A/N: My first KnB fic, Kagami x OC :) Takes place in Kagami's second year in Seirin. I hope you enjoy reading and please leave a review!

The Rolls Royce Phantom parked outside Seirin High was causing quite the stir among the student population. Though the somber-looking men in black suits dissuaded any frivolous photo taking, a substantial crowd had gathered to admire the sleek, black vehicle, thus obstructing the school entrance.

Kagami Taiga pushed his way past the throngs of swooning students in annoyance. "Tch, it's just a car…"

"Kagami-kun." He knew exactly whom that voice belonged to, but the sheer suddenness of it still made him jump.

"I wish you'd stop doing that!"

"We're in the same class again this year. 2-C," Kuroko said blithely, ignoring his little outburst.

Kagami grunted in acknowledgement. "I wonder what kind of first years we'll recruit this year."

"We'll see. The recruitment fair's tomorrow…" Kuroko trailed off thoughtfully. "Hopefully our performance at the Winter Cup will help to attract more members."

The school bell rang, signaling all students to line up at the parade square. As the crowd around the Rolls reluctantly dispersed, Kagami caught a clearer glimpse of the vehicle and suppressed a whistle. "Damn," he muttered, "that is one hell of a car."

Kuroko shrugged impassively, having seen his fair share of luxurious rides thanks to Akashi. "I'm more interested in who the passenger was."

Kagami looked away and turned up his nose. "Probably some rich brat," he said with distaste. But as they headed towards the morning assembly, he couldn't help but sneak a last, lingering look at the seductive vehicle. It, no – she – was engineered to be admired, and even against such an everyday backdrop she transcended her surroundings, effortlessly radiating superiority. Next to her even the most ordinary things seemed glamorous and exciting, and Kagami idly wondered what he would give to just ride her once.

Takei Mitsuki turned up her nose. "I'm not joining a club," she said with distaste. It was her second day in high school and all around her was complete and utter chaos – flyers being thrust in every direction, the cries of students both enthusiastic and desperate, the jostling and pushing – she thought it was as close as she would ever come to being in a market, and it was intoxicating, though she would never admit it to anyone. She sipped on her diet Coke, observing the activity with equal parts revulsion and interest.

"But it could be fun, Mit-chan!"

Mitsuki glared at the mousy-looking girl, a newly acquired minion whose name she couldn't quite remember. Ayame, was it? Or Ayumi? "Did I say you could call me Mit-chan?"

Reiko, her long-time follower from middle-school, let out a laugh. "It's still Takei-san to you, new girl."

"S-sorry," the girl stammered, hanging her head in shame.

Mitsuki was pleased to see that she was properly cowed. "That's quite alright," she smiled indulgently. "Stick around, and I'll show you what fun is. All this – "

"Excuse me."

Though the voice was a soft lull, the suddenness and nearness of it made her jump in surprise. The treacherous can of Coke slipped from her manicured hands and the dark liquid splashed onto her uniform. All time seemed to come to a standstill.

Reiko was the first to react, shrieking in horror. "Oh my god! It got onto your Chanel!"

"Goddammit," she muttered under her breath. Of all days for this disaster to happen, it had to be when she was carrying her beige, lambskin Chanel. The once-pristine, buttery leather was now marred with ugly, streaky stains. It upset her greatly to see such a beautiful thing tarnished. Her eyes flashed with anger before she suddenly noticed a pale, blue-haired boy in front of her.

His blue eyes were wide with surprise. "I'm sorry if I startled you." He handed her a flyer. "If you need a towel, come to the basketball club's booth. I'll lend you one."

"You're sorry?"

"I am." He said it with an unflappable calmness that grated on her nerves.

"Do you have any idea how much this bag cost?" She certainly didn't, but that was irrelevant. It just seemed like an appropriately intimidating thing to say.

The shorter boy simply shook his head. "I think you should dry up first."

"I can't even buy this anymore," she whispered tragically. "It was limited edition."

"It's just a bag."

It was the way he said it that made her snap – simple and to-the-point, without any of the deference that should be accorded to someone of her station. She took out a file from her bag and was about to whack him on the head with it when a big, strong hand grabbed hold of her wrist.

The vice-like grip on her wrist hurt like crazy but she looked up defiantly, refusing to show any sign of weakness. Her assailant was over 6-foot tall with a muscular build, a shaggy mop of red hair, and feral eyes that were presently narrowed dangerously at her.

"Is there a problem?" His voice was a low, menacing growl, giving her the impression of a tiger waiting to pounce. She tried to yank her wrist free but that only made him tighten his grip, and all of a sudden the pain became too much to bear. The file dropped to the floor from her useless hand and she let out a pathetic yelp.

"Kagami-kun!" the blue-haired boy said in alarm. "You'll break her wrist!"

"Tch," the tall one called Kagami finally released his grip.

Her wrist throbbed with pain, but it was her pride that hurt more. She lowered her hand calmly, gathering what dignity she could find and shot him a cool glare. "He made me spill my drink."

"So? He already apologized, didn't he?"

"He must pay," she insisted stubbornly. "My bag's ruined."

"How much is your stupid bag?"

She laughed. "I don't need your money. God knows you can't afford it anyway."

"Then what do you want?" The tiger-boy frowned in confusion, losing a bit of his threatening aura.

"Firstly, he was the one who did it," she said, pointing at the shorter boy, "not you. Why are you butting in?"

"I don't like seeing my friends get bullied."

"No friend is worth crossing me for," she scoffed, narrowing her eyes at him. "Do you know who I am?"

"Yea, I do," he said, and she arched an eyebrow in surprise. "You're a crazy bitch, that's who." She felt a blush of anger creep up her cheeks. "Listen, I don't care who you are," he continued fiercely. "Even if you were the President's daughter, I would still cross you a million times for my friends."

It was funny because she actually knew the Prime Minister's daughter, but the boldness of his declaration left her in no mood to laugh. "You – "

"I know I can't pay you back for the bag," the blue-haired boy interjected quietly, "but let me know if there is anything else I can do."

Mitsuki closed her eyes and took a deep breath, struggling to regain her composure. "That's more like it." She turned to the blue-haired boy. "Will you really do anything?"

"Within reason."

"Do you promise?"

"Kuroko!" Kagami protested.

The boy called Kuroko nodded. Mitsuki folded her arms across her chest, frowning thoughtfully. "There is one thing…"

"What is it?"

"Ah," she let out a dramatic sigh, "I seem to have forgotten what it was." A sly smile spread across her face. "I'll let you know once I remember it."

"You little – " Kagami spluttered.

She schooled her face to a calculated innocence and turned to Kuroko. "You won't turn me down then, will you? Kuroko-kun?"

"If it's within reason, I will not refuse you," Kuroko said calmly.

"Then let's shake on it." She extended her hand, where a nasty red bruise had already begun to bloom around her wrist. "I'm Takei Mitsuki."

"Kuroko Tetsuya." He shook her hand. "You should get that looked at," he said, referring to her wrist.

She shrugged it off and extended the same hand to Kagami, who suddenly seemed to find his shoes very interesting. "Are you going to shake my hand? Or would you rather have broken it?"

"I think you should apologize, Kagami-kun."

Kagami gaped at Kuroko in disbelief. "I'm the bad guy now?" Refusing to look her in the eye, he grasped her hand reluctantly like it was the plague. "Kagami Taiga."

She flashed them her most charming smile. "I'll see you boys around, then."

"You should dry up – " Kuroko began, but she had already turned on her heel.

"Ja," she held up a hand and walked away coolly, her minions trailing behind her.

"Does it hurt, Takei-san?" Ayume, or whatever her name was, said in concern once they were a distance away.

"Of course it hurts," Mitsuki snapped in annoyance. "Fat lot of help you both were. What kind of friends are you?"

Her two minions hung their heads in shame as Kagami's voice echoed in her mind. "I would still cross you a million times for my friends…" An amused smile played on her lips at the recollection. Chivalry, loyalty to one's friends… they should be such pathetic ideals, but he had said the words with such wholehearted conviction, and they seemed to suit him. He was foolish, no doubt, but not pathetic. Far from it.

She raised her right hand to examine the bruise. It was a bright red ring around her wrist that looked almost… beautiful, like a bracelet of fire where his strong touch had scorched her skin. Kagami Taiga. She planted a gentle, feather-light kiss on her new accessory. It reminded her of the colour of his hair. She would be sorry when it healed.

"Mit-chan?" Reiko's hesitant voice snapped her out of her reverie, and she was suddenly aware that of how ridiculously far her mind had wandered. "I think you forgot your file."

Her lips curled up into a sly smile. "Did I, now? What a terrible shame."

Ayume frowned. "Did you… forget on purpose?"

She sighed; it was clear that any attempt at subtlety would be lost on the both of them. "Don't get it back for me," she warned, holding up a finger. "Don't."

Ayume and Reiko exchanged a confused glance.

"I'm going home to change," she said irritably. "See you girls later."

"I can't believe you threw me under the bus," Kagami shook his head in disbelief. Both of them were now back at the booth, and he had not wasted any time in complaining about Kuroko's treachery to the rest of the team.

"You nearly broke her wrist," Kuroko pointed out.

"Of course I didn't! I barely used any strength – "

Riko's fist came down on Kagami's head. "Baka! Learn to control your strength!"

"Ow!" Kagami rubbed his head ruefully. "But I was defending Kuroko!"

"I would've been fine. You should look for her and apologize." Kuroko handed him the blue file that she had dropped. "Return this to her as well."

"I will do no such thing," he said stubbornly, pushing the file away. "And since when were you such a white knight?"

"Since… always?" Hyuga supplied helpfully. "Remember Momoi-san?"

"Right." Kagami threw his hands up in exasperation. "Somehow I'm always the bad guy."

"Was she cute?"

"That's not the point!" He barked.

"Takei Mitsuki," Kuroko murmured with a frown. "Her name seems familiar…"

It took two full days of goading before Kagami finally found himself walking down the corridors of the freshman classrooms, a blue file in his hands. Even then, he was not so much walking as being dragged along by his smaller shadow. "I can't believe you talked me into this."

"It's the right thing to do."

"You can be so annoying sometimes."

Though there was still a good 10 minutes before classes began, the corridor was strangely deserted. "This is ridiculous. Are we seriously going to look into every classroom?"

"I think she's in here."

Both of them peeked into classroom 1-E, where a small crowd had gathered around something or someone – they couldn't quite see. They ventured into the classroom and made their way to the front of the crowd, and it was then that Kagami saw her, truly saw her for the first time. Sure she looked the same, but in her element it was as if she was a completely different person. She was speaking in a honeyed voice, low and exhilarating, with a hypnotic quality that made you cling to every word past and look forward the next. "It will be fun," she said, and he believed her even though he did not know what she was referring to. Her face shone with childlike excitement, bright eyes twinkling with the promise of wonderful, forbidden delight.

He realized suddenly that those eyes were now resting on him expectantly. He cleared his throat and looked away uncomfortably. "Your file," he said curtly, shoving it in front of her unceremoniously.

"Kagami-kun." A wide smile spread across her face as she accepted the file and handed it over to one of her friends, eyes never leaving him. She stood up and leisurely slipped her arm around his, and all kinds of alarm bells started going off in his head. "Excuse us," she said to the crowd, and almost immediately they cleared a path. She tugged him forward.

"Tetsu?" he croaked in panic, but his invisible friend was nowhere to be found.

"I hope you all will come!" she turned back and called to the crowd as they started to disperse. To him she simply said, "come."

For the second time that day, Kagami found himself being led stiffly down the corridor by a much smaller person. He made a mental note to stop letting people do that.

"You're blushing," she remarked once they reached the stairwell at the end of the corridor. She gracefully untangled their arms, much to his relief.

"What do you want?" he huffed impatiently.

She peered up at him through impossibly long lashes, an impish smile on her lips. "Do you think I'm beautiful, Kagami-kun?"

"Wha – what?" he spluttered.

"Just kidding," she said with a merry little laugh before adding, "I know you do."

He stared at her; amazed that such arrogance existed outside the group of narcissistic pricks otherwise known as the Generation of Miracles. "Unbelievable."

She chuckled again. "You should've seen the look on your face. Are you always this uptight?"

He looked away and folded his arms. "I am not – "

"Listen," she cut short his protest, leaning forward with a thrilling urgency. "I'm throwing a party tomorrow evening at the Mandarin." She cupped his big hands in her own smaller ones, eyes shining with sincerity. "You absolutely must come."

He blinked. "What?"

"A party," she repeated with hushed excitement. "It will be fun. Kuroko-kun's invited too. In fact, bring all your friends."

"Why would I do that?"

"You can come alone if you like."

"No, I meant – let go – " he yanked his hands away, but not before noting the ugly bruise on her right wrist with a tinge of guilt. "Why would I go to your party? I don't even know you!"

"Tch," she shrugged lazily. "I don't know any of those people, but they're coming. Besides," she leaned forward again, uncomfortably close, "you do know me. I introduced myself."

"That's not what I meant," he said hotly. "I barely know you – "

"There! We've made progress." She flashed him an infuriating smile. "See you tomorrow evening. Just make your way to the presidential suite."

He blinked in disbelief, trying to recall how exactly they had arrived at this point despite his best efforts.

"Kagami-kun," she called, voice laced with a softness that took him by surprise. "It's my birthday tomorrow. I hope you'll come."

Then she was gone, and suddenly the world seemed a little dimmer. Their encounter left him oddly tired, as if he'd been expertly strung along to her tune without any say in the matter, pulled this way and that like a rag doll. He gave his head a good shake, hoping to shake her out of his mind. She was mad, and he would be damned before he fell for her devious tricks.

Practice had been especially gruelling that day. Kagami was busy chowing down consecutive cheeseburgers when Kuroko brought up that unpleasant subject.

"So, are you going to her birthday party tomorrow?"

"Hell–" he paused to wash down the burger with some soda, "–no."

"Why not?"

Kagami started on his next burger. "Phees cwazy," he said with his mouth full.

"I think she likes you."

He nearly choked as he swallowed. "That's ridiculous!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Kuroko said with a grin. "It's not so impossible, you know."

"Hmm," he paused, chewing thoughtfully. "I suppose I could be considered attractive." His chest swelled with pride at the thought. He didn't usually pay attention to such things, and it was the first time he'd ever considered that possibility. He knew of guys who could effortlessly attract girls – like Kise or Izuki – but he never thought he could be one of them…

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Kuroko deadpanned, and immediately his pride deflated like a burst balloon. "I might go, though."

He looked at his blue-haired friend like he had gone mad. "Why?"

"It's rude to turn down someone's birthday invitation," Kuroko said simply. "Besides, I don't have any plans tomorrow."

"Well," Kagami said, sipping on his soft drink, "you're on your own."