The buzzer indicated the end of the game. It was now winter and the last game of their high school years had just ended. The winner of the Winter Cup was Shutoku, winning with 109-107 against Seirin. The last point had been very close when Kagami seemed to have fully blocked Midorima, but the shooting guard had learnt from past mistakes. He had let Kagami jump on purpose and made a pass towards Takao who instantly passed the ball back towards Midorima at his second location enabling a successful three-pointer behind Kagami. Seirin's ace wasn't fast enough to keep up and Kuroko was taken by surprise by the quick pace of the duo's pass.
Shutoku's bench roared in pure victory, celebrating their long-awaited win. Tears were flowing on the court, the bench and the ever so loyal Shutoku supporters section in the audience. Amami had jumped in her coach's arms, overwhelmed by a mix of feelings. Joy, happiness, relief, pride but also sadness. This was their last tournament together in high school, being their last year, soon they would leave for university or college.
Amami thought back on the past three years. How she became so engrossed with the very same sport she didn't care for before she entered Shutoku High. She thought of all the members they had since the beginning, remembering how each and every single one of them had worked so hard to become the best. She was happy to have been a part of this, to have watched her team grow from the sidelines, cheering them on 'till this very moment. Tears started to roll down her cheeks when both teams lined up for the last time.
She ran up towards her team to congratulate them, hugging her best friend who seemed to have landed in a stupor. Completely speechless for.. maybe the first time in his life, trying to wrap his mind around what was going on. She decided to let the team go crazy and turned towards Seirin. Sadness clearly hanging in the air for having lost the game, but had enough pride and respect for the other team. She hugged her boyfriend and showed her how proud she was of him, that he had played amazing as always. She couldn't of course help herself when she threw in a small victory dance for her team. Which had earned her a soft 'Shut up.' from him before kissing her.
Time flew by with all the third years studying for exams, preparing themselves for the next step in their lives. They all had applied to the university/college they had wanted to go. Midorima went for med-school, Amami and Akashi went for the university of Tokyo to study Business and Economics. Takao, Kagami, Kuroko, Aomine and Momoi all applied for the same college in Tokyo, Kise went to Osaka for college and Murasakibara applied for college somewhere in Akita. Takao chose to study for software engineer; Kuroko chose to study for teacher; Aomine went for history since that was the only subject he was good in and Momoi and Kagami both opted to study for sports-therapist., Kise, Murasakibara, Aomine and Kagami still aimed to become a basketball-player first however. Kise also aimed to further his modeling career and to no one's surprise Murasakibara had entered a cooking school to become a pastry chef.
They all got accepted and thus made their own preparations for college/university. Most of them would continue their basketball career while some decided to stop and focus on their studies, like Midorima and Akashi.
Wanting to live closer to their respective schools and to have a taste of freedom they had decided to move out from their parents' place. It wasn't hard for Midorima, Takao and Amami to decide that they would rent an apartment together. They had become so close over the past few years that it seemed like the right thing to do. Splitting the costs in three was also a good way of saving their money. They weren't the only ones who thought of that idea: Momoi, Aomine and Kuroko decided to do the same. Murasakibara of course stayed in Akita and Kise moved out to Osaka while Akashi moved to Tokyo to one of his father's apartments. Kagami was the only one who didn't move. His apartment was reasonably close to his college so he decided to stay. Let's face it, who would give up on a spacious apartment all for himself? His father never managed to come back to Japan, saying things had changed too much with his work so he couldn't come to Japan to join his son.
And that is how they started their new school year.
Kagami placed the last box in Amami's new room next to the others while Amami was unpacking them. It was the weekend before her first day in university so Amami decided to use the free time to move into the new apartment before the hectic university life began.
"That's the last box from the truck, do you need some help unpacking?" Kagami asked her while already rifling through some of the open boxes in her room.
"Hm? Oh! That'd be great, thank you Taiga." She absentmindedly answered him, too engrossed with sorting her belonging and placing them where they belonged.
Kagami simply smiled and rolled his eyes at his girlfriend, knowing she's too focused on the task at hand. He picked a random box and opened it before carefully unpacking various small objects. He seems to have picked the box with office supplies for her desk. 'Ah, that's handy, at least I know where those should go.' Not wanting to prod the woman too much with silly questions he moved the box towards her desk and slowly started to unpack them. He figured she'd re-arrange them anyway later, to her liking.
"Oh, I found Kaga-chan!" He held the sumo-wrestler bobble-head up for Amami to see, chuckling warmly as he thought back to that evening he had given it to her.
This made Amami stand up and walk up towards her boyfriend, placing a kiss on both her boyfriend and the toy's bobble-head. "My two favorite men!" Her mind drifted off to the moment they had named the little figurine.
It was Kagami's first visit to Amami's home, three months after they first kissed. Amami wanted to introduce her boyfriend to her parents and brother so she invited him over for dinner. This was the first time she came home with a boy so it was only natural for her to be nervous. Her father was a busy man, having to run his own company together with her uncle, nevertheless they had been close. He always tried to make even the littlest of time to spend with his two children and wife, saying that family was important. Her mother was the typical stay-at-home-mom, making sure everything in the household was going the way she wanted to. Taking care of her husband and both their children had been a task big enough for the gentle woman. She always prided herself towards relatives and friends that her children were so well-mannered and respectful. Patting herself on the back on a job well done raising both of them but not resisting to chuckle at her daughter's quirkiness. Both her children were hardworking and easy going kids, but her daughter always had that extra 'special' spark. Which surprised her sometimes, seeing both her nor her husband had that trait, perhaps a certain raven-haired friend of her daughter was to 'blame' for her daughter's interesting quirks. Her son was more serious, perhaps the prospect of him following his father in his footsteps and someday taking over the company made him the diligent person. Ushio, who was five years older than his sister was in his last year of university but came over for dinner as well when his sister had asked him to. He stayed at the dormitory of his university, making it easier for him.
"Calm down, Kagami-kun, it'll all turn out great. My family are nice people, they won't give you a hard time." Amami tried to comfort her boyfriend when she noticed he was fidgeting with his hair on their way towards home.
"Easy for you to say, you don't have to think of making a good impression.." Even when he said that, his pout already quirked up into a small grin. She had a way of always saying the right things to him when he was feeling uneasy.
She returned his grin with one of her own and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm a bit nervous too though, you all mean so much to me, but I'm sure they'll like you. .. And if they don't we'll just have to move out to a different country. I prefer an exotic country, beautiful beaches,.." She rolled her eyes while bumping her shoulder against his arm as she noticed her boyfriend's shocked expression. "I'm kidding Kagami-kun.."
The moment of truth came when they reached the doorstep of her place. She took her key and opened the door, both taking off their shoes and coats in the hall. She announced they arrived and not long after they found themselves in the living room. She immediately introduced Kagami to her family and the other way around. It was slightly awkward for the first few minutes but it soon changed into a more relaxing atmosphere when they decided to take a seat into comfortable couches. Her mother had excused herself to head back towards the kitchen, continuing to prepare dinner. Amami would normally offer to help her mother out, but knowing her boyfriend needed her more she decided against it. She had already helped during the afternoon before she went to retrieve Kagami from the train-station. She also made sure there was plenty of food, warning her mother that Kagami had quite the appetite.
They talked mainly about Kagami, her father asking him all sorts of questions, wanting to know the boy, who was dating his daughter, a little better. Kagami had politely answered all of his questions as best as he could, telling him about his father, his stay in America and basketball. Amami frequently jumped into the conversation, relieving her boyfriend from her father's interview. It was then that her mother announced that dinner was ready so they all huddled towards the dining table.
"So.. Kagami-san, what are your plans for after high-school?" Amami's father suddenly asked the boy during dinner.
"O-Oh.. ehm, I'm not sure yet, I love to play basketball.. err.. I mean, I probably go for a college that has a good team." Kagami stammered out his answer, completely taken by surprise as he hadn't thought that far ahead yet. They were at the last semester of their second year, he figured he'd still have a year to think about such things.
"I see.. but you surely must have a vague idea on what you would like to do for work, right? I can see you clearly love the sport, but you'll have to think of your future too, no?" Her father raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
Kagami's eyes widened as he was mentally cursing himself for not expecting such a question. Of course her parents would want to know what his plans were, how could he be so stupid not to have prepared a decent answer for it? But when he thought about it, it always had seemed clear to him: he wanted to play basketball. He never thought of doing anything else than playing, he even cringed at he thought of his school results. He wasn't a great student, it was becoming even a miracle that somehow he managed to pass most of the tests and exams until now.
"Now, now, darling, Kagami-kun still has more than a year to think about those things. I'm sure something will come up that he'll enjoy besides basketball, right Seo-chan?" Amami's mother saved the poor boy from her husbands interrogation.
Her father took the hint and eased down on the boy and decided to let the rest of the family chat. Amami's brother, Ushio, ended up talking to Kagami, teasing his sister every step of the way by telling Kagami the most embarrassing things his sister had done in her life. The atmosphere became relaxed again as they all laughed at the stories, Amami included.
When dinner was done both Kagami and Amami had offered her mother to help out with the dishes before being shoo'd away once more. Her mother thanked them and told them to go and enjoy themselves instead. Kagami had complimented her cooking and thanked her for the wonderful dinner before Amami told her mother that they'd go towards her room.
"Alright honey, leave the door of your bedroom open though." The woman simply smiled at the two who were now blushing.
When they entered her room, Kagami let out a sigh of relief before taking in his girlfriends room. It appeared to be less girly than he'd expected: a one-person bed, a closet and a desk which was kept neatly. His eyes fell on a familiar looking figurine resting on top of her desk.
"Hey.. is that..?" He went closer to inspect the figurine and indeed! It was the sumo-wrestler he had given her at the start of this school year. He poked the head of the figurine making the sumo-wrestler furiously eat the pie he was holding.
"Ah.. erh, yes he's been standing there ever since.." Amami blushed a little, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"I didn't think you'd actually keep him.. you really think he's that cute huh?" Kagami looked at Amami, sporting a lop-sided smirk.
"Of course I kept him.. it was a gift and you told me to take care of him.." Amami bit her bottom lip, not wanting to admit she had been fawning over the gift ever since that evening.
"Does he have a name?" Kagami noticed his girlfriend becoming shy all of a sudden and relished in it. He hugged her tightly while resting his chin on top of her head.
"Not really, although he is quite familiar to someone I know.." She lifted her head slowly, looking up in bright red eyes, a sly smile curving her lips. "..This person also has a big appetite."
"Are you comparing me with a sumo-wrestler?!" He huffed out in a playful manner, feigning hurt.
"Hmm, yes, we should definitely name him after you.. Kagami Nigou?" She giggled when Kagami's brows knitted in annoyance at the mention of the dog that terrorized him.
"No.. just.. no." He rubbed his face with his hand, not wanting to think about the little demon spawn.
"Hmm.. Kagami-kun.. Kaga..-kun.. Kaga-chan!" She exclaimed with a content smile, already liking the sound of it.
Kagami chuckled deeply, tightening his arms around her while looking at his miniature version. "Sounds good.."
"You're spacing out again." Kagami kissed Amami's lips in return, successfully pulling her out of her thoughts.
"I was just remembering that day you met my family for the first time." She fondly smiled as she took Kaga-chan from her boyfriend's hand and placed him on her desk where he belonged.
"Ugh, I'd rather not.. I-I mean, not like that! It was nice, but man was I nervous, your father can be scary. I was sure he was gonna give me a hard time for the rest of the evening until your mother stopped him." Kagami scrunched his nose at the thought of her father, he had no qualm with the man. But her father seemed to have this special ability that made him feel so small even though he was a tall man to begin with.
"He just thinks I need someone to take care of me later, so when my boyfriend answers my father with 'basketball' when he's being asked what his academic plans were..." She mocked her boyfriend, imitating his voice when she uttered the word 'basketball' in a deep gruff voice.
"O-Oi..! I still think that was a good answer, I could become a professional basketball player and take care of you." He scowled when she was mocking his basketball-obsession for the umpteenth time.
The last part of that sentence had rubbed Amami the wrong way, she didn't want to be taken care of. She was more than capable of doing that herself and didn't need her man to provide for her. She knew that he knew as well though, so she didn't press the issue. "Whatever you say, Taiga~" She eventually said, smiling.
"Alright, I want you guys to find a partner for this assignment, your deadline will be on the 30th of May at 12pm." The professor, who was standing in front of the blackboard of his class started to collect his papers as the bell of the university chimed. "That will be all.." He announced before quickly scurrying out.
'Find a partner uh..' Amami's eyes roamed over the large classroom until her eyes landed on a familiar redhead who was already making his way up the stairs towards her desk. ' Her eyes widened with mild surprise as he locked his gaze with hers.
"Hello, Amami-kun, would it be fine for you if we would join forces for the assignment?" Akashi politely asked her when he finally reached her desk. A warm smile graced his soft features when he stood in front of her.
"Good afternoon, Akashi-san, I'd love to!" She grinned, the thought of THE Akashi working together with her thrilled Amami. Knowing the man's intelligence, insight and abilities she knew they'd make an excellent team.
"There's no need to be so formal, we're both students here." Akashi implored sweetly.
She stood up when she collected her belongings and followed Akashi towards the exit of their university. Smiling back at the man. "Alright, Akashi-kun."
Since the beginning of their school year they frequently ended up talking together, having known each other, albeit only a little, through Midorima and basketball. They shared most of their classes together, aiming to become successful in the business sector.
The walk towards the exit was already filled with ideas and plans for the assignment, but didn't feel forced or overwhelming. They balanced their serious conversation with trivial and interesting stories from their still new university experience. They decided to spend the upcoming weekend together to work on their assignment, agreeing to go towards Amami's apartment. Akashi fancied the idea of seeing his old teammate, Midorima, once more as well.
Weekend quickly came and Akashi could be found in Amami's bedroom, since the living room was too crowded and noisy thanks to Takao and Midorima, who were watching a basketball game. Hours passed by as the two worked diligently, discussing their ideas and plans. Even when Amami knew about Akashi's brilliant mind, she still couldn't help but be amazed when he showed her ideas she didn't even think of. It made her want to work harder, prove her own worth, which she did. A grin of victory emerged on her lips when she managed to correct one of Akashi's assessments and explained him a better way of handling the issue. He rubbed his chin in thought, knitting his brows together while trying to understand Amami's method. The moment he realized she was right, he huffed, he didn't smile but there was a certain twinkle in his eyes of amusement. When he opened his mouth to retort he heard the doorbell.
"Oh, it's that late already?" Amami checked her clock quickly when she heard the doorbell and immediately excused herself, smiling to Akashi.
Amami ran through the small corridor towards the door but already found Kagami talking with Takao in the living room.
"Hey there, handsome." She sauntered her way towards her boyfriend with a sly smirk.
Kagami whipped his head towards Amami, immediately tuning Takao's rant out and flashed his girlfriend a toothy grin. "Hi yourself, beautiful." He leaned in and kissed her lips hungrily, hugging her tightly.
"You could at least act as if ya were still listenin'.." Takao faked a pout and looked towards Midorima who was standing in front of an open fridge. "Shiiin-chaan~ you would never ignore me, right?"
"..." The green-haired man ignored his friend and took a small bottle of water from the fridge before sitting back in his relax-chair.
"I thought you loved me Shin-chan!" Takao made a melodramatic gesture with his arms, grinning when he saw Midorima's blush before the tsundere hid it by looking away.
"As if! I've been listening to you all day now." He barked out, annoyed that his friend could blurt out such statements. The fact that he'd spent the entire day together with him without the usual Amami-buffer already took its toll on the man.
It was then that Akashi entered the living room as well, having heard the ruckus. "It sure is always lively in here.." His bright red eyes filled with mirth before landing on Kagami, who was still holding Amami in an embrace. "Good afternoon Kagami, it's nice to see you again."
Kagami blinked his eyes several times, startled when he noticed Akashi had emerged from Amami's bedroom. "Hello.. A-Akashi..?" His gaze flickered between Amami and Akashi, becoming more confused by the second.
"Ah, Taiga, I forgot to mention that Akashi was coming over. We grouped up for an assignment and decided to work on it today." She let go of her boyfriend as she motioned towards Akashi, not realizing how things were looking. "I lost track of time as well, didn't even realize it was this late until you rang the doorbell." She innocently giggled when she poked his belly, earning her a grunt from him.
"I..see.." His gaze flickered warily between the two as he held the offending hand away from his stomach.
Akashi noticed Kagami's expression and decided to put the poor man at ease. "We wanted to work in the living room at first, but Midorima and Takao were watching a game so we decided not to intrude and take our work to a more quiet room." A sincere smile reached his lips.
"R-Right.. I-I keep forgetting you guys are classmates now, ...sorta." Kagami stuttered as he scratched the back of his head. Even when he didn't expect anything bad to have happened, he couldn't help but dislike the fact that Akashi had been sitting in his girlfriends room for hours.
"Well, with that said, I guess I'll be going now. We'll continue our assignment next time, Amami-kun." He turned towards Amami, deciding that it was indeed getting late and leaving the four friends to themselves.
"Ah.. are you sure? We were planning on making dinner, you could stay and eat before you go?" Amami felt guilty, feeling as if she was kicking him out because Kagami showed up.
"No no, that won't be necessary, I already have plans for tonight anyway. We both lost track of time it seems." He declined politely, thankful for the invitation. "It was nice seeing all of you again, Midorima, Takao and Kagami.. I'll be sending you a mail with more ideas later on, Amami-kun." He bowed slightly before making his way out.
The rest of the weekend had been spent with Kagami mostly, the awkward moment quickly forgotten. When Kagami went back to his place Amami decided to work some more on her part of the assignment while mailing her partner back.
During the week they worked together in the library, booking great success each time. Both satisfied with the finished result when the deadline finally neared in.