Chapter Seven:

“Mom…?Dad…?” I murmured as I held onto my bunny toy and peeked through the door. Inside the master bedroom is my mother and father fighting again.

Tears formed in my eyes. “Mom…?Dad…?” I whispered.

“Don’t even bother interrupting them, Tetsuya. You’ll only get in trouble especially with father being a bad mood.” His brother Takumi mumbled when he passed by the master bedroom which is beside his bedroom.

“But, Oniichan—“

“Ahhh!” He heard his mother cry and when Tetsuya peeked again inside he saw his mother kneeling on the ground, her cheek swelling.

He gasped and opened the door as he ran inside and approached his mother. “Mom…”

“Tetsu, get out of here.” His father ordered.

“But, Dad…”

“Tetsuya!”

He stiffened. “No…Daddy, please stop hurting Mommy…” He begged.

His father’s brows furrowed and he grabbed Tetsuya. “Are you commanding me, Tetsuya?!” He yelled.

Tetsuya sobbed and shook his head. “No…Daddy…”

“No, Kazuhiko! Don’t hurt him! He’s just a five year old boy!” His mother shouted.

“Be it a boy or an older person, I don’t care. When I say: ‘obey’ I mean ‘obey’!” He yelled as he pulled Kuroko with his blue hair. “Got it?!”

Tetsuya sobbed as he nodded. “Y-Yes…Daddy…”

Kazuhiko Kuroko smirked before throwing his youngest son on the floor. “You should grow up like Takumi. He has never disobeyed or tried to answer/question me. He’s a model to you. He’s always on the top, an achiever; he already knows things other boys in his age don’t. Grow up like him and I might acknowledge you.” Kazuhiko muttered and left the room before patting Takumi’s head.

Tetsuya’s tears dropped on the floor. “Does Daddy hate me that much?”

His mother approached him before wrapping her arms around him. “No, Tetsuya, he doesn’t.”

You’re lying, aren’t you? You, yourself hates me, Mommy…Everyone hates me…Everyone, even my own family…

Tetsuya Kuroko woke up sweating a lot. He looked around and realized that it was just a dream…a nightmare.

He closed his eyes and realized he was crying in his sleep. “Why did I dream such a memory…?”

Everyone hates me…Everyone even my own family…

He turned his head and found three photo frames on top of his sidetable. One picture of him with his family. One picture of him being with Teiko Middle School Basketball First String Members and the last one him being with his new teammates.

He stared at the first picture and knew that it doesn’t deserve to be there, so he placed it down with its picture being unseen.

“Tetsuya, how long are you going to plan to sleep there?” Takumi, his older brother demanded as he knocked to his door.

“I’m coming. I’ll be downstairs after 15 minutes.”

“Hn,”

He sighed, fixed his bed and took a shower before putting on his Seirin Uniform. He stared at himself before lowering his wristbands. The cuts, marks and scars were still there.

Honestly, he was glad that his parents are not home. He would be happier if his brother’s also not home. He’ll be alone and free like what he has always wished for.

“Tetsu-kun…you liar…”

He blinked before covering his wrists again. “No...I’m not a liar…I’m not one of those liars.”

He went downstairs and quickly finished his breakfast. “I’m going.” He bade and stood up from his seat.

“Tetsuya,”

“I know Nii-chan, I will text you if something unexpected happened.”

“That’s not—“

“And I will go home before 7 pm today, don’t worry.”

“No, Tetsuya—“

“Please, can I leave now? I don’t want to be late.” Kuroko coldly stated and slammed the door behind him.

Takumi stared at the door which his brother has just closed (slammed) “Tetsuya…I’m sorry. I want to know what’s going on, but I’m afraid to know the truth…I’m a total coward, and I hate myself for it.”He mumbled and covered his eyes while smiling like a crazy person.

Kuroko stared at the ground as he walks towards his school. It was not usual for him to not listen to whatever other people’s gonna say, but he currently doesn’t want to hear lies.

He hates lies.

He lifted his head and found Kagami just few meters ahead of him. He walked pass by other students like he’s one with the wind. “Kagami-kun,”

The red-head gasped before looking around. “Eh? Eh…?”

The phantom player sighed. “I’m right here.” He stated before pinching his light’s cheek so his head will turn towards him.

“Ouch! That was too much! Oh, Kuroko, ‘mornin’.”

“Good morning. So, what brings you here early today…?”

“We’re going to practice the whole day because the practice game against Awase Gakuen will be broadcasted by media. Of course, our principal wants us to win, so he permitted us to practice the whole day today.” Kagami replied with a wide smile.

I hate strangers…they also mean ‘danger’.

“Ah, I see.” The shadow murmured.

The red-head eyed his shadow. He knows Kuroko’s attitude and even if he doesn’t show it—he’s excited when fighting against great teams. But since the snatcher incident, his shadow has changed. And he doesn’t like it.

“Hey, Kuroko…so, what did you do with the Generation of Miracles yesterday?” Kagami mumbled, bringing up anything to start the conversation. Even if, he chose a question which answer he has already known since yesterday.

He is not really the meddler type, but Koganei’s words hit him.

“Why are we doing this again?” He has asked to his senpais.

“Hey, don’t talk like that. Don’t you want to know Kuroko’s secret? Doesn’t the way the overprotective Generation of Miracle hides his secret lights a fire in you to know it more?” Koganei asked, grinning.

That was definitely a decision he kind of regrets.

“…mi-kun….mi-kun!”

The red-head snapped back in reality when his shadow elbowed him in the stomach. “Ugh!” He winced and glared at the blue-head beside him. “What the hell, Kuroko?”

“I answered your question and asked you one afterwards, but you didn’t answer, so I tried to get your attention.” The phantom player stated.

Kagami smirked before elbowing his shadow’s stomach, as well.

Kuroko’s eyes widened with the pain as he suddenly recalled that he has a stitch in the stomach after few received few punishments by Isshin two years ago. He fell on his knees as his stomach started to feel more and more painful.

“Kuroko?” Kagami muttered before realizing that the blue-head’s clutching his stomach.

“I’m fine. I just ate, that’s why. I’m going to the infirmary; please just tell our subject teachers that I’m not feeling well.” The phantom player uttered, painstakingly, and stood up before heading towards the infirmary.

“K-Kuroko, I’ll accompany you!”

“N-No! There’s no need, Kagami-kun. Just head to our room already or else you might get scolded for being late. I’ll be fine. It’s just stomach ache. It’ll subdue.” I hope. Kuroko assured.

Kagami just stood there until the bell rang and he gasped and ran towards their room; still unsure if his decision to let Kuroko go on his own is a good decision.

The blue-head held his stomach as he headed to the rooftop, breathless on the way, and then sat as he leaned against the wall. He lifted his shirt and saw the stitch in his stomach reddening. “Ah…these marks. Signs of what I had experienced few years ago.” He murmured and sighed. Even if I want to tell the police what Isshin Toshita has done…I don’t want my brother to feel sad when he finds out that his best friend is a bad person. I don’t want to make Takumi-niisan unhappy.

He stared at the sky and narrowed his eyes. He suddenly feels like he’s one of the unluckiest people in the world.

“Ah, Rio, I wonder what you’re doing right now and what you truly feel about your death which was caused by me.” He murmured and looked at his wrists again.

His cellphone suddenly vibrated from his pocket and he took it out; afraid that it might be Akashi who’s texting again.

His eyes widened with the name on the screen.

From: Nuriko Kuroko

Subj: How are you, Tetsuya?

Message: Me and your father met in Canada few days ago and since we were both given two weeks break by our works, we’re currently at home right now. Takumi’s with us and working. We just came back few minutes ago. Hope to see you soon, son. We miss you. Don’t worry, I’ve already talked with your father and asked him to be a little patient and calm these two weeks we’re all together, and he agreed with it.

Kuroko eyed the last sentence.

A lie. He definitely just nodded, so mom will stop bugging him about it. He’s definitely lying and I’m tired of it.

To: Nuriko Kuroko

Subj: I’m so sorry.

Mess: Sorry, Mom. Something sudden was announced. Our adviser has just announced our project which will be passed the day after tomorrow and we’re going to do it by pairs. My teammate who is also my classmate and the one I was paired with because we are seatmates, offered me to stay at his house tonight and finish it tonight, so there will be no rush. I already agreed and accepted his offer. I won’t be going home for two days. We might see one another after two days. I’m sorry.

I hate lies.

After he sent that message to his mother, he was about to put his cellphone back in his pocket when it suddenly rang.

He clicked ‘answer’.

“Yes, Kuroko Tetsuya here.”

“Tetsuya.”

“Ah, S-Sei-kun. What can I do for you?”

“I just called to check how your condition is.”

“I’m fine.”

“…Hm? I wonder if that’s true. Shouldn’t your class be starting now? I was expecting for you to hang up on me.”

“Um,”

“…Tetsuya? Where are you? Why is it so quiet there?”

“I’m in the rooftop. My stomach suddenly started to hurt when I bumped into something. I remembered that I was stitched there after that incident; it looks like it’s hurting again.” Kuroko replied.

“Bumped into something.” Akashi repeated, sighing. “From your tone, I know that you have a problem that you won’t share to me.”

“There’s none, Akashi-kun.”

“Your immediate answer proves that I’m right.” Akashi stated.

“…Perhaps that problem of mine shouldn’t be shared to you.”

“And why so?”

“Maybe, this time, I just want to keep it all to myself—“

“This time? Are you sure it’s only this time? Don’t you always hide your problems and try to solve them all by yourself? If I didn’t push you to the limit, you wouldn’t tell me the truth about your problems. Don’t you think you’re being too self-sacrificing, Tetsuya?” The red-head in the other line snapped.

The blue-head gulped and bit his lips, because he knows that what his ex-captain’s saying is true.

“Guilty? I knew it. You are hiding something. And you decided to not share it, because you think that you might bother us, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Well, I’m sorry, but no. I’m not going to agree with that. We’re helping you, because we chose to. The others might not look like they are willing, but honestly, they are. They just called me one by one earlier, asking about you. I asked them why they won’t just call you and they answered: ‘we might only make him think that we’re being too overprotective of him’. Sometimes, Tetsuya, please do learn that you cannot live alone in this world.” Akashi scolded.

“But, I have always lived alone in this world…from the very start, I was already alone.” Kuroko murmured with cold tone.

“You’re just being para—“

“I’m sorry, but I’m not. Try living a life with parents who don’t love you and care about you like how normal parents do. Try living a life where your brother only does is face his computer and do his work all day without even greeting and caring about how you are. Try living a life where you’re afraid that you’re not sure if it’s already your time. Try living a life being haunted by your miserable past and the dreaming about the screams of your friend who died because of you. Try living my worthless life, Akashi-kun!” Kuroko sobbed.

The other line became quiet before Akashi spoke with soft tone, “That’s the problem, Tetsuya, open your eyes and turn the other way. We, the Generation of Miracles, and also your teammates, Seirin Gakuen High School, are always there for you. We’re just being overshadowed by your fear to trust. Overshadowed by your fear to lose something important to you and regret not protecting it. Open your eyes and we’re here.”

Kuroko wiped his tears before clutching his phone. “...I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for snapping at you, Sei-kun…”

“I’ll let it pass for today, Tetsuya, because I know you’re facing a hard time. Now, tell me the truth.”

“I…Well, my parents just came back home earlier and Mother texted me how they want to see me. I-I’m afraid to face my father because he might hurt me again, so I lied and replied her that we’re going to make a project and have a sleepover with a classmate of mine for two days…I typed those words without thinking how I’ll accomplish it…I’m having trouble with my alibi and my fear with my father.” The teal-haired teen murmured.

“I can let you stay for two nights in our house.”

“N-No. That’s not what I—“

“I know that you’ll disagree, so…this is an order: You’ll stay in my house for two nights to fulfill your alibi to your mother.”

“Sei-kun, you don’t—“ Kuroko was cut off again.

“My orders are absolute, remember that. I’ll pick you up with the others later at your gym.”

“Sei—“

­“-beep—beep—beep-“

The other line already hung up.

Kuroko sighed then stared at his phone. “He hung up on me again.”

At their break, Kuroko quickly entered the room, but, as usual, no one noticed him.

Kuroko placed his bag behind the seat of Kagami’s and opened his bag to get his food.

With his eating manners, Kagami accidentally elbowed one plastic of breads and it fell on the ground.

Kuroko, with bread still in mouth, stood up and picked it up. He approached the red-head and handed him the one piece that fell. “Kagami-kun.”

Kagami’s eyes widened and he choked his food. “C….C…Can’t—breathe!!!!” He gasped.

Kuroko, still impassive, handed the Kagami his drink. He drank it all before catching his breath. “Damn you, Kuroko, stop doing that!”

His shadow blinked twice. “It wasn’t on purpose; besides, you should be used to it now.”

“No way is that thing easy!!!” Kagami shouted then smirked. “Seriously,” He mumbled and patted his shadow’s head. “Why are your eyes swollen? Did you cry?”

“No. I just didn’t have enough sleep.”

“Ah, I see. “ He mumbled, not believing his partner’s answer. “Anyways, let do our best at the practice later.” Kagami replied with a wide smile.

Kuroko’s heart suddenly felt touched with how his current light could be so oblivious, but also so gentle and caring to him without being prejudice at the same time. “Yes.” He mumbled.

“Open your eyes and we’re there.”

Kuroko smiled, even though Kagami can barely see it, and then placed his hand on top of Kagami’s which is on his head. “Thank you, Kagami-kun.”

“For what?” The red-head puzzledly responded.

“I don’t know.”

“Huh?”

“Maybe just for being there and for agreeing as my light.”

“Ugh, stop saying embarrassing things again, Kuroko.” Kagami complained and felt the warmness of Kuroko’s hand on top of his and his cheeks reddened as he looked at the slightly smiling phantom player.

“Kagami-kun?”

The red-head pulled his hand away and looked away. “I-It’s nothing. Go back in your seat and eat already or else you’ll remain short and stop being mistaken as a kid, so—Oomph!” His sentence was cut off when his shadow hand-chopped his stomach before the latter went back to his seat. “Kuroko, you bastard.”

“I already told you many times not to call me a kid and short. If you repeat that mistake again, Kagami-kun, I’ll let you experience my wrath for a day.” The blue-head threatened.

It was 30% joke and 70% truth-- that is what Kagami knows and felt goosebumps rise in his arms.

“After five minutes, we’ll start our practice. You should win the practice game against Awase Gakuen on Monday or else I’ll order you to stay and move or go out of the very cold swimming pool for a whole day the day after our match. Remember it’s almost Christmas and it’s so cold, so if you don’t want to freeze to death—do your best.” Riko warned.

The others shivered.

“Yosh, let’s do this,” Hyuuga yelled before added in a whisper, “or else we’ll die at such young age.”

Let’s now, go to other teams.

IN KAIJO GAKUEN…

“Oi, Kise!” Kaijo’s captain, Kasamatsu shouted from the bench.

The yellow-head who just about to shoot a ball into the hoop using the phantom shot, stopped and turned. “Yes, senpai?”

“Your phone just vibrated twice. I think you got two text messages.” The dark-head replied, wiping his sweat.

“Ah, thank you, captain!” The copycat replied in enthusiasm and approached the bench before taking his phone from his bag and opening it.

“Anyway, we don’t have practice today and the others decided to make this their official day off, why did you come here?” Kasamatsu asked, finishing his bottled water’s contents.

The yellow-head sat beside his captain before turning his attention back to the black-head. “Nothing. I just love this team and basketball too much I can’t go home without making even one shot.” He replied with a sweet smile.

Kasamatsu’s cheeks reddened before he smacked his seatmate’s head.

“Ouch!” Kise grumbled before laughing. “And of course, I love the Generation of Miracles and you too, senpai!” He added before grinning.

Kise covered his head in case he’ll receive another smack in the head , but there was no impact, so he looked up and found his captain blushing and looking away.

“Waah! Kasamatsu-senpai’s blushing!” Kise shouted and laughed.

He received a punch in the stomach. “Ouch! I think that’s enough for today, senpai! That last one hurts a—“ His sentence was cut in mid-sentence when a pair of lips leaned into his.

IN TOUOU GAKUEN…

“Sheesh, Dai-chan, just go in…there already!” Momoi Satsuki grumbled then pushed Aomine once more until he fell on the ground inside their gym.

“But, I don’t want to practice…I’m so tired…”

“So tired? What did you do all day, Aomine?” Imayoshi, Touou’s captain asked.

“Uh…slept, ate, slept, attended few classes, slept again…uh, that’s all.”

“That’s all?!” Kosuke Wakamatsu grunted and huffed. “You lazy bastard.” He mumbled.

“Fine, fine, I’ll practice; beside, Kise’s still in school, so I better occupy my spare time.” Aomine muttered to himself before picking up a ball, dribbled it before he effortlessly shoot it into the hoop making a three-pointer. If a five-pointer is possible then he might have got it.

“As usual, he’s always at his best.” Imayoshi mumbled, then smiled. “I know that you’ll meet up with the GoM again, so after making 20 consecutive shoots in different places in the court—you can go.”

He picked another ball on the ground, he didn’t bother to change his clothes, he was about to shoot when an image of Kise and Kasamatsu flashed in his mind. The ball made a rebound and fell on the ground.

The others stared at him. “He missed? Did something happen?”

“What was that…” Aomine mumbled before gritting his teeth and grabbing his bag.

“Dai-chan, where—“

“I must go or I’ll lose something very very important!” He shouted and ran outside.

“Something important…?” Momoi repeated. “…Could that be…Kise-chin?” She mumbled and hummed a ‘hm’.

AT YOSEN…

“I don’t want to—“

“Here.” Himuro handed the giant violet-head a new flavor of potato stick.

The latter continued walking with the black-head to the bus station to catch the next ride to Rakuzan. Atsushi was commanded by Akashi that they should go to Seirin together.

The two paid for their ride and sat beside each other, the violet-head beside the window.

“Demo, Muro-chin, Aka-chin will get angry if he finds out that you came to pick him up with me.” Murasakibara mumbled, munching the new flavored potato stick in his mouth.

“I won’t come with you in picking him up. I just want to talk with you while we’re in this bus and then I’ll head back home afterwards.” Himuro promised.

“…Ok.”

“So, Kuroko’s hiding a past that only you Generation of Miracles know, right? It turned into a trauma about strangers…and right now, he’s being supported by you. No one knows about it besides you five and him, am I right or am I right, Atsushi?”

“Aka-chin said that I shouldn’t say anything to anyone.”

“You won’t. I already know and just clarifying it.”

“Well then…hm…yeah, Kuro-chin does and we’re his bodyguards. He’s afraid of strangers and his parents. He experienced so much, so we’re here to support him.” The miracle center replied and finished the food in his mouth.

“I thought so. But, don’t worry, I won’t meddle much more after that. I just want to tell you five that some of us are always willing to help if needed.” Himuro offered. “Anyways, Atsushi, what are you afraid of?”

The question caught the giant startled. “Muro-chin,”

“Just tell me so. I’m just curious about it.”

The violet-head sighed. “I’m afraid of Aka-chin. And I’m afraid of being alone in a crowded room. Yes, I’m tall and can always catch attention, but what I meant was…I’m afraid of being left out and being ignored or hated. That’s my fear—I think?”

Himuro glanced at his partner before his lips lifted in a corner. “Don’t worry, Atsushi, you chose the right friend. They’ll never ignore of hate you. You also have me.”

“For that, I’m going to let you see something cute, Muro-chin.” Atsushi replied, took out his phone; searched something then clicked an icon. “Watch this.”

It was video of Akashi poking Kuroko’s cheek. The latter blinked before turning and found his captain beside him. Kuroko poked Akashi’s cheek too before pinching it lightly. “So soft.” They mumbled to each other. Akashi touched his cheek to Kuroko’s. The teal-head blushed before smiling more and rubbed his cheek with his captain’s. They chuckled with the warmness and softness of each other’s cheeks. It was back then when they were still second years.

“S-So cute…” Himuro whispered, wiping the blood running out of his nose.

“These were the others’ reactions about it after they watched it with me secretly.” Atsushi clicked next and there Midorima was in a corner, spacing out and frozen while smiling like he has seen heaven. Aomine’s facing the wall and…the wall was cracked into a big whole as it was proven he smacked his head with it with too much cuteness. Kise was lying on the ground, his soul’s coming out of his mouth and his soul was smiling and ready to face God.

AT RAKUZAN…

Akashi sat on the bench as he wiped his sweat after he dismissed the other team members.

They were already practicing for an hour and half.

Hayama shouted, “Mibuchi-chan!” He shouted and approached Reo Mibuchi and Eikichi Mebuya. “I found this really good....” Akashi didn’t hear the other words Hayama has said after that as his mind blurred and he found his mind playing with him. Instead of his current members, in his mind, it was Kise talking enthusiastically with Aomine and Midorima instead of who they really are.

I’m missing them?

In a corner he found one of his members, a second string member who is talking to one of his third year senpai without smiling or making any reactions. The third year was currently eating a slice of lemon to replenish his energy and listens to his kouhai. Akashi’s mind played with him again and instead of the original two, he could see Murasakibara talking with…Tetsuya.

Oh, this is too much torture for me…

I’m missing them…especially Tetsuya...

BACK AT SEIRIN…

“We’ll take a ten minute break and resume. Don’t worry, after this break the practice will only last for twenty minutes.” Riko shouted.

The other collapsed on the floor, the others collapsed on the bench, the others collapsed on the court.

“You idiot, don’t sleep on the ground! It’s cold!” Hyuuga shouted, but also collapsed on the ground, lacked few inches to be able to arrive at the bench.

Kuroko approached the bench, removed his wristbands because they were already wet for too much sweat; placed them on top of his bag and then took out his phone to read his messages.

From: Nuriko Kuroko

Subj: But, Tetsuya…

Mess: Oh, fine, I know that you’re so busy, so I’ll let you off the hook for these two days but after that—you need to go back home. I love you, son, always remember that. Take care and eat well. Tell me how you’ve been for these past months we’re gone when you got back home. See you soon, Tetsuya! Love you! Muah!

And another one; this time it was from his former teammates.

From: Daiki Aomine

Subj: Ugh…

Mess: We’re on our way. Hey, Tetsu, how will you feel if you see your lover being kissed by another person without your lover’s consent? You’ll get angry right? Can I kill Kasamatsu Yukio? If only I can! Ugh! Anyway, I’ll tell you everything later. See you.

From: Ryouta Kise

Subj: Waah, Kurokocchi! T.T

Mess: Aominecchi’s so angry at me! He won’t even talk to me! But he also won’t release my hand. He saw me...um…I’ll tell you later. Please help me, Kurokocchi! I hate seeing Aominecchi angry at me. I dislike making him mad especially when I’m the cause. T.T

From: Atsushi Murasakibara

Subj: …

Mess: Kuro-chin? Anou…Aka-chin asked me to text you to say we’re on our way…so…uh, see you…

From: Seijuro Akashi

Subj: We’re on our way

Mess: Just stay there if your practice’s already done. We’re on our way.

Kuroko decided not to reply; placed his phone back in bag then searched for his wristsbands. “Where are my wristbands?” He mumbled to himself and couldn’t find Nigou. “Nigou…”

He looked at his wrists to double check if the scars are visible and they are. How am I going to continue practicing? He wondered as he stares at his wrists.

“Oi, Kuroko, what are those on your wrists?” Kagami asked, approaching him.

Kuroko panicked as he searched for his wristbands. “No-nothing.”

Kagami narrowed his eyes as he grabbed the hands Kuroko just hid. “Hey aren’t these handcuffs’ marks….and cuts?”

His shadow looked away.

“What’s really happening, Kuroko? What’s up with those marks and cuts…? And just who the hell were those five who you talked with the other day?” Kagami blurted out.

The other Seirin members gasped. Shoot. He slipped.

Kuroko’s eyes widened. “You…You followed us…?”

Kagami gulped then shrugged. “Yeah, I think Akashi knows it though.”

“Do you really want to know it that bad, you cannot trust and wait?” Kuroko mumbled, his voice raising.

“Well, we—“

“Then, know now! I was badly scarred and the only ones who stayed by my side were the Generation of Miracles. I owe them everything that I cannot refuse them! I even owe them my soul and life, that’s why I cannot refuse them. That’s my secret: I was 99% dead but they still saved me.”

“W-What…?”

Kuroko frowned angrily; grabbed his bag and was about to get out of the gym when Kagami grabbed his wrist. “Wait, Kuroko—“

Kuroko pulled his hand away and looked at his light with emotionless eyes. “I’ve had enough. I—“ He was cut off when an arm was wrapped around his waist.  He blinked before turning his head. “Sei-kun…”

Akashi sighed before placing two wristbands on the phantom player’s wrists. “Don’t worry, Tetsuya.”

“Like what Kagamicchi said before. This is our drama and we decide its plot.”

“Fortunately, Seirin are not the antagonists. They’re the supporting actors and actresses that will be useful when needed.” Aomine added.

“Yum~”

“No…NO!”

Kuroko’s eyes widened before he closed it. “No…”

“We still won’t tell you the truth. But what we can for now is that Kuroko needs you. He’s afraid of strangers. He’s afraid to trust anyone. He’s afraid to be hurt. He’s afraid of the dark. He’s afraid of being alone. And lastly, he’s afraid of being an outcast, being ignored, being called useless, being called worthless, and being too invisible. He needs you, so do your part correctly.” Midorima mumbled, pushing his glasses.

“So that’s why…” Kagami murmured with the others. He approached his shadow and raised a fist. “I’m sorry for being too dense. Can you please continue trusting us especially me, your new light? I’ll do my best.”

Kuroko thought about it; raised his fist and bumped it with his. “Of course. I choose Seirin because I know that you won’t leave me and that I can trust you—just like how I trust the Generation of Miracles.”

Kagami smiled. The other members of Seirin also did and raised a fist like a symbol of being there to their phantom player.

“If we’re not the antagonists, who are?” Riko queried.

“Hm,” Murasakibara hummed.

“We are.” Five different voices replied. Five individuals jumped from the most top benches in the gym and landed on the court.

Kentarou Shin the leader made a smile and slightly opened his always closed eyes. Isshin Toshita licked his lips before grinning. Yuuta Fujiyama, Hurio Kotiyo, Touma Hiika were the other three.

“You five…!” Aomine grumbled.

“Why are they here…?” Hyuuga gasped.

“You know them?” Midorima asked.

“They’re our next opponent on Monday—Awase Gakuen High School. One of the most famous High Schools here in Japan.” Izuki replied.

“Yes, Isshin, Kentarou, Hurio, Yuuta and Touma are all part of Awase Gakuen.” Akashi seconded with angriness, menace and hatred in his voice.

“Good to see you again.” Isshin greeted. “My Tetsuya.”

Kuroko took a step backward. “You’ve got to be kidding me…Not you! Not you five of all people!”

A/N: Well, damn.

I just love making conflicts. It’s so exciting!