A/N: Thanks for your reviews and faves and follows. Sorry if we had disappointed you tiara calla, it wasn't intentional.
For Hayakawa's speech, R's are replaced by L's and the reverse. That's how he speaks in the manga.
Enjoy!
Chapter 35
After Seirin's first match in Round one, Kaijou played theirs later that day. And just like their friends from Tokyo, they advanced to the second round.
For Round two, Seirin faced Yamamura Gakuen High. Yet again, Kagami and Kise didn't play but they still won the match 100 – 70.
For Kaijou, they played Senshinkan but they managed to demolish them 143 – 68 without Kuroko having to step foot on the court.
Round three, the teams got a little tougher; Seirin faced Fukuoka Daiichi High, whose defense was extremely good. Subbing out Koganei for Kise, Fukuoka's defense didn't stand a chance once Izuki and Kise teamed up. They beat them solidly 102 – 82.
Kaijou faced East Maizuru High who was second behind Rakuzan. This team had a fair balance of defense and offense, but Kuroko's analysis laid bare all their weaknesses and so, Kaijou went on to crush them 110 – 76.
Round four, Seirin faced Kyoto Gaidai Nishi High, where Kagami was subbed in for Tsuchida. Kyoto Gaidai specializes in offense like Seirin but, once the team from Tokyo got into their rhythm, especially with Kagami on the court, they didn't stand a chance. Seirin won, 104 – 80.
Kaijou was the same. They faced Nanamiya High, an offensive team. However, Kuroko had cooked up a strategy against them, and once more it led Kaijou to victory. They beat them, 112 – 83.
Round five, the last and final round before quarter-finals, Seirin faced Yanagi High, and defeated them 100 – 89.
Kaijou faced Amagiri High and also defeated them 102 – 82.
And thus, Seirin and Kaijou booked their spot in the quarter-finals.
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"Gather 'round everyone!" Takeuchi's deep voice echoed throughout the gym. The boys quickly assembled before him,awaiting his announcement. "Good job making it through to the quarter-finals. Kise," he said as he looked at Kuroko. "Your days on the bench are now over. Our opponents from here on out are extremely tough."
Kuroko nodded. He didn't need to tell me that though.
"I have the quarter-final match-up here with me." He waved a bunch of papers in his hands. He then gave each boy one, and the moment Kuroko's eyes landed on the paper, they widen with shock upon seeing the names of the two schools he's affiliated with.
Quarter-final 2: Kaijou vs. Touou 14:00, Tuesday
Quarter-final 4: Seirin vs. Yosen 16:00, Tuesday
He didn't care about quarter-finals one and three; they weren't any of his business. But looking at the paper once again, Kuroko's hands started trembling. The paper fell to the floor and the moment he bent to take it up; his knees gave way as well.
"What?" he asked himself. "I'm nervous?"
Kasamatsu and Moriyama didn't miss this. Wordlessly, the two helped the boy onto his feet and patted his back.
"Don't worry, we all get nervous." Moriyama smiled.
"Yeah, just shake it off. You've got us remember?" Kasamatsu said.
"Thanks Senpai."
"Kise, are you feeling alright?" Takeuchi then asked when Kuroko stood on his own.
"Yes Sir, I was just a bit shocked that's all."
"Alright. There will no practice today! Instead, we'll be heading to the clubroom to analyze Touou." When he said this, he glanced into Kuroko's direction for a second and then looked to the other boys. The boys then quickly mobilized out of the gym and into the locker rooms to change. Afterwards, they headed up to the clubroom where their coach was waiting.
When they were all seated, Takeuchi put in one DVD. This one was the match against Seirin in the leagues. For the others who hadn't gone with Kuroko and Kasamatsu, as the match reached the final quarter, the two could hear the others' breaths hitched. Takeuchi didn't look that fazed, it seems that he watched it prior.
The match ended, and he stopped the play.
"Holy shit," Matsumoto said. "Seirin and Touou…just what are they?"
"Seirin's captain and that number eleven…" Shinohara couldn't finish his sentence. "Wait, isn't he the one who taught Kasamatsu-senpai how to pass?!"
"Yes, that's Kuroko." Kasamatsu nodded. Meanwhile Kuroko sighed. Since he was present at that match, he already knew some of Touou's tricks. So before Takeuchi could start, he took a white-board marker and started writing. They were too deep into their discussion about the match to realize that he was writing and well, he didn't mind either way.
"Ano," he started. "This is what I've gathered from that match alone."
Everyone stopped and looked at the board. Once more, they were slack-jawed at 'Kise's' analytical abilities. Takeuchi's eyes bulged at the board; to the extreme left, there were the players' numbers and beside that were their positions. Continuing, there were their strengths and weaknesses, moves that they are most likely to execute and lastly, how they can be stopped.
"Kise…" the coach started but ended up trailing off.
"We need to watch as much matches as possible if we are to win against them. This information alone will not suffice. And plus," he continued, "They have a manager that will do the same to us. And what's more, she'll predict what we'll do in certain situations."
"That's not good at all for them." Kobori smiled.
"Yep, because we're unorthodox." Nakamura grinned.
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Seirin sat in their clubroom, looking at the DVD screen. From the Teikou matches they had watched at Kuroko's house, they already knew what Murasakibara was capable of. But seeing him in high school nearly made Koganei shit his pants.
"If he doesn't move from the net, then Yosen would be impossible to counter." Tsuchida said. "At least with Midorima we could get by with a fast break but this…"
"Not only that, the other guys are huge as well. It's almost as though we're going up against Titans." Koganei said.
"The only thing that I can think of is to force him away from the net but…" Kise started.
"But what?" Hyuuga asked.
"We'd have to get him angry. And in matches that incur his wrath, he scored a record of one hundred points. In that one match."
Seirin blanched.
"Which means we'd have to use our speed to our advantage." Izuki suggested.
"No, Murasakibaracchi is fast as well; add to that, his abnormally long legs." Kise said.
"Shit." Kagami swore. "And he's not the only one we should be weary of. Their captain is huge!"
They were in a pinch indeed. As a last resort, Kise took out his phone and texted Kuroko. He was the only one he knew that may have an idea of how to get some points off Murasakibara. The moment he locked the screen, a message came in.
Re: Yosen.
This is from my knowledge of Teikou. For one, you could always try the Phantom Shot. He can't block what he can't see.
Secondly, I'm not sure how this will work, I'd have to watch a recent match to help more. This would utilize Iz-senpai. Someway, you have get Mura-kun to jump but in that instance, Iz-senpai would have to pass the ball aerially backwards to someone. Mura-kun can't stop that shot if he's already jumping.
Kise chuckled, seeing that Kuroko shortened Izuki and Murasakibara's name in the message. He then quickly replied to that message. He wasn't quite clear how Izuki would make that aerial pass. Once more, a message came in record time.
Re: Yosen
It's almost similar to how setters pass the ball to the spikers in volleyball.
Kise's face lit up as he rose to his feet with a big grin. "Coach!" he shouted.
"Kise-kun? What's the matter?"
"Tetsucchi knows how to breach the Shield of Aegis!" he chirped. He then showed her the text message and immediately she grinned. Hyuuga then took the phone and read as well, but the moment he grinned, he deflated.
"How are we going to get a video to Kuroko? He's all the way in Kanagawa."
Kise smirked. "Leave that to me Captain."
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Inter-High Quarter-final two: Kaijou vs. Touou.
"Oh man!" Hayakawa shouted in excitement. "I'm so excited, oh man!" he then went into his speed talking. "I'm arr filed up! Plactice is gonna pay off now! I wirr go furr powel, count on me!"
(I'm all fired up! Practice is gonna pay off. I will go full power count on me!)
"Huh, what?" Kasamatsu asked. But Kuroko as usual, didn't understand a thing he said.
"Rike I said, I wirr go furr powel!" he ended up close to Kasamatsu's face so the captain punched him over.
(Like I said, I will go full power)
"You're too close!" he shouted. "You're crowding me, you're talking too fast to make any sense and I don't have any idea of what you're saying, you idiot!"
"Only Hayakawa-senpai." Kuroko sighed.
"Solly, but I ―"
"Hey Moriyama, do something about this idiot!"
Moriyama was in the corner of the room, doing some stretches with his back turned to them. "Actually, Kasamatsu," the shooting guard started. "Third row on the west side way on the end…" he said as he dropped his hands to his sides. He then turned to face Kasamatsu. "Did you see them? They're here."
Kasamatsu and Kuroko exchanged glances at this, it seemed as though it was something important.
"A super cute girl." He said with a smile. "I'm going to play for her today."
"Play for us, you moron!"
Kuroko shook his head; he knew he should've expected this. Just then, the door opened and Takeuchi entered. He was dressed in a suit, and casually had both his hands in his pockets. His face was well shaven, as well.
"Hey, you guys ready to go?" he asked. "It's almost time to get out there." His face shone and then he said, "give it everything you have."
Why are you trying to compete with the handsome Touou coach old man? Kasamatsu thought. When the boys saw their coach, they snickered, trying their utmost best not to laugh out loud.
"Our game plan will be what we discussed. Stay focused."
"Coach, I think your tie is too close to your neck." Kuroko started. "If you faint from oxygen deprivation, then ―" he broke off when Kasamatsu covered his mouth. The locker room erupted in laughter, Takeuchi shook his head, he was used to 'Kise's' bluntness by now. But he loosened the necktie anyway.
Kasamatsu then released the blond. "Come get me five minutes before we start."
"Okay."
He then walked away, heading through the door.
"Even he gets nervous, huh?" Kuroko said.
"Well, that's not all it is." Takeuchi answered.
"Huh?"
After a couple more minutes, Kuroko left the dressing room to call Kasamatsu. He walked the hallway until he saw the captain sitting on the bench.
"Senpai, five more minutes."
"Okay." He replied.
"You've been doing that a lot since Inter-High started. Are you alright?"
"At last year's Inter-High, we were strong enough to take the championship. Can you guess what happened?"
"You lost unexpectedly?"
"It was my fault. With a one point difference, I missed a pass and let them take the game. My senior's tears, their criticism. I even thought about quitting but the coach made me captain and said 'that's why I should do it'. That was when I decided. I don't think I can make up for what I did. I don't expect to be saved. But I'll still win Inter-High. That's my responsibility and raison d'être as a captain."
"Hmm…" Kuroko hummed. "People make mistakes and such. I'll save you Senpai. Just like how I'll save Aomine-kun in this match and Ryou-kun will save Murasakibara-kun in their quarter-final."
"What?"
"We'll win Inter-High. That's my raison d'être as your ace…your light."
Kasamatsu made a small chuckle. "I see."
The two then made their way back to the locker room.
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The Touou locker room was in a totally different mood than Kaijou. Aomine had yet to arrive, and even though Momoi tried calling his cell, it only rang.
"Well, Momoi did you get in touch with him?" Imayoshi asked.
"He won't answer." She replied.
Wakamatsu was fuming. It seemed as though he would've bust a blood vessel by now.
"I can't believe how relaxed Aomine is." Imayoshi sighed.
"We don't need that guy!" Wakamatsu said, rising to his feet. "He's been late to every game! Even when he shows up, he doesn't always play! I'm sure he'll be late again today!"
"We'll be in trouble if he doesn't show up today." Harasawa said coolly. "They're not so weak that we can beat them without him starting."
"hey." The door opened, revealing Aomine, dripping with sweat. "Did you say something?"
"Looks like you've already warmed up." Harasawa said.
"I thought you guys might have some trouble without me today." He drawled.
"Don't make me worry every time!" Momoi said.
"We're going up against Kise. There's no way I'd be late. I've been looking forward to playing against him for a long time. It's worse now ever since I played Tetsu the other day." Momoi eyes widen when she saw his face. "He's one of the few guys I can crush as hard as I can."
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Seirin made their way to seats leisurely. The gymnasium was noisy and almost packed as more people kept pouring in. They were excited to see this match, two members of Teikou's famous Generation of Miracles go head to head.
"Kise, why do have that on?" Furihata asked. The former blond had on his Kaijou jersey jacket which was far too large for his current body.
"Isn't it obvious?" Kise smiled. "I'm cheering them on! Plus, I don't know when I'll ever be able to wear this again as Kise Ryouta and not Kuroko Tetsuya."
"Oh."
"Kise, who do you think will win?" Kagami asked.
"Kaijou obviously." He answered. "Not because they're my school, but because I know that they have the capabilities to."
"But if you were in your body, how do you think you would've done?" Riko then asked.
"Honestly, I have no idea. Aominecchi is the one who inspired me to play basketball. We had one-on-ones a lot in the past but I never beat him once."
"Really?!" they screeched.
"Then how will Kuroko-kun manage?!" Riko started fretting for her youngest player.
Kagami chuckled. "Kise created a monster."
"Exactly Kagamicchi." Then the teams came out onto the court, and changed into their jerseys. The Kaijou guys high-fived the ones on the bench before making their way onto the court.
On the court, Aomine walked over to Kuroko with a smirk on his face.
"You seem fired up, Kise." He greeted.
"I won't lose, Aominecchi."
"What? You're awfully confident. Have ever even beaten me before?"
"Look who's talking about being awfully confident." Kuroko smirked. "The saying goes, there's a first time for everything."
"Heeh?"
Away from those two, Kasamatsu and Imayoshi were shaking hands. "Good luck." They said. The teams then regrouped with each other, Imayoshi looking back at Kasamatsu. He's got presence. He thought. I wouldn't expect less from such a strong team's captain.
【 Let the second quarter-final between Kaijou and Touou Gakuen begin! 】
The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee threw the ball into the air for the tip off, Kobori and Wakamatsu facing off.
In the crowd, Kise couldn't help but smirk as he leaned forwards. "This will be match to remember."
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Kobori managed to get the ball to Kasamatsu who was facing off against Imayoshi. He bounced the ball three times and then chest passed it to Kuroko. The blond caught it with ease, but Aomine blocked his path. Kuroko then shifted his right but instead, he broke pass Aomine on his left. However, the moment he did so, Aomine knocked the ball from behind, causing it to bounce away into Imayoshi's hands.
"You're just as weak as you've always been." Aomine said. "You thought you got pass me with that?"
Kuroko didn't say anything. This was a part of the plan anyway.
Imayoshi bounced the ball until he reached Kaijou's net. He then passed the ball to Wakamatsu but Kobori blocked him from shooting.
Number eight…He thought, this guy's better at defense than he looks. In that case…He then passed the ball to Sakurai who was waiting. Moriyama ran up to him to try and stop him, but as usual, the boy's release was quick.
What a quick release! Moriyama thought. Kuroko was right.
Touou then went to defend their net while Hayakawa retrieved the ball. The power forward the passed the ball to Kasamatsu while the others ran off to their markers. When they were all in position, Kasamatsu then passed the ball back to Kuroko who immediately went into shooting form for the Phantom Shot. When Aomine saw this, he had an inkling of what would happen if he didn't move.
He made an attempt to steal the ball, but the moment he moved, Kuroko bounced the ball through his legs where Kasamatsu was waiting. He then redirected it to Moriyama, who landed a three.
"Defense! Let's stop them!" Kasamatsu said.
"Yeah!" they chorused.
Kuroko made his way back as well, so far so good. Once more, the players got into position. By the free throw circle, Moriyama was blocking Sakurai and Kobori blocked Wakamatsu. Kuroko blocked Aomine who had the ball. The two were by the centre circle.
"You've started to think like Tetsu." Aomine said.
"So what?" Kuroko replied.
"Did you have a change of heart after losing to him? You're putting me sleep."
"Well, I don't stop you from sleeping, Aomine-kun." He deadpanned. "Your bench is over there." He then smirked. When Aomine realized, he noticed that 'Kise's' defense was good.
Aomine bounced the ball continuously, and then switched his hands. In that moment, he threw the ball seeming as though it was a pass, but he caught it back in time to pass Kuroko. When the blond shifted to his left to block Aomine, in the space of a split second, Aomine switched yet again and passed by.
That didn't faze Kuroko. Quickly, Kuroko moved in front of Aomine, stopping him in his tracks. Aomine was surprised a little but then he made a step backwards and shot the ball. It was his formless shot.
Aomine missed the smirk on Kuroko's face.
The moment he shot the ball, after a second, Kuroko jumped and caught it, leaving everyone except Kaijou shocked.
"Seriously?" Kagami said.
"He completely stopped Aomine!" Furihata said.
"And here I thought that Kuroko wouldn't be able to face Aomine one-on-one!" Tsuchida said.
Kise shook his head.
Back on the court, Imayoshi looked at Kaijou. I'm impressed. That's the first time I've seen anyone stopped Aomine in a one-on-one. Imayoshi thought.
Kuroko was returning while Aomine wiped off his sweat. "I didn't actually think you'd stop me."
"Hn." Was all Kuroko said before walking off without even looking at Aomine. Aomine looked at the blond in surprise, he knew that Kise is usually chatty but this 'Kise' seemed a little different.
The game resumed, Kasamatsu had the ball but he was unable to pass it to anyone due to Touou's tough defense. Moriyama then broke pass Sakurai and Kasamatsu called out to him.
We won't fall for that! Imayoshi thought with a smile. You're going to fake a pass and go for the drive!
The moment Kasamatsu did that, Imayoshi was there to block him, Kasamatsu made a turnaround but Imayoshi knew what was coming next.
"A fadeaway jump." He said. But this didn't faze Kaijou's captain. He jumped anyway, leaving Imayoshi stunned. Kasamatsu then shot the ball, Imayoshi's fingers managed to graze it.
"Rebound!" he shouted. Hayakawa was ready and waiting, and against Susa and Wakamatsu, the power forward got the rebound and without hitch passed it to Moriyama. Doing what he does best, he sank the ball, earning another three points for Kaijou.
The game progressed, the two teams going at it. For Kaijou, they mostly used Moriyama and Kasamatsu to make shots, as they wanted to always the maximum points. Kuroko hardly did anything, as he was keeping Aomine at bay, blocking him so tightly, that no one tried to pass the ball to him. But also, while doing that, he kept an eye out for the others, analyzing them as they went along.
After a while, the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the first quarter. Kaijou was at eighteen, Touou on thirteen.
Up in the audience, Seirin were completely astounded.
"Kaijou completely took the first quarter." Riko started.
"Aomine's not holding back again, is he?" Kagami asked.
"No, as the game goes on, Aomine tends to get stronger." Kise said. "By the fourth quarter, we're going to see the monsters."
"Kaijou's in the lead, I'm honestly surprised." Hyuuga said.
"Yeah," Izuki said.
"Can I ask you something?" Kiyoshi asked. "How did you guys beat Kaijou?"
"Umm…"
"With spirit?" Kagami said.
"Kuroko aside, the other four are extremely good."
Kise laughed. "To be honest, you beat us because we underestimated you guys. It was our own fault. Me included."
On the Kaijou bench, the boys rehydrated themselves. Kuroko drank a mouthful of water as Takeuchi talked.
"Good job everyone! Kise you're doing good too."
"But, he was right." Moriyama said. "They know all our movements and such."
"But we know theirs." Kuroko said. "Come this quarter, we'll switch markers. Everyone knows what to do right?"
They nodded.
"Right, let's continue with our plan." Takeuchi said.
The buzzer then sounded, the second quarter started as both teams made their way back onto the court.
"Ret's do it! Ret's get those lebounds!" Hayakawa shouted as he slapped his cheeks. "I'm leady to go! Yeah!"
(Let's do it! Let's get those rebounds. I'm ready to go.)
"That guy won't shut up." Wakamatsu said to Susa.
"You're always pretty loud too." Imayoshi said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"What?"
"You're quite similar." Susa said.
"Well," Imayoshi began. "It's no fun watching your opponents celebrate." He held the ball in his hands. "Let's take it slow shall we?" he smirked.
The game started, Imayoshi had the ball bouncing. He and Kasamatsu were by the centre circle. He then passed it Sakurai who then passed to Susa. He then passed it back to Imayoshi, who went into a stance to shoot a three. Moriyama came up to block him but in that instance, he passed to Wakamatsu who was behind. He then made the shot.
"Let's get them back!" Kasamatsu said as he bounced the ball. Imayoshi came upon Kasamatsu before he could go to his new marker, but he didn't mind.
"I know you're fast so I'm not letting you go." Imayoshi said.
Kasamatsu couldn't help but smile. You have no idea how fast we really can be. He then passed the ball to Kuroko but when the blond saw Aomine's face, he knew he was in for a warm time.
Kuroko stepped back as the pressure reached him, his arms and legs started to shake. Inhaling and exhaling, Kuroko quickly regained his composure, and assessed Aomine. He was his former light, so he knows that his speed and agility are otherworldly. If he tried to make a three, the ball would be knocked from his hands.
Kuroko then looked around and saw where Kaijou's players were positioned. It was only the second quarter, so they couldn't break it out as yet. Kuroko sighed. Seeing the action, Aomine was confused wondering why 'Kise' would sigh in the midst of a match.
Then, Kuroko made a right to left crossover, and seemed to have made a drive to pass Aomine. The power forward blocked him but that was the least of his problems. Kobori then ran up to the two and created a screen, allowing Kuroko to escape. He then sped down the court, but Aomine had quickly broke pass Kobori and followed Kuroko. The moment they passed Moriyama, Aomine was already in front of him, but Kuroko couldn't help but smile.
He passed the ball behind his back to the shooting guard who caught with ease. Going into his irregular shooting form, he then shot the ball.
Wakamatsu then retrieved the ball, and passed it to Imayoshi. The point guard bounced the ball until he reached the centre circle, and then he passed it Aomine. Kuroko was ready to block the ace, but swiftly, Aomine dashed away from Kuroko, the blond chasing after him. But when they reached into the free throw circle, he stopped when Kobori blocked him.
"No foul, Kobori!" Kasamatsu shouted upon realizing what would happen. But it was too late. The centre bumped into Aomine, but that was the very least. Aomine still made the shot.
"Basket counts! One free throw!" the referee announced.
"Shit." Kuroko mumbled, placing his thumb in his mouth. The audience erupted, more so, Touou's supporters.
"Sorry," Kobori said to Kasamatsu. He looked sad as well.
"Don't worry about it. Get ready for the next play." Kasamatsu cheered him up. Kuroko then walked over to them with Moriyama and Hayakawa, and then he high-fived Kobori.
"Good block, Kobori-senpai." Kuroko said. "It's only sad that he made the shot."
Aomine then made his free throw, raising Touou's points to eighteen.
Kobori then grabbed the ball and passed it to Kasamatsu who then passed it to Kuroko. As soon as he got the ball, Aomine reached in front of him.
"You still don't get it." Imayoshi said to Kasamatsu. "Your Kise-kun is good at copying people but that's it. It's the biggest reason Kise-kun can't win. He doesn't have his own weapon."
Kasamatsu laughed out loud and shook his head. Remembering the camp, Kasamatsu knows that for a fact, but because he's in Kuroko's body, he's seen instances where Kise is completely original. And then there's Kuroko. Not only is he original to the point of being unpredictable, he's a hard worker.
"You have no idea who he is." Kasamatsu said. "Sure Kise copies people but that's the least." Kasamatsu then looked at Kuroko. "His weapons are far lethal than anyone could think of."
"Huh?"
The moment he said this, he saw Kuroko inhale and then exhale. Kuroko then shifted to the left and then to right, and then when he reached on his left again, he made a drive to the basket. The ball was in his right hand, so the moment he brought it down; he passed it behind him to Moriyama who ran pass.
Aomine was surprised. In this moment of distraction, Kuroko slipped pass to retrieve the ball from Moriyama. He continued towards the net, while Moriyama got into position. However, Aomine caught him back quickly, and since Aomine was behind him, he stopped and passed the ball through their legs into Kobori's waiting arms. The centre then passed it to Moriyama who sank a three.
Everyone except Kaijou was surprised. Up in the audience, Seirin gasped in shock.
"A pass between two pairs of feet?! How is that possible!?" Kagami shouted. "He doesn't even have Izuki-senpai's eagle eyes to do that!"
"He's Tetsucchi, remember?" Kise said. "A passing specialist. I don't think there's a pass that Tetsucchi cannot do."
"You knew he could do that?" Hyuuga asked.
"Nope, it's the first I'm seeing something like that."
The crowd roused up again, seeing Aomine with the ball, but the strange thing was that, 'Kise' was nowhere near him. Kobori blocked his path, but that was when Kuroko jogged towards him. He stood behind the ace, but Aomine didn't mind.
"Double teaming me?" he said. "Have you lost your mind, Kise? This can't ―" he broke off when he felt the weight of the ball disappear from him hand.
Kasamatsu.
Because Kobori and 'Kise' were blocking his view, Kasamatsu was able to steal the ball without him realizing. Quickly, the captain did a baseball pass to Hayakawa who then passed the ball to Moriyama. Once more, the shooting guard landed a perfect three. Every time he made his shot; he looked to the west side, hoping that the 'super cute girl' he saw was watching him being awesome.
"Nice Senpai!" Kuroko said when they were heading back.
"Of course, she's watching." He said proudly.
"Kuroko, aren't you going to call for a time-out?" Kobori asked. He knows that around this time, Kuroko usually does that, so he thought this was another case.
"Not this time, Kobori-senpai. But…" he trailed off. "…you'll hear everything at half-time."
The two teams continued their bout, shots were being made; Moriyama and Kasamatsu sunk threes often, Kuroko making layups and dunking occasionally. Kobori kept up his good defense, Hayakawa awaiting rebounds.
For Touou, Aomine mostly had the ball, so he made most of the shots. Imayoshi constantly blocked Kasamatsu; Sakurai was blocked tightly by Kobori so he couldn't make his threes. Susa had Moriyama while Wakamatsu had no marker.
The game went on like that until the end of the second quarter, Kaijou on 34 while Touou was on 30.
【 The second quarter is over. There is a ten minute intermission. 】
The two teams made their way to their changing rooms, and without hitch, Kuroko started.
"So far, everything is going fine. But if we don't prepare ourselves, we're screwed." He said. Everyone nodded. "We can take this up a notch. For this quarter, Kasamatsu-senpai and I will get the ball around. Steals and fast passes. Moriyama-senpai, get ready to sink as much threes as possible, Hayakawa-senpai we're counting on you for rebounds."
"Yeah!"
"In the middle of the third quarter, we'll increase our speed, but what is more, I'll try to copy Aomine-kun." Of course, the regulars know this isn't completely impossible.
"Can you do that Kise?" Takeuchi asked.
"Not fully. But their manager is going to predict this. However, I may be able to copy some things from Aomine-kun, that's why at that time, Kasamatsu-senpai, you should be close to me. Hayakawa-senpai, be ready under the net because I'm pretty sure that my copied shots won't go in. Also, Kobori-senpai, you'll be subbed out for Nakamura-senpai."
"I got it." Kobori nodded.
"Sure." Nakamura responded.
"But how long will it take to copy his moves?" Shinohara asked.
"I already have some of it down." Kuroko answered. "For the ones that he'll bring out, maybe until the fourth quarter."
"Shit," Matsumoto said.
"Don't worry, if everything goes according to plan, we'll win this." Kuroko said with determination. "I'll make sure of it." He then got up and asked, "Can I go outside for a bit?"
"Yeah, just come back soon."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kuroko leaned on the railing, enjoying the cool breeze. He wanted to clear his head to remember all that Kise had taught him about Aomine. Strangely, he doesn't feel nervous anymore, and actually he couldn't wait to get back into the game. If everything goes to plan, then we'll win. He thought with a smile.
"Aren't you happy?" he heard a voice say.
"Of course," he answered. He knew the voice anywhere. "Why wouldn't I be Ryou-kun?"
Kise shrugged his shoulders. Kuroko then asked, "So, what are you doing here?"
"We went to buy drinks but I lost the others and they lost me, so I just wandered until I ended up out here."
"Oh." Kuroko noticed the oversized jacket but said nothing. It was his anyway.
Kise then smirked. "I'm glad I did."
"Really?"
"I take it that the second half is going to be a lot more intense than the first?" Kise went closer to Kuroko and leaned on the railing beside him.
"Yes, after all, we have yet to increase our speed. Kasamatsu-senpai and I have yet to do our combo and such. Plus, my plan is only beginning." Kuroko smiled. "But even if a wrench is thrown, I can work around it."
"Exactly," Kise nodded. "As long as you don't give up anything could happen."
"I'll do my best," he then chuckled.
"What is it?"
"I'm realizing that my body is short."
"Tsch, just by talking to you, my neck hurts." Kise countered with a pout. Kuroko then bent his knees so that he'll be on Kise's level.
"Is that better?" he asked.
He didn't receive an answer, instead; he felt Kise's lips on his lips. Being unable to keep his balance, Kuroko pulled Kise into an embrace and then stood up, still holding the shorter boy firm. Kise then snaked his arms around Kuroko's neck and upon realizing that he was tipping, Kuroko pulled Kise upwards and off the ground. He then placed him on the railing to sit, all while not breaking the kiss. The two seemed to be lost in their own world, not even caring if people spot them. Luckily, none did.
Just then, they heard a ringtone, which caused them to stop. Both blushed furiously, Kuroko turning away his head while Kise fished his pocket for the phone. When he saw the caller I.D, he swore.
"It's Coach," he said.
"Yeah, I probably have to get back too." Kuroko smiled. Kise then took a few steps and then Kuroko said, "I'll definitely win this match."
The shorter boy then spun on his heel and dashed to Kuroko, grabbing his shirt and pulling him downwards, giving him a quick kiss on his lips. "You better." He purred.
Hearing Kise's voice like that, Kuroko got goosebumps. The former blond then dashed off, hoping to avoid the wrath of Riko. Kuroko then followed, remembering that he had a match to finish.
Thank you for reading! Don't forget to review! Next: the second half!