Kise was doing okay in school. More than okay, actually. He was a pretty great student. Not because he stayed up late studying or anything like that. He was doing great because of his amazing memory and the skill of learning things extremely quickly. The two traits that had helped him master basketball, the sport he loved so much, but were also very useful when it came to almost everything. Thanks to his abilities, he usually finished his homework in a rather short time and could easily recall what the teachers had said that day if it was necessary. No, he never had much problem when it came to learning.

But, the thing was, he had to write a story. Now that was a little bit tricky. It wasn't that he absolutely sucked at writing. He could probably even copy someone's writing style if he tried, but that wasn't enough. He still had absolutely no idea what to write about and how to keep the plot interesting. Well, being as perfect as he was, there was bound to be something that he wasn't good at, so he couldn't really complain. But still. It was annoying.

Thank God for Momoi. When Kise asked for her help, she immediately agreed to come over after school, so they could write the story together. He had never been so grateful in his entire life. Well, more like this month. But, you know, details. The point is, she didn't leave him in the time of crisis all by himself and he appreciated that. He even bought her ice-cream on their way to Kise's house as a thank you.

Writing the story took them a long time. They argued about the topic, the characters, the plot, the dialogue and whether to include a bit of romance in the story or not. But finally, they managed to finish it. Their work brought a pretty good effect. As Kise read what they had written, he smiled with pride. They did great.

"What do you think, Ki-chan?" asked Momoi when he finished reading.

"I think it's brilliant! Thank you so much, Momocchi!" he grinned at her cheerfully.

"You're welcome," the girl smiled back.

Kise leaned back against the chair he was sitting on and sighed. He wasn't sure what to do now.

"I'm bored…" he said out loud, before turning to his friend. "Do you wanna watch a movie?"

"That would be nice," Momoi nodded.

The choice of the movie wasn't hard. They both loved tear-jerkers and one of the first movies that they noticed on the shelf in the living room was Titanic. They looked at each other and smiled in silent agreement. As Momoi sat down on the couch, Kise turned the TV on. After the movie started playing, he joined his friend. About halfway through the movie, the pink-haired girl put her head on his shoulder.

At some point, Kise's mother came into the living room because she left her newspaper there. She stopped and looked at them two for a few seconds, before smiling knowingly. Kise frowned. What was that supposed to mean? Okay, the only girl he had brought home before was his girlfriend (now ex-girlfriend) and Momoi was leaning on him, so he guessed they looked sort of couple-y, but still. It was Momoi. Teiko's basketball team manager, Kise's friend, not a girlfriend material. Sure, she was pretty, but Kise simply couldn't see her that way. It felt weird to think that his mother probably assumed they were dating.

"I think you're mother thinks we are together," Momoi voiced his thoughts.

"Ah, you're always so observant, Momocchi," Kise chuckled. "It's a bit strange that she thinks so."

The girl shrugged.

"People usually assume that I'm dating Aomine-kun, so I'm used to it," she said.

"Eh, it's still weird. I can't imagine us being together," Kise scrunched up his nose.

"Me neither."

After that, Momoi went quiet. She stared ahead of herself. It seemed like she was lost in thought. The blonde looked at her curiously. What was going on in her mind right now? Kise had never been a patient person, but he waited instead of asking, because as sweet as Momoi was, she was even more terrifying when annoyed.

Eventually, the girl turned to him with a serious expression on her face.

"Ki-chan, can I tell you a secret?" she asked quietly.

"Eh? What secret?" Kise looked at her with interest.

The girl blushed.

"I'm in love with Tetsu-kun," she said.

Kise furrowed his eyebrows.

"That's a secret?" he asked.

He had known that Momoi was crazy about their phantom sixth player for some time already. It was sort of obvious, wasn't it? The way she would always want to walk home with him and hug him and try to spend as much time with the teal-haired boy as possible.

"What do you mean?" Momoi seemed to be a little taken aback.

"Well, I have already figured it out," said Kise. "I can't blame you though. Kurokocchi really is amazing, isn't he?"

"Of course he is!" the girl agreed, before adding quietly. "Do you think he knows?"

Kise hesitated. He was pretty sure that Kuroko had noticed Momoi's crush on him. However, he did nothing about it, which meant that he probably wasn't interested. Momoi was smart, she would quickly realize that and Kise didn't want to crush her hopes. But he guessed he had to be honest, right?

"I think he does," he said.

Momoi saddened.

"He doesn't feel the same. He likes someone else, doesn't he?" she asked quietly.

Now that was something new to Kise. Kurokocchi? Liking someone? Like that? Surely he would notice, wouldn't he? But then again, Kuroko always wore the same blank expression on his face, not allowing anyone to read his emotions.

"Do you have any idea who it is?" asked Kise.

"I have some suspicions," Momoi said.

"Well, who is it?"

"I won't tell you! That would be giving away Tetsu-kun's secrets! I can't do that, Ki-chan!" Momoi protested.

Kise sighed heavily and shook his head. Kurokocchi was his dearest friend, surely the boy wouldn't mind the blonde knowing his secrets. Why couldn't Momoi just tell him? Now he was really curious. The girl was rarely wrong, so there was a strong possibility that the teal-haired player did, in fact, have a crush on someone, probably a person from their team. But who?

"Don't think about it, Ki-chan, just focus on the movie," said Momoi.

Kise did as he was told.

Kise had been thinking about what Momoi told him. He was thinking about it while falling asleep, while preparing for school, at lunch, during practice and doing homework. Now, as he was sitting in Math class, bored, thoughts about their conversation still occupied his mind. Whoever it was that had stolen Kurokocchi's heart, he wanted to know. It was most likely that it was one of them, a member of Generation of Miracles. Their phantom sixth player didn't have any friends beside them, did he?

Kise ripped out a page from his notebook and started writing down names of their team's first squad. Akashi Seijuurou. Aomine Daiki. Kise Ryouta. Midorima Shintarou. Murasakibara Atsushi. He stared at the list, before crossing out Midorima's name. It wouldn't make much sense, would it? Those two didn't seem to get along that well. It was clear that they cared about each other and treated the other one with respect, but they didn't really like each other. The rest of Generation of Miracles was more likely. Akashicchi was the one who discovered Kurokocchi's talent and it was thanks to him that the teal-haired boy played on the first squad. Murasakibaracchi always shared his sweets with Kurokocchi. He, Kise Ryouta, was a close friend to the sixth player and was additionally incredibly fabulous. Aominecchi was also a possibility, since Kurokocchi spent so much time with him. Solving that mystery was harder than Kise thought it would be.

During practice, he tried to pay attention to the others' interactions with Kuroko. Of course Aomine was talking to him. They were team's light and shadow, after all. They passed to each other a lot. Murasakibara didn't speak much or look at Kuroko in general. Akashi, as always, was commenting how everybody was playing. Hm.

He guessed he could probably cross out Murasakibara's name off the list. The chance that Kuroko's mysterious crush was Akashi was also rather small, wasn't it? Kuroko, even though always blunt, sometimes almost cruelly, was much different from Akashi, who was strict, ambitious, focused mainly on winning. Of course the crimson-haired boy was also polite most of the time and respected them, but there was also something weird about him. Sometimes, not usually but sometimes, Kise was scared of him. He wasn't sure why, but in those rare moments, Akashi seemed somewhat… darker, for some reason. That left Aomine and himself. But which one was it? Man, finding out Kuroko's secret was exhausting. Kise didn't have the strength or will to continue the investigation right after practice.

However, an idea popped into his mind as he looked at Midorima. The green-haired boy was a genius, wasn't he? And Kise didn't mean a prodigy, a basketball genius, like all of the members of Teiko's basketball team's first squad were, but, like, a brainiac. He was super smart. He probably had figured everything out before even Momoi did, right? So all Kise needed to do, was to convince Midorima to tell him. That wasn't going to be that hard.

Kise changed quickly after the practice. Then, he waited. He didn't notice Kuroko leaving, but he never did, so he assumed that the boy had already left. Akashi said something about having to stay in school for a bit longer. So Kise leaned back against a wall in the hallway, and watched as Aomine and Murasakibara left. At the end, finally, Midorima emerged from the changing room.

"Midorimacchi!" Kise called out to him, putting on his perfect smile.

The green-haired boy halted and looked at his teammate, narrowing his eyes. Kise pouted slightly. Why so suspicious?

"What is it?" Midorima asked.

"How was your day, Midorimacchi?"

"It was fine. Just like the horoscope Oha-Asa predicted, it was an average day, without any troubles. I also brought my today's lucky item, so of course it was good," the boy said. "The horoscope also said that Cancers should avoid Geminis. And right now, I'm being bothered by a particularly annoying one."

"Huh? Annoying!?" Kise gasped. "Midorimacchi, why do you have to be so mean!?"

The green-haired boy ignored him and started walking, heading to the exit. The blonde ran after him, quickly catching up.

"What do you want, Kise?" Midorima glared at him. "I don't suppose you're so interested in how my day was."

"I am! Well, it's not what I really wanted to talk about, but of course I am!" Kise protested.

"Just get to the point."

"Right. I need your help figuring out who Kurokocchi's secret crush is," said the blonde.

Midorima stopped walking and just stared at Kise, blankly. Then, he furrowed his eyebrows, as if thinking hard.

"Kuroko has got a secret crush? And if he does, how is that my business?" asked Midorima.

"What!? You don't know, Midorimacchi!?"

"No, I wasn't aware of that fact. Are you positive that it's true?"

"Momocchi says so," Kise shrugged. "I figured it must be someone on our team."

"Yes, that's an assumption that makes sense," Midorima nodded.

"And I figured that it's not you – "

"Obviously."

" – and I don't think it's Akashicchi or Murasakibaracchi. Which leaves Aominecchi and me."

"I don't think it's either of you, but if you're so sure about this, then it's Aomine," said Midorima.

Kise grinned. He knew that his teammate would have the answer. But wait, how did he know? Especially after claiming that he didn't realize that Kuroko fancied someone?

"How are you so certain?" he asked, curiously.

"Well, why would he like you?" Midorima raised an eyebrow.

Kise gasped.

"Midorimacchi, don't be so cruel to me! For your information, I'm lovable! Just ask my fans! You know I have them! And they adore me! I'm adorable!" he said.

"Maybe. But Kuroko knows you and your personality," the green-haired boy pointed out.

"Why do you have to wound me so much!?"

Midorima rolled his eyes.

"If you want to find out so badly, I suggest you tell Kuroko about how you used to have a crush on him and wait to see his reaction," he said.

Kise blushed. That was the past. He didn't want to bring that up.

"But Midorimacchi, I will just embarrass myself!" he whined.

The green-haired boy simply raised his eyebrow once again.

"You embarrass yourself all the time, Kise."

"Not true!"

The whole thing was still occupying his mind and that was the only reason he lost one-on-one with Aomine this time. Not that he had ever defeated the other boy, but still. He could feel that he would win this time if he focused more. Without a doubt. Right? Okay, maybe not. But Aomine was just too freaking cool and awesome. But that was the reason Kise admired him and joined the team. Because he had finally found someone who he couldn't surpass, who he couldn't even copy. As frustrating as it was, it gave him something to look forward.

Anyway, Aomine noticed the lack of focus as well.

"What's up with you today, huh?" he asked, drinking from a bottle of water.

"I just have a lot on my mind, Aominecchi, but don't worry about me!" said Kise.

The boy shrugged.

"Whatever. I need to find Tetsu. He promised Satsuki during lunch that he would walk home with us today and now he's wandered off to somewhere."

Kise froze. Wait. He wanted to realize Midorima's plan today. He didn't like it, but it was for the greater good. However, he couldn't do it in front of Aomine and Momoi. That would make it even more embarrassing. But, their houses were closer to school that Kise's or Kuroko's. So maybe he could realize the plan afterwards. Plus, he would have the chance to watch the interaction between Aomine and Kuroko closely.

"Great! Can I walk with you too?"

"Sure," Aomine shrugged.

They found the other two outside of the school building, on a bench, where Kuroko was sitting with a vanilla milkshake and Momoi was practically glued to his side, talking excitedly about something. As Kise and Aomine approached them, the girl looked a bit surprised at the sight of the blonde, but happy nonetheless. Kuroko nodded his head in acknowledgement of his presence.

"You're walking with us?" Momoi asked, cheerfully.

"He is," confirmed Aomine, before looking at Kuroko. "Oi, Tetsu, where did you get a milkshake from?"

"Akashi-kun bought me one while Momoi-san and I were waiting for you," the teal-haired boy answered.

"Eh? Why do I never get any gifts from Akashicchi?" Kise asked.

"He bought you a milkshake but he didn't buy anything for Satsuki?" Aomine frowned.

"No, he did. He bought me hot chocolate, but I've already finished it," said Momoi.

Aomine seemed to relax. Kise smiled as Kuroko and Momoi got up from where they were sitting on the bench. It was touching how Aomine seemed angry at the thought that someone forgot about the pink-haired girl. Having a childhood best friend had to be so cool. But then again, they all cared about Momoi deeply, not just Aomine.

"Who won the one-on-one today?" Momoi asked as they were walking along the sidewalk.

"Who do you think won?" Aomine asked, grinning. "Kise can try, but he can't defeat me."

"I just wasn't focused today," Kise pouted.

"Right. You have a lot on your mind, I forgot. Do you always forget to focus when you lose? Because that would be every day," the boy said.

Kise huffed as Aomine laughed. Then, Momoi started telling them about the next team they would play. Apparently, their opponents were one of the best. Good. It was only interesting when you played someone strong. He loved strong rivals. His friends seemed enthusiastic about it as well.

Finally, they reached Momoi's house and then Aomine's. Now was the time for Kise to continue his investigation.

"Ah, it was an exhausting day, wasn't it, Kurokocchi?" he spoke up.

"I don't feel that tired," the boy replied.

"Right, you're not the one who played one-on-one with Aominecchi."

"I used to. I lost every time," said Kuroko.

"Of course you did, you're awful at shooting and running and… well, pretty much everything except for passing," said Kise. "But you're still awesome, Kurokocchi, so don't worry! We wouldn't win every single match if it weren't for you."

"That's not true. But thank you, Kise-kun," Kuroko smiled slightly.

"I'm just saying what I think! I really admire you, Kurokocchi. I even used to have a crush on you, though I don't anymore," said Kise.

Midorima told him to watch Kuroko's reaction. Well, that wasn't very helpful when the boy had the same blank expression all the time.

"I know. You followed me everywhere back then, it was very annoying," Kuroko told him bluntly.

"Eh? What do you mean it was annoying!? Everyone is so cruel to me lately!" Kise complained.

The teal-haired boy didn't respond. The blonde sighed heavily. What was it, 'Insult Kise Day'? He wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that his teammates actually established such a day. Aomine was most likely to come up with an idea like that.

"You don't annoy me anymore though. You're my friend now, Kise-kun," Kuroko said after a while.

"I would hope so! You're my best friend too, Kurokocchi!" Kise grinned at him, cheered up a bit.

"I didn't say anything about you being my best friend," Kuroko protested.

Kise pouted.

As hurt as Kise felt, since everyone was being so mean to him, the next day he was back to his usual cheerful mood. At school he was greeted by one of his fans who gave him chocolates. How nice of her. Finally someone who appreciated him. Another good thing was that his investigation was going better. From their conversation yesterday, Kise concluded that he couldn't be the person who Kuroko had a crush on. Which left Aomine. That made sense, didn't it? The two had always been close. But for some reason, he wasn't that certain whether he was right or not. Maybe he should ask Momoi later.

By the time he strolled into the school cafeteria during lunch, the rest of the Generation of Miracles and their manager were already there. Murasakibara was eating chips, looking generally bored. Momoi was attempting to calm down Aomine and Midorima, who seemed to be fighting. Akashi was talking with Kuroko, trying to tune out the argument happening at the table.

" – ridiculous. I don't even know why I'm having this discussion with you. You still haven't apologized for stealing my lunch," Midorima was saying, angrily.

"I didn't steal your lunch, idiot, I just took some food!"

Kise joined the group at the table, sitting on an empty chair between Murasakibara and Akashi.

"That equals stealing! The horoscope warned me to – "

"Why are you so obsessed with some dumb horoscope?" Aomine asked, annoyed.

"Dumb!? It's not dumb, you – "

"Aomine, Midorima, please cut it out," Akashi interrupted them.

The two fell silent.

"Yes, captain," said Midorima, while Aomine rolled his eyes.

Kise decided to chime in. After all, those were his friends fighting.

"Look, Midorimacchi, I know that Aominecchi can be rather irritating with the whole stealing our food thing – "

"What did you say?" Aomine glared at him.

" – but sharing is caring, right?"

Midorima huffed in annoyance, while Aomine snorted.

"Just because I care for you, it doesn't mean that I have to – "

The green-haired boy was interrupted by Momoi's squeal. Kise also smiled widely. Aomine just snorted again, Murasakibara kept eating chips, Akashi looked amused and Kuroko had the same blank expression as always.

"Midorin, it's so sweet of you to say that you care for us!" said Momoi.

Midorima paled.

"What? No, I didn't mean – "

"It's good to know that you care for the team," deadpanned Kuroko.

"Aw, Midorimacchi, I've always known that deep inside, you had a huge heart and that you love all of us!" said Kise.

Midorima glared at them.

"I meant that you are my teammates. Of course I care about you, after all thanks to each one of you being on the team, we win every game. But don't think I'm attached to you or anything."

"Midorima, you don't have to be ashamed. We're glad that we mean so much to you," Akashi said, a hint of an amused smile on his face.

The green-haired boy huffed and settled on ignoring them. Kise giggled. Did Midorimacchi think he was kidding anyone? Of course he cared. They all cared. They were a team after all. Yes, they were rivals as well, but they were friends. And that was all that mattered, right?

"I'm glad we're a team," Kuroko spoke up suddenly.

All heads turned to the phantom sixth player.

"Tetsu…" Momoi whispered.

"Kurokocchi…" Kise felt tears welling up in his eyes.

Akashi smiled.

"I'm glad you think so, Kuroko," he said.

"Of course, Akashi-kun."

There was something in the way Kuroko looked at the captain and said his name. Usually, Kise wasn't able to read his teammate, but right now, there was no mistaking that there was a hint of fondness both in the boy's eyes and his voice. He did get along with Akashi rather well, didn't he? Kuroko held the crimson-haired boy's gaze, smiling slightly.

Oh. Oh. Of course. How could Kise not notice before? It wasn't Aomine who was Kuroko's secret crush. No. The mysterious person was the one who Kuroko was staring at right now, looking happy.