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

[M.18]Middle School: Diary Entry Eighteen

"There's a new member entering the first string."

You stop cleaning the basketball in your hand to give Akashi an owlish look. "W-What?"

"His name is Kise Ryouta," he continues. He knows you heard him, you were just in a state of shock.

"I wasn't consulted on this." You stand up from the floor to face the new captain of the basketball team.

Honestly, Nijimura's demotion did sting when he had first consulted you on it. His father's condition continued to worsen over the months, affecting the boy's mental state. Not many noticed his declining performance but you did. And as humiliating as it might be for him, it would be much more painful losing his family and nationals due to a lack of focus; the guilt would be too much.

Although he wasn't officially appointed as captain yet, they had already decided on Akashi to be his replacement. It was unprecedented for a first year to hold this position, but the boy did exceed in leadership.

"I am consulting with you now, [Name]," Akashi counters smoothly.

You pay special attention to the tone of his voice. It sounds calculating and strong as if everything he asks of you is an order. "No... You're telling me that there's another member."

"Is there a problem?"

It's a loaded question judging by his tense smile and narrowed eyes. You're paralyzed under his intense gaze; you feel like a bug being squashed under his feet and you can't speak. You attempt some movement and shake your head, eyes glistening with fear. 

He can discern your discomfort within seconds and feigns concern. "I apologize if I might have said something wrong, [Name]. My intention was only to inform you of our new member so that you can accommodate him properly."

You nod your head weakly.

"I know my appointment to captain is late in the season, and my approach will not be similar to Nijimura-san's... It might be an inconvenience to you adjusting to different styles as well," he explains.

Your throat is still clamped, but you continue to nod in hopes of him leaving you alone.

"... You're busy," he finishes, having given up on his attempt to smooth things over with you. "I'll speak to Momoi about it." He leaves without another word.

You don't have the courage to stand anymore and you drop down to the floor. 'When did he get this scary?!'

The club room resumes its normal silence, and all that can be heard are the sounds of people enjoying their after-school sports. It's a noise you grew up with after following Nijimura around for so long.

'I'm going to America for high school. I need to be with my father.'

A lone tear slides down your cheek. "What am I going to do without you, Shuzo?" you cry to yourself. As much as you hate to admit it but with him gone, your crutch will disappear. And as much as you understood his reasoning behind leaving, you can't help but feel selfish and want him stationed to your side forever.

A choked sob escapes you. You can't contain those dark thoughts that tormented you whenever you were alone. Those self-deprecating thoughts... they loved to leave you feeling anguished with hatred towards yourself.

But there is a light that shines and blankets your fears. "[Name]?"

You jump and send the boy a startled expression. "K-K-Kuroko, what are you doing here?"

"Akashi instructed me to get the basketballs," he replies slowly. He's stunned to see you, even more surprised to see you crying. "How are you feeling?"

You wipe your tears with minimal effort and chuckle, "You know, people usually ask me if I'm okay."

"But you clearly aren't," he quips as he lowers himself to the floor.

Your lips tremble. "Kuroko!" You break out in tears and hug the boy tightly. He accepts it upon impact, firmly wrapping his arms around your shoulders. When you bury your head in the crook of his neck, his face is dyed in the deepest shade of red.

He gives you a moment to exhaust your worries onto him, his t-shirt paying the price of it all. When your sobs marginalize, he speaks up in a kind voice, "I think we're going to be late delivering those basketballs."

You let out a snort, "Yeah." You don't want to let go of him but you have to. Peeling yourself away, you face his reddened state and smile. "You won't leave me, right?"

Again, you allow your selfishness to overcome you, but Kuroko is far too generous to notice. "Never."

Your fingers entwine with his and your heart overflows with warmth. You both stare at each other with nervous smiles and blushing cheeks, but there are different emotions behind each smile.

One longs for a replacement, while the other longs for love.