Disclaimer: Kuroko no Basuke and it's characters belong to their rightful owner, Tadatoshi Fujimaki. I only own the fan fictions and oc characters.

Author's Note: I know I've disappeared for a while after finishing Aomine's fan fic, but 'life' happened. And life was being such a drag at times. I started writing this fan fic a few weeks ago, but I haven't uploaded it yet because I wasn't sure about some parts in the story. So I finally decided to upload this story, and I really hope that you guys like it. Have fun reading~

Also, I sincerely apologize for the crappy summary, I had nothing in mind at all for the time being, i'll make sure to change it later!

English is not my first language, so excuse me if there were any mistakes!

Chapter 1

His heart was beating fast, sweat formed on his pale colored skin, his cheeks flushed with nervousness as his blue eyes deeply focused on what was in front of him. He adjusted his thick round glasses, then ran a hand through his short slick black hair.

No way, there's just no way. He thought to himself. He took another glance at the exam results that were listed on the board in front of him.

1. Akashi Seijuuro - 491

2. Onodera Nori - 490

"You did it, Ri-chan! You finally did it! You finally caught up to Akashi Seijuuro! Hooray!" He turned to face the familiar voiced person who interrupted his thoughts.

Long brown hair always tied up in a messy bun, brown colored wide eyes, multiple piercing on both ears, a slim short figure that was slightly taller than his own, and is currently holding a PS Vita in her hands, as usual. That was none other than Nori's tomboyish childhood friend, Akiyama Nami.

Nori rubbed the back of his neck and slowly nodded. "Yeah, I … did it."

She raised an eyebrow at him and sighed. "Your face says 'this is probably just another dream or somethin'. Don't make me beat the living hell out of you with my professional Muay Thai skills! You worked harder than anyone else for the exams! So hold your head up high and be proud already! Show me that smile of yours that I love so much!"

He couldn't help but chuckle at her words. "Yeah, I will. Thanks Nami!" She patted him on the back and grinned. "Now, let's go tell Ko-chan!" Nori nodded his head and followed her to class.

Onodera Nori's P.O.V.

As soon as we entered class, Nami and I immediately spotted him.

Blonde spiked hair that was sticking up, aqua colored eyes, half Japanese and half American. Being 193 cm, he was probably the tallest guy in Rakuzan High. Shiba Kousuke, a guy that was definitely hard to miss.

"Really? So Nori finally did it? You actually caught up to Akashi Seijuuro's crazy top score?! I'm so proud of you!" My face started to flush with embarrassment. "I know! Right? I'm proud of him too! Let's celebrate this after school! Let's go eat at Mcdonalds!" Kousuke nodded in agreement. "Yes, we should definitely go aft-" Kosuke cut his own words at the appearance of Akashi Seijuuro entering the classroom.

The moment he entered, the whole room was filled with silence. The red haired boy, quietly and slowly scanned the room with his heterochromatic eyes back and forth until they landed on me.

"Onodera Nori." I gulped and shut my eyes instantly when I heard him call my name.

The day came where he would finally recogni- no, acknowledge me.

I have constantly without fail ranked first on the exams in this school. But ever since he transferred to Rakuzan High, I couldn't manage to score higher than him at all, let alone the fact that I couldn't even get close enough to beat his score, not even once. On the previous exams, Akashi scored 497 and ranked first, while I scored 476 and ranked second. Even though I was second, the gap was too large.

Akashi Seijuuro, the previous captain of the Generation of Miracles, excels in almost every aspect in life. Academics, sports, shogi, and a lot of other things that I probably know nothing about. Errr … I guess business as well? I heard that he is the heir to his father's company.

It's not like I know about these things … although everyone in Rakuzan High are the same, I don't come from a wealthy family. I transferred to this school on a scholarship. No one really wanted to befriend a 'commoner', but that was never a problem for me since Nami was here. I've known her since I was 8. Then as soon as I transferred to this school, we met Kousuke, the only one besides Nami who wouldn't judge me for not coming from a rich family.

Then there was Akashi. Ever since I saw him … I was captivated. He was impressive in every way possible, and it was only natural that everyone looked up to him. I always worked harder to get his attention.

But … even though I always managed to rank second with Akashi being first, not once has he took notice of me, or even glanced my way. He probably knows me since we're in the same class, but I'm sure that he doesn't acknowledge me at all.

It really bothered me, because somewhere along the way, Akashi became my idol. But now, I finally did it. Now that I finally caught up to him, he'll definitely notice me!

"Tell me, which one of you guys is Onodera Nori?"

W-Wait, what?

My eyes widened with astonishment.

"Is he serious? H-" I gasped and instantly covered Nami's mouth with my hand to stop her from saying anything at all. She was definitely going to say something offensive. That's how Nami is, straightforward and a hot head.

This is bad! If she talks back at him, she'll be killed! He already looks displeased!

"Mmphh-ont sto-hhff me Ri-champph!" I looked at Kousuke and pleaded him with my eyes to stop her. He nodded and carried her out of class in no time. I let out a sigh of relief as I saw them walk out of class.

"Answer me, where can I find Onodera Nori?"

I did hear about it before, that Akashi only takes notice of people he acknowledges, that he doesn't even glance at people who are beneath him.

But does he really not know me at all? Even when we're in the same class? Even though I'm always only one rank lower than him?

"I asked you a question." I flinched when he spoke in a louder tone. I adjusted my glasses and slowly raised my hand.

"Hm? What is it?" He asked. "I'm him." I muttered while avoiding eye contact with him. There was an awkward silence for a while. Isn't he going to say anything? "You're what?" Didn't he just hear me? I cleared my throat and bit my lips before I spoke again with a louder voice. "I'm … Onodera Nori." And there was more silence.

What's going on with him?

I decided to stop staring at the ground and glanced Akashi's way but quickly turned my attention back to the floor when he glared at me.

I also heard that Akashi doesn't allow for people whom he doesn't acknowledge to look him in the eye. So, it's better if I don't look at him.

"You're Onodera Nori? You're the one who scored 490?"

I nodded my head. Akashi narrowed his eyes as he … studied me. What is he staring for? As soon as he was done 'scanning' me, Akashi let out a long sigh. "Unbelievable. How disappointing."

What?

Disappointing?

Who? Me?

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "Yes, you."

Did he just read my mind?

"When I saw that someone actually caught up to my score, I believed that I have finally found some good competition. But then I saw you. What a complete let down."

I frowned. What does he mean by 'then I saw you'? What's wrong with me?

"Your avera- no, you're even less than average in terms of looks. That lousy hairstyle of yours, your skinny pale short figure, those hideous glasses, and what's worse … your cowardly personality. Everything about you is disappointing, that's what's wrong with you."

My eyes widened at his … hurtful words. He clicked his tongue and made his way to his desk that was placed right by the window at the end of the room.

"Alright class, sorry I was late, please take a seat and let's start the lesson!" I snapped out of my thoughts when the teacher appeared.

Oh no! Kousuke and Nami, I have to call th- Eh? I blinked when I saw that they were already in class and both have already taken their seats. When did they get here?

"Onodera-kun, get to your seat, now." I walked over to my desk and sat down. "Now then, where did we stop yesterday? Oh, right, The Renaissance Period. Please, open your books to page 181." I reached my hand to my bag pack and took out the Literature book but accidentally dropped it.

"Clumsy as well?" I heard Akashi mutter. That's right, I forgot to mention that my desk was placed right next to him, on his right. Anyways, why is he calling me clumsy? It's not my fault if the book was heavy. I picked up my book and ignored his comment.

So what if I'm 'less than average in terms of looks'? So what if I have a 'cowardly personality'? It bothers me! Besides, he's short too! W-Well, not as short as I am … I'm 163 centimeters, so he's probably like 10 centimeters taller than me, but still!

My whole body shivered when I received a cold glare from those heterochromatic eyes. It's not possible. He couldn't have read my thoughts or anything like that … right? I shuddered just thinking about it. Anyways, I need to focus and write down the perfect notes that will help me on the next exams.

I can't get too conceited just because I caught up Akashi Seijuuro only once. I have to surpass him, no matter what.

If I don't then grandfather will …

At lunch break; Nami, Kousuke and I always have lunch at the rooftop together. And on each day, only one of us buys lunch while the other two head to the rooftop before that person. It might be stupid, but it's something we decided on long time ago, so it's fine. And unfortunately for me, today was my turn to buy lunch.

Nami and Kousuke already went ahead just a minute ago, while I made my way to the cafeteria. I frowned as I entered the cafeteria. It's a long line too, I hope they don't take so much time. I walked over to the line, and patiently waited for my turn.

"Seriously? You actually did all that on your own?" I glanced at the figure standing behind me. What's with this loud guy? Can't he speak in a normal tone? "Yeah, they were about 17 to 20 guys or somethin', they just came outta nowhere and attacked me, but it was nothin'. I took care of them in no time." I paused when I heard that voice. "So what happened to them now?"

Please don't notice me.

"Hah? I sent their sorry asses to the hospital of course. They fucking asked for it, attacking me like that. Heck I should've s-" I gulped when he cut his own words.

Oh no, did he notice me?

I was facing the back of the person standing in front of me while I was waiting in line, so they couldn't really see my face. I held my breath, hoping that he wouldn't see me.

"Oi, Onodera." He smirked. I lowered my head and stood still. I'll just pretend I didn't hear him. "You're fucking rude, you know that? It pisses me off, really. I was gone for 3 days, weren't you a little worried about me?"

Ignore him, ignore him, ignore him, igno-

I gasped when I felt a hand grab my shoulder and turn me around. "I'm talking to you, you fucking prick. Answer my question." I looked around hoping for someone to step in and help me, but no … there was no way that anyone would even dare to think about facing this guy. I turned my gaze to him and shuddered when our eyes met. Everything about him gives off bad vibes.

Blond-ish brown bleached hair with a Faux Hawk hairstyle, brown colored slanted eyes, a well built tall and thin figure, both of his arms fully tattooed, his right arm has an image of a dragon while the left one has an image of a tiger. Inagawa Masaru, also known as the 8th successor of the infamous Yakuza group Inagawa-Kai, and the grandson of the 7th boss, Inagawa Ryuuichirou.

Who would dare to stand up to this guy? They'd be murdered if they do! Even teachers ignore him. "Masaru-Aniki, don't waste your time with this shrimp, I can kick his ass for you!" the other guy interfered. "Nah, don't bother. This guy is like my stress-relieving punch bag. Now-" He raised his hand into a fist as if to hit me. "Please be my punch bag for a minute, will ya?" I immediately shut my eyes and waited for the impact.

"Move."

Eh?

"Huh? Who the fuck-" He didn't finish his sentence when a certain red head appeared in front of us.

What is he doing here?

"Akashi Seijuuro? What do you want? Can't you see that I'm busy?" Akashi kept a composed look. "I said, move. You're standing in my way, Inagawa."

Right now, I'm seriously shaking in fear. I couldn't even blink! Its like I'm standing between two extremely pissed off lions that are about to go on a rampage. What do I do?! How am I going to get myself out of this?

Nami, Kousuke, please come and save me!

"Standing in your way? I don't think I am. You can just pass through without having to bother about us at all." I blinked with astonishment at how easily Inagawa can talk to Akashi. Then again, Inagawa isn't your average high school student either. "Don't make me repeat my words, Inagawa." I could barely breathe with the air being so tense around them!

"Heh~ How strange. Now I'm curious, are you actually doing this to save Onodera?" My eyes made their way to Akashi's in confusion.

Save me?

Akashi cocked an eyebrow. "You mean this puny commoner? Are you asking for a death wish? Stop wasting my time Inagawa."

Of course he wouldn't care to save me. Puny commoner, he says. Even he's looking down on me for being a commoner now?

"You! How dare you talk to Masaru-Aniki like th-" Inagawa raised his hand as a sign to stop his friend from speaking, then smirked.

"Heh, I'll let you go this time Onodera. Only cuz' I need a good fucking sleep. I'll see you later. Oh, and send my greetings to Kousuke~" He yawned while stretching his arms and started walking away with his friend. I nervously looked back at Akashi who was staring at me for god knows what reason.

"Cowardly personality indeed. You can't even manage to stand up for yourself. No matter how I look at you, I still think that you're a disappointment." I lowered my head and frowned.

I don't like it …

I don't like that the one I admire, is looking down on me like that …

"I'm not…" I muttered silently. I looked up at him to finish my sentence, but stopped when I saw that he was already walking away.

What's that? Even though I caught up to him and got a high score, I don't feel like I won at all.

"Ri-chan! There you are!"

Huh?

I turned my head to find Nami and Kousuke approach me. "Where were you?! Lunch break is almost over! Did you get the food yet?" She continued.

"Oh! I-I'm sorry, I completely forgot! The food-" I was interrupted by the ringing of the bell. I rubbed the back of my neck and chuckled nervously at the angry glares I received from the both of them. "You … what?!" I took a few steps backwards and replied.

"I … forgot?"

…

…

Okay, time to run!

I started running back to class as fast as I could. I don't want to get beat up by an angry starving Nami and her crazy Muay Thai skills! It's horrible, believe me!

It's been 3 minutes since we started running, and we still are. Did I lose her? Hopefully! I'll take a quick look behind me to check. I glanced back and help me god, was it a big mistake.

No, not because a furious Nami was still behind me, but because I ended up bumping hard into someone and fell on top of them. My eyes were tightly shut from the pain of the impact.

I could hear people gasp and laugh about something. Other than that, I could feel something soft touch my lips. I opened my eyes and blinked several times until I realized what was going on.

The soft thing that was touching my lips just now, were the lips of the person I bumped into!

"R-Ri-chan?!" Nami was gawking at me while I was inwardly screaming my lungs out.

Why? Because it gets worse.

Much worse.

Those lips belonged to him. They belonged to the one and only, Akashi Seijuuro!

Who? I mentally cried.

Just WHO is going to get me out of this one now?!

Thats all for the first chapter! *sighs happily* I'm glad I finally uploaded this! I'm sorry for the cliff hanger that I hate so much, but I'll be posting the next chapter really soon, if not in a few hours, then tomorrow for sure. With that said, I hope that you guys enjoyed this chapter! It'll get more interesting with the coming chapters, I promise. Please follow, favorite, and review if possible. Ciao!