Warning: Gossip-loving neighborhood aunties and lame puns.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basket and its franchise!

Taking a slow and easy pace, Kuroko walked; book in hand and #2 in his hood. Upon hearing voices from a distance, he looked up from the page he was reading to spot two of his neighbors ahead of him, gossiping.

"And it was the most horrible thing ever, I tell you… Oh my! Look at that!" A middle-aged woman crooned to her friend. "Isn't that just the cutest?"

The other lady looked confused. "What is it? I don't see…"

"Good day." Kuroko bowed in a greeting.

"Arf!"

"Uwah! Oh, if it isn't Tetsuya-kun. Good day to you too. How is your mother doing?"

"She's fine; thank you for asking."

"Is that your family's pet? He's adorable!" The first lady reached out to pet Tetsuya #2, who obediently remained seated in Kuroko's hood. "And I just noticed that he looks just like you!"

"Everyone says that."

"What is his name, if I may ask?"

"It's Tetsuya #2."

"And he's named after you, too! That's just simply adorable!"

"Huh…"

"So where are you heading? Out on an errand?"

"Something like that."

"We shall not disturb you, then. See you again sometime, Tetsuya-kun."

"Bye bye!"

"See you again soon."

Kuroko and #2 continued walking on, well, at least Kuroko was he only one doing the walking. Within a few short minutes, they reached the convenience store.

"I'm not sure if you can go in, boy. Let's try asking someone."

"Arf!"

"Excuse me," Kuroko approached a clerk from behind, who was busy stacking up cartons of drinks outside the store, scaring the poor man.

"W-What is it?"

"Are dogs allowed inside the store?"

"Y-Yes! Small ones should be fine, as long as they are well-behaved…"

"Thank you."

"Arf!"

Entering the convenience store, Kuroko spotted Izuki Shun behind the counter, which was a surprise. He wasn't aware that the senior was working part-time. Considering the time spent in school studying and the harsh practices they had to suffer through, one would think the members of the Seirin basketball team barely even have time to do anything else.

"Ah, welcome." He greeted the customer, a young girl about Kuroko's age, who had placed several cans of coffee on the counter.

"Is this all?" He asked her as he scanned the cans, reaching for a plastic bag.

The girl nodded, her eyes fixated on his face.

"That would be 750 yen."

"Y-Yes!" The girl dug into her purse, retrieving a 1000 yen note.

"You know," Izuki spoke as he counted the change. " Coffee has always bean the grounds of many a heated and strong discussion."

"Eh?" The girl blinked, confused at what he had just said.

"Nothing, really. I was thinking about one should mind their manner in a manor… ah; that was a good one!"

"H-Hah…" The girl's eyelid twitched awkwardly.

"Here's your purchase. Thank you for your patronage."

"Thank you!" The girl grabbed the bag and bolted out of the store in record time.

"That's weird… I thought that joke would work…"

"That's because your jokes aren't the least bit punny, Izuki-senpai."

"Uwah! Oh, it's just you, Kuroko," Izuki sighed. "And #2's with you too. What are you doing here?"

"Jump." He placed the thick volume on the counter.

Izuki picked the magazine, but accidently dropped it onto the counter. The two stared at it in mild surprise.

"Jump jumped."

"That made no sense at all, Izuki-senpai."

"Arf!"

You dears gave me more reviews than I could ever ask for. You all have no idea how happy you've made this author for the past few days.

And so the first person to appear is Izuki. Because my beta loves his puns, though their meanings usually get lost in the English translation.

The first pun about the coffee came a website I came across on google. The other one about the manner-manor was something I came up myself. (Note to my beta: I'm so sorry I failed epically at creating puns.)

If anyone is asking, the next chapter will be out on Sunday. (Saturday if I feel like posting early.)

I'm still open to requests if anyone wants to see their favourite character in here! (Except Hanamiya, please? Gomen ne, Starian NightZz-san)

Many thanks to my beta and kid sis A Natsume Yuujinchou Lover for beta-ing this. You will be well rewarded with Akashi in this series. (But you already know everything that's gonna happen anyway)

Please review? You won't regret it; I promise.