Title: He's Just There
Summary: Never gave a single thought for who he is. He doesn't even consider the thought of what he is to others. And to them, he's just there for them, an unknown presence that can affect them in the slightest. And when you rid of that presence, a hole, a void pops up-right at their hearts. A void that's can't be filled, unless by him.
Chapter 1: My Sensei and Best Friend –Kise Ryota
Chapter summary: "But I'm in-capable to quit, just like I'm in-capable to get a single friend." He dealt with annoyance, scolding, insults and demands. He dealt with the sound of constant flickers and flashes of the camera, and high-pitch giggles. He dealt through it, with a smile to solemn to call real. That's until he met him.
Chapter 1: Mentor (Kise)
"You're my mentor, an altar, someone I respect and care for, you're willing to risk your life for someone like me; in other words, a true friend."
My ears pang from the stubborn noises situated almost every day of my "ecstatic"-life. Abundantly my patience is running thin, like spindles going through its last sew; my life lays in agony, trying to sleep through the problems, but to no prevail. And as if the same constant rants and high-pitch giggles didn't have a say in this.
In the beginning the sound of the camera was an exciting and thrilling feeling as a model. Though that starting Kise isn't the same now, if anything I find the shutters a drug depressant in my life. Staring slowly turning like turmoil, wishy-washy, and soon becomes boring once again.
Once again- I have faced this problem once before, it happened at the beginning of modeling. Life wasn't as crucial then, I thought modeling would pull me out of boredom, guess it did-at first. But now it's nothing more than a broken toy, lost interest to a child.
Life just didn't also become a bore; it started to become a hindrance and annoyance in every day. Being surrounded and smothered by girls could be any guys dream, just not mine. Because their giggles and flirting started becoming a broken reed and a tiring sight, and because of so, I can't even go out without having fun or get some peace and quiet. Going to the market and pick something up, I get ask by mothers and old ladies, requesting for an autograph for their daughters.
I don't mind them, because I know they mean well, but it's not the best when their single moms, or when I'm checking out the cashier is a woman. Tailing my high-bone out as soon as I can, trying to reach my condo. Or when I take a stroll, I get the constant same girls act like they're not following me, but you can't fool me eyes. And finally when a girl accidently brushes or bumps into me, it becomes a world of mayhem; that's why I have to disguise now, but I kind of wish I don't have to. I need my freedom, is that too much to ask for, or something that too incapable for the world to give.
School wasn't the best of places either, being pulled out from my manager, and missing out the important lessons. Teachers understood in the beginning, but because it started to become too frequent, they look down at me as if I was a delinquent. Just entering the school became a pain, bombarded by girls of many. And my shoe locker stacked with new and even old letters that held the feelings of a girl or sometimes a man's heart. Everything was becoming terrible on the outside, but with my family, it was another story.
My parent absent from my life at age 9 wasn't the best for me then. They work all day and all night, sometimes they stay over at another hotel, finding it a hassle to return home-to return and see their own child. Though now, the loneliness and tangy heart, facing the truth was probably the worst feeling. To sum things up, my life was like an intangible orange, to even myself. My body going through the merits of everyday, in the same pattern; though this was an uncommon receiving I would get.
But slowly, every single day, my wounded heart scraped and scabbed, was slowly being mended by someone, till he was gone.
An axe cut open at the horizon, an orange glow shinned out of the cut. Like it was the sun's blood, being leaked out. But slowly being bandaged up-sun set. My mouth felt cold, nibbling on the blue-frozen treat I gotten at the local convenient store. The area was quite, very few people or cars would pass by. A tranquil moment like this isn't the easiest to gain, if only I experience this stuff walking home-every single day. But if I wished that, I knew I would go bored of the view soon, and look for something more over the horizon.
My agenda was recorded empty today, no events casted by my manager. Leaving a seemingly relief, and the lack of girls surrounding was probably music to my appeasing ears. I took the next corner, only a block away from my high and rich condo, towering high with several floors-me living on the 6th. My uniform was loosened a bit, slipping off the first two buttons, taking the choke-tight tie, and turning it into something draping on my neck. My school bag hanged half on and off my right arm and shoulder.
I took my eyes off the scenery, and my attention to messages received on my phone. Updating my status on the campus's online student talk-community, where all students and any student on Teiko could talk to one of each other, privately or as a whole group. Instead of just getting people's numbers or emails, this was the easiest of solutions.
I reached my condo, and hopped straight on the elevator. I listen to the music repeat, a song played back in the 90's. Though, it was an unknown song to me, I find it a bit catchy. I get off onto the my floor, passing many other apartment suits-the only way to tell the difference from each other is either, you just know, or you search for your plank. Once I stopped at my suit, I wriggled through my pockets.
I turned the door knob, the room pitch black, the only light that entered was from the hall or the balcony; I entered my humble house-hold, and the first thing I do is pick up the mail lying on the tiled floor. I slip off my shoes, checking through the mail. I set my shoes on the shoe rack, and walked on the wooden floor with slippers.
The floor boards would creak a bit from under my weight, trying to aim for down the hall, where laid my room; my little world, my place where I can be me, and lock myself into with no bother. I entered, switching on the light switch on, I felt familiarity and gave a sigh of relief. I closed the door behind me, locking it, and dropped my things right on the floor; my arms hanging to my side.
I walked toward my mattress, starring down at the white clean sheets, before flopping myself down upon it. I could feel the bed still bounce under me, my face planted on my pillow. I hug it, and clamp to the white bed sheets. Sitting up and completely relaying down on my bed. I stare up at my ceiling, my mind traced today's events; and soon traced into my world of problems.
Watch what I eat, arrive in a timely matter, miss look-forward to events and take a blow to the head with my grades. Though after school events beside the usual daily chores or modeling was pretty much nothing.
It's not like I'm missing quality time with my friends-if I had anybody to even call a friend. No one I can leave my behalf to, or someone I can lay my problems to, and they won't slip my secret to the world. My phone is saved with so many un-contacted contacts of models, girls or want-a-be friends; it's almost useless to even own a phone. The only contact that is probably useful is my parents or manager. But I have a separate phone for my manger, and it's not like my parents take a big role into this.
I'm in-capable to quit modeling, just like I'm in-capable to get a single friend.
I slip off the buttons on my uniform, changing into a white t-shirt and grey sweats. I hanged my uniform, setting it in the laundry room to get it cleaned later. I exit the hall, and entered into the kitchen. My stomach grumbled, and I checked the time, 8:16-time for dinner. I opened up the fridge, feeling a chill as I could feel the cold air leaking out. It only context of the fridge was foods given from neighbors, pitying me from the absent of my parents.
There were many types of food to choose from, like mackerel seasoned with many herbs. Chopped up vegetables soaked in vinegar, and another one had mushrooms. There were left over fried noodles, and fried rice. Some American food was here too, like spaghetti or pork. I received such food form the American down stairs. Some desserts were here too, like cake or pudding. I settled for mackerel, chopped up soaked vegetables and rice. I waited for the microwave to ding, so I can get my dinner.
"Itadakimasu."* I slowly started to dig in, splitting the fish in half with my wooden chopsticks. I took a bite, and grabbed a clump of rice. I stared blankly at the food; everything was tasteful- but dis-tasteful to my tongue.
"Is it good Ryota?" I stare up at my beautiful mother, her light brown hair, tied up to a low pony-tail. She wore an apron, and held a ladle in her hand. She was at the hot stove, cooking me more of my favorite foods. The table was filled with all my favorite foods prepared from mother, and dad was sitting next to me, smiling as I stuffed my cheeks. We were celebrating my 6th birthday- eating dinner with the family-having my mom's home cooked meal.
The table had a spread, and my conversation with dad was delightful. My cheeks turn red a bit, I smiled too much. After dinner, a cake was present in front of me. The cake was round, frosted with white cream, and red-plump strawberries circling around. "Happy Birthday Kise" was frosted with chocolate crème, and 6 colored candles were lit.
I cheered for the fluffy pastry I was about to consume. They sang to me, and it was time to make my wish. "Okay Ryota make a wish." I closed my eyes, making silent prayers. I opened them, and blew them all in one go, my parents cheering for me. "What did you wish for Ryota?" Father asked. My parents looked and smiled at me in affection. A big smile spread upon my childish face. "I wish we can stay together like this forever."
My golden eyes was covered by my blonde bangs, I could feel a ripple near my heart. "Is it good Ryota?" I muttered out. The food soon changed into something bitter. Sadly two seats were vacant around me. "Hai.* It's very good Kaa-san.*" Something wet hit the tip of my hand.
It exited the condo, at the walk to school was very… typical. The streets once again were crowded with students and girls fawned over me on the way. "Thank you-ssu, but I really need to get to class." I slipped them an excuse, hoping to escape. I jogged up toward the entrance, before walking the rest. My shoe locker spluttered out the usual love letters, with hearts, sprayed on with expensive or cheap perfume or written in fancy cursive.
I changed my shoes quickly, and started to collect the sealed confessions, sticking it in my bag. It was no surprise that no one came to my rescue, that was what I thought, till a pair of hands appeared. I couldn't help but put a sorrowful smile, happy about the sincere and kind act. But the thought kind of panged me. My gaze ushered up, to thank the person; but first starring at nothing, then soon something.
His was almost transparent-ghostly. A fragile outlook and he had powdery light-blue hair, and cerulean eyes. His complexion was pale, and he had a blank-stare. His only concentration was helping; he looked up at me bit, making me surprised. Why would I be surprised? Maybe because I never seen someone like this.
His stare beamed holes in me and at first it creped me out. But his stare kind of held comforting, and I felt my heart race. "Why did you stop?" His words switched me back on. I looked back down, to pick up my letters; I would take glances back at the guy. "Here…" I thanked him for helping me, and before I could say more, he was gone.
Screeching of rubber and dribbling of balls echoed off the walls. Loud screams from classmates only added more to the heavy noise. The place smelled of sweat and body deodorant, I threw the ball in air, making a successful basket. Gym today was basketball, how ironic for me. I was about to make another shot, but before the ball could leave my hands, I was called over by the gym coach. He appointed me that a teacher summoned me for a meeting. I smiled nicely to the coach, but I was frowning in the inside.
I entered the locker room, changing back into my uniform. Gym would end in 20 minutes, and usually when a teacher meets with me, it involves me being a disappointment, which last almost half an hour. I entered the teachers' lounge; the place was filled with everything and anything teacher related. It was like rush hour for the teacher right now. "Kise I think you understand why you're here." Yes, my grades are decreasing, and I need to try harder. "Hai…" He started looking through his files. "Your grades are slipping Kise, if this continues you might have to be held back. And that would be a disappointment to our school." I nodded.
The talk: The teacher tells me to try harder, I agree, I get ranted at a little more and then with go our separate ways. I waited for the rant. "I'm assigning you a tutor." See, there's the ra- What? "I'm assigning you a tutor, and I can guarantee you can pass with him. He's a special tutor; he's good at all types of problems." Why do I feel there were a little more to his words than he's letting out? "Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday he will help you. The time and place depends on the two of you."
I really don't want this. "What about my manager-ssu?" "Don't worry, I took care of that, and she says it was an O.K." I know I shouldn't hate the guy tutoring me, if anything, thank him, but I can't help but get angry at him. "Here is everything you two will need during your studying over the next few months, and you start today." "Bu- *Chang*" The next period bell rang, and I had no options but to comply.
The final bell rang throughout the school, the last bell of the day. Everyone would have left by now, either staying for club activities or either living was their option. I was a little antsy, the clock's second hand continued to click. The room becoming more of a ghost-town every second, the teacher told me he would start at 3:30. But an hour has already passes. Was this a joke? I thought tutors were more diligent. "Man this sucks. What is this, a joke?" Suddenly a new presence became more noticeable.
"I'm sorry that you find me being here a joke." I jumped a bit out of my seat. The desk next to me that I thought was vacant now filled a young-man. He was practically invisible, with big doe eyes-cerulean and with light-blue hair-powdery. The more I look at him; I come to realize he was familiar. He sat there continue reading after his out of know where comment. A dark green colored book was in his hand, and he was transfixed onto the book only.
"Whe- where did you come from?" My sentence stuttered. The booked pages clapped closed, making me hyped up. That thumping feeling was back again, and he rotated his body to face me. "My name is Kuroko Tetsuya. Please to meet you." Stoic face, complete blank stare, his looks average, his presence almost a lack in, his voice was quiet and calm and his clothing were… "You look completely plain and average." My words with no thought. He tensed up at the perch of my words.
Could this really be the great tutor? Everything was a standstill for me, until a sigh escaped his lips. "Just forget it; my patience is wearing thin." His arm outstretched toward me, but I couldn't even take it. My hands started to sweat the more time elapsed. "I see that I'm not even worth shaking your hand." The words stuck me hard, and I felt a guilt pang over me. "It- its' not like that. Sorry." I took a hold of his awaited hand, giving it a tight squeeze.
"My name is Kise Ryota-ssu~." No reply, but instead his eyes just stared at me; as if scanning my very life itself; working through the knots of my brain that even I couldn't get. His gazed dropped, we settled back down into are desk. I was the first to talk. "So when we have are tutoring cession, what time do you want to meet?"
We talked and talked, conversation over when, where and what. I smiled the whole time, a forged smile. "Good bye Kise-kun, I'll see you this Thursday." He bowed down, walking away. But he cease halfway through the door way, his back facing. "You should stop that smiling Kise-kun. It must be painful on you." He left.
December 14th-Sunday
December, and the weather was crisp and cold. The blue fluff of the sky became sewed back up, by a grey-black fabric. Bits of cold came from the pouty sky, when rain was the tears, snow would be its forming pain. It's covered over Tokyo, like a clean blanket. It would instantly melt from a human's touch. The windows were fogged up by the chill of winter, the flakes sticking to its surface. I could make out the different shapes, and by imprinting my hand, it would melt the outer snow.
The floor creaked under my weight, sitting on the cold wooden floor. The living room was warm, countering the cold outside. It smelled of oak wood burning, it snapped and crackled ever so often. The flame was my lighting, and its glow dancing in my eyes. I laid my back on the couch, no mood in using its cushioning. Equation filled papers scattered on the glass living room table, shaving sticking out around me. Mechanical pencils and extra erasers were sorted in an area, in case I ran out of something.
The problems were given to me from Kuroko-sensei, this being my homework, for his teachings. He being called "Sensei" was a weird sense to my tongue, and a weird name to him book. But he didn't mind, he was like a teacher, a mentor. Though the name was only between us, no one at school could hear that name. We keep our school life and tutoring separable. Each session I would get a page of problems of what we learned, taking a test at the end of the week. Reviewing over what I learned, if I didn't get it, we would repeat it at the next session.
Though that has yet to come; learning from Kuroko-sensei was easier, especially at literature. Literature wasn't my forte, but it was Kuroko-sensei's world. It wasn't a surprise when I found that out, each time we would meet up, a new book was in his hand. I could never understand his liking to the subject, but it didn't hurt to ask. But his answers were quite… appealing?
"Why do fish live in water, and humans live on land?" I left that to a standstill on my part. He never gave a specific answer when I asked, but that was probably one of the best things; that was like his charm.
He seemed to enjoy those times I ask about his books, going on and on about what each book was about to a deep extent, through every detail and idea you would get. His interest was something I could listen to every day. The books he talks about sometimes differ a bit, but they each have something similar to them; an unsustainable tragedy.
"Sorekara" by Natsume Soseki: A well-educated thirty-year old man, name Daisuke. He struggles with the contradictions between what society demands of him, and his own personal desires. He's estranged his own world, and his highly contemplative. He spends his time reading, playing Go with his servant and tries to shrink his responsibility with his family, to even marry a suitable girl and sustain the family's fortune. Daisuke is quite a cowardly man, and this doesn't go unnoticed according to what Kuroko-sensei said.
Then this other novel called, "Kokoro" also by Natsume Soseki. A provoking trilogy of stories explores the essence of loneliness. It stands as a stirring introduction to modern Japanese Literature. The story is recounting of a tragedy which unfolds during the dying years of the Meiji era. Where the emperor breathes in his last breathing, taking in the obsolete way of life, that was once shackles up by the isolation years. Japan slowly steps into the modern day materialism. A mysterious and scholarly middle-aged man referred to as, "sensei" meets the protagonist by chance. A unique bonding, that forms between them subsequently. One day, "sensei" convers the courage about his wrongdoings pass, in a letter to a young man he barely knows; attaining a type of salvation through self-imposed exile from society. The protagonist learns to look past the horror and agony of slow bodily death, and accepts the natural order of things; a testimony to the fragility of human beings.
Kuroko-sensei's words were the most interesting indeed.
Tuesday and Thursday: After school. Saturday: My place. I have given the extra key to him, so he wouldn't have to wait for me when I arrived late. Or I wouldn't have the trouble of answering the door for him. Because a few times I would think someone just pulled a prank, closing the door on him.
Today was Saturday, meaning tutoring was on today. But rescheduling was made, because I waited outside, a scarf wrapping around my neck. I was going to experience something teens would do to get to know each other; dating. The last time I dated was a while, nobody appealing to me. Though it was different at my last photo shoot, I met her; Yui. She charmed me, she was beautiful, hence, but that wasn't it. It was her personality, and non-fake smile that appealed to me.
Extra crowded, I was able to snag some tickets for today. Choosing a movie that was suited for a girl; I prepared myself for boredom to come. "Kise-kun~" There she was, and she was beautiful. She didn't expose herself too much, but instead choose something comfortable and nice. But something that would complement her figure in the right places. I waved off toward her. "Shall we go?" My arms held for her to take. And we walked into the theater.
Enjoyable: is the way I described tonight; great- was another. The way I'm with Yui was the best feeling ever. Halfway through, we both grew bored of the movie, surprising me a bit. So played around, throwing buttery popcorn at each other. Disturbing the others, we were tossed out. But that didn't' matter, because were laughing too much to think much about it. After that, we walked around, dropping her off home. I found out more about Yui, and she got to know me. I walked into the condo, with a giant smile on my face. Yui…
Kise-kun, you're late." Thoughts snapped out of bliss, as a new voice submerged. In the living room was Kuroko-sensei, and he had bad vibes around him. I laughed awkwardly at him, apologizing soon after. I changed out of my dreads, slipping on pajamas. I sat down in the living room, opposite of Kuroko-sensei; I took position with my back on the couch. "Now let's start." To no prevail, the lead snapped once again under my touch; leaving my paper scraped with unneeded marks. I quickly erased it, and I heard a sigh escape in front of me. "You're not concentrating Kise-kun." "Sorry…" I bowed my head down. Waiting out for the scold, but instead I got Kuroko-sensei standing up and settling next to me. "Why don't you tell me about tonight?" A smiled submerged on my anticipated face.
Weeks passed, January is session- but it was still winter. It became official, I and Yui were dating. She was special to me; different from the other girls I met or dated. She never held me down, never nagged at me. And she wouldn't mind me being hyped up out of nowhere; instead she found it cute. She earned a giant hug and kiss from me. Tonight was her birthday, it was the 30th. I was going to celebrate it, by surprising her at the shoot. She texted me that we couldn't meet up, but that didn't stop me from seeing her.
I searched at the jewelry shot, aiming for the jewel that would complement Yui. Looking for the flowers that matched Yui and buying them in a big banquet, and getting two mini-vanilla cakes for us; her favorite being vanilla. The shoot was taking place at the local park, and I was only minutes away. Once I heard the shutter and directing, I fastened my pace to reach them- reach her. But once I caught the flow of her brown-wavy hair, everything sank hard. And it was too unbearable to take.
Next to her was another man, the two laughing and talking; it was nothing at first but I thought too soon. She reached on her tippy toes, pecking him on the cheek; like she always does with me. The boy leaned down, kissing her straight on the lips; she didn't even push him away. She deepened the kiss, wrapping her arms around the guy. What the hell is this?
Finally they pulled apart, but the time Yui noticed me I was walking away- with a broken heart. Not hearing the explanation to her kissing the other man, I stopped before she could say anymore. "Yui; I thought you were different, but I was extremely wrong." I shouted. People starring at us, but I didn't care. Because right now, right now! It was too hard an effort to not break down, it hurts. Even if I was a boy, seeing that, hoping she was the one, it hurt. And I guess love proved it to me. Love isn't for me; I'm incapable to quite modeling, get a real friend, and find love.
The slammed the door behind me, probably startling the neighbors; but that didn't matter, nothing mattered anymore. I threw the once-sincere gifts on the living room table; the flowers crumpled, petals scattering. The box with the jewelry was thrown on the floor, and the cake was dropped on the table. My rage was something I couldn't comprehend myself, I starting throwing pillows on the floor, breaking glass and more. I tossed my head toward the ceiling, my eyes covering my face.
My body was motionless; my mind a blank, my heart was slowly calming. I looked toward the table, the roses was still there. I walked toward them, grabbing one of the poor roses. It was a pure-lush red, the petals bloomed. Its stem is perfectly straight, its thorns protecting the beauty. *Snap* I dropped the snapped rose on the floor, blood dripping out of my palm- prickled from the thorns. As my hand dripped of my body's crimson, my eyes watered with pandemic tears.
It's been half-an-hour, and I continued to stare at the ceiling from my couch. I rested my body on the cushioning, my mind was clouded. It was clouded with Yui; her smile-laugh-personality-her beautiful green eyes. But, it my mind those were just mirrors, and it was cracked and shattered. I let my hand continue to drip, the thorn plucked my deep. But that didn't matter to me, nothing mattered anymore. My eyes were stained with tears that I grew tired- in only a matter of seconds.
*Click*-sound was heard at the front entrance. My eyes snapped open, to meet total darkness. I sat up, looking toward the noise, my mind adjusted toward the darkness, and there. I saw it; blue hair. It was Kuroko-sensei. He stared at me-like how I stared at him. Why was he here? "Kise-kun, sorry I left something here. So I let myself in, I already got it so I was about to leave." I blinked; my mind thought of nothing. "Go ahead." I laid myself back down; I waited for him to leave. I turned my head toward the digital clock- 1 in the morning? Why was Kuroko-sensei still here then?
"Sorry for intruding." But instead of hearing the sound of a creek, I heard the shuffling of feet. He appeared in front of my, he was backwards. "What?" I grumbled. "I cleaned up the mess in your apartment; can you tell me what happened?" I stared at him. I started to scan the living room, everything was cleaned up. No more glass, the cake was probably put in the fridge, and the broken rose- the part that was still safe was put in a vase. My wound was wrapped with bandages, no blood on the floor. I looked back at him; could I tell him?
I nodded my head a no, it was too much to even say. "Kise-kun…" He moved toward my side and leaned down eye level toward me. We were inches apart from each other, I could feel his breath. "You're crying." Eh? My hand moved toward my cheek, I could feel the wet moisture at my fingertips. "Kise-kun…" Finally, I snapped. "It hurts… I'm not suited for love." I tugged him toward me, embracing him out of pure-sadness. I ached terribly, I held Kuroko-sensei tighter, hoping for the pain to disappear. I cried into his shoulder; he didn't push me away. If anything, he returned the embrace; I felt comfort. "Love is an open book, but it doesn't mean it was read." The words pierced me; but they were true. I held him tighter; crying out the pain, in this sad January.
Half an hour passed; 2 A.M., I released him moments ago, and now he was caressing my hair. His touch was warm and tender. "Ne, Kuroko-sensei…" "Yes?" "I heard it was your birthday today." He nodded. My eyes looked up at him, "Do you want to celebrate it now?" He nodded. That early morning, I spent time with my beloved Kuroko-sensei. I took the cake out, and we ate it while telling stories. It was pretty funny when I gave him the banquet of roses, and he complained when I slipped the ring on his finger; which surprisingly fit him. "I'm not a girl." Being comforted wasn't really me, and I easily cheered up, celebrating Kuroko-sensei's birthday and getting over a break up.
Lately Kuroko-cchi has been coming over; eating dinner, studying or just hanging out; he even slept over a few times. He comes over sometime because of my lack of parents, though it wasn't because he was worried; it was because he knew I felt lonely. Though it's not like I minded, if anything it was the complete opposite. I adored when Kuroko-cchi could come over, because just being near me makes me happy. We sat in front of each other, eating at the lasagna the new neighbor. She loves foreign food, and it aiming to become a chief; she even made cheesecake to go along with the lasagna.
"Kise-kun, what's it like to have a family?" I stopped halfway with my fork. I smiled sadly, family… "It depends on the person really." I scratched my cheek. "Then what's your view Kise-kun?" I hesitate to answer. "It's kind of sad and lonely sometimes. You love you family, and you want to be with them in pure happiness. But, sometimes it's a pain on my part. Like my parents were no-show at a lot of my ceremonies, and they couldn't even be at my middle-school graduation. I seemed out of my class, I was the only one with no one there." I could feel Kuroko-cchi feel bad. "Sorry to ask." "No, it's fine. It's good to be able to talk about that with someone." Kuroko-cchi didn't look convince.
"It's fi- Than, I'll be your family." Eh? What did he say? He was looking down at his lap, and he was tussling with the hem of his shirt. He finally looked up with a small smile, that it felt like he was an angel. "I'll be your family Kise-kun." My chest started to thump; my stomach started to flutter. My face was a bit red, I felt embarrassed at how straight forward he was. He suddenly grabbed my hand, and we held our gaze. "Will you be my family too, Kise-kun?" I finally felt, I had a real family again.
It was time; I waited for my results of the exams. All the tutoring left to this moment, and I was ready. Me and Kuroko-cchi, it returned the same, but he was always there, there to share my problems with. "Kise, come up." I rose from my desk, and stepped to the front. I could see a small smile on the teachers face. "Congratulations Kise." I grabbed the slip, and smile emerged on my face.
"I passed." I hugged him tightly. Smothering him, probably giving him lack of breath, but that didn't matter. Thanks to him, I passed. "Arigato*… Kuroko-cchi." But instead of being hit back, I was instead hugged; warmth spreading through my very being. "You're welcome, Kise-kun." I let him go, and smiled happily at him. Without Kuroko-cchi, I would have been nothing. He was so special to me; I could never dare to lose him. "Kuroko-cchi, did you know? Your me best friend." "Where did that come from?" I shrugged; but I knew those words were real. "Tomorrow is the last tutoring day." I nodded. "How about we hang out tomorrow?" I waited for a response, but he doesn't say anything, instead, "We'll see."
It was the last conversation I had with him. The last words spoken between us, he disappeared, and there was nothing else after. Even the teacher himself forgot who Kuroko-cchi was. I never saw Kuroko-cchi again, and a new void was opened up; something that can't be mended, unless it was by him.
Kuroko Tetsuya: My mentor, my tutor and best friend; the person who was gone from my life.
Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke/Basket; all rights go to Fujimaki Tadatoshi. All I own is this fan-fiction plot line.
A/N: That was pretty long for me; sorry if it wasn't good, but I hoped you enjoyed it. Some of the stuff you saw was actually based on some things about Kise-kun or Kuroko-kun. Next would be Murasakibara's.
*Itadakimasu = Thanks for the food/ let's eat
*Hai = Yes/ Yeah/ Ok/ Alright
*Arigato = Thank you
**The books listed are actual books Kuroko-kun has read in the anime or manga
**Kise-kun actually likes woman that don't hold him down
**Kuroko's birthday is January 31st
黒子のバスケ© Fujimaki Tadatoshi
He's Just Here © Made2352