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

[M.9]Middle School: Diary Entry Nine

[Third Year, Middle School]

"Good job today," you chirp to each first-string member as you hand them a towel and water bottle. One by one, they drag their feet towards you for refreshments after a long and grueling practice.

When the vice-captain, Akashi, comes next in line, he responds to you in his usual polite tone. "Thank you for your hard work, [Name]."

You bow your head a bit as you try to keep your distance. Even though Akashi's civil approach as a leader has led to the first string being manageable, you still couldn't trust anyone here.

It's been many months since the incident, and even though a lot has changed—you becoming a third year and also the head manager of the boys' basketball team—there was still a sense of anxiety whenever the opposite sex got too close to you. You never allowed yourself to be alone in a room with them unless there was a teacher or another girl around; Nijimura, Kuroko, and your father were notable exceptions to this.

"Oi, hand me a towel!" Haizaki shouts from across the gym. He marches towards you with a swagger to his step which has you tensing up.

Unfortunately, your severe dislike of boys came off as cute to him, attracting his tireless teasing. He went to you for everything just to get on your nerves. The only reason why he never tried anything physical was because...

"Here's your towel," Momoi curtly states as she forces it into his hand.

He eyes the fabric with mild confusion. "I didn't ask you," he spits out.

"A towel's a towel," Nijimura swiftly enters the conversation with a daring glint in his eyes. It's enough for the annoying boy to begrudgingly accept defeat and escape.

...because no one gave him the chance to.

"Thanks..." you sigh with relief.

Nijimura pats your shoulder. "Let's get this cleaned up. We have a meeting later."

Nodding your head, you return to distributing the refreshments and towels with minimal troubles. The superstars of the team are hardly an annoyance: Murasakibara doesn't give you any attention as he retrieves his water bottle, Midorima is cold and casts you a dismissive look, Aomine addresses you with a curt 'yo' while being catered by Momoi. The rest wordlessly accept what you offer with small mumbles and blushes.

The blushes don't come as a surprise to you. You recalled Haizaki stating how first string got all the perks. 'We got the hottest ones,' he once boasted, referencing the appearance of the managers. The statement made you cringe, though Nijimura told you to just ignore the sleaze. However, as much as you try to ignore him, you can't help but feel self-conscious upon hearing that sort of talk.

"Senpai?" Momoi pokes your arm, and you turn to face her. "Would you like me to stay for the meeting too?"

"No, go home. I'll come back to lock up after I do some last-minute cleaning," you smile.

"Is the captain taking you home?" she asks with concern.

"Yeah."

She exhales loudly. "Good! I just wanted to make sure you were safe..." You give her a confused look, and she speaks up hastily. "T-There's been some reports of a molester around the area."

A small smile spreads across your lips. Although you've only spoken to her about basketball and school, you consider Momoi to be a close friend. Not many girls took a liking to your cold approach to guys; they found it to be arrogant of you. Only Momoi approached your attitude with concern and understanding. You could only guess that she was aware of the incident due to her close ties with the entire club. As much as you didn't want anyone knowing about it, you felt comfortable with her having your back.

"Thanks for heads up."

"All right, see you tomorrow!" she exclaims before following Aomine out the gym.