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

[H.6] High School: Diary Entry Six

You try to suppress a yawn by pressing your lips together. Not acquiring enough sleep coupled with waking up early translates into a worn-out body. However, your mind is fired up with anticipation, fueling your body to continue on. The moment you hear sneakers treading down the hallway, your body straightens up to attention. Sweat accumulates in your palms as you clutch onto the lunchbox tightly.

A group of white jackets begins to pass you, and you forget to breathe. Each second is filled with anxiety, and you can feel some of their stares on you. Some linger a little longer than usual but that's something you're used to.

"[N-Name]?" comes Kuroko's voice. It's deeper than when you last heard it, more matured and confident. Though there are still some qualities that remained in it like the tones the put you at ease.

"You know this girl?" one of his teammates asks as they fix their glasses. 

"Of course he knows all the beauties!" another exclaims in agony.

You scan the group until your eyes meet his, and your whole world feels like it's crumbling. He's shocked at first, but it's quickly replaced with an expression you can't quite decipher. Even when he's right in front of you, you still cannot understand how he's feeling.

But you are certain of one thing; he doesn't resent you.

"Hi," you shyly greet. There's a long pause as you try to make out some words, and he gives you the time to form a coherent sentence. "Umm...Congratulations on winning."

"Thank you," he responds with a guarded smile.

Your body squirms under all the stares. There's so much to be said between you two, but you can't bring yourself to say it in under an audience.

And just like old times, Kuroko realizes your worries and is quick to dispel them. "I'll catch up with you guys later."

"Kagami's house right?" a girl speaks up. You recall her being the coach of the group, which you find to be an amazing feat. "You'll tell us everything."

Kuroko nods his head, and it appears that it's sufficient enough for them to leave. You watch as the group vacates the hallway, confusion striking at you. "Tell them everything?"

"About what happened with Teiko," Kuroko states. There's a morbid look on your expression, and he sends you a bitter smile. "I won't include you in my story if you'd like... Though I prefer to keep that private as well."

You give him a small nod. "Yeah."

An awkward silence ensues, a stark contrast to those comfortably quiet moments you had with him in middle school.

"How have you been, [Name]?" Kuroko begins with tenderness to his voice.

"G-Good. I didn't expect to run into almost everyone at the Winter Cup," you force out a laugh.

"What team are you here for?"

"Oh! It's a girl's team," you hastily respond. "We usually play at the same time, so I doubt you would have seen them."

"They must be good if they made it this far."

"Yes... We are aiming to be first. I'm sure the same can be said for you." You lift your arms to present him a lunchbox. "Here."

"Is this--"

"I made them yesterday night when I thought of you. I hope you can accept them!" The volume of your voice rises due to your nervous state. However, he doesn't seem to notice and receives the box with no hesitation.

"You've always made them so delicious... Thank you," he responds gratefully. There's a pained look on your expression, and he's taken aback by it. "Senpai?"

"I... I am--"

"Can I speak to you later?" Kuroko interrupts you... though there wasn't much to interrupt seeing as how you didn't know what to say.

"W-What?"

"Can we talk after we win tomorrow?"

Your eyes widen. His last opponent is Akashi Seijuro and he still has this much confidence? You would have never expected that from the Kuroko back in middle school. Akashi was such a scary figure that no one dared to oppose him.

"I want to prove something to you."

You blink a few times. "To me?"

"To everyone... I want you to see me-- us play," he corrects himself. A smile forms on his lips as his body becomes rigid. It's like he's holding himself back for something.

"Okay," you return his smile, "I'll definitely watch you."

Unsure of his intentions, you return to your friends with some elated uncertainty. You're relieved that he spoke to you with little problem, that there was still a connection between the two of you.

It felt awkward but still had a sense of comforting nostalgia.

And your heart begins to flutter once more.