Kuroko no Basuke

Mad Love

Chapter Seven: Aomine III


A week into adopting the kitten, Kuriko decided that she liked the name Shiro more than she liked Nitaro (the name which Tora gave him). Things got a strangely awkward when Tora tried to keep her 'Nitaro-kun' as far away from her mother as possible. But unfortunately for Tora, Kuriko was also the woman that was responsible for her meals so she had to give in to Shiro in order to get her next dinner.

She hasn't seen Aomine since the heated shower session last week, but they've been messaging and calling each other on their phones. And most of the time it's just him asking her to come see him but her declining each time. She couldn't help it; it was just too embarrassing to face him again after what had happened. He had stayed for dinner after her mother insisted over, but it was beyond uncomfortable with her father returning half way through.

One, he had complained that they began eating without him, in which Kuriko replied they had a guest and couldn't wait around for his 'slow ass'. Two, Aomine snickered at that comment and that was when Reicchi took a notice to the boy sitting at the table. Three, Reicchi went to ask if Midorima was coming too and Tora rolled her eyes. Apart from that the dinner went by without a hitch as Kuriko had made sure that everyone at the table behaved.

It was Friday afternoon, and classes had just ended. For once Kise was busy with something else that had entirely nothing to do with basketball, far from it, in fact; he had a modeling job to attend to and he had to leave a few minutes earlier before the bell went. It was rare to see Kise on a modeling job now, since he joined the basketball team he's spent the majority of his time practicing and playing. His modeling career was one of those many forgotten things that Kise had just replaced with something else he found more appealing.

When she felt a buzzing in her pocket, she reached for her phone with a small smile. It was strange because whenever Tora found herself feeling sullen about Kise, she'd always grow happier when she thought about Aomine. She knew it was wrong, but he seemed completely devoted to her and she's been feeling unsure about her current relationship.

"Yes?" she didn't realize a smile crept on her face.

"Where are you now?"

"… On my way home," she spoke. "And you?"

"At the courts."

"I see."

"… Can I see you today?" his voice sounded hesitant. "Or are you too busy again?"

"What exactly do you have in mind?"

"Food."

"… Of course," she tried not to roll her eyes at his typical comment. "And then?"

"I don't know, maybe we can go back to my place and chill."

"… What will we be doing at your house? Are your parents there?"

"Chilling," he affirmed. "Jeez Tora, are you that worried that I'll try something?"

"Well you certainly surprised me last week in my bathroom!" she shot back. "And plus… I… I don't know if this is such a good idea."

"You're still on about that?" he grumbled over the line. "Look, I made it very clear last week – I won't let you get away again. Like it or not, I'm going to be after you. And I know for a fact you've got nothing better to do than hanging with me."

"… That actually kind of sounded like a threat."

"Scared?"

"Hardly," her cheeks suddenly flushed hotly. 'But flustered maybe.'

"Well?"

"… I'll meet you there."

Tora flipped her phone shut and headed towards the park. She always felt a little frustrated after speaking with Aomine, but she can't deny it was fun – a lot more fun she has had in a while. It seems most of her thoughts are now revolved around Aomine, anything that was even relatively interesting always had something to do with him. She was now aware that he was slowly taking over her life.

As she neared the basketball courts, she wondered what kind of afternoon she had in store for her. She didn't know how long she could keep up with the oblivious act before she has to confront her feelings for him. She desperately hoped that this afternoon was going to stay innocent, as she probably couldn't live through another surprise attack from him.

"Hey," he raised a hand when he saw her.

Unlike all the other times, this time he was already out of the courts when she arrived. The normal gang of boys that Aomine played with was still on the court; which could only mean that he had left earlier for her.

"Hi."

Tora barely got the word out of her mouth god was she nervous, and she knew that she had definitely never ever thought of Aomine in such a way. In fact, she has had felt perfectly fine towards him up until the moment she saw his face again.

"What's wrong?" he stood up. "You sick or something?"

"No," she quickly shook her head. "Let's go then."

They walked in silence, and Aomine always seemed a step ahead of her as they walked. She struggled to keep up with his large strides, and she almost tripped over her own feet when he stopped so suddenly.

"Did you hear? Midorima lost."

"To Kuroko-kun, right?" she nodded back. "… I heard from Kise-kun."

"Yeah… to Tetsu."

"And you two are playing soon, right?"

"Next week."

They began walking again.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm still deciding if I want to go or not."

"Why's that? I thought you would be excited to play Kuroko-kun again."

He made a face. Tora couldn't tell what that expression meant but before she could ask he began speaking again.

"No, there's only one person I want to play right now, and that's Kise."

"… Are you still on about the-."

"The bet?" he looked back at her, in which she nodded back. "Yes."

"We're not doing it!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, we are; and plus, isn't it more exciting this way? I already know what I want from you when I win."

"There's your arrogance again… You won't be getting anything from me because I still believe that Kise-kun will win."

"Well believe what you want, Tora. But you're going to be disappointed."

"Shut up, Ahomine."

"Whoa? Without honorifics? I wasn't aware we're on such close terms."

"Oh, I'm so very sorry Ahomine-chama."

"The hell did you just say?"

"Chama."

"That's freaking disgusting! Don't call me that!"

"Ahomine-chama-kuuun~."

"Tora, stop it."

"No."

"Fine then, Torahime-dono."

"Oh my god!"" she burst out laughing. "That's brilliant! I actually like that."

"Really, Tiger Princess?"

"Yes, Ahomine-chama?"

Aomine stared down at her and she looked back up at him just as evenly, she may have actually looked smug. Aomine may have disliked people that gave up too easily when faced with him, but neither did he like backing down to someone – especially not Tora.

He kept his eyes locked dead on hers. The longer he stared the more he began to stray from her eyes, at first it was just her eyelashes, then it was her eyebrows, and soon it was her nose and lips. The more his gaze strayed to her pink lips, the more he grew uneasy. Since last week, all he thought about was Tora and their unbelievable moment in her bathroom. The way her small little frame felt pressed up against his chest, the way she shook as she tried to reason with him… and how those moist lips felt over his…

'… Not here.'

He looked away first and grabbed her hand.

"We were making a scene, people were watching."

"Really?" she looked over her shoulder.

"Yes."

"…"

Tora kept quiet as Aomine led them through the busy streets and they stopped in front of a restaurant. She recognized the place immediately; it was a family restaurant but a pricey one. It was the kind of restaurant that you go either with your parents or a large group of friends so the bill can be split.

"We're eating here."

"Are we?" she looked to him. "Can you pay for this place?"

"Of course, I can."

"And can you afford to pay for two?"

"… How much do you have on you?"

"About five hundred yen."

"… Why do you never have any money on you?" he grumbled. "Your family's practically swimming in it!"

"That's not true!" she retorted. "And I just happen to like living the frugal life."

"Oh please, Tora," he rolled his eyes. "You won't last a day living the 'frugal' life."

"… Why don't we go and buy burgers instead?" she asked, ignoring his remark. "I'll even pay."

"I'll treat you," he huffed. "You want burgers instead?"

"Yeah, but I don't need you to go out of your way to spend money on me," she smiled. "I have enough for fast food."

Aomine rolled his eyes at her comment but followed her nonetheless. They were in a rather popular and busy area, meaning that fast food joints were littered all over the place. They settled for the closest one that happened to be fairly empty with lots of seats free.

They both ordered burgers, but Aomine ordered triple the amount she did. And he ended up leaving the counter with piles of food while she carried his extra drinks on her tray. They made their way to an empty table further back of the restaurant and sat themselves down.

"You know, Aomine-kun," she stared as he began feasting. "Just because you can afford all that food, doesn't mean you should get all that food."

"Why don't you save the lecturing and eat your frugal food?"

She pouted as she unwrapped her burger and took a bite from it. Aomine knew that she was a slow eater from spending dinners at her house, so he took no heed to her food intake and began downing his. When he was on his third burger she was just finishing hers and slowly moving onto fries.

"Hey Tora."

"Hm?"

"Look behind you," he said lowly. "Some weird guy just walked in."

Surprised by his comment, she looked over her shoulder and much like Aomine had said there was a strange man walking towards the counters. He wore thick sunglasses, a surgical mask and a crinkled green hoodie.

"Looks like a hobo," Aomine mumbled.

"Really?" she stared closer at the hooded figure before turning back to face Aomine. "Maybe it's a NEET?"

"You might actually be right," he chuckled lightly. "Oh, the NEET is looking at us. Maybe he heard us."

"Ssh! Quiet then!"

Aomine once again disregarded Tora as he stared at the NEET, the guy looked as if he wanted to walk over but didn't, instead he turned around and left with his bag of takeaway.

"Is he gone?"

"Yeah."

"My god," she looked behind again just to be sure. "That was so embarrassing. What if he actually heard us?"

"Who cares," he shrugged back.

"Well I'm sure he does," she sighed. "I didn't want to offend him or anything."

"Yeah, whatever," he yawned. "You done yet?

"Getting there."

XoXo

Kise's mind was buzzing over what had just occurred in the restaurant. He had finished his modeling work early and decided to grab some food before he went to practice, but his manager had insisted that he make sure no one recognized him as he left because the job required the secrecy. So he had put on a bland hoodie and tried to disguise himself.

It had worked the whole way through. Not a soul recognized him as model Kise Ryouta, many just flinched away from him thinking that he was a homeless person. But when he reached the restaurant, he hadn't expected to see Aomine, and with him none other than his girlfriend.

He decided that practice could wait as he camped out behind a tree waiting for the two to leave the restaurant. With a boosted confidence from his very successful 'disguise', Kise thought he's got the whole 'spying' business down, oblivious to a group of students that gaped at him while they walked by, thinking he was some sort of homeless stalker.

About another ten minutes later, the two finally emerged from the restaurant. Kise watched as they exchanged a few snide words with each other before walking down the street.

Kise might as well have cartwheeled out of his hiding spot. Girls and boys alike stared at him as he ran in a strange zigzag formation towards his next cover that so happened to be another tree not far from where Aomine and Tora stood. He strained to hear what they were talking about but only made out bits of what they said.

"NEET… following…"

"What?"

"The… before… NEET… behind… beat… right…"

"Oh my… wait… no… Aomine-kun!"

Before Kise knew it, a large shadow loomed over him, and Aomine stood glaring down at him crouched up in his hiding spot. He looked incredibly threatening and unfriendly, for a moment there Kise was actually afraid.

"Hey ossan, why are you following us?"

"A-Aominecchi," he shuddered as he pulled his mask and glasses off. "I-It's me."

"… Kise?" Aomine looked taken back. "What are you doing here?"

"Doing a little spying," he winked back. "You are with Toracchi after all."

Aomine stared back at the blond; he hadn't expected to see Kise before their game, but now he was right here in front of him. He had planned to speak to Kise on the day of the game, perhaps tell him about his feelings for his girlfriend. But now when Kise was stood in front of him, Aomine doesn't know if he could quite do it.

"A-Aomine-kun?" Tora's voice called. "… You didn't get killed right? Aomine-kun?"

"We're fine," Aomine called back.

"What are you- Oh," Tora stopped halfway when she saw her boyfriend. "…"

"Domo, Toracchi."

"Kise-kun!" Tora broke out into a gleeful giggle as she rushed over and hugged him. "What are you doing here? … Don't tell me you were modeling in those clothes."

"Gosh Toracchi, don't you know? This kind of clothing is what's in right now."

"Tora thought you were a NEET," Aomine snickered.

"And Aomine-kun thought you were a hobo," she shot back.

"Really?" Kise laughed. "What can I say? I'm the master of disguise."

Tora chuckled along dully while Aomine just sighed and looked the other way.

"But that aside, how did you two end up eating together?"

"Tora and I bumped into each other at the basketball courts around here."

"Really?" Kise tried to recall the place they were speaking of. "I don't think I've been to those courts before. What kind of people play there?"

"Nobody too interesting," Aomine replied. "Though I'd say differently if you started playing there, Kise."

"Yeah, definitely sometime then," Kise grinned. "Speaking of which, I'd like to hang out with you two but I've got training to be at."

"… I thought you were skipping that today?" Tora spoke up.

"Yeah, but I finished early," Kise said sheepishly. "So I thought I could head to the training that I'd be missing."

"… I-I- Yeah," she eventually managed a smile. "Right, good luck then, Kise-kun."

"I'm still going to come you swim tomorrow though!" he reassured her. "Definitely!"

"Yeah," Tora nodded along, trying to get this over with as quickly as possible. "I'll see you then."

"Goodbye, Toracchi," he gave her a light kiss. "Bye, Aominecchi! Make sure she gets back home safely!"

"Yeah, got it."

They watched Kise put his 'disguise' back on and when he was fully dressed up as the role of a NEET, he gave them another wave before running off around a corner.

Tora let out a deep breath once Kise was gone. It's taken everything for her to keep a straight face in front of him, especially after hearing that he's going off to practice right after finishing a job.

"Tora?"

"Yeah?"

"You alright?"

"Yeah," she replied. "… I think I might go home first."

"Was it because of Kise?"

"Kind of."

Aomine sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Right, let me walk you back."

She gave a quick nod before she turned around and headed down the street. Aomine followed her slowly. He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed; the way Tora's face glowed when she saw Kise, and the way he was so quick to leave her behind for training. He was severely unimpressed with Kise, and if he was really taking his training that seriously then he better be amazing at their game.

"Ne, Tora."

"Yeah?"

"Has it been like that this whole time?"

"No," she slowed her pace down. "… He only started to take training more seriously after he lost the practice game against Kuroko-kun's school."

"… Tetsu again?"

"Hey, it's not like Kise-kun's ever lost while he played at Teiko with you lot," she reminded him. "I think it was a wake-up call."

"… I guess."

Aomine managed to walk ahead of her as they spoke. She had trouble coming up with how to reply to him, and had ambled about as she tried to think. Perhaps it had been better if he hadn't brought Kise up, because now she was fumbling and looking bothered while deep in thought.

It wasn't like her at all. And he was beginning to grow annoyed by Kise and how poorly he's been treating her. He can't comprehend how it must have felt to lose, but he can vaguely get the idea of how bad it must have sucked, and it's understandable for Kise to want to improve but that didn't give him the right to just start ignoring his other responsibilities.

Glancing back, he saw that Tora was still looking at the ground as she walked. Without another thought, he reached his hand forward and grabbed her hand. She immediately looked up at him, looking both alarmed and confused.

"What are you doing?"

"Holding your hand, idiot."

"Why?"

"Do I need a reason to?"

At his remark, Tora couldn't help but giggle and shake her head. She gripped his hand tighter and skipped forward to match his pace. He couldn't help but smile as he turned away, hoping to hide his face from her.

"Say Tora, what's this about you swimming tomorrow?"

"Ah, that," she look to him. "I joined my school's swim team and we're competing tomorrow."

"Yeah? I didn't know you could swim well."

"Slightly better than the average," she chuckled. "I'm not that good, but they asked me to join and club activity is a school requirement."

"Can I come watch?"

"You sure?" she sounded baffled. "Kise-kun's going to be there."

"I don't care, I'll come."

"Alright then," she grinned.

"You'll be in a swimsuit, right?"

"… A school one, yes."

"Can't you wear something else?"

"Look," she knew exactly where this was going. "If you're looking to watch bikini-clad girls, then you're definitely going to be disappointed. You might as well visit the public pool with a pair of binoculars."

"Who ever said I wanted to watch other girls?"

"…" Tora immediately blushed deep red. "W-Well, there isn't going to be much to see."

"We'll see about that."

Tora grew hotter when he smirked back at her. She was suddenly regretting allowing Aomine to come watch her. She just knew that she was going to be incredibly nervous knowing that he'd be watching her from the stands.

XoXo

It was a warm sunny day, perfect weather for a swimming competition. Aomine rubbed the sweat from his forehead as he entered Kaijo. He's never been before and the place was much larger than his school, but the swimming pool was easy to spot, as it was in one of the larger buildings closest to the gate.

As he walked closer, he noticed that there were many competitors from other schools as well, and amongst the many schools one of them was his.

"Eh, Aomine-kun?"

"Hm?"

It was a girl in his grade; she was in his class and a friend of Momoi's. She looked excited to see him here, but despite that he couldn't quite remember her name. He looked behind her and saw the other girls staring at them.

"Did you come here to watch us swim, Aomine-kun?"

"Sure."

"Is Momoi-chan coming as well?"

"Don't know."

"Oh, I see," she grinned back. "Well I've got to go now. Cheer for us, okay?"

The girl ran back to her teammates, they all giggled and glanced back at him as they entered the building. He felt a slight distaste as he watched them, but disregarded it quickly and followed in after. He glanced around, trying to make out where he was supposed to be going to enter the stands.

From the corner of his eye, he spotted something – someone. A tall green-haired student speaking into a matching green cellphone, and he was carrying something strange too, a handmade paper lantern. Aomine couldn't help but grin, knowing that this was no doubt a horoscope thing. Midorima was facing the way as he spoke, so he walked close enough so that he was standing right behind him.

"What do you mean you can't come?" he growled into the phone. "I thought she meant more to you than-… You better show up or-."

"Yo, Midorima."

Midorima almost dropped his lantern from the surprise; he turned around and gave Aomine a venomous glare. He flipped his phone shut without uttering another word into it.

"What are you doing here?"

"I can say the same for you."

"Kise tricked me."

"Seriously?" Aomine snorted. "Thought you were supposed to be the smarter one of the group."

"I was lied to," Midorima crossed his arms. "That has nothing to do with my intellect."

"Sure whatever."

"You haven't answered me – why are you here?"

"… Tora invited me."

"Did she?"

Aomine caught Midorima's tone of voice.

"She did," he scoffed. "Where's Kise anyway?"

"On his way…" Midorima checked his phone.

"He's gonna be late."

"Yes, I know."

"… Were you speaking to him just now?"

"… Yes."

"… Are you sure he's coming?"

"I do hope so," Midorima sighed. "In any other case, let's go in first. It'd be bad if Ikeda saw that no one showed up to see her."

"Yeah."

The place was already packed when they got in. The front was heavily filled, leaving only the back with free seats in the back few rows. Aomine and Midorima, despite their differences, both took a deep breath and climbed the stairs to the back. As soon as they sat down, they turned away from each other and ignored the other.

"I heard Kise Ryouta's girlfriend swims for Kaijo."

"Seriously? Shouldn't he be here then?"

"Uhh… well I don't see him around."

Midorima twitched a little as he overheard a two girls sitting in front of him. Glancing at Aomine, he noticed that he heard too and must be feeling the same way he was.

He had gotten a phone call last night from Kise, asking him to come to Kaijo this morning for a shootout practice with him. As he was entering the school this morning, he didn't expect to get a text message explaining that there was no shootout and he was actually here to watch Tora at her competition, and to add on to that, he might not be able to show up.

"What's up with the lantern anyway?"

"Lucky item of the day," Midorima brightened up considerably at the mention of his lantern.

"Are you going to light it?"

"No."

"What's the point of having a lantern if you aren't going to light it?"

"Aesthetics."

Aomine stared at Midorima beadily, then at the lantern, and back to Midorima. He knew that once Tora sees the thing, she's going to be begging to see it lit up. Before he can say anymore though, the speakers squeaked.

"Welcome to the annual inter-high girls' preliminary-."

As the announcer spoke, the different teams entered the pool area. The Kaijo team was last to come out, and the two teens immediately spotted Tora who stood next to the captain despite being a first-year. Now that Midorima looked closely, it seems like she was the only first-year competing for her school. Suddenly, Tora turned and glanced over to the crowd, obviously searching for familiar faces. When she finally took notice of Midorima and Aomine sitting together far back, her mouth dropped a little but she soon gave them a sweet smile and waved. Midorima responded with a nod while Aomine waved back lightly.

"… Kise really screwed up this time…"

"Yeah," Midorima adjusted his glasses. "Can't be good for her performance."

"Hm."

The day progressed smoothly. Tora competed in a number of races; mostly the short distance ones and she won almost every single time, with the exception of the races that she had to compete in right after another. Both Aomine and Midorima were actually really impressed with her skill; they had no idea that she was able to swim so well. Tora had always been lazy back when they were in Teiko and she never participated in any clubs, and as boys they weren't part of her gym class so they had no way to find out.

During the long hour break, which was the swimming competitions' equivalent to their half time in basketball, Tora slipped into a large oversized t-shirt and skirt then came to look for Midorima and Aomine. She found them easily as they haven't moved an inch from where they sat.

"Hey," she waved. "I didn't know you were coming, Midorima-kun."

"It just sort of happened but I enjoyed myself," Midorima nodded back. "You did very well."

"Oh? You sound like a proud parent," she grinned. "I'm glad you weren't bored… Is that a lantern? Did you make it?"

Tora sat down beside Aomine and leant outwards so she could speak to Midorima. As she spoke, Aomine sat back and watched Tora. Aomine stared at her bare features, even with her face fresh from any makeup she was so pretty to look at. Long eyelashes, rosy cheeks, delicious looking lips just asking to be claimed…

"What?"

Tora noticed his staring, and turned to him. Aomine was completely caught off-guard, and he tried to direct his attention onto anything but her face. He looked away slowly but then he only stared at her glossy smooth hair. It was wavier than usual since she wore a swim cap for the whole morning. Despite that, her hair still shone beautifully.

"Aomine-kun?"

She tilted her head around slightly causing her long strands to slide off her shoulders. The feeling of his heart ramming in his chest was really driving him crazy. He couldn't believe that he was feeling such nervousness from just watching her.

"What?"

"You were staring."

"As if," he scoffed back.

"Eh…" she murmured. "By the way, do you two know where Kise-kun is?"

Tora could have sworn the two flinched at the mention of the name. She bit her bottom lip unsurely as she considered the different scenarios could have led to Kise not being here.

"Kise asked me to come in his stead," Midorima finally said to her. "I'm sorry but I believe he's caught up with some things at work."

"… I thought it was something like that," she smiled back quickly. "It can't be helped, right?"

"Ikeda…"

"What?"

"Tears."

Reaching her hands upwards, she rubbed her eyes in surprise. She hadn't even realized that her eyes had gotten so watery. If Midorima hadn't pointed it out for her, she probably would have just sat there with tears rolling down her face and a sloppy fake grin plastered on. Turning down to her lap, she tried to hide her face as she rubbed her eyes dry.

Midorima and Aomine exchanged quiet looks.

"Here, Ikeda."

Midorima offered Tora his handkerchief and she took it without a second thought. She felt so embarrassed having the two of them watch her in one of her worst moments. Especially Aomine, considering the sort of relationship they share.

"Thank you, Midorima-kun," she folded the cloth into a small square. "I'll have this cleaned before I give it back."

"Just keep it," Midorima huffed. "… Are you sure you want to carry on competing today?"

"Yeah, definitely," she nodded after a long sigh. "I'm not going to let everyone down just because my boyfriend didn't show up."

"Hm, that's a good attitude to have," Midorima smiled. "We'll be rooting for you."

"Of course, you will," she chuckled lightly. "Okay, I'm going to head back first. I'll come find you two after."

"Alright, good luck."

Aomine watched her hop down the stairs until she reached the bottom and disappeared through the door. As soon as she's gone, he let out a deep sigh. It hasn't been very long, but he desperate to get her crying face out of his head. He's never seen such an expression when someone forces on such a smile as tears began pooling; it wasn't something that he had ever expected to see, not on Tora especially.

"Shit… Kise really screwed up this time," Aomine frowned. "Just what the hell is he doing?"

"The details are sketchy," Midorima too let out a deep breath. "… Ikeda had called me up a few times in the past two months complaining about Kise, but I never thought it'd be this bad. I'm definitely speaking to him after today."

"You and me both. If Kise keeps this up… I'm really going to-…"

"… Since when have you and her been this close again?"

"What?"

"You and Ikeda, you haven't been close at all in the last year of junior-high," Midorima laid it out bluntly. "How come you two are suddenly so close that she would invite you to come watch her competition?"

"… I ran into her a couple of times since high school started," Aomine turned away. "Recently we've been hanging out more because she has nothing better to do. You know how Kise's been acting, I guess with him so busy with training and while I'm not… yeah."

"I see," Midorima considered his words. "… You do realize that they are still dating each other despite their little… problem."

"Of course, I know," Aomine frowned. "Were you suggesting something there?"

"Not at all."

"Yeah, well shut up and mind your own business, four-eyes."

Midorima twitched slightly at the crude nickname but didn't hassle with complaining as that would mean he'd have to argue with Aomine. It wasn't like he was backing down or anything; he was just saving himself the effort of having to talk some sense into his former teammate.

The heats resumed soon later after the announcer gave another rundown of the pending events. There really wasn't many races left, just a few minor races that were missed out before the break due to poor timing and after that were the relays.

"It's the relays next," Midorima spoke. "Tora's meant to be competing in two of them. Freestyle and butterfly."

"She'll win them," Aomine said as he leaned back to take a short break. "She won all her single races."

"Hm…" Midorima eyed the competitors. "… Is that someone you know?"

"What?" he opened his eyes and sat forward. "Oh."

It was the girl from his school, and she was waving up at him like they were freaking best friends or something. It looked like she was going to be swimming against Tora in the last relay race.

"No one, just someone from my school."

"Hm…"

Aomine hated it when he replied like that. When Midorima replied with a hum, he knew that the bespectacled boy was no doubt judging him silently and probably rather harshly as well. Aomine glared daggers at the other boy, cursing him and hoping he'd drown the next time he was in a pool.

First relay was the freestyle, and Tora was swimming first out of the four-girl team. She had a great head start compared to the other girls, and with her lead, Kaijo managed to secure first place.

Finally after the other two relays were complete, it was Tora's turn again to swim in the butterfly relay. But unlike the last race, she was the last to swim this time, meaning that she'll be the last driving force that'll determine whether or not their team will win the entire relay. The first-year from Touou was swimming third, which meant that she wouldn't be going head-to-head against Tora.

It was nerve-racking and the pressure was incredible as this was the last race of the day. As fellow athletes, Midorima and Aomine understood very well the kind of tension that Tora must be feeling right now. Though remained unsaid, both knew that if she manages to get Kise out of her head for the final heat then she'd be able to win easily.

When the whistle went, all six swimmers dived into the pool and made their start. Kaijo fell behind slightly, but the difference was soon taken back after the first switchover. The second swimmer for Kaijo was incredibly fast and in no time did she switchover with the third swimmer. Though the third swimmer was just as good, the first-year from Touou managed to catch up at the last switchover. Now it was just Kaijo and Touou in the lead, both got their switchover at about the same time and both dived in simultaneously.

Tora didn't do well.

Not only did she let Touou overtake her, but also others caught up from behind. She didn't lose the race, but fourth out of six is hardly something to celebrate about. She climbed out of the pool after a bit of floating about and joined her team at their bench. She kept her eyes on her lap the whole time they spoke and only did she look up when the team headed for the changing rooms.

The crowds began clearing out slowly, and soon the bleachers were almost completely empty apart from a few stragglers at the front and the two Generation of Miracles sitting still at the top. Midorima got a phone call, he hoped it was Kise, because if it was then he can give him a piece of his mind.

"Hello?"

"Midorima-kun?"

"Yes?"

"I'm just about done changing, why don't you and Aomine-kun go wait for me by the school gate?"

"Alright."

Midorima shut his phone and turned to Aomine.

"That was Ikeda, we're going to wait for her by the gate," he said as he stood. "Let's go."

"How did she sound like?"

"Fine."

XoXo

The day has been long and tiring. The senpai had reassured her that everything was fine, despite the lost in the last relay they had still won overall competition. Tora wasn't sure how to feel about that statement, perhaps she should feel happy that none of her teammates resent her for screwing up last moment or perhaps they just feel sorry for her and spared her a long lecturing.

Tora stared at herself in the changing room mirror. Her usually straight hair was now tremendously curly after being put into a cap again. The difference was so large that she bet all Aomine and Midorima would do would be stare at the glorious fluffs of hair. She picked up her brush and resumed brushing again as she headed out. She was determined to get her hair back to normal, but she didn't want to keep them waiting.

As she stepped out of the building, she can already make out two tall figures standing by the gate. She could tell that it was the two right away, no one else would be carrying a handmade lantern especially when it's still light out. She stuffed the brush into her bag immediately and headed towards them confidently. When she got close enough to recognize their faces, it looked like they had noticed her approaching them. She noticed their staring from afar and began shaking slightly when Aomine looked like he was going to laugh. She pulled her bag over her shoulder and reached her hand up to her hair.

By the time she reached them, her hair was now a large cute messy bun on the top of her head.

"Sorry for the wait," she said.

"Don't worry about it," Midorima replied. "… Don't mind the last race, you did well until the very end."

"Yeah," she laughed. "That's what my captain said."

"… Ikeda."

"Yeah?"

"I owe you a dinner, don't I?"

'Whaaat?'

Aomine glanced over at Midorima, wondering what he was trying to pull. The whole time they were together just now all he spoke about was horoscopes this and incompatibility that, never did he mention that he was planning to take Tora out on dinner.

"Yeah, but don't worry-."

"Your team won today, I'll take you out on dinner."

"… Are you sure?"

"Yes," Midorima nodded. "Aomine, you come too. Last time she treated both me and my friend."

"Whatever."

Even though he replied so nonchalantly, Aomine felt relieved that Midorima had asked him to come. If he hadn't, he would have probably had to embarrass himself by asking.

The three moved out and headed towards the busier districts in search for a good place to eat. It wasn't dinnertime exactly, but it was already few hours after lunch. The whole area was still crowded though, and they struggled to find a place that wasn't full. They finally settled for the same expensive family restaurant that Aomine was going to take Tora to yesterday, but of course this time it's going to be Midorima who's going to have a flat wallet after they were done.

"Did you two plan this?" Midorima glared. "I offered dinner, not all my money."

"Don't be such a spoilsport, Midorima," Aomine said. "You were the one that offered."

Midorima twitched before pushing the doors open.

"Welcome!"

Tora and Aomine tried to follow Midorima in, but the green-haired boy was completely frozen in place. When they couldn't walk in further, Aomine and Tora exchanged looks before they glanced over his shoulder (Tora had to tiptoe and hang over Midorima's shoulder in order to see past the tall boy).

"S-Shin-chan?"

There was only one person that would address Midorima in such a way, and Tora smiled when she saw Takao standing there, looking dazed in disbelief as if he's won the lottery. His eyes seemed to glow at the sight of his teammate.

"Shin-chan!" he rushed over and hugged the taller boy. "D-Did you come save me after hearing what happened?"

"… I have no idea what you're talking about."

"E-Eh!? B-But I was certain you would have heard by now…"

"I haven't heard anything, and I thought you were supposed to be on a date."

Midorima's arms had shot up when Takao ran over, he had to protect his precious lantern from getting crushed. With is free hand, he peeled the shorter boy off of him and pushed him at a reasonable distance before stepping aside for Tora and Aomine.

"Oh, about that-," Takao stopped speaking when he saw the other two. "Oh! Hey, Tora-chan! Long time no see!"

"You too, Takao-kun," she smiled. "I didn't know you worked here."

"I don't," he said. "But-."

"Kazunari! What are you doing dawdling? Show the guests to their table!"

"H-Hai!"

Giving the three a sheepish smile, he picked up two menus before bringing them to an empty booth. Tora sat on one side with Aomine while Midorima prompted to sit by himself on the other side across from them. As soon as they were sat down and given their tea, Takao was pulled aside by the manager. They exchanged a few hushed but obviously distressed words with each other before Takao was sent back over to take their orders.

"Are you okay, Takao-kun?"

"Yeah," he chuckled slightly. "As I was saying earlier, I was on a date here but I couldn't afford the bill… my date kind of left me behind to deal with it."

Aomine snorted immediately, and even Midorima gave a silent smile at the story. Tora couldn't believe how her company was reacting to that story, she felt appalled knowing that some girl out there ditched her date just because he couldn't afford to pay.

"You guys!" Tora shushed. "Takao-kun, how about I pay for it and you can join us for dinner?"

"Really?"

"Yeah," Tora grinned.

"As if you can pay it, Tora," Aomine teased. "Pocket change, remember?"

"… Or Midorima-kun can pay for it as well."

"Out of the question," Midorima crossed his arms. "I can't afford to pay for him and you two."

"Shin-chan~."

"No."

"Or Aomine-kun can help."

"I don't even know him."

"To new friends then."

"I'm fine with my current friends."

"Or lack thereof."

"Midorima…"

Silence overcame the four; it got to the point of the manager coming over to take over Takao's duties. The three gave their orders and waited whilst Takao was ordered to stay away from their table as the manager knew that all he'll do is chat and beg them to help him out of his current position. Little did Takao know, the manager actually didn't mind the money all that much as he thought Takao made a great waiter. Even if Takao now offered money, he would turn it down and ask him to work.

"Who was that anyway?"

"Takao-kun, he plays basketball with Midorima-kun."

"Is he any good?"

"Uh…" she looked over to Midorima.

"He plays fairly well."

"Eh…" Aomine drawled. "You're actually praising someone?"

Midorima sent him a hostile look, as if telling him to shut up. The three grew silent again; Tora had forgotten how awkward Aomine has gotten around with his old teammates. But it was Midorima that invited Aomine along, so she didn't really quite understand what was going on.

Tora felt a buzzing from her bag and she reached in for her phone. She had received a new text message; opening up her inbox she saw that the message was from Kise. Both Midorima and Aomine watched as Tora's lips pursed into a straight fine line when she read the message.

"Was that from Kise?"

"Yeah," she flipped her phone shut. "I'll reply later."

"Did he say where he was?" Midorima pulled his phone out.

"No," she shook her head. "Are you planning to call him?"

"Yes," he clicked through his contacts. "I'm disappointed in him."

"Please don't," she reached over the table for his phone. "I can handle this."

Tora's hand clasped over his to prevent him from typing further, he looked up and saw that she had stood up and leaned over the table completely. Midorima seemed to consider as he watched her lips quivering slightly. He didn't know why she felt the need to protect Kise even though he was obviously at fault, perhaps it was just because they were dating that Tora's grown a soft spot for him. Or…

He then noticed Aomine sat behind her, he had his hands tucked in his pockets and he was watching Tora closely; or more specifically staring at Tora's behind as she was stood up and wearing a itsy little skirt. Aomine must have had no idea that Midorima noticed him since he was staring intently and unblinkingly.

'This guy…'

"Ikeda, sit down."

"You have to promise me you won't-."

"Aomine is staring at your butt."

"W-What?"

Tora glanced behind and saw that Aomine was indeed looking.

"What the hell, Ahomine!"

As she sat down, her face turned bright red. Midorima sipped onto his tea as he watched her slap his arm continuously in embarrassment until he burst out laughing and apologized. He may have asked earlier how they have gotten so close again, but as he watched them closer he noticed that they were even friendlier than before… and perhaps a little more… intimate?

It wasn't possible though. Tora and Kise are dating, and she wouldn't ever think about cheating on Kise, especially not with someone like Aomine. But after today, he did realize that Kise has put Tora in a pretty delicate state – he would almost call it desperate by the way she was crying earlier today. He couldn't imagine how she would've have reacted if no one had shown up, but even if he hadn't Aomine would have still been there…

That just led him back to his suspicions of their relationship.

Midorima watched the two bicker on until their food arrived. Only when they were occupied with food did the two shut up. He had grown tired of their annoying arguments, and Midorima knew that it's going to be a while before he wanted to see either one of them again. Once again, he was normally fine with just Tora alone, but there were times when she gets dragged into someone annoying's pace. But before today, that had only happened with Kise when the two were together, but now Aomine gave off the same affect.

"Midorima-kun, your food's getting cold."

"Right, yeah."

XoXo

Even after leaving the restaurant, Midorima was still deep in thought over everything that had happened today. After paying the bill, they had left behind Takao who had been in tears as he watched them ago. It has grown dark while they were in the restaurant and finally Tora could ask what she's had on her mind all day.

"Midorima-kun, why don't we light your lantern?"

'Knew it.'

Aomine didn't really know what he was being so smug for, but the fact that he knew how Tora was going to react to the lantern made him rather proud of himself. He stared at Midorima, his expression mocking as he was the one that said he had no intention of lighting the lantern earlier in the day. Midorima glanced back at him knowingly and reached into the lantern. With a quick click, the lantern glowed.

"It's electric," he explained. "Which was why I wasn't going to light it with a flame."

"… You don't say…"

"Here, Ikeda," Midorima passed the lantern to Tora. "You can hold it while we walk you home."

"Wow," she beamed. "Thank you, Midorima-kun."

Midorima returned a small smile as they headed back to the Ikeda residence. Feeling slightly forgotten, Aomine shoved his hands into his pockets and walked behind the two who were exchanging quiet words with each other. He strained to hear what they were saying as Tora looked like she was enjoying herself whilst speaking to Midorima, but he couldn't make out what they were saying. The sheer light from the lantern also made Tora's face glow from the dark surroundings, the soft lighting made her look even prettier as she smiled.

It wasn't long when they finally they reached the front gate of Tora's large house.

"Would you two like to come in for something quick to drink before going home?"

"We'll be fine, Ikeda," Midorima said.

"I see, here then," she passed the lantern back to Midorima. "Thank you for walking me back."

"You're welcome."

Aomine wanted to say more (and say goodbye through other means), but he knew that he had to stay put as Midorima was here with them. But from the look of her eyes, she must know how he felt. She gave them both quick smiles before reaching to open the gate.

"Goodbye then."

"Night'."

"Goodnight."

Tora watched as the two boys turned around and headed back down the street they just came from. The lantern was a good indicator to how fast they were moving, and with the two being so tall they were walking quite quickly and the little light was slowly diminishing into the distance. Before Tora realized it, she had left the gate and ran after the two boys.

"Aomine-kun!" she called after them. "Midorima-kun!"

When the two turned around, both were taken by surprise when Tora grabbed onto each one of their hands and pulled them close together in front of her. She looked like she was about to cry again as she was panting from the quick run, but instead of tears, this time she gave them one of her brightest smiles.

"Thank you so much for coming to watch me today," she grinned. "I don't think I can really explain how glad I was to see you two sitting there for me. I'm really happy that you came."

"You're welcome."

"I-It's fine."

She let out a sigh of relief before releasing their hands. Only after letting them go did she look embarrassed.

"O-Okay then, I'll be heading back now," she spoke as she ran back down the street. "Goodbye."

As Midorima walked, he finally realized how he should describe Tora's current state. She wasn't desperate like he originally thought; if he had to put a word for it he would say that she was highly vulnerable.

Little signs of kindness that wouldn't normally mean anything seemed to mean the world to her now. He knew that if interaction between Tora and Kise continues to deteriorate like it's been going on now, it wouldn't be long before someone snatches her away. And that someone would be most likely the boy standing beside him.


Whoa… was that chapter long or what? Feels like I added a bit of everyone this time round.

Anyways, looks like Midorima is gonna get sneaky soon! God, have I mentioned how much I love writing Midorima and Takao? They're just so adorable.

Thank you to those that alerted and favorited this story!

And I got a large amount of reviews last chapter so I'm super happy ^_^ If they keep coming in like that, I might consider doing one of those gift-chapter thingies for the 100th reviewer or something. Point is = I'm very happy with all the reviews so thank you everyone!

Reviews:

Stephie – Whaaa! Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me!