Breaking Through - A Kuroo Tetsurou Fanfiction

Chapter 10

Normal POV

"Are you guys okay? Both of you look a little pale..." I asked when we met up again at the exit and walked out together. "I'm just in shock," Kuroo ran his hand through his hair. "It felt like I was watching a fight scene through my scope. You gave me goosebumps, Kageyama," Kenma looked at me intensely. Oh crap, did I go overboard? It has been a while since I've done this and I might have overdone it.

"Hey, you!" A deep voice came up behind me. I turned around and spotted the three men whom we fought earlier. "How are you so good? We've never seen you around before. I got no complaints from getting sniped, and I saw the match from above just now. You moved like an assassin," He folded his arms and demanded an answer.

"I used to play with my father. I don't really have anything else to add besides that," I followed the non-existent script Mr Uta created for me and lied. "There's no way we're buying that bull crap. You're specially trained, aren't ya?" Another one of the guys spoke up. "No way! I'm only sixteen. What training can I get?" I dismissed the idea instantly.

"I'm not believing it. I call for a rematch." They challenged us. I didn't mind; I looked over at my group for their opinions. "I'm in too. I didn't even get to shoot just now," Kuroo placed his hands on his hips and complained. "Well then, let's go!" I jumped down from the table we were crowding around and started our second match.

The second match went on smoother than the first. We stuck with Kenma's plan and we managed to win. Though I intentionally let myself get hit, Kuroo and Kenma handled the enemy well on their own. Kuroo came out of the match super satisfied and asked to go again. The three men who were still unsatisfied agreed to go again. The third time we got a total wipe out; they went for Kenma first and picked us off after that. I managed to get one of them out, but we were just not having the upper hand at that time. We carried on until around 2 in the afternoon and called it a day.

When we were all leaving the paintball arena, I spotted the trio talking to Uta-san at the counter. They jumped back in shock after hearing something that Uta-san had said. They slowly turned their heads toward me and eerily stared at me. I guess Uta-san told them who I really am, sorry, boys.

-JW-

"Ah! That was thrilling! I might get addicted to this," Kuroo collapsed onto the seats on the train. "Please don't, I might actually die if we play both volleyball and paintball together," Kenma sighed, also sludged against his seat. I can't help but giggle at the sight of two athletes so exhausted after a simple game of paintball. I took a seat opposite them and I can't help but maintain a smile.

"Hey, is this something you often do?" Kuroo asked, regaining his composure. "Mmm, I do," I answered honestly, knowing where this conversation would lead to. "You seem close with Uta-san. You were confident and radiating and it was like seeing a whole new you. Is that the real you?" Kuroo intertwined his fingers and locked his eyes onto mine. Kenma was silently watching from beside him, also interested to know my answer.

"Like Uta-san mentioned, I used to come here with my father," lie, I would go there with Kasun-san and a scheduled team, "and we'd play together for fun," another lie, we would use it for training, "I... I guess you could say that's the real me. At least it's something I want people to know about me."

"You never cease to surprise me, Kageyama Amber. I like it; I like the you in school, the you in volleyball and the you I've seen today. In the end, I have a feeling I'll like everything about you." Kuroo blatantly stated with a straight face.

I was surprised to hear those words, Kenma awkwardly listening to yet another confession by Kuroo. "Stop making me feel like vomiting," Kenma slapped Kuroo in the head, which made us all laugh.

While the two friends were bickering amongst themselves, I glanced out of the train window, deep in thought.

I have to be honest with myself.

Did Kuroo do things that made my heart race? Dozen of times. Did Kuroo have aspects that I look up to and admire about him? The way he treats his team, the way he treats his friends, his determination to seek greater things in studies, volleyball and life, those were things that already made my heart flip countless times.

His dorky laugh that spreads joy wherever he goes. His adorable, untamable bed hair that makes me want to run my hands through. His muscular and big physique that once wrapped around me, making me feel safe for the first time in my life. His unconditional desire to get to know me, making me feel loved after a long time.

I have to be honest with myself. I know that.

I was falling in love with Kuroo Tetsurou and I don't want to stop falling.

But I need to. I shouldn't start something I can't commit to. It'll only hurt both parties in the end and he doesn't deserve that.

-JW-

That evening, we all went our separate ways. Kuroo and Kenma had dinner together because Kenma's mom invited Kuroo over. I declined their offer as I didn't want to impose. The three of us said our goodbyes and agreed to meet the next day again for the usual study session.

The next day, I had bought some Taiyaki for us to share during break time. When I had arrived, Kenma wasn't there. "He's drained out from practice this morning. I think paintball sucked the energy out of him yesterday. If you're uncomfortable, we can study out on the dining table," Kuroo suggested as he helped me out of my winter coat.

"Oh, it's alright to continue in your room. Your mom is baking something I see, and she's already using the table. Good afternoon Mrs Kuroo," I answered Kuroo and turned to his mom to greet her. She smiled and waved back at me; her chin had a dust of flour. "I got us some Taiyaki from town and I think I overbought. We could divide them and pass them to Kenma and his family later on," I walked into the kitchen where Kuroo's mom was.

"Dear! You're always such a sweetheart! I hope my son has been treating you well. He always plays around and never settles!" Mrs Kuroo wiped her hands and peeked into the bag. "Mom, I told you to stop saying stuff like that. It's different now!" Kuroo crossed his arms, cheeks blushing and defended himself.

"He's been treating me too well, Mrs Kuroo. I couldn't have asked for a better friend and teacher," I beamed. "That's good to hear! Well, I'll leave you two to your studies now. I need to go back to kneading my dough," she turned around and tightened her apron, leaving Kuroo and me to our activities. I looked at Kuroo and he nervously scratched the back of his neck as we made our way back to his room.

-JW-

Things did feel a little bit weird in his room today. Was it because Kenma wasn't here? Kuroo didn't sit close to me today as well. It could be because I hadn't asked for his help as much now. The room had a peaceful silence. The only noticeable sound was coming from the radiator and the scribbling of our pens. After an hour or so, I took a peek at Kuroo, who had his head down on the table. He's asleep?

I inched just a little bit closer, taking a good look at his sleeping face. His lashes were long, which made me jealous. He's really sound asleep.

I could hear his steady breathing. I stopped my work and just looked at him. I should've known paintball yesterday would tire them out, especially after practice this morning. I should've canceled and let them rest properly. Yet, Kuroo never mentioned anything at all.

My hand reached out to his face, lightly brushing his messy fringe away. He moved under my touch, slightly wrinkling his nose but never awoken. To what lengths would he go for me? My finger ran across his high cheekbones, careful not to wake him. A smile plastered across my face as I leaned down on the table beside him and enjoyed the atmosphere.