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

[C.39] College: Diary Entry Thirty-Nine

A/N: Super long and dramatic chapter. Next chapter is the last chapter and although I will thank everyone profusely for reading, I just want to begin my thank you's here. Seriously, I had this idea of a long journey where the reader makes terrible mistakes and becomes someone I despise. But throughout writing this, I got to explore that in the midst of bad decisions, you can still be a good person. That is the complexity of human nature. It's all a balancing act and all we do is our best. To see everyone getting upset but still cheering the M/C on was such a blast to see.

ANYWAYS SORRY FOR THE RAMBLING. Please enjoy!

[_x_]

Your teapot screams for attention, but you're too preoccupied to notice. Swift fingers glide across the plate to place crackers acquired from your last vacation trip. Sweet and light to the taste— perfect for your best friend's picky taste buds.

Yet he seems disinterested in the treats. Instead, his nervous stare jumps all around the room in favor of changing the subject in his mind. His fingers fidget while his breathing is uneven. You aren't aware of the tension until you've finally poured the tea.

When you plop next to him on the couch, you smile brightly as a sign of your full attention. It causes the opposite effect and worsens his state of mind. You are met with silence, one that you know is up to you to fill.

"What was the emergency that made you come to me frantically?"

"..."

"Don't tell me your ex wants you back? Which one? Or should I guess?" Your questioning has an airy touch to them; nonsensical and comedic, hoping for him to correct you and put your curiosity at ease. 

"It's not particularly like that."

"Particularly?" you tilt your heard. "Now I'm very interested. What's going on, Shuzo?"

"I need... to know something," he says slowly. His gaze never wavers from yours despite their desire to do so. "Do you-- Or rather, are you aware of what Kuroko has planned for today?"

"A dinner," you answer simply but it isn't the response he wants. You think on it a little more before reciting Akari's intuition. "Oh, well, Akari did allude that he might propose. Why?"

Nijimura flinches at the news, but it isn't like he is surprised by it. He turns away from you and presses his back deeper into the sofa. A long sigh escapes his lips as he returns to his thoughts.

"Why?" you press, this time with a tone more inquisitive.

"And have you decided on how you will respond?"

"My answer is obvious. I'd marry him in a heartbeat!"

"No regrets?"

Your mouth opens instantly yet snaps shut when you think back on Akari's father. You feel like her mother as the woman stuck between two men she loves. You are sure of your decision in Kuroko, but you aren't sure in hurting Nijimura. After returning to best-friend status with him, you were reminded over and over how much you truly love him-- as a friend, naturally, but it's a deep connection that you don't want to trample on. 

The lack of response calls for Nijimura's gaze, and when he spots your indecision, he turns his body to face you again. "[F.Name], I know your answer. I know that it won't end well, but tell me. Tell me if there is any hope for us."

Your lips quiver at his directness. He wears the same stoic expression you've always seen on him that possesses his earnest desire for you. The weight of his expectations only pit you towards more uncertainty.