Another day, another chapter.

Big thanks to...

LeoInuyuka - I'D LOVE TO SEE HIM SING, TOO! Haha. It'd be so awesome! And I loved the moment as well where Mia's dad was all like "NO WAY! NOT MY BABY GIRL!" Glad you liked it!, ksbKipper1998 - I'm happy you enjoyed it!, Lavynya - We'll see if she even succeeds at that, haha., Savage Kill - Bake me some, too. Sssh, your family doesn't need to know about it...just press it through the screen., LuzElvaParra17 - I'm glad you love these two! I hope you'll continue to enjoy it!, princess thieves of heart - I'm happy you like her parents!, Kyoichi Amaya - It's sweet to hear that Mia's is a relatable character. I'm glad you enjoy it. And chibi-no-baka - I'm happy you like it!

I'm so damn late, sorry about that. But I'm really busy and tomorrow will be the party...however. I am afraid I won't be able to update tomorrow. There is much to prepare because a lot of friends will come. [Around 30 people] And I'll be busy the whole day.

It throws my schedule back yet again, sorry Karen. And you too wonderful readers. I hope you'll forgive me because I, at least, tried to write a long chapter for you guys here. With fluff. And Winter Cup hints. And Kuroko. And Aomine. And Mia. And stuff. Stuff and Things.

Thank you for all the lovely follows, favorites and reviews!

I repeat. Tomorrow there won't be an update!

DAY ONE HUNDRED FOURTY FIVE

"Oh, it's so great to have you here, Mi-chan!"

Satsuki grasped her hand and smiled brightly as she swung them back and forth on their way towards the gym of another high school. The orange-head watched her friend amused as she went on and on about the team they would be playing against, telling her details about names she didn't know. But she listened nevertheless because the pink haired girl was very proud of her work.

"It's only a practice match, but we've to warm up as well. The first Winter Cup match is coming up." Satsuki continued as they stepped into the gym. "I already asked the coach, too. You can sit on the bench with me and watch."

"Thanks..." Mia replied sheepishly. "And it's really okay for me to tag along?"

"Of course." This time it was Imayoshi who answered; his slender form appeared beside the girls as he smiled at them impishly. "We're always glad to have you around, Nidori-san."

He pushed his glasses against his face with two fingers, his attention landing onto the team they'd be fighting against. Josei High, if Mia recalled the name correctly. Their team's uniform differed a lot from theirs. The colors were bright, sandy yellow which clashed against the black and red she knew so well. But as they noticed the visitors they quickly moved towards their own coach as well.

Satsuki gave the girl's hand a squeeze before she went to talk with the coach of the other team. A little clueless the orange-head chose to follow Tōō Academy's basketball team. Trailing after the tall boys like a lost puppy until they stopped in front of a bench. It was an object which had been obviously prepared for them.

Mia sat down on it while the basketball player placed their bags onto the ground at her feet. All the attention lay on the bubbly girl in the distance who gestured and nodded to whatever the older man said. It didn't take long before she turned around to them, a thumbs up showing the success of whatever discussion she had.

"Right." The captain breathed. "We'll go change then, just wait here, Nidori-san."

"Okay."

Her gaze traveled after the group of teenagers who disappeared through a door not far away, Sakurai was the last one she saw before a heavy weight fell down next to her. It made her jump in surprise, her startled body quickly twisting to her side where Aomine had sat down without saying a word.

"Wha...don't you have to change as well?"

"I won't play." The blue haired teen replied gruffly.

Mia furrowed her brow, remembering faintly that he had mentioned something like that a week ago as well. Although she couldn't believe that he really didn't intend to play at all.

"But why not?"

"They're not worth it." His heavy gaze stared off into the distance, glaring absent-minded into the direction of the other team while the girl beside him still watched him quietly.

"How do you know? They could be strong, right?"

"It'd be boring if I played."

Sighing heavily even she realized that this was a lost cause. If there something the orange haired girl couldn't come to terms with, it was that. His expression which hardened into a cold glare when he talked about other players like that, about the sport he knew so much about...it was not comparable to the way he grinned and laughed when the two of them were playing it. Even if she was anything but a challenge to him, he still seemed to enjoy to play basketball.

Except...when it was a real game of some sort.

Mia glanced at her lap where she cradled her bag close to her chest. She had told him that somewhere out there would a real challenge awaiting him...if only she could make sure of that. Her thoughts kept her busy for a while until Satsuki joined them, oblivious to what they had talked about before.

"Mi-chan, do you have still time after this match?"

"I, I guess. Yeah, I do - why?"

The basketball club manager started to smile cheekily as she tapped her fingers against the clapboard in her hands.

"I saw something on our way here...a little treat for the team."

Basketball was scary.

And amazing.

Mia had never thought that the basketball team of their school was so strong. Well, yeah, they did make it to the second place in the InterHigh tournament. But today had been the first time she had seen them playing for real. And it had been merely a practice match.

The ball flew fast from one side to another, the teenagers running after it before they quickly rushed past the defense of their opponents. Everything was fast. Calculated. Even Sakurai. The shy classmate who could barely speak a whole sentence without apologizing about something was...was amazing. Mia didn't trust her own eyes as she saw him throw the ball - he stood so far away! - but he hit the hoop easily. Making three points with a single flick of his wrists.

But was it really a good game?

Aomine stood true to his words and didn't join. But even without the lazy teen their school's team was unbelievable good.

"170...to 39..." The orange-head mumbled quietly to herself.

Even if she didn't know that much about the sport like the other teenagers she hung out with right now did, she knew that this wasn't normal. The gap between the scores of the teams was huge. The girl had seen it in the faces of their opponent how they couldn't believe the result either.

Mia found herself sighing, swinging the plastic bag in her hand back and forth with the drinks she had bought for the boys. The Onsen really was a good idea but the orange-head wasn't really fond of the nearly boiling water and the knowledge of sharing an open bath with a handful of strangers. Even if Satsuki was with her there...some Japanese stuff wasn't really her thing.

The girl stepped into the public establishment, greeting the old lady behind the counter who had told her ten minutes ago where she could find the convenience store. Now she only had to find a good spot where she could relax until the basketball players were finished with the bath.

"Sorry, do you know where I can get a Pocari?"

Mia blinked surprised at the stranger who had approached her in the hallway, his height forcing her to crane her neck. A movement she had come used to over the weeks. But she hadn't expected to recognize the sharp features and dark red hair of the guy who must be around her age. Her eyes widened softly as she pointed a finger at him.

"Oh, I know you."

"Heh?"

"Uh, sorry." The orange-head laughed slightly flustered. "I mean, I saw you. You were participating in the street basketball competition at Green Heaven Park, right?"

His confusion melted away as he remembered the event as well, a grin brightening his face.

"Yeah, I did."

The world must be so small, her mind hushed. Nanami had said that he was a student of Seirin High, the very high school Satsuki had been at in summer after her fight with Aomine. It was hard to believe that Mia now stood right in front of one of its students. A possible basketball player as well, he had been taking part in the small tournament in summer after all.

"Ah, Pocari, right?" Mia rummaged through her plastic bag, pulling the popular sports drink out of it. "They were on sale, you can have one."

"For real?" He asked baffled, accepting the gift slightly hesitant. "Thanks. My friend nearly fainted in there."

The girl grinned up at him. "No problem, your jumps were amazing, you know?"

His grin grew in size, his ego obviously growing thanks to the unexpected compliment. But it didn't strike her as arrogant though. More giddy like he was nothing but a too big child, proud that someone noticed his skills. Slowly he pointed towards the direction he came from, his other hand stuffed into the pocket of his pants.

"Got to go back to him now though. Don't want him to kick the bucket while I'm gone."

Mia's gaze followed his gesture, her inner voice reminding her that it was the corridor which leaded towards the lockers and waiting area she had wanted to look up anyway. Holding onto the plastic bag with both hands she glanced at the tall student in front of her, smiling lightly up at him as she shrugged with her shoulders.

"I need to go into that direction, too."

The tall guy nodded walking down the hallway with a slow pace which was polite enough for her to follow. He glimpsed at her over his broad shoulder, the red colored orbs observing her for a second as if he tried to recall her from anywhere. Maybe he tried to remember if he saw her in the audience from the street basketball competition.

"I'm Kagami Taiga, by the way."

Mia bowed ever so softly; just as uncertain as he was how to act in a situation like this as a pair of strangers.

"Nidori Mia."

The student, who had introduced himself, stared at her in bewilderment before he looked forward again. A little unsettling reaction...but the orange-head had already accepted that it was the end of an unusual encounter with a friendly stranger. That is before Kagami suddenly quickened his pace as he saw something in the distance. The girl believed it was merely his friend he had talked about earlier but as she saw the familiar blue haired teen, her eyes widened.

Was he approaching Aomine?

Her feet felt suddenly a bit heavy as she dragged herself further forward. It looked like they knew each other, but the air felt thick and tense as she closed in on the teenagers who were talking to another about something she couldn't exactly hear.

Aomine scoffed at the red haired guy, his lips moving as he glared at him. But as his deep navy orbs looked past his broad stature they softened. Her tall classmate had seen her in the middle of the hallway, her steps had become slower and slower until it felt like she barely moved forward at all.

"Nidori."

Kagami turned around and eyed her once more with a look of disbelief. What had happened? As she hadn't told the red haired guy her name he was all friendly and stuff, now he stared at her as if she was some sort of exotic creature...

"Uh, I was buying drinks for the team...?" Mia mumbled as she finally reached her classmate. And only as she stood beside him she saw another person she hadn't noticed before.

Who were these people if Aomine knew them...? Some old friends from his middle school as well?

"Tch, did Imayoshi force you to?"

"What? No. Stupid, I just wanted to do something nice." The girl argued weakly. "...do you know each other?"

The blue haired teen glanced back towards the other two boys, the tension immediately returning.

"Their first Winter Cup opponent is us."

Mia blinked at the other two a bit puzzled, the guy who had introduced himself as Kagami and his friend who was actually only a bit taller than she was. An unusual sight after she had grown used to always craning her neck to look at the other person. If Nanami had been right about her guess, then they'd play against Seirin High. The school Satsuki's and Aomine's friend attended.

The quiet boy in front of her started smiling softly.

"Sorry, Kagami-kun...to be honest I just thought 'Yes!' when I heard that."

The red haired teen started grinning as he glanced at his friend, his one hand reached out to hit his shoulder. "What're you saying, dumbass? Of course everyone thought the same thing." Kagami narrowed his gaze at Aomine, the grin slowly forming a victorious smirk. "There's nothing bad about repaying our debt quickly."

Mia found herself standing in between two chocking energies, the heavy glares above her head nearly exploding thanks to their intensity until the basketball player beside her laughed weakly.

"Alright, bring it on."

With that Aomine turned away, slandering down the hallway she had come from to probably go outside. The orange-head was glued to the spot because it felt like she had invaded something she shouldn't have. Some part of Aomine's life she still hadn't heard about or understood. And as if the pale boy could hear her mind running in circles, he chose to speak up.

"You're Nidori-san, right?"

Startled she blinked towards the teen whose pale colored hair fitted his more or less calm expression.

"Uh, yeah? My, my name is Nidori Mia."

The stranger suddenly bowed down. "Thank you for looking after, Aomine-kun."

"H-huh?"

"I appreciate it."

"Why? What? Who..." It finally dawned upon her and Mia pointed at him with her free hand. "You're 'Tetsu-kun'?"

"Kuroko Tetsuya, to be exact."

No way. That was the guy Satsuki couldn't shut up about? The orange haired girl couldn't help but feel confused. The way the beautiful basketball club manager had talked about him nonstop made her imagine some inhuman, amazing, strong guy. Like Kise or something. But Kuroko looked so strangely normal...how did he know about her anywa- right. Satsuki. Mia groaned quietly in her head. That bubbly girl should never be trusted with a secret; she would definitely spill the beans one way or another.

"I'm afraid I don't know much..." She confessed.

It was as if she had left the cinema for an hour and missed a big part of the plot. But her thoughts were stopped as her mobile phone went off, signaling the arrival of a new message. No doubt of the very teen who had left a few seconds ago. Mia's eyes scanned the display of the small device, shutting it as she stared at the Seirin students in front of her.

"...maybe we'll see us again? I got to go now..." Carefully the orange-head bowed her head. "Good luck at the Winter Cup." As Mia realized, however, how wrong it could sound she hastily looked up. Adding a, "I mean it."

Kuroko nodded, the ghost of a smile crawling onto his face. The girl had probably never left a place faster when she had there, her walk resembling an awkward half-run without really running. But it all was just so weird and hard to grasp, that was the very boy Satsuki went on and on about. The same boy Aomine had mentioned as if he had been a good friend. But the atmosphere from before had been so painful and tension-filled.

'The only one who can beat me, is me.'

Mia had always known that the blue haired teen meant that. The way he didn't even play against others he deemed too weak. How disinterested he became whenever a tournament or match was involved. The orange-head finally reached the entry area, greeting once more the old lady who probably already wondered why she was always running back and forth. Nevertheless she decided to step outside, her dark eyes searching for the certain basketball player who sat down on a bench not far away.

With a huff she approached him. Aomine had stretched out his long legs, his arms resting on the back of the bench while he stared into the starry night sky.

"Kuroko-san is your friend, isn't he?"

Aomine didn't react. His blank stare was still searching for something in the wide sky while Mia started to fidget on the spot in front of him. Helplessly she played with the plastic bag, the rustling sound the only thing she heard next to her own breathing. He didn't want to talk? Fine, she didn't need to know everything, she mused.

Bravely she sat down next to him, setting the bag aside as she tried to look up as well. The back of her head bumped into his arm he still had draped over the back of the bench, but instead of retreating she took a deep breath. Slowly she leaned back, abusing his limb as a pillow - which was actually pretty comfy; to be honest - while Aomine didn't flinch in the slightest.

"You ever tried counting stars?" Mia wondered out loud.

The teenager next to her finally reacted, his arm shifting slightly until her body slid to the side, bumping into him. The orange haired girl was forced to move a bit, getting a bit more comfortable as her form tried to fit against his. Her head leaning against the crook of his neck and shoulder where she could get a better look at the night sky above them. Was she dying inside? Yes. Was she going to move away?

No.

Her face flushed as she could feel the heat his body gave off. A comfortable sensation against the cold autumn air, even more because her whole back was pressed against his side in this position...she didn't even have to see his face. That saved her a lot of embarrassment.

"Who in the hell counts stars?"

She could feel his throat vibrate with his voice, the back of her head and upper neck felt the movement of his vocal chords with every word he spoke. It made it only more and more clear how close they were right now...and how far away the world around them seemed to be as their eyes were watching the thousands lights above their heads.

Mia's fingers played with another in her lap. Helpless, because they itched to reach out for his hand once more. But the girl didn't find the courage do that which forced her to settle down with what she had. Her classmate had easily avoided the topic of the boy inside. And the girl didn't want to but in just like that in things she wasn't part of...but she'd lie if she wasn't curious.

"It probably sounds really cheesy, but I do listen if you want to talk."

She could hear him sigh. His body relaxing further into the bench as his arm fell from the back of the bench into her lap, pulling her body closer to his own one. As if her hands had only waited for the opportunity they reached for his hand. Cherishing the warmth they offered as their fingers easily intertwined with another. Without hesitation. Without a word. As if it was natural.

Aomine laughed beneath his breath. "Your fingers are freezing."

"It's cold." Mia muttered nearly sulking.

The tall teenager run with his thumb over her cold knuckles, the movement small and light but strong enough to make the heart of the girl shudder. She was actually afraid of saying something, anything which could destroy the surreal moment. Her heart was thumping loudly in her chest, her eyes still staring up into the clear sky in hope the greatness of the endless view would help her in any way.

"We kinda...were best friends in middle school." Aomine explained gruffly. "We never really got along...except in basketball. We always, always got along best when we played together."

Mia hummed quietly in return.

"But...stuff happened. Much. I never lost; those fucking morons didn't even try to fight against me anymore." His voice sunk an octave; she could literally feel his muscles tense as he remembered easily what had happened. "And now he suddenly appears, after he had already lost. Telling me he'll win with that ape and their stupid team."

"And now you're the first opponents in the Winter Cup?" She asked carefully.

"Yeah...I'm going to crush him there. He's seriously starting to piss me off."

Mia frowned at that. But in the end she sighed. "At least that means you're going to face him right from the start. That's good."

Aomine snorted, his blue eyes still clinging to the starry sky above them. "What's so good about that."

"It's called respect, Ahomine. Your ego is too big for your own head. I bet..." She lifted her free hand, pointing towards a bright star in the distance. "...I bet it could reach that star there."

The blue haired teen actually started to grin at that, his tense muscles finally relaxing once more as he settled back to get more comfortable. It was unbelievable easy for him to calm down again, his annoyance vanishing with the cool breeze which tugged and pulled at their hair and clothes.

"Oh, really?"

"Totally."

Aomine let his head roll to the side. The side of his face resting against her soft hair as he let his thumb brush against her knuckles once more.

"...Mia."

The orange-head became quiet for a second. The little beating mess in her ribcage squeezed itself at the sound of his deep voice so close to her ear. Her guts were boiling; twisting strangely as she slowly laid her arm back onto her lap which had reached for the sky before. She had wanted to take these stupid feelings into her grave, and right now it looked like she'd get a heart attack thanks to him. Her heart was close to bursting out of her chest and he wasn't even really trying.

"...yeah?"

"I'm going to win against them."

Mia's eyes dropped. Was it horrible of her to wish for the opposite? Kuroko was his friend...and if anyone could knock him off the high cloud he had crawled upon...then maybe even Aomine would find once more joy in the sport he definitely loved so much.

"We'll see." She mumbled.

"What was that?"

The girl smiled despite herself.

"Nothing."