WELCOME BAAAAAAAAAAAACKKKKKKKKKKK! OMG I'm so sorry this update is sooo late iit should have been up last week but my internet broke down and just a few days ago I got sick too. I am still now but well I'm getting better, which is good because school starts tomorrow and I NEED to be alright by then or I might be graduating with an IV attached to me. LOL kidding aside, HAPPY BELATED THIRD ANNIVERSARY TO MEEEE ahahahahaha Kicchin now is official three years old since I started writing here in FF! *puts out birthday cakes and candles* AHAHAHA thank you everyone for THREE YEARS omg, the support and the love you give to my stories are my greatest treasures, seriously.

So yeah, back to MtKB wow, AKASHI MEETS KUROKO FINALLY AND FURIHATA TOO! Did you like the mini-date with KAGAKURO? ahahahaha I've been wanting to put that scene for a long time but I just dont know if the timing is right, so yeah I was able to convince myself that last chapter is the best time to put it. I want Kagakuro's relationship here to thread like normal couples do, you know friends, dates, then get-together, sharing stuffs before everything. I wanted everyone to have a unique spice to their meetings. Ahahaha and I am sooooo sorry for those who are waiting for the akafuri because it is taking awfully long, but yeah I hope you bear with me for now. It will happen SOON. And wow who are excited to know what will happen next to MIDOTAKA?! Well I guess I wont be holding you guys for too long now, hope you like today's chapter anddddddd...please review~~~~!

Chapter 24: Refrain Boy

Akashi sat in his bed with his phone in his hand, he stares blankly at the full length window in his room reflecting the streets lights. He closes his eyes and yet again he found himself haunted by the image of the slightly trembling yet obviously enraged brunet. He opened his eyes feeling the touch of the other's palm still lingering in his cheek, his heart hammering in his chest for some reason. Such defiance he has never seen before, it made him wants to crush him and at the same time preserve him.

It was not every day that someone actually dares to act out to him.

Furihata Kouki, he thought quietly, so plain, so average and yet something told Akashi that is not all. It was the same feeling he had when he saw Kuroko for the first time, he looks so mediocre but not really. He could feel something stirring inside him, interest, he dares to name it. Furihata Kouki is interesting that it made him want to grab him that moment ask him what exactly he is.

There is something he doesn't know yet, something he needs to know, like an itch in his back he couldn't reach.

And then there was his eyes, his brown eyes that made Akashi momentarily forget how to breathe.

"Kouki." Akashi bit his lower lip, how can someone's name be so perfect rolling in his lips? It was as if he had known of it before.

Akashi groans feeling a dull pain seeping in his head. He left his phone that only started buzzing to cradle his head.

.

.

.

Furihata's eyes sparkled at the sight of the huge stadium, he has not performed before in this huge venue before except for the battle of the band. The ceiling is high and there is so much room for them to move around. He couldn't helped but just breathe out a wow. Beside him Kagami and Takao were having the same feeling. It will be their first live performance in front of a huge crowd after the release of their first single Solution, and to think Aida decided to take the huge venue it was almost unthinkable, bold even.

"The seating capacity would be around 7, 000." Aida said behind them, "It's much smaller to the venue for the Battle of the Bands but—"

"This is huge." Kagami said feeling a cold sweat running in his back, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yep." Aida said with much enthusiasm, "After reviewing the sales of your first single and the popularity of Love Scenario in the charts, I bet your ass on it that we're having a full house."

"I can't believe it." Furihata mutters.

"Me too." Takao adds.

Kuroko stood quietly scanning the place, the staffs are already setting the stage. He swallows thickly, a huge crowd, after a long time he will be facing them again, however instead of a strange pang of anxiousness, he felt something different—adrenaline. Kuroko placed a hand over his chest feeling his heart beating rapidly in excitement, it has been a long time since he felt excitement with the thought of singing again in front of the people. He inhales the scent of the air, the scent of the stage.

"You guys will perform in total of seven songs." Aida explains before showing the group the screen of her tablet. On the screen is the program outline, "First is your winning piece in the Battle of the Bands, Mr and Ms Picaresque, then Solution, then we will have a small intermission for about 30 minutes before the next song, use that time to interact with the crowd, do you get me?"

The four nod in agreement.

"Okay, then after that we'll have Refrain Boy." Aida continues, "After the third song, Kuroko and Kagami will have to run to the backstage for costume change as well as retouches for only fifteen minutes, Takao and Furihata will remain on stage to entertain the crowd, after fifteen minutes, Takao and Furihata will switch with Kagami and Kuroko for costume change. And the two will have to do some acoustics for a while."

"Won't that count for like fourth song?" Kagami asks.

"No," Kuroko replies, "That will count as an intermission."

Aida nods, "Exactly, so whatever the crowd suggests or if you two have anything on your mind that moment as long as it's not part of our line up."

"Then the rest would be interacting with the crowd." Takao adds.

"Maybe we could do a game?" Furihata suggested.

"Nice idea!" Aida exclaims. "Okay actually we could do like raffle and they would send you guys message prior to the concert and you guys will read or answer it during the intermission, what do you say?"

"I think it's a nice idea too." Kuroko answers. "It helps us not to have a dead air during the performance."

"Okay so for the fourth song we'll have Pride Kakumei, then followed by Love Scenario, then we'll have two of your new compositions there as well."

"Eh!" Furihata exclaims loudly enough for his voice to echo in the whole empty stadium. The brunet quickly placed a hand over his lips in embarssament after everyone stop to turn at him.

"What's wrong Furihata-kun?" Kuroko asks.

"B-But w-we're s-still I-I mean the two new composition w-what do you mean about that sachou?"

Aida shifts her wait to her other feet and raises an eyebrow, "You know what I mean, there's only been two new songs added to the list for your upcoming album, your composition is what I mean, those two songs."

"B-But I—i-it's not yet perfect and I—"

"I beg to disagree." Kuroko says before sighing, "I think it's alright, we've tried to perform it once in the studio and it was alright."

Furihata felt a blush creeping in his cheeks a few weeks ago, along with Takao, Kuroko suggested that Furihata would write a song two, however due to his difficulty with reading musical sheets it became quite a work for the three of them. However Kuroko didn't stop there, he allowed Furihata to write the lyrcis as Kuroko and Takao strums him a few chords. Though Kuroko commends his efforts as well as the results, Furihata isn't that confident to his own composition. Unlike Takao and Kuroko he could barely read the music sheets and to say that it was ready for a huge performance like this is a bit too—

"Isn't this a bit too early?"

"What the hell are you saying Furi?" Kagami said before giving the brunet a friendly pat in the back, "Just trust yourself, besides I like it too so I guess the crowd will be the same."

Furihata sighs and found himself nodding dejectedly, "There really is no way to talk you out of this right?"

"Right." The four replies in unison.

Aida turns to the corner and gestured to a brown haired guy, the man runs towards her with a goofy smile, "So this is Koganei, and he will be teaching you guys about the blockings for the whole program, please refrain from giving us headache."

The four boys bow their head to Koganei in greeting while the other returns the gesture with a friendly wave.

"Are you ready guys?" Koganei asks before walking towards Kagami and tip-toeing to put a hand on the tall red head's shoulder, "I think we're going to get along!"

Midorima stood in front of a familiar shelf in the familiar book shop. Ignoring the whispers of the other customers, the green haired musician quickly went to the shoujo manga section. He couldn't help but find a smile spreading in his lips as he saw the new set of release for his favourite series.

"Ah, Midorima-san?"

Midorima turns to find the sales clerk, the woman beamed happily before greeting the other with a bow. Since Midorima has taken a liking of the manga by T. Kazue he would return to this very same book store to by the book. There wasn't any particular reason behind that, aside from the fact that T. Kazue mentioned in her notes that she once found solace in that particular book store when she was in high school where she would sit on the corner and ask for the owner if she can read a few books.

It was simply difficult not to remember Midorima, after all his hair stands out from the crowd as well as his height. He kept a low profile whenever he would visit but the sales clerk managed to notice him still. The former sales clerk whom she took on said that Midorima is a regular customer, sometimes he would sit there read through the manga section and sometimes he would buy, and when he does it is always the very same title—Golden Time by T. Kazue.

"We reserved you a copy." The woman said without having to hear the other out. "Are you going to take it now?"

"Yes, that would be…great." Midorima replies before following the girl to the counter.

Midorima turns to the corner and found the poster of the upcoming anime adaptation of T. Kazue's manga, below it a small picture of the black background logo of Kuroko's band, next to it is the title of their song—Love Scenario. Somehow Midorima couldn't bring himself to listen to their song, the thought made his chest clench for some reason.

The saleslady returns to the counter with a paper bag, "Midorima-san your purchase is here."

Midorima turns to the counter before reaching to his back pocket to get his wallet.

"Will you be watching the anime series Midorima-san?"

"I am busy." Midorima answers before paying up for the book. "I have a lot of things to do."

The woman quickly gives Midorima his receipt and change.

"Oh that's too bad." She replies.

Midorima opens the paper bag to quickly check on the item, she pulled the book out of the bag and scanned the pages for any torn or folded parts. However to Midorima's surprise he found himself stopping on the very last page of the manga where T. Kazue would write about random things about herself.

Somehow Midorima found himself in T. Kazue, someone despite having so many people around found they are unable to confide, to speak of their feelings so freely, it was like he found a friend he never had in a leaf of a book. Grazing his index finger at a familiar doodle of a hawk in the corner of the page, Midorima carefully read the notes.

Hi readers!

It has been a while, thank you for everyone for supporting me and now we will be having an anime adaptation, I hope you like it too!

Sorry but can you keep a secret?

I'm a bit sad you see.

The guy I like, I think he will be married soon. Ah, but don't worry, I won't let that stop me from continuing this story. It just kinda makes me sad, now that we we're a bit close, suddenly I heard he's getting married.

Have you ever had a similar experience?

I will be back on the next month with the new series, thank you again for your continued support!

Midorima was suddenly struck by something in his chest as the words shuffles in his chest. What a coincidence. Midorima flips the pages again and found himself stopping at a random page. He stares at the page not bothering to read the whole thing so that ee would not spoil himself of the details, somehow…the scene looks familiar.

"This book shop is getting some celebrity visits in the past few days it's almost shocking." The saleslady says catching Midorima's attention, she leans to Midorima and whispers, "Yesterday night the bassist from a popular boyband dropped by to scan some manga!"

Midorima's eyes widen.

"He has this gorgeous black hair and very polite and cheery smile, he's so nice!"

Midorima focuses back on the page in front of him.

He remembers now, could it be…Midorima traces the lines of the character's face against the paper with his thumb, the place where he had seen this…was in Takao's house, with the pile of clutter and papers, he remember seeing this very page on that table, it was a rough sketch then, half of it are barely inked. How can Takao have those when it was only released today? How come he—

"Come to think of it, he used to buy his manga here before, he doesn't look like it but he's a huge otaku!"

"Does he come here often?"

"Eh?" The saleslady is suddenly taken aback by the other's question raising out of the blue, "I don't know I recently—"

"Takao-kun you mean?"

Midorima turns to find a middle aged man holding a few new copies of Haruki Murakami's new works. The saleslady quickly bows her head to great the owner of the book shop.

"Do you mean Takao-kun?" the man asks again.

"Y-Yes." Midorima found his voice cracking for some reason, somehow his heart started beating wildly, and strange why does he feel as if he already knows the answer?

"He does." The man answers, "When he was in high school he skips class and sits on a corner to read books. I couldn't tell him to leave, it is better to read than to get into a fight like most kids his age then."

"H-High school…"

"Oh are you friends with Takao-kun?" The owner asks barely recognizing Midorima, "I know that kid his he was in high school, yesterday he came here boasting about the fact he's the one who sung for that anime, time sure flies, doesn't it?"

The man laughs before waving to the two and leaving.

Is it just a coincidence, Midoirma thought, could it be...

"Are you alright Midorima-san?"

"Do you know which publishing house T. Kazue works for?"

"Eh?" The saleslady steps back completely shocked.

"See you all tomorrow in the afternoon!"

The four boys bow to the staffs before returning to the backstage, Kuroko is holding up the schedule of rehearsals for the live as well as the schedule of performance, Aida is very strategic she uses the current to surf the waves. She doesn't waste any single opportunity for the band. Somehow she is even more inspired with the current turns of events, with the people's interest on the four members as well as to their personal lives. It also helps that their song are used for anime which makes it even more popular even abroad.

"When will Sachou announce about the concert?" Takao asks.

"In three days." Kuroko answers, "I'm quite excited."

"I think I'm going to faint." Furihata replies sighing.

"You're going to be fine Furi." Kagami said with his ever so confident grin.

"You'll be alright, that is what rehearsals are for Furihata-ku—"

"Takao-san?"

Kuroko stopped midway and found a staff running towards the four, before turning towards Takao.

"You have a guest Takao-san." The staff said.

"A guest?" Takao asked raising an eyebrow.

"Should we go on ahead Takao-kun?" Kuroko asks as he notice an unfamiliar figure in the end of the hallway, with his back turned to them. Kuroko doesn't recognize the person at all.

"A-Ah, no t-this will be quick I'm sure—"

Kuroko smiles and shakes his head, "Please take your time."

Takao stares at Kuroko for a second trying to look for something in his eyes but there wasn't, he meant what he said.

"We will wait for you back in the dressing room before returning to the studio, is that alright?"

Takao nods. "Thank you." he replies before bowing.

When the three left towards the dressing room, Takao turns to the staff with an awkward smile. There isnt anyone who would come see him here, except for his sister, he wonders if she skipped school just to see the rest of the band.

"Where is my sister?" Takao asks. "I'm sorry if she caused any inconvenience—"

"Oh it's not your sister Takao-san." The staff said. "I'll go get him for you then."

Takao was frozen in his spot as the staff left to get Takao's guest. Takao stood wondering there in the hallway quietly, he could hear the faint sounds of the people at the stage calling each other's names and the faint sound of the loud music. He could feel the vibration of the speakers under his feet.

Suddenly Takao was filled with an overwhelming feeling, he used to dream of this day, to perform in front of so many people. Somehow he felt so close to that person again, and yet not.

"Takao-san, sorry for making you wait."

Takao blinks out of his reverie and turns to look at the staff, however he was not prepared for the sight he was welcomed to. His eyes quickly widen at the sight of the red head with blue eyes smiling shyly at him. The familiar guy quickly bows his head in greetings to the other, making Takao automatically return the gesture.

"Is there anything else you need Takao-san?" The staff asks politely in which Takao replies with a shake of his head.

"T-Thank you I-I'm fine."

The staff bows his head before dashing away from the two leaving them alone. Takao shifted away from the other remembering how Midorima acted when he came close to the other, even if the other isn't present Takao decided to put the distance. The ginger head is wearing a dark grey turtle neck sweater paired with a black leather jacket.

"I'm sorry for disturbing your band's rehearsal, uhm I…I just wanna personally apologize about last time." Rei started as he looks at Takao.

The raven haired bassist turns his head away shyly, his eyes avoiding his. Rei sighs, he used all possible connections he has to find where Takao Kazunari might be today and gain access in the stadium where normally people aren't allowed, especially when it is like this. After seeing how Takao left that day he couldn't possible sleep soundly at night, not when the first time he saw him was wearing that betrayed expression.

"I-It wasn't your fault." Takao answered, "How did you got here, n-not that I—"

"No, no, it's perfectly fine Kazunari-kun."

Takao's eyes widen at the man's familiar way of calling his name. His reaction quickly surprised the other as well as he realize what he has said.

"I-I mean, I-I'm sorry I d-didn't mean that I was just, y-you see I see you on TV a lot a-and the fans calls you sometimes with your first name so I-I—" Rei stutters.

What should he do, he didn't mean to scare Takao like that, he didn't mean to blurt out the name he calls him when he watches him on TV and sends tweets about him on the internet. He felt his face heating up, it was such a mess, he thought he was totally prepared after finally meeting him, however he didn't anticipate this at all. However, and unfortunately the last thing he could do is salvage what is left.

"U-Uhm, I-I mean…can I call you that?"

Takao blinks, honestly there really isn't any problem about it anyways.

"Uh, yes I-I guess but I don't know you."

"Eh?" Rei found himself bowing his head in apologies, he curses himself, how can he make a fool of himself in front of his crush. "I-I'm so sorry, I-I forgot, I am Suzuhara Rei, forgive me for the late introduction."

Suzuhara, somehow that last name sounds awfully familiar, Takao thought, "I think I've heard of that last name before."

"I'm the son of the owner of the Suzuhara Pharmaceuticals."

Takao's eyes widen again, "Are you serious?"

Rei chuckles and nods, he couldn't believe the way Takao is responding to him like they are really close friends. He is just like what the other fans says, kind and very accommodating.

"I am." Rei said, "I actually used my father's connections so that I may be able to be here, I'm so sorry if I ever disturb you."

"Eh why would you go that far?"

Rei smiles, "I couldn't sleep thinking I somehow left a bad impression on you last time."

Takao found himself lost for words.

"I want to…if possible would you let me take you to dinner?"

"D-Dinner?"

Rei nods, "Yes, y-you know like a payback for whatever we caused last time?"

Takao found himself standing in a strange balance, does Midorima like Rei? It is actually a strange hypothesis however his gut told him that Rei could be Midorima's fiancé, and that thought was supported by the way Midorima acted around Rei, his protectiveness on the other, the way he snapped at Takao. However, Takao isn't that naïve either, he's too old to act like he doesn't know what a dinner out means, and the flowers too.

It is stupid, strange and yes, stupid, he should just stay away from them, but somehow his brain stopped and everything was quiet waiting for his answer.

.

.

.

"Yes."