Just a Fairytale [Kuroko Tetsuya x Reader x Nijimura Shuzo]{KnB}

[C.30] College: Diary Entry Thirty

A/N: I meant to post this before New Years but got sick. Then went on vacation, got sick again... and now I'm here haha... I'll post another chapter probs on Friday to catch up. PLEASE ENJOY THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE NEW YEAR! IT'S A HAPPY ONE!

[x]

Kuroko finishes up practice drenched in sweat and exhaustion, just as he has been doing for the past few weeks. Mixed with karate, he finds himself much more sturdy and bulked. He also has grown an inch, yet it does not compare to the mammoths on his team.

"Kuroko-kun! Wait!"

He hears your voice from across the empty gym; he's one foot into the locker room before he halts. "Yes?"

"Do you want to go out for pizza?" you ask, breathless from running.

He stares at you incredulously before responding. "Is this a date?"

"N-No! Akari and Shinji are coming too and I thought I'd extend the invite," you hurriedly supply. "I promise no other motive except hanging out with friends."

He sees your genuine plead for his attendance and smiles. "Okay, I'll get ready and be out in a few."

Happiness does not begin to describe your elation on his acceptance, and you rush off to the front of the campus. There, Akari waits for her boyfriend while you come over with the news. "So Kuroko said yes!"

"Oh that's great!" Akari grins. "See, I told you he'd come if you asked!"

"He did ask if it was date... It looked like he would reject me if I said yes."

"I mean, you said you'd give him space. Despite that, you confessed to him twice with the same results. I think it's obvious he still wants to see if he can trust you again."

You lower your gaze onto the floor. "Yes, I understand."

"Cheer up. Beginning as friends is a good foundation to a relationship!"

Your experience with Nijimura says otherwise. "Not always."

Akari sighs as she knows what you refer to. "It's okay, [F.Name]. Everything is okay now, so try to find a positive light on things."

You say nothing for the remainder of your wait as your mind wanders to the past, thinking of all your mistakes. Your grievances. Your hurt. Your trauma.

Though it all dissipates when Kuroko walks up to the group with Shinji beside him. He's your breath of fresh air, and without him needing to say anything, you realize the drowning you've endured.

With a quick intake of air, you fill your lungs with the confidence to continue on. "Let's go eat some pizza!"

[__]

You gawk at the patrons seated in the small restaurant. Not many know of this hole in the wall pizzeria, even less should occupy it this late at night on a Thursday. Yet there sits Nijimura and a few other basketball members and a girl you recall from the goukon that had a thing for your childhood friend.

"Oh the manager and captain are here too!" Abe laughs.

You force a smile but it slips quickly upon realizing that the only other available table is beside them. Akari and Shinji make sure to sit on the side near them while you and Kuroko sit beside the couple.

The sound of the television is but a low hum as you guys order your portion of food. You attempt to speak to Kuroko on various instances but the basketball team ruckus booms loud with enthusiasm. As you await your food, your eyes watch as they laugh and dine in their reverie. Finally, food is distributed and your attention now resides on your pizza. It isn't until Akari spots an interesting thing on the TV does she yell to silence the group.