EDITED: 09-02-2019

A/N: I should be excited but I can't help my nervousness! ^^,! Anyways, WELCOME!
This must be my first ever KnB fiction that I'll be uploading (and yes, I am writing stories but never uploads them. YET XD) Moreover, I'm dedicating this winter story for my wonderful and hardworking Shiro-nee and Emi-nee *both of whom I met in the FF World*, my beautiful kouhais in the editing and arts department and lastly, to my fellow readers, writers and shippers in the KNB fandom :) It might not be as polished like the others *like grammar errors* but I hope you enjoy~

Disclaimer: Kuroko No Basuke belongs to the one and only, Tadatoshi Fujimaki-sensei *v*

White. That was the first thing that Kuroko Tetsuya noticed when he stepped out his building unto the freezing atmosphere. It was seven o'clock but the weak rays of sunlight peaking on the horizon did nothing to melt the snow. Periwinkle blue harmonizing with pink and gold hues painted the morning sky. The fragrance of fairy primrose and luculia blooming somewhere engulfed the still street with a sweet smell.

Kuroko closed his eyes and inhaled the cold breeze to soothe his nerves. To say that he was nervous was a total understatement—he skipped school for a week, after all. Not only that, everyone in Seirin's basketball seemed so eager to visit the young man, worried that he caught the flu going around the school premises. Fortunately, he didn't write his address when he applied in the club a year ago. Else, the whole team would have barged in into the safety of his home two days ago. At the very least, Kuroko had his week's worth of peace.

And contemplation.

An impatient bark shook him from his reverie and stared right into the same blue eyes he possessed. Nigou gave him a look of assurance while rubbing his nose against his leg as if telling him that everything would be fine. He smiled and crouched down, scratching the Siberian's fluffy fur.

"I'm sorry but I will be asking Kagami-kun to look after you," he muttered, his blue eyes glazing. Nigou put his paw on his master's hand and gazed at him. Kuroko couldn't help but chuckle in return. He stood up and brushed a speck of non-existent dust on his coat.

Sighing, he turned once more and smiled. "Should we get going, then?" he asked. Nigou barked excitedly and followed after his master walking ahead of him.

"Ka~ga~mi~kun~" The redheaded guy flinched when someone called his name with a sickening 'sweet' voice. He gulped and turned slowly, gasping in terror.

Aida Riko had her arms crossed over her chest, smiling deviously. Her eyebrows and lips were twitching—a sign that the brunette's annoyed.

Everyone almost backed off, a bit terrified. Hyuuga Junpei, however, sighed. Riko has been livid since Seirin's phantom skipped school and practice without contacting any of them. Worried that something might happen, the team decided to visit him only to find out that no one knew where he lived. To everyone' mixed surprise and disappointment, even Kagami had no idea.

'It is understandable though. Kuroko's part of the team now,' the clutch shooter thought.

"C-coach...?" He was shaking as he took a step backward. The red-haired knew their coach's capability (not to mention when angry) and he didn't want the receiving end of it. Again.

"So~ what about it?" Her voice was filled with venom while tapping a harisen on her hand repeatedly. The scene was a nightmare for Kagami.

"C-coach, let me explain—ouch!" Seirin's ace crouched on his trembling knees, rubbing his head.

"I DON'T WANT EXPLANATIONS, BAKAGAMI! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHERE KUROKO-KUN LIVES, YOU DUMBASS! AND YOU CALL YOURSELF HIS PARTNER? HUH!?"

Yup, she' obviously pissed off. Hyuuga slapped a hand over Izuki's mouth when he saw it open. No one wanted to see Riko raging like a bull. Not now. And especially not forever! On the other hand, Kiyoshi laughed out loud and ruffled the brunette's hair. The first years trembled at their feet at the sight.

"O-oi, is Kiyoshi-senpai asking for a death wish?" Furihata asked, biting his nails.

"Riko's merely-"

"Just shut your mouth, Kiyoshi. And Izuki-" The clutch shooter glared at the point guard with a hint of a promise of punishment if he continued. Izuki must have felt his impending doom on Hyuuga's hands if he didn't shut up and wisely closed his mouth.

"But, Coach! I tried calling him every hour and he's not picking the damned phone."

"DON'T GIVE ME THAT LAME EXCUSE, BAKAGAMI! WHAT ABOUT THE GENERATION OF MIRACLES? AOMINE DAIKI WAS HIS FORMER LIGHT, RIGHT?" Silence followed the brunette's outburst. True to her statement, the Miracles were Kuroko's friends and teammates when they were still playing in Junior High. Sudden change formed a rift within them but thanks to Seirin's unprecedented victory in last year's Winter Cup against Rakuzan, his broken friendship was restored. Or so they thought.

"I'm waiting, Baka-"

"That's impossible, Coach." Another bout of silence filled the quiet gym. Forget practice! Everyone decided unanimously to watch with interest specifically if Seirin's ace had this look of dread and- was that terror reflected on his face? Riko crossed her arms, daring the red-haired to continue.

"Well?"

"I called Ahoumine the day before yesterday and that dumbass-"

With Aomine Daiki . . .

[Huh?! Who the hell is this? I'm bu-]

'Damn it, Aomine! Where the hell are you? It's so freaking loud in there.' Shuffling sounds were accompanied with a few curses and yells before Tōō's ace came back.

[Kagami? Why the hell are you calling me? More like, where did you get my number?]

'Does it matter? Listen, have you receive a text or call from Kuroko lately?'

'Tetsu? Nope, I guess I haven't got once since- OI!' The red-haired cringed away from the phone when Aomine shouted. 'Don't tell me something happened to Tetsu?!'

'You're chickening me out, Aomine! Of course, nothing happened unless skipping practice and school for a week counts!'

Aomine seemed relieved because the next thing he said surprised the red-haired to an extent. 'Good. I don't think I can face Akashi if something did happen.'

Kagami raised an eyebrow even though the other one won't see it. 'Akashi?' he thought. He was about to reply when a few strings of profanities escaped the tanned ace, angry. The whole Tōō team must have been with him since Kagami could overhear Imayoshi's teasing voice and Wakamatsu's wailing one (he caught the word 'girlfriend' though) before his call cut off.

Kagami knew that the whole team wanted to burst into laughter. It was obvious, though. Everyone was holding their stomach while their eyes water, trying not to be rude. They composed themselves when the brunette gave them a look and sauntered off.

"And what about Kise-kun? He likes Kuroko-kun, right?"

"Kise might be the right choice but the moment I asked him-"

With Kise Ryouta. . .

"Ah! Kagamicchi! It's been a while sin-"

"Were you doing something before I called? My bad." Kagami could hear screeching rubber against the polished floor and excited yells. He must be in the middle of basketball activities. On the other hand, Kise waved his apology off by saying he was in the middle of break.

"So, why did Kagamicchi called all of a sudden?"

The red-haired smirked to himself. Maybe he could get answers from Kise. After all, he respected Kuroko as a former teammate and mentor besides from being nosy when it comes to people's matters.

"Yeah, about that- Kuroko's been out of touch since last week and the whole team's worried. Did he call you or something?"

Instead of answering, Kise's high-pitched wails bounced off the empty comfort room the red-haired was.

"AKASHICCHI, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY KUROKOCCHI?! WE HAVE AN AGREEMENT, RIGHT?" Despite the noise the copycat was creating, Kagami swore he heard Kaijou's captain, Kasamatsu, yelling before the call cut off.

"Typical of Kise to exaggerate." Hyuuga complimented. Everyone except Riko and Kagami nodded in understanding.

"I'm worried about the agreement part, though," Izuki muttered, his eyes directed to the red-haired. Kagami raised his hand in defeat.

"I'm curious as well but I don't think we should even ask. I have a terrible feeling about it." Seirin's ace replied.

"How about Murasakibara-kun? Surely, you can ask Himuro-san to help you this time."

"I did but Murasakibara doesn't even know a thing except-"

With Himuro Tatsuya & Murasakibara Atsushi . . .

"Taiga! It's been a while since we last talked. How are things in Tokyo?" Kagami smiled to himself. Occasionally, his half-brother would drop off for a visit or join him and Alex in a festival celebration. However, his visits lessened when basketball season started again.

"The same as it is always. Are you in your class or club practice?"

"Fortunately, I am not. Both classes and club activities are canceled due to a snowstorm." That's expected. Due to its location near the coast, Akita is characterized by cold winters and heavy snowfall. Kagami continued.

"I see. By the way, were you with Murasakibara? I have something to ask of him."

"Hold on a minute." Hushed tones and the sound of television made Kagami concluded that the two must be spending their unproductive day on their dorm lounge, watching. Shuffled noises ensued and the familiar crunch! of maiubo met his ears.

"Muro-chin said you wanted to talk with me?" Murasakibara Atsushi began. Honestly, it was annoying for the red-haired to hear the racket the titan's making. But, instead of pointing this out, he continued.

"Well, Kuroko's been skipping school lately and I was wondering if you knew something."

Crunch. "Kuro-chin? Hmm, I don't think Kuro-chin was acting weird when I last saw him. Mido-chin or Aka-chin might know something, though."

"I- I see." Akashi. Not just Ahoumine and Kise but also Murasakibara mentioned of calling the red-haired captain of Rakuzan. Was he supposed to know Kuroko's whereabouts?

"No luck either, huh?" Hyuuga replied. Kagami shook his head.

"I kinda expect that from Murasakibara, Senpai. He's the farthest from the others. I doubt that big boner knew something." This time, everyone's stares were on him. Kagami flinched nervously.

"W-what?"

"Kagami-kun, you're quite reliable today," they said in chorus.

"OI!"

Riko sighed and placed a hand on her hip. "And? What about Midorima-kun?" she asked, proceeding with her interrogation.

With Midorima Shintarou . . .

"I'm studying so this better worth my time, Kagami." Shuutoku's shooting guard said when Seirin's ace gave him a call. Kagami scoffed.

"You sure you're studying? I can hear your television, you Oha-Asa idiot." An embarrassed grunt and the faint 'Aquarius at the Lucky Spot' justified the red-haired's answer- much to the Midorima's displeasure. Shuffling sounds can be heard on the background before the shooting guard replied.

"What do you want, Kagami?" Whether the red-haired noticed that the former ignored him or not, Kagami paid no attention and continued.

"Did Kuroko called you? He's been skipping classes lately and we're worried."

There was a long pause when he finished. When Midorima replied, Kagami swore he heard annoyance laced on his voice.

"Shouldn't you know since you're his teammate?"

"I know but Kuroko won't even answer our calls or texts. Seirin's team is freaking out."

"And Aomine? He's closest to Kuroko so he should know."

"The idiot didn't have any idea, either."

"Then, I don't think that I can be of much help. If you insist, you can call Akashi and ask."

"O-oi, you've gotta be shittin' me-!"

Everyone sweatdropped. "T-the Generation of Miracles are amazing, aren't they?"

"Amazing but a bunch of idiots," Riko whispered to herself. Both Hyuuga and Izuki gave the brunette a look of disdain. Ignoring them, an exasperated sigh escaped her lips. Her amber eyes stared into Kagami's terrified maroon ones. Everyone knew what was to come.

"Kagami-kun-"

"THERE'S NO WAY I'M GONNA DO THAT!" Kagami shouted in defense while shaking his head. Riko narrowed her eyes and moved towards him, harisen on hand. The whole team could only watch in horror.

'Poor Kagami/Kagami-kun...' they thought.

"Oh? And why is that, BA~KA~GA~MI? Akashi-san seemed civil enough when he answered Kuroko-kun's phone the last time, right?" Kagami could only shake his head in defiance. He didn't even share any information regarding the talk he had with Akashi Seijuuro, team captain of both Rakuzan High and Teiko Middle School basketball teams. The only evidence that something happened was Kagami turning pale white and had to be sent to the infirmary after that call.

Something vibrated from Kagami's inner pocket. The red-haired frowned and pulled his phone, completely ignoring his coach's complaining as he read.

"Seriously-! You second years keep leaving on your accord and don't even bot-!?"

"WHAT THE HELL IS HE THINKING?!" All eyes turned to the now fuming red-haired with wide eyes staring on his mobile screen. He didn't even protest when Riko snatched his phone and immediately saw Kuroko's name on the top of the message.

From: Kuroko

Subj: I'm sorry, everyone . . .

Kagami-kun and everyone else in Seirin- I must apologize for my sudden absence in practices but something came up. I know that you are worried but I am fine. I will be leaving for Kyoto this afternoon and won't be back for five days or so. Until then, please take good care of Nigou while I'm away.

"Kuroko, you bastard—" Kagami whispered at the thought. He's already pissed off at the idea of his teammate's dog living with him for a month but he was more concerned on the teal-haired's sudden visit in Kyoto without telling him or the team.

'More importantly, what business does he have in Kyoto?'

Reviews and comments for improvements, questions, etc. are very much welcome! :D