Good day dear Readers!

I wanted to update this chapter weekends ago but it seems that there was a problem on this site. (Not an excuse. It really happened!). Moreover, I am a working person now so I can't check the situation everyday. I just happened to try it today and... BAM! It works! Well, I'm thankful it was fixed now! :)

I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy Reading!


Chapter XVIII

Rhapsody of Destiny


A knock was heard from the door. "Tetsuya, I came to pick you up."

I smiled at the door. "Yes. I will be there in a sec." I put on my broken white colored scarf, dark grey winter coat with fur hood on my arms, not forgetting my wallet in a drawer. I checked my appearance one last time on a long mirror, fixing my hair and went to the door.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." I smiled at him.

"It's alright." He smiled back, making my heart thumped.

He looked more stunning than usual. He wore light brown sweater, a dark blue scarf around his neck and a dark red coat hanging on his arm. He also combed his hair back and a pair of glasses with light brown lenses hanging on his nose bridge; like a perfect model for autumn collection in magazine.

"You look great."

He widened his eyes and smiled before reply me back. "It's rare to see Tetsuya compliment my look. I am glad I put more effort in dressing up today. I should do that more often."

I gave him a nose poke with my forefinger. "You always look great even without dressing up." I pulled back my finger before he could retort back. "So, shall we go?"

He gained his cool back and grabbed my hand. "We shall."


Usually, I would be too embarrassed to hold hands in public. But I promised myself to let it slide today. We walked down hand in hand while enjoying the golden leaves all over the place. A big lake in the middle of the place was a perfect touch of the whole view. Seijuro-kun found a bench nearby the lake, so we decided to sit down for a while.

"I have no idea you would take us to Yoyogi Park, Tetsuya. I though you dislike crowds." He said he made circles on the back of my hand.

"It's not that I hate it. I usually avoid crowded places. But today I want to spend time while looking at this view with you... Do you hate it?" I asked him hesitantly ask. Forgetting that he might hate coming to this kind of place.

He chuckled as he ruffled my hair. "Of course not. I am just surprised. But on the other side, I am happy to know more about you."

I sighed in relief. "I see… I thought you might hate this kind of date."

"How could I hate it when it is Tetsuya who made today's itinerary?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Itinerary? That's a bit too much, Seijuro-kun. We are only having a date, not a vacation."

"Well, I hope we will go somewhere for a vacation in the future. So, consider today as practice."

"Hmm… okay…" I said while enjoying the view.

Seijuro-kun was silent before he slowly put an arm around my back and pulled me closer. I complied as I rested my head on his shoulder, taking some of his warmth.

"Do you have some memories here?"

"Hmm… I am not sure. But I have seen similar view before. All I remember was my Mom and Dad used to take me to a park with a huge lake. We would go to that park every weekend. But I can't figure out if this is the correct place."

"I can find out." Seijuro-kun said as I turned to see him rather too quickly. "But only if you want to know…" He added, waiting for my reaction.

I smiled as I shook my head. "It's okay, Seijuro-kun. I don't want to dwell too much in the past. It is in the present where I am living now. I am here to make new memories… with you."

"If that's what you want..." He took our hands forward and gently planted a kiss on my hand. "Your wish is granted, Princess."

I blushed and pouted at the same time. "I told you, I am not a princess."


We were now sitting in food court area. Sharing a box of takoyaki, half with sauce, half without sauce.

"Really? You've never been here?" I asked after I gulped down a plain takoyaki. Don't ask me why, it's diet restriction.

"Technically, I have been up there… for business dinner purpose. But I have never been down here, exploring the shopping mall." He said then taking a bite of his takoyaki.

"Oh… you mean the five star restaurant? I heard the view is amazing." I said excitedly. Of course I heard it when Japan finished building the sky tree, the now tallest building in Japan. I always wanted to visit here whenever I had the chance to go back.

"It is. We can go there for dinner today."

"What? I thought we need to make reservation a few days before. Besides it is a very expensive restaurant. I can't afford eating there." I frowned, thinking about the price. Even with my whole month pocket money, I wouldn't afford it.

"No need to worry. We can get a table right away. All I need is make a phone call. Don't worry about the price. It's my treat." Seijuro-kun got his red phone out of his pocket. He flipped it open, ready to click the button.

"No, Seijuro-kun." I put my hand on his. "That's not in today's schedule. I already have somewhere in mind for dinner. If you are okay with it though..." I trailed off. Remembering the place was not match to that five star restaurant. On the second thought, maybe I should take his offer to make today's date perfect.

He chuckled after seeing my hesitant face. Again."Alright. We will postpone it for the next date. How about on Christmas eve?"

"That's a great idea."

"Alright. Christmas Eve dinner is confirmed!"Seijuro-kun then took the last tako-ball and gulped it down. "So, shall we continue to explore the other floors?"

"Yes. Of course."


There were lots of shops in here. On the lowest level there was a supermarket. I could see it clearly from the food court. On the first floor, majority sold variant of snacks. I guess the most popular one among the tourist must be this tokyo banana brand. It a banana shaped cake filled with flavoured fillings. The shop had different kind of cake. They got plain banana shaped, cat and giraffe pattern banana shaped and even the brownies version.

Seijuro-kun must had known what I am thingking now. He asked the shop lady to get 5 boxes each. He smiled and turned to me "Anything else you want to get for them?"

"Maybe some kobe pudding and chips for Murasakibara-kun." I smiled sheepishly.

He nodded and asked the lady to get them and went to the cashier to pay. After that, we went out of the shop. Seijuro-kun asked a man in black suite to put the shopping bags in their car.

" I didn't notice we were being followed by him." I sweat dropped when I saw the tall figure bowed and retreated back.

"It's not only him. There are four of them." He corrected. "Now that you know we were being followed since we left the house, are you feeling all shy again?" He gave me the playful smirked.

I grabbed his hand and locked my fingers in his warm ones. "Sorry to disappoint you. But 'shy' will not be in my dictionary on today's date."

"I see... Well, I don't dislike the bold Tetsuya." He kissed my cheeck. "You never failed to amaze me as always."


We explored the other floor as well. On the higher level, there were clothing shops. Like normal dates, we went in and tried several stuff. Mostly scarf, jacket or hats. Seijuro-kun found nice leather gloves. He bought two pairs of black, the other one was one size smaller. I chuckled, never thought that Akashi could be that sweet.

After that, I dare him to go inside Disney store with me, which most customers were females and children. Seijuro-kun raised an eyebrow and looked at me in disbelieve, but he took my challenge. He dragged me into the store which made some females stared at him. Not as an otaku or anything but because of seeing a good looking guy with ignorant face stormed into a disney character hat section.

Seijuro-kun scanned the shelves and pulled out a big blue-white hat. He put on that big hat on me. It was way too big that it almost covered my eyes. He let out a chuckle. I know I looked funny, but I wanted to see my reflection. He led me to a mirror and adjusted my hat so I could see myself clearly.

I blinked several times as I see myself wearing Donald Duck hat with long shawl attached. Seijuro-kun adjusted the shawl around my neck and he also put a matching robe on me. He smiled and nodded on his creation.

"You look really cute in that costume."

I pouted. "I might look cute but this character doesn't suit me."

"Hm? I don't see any problem."

I sighed. Well, it was just like I thought. He didn't know much about Disney characters. Unlike me who grew up in the States and fed with Disney movies. "This character you put on me is Donald duck. He is a loud mouthed and grumpy duck character, a total opposite of me."

"Is that so? But the color suit you well..." He observed me thoroughly.

"But his personality doesn't." I whinned.

"It's okay. It doesn't matter." He insisted after head to toe check.

"But it does matter!" I insisted.

Seijuro-kun sighed in defeat. "Alright then. You can become a new character. Become my personal Donald duck."

"W-What?!" I was taken aback.

"Okay. From now on you are Tetsu Duck my personal adorable duck." He nodded satisfied.

"T-Tetsu Duck?" I blushed and widden my eyes, sweat dropped.

"Correct." He nodded.

I blushed harder and thought of a retort. Then I got an idea when I saw a costume behind him. I took a cone shaped star pattern hat and long red robe. I quickly put it on him as he looked so confused. After I finished, He looked his own reflecion.

"Tetsuya, I am not familiar with Disney character. What character am I wearing?" He swirled around to see the long robe. But my retort backfired. It matched him perfectly.

Truthfully, I am really envious of him. He didn't look out of place or weird in that costume. He looked exactly what the character meant to be.

"Mickey Mouse. The magic kingdom version."

"I see. So I am a magician?"

"Yes. A magician who managed to save me out of my loneliness." I gave him my sincere smile.

Seijuro-kun gave his gentle rare smile. He pulled out his cell phone and put an arm around my neck. "Tetsuya, look at the camera and smile." He closed our gap as our cheeks touched. Then I heard a shutter sound.

He looked at the picture and chuckled, then he showed the screen to me. There I could see my pink tinted cheeks and flustered face. I wasn't ready at all!

"Seijuro-kun, please erase that picture. I made a funny face."

"I won't. I will make it as the wallpaper." He said as he began pushing some buttons. Then he showed it to me. "See? You look really adorable." He gave me a satisfied smile and went back to the screen.

I pouted and pulled out my phone. "Seijuro-kun?"

"Yes?"

I clicked the camera button at the right time. There I got to see him looking at me in a costume. I showed it to him proudly. "I will use this as my wallpaper."

Seijuro-kun smirked and said "I didn't know that my adorable boyfriend loves me so much to the point of setting my picture on his phone."

I blushed on his remarked. I didn't know where this magic spell came from. It made me let out what my heart wanted to say. "Yes. I love my boyfriend so much. He is the one who saved my life... my savior, as well as my first love."

He widen his eyes. I swore I could see faint red on his cheeks. He adjust the hat which covered some part of his eyes. "And who is your boyfriend?"

I smiled. So, I guess it right. He was embarrased. Today, I managed to make him blush. What a big achievement! My smile got wider. I neared my face to his and stared into those red orbs. "Akashi Seijuro. My first… and only lover."

The red color on his cheeks got darker. "This Akashi Seijuro guy must be the luckiest person on the planet to have such a lovely and gentle lover." He said with a straight gentle face.

"And Kuroko Tetsuya is also the luckiest guy on the planet to have met him on the rooftop. Thank God they found each other."

"You've got it right." Seijuro-kun smiled. He leaned forward as he pulled Donald Duck hat long shawl to cover our faces. I closed my eyes as I felt his warm soft lips touch mine.

Our kiss lasted for a few seconds before I pulled away. I just realized that we are in public. More importantly, in a Disney store! I glance to my left and right side. Thank Heavens, no one was around us. Then I heard him laughed.

"Why are you laughing?"

"I recall you said that shy is not on your dictionary today?"

"I was not being shy. I am being aware of our surroundings." I said in my defense.

"Why are you being aware? Did I do something wrong" Now he played the innocent looking guy!

"You know exactly what I am talking about!" I pouted. Don't ask me why I pouted so easily today, I am not sure myself.

"Hmm..~ I don't know what you are talking about. Care to explain it to me? Maybe you can demonstrate it to me?" He gave me the infamous smirked again.

"Seijuro-kun!"


We were now sitting in a far corner table in a café. Seijuro-kun bribed me with a small cup of warm vanilla milk. I took some sips from a small hole on the lid. I let out a sigh because of the warmth feeling went through my throat.

"Feeling better now?"

"Yes. But just because you bought me this, it doesn't mean you are forgiven."

"Alright. So what do I need to do to earn your forgiveness?"

"Hmm… let's see…" I tried to think some funny or embarrassing stuff. But nothing pop up. Then I got an idea after we visited the Disney store "How about we play Aladdin and the magic lamp?" I said excitedly, while Seijuro-kun looked confused. Err.. I forgot he knows nothing about Disney.

"What is Aladdin and the magic lamp? Is it some character from Disney again?"

I let out a nervous chuckle. "Well.. yeah.."

"I am sorry, I only know some Japanese children stories, not from abroad. Please explain to me what is it about?"

"Well, it's a classic Disney story about a poor boy from slum area. One day he was forced into a magic chamber to get a magic lamp. The boy managed to beat every obstacle in the chamber and got himself the magic lamp. Inside the magic lamp was a blue Genie who will grant the him three wishes. After that, his life was turned 180 degree. He got perfect life and found his true love. And they live happily ever after." I explained briefly.

"Alright. So, I assume we will play the three wishes?"

"Yes. I will be the poor boy and you are the blue Genie."

"Interesting. Alright, let's play." He challenged me back . "So, what's your first wish, master?"

Now it's my turn to be confused. I hadn't thought that far."My first wish is… uhm… one more cup please?" He raised my empty paper cup.

"Denied. I was told to limit your sugar intake." Seijuro-kun said with a straight face. "Let's get this straight. I believe even the Genie has his own rules, right?" I nodded sweat dropped. He was sharp as usual.

"Alright. Rule number one, wishes that will negatively affect your health are not allowed." He stared at me, waiting for my answer. I nodded in agreement.

"Rule number two, the Genie will only grant wishes that he had approved of."

"What?! Wait, Seijuro-kun. I don't think the Genie has that kind of rule in the movie."

"And I am also sure the Genie in the movie didn't apply the first rule, right?"

"…. You are right."

He smirked. "Alright, let me hear your first wish, master."

"That's not fair Genie-kun. I can't think of any wish right now." I frowned.

"Well, master-sama, you need to make one right now, or else the first wish will perish."

"What?! I never heard such term existed!" I exclaimed

"It does. And your first wish will perish in 10 seconds. I am counting down…"

"Wait!"

"10…9…"

"Seijuro-kun! I really can't think of any wish!"

"8…7…6…"

"Seijuro-kun!" I whinned.

"5…4…3…"

"Seijuro-kun, stop counting and hug me!" I blurted out.

Seijuro-kun stopped counting at 2. He smiled happily as he moved to my side. He put his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. I automatically rested my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes. As a result, he buried his face to my hair.

"Seijuro-kun, this isn't hugging. It's more like cuddling." I stated, a smile crossed my lips.

"Think of this as a reward for teasing you."

"Hmm… a reward from a masochistic Genie sure is valuable... I better remember this for the rest of my life." I snuggled closer and closed my eyes. A sudden wave of sleepiness caught me.


"Tet-chan dear, you fought well."

"Okaa-san? Does mean I am dead now? or is it just a mere dream?" I asked calmly. It's not the first time I saw them here.

"No, Tet-chan. You are still alive."

"So, this time it's also a dream." I smiled sadly. "Do you have something to tell me? Is my time drawing closer? "

"We can't answer that. Okaa-san and Otou-san will always keep watching over you. Remember, you are not alone anymore, Tetsuya. Fight for the ones you love." Oka-san said as their figures starting to disappear.

"Always remember that we will always love you, Tetsuya." Otou-san added before they completely out of my sight.

No matter how loud I yell or extended my arms, I couldn't reach them. Then I was pulled back to another world.


"…ya!"

"..tsuya!"

"Tetsuya!"

I heard Seijuro-kun's voice louder. I fluttered open my eyes. The first thing I saw was a white ceiling, then a red blur image.

"Tetsuya, can you hear me?"

I blinked a couple of times.

"Thank God, you are awake! Thank God!" He grabbed my hands and kissed them a lot of times. I could see tears formed in his eyes. When did he get eye bags? Come to think of it, He is a mess. His hair was unattended. He seemed to lost some weights? What happened?! "I am calling Sato-sensei now." He pressed a button beside me.

Sato-sensei? Why she is involved now? I tried to sit but I couldn't find my strength to do so. I am truly lost. "Sei.." I was surprised at how raspy my voice sounded. And why am I wearing oxygen mask?

"Tetsuya, please don't force yourself." He helped me to lie down again.

Nevertheless, I tried to clear my throat and flinched at how dry it is. "Seijuro-kun, what happen? I thought we are still at the café. Cuddling." I said in small weak raspy voice.

His relief expression turned into sadness, mix with fear. He brushed my bang out of my forehead and then held my cheek. I could feel his hand trembled.

"Tetsuya… you suddenly went unconscious there... In my arms… I couldn't get you to wake up. I am so sorry. I shouldn't have agree with the date. I was so selfish and foolish!"

"What? That can't be. I still remembered it clearly. I was snoozing off on your shoulder. There is no way I wouldn't wake up."

Seijuro-kun suddenly gave me a hug. A tight one. His whole body trembled badly. I could feel warm liquid dropped on my shoulder "Tetsuya… no matter what… please… don't ever do that to me. Leaving me… alone..." He flinched on the last word.

"Seijuro-kun? What do…"

"This whole time… I have been living in hell! But then Heavens give me another chance to see you open your eyes! This time..please just... don't ever go without saying a word! I'm begging you, Tetsuya!"

I still didn't understand what Seijuro-kun mean and why he was so hysterical. The only thing I could do is hugging him and soothing his back. Whispered to him a couple of times that I am not going anywhere as I continue to rub his back. I sighed in relief as I felt he's starting to calm down.

While still hugging him, I let my eyes travelled around. Then my eyes caught something on the table. A calendar. Something peculiar caught my attention. Maybe my eyes went bad. So, I squinted my eyes to see it better. Then I knew something was definitely strange. The calendar page had flipped to February.


End of Chapter XVIII: Rhapsody of Destiny

BabyNightmareLady: Thank you too dear reader! Another 2 chaps to go! I hope you will enjoy it! :D

Rinfantasy: I am so sorry to hear about your Aunt. I know reality is way harsher than fanfiction world, but I am sorry I am doing spoilers. Hope you will keep reading the last two chapter and enjoy it!

I would like to thank TetsunaAkashi, XxArtanisxX, Yuzuru Lazur, tramontodicielo, miku-ceriss, Animelover86822, tsundere-chan 123, Layl for adding the story in your favorite and follow list!

Thank you all and See you on the next update! Two more chaps to go! So stay tuned!