Author's Note: Yellow! Um, I just wanted to say that thanks for reading and sorry for the late second chapter. I'm seriously super happy for the sequel manga and I am seriously drowning at school right now. I just needed like a mental break so yeah this happened. Hope y'all like it! By the way, when you say yellow it sounds like hello with a weird accent.

Disclaimer: If I owned this then I would've made Kagami the bunny apple slices fairy in chapter one, rather than the humongous scary dude that picks on Koga. Obviously that didn't happen so ya know.

"Would you pay attention to me for more than one minute, BAKAGAMI?!" Riko screeched, slamming her clipboard on Kagami's head. He let out a sharp yelp before nursing the growing bump and reengaging into the pre-practice lecture. Riko had been drilling them and working their asses off for three weeks. Everyone was dead tired. Kagami had done more running than he could remember, even more than the summer training camp last year. He could feel his legs go weak every time he got up at three in the morning to do more running. He was always moving. It had been a month since school had started and the June weather brought lethargic feelings to everyone in the gym. Except for Torao.

Torao did more training than anyone Kagami had ever seen. Every day Kagami got up to go run some more, Tora had been running for half an hour already. When Kagami asked why she was running too, Tora had simply stated, "Because when Torao wakes up, he wakes me up too. Plus, there's nothing worse than laying in bed dead tired and irritated. So, ya know... Why not?" She was always running, and she was damn fast too. Kagami would run for about two hours before going back to his apartment and taking a shower. He would alternate between hot and cold water to heal his aching muscles. It took him about thirty minutes to stretch out. By then, it would be five thirty.

Kagami would promptly fall asleep until he had to get ready for school. At seven o'clock he'd hear the water from Tora and Torao's apartment start in the shower. At seven thirty, Kagami would leave his house and head for the station. He'd always see Tora hop on her bike and ride down the hills toward Seirin. He started doing the same after a week of her avoiding him. Every day at the basketball club's two hour practice, Kagami would run for half an hour. Torao usually did two times more than Kagami in the same timespan.

After a grueling practice, Kagami would wobble out to his bike and see Torao's still there. After two days of finding it still there, Kagami went looking for Torao. He found him still in the gym, dribbling up and down the court as fast as he could. Kagami watched Torao run through situations on the court. Kagami would watch mesmerized as Torao sped along. Kagami could practically see the opponents he faced off against. Torao would continually do this until he eventually fell down from exhaustion. The first time Kagami saw him collapse on the floor, his heart stopped. Torao rolled over onto his back panting before he laughed, got up, and went into the locker room. He exited and went out to his bike, eyeing Kagami's before waiting for the uninvited visitor to come out.

Torao simply raised an eyebrow as Kagami approached. He sighed and asked him, "Next time, wanna play a one-on-one?" Kagami agreed.

It had been three weeks since then, and with Riko's intense work outs, Kagami felt like he was going to die. Torao sat next to him, listening intently to Riko. Training wasn't the only thing bothering Kagami these past three weeks. For the complete month that they had been in school, Tora had physically ignored him after the second day.

Kagami had gotten up early on the second day of school so he could make sure he was ready to walk to school with her and her brother. He got outside fifteen minutes before usual and waited for the twins. Tora appeared promptly at seven thirty, without her brother. After asking her about waiting for him, Tora replied that he always left super early so he could do something for someone at school.

"The ass-kisser loves getting the teachers on his side," Tora had growled. Kagami let the subject drop as he followed her around. He followed her everywhere that day. He had gone to the extent where she had slammed the door to a classroom shut and he had argued through the door till the bell rang. At lunch break, he had asked her to eat with him and Kuroko, but Tora grabbed her bento and rushed out the door. She managed to make it to the first floor's girl's bathroom, Kagami almost went in (a couple girls gave him creeped out looks). He waited the entirety of the lunch break by the bathroom door for Tora to reappear, she never did. By the time he got back to the classroom, Tora was sitting reading a book at her desk. Torao would appear at the end of the day at practice and Kagami sat and stared at him for a while. Torao finally asked him what was wrong and Kagami complained about how his sister took others kindness for granted. Torao laughed.

"She's just embarrassed. Give her some space before trying to prove that she's not bad luck, 'kay?" Torao grinned before stomping on his foot and getting a lay up. Kagami hissed before glaring over his shoulder at the happy boy. Kagami did follow Torao's advice... to a point. He stilled rode to school with Tora, though behind her. He always offered to eat lunch with her, but she would vacate the classroom for god knows where. After Kagami got home from school, he would shower, shove three protein bars in his mouth, and he would head over to the twin's place. Tora would sigh and let him in, Torao still training in his room-not to be disturbed. Kagami would sit in the living room across the coffee table from Tora and ask her multitudes of questions. She was actually pretty good at explaining things. It usually involved sound affects or some stupid story so Kagami would remember it.

"So, you go fwoosh and then boom and then you get bam!" Tora had stated, explaining a combustion reaction. Kagami nodded as he started the next chemistry problem, promptly doing it right. Tora smiled and stood up. She stretched her arms over her head and sighed.

"I'm gonna make some hot chocolate. Want some?" She asked padding into the kitchen a few feet away. Kagami hummed an affirmative as he finished his homework. Tora made three cups and took one to Torao's room. She marched back in and sat across from Kagami, lightly sipping her warm drink.

"Ya know, I don't get why you think you're such bad luck," Kagami stated. Tora flinched before her eyes darkened slightly.

"Well, in a sense I am lucky. Nothing ever happens to me, just everybody else," she sighed. Kagami looked up from his drink, meeting Tora's gaze.

"But I think your actually good luck," Kagami said, running a hand through his red hair. Tora raised an eyebrow in question.

"I'm not so lonely anymore."

The boys were just starting to get changed for practice when Furihata rushed in, eyes wide and scared. Hyuuga asked him what was wrong and he whispered an answer, shaking slightly.

"Shit!" Hyuuga exclaimed, turning and facing the others. Torao was no where to be found. Kagami stood, shirtless next to Kuroko.

"What's up?" Kagami asked skeptically. Hyuuga turned to him.

"Remember the last time Riko was skipping?" Hyuuga asked. Realization hit Kagami like a brick wall.

"Yeah?" he asked.

"This is about ten times worse."

"Wait, wait, wait! Are you serious, Coach?" Kagami asked, blood boiling.

"Yup! The practice match is Friday, so this week I'm gonna be tapering you off the training regime just a bit. So, look forward to it!" Riko gleamed giving a huge thumbs up.

"This is so awesome! Kuroko we'll get to see him again!" Kagami exclaimed, fiery eyes brimming with fighting spirit. Kuroko nodded, his usually composed appearance cracking slightly. Kuroko was smirking the slightest bit, pale eyes emitting a form emotion, though slight.

"Oh! If Tetsu-kun is excited about something then it must be good!" Torao stated, patting Kuroko on the back, "Who is it?"

"He's an arrogant son of bitch that thinks he's the best there ever was. His basketball is totally wicked, but he's cocky and annoying. We beat him in the Winter Cup," Kagami attempted to growl out but was clearly too excited to feign hatred. Torao hummed as he imagined a person just like Kagami, only more self-centered.

"He a friend of yours, Testu-kun?" Torao asked, cocking his head. Kuroko nodded.

"Yes, Torao-san, he is. I think you'll like him almost as much as Kagami-kun does," Kuroko stated. Kagami slapped him on the back of the head with a dignified, "I do not!" before practically skipping away to the court. Torao chuckled as Kuroko nursed his sore head.

"This should be fun, Testu-kun. If this guy can make that basketball idiot this happy, then we're going to have our hands full," Torao laughed. Kuroko nodded.

"What's his name?" Torao asked as the two started walking towards the court.

"Aomine Daiki."

The week passed by slowly. As Riko had said, they had slowly tapered off from the harsh conditioning. Now, their practices resembled the ones before the Winter Cup last year.

Kagami was restless. He had stopped running in the morning and he had been sleeping more. Torao was still running until the day before. Kagami had stayed over in Torao's apartment that night. He usually couldn't sleep before games like this. Aomine would be in his gym the next day, that alone was exciting. Torao had hung out with Kagami until eleven when he said he was going to bed. Kagami said goodnight and got comfortable on the couch. As Torao closed his door, Kagami turned off the lights. Tora had been home before them and had been in her room all night. Kagami didn't disturb her for once.

As he laid on the soft plush couch, eyelids drooping, his mind churned with excitement recalling his games with Aomine. He was staring at the bland ceiling when he heard the soft creak of a door open and close. Kagami sat up and looked over towards the sound. A tall figure padded over and laid out a large futon on the floor. Kagami could tell it was Tora as a strand of long hair slipped past her shoulder. She silently snuggled under the covers before sitting up and looking at him. His breathe caught in his throat.

"What's up? You cold?" she whispered. Kagami shivered, realizing how cold the house actually was.

"Yeah, a bit," he whispered back.

"Well, then come here," she said patting a side of the futon and scooting over. Kagami blinked before making a sound in between bewilderment and fear.

"Come on, its cold and you have a game tomorrow, hop to it!" Tora said laying down. Kagami reluctantly grabbed his pillow and blanket and laid down next to Tora, covering them both in another layer. He settled himself down next to her, facing her. Kagami closed his eyes, heart beating wildly. Kagami's mind was no longer filled with thoughts of basketball, sleep finally taking him under. Tora sighed.

"I knew you weren't gonna sleep if you were thinking about basketball all night," she sighed. She started to slide away, about to head back to her own room when Kagami grabbed hold of her wrist. Tora twitched in surprise, as Kagami pulled her into his strong chest. Tora felt her face burst out in red as Kagami snuggled her into his strong form, wrapping her in warmth and strong muscle. She tried pushing against his arms to release her, but he just pulled her closer, burying his nose in her hair. He sighed, warm air rushing down Tora's neck. She shivered before sighing as well and giving in. She simply let him hug her as she fell asleep. Tora slept peacefully for the first time since the first day of school.

Kagami groaned and stretched, the smell of eggs and toast waking him from his slumber. He rolled over on the futon and growled as he stretched before sitting up. He yawned and gazed blearily towards the kitchen. The fridge was open, exposing quite the entourage of food and supplies. He blinked before his gaze settled on Tora's ponytail, swinging slightly as she swayed back and forth. Frank Sinatra was playing lightly and the song buzzed softly in Kagami's ears. He snorted silently as he watched Tora hop around from fridge to stove to microwave in her uniform and a red apron tied around her waist. He watched silently before finally standing and grabbing his clothes. He slipped into the bathroom quietly and was out within three minutes.

"Good, you're up. I thought I'd wake ya when the food was done," Tora said, washing her hands and putting the apron on its hook. She dried her hands before placing them on her hips.

"Well, don't just stand there like an overgrown monkey! Set the table while I get the food together and the drinks; they're in the top drawer by the fridge. Come on, hop to it!"

Kagami stood clenching and unclenching his fists as he waited to roll onto the court. He had his freshly washed jersey, black and red, hanging on his muscular frame. Everyone was tense. The excitement, and Furihata's fear, was palpable. The team was waiting for Riko to come in and to tell her the news: Torao was no where to be found.

"Alright guys! They're here! Go give them a good show-where's Torao?" Riko stated happily until she noticed the absence of a player other than Kuroko. The team twitched.

"We don't really... know," Hyuuga stated, rubbing the back of his neck. Riko's face darkened.

"Sorry, I'm late! The teacher had to see me!" Torao slammed the team room's door open, jersey askew and one shoe on. Riko sighed and slammed a hand on his back.

"Okay, now we're back on track. Hyuuga, Izuki, Kagami, Kuroko, and Mori! You're starting. I'll get everyone in at some point, so don't worry," Riko exclaimed as she lead them out into the gym.

Tuou was waiting on the other side. Harasawa smirked as the team entered. Tuou had some aspiring freshmeat. Aomine was sitting asleep against the wall. Wakamatsu kicked him, slightly, and Aomine blearily looked up. His eyes focused solely on Seirin, however the first thing he saw was Torao. He merely cast him aside without a second glance and smirked as Kagami surged forward. Aomine hopped up and marched out to meet him.

"Yo, Bakagami! Think you'll be able to stand up against me today?" Aomine said as he fist bumped Kagami and gave him a high five by his shoulder and then another by his hip before giving Kagami one more in the middle.

"I better, I don't wanna have ta make you food again!" Kagami jeered. Torao's eyebrow rose as he approached the trio, Kuroko having been observing the conversation.

"Alright then, if we lose, then Bakagami has to make food for me too!" Torao said, leaning on Kuroko. Aomine eyed the new person as Kagami groaned in confusion.

"Who's Blondie, over here? He's already giving me a headache 'cause he reminds me of that stupid model..." Aomine growled, grabbing the back of Torao's jersey and putting him in a headlock. Torao's face twisted in annoyance as he glared at the darker skin. He growled before slamming his foot down on Aomine's, grip loosening, shoved his hands in between his neck and the intruding limb, before flipping Aomine over onto the ground and twisting his legs over his back.

"OW OW OW OW! Mercy! MERCY! SATSUKI! HELP!" Aomine shrieked as Kagami cackled and Kuroko sniggered. Momoi rushed towards the four after having heard her name. Momoi had abandoned her conversation with Riko and was now fluttering around Torao and Aomine. She was flustered and couldn't figure out a solution at the moment, so Momoi decided on the most plausible thing to do.

"Release! Release! Bad Boy! Give me my Dai-chan!" Momoi scolded Torao as she "lightly" hit him on the head with her clipboard.

"Don't EVER do that again until I at LEAST know your God. Damn. NAME!" Torao said, punctuating the last three words with painful pressure on Aomine's legs. Torao let go and stood up. Aomine groaned in happiness as the pain slowly subsided. Torao sighed before cracking his knuckles and sitting on Aomine's back.

"Okay... What the literal FUCK?" Aomine screeched before Torao slammed a hand on his rhomboid muscle and worked his hands down, massaging out the stress from his hold. Aomine squirmed as the pain jolted through him, tears pricking at his eyes, but when Torao stood, Aomine felt like he was in heaven. Everything felt great.

"Uh... Torao? What was that?" Kagami answered poking the blissful blob on the floor. Torao shrugged.

"Who are you? You, you, you... meanie!" Momoi sniffled.

"Torao. Aoki Torao," Torao said, offering her a hand. She took it reluctantly. She blinked as Torao slipped a piece of paper into her palm. As she retracted it, she saw what was written on it: You're Beautiful.

Momoi blushed and looked at Torao. He gestured to Kuroko and winked. Momoi smiled widely. Torao had noticed how she had kept glancing at Kuroko, almost unconsciously. As Momoi lunged at Kuroko, Torao pulled Aomine up off the ground.

"So, who are you again?" Torao asked as he patted Aomine's jersey off. Aomine blinked back to reality.

"Aomine Daiki," he said as he scanned Torao up and down.

"Cool, I hope you'll entertain me, Daiki!" Torao said, smiling widely. Kagami brushed off the memory of Tora. Aomine blushed and scowled.

"You ain't a girl are you?" he asked before shoving a hand on Torao's chest. Torao bristled slightly at the action and Kagami's eyes widened.

"Nah, dude. Sorry to disappoint," Torao stated, teeth clenched tightly as Aomine touched around his chest. Aomine hummed as he inspected. He brushed over a sensitive area that made Torao mewl suddenly. Aomine jerked away, and the three others turned to look at the blushing blond.

"S-sorry, I, uh, don't know what that was..." Torao said, covering his face slightly with one hand. Aomine's face grew hot fast.

"O-okay... Well, uh, let's... um... have fun?" Aomine said extending a hand as he uncharacteristically was at a loss for a snappy comback. Torao took it and shook hard.

"Gladly!"

Torao sat analyzing the game for the first quarter. All the freshmen had already been subbed in, Mitobe was now relieving the last one. Torao sat next to Maki and Riko. Maki was huffing and puffing having just gone head to head with another freshmen from Tuou. Torao noted they were altogether strong, but Aomine just seemed to be going head to head with Kagami. Not that he minded, the two were on a completely different level than everyone else. Kuroko was facing off against a freshman, posing a large threat to him. The freshmen didn't even bother with him, consequently being able to see him. Somehow, Kuroko was still maneuvering around, misdirection almost forgotten. The ball flew out of bounds after Kagami slammed one of Aomine's formless shots down.

"Time out, please!" Riko called. The team assembled around the players, Kagami not even listening.

"Kuroko, nice job but your out for the rest of the match. Torao, you're in. Kagami. Kagami!" Riko stated, slamming her hand on the back of the dazed redhead. He blinked.

"Yeah, coach?" Kagami asked, zone still on.

"Your not on Aomine anymore, guard the freshman," Riko said. Kagami agreed, zone turning off.

"Torao, you're on Aomine, if you have trouble I'm switching you two," Riko said, "Alright go get 'em!"

"Hah? Why are you here? I'm marking Kagami," Aomine stated as he was passed the ball. Torao stood straight, not in a guarding stance or anything, just observing Aomine. Aomine growled as he received no answer and he began to dash forward past the smaller blonde boy. He dribbled the ball with his right hand before opting to switch over to his left. Aomine jerked to a halt as leather never met the softer underside of his palm. He flipped around, stunned before seeing the ball spinning on Torao's foot. Kagami laughed, remembering the same thing happening to him.

"You have more than just your hands, ya know," Torao stated, bumping the ball into his hand and starting to dribble. Aomine snarled, this guy pissed him off, almost as much as Kagami had before. Torao steadily held Aomine's gaze, before scanning the court spread out in front of him, his teammates were still behind him slightly.

"Ah," Torao mumbled as Kagami, Izuki, and Hyuuga came into view. He slowly paced in front of Aomine, aware of the threat approaching him from both sides. Torao jumped up quickly, turned in the air and passed the ball to Mitobe. Mitobe caught the ball without a moment's hesitation or surprise evident on his face. Mitobe dashed down the court passing the ball off to Izuki and then to Kagami. The freshie was almost as high a jumper as Kagami, and insanely good at blocking shots. Torao hustled down the court, Aomine right at his side.

"What the fuck, man? Too scared to face me?" Aomine sneered, trying to anger the smaller male. Torao just glanced out of the corner of his eye.

"Nah, just wanna give you a good show," Torao stated, stopping abruptly. Aomine took his eyes off of Torao as he watched the ball leave Kagami's hands, it looked good. As the ball arched up past the large intruding hand, Aomine realized it would fall short. He maneuvered himself underneath to catch it, when he noticed Torao crouched towards the ground. His arms flung back behind him as he jumped into the air, and he brought them up by his head like he was shooting an arrow straight through the basketball. Aomine launched himself in the air, but came nowhere near Torao's height. All he could do was try to reach the ball.

Aomine watched as he seemed to float in the air. He saw Torao snap his arm up and slam it through the basketball. A sickening smack echoed as the ball went flying into the hoop with a loud clang. Aomine landed and looked at Torao.

"Again, what the literal fuck?"

Torao had no trouble keeping up with Aomine, neither in the zone. Kagami glanced over impressed by the smaller male. He himself had struggled with Aomine's speed. Kagami looked on out of the corner of his eye, perplexed by Torao's athleticism. Torao merely blocked Aomine's assaults forward, forcing him to stay well beyond the half court line, without passing the ball. It was a grid lock because every time Aomine attempted to pass to someone else, Torao stood in the way and stole the ball. However, before he could score any points, Aomine had him cornered into making a play. Torao had mapped out everyone's movements, made signals to certain players to be ready so as not to alert the enemy of the plan.

Aomine was beyond frustrated with Torao. The guy had no special skill he could detect but was easily pinning Aomine down. Fed up with the idiocy, Aomine entered the zone for the second time. Torao smirked as he wiped his face with the top of his jersey.

"Finally playing now?" Torao smirked as he saw Aomine's composure change. The irritation gnawed at the back of Aomine's mind but he shoved it away, focusing on the bouncing sphere. He let a low sound of acknowledgement. Torao giggled before back pedaling, Aomine followed, lunging towards the ball. Before his hand could swipe the ball away in the middle of a dribble, Torao's hand had shoved extra force in the ball sending it past him towards Kagami who was preoccupied with keeping the freshman cornered to notice the ball hurtling at an increased speed towards his face. Of course noticing the presence of the all encompassing ball before it reached him, Kagami swiveled his head.

He groaned as the ball rolled off his face and into his hand. He glared at Torao with a red nose and watery eyes. Aomine looked over his shoulder before snorting. Kagami sniffed as he dribbled the ball. Torao was struggling to keep his laughter at a minimum as the rest of the team except Riko giggled.

"Kagami, keep your head in the game!" Riko shouted before turning around and silently snickering about the red mark growing on his face.

Torao's breathing started to become ragged as he bolted after Aomine for the umpteenth time that day. After Aomine had entered the zone, Torao had to adjust to the increased ability. Torao knew he wasn't the best at this godforsaken game, but he did love a challenge. When Tora was pretending to be Torao, all worry of an accident escaped her mind. She took on a different demeanor, and the bad luck surrounding her seemed to evaporate temporarily. It was the one gift from god she had received.

And she was beyond thankful as she stole the ball right out from under Aomine's fingertips.

The game ended in a draw of an astonishing low score of 45-45, neither team slacking off. After bowing and thanking each other for the opportunity, Tuou started to pack up, some members making small talk with the Seirin members on their way out the door. Aomine scratched the back of his head as he sauntered to the front door of the gym. A large hand grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. Blue eyes met red as Kagami halted Aomine's attempt to leave. Kuroko stood unnoticed behind him.

"Yo, wait up for a bit. I wanna show you something," Kagami smirked, and Aomine shrugged glancing around for Momoi. He found her talking animatedly with the Riko, and the two girls practically bolted in the opposite direction; yeah, he could kill some time.

Aomine strolled out into the open air and sighed contentedly as a cool breeze hit his hot face. He sat down and leaned against the side of the building. Soon after, Kagami appeared with Kuroko in tow and lead the two upstairs. They hung back in the shadows, hidden from view. Aomine's curiosity was slowly sparking to life.

"Hey, Bakagami, what the hell-" Aomine started, but Kagami slapped a hand over his mouth.

"Just shut up and look at the court," Kagami whispered, smirking coyly. Aomine grumbled but yielded to Kagami's command, and his eyes slowly drifted down to the basketball court. His ears picked up the noise of leather hitting wood, but he couldn't see anyone else remaining in the gym. His brows furrowed as the sound stopped suddenly and no figure appeared, he glanced over at Kagami confused. As his eyes trailed back down a ball shot up into the air far from half court. The ball hurtled towards the hoop at the opposite end of the gym and his eyes widened as the ball rushed towards the basket.

With the familiar sound of the ball falling through the net, Aomine noticed someone standing underneath the hoop ready to catch the ball. Torao spun around clutching the ball and looked down the empty gym. Aomine was startled by the sudden appearance of the boy. His confusion soon ebbed away to surprise as he watched Torao bolt down the court twisting and turning as if in a real game. The imaginary opponents seemed to float into place and appear as Torao rushed down the court. Aomine's gaze relaxed as he continued to watch Torao. He thought to himself that his movements resembled a dancer. The farther he got down the court the faster and more elaborate his movements became. Aomine gawked as Torao lept at the free throw line and slammed the ball into the hoop. The move resembled Kagami's so much that he was reminded of Kise's "Perfect Copy". He glanced over at Kagami who looked just as enveloped by the show as he was.

"Did you know he could do that?" Aomine asked. Kagami shook his head and shrugged. Torao returned to half court and started his movements again. Aomine watched as Torao sprung into the air at the free throw line again, but instead of the spectacular dunk from before, he twisted his body so that he was at a completely different angle, head almost perpendicular to the floor. He threw his arm holding the ball so forcefully like a whip that he did a complete 360 before landing on all fours like a cat ready to pounce. He shot up and looked to see if the ball had gone into the net, it had.

"Damn, what the hell was that?" Aomine hissed in confusion and, he'd never admit it, awe. Kagami whistled and smirked.

"Kuroko, you get that?" Kagami said, cocking his head to look at the boy's phone held up to video tape the private practice. Kuroko nodded and replayed the shot. Torao looked towards the sound of the whistle he had heard. He picked up the ball and glanced over his shoulder to find Kagami bent over looking at Kuroko's phone and Aomine leaning against the railing. He pretended he hadn't seen them and sauntered back to the middle and began swiftly dashing again. A plan was brewing in his head, and he couldn't help but smirk as his heart raced. He jumped and spun in the air, still flying forward and shot the ball high into the air, he was close enough to the ball cart that he grabbed another one as Aomine's eyes watched the sphere float towards the hoop. It entered and just as he was about to look for Torao, a basketball came hurtling at his face. He lunged away, and the ball hit the railing where he had been standing.

He slammed against the wall muttering a curse and letting out of a shaky breathe. He glared down towards the floor. Where was that bastard? Before Aomine could lean back over the railing and shout profanities, he was shocked by the sudden hands on his shoulders, and he jolted away. Aomine spun around and glared ready to throw a punch at his assailant before realizing Torao was standing there smirking triumphantly. Aomine snarled, face tinting a small shade of pink.

"Two words, wow, bruh," Torao snickered. Aomine grumbled shoving his hands in his pockets and marching towards the stairs.

"I'm gonna go get my bag, Maji's?" he grumbled, a little flustered, and Kagami snorted before giving him a thumbs up. Torao snickered before turning to face him.

"So, you were too tired to play me, but are still here, hm?" he smirked. Kagami shrugged noncommittally.

"Go get changed and let's get some burgers, okay?" Kagami said ruffling Torao's hair. Torao fist bumped Kuroko and headed towards the locker room.

Aomine sat dazed against the gym wall. He had played hard today and was exhausted. He didn't understand how Torao kept up with him. His skills were mediocre and most of his attempts to score were so blatantly obvious that he seemed super weak. But what were those last few shots? How did he have that much energy?

Kagami emerged momentarily.

"What's that Torao guy's deal?" Aomine asked, and Kagami's eyebrows rose before furrowing in confusion. He thought for a moment.

"He was probably just having fun. I mean otherwise that game would've pissed you the fuck off. When I play against him after practice, he's like a completely different person. It's like he was just observing me and pushing himself, and then he just goes and does something that seems fucking impossible. It really pisses me off, but it's like he can read my every move and just uses my personality against me. He got you riled up didn't he?" Kagami asked.

"Yeah?" Aomine inquired remembering the frustration of feeling like being kept on a short leash.

"Well, he just trains harder than anyone else I've ever met. Like, literally, he even wakes his sister up at like three in the fucking morning when he goes for a run. The guy literally runs on no sleep. He's just that type of guy," Kagami stated, and Aomine's eyes widened.

"Every morning?" he asked dumbfounded. Kagami nodded, and Aomine whistled.

"I'll give him points for commitment," he said a little taken aback. Footsteps approached the trio and instead of Torao, Tora met them.

"My brother wanted to go take a jog to loosen his legs up, so he told me to accompany you guys," she stated. Kagami looked over at Aomine and raised his eyebrows exasperatedly. Aomine shrugged and started sauntering away. Tora walked with Kagami, bikes in tow. Kuroko had been walking beside Aomine silently watching his bored face.

Tora was dead tired. And hungry. She hadn't been this tired since her grandmother's death. Tora blinked blearily. Kagami glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and snorted. He snickered silently as he looked over at Tora's delirious face. She was blinking slowly and swaying slightly, her cheeks were tinted a slight pink and her eyes, permanently at half mast, glittered with the lights of the city. The group neared a crosswalk. They waited for the sign to change before lurching forward. Kuroko had swung back behind the trio to take a picture with his phone.

Aomine was still in the lead. In the back of her mind, Tora heard the rumble of tires against the road. She glanced over at Kagami, they were just about a quarter of the way across the street. Tora smiled slightly at Kagami's tired expression; he had played hard today. Tora blinked slightly as light bombarded her vision. She glanced towards the disturbance. Everything seemed to go in slow motion.

Tora dropped her bike and sprinted towards Aomine as the sound of wheels rushing forward got louder. A truck was barreling toward him at top speed, ignoring the red light. Tora felt the gnawing in her gut as she pushed herself forward, slipping in her leather shoes. She cursed as she struggled to get to Aomine, he was so close but so far away.

"Aomine!" Tora screamed, he stopped at the mention of his name and turned.

"Hah?" he remarked, oblivious to the truck almost five yards away from him. Tora pumped her legs faster. Faster, faster, faster! If she didn't get there, he would be-!

Kagami stood shell-shocked as Tora sprinted away from him. He looked after her before blinking away the light that hurt his eyes. He glanced over, and he gasped. A truck was hurtling towards them. He whipped his head around just in time to see the truck slam on its brakes and slide forward. Kagami's stomach lurched with the sound of the blaring horn.

A leather shoe tilted precariously on the crosswalk.

Author's Note: Okay, so sorry this was so long but I absolutely had to get Aomine in there. Thanks for reading! Reviews are always appreciated!