[H.40] High School: Diary Entry Fourty

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With a knife and fork, you slice through your food and eat in your usual reserved fashion. The low hum of the restaurant's patrons and soft piano keys echo in the background as you enjoy your graduation lunch. Having successfully completed high school, you find yourself ready to tackle the next chapter in your life with more confidence than before.

"I really am so proud of you, dear," your father states as he holds his wine glass. You glance up from your food and send him a small smile.

"Thanks," you respond in between bites. You glance over at Kuroko who sits beside you, eating his own meal in his quiet way. His attire has you quite in a daze as you've never seen him dress up formally; black slacks, light blue button-up shirt, and his hair slicked back slightly. 

You also dressed up for the occasion, having changed out of your uniform the moment you got home and into your new dress. It's a black mini dress with a collar and a belt that cinches your waist. You were your hair down and curled, all tucked to one side. 

Your mother catches your stare on the boy and sets her utensils down

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Your mother catches your stare on the boy and sets her utensils down. "We definitely have to give you our thanks, Kuroko-kun," she speaks up. "You've done a lot in place of Shuzo."

Your head whips around fast to send her a glare. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Kuroko appears unfazed and doesn't concern himself with your mother's insinuation. He continues to chew on his meal before responding. "It's never been a problem to be by her side, I'm very happy she was able to stand on her own after what she's been through."

He won't address the ongoing issue he has with your mother especially not in front of you. You two have been together for over a year yet your mother has continuously thrown digs at him when alone. They weren't about his character or any sort of disapproval. No, they were small reminders of his placeholder status as you supposedly wait for Nijimura.

At times, the comments instill some insecurity. Other times, a new wave of determination spurs from them. But the idea of Nijimura returning to steal you still lives in his head.

"In place of Shuzo," you huff. "Shuzo is my best friend, Tetsuya is my boyfriend."

"What I think your mother is saying," your father cuts in, "is that Kuroko has stepped up to be part of your support system."

"She didn't make it sound like it," you grumble as you return to staring at Kuroko. Your cheeks burn at his handsome features and you smile. "He's been an amazing boyfriend."

Kuroko takes the compliment and places his hand on yours in appreciation. It's for this reason alone he feels secure in what he has with you.

Unamused by your diligence in keeping Kuroko around, your mother continues her ramblings. "By the way, we do have a present waiting for you at home."

You tilt your head and notice her devious smile. Dread fills your body. "There was nothing there when I got home an hour ago."

"But your present is there now!"

"Is it a puppy?"

"Nooooooope!" she laughs. "Keep guessing, but you will find out soon!"

[___]

You take languid steps towards your front door. The lights are on in your house for some reason, but you gather it's probably because of your mother's 'present'. Your mind races as to what it can be, but the feel of Kuroko's hand in yours eases any concern.

When you open the door, you spot a familiar tuft of raven hair seated at the dining table. Someone sits beside him, but your main focus remains on the boy.

"S-Shuzo!?" Said boy stands from the chair and sends you a smile. Excitement builds into a flurry of emotions and you rush over to jump onto him.

"The hell?" His arms slide around your waist to hold you up, your legs dangling as you hug him tight. Last time you both were somewhat around the same height in middle school, but this time he stands over a foot taller than you. He has certainly bulked up since last you saw him, but his hairstyle is the still the same as ever.

"You're back!" you laugh out with joy.

Your mom watches on with a giant smile as your father shuffles over to the living room to turn on the television. Kuroko stands from the distance, unsure on whether to intrude or not. Never has he been able to break you away from Nijimura in middle school, but the joy his arrival provides both alarms and endears Kuroko.

He's happy to see you like this after the horrors you've endured. He's also worried that the premonition your mother keeps reminding him of might become a reality.

"Yeah, I wanted to tell you in person." He gently places you back on your feet. You spot a hint sadness behind his smile and tilt your head. "I'm going to a university here in Japan."

The news sends you into another whirlwind of emotions. Absolute joy that you'll be able to be with your best friend again. Confusion as to why the sudden change in plans. Finally, terror as you assume that he heard about the new incident and changed his whole future because of it.

He notices your duress and begins his explanation. "Yeah, I heard about it all... but honestly, a university here gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. It just made sense, and my dad is doing well enough that he's back too."

The relief that it wasn't solely because of you allows you to return to embracing him. You can't help it, not when you're so overwhelmed in seeing him. It isn't until someone clears their throat that you peel yourself away from him.

Curious eyes meet curious eyes. A girl around the same age as you stares with a smile on her face as she stands beside Nijimura, hands intertwined. He realizes her presence and speaks up, "Also, I want you to meet someone."

Anger is the first emotion to rise. Like a child who has no intent to share, your face scrunches with guarded anticipation. Hairs on the back of your arm and neck are sticking up at the sight of their intertwined hands.

Kuroko walks up beside you as he becomes aware of your emerging anger, and he's conflicted by it. You stressed profusely in middle school that Nijimura was just a friend, and he believed you. But the emotions that are resurfacing have him racked in jealousy.

"She's my girlfriend," Nijimura continues, unaware of what was transpiring in front of him.

The destruction of your relationship, one that was built upon bandages and tape.

[____]

A/N: WHO DOESN'T LIKE OMINOUS ENDINGS? Jk jk... but yeah rainbow-senpai is back. Who is ready to see lots of drama?! Everyone raise your hands \o/

In all seriousness, I want to thank everyone who has been with me throughout the story. Thank you for the comments and likes! I appreciate all the support, and I hope you guys enjoy the next arc. A new chapter will be out next week, no worries!

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