Hospitals aren't exactly that appealing to Nijimura. He disliked the smell of disinfectant that constantly hang in the air. Also, a hospital is a busy place; and it was awkward to hear people rejoicing in one corner, only to hear others wailing in another. Mainly, he hated the anxiety that accompanied the doctor and nurses, whenever they go and check-up on his father.

While his father, Ryotarou, is already very-well conscious and energetic enough to crack his annoying yet relieving dad jokes, he couldn't help but still be uneasy since things aren't determined yet. It was three days ago, around the time the junior-high student's final exams ended, when his dad collapsed again, and was rushed here at Kenko Medical Center. According to the doctor, his dad could be discharged tomorrow for the holidays, but he must return to the hospital and undergo further tests after the holidays.

Even more than hospitals, however, Nijimura hated airports. He's not really fond of airplanes either. Nope, he's not scared of planes...okay maybe just a little tiny small bit. Anyway, like hospitals, he felt uncomfortable with the busy atmosphere of airports. Bigger than a hospital, it was a place where various people come and go; and he didn't really like the idea of leaving. Moreover, the place reminded him of the time he last saw his mother personally, when she flew to the States two years ago.

...

"Can't you really stay?", were the first words Shuuzo – who was silent throughout the ride towards the airport – said to his mom, Seiki, who was going to fly to Los Angeles.

Seiki, who has just finished saying her farewells to her family, paused and gently held her eldest's son's hands, "Shuu-chan, I already explained this to you, right?"

She did. But he recalled how openly opposed he was with the idea of her working abroad, ever since she first told him about it.

"I never said you can go."

At his statement, along with him shaking her hands off him, a baffled expression formed on his mom's face.

A large palm was then placed on his shoulder, "Shuuzo, that's enough. Your mom can't be late. She needs to check-in now", but was immediately shrugged off as Shuuzo fiercely turned towards its owner, "Dad! Do you really want her to go?"

He didn't even let him answer, as he faced his siblings next, "Rui-nee, Toshi?"

His younger brother, Toshiki, simply nodded, and he instantly knew that his brother had been convinced by their mom's promise of sending them the latest games in America and some crap. Meanwhile his older sister, Rui, bore a more serious expression, and maturely responded, "Let's just help mom achieve her dreams."

There were so many selfish and snarky counter-remarks swarming inside his eleven-year-old head. He was about to release them all in an emotional outburst, when an announcement was heard informing everyone that the check-in counters for their mother's flight were about to close – and it was as if both him and his mom were saved by the bell from getting even more hurt by the jabs he has almost delivered.

With that, he bitterly watched his mother's back, as she rushed to the check-in counter.

...

This was why he chose to remain in the hospital, while his sister and brother went to fetch their mom at the airport.

He was prepared to meet her since November, but still, he was feeling weird and uneasy. The last time they talked was the day after his birthday. Expectantly, he didn't reject her call that time and listened, while she greeted him. With his mother remembering his birthday this year, unlike last year – coupled with him still feeling glad at his teammate's surprise party and with a certain silverhead's gift that time – he was generous enough to mutter a short 'thanks' and his well wishes to his mother over the phone. But that was in July; and it's already December.

Also, since he refused in joining his siblings whenever they did video calls with their mom, he only got to see her face when his siblings teasingly showed him photos of her. Despite this, he wondered if just like his sister (who was already the same height as their mom back then), their mom could only reach a little above his shoulders, now that he's grown taller.

Fuck, he's so nervous.

"Ohh, this is pretty good", his dad's delighted tone distracted him from his worries.

From his seat on the couch, the teen watched the older male on the hospital bed, munching on a yellowish-green kiwi fruit with a reddish center.

His dad stared back at him, "Shuuzo, try this kiwi that Chairman Kobayashi sent. He got it from Yamanashi, and it's called a 'rainbow red' or just 'rainbow' kiwi. Awesome, right?", then chuckled on his own.

At his father's amusement, Shuuzo could only shake his head, as he stood up and got a slice of mentioned fruit. To his surprise, the kiwi was indeed good. Relishing the sweet taste, he hummed in agreement. The father-son duo was in sync, as they gladly ate the fruit, until the door to the room was opened and Rui's "we're back" was heard. Still in sync, both guys shared a look, before tuning towards the entrance. Rui was the first to enter, and following behind her was the very person they're waiting for, with a suitcase on her right and a slightly taller Toshiki on her left. Indeed, he confirmed that she could now only reach a few centimeters above his shoulders. Her hair is the same – short, straight, and as black as his.

"Welcome back, Seiki", he heard his father say.

Shuuzo's eyes met hers briefly, before she shifted her focus on the elder man, and walked towards them. With her just a few feet away from him, he could hear her voice clearly and in person after a long time, when she addressed her husband, "Ryotarou, how are you feeling?"

Damn it. He didn't know what to do. Both his gaze and feet were stupidly frozen in spot, and he could only listen to the rest of his parent's conversation.

"I'm good. Anyway, try this variety of kiwi. It's from Yamanashi. Can you guess its name?"

"Ah, I have no clue", then there was a pause, before Seiki continued, "Do you know what's it called, Shuuzo?"

Once his name left her lips, a weird fuzziness bubbled in him, that he seriously wanted to punch himself for being a sappy piece of shit. It was obvious how everyone in the room wanted him to break the ice between him and the woman. Sensing the annoying anticipation of his entire family, he decided to give in – facing his mother, and replying,

"R-rainbow kiwi."

'Great job, asshole', he mentally cursed himself for stuttering; but as soon as he heard the woman's giggle – which stood out among Toshi and their dad's laughter, and Rui's whines at their dad's obsession with rainbows – his spirits lifted. The hell.

As if he wasn't confused enough with his feelings, Seiki seemed to take his response as a good sign, and proceeded to give him an embrace, "I missed you, Shuu-chan."

And just like that, his frustrations and his anger towards her started to fade away. The ice in him has been slowly melted by his mother's warmth. Thinking about the times he has wished for this moment to arrive, like that time at the Haizaki's residence, he allowed himself to be honest and didn't hold back – hugging his mom back and letting out a short hum, which translates into 'I missed you too, mom.'

Christmas has arrived, and the black-haired middle-schooler wasn't that upset about not having been with a date during Christmas eve, because he has spent it with his complete family, anyway. Since his dad got discharged, their house felt full with the additional presence of their mother. Their mom seemed to make up for lost time, as shown by her sleeping in her youngest child's room and by her cooking with her eldest child. They usually cooked his favorite, fried rice – probably her way of making it up with her middle child.

Shuuzo has to admit that he liked waking up to the familiar smell of delicious fried rice during these winter mornings. However, this didn't mean that the awkwardness between him and his mom was completely gone. He could see her efforts by asking him about school and basketball, and in return, he tries his best to answer; but somehow, their conversations end awkwardly. On the other hand, the rest of their family annoyingly appeared to be more chill and relaxed than them. Damn, he does resemble his mom more.

This was why that noon of December 25th, he immediately understood when his mom invited him alone to go shopping. Also wanting to bridge the gap between them, he accepted.

Thus, here he was in a cafe, sipping hot chocolate, with shopping bags beside him. Across him was his mom, who was mixing her coffee. He swore to never let anyone know that he actually enjoyed shopping with her. They ended up talking a lot – with arguing still counted as talking – while they were buying gifts for the the rest of their family. As for his gift, she had bought him more stylish and non-sporty clothes – adding a teasing comment about such fashion being perfect for dates. Replaying these in his mind, the hot chocolate tasted so much better.

So far, the silence they shared in the cafe was somewhat comfortable, or maybe he was just in a good mood. Settling his cup down, he decided to initiate a conversation with her. But, that's when he noticed that she was still absentmindedly twirling the spoon in her drink. Noting her uneasiness, an uncomfortable feeling crept inside him. Something's off about this – he finally caught on.

She probably realized he was staring, because she soon snapped out of it and looked at him. A weak smile appeared on her lips, "Thank you for accompanying me, Shuu-chan", and that's when his suspicions were confirmed.

Ah, fuck it. No way.

Instead of replying, he put on a poker face, awaiting her next line.

"Shuu-chan...I need to go back to LA, tomorrow. I got a call, and there's a job that I have to do."

He tried his best to stay calm, while retorting, "It's the holidays. You said you'll be here for the holidays, and it's not over yet."

"I know. This is also sudden to me and– "

"Then don't go."

"I can't."

Eventually, he learned he still has a temper; and all of his anger and frustrations towards her rapidly came back. Failing to keep his cool, he raised his voice, "What the hell is with that work that you have to ditch us again? Dad just got discharged! The fuc– "

"Shuuzo!", she cut his cursing off with her own outburst. Unlike him, she immediately became aware of their surroundings and softly reasoned out, "I already told your dad and siblings, and they were okay with it."

"Of course they are! Because they know! They know that your stupid work and dreams are damn important to you, that even if they beg you to stay, you won't. So they just don't care anymore. I'm the idiot one who hoped!"

This time, there was no bell to save them. He just carelessly hit her with his jabs.

In response, his mom closed her eyes for a while, before meeting his furious ones with her pleading ones, "They simply understood, Shuuzo. I hope you do the same. Please."

"Ah, I get it", he mockingly chuckled, then continued, "I'm the fucking stubborn shit. So this is why you spent time with me, huh. You wanted to play house and pretend to be a mother before you leave again."

As soon as those words left his mouth, Shuuzo expected the woman across him to deny and to scold him. Hell, he was even prepared to be slapped or some bullshit. He would've preferred such kinds of reactions from her a hundred times more, rather than the one she has right now.

She has an expression that was a combination of guilt and hurt. Wordlessly, tears rolled down her cheeks.

K.O.

.

.

.

Fuck.

This was the worst.

Feeling very shitty, he got up and stormed off the cafe.

That same Christmas afternoon, a snow-haired girl was lying on her bed. Tsumiko just finished her video call with her best friend in London, Igarashi Sena, and now she was bored. Her father was at work, whereas her mother and brother were both with their respective friends. Her own friends already had their own plans for the day, so she could only stare at the ceiling and think about things she could do. She considered making an ikebana, but the daffodils weren't in full bloom yet. Maybe, she should just watch basketball videos and write her analyses; but she was still lazy to do coach duties. Or she could watch dance videos, like waltz and slow dance; and improve her techniques and skills, so that she could follow better when someone asks to dance with her again.

Tsumiko caught herself before she could even replay a certain memory with a certain redhead. During the past days, the dance she did with Akashi during his birthday kept on popping up in her mind; and it's starting to bother her. She felt like a fool for developing a crush because of a dance, which definitely didn't mean much for her wise classmate.

...

"It is a gift...I truly appreciate it, Irosuzuka."

...

Remembering such words made her smile; but she was quick to dismiss them as Akashi simply being the polite and kind person he was. It was not surprising to have a little crush on someone as excelling as Akashi Seijuurou – she justified to herself. Besides, the person she likes is still a certain second-year.

...right?

Her confusion was interrupted by the ringing of her phone at her side. Not expecting any calls from anyone, she instantly picked up, guessing that it might be her mom. Once she had read the name of the caller, however, she almost dropped her phone on her face.

'Captain Nijimura'

"What's this?", she muttered to herself, wondering if the universe was playing with her or maybe, the universe was providing her with an answer. Sitting up, she dumbly fixed her hair, as if he could see her, and bit back both excitement and anxiety, as she answered, "Hello, Nijimura-senpai?"

"Irosuzuka."

It's the first time he called her; and his deep voice still sounded good over the phone. Moreover, the way he referred to her with her name – which he very rarely do – made her heart skip a beat. Too flustered, she forgot to respond. Good thing, he kept on talking.

"Are you home? I'm at the park near your house."

"Eh? Wh– "

"Can you talk with me for a bit?"

While she was clearly puzzled at his sudden request, she has also caught something odd in his tone. He sounded...sad. From her windows, she noticed that it was already dark outside. Worried, she quickly took the coat nearest to her, and rushed downstairs, "Okay. I'll go out now."

Cautiously, she sneaked out of the house and ran towards the small children's park a block away. Once she arrived, she spotted him alone at the empty park, steadily sitting at one of the swings, with his phone on his hands. His vacant orbs were fixed on his outstretched limbs, which made the mini swing appear even more mini.

Behind the swings was a row of paper white daffodils, which were just beginning to bloom. Coupled with the soft glow of the park's night-lights, and colors of the Christmas lights, the view emitted radiance – in complete contrast to the gloomy aura coming from the black-haired teen.

Carefully, she approached him; and it was only when her shoes bumped onto his, that he looked up at her and acted cool with a smirk.

"Yo."

She didn't buy it though – not when she could see a faint pink on the tips of his eyes, "Nijimura-senpai, are you alright?"

He shifted his focus on their connected shoes, then playfully gave hers a weak kick, before replying, "I met my mom again, after two years."

At the mention of his mother, Tsumiko kind of understood why he was feeling down. It was sort of an open secret among Nijimura's close friends and teammates that he wasn't in good terms with his mother.

"But she's suddenly leaving again tomorrow. So I said some shitty things to her. And it sucks."

Upon hearing this, she decided to sit at the swing next to him, and silently listened to his story. He told her how his mom was supposed to return last November, but postponed it to December because of some conflicts in her work; how she spent this afternoon with him, only to let him know that she was going to cut her vacation short and leave for the States again, because of a sudden job she needed to do. Lastly, he concluded how selfish his mom was for pursuing her dreams, but worse than that, was how selfish he himself was for preventing her from achieving such dreams.

The young coach has already seen the captain get annoyed, irritated and mad during training and games, but she has never seen him like this – angry, yet sad and guilty.

"Ah, crap", the older boy stood up then sheepishly placed a hand on top of his head, "What kind of senpai bothers his kouhai about his problems. I'm so lame. Sorry."

Panicking at the idea of him possibly misunderstanding her silence as indifference, she rose up from the swing, as well, "N-no! Uh, it's fine...You can always tell me anything."

He turned towards her; and she became conscious under his lenses, which seemed to check whether she was being sincere or not. Her face started to heat up, not just because of him, but also because of the cold. Now that she's standing, she could feel the winter breeze pass through the thin layers of clothing she was wearing. Impulsively, she tried shielding herself from the cold by wrapping the coat around her even more, while she simultaneously covered her affections for him, "I-it's a coach's duty to help anyone from the team."

The first-year coach saw the second-year captain cracking a little smile at her remark. She took it as a cue to speak her mind about the matter, "Anyway, I guess you're right when you said that both you and your mom are being selfish. But, that's okay."

When he merely lifted his brows, Tsumiko gestured towards the row of white-yellow flowers behind the swing, "You see those flowers over there?"

She resumed, "Those are daffodils or narcissus. A daffodil is usually a symbol of mirth or joy. Moreover, it's also associated with the concept of 'self-love.'"

Silver head faced the raven-head again, with the latter following suit. Once dark eyes met equally dark eyes, the girl gathered her thoughts then proceeded to deliver her point across, "People would often do things that could be perceived as selfish for others. But in the end, their family or loved ones will understand and forgive them – just like how your mom would probably still forgive you, as you would probably forgive her as well in your own pace and in your own way."

Feeling short of breath due to the sharp, frosty air, she had to pause for a while before going on, "Ironically, it's more difficult to forgive oneself. This is when self-love becomes useful. Hence, I hope that when you ask her for forgiveness, you get to forgive yourself too."

By the time she finished her mini speech, which attempted to provide him with comfort, another gush of wind passed by – making the already chilly air even more chilly. On instinct, she shuddered, wishing for the comforts of her scarf and thick coat she failed to find at home and wear, out of hurry.

In an instant, though, she was pulled in an embrace.

.

.

.

The freezing tip of her nose immediately found warmth against his broad chest; and the heat spread over her body. With her eyes closed, the scent of fabric detergent, along with some hints of coffee and chocolate, filled her nose. He was so close that she could faintly hear his heart beating fast even against the layers of clothing, causing her own heart to beat even faster.

'Oh my God!', she internally screamed, still fazed at what was happening. She was perplexed as to why he was doing this. A sense of hope was starting to creep in her; and she got somewhat anxious.

Soon enough, she felt vibrations, as she heard him speaking, "Fuck, sorry. I'm such a damn jerk for asking you to come outside in the cold."

Ah. So that's why.

Tsumiko wasn't disappointed, though. In fact, she was secretly rejoicing on how she failed to dress warmer, because it led to this situation. Wrapping her arms around him, as well, she was already contented with sharing warmth like this.

"Thank you, Irosuzuka."

In a single snap, all her thoughts about dances and a certain red-head were buried. Her confusing feelings got settled, and she thanked the universe for giving her an answer. The feelings she has for the dark-haired captain was not just like the admiration she has for the red-haired vice captain – she figured. Instead, her feelings for the sophomore was deeper. In the end, she figured out that Nijimura was still the 'right partner' for her; and she would love to romantically dance with him, when the time comes.

Black and white stood out in the middle of the empty park, filled with lights, colors and daffodils. Under the evening sky and along with the icy winter air, the two stayed in that warm position for a while – still and quiet.

Nijimura's mind, on the other hand, was busy. He wondered how he ended up in here. All he knew was that when he left his mom at the cafe, he wandered around aimlessly. He found himself at an arcade and at Teikou, but his emotions were still fucked up. From school, his feet somehow led him towards the direction of the young coach's house, and when he caught himself, he decided to just stay at the children's park he saw. He didn't really know why he called her, but he was glad he did – thinking about her soothing words, and how he managed to gain some relief from them.

Finally, he allowed himself to be a little more selfish, for now. With this, Nijimura tightened his hold and pulled her even closer.

A/N:

What's up, everyone! I hope you're all doing well, and I apologize for updating only now. Feeling unsure if I'm doing well in this story, I kind of lost the drive in writing this ;A; But! I pushed myself to try and continue, so here it is~

To the guest, who reviewed, thanks for sharing your thoughts T-T I'm glad you loved the interactions and the dance! I don't really dance much, so I hope I managed to get the details right? (lol)

Next, thank you to all the faves and follows! I wish you're enjoying and liking this fic, so far; and I'm very open to your reactions and comments :)

Btw, I am confused about Shuu-chan's siblings right now. Back when I started this fic, I did some research on the Nijimura family, and I saw that our rainbow captain has an older sister and a younger brother, so I applied that to my story. (I couldn't remember where I had read it, since it's been more than a year already. I also couldn't find it in the net anymore T-T) But recently, when I did more research on Shuuzo, I stumbled upon this info that he apparently has a younger sister and a younger brother. So, now I don't know which is actually true (lol) If anyone knows what the canon truly is, please do enlighten me. Thanks a lot!