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Guest – Hikigaya on zone? Let's see

Arbitrary Escape – To be honest, I didn't anticipate this question to be asked. I was thinking that the year would be like 2016 in this fic although I personally prefer the older generation of the NBA since I grew up in a time where the best players of the late 1990s and the early 2000s were the thing. But to be clear, I don't hate Stephen Curry hehe.

Agasar – Uhm, thanks for reading, I guess(?)

Adis – Sorry if it looked a bit ooc

"Kagami-kun, aren't you finished?"

"Kuroko, shut up, will you? It's not like I can cook all of these in a fast pace."

"Oi, Bakagami, hurry up! I'm starving. In fact, we're all hungry!"

"Ahomine, maybe I shouldn't cook for you at all!"

"Kagamicchi, you're so slow. Hurry up!"

"You too, Kise! Shut up!"

"Hmph. An idiot, after all, can't really cook effectively…"

"I don't want to hear it from you!"

"Kag-achin, hurry up or I'll crush you…"

"Why can't you all wait, you bastard Miracles?!"

"Kagami, you only have less than an hour. More than that, you're effectively banned from joining the Olympic team."

"Bwahh!"

Currently, all the former Teiko players, including Hazaki who is getting furious right now, were all gathered in the area near the kitchen where they all bullied a shocked Kagami Taiga to cook. The redhead power forward of Seirin, at first, was thinking that he might be invited to practice with them but to his dismay (and growing anger towards Kuroko and Akashi especially), he was ordered to go to the kitchen to start cooking what was the peace offering to the Taichi family, who was a bit flabbergasted at the development of the events. When he asked Kuroko how it ended up like this, the Phantom Sixth Man replied that Akashi isn't in the mood (or rather, he just don't feel like it) to cook for the family and that caused the Seirin ace to almost punching his fellow redhead if it wasn't for the swift actions of Kise and Midorima, who was able to pin him down.

But aside from the hot-headed power forward, it also seemed that Haizaki was close to getting reckless because he didn't like at all what he was being told to do. First, he was told by Akashi to go to the supermarket by himself since he had "forgotten" to tell one of his bodyguards to buy the ingredients and stuff that they need. Second, he was ordered by Akashi again to clean the whole living room and this almost set him off if it wasn't for the fact that one of Akashi's bodyguards pointed a gun at him. Third (and for him, the worst), he was ordered by Akashi again to serve them all cold drinks and desserts. This made him think that Akashi was merely doing this to make his life even more miserable as he saw the smug grin in Kise's face though he didn't do anything because inwardly, he still had that innate fear for their former Teiko captain—something that was only surpassed by another former Teiko captain of theirs.

"Neh, Akashi-san, you don't have to be that mean…" Yuigahama muttered as she and Yukinoshita all watched the rest of the Generation of Miracles wait in the dining table after doing their assigned tasks such as preparing the incense to be used in blessing the house, some printed documents, and the Rakuzan and Teiko jerseys that would be prepared for the two remaining brothers in the Taichi household. Komachi surprisingly declined to go with them although she did ask Yukinoshita to watch after her older brother.

"Yuigahama, shhh. Akashi wouldn't appreciate you butting in…" Kiyoshi tried to warn the loudmouth Yuigahama but it was too late. The Rakuzan captain heard her and promptly said. "Yuigahama-san, maybe you would like to join Haizaki here in cleaning the bathroom."

Yuigahama tensed up as she quickly replied. "No, why do you have to say such things?!"

Akashi didn't reply to her as he didn't find her worth replying. He then scans his eyes towards Hikigaya, who was busy drinking his usual can of MAX coffee. "Hikigaya, you still that favourite beverage of yours."

"That's why it's a favourite." Hikigaya shrugged as he continued slurping in his canned drink. "After eating, shall we proceed to the cemetery or we'll have to do it here?"

"We'll walk to the cemetery." Akashi explained as he stands up. "We have to show that we're sincere in changing for the better."

Hikigaya merely nodded as Yukinoshita just kept fiddling her fingers. Strangely enough, she hadn't said a single word ever since entering into the large house of the Taichi family.

After thirty more minutes, Kagami finally managed to finish cooking as he had laid out the dishes and desserts for everyone to consume. Some dishes included miso soup, oden, nikujaga, sukiyaki, ramen, tonkatsu, and sekihan (red rice), which is served in a large pot. Kagami also made a three large apple pie for everyone as he was very much aware of Aomine's and Murasakibara's voracious appetite.

"Oi, everyone! The food is ready so get your asses up and be ready to feel up your tummy." The redhead yelled as it looks like he was finally relieved of his duties, "Oi, Akashi, can I eat with you now since I'm the one who cooked all of these?"

"Very well, Kagami Taiga." Akashi nodded as he gave him his approval. "Let's start to eat as well. "Everyone, let's all eat now."

As Akashi was busy aiding the mother of the late Taichi Hironori to the table, Kiyoshi then walked with his late teammate's two younger brothers as everyone was now sitting on the large and wide dining table. All of the Generation of Miracles were in on side of the table while the parents were on the two opposite ends. The two Sobu girls, Kiyoshi, Kagami and the two Taichi brothers sat on the other side of the table.

After everyone had grace, they started to eat peacefully and to Yukinoshita, she was glad that for once in this day, there is no tension nor bickering that everyone has felt when Akashi was busy terrorizing Haizaki and Kagami although for the bickering part, it sounded quite ironic considering she didn't do anything for the day other than criticizing Hikigaya, who was busy giving some tips, albeit twisted, on the youngest of the Taichi brothers on how to go faster in a fast break situation.

"Aomine." Akashi suddenly called out as the tanned ace was busy eating his food. "May I borrow your phone for a minute? It won't take long."

Not wanting to die young out of mere disobedience, Aomine readily agreed to hand over his phone without any questions while the rest pretended that they didn't notice anything even though Hikigaya was clearly looking at the redhead with a slight sense of curiosity. It's slightly surprising that Akashi didn't even bring his phone. But on the other hand, even if he does forget to bring it, he knew that everyone of us would bring ours so in the end…that Akashi still shows that he's the most superior of all of us. The rotten-eyed boy sighed as their captain began to furiously scribble a message before returning it to the tanned ace.

"Akashi, what was that all about?" Midorima finally broke the silence that was beginning to deafen the whole area.

"Some business in May the first, Midorima." Akashi replied cryptically as the Shutoku ace simply nodded and continued eating his food.

"Oi! Akashi! I'm done!" A sweating Haizaki suddenly appeared in the kitchen as he was clutching as mop that he used to clean the tiles of the bathroom. "If you mind, I'll eat now—"

"Hold your horse, Haizaki. I haven't said anything yet." Akashi ordered him to stay still in his place. "If you're done, stay in the balcony and you eat there since you still had to cut the grasses in front though it would be a much lighter job. Oh and before you say anything, someone will bring you food there so leave from our line of sight now." Haizaki then went outside of the dining room stomping while saying "Fuck you, Akashi!" as he then opens the door and slams it shut.

Yukinoshita and Yuigahama can hardly believe what they were witnessing as Akashi continued to eat as if nothing happened. But since it's Haizaki, the rest of the Generation of Miracles acted as if they didn't care while Kuroko remained blank. "Yuigahama-san…" The redhead Emperor suddenly mouthed off, leaving Yuigahama to almost choke in her food in surprise. "Since you were acting so worried to Haizaki, perhaps it won't be that much if you deliver him his food?"

"Huh? But…" Yuigahama tried to protest.

Akashi merely responded by giving her a wide smile which had a different meaning for those who played with him at Teiko Middle School. Hikigaya can only glare in silence at Akashi, whose smile shattered whatever resistance is left in the peppy girl's heart and immediately stood up to get the food that was specifically prepared to the braided player of Fukuda Sogo Academy.

"Akashi, what was that?"

The redhead turned his head towards where Yukinoshita is seating as the latter questioned what he did.

"What do you mean, Yukinoshita? If you mean about Yuigahama-san delivering Haizaki's food, I don't see what's the problem."

"That's not the problem." Yukinoshita's blue eyes turned icy as the atmosphere's temperature suddenly went down that everyone felt it. "The problem is how you asked her to do it. You don't have to scare off her like that."

C-Can someone stop this?! Kise mentally shrieked as no one from the Generation of Miracles even dared to move as Kagami decided to stay out of this. He didn't want to die so early nor does Kiyoshi want as while the Taichi family began to watch them with worry.

"Yukinoshita, it seems that you are misinterpreting how I do things." Akashi merely explained calmly as he rests his head in his hands. "For your information, I only ask her to deliver Haizaki's food and I believe she should do it because the two of you didn't actually do anything significant for today."

Yukinoshita bit her lip, realizing that Akashi was actually right and tried to make a comeback if it wasn't for a sudden sound that was accompanied by what seemed to be a shattering of glass. Everyone then turned to the source of the sound and they all ended up glancing at Hikigaya, who looked as if he was expecting them to turn to him. In his feet were shards of his drinking mug which were unfortunately owned by the family.

"Oops. It suddenly slipped in my hand." Hikigaya nonchalantly said. "I guess I should say sorry then."

Thank you for saving me from more embarrassment, Hachiman. Yukinoshita thought as the tension between her and Akashi rapidly disappeared while the mother in the family quickly moved in to clean up the mess.

The rest of the day went on quickly. After the incident at the house of the Taichi family, the former Teiko crew, the students of Sobu, Kagami, Kiyoshi, the Taichi brothers, and the latter's parents all walked back to the cemetery where Taichi Hironori's remains are interred and to make up for what looks like to be a unproductive day, Yuigahama volunteered to recite the Shinto prayers for the dead as Yukinoshita lights up the incense. Together, they all recite in unison:

A life has ended, with the passing of a friend,
the memories of times, have come to an end,
their threads wove the fabric of an earlier day.

A life has ended, with the passing of a friend,
sunrises and sunsets, bright days and dark nights
circled again and again, and gave context to this life,
moment after moment, their life was lived each day.

A life has ended, with the passing of a friend,
lives have been touched by the dear one's journey,
laughter, tears, hopes, fears, a life has come to an end
memories hold their spirit alive, in my own life.

A life has ended, with the passing of a friend,
the loss of future moments, that will not be,
grateful for moments shared, that nourished me,
moments lived, in casual belief, they would never end.

A part of me has ended, with the passing of a friend,
be they gone from the earthly plane, their spirit soars,
to renew again, in summerland, heaven or another life,
I know not where, but their love remains with me,
for in this life, we friends, did share.

I miss my friend, but they will always be near, inside
of me, inside you, and all who took time to hear,
the music of this life so dear, a life now silent,
living only in the memory, of those who survive.

After that, they all trekked their journey back to the house as the Service Club finally fulfilled the request of Kiyoshi Teppei, who seemed to be satisfied with it as he bade goodbye since he had to go back home to his sickly grandparents.

But it wasn't the end of the day for the rest of those who were left behind despite the afternoon sun now setting down.

That was the main point as the Taichi family offered all of those who were left behind to just rest and spend the whole night in their household. Since Kise quickly mouthed off an "Oh, that means this is a sleep-together party?" phrase before Hikigaya or Akashi could object, the latter nodded, albeit irritated, and the rest of people there agreed as to not make it too awkward for the blonde. The two girls were ushered in a room that had two beds and an air-conditioning unit while the rest of the boys had to content themselves with sleeping mats in another room which barely had any furniture.

As the night wore on and the clock has struck eight, Yukinoshita excused herself from her roommate, who is busy texting with her friends from their class, and she went outside the house as she felt she needed fresh air. This day has been tiring with Yuigahama-san and Hachiman. But honestly, I can't say this is the last time I would be surprised if I meet another basketball player whom Hachiman knows. Wait, I can't let him know how much I like him…for now…

The pale beauty then walked randomly around the proximity of the house and she would have gone astray if it wasn't for the fact the she had heard the sounds of what looks like a ball being dribbled a bit rough. She wanted to ignore it but for some reasons, she was being enamored by the sound. Was it because my clubmate likes basketball too?

She walked slowly and stealthily as to not be heard and she was quite surprised to see a street basketball court nearby the house of the Taichi household. Why she hadn't notice it this morning, she didn't care much as she was more interested to the one who is dribbling the ball.

"Damn it. What would have Allen Iverson done in this kind of situation?"

Yukinoshita's ear twitched as she heard another familiar public figure coming from the mouth of Hikigaya, who is right now to too immersed in his self-practice of basketball that he didn't even noticed the Ice Queen come near the court. The teenage girl would have said something insulting again from her spot if it wasn't for a hand that came out from somewhere.

"No, Yukinoshita. It won't be good if you disrupt him now."

"A-Akashi…"

The Service Club president's blue orbs noticed the mop of light red hair appearing in her line of sight as Akashi's right hand landed in Yukinoshita's left shoulder in order to catch the attention of the startled female teenager. As they both watch Hikigaya practicing what looks like to be a quick spin move in the shaded area of the basket, Yukinoshita suddenly said something.

"It's unlikely for him to practice this much, considering Hikilazy-kun's attitude." The girl said, trying to sound as mocking as possible. "He even once said to me that he would become a househusband once we graduate…"

"Hmmm. I don't think you haven't known him deeper at all, I guess." Akashi replied, causing Yukinoshita to look at the Rakuzan emperor with surprise. "But before I say anything else, let's go somewhere else so Hikigaya can practice peacefully. While we're walking, I'll be giving you a short lecture about Hikigaya's true ability."

Hearing Akashi's words, Yukinoshita can't bring herself to say no to the offer of the redheaded captain of Rakuzan and together, they began to randomly walk around the neighbourhood as they are enjoying the starry nights powdering the tranquil heavens. It wasn't long before they got by a nearby convenience store and they bought drinks for themselves. Akashi purchased two bottles of Powerade sports drink while Yukinoshita bought a can of coffee.

As they walk back, Akashi began to speak.

"Yukinoshita, are you familiar with 90s and early 2000s basketball?"

"No, Akashi. I'm not even that much versed with today's NBA. Perhaps, I heard about Michael Jordan…"

"Everyone has heard of him." Akashi chuckled as he began to drink his drink. "Hikigaya once told Kuroko that he prefers older players to current players. Did he even share to you who are his all-time top ten?"

"No…" Yukinoshita admitted bitterly. "I only know he likes Wade…"

"Aside from Wade, he had always followed guys like Iverson, Steve Francis, a younger Ray Allen, Kobe in his prime, Stephon Marbury in his younger days as well, Penny Hardaway…" Akashi began to recount. "I recall the other three but I think these first seven are more important. Tell me, what is the common denominator with them?"

Yukinoshita looks lost.

Akashi liked the expression he is seeing on her face. "They're all dominant ball-handlers and you can say Hikigaya used to chase them to polish his own style. Even when he was younger, he was always alone and bullied so he had no choice but to play all by himself and ironically, that's the reason why he had become good. And he did that by watching old school tapes and other older streetball players he always sees in the street."

"I don't follow…"

"In any fields in life, whether it is sports, jobs, or careers, the first step is always copying others." Akashi sighed as he had already emptied his bottle. "Copying is what started a genius and we're no exemption to that. Along the way, you will observe and copy the styles of many people. You will pick up some styles. And sooner, you will find some styles that is most comfortable to you, and incorporate it into your own style…" He paused, swinging the bottle before throwing it backwards into a trashcan—and stunningly going in. "It had been so long. I myself had almost forgotten that I used to copy other people too. But frankly, Hikigaya had faced a lot of battles on his own in the rough streetcourts that it was no surprise that he got to be accelerated to the first string in Teiko at our first year."

Yukinoshita wasn't sure if this was just God playing with her.

"Yukinoshita, have you heard of Hachimura Rui?"

"Akashi, I already told you that I'm not—"

"So you haven't heard?" Akashi confirmed it. "He's the first Japanese player to be selected in the first round in the NBA Draft. At this point, Hikigaya is desperately making up for the three years he had wasted but someday, he'll surpass Hachimura and if he's serious, the players he used to chase…"

This made the Sobu Ice Queen stop all of the sudden, "What do you mean, Akashi? Just tell it to me straight."

"I've given a lot of hints, Yukinoshita." Akashi smiled as they realized they were back in the house. "Guess it yourself."

Yukinoshita pouted secretly.

"Oh, and just for trivia. Aside from MAX coffee, Hikigaya used to drink lots of these. And keep in mind these two people. Nijimura Shuzo-san and Ogiwara Shigehiro-kun." Akashi motioned at the Powerade that he was holding as he leaves behind the stunned Ice Queen.

"R-Really?"

For the last two weeks of April, the days went by a flash. It looks like Hikigaya seemed to have developed some sort of a routine after that night with the Taichi household. In the morning before the sun is out, he (and sometimes, Komachi, who was surprised that his onii-chan would even dare to go out of the house to do recreational activity) would go out for his morning jogs and return after an hour and a half. Then, he'd take a shower and brush his teeth. After his shower, he would put on Sobu's uniform and pack his gym bag and then head downstairs for breakfast. Breakfast for Komachi was hell, as Hikigaya had become a monstrous eater for some reason and he had eaten everything her younger sister cooked, except for tomatoes. At 7:45 on the dot, he would leave for Sobu High School with Komachi, who is always riding in her older brother's bicycle.

School was another routine. He would enter through the gates and would be 'harassed' (that's what he feels) by Yuigahama, who always came on school in the same time as his and they would go together at their room while Komachi goes to hers. Inside the room, it was just the same as Hikigaya would silently sat in his chair and would either sleep or listen to his sounds while Yuigahama would join Hayama's clique and she would share in their laughers. In other words, that was always the routine.

Except in some certain situations where the school prince of the school had requested something from the school's most hated man.

"Hikitani-kun, I we group with you?"

Hikigaya was taken aback by this sudden request by Hayama in their Physical Education class one time as they are stretching out for some warm-ups.

And to his gladness (and somewhat dismay, considering the circumstances), it was none other than basic basketball.

"Huh? Why?" Hikigaya frowned as he was busy teaching Zaimokuza Yoshiteru how to do a proper layup. "What about that clique of yours? Weren't they supposed to be your team? It's a five-on-five, you know."

"I figured that one of us had to go since we're more than five so I said to them that they can go and form their own team without me." Hayama explained while flashing a smile that Hikigaya didn't obviously enjoy. "Besides, I believe we'll be a good team. We have competed in the Judo competition once, after all."

"Oh…okay…" Hikigaya found himself saying yes to the request of the blonde and he hated himself for it. But as he was about to go into another internal rant on his own, he was approached by another one.

"Hachiman, what about me?"

"T-Totsuka…well…" Hikigaya stuttered as he realized he was locked into the eyes of the androgynous male. "Yes, you can join us."

In the end, it was Hikigaya, Hayama, Zaimokusa, Totsuka and…

"Hikki! Thanks for letting me joint this team!"

Don't drag me down with your airheadednesss, Yuigahama. Hikigaya facepalmed mentally as they were preparing for a game. "By the way, do you all know what a pick-and-roll is?" He asked his jerry-built team, who simply stares blankly at him.

"Hikki, what was that again?"

"Hachiman, is that supposed to be a new term for world domination?"

"Hachiman, what is that?"

"Hikitani-kun, please explain."

Guess I expected too much from them. Hikigaya thought. Before the start of the game, he briefed them on what they should do. During the briefing, coach Atsugi, who was observing them, heard Hikigaya's words and he came to a simple conclusion.

This kid's knows his stuff.

And during the game, he was more than proven to be right.

Hikigaya was running with the ball as Zaimokuza was powering his way into the shaded area of the ring. Hayama was also being blocked so he had three choices: A) Pass it to Yuigahama, which wouldn't sound like a bad idea but he doubt that the tinted-haired girl can make a three-point shot when he observed that she can barely make a ten-feet shot. B) Pass it to Totsuka although he looked like he wasn't even ready to receive the ball. C) Shoot it himself. Honestly, I wouldn't be bothered in such situation but…

"Hikki! Pass! Pass! Pass!" Wow, where does Yuigahama gets that unfounded confidence? Hikigaya thought although he made a quick lateral bullet pass to Yuigahama, who was stunned by how the ball smoothly went into her hands. Quickly, she entered into her shooting mode.

Idiot! You're five feet from the three point line. Get inside the perimeter—

Unfortunately for Hikigaya, Yuigahama shot the ball anyway in an awkward form and the ball ended up hitting the backboard instead.

"Ehhhh?!" Yuigahama was disappointed.

Fortunately, Zaimokuza was able to get the rebound. "Gya! Zaimokuza Crusher!" He shouted as he easily pushes around his smaller counterpart while getting the board before passing it over head to Hikigaya, who decided to shoot a deep three pointer of his own. Yuigahama, I'll show you something nice, instead. He thought as he releases the ball and his shot ended up swishing thought the net while barely grazing the metal.

"Woah! Hikitani-kun's actually leading the team with 20 points?!" Tobe was astonished as it seemed he had completely forgotten his one-on-one with Kagami Taiga just two months back. "And that's his third three-pointer!" The score was 33 – 18, in favour of Hikigaya's five.

As the team runs back to defense, Hikigaya then said. "I'll only feed the ball to your perfect spots from now on. Hayama, Zaimokuza, get ready. You too, Totsuka."

"Eh? What about me, Hikki?! You barely passed to me even when I'm free." Yuigahama asked.

"No one is defending you because you can barely do anything even if you have the ball." Hikigaya gave his blunt answer.

"Hikki! So mean!"

For the rest of the game, Hikigaya was merely assisting although the way he set up and passed the ball caught the attention of Atsugi. He's the perfect point guard. Was the only thing he can think as he threw a no-look alley-oop pass to Hayama, who shot the ball with ease.

In the end, Hikigaya's team ended up winning at 55 – 22 and even if Hikigaya was the sole reason why the team ended up winning, the girls in their class still fawned over Hayato as he shined in the last moments of the game even if this was because the rotten-eyed boy chose to pass the ball more.

Not that Hikigaya minded.

"Hachiman, the way you pass is so perfect. It's like you know how to mix the right rhythm." Totsuka said as they were taking a breather.

"Y-Yeah…"

"Hikki! I only had two point because you barely passed the ball to me!" Yuigahama complained.

"Huh? Be happy that you actually managed to score. I was actually surprised you did." Hikigaya shrugged as he drinks a can of MAX coffee. He ended up having to deal with the tantrums of the tinted-haired girl.

Time at the Service Club room is much more normal. Hikigaya and Yuigahama would come together in the clubroom where they would spot Yukinoshita and Komachi already preparing hot tea. As usual, Hikigaya would seat in a nearby chair and would read his light novels though sometimes, he would also watch a couple of NBA highlights. There was also a moment when Momoi called him one day and it ended up becoming a public viewing event for the three girls in the Service Club. Hikigaya didn't mind it although it did chipped his heart a little when Yukinoshita claimed that it might be too much for him to speak to someone in a proper manner.

Seriously, when will you stop insulting me, Ice Queen?!

It was already May 1 and it was a sunny week for people going to school or work.

Nijimura Shuzo rubbed his bruised cheekbone and grimaced against the pain. It just wasn't his day. It hadn't been for a few days, in fact. It seemed like just one thing after another was going wrong. But nevertheless, he looking forward to what he was going to be doing next.

The former Teiko High School captain and power forward had just arrived back from America and with his father, who appears to be on the road to a speedy recovery after having a terminal illness which caused the young man to retire early in Japanese basketball and instead, continue his hoops journey in the US where he can still play the sport he has loved while looking out for his father.

It was also safe to say that he had become stronger due to getting immersed with American basketball as well as gotten some height, as he now stands the same height as a certain tanned ace of Touou High School.

His stomach suddenly grumbled and the sign of a convenience store caught his eye, so he made a detour into it. Anything to stave off the hunger would be nice while waiting for three other people.

He picked a sandwich and an apple, feeling more in the mood for Western-style food. Plus it was easier to eat while he walked. Then he got in line at the check-out. There was only one person in front of him, but there seemed to be some slight commotion or problem, and Nijimura couldn't help but overhear.

"You're three yen short, sir." The female cashier said to the other customer, who was a very tall man with chestnut hair and a build that seemed familiar to the raven. He's probably the same height as Kise in high school.

"It's just three yen. Uhm…can I Pay it back when I have money tomorrow?"

"I'm sorry sir but I can't let you do that. It's against store policy."

"But it's just three yen! Come on now!"

"Here…" Nijimura sighed as he stepped forward, putting some money down on the counter.

"Dude, thanks a lot man!" The other customer said, and Nijimura saw his face and realized with some surprise that despite his height, he wasn't much, if at all, older than Nijimura himself was. Than it clicked to him.

"Yo, are you Ogiwara Shigehiro?" Nijimura asked. "Not only had I encountered you from the past but apparently, Akashi…"

"Yeah, I know." Ogiwara cut him off. "I'm that guy. Wait a minute…are you Nijimura Shuzo-san? Because for some reason, I received an e-mail yesterday telling that I wait for that guy and two others."

"Then that means I was in the perfect spot." Nijimura said as he offered his hand. "I'm that guy and it seemed we're sought for the same reason."

"Yeah. It makes me feel much secure in this place." Ogiwara smiled as they sat in a nearby table. "So you're Kuroko's and Hikigaya's former captain before Akashi, right?"

"Yeah. Feels like I'm old, to be honest." Nijimura smiled as he takes a bite in his sandwich. "By the way, I heard that Hikigaya made a basketball comeback attempt this year from Akashi. He stopped playing mid-way in their second year and that's the last time I heard from him."

"Woah, really?" Ogiwara felt like he received the best good news he had for the year. "Then I can't wait to play him head-on! By the way, who are we waiting for? I forgot their names."

"Two uncrowned kings in Kiyoshi Teppei and Hayama Kotaro." Nijimura replied. "I had a suspicion on what all of this is about."

"Hey!"

"Guys!"

The two seated males turned around to the source of the voice and was glad that the two other guys they are waiting had arrived. The blonde-haired Hayama was wearing his Rakuzan shorts and a black shirt with his basketball shoes while the Iron Heart was wearing jogging pants and a red shirt. Both of them are carrying duffel bags.

"So you just came on time?" Nijimura grinned. "How's your leg, Kiyoshi? Does it feel some pain?"

"I don't feel pain anymore." Kiyoshi smiled. "Thanks to stem cell treatment that I received, it feels like my knees didn't even burst. By the way, is that Ogiwara Shigehiro?"

"Yep, that's me, Kiyoshi-san." Ogiwara confirmed.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go now!" Hayama said cheerfully as they began to walk.

As they wait for the next train to stop, Ogiwara then asked. "Hey, where are we exactly going?"

"We're going to Sobu High School in Chiba." Kiyoshi replied as a bullet train quickly appears and they hopped in in hopes of getting to their destination much earlier.

Sneak Peak: To call it a reunion is some sort of an understatement. It was like a family torn apart and reunited again as Ogiwara and Hikigaya finally saw each other for the first time since three years back. Of course, Yukinoshita, not wanting to be left behind this festivity, wanted some answers immediately from Ogiwara. And she wanted it right now.