Looking for a Miracle | Kuroko no Basket

15. Mixed Feelings

Looking for a Miracle
Chapter Fifteen
Mixed Feelings

After the tournament, the attitude toward Kuroko changed dramatically.

It didn't happen all at once, of course. People were still hesitant, wondering if his misdirection could be used against all opponents, and if his lack of presence could make up for falling behind in all practices. But people were warming up to him, unable to dislike his sweet and calm demeanour and his fierce determination to keep going. He had gained to respect of many, and even those who still weren't too sure grudgingly accepted him.

It hasn't been officially announced yet that Kuroko was a member of the first string, but the coaches had no complaints and he had performed so well, Sei said it was safe to assume he really was a part of the team now.

Kuroko was closest to Aomine, of course, so Aomine began to introduce him to the others. I was thrilled, seeing them being able to talk and get along. I really did have all my friends together now, and seeing Kuroko happy made me smile. He definitely deserved all of this.

Then before we knew it, the school year was ending and final exams were upon us. Clubs were cancelled to focus on studying and, after many days stressing over revision notes and forming study groups with the others, comparing notes with Sei and explaining concepts to the others, the exams were upon us. Days were spent in stuffy classrooms scribbling down answers and essays and hoping you were remembering correct dates and not mixing anything up.

Then exams were over and there were exclamations of relief and cheers and celebrations - Aomine dragged us all down to the courts to play basketball, which he had been deprived of for far too long, he said, when the club was cancelled and everyone had forced him to sit down and study. When we finally left the school grounds, promising to meet up soon, I went back to my house with nothing in mind but kicking back, sleeping, and relaxing after the last few stressful weeks.

Of course, school didn't put an end to business, and three days after school finished my parents had to go over to to Akashis to discuss some new business deal. I didn't mind at all, since I got to spend hours with Sei.

When I arrived, Sei and I almost always met in the hall straight away. This time, however, he wasn't there. I approached one of the staff to ask about it.

"Where's Seijuuro-kun?" I asked a woman. I knew that it was less than wise to go around referring to Sei as Sei around his house.

"He's in the stables," the woman said. "I expect he's just come back from his ride."

I bowed. "Thank you," I said, and scurried off in that direction.

I wasn't surprised Sei was in the stables. Not too long ago he'd been given his own horse, Yukimaru, and told to learn to master horse riding. Yukimaru was a beautiful horse, and Sei had taken to horse riding immediately, and he was fond of Yukimaru as well.

Of course, I reflected with a chuckle, Sei takes to anything quickly. It was something I'd never understand.

Sure enough, when I arrived at the stables Sei was still there. He'd taken off Yukimaru's tack and was stroking her neck, whispering something to her. I smiled at the sight.

"Sei!" I called.

Sei looked back, and smiled as greeting as I approached. I stood close and brushed my fingers against Yukimaru's fur, looking at him with adoring eyes. "He's as beautiful as ever," I whispered, and scratched him on the nose.

"I'm sorry I'm late. I lost track of time."

I shrugged. "Happens to us all." Yukimaru nickered as I turned my attention away from him. I chuckled and faced the white horse again. Hey boy. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you."