The ball rolled softly off his fingers as Midorima took the shot. It was as close to physical poetry as he could ever imagine. He loved how the ball's texture left a lasting feeling on his fingertips as it soared through the air with precision, like a bird in the wind. He adored the swooshing sound it made as it passed through the net without touching the rim, before it thundered powerfully back down to the earth.

Midorima's poetic moment was cut short by Takao's chuckle.

"What?"

"You're in good spirits today," the dark haired teen replied. He scooped up the basketball in mid-bounce and tossed it up. It balanced off the rim and tipped into the hoop. He caught it again and threw it back to Midorima.

Midorima caught it and took another effortless shot. His glasses slid down his nose from his sweat. He pushed them back up as he examined his teammate.

"What is your point?"

Takao shrugged. "It's just nice. That's all."

Midorima waited. He expected the other boy to expand on the thought, or tease him, or come up with some sarcastic remark. But Takao said nothing as he tossed the ball back.

It hadn't occurred to him until that moment, but Takao had been uncharacteristically quiet all week. On Monday, Midorima's lucky item was a stuffed tadpole that almost resembled sperm. Takao had said nothing about it. On Wednesday, he had insisted that Takao ride the bicycle while he rode in the cart. Takao had made no complaints.

Even during practice, he seemed distant. The determination wasn't in his eyes and it was as if his body was moving purely on instinct.

Midorima searched for something to say. "Scorpio is ranked last today."

"Yeah?" Takao tucked the ball under his arm and wiped his forehead with the collar of his shirt.

"Your horoscope says you should be wary of those around you," he continued with some hope at striking up conversation. "And don't be afraid to fight back."

The corner of Takao's mouth curved into a contained smirk, hinting at amusement. Yet his eyes seemed to be considering his words.

"I suggest you pick up your lucky item as soon as possible."

Takao wandered over to the cart of basketballs by Midorima's side to put his away. "What's my lucky item for today?"

"A manekineko cellphone charm," Midorima replied expertly.

"I'll be sure to pick one up then," he said. Takao stretched his arms over his head, groaning a bit. His shirt rose up to reveal his stomach.

Midorima felt his eyes widen as they settled on an large, ugly, purple and black bruise. It crawled over his skin like a bad rash. He could hardly see the edges of it, but what he could see was a sickening yellow and green.

Takao caught him looking and quickly lowered his arms. Much like the curtains falling after the ending of a tragic opera, the shirt fell back down to hide it. Midorima was left with a sinking feeling.

"What-"

Takao threw him an odd smile, cutting him off. "I gotta go. See ya later, Shin-chan."

With that he jogged off the court towards the locker room. Midorima was left alone to wonder and worry.