A/N: Seriously, just read. Before anyone complains and bites my head off for the obvious KagaKuro moment in this chapter, know that the pairings of this story would be mainly AoKuroKise and a lot of GoMKuro. This chapter's important so that everyone will know the extent and depth of KagaKuro's relationship. They're soul mates. As cheesy as that sounds, they are, damn it.

Also, thank you for everyone who painstakingly submitted a review for Chapter 3. They were all so heart-warming, especially the compliments about character development and my OC, Akira Rei. Thank you so much! So yeah even though the reviews came in drops, please consider writing a review for this chapter as well. Thank you. I almost made it longer so be grateful! Haha

Another thing, thank you to denizen of the night for telling me about 'mon' and 'dori'. The map I saw was in English and had Ave. and gate as well so I just copied it. Corrected it already, thanks once again!

Disclaimer: The picture I used is not mine, I placed it as the cover image of this story so people will know who I based Akira Rei on. So no copyright infringement intended.

Chapter 4: Losing Situation

Kuroko stared at the ceiling, his body trying to adjust to the exhaustion of today's work. He never knew working, part time it might be, would be so tiring. But it shouldn't be surprising really, Kaze Bookstore was three stories high and was insanely popular. They mostly sold manga but other books were available as well such as encyclopedias and medical books, just to name a few.

It also didn't help that the bookstore was located right across the local high school, Hongo High. Safe to say, Kuroko would be keeping his part time job for a long time. The owner was in dire need of helpers and their monthly, if not weekly, shipping of books made the employees' jobs all the more tedious. They were lucky though because the owner and the manager were both generous and kind. His fellow co-workers were pleasant company. The pay wasn't bad as well. All in all, Kuroko could definitely say he found the most suitable job for a book lover like him.

Rolling to his side, he sighed, his eyes closing tiredly. Really, even after six years of playing basketball, his stamina was still pitiful. Almost two weeks into the job and he still couldn't get used to his hectic schedule. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, he was at Tokyo U from eight in the morning till three in the afternoon; his shift at work then begins at four and continues till eight in the evening.

His Tuesdays and Thursdays were just as tiring.

School from nine in the morning till five in the afternoon, then work at the bookstore from six till ten in the evening. There were no classes falling on Saturday but he was still obliged to work from eight am till five in the afternoon. Thank goodness his Sunday was a free day. He snorted out loud. If Kagami could see him now, what would he say? Sky blue eyes suddenly snapped open. Right, the email.

It seems he forgot to reply again.

This should be the nineteenth time he forgot. Funny that he could recall the times he forgets to reply but it always slips his mind when he needs to do so. His only consolation would be the fact that Kagami's busy as hell and working his body like a cow.

Sluggishly, he pushed himself up and sat down. Blinking repeatedly, he tried to will away the sleep clouding his eyes. A quick glance at his table clock told him that it already was 8:20 p.m. It was already way past dinner. He pouted when his stomach rumbled in protest. Truthfully, he didn't feel like eating. Not at all. Being this tired and going through all the effort of making some measly dinner, which he wouldn't even finish, wasn't appealing.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

His thoughts screeched to a halt as his phone vibrated on his desk. With his body on autopilot, he stood up and walked over, his hand reaching out to snatch the offending object from the wooden surface.

"Hello?" His eyes were half-lidded when he answered. It was only Wednesday and he already was ready to fall asleep on his feet.

"Kuroko?" Kuroko snapped to attention, disbelief coloring his face.

"K-Kagami-kun?" The man on the other side laughed. Warmth flooded him, and the fatigue quickly washed away. His partner really did have this much effect on him.

"Yes, you slow poke. Who said you couldn't reply to my emails? Is Tokyo U too much for you?" Kagami was certainly lifting his mood. Kuroko settled against his sheets. Forget dinner. It could wait while Kagami couldn't. Matter of fact, everything else could wait, just never his light.

"You're being absurd, Kagami-kun. How about you? Done anything stupid yet?"

"Ha! As if that would happen. I'm the best there is." Kuroko's eyes softened. Such confidence and not a single amount of arrogance. This very characteristic of Kagami's was the very one which attracted him in the first place.

"You seem to be having fun, Kagami-kun."

"Down to the letter, Kuroko. I'm having the best time of my life." Just wish you were here. Kuroko could almost hear his unspoken words. It was their connection, an ability they acquired over hours and hours of being together. Day in, day out, hour after hour of rigorous training and bonding. It was unavoidable. They never tried to avoid it, anyway.

"I'm glad everything's going great for you." Kagami twitched, his sensors almost ringing alarms in his head. A scowl was suddenly on his face.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Bingo. The silence only proved his suspicions.

Kagami snarled, his features becoming fierce. This part of Kuroko always ticked him off. He should know better than trying to hide anything from him. "Kuroko, I may not be there right now but I can still bite your head off through the phone."

Kuroko wore a humorless smile. "I can just hang up, Kagami-kun."

"Ha! That's the worst bullshit you could ever dish out on me. You won't. You can't." Kuroko bit the inside of his cheek, his grip on his phone almost bruising.

"I hate you sometimes, Kagami-kun." Kuroko felt his insides turn to jelly when he heard his light's laughter becoming gentler, less boisterous and harsh.

"And I love you, love." A flush appeared unbidden on his pale cheeks and Kuroko struggled to keep it at bay. No matter how many times Kagami said his pet name, it still embarrassed him to no ends. Kagami's upbringing always clashed with his own. Americans really were too liberal compared to Japanese.

"You're really embarrassing, Kagami-kun." Kagami could almost hear Kuroko's embarrassment. He rolled his eyes, but couldn't keep the stupid grin off his face.

"Yeah well, truth hurts, baka. Deal with it. You love me, anyway." Between men, this conversation should be a teeny bit strange but who cares? Kagami is his light and Kuroko is his shadow. Their roles in this relationship should validate intimacy.

"You sound like a whiny bitch, Kagami-kun."

"Says the one who always clings to me whenever a horror movie pops up." Kuroko's lips quirked up. True.

"We're even, then."

Kagami almost sounded offended when he answered. "We've always been." Equals. Partners. Take your pick.

That did it.

Kuroko closed his eyes in resignation. "I give in, Kagami-kun."

"Good, 'coz I'm not hanging up till you tell me everything."

Kuroko's expression turned skeptic. "Wouldn't this call be expensive?"

"I earn more money than I would ever need in my life, Kuroko. You think a measly call would put on a crease on my wallet? Dream on."

"Arrogance will be your downfall."

Kagami stretched over his sofa, his bones creaking with every movement. Damn, was he tired. "Yeah yeah, quit your yapping and tell me already."

"I saw Akashi during freshmen orientation."

Kagami froze and stopped rolling the joints in his shoulders. "What?"

"He was the freshmen representative so he delivered a speech." Kuroko didn't like this. Why was he bringing this up? He feels restless whenever he recalls his former captain standing over them, red eyes boring into everyone present. It was an unpleasant experience.

"So? What's got you worked up?"

Kuroko's gaze shifted to his lap in thought. "I just - yeah, I think it's stupid. Let's just forget I brought it up."

Kagami growled in warning, "Kuroko."

"I - Kagami-kun, I think the others are also studying at Tokyo U. Well, except for Aomine-kun and Kise-kun." Kagami closed his eyes, relaxing completely against the cushions of his couch. Well, wasn't that a surprise? Those two were idiots. There's no way they could pass a school as prestigious as Tokyo U. But really, the situation doesn't even warrant any concern but if Kuroko's acting up, then there should be something more to the story.

"And again, so? Nothing's wrong with that, now is there?"

Kuroko scratched the side of his cheek. "Supposedly yes, but for once..." He paused, once again uncertain if he should say it but quickly shook his head. Kagami would definitely grill him if he stopped mid-way like this. "...I wanted. No. I needed them out of my life. A clean slate, Kagami-kun. Middle school through high school should have been more than enough but college is out of the question."

Kagami could hear Kuroko's heavy breathing through the speaker. He almost regretted ever asking what's wrong in the first place. But that can't happen. Their relationship had no boundaries and if push comes to shove, he would even be willing to lay his life down for Kuroko's safety.

"Ease up a little, you're blowing this out of proportion. Besides, you're asking for the impossible, Kuroko." Kagami scolded lightly.

Kuroko clutched the phone even tighter against his ear. "I'm well aware of that, Kagami-kun."

Kagami nodded. "Good, because come hail or snow, they would never disappear from your life." Kuroko flinched. He knew that from the start but always convinced himself of the complete opposite. "Listen, I can't be your buffer right now so till you've sorted everything out, stay away from them. You don't need them complicating your life."

"Yes, I think that's also for the best."

Kagami nodded, satisfied. "Anything else?"

Kuroko rubbed his eyes sleepily. "Nothing more, Kagami-kun."

"Seriously, you were losing sleep over that?" Kuroko felt sheepish. He couldn't deny it. The past few days had been difficult, then Kagami goes and blows everything away, and so easily to boot.

"You're just simple-minded, Kagami-kun."

"Whatever. Don't forget to eat dinner, a piece of fruit will do if you're really tired. And a package should arrive at your apartment before the month ends."

What? "A package?"

"Yeah, congrats, baka. Never thought you'd pass Tokyo U of all schools."

Kuroko glared at the wall facing him, wishing it was Kagami instead. "I don't want to be told that by you of all people."

Kagami took it in stride and snickered instead. "Alright then, I'm turning in for a nap. It's my day off, gotta hog the bed all day." Kuroko shook his head. Kagami will always be Kagami.

"I see, good night then." Kuroko took a deep breath before continuing. "And Kagami-kun?"

Almost dozing off, he answered. "Hrnh?

"Love you."

Kagami grinned wide, his canines showing. "Yeah, love you too."

They simultaneously ended the call, leaving two halves of a pair completely contented. Kuroko closed his eyes, his hands holding onto his cell and just like that, he curled up in his bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.

Thank you, Kagami-kun.

...

"Well now, don't you look so dashing this fine morning, Kuroko." Akira was smiling at him, teasing his current state of dress. Talking with Kagami took most of his sleep time and he was almost late for his first class, Speech Communication. He looked down and examined his clothes. Alright, he admits that his closed shoes, baggy pants, and ill-fitted shirt looked horrible, but better horrible than late.

"Please keep your comments to yourself, Akira-kun." Kuroko bit out, still groggy and tired as hell from running all over the place. Why is this school so big anyway? The campus spans more than a few hundred kilometers and you need to ride buses and taxis before you can reach one end of the school to another. Annoying. Really annoying.

"Late night?" Though the answer should be obvious with the bags beneath his eyes, Kuroko still humored his friend with an answer.

"Yes, I feel lethargic." Just like he said, Kuroko did look paler than he usually was. Akira observed him from the corner of his eyes. He really did look like he was gonna fall over.

"That means we'll be eating at the cafeteria at the Faculty of Letters when when we have our English I later at twelve noon." Akira stopped walking when he didn't see Kuroko by his side. He turned around only to find the smaller man frowning at him.

"I packed my lunch, Akira-kun. There's no need to eat at the cafeteria." Akira looked him in the eye before walking over and tapping Kuroko's nose with his index finger. The small wrinkle on that gentle face that followed after his touch made him want to pull Kuroko into his arms again. He's way too oblivious for his own good.

"No worries, it's my treat."

Kuroko quickly shook his head. "It's not about the money."

"I know, it's because you like eating alone or with just one or two for company." Kuroko opened his mouth to deny it but thought better when he saw that playful smile on his face. What's the use? Akira knew anyway. "And your appetite's bordering on abysmal - it's appalling."

Kuroko ripped his gaze away from Akira's. "You're a busybody, Akira-kun."

Akira grinned handsomely, his ruby eyes flashing in mirth. "Only for you, Kuroko. But seriously, I'll make sure to stuff you later because with the way I see things right now, you wouldn't last at your job later." He shook his head. "No, you wouldn't even last past our four pm class."

"Akira-kun's annoying." Kuroko mumbled grumpily.

"Why, I'll take that as a compliment, thank you." Kuroko sighed. I give up. When it comes to arguing his case with food, he always loses. Even Murasakibara and Mitobe, of all people, were able to win over their arguments.

"Fine." Kuroko forced out. "But nothing overboard, I don't want to get sick."

Akira chuckled at his expense, a hand reaching out to caress one pale cheek. Catching Kuroko's gaze, he smiled. "Don't worry; getting you sick is one thing I'll never do to you."

Kuroko took one good look at that smile and it was game over. He sighed forlornly. It was just too similar to his Kiyoshi-senpai. How could he resist that? Kiyoshi was like the older brother of all the kohai in his team.

"You're strange, Akira-kun." Kuroko turned away from him and headed south. They had Chemistry in ten minutes; they shouldn't be loitering around.

Akira watched him go, his scrutiny intense. A smirk formed on his face. Seriously, he discovered someone more worthy than anyone he's seen in the past. And for some reason, he couldn't take his gaze off Kuroko. Every movement, every word and every expression didn't escape his notice. He clenched his fists. What's wrong with him? Kuroko was only a conquest; he shouldn't be able to affect him like this. So what is it?

"Akira-kun?" His thoughts screeched to a standstill. Kuroko stopped walking and was now regarding him with worry. How he knew this when the sky-haired male's face was as stiff as a rock, he didn't know, but it worked to his advantage so no complaints here.

"Sorry, Kuroko. Got sidetracked for a second. Let's go?"

Kuroko nodded and Akira beamed. Well, whatever it was, it could wait. For now, being with Kuroko was enough to satisfy his curiosity. And being close enough to touch his new target was enough to sate his libido. Akira whistled merrily. For now, it should be fine. His eyes slid to where Kuroko was. Yeah, it should be.

Entering inside their classroom, the chattering died down considerably. Hushed whispers followed after them, and as always Kuroko was unaware of everything around him. Akira sighed, his smile doting. He sat down beside Kuroko who already has a book in hand and now waiting patiently for their professor to come.

With all his elegance, Kuroko was depressingly unaware of his charisma. He could bet with his life on the line that Kuroko didn't even find himself attractive. What a pity, Akira mused, a little polishing around the edges and he would be one fine diamond.

"Hey? Mind if we sit here?" Annoyed at the intrusion, Akira resisted the urge to glare at the jittery girls standing in front of them. And so it begins. His gaze swept across the room.

Actually, he expected it from the beginning. His exotic looks always landed him a good lay while Kuroko's charm was irresistible, and griping. Anyone can see that obtaining him was the same as striking gold. The notion was ridiculous but it didn't change the truth.

"Go ahead." Kuroko spoke up for both of them. Akira face palmed. Ah, the kindness that is Kuroko Tetsuya. It was innate and couldn't be overwritten by anything else. Goodness, the ice beauty was too pure for his own good. The probing eyes directed at him made his situation even worse. Really, he had a lot of work ahead of him.

"So, I'm Adachi Sui." The girl with long, lush brown hair introduced before pointing to the girl beside her. "And she's Hirai Kino." The girl with bleached blond hair waved, her smile flirty. Akira gagged. They weren't even half his standards.

"We're both Philosophy majors, how about you guys?" Akira's lips jerked unpleasantly. They should really get the hint that they weren't welcomed here.

"Kuroko Tetsuya, History major." Kuroko deadpanned, taking the girls aback. Akira sighed, resigning himself. Ah well, must put up a good show then.

"Akira Rei, Philosophy. It's nice to meet you, ladies." He flashed his best smile, and regretted it immediately. They were looking at him strangely now. This is bad. He looked around him and found mostly everyone looking towards their direction. Akira tsked internally.

This was going to be one long day.

...

"Hello?" Fingers decorated with rings held his cell to his ear.

"Ah. I'll be free later. Yes, yes. You worry too much, you know?" The man laughed, his eyes twinkling happily.

"Yeah, I understand. See you then, manager-san." Kise shut his phone, making sure no one was around him before slipping it in one of his secret pockets. Fangirls were ruthless when they flocked together. He didn't need to have his phone taken the sixteenth time around.

"Ryouta." Kise stiffened, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets. That familiar voice... he looked back and found garnet-colored eyes staring at him. He smiled sheepishly, his left hand scratching the back of his head.

"Haha. Fancy seeing you here, Akashicchi."

...

"Out of all the things you could have chosen as your PE, why chess, Kuroko?" Akira looked at him incredulously. Kuroko didn't pay attention to him and continued reading the class guide given during their first day of class.

"Come on, don't ignore me, Kuroko."

Kuroko sighed. "It's mentally stimulating and I don't have enough stamina to play the whole semester and acquire a good grade out of it."

"Yeah, that's true." Akira affirmed almost immediately.

Kuroko frowned in offence. "You didn't have to agree so easily."

Akira laughed. "Well, it's the truth but I wish the opposite was true so you could play with me." Kuroko raised an eyebrow in question.

"What did you choose anyway?"

Akira grinned with pride. "Taekwondo."

"What belt are you?"

"Third degree black belt." Kuroko looked impressed and it made his ego flair.

"Wouldn't you just wipe the floor with everyone else?"

Akira nodded. "That's exactly the point." Kuroko was almost tempted to roll his eyes. That was way too predictable, even for someone like Akira.

"And you expect me to play with you? You're an idiot, Akira-kun." Akira huffed, feinting hurt. Kuroko didn't bother looking at him.

"All I wanted was to be with you longer, Kuroko." That sounded good enough of a confession but knowing Kuroko he would just skillfully brush it off.

"We see each other everyday, Akira-kun." Kuroko stated the obvious as he packed his things. Their Physics class ended fifteen minutes ago, and now they were just killing time till their next class. It was only 10:00, so they had plenty of time to wander about. Apparently, their eleven am class was cancelled.

"But that's not enough, Kuroko!" Akira protested hotly. Kuroko gave his friend one sidelong glance and deduced everything instantly.

"Stop acting and let's go, Akira-kun."

Akira raised his hands in defeat. "You got me, so where do you wanna go?"

"How about watching a match? Kuroko. Akira." Startled, they whirled around only to see the girls they met just an hour ago.

"Adachi-san. Hirai-san." Kuroko greeted amicably. The girls looked surprised before pleased smiles formed on their lips.

"Wow, you remember us." Yeah, wow, you remembered them. Akira sulked mentally.

"What's this match you're talking about?" They both grinned and squealed. Kuroko fought back a flinch. Akira wasn't so lucky.

"Yeah, the university's basketball and volleyball teams are going to have a practice match against Minagawa University at the Athletic Field. It's starting now actually." Akira hummed in thought. Well, sports were fine but he wasn't that interested which means...let Kuroko decide.

He glanced at Kuroko only to see him frowning heavily. Suddenly concerned, he called out. "Kuroko?"

Kuroko winced before sky blue eyes met his own. "Yes?"

"You okay?"

Kuroko nodded, "Yes, I'm perfectly fine."

"So? Are you coming? We can still take a bus at Akamon to No-seimon. The athletic field would just be a ten-minute walk from the gate." Akira scowled. What insensitive girls they were. Didn't they see they were bothering Kuroko? They were definitely not his type. People who lacked finesse were short of barbaric.

"Akira-kun?" Kuroko queried softly.

"Yes?"

"Can we go?"

Kuroko looked uncertain, looking all the more endearing in his eyes. Akira allowed a smile to grace his lips, this one truer than anything he offered his targets in the past. "Sure, we have plenty of time. We can eat lunch there, instead."

Kuroko groaned in distress. Akira could only hold back a laugh. "Don't think I forgot my promise, Kuroko. You're still going to be stuffed full later." Kuroko huffed and turned away from him.

Akira smirked before settling his gaze on the flustered girls waiting for their response. "Let's go, ladies."

Fifteen minutes later and they were greeted with the sounds of the boisterous cheers of the crowd. Along with the squeaking of countless shoes and shouts of excitement, the noise was just deafening. Unlike Akira who covered his ears, Kuroko marveled at the familiar scene.

His eyes almost watered at the assault of memories in his head. This was it - this feeling of elation coursing through his veins. Wide blue eyes watched the basketball match in wonder, clearly disregarding the volleyball match at the right side of the gymnasium.

From their view, they were able to see everything unfolding. Tokyo U's players wore white uniforms while Minagawa wore blue. Kuroko grazed his fingers over the railings, his whole mind and being focused on the game. He was sorely reminded of Seirin and Kaijo's practice game. It was the birth of his and Kagami's combination play.

"You seem to like basketball a lot, Kuroko." A small poke on his cheek broke his concentration. Bewildered, he found his eyes staring into Akira's.

Kuroko smiled small before his gaze shifted to the game once again. "Yes, I've always liked it." But, that's a lie.

His eyes became downcast as he searched for a number ten among his university's players and found no one sporting Kagami's number. Might as well enjoy the game then. Thinking this, Kuroko kept his gaze on number 24, he looked promising. He was swift and agile, and able to counter Minagawa's attacks with controlled force. However...

A fade away? Kuroko frowned, number 24 shouldn't try it when...Ah, a miss.

"Number 24 should have passed the ball to number 19 instead of pulling a stunt like that, ne Kurokocchi?"

Kuroko froze completely, his eyes becoming wide as saucers as arms slid around him from behind, pulling him back into the familiar heat of his body. Akira stood by the side, his eyes gaping at the unexpected intruder. Girls and boys alike turned to stare at them recognizing the man standing among them. The popular model, none other than—

"K-Kise-kun." Kuroko breathed, his voice shaking and his hands trembling in surprise and disbelief.

Kise chuckled against his ear, eliciting shivers from his body. Kuroko resisted elbowing the blond in the ribs. "Ping-pong, you got it right, Kurokocchi."

"Long time no see, Kurokocchi. What have you been upto, hmm?" Danger. He was in danger. Kuroko's gaze flew in all directions, looking for a means to escape.

"It's nice to see you, Kise-kun but I have to go now. Akira-kun and I still have class, right?" Kuroko directed his gaze towards his direction and Akira quickly nodded. He reached over and clasped one of Kise's hands. Golden eyes flashed in warning. Don't touch me.

Akira smirked haughtily. Bite me. Kuroko watched their silent stare down in apprehension. This doesn't look good. Kise hated above all else to be touched. He always instigated physical contact but never let anyone touch him except people he respects.

"Akira-kun?"

Akira promptly let go, his smirk never leaving his face. Kise almost wanted to pulverize that bastardy face. Tightening his grip on Kuroko, he leaned down to whisper directly in his ear. "Just one thing, Kurokocchi." Kuroko stiffened in his hold. Kise grinned. Akashicchi was definitely right.

"What is it?" Kuroko asked cautiously. Kise lifted one finger and pointed somewhere across from him.

"Look there." Like a marionette on strings, he mechanically turned his head to where Kise was pointing and felt his breath hitch. Familiar yet dreadful eyes stared back at him, probing intensely. Akashi. Kuroko wanted to step back but couldn't with Kise trapping him from behind.

"I..." Kuroko swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Akashicchi also said hi. Oh, and don't forget Murasakicchi, Aominecchi, and Midorimacchi!" Kuroko felt his throat clogging up, and with a burst of strength, he broke free from Kise's hold, caught Akira's hand and made a run for it. Kise watched them go, his eyes darkening dangerously. He flipped his phone open and typed up a text before pressing 'send'.

"Ah sorry for the disturbance, everyone." Kise flashed a smile and they swooned. He waved one hand while passing the crowd. Now, out of the gymnasium he opened his cell again.

"You blew it, Kise."

Kise rotated on his heels to face him. "But it was fun, Aominecchi!"

The dark-skinned male scowled, his eyes glowering him down. "Fun, my ass! You scared him off, you idiot!" Kise raised his hands in front of his face as he stepped back.

"I was only following orders!" Kise protested.

"That's correct." Akashi emerged from the foliage behind Aomine, both Midorima and Murasakibara following after him.

"You confirmed it, yes?" Kise nodded excitedly.

"Like you said, misdirection is absolutely useless and." Kise's lips curved into a grin, his eyes dark. "He attracts unnecessary attention."

"He also has a pest by his side." Murasakibara quipped before munching on a chip.

Kise's smile turned humorless. "An obstruction. Can't we off him?"

Akashi raised one hand, signalling silence. "Haste makes waste, Ryouta. We'll make our move when I say we do, understand?" They all nodded obediently.

"Before that guard dog comes back, we have to acquire Tetsuya."

"Agreed."

Please review before you head out. Thank you. Reward my muse's efforts, won't you? :)

Completed: January 9, 2014