FINALLLY FINALS IS OOOOVEEER! I am finally free off the constrains of college! BTW thank you everyone who had been cheering me up with my studies and this news is for you guys, I was able to surpass the grades of the class' top student in most of the classes. HOORAAAY! Thank you guys for being very understanding with my current schedule in college, and because of you guys' understanding and cheering up, I was able to do BETTER than last year. Thank you again. ANNND now were back to the latest Chapter of Mizuiro to Beni Koi! Btw the title of this new chapter is a personal favorite of mine from Honeyworks-some of you may be familiar of it because it IS Gintama's opening song at one point, the MV is also my favorite with nice arts and all. AAAANYHOOOW last chapter we left with a veeery complicated situation with the revelation of Kise's current situation and with Kuroko's decision to go and see Aomine again. Are you ready to know what happens NEXT? Omg this is IIIIT!

BTW thank you for everyone who reviwed last chapter I LOVE YOU GUUUYS and also those who had been dropping a fav and follow to MtBK! psychobubbles hahaha THANK YOUUU SO MUCH, and bout Akashi and Furi...*chuckles darkly* hohoho it shall be knowwwwn soon. Actually VERY SOON. I hope I didnt make you wait too much btw and hope you LIKE the update! Ern Estine 13624 trueeeeee, such indenial jerk, ahahaha but then again Aomine ALWAYS is. Yuki578 AHAHAHA yep, Aomine IS a jerk and he needs to get into his senses! Guest AHAHAHAHA that is the BEST insight I have read so far about this chapter! AHAHAHAAHHAHA! kroscetish ahahaha sorry for making you waaait and hope you like the updateeee! NightmareD-Technolife omg, thank you so, soooo much! I will do my best!

omg thank you veryone and yep, i hoooope you like the update, and review pleaaaaase!

Chapter 13: Pride Revolution

Furihata shifted his eyes uncomfortably between Kagami and Kuroko, he could feel the tension between the two, mostly from Kagami to Kuroko while the bluenette had his head turn towards the window of the car watching the streets. A few days ago Kuroko asked Furihata if he has anything planned for the day and gave him a ticket to a concert which incidentally he gave everyone else. A ticket to Aomine Daiki's concert, Kuroko's former band mate. it was surprising knowing how wary Kuroko were towards his former band mates, and Kagami's scowl since that day told Furihata that the crimson haired vocalist was definetly against the whole idea.

The rehearsal didn't went surprisingly horrible, Kuroko and Kagami weren't synched at all, they would get confused on who was on whose part, they were all over the places that even Takao and Furihata found themselves getting confused. In the end, nothing came out of their rehearsal. Since then, Furihata had not heard of the two talking. It was the first time he saw them fighting.

Kagami pulled his Ipod out of his pocket and started playing a loud rock music that seeped right out of his earphones before pulling the earphones in his ears. It was obvious that he wasn't happy about this idea, but what was amusing was the fact that he still went with them. Furihata watched as Kagami scrolled in the music in his Ipod, despite his opposition, he couldn't leave Kuroko alone. Sometimes, Furihata wonder if they really just met a few weeks ago because it really seemed like they had known each other longer than the universe.

"I hope this concert sort out whatever is between you two." Aida said who was driving them, the manager insisted to drive them to the venue saying she was worried that the two vocalist may rip each other's throat if she wasn't looking. Aida reached and adjusted the rear view mirror sighing as she spotted Kagami looking away and so is Kuroko. "Oi!"

Kuroko jumped in his seat and warily looked at Aida through the mirror.

"This isn't funny you two." She said as she turned her eyes back at the road again, "Don't bring your jealous fits in the studio."

"I AM NOT JEALOUS!" Kagami exclaimed and peeled off his earphones. "This is just stupid." He murmured.

Kuroko's eyebrows furrowed at Kagami's chosen words. Instead of retaliating though, Kuroko sunk himself in his seat.

"Yeah? Kagami I was born at night not last night." Aida said frowning. "And Kuroko did you even listen to your bandmates about this?"

Kuroko was quiet and kept his eyes on the window.

"And if you have issues with each other, can you not drag Furihata along this?" Aida said. The poor brunette was squeezed between the back seat in the middle of the clashing forces of Kagami and Kuroko. Furihata shifted uncomfortably.

Kuroko slightly turned his eyes over Furihata and pursed his lips before whispering a small apology. Furihata smiled awkwardly.

"If you're sorry then fix this thing between you and Kagami."

"There's nothing fix." Kagami muttered.

Aida growled scaring Takao who was sitting on the passenger seat almost pressing himself to the door.

"WOULD YOU FOR ONE SECOND STOP BEING SUCH A DRAMA QUEEN?!" Aida exclaimed. "This is why you both can't settle down, you are both so stubborn to admit that there's some shit between you two!"

Furihata eyed the two in his sides who refused to still look at the other. Kagami huffed and pulled his earphones back in his ears while Kuroko decided that the scenery outside was more interesting. Takao turned around looking at the two with concern.

"Damn," Aida cursed under her breath, she was too young to be taking care of kids. Kuroko was too stuck in the idea that he could still fix his relationship with Aomine, and Kagami was too stubborn to admit he fears Kuroko would leave them for the tanned skin singer which may not be very far from the reality. Aida knew how much Kuroko cared for his former band mates, he treated them as his pseudo family, to what extent was he ready to give out for them scares Aida. To the looks of it, he wasn't that ready to discard it yet. Even if it kills him.

Aida understood where Kagami is coming from, she would lie if she would say that she agrees with Kuroko's decision. It was as if Kuroko had develop some kind of Stockholm syndrome. Going back to see Aomine is the same as befriending your kidnapper, the damage he had done to Kuroko was immeasurable and yet Kuroko discarded everything in a beat to see him, and to think he dared use the song Kuroko wrote to lure him out too.

It was dangerous.

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.

.

"Aren't you going?"

Mebuchi Reo asked the man sitting in his swivel chair facing the massive glass window of his office. His features were darkned due to the shadow casted down by the slowly slipping sun in the horizon. Mebuchi walked a bit closer to the man's desk, he spotted an old newspaper sprawled over the desk, in the front page was the picture of the victorious band Hikari no Ou. A tall crimson haired guy with quite a body of an athlete had his arm slung over a smaller male, the teal haired guy was facing the other way making his features impossible to see, from his side two more other stood with a big smile, a brown and black haired guys.

"Shouldn't you be going? This would be a good chance for a reunion." Mebuchi said before looking up again at the back of the person sitting in the chair.

"There is no need." A cold and smooth voice threaded the room as the person spoke, "I know just what will happen."

Mebuchi smiled knowing the other is smirking despite his back facing him.

"Tetsuya is too attached to Daiki. Kagami Taiga is just a newly born star, his light is dim compared to an antediluvian star like Daiki." Lacing his fingers together the man stared at his own reflection in the glass window, his scarlet hair cut short, and his lips curling into a wider smirk. "Tetsuya is smart he knows what is best for him. Daiki just needs to remind him."

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.

.

When they arrived at the venue, it was early. It was common courtesy to do so to avoid the media, the ride felt longer than it should have been and despite the silence and basically nothing done everyone felt tired. Takao couldn't help but to shift in his seat the whole ride, the two were unusually quiet. Too quiet. Furihata stayed close to Takao feeling the tension between Kagami and Kuroko grow as they arrive.

As expected there were only few people there mostly celebrities as well, women most.

There was no words exchanged between Kuroko and Kagami, they went on their own and started walking towards the entrance. The tension was not dying between them. Takao couldn't decide if this quarrel is a good thing or a bad thing. The two never fought over anything before, maybe they did but it was small trivial matters that doesn't last an hour or two, but this was something else. Takao knew Furihata was thinking the same, they've known Kagami for long. And sometimes his heart was just too big.

Sighing as the two disappear in the entrance, Takao whipped his head towards the street where a black sedan stopped nearby, for some reason Takao found himself watching it. The door opened and a tall green haired man stepped out, and astoundingly he was wearing a black knitted wool sweater paired with fine fitting white pants, his emerald green eyes were framed under a dark tinted glass. Takao blushed deeply as he found himself admiring the man too much than he intended.

To Takao's utter surprise the man walked towards him, and if it wasn't enough that Midorima was there as well, they were wearing similar articles of clothings—well except for the material of Takao's long sleeves weren't wool. This was utterly stupid.

"Eh?!" Furihata exclaimed next to Takao, he realized they were wearing almost the same, except Takao's long sleeves were made of cotton and his pants were ripped jeans.

"What nonsense is this?" Midorima frowned as he walked towards the gaping figure of Takao.

"WHY ARE YOU WEARING THE SAME?!" Takao exclaimed pointing an accusing finger at the taller man.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Midorima replied. He turned and found Kuroko was nowhere. "And would you tone it down, you're making a scene."

"Well you're wearing the same thing that I am, why wouldn't I?"

Midorima sighs, he frowns, well this was unexpected. Takao returned the scowl looking like some defiant cat. Well he would lie if he said black didn't suite him, the fitting clothes seemed simply and cheap but it wasn't bad. But still he was wearing the same thing as him. "I wouldn't change just for you." Midorima said proudly looking down at Takao under his sunglasses.

"Well good for you, because I'm not changing for you either." Takao muttered.

"If you're here then does that mean…" The green haired musician trailed as he looked around for the teal haired member of the band, "Where is he?"

"He went ahead." Takao said before sighing, "By the way," Takao nudged Furihata wwho was gaping at Midorima since the guy started talking, "Furi, this is Midorima Shintaro, he's Kuroko's former bandmates, remember?"

Midorima snapped and realized the gaping brunette next to Takao, the boy was shorter than Takao, probably just as tall as Kuroko and had this mess of a brown hair. His eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights. Blinking something struck Midorima, a strange feeling as if he had seen him before. But someone so average looking, he couldn't possibly been in contact with someone like him before, right?

The boy dipped his head down in a bow, "I-It's a pleasure to meet you M-Midorima-san!"

His voice almost cracked, he was nervous, if his whole body trembling isnt anything to go by.

"M-My name is F-Furihata Kouki." He introduced himself, "I-I'm the drummer of the band."

Midorima nodded and hummed in acknowledgement, at least he isnt as noisy as Takao, and anything that isn't Takao-like is better. "I'm pleased Takao is the only one who is loud, I couldn't possibly live with the thought of another like him around Kuroko or I may start thinking that Kuroko has fondness over madness."

Takao huffed and muttered, "You're the one to talk Tsunderima."

"Did you just say something?" Midorima asked his eyebrows twitching in annoyance.

"No."

Midorima sighed, Furihata raised his head and smiled shyly to the man which again struck the green haired man with a sense as if he had really met him before.

"Have you gone here to watch Aomine-san's live as well?" Furihata asked.

Midorima nodded, "Yes, I thought Kagami Taiga would be able to stop Kuroko in this stupidity. Or at least your presence could."

"What does that mean?" Furihata asked curiously. He has no idea about the whole thing going on, honestly, the only thing he understood was they were going to see a live of Kuroko's former bandmate's performance and with the bad history they had and how Kuroko formerly reacted to the thought of seeing Kise made Kagami angry. But Midorima's words were starting to make Furihata think of something more going on. He shifted his eyes to Takao who shook his head.

"There's a huge chance that Aomine could convince Kuroko to leave our band." Takao explained making Fuirhata's eyes wide.

"T-That… That ca—"

"Can't be?" Midorima cut him, "If he can leave and disregard his band mates' feelings over his decision on seeing Aomine, what can he not disregard for him?"

Furihata bit his lower lip and his hands clutched in his sides, but Kuroko looked genuinely happy with them, with Kagami. He was snapped out of his reverie when he felt Takao's hand over his shoulder, looking up he found Takao had stepped forward just a few inch away from Midorima, invading the man's personal space, his silver-blue eyes gleaming with some kind of resolution.

"I might have said and admitted the possibility, but I believe in Kuroko, that doesn't change. We believe in him." Takao said. Midorima stared at his eyes, he was used to intimidation, but Takao's intimidation was something he was doing to mask himself, to mask the wavering faith he has over Kuroko. He can see it in his eyes.

Takao stepped back as he found Midorima staring at him quietly.

"Then…watch him do it."

It was a challenge. Takao almost felt his heart jump in his throat. Midorima had known Kuroko longer, who was he…he was just someone who had known the guy for a weeks. The man was testing his resolution. If he backed away now—no, no, that is definitely not an option. He'd see it through…till the end, even if the results would be sands down his throat.

Takao nodded.

LIPS, the song was written for Aomine's birthday. The song meant a lot for Kuroko, it was his and he gave it to the person that turned his life almost hundred and eighty degrees, both in good and bad ways. Songs were really a big deal for musicians, they just don't do them. Music was like a part of them, the lyrics their genuine thoughts, the melody were like their emotions on strings and beats. The moment Kuroko decided that he would write LIPS it was the moment he realized it himself, that time he saw Aomine more than that. But when he did, he saw all.

It was never intentional, but somehow becoming aware of himself made him aware of everything else as well.

Unknown to everyone, especially to both Aomine and Kise he had known of it, the stolen glances, the secret admiration, the untold words. Kuroko laughed humourlessly in his head, Aomine was still as dense as oil. He didn't saw it did he. He was blinded by his own denial.

When the performance started Kuroko's band was sitting in the third row for the VIPs, Kagami was sitting slacked in his seat with his arms folded over his chest, in his side were Takao and Furihata. He was nervous and there was no denying it. He could feel his heart drumming in his ears, he would be lying if he would say Aomine means nothing to him right now, even he cant fool Kagami with that.

When the live started he saw frustration in Kagami's eyes, as if he was fighting the urge to leave. Despite Kagami's opposition on the idea of coming here, he didn't left him. He never let him do it alone, and for that he was thankful. As Aomine walked up the stage into their view, Kuroko closed his eyes fighting off the flashbacks in the back of his mind, and as if it had become a habit, his fingers reached towards the ring in dangling in his neck, he breathed in and out.

Then he opened his eyes, staring right at Aomine's

And he saw Aomine stiffen for a moment, shock but he didn't let that faze him and he smirked, that all knowing smirk and he continued on with the show.

A song after another, and then another. Every second made Kuroko's stomach churn in painful memories, memories that used to be called nostalgic not traumatic, he wanted to reach to Kagami's arm, like he always did, Kagami was always just an arm's length away from him, always there when he needed him, but right then he hesitated. Does he even deserved to be in the presence of someone like him, someone who would bare his arm so casually for him to reach even if he had refused it?

He pulled his hand away and concentrated on getting everything done.

Then the third and last song rolled.

Aomine twisted the microphone in his hand and grinned triumphly, and his eyes stared back at Kuroko's, "The next is song is on my comeback album, a personal favourite."

Kuroko heard a groan from Kagami who was in his side, he was looking ever angrier. It sounded wrong, bad, disgusting, the word personal favourite rolled in his tongue differently and it set a different spark of anger in the pit of his stomach, as if he was referring to a pet, a lap dog or something. Kagami didn't know why Kuroko would want to see a guy who treats him like some pet. He is more than that, he's greater than that.

The song started, and Kuroko had to close his eyes to prevent himself in losing it. He would never forget that tune.

"Busaiku na kotoba ni koikogarete

Kusseke de nasakenai anata ni.

Hikare a baka na watashi

Hotsureta kokoro najimasete

Me to me o awasete shunkan koi ni ochite"

Kuroko bit his lower lip as he remembered every single detail of the song, the words, his words. But as the drum rolls into the chorus his eyes closes and the face that used to fill his thoughts when he hears and thinks of those words were no longer the same. And as if on cue he felt a warm and bigger hands grabbing his hand clutching the necklace, opening his eyes he found Kagami's hand pulling his and holding him by the wrist while his eyes were on the stage.

As if silently saying…

I refuse to give you up.

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.

.

Kise was sitting quietly inside his car that was pressed in the traffic of the rush hour in Tokyo, the big LED screens lit the streets, behind the tinted glass of his car he watched the high school students pass by in the sidewalks talking idly with each other. He closed his eyes as he remembered Kuroko's visit in the hospital. The first time the symptoms hit him, his sister brought him to the hospital. Sensorineural Hearing Loss in not common for young people, it usually comes in old age. But his wasn't some kind of genetic problem or something, it was because of an accident…or so that was what he wanted to think. Sensorineural Hearing Loss could happen after a head trauma, a part of the brain a bit damaged causing an impairement in his hearing, it might not be entirely automatic but rather gradual onset. It would start with a few ringing noises then it would become unbearable, then slowly, slowly…everything would fade into silence.

Kise remembers well about the accident. He wanted to keep the truth to himself, he didn't know why. Maybe because he didn't want anyone involved any further.

"Do you remember him…Haizaki Shougo? Shougo-kun?" Kise asked Kuroko when he asked the other if he wanted to know how it started. Kuroko's eyes widen seemingly remembering the name. He nodded.

Haizaki Shougo was a student in Teiko Academy, he was in their class. Originally Kise wasn't a part of the class until a bit later, Kuroko was already part of the class before he was. Kise and Haizaki's vocal ranges were quite similar and their genres were the same, Kise's progress was quicker than any other students but putting him in the class endangered a kind of confusion and difficulty for everyone. It was matter of out-shining in some way.

But what sets Haizaki quickly off the charts was his immediate reaction being exposed to a possible rival. He went out of his bounds, he didn't took it lightly. He thought he was being replaced. Well, to be exact, he wasn't even the nicest person to begin with. He had issues with everyone, especially the authority. He slacked, complained, and was always late. The unprofessionalism made it to everyone's nerves.

When the last straw was drawn, Haizaki was pulled out of the class, and went down a rank. He was allowed to stay in school seeing that his talents were still, well, talents. And he was undeniably a good performer. He was quiet for a while, until the first debut came in. The first debut of Generation of Miracles with Kise replacing his original position.

Kise narrated the whole thing and Kuroko saw the memory in the back of his head. It was after their rehearsal, at the studio exclusively for them at the back of the school. They were walking and heading back to class, Aomine was walking just a few feet away from Kise and Kuroko was right next to Kise. The blonde was laughing listening to Aomine and Kuroko bantering about Aomine's lack of consideration on a high note and he was making it hard for the teal haired musician to keep up.

Kuroko remembered the loud crash, he remember hearing something shatters and he turned to his side and like a slow motion movie he saw Kise staggering at first then he saw him falling slowly on the ground. He remembered how fast Aomine ran to Kise's side shaking him awake, calling the blonde's name over and over—then they heard a laugh, a horrifying laugh. When both him and Aomine looked up they saw Haizaki Shougo laughing from a window on the second floor. The man had purposely waited for them to walk by and dropped a potted plant over the blonde's head seeing the deed as some sort of joke.

And it wasn't.

Kise's story ended there. But to his surprise he found Kuroko's hands clutching by his sides, he raised his head to meet Kise's.

"You should let Aomine-kun know." Kuroko's voice was quiet. Kise was taken aback, why would he have to? "He deserves to know."

"I-I don't understand, I-I mean…he probably doesn't even remember me unlike…you."

Kuroko shook his head and he started telling him what happened after Kise was taken to the hospital, his eyes widen in pure surprise.

Kise sighs and run a hand over his hair, closing his eyes he could still hear the echoes of Kuroko's voice. He could be lying, but why would he, there was no reason. But he thought Aomine liked Kuroko, he thought Kuroko liked the other too. He couldn't believe it.

The day he was taken to the hospital, apparently that very day it was indeed confirmed that Haizaki Shougo was the one who purposely dropped a potted plant on the blonde knowing what it would led to. That very day the moment Aomine arrived at school, he went straight to Haizaki's class, and despite the class being held, he stormed in and pulled the man in the middle of the room and started punching him till he was bleeding everywhere. It took three students to pull him off from Haizaiki and two more adults to get him out of the room. All because he hurt him.

"You okay?" Kise raised his head to look at his manager from the rear view mirror, "You've been awfully quiet."

"Sorry, just…tired"

The car fell in silent again until the manager found himself looking over a CD placed in passenger seat, it was the CD Kise bought, which he never attempted to play or at least open.

"Hey you think we can listen to this?" He said reaching for the item. "Why bought them if you don't listen to it?"

Kise didn't know why, maybe he thought that he didn't have anything to do with it. He bought it because it was it was Aomine alright, also partly, because of Kuroko. Back in Teiko, he remember right after Aomine's birthday when Kuroko gave him that song as a gift, the teal haired boy asked him if he had ever saw the music sheets. He thought it was not needed, it was a gift from Kuroko to Aomine what does he have to do it?

When the CD started playing Kise couldn't help but think how much more Aomine's voice had improved, or maybe it was just because he hadn't heard him sing in a long time.

Kise pressed his head on the leather of the car's seat listening quietly, he could hear his handler praising Aomine's voice and his skills.

Then...

"itaike de kanashii hodo

Dore dake narabetara ii?

Anata ga mitsukete

Watashi janai basho mo"

Kise bolted up in his seat and his eyes widen…what? Did those lyrics just…

"Is something wrong?" His handler asked curiously turning away from the road.

It made sense now, Kis ethought, why Kuroko gave that song to Aomine, why Kuroko said those words. He wondered heavily, is it even true. How can Kuroko be sure, how can he simply say it wasn't him? But Kuroko wouldn't say that if he isnt sure, he wouldn't ask him or give it to Aomine. Kise unbuckled himself from the car seat and started shuffling he took his beige cardigan.

"Hey what are you—"

"I have somewhere to go."

"Huh"

Before the man could say anything else, Kise had slip out of the car and closed the door behind him. The car struck in the middle of the traffic was not moving. Kise didn't waste any minute and dashed into the crowded sidewalk and ran with all his strength.

He tripped twice and found a few people giving him second glances but he didn't care, he ran faster, and faster. His shoes weren't made for running but he didn't care. If he continue he'd make it before Aomine leaves for the concert. He'd be able to see it, to know it.

He ran as fast as he could, he could hear in his mind the song. He should have listened to it before, he should have heed Kuroko's words. This was now or never. If he didn't hear it from him, then when, when would he end his dellusions, his expectation, his admiration that for all he know may or may be returned? If not then when, when his ears no longer can hear, when his ears no longer recognize music, when his ears could no longer understand?

Pride be damned,

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.

Kuroko knew what will come next, when the last song ended, he didn't leave. When the show ended he stayed still as everyone started leaving. And just as he thought as the crowd thinned, a man in a black shirt with and ID walked towards them. "Follow me please." He said in a gruff voice. All four of them stood but as Kuroko walked ahead he felt Kagami pulled him by the arm and walked in front of him. It wasn't out anger anymore, but rather…a protective stance. He was awed at Kagami's resolution and it made him feel guilty about everything.

"He's like that, he can't help it." Takao said to Kuroko as he placed a hand over Kuroko's shoulder and a small smile spreading in his lips.

To Kuroko's surprise he found a figure slowly coming over them, he turned and found Midorima walking over them.

"Its been a while has it not?"

Kuroko nodded and bowed his head meekly, "Its good to see you well."

"You too."

After the short exchange Kuroko shifted his eyes from Midorima to Takao. Somehow the sight amused him, they were wearing almost identical clothings. If he didn't knew better he might think in a short span of time the two spent together they had a deep understanding already of each other. Sensing what Kuroko was about to say Midorima sighs, "Don't even think of it." He warns.

Kuroko nodded.

When Kuroko turned his head to follow the man in black, it was obviously an open invitation to follow, which Midorima would have done even without asking. Takao walked side by side with the green haired young man. The tension was building higher.

After some series of hallways, they were led to the backstage. Aomine was sitting on huge black box and drinking water. When he realized the new presence he smirked and placed the bottle down.

"Tetsu."

It was as if no one else was there but him, Aomine stood and walked close making Kagami frown.

"I was waiting for you."

"Its been a while Aomine-kun." Kuroko said.

"Yeah it is." He grinned, "I missed singing with you."

.

.

.

"I do too."

A/N: Basically the song is very simple its very repetitive, everyone who had listend to it would know what I mean but its VERY catchy, the first part is very sweet, its like describing the subject of the lyrics;

"busaiku na kotoba ni koikogarete

Kusekke de nasakenai anata ni"

Following deeply in love with clumsy words; with pitiful you and your untamed hair

the words used were very simple, and I thought it fitted the innocent young love back in Teiko. When they were all young and naïve and understood the love in a very simple context.

Meanwhile if you are wondering the part that Kise heard in the car were these lines;

Itaike de kanashii uso

Dore dake narabetara ii

Anata ga mitsukete

Watashi janai basho mo

This lines translates into

How many tender, sorrowful lies

Should I keep lining up?

To explain that the new place you found to belong

Isn't me

This part is very much likely to be like the plot twist in this song, when you listen to the whole thing it seems like a happy up beat song and you wouldn't really know until you dissect the whole song. In this sense you would realize that the singer/composer is aware that the subject does not really like him but rather someone else, but the other didn't seem aware of it himself.