"Fuyu-chin is my favorite."
—Murasakibara Atsushi

The Empress | Chapter 27

The basketball camp was beautiful, or perhaps luxurious is the word to describe it. The camp itself was surrounded by forest while in the heart of the forest were the basketball courts. Most of them were outdoors with high fancy borders separating one court from another. The borders ensured that people on the benches can see what's happening inside the courts. Inside one of the buildings, there were also indoor courts in case of sudden rain. The indoor courts were even better with AC running and polished wooden floors. Onto the side, there were bottles of water and snacks protected by metal bars.

The building next to the indoor courts was the dormitory. Everyone was assigned rooms of four. Each room consisted of two bunk beds with enough space for two desks and other necessities, which were all shared. Thankfully, the rooms were right next to one another in a long hallway so the trip wasn't long if someone wanted to visit another.

The camp also had professional chefs that cooked all three meals of the day and special desserts for them. There was also a large lounge where a lot of high-schoolers resided when they wanted to take a break from basketball. The lounge consisted of a large TV off to the side with couches surrounding it. There was a table tennis station off to the side and numerous board games stacked one atop of another. There was also a bistro/café open for when they weren't starving but wanted a light snack. Murasakibara especially loved this place.

On top of all that, the camp even had an onsen, training/workout room, a large pool, and an underground skating rink.

It couldn't get any better than this, the basketball players decided.

Day one of the camp was used for settling in for the players and becoming familiar with the camp. However, on day two inside the luxurious basketball camp, they heard multiple speakers around the field asking all the players to gather in court 5.

Once most of them gathered, the males weren't surprised to see Aida and Momoi standing on the plank with the head coach and Aida Kagetora. The two girls were granted special permission to be volunteers inside the camp as they were still students while the rest of the coaches and managers of the high schools chose to stay behind to enjoy their summer break.

Coach Omura scanned his eyes over all the players in front of him, "Everyone, please form groups of three for some practice matches." Hearing the sudden chattering between players who looked serious, Omura continued, "This is not a serious game so play as you wish."

The high-schoolers formed their teams quickly. Unknown to most of them, there were many cameras around the courts to monitor the games.

However, the game that Omura was most interested in was the one between Akashi-Kuroko-Aomine team versus Kise-Midorima-Murasakibara team.

Seeing the powerful teams, the other basketball players wanted to see how their games would play out. However, they were quickly asked to enter different courts team-by-teams.

"We're on the same team, Tetsu," Aomine smirked.

"You're right," Kuroko responded, his usual deadpan face much softer.

"We won't lose," Kise said with excitement.

Murasakibara lazily drawled, "You won't beat me, Akachin."

"Or me," Midorima added.

Akashi smiled, "I accept your challenge."

Momoi, who was one of the volunteers, held the basketball in her hands and approached the teams, "We're playing three-on-three but we'll play full-court like it's a five-man team. Each game is ten minutes, okay?"

The three on each side looked at one another with competitive eyes.

"Now let's tip." Momoi quickly threw the ball in the air.

Murasakibara, using his height to the advantage, immediately snatched it from Aomine's reach and passed it to Midorima, who shot a 3-pointer in the basket from where he stood.

"Hey, Midorima." Aomine looked ticked off, "Don't finish the play with a single shot."

"Yeah, that wouldn't be a game." Kise agreed.

"Fools. Whoever strikes first wins." The green-haired male said, his tone portrayed his all-knowing nature.

Kuroko and Akashi smiled seeing the Tsundere hasn't changed one bit.

Aomine dribbled the ball as he ran to the basket, "Tch," he saw Murasakibara on defense. With quick thinking, he passed the giant and got ready for a dunk

"No, you don't." Murasakibara slapped the ball out of Aomine's hand.

"Not bad." Aomine started chasing as soon as his feet landed on the ground.

Kise received the ball, dribbling it past Kuroko, and passed, "Midorimacchi."

Midorima caught it, positioning himself for a 3-pointer shot. However, Akashi was quick to defend as he jumped to block the attack. Midorima's eyes widened, startled before he passed to Kise.

The blond was surprised, caught off-guard even, 'Midorimacchi passed?'

"What are you doing?" The green-haired male questioned, "Hurry up and make the shot."

Without a second thought, Kise dribbled closer to the net and dunked the ball.

"Not bad, Midorima." Akashi smiled at the male.

"I don't have any intention of losing."

Kuroko looked to Akashi, "They're already beating us."

"Don't worry," The captain said, slowly dribbling the ball at a walking pace. Kise and Midorima looked ready to block the shorter male. However, was surprised when Akashi suddenly passed to Kise. Except it was actually aimed at Kuroko, who shot his Ignite Pass to Aomine, who then grabbed it and dunked.

"Nice pass, Tetsu," The tanned male jogged to the Phantom.

"Thanks." The two bumped their fists.

Momoi, who stood off to the side, was emotional as she watched them. There were tears on the corner of her eyes as his cheeks flushed with joy, "Tetsu-kun, Dai-chan." She was glad she came to the camp as a volunteer. 'Thank you Frei-chan!' The beauty was like their very own guardian angel.

"You won't beat me!" Kise dribbled the ball.

"No, you don't!" Aomine tried to block him. However, the model passed him skillfully and scored from the side.

"Yeah!" he winked, showing a thumbs up to Aomine.

"That was amazing." The tanned male complimented in response.

Akashi paused, "Oh?" before passing to Kuroko when Kise tried to steal the ball. Once Akashi passed Kise, Kuroko threw the ball back. However, when the redhead saw Midorima and Murasakibara in front of him, he passed the ball back to Kuroko, who Ignite Passed back to him when Akashi was in a more secure location on the court. Akashi shot, resulting in another score.

"Making plays is more fun with a player like you on the team," Akashi said smiling at Kuroko.

In response, there was a small smile lingering on Kuroko's lips.

They continued playing for a while before changing teams again.

Kise sighed with disappointment, "I'm not on Kurokocchi's team again."

"Whaaat? I have to play with Midochin again?" The childish giant whined.

"We drew lots," Kuroko said, amused.

"Let's get game two started."

The new game started. The former Generation of Miracles wasn't as serious during their practice match as they were all having fun exchanging scores.

Momoi watched from the bench with palms on her cheeks. She couldn't help but smile remembering how similar the scene was to their Teiko Middle School days. Tears started to drip from her eyes again as she continued to smile while looking down at her feet.

The pinkette was surprised when the ball rolled to her feet.

"You're in, Momoi."

She looked up in shock, "Me? Are you sure?" She asked hesitantly. Momoi was supposed to observe them so she wasn't sure. However, with one look at Akashi then Coach Kagetora, who nodded in response, she was less hesitant.

"Of course," Akashi said, "Everyone's waiting."

True to his words, the other five were standing while looking at her expectantly.

"Join us, Momoi-san."

"Momocchi, hurry up."

"I won't hold back just because you're my manager."

Momoi stood up with a wide smile, "You can at least go a little easy on me." she wiped a stray tear from her eye then ran to them with the ball in hand.

"All right!" she held up the ball with excitement.

Akashi watched the group with a smile and looked towards the sky. "I'm looking forward to this camp."

Once the games ended, the sky was dusk. By then, most of the other teams had already gone inside the building. However, Seirin, Himuro, Takao, and Kasamatsu stayed behind to see the match between Generation of Miracles. They were all currently sitting on the benches to watch.

Takao whistled, "As expected of them."

Kagami's eyes glowed with excitement; just watching them got his blood pumping.

The rest of them agreed with the Hawk-Eyed player. The Generations of Miracles were still as strong as ever. But that only made the bystanders more determined to beat the infamous players.

Inside the court, "Isn't Akashi the only one who didn't lose?" Aomine complained. The match was concluded as they walked over to the benches, seeing the familiar faces.

Momoi sat on the bench while the others surrounded her. Mostly because their belongings were there.

"Is that right?"

"You always get the best deal for yourself," Kise added.

"It may be a game, but it's still irritating." Midorima.

Murasakibara was squatting down, "I'm hungry." he complained, "When is Fuyu-chin coming?"

Takao perked up, "Frei-chan is coming here?"

"Fuyu-chin said she would bring me more Nerunerunerune candy."

Kasamatsu flushed; every time he thought of the girl, the image of her kissing Too Gakuen's manager appeared. Most of Seirin and Sakurai also reacted to her name due to similar reasons.

"Is that so." Akashi's smile was gone. 'Did she now...'

If not for their first meeting, Akashi would have assumed the beauty is not aware of her status as his fiancee. She disregarded him so many times that the captain wondered if she forgot. The beauty seems far more interested in Kuroko or even Murasakibara—he was her boyfriend—than him, which caused him great displeasure. He decided that he was going to question her this time. The captain also didn't appreciate how the girl was using one of his friends for her benefit. Even if everyone was fooled by her, Akashi wasn't; he's able to see right through her perfect smile and polite nature now.

"Well, we can wait for her inside the café," Midorima suggested. The beauty seems to be running late yet the green-haired male had no interest in waiting here with a hangry man-child.

An hour ago in FREI Corp's skating rink.

Fuyuki was done with her practice. Her papa has hired the best skating coach in Russia; Russians were known for their technique in the figure skating world. The new coach was strict, but she felt much more confident in her program now than she previously did. The last coach was always afraid of pushing her as if her papa would take revenge if anything happened to her.

Fuyuki thought that was silly. Her papa only got involved if someone hurts her intentionally, which meant outside the skating rink and the tennis court. Of course, if there was foul play involved, he would act accordingly.

In fact, she fell trying to perfect the quad jumps many times-

I would have perfected it easily.

-but thanks to the harness, she wasn't bruised like usual. It was wise of Haru to choose long-sleeved clothes for the day.

Hearing a soft ding to indicate notification from her phone, Fuyuki wasn't surprised to see it was from her 'boyfriend'.

Fuyu-chin, I want more Nerunerunerune candy.

Even though Fuyuki felt that the male had a sugar problem, she didn't want to get into it. Or more like, she didn't care enough. It was meant to control him, which was working great thus far. Except, she didn't like how he randomly texted her just to demand candy.

Initially, she sent Haru to deliver the candy. However, after receiving a lengthy phone call from the sulky giant, she decided to deliver them herself from then on.

Fuyuki hoped he wasn't interested in her romantically; she was only using him to keep most of the pests away. Then again, the male was far too childish to fall for her, which worked in her favor. At least it was supposed to. Then, he started demanding she spend more time with her or he'll refuse to cooperate.

Fuyuki could easily find someone else to be her pretend boyfriend but based on experience, there were only so many males to choose from. Perhaps the next time someone asks her out, she should just say she's interested in girls-

She immediately scratched out that thought. There were a couple of times fangirls had asked her if she would be interested. Fuyuki didn't want another fake falling for her gentle façade.

There's no way they would like the true 'Yuki'.

Perhaps she should use Akashi. He is one of her fiancés, he was even her papa's favorite thus far. However, he would be much harder to control; she had a strong feeling that he wouldn't agree to be used like that without receiving something more beneficial in return. With that said, that was the Emperor Akashi. After being defeated by Seirin, the original Akashi has returned. The polite, gentleman-like Akashi.

With a sigh, she asked Haru to drive to the closest candy store.

Murasakibara was currently pouting.

Takao, Himuro, and Kagami weren't surprised anymore. At first, he gives away such an intimidating aura yet once they do a double-take, they see the snacks and child-like nature.

"Do you need to buy more snacks, Murasakibara?" Himuro asked his friend as they were all sitting at the round dining table. By them, it was only the Generation of Miracles, Momoi, Takao, Himuro, Kasamatsu, and Kagami. The rest of the players were either sitting at other tables or have gone to the onsen already.

"Fuyu-chin promised to bring me Nerunerunerune candy today." That was a lie as she never promised anything. However, in Murasakibara's mind, she did.

"He's been waiting for Fuyuki-chan for a while." Kuroko provided.

"I see." Himuro certainly didn't miss the way the Phantom called the beauty for her first name, nor the way she acted around Kuroko.

"By the way Kurokoicchi," Kise spoke up with a curious tone, "How did you know Freicchi?"

"Ah," a far-away look appeared in his eyes, "I first saw her three weeks ago." Kuroko had only remembered after a while.

Nigou has been very persistent lately about his walk. The adorable dog was always nipping and barking while spinning around the Phantom when it came to his walk time.

Patting the husky's fluffy head, Kuroko exited his apartment so they could go on the persistent but cute husky's walk.

Wiggling his tail, Nigou started running before Kuroko could attach the lease.

"Nigou!"

Kuroko wasn't sure how long he'd been running for but, by the time Nigou stopped to bark, the male was exhausted; he was always weak when it comes to stamina. Taking in the area where they ran to, it was an empty tennis court.

"Nigou, you can't run off like that..." Kuroko noticed how the husky was sniffing for something. "What's wrong?" The dog barked, running to the other side of the court. "Nigou!" 'Not again...'

This time, Kuroko was able to follow much closer because the distance was short. When he stopped, he saw the husky licking a corpse's face. At least that's what he thought at first. But then, he got a clear look at the body. It was a girl.

Her impossibly long lashes lightly kissed her smooth cheeks with eyes firmly shut. High cheeks bones, cute nose, sharp chin, and red lips looked inviting. Her knee-length, silky locks laid around her petite figure like a shield with small locks framing her slim face. The girl was wearing a deep V red dress that stopped just above her knees, showing off her toned, slim legs and her small feet, which were bare. The dress wrapped rather tightly around her bust, which had red zigzagging strings that held her breasts together. Her slim neck was wrapped in a string of red flowers on the left side and bare shoulders, displaying more of the snow-white complex.

The girl looked to be younger than him, if not his age. Kuroko would have called the police if not for the soft movement of her breathing. The way her chest rose and fell slowly. He noticed her red heels were a few feet away from her unconscious figure.

When Nigou licks became more intense while he barked near her right ear, the girl stirred.

"Karupin?" she questioned softly as she sat up, rubbing her eyes. Her position was almost child-like as she sat up with her legs parted, tucking them under her thighs. Thankfully, he was looking at her from above. Although, he strongly stopped himself from looking at her chest when the strings started to fall apart sloppily.

(The position she's in above - Picure in Wattpad.)

Kuroko wondered if 'Karupin' was her dog. It was a rather strange name. Though not as strange as Nigou.

Being the gentleman Kuroko is, he asked, "Are you okay?" It was unusual, odd for a girl like her to be outside in such a state. Also- why was she sleeping here of all places?

The Shadow was startled when she opened her eyes. He saw bright hazel orbs staring directly at him.

"...not Karupin." Was all she said.

"Karupin?"

Nigou—who didn't like the lack of attention—barked while licking the girl's hand.

She looked at the excited dog and ran her red painted nails gently along with his fur, "Cute." she turned her complete focus on the husky.

After a moment of scratching and patting—much to Nigou's delight—she looked back at Kuroko. "Can Yuki have him?" she asked.

Kuroko wanted to frown.

"Yuki has lots of money." She reached for something—perhaps her purse—beside her hips. "Ah," she paused, "Yuki didn't bring any." she blinked.

The Phantom was reminded of a certain giant; they were similar, both sluggish and child-like. Or perhaps it was because she just woke up.

"Nigou is not for sale."

Although the girl's shoulders slumped, she continued to pat the husky as if to console herself.

"Ojou-sama!" There was a shout.

Kuroko was almost startled; the atmosphere between them was quiet and light before the shout.

"Ojou-sama, where are you?!" The voice repeated. Based on the volume, Kuroko can tell he—sounded like a male—was coming closer.

With one last pat on Nigou's head, the girl stood up, turning towards the direction of the shout. "Haru," she said as if remembering something.

"Ojou-sama!"

With a nod in his direction, the girl walked towards the voice. Nigou whimpered in sadness as they watched her go.

"-and that's how Nigou and I met her."

"So that's why she," Kagami said between shoving food in his mouth, "looked like she knew you."

"We also saw her a few days before Summer Cup," Kuroko added. What was strange to Kuroko was although he never gave her his name, she knew.

"Yuki saw Tetsuya-kun after that too."

"!"

"Whoa!"

"W-Where did you come from?" Midorima asked.

Everyone was startled to see the beauty they were talking about standing behind Kuroko. With her arms locked around the Phantom from behind, her large hazel eyes quickly glanced over them. She looked like a vision with her elegant sheer long-sleeved top and tight tranquil green high-waisted pencil skirt. They were distracted by the sparkling silver earrings that drop down to touch her shoulders when she slightly tilted her head to the side in a curious manner.

Fuyuki thought their reaction was too similar to when Kuroko appears out of nowhere.

"Everyone was invested in the story so Yuki was waiting." The girl responded. Yet she knew Akashi and Midorima noticed her from the beginning.

On cue, Nigou barked, climbing up from Kuroko's lap like a tree to sit on top of his head. The husky proudly barked again as he was almost eye-level with Fuyuki. Kuroko sat up straight in fear of the adorable creature falling.

"Cute." The beauty picked up the husky and ran her fingers through his cared-for fur. She smiled slightly when the friendly dog licked her cheek. "Haha, stop it," she said half-heartedly. She liked animals far more than she liked people.

Too bad this dog chose to ignore his senses.

Seirin players—from a nearby table—blushed at the girly picture. It wasn't often that they saw things like this. After all, their coach was anything but girly. Aida, as if reading their minds, glared at her tablemates.

Momoi also stared at her with wide eyes and blushing cheeks, 'A dog that looks just like Tetsu-kun is licking Frei-chan's face.'

"Fuyu-chin," the man-child whined as he glared at his 'rival'. Nigou just stuck out his tongue to the side in response, before licking her cheek again with a bark.

"He's not seriously..." Kise began.

"...competing with a dog, right?" Kagami ended.

And Murasakibara was. However, Fuyuki didn't want him to throw a tantrum so she motioned for Haru—who they just noticed was a few steps behind her—to bring the box.

"Is that," Murasakibara's eyes narrowed, "cream stew?"

Fuyuki nodded.

Now, although Murasakibara wanted Nerunerunerune candy, he couldn't deny cream stew; it was his all-time favorite dish.

And you said you didn't care.

Momoi, who wanted to talk to the beauty since Summer cup asked, "Frei-chan, what do you mean you saw Tetsu-kun after that?"

When the beauty turned her focus on the manager, Momoi was reminded of her soft lips. She tried not to show it, which failed. Similar to the pinkette, a lot of the high-schoolers were also reminded of the scene as they proceeded to daydream while turned bushing.

Ignorant of this, or perhaps due to avoidance, Fuyuki answered, "Yuki saw Tetsuya-kun at Atsushi's game."

"Ah," there was a look of realization before they exclaimed, "What?!" in shock.

"You were there for our game against Yosen High?" Kagami asked to confirm.

"Of course," Murasakibara cut in, suddenly placing the smaller girl on his lap, his chin on top of her head while Nigou was still in her arms. "Fuyu-chin wouldn't miss my game."

Fuyuki allowed him to hold her; Fuyuki didn't love it but she didn't hate the warmth either. In fact, based on experience, she learned that if she pushed the childish male away, he tends to be difficult.

Why don't you show him who you truly are then? Surely he'll leave you as soon as you do.

Most of them blushed at the two's position; it was intimate. Akashi was not one of them; he wasn't pleased with their closeness.

"Tetsuya-kun was amazing so Yuki remembered him."

Kuroko would have blushed from the flattering if not for his stoic facial expression.

"Is Tetsuya-kun enjoying the camp?" she asked instead.

The Phantom nodded, "It's a good camp."

"Yuki is glad to hear it."

The beauty was so cute with her half-smiles. At least that's what Kise, Aomine, Momoi, and Takao thought at the same time.

"Ojou-sama, it's time." Haru cut in from the side.

"Right," the beauty handed Nigou to Midorima—much to his dismay—since he was right next to Murasakibara. "Yuki has to return."

She wanted to check on Ryoma. Although there was no doubt in her mind that the middle-schooler would win, she liked watching over him.

"Ehhh," Murasakibara tightened his grip under her bust so she can't get up, "Fuyu-chin just got here. And it's almost night out. Maybe Fuyu-chin should spend the night here?" It was more of a demand disguised as a question. Many would probably misunderstand when he says it in such a suggestive manner, but Fuyuki knew better.

She was conflicted; she didn't want to spend the night here but she also didn't want the tall player to know she was staying in the next camp over in case he follows her there. The two camps were surrounded by trees, which also connected them. She knew from experience that the giant had a tendency to follow her around like a puppy when he's dissatisfied.

Seeing as how this was for the best, she decided it wouldn't be the worst if she stayed the night. It wouldn't be too difficult to arrange some space in the girls' room, if only for tonight.

When she said as much—reluctantly, Momoi was especially quick to agree. The pinkette even imagined sharing her bed with her idol.

Fuyuki already missed Ryoma. Yet it hasn't even been 12 hours. How did she survive so long without him so many times before? Perhaps, she's getting worse.

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Edited: Oct 29, 2020