Hey guys! Sorry for the veeery late update, as compensation I made this chapter extra long for you guys. And I know you are all excited to know what will happen with the return of Himuro, how will our light-shadow duo react with the presence of the new face? What will Hmuro bring into the frame? Is he a supporter or another hurdle they must overcome? I actually finished thus a few weeks ago but unfortunately as some of you know I've been srayig extra hours in the university which gives me little time to be at home to update.
Anyways thank you to everyone who left a review last chapter, to SilverWhiteDragon, Ern Estine 13624, mystrale9331 , Sanara278, Julissa Sora , Jenibaby, psychobubbles and StolenPotato. To be honest, at first I was really hesitant to write Himuro and Murasakibara. I was supposed to write them with zero background on their characters from the previous chapters, I want to write them without destroying the flow of the story and at the same time not making them too insignificant. Anyways I found a way which is how we arrived to THIS. Also, if you guys noticed HOW AFFECTION is kinda a bit masculine for Takao's manga which is a shojo manga-we'll pick that up later on *winks*. There will LOTS of revelations before we arrive to the very end of the story, I hope you guys like iiiit!
Also, just a small side alert-IT IS OFFICIAL THE VORPAL SWORD ARC IS NOW GOING TO HAVE A MOVIIIIEEEE! It's been announced about some few days ago so that's is one great news, right? I'm totally going to wait for it too!
And now before I go...PLEASE REVIIIEW!
Also...HAPPY 107th REVIEWWS WE FINALLY CLIMBED THAT HIIIIGH! Thank you soon much!
PS. The title of the chapter is an original song by the Vocaloid AI but I recommend Itou Kashiro's version, also dont confuse it with Kise's character song Shutter Chance wa Smile Yori.
PPS. ITS OFFICIAL AS PER PSYCHOBUBBLES REQUEST I WOULD WRITING FOR THE HAIKYUU FANDOM TOO! There will be Kagehina and Tsukkiyama(also Daisuga)
Chapter 20: Shutter Chance
"I want to learn to play the violin."
Turning around to face him, the faceless woman tilted her head in the side. She had a beautiful flowing red hair and beautiful scarlet eyes that could not be compared to any woman.
"Why the sudden interest with the violin?" The woman asked kindly as she walks up to him, a small smile decorating her plump lips.
"Mother likes to listen to the violin, I will learn it and I will play it for you. All of your favourite pieces."
The woman chuckles at the child's answer.
"Of course."
It was the first time he decided to do something for someone, the moment he was born he was told that he was to inherit a massive amount of fortune and big company that had been passed almost throughout the generations of Akashi, all the things that he was taught were all 'necessary' and as to be expected of the young man next in line after his father, he didn't need to anything for anyone but himself, but for his future and the name of his family. However there were things that he cannot simply obtain, things that he cannot change, that even with the fortune, the popularity of their family could not help, his mother is slowly dying.
Nobody really knows when, it was a sickness that could take her anytime, any day, any second, no doctors could do anything about it, they said it was embedded in her the very day she was born, like a ticking bomb. She never showed despair or regret though, she always smiled and did things as if nothing were amiss, unlike his father who had pulled himself out of everything to escape the time ticking and titling unfavourably. One of the things that she loves is music, mostly the violin; she would play it in her room as she reads her books quietly.
Akashi Seijuuro developed this strong desire to play it for her himself.
"These is Furihata-sensei, she would be teaching you how to play violin from now."
Akashi bowed his head politely at the woman before him. The woman bowed back, her short brown hair was cut right below her chin, and the left side tuck behind her ear showing her features. Her eyes were average but it screams of confidence and intelligence, she stood straight with hands behind her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Seijuuro-sama."
Akashi nodded. "The pleasure is mine, sensei."
The woman smiles, "You seem like a fast learner, let's get on with it, shall we?"
The lectures were held in a house of the lecturer, the woman and her husband were known for teaching music to children, children who later grows up to be prodigies in music. In a few weeks, Akashi was able to quickly learn the instrument and several pieces, it was faster than any kids which somehow does not make the teacher surprised at all saying she expected it the moment the boy stood in front of her. In that week, Akashi learned a lot about the woman as well, the fact that he has three children as well, the eldest son who is studying in a middle school nearby, the second eldest daughter who studies in an all girl's school and the youngest son whom he had not seen yet.
Akashi is a very observant child, he had seen many times during the course when the two children would come in from school, they greeted the woman by kissing her cheek and excusing themselves later, he had seen the two in numerous occasions, but never once did he saw the youngest.
"Is he sickly?" Akashi asked as he flipped through the music sheets. "Is your youngest son like my mother? Is he not allowed to go out too?"
The woman was completely taken aback by the question, "How are you able to say so?"
"You have three kids, but I've only saw two."
The woman chuckles, "How observant of you." she said crossing her arms over her chest, "My youngest son is home-schooled. He's about your age. Maybe a few years younger than you."
"Why?" Akashi asked looking up, "Is he sickly?"
"No." she replies, "He's different from his siblings and he usually gets bullied."
Akashi pursed his lips saying no more, it wasn't his business in the first place.
However, he was unable to find himself at peace with the thought and the mystery identity of the youngest son of his teacher, especially after strangely feeling that somehow he is being watched. It was a bothersome feeling as if somehow from afar, someone is looking at him, observing.
Then, one day it happened. He was late to for the lesson due to a guest arriving at home, when he arrived at his teacher's house he went straight to the drawing room but before he could even open the door his fingers retracted from the knob. He could hear the faint sound of the violin from the room, he closed his eyes and listened to the soft music. Strangely it was very well for someone, he assumed it would be his teacher but a large hand was placed in the knob making the scarlet haired boy look up and find his teacher there with a frown in her face.
"Excuse us." She said before quickly opening the door and opening it.
Everything happened so fast that he barely heard or remember the words his teacher said, he didn't see who it was until the woman pulled the figure out of the room. Akashi remembers soft brown locks of a lanky child as he was pulled out of the room.
However somehow it bugged him not knowing who that child was. Every second of the day as he play the violin he wondered if he is the source of that starnge feeling of being watched. Why was he not allowed to be in that room?
Sighing, Akashi finally gave up and lowered his violin.
"I know you are there, come on in."
Akashi heard a squeak before the door which was slightly ajar opened slowly. Turning around Akashi was confronted with a sight he felt he had been waiting for so long for some reason. It was a small boy, he was wearing a gray sweater and brown shorts, his hair looked like a luscious shade of chocolate, his cheeks were dusted with pink from embarssment.
"W-What were you playing?"
Akashi blinks, "Sound of an Angel." He answered, "And who might you be?"
Beeeeeep!
"Akashi-sama."
Akashi stares at the white ceiling above him. He frowns, for some reason he dreamed of that again.
"It's time for breakfast."
Akashi heard the familiar voice of his house maid from behind the door. Akashi sat up and ran his hand through his hair, it has been long since he dreamed of that, he barely remembered the last time. It felt like pieces of him were trying to fit itself in him just like that brown haired boy, memories of his mother, things that wasn't supposed to be there-
"I'll be there." Akashi answered.
-Things that he doesn't remember anymore, Akashi threaded his finger on the side of his head where he can still feel the scar under the thick scarlet locks.
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.
Arriving at the location, Kagami squint his eyes. It was a shady place for a photoshoot with all honesty, it looks like a place where members of a gang would assemble if not because of the big lights, monitors and busy people running back and forth. The walls were full of graffiti and it looked barren and abandoned which it probably is. He could hear a faint sound of water dropping somewhere.
"Is it even safe here?" Kagami asked knowing Aida would be standing behind him.
"Of course!" Aida answered quickly with her usual smile, the very same smile she wore when she told him how they would film the first part of the music video which made Kagami flinch.
"I just hope there would be no falling debris or fire involved."
Aida chuckled and playfully smacked Kagami's shoulder, "Nothing serious!"
Kagami felt a sweat slid down his neck at her tone. Somehow whenever Aida Riko smiles he felt as if she is planning to feed them to the sharks or something like that, he wondered how Kuroko had managed the mental torture of working for her.
"Ah Kagami-san!"
Kagami turned around to find one of the assistant running up to him.
"What is it?" Kagami asked.
Even after the release of their music video, he still felt awkward with people picking clothes up for him and fixing his hair, unfortunately these things cannot be helped or so Aida said. The female assistant chuckles and reached up to the color of Kagami's button up plain dark red dress shirt and started unbuttoning three of the buttons. She carefully let the material fall open to show more of the tan skin underneath before patting the black suit jacket.
"There!" she exclaimed happily looking at her work before turning Kagami to face Aida, "What do you think Aida-san?"
Aida's eyes practically sparkled and she raised both her thumbs at the assistant, "Good job!"
"What do you think Kuroko?" Aida asked making both Kagami and the assistant gasped upon realizing the person which is now standing next to Aida.
Kagami felt the blush in his cheeks creep up to his ears as Kuroko stares at him with his huge sky blue eyes, he didn't even hide the fact that he really is staring and thoroughly looking at him. Kagami felt embarrassed for the two of them.
"It looks more like Kagami-kun's style." Kuroko answered flatly.
"Right?!" The assistant said proudly. "I actually based his looks with Aomine-san's kind of style, like American-street style."
Kuroko nodded, "I see the similarities."
"I-I'm nothing like that Aho-mine!" Kagami barked back.
Kuroko stared at him for a whole minute before raising a hand over his lips before letting a quite scoff.
"I heard you little shit!" Kagami growled angrily.
Aida caught Kagami's by the arm and tried to avoid him crushing Kuroko with his abnormally large hands. The comical scene made the staffs stop for a second to watch the two like oldd married couples bickering. Since their interview for their first MV, people had obviously found the lead vocalist and the guitarist odd closeness. People usually stop to just watch them make fun of each other, mostly Kagami of himself as he breaks into a screaming hot headed mess.
"Are they always like this?" One staff asked out of the blue as she watch Kagami's futile attempt into grabbing Kuroko and landing a punch at him.
"Always." Both Furihata and Takao answered awkwardly.
The who were standing a few feet from the scene smiled at themselves, somehow this had become a routine whenever they arrive to a new location with new staffs. People found it strangely comical that the two were so close yet they seem to love to make the other look like utter mess in front of the staffs. They are both awkward without the other, quiet and shy but when put in the same room they were like repelling forces.
"Come on you two, calm it down." Aida said as she tried to push Kagami out of Kuroko's sight. "You two are like sexually frustrated teenagers who are always at it!"
This made the two finally stop with blushes decorating their faces. Kuroko quickly glanced away while Kagami tried to say something which ended up in cut short words or two or three syllables barely understandable. The whole staffs laughed at the two's immediate reaction and went back to finishing the set.
As Takao and Furihata approached the group, Aida pulled her phone out of the pocket of her slacks and read through it.
"After this shoot you have an interview with a magazine on your up-coming album, I bet you know the drill, right?"
"Yep." Takao answered as he stood next to Kuroko who still seems a bit uncomfortable. "You okay there?"
Kuroko nodded before composing himself and looking up at Aida as she read through the schedules for the day. After the shoot and interview, there will be a small break before the recording for the third song in their incoming album which may take the rest of their days.
Recently, just as predicted, Hikari no Ou is gaining popularity due to Kagami and Takao—both seemed very charismatic in the interview making the group a point of interest for many people. Their music were very popular as well in both gender groups due to the content and the genre. It also helped that they made a subtle connection with Kise and Aomine.
"So today's theme for the photoshoot would be something like mafia themed." Aida said pointing at the wall. "Something like dangerous but gorgeous."
"I-Isn't it a bit girly—I mean gorgeous." Furihata said awkwardly.
"Aida-san means elegant."
Kagami's heart stopped at the sound of the familiar voice echoing in the empty building, bouncing in the walls like a nostalgic tune. His heart clenched tightly, he could hear the soft sound of a pair of shoes against the concrete. For a brief second he found his childhood memories flashing before his eyes.
"Ah, welcome back to Japan, I haven't formally greeted you have I?" Aida said smiling at the new comer. She gleefully ran to the person as she clapped her hands together. "I'm sorry for requesting you, I've always admired your skills in photography."
"No matter." The young man replied smiling. "Are they your new talent?"
Aida nodded before gesturing to the four young men behind him. "These are the members of Hikari no Ou."
Kuroko stared at the man, he is tall, very good physique accompanied with flawless skin and very beautiful pair of eyes. His smile were very beautiful as well, Kuroko knew this kind of smile, a smile that is very used to the camera just like Kise, definitely a model. He wore a simple white shirt paired with a black cardigan and ash gray scarf loosely around his neck. Takao is the first to bow his head greeting the photographer, then Furihata and Kuroko both bowed. When Kagami remained with his back facing the photographer, Kuroko found himself curious of the other's reaction.
"Everyone, he will be your photographer today, this is Himuro Tatsuya." Aida said.
The name made Kagami flinch, he definitely felt his lungs fall down in the pits off his guts. His hands unconsciously clenched from the overflowing mixed feelings of hearing that name again. He would never forget, not ever, that voice.
"It's nice to meet you!"
"We'll be in your care." Takao answered politely.
Himuro smiled but it quickly fell when he found the tallest member still had his back.
"Long time no see, Taiga."
Aida raised an eyebrow, she tried to dissect the words having very poor English verbal skills herself. However, unlike her, Kagami immediately understood those words, and he turned to face the other with thee expression of complete indifference.
"What are you doing here?" Kagami's voice were laced with anger and frustration.
A smile spread across Himuro's face making Kuroko somehow angry, it is obvious that Kagami is not feeling very welcoming about his presence and yet he had the nerve smile, it is either that he is insensitive or he's simply provoking him.
"You haven't change at all have you?"
Kagami felt a punch landed in his guts at that word, he felt an influx of bitterness filled him.
"Let's just get this over wi—"
"Kagami-kun."
Kagami felt the invisible heavy cloud around him quickly disperse as he felt Kuroko's eyes at him. Turning to look at Kuroko he saw the sky blue eyes staring at him with an expression he can only read—Calm down. Kagami felt his fist unclenched and for some miracle he found himself breathing normally again.
"I-I'm sorry." Kagami mutters, "Let's start."
Kuroko nodded and turned to Aida who stared at the two incredulously. Nobody could ever calm Kagami down as fast as Kuroko Tetsuya could do, with simply calling the other's name it automatically sends some kind of calming effect to the other, like…
A dog and it's master!—everyone thought in unison as Kagami walks towards the set alone.
After gaining his composure, Himuro turned his eyes towards Kuroko. He is just like as Murasakibara described him, small stature, stoic expression, blank stare, blue eyes and fair skin. Himuro smiled, at first glance he looks very cute but when you look at him for so long your eyes get bored of it despite the beautiful features, making your eyes easily lose sight of him. He could be photograph alone and yet fade into the background. He would be an ideal subject alone, someone needs to cast the attention for both of him and the other.
Cling
"Can't you take that off?" One of the assistant went to Kuroko as she fixed his hair. Himuro's raised an eyebrow at the question. "It may reflect the lights and make the shots blurry."
Kuroko raised a hand to his chest and pulled something inside his shirt making Himuro's eyes widen.
"I'm very nervous around the camera; this…it makes me calm. I'm sorry." Kuroko answered politely.
"Oh, like a lucky charm?"
Kuroko nodded.
Himuro couldn't believe his eyes, he would know that item anywhere, he would know even if it would be mixed with the thousand others that look exactly the same as that cheap accessory. It was the ring he and Taiga bought when they were children, Himuro raised his hand to touch the same accessory underneath his scarf. He could still remember the very day they got that accessory.
Kagami Taiga, he had his whole life planned ahead of him. His family has a good business going on, his future is served in a silver platter. People like him were usually untouchable, the no-nonsense type of people, but Kagami Taiga is nothing like that. Simple, bashful around girls, average middle school kid.
"Aren't you nervous?"
"Of?"
Himuro stopped in his tracks and pointed at Kagami, "Of taking over your dad's business I mean."
Kagami cocked his head to the side, adjusting the strap of his guitar in his shoulder, "I don't think that's what I would like to do."
Himuro blinked in confusion, Kagami started walking ahead.
"You don't want to take over your Dad's business?"
"Nope."
"Why?"
Kagami stopped and grinned at Himuro, "I want to go back to Japan!"
"J-Japan?" Himuro was completely taken aback at the revelation.
"Yeah! Then I will make a band and we'll become the number one!"
Himuro's eyes widen at Kagami's announcement, he felt so little in the face of Kagami's determination.
"Then me too!" Himuro exclaimed, "I'll be in the entertainment industry, a-and we'll meet there!"
"Really?"
"Really!"
That very same day, they bought matching rings, they would see to it that they would become just the person they aimed for. It was a promise to each other that they would defy the stereotype of the society and become what they really wish for, not what people wanted them to be.
"Himuro-san it's time."
Himuro blinked and found himself pulled back into reality. Everyone were starting to gather, Kagami was standing in a corner with Kuroko talking to him possibly some idle talk as they seem both relaxed. The raven haired photographer and model can't help but wonder what on earth is Kagami's ring doing with Kuroko? And what does he mean it is a lucky charm? Did Kagami purposely gave it to Kuroko?
An idea sparked in Himuro's head and he walked towards a seat and removed his scarf, he placed the material on the chair's arm before walking towards his equipment. Taking a deep breathe, Himuro tried to picture in his head the kind of shots he would want to see, if he was the fan, how would he want to see them, what would be the most beautiful shot to take so that all of them will have their own corner without having them look disengaged.
Opening his eyes, Himuro smirked and walked towards the group.
It's show time.
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.
.
"Kuroko-san you can't be photographed behind Taiga."
Kuroko felt a needle prick him every time Himuro would call Kagami in his first name, he found himself turning around and staring right at Himuro every time he would say the other's name. He is starting to feel as if he is truly trying to provoke them. Kuroko stepped away from Kagami and switched places with the taller male.
Himuro nodded and without a warning stepped close to Kuroko's personal space and took him by the wrist before pulling him a step away from Kagami, he then positioned Kuroko slightly facing sideways. The sudden close proximity made Kuroko stiffen and quickly took a step back, colliding with Kagami's chest.
"Oi!" Kagami found himself immediately raising his voice at Himuro.
Himuro's eyes widen at the younger male's reaction. His hands automatically flew up in the air showing his hands off the teal haired male in defense.
"K-Kuroko's not very good with touching all of a sudden Himuro-san." Himuro heard Aida said from the back.
"Oh…Oh uhm…" Himuro didn't know what to say, is that really true, because he is currently looking at Kagami holding Kuroko's upper arms. "I-I'm sorry. I'll warn you next time."
"I-It's alright." Kuroko muttered as Kagami let go of him. Kuroko bowed his head and went back to the position Himuro placed him into.
Himuro continued putting everyone in their spot. Strangely, he had never seen Kagami act like that before back in the states, he wondered iff the years they have not seen each other had changed the red head. Did he lose track of the time after all years? Did the Kagami Taiga he knew…did he disappeared just like he feared?
"H-Himuro-san."
Himuro gasped as he found himself holding Furihata's wrist a bit too hard. He quickly retracted his hand and apologized.
"Are you alright?" Furihata asked in a whisper.
"Yes, maybe the jet lag finally caught up with me." Himuro answered with a smile.
Furihata smiled back politely before nodding.
Himuro stepped back and stood behind the camera looking at the scene. Kuroko stood a step ahead from Kagami facing slightly sideways but not enough to half his face from the camera but enough to show the depth, behind him stood Kagami facing sideways almost identical to Kuroko's position, beside him stood Furihata while on Kuroko's side is Takao holding a fedora in his right hand.
"I want you guys to create your image in this one, no one can have the same pose as the other, but you can't move from that point, do you get me?" Himuro said reaching for the camera slung around his neck. "Kuroko-san could you lower your head a bit, then look at look at the camera."
Kuroko fidgeted a bit, his eyes started blinking due to the lights around them.
"It's just Tatsuya." Kuroko heard Kagami whispered behind him. "We're right behind you, it's okay."
Kuroko nods and took a deep breathe before lowering his head completely.
"No, just a bi—ah." Himuro almost gasped when Kuroko raised his head just a bit that his bangs created a slight shadow framing only around his eyes, enough to create a sense of fierceness to his character. "T-That exactly!"
Himuro raised his camera and started giving out instruction. Takao tilted his head a little and smirked, just like his usual cocky smile. Furihata looked glanced away as if ditracted by something, his eyes and face devoid of all possible emotions, while Kagami pressed slightly against Kuroko his eyes piercingly stares at the camera. Himuro raised his hand to for the countdown before giving a thumbs up for the cue.
Himuro retracted the camera but instead of finding the shot satisfying he frowned.
"Can I get a ladder?"
Everyone blinked at Himuro's request.
"W-What?" Aida askded.
"I don't think this shot has the best angle." Himuro said showing the picture to Aida. "I think it would be better if this was taken at some height."
"Oh, I understand." Aida nodded and raised her hand to ask for a ladder.
When the ladder came along, the same scene was shot but this time with Himuro standing close and his camera slightly angled in a way it looked as if they were being photographed from a height above them yet not so high enough. After the first shot, Himuro pulled the whole staffs to another set change, this time in the empty and abandoned hallways of the building.
.
.
.
"Great job Kuroko-san."
Kuroko stopped and turned to face Himuro who is coming towards him with his model smile. Kuroko bowed his head politely and muttered a small thanks to the other.
"I was really amazed when I heard from Aida-san that you weren't well with the cameras." Himuro said, "But you were totally nailing it!"
"Thank you for the compliment, this…is not the first time I've done a photoshoot, despite my issues with the cameras I'm actually a veteran with facing them." Kuroko explained, "If there is anyone you should be complementing it would be Takao-kun and Furihata-kun…Kagami-kun as well."
"Are you pushing me away?"
Kuroko who was about to reach for the water bottle in the table stopped and found himself frozen in his spot, was he…unconsciously being hostile to Himuro?
"It must be your imagination." Kuroko said feigning innocence, as he was about to reach down to the water bottle, Himuro took it faster than he could. Kuroko found himself frowning at that. He turned to face the photographer without masking his expression.
"You have a very nice profile, the camera actually likes your small face, its delicate and very youthful." Himuro said as he slowly uncapped the bottle, "however, it's not something that last in people's memories. People would easily get tired of your face, that is why you cannot be any good investment in any series."
"I've known that." Kuroko replied.
"You will constantly need Taiga." Himuro said before putting the uncapped water bottle down the table next to Kuroko, he took a step close to the teal haired male staring right at his blue eyes. "But that's not the same for him, right?"
Kuroko's eyes widen at the other's words, his hands trembled at the fact. He is right, just like Aomine, Kagami could actually function without him, right now perhaps Kagami hasn't noticed this because he is still polishing his talent, but in time, Kagami will be a lot more than he is right now, he will learn what he really can do, and when that time arrives…
"No."
Himuro found himself backing away as he heard Kuroko's answer. He stared at Kuroko, his blue eyes were filled with determination, his hand was clutching the pendant of his necklace.
"He won't leave me, he will stay I know." Kuroko answered. "Because I have something that he values a lot, it's our collateral. I won't run away, and so he won't as well. If I would run he would follow me, surely, because I have something that is important to him. He swore to me, he swore in this ring."
Himuro felt his limbs all froze.
"I swear on this ring that I will become Japan's number one band vocalist! And when that happens, you will become America's number one male model!"
"If you'll excuse me." Kuroko bowed his head and quickly left.
Himuro found himself standing alone there, a small smile spreading across his lips.
"Kuro-chin? Kuro-chin is different, you'll hate him and at the same time you'll like him."
Himuro chuckled to himself, to hate and to like, it really is what he would make you feel, he may look frail but that is merely his skin because he has a tough core. He may look like a simple coal, but inside his tough as a diamond. If you need want to cut through him, you need to be as tough as him. Only diamonds can cut diamonds.
Turning around Himuro stared at Kuroko and his retreating back, his trust in Kagami is unbelievable. He smiled and turned to the camera slung in his neck, he previewed the first photo and he found himself smiling, even without words he could see the way Kagami had pressed and overlapped a part of his arm to Kuroko's, even without words he can see how big Kuroko meant to Kagami, possibly way more than what Kuroko think of.
.
.
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Everyone gathered close to the laptop, Himuro assessed each shot. The first shot had a great angle with Kuroko looking slightly towards the camera, almost glaring while Kagami seemed to be secretly gazing up on the camera, his eyes fierce glowering at the camera, the intensity of his eyes were captured in that shot, Furihata meanwhile looked mysterious in his pose, as if he is hiding a secret, meanwhile Takao standing next to Kuroko looked like a sly trickster with his smirk. Clicking on the next shot, everyone gaped at the shot, the shot was taken from a lower angle tilted upwards showing Kagami's bow legs and his long limbs and his intimidating height. The second shot was taken with all of the four members walking with Kagami walking in the lead, his black jacket was thrown over his shoulder while his other hand is in his pocket giving the air of authority, next to him to his right and walking just a few steps behind is Kuroko who is plainly walking his eyes devoid of any kind of emotion, his eyes were glowing though from the stray light seeping from the open hallway where the photo was taken. Beside Kuroko just a few steps behind him, Takao could be seen holding a hand over his lips hiding a devious smirk, his eyes glinted with mischievousness, right across him is Furihata holding a fedora in his head as if he was fixing it.
"I think I love this one!" Aida exclaimed.
"This is my personal favourite as well." Himuro said. "This shows everyone's diverse character without isolating them."
Himuro clicked the third picture, it was Kuroko standing side by side with Kagami with Kagami running a hand through his hair and Kuroko's hands right in front of him and fixing the black gloves. Aida hummed and clicked next, it was Kagami sitting in one of the crates saying something Kuroko who was sitting staring at Kagami before Himuro could click next Aida stopped him.
"I don't remember that one." Aida said as she retracted her hand and crossing her arms over her chest.
"I don't either." Kuroko said as she peered at the shot.
"That one a stolen shot." Himuro said before turning around to face them.
"A what?" Kagami askes raising an eyebrow at Himuro.
"A stolen shot." Kuroko supplied, "It's a candid shot, a picture wherein the subjects don't know they are being photographed."
Himuro smiled widely and clapped his hands, "Wow, you really are impressive!"
Kagami groaned at Himuro's exclamation, he found Himuro's constant complements to Kuroko irritating. From the start of the photoshoot Himuro seemed to have not taken his eyes off Kuroko, it was getting irritating, not to mention his constant compliments even if it was uncalled for, he doesn't compliment Takao or Furihata as much as he does to Kuroko.
Himuro turned to the computer and continued with the photographs, the next one is Takao and Furihata sitting on a ledge, with Takao facing the camera while Furihata is sitting sideways his head turned towards the camera. The next photo is Kuroko sitting on a crate with Furihata standing behind him, to Kuroko's left, Kagami stood facing sideways towards Kuroko with arms across his chest and his eyes towards the camera, standing across him is Takao his hands in his pocket, his lips were not smiling bit his eyes were.
"These are today's best shots." Himuro said before turning to the rest of the group.
"I love all of them!" Aida exclaimed, "Especially the second one, I think it's a great cover for your first album, what do you say?"
Takao nodded, and turned quietly to Furihata and the rest of the band.
"I think we all look great there." Furihata said agreeing with Takao.
"I…I think so too." Kuroko answered.
Himuro's smile visibly widen at Kuroko's answer making Kagami frown. The lead vocalist didn't hide his anger and sighed audibly.
"What about you Kagami?" Aida asked.
"Do whatever you want." Kagami said before turning around and quickly leaving the scene.
"What's with him?" Takao asked raising an eyebrow at the other's strange behaviour. "He's been tense all day."
"I'll talk to him." Kuroko quickly said and followed Kagami.
Aida smiled at the sight of Kuroko following Kagami to a corner. Kuroko had always been used to standing in a corner and watching people leave him; he had always stayed in the same spot whenever people would leave him. He never once dared to leave that comfort zone; he always feared rejection, until Kagami came to him. Perhaps he no longer fears to be rejected, or perhaps he just knows Kagami won't slap his hand away.
"They argue a lot but when things happen the first ones to pull the other out of the pit is the other." Takao muttered.
"What a strange bunch." Himuro found himself saying out loud. "Their actions speak louder for themselves, even the camera can hear it."
Both Takao and Furihata raised an eyebrow at Himuro's statement. Behind the photographer, in the screen of his computer, the candid photo of Kagami and Kuroko talking flashed.
.
.
.
"Kagami-kun."
Kagami stopped and turned with eyes filled with a wild emotion that Kuroko could not put his finger on, however his chest tightened as a flood of memory filled him. The last time someone looked at him like that was back in Teiko, Aomine stepped back, his knuckles were bloodied, it was the incident after he punched Haizaki—
"A-Aomine-kun if you were suspended I—" Kuroko pulled himself back from saying that word, it meant completely giving Aomine everything to hurt him. "Aomine-kun if you get suspended Akashi-kun will have to cancel all the performance and I—"
"I don't need you anymore." The words felt like hot concrete pouring and tearing his very skin, Aomine turned to face Kuroko, his eyes were glowering, looking down on him. Yes, that was the truth, he is nothing without Aomine, but Aomine could conveniently decide if he needs him still. "The only one who can beat me is me."
Kuroko felt his tongue roll back to his throat, his words died back in tongue and his mind went completely wiped out. His body trembled at the memory.
"Did I do something…to upset you?" Kuroko found himself saying. It was not really what he wanted to say, however it somehow just slipped out of his lips like an automatic response. He wanted to scold himself for reeling back to the person he was years before Kagami arrived. He knows Kagami is unlike Aomine and yet…
"You will constantly need Taiga. But that's not the same for him, right?"
Kuroko felt his body trembled at the words echoing in the back of his mind. What a hypocrite, he thought to himself. He said he would believe in Kagami but right now he was just making a comparison.
Kagami's eyes widen when he saw Kuroko's head lower, he noticed the slight trembling of his hand. What does he mean by something he did to upset him? Kagami opened his mouth to say something but found no words escaping them. Somehow, that question didn't seem to be for him. Slowly his raging emotions was replaced by concern for Kuroko.
"Oi, oi, are you okay?" Kagami asked as he lowered himself down and grabbed Kuroko's upper arm.
Kuroko quickly looked up at Kagami upon hearing the other's voice. The expression his face held earlier were no longer instead it was replaced by an expression he remember well, it was the very same expression he held when they first met, when he pulled his hood over his head took his hand before running away from the eyes of the rest of the world.
"Oi, are you alright?" Kagami asked, "Are you feeling sick again? Do you need some break?"
Kuroko felt a wave of relief in his whole system—he's different, he is Kagami-kun. That is right, this man is not Aomine, he may act like him someties, he may smile just the way he used to, but Kagami's hands are warmer, his eyes never looked away from him. Kagami saw him, just him.
"Yes." Kuroko answered, "I'm alright."
"Y-You…You scared me!" Kagami exclaimed before letting go of the other, sighing Kagami run his hand through his hair again. "W-What's with that expression anyways?"
"You were upset." Kuroko stated plainly. "I thought I said something."
"It's not you, okay." Kagami said sighing.
Kuroko frowned, "If you are going to pull on some cliché movie line on me I would leave the band."
"Wha—That's going to far!" Kagami exclaimed despite knowing the latter part of the statement is not true. "Besides, what cliché movie line are you saying?"
"It's not you, it's me." Kuroko said sighing, "I've heard that line in movies too many times."
Kagami pulled away, "The hell are you watching in your free time, Kuroko!"
"You didn't answer my question though."
Kagami sighed, "Tatsuya."
"What about Himuro-kun."
"He fucking pisses me off." Kagami grumbled.
"But isnt he your surrogate brother?"
Kagami found himself chocking of the air he is breathing, he whipped his head towards Kuroko in utter shock.
"He is wearing the same necklace." Kuroko said pointing at the necklace Kagami gave him. "When he removed his scarf I noticed it, it's identical. And Kagami-kun said this necklace is given by your surrogate brother, and for some reason you happened to know Himuro-san."
"You knew from the start, huh?"
"No. I realized it later on, I observe Kagami-kun."
Kagami chuckled, "What are you, an FBI agent?"
"No, just a band member."
Kagami groaned, that was obviously a rheatorical question, but yes, of course, Kuroko doesn't know that. Kagami sighs, turning around Kagami found a large black box behind him, the taller male quickly decided that it was a good place to sit on.
Sighing Kagami peered behind Kuroko where Himuro stood looming over his laptop, he is talking with their manager. He didn't know if Himuro took the job knowing Kagami is one of the members, or was it all simply a coincidence? After all those years, for some reason he thought that he had been alright now with Himuro's sudden disappearance but now that he is standing here in front of him he felt all those years of questions nagging at the back of his head.
Why did you give up?
Kagami didn't understand, Himuro went a modelling school after middle school, he told Kagami that he will do what it takes to reach for his dreams, just like Kagami would. That was why even in secret, even despite his father's reluctance, Kagami practiced his passion with the guitar. But suddenly, just one day, Himuro was not there anymore.
"Something happened." Kuroko concluded, "Between you and Himuro-san before you went here."
Kagami nodded putting a hand over his face, "He was the one who gave me that ring, it was supposed to be a promise ring."
Kuroko found himself reaching for the pendant.
"He said that we'll be the best in our fields, we'll conquer and get those dreams no matter what." Kagami explained, "He said he'll go to some modelling school and that's why he will be away. I was scared to do it alone, I was never the type to be good with talking to people anyways, he said that with that ring I'll never be alone, that wil be him watching me going every step of the way, and I will be the one he would wear around his neck so even if it was tough there he will get by remembering that we have to see each other once were the best."
Kuroko pursed his lips, he remember the day when Kagami placed that necklace around his neck, it was their first performance, he was shaking terribly frightened to his bones that Kise would look it at him waiting for him fail miserably, then Kagami gave him that ring and he thought that even without looking back at him, he knew he was there. Perhaps it was what Kagami felt all those years.
"But…he left you know." Kagami continued. "I still somehow cant forgive him for leaving without a word. Why did he give up?"
"He's still a model Kagami-kun, and now a very well known photographer."
"He gave up, he promised me—"
Ah, Kuroko thought to himself, looking at Kagami it finally made sense, Kagami is frustrated because he thought Himuro would be with him, going all the day to fulfil their dreams. He is upset that he gave up and left the modelling school.
"Kagami-kun." Kuroko called his name making Kagami quickly stop from his ramblings. "You need to understand Himuro-kun's reasons as well. Have you ever tried talking to him?"
Kagami glanced away, "No."
"You are upset that he gave up on your promise but there must be a reason, he wouldn't be wearing your promise ring if it meant nothing for him." Kuroko said. When Kagami didn't look at him the teal haired musician sighed. "You still believe in him, don't you?"
Kagami clenched his hand into a fist.
"That was why you never threw this necklace away."
"I don't want to hear more excuses, anymore."
Kuroko shook his head, the teal haired musician removed the necklace from his neck and placed in his hand, the ring that gave him strength to face what he had gone to fear for years, it is time to return it to person whom it truly belongs to.
"Have it," Kuroko said before putting them around Kagami's neck. "When you hear Himuro-san's words you will be the one to decide if that ring still holds any meaning."
Kuroko stood back and stared at Kagami, he suddenly felt so vulnerable without the ring around his neck, it was like returning Kagami that huge chunk of his soul that he loaned to Kuroko. He felt as if he just pulled out a piece that made him whole for a while, back to the person who owns it, and he even gave that person the option to throw that away. He could never have that part back for all he knows and yet he took the risk. He could barely see the bottom but he leaped.
As Kagami stood holding the necklace in his neck Kuroko felt his heart hammering in his chest.
He gave Kagami the power to throw him away, to let go of him.
"I'm going back, wait here."