The second quarter is soon well underway with the practice match between Seirin High School and Kaijo High School.

The score currently stand at 34-39, with Kaijo being in the lead and Kaijo is still sticking to man-to-man defense, thus making it difficult for the Seirin players to go on the offense.

Izuki, who had received the ball from Hyuuga, was immediately guarded by a Kaijo player, and quickly passed the ball over to Kamiko who was standing nearby, but was also currently guarding by Kise himself.

"Oh, Mikocchi, I never dreamed that we'd play like this," he said, grinning.

Kamiko neither smiled nor frowned, as she dribbled the ball. "Neither did I, Ryota." To that, she bent her knees low, her eyes focused on his, as she dribbled the ball in accordance to a certain carrot head's play, catching Kise completely off-guard at the unusual yet familiar rhythm of the dribbling. Kamiko, then finding a small opening at his stance, proceeded with a fair distant one step back, positioned to jump and shoot the ball for a good 3 points when Kise managed then to keep up with her, noticing that as he tried to stop the ball on air, he realized that it wasn't really there but still on Kamiko's hands as she passed it to Kagami who was just behind the blonde was quick to take advantage of Kise's shock to perform a two pointer shot which immediately went in, making the score 36-39, with Kaijo still on the lead.

"Nice shot!" Fukuda Hiroshi cheered from Seirin's bench.

Back on the court, Kise was panting, since it's taking him a lot to just deal with Kamiko's sudden change of play, now that Kagami was in the picture, coordinating with her play rather flawlessly with their other teammates, and the play of the entire Kaijo team is slowly getting messed up because of the confusion with Seirin's sudden change of play.

'What the hell, Mikocchi? I know you're capable to make the shot yourself!'

Kamiko was still standing in front of Kise as she looked at him carefully. "I know that you were expecting me to shoot just now." She glanced at Kagami, who was panting heavily, then glanced back at the confused blonde. "It's not my time yet, Ryota, and you know that."

To that, Kise glared. "You really have changed, Mikocchi." He said, "You weren't playing this kind of basketball in middle school, but you still can't stop me. I will be the winner."

"Please… do settle that with basketball, Ryota," Kamiko said, making the blonde frown at her words.

"Words alone without actions are empty words," Kamiko once told him at their practice as she was teaching him. "If you want your words meaty, settle it with actions." She shrugged lightly as she faced the blonde once again. "Actions speak louder than words, remember that."

Kise moved to receive the ball that his teammate had passed to him and Kagami grinned. "Not so fast," he said, and Kise stopped in his tracks as Kamiko moved instantly to guard him.

The blonde grinned as Kamiko has positioned herself as defense. "I should thank you for being my former instructor, Mikocchi. It's been fun."

Kamiko didn't move from her spot as she looked at the blonde with a faint smirk playing on her lips. "You still have so much to learn, Ryota. You're making it sound like it's your last goodbye. Gross." To which, Kise chuckled lightly.

"If you're in a tight situation just like what happened just now," Kamiko pointed out what happened in their practice, when the blonde was holding on the ball too long as he was guarded by two Teiko practice opponent players. "Sometimes, the best offense is the best defense."

"I don't know what you're up to, but you can't stop me, Mikocchi!" Kise told Kamiko as he made it past her easily. Kagami then immediately moved to block Kise as the blonde made it past the sky-bluenette.

"Wrong, we're not going to stop you." Kagami grinned.

"We're taking it!"

Kamiko took advantage of his distraction, and stole the ball from behind him, immediately passing it to Izuki, who took off down the court with the ball.

"It doesn't matter how amazing your play is against us," Kagami stated. "Since our objective here is letting you through!"

Izuki scored the ball into the basket, and the Seirin side cheered.

Riko grinned. 'Not even Kise-kun can react in time to someone who is like a phantom coming up from behind him.'

Kise looked annoyed. "What if I don't run by you?" He challenged, dribbling the ball next. "No one said that I couldn't shoot a three pointer!" He took position to shoot a three pointer, but Kamiko reached him before the ball could leave his hands, with the redhead jumping up in the air and knocked the ball from his hands as it landed on Kamiko's hands and she passed through the surprised Kise, dashing through the two Kaijo players, catching them both, who were standing in guard of their basket, in surprise then Kamiko leaps backwards just on the three-point perimeter, much to Kise's horror, as the ball flew into the air, shooting the basket immediately.

One of the main reasons why the Uncrowned Kings was as feared as they were during the three years of middle school, even as the Generation of Miracles came into the picture is also partly because of Kamiko who is the culprit behind the title Akuma reijingu. Her passive ability to be in-sync with her teammates catches every single basketball team in the middle school circuit off guard. Their plays switch consecutively and frequently during each game, causing the opposing teams to also frequently think of different tactics in the process and confusing themselves more.

And confusing the opposing teams' tactics and plays in a game was one of the specialties that the Uncrowned Kings can possibly be proud of, since it was one of the techniques that used to lead the team to two consecutive victories in the National Championships.

As a Kaijo player comes to rebound the ball, Kamiko overtakes him easily, tapping the ball towards Kagami who caught in the process as he immediately headed towards the basket.

'Overtaking from the outside takes too much movement. These guys are a pain!' Kasamatsu thought in annoyance, as he glanced at the sky-bluenette, who looked as if she didn't break any sweat at all after their short time out during the first half. 'And that Karadai's the one making this happen! As expected as being part of the infamous Uncrowned Kings.'

"Fast attack!"

Kise growled as he turned quickly in hopes to retrieve the ball before they can score a shot, but failed to notice that Kamiko was already right behind him. As a result, his fist swung back, and luckily, Kamiko had the quickest reflexes, she was able to dodge the hit by half a centimeter, stepping out of the danger zone.

"M-Mikocchi?" Kise then turned sideways, finding his hand too near the side of her face. The colour on his face drained as he took note that the sky-bluenette was doing her best to dodge his hand by stepping swiftly aside, only to create a friction on the floor, signaling a slide-screech, alerting every single one in the court in shock.

Curling her toes on her feet as she immediately found balance at the side step, Kamiko's honey-glazed eyes looked down at her shoes then back at the paling blonde who looked shaken at the fact that she was thought to take the fall as he placed his hand down and pressed her lips together to a thin line before she finally decided to speak up, though it was only for Kise's ears to be heard. "Ryota."

With that, Kise widened his golden orbs in dread at the sudden cold ice from Kamiko's tone, making him recall of how a certain fuchsia-headed male would sound like when he's dangerously calm. "Y-Yes?"

'Her aura just… shifted. It's… eerie.'

The sky-bluenette's honey-glazed turned a shade darker as she spoke once more. "I'll let you off the hook this time just because Kami was able to balance herself to avoid that reckless swing," the girl turned her back on him and looked sideways with a faint smirk, eyeing him still. "God forbids this happens the second time around or I'll make sure you see hell."

'W-Wait…! S-She's…!?'

'Heh? ' The strawberry blonde male raised a brow at the sight of a suddenly sadistic-looking sky-bluenette in her one-on-one exchange with the blonde who paled even further at whatever the girl was telling him. He knows he hasn't known her too much to assess since they've only met once when they were younger, but not once had a thought of her being actually sadistic in reality crossed his mind in years.

'She's too good to be this… a sadist. I don't think this is really her…'

"If Miko-chan hadn't dodged that swing, she would have been out of commission until the fourth quarter; or maybe after the game."

"And you had to display your mediocre skills—Ouch!"

A growing bump on Koganei's head was visible, sending him to animatedly cry at the side with Mitobe gently patting his head silently, and Riko withdrew her fisted hand to her lap as she calmed herself from twitching. Kamiko, on the other hand, blinked, for the first time, couldn't follow what they were talking about as she saw the rest of her teammates circling around the bench where she was currently sitting.

Riko shook her head lightly as she glanced at Kamiko then gets over to pass on the instruction. "The second years will be our offensive core." She said. "It's only the third quarter, but we can't let them get too far ahead of us." She glanced at Hyuuga. "I know it's early, but it's game time, Hyuuga-kun," Hyuuga nodded. "Kise-kun will just copy you," Riko then faced Kagami. "Because of that, Miko-chan has to play your part for this quarter." The short brunette faced Kamiko once more, who had a blank face on. "Whatever you have to do, do it accordingly."

Kagami was taken aback at the plan. "Are you sure that will work?" He asked, doubtful about the plan, but also is frustrated that he won't be able to play for the third quarter. After all, he had seen just what Kise was capable of, even able to break through his defenses.

"It'll be fine. Have some faith." Hyuuga looked at Kagami, annoyed. 'Are you looking down on your seniors?'

"But—"

A shift of aura around Hyuuga changed and Kagami blinked.

"I said that it'll be fine, dumbass." Hyuuga said with a nice smile that seems a little too nice to be true. "Listen to your seniors once in a while, or I'll kill you." The whistle went off just then, and Hyuuga grumbled as he headed back to the court. "Geez, the freshmen these days… You should show more respect for your seniors! And get on your knees!"

Kagami stared blankly.

Izuki can only stare at their apparently bipolar captain. "You're showing your true colors, Captain," he called then turned towards the redhead. "Don't worry about him. He's always like that during clutch time. When he speaks his mind, he won't miss many of his shots. Leave the offense to us. You just defend like your life depends on it."

As they were back on court without Kagami then, Riko pressed her lips into a thin line as she was deep in thought, sitting back at the bench as the games resumed.

"Ryota, as far as I know, isn't capable in imitating a play that exceeds his limits, like the Uncrowned Kings and the Generation of Miracles, but we still can't relax. I have this feeling that he'll eventually overcome his wall sooner or later so let me play against him for now. If Kagami keeps playing him now, I doubt he'll last."

'We trust you, Miko-chan.'

The huffs and puffs of a black haired teenager could be heard, being almost out of breath as he pedaled one his bicycle with all his strength, pulling a rear car behind him in which a green-haired teen was sitting in.

"Damn it! We were supposed to trade at the signal," Kazunari Takao grumbled even as he pedaled on, leaving a very confused grade school student standing by the side of the road, staring at the rear car with wide eyes. "You haven't pedaled even once!"

"Thank you for stating such an obvious statement." The green-haired teen replied calmly as he held his Tsukiyo drink in his left hand, his fingers bandaged as usual. "Today's Oha-Asa horoscope predicted the greatest of days for Cancers like me."

"What does that have to do with this?!" Takao shouted at Midorima, annoyed. "Anyway, if we're coming all the way out here just to watch a practice match, your friends better be good!"

"It's the Copycat and the Demon Sixth Man," Midorima adjusted his eyeglasses as he answered.

"Are they good—wait, the mysterious Demon Sixth Man?"

Midorima ignored his companion's question. "Hurry up, or the game will be over."

"It's your fault for reading horoscopes!"

It's currently the middle of the fourth quarter, and there was a hushed silence over the court, particularly with the spectators, as Kamiko was already back in court just before third quarter resumed and Kagami noticed that there was a change in Kamiko as she was playing until now, even after she nearly face-planted on the floor earlier today; though he was itching on his seat.

'She seems different now; how she was playing now and the first two quarters are entirely different. This is more or less…' Kagami thought as he quickly glanced at her, as she darted her way through three Kaijo players, dribbling the ball as she darted her eyes right to left, quickly made a short leap to do a shot and the Kaijo players who were three-walling her followed her movement and to that, she immediately bent down as she passed again through their defense and made a dunk on the basket, scoring for Seirin.

'It's more or less… destructive. I'm pretty sure that this isn't her fullest yet. Yet.'

And as she made the shot, the surprised Kaijo players recovered quickly as they tried to rebound the ball then but to no avail, for she already got the ball before they even thought about rebounding it then passed it to Hyuuga, with the captain taking a shot at the goal, hereby bringing the game count to 82-82 with just 5 minutes to go.

"They're tied!"

Takeuchi was twitching like mad, whilst the Seirin bench was cheering.

Kise stared on in shock. 'We're tied?' he thought. 'Am I really… going to lose here?'

"Don't let your emotions get the worst out of you, even in a sport like basketball." Kamiko told him as she took a three-pointer flawlessly, with him watching her in awe. "Though, whatever happens in court stays in court."

"She's right, Kise. You should really listen to your instructor," Akashi walked towards them with two fresh towels and two bottles of water in hand. Kise looked at Akashi coming into full view as the fuchsia-headed male passed the towels and the bottles to both of them.

"Win or lose, having fun is the first and foremost priority when it comes to sports such as basketball. That's the main challenge of it." Kamiko grinned as Akashi playfully dabbed her face with the fresh towel, causing her to shove him away in mock disgust. "If your purpose to play basketball is only for reputation, then don't think about touching the ball in the first place."

Kise curled his hands into fists. 'I'm sorry, Mikocchi, but I have to win this, win against you.' He then smirked darkly as his entire aura changed completely, and Kamiko already noticed this and Kagami then realized what was going on, but before either one of them could say or do anything; Kise immediately took off down the court in a burst of speed, even managing to bypass Kamiko and stole the ball, dunking it into the goal.

"But, what would happen if I let my emotions get the worst out of me, Mikocchi?"

The girl was silent for a few moments as she pondered on what words to say to the blonde.

"You might lose sight of the purpose of why you're playing basketball." She glanced at him with a smile. "Do you still remember what purpose it was?" To which, the blonde grinned.

"To have fun!"

Kamiko invisibly frowned as the blonde dropped on the ground lightly, with the ball now aimlessly bouncing after the dunk. She glanced then at the shocked Kagami then at the almost-murderous look that was written all over Kise's face.

He remembered what you once told him when you were still teaching him, but he chose to discard it just to win.

The sky-bluenette heard Akkiko's note and sighed lightly and Kagami took a glance at Kamiko, noticing that she was calm despite Kise's sudden change.

The redhead then recalled what Kamiko had told him once.

It isn't something you can understand by words alone. It's something you can comprehend only if you were present during that time too. Slowly but surely, they changed. And by the time we reached the Nationals in our third year, I can openly say that no one on Hanzo and Teiko loves basketball anymore.

'This is…' Kagami gulped as he stared at Kise who looked pissed. '… the Generation of Miracles?'

"I won't lose!" Kise declared. "Not to anyone, not even to you, Mikocchi." 'Seirin isn't worthy enough for Mikocchi.' The blonde thought angrily as he glared at the Seirin team. 'I'll prove it—I'll prove it in this match!'

"This isn't good." Hyuuga grinned wryly. "Give it your all, everyone. This'll be just like the first quarter from here on out. A back and forth run and gun game!"

With just three minutes to go, and with the game count at 82-84 with Kaijo in the lead, it soon became a repeat of the first quarter—with both teams being back at scoring points one after the other without defending at all.

The time on the clock is simply ticking away, and now with fifteen seconds left to spare, both teams were tied at 98 points each.

Kamiko glanced at the clock. Ten seconds to go. No helping it.

'There's less than ten seconds left.' Riko thought. 'We don't have the strength to play overtime!' "You can't just defend the basket. Take the ball now!"

Seven seconds left.

Hyuuga cursed to himself as a Kaijo player leapt up into the air, aiming for the shot. 'Shimat-ta—'

Almost immediately, Kamiko appeared seemingly out of nowhere, knocking the ball out of the air before it could go into the goal. Hyuuga grabbed the ball, tossing it down the court towards Kamiko's direction, with her grabbing the ball.

Kise immediately blocked her way to the goal, and Kamiko looked dead straight into the blonde's eyes as she dribbled.

"Tell me, Ryota, do you still remember why we play basketball?"

To that, Kise's eyes widened in surprise at her words, but before he could recover quickly, he then caught sight of Kamiko's sad expression as she swiftly passed through the blonde and immediately shot the ball from where she was.

'S-she shot the ball?' Kise spluttered in shock.

Two seconds left…

"No…!" Kasamatsu realized what her plan is even as Kamiko appeared out of nowhere and leapt up into the air and grabbed the ball. "It's a one man alley-oop!"

"I won't let you!" Kise shouted as he jumped behind Kamiko, reaching for the ball. The angle has slightly shifted as he realized he bumped into her back and Kamiko's aim was disrupted just a little. He was surprised as they were still in mid-air and Kamiko's left hand which was holding onto the ball, she shifted to face the blonde in mid-air, though her angle becomes deliberately farther than she intended.

Her head snapped upward as her lips wordlessly twitch into a sad smile, with switching the ball to her right hand as she shoots from her back with a higher velocity to defy gravity, behind the basket with the ball eventually goaled with a buzzer beater and the whistle blew, with the game count being at 100-98, in favour of Seirin.

"W-Woah! What was the shot just now!?"

"T-That's… a formless back goal shot!"

"Who the hell is she?!"

"She's done it," he muttered to himself as the strawberry blonde male's lips twitched into a light smile and left the premises shortly, having decided to talk to her in the latter time; when he feels that it's the right time to.

Seirin was ecstatic over their victory after they've gotten a quick shower and have changed into their uniforms, with Kaijo seeing them off outside the gym, dealing with their loss extremely well and in a good natured way. The atmospheres surrounding the two coaches are entirely different however. Takeuchi looked enraged while Riko was practically grinning.

"Because we're in different districts, if we play again, it'll be at the Inter High." Kasamatsu said with a smile, grasping Hyuuga's hand in a handshake.

"We'll be there," Hyuuga answered. "I don't want to confess my love butt naked."

The smile on Riko's face was enough for Kasamatsu to be confused over the Seirin captain's comment.

"Let's go!" Hyuuga ordered, as the other Seirin players followed closely behind. Kamiko was at the last to prepare to move off with the rest of her team and Kasamatsu noticed this. He worked up the courage as he gulped down his pride and walked towards her.

"Uh, Karadai! Good game back there."

Kamiko reached for her duffel bag as she heard her name being called and turned to see that it was the Kaijo captain walking towards her, looking all flustered.

"Ah, thanks."

The thought that has been nagging him ever since he laid eyes on the sky-bluenette became reality that hit him squarely on the face. Kasamatsu blinked as he just realized that she was… she was actually the same girl that he met once before. Where was it again? Oh, the street court that was nearly a block away from his apartment. To be honest, he was actually looking forward to seeing her again after that one time. Since the court was along the route going home, he would often drop by just as quick to check if she was at least present. Though it so happened that every single time that she wasn't there, he didn't give up. The newfound hope he received from the said girl was all the proof the captain needed that they'll definitely see each other again.

Soon is indefinite, but yes, soon.

And that made him realize that that soon was… today.

"You're… Kasamatsu Yukio, right?"

That caught his attention as he lifted his head to look at her, seeing a small gentle smile across her lips as her honey-glazed eyes were trained on his steel-blue eyes and he blushed.

'That smile… I never thought I get to see it again.'

"Y-Yeah, uh… I didn't get your first name though," He glanced at her again with her eyebrows raised and began to feel all flustered again. "I-I mean, if err, if that's okay!" The Kaijo captain scratched his cheek awkwardly as he avoided her honey-glazed eyes.

The Kaijo captain remembered that moment when he asked for her name the first time around and she said that…

It's for me to know and for you to find out!

He did think she was serious, though, but she was teasing him. In the end, however, she never told him her name, after all. That reminds him, will she say it then? Will she tell him her name at last? The thought made him nervous inwardly in excitement.

The sky-bluenette wore on her jersey jacket and giggled softly at his nervousness. "You blush and fluster too much for a guy, you know." He slightly frowned as he realized that she was teasing him; again. "Kamiko. My name's Karadai Kamiko." She faced the captain once again, ignoring the whistles from his teammates. "Kami or Miko is fine, since Kamiko is a tad bit long." The sky-bluenette took note of his confusion and smiled. "Ja, I'll take my leave, Kasamatsu-senpai."

She turned her heel towards the exit as she stopped by a gentle hand that was wrapped around her left wrist and she was surprised at this. Kamiko then turned to face the captain, who had a light blush across his cheeks as he smiled.

"Yukio. Please call me Yukio... Kami."

Kamiko tilted her head slightly and nodded. "Alright then." She paused and smiled. "See you in the upcoming Inter High, Yukio."

Okay, where is the Kasamatsu Yukio who takes pride in being an upperclassman? The one who would go all the way to tell those younger than him to call him by 'Kasamatsu-senpai'? Where did that Kasamatsu Yukio, who would hit anyone when one disrespects him, go? Don't worry, he's still there, but he's too overwhelmed. Would that word describe such? He doesn't think so. The steel-blue-eyed teen knew in himself that he's different when she's around and she has no idea. No idea at all.

To that, Kasamatsu was still smiling at her when he realized that he was still holding on her wrist and he blushed once more. "A-Ah! Sorry about that!" 'Stupid, stupid, Yukio for daydreaming!'

Kamiko chuckled lightly as he took off his hand from her wrist. "It's fine. I do need to go or our coach will hunt me down. "Nice to formally meet you, Yukio." She bowed lightly as he did the same and left the gym, still within earshot as a Kaijo player, whom she remembered as the guy who was in front of her in the before-match greeting, asked the Kaijo captain.

"So! I can't believe that! You actually talked to a girl without too much stuttering! No, don't tell me… SHE'S THE GIRL YOU'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT NONSTOP FOR MONTHS?! I'm amazed—"

Smack!

"GUAFF!"

"Shut up, Moriyama! Drop that this instant!"

Kamiko raised a brow, glancing just over her shoulder without being too obvious, as she saw the captain hit his fellow teammate rather hard, who looked like he was enjoying it though he also looked like he was suffering as well.

I may not understand the situation you're in right now… but I understand the pain in it a little.

You're right. Despite how many times you fall, you just have to get up on your feet and move forward.

If that's what basketball is to you, if you love basketball that much, you're not thinking of quitting are you?

S-Shall I see you soon?

Soon is indefinite, but yes, soon.

That's my formal thanks, Senpai. See you soon.

She hummed to herself as she looked forward once more. "You may not know it yourself, but you've been a big help back then. I am already moving forward now and it's all thanks to you… Yukio."

"Tell me, Ryota, do you remember why we play basketball?"

Kise's eyes widened in shock as he heard Kamiko speak, whilst catching sight of a sad expression that was all over her face and his chest ached.

"She purposely left the question hanging to make me think…" the blonde was standing over the sink and turned the knob, with the cool gushing water pouring down like waterfall. "Why do I play basketball?"

Running his head under the cold water of the tap to cool himself down, he stood like that for a minute or so before turning the water off, letting the water run down his head.

Footsteps approached him just then.

"I always know you never win against Kamiko but really, you don't have to rub it in my face all the time." A familiar voice was heard and Kise turned towards the owner of the voice.

"You came to watch, Asahinacchi?" Kise sighed.

Asahina Shu was in a different set of training attire (still the inverted white and blue of Kaijo) suggested that he's an athlete of another sport—the track n' field. A senior and one of the best (if not the only one) in the sport of his choice, Kise's soon-to-be brother-in-law shook his head in semi-amusement. "Well, I heard that the basketball team was having a practice match with a high school that I haven't heard of, so it got me curious," he commented. "I must say, I'm a little surprised that Kamiko's playing for Seirin. I thought she would play for either it be Rakuzan, Shutoku or here because of her skills."

Kise sighed, feeling a little heavy in the chest as he turned the knob off and leaned against the sink. At that last comment, he recalled a memory when Kamiko decided on attending Rakuzan with Akashi as soon as they finish middle school, but a little before middle graduation prompted her to switch schools, attending Seirin High in the end. The reason behind that—he wouldn't really know exactly.

"And here I am, hoping that you've already graduated so that I can attend here in peace." Kise ignored his last comment. "It's good to see you again, Asahinacchi." He then quickly glanced at the strawberry-blonde's knee support specifically designed for track n' field. "I see you still run. I overheard your conversation with Outo-san to give up your sport in order to focus on holding the reins of the company."

"He can't stop me from playing the sport that I am passionate about." Asahina said, annoyed at the oblivious blonde as he threw a green towel towards Kise, who caught it easily. "And you know that eavesdropping is bad, right?"

"Shouldn't you be talking to Mikocchi instead of me?" Kise asked, wondering why his soon-to-be brother-in-law would come all the way to skip practice just to watch a practice match between Kaijo and Seirin.

"Maybe in the latter time. Ja ne," Asahina then turned his back on the confused blonde and left him there in his own thoughts when Midorima Shintaro waltzed in, noticing the strawberry-blonde retreating back to wherever he has to be and faced Kise. "It was an unfortunate game, Kise. I know you never, not once, had won against Hime-sama, but this is much worse. No wonder fate didn't choose your side."

Kise sighed inwardly at this at another familiar voice and took a side-glance at the green-haired male and looked down on his shoes. Although the blonde has been used to the green-haired male's antics since middle school, he couldn't help but feel annoyed at how silver-tongued Midorima would be when it comes to the blonde, ending up insulting him in the process when Midorima claimed he was only stating facts.

On cue, the Seirin players passed by, unaware of the two males on their right. The blonde and the green haired teen haven't catch sight of a sky-blue crown among them but eventually did, as she was catching up with them from behind. Kise wondered why she was left behind at the gym, though.

"I'm betting you couldn't accept the fact that she's attending a no-name school like Seirin?" Kise asked and at Midorima's twitch, the blonde knew that he had hit the nail on the head. "I knew it…" he deadpanned, remembering how displeased the green-haired male looked, even the rest of them, when they were the last to hear that Kamiko is already attending Seirin High instead of Rakuzan High.

Furrowing his brows in confusion over something, the blonde turned his attention back to the green haired male. "I thought Mikocchi decided to attend the same school with Akashicchi right after graduation? What changed her mind at the last minute and attend this Seirin High?"

Midorima was about to answer Kise's question when there was a ringing of a bicycle bell just then, and both boys turned only to see an angry Takao riding his bicycle furiously, pedaling the rear car towards them, glaring at Midorima.

"Midorima, you bastard!" Takao yelled. "You left me alone in the middle of the traffic! Do you know how embarrassing that is?!"

Midorima merely shrugged and turned his attention back towards Kise. "I just came to watch the game today, but allow me to apologize. There's no way we'll lose to Seirin. I regret to tell you that you should give up on your revenge."

The green haired male was about to turn his heel when he swung a straight punch square on the blonde's jaw, causing the latter to yelped in pain and cover his throbbing jaw. "You always let your emotions get the worse out of you, nearly resulting to something that shouldn't have happened back there in the match."Midorima glared at Kise as he continued, knowing that the blonde knew exactly what the green haired male was talking about. "You were in sheer luck that Kami was able to balance herself to avoid that swing. You were there when it happened. You saw how Akashi reacted when Hanamiya injured her, his own former captain, right before his eyes. You saw how furious he was!" He took out his cell phone and dialed a number. "I think Akashi wants to speak with you."

Kise then paled. If Akashi ever catches note that he had injured Kamiko accidentally… he wouldn't even dared to think about it.

Intentionally or accidentally, when someone hurts Kamiko, it is hell broke loose with the former Generation of Miracles' captain.

"Midorimacchi, please don't tell him." Kise pleaded. "Must you tell him now?"

"Do I look like I'd be happy to have my head staked on display with your own?" Midorima felt more annoyed then, his phone placed next to his ear and to that Kise knew what he had meant.

Akashi wouldn't be happy if information too important such as this is withheld from the former captain.

"Akashi?" Midorima spoke into his phone and Kise's eyes widened, paling ever further. The green haired male then glanced over at Kise. "He's present." He handed his phone to Kise. "Akashi wants to talk to you."

Kise stared at the green haired male then at his phone and finally sighed. "Okay…" He then took the phone as he placed it against his ear. "Hello?"

"Ryota." The smooth voice on the line made the blonde gulp nervously. "So I heard what happened during the practice match."

"I-It was a near-accident!" Kise squeaked. "I'm sorry!"

There was a short silence before Akashi spoke again. "A word of warning: watch your back if Kaijo ever meets Rakuzan." Click.

Kise looked at the phone in horror as Akashi hung up. He wondered if he can fake having a stomach ache if Kaijo ever ends up facing, heaven forbid, Rakuzan High School, in a match.

"Despite everything, I wish you the best of luck, Kise." Midorima took his phone from an immobile Kise and left him in his thoughts, with Takao catching up with the green haired male, yelling something incoherent after the former.

From Tetsuya:

I heard you had your practice match with Kaijo High and won. Congratulations, Kami-nee!

Riko dragged Kamiko over to the nearest hospital straight after leaving Kaijo High to get her head checked out first of all, and the entire team was relieved to learn that it isn't anything serious. Kamiko had to take things easy for the next couple of days, not to get her bandages wet also.

"All right, we won!" Koganei finally let out his excitement as the jubilation at winning the match against Kaijo High.

"Let's get something to eat on the way home." Izuki suggested.

"What do you want?" Hyuuga asked.

"Something cheap." Koganei piped up. "I'm broke."

"Well how much does everyone have after transportation costs?" Riko asked and the team soon started digging out their wallets to count their money only to realize that they barely have enough to feed even one person.

"Gah, let's go home," Hyuuga said at last, staring at the two ten yen coins in Riko's hand.

"Yeah," Koganei nodded in disappointment.

Kamiko sighed as she glanced around her surroundings. The nearest hospital that Riko had dragged her to had been in the Tokyo district, and they're currently not far from Sayou's restaurant.

"My mom's dearest friend owns a restaurant not far from here," Kamiko spoke up and all eyes rested on her. "I don't think she'll mind if I bring you over. She always complains that I don't bring enough friends over as it is."

"Eh? Your mom's friend?" Hyuuga repeated, as the rest of the team stared at her in confusion.

"Yeah it's this way."

The signboard labeled 'Orpheus Heart' could be seen clearly above the restaurant as Kamiko opened the door, entering the restaurant with the rest of her team behind her.

The restaurant has a homey cozy atmosphere. Small, but delightful to see. A smiling, charming lady somehow in her early 30's with dark reddish hair with blue streaks hair tied up in a neat bun with a dark blue apron on is standing behind the counter.

"Sayou-san!" Kamiko called out and the lady looked up in surprise and smiled at the sight of her god-daughter.

"Miko-chan! It's been so long!" Sayou walked towards Kamiko. "Are these your friends?"

Kamiko nodded as she glanced at her teammates. "They're my teammates from the basketball club."

"Sorry for the interruption." Riko bowed, nudging the others to do the same.

Hyuuga just stared at Sayou, blinking in surprise. "Y-You're— G-Gah! You're Jinguji Sayou! One of the retired but renowned WNBA players!" He spluttered as he realized his mistake then bowed as well, rather stiffly, causing the older woman to blink but nonetheless smiled at the male's reactions.

"Yes, that's me alright. Oh and please, do call me 'Sayou-san', alright?" The charming lady motioned them to stand straight and laughed a little. "I look younger than my age, after all!" To that, Riko was able to giggle at the note, leaving the guys confused but awe-struck. The older female patted Kamiko's head gently. "Have you come for a meal? I'll serve you the restaurant's special! It'll be on the house!"

"Is that alright?" Hyuuga asked.

"It's fine!" Sayou hurried them to a nearby long table that manages to seat the entire team as easily. "Miko-chan rarely brings friends over. One time, she brought over her team from middle school and such gluttons, I must say! I wouldn't know how Miko-chan put up with them," Sayou giggled, much to Kamiko's growing embarrassment. "I was even more surprised when I found out that her younger brother chose to attend Teiko, instead of Hanzo; hence, Miko-chan's bawling her eyes out every single time."

"Sayou-san!" Kamiko groaned.

Sayou laughed. "Okay, I know. I'll leave you children to talk while I prepare your meal. And no, stay where you are, Miko-chan," she told Kamiko sternly, noticing the sky-bluenette about to get up from her seat. "I'll take care of everything."

It took her awhile, trying to decide to stubbornly go against her wishes or just sit it out, she sighed. "Fine."

Eventually, meals were served as the team simply cheered as it arrived on the table. Riko felt bad at having so much food being 'on the house', but Sayou simply refused to listen to the short brunette's protests.

As so, the team was also quickly introduced to Kagami's abnormal eating ways.

"This is really good. Better than America's steak! Can I have seconds please?" Kagami asked, his mouth enlarged by the steak that he just stuffed in.

'He's stuffing his cheeks like a squirrel!' Hyuuga thought in embarrassment. He wanted so much to protest that food on the house was too much, but to ask for seconds atop of it…

Sayou only laughed at the sight. "It's nice to see a healthy young man like yourself eat this much," she said, bringing another round of food to their table which Kagami began stuffing his mouth again. "Come to think of it…" She glanced at the sky-bluenette, who was eating like the redhead, but in a more proper way. "Miko-chan has no problems whatsoever!"

To that, the rest of the team, except Kagami, looked at the sky-bluenette, who was already in her third round.

"I-Impossible! For a girl, you eat like a guy! How can you even stay fit with that?" Koganei blinked in surprise as Kamiko paused to look up from her plate and faced him.

"Fast metabolism. I'm a guy living in this poor girl's body," She deadpanned as she resumed eating, with Riko and Hyuuga, even Izuki laughed at her short answer, as she obviously didn't want anyone to disturb her eating, who mumbled with 'Sayou-san, can I have seconds please?'

As the older woman left the table, Riko then nudged at Kamiko, who apparently gave the brunette a glare, but the short girl just ignored the look as she leaned in to whisper. "So what did the Kaijo captain want from you anyways?"

To that, the sky-bluenette choked on her food as Riko just snicker at her reaction. The sky-bluenette drank water then to choke in her food the right way and burped, excusing herself. Sighing, she then glanced at the brunette, who had a rather smug smile on her face. "He called to congratulate me in person." The sky-bluenette looked back at her half-empty plate then. "Then he asked for my first name." To which, Riko squealed with glee, causing the other players to scoot far to the other side at her sudden change of mood.

"H-He likes you!" The brunette squirmed in her seat, as Kamiko winced at the sound of her high-pitch tone. "I knew it!"

"Knew what?" Kagami chewed on his food—apparently the only one who didn't move from his spot when Riko squealed like a girl.

"That Kaijo captain! I knew it! He keeps glancing at her and he thought he wasn't obvious," Riko then makes a face as she was still practically jumping up and down on her seat, making Kamiko distancing herself from the coach and Kagami was still munching on his food, confused at the coach's words, causing the redhead to glance at the sky-bluenette who only shrugged.

Hyuuga then cleared his throat as he got back to his seat and the others did the same when Riko finally calm down a little. "Riko might have overreacted over such thing, but I did notice that Kasamatsu keeps glancing at you, bench and court." The four-eyed captain pointed it out, much to Kamiko's mild annoyance.

The sky-bluenette massaged her aching temple, avoiding the bandage altogether. She then pushed the chair as she stood up and left the restaurant as the rest of the team stayed inside to relax a little more before heading back. Kamiko sighed as she closed the door behind her and stopped in surprise as she saw Kise standing outside, apparently waiting for her.

"R-Ryota?"

Kise looked at her and nodded a bit. "Do you have a minute?" he asked.

The two individuals ended up walking towards a park not too far from the restaurant. It is near sunset by then, and the park is nearly empty.

The blonde settled himself atop the back seat of a nearby bench. "How …" he took a quick glance at her and sighed, grimacing at the very thought of a certain fuchsia crown killing him whilst on court if Kaijo ever faces Rakuzan in a match. "… are you?"

"Oh, this? It's nothing serious." Kamiko reassured the solemn-looking blonde with a wave of hand. "How are you coping up with the loss, Ryota? I mean, I know that you don't take losing really well—"

With a dismissive wave of hand and a sound of an amused chuckle, Kise looked at Kamiko then at the street court. "Surprisingly felt refreshed after being beat up into a pulp. No hard feelings. It actually felt good to lose once in a while." He leaned backwards a little too much to be safe.

The sky-bluenette looked a little surprised at this before she smiled a little. "Are you sure you're my blonde best friend who constantly whines about hating to lose? Because if not, I like this version better—the one who can accept a loss in humility."

To that, Kise gasped in mock horror and leaned forward to flick her nose lightly, to which she scrunched her face with wide eyes and covered her nose in defense. "I'm still the same American blonde you met in fifth grade, up until now." The blonde sighed lightly as he placed his sling bag on the bench where he was sitting on. "Your question back in the practice match just got me thinking and realize something."

Kamiko glanced at the blonde male then as she placed her hand on her hip, facing him side-ways, deciding to play innocent. "What question are we talking about here, Ryota?"

Kise blinked as he leapt down onto the ground and scratched his nape, looking guilty as if he was caught doing something bad. " 'Do you still remember the reason why we play basketball?' " he repeated the question, causing the sky-bluenette to raise her brows in remembrance and the blonde continued. "Looking back through the middle school years, I couldn't recognize myself, even the rest of us, about how we played when third year came. The very reason why we play basketball is not because having a club is a requirement as an extra-curricular activity, but because we love it."

When the sky-bluenette was unmoving, he continued on. "But when we grew mentally, physically, and psychologically, we eventually lost sight of the reason why because of the constant victories we claimed; reaching to the point that every single one of the team we've ever faced had their will to play crushed." The blonde tucked his hands on his pant pockets and faced the court. "To be honest, I don't remember the last time I play basketball for fun, not for show." He then looked down on his shoes sheepishly. "If anything, without you saying it straight to my face, we all evolved for the worse, losing the passion in the process." He looked up to find her eyes. "I evolved for the worse, Mikocchi, and I'm sorry for having you witness that sort of change. I'm a disappointment as your former student and a fellow basketball player."

To that, Kamiko widened her honey-glazed eyes at the revelation he shared. Well, yes, about the content of the information, but how he was able to realize everything on his own. She wasn't expecting him to admit anything, but she can see how he was willing to crush his pride to admit his fault as her best friend, her former student, and her fellow basketball rival. He displayed such humility and she couldn't help but feel proud at how he is doing his best to find his way back to his former self; someone who'll risk anything for the sake of the sport he loves.

The sky-bluenette moved to place a comforting hand over his shoulder, causing the blonde to look at her in mild surprise and wonder; surprised at the sudden movement because the whole time he was talking, she's been immobile on her spot and wondered what she was going to do or say next.

She then snaked her arms around his neck then, tiptoeing a little to hug him in a comfortable position, her face nuzzling on the crook of his neck. The gesture threw him off-guard, the blonde widening his eyes in surprise, but he then wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on the crook of her neck to their slight height difference.

"I'm so proud of you, Ryota; so proud that you came on your own."

The Seirin team split up after their meal, thought Riko was worried about Kamiko's sudden disappearance because of her injury. Sayou reassured the coach however, telling her that Kamiko might be at the nearby convenience store where she usually gets her Pocari every after meal from the older female's restaurant.

Riko wasn't satisfied at her answer but politely bowed as they went out of the restaurant, promising the owner that they would come back soon, much to Sayou's happiness. The coach then decided to go look for Kamiko, as the taller female looked rather annoyed at the team's teasing earlier; thus, the entire team was roped into searching for her.

"Geez…" Kagami muttered in annoyance as he walked past a park in search for his surprisingly-strong teammate. The sounds of a basketball dribbling caught his attention, and he grinned. 'Street ball. It's been a while since I've seen that in Japan.' The redhead was then taken aback as he spotted a familiar shade of blue hair through the fence, with a blonde male with her, whom he finally recognized as his fellow rival on court.

Just a bit too soon, she pulled back, withdrawing her arms from his neck, to which he internally pouted due to the sudden loss of her warmth. The sky-bluenette placed her hands behind her back and grinned, to which the blonde returned cheekily.

"I've been waiting for you to tell me that straight on, Mikocchi."

"Heh?" Kamiko raised a brow in surprise. "Well, consider that one-time-big-time kind of thing. I've always been proud of you despite… eh…" she just shrugged lightly and tucked her hands on her pant pockets. "I've never been good with sharing my emotions openly, so savor that as much as you can because I don't think I'm going to repeat that any time soon."

The blonde, at first furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, but finally came about as he realized what she meant and whined. "But it is so much better when you say it, Mikocchi!" He face-palmed. "You always have this way of getting my hopes up only to destroy it in the process. Mean!" He animatedly cried.

The girl chuckled softly and shook her head in amusement. "Where's the fun in that if I don't do it like that, you know?"

Kise pouted, sniffling and wiped his nose. "I can't believe that this is how you show that you love me, Mikocchi! Ugh, you're worse than Midorimacchi!"

To that, she laughed, eventually the blonde laughed along.

"Speaking of Midorimacchi, he came to watch the match earlier today," he cleared his throat as soon as he sobered up from laughing, causing the sky-bluenette to stop laughing abruptly and looked at the blonde.

The atmosphere was heavy, despite the cool weather.

"Ah, the Beast," she mused lightly—the shift in her mood was evident and Kise can only gulp at the sudden change— there wasn't even a hint of humor in it. "I hope he's well."

Kise then glanced at Kamiko, whose honey-glazed eyes turned dark for a second but as soon as he blinked, the shade was already gone and her face was inexpressive. "He, well, saw the near-accident and I got a scolding from him—"

To that, her attention snapped towards the blonde in flash with wide eyes—partly from shock, but mostly due to the fact that Midorima bothered to come by, even if it was only a practice match. Her eyes withdrew to their normal size and shook her head lightly. Midorima would never give a glance about the match; so he was asked to check it out and she knows exactly who. First, Kise and now Midorima?

She would wonder what he has planned under his sleeve, despite being a protective best friend. Knowing him practically her whole life, he always has a motive, whether it be on court or off court.

"Why am I getting this feeling that he is the culprit behind your suddenly springing back to life, Ryota? And Shinta-kun, too."

To that, the sky-bluenette placed a hand on her hip as she looks straight on the paling Kise with a menacing glint in her eyes. "What's he planning now? Wanting to see if Seirin High is fit for me and if not, he'll pull me out in a heartbeat and enroll me in that school?" She sighed lightly and crossed her arms in defeat. "He just doesn't know when to stop."

"S-So you've already put the pieces together, ne, Mikocchi?"

The blonde chuckled nervously, scratching his nape in the process, and Kamiko nodded solemnly, her arms still crossed across her chest as she faced the court.

"You don't have to report anything to him, Ryota. I'll talk to him myself."