Aomine Daiki couldn't believe it.
It seemed like it was just yesterday when he was doing drills in the Teikou courts. Now, he was in the center of a jam-packed arena. The crowd was loudly cheering and celebrating.
They had won.
Aomine wasn't sure who 'they' were exactly, but he did see his teal-haired friend with him at the court, and was pumping his fist up in rejoice. Looking at one side, he recognized their opponents as foreigners. Americans, maybe. Two of them, each having gold and silver hair, seemed awfully familiar, however.
Weird.
Hell – they resembled the characters he has created in the basketball video game, which he just played last night.
Hold on. Last night?
.
.
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Ring.
.
.
.
It was his phone, which kept on ringing, that woke up the navy blue-haired boy from his bizarre dream. He felt like he has seen the future or some crap.
Without peeking his phone to check who's calling him at this hour – he didn't need to do that to know who, anyways – he answered the call, "Wha– "
"Dai-chan! You should wake up now."
Her high-pitched voice was usually enough to annoy him and eventually force him to spring out from his bed; but it didn't work this day. Shuddering at the extra chilly breeze of this February morning, the comforts of his bed tempted him to go back to sleep. Also, he wanted to continue his crazy yet awesome dream, and to know what happened and how he won that match.
"Five more minutes. Then 'ya can come and wake me up again."
"No. I already left the house. It's Iro-chan's birthday, so I have to drop by somewhere to buy her a gift."
What.
"Anyway, I forgot my notebook. Could you please get it for me? It's inside my desk's drawer. It's the green one with leaves. NOT the plain green one, got it? Thanks! Don't be late, okay? See you~"
"Oi Sat– "
The date flashed on his phone screen.
February 20.
With a groan, he got up and prepared for school – forgetting his dream in the process. He proceeded to go to his childhood friend's house, which was just across the street. Inside her room, he did what he was told and opened the drawer – only to find two green notebooks among the few notebooks. Titting his head, he wondered which green notebook was it. In his still-sleepy state earlier, the words 'green' 'leaves' and 'plain' mixed in his mind. Irritated and too lazy, he simply cursed and tossed both notebooks in his bag – clueless about a certain photo hidden in between the pages of the plain green notebook.
The tanned teen was the third one to arrive in the gym. The bespectacled shooter was already stretching, while the purple giant was eating chips.
"'Sup", he greeted, to which he received a nod and a muffled 'morning' from each of them, respectively.
"Good morning Aomine-kun."
Jolting in surprise, he gazed down at his right and met skylike orbs, "Damn it, Tetsu."
"I've been here stretching", the other deadpanned.
Guess that makes him the fourth to arrive then.
"Captain Nijimura and Akashi-kun ordered us to start stretching. They just got something", Kuroko monotonously added.
Correction - sixth.
"You're not with Momoi-san today?"
"Ah. Satsuki left first 'cause she's gonna buy Irosuzuka a birthday gift.", he informed before scoffing, "I still arrived earlier than her, though."
Despite the generally blank expression of the shorter guy, Aomine could hear a faint knowing tone in the former's voice, "I see. So it's Irosuzuka-san's birthday. I believe that explains why Midorima-kun brought two items today. Am I correct, Midorima-kun? I recall you giving me my lucky item last month during my birthday too."
Mister-four-eyes paused in his stretching and gestured to the objects next to him, "Hmph. Pisces is ranked third today, while cancer is ranked fifth. Thus, this dice is Irosuzuka's lucky item for the day. Mine is this orange foldable umbrella."
He had stated it like it's the most obvious thing, but Aomine just couldn't understand him.
A cheery voice from the gym's main entrance interrupted his thoughts, "Morning, everyone!"
"Oi Satsuki, what took you so long? I brought two green notebooks, 'cause I forgot which."
With this, he swiftly took out the notebooks, faced her, and carelessly waved both of them in the air.
"Aomine-kun, something fell", he heard Kuroko utter.
When he saw his friend's eyes grow larger in fear, "Tetsu-kun! Don't– ", he peeked to his side – only to see his usually-stoic buddy stare at something on his hand – shocked and maybe, intrigued too – he wasn't sure.
"Ha? Gimme that."
Curious as hell, he held both notebooks on one hand and grabbed the thing with the other. While doing so, Momoi rushed, snatched both notebooks, and tried tackling him from the side; but thanks to his athletic built and reflexes, he effortlessly raised the thing up.
"Give it back to me, Ahomine!"
He finally recognized it as a photograph. But of what?
"The fuck is this Satsuki?"
And that's when he saw red and white. Wait.
.
.
.
"Oh, it's Aka-chin and Iro-chin."
After the center lazily announced that, the shooting guard accusingly inquired the manager, "Momoi, why do you have a picture of Akashi and–"
"Picture? What is this picture of mine, you're all talking about?"
Well, shit.
All of them quickly snapped their heads back towards the source of the cool voice – the very person in the picture. To make things worse, their senior was there too, with his signature scowl.
"Oi, oi, you brats. That better not be some stupid crap", Nijimura threatened, while tightening the lid of his water bottle.
The second-year motioned to Aomine, "Hand it over", to which the latter obliged. Once the other two laid their eyes on the photo, however, both of their eyes slowly widened.
"Uh– I can explain!", the culprit behind all this blurted out. With her cheeks the same shade as her hair, she explained, "That was sometime last year. It was before practice and I was tasked to find Akashi-kun, who was tasked to find Iro-chan. I found them, then I don't know what happened exactly but they ended up like that...and I don't know why I took a photo but...yeah.."
"Ah", one of the subjects of the photo began with his default calm expression back. The colorful bunch focused on the person under the spotlight, who didn't appear fazed.
"I remember now. I found Irosuzuka talking to one of her friends. Naturally, I reminded her of practice. However, when she realized she was late, she panicked – causing her to trip, unfortunately. Therefore, Momoi, what you have witnessed was a mere accident. It does not mean anything at all. It's a trivial matter we shouldn't spend our time worrying about. "
Oh.
That sure was a lengthy explanation for simple shit. In other words,
"So it's just Satsuki being a creep."
That comment earned him a glare from the girl. She carefully retrieved the photo from the captain, then bowed, "I understand. I'm so sorry Akashi-kun!"
Akashi dismissed it with a shake of his head, "You don't have to apologize. It's not a big deal."
Pink met red sincerely, "This is the only copy existing. Uh, I'll throw it away. Or burnt it, if you want! I don't want any silly misunderstandings to happen again."
With both hands on his hips, the first-year ace was ready to stretch, before the young coach arrives. But maybe today wasn't just his day.
"Good morning everyone! I'm sorry I'm late."
When mentioned coach arrived, Aomine noticed that almost all of the others were kinda tense. While the silverhead bowed, Momoi hid the photo between the plain green notebook; and Midorima kept the dice, which he was supposed to give the birthday celebrant, inside his pockets.
What's with the fuss? Akashi already said it's no biggie. Believing that it's only fair to include Irosuzuka in their conversation and let her know about the stupid photo (which she is in, by the way), he called out to her, "Oi Irosu– "
But the captain cut him off, "Yo Irosuzuka!"
The hell is wrong with them.
The sophomore approached the freshman coach; and everyone watched like it's the most interesting show ever. Except Aomine. He's watching everyone, instead, because his instincts somehow allows him to sense this weird mood.
"It's okay. I'll let it slide for now", he heard Nijimura continue.
Among the spectators, the sole female gave the most visible reactions, so his attention stayed there. With peach-like lenses expectant, her hands covered her mouth, when the dark-haired teen spoke, "Because today is special, right?"
Following this, Momoi gasped.
"Happy birthday."
Now, that normal remark made her squeak. Huh. Curiously, he directed his focus on the scene in front of them – only to see Nijimura already walking past Irosuzuka. What exactly did he miss?
"Go and start the training. I'll just get water."
At the captain's words, Aomine's confusion rose to high levels. He just saw the older one tightening the lid of his water bottle earlier, didn't he?
"Water? But he– ack!"
Momoi stomped on his left foot then ran to Irosuzuka, who didn't move an inch.
"The hell Satsuki! Tell her about the pho–ack!"
Kuroko stomped on his right foot, next.
"Fuckin'! Tetsu, you too?!"
The baby-blue-haired bastard even dared to sigh, "Aomine-kun, let's just greet Irosuzuka-san properly."
Kuroko then gestured to Akashi, Midorima and Murasakibara, who started walking towards the ladies. While Momoi was attaching the clip on snow-like hair, the trio greeted the celebrant. In the end, Aomine followed Kuroko and did the same. Afterwards, the vice-captain led the practice, until the girls were done and until the captain got back.
For the rest of the day, Momoi ignored him. At the end of the afternoon training – as if to spite him further or as if it's revenge – she somehow invited Kuroko to go home with her. And the little shit actually accepted.
Aomine jogged towards the school gates, where he saw the two of them, "Wait, Tetsu!"
His training partner paused and faced him, "Sorry, Aomine-kun. I have to be home early tonight. Also, I already promised Momoi-san to go home together."
On the other hand, his childhood friend obviously avoided looking his way; and with a beam, she tugged the other's arm, "Let's go, Tetsu-kun!"
Seriously, these days, the pinkette seemed to be so attached to the boy with hair a lighter shade than his. She always gets excited whenever Kuroko's near.
With a huff, the tan teen watched them offer their goodbyes to the other pair – Nijimura and Irosuszuka – who appeared to be preoccupied in their own bubble, as they walked home together, as well. Scratching the back of his head, he proceeded to go back to the gym and practice – alone.
'Damn that Tetsu'
They were supposed to practice together like usual. They're training buddies! He should've chosen him over her. That traitor.
His annoyance shifted to alert when he heard the sound of basketball and shoes, as he got closer to the gym. While walking towards the gym's entrance, which was partially open, he wondered who could it be. There were two first-year members, aside from him and Kuroko, who stays overtime sometimes; but he did see Midorima heading home earlier. So that means...
A chill run up to his spine, in instinct. Peeking at the slightly opened entrance, his heart almost jumped out of his chest when a pair of ruby eyes caught his.
"Y-yo, Akashi!", he blurted out with an awkward grin, then swiftly slipped inside the gym.
The vice-captain nodded in acknowledgment, before asking, "Kuroko's not training with you tonight?"
He looked away, "A-ah no", then scratched the back of his head, "That idiot Satsuki dragged him with her. I swear, she's doing it to fucking annoy me."
Irritation crept into him again that he started complaining, along with hand movements to emphasize his frustration, "Tch. Seriously, I don't get it. Is she mad because of the picture and crap? It ain't my fault she's a damn creep. I mean – you even said it's not a big fucking deal, so what the hell is her problem?"
His dark blue orbs moved to spot red again, "That picture doesn't mean shit, right Akashi?"
Promptly, Akashi's gaze shifted to the ball on his hands, "Yes."
The shorter teen, subsequently, moved to a shooting stance and attempted a three. The ball circled around the rim for a few seconds before successfully going through the hoop.
Huh.
Suddenly, it clicked to the navy-blue haired athlete that he had just ranted to fucking Akashi Seijuuro, of all people. Hell – he hasn't really talked much to the guy, except when the topic is about basketball. Also, what the fuck – did he just say something wrong? All he did was re-confirm that what happened in the morning was nothing and Akashi reaffirmed it just now; so why is there a weird tension in the air and why does his instincts tell him he messed up somewhere?
What's up with everyone today?
Inwardly groaning in frustration, he decided to focus in doing drills, instead. Thinking too much makes his head hurt, anyways. After clearing his throat, he announced to his current companion – who's still doing three-pointers, "Uh, guess I'll take this side of the court, then."
When he didn't get any response from the redhead, he proceeded to get a ball, rush to the hoop and dunk. While dribbling the ball, he thought how he preferred Midorima to be here instead. If it was the emerald-haired guy, he would probably get a 'Tsk, just make sure not to bother me', in return. The shooting guard could be sassy as fuck, but at least he reacts, unlike mister-perfect right here. Honestly, it's always fun watching the reaction of the oha-asa freak, whenever he teases him about the other's obsession with those ridiculous lucky items. It's better than this deafening silence. Damn, that was poetic.
Now, don't get him wrong. He has nothing against the dude – no, really – but Akashi's just – well, Akashi. He appears to be reserved, focused, calculating and flawless all the time; it makes Aomine feel dumb (and sometimes, it creeps him out too). But, he's also a great and reliable teammate; and in Aomine Daiki logic, people who like basketball can't be that bad.
Moreover, Aomine admits that he's not the smartest person out there, but if there's one thing that Aomine was certain about, it's that his instincts are usually on point. And currently, his instincts are screaming at him to fix whatever crap he has messed up. He still couldn't figure out what he did, but the faster he can play ball without stress, the better. Also, this session's awkward, as hell, that he can't focus on his drills.
For starters, he's a basketball junkie – no doubt; and if Akashi's here, then it makes sense that he's a basketball junkie too, right? So what's the best solution to this?
Simple.
A basketball match.
Holy shit, he could be a genius when needed to.
"Akashi", he excitedly called out; yet when ruby irises stared back at him, he wanted to abort his plan.
Ah, fuck it.
Right now, he's itching to play more than anything else. Not to mention, it's his first singles game against Akashi. Hyped up by this opportunity, he went on with his offer, "Let's play a one-on-one. Race to 10. What'ya think, man? You game?"
The other blinked once, then approached him with a small smile on his face, "Very well. I accept your challenge, Aomine."
In response, the tan kid grinned back, "Dude, just fucking say yes", and passed the ball to him.
Swiftly, the point guard dribbled the ball and tried to break through for a shot. Unfortunately, the power forward was quick enough to effortlessly steal the ball, then successfully do a freestyle shot.
Getting the first point, Aomine went offensive and squinted at the smaller teen in front of him, "Oi Akashi, don't go easy. Man, I swear I'll hit you if you do, okay?"
Again, Akashi didn't respond. But, as soon as the taller boy attempted to go past him, he went in for a steal, then ran towards the hoop and did a lay-up – earning him a point, as well.
Next, the vice-captain began dribbling. Now, how he handled the ball was amazing that it caught the first-year ace off guard. He rapidly moved for a block, but his opponent already landed another lay-up.
Aomine: 1 ; Akashi: 2
As if his own careless mistake didn't piss Aomine off enough, the redhead slowly walked back to him with his usual neutral expression, though, Aomine sensed a subtle smug aura around him.
"Would you prefer it if I went back to 'going easy', Aomine?"
Aomine snorted.
What the fuck.
Akashi, that fucker. Who knew that smartass jerk could trash talk?
After catching the ball passed to him, he immediately went for a drive.
"Nah bro. Watch this", the forward said, before dunking the ball in – putting their score to a tie.
The rest of the match went by smoothly – no awkwardness; just two middle-school basketball players having fun. Aomine had no other thoughts, except winning. By the time they were tied at 7, the ace was so pumped up – determined to consecutively get the remaining 3 points and win this. He's now on defense, so to do that, he's gonna make an awesome steal first.
.
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Ring.
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.
"Damn", he hissed while passing the ball, "Don't mind that. It's prolly Satsuki. Let's finish this."
The one on offensive, however, did nothing but hold the ball. Although his face typically didn't show anything, he has this hyper-aware tone, "Then, all the more reason for you to answer the call, wouldn't you agree?"
"Ha?"
Seeing him like this reminded him of Kuroko. Could those two be long-lost twins or brothers or something?
With his phone continuously ringing and with scarlet lenses silently fixed on him, he could only roll his own, "Fine. If I don't know any better, I'd think you're just scared to lose."
He heard the other slightly chuckle behind him, as he picked up the phone.
"Wha– "
"Daiki!"
Oh crap, it's his mom.
"Mom, why– "
"Where are you? Are you on your way home? Is Satsuki-chan with you?"
"Nope, I'm still in school. She went ahead, though."
"What? Hurry up and go home!"
"But–"
"It's snowing, you basketball idiot! What're you gonna do if it gets heavier, huh? Go home now, okay?"
And without even letting him finish his sentences, she hung up. Fuckin' déjà vu.
"I regret to say this, Aomine, but I believe we have to postpone this for another time."
"I ain't bailing out if that's what 'ya think", he countered with a frown, as he snapped towards the source of the serene and clever voice – because of course, the genius middle-schooler doesn't need to hear their conversation on the phone to figure out stuff.
Shutting his lids while running his hand to his hair, he groaned, "Ugh. You know how moms could be annoying."
Recollecting his mother's words, his eyes shot open – missing whatever look Akashi briefly had. He immediately jogged outside, instantly feeling the biting cold and watching the white droplets contrast his tan.
Jaw dropping, he yelled, "Woah! It really is snowing!"
When he heard no reply, he turned around and saw the other kid join him, with his palms opened up. Now, that was an ordinary gesture. However, Akashi's unreadable (most likely gloomy, his guts guessed) expression, while watching snowflakes fall to his hands, caused Aomine's glee to fade – suddenly reminded of who his companion is in this snowy night.
And just like that, the awkwardness was back.
Why can't Akashi normally act like his age – their age; and get excited in the snow? Things would be much easier that way. Heck – he was enjoying the match earlier, right? So, what's with this shift in mood? Guess, basketball really is the only thing they could bond in.
To add to his discomfort, he was beginning to shiver and feel the snow dropping more frequently.
Great.
How was he supposed to go home, now? His mom would nag at him again. If only his pinkhead neighbor were here. She always has an umbrella with her. Wait, Midorima even brought that ridiculously-orange umbrella today. Curse his luck. Why is this happening to him today?
"It appears that this is turning to be a rather heavy snowfall."
That statement made him look back at Akashi, who was already staring at him, as if he had just creepily read his mind. In instinct, he stiffened up – sensing something about to occur.
.
.
.
"Would you perhaps need a ride home, Aomine?"
Oh god, why.
A/N:
Hi everyone!
I totally had fun writing this chapter, in Aomine's perspective. This is for all Dai-chan fans out there! How was it? Did you guys feel the suffering of our certified basketball dork? (Sorry Dai-chan~ lol) BTW, if y'all wanna go back, the photograph mentioned is from Chapter 11 (Ch. 9 to Ch. 11 for more context).
Next, this is for all of us – who wished to see more Aomine and Akashi interactions, and to watch an Aomine VS Akashi match! T-T With that said, I want to know who y'all think would win? This has been a long-time debate, and we all need answers. Sadly, I couldn't solve it here, as well (lol) But, hey, maybe you guys have some opinions to share :) I'll be so happy to read them!
Anyway, thanks to the faves and follows!
To the guest, who reviewed, hello! I'm glad you stumbled on this fic of mine :) It's good to hear you're liking the story and the interactions of Nijimura and Tsumiko. Thanks! ;A; There might be more next chapter ;) so, stay tuned~
