Try Your Luck

Chapter 3

Summer was drawing to a close and the day of the performance drew near. It was hard at first to pick himself up, but Kuroo was working his job at the library and helping out with theater bit by bit without any other issues arising.

After much deliberation and planning, Kuroo had decided to take supplementary classes as soon as he could afford them. Although it was too late for him to take them for his failed physics class during the summer, he had a tentative plan to take them during the winter when things would be less busy overall. Once the school year starts, he would speak with his counselors as well to get everything figured out for good. If he organized his schedule accordingly, he probably wouldn't have to take out one of those ridiculous loans. It was still stressful and things were a bit uneasy from time to time, but things were starting to look okay.

Along with the upcoming performance, his house was also one of the things Kuroo looked forward to over the summer. Tsukki—or, Tsukishima as Akaashi called the crow—stayed with him regardless of whether or not he went out or stayed in, but there was something indescribable about the quiet moments they shared alone together. It was homey, and Kuroo felt a sense of peace whenever he got to hear the gentle flutter of the bird's wings or the rare coos that surfaced whenever Tsukishima was particularly happy.

Bokuto had brought up a bit of a crazy idea that latched onto Kuroo's mind and settled into the depths of his soul. What if Tsukki was a shapeshifter?

Of course, it was a nice sentiment, but Kuroo was more than positive it wasn't the case. After all, with how close they have gotten, wouldn't the crow have revealed itself as such if given the opportunity? And there were plenty of opportunities that were presented.

"What a silly idea, right, Tsukki?" Kuroo laughed, gaze fixed on the bird. Tsukishima didn't respond and merely rearranged his feathers.

No, Tsukki was just a really smart crow. A crow that could do near human-like things, but nothing was abnormal there since crows have been able to do that much and more given their innate intelligence.

Yet, Kuroo couldn't help imagining what he would look like. Someone tall, as Tsukki was definitely a crow with longer legs and body length than others of his species—with golden hair that matched his golden eyes. Would his smile be just as pretty? He had no doubt it would—just as he was certain any flustered expression would be priceless, seeing as how the crow got riled up over small, cute things.

Kuroo didn't blame Bokuto for his imagination. After all, it wasn't difficult for Bokuto to come up with that idea given his half-owl boyfriend.

Kuroo shook his head, compiling some books together to put away on the shelf in aisle F before his shift ended. He should be focused on working, not playing baseless fantasies in his head. He looked down to see Tsukki in his backpack, dozing off in the sunlit corridors of the library. Kuroo couldn't help but smile. Even though he personally had not gotten much sleep the other night because he was helping out Akaashi with the performance script, it was a relief to see Tsukishima getting the rest.

"Hey, Kuroo," Yaku called from the counter.

"Yeah, coming," Kuroo said, setting the books down on the cart before making his way to meet his friend. "What is it?"

"I know that we can technically check out a book for longer than a normal patron, but I think the library is looking for that book you borrowed a bit back. Could you return it?"

Kuroo blinked. "What book?"

"You know," Yaku continued, squinting at his computer screen so he could verify the name. "Common Unlucky Symbols—that one."

Kuroo felt his stomach drop. "I... I didn't return it to you?"

Yaku shook his head. "Not that I know of, no."