“Oi, Kise.” Aomine tapped his shoulder. Only then, Kise broke out of his train of thoughts. He shifts his gaze from the ground to the man in front of him. Realizing they are about to begin their rehearsals, he quickly gets on his two feet. He plastered his usual model smile; there was nothing, but a forced smile as he walks towards the front center of them on the stage, “Gomen, Gomen.”

“Are you alright, Kise?” Hibiki approached the younger man. The blonde turns to his right where Hibiki stood, he smiled, “Yep!” then he busied himself with his microphone. He has been watching the keyboardist sudden behavior change after he bumped into him down the hallway in the hotel. His eyes were red and puffy, as if he has been crying.

.

.

He was humming as he walks down the hallway. He looked at his watch as his smiled, looking forward to see his beloved sister. On the other hand, Mayuzumi fall asleep right after they reached the hotel room and Nana, she was in her own room, resting. He was not surprise; it has been a long day after all. Kagami invited him to join them for dinner at 8 pm and so, he was on his way to the two siblings.

“Otto. Hmmm? ” He walked into someone. His sea blue orbs widen at the man in front of him. Kise Ryota, the keyboardist of the Generation of Miracles. The younger man looked slightly disoriented. His eyes were puffy and red. Kise finally realize whom he has walked into, he quickly looked away as he covers his face using his right arm, avoiding eye contact with him, “Sorry, Minoru-san.” He quickly left the bassists.

“Hmm, that was weird.” He mumbles as he turns to the right corner where his sister room is. He knocks on the door. It took a couple minutes before the door open. He smiled the moment he saw his beloved sister, then the smile fell when he saw her puffy cheeks and eyes. He furrowed, “What happened, Tsuki-chan?” his tone changed. Behind him, Kagami finally arrived but just like him, he furrowed, quickly turn into his overprotective brother mode.

“It’s…no…thing…I…just…woke…up…that’s…why…” she said that but Hibiki knows it is not because she just woke up. People do not get puffy cheeks, red eyes, and traces of tears on their cheeks from waking up. If his sister doesn’t want to say more about it, he would let it go for now.

.

.

The older man sighed, not only Kise has been acting weird but his sister too, Kuroko Tetsuki has been avoiding Kise at all times since this morning when they had their breakfast. She did not look at him, she did not spoke to him, and she didn’t even approach him like she usually did. While Kise was not being him at all, he often dazes out, he often forced a smile, and he did not throw himself at Kuroko like he usually did.

What happened between both of them?

______________

In the hotel garden, while the others were away for their rehearsals, Reo took the opportunity to have a nice conversation with the bluenette. He stops pushing the wheelchair nearby the fountain as he sat down as he watched Kuroko smiled at the sight of the beautiful garden.

He did his part in researching Kuroko’s background and along the way, he found out the bluenette life were numbered. He didn’t mention any of this to anyone else; he simply wants to know more about her. He has watched several of her performance ever since she came into public with her identity. Just like what his old friend once said.

.

.

“What does this Kuroko Tetsuki has that Suzuki Luka doesn’t have?”

Reo sipped his coffee as he eyed the vocalist who walks towards the glass window of the office, he chuckles lightly, “That’s the funny part. She doesn’t have anything but at the same time, she has everything. “

“Is that so…” he trails off.

Akashi turns around. “You’ll understand one day, why I chose her.”

.

.

He hummed as he eyed the former pianist, “Have you ever thought of living a luxurious life? I mean…you are one of the few top musicians and you could easily go anywhere you want instead of sticking around your brother, Kagami. Would have been better if you lived your life to the fullest?” the bluenette blinked at him as she tilted her head a bit, looking at him as if he just asked the stupidest question on earth.

“Why….should…I…? I’m…al…ready…liv…ing…my…life…to the…full…est…” her answer surprised him. Most musicians or artists he met so far, doesn’t have much humbleness left in them.

She looked at the blooming red roses that remind her of Akashi’s beautiful ruby eye and his spiky hair color. Her expression softened but her smile never left, “My …bro…thers…is…where…I …belong…now…I used…to…think…I was…all…alone …but…Hibi…nii…sama…never…gave…up…sear…ching…for…me...I’m…really…glad…he…didn’t …gave…up…” gently, she caressed the red rose in front of her.

Reo wanted to test her more and so, “I bet as a top musician and song writer, you earned more than any of us here in the hotel. So why haven’t you spend it on anything?” he knows all the money that Kuroko had earned from her debuts and songs released past years has been donated to a research facilities across the globe to fund for a cure research to certain disease.

Then, she looked at the raven-haired vocalist, as she smiled, “I don’t …need…mater…ialist…ic life… I like…the…way…I had …lived…my…life…so…it’s…more…than…enough…I am…happy…with…what…I have…”

He laughs lightly as his hands brushed through his bangs, pushing it behind. Reo rested his chin on his left knuckles as his eyes fixed on the bluenette in front of him, “Now, I can see why Sei-chan was so into you.” He smiled warmly as he stood up. Looking at the bushes of blooming red roses.

“To be honest, before I came to meet you. I doubted Sei-chan’s choice. Partly because of what happened between him and Suzuki. He went through a lot because of her. As a friend, I do feel frustrated and disappointed in myself. Unable to help him…” he sighed. Then he shifts his gaze to the pianist next to him.

“But now that I see for myself what kind of person you are. I’m glad that I’ve met you and I’m truly happy for Sei-chan to live his life with you by his side, even though it was for a short while. You brought colors and smiles to him and I’m grateful for my old friend for having such a wonderful person by his side. Thank you, Kuroko-chan. You’re an amazing woman.” 

He gently ruffles with her soft bangs, “Never forget that.” He truly is happy for his old friend.

______________

It was a day before the concert. Everyone was busy and Reo often drops by to accompany her but today, he had to fly back to Tokyo since he had skipped several days of practice with the others in his band. Just like the Generation of Miracles and EUTERPE, he’s also busy with an upcoming concert in London.

With everyone’s completely exhausted from the rehearsals, Kuroko didn’t bother any of them. Mayuzumi did dropped by the room. A tray of a handmade vanilla milkshake and the chocolate cake she loves so much. They were handmade by the bassist himself. While Kagami, he passed out the moment he reached his bed, with the help of Hibiki, she manages to tuck him into bed. That goes without saying; it took a lot from Hibiki to drag the bigger man to the bed from the couch.

Her brother, Hibiki also didn’t spoke much. Just a simple smile and hug before he left her for bed, she knows everyone has been working to the bone especially for this particular concert. It’s inhumane for anyone to struggle to get a second album up and about within three weeks but yes, they all did it without complaining.

…

The day has finally arrived. The concert crew has been busy since wee hours of the morning. The hotels were pack with people who came over to watch the concert. Both band members were busy with another short rehearsal before the afternoon comes in. Kuroko has been watching them from afar with the pink haired manager accompanied her.

Satsuki was talking on the phone with someone before she turns around after ending the call, “Nee, Kuroko-chan. We need to get you to be dressing room for a change of clothes.” Kuroko didn’t say much other than nodding. She wonders why she needs to change her clothes when she’s only watching from the backstage.

Of course, she didn’t know what been set for her by Nijimura and the others.

_______________

By nightfall, the open concert vicinity was completely packed. The stage crews were checking the lights, scripts and everything else. People rushed here and there when she opens the door of her dressing room. She peeked outside, still hasn’t seen any trails of her friends. Her shoulder fell. Slowly, she closes it until someone stopped it.

“Tsuki-chan~” she blinked as she looked up. There, her brother, Minoru Hibiki slashes Kuroko Hibiki smiling at her. He was already clad in his own attire. Clad in white sleeveless jacket, underneath it is a black shirt and white jeans. Around his neck, hangs several necklaces, his hair left a bit disheveled but it gave him the bassist vibe around him.

He made his way to the couch after closing the door. He sighed as he closes his eyes for a while before focusing back on his sister who has been silent, “What’s wrong?” he scooted closer to her with his hands rested on her soft locks. She looked at him then she smiled, “I’m…glad…to…see…you…nii…sama…”

He could read the lonely expression on her face; he smiled warmly as he pulls her into a hug without saying a word. She blinked, “Nii…sama…?” she could hear him sighed heavily, “Sorry…Tsuki-chan, for leaving you all alone while we’re here. We brought you here so we can spend more time with you but…” his blue orbs sadden. She smiled.

‘I guess, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.’

She pulls her brother away, “Nii…sama…it’s…okay…I know…you…were…all…busy…” she held her brother hands. Assuring him that, she’s okay. Hibiki looked at her. He wasn’t smiling nor frowning. He just felt sad. Time is running out and here they are all the way from Tokyo. If it weren’t for his beloved sister, he would have ditched all his work just to spend more time with her.

This is frustrating.

He puts a smile up as he nods slightly, “I promise, tomorrow we will have loads of fun. Together with everyone else.” Seeing her smile made his heart happy but at the same time…

Frustrated.

“Hibiki-chan, we’re starting in 10 minutes and the stage crew wants us gather at the meeting room for a short briefing.” Nana pocked her head into the changing room. She grins wide at the bluenette before excusing herself.

Hibiki sighed heavily, “Well I guess, that’s for tomorrow. I’ll see you at the backstage in a few.” With that, the room became silent once again. Her smile fell. She looked at the dressing table mirror.

‘Everyone‘s chasing for their future while I …’

____________

On the backstage, everyone was waiting for the cue from the stage crew to get onto the stage. Kuroko watched her friends checking their guitars and what not. Kise has been avoiding eye contacts with her. Kagami was getting his bass guitar ready while talking to her brother, Hibiki. Then, the two of them noticed those sapphires was watching them.

Hibiki turns around, “We will make you proud, Tsuki-chan.” He gently ruffles with her soft locks.

She knows, they will never let her down. She gave him a supportive warm smile, “Good…luck…every…one…”

____________

One of the stages light turns on at the middle where the concert announcer stands. Each audience focused onto the stage, “EVERYONE! WELCOME TO THE CONCERT OF THE YEAR. TONIGHT WE WILL BE OFFICIALLY RELEASING TWO ALBUMS! YES! TWO ALBUMS! SO, LET’s GIVE IT UP TO THE NEW GENERATION OF MIRACLES AND EUTERPE!” she announced.

The sound of the guitarist and bassist began their parts, followed by the drummist. The stage lights gave a hard white light, before it darkens a bit, focusing the front lights onto the blonde haired former keyboardist now vocalist of the band, “The things I couldn’t give up on were like crystallized forms of my triumphs.” There stood in the front center of the stage with a microphone in his hands, Kise Ryota as he sang.

[Dried up Youthful Fame by OLDCODEX]
“If I can just learn to face the end with a smile, I’ll never make the wrong choice again! From this perfectly clear place, I finally began noticing, the shadows of the birds above!!” he sang with all his might. He will not let anyone down. He will give his best.

Nijimura leans against the wall as both of them watched the flat screen TV down the hall. Kuroko was so focus on watching the performance that he thought she might have forgotten he’s there. Then he shifts his gaze to the screen in front.

.

.

He puts down the folder on the table, “Okay. Now that the plan has been, approve. We need a replacement singer for the GoM.” Each of the male members of the said band exchanged looks. To find a singer in such short notice is impossible. He rested his chin on top of his hands.

“I don’t think anyone could sing properly in the band other than Akashi and Tetsu.” Kagami folded his arms as he leans back. Aomine nodded.

“Then what about that one time performance you guys did for Kuroko-chan’s graduation night.” Nijimura added while Murasakibara stuffed a chip, “But that was because for Tsuki-chin~ not for public~~ Kise stayed silent as he was lost in his own thoughts. The young president of Rakuzan Agency eyed him.

“Kise.” Gaining the blonde keyboardist and everyone else attention, they all looked at him, “Yeah?” he answered as he straightened his back on the chair, “You.” Nijimura added. Kise tilted his head a bit. Not understanding what’s the president wants, “What’s me?” Nijimura could face palmed if he could.

“You’ll take Kuroko-chan’s and Akashi’s place as a vocalist for the band.” It took several minutes for the keyboardist to register what he just said before he shoots up from his seat, “NO! There is no way I can be the vocalist! I AM A KEYBOARDIST! NOT A SINGER! I DON’T SING!” he protested. True. He’s not someone who can sings very well or so he thinks. An eyebrow rose at what the keyboardist just said.

“That’s not what I saw back then. You sang very well. In fact, Akashi was the one who recommended you to me if things don’t go well for him to continue to be the band’s vocalist and everyone that’s essential to move the band to the next step has already your talent. Isn’t that right, everyone?”  Everyone else in the band nodded. He smiled, “There you go.”

Aomine looked at the keyboardist, “The boss’s right, ya know. I ain’t gonna sing with my frog voice so yeah I’m outta the list.” He yawned a little. Murasakibara nodded, “Kise-chin, I can’t sing because I’m a drummist and no one else in the band can replace my part and you know I can’t sing. So that’s left you and Kaga-chin but he don’t like singing too~~so now only you~~” Kagami eyed him.

“But I can’t –“

Nijimura sighed. They’ve been in this meeting room for three hours and only this matter hasn’t been settle, “Kise. There’s no one else that fits the role than you. Kuroko-chan’s not in any condition to be on stage anymore. So, please understand.”  He pleads to the young keyboardist. There was uncertainty expression on his face. Nijimura knows that Kise were torn between guilt and what not. Nothing going pass Nijimura after all.

Kise looked at him; “I …understand…” he sat down. Nothing’s worst than having to force someone to be a last minute replacement for the spot but he knows this is the one thing that can bring the band forward.

.

.

He watched the screen as the band from his agency performed the fifth song, he smirked, ‘I guess Akashi’s intuitions is right. Kise’s talents were hidden by his keyboarding performances. How did I miss this one?’

…

Aomine played his part in the guitar as Kise began to sing the fifth song from the first album, “Though I'm alone, I think I can cross over 
the distant tomorrow, as long as it's still dawn~~~”he trails off.

His sweats rolls down his neck under the scorching heat from the stage lights above them, “Every day, you do something and lose something, having stood at the ready made it easier.” Kagami’s bass supported the song from behind.

…

Someone opens the door, “Nijimura-san, EUTERPE will be up soon. Think you can go to the backstage for a bit?” one of the stage crew gestured outside the door. He nodded, “Kuroko-chan, I’ll be back soon. Stay here.” She nodded. Then, she looked at the screen again.

[Heart of Sword by T.M Revolution]

“Hiding my passionate, heartbroken self, I go on living in this short era~” the song took a sharp turn after this verse ends. The fans went nuts at the new vocalist and songs. Kagami’s solo came up.

His throat felt dry from all the singing but he didn’t stop, “Because this love will keep returning, no matter how many times, we go through this, these feelings won't be erased, even as they collide 
It would be illogical to condemn them~”

________________

“And why the hell did you drag me all the way here? I hate music.” The silver haired assassin glares at the detective next to him.  They were standing far away from the stage, since Haizaki being a brat, disliking the idea of having a crowd near him.

Himuro looked around, “Well first, we came here because Taiga gave us extra tickets. Second, we can’t really let Tsuki-chan out of our sight, can we?” he watched the ongoing performance by the Generation of Miracles. Just like Haizaki, he dislike crowds, he could feel migraines coming from the screams and all.

He laughed nervously, “Well, we just gotta hang on until it ends.” He received a death glare from Haizaki.

“Whatever.” He replied. Himuro noticed the first band, Generation of Miracles finally ends their parts as the second band, EUTERPE gets onto the stage in the dark.

[IGNITE BY EIR AOI]
“Take aim in this paradoxical world and pull the trigger without hesitation!”Nana sang as the bassist and keyboardist support the intro. The drummist gave cue as the light shines up, revealing the EUTERPE members, Kise as the keyboardist, and Murasakibara as the drummist this time. Nana stood at the front center, “Once I felt the warmth of a falling tear. I thought I’d understood what kindness was…”

The audience went wild the moment the female vocalist sang.

___________

Kagami sighed as he sat down on the plastic chair at the backstage. He gulped down a whole bottle of water within minutes, as Satsuki hands out hand towels to each of the band members. He then, saw Kuroko wheeling herself towards them. Quickly he gets up and went towards her. He crouched down, “What are you doing here?”  he noticed on his sister lap, his dark crimson hand towel and a bottle of water.

“I…thought…you…would…need…these…but…i…see…you…already…have…them…” she looked at the hand towel on the bassist hands. Kagami looked at his hands, “Ah, these. Don’t worry about it. I don’t really like these kind of hand towels anyway. Besides, I kinda need another bottle of water. Can I have that?” he grins as he gestured at the items on her lap. She blinks then she nodded. Carefully, she gave them to him. He smiled gratefully, “Thanks, Tetsu.”

Aomine watched the two from the side, he chuckles lightly, ‘So, he said he doesn’t have a sis-con.’ He thought. Satsuki hit him on the head, he groaned, “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?” She glares at him, “I know you’re thinking weird stuff about them. Quit it! Focus on the concert instead!”

The two watched the pinknette and the guitarist squabbling with each other until Nijimura gave them that glare. Immediately shutting them up. Of course, who dares to go against him anyway? He’s practically a devil reincarnate aside from Akashi.

________

[Love Is a Beautiful Pain by Endless Tear ft Maiko Nakamura]
After the eight songs from the second album ends, the sound of the grand piano resonate throughout the vicinity, as Nana follows the rhythm created by the blonde haired keyboardist slash vocalist now slash pianist, “Being engulfed in your soul, I made a vow to love when I am unable to sleep at night, the matter how hard I try.”

“I want to meet you right now. My tears won't stop flowing. I want to touch you. Because I love you, it hurts a lot. The more my tears won't stop overflowing. Although I am still unable to see you, I love you more than anybody else does…” skillfully he played the piano on each keys, not missing any rhythm. He admits Nana has a beautiful voice but compare to Kuroko, he prefers the latter but hey who’s he to compare.

He sang his duet part, “I don't want to let go of your hand. Don't want to be apart from you. Love you Baby, Love for you, I won't let you go again.” he continues playing the piano as Nana continues to sing. Sure, it’s hard for one man to do many things in one concert. Shifting from vocalist to keyboardist then to pianist but seeing Kuroko, he couldn’t help but to agree and do his best.

…

Kuroko watched Kise performed the duet. Kise never showed that exhausted face, instead he kept singing and performing. She could see his jacket and undershirt was already soaking wet from being under the stage light none stop.

.

.

Kuroko was going to the hotel garden, when Kise saw her. Quickly, she tries to avoid him but being on a wheelchair, isn’t the best thing to use against someone who can run, “Please, Kuroko-chii. Let me explain else I would regret this forever.” He stopped her. Hesitated to be with someone as dangerous as Kise but the people nearby were watching them. Uncomfortably she nods her head.

“It’s an unforgiveable act, isn’t it, Kuroko-chii…?” he looked at her. Streams of guilt floods his once happy go lucky ambers.

No emotions can fit how she felt towards the blonde now, “Why…did…you…did…it…?” disappointed with Kise. Her former partner couldn’t say anything more, “I was jealous. Truly jealous of Akashi-chii…before I know it, I was blinded by jealousy…” he crouched down as he buries his face into his arms. He sighed heavily.

“No amount of forgiveness can amend what I did…”

.

.

She looked at the silver ring on her finger, then to Kise who was performing together with the EUTERPE. Kise really did look terrible yesterday. Even on stage, he still looked so lost. He did truly regret his actions. He didn’t even ask for forgiveness from her. He knows what he has done was wrong but he still…

‘If someone truly knows what he has done and regrets it then, he deserves to be forgiven. That’s what you’ll do too, Sei…?’

Nijimura sighed. Things gotten complicated than he expected as he looked at the pianist from the corner of his eyes.

_____________

A nurse knocked on the door, “Midorima-sensei, someone from the Ministry of Medical Research on the phone asking for you. He said it’s important.” Midorima shifts his focus to the phone on his working table. Takao was away having a meeting with the other doctors in his department. Somehow, he felt uneasy with this certain call. He picked it up, “Midorima’s speaking.”

After a few minutes of talking. Several frowns and flashes of anger appear on the calm doctor face. “You are officially dismissed from the research team, Doctor Midorima. From here on now, you are no longer part of the research team.” His emerald orbs widen.

“Why would you dismiss me from the team?! I’ve been in the team for 10 years! She is my patience, of course I would do everything I can to find a cure!” his tone changed. Takao enters the office the startled when his old friend slammed the table. Then the call abruptly ends. Midorima looked at the phone before slamming it back onto its place.

“Shin-chan, what’s wrong?” he knows the forest green haired doctor don’t lost his calm unless someone tested his patience.

“They dismissed me from the research team.”

He frowned, “What the…”

______________

The concert finally ends with both albums officially released but no one looks like they’re stopping. Both the Generation of Miracles and EUTERPE were on the backstage. The stage director gestured to the Rakuzan president. Satsuki was pushing her wheelchair towards the entrance of the backstage, “Sat…suki…san…?”

The pinknette smiled at her as she crouched down in front of the bluenette, “Kuroko-chan, whatever we’re going to do from now on, is for you.” She gave a kiss on the cheek. Kuroko was puzzled. Everyone else smiled at her.

“Now to end the concert today, we have invited a very special guest who also wrote all the songs in the first and second albums that both bands have performed today. Let us welcome, Kuroko Tetsuki who also known as HEAVEN!” she announced as the audience claps. Wondering what else the concert has for them. They know in the program list was only the two albums songs performance.

Satsuki pushed the wheelchair to the stage, where all eyes focused on the bluenette. Kuroko began to panic as she felt very uncomfortable with all the gazes on her, ‘What’s going on…?’Then Kise and the rest of the Generation of Miracles went onto the stage, Kise took the mic from the announcer.

He smiled at the bluenette, “Kuroko-chii, today we want to thank you for everything you have done for us all these years. We found a irreplaceable friend. We know you’ve been through a lot and we also know that, Akashi would want you to watch this.” He gestured at the large flat screen on the stage. While the rest of the flat screens around the vicinity began to show something.

…

[Matsushita Yuya – See You]
The sound of a piano being played gracefully resonate, “No matter what kind of future awaits us, I wanted us to see it together, at a distance close enough to convey all our feelings, I already knew that you were leaving, But I couldn’t say anything to encourage you…” her sapphires widen as her lips began to tremble. On the screen, shows Akashi playing the piano as he sang.

“After I held you tight for the last time, my heart was engulfed in warmth, and in just as much grief.” After the verse ends, the screen showed him recording Kuroko’s happy moments with his hidden video camera. Some were recorded when he’s near her. She never knew she could smile like that when she’s with him.

“You gave me all your love and brought me happiness until we meet again until you find your true self don’t forget to smile”

One of the scenes made her tears fell; it was one of the videos taken before her first debut. In the changing room where Akashi spoke to her about her being nervous and all.

.

.

 Akashi smiled at her, "I see that you're doing alright." He sat down on one of the nearby stool as he looked at her, "To be honest, I was expecting to see you feeling a little nervous."

She giggles, "Silly, of course I'm nervous. I can't really show it, can I?" he hummed, "True…" he trails off. Everything went silent, "Tetsuki, there's something I want to talk about to you after the concert ends. Would you hear me out later?" he shifts uncomfortably in his seat. She noticed this as she tilted her head, "Sure, I'll hear you out."

.

.

“You never liked to make me worry, so you won’t tell me even if something’s happened, but once I notice that you’re hiding your pain, I will rush over to you…” Akashi continues to sing in the background as videos after videos played on the screen. She brought her hands to her mouth as tears began to fall.

.

.

This time Hibiki’s holding the video camera while the red head was busy with something in his bag pack before the practice starts, “You really should propose to her. My eyes bleed watching you delaying it. If you want a push, I can help you out.” He approached the vocalist who was nodding away. Ignoring the guitarist comment.

He chuckles lightly as he looked at the ruby colored box that once contained the silver ring he bought for her, “I’ll propose to her soon.” He smiled before pushing Hibiki away.

.

.

“Holding your large baggage at the other side of the cold door, you said “Thank you” with trembling lips”

However, the proposal never happens. He didn’t make it in time; he passed away before he could… Her small frame trembles as she forced herself to watch it until the end. Some of the audiences were in tears. 

.

.

“Over there. Ryota, Daiki, quit quarreling and stand here. You’re wasting time.” He glares at the two baboons as Satsuki was preparing to take the group photo. From the corner of his eyes, he looked at the bluenette. Without anyone noticing, he scooted a little closer to her. No one saw but only Kuroko and Akashi.

He held her hands. He smiled to her. The camera captured the photo at the right moment when Kuroko returns his smile.

.

.

“Whenever you feel like you’re alone, look up at the vast and boundless sky, even if we have chosen to go different ways, at our destinations, repeatedly, surely, we will encounter each other once more”

She remembers this. She remembers Akashi held her hands ever so gentle yet firm. Never letting her go. Her sapphires were glaze with tears. She still remembers the smile Akashi did. It was warm, gentle smile. A smile that he only shows to her.

“Your dream is my dream too, because you showed me that same ray of hope, I will support you all the way, ever since the day I made that promise, I had believed in you, and I always will, right now, right here, I am”

.

.

“May I have this dance, Milady?” he bows to her as he hands out his right hands. She blinks then she smiled, accepting his hands as she bowed as well, “Of course, Milord.” She smiled. Akashi’s hands protectively hold her waist as one of her hands up on Akashi’s right shoulder.

“Saying goodbye because I love you, you gave me all your love and brought me happiness, until we meet again, until you find your true self.”

The two of them dance on the stage as the stage crew and the others stopped and watched them danced. Some smiled. Akashi looked at her lovingly while Kuroko was doing the same. They danced and danced, forgetting the world around them. 

.

.

“Until the day we meet again…” The video halted at both of them smiled lovingly at each other before it slowly darkens. They could hear sobs from the bluenette as the stage lights lightens up. Revealing a tearing up Kuroko Tetsuki as pearls of tears fell after one another.

Kise approached the bluenette, “Kuroko-chii…we—“he was about to say more when she cuts him off in the midst of her tears, “Thank…you…” his amber orbs widen. No matter how heartless a human is, they will tear up at this sight. It took everything Kise has not to cry.

“Thank…you…so…much…” she said with a hoarse voice. She smiled at him, “Ari…gato…min…na…” she hugged Kise, “Thank…you…” was the only word she can utter right then. Kise couldn’t hold it anymore as a pearl of tear fell down his cheeks.

He hugs her back, “You’re most welcome…Kuroko-chii…”

The rest of the Generation of Miracles and EUTERPE surrounded the bluenette, forgetting that they’re on stage in front of a live camera. Hibiki smiled at her, “No matter what, we will always be here for you.” Satsuki chuckles lightly, “That’s right, Tsuki-chan, everyone will always be there for you.” Satsuki wraps her arms around the bluenette from behind, “Always.”

The audience began clapping as some tries to hold their tears. They cheered for the musicians on the stage. Now, they can see why HEAVEN’s a great musician. She brought all of them together effortlessly. They attracted to her like a moth attracted to lights. She was the light for them. The one that guides them through the dark. Despite everything that has happened.

Kuroko Tetsuki is an irreplaceable friend and family.

_____________

Himuro clapped as he smiled, “She’s truly amazing.” Haizaki smirked, “You never stop surprising me.” As he looked at the stage where the commotion just happened after the unannounced video ends.

‘You’re truly an amazing woman, Tetsuki.’

___________

When the concert finally ends. They return to the changing room. While Kuroko went to hers. With the help of the assistants Nijimura has gathered, she finally changed into a much comfortable clothes. They excused themselves to help with the other crew packing.

She looked into the mirror; she could see trails of tears still there. Her cheeks slightly red, her eyes were red. She tries wiping those trails of tears off then she stopped abruptly when she saw shines from the ring she has on. She smiled as she brought her right hands to her chest, ‘You’re right, Sei. I’m never alone. I still have them.’

Suddenly the door opens quietly, before she can turn around, she could feel someone holding her firmly yet roughly. Her orbs widens in fear when a small cloth scented with chloroform, covered her nose. She tried to struggle but failed as she slowly fell into depths of darkness. The last thing she heard was a smirked.

_____________

Kagami was still busy packing his belongings and guitar into the bags. It was late and he rather not stays here any longer since Kuroko needed her rests after a long day. He was so sure that she’s exhausted. Aomine was humming as he taps the table, watching everyone else still packing their stuffs.

Kagami eyed him, seeing he still hasn’t done with his things, he might as well. He straightened his back, “Aomine, can you get Tetsu here?” the tanned guitarist nodded, “Sure thing.” With that, he left the male changing room. Everyone was still busy when he passed by the hall. Humming as he was on his way to the girl’s changing room, he noticed the door were open.

He poked his head inside then frowned, “Tetsu?” he enters the room. Her belongings and wheelchair was still there but the bluenette was nowhere in sight. Then, he noticed traces of dirt on the white marble floor. He searched entire room but nothing. He couldn’t find her. He knows Kuroko’s unable to walk anymore but why the wheelchair was there without her….

“Hey, do you where HEAVEN went? Did you see her?” he grabs one of the stage crew that was passing by. He shook his head, “No. She should still be in there. Your manager hasn’t come to get her.” Aomine got a bad feeling about this. Then, he began asking around.

‘No one knows where she is.’ He quickly ran back to the changing room. Panting lightly, he found Kagami, “Oi, Kagami! Tetsu’s not in there! She’s gone! ” Aomine half shouted as he approached the red haired tiger. All eyes widen. Hibiki who was passing by froze as he barged into the room.

Quickly, Kagami ran to the changing room where Kuroko was in, followed by several others. Panic began to build up. The others began to search the entire backstage. No one saw Kuroko.

 ‘TETSU!!! WHERE ARE YOU?!’ 

….

On the ground, lays the bluenette. Tied in ropes both her wrists and ankles. Lying on the dirty ground, staining her clothes and her soft blue locks disheveled. Her pale fair skin, dirty. Covered with bruises and wounds. Looming over her, smirking and grinning like a mad woman.

“Seijuro will be forever mine! I will never stop until you’re dead.” She kicked the unconscious pianist in the stomach.

_______________

Himuro met up with a panic Kagami, “Tetsu’s gone! They can’t find her anywhere! Not even through the surveillance camera!”His breathe hitched. Quickly he turns around, “Haizaki, whe—“the said man has disappeared from his sight. He tries calling for the assassin through his phone but no answer. He couldn’t trace the man’s whereabouts either.

‘Was it wrong that he trusted an assassin in this matter?! DID HE BETRAY HIM?’ He quickly calls for the police. They need to find Kuroko as soon as possible. If they’re too late, there’s a possibility, she might not be alive anymore.

_____________

Running through the woods, he pants heavily. He looked at his phone. He gritted his teeth as the detector still far away, from where he was. He kept running. Sharp branches cuts his cheeks and arms, he didn’t care. He needs to find her. The wound on his torso hurts so badly but that didn’t matter.

‘Please, be alive!’ he plea to the high heavens. When he arrived at the detector location. It was a small wooden house in the middle of nowhere. He saw the black van parked nearby. Then the light in the house. Quietly, he approached the vicinity with his gun in his hands. He puts every skill he has used in the past to use. He could hear someone hitting something. Someone cursing and shouting in the house. Through the small window, he peeked carefully,

His blood boiled when he saw the unconscious bluenette on the ground. Covered with bruises and wounds. Just as he was about to move back, he could feel something pointed at the back of his head.

“So you’re still alive.”

Haizaki curses inwardly for his carelessness. He knew who voice it was. Quickly, he crouches down and kicks the other hired assassin off his footings, and then he took the chance to grab the fallen gun and punched Hanamiya in the face.

Hanamiya growled, “Don’t you get it, that bitch is deceiving you!” Haizaki silvery orbs sharpen dangerously at the vulgar word. Hanamiya kicked him in the stomach.

“She’s not!”

…

Luka heard the commotion outside frowned when she saw the familiar former hired assassins wrestling with Hanamiya. She curses, and then she pulls the bluenette by the arms and drags her to the black van. A bullet are shot at the van, missed her by an inch. Haizaki struggles as he tries to get the gun away from the other.

“I should have killed you and her when I had the chance!” Hanamiya kicks him once again. He grabs the gun on the ground and points it at Kuroko who was beginning to regain her consciousness. Haizaki hand chopped the latter, “DON’T YOU DARE!” he grabs a handful of sand and throws it to Hanamiya’s face. Quickly, he grabs the gun on the ground, and then he ran towards the two near the van.

His murderous intent intimidates the brunette. She pulls a knife out from her jacket and pressed the blade onto the bluenette neck, “I’m still not done with her yet! You can have her corpse when she’s dead!”

“Hai…sa…ki…san…” Kuroko tries to reach for him but she could feel the blade cutting through her flesh. Tears fell. It was agonizing. Haizaki were truly mad as his silver orbs sharpen dangerously. He points his gun towards the two, “I once told you, I never missed a target, didn’t I? You get to see it firsthand…right now.” He pressed on the trigger. It shot her right on the shoulder. She screamed in pain as Kuroko fell onto the ground.

Haizaki never let his eyes off Luka as he helped Kuroko up. His mood soured even more when he saw bloods from the wounds on her body. He bit his lower lip. He was focused on Luka and Kuroko that he forgotten Hanamiya was still around. While Luka was down on the ground, he puts Kuroko leaning against the tree after covering her top with his stained jacket. He looked at his phone, frowning.

He eyed the bluenette, ‘I need to get her to the hospital ASAP.’

“You’re really are a useless assassin. How can you let your guard down when your enemies is still alive?” Hanamiya stood up as he pulls out another gun from his coat. Haizaki was nowhere near fast enough to get to Kuroko when Hanamiya pulls the trigger.

“STOP!!!” his silver orbs widens as bloods drips down the corner of his mouth. Kuroko was completely shocked. Haizaki turns around, and shoot Hanamiya off. Killing him in the process but that was it. His knees buckle as he collapsed onto the ground.

The bluenette crawls towards him. Bloods began to pool underneath the silver haired man. Two bullets were shot deep into his back, “Hai…za…ki…san!” her hands trembles. She tries to stop the bleeding but it won’t stop. Her hands cover in blood. Then she noticed Haizaki eyes threatened to close, “No! Ple…ase…stay…awake…” she couldn’t breathe properly anymore. Haizaki looked at her, then he cupped her cheeks with his blood stained hands. He smiled.

“I...don’t think…I can…listen to your voice…anymore…” he coughed out bloods as his face scrunched in pain. He wheezed heavily as he kept smiling at her, “Stay…strong…” his visions began to blur by the seconds. He couldn’t see her face anymore. He could feel droplet of tears fell onto his cheeks. His consciousness slowly slipping away as he heard echoes of sirens approaching the area.

...

She looked at him, "Kuroko… Tetsuki…"

...

He need to…

..

"Haizaki-san, music is a wonderful thing. It brought everyone together. All you need is to find your type of songs that will calm your soul like it did to me."

..

“Thank…you…for being…my friend…Tetsuk….” His hands slipped off her cheeks. Her orbs widen. Tears fell, “No!!” she shook his body, “Ple..ase…open…your…eyes…” she hugged the lifeless body.

..

"Kuroko-chan, you only live once. If singing is something you truly love, then you must make the best out of it." He gently ruffles her soft locks.

..

“Plea…se…”

...

 "It does? Then perhaps I should smile a little more." He grins at her.

..

"Don't...leave...me..."

...

"Ya know, music isn't that bad now that I think of it."

"I definitely would listen to them if you're the one who sings them." 

.

.

.

.

.

"Well, I guess I gotta go. See ya around."

____________________________

 A/N - Yep. I just did that. I had to. Don't know why but I had to. Any Haizaki fans in here? I mean my own version of Haizaki in this book. You can come and hit me if you want. Surprisingly, this chapter's not long. I'm a little afraid of writing long chapters - readers might not read it. That's why. Please let me know if you're okay with long chapters or if you're not okay, still let me know. I want to know readers opinions. I'm not happy with this chapter. It's either moving too fast or too slow or something >.>

Anyways, next update will be next week or so. This one took me an entire day. It's hard to get a proper focus when it's not raining for me. Next up chapter 27 , the third last chapter before the book closes for good. 

Songs Used in this chapters are
[Matsushita Yuya – See You]
[Love Is a Beautiful Pain by Endless Tear ft Maiko Nakamura] 
[IGNITE BY EIR AOI] 
[Heart of Sword by T.M Revolution]
[Dried up Youthful Fame by OLDCODEX]

**Next update will be Forbidden Love of a Dragon, Followed by To Daddy Dearest. I've updated Haikyuu fic - Soar Into The sky with chapter three. Would be really nice to see ya guys check those out. Somehow, I'm beginning to think my reader's losing interest of what i'm writing. 

**I posted a new Akashi x OC book - On The Run . Please give it a try. 

P.S - Please don't forget to review :) It means a lot ^^