Chapter Text
106-107
Kuroko was shaken by the bright red numbers as he gazed bitterly at the board. He was not enough. Teamwork did not result in success.
Regret overtook him when he heard footsteps approaching from behind him.
"This is what happens when you refuse to see reason Tetsuya."
Kuroko didn't even have to look in his eyes to detect the redhead's arrogance,”It wasn’t suppose to go this way, Akashi.”
"It's our job to win. Teamwork is unnecessary."
Kuroko's legs became weak as he strained to maintain his balance. He choked out each phrase with uncontrollable frustration, "That's not true. The core of basketball is teamwork..." He said that, but he wasn't sure if he believed it. For the first time, his determination weakened.
Winning doesn’t matter.
Winning doesn’t matter
Kuroko chanted the words in his head like they were a mantra. Why did he feel this way if winning didn't matter? If teamwork was all that mattered, why did his mind keep returning to the reality that they had lost?
"In middle school, you were always a sensible person. So why are you behaving so foolishly? Tetsuya, I've been patient with you. I'll remind you of your responsibilities if necessary."
Winning doesn’t matter.
Winning doesn’t matter.
"…Shut up.." Kuroko spoke softly.
Winning doesn’t matter.
Winning doesn’t matter.
The voice refused to go away. It only grew louder from there. He raised his hands, to cover over his ears, as if to shut out the words. His endeavor was a failure. He increased his pressure. Increasing the force each time.
"Winning is everything. Relying on others demonstrates weakness. Only losers are vulnerable. Winners are powerful. Tetsuya, you've tried and failed to show your path. Stop fighting the truth."
Winning doesn’t matter.
Winning doesn’t matter.
"Shut up…"
Winning doesn’t matter.
Winning doesn’t matter.
If winning didn’t matter why couldn’t they win. Why did it hurt so much to lose if it didn't matter? Did they have to abandon teamwork in order to win? They had to rely on their own ability to triumph. Is that why, even at their finest, they failed? Is this why the generation of miracles is the most powerful? They understood what it meant to win.
Winning doesn’t matter.
Winning doesn’t matter.
"You have failed." Stop humiliating yourself and join us."
"Shut up!" Kuroko yelled.
Soft gasps surrounded the two.
"Just…stop." Kuroko's serene expression broke as he collapsed. Desperate footsteps hurried through the court, screeching with each step. A set of arms wrapped around him, catching the light blue haired kid just as he was about to fall to the earth.
Everything in black. Voices began to drift away.
Kuroko left with one final thought.
Winning is everything...