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

[H.9] High School: Diary Entry Nine

You must have checked yourself in the mirror over a hundred times. You were a sobbing mess mere moments ago and now you are to face Kuroko with the aftermath of those tears. You try to cover up the blotchy red patches around your eyes, but it appears that time is the only remedy for them.

You don't waste another second and rush over to the locker room area. Many people have already camped outside the lockers--family, friends, reporters. Having no need to converse, you remain behind and out of sight, your gaze downcast and focused on your phone.

Ten minutes pass by, and it's then that some members begin to leave the locker room. Some are obscure members whose family rushes over to congratulate them. It isn't until Kagami comes out that the entire mass clamor for his attention.

They're yelling and pushing, screaming for a comment or autograph. You stand in the far back amazed by people's thirst for his attention; it's truly bewildering that someone can handle that type of spotlight.

"Senpai?"

You jump in your boots before turning around to see Kuroko hidden behind you. Somehow, Kagami's bright reputation overshadowed Kuroko's attempt to leave. Before you can say a word, he places a finger to his mouth and hints for you to follow him by the wave of his other hand.

Wordlessly, you follow. As much as you would love to congratulate him and celebrate his win, you respect his ploy to evade people in hopes of a private conversation. When you finally make it outside the stadium by the park, it is then you realize the horrible mistake in wearing the dress.

A shiver shoots down your spine, and you try to keep your body temperature high by blowing into your hands. Kuroko notices your attempt and bundles you up with his scarf. The gesture is kind, but it's the smell of his scarf that has your giddiness returning.

"Thank you."

"Of course, senpai." A kind smile spreads upon his lips, his eyes mirroring the same look he gave you in middle school. Adoration.

"K-K-Kuroko," you sputter out once you finally have a hold of your emotions. You reach into your small bookbag and hand him a small box. "Congratulations on your win. I knew you could do it."

Kuroko graciously accepts the gift and begins to open it. "More lemon slices... I will definitely need these soon." Closing the box, he places it in his bag and returns his attention to you.

You feel as if you're malfunctioning under his gaze. It's warm and comforting, everything that you have been missing these past two years. "Kuroko..."

"Senpai, I told you that I had something to say to you and I hope you listen until the end."

You nod your head, your optimism slowly fading as his serious expression greets you. 'Maybe he doesn't want to see me anymore after what I did to him. Maybe he's just being nice to me out of pity...'

"Ever since I met you, senpai, I found you to be a radiant person. You were someone who I desperately wished would notice me and you did that before I even knew it was something I wanted. You were the first person I spoke to in middle school, the first person I spoke to in the basketball team, the first person I ever took out for vanilla shakes, and the first person I fell... in love with."

Your heart drops.

"I know you went through a lot and you're trying your best to cope. That day outside the gym with Nijimura... I wish you would have spoken to me. I was never angry with you, just upset that I couldn't erase what Minato had said to you.

"I was naive in thinking that it was a simple fix, but I want to continue trying." His eyes become fiercer and his tone is laced with determination. "Please allow me to continue loving you, [Name]-senpai."

Your legs tremble beneath your weight, and the overwhelming surprise has you at a loss for words. Though it may be difficult to tell, the street lamps give just enough light to show his blushing cheeks. But they also show his unabashed stance on that matter.

You were expecting forgiveness but he was offering a lot more than that.

"I need... I need to... think about it."

Instead of disappointment, he responds with a sigh of relief. "I see."

"Um... Ah..." You glance around as you wonder what to do next. There are so many emotions running rampant in your heart that you have no idea how to react. "G-G-Goodbye!" you shout as you bolt away from your spot.

"[N-NAME]---!"

The call of your name is quickly overshadowed by the bitter cold air blowing harshly against your running form. You have so much to think about, so much to realize, but one thing is for certain.

'Kuroko is really in love with me!'

[___]

A/N: Bless my children, we are finally here. The reader must finally face reality which holds Kuroko's love. Will she maneuver past her insecurities? Or will she break his heart again? Hopefully, I'll be posting this again in May/June. Stay tuned :3