Love's Melody

-Kuroko no Basket Fan-fiction-

By: The Uncrowned

Summary:

Kuroko Tetsumi is well-known in her school for being the 'Loner'. She doesn't have friends and is always so quiet. However, she is a very gifted musician. Although she shies away from the crowd, unknown to her, she caught the attention of a certain red-head. The ever-so popular Kagami Taiga.

Genres: Romance, music, school-life, comedy and drama

Pairing/s: Kagami Taiga and Kuroko Tetsumi ; One-sided males and Kuroko Tetsumi

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the storyline.

Author's note: 'thoughts' "verbal"

Author's note: I've said it once, and I'll say it again... I'm terribly sorry for the late update! I don't have a laptop, just so you know. I use my father's which he uses for his work, therefore I use it during Saturdays and Sundays most of the time.. But for weekdays, I usually use it at night, which would be morning to some of you. I sleep around 3am or 5am just so that I could use the laptop.. :)) Along with my father, I think we pretty much suffer from insomnia but, oh well, I love my life!

I've received a suggestion to take it slower for Kagami and Kuroko from PiWrite.. Thank you for suggesting! Ummm... The rest would be at the last part because it'll be a spoiler..

Enjoy!

Admission

Recently, Kagami went to school early. 1st period starts at 8 flat, Kagami was on the classroom at 5:50. Reasoning out that he wanted some time alone as well. Although, he had to wake up early, which by the way wasn't on his favorite list of things to do, it was worth it for being alone in the classroom. He expected himself at his desk, relaxing and stuff, his apartment was relaxing as it is but, he'd lose track of time and would probably be late yet again. Anyways, he imagined himself sitting on his desk, thinking the events over the past week and just.. Relax and chill. The morning breeze was always so relaxing. And besides, he still needed to ask Kuroko about Maji Burger, he'd like to stop by today.

"Oi Kuroko!" Kagami said as he entered the classroom. Walking towards his seat, which was in front of Kuroko, he place his bag on the side of his desk, before sitting and turning around to meet his soon-to-be band mate, not really noticing her, as he thought about yesterday's events.

Aida told both of them that instead of yesterday, Kuroko would be tested out today because Aida said it was getting late at that time, They basically did nothing yesterday 'cause she just talked about some 'girlish' stuff and just took Kuroko on the band's studio.

It was just inside the apartment, but who knew it was underground. In the kitchen, there's a door on the right side of the dinner table, open it and you'll see a staircase heading to the studio. It was below because it's soundproof. Much to Kuroko's surprise, she thought that the room would be really big. And indeed it was. According to Aida, it was where they use to have parties and such, when she was younger. When the band was formed, it was permanently used as their studio.

"Oi Kuroko, Aida—" Kagami's words were tied to his tongue at what he was seeing.

Kuroko was asleep. The ever so stoic Kuroko Tetsumi was asleep! That indeed was a very rare sight. Her being asleep added more to her angelic appearance! So innocent, vulnerable and Kagami dare think of it, cute! Not like he didn't admit that. Her face, rested on her crossed arms above her desk. She was facing the window as she breathed in and out. Her face, unlike her stoic everyday face, was relaxed and contented, her lips slightly parted to welcome air in and out. It was slightly pink and it was soft-looking.

Kagami blushed. Hard. So hard that it could put his hair in shame. His head was spinning, he was supposed to tell her to spend his afternoon with her like yesterday in Maji Burger, but with her asleep, what can he do when she was asleep?

Kagami hesitantly, patted her head, unsure of what he was doing. Kuroko didn't stir, so he continued, before brushing his hand lightly on her hair. Kuroko opened her eyes and stared at Kagami with half-lidded eyes before smiling. Now that just did it, he blushed ten times worse and this time, he could put the tomato in shame, his nose was threatening to have a nosebleed shower. After smiling, she leaned into Kagami's touch before sleeping again. Kagami was still blushing, but he continued to stroke Kuroko's hair anyways. She was just like a puppy dog or a rabbit

He didn't know how long it may have been but, he still continued stroking Kuroko's hair. It was soft, softer than what he had imagined when he first caught sight of it. And besides, he likes the way it feels against his hand.

It was probably around 6:20, there were students, but none really gave much attention to them, the girls weren't there anyways, there were 5 boys and Kuroko as the only girl. Seems like the boys went to play somewhere since they were alone again.

Kagami was about to call Aida, so he pulled away but, Kuroko's pouting face beat him to it. She stirred in her sleep, while a frown was slowly forming on her lips. So, not knowing what he did wrong, he abandoned his idea and continued his stroking. And, her face slowly turned into a peaceful one. A smile plastered on her face and it was a contagious one too. Kagami smiled as well, looking at her peaceful manner, he didn't want it to end.

Without really thinking, he kissed Kuroko's cheek softly. He was still on his blush and with his smile while doing it. Kuroko chuckled very lightly in her sleep, she was satisfied, one can say.

Kuroko sipped her vanilla shake, unknowingly in a good mood. Across her was Kagami, unknowingly stressed. Unlike the other days, only a few girls bothered him because of the deadly aura he was releasing so, shouldn't he be happy? Not only that, they had a half-day today because of a teacher emergency meeting. It was only 12:30. Right after dismissal, Kagami 'asked' her to go to Maji Burger before going into 'Aida's getaway' nicknamed 'Studio'. 'It was more of a demand because he never gave me the chance to say 'yes' before he walked towards the classroom's exit door.'

Kagami 'hmphed' before eating his 10th burger.

"Kagami-kun, are you okay? You seemed stressed."

"Y-yeah.. I'm fine.." 'What a lie! But it's not like I can just tell you about what I did either! I-I kissed you! And I damn liked it!' Kagami was having goose bumps now. He was nervous because he just kissed the person across him, liked it and he doesn't have a reason. "Hey, d-did you notice anything weird when you were s-sleeping this morning?"

"Morning..?... Ah, you mean my morning nap? I slept late yesterday you see. We had a lot of assignments in which you nearly failed."

"You took notice?!" 'Sh-she was conscious of me!' Now that thought made Kagami feel… happy.

"Aida-san told me of your reputation as 'Bakagami' you see… Putting that aside, what about my nap?" Kuroko sipped on her vanilla shake.

Hearing it was from Aida made him popped his bubble but, it was quickly turned into apprehension.

"I-It's just that I saw you a-and I-I was talking and, and y-you weren't hearing me because y-you were sleeping so I-I p-patted y-you and, and I didn't do anything! The w-warmth you f-felt on your ch-cheek was be-because of a... umm.. a fly! Y-yeah a fly! I-I didn't kiss you!" Kagami yelled, raising his hands and forming a cross to show his denial as he stood up from his chair, surprising a few customers. His brows knitted, and a scowl on his mouth, though his blushing face says the otherwise. And by the way, Kuroko narrowing her eyes and staring at Kagami wasn't helping either.

"Breath Kagami-kun. I was just asking a question, and besides, why would Kagami-kun kiss me?" Kuroko said flatly.

"Y-yeah.." 'Yeah, why indeed.. Argh! Stupid Bakagami!' Kagami's fists punched Kagami's head for a while before face palming himself.

"…"

"…"

"Let's go Kagami-kun.. It's almost one.. Aida-san will get worried again." Kuroko motioned for Kagami to leave by standing up and as Kagami did the same, she went ahead and waited for Kagami by the door.

Kuroko sat on her chair. Observing the band as they were about to practice. Aida said that she has to understand the type of band they were so that she could think of a song to present after the practice. Though it didn't show, Kuroko was nervous.

This time was different, she'd be showing them her talent willingly. Unlike the accident with Kagami and so with Kiyoshi when they were kids, this was entirely different! You'll be singing in front of a whole, well-known, professional band! She's gonna be criticized and observed, and she didn't like that one bit.

Her style was, and still is, more of the free type. She sings what she wants to sing and expresses everything through her songs. So being told to sing what she thinks is fit for the band just.. Doesn't go well with her. She feels, not think.

"Okay, that was nice! Izuki, use the base drum instead of the snare 'cause it's too loud at the end 'kay?! The rest of you guys, good job! Go out and take a seat, Kuroko's next." She said through the microphone as the band went out from the room to meet with everyone at mini-living room in the studio.

"So we're finally going to listen to huh?! I'm excited!" Koganei cheered as he distributed cups of water to everyone like Aida.

"H-hai.." Kuroko mumbled. Kuroko played with her hair, twirling it around her finger anxiously. Kiyoshi, recognizing the move, gently approached her and patted her head before giving her a kiss on her forehead. He looked over her with a gentle and loving face.

This was the Kiyoshi Kuroko knew and apparently, know. She was used to the gestures he gave her, it had been that way for a longtime so Kuroko didn't really mind. He loved Kiyoshi as a brother and as a friend. Kiyoshi, other than Nigou, was treated like a family member and she, like he, treasured him a lot.

Kiyoshi would kiss her forehead, hug her at random times, cuddle up to her when she happened to be asleep and a whole lot more. But of course, as a brotherly affection and nothing else.

"You only do that when you're nervous, but right now, you don't have to be. We will not judge you okay Kuro-chan?" he said softly, smiling at her. Years they've been apart, but still, she remained to be the stoic, honest and shy Kuroko he had known.

"I-I don't do that… I'm just.. A bit nervous.." she mumbled only for Kiyoshi to hear, knowing exactly that he can understand her the most. He understood those simple gestures and probably memorized them unintentionally.

"That's because it's your unconscious habit." He chuckled as he sat right next to Kuroko and hugged her as he continued patting her head affectionately. Hearing the room silent, he reluctantly let go of Kuroko as he looked over the band but, as it turned out, they were staring at them.

"Is there something wrong?" he asked.

"W-why are you destroying my Tetsu-chan's innocence?!" Aida screeched as she was held back by Hyuuga who had his eye on Kiyoshi suspiciously.

"A-are you guys a-an item? Kagami mumbled. He was angry and confused at the same time, and he, didn't like the feeling at all. 'Why am I getting worked up? He just kissed her, nothing special.'

"No, Of course not. As we said, we are childhood friends but we treat each other like family. Actually, here's the whole story.. My parents were best friends with her parents, that's why we know each other. We've been best friends since I was 3 and Kuroko was only 2.., And besides, I confessed when I was 14, but Kuro-chan here, rejected me." Kiyoshi scratched the back of his head, giving the dumbfounded group a sheepish smile. "Right Kuro-chan?"

"Hai." Kuroko answered calmly. "Can I have my turn now Aida-san?" 'Before my confidence runs out.'

"Y-yeah.. Sorry 'bout that. Tetsu-chan, Kiyoshi." Aida said. Though it may not look like it. Aida and Kiyoshi got along pretty well.

"You didn't mean to pick on my love life so it's okay." He smiled goofily.

"People accuse us as well, so it's no big deal." Kuroko said, glancing at the relieved Kagami. 'What's wrong with him?'

"O-okay so, what will you be singing?" Kagami decided to finally say.

"Actually, you're band focuses on Pop, am I right?"

"Yeah."

"I don't really think I'm needed in this band, you have every needed member with their jobs and my voice won't suit your taste. I know you've been looking forward but.. *sigh* Aida-san, why exactly did you recruit me?" Kuroko said, facing Aida.

"Simple. From the moment I've seen you, I could tell that you could change this band and help it improve it's weak points. Not only that but your voice complements Kagami's, meaning, when you two sing, it'd sound great."

"I see.. So basically, you want me as a teacher?"

"Not only that, but as a lead vocalist along Kagami as well. We talked it over and he didn't mind." Aida said, as she and Kuroko glanced at him before he gave them a nod.

"But Aida-san, you do know I'm no professional."

"Of course! But among all of us, you seem like the wisest."

"That's just my appearance Aida-san."

"Don't worry, we'll help one another. That's what a band is for! You will not carry that burden all by yourself you know!"

"….Hai... She muttered with a smile on her face. "I'll be a part of your band." She declared, voice full of confidence.

Aida smiled and so did Kiyoshi. Everyone was at bliss it seemed, as they looked at Kuroko with welcoming eyes.

Clapping his hands, he made everyone jump out of their reverie. "O-okay, let's get going, we can't waste anymore time." Kagami said, turning towards Kuroko, he nodded, in which was returned with a small smile and a nod, understanding the silent message; 'Do your best'. And even though he saw that small smile, it still never failed to make him red, and as always, Kuroko never failed to not notice.

"Sing! Kuro-chan!" Kiyoshi smiled as he patted her head once again to encourage her.

"Umm, before that, what kind of genre should I pick?"

"Anything that goes well with you.. Which would be the soft ones." Kagami answered. "And, play the guitar while your at it." He instructed before pointing at, well, Kagami's guitar. And, that.. Pretty much shocked the gang. Kagami hated it when one touches his guitar, so this was.. Unusual.

Kuroko nodded at him before standing up and taking the guitar. She sat again on the couch besides Kiyoshi as she took the pick and started her song, not before taking a deep breath of course.

'hajimete no oto wa nandeshita ka?
anata no hajimete no oto wa...
watashi nitotte wa kore ga sou
dakara ima ureshikute

'hajimete no kotoba wa nandeshita ka?
anata no hajimete no kotoba
watashi wa kotoba tte ienai
dakara koushite utatteimasu'

Kuroko smiled at this, her chosen song was all about love and friendship despite not experiencing much of this herself. She made this one for a certain ex-classmate you see. This song was all about their first encounters, greetings, experiences together. The first pat Kiyoshi gave her to calm down, kiss on the forehead, sleepovers and so one with it. Basically, she composed this and got the idea from their memories. She wanted to treasure them now and until the end.

You see, after rejecting Kiyoshi, they acted like nothing happened. But they knew the other was suffering. It was physically evident. Kiyoshi had tear stains on his cheeks while Kuroko seemed spaced out and stressed most of time.

'yagate hi ga sugi toshi ga sugi
sekai ga iroasete mo
anata ga kureru akari sae areba
itsudemo watashi wa utau kara

sora no iro mo kaze no nioi mo
umi no fukasa mo anata no koe mo
watashi wa shiranai dakedo uta o
uta o utau tada koe o agete

nanika anata ni todoku no nara
nandodemo nandodatte
kawaranai wa ano toki no mama
hajimete no oto no mama...'

But after a week, Kuroko had enough confidence to talk about the incident seriously. Kuroko said that she loved him too, but as a friend and not like that and that she didn't want their friendship to end. So, she made him song, composed it and sang it for Kiyoshi in on their secret base, a tree on top of the hill, in which, he accepted the song and the painful fact that his first love wouldn't be successful and smiled at her.

It was a sad smile at first, but seeing her work so hard for their friendship, he smiled a happy one and slowly mended each other's hearts and strengthen their bond.

That time was also the very first time for Kiyoshi to see her cry. Though not the loud and noisy ones, a silent cry, where you could see tears falling down and whimpers and sobs were heard instead of the usual shout and yells. She cried, because she didn't know what to do if they were to stop being friends and all the drama.

That was also when Kiyoshi vowed to himself to never let her cry by him, not like he's going to allow a random person to make her cry either.

'hajimete no oto wa arimashita ka?
anata no hajimete no oto wa...
shiranai kyoku toka machi no oto ni
wakuwaku shite masu ka?

hajimete no kotoba wa arimashita ka?
anata no hajimete no kotoba
iezu ni shimattari iwanakatta
kotoba wa sukoshi samishisou

yagate hi ga sugi toshi ga sugi
furui nimotsu mo fuete
anata ga kawatte mo
nakushitakunai mono wa
watashi ni azukete ne'

Time passed, and they grew closer to one another. They knew the other inside out, let it be personal and general stuff, they knew each other like brother and sister.

Kuroko's Graduation came, and they didn't see each other 'till then because Kuroko had moved away. But as they told the other, they'll still be the best friends they once were.

'toki no nagare mo kizu no itami mo
ai no fukasa mo anata no koe mo
watashi wa shiranai dakedo uta wa
uta wa utaeru wa dakara kite

moshimo anata ga nozomu no nara
nandodemo nandodatte
kawaranai wa ano toki no mama
hajimete no oto no mama...

sora no iro mo kaze no nioi mo
umi no fukasa mo watashi no uta mo
kawaranai wa ano toki no mama
hajimete no oto no mama...'

hajimete no oto ni naremashita ka?
anata no hajimete no oto ni

Kuroko smiled as she remembered the promise Kiyoshi made to her. And even 'till now, it never failed to make her smile. Thinking at it, 'Kiyo-chan' was what she had always called him. So calling him 'Kiyoshi-san, was a new taste. 'I'll ask him if it's okay..' she thought. She used to call Kiyoshi, Kiyo-chan and he used to call her Hime-chan. Not Kuro-chan.

"Hime-chan!" a 14-year old Kiyoshi called at the retreating figure. His voiced had reached her it seemed, as the 13 year-old girl turned around to see her bestfriend.

"Kiyo-chan." She mumbled softly. She turned up to see her father "*Otou-san, may I speak with Kiyo-chan?"

The said man smiled at her before nodding and allowing his daughter to run towards Kiyoshi. 'They're still such good friends despite his still obvious crush on her.' The man thought.

"What is it, Kiyo-chan?"

"I won't be seeing you.." he mumbled. Even though he was a year older, in most areas, Kiyoshi acted like a child. Tears were still falling from his eyes.

"I know, but it's okay, I'm sure we'll see each other soon.. So don't be sad.." she said, looking into his eyes with a smile. She fished for a small box in her pocket. Once she felt it, she grabbed it and looked at Kiyoshi with joyful eyes.

"See? This is my present for Kiyo-chan."

Kiyoshi turned his gaze on Kuroko's, before looking the box on her hand. He too, fished for his pocket before finding his small box. Holding it out with excitement in his eyes.

"I-I have a gift for you too!" Kiyoshi said, tears dried and a smile on his face. Seriously, he recovers too fast.

"You sh-shouldn't have."

"I-It's your graduation!" he smiled.

They exchanged gifts and opened it with excitement. Kiyoshi gave Kuroko a ring with their names' carved in to it. Kuroko gave Kiyoshi a teal marble with faints of yellow and gold on it.

"We'll be best friends forever, okay?" Kuroko cheerily said, tears threatening to fall.

"Y-ou pr-promise?"

"Hai." She replied raising her pinky as she waited for him to twirl his around her's. And when he did, they smiled.

"We'll be best friends 'till the end 'kay?"

"Hai."

And with that, Kiyoshi gave her a kiss on her forehead. That was favorite hobby it seemed and it started when they were only 5 years old.

Thinking about that memory made her smile a bit, it was childish for a 13-year old and a 14-year old to do that but hey, with Kiyoshi, anything's child-like.

sekai no dokodemo watashi wa utau
sorezore no hajimete no oto o...'

After hitting the last note on the guitar, she smiled at the memory and opened her eyes to see the band. But, the band only stared at her with eyes wide and mouth slightly open, their eyes with sparks.

"Did.. D-did I sing so b-bad?" To Kuroko, the sparks were an indication of anger.

"That isn't enough to describe it actually Kuroko." Hyuuga answered, regaining his composure.

"I-I'm sorry, but I'll do my best! I'll just pra—"

"You are the best! You're voice was enchanting a-and so nice! W-words aren't enough! Bakagami was right!" Aida exclaimed as she ran over and hugged Kuroko tightly.

Kuroko blinked, not saying anything. But looking at her eyes, you can say she's pretty shock.

"It was so nice! I can't describe my feeling right now! I feel.. at peace right now.. It was so beautiful!" Aida replied.

Everyone regained their composure after Aida's yell. Like what Kagami said, they were dumbfounded. She indeed, was enchanting. Not only in appearance, but in her skill as well.

And once again, Kagami was dumbfounded, yet, he didn't mind at all.

'I admit.. I have a little crush on someone I barely know.' Thought to himself with a smile and a blush. Looking at a smiling Kuroko surrounded by his band mates.

Author's note : I tried my best and focused on Kiyoshi's past. If you think it still needs improvement, do tell me and I'll try to do what deems necessary.

From PiWrite, she/he suggested that I'd take it slow for Kagami and Kuroko.. Actually, it's been like that.. Sorry if it seemed the opposite.. -.-' .

Because Kagami had admitted to himself that he has a crush on Kuroko, he will not act like it.. Except for a few stutters and blushes.. Maybe even a bit of jealousy, though I'm not sure for the jealousy part. That's why Kiyoshi, Aida and Hyuuga will be there to help. After all, they're trying to match two stubborn and dense-heads.. :))

Anyways, thank you PiWrite! Please do tell me if it's getting to fast. I tend to lose to my excitement and will to write the cute parts instead of the serious ones.. XD But that doesn't mean you guys can't suggest too!

Otou-san would be 'father'

And if you're confused about Kiyoshi and Kuroko's past, I'll enlighten you. But please take note that Kiyoshi's a year older.

Kiyoshi and Kuroko's parents were best friends. Because of that, they met each other and became best friends as well, Kuroko was 2 and Kiyoshi was 3 at that time.

The Kiyoshi kissing Kuroko's forehead started when he was 5 wherein Kuroko was 4.

Kiyoshi confessed to Kuroko when he was 14 in which Kuroko was 13. Kuroko left Kiyoshi on her 13th summer and on Kiyoshi's point of view, he was left on his 14th summer as well.

On Kuroko's point of view, they didn't see each other for 3 years, 'till she's 16 (her current age) and for Kiyoshi, he didn't see her for 3 years as well, he's currently a 17-year-old.

As Kuroko's father said in the past, Kiyoshi still had a crush on Kuroko even though he was rejected. But it died down after a week she left, when he realized he couldn't see himself as a boyfriend to Kuroko after being rejected as it felt and looked weird..

Still confused? Ask me, I'll answer!

By the way, the song was "Hajimete no Oto" I used the full lyrics and divided it. If you're gonna look it up, I suggest Clear's version.

By the way, I'm still in the process of making the next chapter...

See ya next chapter!