Have a Taste (Tetsurou Kuroo Fanfiction)

Chapter 3

III.

Tetsurou.

"You're still not telling me why you switched schools." I halted coming down the stairs when I heard her voice in the living room. She's at it again... another attempt at reaching out to her daughter.

Apparently, she has a daughter back in the province who was a few years younger than me. According to Kirimi-san's stories, her daughter is a kind and gentle girl but Kirimi-san's reactions when interacting with her suggests otherwise. It's not a surprise her personality flipped... after what her mother did to her family.

"I am. I'm just... still not quite convinced. And I know that's not the only reason. Dear, I'm your mother. You know you can tell me anything—" She was cut off, and the person on the other line might have said something snarky again because Kirimi-san's breath hitched. "Kinomi... it doesn't make sense."

I didn't mean to eavesdrop in their conversation, but it wouldn't feel right if I just barged into the scene. It would feel awkward because... Kirimi-san's crying yet again... which was always the end result whenever she tries to talk to her daughter.

"You're still bringing that up, Kinomi? Didn't you already moved on? Didn't you already forgiven me about it?"

"Honey..." Dad went up to comfort her, as she was now already shaking with sobs. I clenched my hold on my gym bag, wanting this scene to end already.

I couldn't bring myself to get angry at Kinomi-san because I somehow understand where she's coming from. Even I am apathetic towards her mother but I still make sure to treat her with respect. She's pregnant and stress isn't one of the things that she needs right now.

"Do you really think I intended to do that? It's hard for me—"

I wish she would just stop talking...

"Kinomi—wait—! She hang up on me... Teshi... my daughter really hates me... what should I do?" She choked a sob, making me clench my jaw at the sound.

"It's okay, honey... shh..." Dad continued comforting her. "Kinomi-chan just needs more time."

I just internally sighed and walked straight to the door. But then she stopped me on my tracks.

"T-tetsurou-kun? You're going already? At least have some breakfast first." Kirimi-san tried her best to sound cheerful but her voice would crack at the last syllable.

I pursed my lips in a thin line before peering over my shoulder to offer them a smile which didn't reach the eyes. "Uh... sorry. I can't. I'll be late for morning practice."

"You shouldn't practice on an empty stomach, son." Dad reminded. My eyes travelled to his arms wrapped protectively around the weeping woman. And before they could trace where my gaze is, I averted it elsewhere before raking my fingers through my hair in an awkward manner.

"Uh—um, I'll make you some sandwiches real quick!" Kirimi-san wiggled out of my father's possessive grasp before quickly disappearing into the kitchen. Dad followed her retreating figure before he shifted his gaze back to me. And there I realized that we were left alone, which means that I have his full attention.

"Will you come here, Tetsurou?" Dad said with a polite tone.

We stared at each other for a few seconds before I just shrug then plaster on a light smirk. "Okay, Dad. Since you asked so nicely."

When I stood in front of him, he let the next words out in a hushed tone. "Son, I know you hate her, too."

"I don't hate her." But I'm not quite fond of her either. "I just hate what she did..." I admitted quietly, looking away.