Chapter Text
“-And the lady even asked the girls for a hug, it was literally the cutest thing I have ever seen!” Furihata’s therapist smiled at him softly.
Furihata Kouki is currently at his therapist’s office, recounting a video he saw earlier on the internet.
The video was of two girls walking up to strangers saying they were taking photos of people they found beautiful and asking for the stranger’s photo. Every time the stranger’s face would light up, and in some cases they nearly started crying from the kind gesture. It was in one of those try not to smile compilations, and well, Furihata might’ve lost at that point. This time it was a simple kind gesture that made him grin.
Usually, he watched those videos mainly for puppies and calming himself down when his anxiety gets the best of him. He goes to therapy mainly for his anxiety and panic issues. Nothing terrible but it definitely affects him poorly in life, and he really wants to get a handle on it.
“Maybe you should try it then?” His therapist answered.
“Oh, no no no, I can’t do that.” Furihata panicked. When he was recounting the video he never would have even thought of doing it himself. The older began talking while he was preoccupied in his own mind.
“Well, you seemed so happy thinking about other people’s reactions, I thought it might be good for you. If you think that it’s too much that’s alright. We can work in baby steps, maybe just make it a goal to greet a number of people a day, or ask someone for help finding something at a grocery store?”
That’s terrifying… going up to strangers and saying something so… strange?
No. I can’t do that. Even if people in the video smiled in response to that...
“I-I mean, it’s not that I don’t want to... b-but w-wouldn’t that be kinda weird…?” Without listening Kouki replied.
“How so?” His therapist questioned good-naturedly.
“I mean, I’m a guy… that might be a little uhm off putting to ask someone if I could take their photo…” He didn’t want to sound weird or worse like some sort of pervert. His therapist seemed to think about that for a moment.
“Well, you don’t have to go by yourself, and you could stick to just talking to acquaintances, like your friends’ friends” She answered.
Not doing this by himself sounds like a much better idea, honestly. But he does not want to tell this to people he knows, that just sounds like a bad idea all around.
“Umn, I don’t- I think talking to acquaintances would almost be worse, because then I might have to see them again…” Furi answered to the best of his abilities.
“I understand. I only said that because then your friend would be able to explain it if they got the wrong idea.” The taller looked kindly at the nervous boy in front of her “But I really don’t think that will happen. You don’t seem like an intimidating person, and I think you have a friendly aura.”
“You’re sayin’ I look like a shrimp.” Furihata huffed, and his therapist lightly laughed good-naturedly.
“No. Not at all. I’m saying you don’t look like a pervert.”
Kouki couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden brashness. A few seconds passed and his therapist spoke again.
“In all seriousness, I understand doing that may be too much and I think you know how much you can handle versus how much is a little push. If you don’t think you can do that at where you are now, we can figure something else out, alright?”
“N-no, I want to do it.”
Talking about it so much made Furihata pretty determined to do it. It may be tempting to step down but he really wants to push himself to be better.
When he first brought it up he never even thought of doing it himself, but now that the thought is there and he pictured people smiling because of him, he can’t get it out of his head. He knows if he decides not to, because of his nerves, he would only be disappointed in himself later.
“Okay, well, then you better show me the pictures in our next meeting!” The older smiled widely. “And feel free to text me anytime during the week for any advice.”
“Of course, and yeah thanks.” The meeting ended shortly after and Furihata headed home.
When he got home he texted Kuroko about it. He wanted to tell him immediately so he couldn’t wuss out later.
Him and Kuroko are pretty close, they’re both in the same class; library committee, and basketball team so it was sort of inevitable they would end up speaking. They became even closer due to their love of books, basketball and quiet times. He’s the type of friend you can hang out with and not speak with but be completely comfortable with. Furihata never had a friend like that before now so it is sort of a relief when it’s just the two of them. Besides, he’s really good support, thus is why Furi texts him about his anxiety and Kuroko will share fun stories of him and his Teiko teammates. Furi begrudgingly admits, Kuroko never seems to have any problems. This is a good thing of course, but sometimes Kouki wants to be the one to help, it feels like he is getting too much out of their relationship while not giving anything.
Kouki’s phone buzzed almost immediately after he initially sent his text, so he looked down at it.
Milkshake fiend: That’s a great idea, I would love to tape.
Furi could have guessed that response, after all, Kuroko loves to blackmail people with videos they never knew were taken, so he’s great with spy cams. He is still concerned over a few things though...
Furihata-kun: Do you think people will think we’re like um perverts or something though…
Milkshake fiend: Would you feel more comfortable if we go with a girl too?
Milkshake fiend: Momoi-san has been asking to go to the mall lately
Furi is torn because, yes he would definitely feel infinitely times better with someone like Momoi with them, but Momoi probably wanted to spend alone time with Kuroko. As if Kuroko could hear his inner turmoil through the phone he sent another text.
Milkshake fiend: Momoi-san will definitely not be bothered by you being there, or for the project. I’ll tell her beforehand what we’re doing.
Furi felt bad about it, but with Momoi there it will probably be much better…
Furihata-kun: Umn, as long she is 100% okay with it… and that she doesn’t think the whole concept is weird…..
Milkshake fiend: She thinks “that’s so cuuute !! (*^▽^*)” and wants to come
Kuroko’s immediate response made Kouki realize that he had already asked her before Furi even said okay. He sighed, yeah that’s Kuroko…
They agreed to go to the mall the next day.
Furihata has only met Momoi a handful of times, so this is already like a thing he’s pushing himself to do. Not that Momoi seems like a bad person at all, in fact she’s probably one of the kindest people Furihata has ever met. But they still barely know each other and Furihata is just hoping with Kuroko there it won’t be awkward.
Furi went to sleep with these thoughts running through his head, and before he knew it, he’s waiting for the pink haired girl at the mall with Kuroko besides him.
“Tetsu-kun!” Kuroko is suddenly swamped by pink hair and tight arms around him in a new timed record. Kuroko hugged her back and Furihata awkwardly stood to the side. She pulled back after a minute and smiled at Kouki.
“And you’re Furi-kun! Tetsu-kun has told us so much about you! It’s nice to finally spend some time together.” She exudes happiness and stuck out her hand to shake. Furihata took it without thinking.
What does she mean Kuroko’s been saying stuff about me to her, and who is ‘us.’
“A-ah, nice to meet- well not meet, but see you Momoi-san, a-and um-” He stopped shaking her hand and Momoi seemed to pick up on his inner turmoil. Great, she can read me the same as Kuroko can.
“Oh!” Momoi giggled. “Don’t worry Tetsu-kun told us all good things of course!”
“Mainly.” Kuroko said on the side-lines. Furi decided it is better to leave that so instead of questioning his teammate, he continued with his thought.
“Wh-who’s ‘us’?”
“The miracles of course!” She giggled cutely after and Furi sent a panicked look to his friend. Kuroko stopped slurping his milkshake to respond. Wait, when did he get a milkshake?
“The miracles are my best friends besides Seirin, and you’re one of my closest friends, actually my best friend, so of course I would mention you time to time.”
Furihata might be a little flustered at being called his best friend, which is like super reassuring because Furi didn’t know where he stood on the friend line, but wait-
“I thought Kagami was your best friend?”
“I believe Kagami-kun belongs in a different category considering we’re dating.” Wait, what.
“Wait, what.” The brunette widened his gaze, taken off guard by the comment.
“I was under the impression everyone knew we were dating.”
Furihata’s in shocked. Sure Kuroko and Kagami act close but everything they do could be written off as a close friendship… He looked at Momoi for her reaction but she doesn’t seem shocked. Did… does everybody know this?
“What? I-” Kouki took a breath, redirecting his words. “Wait, I’m your best friend.” Furi looked at Kuroko and he nodded to say yes. “and- and you never mentioned this?”
Kuroko seemed to be laughing internally. Being near the boy so often gave Furi a little leeway in regards to reading his emotions.
“Why, are you against it?”
“What! Of course not! That’s great, but like! We talk everyday and you have never said anything remotely relationship like with him?”
“Furihata-kun.”
Furi gulped, when Kuroko blankly looked at him.
“Yeah...?”
“I live with him.” Furihata blinked and Kuroko added. “Despite having a home close to Seirin.” The brunette groaned.
“I-I don’t know! I just, never put two and two together I guess?!”
Momoi started laughing at this point, and Furi covered his face with his hands.
“Ahh, I’m a bad friend.” He wailed and Kuroko might openly be smiling now. Furi glanced behind his hands embarrassed to see both of them giggling.
“And now you guys are makin’ fun of me.” He pouted.
“It’s alright Furi-kun, I didn’t know at first either. Neither did Dai-chan.” She pulled a lock of hair behind her ear, “He was all-” She deepened her voice comically attempting to replicate Aomine “-I didn’t know that’s what being your light meant! Tetsu were we dating!?” Momoi started laughing afterwards and Furihata couldn’t keep himself from snickering.
“Yes, Aomine-kun’s reaction was possibly my favorite.” Kuroko smiled.
“What did everybody else say? I mean they all accepted it right…?”
“Yes they all are fine with it, in fact Midorima-kun said that it was inevitable, given our compatibility. He was the first to accept it. Murasakibara-kun didn’t seem to care much either way. Kise-kun was very Kise about it. So, he was yelling a lot but he was fine with it, he was mainly excited and wanted to hear our ‘secrets,’” Kuroko put air quotes around ‘secrets.’
“Akashi-kun said that as long as I was happy he was fine with it, although he did say that if Kagami-kun gave me any trouble he wouldn’t hesitate.” Furi shivered remembering his first encounter with the redhead. Kuroko took notice.
“Well, I’m glad they all are okay with it then… I’m surprised Akashi-san accepted it that quickly, I thought he had some sort of thing about, like, controlling people?” Furihata realized how rude that sounded right after it left his mouth. “Ah-um I didn’t mean it like badly well like I- ugh”
He’s heard a few of stories about the scary Rakuzan captain, including his own meeting with Akashi. However, he is friends with Kuroko, so Furi feels bad about bad-mouthing the other.
“It’s fine, I know what you mean Furihata-kun.” Kuroko saved him. “Akashi-kun has some… issues. But he is actually doing much better now. He is trying to fix the small amount of relationships he has.” Kuroko seemed to take a breath, thinking if he should say the next thing on the tip of his tongue, he did.
“You know, he is actually a very kind person, not many people give him a chance because of his intimidating aura.”
Furihata’s shocked from the deep answer, he didn’t expect that. But… he tried to stab Kagami..?
Kuroko seemed to realize he said something slightly out of nowhere.
“I apologize, Akashi-kun and I were very close in Teiko.”
“Ah, um no it’s fine! I didn’t know that, I’m sorry for just like assuming things… I’m sure that if you two were close he is a good person.” Furihata could tell how much this meant to his best friend. Wait, if we’re best friends, why has he not mentioned Akashi as much as the other miracles in stories? Kuroko smiled.
“Yeah! Akashi-kun is a sweetheart! He was known as a prince in middle school!” Momoi chimed in. Kuroko seemed to give her a discreet thumbs-up that Furihata wasn’t supposed to notice. However, being the observant, paranoid person he is, he did notice.
What was that all about? The brunette decided to just leave it.
“A-anyways, Momoi-san you said you wanted to go shopping with Kuroko, right? Did you want to do that still or..?” Furi changed the topic, since he doesn’t particularly know how to respond to that.
“Yeah! That sounds great, we can all get a bunch of clothes and stuff!” She bounced on her feet.
Kouki hadn’t signed up for a day of shopping but he’s honestly glad that hanging out with Momoi seems to just work so easily. He initially was scared of an awkward atmosphere, since Momoi is very attached to Kuroko. Basically Furi was scared of being a third wheel. He's grateful that he's not just being looked passed for once or unwanted here.
Going shopping in the mall is a huge feat in Furi’s head. He’s gonna be checking off a lot on his anti-anxiety to-do list today it seems. He can’t think of better people to do it with though, so he grinned and they all left their spot to go into the nearest clothing store.
Honestly, this is possibly the most fun Furi’s had in awhile. Before he knew it all three of them had at least two bags (or five for Momoi) and he was calling her Momo-chan, which she was delighted with since nobody has called her that apparently.
Furi found out that Momoi is extremely perceptive, just like Kuroko and insanely smart while still acting like the most perfect being ever. It’s sort of unfair that she has looks, smarts and personality going for her, in a way it’s incredibly intimidating. But that intimidation was put at ease whenever she would light up and start talking about her teammates or how ‘Dai-chan won’t even try her cooking anymore and immediately goes to Sakurai-kun instead.’
They went store to store, stores that Furi knows both him and Kuroko normally wouldn’t shop in, yet Momoi seems to pick through everything elegantly and find items that you would have never guessed would be there. It’s sort of like a super power in Furi’s eyes, so he told her this and she lit up immediately.
“I would be the best superhero! I could help anyone find the clothes they want, and Dai-chan can be my sidekick since he’s really good at guessing people’s sizes!” She started laughing.
“Is he? That seems kind of like a random power? I would have guessed that for someone more like Kise-san.” Furi replied after thinking about that.
“Well, I should say he’s good at guessing female sizes. Ki-kun is good at it too, but he has a better eye for color schemes and what works well together.”
Furi wishes he had that power, he always wears very plain clothes.
“Aomine-kun is a pervert.” Kuroko nonchalantly added, Momoi started laughing and Furi looked at him wide-eyed.
“Huh? I mean I’ve heard he likes a lot of umn, scandalous magazines… but umn, he, he doesn-”
“No, Dai-chan doesn’t actu-”
“Aomine-kun is a menace to society.” Kuroko cut Momoi off.
“What’s gotten into Tetsu-kun!” The pink haired girl said this while laughing full-heartedly. Furi looked on confused, he hopes Aomine-san isn’t actually some sort of pervert.
“I suppose I am just giddy because I have not had such a fun time lately.”
This would have been a normal thing to say, but the blank monotone way Kuroko says everything makes it so much funnier. Furi and Momoi are both laughing now and Kuroko may have cracked a small smile.
“Awe, Tetsu-kun, I’m glad we’re all finally seeing each other. We all need to get together more often!”
Kouki’s happy, like that sort of happy you can’t hide and his friends aren’t trying to hide it either which just adds to the atmosphere. These are good people.
“Yeah, I’m glad we’re all hanging out. And that you joined us today Momo-chan.” Furi added smiling.
“Furi-kun you’re so cute and nice. Where have you been!?” Kouki might be blushing now, because that’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever told him.
Suddenly, there was a flash.
Furi blinked away the stars flashing in his eyes and looked at Kuroko, who has his phone’s camera pointed at him.
“Kuroko!”
“You were turning into a tomato, I needed proof, Furihata-kun.”
Furi covered his face, why do my friends always tease me!?
“Shuddup, I get embarrassed easily…” He mumbled. Momoi is giggling next to him. “You better delete that.” Kouki added.
“It already is.” Kuroko answered blankly.
Furi looked up at him and saw a small smile. That doesn’t mean he didn’t send it to someone first. Furi groaned annoyed. Great more embarrassing photos of him circling the internet.
“Fiine. Where to next?” Furihata changed the subject. They had been standing in the same spot for awhile now.
“Oh! We should stop by the music store, Ki-kun has a new single out I think!”
Why are Kuroko’s friends so impressive…? We are the same age aren’t we?
Nonetheless, the music store is possibly Furi’s favorite store (next to the bookstore.) He’s a huge fan of music. Maybe he should check out Kise’s stuff, he’s never actually listened to it for some reason...
They agreed and started walking down the west wing towards it, on the way they passed by a new comic book store that is opening up in a few days. They have big posters and signs outside of it that caught the brunette’s attention, a lot of them depicted western superheroes and Furi remembered their earlier conversation.
“Do you like superheroes Momo-chan?” He asked his new friend.
She looked shocked at the question then smiled softly. Kuroko smiled as well.
“I think they’re pretty cool! I haven’t read a lot of comics, but I really love Wonderwoman!”
“Oh, yeah she’s pretty awesome! I think you totally fit her whole feminine kick-butt attitude!” Furihata smiled.
It’s true Momoi’s both super pretty but still strong. The fact that she deals with basketball junkies all the time is proof enough, but even then she’s Touou’s manager and Aomine’s best friend. Who are both super tough and intimidating. Furi knows he wouldn’t be able to deal with that everyday. He nearly fainted meeting Seirin and they’re basically the kindest team around. Momoi is truly someone to look up to.
Momoi sort of squealed in response while smiling.
“Thank you so much, Furi-kun!”
“Ah, it’s nothing... you’re kinda inspiring to be honest.” Furi fluffed the back of his head embarrassed. Geez, just speak from the soul today, why not.
“No really, like” She looked him straight on. Furi could feel the atmosphere get heavier in an instant. He listened intently, but his heart raced.
“People look at me like I’m just a pretty face and they all assume that I only like ‘girly’ things. Even though I’m Touou’s manager? But then they look at that as if I’m only doing it to get attention from boys! It’s honestly so frustrating but all day you haven’t assumed anything about me!” She has a sparkle in her eye, and the brunette listened to her with his whole attention.
“And you even asked if I like superhero comic type stuff which is usually a predominantly male audience! And like, this is the whole reason I like Tetsu-kun because he never assumed anything about me from the start, and I’m just so happy!” Momoi looks like she is about to burst into tears.
Furi’s surprised from that whole spiel coming out of nowhere. He hadn’t expected her to respond like that, nor did Kouki notice he was acting differently than most people? But he is super relieved that he unconsciously made her feel comfortable. Especially, because Furi is always afraid of assuming things about other people, which he really thought he was considering he found her intimidating from the start since she’s pretty . He honestly doesn’t know what to say.
“I-I-um, I’m like really relieved you think kindly of me. I honestly wasn’t even thinking before I talked...which is sorta dumb I guess, but I dunno, that’s stupid people think that though. Like, you’re a super nice and smart person, people are probably just intimidated by that since they’re afraid you’re better than them so they put you down…” Furi’s jumbled thoughts trailed on and he began mumbling the more he spoke.
Suddenly he had an arm full of Momoi. Furi doesn’t think he’s ever made a friend he could possible consider this close, this fast before. She pulled back smiling with shiny eyes.
“Furi-kun you come to me if you ever need help! I will always be available for you!” She puffed out her chest with her hands on her waist, mimicking Wonderwoman. Furi chuckled.
“Same goes to you Momo-chan.”
Furi glanced back at Kuroko who is happily drinking a new milkshake, seriously did he just leave when we started talking or something? Maybe that’s a good thing since him and Momoi just completely ignored him for that whole conversation.
They continued on their way to the music store and spotted a familiar blonde in a hat and dark sunglasses next to a display,
“Oh, Kise-kun is here.” They are still a ways away so the model didn’t notice their small group yet. Momoi got a sparkle in her eye and she looked at Furi.
“This is the perfect opportunity!”
Furi looked at her, confusion written on his face.
“You should start your project with Ki-kun!” oh… oH.
Kouki’s heart rate increased, he honestly thought they forgot about his little project, and the brunette was glad to keep it that way. He mentally berated himself for that thought, but I’m already pushing myself today! Well, the day has actually been going quite well but still...
“Uh-umn” His reluctance must of shown on his face because Momoi started talking again.
“You can do it Furi-kun! We’ll be right besides you, and it would be totally normal for Ki-kun! I mean he is a model, and I’m sure that he’ll think this project is super cute too! Plus he already knows Tetsu-kun and I, and he has heard about you!”
“I agree, Kise-kun is the perfect first ‘stranger.’”
Kouki is torn, because yeah, Kise probably is the perfect person. He must have people come up and say similar stuff to him fairly often. But what if he thinks it’s weird? Remembering the first time he met Kise, and how packed the gym became, Furi became upset. The model gets bombarded with strangers every day, that must get old. Furi does not want to add to that.
“He will think more of it, if it’s from you Furihata-kun.” Again, Kuroko read his mind.
Sometimes, Furi really worries about that, can Kuroko seriously have some freaky power that allows him to read minds? He is a miracle after all, and they all seem to be at least slightly super-human.
“Mm-hmm! I’m sure Ki-kun will not be upset Furi-kun!”
You know what, I’m not getting out of this. Both Kuroko and Momoi are determined, and he doesn’t want to upset his friends either so…
“Yeah.”
“Yeah?” Momoi questioned but Kuroko already pulled out his phone to record.
“Yeah… I’ll do it…” Furi pulled out his own phone for the picture. Momoi jumped lightly and clapped clearly pleased.
“We’ll be right beside you Furi-kun!”
Furihata figured Kuroko must have told her about his anxiety issues or else she may not have been so supportive. It’s easier for her to know anyways, it’s not like it’s really a secret, most people can tell after just greeting him. The brunette took a breath, just don’t think. He started to walk towards Kise, who still hasn’t noticed the trio. Kuroko began recording, a small smile gracing his lips.
“K-Kise-san?”
The blonde in question looked over, as he is used to people nervously calling his name. He smiled and his eyes lit up when he spotted Kuroko and Momoi, Furi continued before he could get cut off.
“W-we’re d-doing a project-”
Kise locked eyes with him, he seems to sparkle, no wonder he’s a model.
“-...of taking phot-tos of people we find g-good looking, would you m-mind we t-take a p-picture?”
There. He said it. An embarrassed flush covered his face and he willed himself not to close his eyes or cover them.
The blonde rush hugged him squealing.
“Ahh! That is so cute Furihatacchi!”
Wow a hug before he even spoke to me . Kouki’s in shock over being glomped so suddenly.
“Of course, you can have a photo!” The blonde pulled back, waves of pure happiness wafting off him.
Wait did he call me, Furihatacchi? Doesn’t he only add ‘cchi’ to the end of those who he respects? And wait, can all the miracles recognize me?
Furihata went on autopilot while ranting in his head. He pulled up his phone for a picture, and Kise posed cutely with a peace sign.
“Th-thank you.”
Sure Kuroko said he’s mentioned him, but why would they know what he looks like? Unless they remembered from matches, but Furihata highly doubts that. He’s a benchwarmer who barely plays in actual games.
Kuroko stopped recording and Momoi started giggling.
Unless…
“Kurokocchi and Momoicchi are here too!”
Has Kuroko been sending photos to…?
“Hello Kise-kun.”
Didn’t Kuroko send that photo of me earlier to someone?
“Good evening Ki-kun!”
“Ehhh!?” Furi looked at Kuroko shock painfully written on his face. The trio looked at him questioningly at the sudden outburst. “K-kurok-ko, y-you’ve been sending photos of me!?”
Momoi and Kise looked at him eyebrows raised and Kuroko seemed to have come to some sort of conclusion.
“Th-that photo earlier! Wh-who’d you send it to!?” The shaky brunette accusingly stuck out a finger at his friend. The shadow covered his mouth when a smirk appeared.
“Kuroko!” Small shudders wracked through Kouki’s blue-haired friend noticeably. Kuroko looked down, hand still covering his mouth.
Furi knows he’s royally screwed over. Kuroko glanced up at his friend and something must have snapped when he looked at the disarrayed brunette. He started laughing. Kuroko. Kuroko is laughing.
“Fuck!” Furihata didn’t even care he just cursed loudly in the middle of a crowded store. This seemed to just edge on Kuroko more though, and he was practically wiping tears away from laughing so hard.
“I-I’m sorry Furihata-kun.” Kuroko said breathlessly.
“No! No you’re not, you’re laughing!”
Momoi and Kise seemed to come to an understanding and started snickering. And this time, Furi did cover his face. Really, why does Kuroko have to be such a troublemaker.
“If it makes you feel better, I’ll buy you something here, Furihata-kun.” Kuroko seemed to gain his composure back. The brunette groaned.
“Not gonna cut it.” He mumbled from behind his hands.
“You can have my new disc, Furihatacchi! I’ll even sign it!” Something tells Furi that Kise would have done that either way. Whatever, I was going to buy it anyways. He dropped his hands, sighing.
“Why does everyone tease me.” Furi pouted.
“Because you look cute when you’re embarrassed!” Momoi answered. Furi wasn’t actually expecting a reply, or that reply for that matter.
“There is like, no way that’s true?” Furi answered quizzically. “I look like a sundried tomato.” For some reason the whole group thought that was hilarious.
“You’ll learn when you’re older.” Kuroko sighed, and pat his head as if he were Nigou.
“What the actual heck.” And they left it at that.
Furi really doesn’t understand his friends sometimes.
After that Kise adamantly squealed over giving them all his new disc. Furi told him how he’s an avid music fan. To which Kise replied that he definitely needs his opinion then, which seemed like some sort of excuse because immediately after the blonde insisted they swap phone numbers. Furi figured the model probably isn’t the worst person to have on his phone so he wasn’t too upset. Besides he seems to constantly be bubbling with positive energy, and everyone needs more of that.
“Furi-kun! You said you like music, so you have to recommend me some!” The pink haired girl spoke up.
Furi brushed it off when Momoi was immediately kind to him but with Kise’s burst of swapping numbers, Furi couldn’t help feel a bit embarrassed. Like flustered, it felt like some sort of honor that the generation of miracles want to be friends with him for some reason. Even though he’s so completely unremarkable? But at the same time it kinda felt like they are interrogating him…? Not exactly, more like they are extremely curious of him, and want to see what sort of person he is. It’s weird. But maybe it’s because he’s friends with Kuroko? Kuroko once told him that all the miracles are like a family (with the addition of Kagami, who seemed to fit right in their little family after he defeated them on the court.)
“Sure! Um-m well what kind are you looking for? Or like…?” Furihata answered Momoi's statement.
“Hmmm, I wanna know what you like Furi-kun!” This sort of just proved the brunette’s thoughts.
“U-um” He shuffled his hair embarrassed “I dunno I listen to a lot of everything…”
“You should pick out what music you think we would like Furihata-kun.” Kuroko piped in.
“O-oo yeah yeah! Pick for me too Furihatacchi!” Oh, so, for some reason I’m picking for everyone now. Well, okay let’s roll with it.
He decided something light, and happy for Momoi, but still with some elements of surprise, like intricate violin solos and whatnot. When he started looking he was just gonna find one album but he ended seeing multiple things he thought fit her so he picked up two others. Momoi seemed ecstatic so he figured it was fine.
He immediately went for something mellow for Kuroko, then he thought about how Kuroko is secretly a bit of a sadist so he threw in an album of heavy metal laughing. On his way to begin a search for Kise he saw a parody cd filled with pop songs but with dogs barking instead and he couldn’t not add that to Kuroko’s pile. When he handed it to him Kuroko measly said he may know him too well.
Choosing for Kise was a bit more difficult considering he just met him. He seems like a happy bubbly guy, but Furi doesn’t want to base his music choices purely off that. He sort of wants to impress them. The first album he picked was “happy-go-lucky” and since Furi didn’t know where to go after that, he started to read off different labels, wandering aimlessly throughout the store. It took him a few minutes to realize that their little group was silently following him. He turned to them, a bit awkwardly.
“Y-you know, you guys can talk, right?”
“You looked so in the zone Furihatacchi!” Kise piped.
“Yeah, we didn’t want to break your concentration!” Momoi made a fist determined. He blinked at them dumbly.
“N-no it’s fine, really. Um-m sorry I get like that sometimes… Really though, it’s sort of unsettling to just have everyone watching me.” Furi smiled reassuringly.
“Okay!” The model responded. “I’m really curious to what you’re gonna pick out for me, you seemed to have gotten Momoicchi, and Kurokocchi’s tastes down!” The blonde briefly glanced at his friends' cd’s, then looked around the store. “This is so much fun!” Kise bubbled over with eagerness.
“Haha, u-um please don’t set your expectations too high…” Furi mumbled, then continued a bit louder. “Kise-san, are there any genres you dislike?”
“Hmm… I don’t really like a lot of the super heavy stuff, like screamo, you can’t even understand what they’re saying! I think I’m pretty open, although I don’t listened to much other than pop, and some rap… But if you think I would like something, I definitely wanna hear it!”
If he doesn’t like it when you can’t understand someone then he must care a lot for the reasoning and feelings put behind a song. What the song writer was trying to portray, whether a story or a ‘feelings jam.’ Furi internally remarked he should’ve guessed that. He works in the industry, of course he cares about what goes into a song!
Maybe some older music then…? He probably hasn’t heard a lot of it if he mainly listens to pop songs.
Despite the fear of Kise not liking the seemingly out of place music, Furi picked up an album of an older group, the lead a strong female singer, who had a very unique and precise tongue. The brunette kinda feels like he has to pick one more since he picked out three for his other friends, but he’s at a loss.
“U-um, I’m not sure what else to pick…”
Kise and Momoi looked at him expectantly, wait, where is Kuroko? Furi brushed it off. He knows if he asks where he is, he will seemingly appear out of thin air right behind him just to scare him.
It was then that the brunette spotted a familiar disc cover.
“Hmm, is it alright if I just pick out a band I like Kise-san? I’m not sure what else to get, and umnm-” Furi shuffled his feet awkwardly. “-I guess I’d like your opinion on them, since you’re asking mine on your music…” It’s not a lie. Kise’s a professional, and it might be interesting to get to know him outside of basketball.
“Of course! I’d love to hear it!”
Furi grabbed the disc, they’re a group he usually listens to when he’s stressed. So a bit more on the mellow side. Kise’s bound to get stressed right…? Working while being a student can’t be easy, not to mention having a fanbase can only sound tiring at certain points. Although the blonde seems to always have energy. He must sap out at some point though…
Before he could change his mind he handed Kise the three discs he picked out. The model happily looked at them.
“Oh I love this group!” He said while looking at Furihata’s first pick, the bubbly group. He looked at the others seemingly reading the song names on the back, guess he doesn’t know those.
“Yeah they seemed like the sort of happy music you might listen to…” Kouki mumbled. Momoi looked on, noticing the other bands Furi picked. She then elbowed Kise’s side, smiling, as if sharing a secret. For a second Furihata panicked thinking they thought his other choices were dumb but then Kise looked up smiling.
“These look awesome, I can’t wait to hear them. Thank you so much Furihatacchi!”
Kise genuinely looks happy so the brunette guesses they’re acceptable. Suddenly, Kuroko appeared, looking at the discs. A small “oh” formed on his lips, and Momoi motioned a sort of answer to it without saying anything.
“W-what’s wrong?” Furi asked a bit nervous. They looked at eachother then at Kuroko, who shrugged.
“Ah-haha nothing’s wrong!” Kise replied quickly. Then the blonde paused and looked at Kuroko again as if asking for approval to continue. Kuroko shrugged again, as if saying ‘why not.’
“It’s just, I think Akashicchi likes this group too!” The model continued.
Furi blinked, Akashi? He looked at the disc Kise motioned at, it’s the group Furihata particularly liked.
“O-oh.” Caught off guard Kouki responded. That must’ve come out wrong because Momoi stepped into the conversation.
“It’s not a bad thing! Actually, it’s probably a good thing! Akashi-kun’s been practicing music since he was little, so he must have a good ear.”
Whenever they mentioned Akashi it almost sounds like they’re talking about some sort of forbidden celebrity. And to a degree that’s probably true, he’s practically an emperor. Really talking about any miracle sounds like celebrity gossip.
“A-ah, no that’s fine. I guess I sorta pegged him for more traditional music is all…” He did. Akashi seems like someone who listens to famous orchestras and classic piano pieces (probably going to actual shows, rather than listening to something on a phone.)
“He does! He just recently started listening to other things, I think…” Momoi continued.
“He listens to them because of you.” Kuroko monotonously added. Kise and Momoi looked at the blue haired boy wide-eyed.
Huh?
“Huh?” Furi blinked thinking he must of heard it wrong. He looked at Kise and Momoi who are both gaping at Kuroko. “M-me?” Furi pointed a finger at himself to prove his point. Kuroko looked at him blankly, and nodded.
“U-um, what Kurokocchi means is th-” Kise began to try and explain but Kuroko just sighed, and cut the blonde off.
“I really don’t understand why it is a secret anyways.” The blue-haired one looked at Furi. “Akashi-kun found out what song was playing in the background in that one video we took in your room. And now he likes the band. It’s really not a big deal.” Huh? What?
“W-what video?” Furi asked confused. Kuroko looked blank then smirked very subtly.
“Oh right. Well there was a video I took and this band was playing in the background is all.”
“That doesn’t explain anything Kuroko! What video, when! Wait, why did you send it to Akashi-san! What even ahhh!” The brunette gripped his hair frustrated, finally beginning to bubble over with nerves.
“Oh, if it helps Furi-kun. Usually, Tetsu-kun just sends things in the miracle’s group chat.” No, no that does not help!
Furi took a breath, okay, maybe that is actually better, it’d be weird if it was just a singular dm. Then the brunette thought about what his pink haired friend actually said.
“Wait. Usually?”
Momoi covered her mouth, and looked for help to her friends.
“Akashi-kun thought you had some sort of latent ability considering you scored a point against him. So I was trying to prove that you’re a normal person.” Kuroko explained. Kise and Momoi seemed to sigh a breath of relief.
Normally this wouldn’t exactly explain it, but the more Furi thought about it the more he realized, Akashi’s not a normal person. And the brunette doesn’t know what he would do if he thought Furi was 'special' in some sort of way. He shuddered, but then remembered what Kuroko said earlier about Akashi really not being a bad person and he felt sort of a tiny bit guilty at still thinking bad things about the redhead. Afterall, Kuroko did say the Rakuzan member is trying to right his wrongs. Furihata guessed Kuroko’s messages were really just supposed to be a security blanket for him.
Kouki conceded again. And Kuroko slurped on a new milkshake, wordlessly changing the subject. The brunette cocked a grin.
“Hey Kuroko.”
“Yes, Furihata-kun?”
“How many milkshakes have you had today?” He smirked. Kuroko paused then looked at him straight-on.
“This is my second.” Oh, there is no way that’s true with how many times he disappeared today.
“Oh really?” Furi doesn’t really know why he’s edging this on though.
“Yes really.”
“Kuroko, you and I both know you’ve had far more than two milkshakes today.” Furi started to laugh lightly.
“I supposed you’ve caught me, when will the police arrive?” Tetsuya blankly replied. Kise and Momoi started giggling.
“I could, tell Kagami…” Maybe Furi wants to get back at Kuroko just a little bit for putting him through so many roller coasters today. Kagami always gets irritated if Kuroko drinks more than one milkshake at a time since he should eat ‘real food’ first.
“I will never forgive you, Furihata-kun.” The bland monotonous voice made the situation funnier as always. “Besides I cannot help myself, Akashi-kun gave me an unlimited card for milkshakes for the store in this mall.” Kuroko smirked back knowing bringing Akashi up put Furi on edge, if only a tiny bit.
“Eh! Really Kurokocchi! I want a present from Akashicchi.” Kise wailed.
“Well it was in return for information on a certain enemy brunette.” Kuroko’s teasing him again.
“You’re teasing me again.” Furi huffed and Kuroko faintly smiled. “A-are you serious though? He actually gave you a card for that?”
“Yes, he has unlimited resources, you could say.”
“Kagami’s got a rival…” Furi offhandedly remarked not thinking. Kuroko made a weird inhale into his straw, and Furi knew if he were anyone else he would’ve choked. Momoi and Kise burst out laughing.
“If only you knew Furihata-kun…” Akashi likes Kuroko..?
“E-eh really! Don’t worry I’m a proud supporter of you and Kagami!” A bit frantic, Kouki replied. Kise and Momoi are attempting to calm down their laughter.
“No, I assure you, he does not like me that way. He already has someone he likes.” Kuroko answered and Furi realized his mistake.
“A-h! I d-didn’t mean to like insinuated he’s a gay or anything! C-cause I d-don’t! I mean umn, not that I-I’m assuming h-he’s not! But u-umn oh geez-” This seemed to push Kise and Momoi back to the verge of tears laughing, and now Kuroko joined them. Meanwhile, Furihata is freaking out over trying to make sure they know he hadn’t assumed anything or cared either way for that matter. Momoi saved him from the turmoil though.
“Where do you guys wanna go next?” She asked still lightly giggling.
“We haven’t eaten anything yet-” Kuroko began but Furihata cut him off,
“Umn, no you’ve been eating all day.” He gestured to Kuroko’s milkshake, which is now empty. How does he drink them that fast?
“Ooh, I know a really good restaurant here!” Kise butted in. Furihata doesn’t know how good a mall restaurant could really be but he figured it’d be fine.
“That sounds great Ki-kun!” So it was decided they’d all go out for food now, Kise included.