Teiko middle school.

The five prodigies, generation of miracles.

"Akashi."

"Midorima."

Member of the generation of miracles.

Akashi Seijuro and Midorima Shintaro.

"I have something to ask about."

"Hm?"

Captain of the Teiko basketball team, Akashi.

Vice captain of the Teiko basketball team, Midorima.

"Then I'll take my leave."

"Ah."

One would say that Midorima is the one closest to the captain of the generation of miracles.

He also, thought that.

"My win. Again."

"..."

Akashi and Midorima generally spend their time playing shogi together.

The result is always the same.

Akashi wins. Midorima loses.

"Looks like you prepared yourself today?"

"...be quiet."

Midorima thought while looking at Akashi.

Akashi looks unstable these days.

"...aren't you pushing yourself too hard these days?"

Midorima carefully brought up the question.

"Me? Are you saying that I, Akashi Seijuro, can't handle these things?"

"I am."

Akashi smiled at Midorima's instant and honest response.

And answered honestly himself.

"That may be the case. Perhaps I am pushing myself to my limits. It appears that you're the only person who cares about what I am going through, Midorima. I appreciate it."

"There are others who cares. Your father or the schoo-"

"No."

Akashi cut Midorima's words.

Then declared lightly yet strongly.

As if it's the absolute truth.

"You are the only one who cares about me, and not I, Midorima."

Akashi met Midorima's eyes.

Midorima did not say anything.

A moment later, Akashi continued.

Lightly. Like a whisper.

"Perhaps, the one who can understand me could be you Midorima. Perhaps. One day. Maybe."

Midorima only kept staring.

Akashi turned his gaze first.

"Then, I must get going. I'll take my leave, Midorima."

Midorima remained still even after Akashi left.

Midorima thought to himself.

Akashi is careful and wise, but not perfect.

The one and only who knows about his humanely imperfect side, probably Midorima alone.

No. The one and only Akashi shows his imperfect side is Midorima.

Alone.

The one that Akashi doesn't have to pretend to be perfect when he is tired.

The one and only that could one day be Akashi's only understanding companion.

Midorima got up from the chair.

And thought as he moved to his classroom.

One and only.

Midorima pities what Akashi is going through but he is satisfied with the fact that he was the one and only.

The one and only.

For Akashi.