done. Takao without further thought raised his a hand stopping the teal haired boy. Furihata blinked in confusion, he tried to catch up with Takao's thoughts however, Takao was didn't spare any clues.
There was no doubting it, Kuroko Tetsuya has skills and experience in this field, however—"Kuroko-san, you do realize that we have Kagami as our lead vocal and that could not and will not change, yes?" Takao said quickly. Kuroko nodded.
"Yes." He replied humbly. "I do not intend to overthrow Kagami-kun."
"I see." Takao hummed, "You are good Kuroko-kun, but your skills in playing the guitar are almost like Furihata. There isn't anything much special of it. But your vocals are good, very polished that's why…we can't accept you."
Furihata's eyes widen at Takao's words, looking straight ahead ta Kuroko the teal haired boy didn't look surprised at all, however Furihata knew there was still disappointment. Furihata panicked, what was wrong. If Takao liked Kuroko's voice, if his voice was good—no, great, then why refuse him? "You don't look surprised." Takao said noting the way the other seemed calm about his words. "You know the reason don't you?"
Kuroko closed his eyes and bowed his head, "Yes." He muttered before raising his head.
"Your voice is rare, however that type of voice for a simple band like us would be quite difficult, have you explored it thoroughly yet?"
Kuroko shook his head. "I haven't." he admitted, for years he had stayed as he was, learned only what his band mates told him to. He really doesn't know much about how far he can go, with all honesty. For years he had only been thought to simply sing with Aomine. Without Aomine's vocals he was voice was a frightening gamble. Since after the break up of the Miracles, Kuroko had found it hard to work with anyone, he was like a lone rhythm in an already stable set of patterns. It was either the attention was hoarded by his voice alone, or…the exact opposite. He never lapse or become one with the other. Losing his very purpose. "I am…not like Kagami-kun…I'm different."
"We know but—"
"I'm a shadow, Takao-san."
Furihata's eyes widen at those words…why do they sound familiar. That idea…the shadow. Furihata was deep in thought that he quickly dismissed the thought of Kuroko bowing his head and thanking them for their time before heading towards the door.
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"That looks like a difficult book."
The scarlet haired boy raised his head from the book to look right at the brown boy leaning close almost lying on the table of the library, eyebrows furrowed as he tried his best to read the difficult words written in the cover. "Not really." The scarlet haired boy said. "Are you interested in them?"
The brown haired boy smiled, "Yes but…I'm not really smart you see."
The scarlet haired boy then realized something at the corner of the table, it was surely not the scarlet boy's. "Is that your's…that violin case?" The brown haired boy turned to his side and nodded. "You're…you play?" Another nod.
"But I'm not good at it yet." He said chuckling awkwardly. The brown haired boy went back to reading the title of the book—"…P-Phantom?"
The scarlet boy smiled, "I'm interested in them."
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Snapping out of his reverie Furihata was struck by a realization, the phantom, Kuroko was that. Kuroko was that rarest of the rare cases. Without thinking Furihata followed Kuroko to the doorsteps ignoring Takao's constant calling of his name. There was no time, if they lose Kuroko now, he might never get a chance to get a hold of something like this again. It was a story he heard before, a special case. As he grew up he had heard more from his parents—Kuroko was that case, a rare type of voice, they were called shadows for one, they were formally used as back up singers of artists. It was recent that it was proven that the only reason why these singers were unable to build their own name was the fact that their voice was too perfect. It was too polished that they couldn't be put for any duet, it was either they drown the other's voice due to their perfect sense of tune or their high unreachable voices. It was a gamble to have Kuroko's voice. It was a gamble since if the voice isn't as flexible enough Kuroko wouldn't be able to blend in, and only few types of vocals could cope with that kind of voice. However, if they were lucky—
"KUROKO-SAN!"
Kuroko stopped midway from opening the door and turned to Furihata who suddenly grabbed both his shoulders, "Please do repeat the audition again!" Furihata exclaimed. Kuroko blinked in surprise. If they were able to use Kuroko he will be the biggest asset they could have, it was really a gamble—an all or nothing game. If Kuroko fails, they'll end up with nothing at all, however if they do get this right, their band will hold the greatest weapon against any other bands. The shadow would increase the light.
"B-But Takao-san is—"
"Never mind that, please, do audition again, now." Furihata urged. Kuroko was lost for words, what was with the sudden request.
"I don't understand but if you say so then I will."
Furihata's eyes lit up, "Great!" he exclaimed. "Ah but this time I want you to do a duet."
Kuroko's eyes widen at Furihata's exclamation—
a…duet?