Unrequited Love?

[yellowcopycat]

Kaijou and Seirin had just had their first practice match, which was shaping up to be a tradition of sorts. This time, Kaijou had gone to Seirin. The gym was nice, newer then Kaijou's but maybe not as big. 

 

He was breathing heavily, but smiling broadly. It always felt good to play, even if it was just a practice match and they weren't going all out. After all, he wanted to keep some of his new tricks up his sleeves, just like he was sure Kagami and Kuroko were hiding some of their new tricks too. This year's match had ended in a draw. Better than last year's practice match, which had ended in Kaijou's loss by two points.  

 

Just thinking about Kuroko made Kise look over to the Seirin team, focusing in on the smaller boy. 

 

For awhile now Kise had realized that he had feelings for Kuroko. Kise had looked up to Kuroko for awhile, but it wasn't really until after the Winter Cup that Kise realized he was probably in love with Kuroko. 

 

He took a towel that one of the first years offered him. "Thanks," he said absently. He scrubbed at his face, his thoughts racing. He had been thinking about Kuroko a lot lately, and seeing him only brought those thoughts back to the surface, only pushed aside when the game had begun. Now with the game over he couldn't focus. The warm glow in his chest that came whenever he thought about Kuroko was back with a vengeance.

 

The Kaijou team was gathering their things and getting ready to board the bus. He told the first year that he'd be along in a bit and began to head over to the Seirin team. 

 

"Kurokocchi~" he called out. No time like the present, he thought. He didn't know if Kuroko would return his feelings, but he was hopeful. The time Kuroko had cheered him on while he went up against Haizaki stood out in his mind. 

 

"Kurokocchi! You got a minute?"

Comments

[yellowcopycat]

Unfortunately, Kise never got the chance to get back with Kuroko. Things ramped up for Interheigh for both schools, and between practice and his job, Kise couldn't find time before he would be flying off to the US with his dad to look at the schools that had expressed interest in him.

Kaijou won theirs, of course. And tomorrow, he'd be in another country without talking to Kuroko. He had tried! He did! They just never had time off at the same time.

He was all packed. It wouldn't be the first time he went to the US, though it had been a while, the break between first and second year, before he confessed to Kuroko.

In retrospect, it was that trip that spurred him on to confess to Kuroko. He leaned back against his case, listening to his father walk outside his room, talking to his mom and sister about the trip. He was nervous. He had never been to Texas or Ohio.

He pulled out his phone and texted Kuroko.

Going to America tomorrow. I'm nervous.

[misdirects]

He understands why Kise doesn't reach out. It really is easiest to throw himself into preparing for the Interhigh with all his might. In turn, devoting every free moment to strategizing and making sure Seirin does their best... it's worth it in the end, when against all odds, they end up second against Touou.

But without basketball to preoccupy his thoughts, they wander. Even books can't hold his attention as well as they usually do, but he's in the middle of one when his phone pings.

You shouldn't be. I'm sure you'll be well-received.

[yellowcopycat]

I've never been to Texas. Everyone tells me it's really big. And it's hot. You ever been to the Ryukyu islands? it's on the same latitude! Ish.

He's not really considering the University in Texas. Ohio State was his second choice, and it seemed like the place he'd end up going as it'd give him the best scholarships.

Dad's probably more nervous than me. He doesn't fly as much as I do.

[misdirects]

I've never been that far south...

Kuroko isn't very well-traveled. The idea of traveling all the way to America is a bit daunting.

Maybe a sleeping aid would help. You can't worry as much if you're asleep.

[yellowcopycat]

I've been there a few times. For shoots. Spent a weekend there once with mom and dad when my sisters were both in University. It was nice. But hot.

He leaned back, arching over his luggage.

I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to talk before leaving.

[misdirects]

Kise-kun is so worldly.

He's mostly not teasing, just a little bit envious.

It's alright, it's been a busy time. Preparing for an overseas trip can be quite time-consuming, I'd imagine. And congratulations to Kaijou, by the way.

[yellowcopycat]

Not as much you think. LA is the only place out of Japan I've been.

You'll come visit us right? That way you'll get more worldly. We can go to Disney Land. You, me, Aominecchi, Kagamicchi, and Murasakibaracchi. If he's willing anyway.

You could never tell with Murasakibara.

And congrats to you too! We'll go up against you in the Winter Cup. =)

[misdirects]

Of course I'll visit. We all have to wear a pair of ears. If possible, I want Aomine-kun and Kagami-kun to have the silliest ones.

And thank you. :) Seirin has evolved more than I could've ever hoped for. Poor Furihata-kun almost had a heart attack, but he's pulled through.

[yellowcopycat]

We can get them the Goofy hats. I want Donald's hat. I'd look really cute with it.

Who's your coach now that Aida's graduated? Or is she still the coach?

[misdirects]

Donald's colors would suit you... I wonder who I should get.

The school gave us the resources to hire a coach. But it's hard to truly replace her. She still drops by from time to time to check up on us.

[yellowcopycat]

Mickey Mouse.

Cool.

He paused for a bit, listening to his father wonder aloud to his mother where he put his underwear and rolled his eyes.

Dad can't find the things he set aside. He'll probably pass out on the plane. I'm not very good at sleeping on planes.

[misdirects]

So straightforward. But I suppose Minnie for Murasakibara-kun would be funnier.

He's still reading in between these messages, so it colors his suggestion: Perhaps you should bring a book, the words may be so boring that you're lulled to sleep.

[yellowcopycat]

It would be much funnier. And despite his size, I think he'd make a great drag queen.

Oh! I didn't mean because I'm bored. I love flying! I love watching the clouds and stuff. It's amazing.

But maybe I'll try. It'll be a long ass flight.

[misdirects]

He did dress up as the princess to your prince that one year during Teikou's school festival and everyone seemed to quite like it.

If you want, I can give a recommendation. Though, I'm not sure I'd be able to find something to suit your tastes...

[yellowcopycat]

That was a fun day.

Sure. I'll download the Kindle app and read it on my phone.

[misdirects]

Hopefully, at least one will interest you.

He shares a small list with a wide range of focus- a fantasy light novel based around the differences in lifespan between races, one about murder mysteries in an imperial court, another a fictionalized retelling of the real life ragtag Korean basketball team that made it to national championships with only six players on its roster, just to name a few.

[yellowcopycat]

To dad's eternal disappointment, only Saeko's really interested in reading. But maybe.

The one about basketball should be interesting at least. The murder mystery seems boring though.

I'm gonna try to get some sleep.

[misdirects]

He would be offended by that assessment, that's one of his favorites.

Good night and safe travels. You'll be in America before you know it.

[yellowcopycat]

Mystery books always seemed boring to him. He prefers things to be straightforward.

The following day was pretty easy, all things considered. They had to go and buy a pack of new underwear for his dad, which was embarrassing and annoying, but they got to the airport early enough and managed to get to their seats without issue.

It had been a while since he had traveled alone with his father. He had forgotten how much his dad talks to strangers. Kise has no issue talking to strangers but has never gone out of his way to speak to them.

Hours later, he's in the US. He sends a few texts to his friends, letting them know he's made it safely and sanely, and each one is accompanied by a selfie of himself in front of the 'Welcome to Los Angeles' wall.

[misdirects]

Kuroko will be having a relatively low-key summer in comparison, so seeing Kise's messages and pictures will sure to brighten up his quiet days. Today, he's out with Aomine and Kagami at a street court as usual, watching them play a particularly fierce match against each other when it comes in.

Kagami-kun says to make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen while you're out there.

[yellowcopycat]

is that why Kagamicchi's so tan? Does he have a pale butt?

Kise's slightly loopy because he's exhausted from the twelve hour flight. And the time difference is messing with him. He remembered it did, but he knows he'll bounce back after a nap. His dad on the other hand is bright eyed and bushy-tailed.

It's night here. LA is somehow like, seventeen hours behind or something.

[misdirects]

That is confidential information.

He'd rather not share such private details. That was for him and the other Seirin members to know about in the privacy of their locker room.

At least you'll have a very restful night of sleep. No need to fight jetlag if you're going straight to bed.

[yellowcopycat]

aww. I'll just ask him.

If Kuroko is near Kagami, he'd probably hear the redhead yelp as he does just that.

Kise only knew shame if it was explicitly sexual. Casual nudity, on the other hand, was fair game to him.

He's got a nice one. Even Sei thinks so =P

[misdirects]

Sorry, Kagami, Kuroko did try to protect you.

I don't make a habit of noticing things like that. I'll make sure to pass along the compliments.

[yellowcopycat]

That's because you're demi.

Kise lets out a yawn and hears his dad call for him. gotta go, the uber is here and I have to make sure we don't get lost looking for the door. dad gets lost easily when he's not familiar with the place.