WHEE~
Sorry for the late update, I haven't had a lot of time to sit and write! Plus -I was hoping to finish the life of Haizaki section of the story in one chapter - but I wanted to get you a sooner update
I'll try to update on Sundays or Mondays from now on though (woo consistency)
Thanks for the reviews and the loves!
I will try to keep up with your expectations!
(also again - grammar and spelling...s'not good oho)
Disclaimer: KnB is not mine.
From the day he was born, Haizaki was unloved and unwanted...and everyone made sure he knew it. But by nature, he was a sweet boy. He was one who constantly wondered what would make people happy and how he could reach happiness as well. He tried, at one point in his early life, to be the perfect son, the perfect student, the perfect person; but all attempts to make people proud of him were useless. He didn't know what is was about him that made everyone hate him. He didn't understand why he had to live a life of hopelessness and despair...
And so, he decided he would rather be the one spreading the hopelessness and despair than be the one feeling it. He became a delinquent, a bully, a monster. If asked if such harsh woulds ever hurt him, Haizaki would lie and say he didn't care. But his heart would ache when he felt that others didn't understand him...that they thought so negatively of him without really knowing him.
And though he was the one being an asshole, he felt in the right to blame others for their perception of him. No one gave him a chance. No one even tried to get to know him. From first look, everyone felt they knew exactly what Haizaki was about - but they knew absolutely nothing about him. They judged and berated him with no grounds for such thoughts.
Haizaki didn't deserve to be treated like a 3rd class human being - because no one deserves to be treated that way. The students and teachers alike would scrunch up their noses or cower in fear at the sight of Haizaki Shougo. He felt like he was drowning...like he was drowning in plain sight in the facade of who he was pretending to be...and no one cared to even pretend to help him...
Humans are social creatures. Everyone needs other people - be it hundreds of people or just one who believes..and yet...from birth...Haizaki Shougo had been alone.
That is until, he met Kuroko.
Kuroko walked through the busy hallways of Seirin High. He quickly dodged the other students as they walked by him without so much as a glance his way. Kuroko was used to this kind of treatment - afterall he had a lack of presence all his life. He didn't even look up from his book as he had his way outside and to lawn. Kuroko took a seat by the school and leaned against the building, feeling rather pleased he found such a pleasant place to read. The peace was soon ruined by the sound of fighting. Kuroko looked up and barely had time to register what was going on when he saw a body flying his way. Kuroko moved quickly and winced when he heard the body collide painfully with the wall. Kuroko looked up and sweatdropped as he found himself in the middle of a fight.
Kuroko moved around trying to dodge the people flying and the punches being thrown. Eventually, Kuroko made it to center where his eyes set on Haizaki Shougo. He was covered in bruises and cuts, but refused to back down. There must have been at least five guys on him, yet he had a smirk on his face.
In that moment, Kuroko admired Haizaki. He was brave. He fought ferociously and then suddenly grey eyes met blue. "O-Oi! Watch out for the kid!" He heard Haizaki yell, "Kid! Run!". Kuroko turned to see a guy charging at him, his eyes set on Haizaki, and, more than likely, didn't even see Kuroko. Kuroko side-stepped to get out of the way when he felt an arm around him. Haizaki held a firm grip around Kuroko's waist and send a kick into the guy that was charging. Haizaki roughly pushed Kuroko away, "Get going! This is no place for a kid like you!"
"I am not a child. I am a student here" Kuroko corrected as he dodged a fist. "WHAT?!" Haizaki paused and stared at Kuroko, "You're kidding me right?"
Kurko looked at Haizaki with emotionless eyes.
Haizaki stood in front of Kuroko, guarding him and stared down at the man. "...but we've got you surrounded. Give it up, Haizaki. Come quietly"
"How about you go screw yourself?" Haizaki smirked. "Run, kid. I'll keep em busy"
"I told you I am not-"
"Whatever" Haizaki hissed quietly, "this isn't your fight and you shouldn't get involved! Get going already, idiot!"
Kuroko took a step out of Haizaki's shadow and stood beside him, "You helped me out once. It is courtesy for me to do the same"
"A-are...YOU AN IDIOT!?" Haizaki barked.
"What are you yelling at, STUPID" one of the guys yelled back. "Yeah! Don't randomly scream, moron!" Another man yelled.
"I'm yelling at this imbecile!" Haizaki gripped Kuroko's shirt and pointed at him. The group of deliquents that had surrounded Haizaki screamed in shock. "It's a ghost!"
"Run! Let's get the hell out of here!" Another yelled.
Haizaki raised an eyebrow as he watched the others run away in fear. He looked down at Kuroko in shock. "Well...that was useful"
"Please do not refer to me as an object"
"Whatever" Haizaki shoved Kuroko away, "You paid back your debt. You can run away now"
"Why would I do that?"
"Because...I...I was just in a fight. I'm big bad, scary Haizaki Shougo. People fear my very name, little man" Haizaki stared at Kuroko, uneasy as he had never had to explain this.
"I don't believe you're a bad person. You helped me out afterall...and please do no call me such a demeaning name"
"...you're weird"
"Yes, I know" Kuroko shrugged and bent down to grab his book before leaning back against the wall and began to read.
"So...you're really not afraid of me?" Haizaki asked, awkwardly sitting next to Kuroko.
"I'm really not"
"Well...you'd be the first"
Kuroko shrugged in reply and continued to read his book. Haizaki stared at Kuroko for a moment before leaning back against the wall and closing his eyes. They passed the time like this and talked a little between long silences. A hour or so later, Kuroko looked at his watch and snapped his book shut. "Done?" Haizaki asked.
Kuroko shook his head, "Unfortunately not. I'm about 3 chapters from finishing, but I have basketball practice"
"Wait...What?"
"Basketball practice" Kuroko repeated simply.
"You're on the basketball team?"
"Yes."
"This school's basketball team?"
"Yes"
"Seirin High's basketball team?!"
Kuroko raised an eyebrow, "What other school would I play for Haizaki-kun?"
"Ah, then you must be...what...third string? Do you even play in games?"
"I'll have you know I am a regular"
"Don't lie, Kuroko! How could you be a regular?"
"Magic?" Kuroko joked with a small smile. "Come on Kuroko...really?"
"Are you interested in basketball?" Kuroko asked. Haizaki blushed and looked into the distance. He moved his eyes to glance at Kuroko from time to time and sighed when he realized the blue haired boy wouldn't leave until he got an answer. "I...love it" He mumbled. Kuroko smiled, "then would you like to come with me?"
Haizaki snapped his head to look at Kuroko - shocked and wide eyed, "You're joking! Why would you-...It's impossible for someone like me"
"But Haizaki-kun-"
"Just drop it, Kuroko!" Haizaki barked before getting up and running away. Kuroko watched as Haizaki left and gave a sympathetic look. It was because of his reputation that Haizaki didn't want to come to practice. He thought they wouldn't accept him. Kuroko knew the feeling of loneliness that Haizaki felt...and there was no way he could just leave him alone.
The next couple weeks, Haizaki and Kuroko would hang out together without the knowledge of the other Seirin athletes. Kuroko's absence didn't go unnoticed, especially by Ogiwara and Kagami. When they questioned Kuroko on his whereabouts, Kuroko simply said that he was shifting for gold...whatever that meant. But they trusted Kuroko and therefore, left him to his business. Haizaki started sneaking into the basketball games to support his new and only friend. Kuroko would look into the stands at Haizaki. Haizaki had this glint of excitement and happiness in his eyes that Kuroko couldn't ignore.
One day after school, Kuroko and Haizaki were in their usual spot - just talking. When suddenly, Kuroko put one side of handcuffs on Haizaki and the other on his own wrist.
"What the fu-"
"Language, Haizaki-kun. We are still at school. Now, come please"
"Where are we going?!" Haizaki barked as he followed Kuroko.
"To practice" Kuroko replied simply. Haizaki followed in silent shock until they made it to the gym doors.
"No! Wait!" Haizaki pulled on the chains.
"We will be late" Kuroko sighed.
"I can't go in there"
"Why?"
"They won't want me, Kuroko. There's no way they'll accept me!" Haizaki pleaded, slight panic raising in his heart. He actively avoided large groups of people to be free of their judgmental, severe, hateful looks. There's no way he could take that from the Seirin Champions...
"I accepted you, Haizaki-kun. They will too" Kuroko replied simply, tugging on the handcuffs and walking into the gym. He quickly and quietly removed the handcuffs without Haizaki noticing.
Inside the gym, the pair walked to the court lines. Riko froze when she say Haizaki and tried to bit down the fear rising under her skin, "C-can I help you?"
"This is Haizaki Shougo and he is my friend. I would like for you to give him a chance on our team" Kuroko piped up. Riko jumped when she noticed Kuroko standing beside Haizaki. "What do you mean?! This guy is your friend?!" Riko shouted, effectively shutting down practice as the rest of the team made their way to Riko, Kuroko, and Haizaki.
"Yes. Please give him a chance" Kuroko said, giving the team a slight bow. "This guy is bad news, Kuroko..." Hyuga said, giving Haizaki a glare, one that Haizaki returned.
"I told you they wouldn't want me" Haizaki glared down at Kuroko and turned to walk away.
"Haizaki will be an excellent addition to the team. He is hardworking and strong. I believe he is very passionate about basketball. If you use him, he will be great" Haizaki froze when he heard Kuroko's words. No one defended him before...
"I don't know about this..." Riko mumbled. "Well...a friend of Kuroko is a friend of mine!" Ogiwara smiled. He tousled Kuroko's hair as he walked passed him and approached Haizaki.
"Hey! I'm Ogiwara. Nice to meet cha" Ogiwara smiled and extended his hand to Haizaki. The rest of the team slowly and cautiously made their way to introduce themselves as well. "Alright! Now that that's over, take off your shirt!" Riko yelled with a smile.
"Sure...wait...what!?"Haizaki briefly wondered what he had gotten himself into.
During the following weeks, the Seirin Champions were pleasantly surprised at how well Haizaki was shaping up - not only on the court but as they spent more and more time together, they realized that Haizaki was actually a really decent person. The final acceptance of Haizaki occured when during one practice when Haizaki walked into the gym, covered in mud and dirt, with a small malamute puppy in his arms. The team quickly assigned the dog to mascot duty and agreed Kuroko would be its caretaker - much to Kagami's dismay. They all began to regard him highly as a teammate and a friend.
Haizaki was on cloud nine. He felt happier than he had...in his whole life. For once, he wasn't alone. For once, he had friends. His change in attitude was noticed by the other students of Seirin, who began to talk to him as well. Haizaki was amazed at how quickly he was accepted...and it was all thanks to Kuroko. Haizaki was busy thinking of ways to properly thank Kuroko when he was stopped by a teacher in the hallway.
"Haizaki, where are you going?" The teacher asked, a glare and a frown donning the wrinkled face, "I hope you're not going to the roof to smoke"
"No, sir. I quit smoking - as part of Riko's training menu" Haizaki replied as politely as possible, a skill he had learned from Kuroko (and yet another reason why Haizaki felt the need to thank him).
"Oh yes. I heard you were on the basketball team now" the teacher said. Haizaki balled his hands into fists. The teacher's tone raked against his ears - irritating him to no end.
"Yes, sir"
"I do hope you'll stop that nonsense soon"
"Sir?"
"You must know the basketball team is the pride of this school...a disgusting blemish like you on the face of that greatness...well...let's just say it is quite unseemly"
"I don't understand what you are trying to say, sir. I was put on first string soon after I joined. I'm contributing to the team."
"Don't make me laugh. Someone like you...you're very existence...it only drags everyone else down"
Haizkai glared at the teacher as he walked away. Haizaki forced himself to stay where he was...and not to go running after the teacher to beat the living crap out of him. Haizaki had worked long and hard to get where he was with the team. He felt they were finally...truly accepting him. How could that teacher, who knew nothing, say such things to him. Why was that bastard trying to take away his happiness?
"Haizaki-kun?"
Haizaki jumped at the sound of his name and turned around to find Kuroko.
"Its nothing" Haizaki said quickly, "let's just go to practice"
Kuroko silently walked next to Haizaki. He wasn't sure what went on between the teacher and his friend...but the look in Haizaki's eye indicated nothing good.
Time passed and life went on as usual. Haizaki put the teacher's words to the back of his mind and continued to live his happy life. He found himself getting very close to Kuroko, Kagami, and Ogiwara. The four of them soon became inseparable...until...
Haizaki and Ogiwara were busy working on building the stands for the basketball'd booth for the school festival. They joked around and laughed together until they settled into a comfortable silence to focus on their work. Ogiwara turned his back to Haizaki and stared down at the planks of wood in front of him.
"Hey...Haizaki..." Ogiwara mumbled.
"What is it, Ogiwara? If you're tired, take a break" Haizaki replied not even looking at Ogiwara.
"Thats not..." Ogiwara sighed, "I'm going to confess"
Haizaki froze, "Not to me, right?" He turned to face his friend with a raised eyebrow. Haizaki laughed as he dodged the shoe Ogiwara chucked at him.
"Like hell I'd date a monkey man like you!"
"Look at your face in the mirror and call me a monkey again" Haizaki replied.
"Pfft...whatever...I'm talking about confessing to Kuroko..."
"...oh...what are you...gay?"
"For Kuroko...hell, I'd be anything for him.."
"You've got it bad, huh?"
"I love him, Haizaki" Ogiwara smiled at his friend.
"I get it. Kuroko is...he's the kind of guy that only shows up once in your life...he's special. Ah, don't get me wrong, I don't like him that way" Haizaki added quickly, noticing the glint Ogiwara was getting in his eyes, "I'm just saying I understand...and I'll support the two of you, no matter what"
"Thanks, man"
"Your welcome, gay lord"
"Dude!"
"What? I can't make fun of you anymore?"
Ogiwara laughed and playfully punched Haizaki in the arm.
"Gah! That hurt! Now you've got to be the one to move these planks away" Haizaki rubbed his arm. "Oh yeah right. You big faker" Ogiwara rolled his eyes as he struggled to pick up the planks. "I think you broke it. Carry me to the hospital when you finish that will ya?"
"Screw yourself Haizaki" Ogiwara laughed as he lifted the planks against the wall.
"Need help with that, princess?" Haizaki joked as he watched Ogiwara struggle to find a way to find a stable way to lean the planks on the wall.
"Oh, ha ha. I got this" Ogiwara turned around and helped Haizaki get up.
The two began to walk away, when suddenly Haizaki felt Ogiwara shove him away. Haizaki landed on the ground with a painful thump. He sat up and rubbed his head, "Ogiwara, what the hell...was...Ogiwara?!" Haizaki scrambled over to the pile of planks...all he could see of Ogiwara was the pool of blood seeping out from under the planks.
Ogiwara was rushed to the hospital. Haizaki never left his side. Rumors began to spread around the school like wildfire - all indicating Haizaki as the one who pushed the planks onto Ogiwara...
When the nursing staff was finally able to get Haizaki out of Ogiwara's room, Haizaki found the rest of the team standing outside the door...staring at him.
"Hey guys..." Haizaki mumbled. No one answered him. "Wha...what?" Haizaki asked.
"Why'd you do it, Haizaki-kun?" Riko broke down.
"D-do what?" Haizaki asked, trying to bend down to comfort Riko. He reached for her when he felt a punch to his face. "Don't freaking touch her" Hyuga growled, standing in front of Riko defensively. "What...you think I did this?!" Haizaki barked.
"I swear...I...Kuroko! Tell them!" Haizaki turned to Kuroko. Kuroko couldn't look up. He stared down at his feet, unable to move. Kuroko watched as Haizaki's shadow moved - indicating that Haizaki was moving towards him. Kuroko flinched away.
...and with one slight, unconscious movement, Haizaki felt the only person who had ever believed him...now feared him. "Kuroko..." Haizaki whimpered softly, attempting to reach for Kuroko, but a hand quickly gripped his collar and pulled him away. "Get away from him, Haizaki" Kagami hissed.
But Haizaki barely heard him. He couldn't tear his eyes away from Kuroko...he couldn't even lift his head...he couldn't even face Haizaki. He had never seen Kuroko like this before. He had done this to him. The once stoic, calm Kuroko...the gentle and kind Kuroko...was paralyzed in fear and heartbreak
"Your existence drags everyone down" The words of the teacher came screeching back. Haizaki could try. He could try with every muscle, nerve, fiber of his body - but he could never have happiness. He wasn't meant for the joys of an ordinary life. In the story of his life, he would forever and always be the a villain...and there was absolutely nothing he could possibly to change it.
Reality crashed down on him in waves of aching. He shoved Kagami away and ran.
UGH I don't know how I feel about this...its kinda meh to me T.T''
I WILL DO BETTER NEXT TIME!
Well...Haizaki's story is to be continued!
Thanks for reading!
Review if you feel like it!