"Who is this?"

Kuroko peered up at the bespectacled teen indifferently, taking note of his posh appearance and courtly tone, despite how rudely the question was phrased. The blunette vaguely remembered how the green-head was the cause of his "abandonment" just a few hours ago.

"His name is Kurokocchi," Kise's voice preceded, ultimately followed by him shrouding Kuroko in an embrace. "And he's my best friend~!" Aomine almost groaned at the blonde's cordial exclamation. Kise was always so childish.

"I am Kuroko Tetsuya. It's a pleasure to meet you Midorima-san," Kuroko announced with a curt bow. Midorima gave him a nod before studying the blonde and navy-head duo. "I presume you learned my name from these two idiots. I assure you that whatever they've said is not true."

"I'm pretty sure our description of you was far from a lie," Aomine replied proffering a condescending smirk. "Why would we be dishonest when talking about one of our greatest friends~?"

The remark induced a chuckle from the blonde. "Don't worry, Midorimacchi~ Kurokocchi thinks very highly of you~" The megane glanced toward the blase teen inquiringly. "Is that so?"

"Don't believe a word they say, Midorima-san. Aomine-kun insulted you the whole time, but of course, I would never trust his words."

"Tetsu, I thought you would be on my side!"

"There is no need to pick sides here. Why would you assume such a thing?"

"Kurokocchi!"

Midorima watched the din wryly, readjusting his glasses with his index finger. Aomine and Kise had dragged him outside after practice to meet their "oh so amazing best friend"; the one Kise would never shut up about. The megane wasn't ecstatic with the plight of being lugged, but upon arrival, he took notice of a short, blue-haired male looking absolutely noncommittal.

His question was phrased rather crudely, he will admit, but it wasn't his intention to offend. The blunette had just caught him off-guard. Kise had informed him that Kuroko was outside the gym with him and Aomine, prior to Midorima's appearance, earlier that day. The bespectacled male had rudely pulled them away from their conversation, intending on getting them to practice on time. Midorima felt guilty but he would never admit that, instead he feigned oblivious.

"Their bothersome presences aside, I must say, I do not know how you handle them every single day, Kuroko," Midorima's "insult" caught the ganguro's attention. "What was that?!"

"Please lower your voice, Aomine-kun," Kuroko appointed. "You don't need to be so noisy."

"I don't usually agree with people I just met but Kuroko makes a convincing argument."

"Yeah, Aominecchi! You are always so loud!"

Aomine let out a sneer before crossing his arms with a huff. Kuroko was supposed to be on his side, now that Midorima was here, the blunette was acting like some smothering babysitter. Or maybe he was always that way. Aomine wasn't completely sure, they did just meet a month ago.

"You're loud too, Kise! Don't act all high and mighty!" With that, the two were back to spouting insults at one another. Kuroko let out a stale sigh.

"I heard that you had an infatuation with horoscopes, is that true?" the blunette averted his attention back to the moss-head, expression molded in askance which earned him a terse nod. "I tend to follow it from time to time," Midorima started, pulling a small cat keychain from his pocket. "I always ensure that I have my lucky item."

Kuroko's confused gaze generated a miffed huff from Midorima. "Oha-Asa advises me on what signs to avoid and what items to keep as a lucky item. Keeping your lucky item ensures that your day will be filled with nothing but good fortune."

"I see."

Midorima raised an eyebrow at the lack of response. "Speaking of, what is your sign Kuroko?" The blunette pursed his lips in thought. "I think I'm an Aquarius." Midorima felt his glasses crack from the revelation. "O-oh."

"In any case, I shall take my leave. These two idiots dragged me to meet you and now it seems they have forgotten that fact." Kuroko looked back toward the bickering duo with a soft laugh. "It would appear so."

Turning away, Midorima waved a hand from over his shoulder. "Until we meet again. Let the fools know I hope they don't destroy anything on their way home." And he was gone. Kuroko spun back around, facing the blond and navy haired duo. "We should get going, it's getting late."

As expected, the two didn't stop; just kept pulling at each other's hair and slapping one another. Kuroko watched them with a stoic expression, inwardly groaning.

"Ow Aominecchi! Don't pull my hair!"

"Then don't hit my face with your foot!"

"Aw, don't worry~ I can't ruin it anymore, anyways~"

"Bastard—!"

Aomine's retort was shortly cut off by a shift chop to his side, ultimately stopping his fight with Kise and causing him to double over. "W-what the fuck?"

"I said 'let's go'. Do I need to repeat myself?" Kuroko emitted a dark aura, arms crossed tightly. Kise, thankful he wasn't in the line of getting hit, nodded profusely. "Y-yes, Kurokocchi!"

"Good."

The tan-teen rubbed his side, a line of expletives on the tip of his tongue. There are easier ways of stopping their argument than karate-chopping his side. And how come Kise wasn't hurt? None of this was fair to him!

"Dammit Tetsu, why did you hit me so hard?!" Aomine spat, receiving a disinterested look from the blunette. "I don't know what you mean, Aomine-kun. I didn't use any strength at all." The response simulated innocence but Aomine knew it was all a fabrication!

"Lies! And why didn't you hit Kise?! He was fighting with me too!" Kuroko gently raised a hand to his forehead, feeling an incoming headache. "Because you were about the one screeching swear words. Gosh Aomine-kun, you really need to be more considerate of the people around you."

"No one is even here!"

"There could have been, though. Nevertheless, Midorima-san left as well. You two were too busy to notice."

"Seriously?!"

Swiveling his head around, Aomine didn't find the moss-head anywhere in sight. Were they really arguing for that long?! Not like you could blame him, though. Kise always got on his nerves.

"Oops."

"Oh, Midorimacchi left? That's too bad, we could have all gone to the covernicence store together," Kise piped in, rubbing his topaz hair painstakingly, not wanting to ruin his soft locks. "What a shame~"

Kuroko proceeded in the direction of his apartment, before curtly stating, "Sorry Kise-kun, but I should really get home. Make sure to get home safe and quick."

"Ah! How about we walk you home! It's not very safe for you to go alone," Kise suggested, dragging Aomine toward the blunette. Kuroko paused in his step, glancing back at the two. "It's fine, really. If it's not safe, then you guys should get home fast too."

"Nah~ We have to make sure you get home, Tetsu. Never now what some sicko would try to do to someone like you," Aomine replied wryly, petting Kuroko's turquoise hair.

"And what is that supposed to mean, Aomine-kun?" Kuroko narrowed his eyes dubiously, causing Aomine to bark out a laugh. "Nothin' Tetsu."

The blonde model rolled his eyes with a sigh. "Don't listen to him, Kurokocchi. We just want to make sure you get home safe and all." Giving in, Kuroko started off toward his apartment again, the two not far behind.

xXx

Kuroko arrived at school the next day, exhausted. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night before for multiple reasons. One being due to the fact that there was a math exam during the first period. He wasn't mentally prepared for a test that early in the morning.

The second reason being his phone. The damn thing kept ringing and ringing and ringing! To make it even worse, he didn't even know who was calling him. It was some random number.

Kuroko was a very light sleeper, mind you. Things woke him up easily. To say it frustrated the blunette would be an understatement.

Rubbing the fatigue from his temples, Kuroko languidly padded into his first period class, collapsing into his seat with a deep exhale. Right now, all he wanted was to sleep, sleep, and sleep. However, if he failed this test, he would never forgive himself.

"I'm surprised I never noticed you were in my class. It is nice seeing you again, Kuroko," the blunette flinched, guardedly glancing up at the moss-head that loomed over him. "Midorima-san?"

"Yes, I met you yesterday, remember?" Midorima pushed his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose, his left hand held a small calculator. "I see you are ready for the test," Kuroko mused, albeit a bit drolly.

Midorima released a grunt and raised the item hauntingly. "Don't be mistaken, this is my lucky item for the day. Knowing this fact, I am certain of my success on this exam."

"I'm sure you will do great, Midorima-san," Kuroko proffered a small smile, pulling out his textbook. "I'm surprised you are in my class as we-"

"Shintarou, the sensei is about to arrive. I suggest taking your seat," Kuroko was rudely interrupted by a sudden, condescending voice. One the blunette knew all too well.

"Apologies, Akashi. Kise and Aomine introduced me to one of their friends not long ago. I was merely saying 'hi'," the megane explained, turning back to Kuroko one last time. "Hope you do well, Kuroko. Not that I care if you fail or not."

The blunette watched as Midorima took his seat a few rows back, before looking back up at the redheaded captain. "No need to be so rude, Akashi-kun. I was purely speaking with one of your teammates, is that so wrong?" Kuroko feigned chastity.

"I have nothing against it. I've allowed Daiki and Ryouta to remain friends with you, have I not?" Akashi countered, arms folded. Kuroko waved him off dismissively. Akashi was probably the main reason Kuroko never noticed Midorima in his class. His attention was always focused on the snooty student president.

Akashi was in quite a few classes of Kuroko's. Ranging from Math to English to Social Studies. Thankfully, Kise was in his social studies class, so he never had to deal with Akashi's attitude alone. Not that the redhead approached him during class. Today was a different story, however.

"Akashi-kun, if there is nothing else you need, I would appreciate it if you took your seat. I need to go over my notes one last time and your presence is distracting me," without another word, Kuroko swiftly scanned through his textbook, decidedly ignoring Akashi's heated gaze.

"As I wish to not cause a scene, I shall permit your request. Don't expect it to arise often, though," Akashi begrudgingly took his seat a few sectors from where the blunette sat, still reading his notes.

Class went by slowly. Kuroko was, as stated before, a math nerd; things went easy for him during the test, howbeit, the rest of the period he sat doing nothing.

He'd left his interesting novels back in his locker, so the majority of the period was spent staring out the window.

Not too far down, Akashi sat, eyes narrowed toward the dazed yet ethereal looking blunette. The redhead had previously finished his exam, turning his paper over and quickly glancing at Kuroko, taking note of the disinterested look on his face.

'So he finished before me? How interesting...'

Akashi felt a tinge of animosity alight in his heart. This was one of the reasons he greatly disliked Kuroko. The blunette sat there, indifferently and staring into space. Wasting such precious, meaningful time. Kuroko didn't even look biased by the fact he finished an exam before him. Akashi Seijuro!

Thinking about it, Akashi had to admit that came out arrogant in his head. Though, he was shocked at such a discovery. Akashi was absolute. No one was better than him. Maybe he was over-reacting. It was one test. The redhead could always finish the next one before Kuroko.

'Okay, this is getting out of hand,' Akashi mentally argued with himself.

To be honest, Akashi didn't know why Kuroko angered him so much. Normally, he wouldn't even bother time with someone of such deplorable motives. Akashi wasn't one you could easily piss off. The young man was calm under pressure and normally stoic about everything.

Kuroko affected him in ways no one would understand. Heck! Akashi doesn't even understand it. Nevertheless, Akashi didn't like this repercussion; it caused him major distractions and aberration. Things, someone of his status, didn't have time for.

Focusing his gaze back at the blunette, the captain had to admit that Kuroko looked quite alluring, eyes calm and face molded into a relaxed smile. Kuroko, much like himself, always seemed deadpanned and unexpressive.

However, the blunette had been acting quite feisty with Akashi, as of late. It was a side the president had never seen before. Typically, Akashi would see Kuroko blase about everything.

This fiery side humored the redhead, something he would never admit aloud. This being the reason he started arguments with Kuroko, in recent times.

"Akashi."

The redhead was suddenly knocked from his stupor, peering over his shoulder toward the bespectacled teen. "What is it, Shintarou?"

"You have been in a trance for a while- not that I am concerned or anything, I just wanted to know why," Akashi chuckled gingerly at the moss-head's tsundere side. "Don't worry about it, Shintarou. I am perfectly normal."

All Akashi received in response was a grunt. Midorima leaned back into his chair; his test was completely finished by now, as well.

Akashi leaned a cheek on his fist, eyes directed back toward the blunette. He felt like things between the two of them were going to be quite a surprise.

xXx

"He's so annoying!"

It was now lunch break and Aomine strolled beside the light-haired blunette, nonchalantly watching him rant. This is one of very few occasions Aomine would see Kuroko this openly upset.

The ganguro already knew the reason for such an outburst: Akashi. Kuroko hadn't said much about how or why he knew the redhead, but Aomine was fully aware of their dislike toward the other.

Apparently, Kuroko had run into Akashi on his way to meet Aomine for lunch, if the teal-head's complaints weren't evidence enough. Tuning back into Kuroko's tirade, he noncommittally shoved his hands into his pockets, observing the enraged - is that the right word? - blunette.

"-s always so arrogant and irritating! I don't know how you manage with him as a captain- why do you regulate such an attitude! Oh and speaking of attitude... he has the worst tone of voice I've ever met! And don't you forget, he keeps calling me 'chibi-chan'-I'm barely shorter than him! I don't understand-!"

The over exaggerated tangent was cut off sharply by a hand slapping against his mouth, abruptly shutting him up. Kuroko sent a petulant glare at the navy-head, gently pushing the hand away.

"Please don't do that, Aomine-kun."

Aomine let out a sigh of relief. "Sorry Tetsu, you just wouldn't shut up." Was Aomine as annoying as Kuroko when he would rant about hating school. If so, he better stop.

The blunette's face forged back into that blank expression, though Aomine saw a hint of remorse tint in those sky-blue eyes. "Gomennasai, Aomine-kun. I shouldn't have bothered you with my problems." Kuroko gave a slight bow, causing the navy-head to rub his nape, eyebrows creasing together in a frown.

"It's fine, just concerning?" Aomine wasn't so sure. Kuroko, normally, never let people get to him the way Akashi did. The redhead was a special case; at least that's what he assumed.

Kuroko blew a few bangs from his eyes with a dubious look alighting his face. "I really shouldn't have been speaking of your captain in such a way..." The blunette averted his gaze bitterly. "He just aggravates me..."

"Yeah I get it, Tetsu," Aomine grinned sardonically. "He annoys the hell out of me, to. Be careful though. As of late, you've had quite the temper-I never know when you are gonna burst."

Kuroko let out a laugh, pushing open the cafeteria doors. "Let's just find Kise-kun."

xXx

"Kurokocchi! Aominecchi! Over here!" Kise exclaimed, hand waving vehemently in the air, undoubtedly causing an overdramatic scene. Kuroko felt a sweat drop. "Coming, Kise-kun..."

"Geez Kise, why are you always so loud?" Aomine grumbled, slumping into the seat across from the blonde. "It's too early for this."

"It's literally the afternoon! It's not that early!" Kise would have let out a sigh if someone hadn't caught his eye. "Momocchi over here!" Kuroko raised an eyebrow, turning to look over his shoulder. Immediately, his sight was set on a pink-haired female who scampered over to them with a beaming smile.

"Ki-chan, Dai-chan! I was wondering where you guys were eating lunch lately! I have been eating with Riko-chan and her boyfriend because you both ditched me!" the pinkette pouted, arms forcibly crossing over his chest.

The blonde smiled apologetically, hand fidgeting with his one hoop earring. "Gomen Momocchi, we have been eating with our friend, Kurokocchi. The one we told you about."

Momoi's face remained the same, head tilted slightly to show her confusion. Kuroko raised a hand in greeting, all too used to people not noticing him.

"I'm right here."

The pinkette turned her head toward Kuroko, blinking a couple times before jumping in surprise. "Wah~ Where did you come from?!" her shout wasn't too loud, just enough to cause a few heads to turn toward their table.

"I've been here the whole time," the blunette explained, lowering his hand. Momoi bowed profusely while uttering out apologies.

"Gomen! Gomen! Gomen! Gom-!"

"Satsuki, shut up. I'm trying to sleep here," Aomine suddenly blurted out, head finally rising from its 'resting' place. Momoi glared at him satrically, another pout growing on her face. "You are always so mean, Dai-chan!"

Kise rubbed his temples, "ANYWAYS," he gestured a hand toward Kuroko, "This is Kurokocchi, Momocchi."

"Kurokocchi?"

"It's Kuroko Tetsuya, it's a pleasure to meet you, Momocchi?" Kuroko corrected, bending down slightly even though he was sitting. The pinkette waved a hand dismissively. "It's Momoi Satsuki! And it's an honor to finally meet the infamous "Kurokocchi" and "Tetsu" these two have been spouting about! I must admit that you are adorable!"

Kuroko felt the female pinch his cheeks with an upbeat grin, giggles escaping her lips. "I'm gonna call you Tetsu-kun! Is that alright?"

The teal-head gave a bewildered nod, lightly moving her hands from his cheeks. "Yes, and please don't do that, Momoi-san."

"Ah! Sorry Tetsu-kun!"

Aomine gave another audible groan, whipping his head toward the blue and pink duo. "What are you doing here anyways, Satsuki?"

"What? I can't eat with my friends?! How mean, Dai-chan!" Momoi huffed, dropping down on the bench between Aomine and Kuroko. "I am your childhood friend! Why are you always so rude?"

"Shut up~ I'm tired..."

Kise looked back at the blunette and presented a cordial smile. "Momocchi is our team manager! She collects data about other teams and helps us train and prepare for any and all their 'special' attacks. She's the best manager ever!"

Momoi felt a blush light her face as she pushed some hair behind her ear. "It's nothing, Ki-chan. I am merely doing my job."

"An amazing job!"

The pinkette laughed giddily and retained a more easygoing expression. "On any case, I came here to discuss Midorin's birthday! It's coming up soon and I think we should host a party for him!"

Kise's eyes lit with stars, comically. "Good idea, we were actually talking about that just recently, as well!"

"A party? For that megane? Why bother?" the tan-teen waved a haughty hand, never lifting his head up from its place between his crossed arms. Momoi slapped the back of his head, savagely. "No one asked you, Ahomine!"

Aomine's head snapped up so fast Kuroko was surprised he hadn't gotten whiplash. "What'd you call me?!"

"Okay children, let's not fight," Kise sheepishly pushed the duo away from one another, an awkward look flashing in his eyes. "So... what about Midorimacchi's birthday, Momocchi? Did you have an idea of what you wanted to do?"

The pinkette piped up at the question, reaching in her backpack and pulling out a medium-sized sheet of paper, covered in writing and drawings. "I'm glad you asked!" Momoi threw the paper in the middle of the table.

"So basically, I was thinking of hosting a celebration at the park nearby, not too big, but not small either. We will decorate the tables and covers with ribbons and banners! It will, sort of, be like a potluck. Everyone can bring a food item so we don't have to worry about entrees!" Momoi gestured to the far left corner of the poster. "We can even make it a horoscope and astrology theme! I'm sure Midorin will love that!"

The young model rubbed his chin, his face showed satisfaction. "This is a great plan, Momocchi! This is why you are the proposer!"

"Don't say it like that, Ki-chan!"

Aomine snatched the paper from the table, observing it thoroughly. "I don't see anything wrong with it. I guess I could help out, as long as I get free food." Kise snickered behind his hand. "Always thinking about food, eh Aominecchi?"

"Shut up, loser."

"So mean!"

Kuroko sat silently, not really sure what to say or do. It's not like he was invited or anything, heck! He barely met Midorima the day before. He was more than positive the bespectacled male wouldn't want him there, anyways.

As if his mind was read, Momoi abruptly averted her gaze back toward the blunette. "Wanna help, Tetsu-kun? I'm sure Midorin wouldn't mind your presence! The more the merrier, am I right?!"

"I agree! It would be no fun without you there, Kurokocchi!" Kise butted in, arm leaned over the table. "You should totally come!"

"As much as I hate to agree with Kise, I think you should come, as well. Things get boring when it's just the GOM, anyways." Aomine yawned and flopped his head back between his arms. "If it pisses Midorima off, that would just be a bonus. Plus, you two seemed to hit it off yesterday."

The pinkette stared at Kuroko incredulously. "You know Midorin?!"

"Sort of... I met him yesterday, as Aomine-kun stated before. They dragged him off after practice to introduce the two of us," Kuroko explained, face remaining impassive. "It wasn't a huge greeting, just an exchange of everyday conversation."

"Any conversation with Midorima is never "normal". That bastard is all insult before decency," the navy-head fussed. Kuroko couldn't see his face, but he already knew Aomine was rolling his eyes.

Kise leaned his chin on his palm. "I think he's only like that with you, Aominecchi."

"That's such a lie! He insults you all the time, Kise!" Aomine jerked his head back up again, fuming. "Don't make me seem like some sullen twat! If anything, that's you."

"Momocchi, Aominecchi is being mean again!"

"Dai-chan, you shouldn't be so rude!"

Kuroko shook his head at their childish antics. The amount of times he's had to deal with them would drive a normal person insane. Good thing Kuroko wasn't normal. Where did he gain such patience? He would never know. It came naturally, he assumed.

"Whatever~ Just let me sleep already!" Aomine hunched back over the table, snores soon emitted his usually, audacious, mouth.

Looking back at Momoi, Kuroko answered, "I don't mind helping out, Momoi-san. I appreciate the offer."

"Of course, Tetsu-kun! I wouldn't want to leave you out after discussing it in front of you. Not to mention, I would like to get to know the "amazing" and "adorable" Kurokocchi, Ki-chan is always talking about!" The pinkette laughed prettily.

Kuroko felt a smile grow on his lips. "Thank you, Momoi-san."

xXx

"I wasn't aware you knew who Kuroko was, Akashi," the megane male stated inquiringly, shoving his calculator in his uniform pocket. "Is there something I should know?"

Akashi gave a derisive, yet terse chuckle, glancing at Midorima from the corner of his eye. "What is there to know? I simply encountered him as he helped with the student council a few weeks prior. He is nothing of importance to me."

"You seemed quite eager to get his attention before. Are you interested in him?" The redhead scoffed, surprising the moss-head. "Why would someone like him interest me?"

"I don't know. Ask yourself."

Akashi quickened his pace, eyes narrowed in mock animosity. Kuroko still managed to haunt him, even when he wasn't around. How could Midorima even consider that Akashi would want Kuroko's scrutiny. How annoying.

"I assure you, he will never interest me."

As Midorima caught up with his trot, he pursed his lips, glasses glinting and hiding his emerald eyes. "I don't know if I quite believe you yet, but I will accept your answer... for now."

"Good. I would accept nothing less."

xXx

A/N: I hope things are moving a little faster now. You will see more characters introduced in the next few chapters. Also, drama is coming after a wholesome chapter hehehe!

Thank you for reading. Don't forget to review! :D

To be continued...

~Rin