WELCOME BAAAAAACK TO MIZUIRO TO BENI KOOOOOI! I am soooooooo sorry for making you guys wait so awfully long, my sister is actually borrowing my laptop for her school stuffs and I wasnt able to update due to that. BUT WORRY NOOOT, FEAR NOT, MY DEAREST READEERS lol I sneakwriting in the laptop whenever I can, and though it took awfully long to do so, I am however, successful. I'll try my best to update faster, but I can't really promise you anything since finals are coming up and I'm actually drowning with responsibilities at the university.
KYAAAA~~~ SOOOOO WHO IS EXCITEDDDD TO KNOW WHAT IS INSIDE THE LETTER THAT WAS SENT TO TAKAO? Will Takao give it to Kuroko or not? And just whoever sent the letter to Takao? NEW PAIRS ARE GOING TO BLOOM SOON, its only te beginning will HIKARI NO OU be able to handle the future challenges? THE STAGE IS PREPARING FOR THE FIRST BLOW, are you reaaady?!
And before we begin, Kicchin woul lik to thank every single one of you who is now reading Mizuiro To Beni Koi, thank you for giving Mizuiro a shot and I hope that you do honestly like it. Thank you to our dear reviewers,to Ern Estine 13624 to Guest-san and to Soul Vrazy, ohohohoho who might it be, huh? to POLARIS-san omg thank youuuuuuuu, and regarding chapter 4 with Furi's flashbck *winks* SOON, I shall reveal about that too-VEEEERY soon. Also YES there is definitely AOKISE in here for those who are asking. And slowly we'll go into that ship and we shall sail it too-soon. Ohohoho to Bubbles9595 OMG I AGREE HAHAHAHAHA! A punch is called for, maybe from SAITAMA-sensei hahahaha so they can wake up from their stupid thinking. And to AJ-san and SilverWhiteDragon what would Midorima do if he realized he had talked, defended his favorite author without him knowing...and IT IS A GUY! AND LASTLY THANK YOU TO YOU, who are reading this, if you have time please do click that follorw or fav button, or leave a review either way makes me SUUUUUPER happy! So yep, thank you to those who followed an faved, Mizuiro and those who left a reviewww!
AND NOOOOOW I leave you with the newest update, hope you like it and if its not much-
REVIEW PLEASE?
Chapter 10: LOVE-LOST Elegy
If I could take away all the tears you cried
I would hesitate to be your sacrifice
If you lose yourself to the pain inside
I would bleed for you, I would pay the price
-LOVE-LOST ELEGY(English Version)
"Gift?"
Two scarlet irises blinked in confusion at the question, putting much thought to it, the other relized the purpose of the said query. Chuckling the boy placed a finger in his chin with a mischevious smirk, "You know well what he likes the most."
Kuroko sighed and frowned at the other's answer, "Please be serious about this, I couldn't possibly walk in a convenience store and buy Aomine-kun a gravure magazine."
The scarlet eyed boy chuckled, of course he can't.
"Then what about a song?"
"A song?"
"There is no greater joy for any musician than to be a muse."
Midorima's non-existent patience is slowly coming to its end, he didn't know what kind of brain the raven haired posses. Is he seriously going to take the letter to Kuroko, now? He is impossible, he wouldn't simply admit to Midorima's words. The other reasoned that it was nothing big and Kuroko is the one who is to decided on the matter, but does Takao knew anything at all? Even with Midorima's long strides, Takao wouldn't let him catch up, he would walk faster as soon as Midorima closes in.
Finally losing his patience, Midorima growled and ran to Takao grabbing the other's arm.
"Are you an idiot?!"
Takao glared back at Midorima and shook his arm off the other's grip, "I didn't ask you to come."
"Didn't I told you not to give it to Kuroko?" Midorima said, "Are you deaf?"
"You are not the boss of me." Takao said firmly.
Midorima stared at Takao for a moment. Standing in the middle of the streets wearing suites the two were graced with second look from the passers-by. Silence fell between them awkwardly, Midorima was never fond of sharing his thoughts with strangers, especially to someone he only met now. However, Takao Kazunari's stubbornness was getting deep in his skin, and the only way to do this was simply reveal it.
"Come with me." Midorima said as he pulled Takao in the side of the street.
Takao didn't struggle and let the emerald haired guy lead him in a less crowded area. Standing in front of a small boutique, Midorima sighed and pulled his off his jacket that was slightly damped from the earlier events, and rolled his sleeves.
"Stop being stubborn you cannot give that parcel to Kuroko."
Takao frowned, "Its not for me or you to decide."
Midorima sighed, "You don't understand."
"I really don't!" Takao growled.
"Can you listen to me?!" Midorima raised his voice silencing the raven haired musician. Takao pursed his lips and stepped back. Midorima took a drag of breath and pulled Takao's hand that was holding the white envelope. Quietly Takao watched the other as he opened the envelop again revealing four VIP tickets for a concert.
"Its just a ticket what's the big deal with it…" Takao murmured.
Midorima placed the tickets in Takao's hand, "Read it again."
Takao read the details on the tickets and frowned, "I don't get what you want me to see here."
"Aomine Daiki."
Takao raised an eyebrow, "And?"
"He's the one performing." Midorima said, "He's…one of the Miracles."
Takao's eyes widen at the mention, he had almost forgotten the names of every member of the Generation of Miracles. He had been too focused on Midorima. Thinking about it now, the name did pull some memories in the back of Takao's mind. Aomine Daiki, wasn't he the most popular guy from the Generation Miracles then?
"He and Kuroko had a history…not a very good one at that."
"Then…why would he do this?" Takao asked, "Why would he send Kuroko a ticket to see his performance?"
Midorima clenched his hand in a fist, no, it wasn't Aomine who sent it. The idiot would have come to see Kuroko personally if he wanted to do this. Such smart and calculated action would definitely come from that person, and knowing Kuroko the reason why it was sent to Takao instead was due to the fact that he knew anything that would have come from him will be quickly declined.
He knew Kuroko shouldn't have done what he did. He agreed then that Kuroko will be best off with them, that his talents were wasted using it simply in theater plays. He is more suited in the music industry. He hated his decision, but he respected his intuition. He respected him as a musician. That was why despite that, he couldn't agree with the way Aomine and that person thinks.
"Aomine will sing the song in his newly released single this time." Midorima said.
"So?"
"It is a song Kuroko wrote for Aomine."
.
Takao's eyes widen at the revelation.
"Kuroko had always been very close to Aomine, it is a fact. If you value Kuroko's presence in your band, I suggest that you keep that ticket. Never mention this to him." Midorima added, "Whenever, whatever, Aomine is still important to him. Even how much pain he would have to put up, if it is Aomine, chances are Kuroko would still come running to him. They've been partners since the start of Kuroko's career, he knows what makes him tick."
Midorima's words echoed in Takao's ears, pain…Kuroko had put up with so much pain back then, for the sake of his bandmates, and even until now…he couldn't leave them behind? A flash of memories flooded Takao's mind, he remember the resolute eyes Kuroko had back at the competition, the way he spoke with Kagami, his promise to them when he first became a member of the band. Takao's grip on the tickets became a bit tighter and the edges beginning to get crumpled.
"…I wont change my decision."
Takao's words caught the other off guard, "What?"
"I said, I wont change my decision!"
Midorima's eyes widen as Takao raised his head and stared right into Midorima, his silver blue eyes glowed as a car passed by behind them, the light reflecting in his eyes were mesmerizing, and the fire in them were intense. His voice was confident, just as what he saw in the stage. And for some reason all his senses focused itself on the man infront of him.
"I trust Kuroko." Takaoi said firmly, "He isn't like the person you think he is. He could free himself from his past! And I know, I saw it. I believe in him."
The words struck Midorima like a cold wave, his body froze and his mind went blank for a while.
Believe.
Did they ever…told Kuroko that? Did anyone, at that moment ever told Kuroko that word? No. No one ever did. No one tried to. No one was there.
Why didn't he walk up to him? Why…when he knew it was wrong, why didn't he…
Cowardice
…No, it was—
PRIDE
Midorima stood in his spot unable to move, his ears were filled with static noise, before he knew it Takao was starting to walk away from him. He wondered, if that trust Takao has for Kuroko is enough to salvage Kuroko from his attachment to Aomine?
.
.
.
.
It was rare that he ever had a day off from work, and it was even rarer that he decided to stay up in his room instead. Its been a whole day and Kise did nothing but to rummage in his closet. He had forgotten about breakfast and lunch and now its almost dinner, but his stomach barely made a sound, perhaps the protest of his stomach was drowned by the plea of his mind to stop torturing itself. Holding a photo frame up in the air as he lied in his back on the bed, Kise stared at the image. It used to be like this.
Back then, even if it was difficult, it was alright, because that person was really smiling. Even if he never looked his way, at least he was really, genuinely smiling.
Seeing Kuroko with Kagami, he couldn't help but wonder how would that person feel. Was he angry, yeah, that's surely a yes. Recently it was as if he had only two feelings, angry or bored. He distanced himself even more, to watch that every single day felt like torture…so he ended up wanting to leave as well.
To watch the person you love become someone else…what more was much painful?
He never looked at him, he never mattered to him as much as Kuroko did…
As crazy as that sound, he tried reasoning to himself, he tried to redirect those feelings to Kuroko. He tried, but all else failed. He couldn't simply watch it. And he knew Kuroko would never be swayed, he knew it was futile.
And now that Kuroko looks at someone else the way he looked at him before, he somehow felt betrayed. After giving up, he realized that his sacrifice were nothing. That person is still sad, Kuroko didn't stay anyway, and he was still alone.
Placing the photo frame on the side of his bed, Kise curled in his side.
"Aominecchi what would you do now, what…are you planning?"
In the photo was a younger Kise wearing a white dress shirt next to him was Aomine wearing a simple a white shirt paired with a dark blue unbuttoned jacket with a big smile, between them was Kuroko, his hair was shorter back then, the teal haired musician was holding a trophy. Kuroko could smile like that now, but it wasn't because of that person anymore, it wasn't because of them anymore, it is because of Kagami.
Somewhere in the room a forgotten CD case was left, a familiar word was printed in red.
.
.
.
LIPS
"…kao-san…Takao-san?"
Takao almost jumped in surprise as he heard his name being called, turning his eyes towards the source of the voice, he came facing the brown haired drummer. Furihata was holding a pen and paper and was looking at him with a concerned look.
It has been two days since that fateful day at the party. It has been two days since he had been contemplating his words and decision. At one point he realized, Midorima knew Kuroko very well he wouldn't say something that he isn't sure of. Whenever he sees Kuroko with Kagami with a smile his will wavers, was he going to do the right decision?
As if sensing Takao's troubled thoughts Kuroko turned away from his conversation with Kagami and looked towards him. The powdered teal blue eyes were no help in trying to put Takao's mind at ease, keeping something from the boy didn't sit well with Takao but he couldn't simply and mindlessly do something…something that may cause him a friend. He remember the way Kuroko looked back then, before they faced Kise he was a mess. It wasn't easy to see your friend like that.
"Takao-san are you alright?" Furihata asked putting the pen and paper on the coffee table. "You look pale."
Takao flashed the brunette a fake smile, "Yeah. Maybe I just didn't get enough sleep."
"Are you sure Takao-san?" Kuroko asked in concern, walking behind him was Kagami.
"Yeah." Takao answered, his chest constricted at the sight of Kuroko's concerned eyes, the guilt was getting the best of him. He couldn't even look him straight in the eyes. Even if he do believe in him, even if he did said that…it wasn't wrong to fear it too. What were the chances Kuroko wouldn't leave them back, or what would be the chances that Kuroko could fight the emotional damage that Aomine Daiki could bring?
"Oh, is it because of the deadline?" Furihata asked, "I heard your manga was getting really popular since the announcement of the anime adaptation."
Takao nodded and smiled awkwardly, "Yeah, something like that."
"Then you should take a day off." Kagami suggested.
Kuroko nodded, "Its rare that I agree with Kagami-kun, but he's right. Takao-san, you should rest."
"N-No, I-I mean I'm perfectly fine and we have to prepare for our first live and album s-so I—"
"I agree."
The four boys turned towards the doorway of the studio where Aida stood with her arms crossed over her chest. Walking towards the group, she unfolded her arms and bent down to Takao, examing the other. She frowned realizing the bags under his eyes, and the pale complexion. It isn't simply just lack of sleep, Aida could see it is more than that…stress. Leaning back Aida sighed.
"You should go take the rest of the day off, Takao." Aida said with her authorative tone. "You cannot perform like this, I respect the fact that you love your job as a mangaka as well, however you cannot push yourself to its limits like this. Do you understand?"
Takao pursed his lips, unable to retort.
"Don't worry, we'll do our best, count on us Takao-san."
Takao raised his head at Kuroko's statement. Without knowing he nodded at the other causing a small smile to paint his usually expressionless façade. Kagami laughed causing the teal haired to frown and elbow him in the gut.
How can one seriously give up someone like Kuroko?
Even if he believed him, what if he was wrong? He didn't want to hate Kuroko, but he knew himself, and he knew he would if he leaves. In a short span of days, Kuroko had become an entirely essential part of them, of the band and as a pseudo family.
"Thank you." Takao muttered under his breathe.
.
.
.
Agreeing to Aida's orders, Takao gathered his belongings and took the rest of the day off…or so that was what they thought. After leaving, Takao went straight to a book store buying a few of recent released manga that he could use as future references deciding that after getting some rest he'll try to do something productive, something that could perhaps relieve him from the plaguing thoughts of the incoming concert of Aomine Daiki, and the tickets tucked in his pockets. Carrying the books in his hand Takao walked in the side walk in deep thought. He was starting to feel unwell, was it because of the guilt that has been building in his system or does his overworking has finally found a way to payback?
"EXCUSE ME!"
BLAG
Takao staggered a few steps forward, almost completely losing his balance as someone bumped into him. The manga fell on the ground and scattered. Without bothering to look up and ask the perpetrator an apology, the raven haired mangaka crouched on the ground as he picked the fallen items one by one. He didn't have much energy to waste to even ask or get angry again, his head was bothering him and his eyes were starting to feel really heavy.
Tap, Tap, Tap.
"Oi."
Takao's ears perked up at the voice, his eyes caught a glimpse of a branded shoes that was standing there, tracing the shoes to the person who owns them, his eyes widen.
And yet again, fate proves itself, as if it was screaming at Takao's ears,
'I EXIST'
The familiar figure with a deep scowl didn't waste any second and started walking briskly towards the person who bumped into Takao, a man in a business suite that seems to be in a hurry. However obviously that wasn't the concern of the taller male. Takao watched with doe eyes at the scene, what was he doing there, how on earth was this happening?
With his strong grip, Midorima pulled the man by the arm forcing him to stop and look at him. The man wriggled from his grip but with his towering height and intimidating aura, he was able to make the older man into a shrieking mess.
"You just bumped someone." Midorima said coldly.
"I-I'm in a-a hurry man, I-I gotta—"
"Apologize."
"Huh?"
Midorima's grip tightened, "I said apologize."
"A-Alright, just l-let me go!"
Midorima let the man go and with a swift bow, the man bowed his head to Takao and apologized before dashing quickly.
Midorima sighed, he didn't mean to witness that, he was merely passing by, luckily it as his day off. Walking quietly he was shock to see a spaced out Takao walking a few feet in front of him, wearing a gray hoodie and dark fitting pants, who would have thought that casual clothes looked better on the raven haired guy—WAIT, what? Midorima snapped at his own thoughts, he turned to check on the other. He sighed and found Takao still staring at him. Was he planning to simply sit there on the ground forever?
Midorima sighed and crouched down facing Takao and clicked his finger waking the other from his dream land.
"Pick your things up, you're getting in the way of the people."
"O-Oh…yeah…thanks."
Midorima scoffed, "I didn't do it for you."
Takao stopped midway from picking a book and stared hard at Midorima who despite what he said was helping him gather the items on the ground.
"Pfft—"
Midorima raised his head hearing Takao's failure of suppressing a laugh.
"What are you laughing at you moron?"
Takao chuckled and grinned widely at Midorima. For some reason the moment the image registered in his mind, Midorima felt his heart skipped a beat.
"Tsundere."
.
.
"HA?!" Midorima exclaimed at the other, "What nonsense are you speaking of!"
Midorima stood staright looking down on Takao who was still in his laughing feat.
"Tsundere, Midorima-san is a tsundere—Ah! A tsuderima!"
Midorima blushed at the awful nickname, what kind of childishness is this, and to think he's laughing like a madman in the middle of the road, calling a proper man such as himself a tsundere?!
"I have enough of this, I have other business to attend to rather than listening to your stupidity! Get on your feet and take your belongings already!"
Takao who finally settled his seemingly endless laugh, slowly pulled himself up. Standing up, the raven haired mangaka's eyes widen, he felt the floor moving under his feet, Midorima's face suddenly blurred—
"Oi Takao what are you—OI!"
.
.
Bzzzzzzzzt….
Bzzzt—
Kuroko picked up his phone, a familiar name flashed in the screen. Without thinking any further he slide the screen with his finger to answer the call.
"Ah, Takao-san, have you arrived safely at home?"
"Kuroko."
Kuroko blinked and pulled the phone away from his ear checking if he misread the name in the ID, to his surprise, no, he wasn't . Right on the screen Takao's name was clearly flashed. Kuroko put the phone back to his ear as he made a sign to Furihata who was looking at him that he was going to excuse himself outside. Quickly leaving the studio, Kuroko closed the door behind him.
"What did you do to Takao-san, Midorima-kun?" Kuroko asked smiling to himself. He knew clearly that Miodirma was not the kind of person like that, no, actually, Midorima was the kind of person who never associated himself with people, much more to use their phones.
"W-What nonsense are you spouting!" Midorima's voice grumbled at the end of the line, "And how did you knew it is me?"
"I'm very good at remembering voices Midorima-kun." Kuroko heard a sigh from the other line. "More importantly, how come you are using Takao-san's phone?"
"It's a complicated matter and a tediously long sto—"
"I have time."
"Kuroko, this is not the time."
Kuroko suppressed the urge to laugh, Midorima sounds so serious that he feels like he was sweating bullet uncomfortably wherever he is.
"Then, what is it?"
"Where does Takao Kazunari lives?"
A laugh.
"DON'T YOU LAUGH!"
"I-I'm very sorry." Kuroko tried his best to kill the erupting laugh and the urge to tease the other even more, the uptight tall green haired miracle was quite amusing to tease. "But I have to know what business you have with Takao-san."
"I am with him, this buffoon!"
Kuroko raised an eyebrow at the statement, "What is Takao-san doing with Midorima-kun? I didn't know that you knew each other."
"Ask me later, I need his address now."
"Why don't you ask Takao-san?"
"I can't, Kuroko I know you're smarter than this, did your new partner rub on you that much?"
"Midorima-kun do you need my help or are you going to—"
"Yes, I do, now just give it to me."
Kuroko chuckled, "I will send mail it to Takao's phone then."
Midorima sighed in relief.
"Great."
"Ah, Midorima-kun?"
"What?"
.
.
.
"Please take care of Takao-san, he's an important part of the band…and my friend."
Midorima stared at the screen of the phone just as Kuroko hung up on him after saying those words. Such mutual trust and concern, it was what Kuroko craved then. It was what he thought he found on that person, it was the same thought that failed him back then. Kuroko was damaged back then, he knows it very much, he wasn't blind not to see. But for some reason they managed to made him trust again, to believe that he could form that bond again.
Turning to the sleeping figure next to Midorima in the cab he cant help but wonder if Kuroko had seen it too, was it the reason why he trusted this people?
"…I believe in him."
Midorima caught himself with his hand close to the raven's head, pulling his hand away, Midorima leaned back on the leather seat while turning his eyes to the scenery outside the window.
"Don't put them down Kuroko."
A/N:
The chapter title is LOVE-LOST ELEGY but this is the english version sung by Nano and Neko. Its more rock than the original but I think the lyrics were more straight to the kokoro ahhahaha!