A/N: READ. THANKS. FAREWELL. Hi everyone! Just like I promised again, I would update one last time to tell you guys about my blog which I was finally able to make, yey! Anyway, everyone, and I mean everyone can read my blog posts without signing in and such, so have read all you want! I'm still debating about AO3 but yeah expect my stories to be updated in both sites, I think. For now, I'll be diligently writing on my blog, so wish me luck!

My blog is: nozomi-mikomi . blogspot. com

Please make sure you remove the spaces in between. For those who promised to visit my new site, I'm expecting you guys there! Haha and don't forget to drop a few comments once in a while :) You guys can talk to me there if you want. Anyway, it has been fun writing at this site. I'm hoping wherever this would take me, I would grow more, both as a reader and as a writer.

Thank you for all the support, love, and guidance you've given me here. I wish all of you good luck and God bless in all your endeavors.

Cheers and love,

Nozomi Mikomi

Chapter 3: Blue Hyacinth

Aomine walked down the street, the tingle in his hands yet to subside. The anger and jealousy he felt when he saw that scene awhile ago, made him want to castrate Kise. It was unfair. Everything was unfair. The moment Satsuki uttered those blasted words, everything in his life just went down the drain. It was as if he was watching one of those tasteless dramas Satsuki loved to watch. It was disgusting and why was he relieving those blasted things?

The rain poured heavily down his rigid frame, and Aomine stopped to think, his footsteps screeching to a halt. Why was he thinking of it anyway? Maybe, because my life is as fucked up as theirs. As much as he didn't want to admit, his life right now was the most fucked up thing in the world. His mind was as screwed as the next psychopath out there, and he could only wonder why he still has yet to go on a killing spree.

His head was pounding, and blood was pumping wildly inside his body. All thoughts flew out the window, no sound reached his ears, and everything else bled to red when he saw him touching that golden brat. There was nothing more satisfying than release all these emotions, and that he did. Kise had no right to touch him! Much less talk to him! He had no right. He had no right to be happy, no matter how flimsy and small it was. Kise had not right to be saved. Just like the rest of us.

No one has the right to, even he himself was forbidden to do so. Especially me. Aomine clenched his fists, his teeth gritted, and his eyes scrunched closed. He knew it, he knew it all along. Everything—the pain, suffering, and regrets—it was all their fault. And no matter how much they wanted to blame each other, they were all at fault. Aomine looked up, and a sneer appeared on his face. The irony of the situation was quite funny, and it never stopped mocking him, day in and day out.

Out of all the places he could have wandered off to, it was this place. The place where everything started, where that little midget partner of his formed an intricate bond with him—the school basketball court. How he bypassed security to this place was a mystery, and frankly, he could care less. Aomine walked cautiously towards the entrance and was not surprised in the least to find it locked. The janitor would be a complete imbecile not to lock it, especially in this kind of weather.

Aomine stared at the door for another minute before deciding to flop on the ground, his back leaning against the closed door. At least, there was a roof to cover him for the night. Getting comfortable, he stared at the darkened sky, his mood just as foul as the weather. The lightning roared over the harsh pattering of the rain, and if it weren't for this fucked up weather, he would be charging the hideout of another gang. Ha! How pathetic.

Right now he was, and there was no denying it, even Satsuki was on the brink of giving up on him. He wasn't surprised, what's surprising was the fact that she was still actually there. Even when she decided to study in another country, she never forgets to call just lecture him. Though, the calls were getting less frequent. A grim smile graced his lips, as his blank eyes took in the state of the storm. It was the same, it was always the same thing. People come and go. It didn't matter to him, actually.

Aomine Daiki never gave a fuck's care for anyone. Not when everyone else didn't give a flying fuck for his case. He knew he was different, even when he was young. Just one look at him and people will get the idea. He was a mix, part Mexican, part Japanese. It didn't take a genius to know he wasn't full Japanese, the color of his skin gave him away. Some idiots assume it was a tan, but would they say the same if they see 'down there?' Ha! He didn't think so.

Some people were just too shallow, and some were just too critical—judgmental of things they were unfamiliar with. Who cares if he had foreigner's blood? It didn't mean that he was infected with an incurable disease, but alas some Japanese were just too narrow-minded. They assumed the worse, and thought the most diabolical things. Given his circumstances, it wasn't long before he understood his predicament.

When he was young, everyday, he had bruises and wounds inflicted by the other kids. Everyone saw him differently, like some alien that came from another planet. Adults stared at him in distaste, and children his age either avoided him or made fun of him. At the animosity they always showered him, he didn't even need to be a mind-reader to know what they thought of him. An outsider. That's what he would always be in their eyes.

He lived through his life just like some criminal on the loose. As a child who knew nothing, he was left asking why every single time, and every time he did, his mother would cry, and apologize. Aomine always pondered on this. Why would mom apologize when she had done nothing wrong? And that same question would make her cry more. It became obvious to him that such questions were forbidden things to ask, and he promised that he'd stop making his mother cry. They only had each other, a father was out of the question. He grew up knowing none.

And so he bore with everything that came his way—the taunts, mockery, and pain—Aomine ignored everything. For someone so young, he would have definitely gone insane, but his salvation came in the form of a measly orange ball. Basketball, they said. It was a sport from the Americans, yet enjoyed but every race in the world. There was no discrimination, everyone was allowed to play, even him.

He could have chosen other sports, but basketball captivated him like a child was with a new toy. It was amazing, the feeling was exhilarating, the adrenaline was indescribable, and playing always made him feel like a new person. It had become his strength, and the very thing that helped him grow with his insanity in check. Everything else blended into the background, as he had become a bright, and optimistic child. It also kept his friend Satsuki off his back. It kept her from worrying, it kept his mother from crying, and it kept him from the harshness of reality.

His life revolved around basketball; it kept him busy, it kept him fit, and it kept him happy. There was not a day he didn't play basketball. There was no way he would miss practice for the world. It was unquestionable that once he enters middle school, he would be joining the basketball club as well. He did just that. It was going to be alright, and basketball would be his life—it was the viewpoint he had instilled in himself. Nothing was going to change that. Or so he thought, until he met him. Kuroko Tetsuya—the weak, ghost-like, and the most stubborn boy he would ever meet in his life.

It was by chance, or maybe fate? Aomine scoffed at this. If he started becoming another fate-obsessed freak like Midorima, he would kill Oha-asa and be done with it. It was by a stroke of luck that he had met Kuroko. Satsuki and her stupid gossip had him searching curiously for the supposed 'ghost' haunting the school gymnasium. Turns out, it wasn't some ghost, it was just a 'ghost-like' boy who stayed behind for practice, and scared the shit out of him.

Kuroko Tetsuya, as he learned, was a third-string member, who always stayed behind to practice alone to improve his skills. And for a basketball junkie like him, anyone who loved basketball was deemed a worthy friend. Besides, it was the first time he saw someone practicing till late everyday. His teammates at first-string didn't even do that. Heck, even he wasn't that diligent. He practiced everyday, but not till very late at night.

It got Aomine to begrudgingly respect Kuroko, and it prevented him from insulting him for his weak state. Yes, Kuroko was really weak but his determination was scary, and his desire to be better was immeasurable. He felt insignificant next to this small and scrawny boy, yet Aomine like him instantly. Kuroko was in a way, a very bright light, one that perhaps saved Aomine unknowingly. His inability to play didn't stop him from playing, if anything it only spurred Kuroko on, and the dark-skinned teen felt obliged to help him.

Every night they played one-one-one, hoping that Kuroko would get better, and wishing that Aomine would be able to play with him soon. That's why it was a blow to his pride, and joy that Kuroko even dared to think that he should quit. It was unthinkable, not when he has already gotten used to this new friend of his. If it wasn't for their captain's interference, Kuroko would have entertained the idea of giving up.

But he didn't. Once Kuroko was deemed worthy in Akashi's eyes, every first-string member was floored by his turnout. Their captain's training was always hellish, and even with his stamina and capacity as a player, he still felt as if he was in hell for every practice session. For a minute, Aomine doubted what Akashi could do, only to be stumped speechless at Kuroko's way of playing. It was so unlike his own, so different from all of them, and so unique from all the players he had ever faced.

The most interesting thing about this style of play was that it was compatible with his. Every time they played, Aomine always felt boggled—confused. It was as if Kuroko and him thought as one when they played, and it always left him yearning—wanting more of these coordinated plays he had with Kuroko. It wasn't later did their duo was officially dubbed an important combination in the team, and his partner just added seasoning with his confession.

Aomine was his light, and as a phantom player, Kuroko was his shadow. It was a play on words which fit them so well, he felt as happy as the normal Kise was when Kuroko had made his point. He felt a connection that day, and it was something he gloated about, and flaunted around the other members, much to their chagrin.

Aomine didn't know, however, that it would make him feel the guiltiest. He knew, more than anyone else, that he was to blame for this turnout. He had changed, and he knew that. They all knew that, but he didn't stop it. He just let it take over him, and ultimately destroying all his chances of the new salvation he had come to find. It wasn't all about basketball anymore, it was all about one phantom player they had come to respect.

His greed and arrogance overshadowed the companionship he had with their phantom player. His way of basketball had become his downfall both in the game and life. It was all too late now. It would have been alright if Kuroko decided to break their friendship. At least then, he still had the pieces to pick up and piece back. But he couldn't possibly fix something that didn't even exist. There were no remnants of their friendship, their bond, of them.

His partner, the one who had never judged him, the one who never lost hope in him even after everything became bleak in basketball, was gone. Kuroko Tetsuya was gone, and he could hardly blame Satsuki when he hid the truth from them. It was their entire fault, and for one rare moment, Aomine shed tears for the second time in his life. His form quivered against the closed the doors of the gymnasium, as silent drops slid down his face. His eyes never drifted away from the sky he had been watching, because he knew behind the inky sky, the beautiful sky-blue laid beneath.

...

"Why? How could you hide this from me!" Aomine glared at her with all the hate in his eyes. His anger and pain clear in his dark blue irises.

Momoi had been expecting this ever since she got home. Dai-chan never waits for anyone, and she wasn't an exception. She dropped her bag on the floor before fully facing him. She took a deep breath, wanting to settle her nerves. She pinned him with a glare of her own. She refused to be on the receiving end of this.

"What did you expect me to do, Dai-chan? That I'd run crying over to you for something like this?" She asked, the accusation clear in her voice. He bit back a snarl as he stepped forward, his whole body tensing like a snake ready to last out.

"This isn't something you hide, woman! Especially something like this! We deserve to know!" Aomine shouted at her, his intent clear.

'I deserve to know everything about Tetsu!'

Momoi smiled, the bitterness she had been trying to bury within her heart, finally surfacing.

"You really are insensitive, Dai-chan. It's still a wonder why Tetsu-kun never left your side, even after everything." She said cruelly. Her heart was already numb, and all she wanted to do was cry herself to sleep. Yet, she was being subjected to this useless fight, this stupid discussion over something that will not result to anything.

"What did you say?" His tone was quiet, but Momoi wasn't done yet.

"It's true, isn't it, Dai-chan? I saw it, everyone did. Even after Tetsu tried to reach out to you, you coldly brushed him away. I dare you to deny it, Daiki." Aomine flinched and the small amount of courage he had built shattered like brittle glass. His wide eyes stared at Momoi, disbelief clouding his face.

Momoi blankly stared at him. She didn't have the heart to take back everything she was saying. Cruel as it might be, it was the blaring truth. It was time they repent for what they did, and just maybe, it would wake them up. But she knew, deep inside her heart, she couldn't fully forgive them, as much as she couldn't forgive herself.

"Do you even know how scared I felt when I cradled his cold—no." Momoi shook her head, tears once again brimming in her eyes. Aomine only watched her, still trying to grasp everything being thrown at him.

"His dying body, Dai-chan. Tetsu-kun almost died that night, did you know, Dai-chan?" Momoi laughed, and it sounded broken and psychotic to his ears. It elicited a shiver down his spine.

"What 'ifs' always crossed my mind, you know? What if I didn't visit him? What if I was a minute late? What if I was too late!" Aomine stepped back, as if scalded by boiling water when Momoi fell on the floor, her sobs echoing inside her quiet room.

"I was scared...so so scared, Dai-chan. I thought for sure that Tetsu-kun would die...Every night, I'm always haunted by his bloodied face..." She whispered fervently in her hands. With a few steps, she was cradled in his arms. All his anger dissipated, giving way to his grief, regret, and pain. Aomine tightened his arms around Momoi's quivering form, taking in all her sobs and pleas.

"I'm sorry, Dai-chan. I just couldn't...when he opened his eyes, I thought everything would be ok." She hiccuped and he caressed her soft locks of hair. Momoi eased into his embrace before continuing.

"But all my fantasies shattered when he asked who I am. Did you know, Dai-chan? I thought I died that day." Aomine closed his eyes, willing himself not to cry. Momoi cried on his chest, her sobs of pain and regret stabbing him over and over.

"He's gone, Dai-chan...Tetsu-kun's forever out of our reach...It's my fault! It's my—"Momoi's eyes widened as dry and chapped lips pressed on her own. Aomine's eyes were closed, letting her know that he was comforting her. She closed her eyes soon after, and her body sagged against his. He pulled back a while later, and gently wiped her tears.

"It's not your fault, Satsuki...it isn't." He stared at her, daring her to deny it. The tides have changed and it was now him taking the shots, not her. She nodded as she rested her forehead on his shoulder.

"I wasn't able to apologize to Tetsu-kun, Dai-chan. And now...I'll never be able to." Aomine pulled her close, and for the first time in his life, he cried. Even through his dark past, he never shed a tear, but this time...it was just too much. Just way too much. His body trembled against hers, and though she was surprised, Momoi stayed silent, letting her arms circle around him.

"Tetsu-kun was my first love, Dai-chan." She confessed when her tears had dried, and she no longer felt the dampness on her shoulder. Aomine had stopped crying by then, but didn't say a word. Everyone knew how she felt. It was obvious with the way she tried to woo Kuroko every day.

"But first loves rarely bloom, Dai-chan. I know that, but I found out something else. You want to know what it is?" Aomine nodded, still he kept his mouth shut.

"True happiness is just as well." And Aomine couldn't agree more.

...

Classmates and teachers alike parted like the Nile River as he walked past them. Stares and murmurs were everywhere. Glares and eyes of disgust followed his every step, and for him, they were just wasting their time. It was amusing how people always found a common object of interest, either to hate or love, it didn't matter. It was one thing some pathetic humans needed in order to survive. Not that he cared, which in Aomine's case, he never cared.

Another bandage was plastered on his forehead, a darkening bruise on his right cheek, and his lower lip was busted. It was a rough night, but no one could beat him. He could feel the soreness in his body, but he didn't entertain the idea of pain. It was all a process, another part of his screwed life. He found another way to release all the pent up frustration and anger—fighting. Brawls and meaningless fights over something completely stupid had his blood pumping again. The pathetic site after he was finished beating them up only urged him on.

This new hype of his began after the oath had been made. A smirk formed on his face, scaring the people around him. Aomine didn't notice this time, he was way too lost in his own thoughts to bother. Akashi Seijuro was one hell of a sadistic bastard. To think their captain would think of the perfect punishment for all of them; Aomine didn't expect anything else. This oath of isolation was a promise of never-ending suffering on all their parts. It prevented him from approaching Tetsu, as much as he wanted to, longed to.

Akashi knew this, he knew this pact would break them, even the maker itself. Aomine refused, of course, but no matter what Akashi wanted, he always gets. With their captain, it wasn't a matter of agreeing, it was a matter of obeying. If there was one person he truly feared, it was none other than red-headed captain of theirs. He still wanted to live. Even if it was to watch over him from afar, never interacting, never touching. Tetsu was so close, and he would be able to reach his partner in a few steps, but Aomine never did.

Near a bush of hyacinths, he always watched him as he read his book at his usual spot behind the school. It was always the same routine in his life now. Breakfast, school, stalk—watching over Tetsu, and then release all his frustrations on the first punk he sees on his way home. It was a cycle, which Aomine knew, would never end. Not when the one thing that made his life complete would forever be out of his grasp.

And even without the oath, he knew he didn't have the courage to be stared at with those familiar eyes, and be regarded as a stranger. The dark-haired teen knew he wouldn't be able to take another stab to his chest. That one time in the hospital was already enough to shatter what little belief he had. It was enough, he thought to himself. Though he knew, it would never be enough, not when everyday, he seeks their phantom player out, and watches him like a dying man deprived of air. Just like today.

Aomine stared at him with half-lidded eyes. The way the wind played with his hair, the way he smiled at his new pet, and how he just moves. Everything was imprinted in his memory, taunting him—reminding him of something he would never be able to hold in his arms. He stayed that way, hidden from his 'prey.' Even when he had left, Aomine stayed where he was, until the sun went down, and his urge to find release prompts him to move. A grin, worthy of a death reaper, appeared on his face. It seems it was time to 'hunt' again.

...

Kuroko walked out of the local market, his grocery bags in hand. It would rain soon, he knew that, but he found it fit to buy his necessities right away when he found money in his mail earlier on. His parents, it seems, remembered that it was nearing graduation, and expenses were high during these times. He sighed before checking his groceries for anything amiss. Eggs, broth, milk, dog food, bread, butter, greens, fruits, and...medicine. Something he can't forget to buy ever. Not when he was still in the process of healing.

It had been five months since his accident, and until then, he had yet to grasp the concept of his 'condition.' Miyaguchi-sensei assured him that he was healthy enough to move about four months ago, but the probable 'permanent amnesia' he acquired was still questionable. Kuroko tried to be positive, even when he was asked to move by his parents to another location, he convinced himself to be an optimist. He couldn't understand why he had to forget. Amnesia patients, as he had read, were always convinced of trying to remember at their own pace, but in his case, he was asked to 'never remember.'

It was strange, but as much as he wanted to complain, everything in his mind was wiped clean. The only memories left in his brain were of his childhood, and that wasn't much. All his life, he had been alone. His parents had always been away, therefore, he had no one to rely on. He didn't have friends as well. Unfortunately, his presence doesn't seem to make any impression as he is always never seen, or just plainly ignored. Kuroko went for the former reason rather than latter.

He walked down the dark streets towards his home, lost in thought. As dull as his life was, Kuroko always believed that it would get better, and losing five years' worth of memories was a lot. What if, by then, things have changed? What if, by then, he had friends? What if, by then, he was different? So many possibilities, yet all he could conclude nothing. Everywhere he looked, and every place he wenr, nothing ever appeared in his memories. It was all unfamiliar, that it came as a surprise to him that he was still able to catch up in school.

His teachers, it seems, were informed of his accident. By who, he didn't know. His parents, perhaps? Or maybe, his doctor, Miyaguchi-sensei? Or it could be his acting guardians, the Momois? Speaking of which, for some reason, they had been the one taking care of him for the past few months. They were kind people, and they always made sure to call him a few times a week if he needed anything. And for Kuroko, he couldn't possibly impose on them, especially when their daughter was the one who saved him that night. It was a shame that he never got to thank her properly, she left for Europe by the time he found out what she had done.

It was drizzling now, and only the hood of his jacket was helping him keep dry. He really should stop doing this. Going in a daze in the middle of the road like this could be dangerous, especially at this time of night. With his mind made up, Kuroko sped up his pace. Number two might be getting restless by now, he should really hurry home now.

That was his intent, though he stopped in his tracks once he heard the dribbling of a ball. Slowing to a stop, he turned to the source of the noise, his curiosity piqued. At this time of night, no one should be here, especially in this weather. Maybe, he could convince them to go home? It was the right thing to do, after all. Deep inside, Kuroko tried not to think of the familiarity of this road, and the heavy feeling that somehow, he knew where he was going.

...

Aomine gasped for breath as he laid down on the cold cement of the court. Blood dripped from his forehead, cuts and bruises littered his arms and fingers, and his lips were busted again. It took him a while to take down those thugs, but in the end, they all crumbled before him. They were stupid to challenge him in the first place. Moving to stand, he found his side burning with pain. Right, he was stabbed there. Oh well, nothing a few bandages and antiseptics couldn't fix.

"Seriously, what the hell's wrong with me? Ugh." Another failed attempt to stand, and Aomine decided to call it quits. He'll just have to spend the night on the ground. Hopefully, he wouldn't die of blood loss by the time he wakes up. He had gone through worse pain, and flimsy things like these were nothing in comparison to that. He felt the pattering of the rain on his skin, and he was tempted to try and move again, but the pain continued to make it impossible to do so. Breathing was already taxing, what more for anything else?

Blearily, Aomine opened his eyes, trying to endure the onslaught of rain pouring down on him. What sane person would charge into a hideout of ten or more gang members, and play basketball after wards? I am. What was he doing? Did he finally lose it? A bark of laughter erupted from his mouth. Maybe, he has. He could almost hear it. Satsuki lecturing him again, and staring at him with eyes full of damned pity he didn't need. But she was right. She was fucking right about one thing.

Momoi stayed silent, a towel drenched in warm water in her hand. She kneeled in front of him as she dabbed the cut on his chest. Aomine hissed, and tried not to move away from her gentle hands. The would hurt like a bitch. He had been careless, he didn't know the bastard had a knife.

"Dai-chan..." She started, and it took all his strength not to lash out at her. She was using that same 'tone' again.

"What?" He snapped at her. Momoi sighed, as she moved back and retrieved a roll of bandages and a tube of ointment from the first-aid kit. She stared at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Aomine looked away, he didn't need to see the hurt and pity in her eyes.

"It's the third time this week..." He kept his head down, refusing to make eye contact with her. He knew what she wanted to say, and he refuse to listen. He felt the cooling sensation of the ointment on his wound allowing him to breathe slightly. At least, the pain was now subsiding.

"Dai-chan..." She trailed off, and this time, he turned to her, but didn't say a word.

"You know this, right?" She held his gaze for a moment, before looking down at her clenched fists.

"You're only destroying yourself."

Aomine closed his eyes, a bitter smile on his lips. It was true. She was right, she was always damn right. The fighting, blood, and pain weren't enough to distract him from reality. This harsh reality he was forced to face, he just couldn't do it. He was a coward, and running away was the only thing he could do. He felt his chest constrict. He could feel his breathing getting labored. He couldn't cry now, it was the unmanliest thing in the world. What if Tetsu could see him now? Ha! What a laugh! Was he an idiot? It was only wishful thinking.

"Excuse me." Yeah, he was hearing things now. That voice, he could recognize that anywhere. He was probably losing too much blood if he was hearing Tetsu's voice now.

"Ano, are you still alive?" Aomine's eyes snapped open when he felt a poke on his cheek. Sky-blue suddenly clouded his vision, and for a moment he forgot to breathe. He was there. Kuroko Tetsuya was really there, staring at him with those huge eyes of his. He was as pale as he remembered, and looked every bit as a doll than when he last saw him up close, and that was five months ago.

"I think we should take you to a hospital." Kuroko moved to stand when the man on the ground grabbed his arm.

"No!" Sky blue eyes widened, surprised at the outburst, as he stared at the bloodied man. Was this stranger alright?

Aomine stared at Kuroko, his eyes wide, mildly taking into account that he was sitting now, when he could barely breathe just moments ago. He stared at his hand, clasping his when it suddenly registered what he was doing. Quickly, he pulled away and moved back, his eyes wide as he took in the sudden appearance of their ex-phantom man.

"I could call an ambulance now." Still dazed, Aomine fervently shook his head. His mouth slightly agape. He felt like an absolute idiot. Why couldn't he think of anything? Goddamn brain! Fucking work damn it! Oblivious to his inner turmoil, Kuroko reached out and tugged his hand. Aomine tried not to flinch and slap the hand away. Was this for real?

"If you don't want to go to a hospital, then, I insist you come with me." What? Aomine stared at back of Kuroko's head, stupefied and completely astounded. Tetsu will do this to a complete stranger? He wasn't stupid, he knew Kuroko was kind by nature, but this was taking the cake. Tetsu was way too trusting! He pulled away his hand once they've walked a good distance from the park, his anger coming back tenfold.

"What the fuck! You're planning to nurse me in your house, aren't you?" At the blank stare and quick nod, Aomine felt the sudden urge to hit his former partner.

"Are you stupid! What if I was some burglar, or even worse, a murderer! Your stupid kindness would just backfire and you'll be regretting like some id—"

Aomine stopped his monologue and stared like an idiot. Tetsu was laughing. It was those few moments when all he wanted to sit down and stare like a dog would to a bone. Is this for real? Aomine's fingers twitched wanting to punch something and feel the pain just to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Yet, it was real. Kuroko Tetsuya was real and he was laughing before him.

Aomine had only seen him laugh on very rare occasions, and to see this after so many months of suffering, and pain, and regret...he did what any sane person would do in his position. For the third time in his life, Aomine cried, abruptly causing the beautiful tinkling sound in his ears to stop as Kuroko stared at him in concern. He only felt his tears flow harder. This really really sucked.

"I'm sorry, Aomine-kun. I didn't mean to laugh—"Aomine's eyes widened, his mouth opening slightly, his hand quickly capturing Kuroko's, pulling him closer.

"H-How did you know my name?" Kuroko didn't fight the stronger man. Even if he did, there was no way he could break away from such muscled arms. Instead, he stared at the bloodied teen, silently wondering if he had heard the same question before.

"Your reputation in school precedes you, Aomine-kun." Oh. Right. He was the school's most violent delinquent. Who wouldn't know him? Aomine's eyes narrowed.

"Then why? I could have easily hurt you." There was anger and bitterness in his voice, but Kuroko only held his gaze, his eyes as bright as he last saw them. Why was Tetsu doing this? There was only silence, and for a moment, Aomine wondered if he had done something wrong when it happened. A small smile formed on that angelic face. It was that familiar smile he gave off when he was truly happy. Aomine felt as if he had forgotten to breathe again.

"Have you?" There was mirth dancing behind those sky-blue eyes when Kuroko answered, and it left Aomine trembling as he stepped back, and fell on the wet ground. He looked up at the darkened sky, and let out a laugh, a hand covering face in disbelief.

"Hahaha you got me good, Tetsu. You really did."

Aomine let another howl of laughter and if Kuroko was any other person, he would have fled, thinking this man was some lunatic. But he didn't. If anything, Kuroko felt light, and he didn't feel threatened by being near this stranger. Kuroko relied on his instincts, and for someone left to fend for himself, he had to live cautiously. This bloody man didn't trigger his warning signals, and so instead of running away, he sat down on the cold and wet ground, waiting for him to stop laughing. It will be a long night, Kuroko concluded, but it was better than the stagnant life he had become accustomed to.

To be continued at my blog...

*Blue Hyacinth- this flower means 'sincerity'