So it's 2019 and I won't be saying any further but before that, let me thank all those who read my very first fic (officially) with patience and I hope you enjoy it further. So now, the story is actually nearing the end as in the next chapters, the long-awaited Olympic Games is about to start and to be honest, I wanted to finish this right away so I can focus on my other stories. But before that, let me give a (long-overdue) reply to those who have left a review or comment in my story.
NinjaFang1331 – Yeah, thanks for reading this and I hope you enjoy the incoming chapters.
BlueJack22 – For all the reviews you made, I think I just really had to be grateful that it made me become a better writer, considering it's only been a year since I started in FanFiction. (And I apologize if I hadn't written the Beef or Fish reference earlier but oh well).
Sergio644 – It looks like you've enjoyed it. I hope that's the same case as I update it.
Fortitude – Uh…thnks fr th rpls nd dvces. (If you do like it, let me know)
Blaster522 – Please forgive me if I made Index look the more annoying.
Guest (1) – Well, it looks like your wish has been granted. There has been less and less activity from the magic side (Maybe with the exception of Lessar, Kanzaki, and Itsuwa).
GXY-2013 – Thanks for reading and your wish has been fulfilled.
escleto278 – Thanks for reading.
Guest (2) – Who knows? 20XX might be a bit different in the Toaru world
Hyuga doesn't know whether he should be amused or not.
An hour has passed since Hamazura has unofficially tried out for the Seirin basketball team that right now, his lack of experience (or rather, his quick decision to jump to basketball) has been slightly exposing him a bit, not in terms of stamina and strength (in fact, he's excelling there) but in terms of the technical know-hows of the game. "Four out of ten shots? Sounds pretty much basic from someone who is expected to play the guard position," Hyuga muttered to himself as the rugged, blonde teen was still busy making some shots from the three-point line. Or perhaps, had I just expected too much ever since Kamijou had joined the team?
But for someone who didn't start to play basketball until the moment he just saw the spiky haired boy on television in their match against Shutoku, Hamazura wasn't doing badly either. He compensated his low-arch shot by putting much more strength in his release, which isn't much of an issue to him since he got strong arms honed by street fighting. At least, it isn't an airball. He assured himself as he hits a lucky bounce, making it 6 out of 12 from the rainbow territory. That's the time when he heard Hyuga stop him.
"Six out of twelve, huh? From someone who really is a beginner in this game, you're not actually doing that bad," Hyuga sighed, "But you need to work on your dribbling and passing. Even a grade schooler can pick of your dumb chest pass a while back." Takitsubo giggled the moment she heard Hyuga's remarks as Hamazura's eye twitched.
"It's not my final say but as a captain, I can recommend you for the third string since you'll have to work yourself way up," Hyuga explains as he picks up his duffel bag, "But first, you have to enrol as a student here or your travel to Seirin would be a waste in the end. You're dismissed!" He was about to go when Hamazura suddenly asked something, "Eh? That's pretty fast. It's not even yet 1:30 in the afternoon so why is it all of you would go home earlier?"
"The national basketball team would use this gym," Hyuga quickly explains as the rest of the basketball team, save for a certain three people, began packing up, "Now, hurry your ass up so you can go home and think about your enrolment here." Quickly, Hamazura rejoined Takitsubo and Kinuhata, who were all busy congratulating—or rather insulting—him on making it to the team's lowest string as they all finally went out of the basketball gymnasium.
Later in the afternoon, Hamazura ended up having to pay for their food in a restaurant at Tokyo. Not that he minded, anyway. It's worth the time.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
"I want coconut juice! I want pizza pies!"
The voice of Index can be clearly heard throughout the shores of Venice as she was accompanied by Fukiyose and Himegami, who is also wearing a red bikini, though she draped herself with a towel due to her tameness. After the Iron Wall Girl took the two outside of the apartment complex, they decided to bring Index on a nearby eatery that is standing close to the street-type court where Kamijou and his hastily-assembled team were busy doing some simple shooting drills. While reluctant at first, the two elder teens accepted Alex's money that she gave to them and used it to fill the gluttonous nun's order of two pizzas and three cups of coconut shake as the two females watch from a far the spiky haired boy, who demonstrated his ability to shoot three pointer three feet from the rainbow line.
"Seiri," Himegami called out.
"Hmmmh?"
"I was just wondering what is happening back in Tokyo or in Academy City right now," the Deep Blood gemstone said loudly as they all decided to lay down under the sun while watching Kamijou and his American teammates sweat out while playing, "I mean, I'm surprised that Komoe-sensei decided to allow us after all to go here. Wouldn't she be freaking out by now is she knows our real intentions?"
"Then we won't tell her for this time," Fukiyose admitted sounding like a terrible delinquent (which she is far from it) but it was better than getting in trouble. Besides, it's just once in a lifetime that they'll be in America and that summer vacation is coming up anyway.
Himegami nodded and simply shifted her eyes towards Kamijou, who is now getting some lectures from Alex from the side lines as he passes the ball to Ben, who dunks it viciously, "Do you think Tsuchimikado-kun and Aogami-kun would be fine with him being gone from Academy City?"
"So?" Fukiyose raised her eyebrows at her question, "It's not like they would die from Touma being gone from our school. Plus, they would be fine knowing that he got some friends there…"
"Kuroko-kun and Kagami-kun?" Himegami interjected as she plays with the sand, "Don't you think that hostility is happening between Kamijou-kun's old and new friends?"
After a moment of thinking and pondering upon her best friend's words, Fukiyose then sighed, "Well, I did notice it too. Since the first day that our class went to Seirin, Kagami and Tsuchimikado nearly came within distances of shredding each other if I did not stepped in. Even after the game, I can tell they're not really on friendly terms with each other. It's just like proving who is the better duo for that BakaTouma." She then observes the boy make a quick jump shot, "It can't be helped, though. Touma has been friends with Tsuchimikado and Aogami for as long as I can remember but at the same time, it's remarkable to think that him, Kuroko, and Kagami were able to jell together barely a month since he transferred to Seirin. You can't deny the three aces of Seirin are also great friends despite just being together recently."
Himegami merely nodded at her words, "I see…"
"What made you think of it, by the way," Fukiyose asked suddenly as they watch Index happily devour all of the Hawaiian and Cheesy pizza that they bought.
"It just came to my mind randomly," Himegami honestly replied, "But you know, they seemed to be a pretty good team. They look like a knit-close family."
"I had the same opinions about the rest of the Seirin team," Fukiyose smiled as she continued applying sunblock on her arms, "It's like Aida-san is their mother while their captain is their super daddy. Kiyoshi-san is like a brother wolf."
"Hmmmmh," Himegami wondered aloud, "That sure is a nice analogy coming from your mouth."
"H-Hey, what was that supposed to mean!?" The Forehead Deluxe found herself getting somewhat insulted. Himegami just smiled to her, much to Fukiyose's irritation.
"Damn! The hot sun's taking a toll to my body!"
The two women heard the voice of the spiky haired boy suddenly echo as he suddenly appears before them while sweating heavily, "Yo…I'm hungry at least. Can we all buy some food?"
#
After Hamazura and his companions left, Hyuga immediately orders the team to clean up the gym so that the national five can finally use it for their first practice, sans a certain spiky haired boy, together. The whole team obliged and in a nick of time, they had finished cleaning up the floors and mopping the floor. Izuki had just barely finished arranging the basketball racks when the door opened again, revealing the faces of Aomine and Kise, who were busy fighting over the latter's food as Hayama floated inside, saying, "Wassup, Seirin guys!"
Soon, the court was finally filled with players of the first, second, and third string of the national basketball team. Akashi was currently busy filling in something with Coach Shirogane as Midorima then asked Kuroko, who was standing beside him, "Hmph, where is Kamijou Touma? I don't see him anywhere."
"He's in America right now, Midorima-kun," Kuroko replied stoically, causing the green haired shooter to actually tilt a little. In America? For what reason?
"He's having some intense training there with Alex-san," Kuroko added, as if reading Midorima's thoughts. The latter somewhat shivered in his mind at the fact that the tealnette answered his thoughts. Since when did you become like Akashi!?
Meanwhile, Shirogane was explaining to Aida, who was very surprised at the sudden decision for their team to conduct their practices here, "Looks like the volleyball team, Taekwondo team, and the boxing team is using both the Tokyo Astrodome and the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium," the grey haired former bench tactician of Teiko and the Generation of Miracles sighed, "Since your school is the nearest, we'll all just practice here." Shirogane then looks at Nijimura, who understood the gesture and immediately blew the whistle, causing the whole crowd to keep silent and wait for instructions. Sekiguchi, who was preparing some modules for their training, was very much surprised but proud to hear his protégé went off to America to have some additional training. Somehow, all my hard work on him didn't go to waste.
After Shirogane has everyone's attention, the first thing to happen in the gym was a scrimmage between members of the Generation of Miracles versus the four of the five members of the Uncrowned Generals plus Kagami, who was selected to play for the first practice match. The rest either went to the sidelines to practice free throw shooting or just watched as the game was tipped in between Kiyoshi and Murasakibara, who easily gets the ball due to his taller height.
It wasn't a one-sided match but it was obvious from the start that Teiko's prodigies would win this one. Nevertheless, Kagami, Kiyoshi, and the three others didn't budge as they pushed Aomine and Akashi to the limit while Midorima and Mibuchi had a show on their own as they flashed their three-point shooting prowess. The only person untouchable in the whole game was obviously Akashi as his Complete Emperor Eye allowed him to keep out of the defense' steals and he made flawless passes to Murasakibara, who scored under the net with impunity.
After the scrimmage between the Generation of Miracles and the Uncrowned Kings plus Kagami, it was the turn of the other strings to strut their wares as Kasamatsu and Takao began to drill against each other. Akashi merely watched with amusement as he realizes that his supposed backup isn't even present. I know. He's in America. How did he know? It can't be sure but since it's Akashi, then it's no surprise if he found it out after all.
"Aominecchi, one-on-one!" Kise's voice was heard yapping as he suddenly holds a ball while he was facing the tanned Touou scorer, who was busy speaking with his former light.
"Go ask that Bakagami if you want to have a one-on-one," Aomine barked somewhat rudely, "Can't you see I'm busy speaking with Tetsu?"
"Eh? Then Kagamicchi…"
"No…I'm tired. Just ask someone else, you ikemen. And who are you calling stupid, Ahomine!?" The Seirin ace growled at Aomine, who merely waved off his protest as if he wasn't physically there.
"Hey, why is everyone so mean to me!?" Kise cried in protest as he bends on the floor with his crippling aura surrounding him. Midorima only covered his ears despite having been used to Kise's constant microphone-like voice while Murasakibara didn't know what to do at this chaotic moment while he is busy eating his potato chips.
"Kise, go run laps around Seirin a hundred times!" Akashi suddenly said from afar as he takes the blonde by surprise. The Kaijo small forward was very shocked at what he just heard and tried to plead his case, "Uhm…but Akashicchi—"
"Are you defying me, Kise?" Akashi had entered into his semi-Bokushi state as he stares at Kise without any hints of emotion. Fearing for his life as he gets frightened, Kise immediately drops the basketball on the floor and heads out to the gym doors so that he can finally start with his hundred laps around Seirin High School.
"Good riddance of his mouth, Akashi," Midorima said to their red head captain as he pushed up his glasses, "Though I'm pretty sure you could have at least decreased his laps as it's too much even for an idiot like him."
"Really?" Akashi looked at him as he returns to his current and real self, "You have all experienced hell far worse that what I had asked Kise to do."
"On second thought, never mind,"Midorima sighed as he made a mental note to stop trying to prove Akashi wrong on basketball matters. But he'll have his day sooner.
"Did you say something?" Akashi seemed to be reading the mind of the lefty shooter, suddenly asked as he made a wide smile, which sent shivers in Midorima's spine, prompting the latter to immediately excuse himself as he then grabs the ball that Kise dropped and began practicing his high-arch three point shots.
As the national team wraps up their practice, Kiyoshi, who was busy speaking with his fellow generals suddenly smiled as he was very grateful that Alex had helped avert his career-ending injury by sending him to America where he went under the knife to have the cartilages and tissues of his knees cleaned, stitched, and repaired back by extensive surgery as well as using one of the very few stem cell treatments that is proven safe and effective.
"Yo, are you sure you can play now in full health?" Nebuya suddenly asked his rival, "You still owe me a year of high school basketball."
"Yeah, I'm fully fine now thanks to that advanced surgery in America," Kiyoshi gave off his signature goofy smile as he moves his legs, indicating that he's no longer being held back by his injury, "And don't worry, I won't hold back in our final playing year."
"That's what I like to hear, Teppei-chan," Mibuchi said as he suddenly scans the whole area, "And where's Junpei-chan?"
"Ah…I think he's with our coach," Kiyoshi scratched his head.
"What a missed opportunity. I could have given him lots of love," Mibuchi said, his eyes suddenly began to cry. Somewhere, a certain Seirin shooting guard sneezed as he suddenly felt shivers in his skin and spine.
"Neh, Kiyoshi, Reo-nee, where's that Kamijou Touma? I wanted to verse him one-on-one," Hayama butted in as he plays the basketball like how seals play with circus balls.
"Ah, he's training in America with Alex Garcia-san," Kiyoshi explains as he then remembers the spiky haired boy and the blonde woman who helped in bringing him to America's finest hospitals. Now that I think of it, how is he now with his training?
#
"Yum! I love these Parmigiano-Reggiano pizzas!"
Currently, Index is on another round of binge eating as Kamijou, Fukiyose, and Himegami sat on a table under a pavilion near the street basketball courts as the long boy in the group was busy drinking some coconut juice after the Iron Wall Girl told him that the natural palm juice is a better substitute to ionized sports drink especially after playing under a very hot sun.
"Ah…this sun in LA really is hot," the boy slightly complained as he keeps sipping his drink, "Not to mention I had to adjust to the Americans' speed."
"Then that means that you're actually beginning to see why you are here…"
Kamijou was surprised to hear the voice of Alex calling him out as the latter suddenly joins the four of them in the table, "It looks like you are dead-tired from training with Eddy and the rest. It would be good for you then."
"Well…they do say that you'll have to kill yourself first before becoming a totally new person," Kamijou shrugged as he continues to sip his drink. Even if that means my luck would further bite me in the ass. Fukiyose just couldn't stop smiling at the boys' determination.
"As expected of Taiga's teammate. Now, the reason why I'm letting you all alone against this type of game play is because this is exactly the situation you'll face when you plunge into the Olympics," Alex explained without skipping a beat, causing the boy to suddenly stop drinking to listen to what the former pro is saying, "International play is all about speed and strategy and it's time that you try to Westernize your game further and not just keep on attempting a lot of shots though I see that you're quite adept in learning."
"Thanks. I'll do my best," Kamijou smiled as he resumes drinking his juice. Suddenly, Alex's phone rang and when she answered it, she was slightly surprised as evident at her expression startling. She then put it down and faced the boy with a calm but serious face. "Uhm…is there something wrong, Alex-san?" the spiky haired boy asked.
"Hmmmh…"Alex gave off a small smile as he winks at the boy, "It looks like Gold has arrived."
"Heh? Gold?" Kamijou, for a moment, suddenly thought wrong, "You mean there are gold bars or anything arriving."
"No. Not the literal gold," Alex chuckled at the stupid remark of the boy, "What I'm saying that Nash Gold has arrived."
"Nash Gold?" Suddenly, the boy almost spitted his drink as he now finally realizes the true meaning in Alex's words, "You mean that Jabberwock player? He's here right now?"
"Earlier than what I anticipated," Alex sighed. Kamijou then thought of something as he then looks at the street courts where he can still see Eddy and the rest still busy playing under the hot sun. Nash Gold, huh? He's good but watching himpersonally might be a little too much for an unlucky guy like me. Or maybe…
"Alex-san, when time will he start to play?"
#
"Woah!"
After lunch time, everyone was gathered in one of the street court as the afternoon matches has already started. Sponsored by And1, the games would feature a regular five-on-five, three-on-three in a half court and a one-on-one in a half court as well. But what attracted the people most is the fact that Nash Gold Jr. is going to play in the Venice courts.
Standing at 190 cm (6'3"), he obviously had a physical built that is slightly higher than those of Kamijou and Akashi and his dribbling has been described as almost like the masterpiece of a magician.
"Hah-hah-hah," the smaller black American was obviously exhausted as he was pitted against Gold in the first one-on-one match for the afternoon. It has been three minutes since their match has started and even then, it seems that the defense has already ran out of gas as Gold, who is yawning as he is dribbling the ball, merely smirked and said, "What, giving up already, punk?"
"Damn you," the smaller boy in an Afro hair cursed as he tried to steal the ball from the blonde player but in an instant, Nash simply used step back and as the boy tries to recover from the quick stop, Nash suddenly dashed pass his mark as he dribbles all the way to the ring before dunking the ball.
"Now, it's a 19 to nothing scoring run for Nash Gold!" the announcer said as the ball was given back to the black kid, who then tries to dribble past Gold but ends up turning it over as the latter simply swatted it away quickly and he got the possession again.
"Man, that nigga is sucking already," Eddy sighed as he then was rolling the ball while Kamijou was merely quiet as his eyes was just glued on the game. But internally, he was both excited and nervous to personally watch one of America's best street ball players. His sleight of hand is pretty much amazing and his dribbling is top-notch. Although he did managed to copy his hard dribbling and no-motion pass, the spiky haired boy realized that there are still a lot of things he didn't know when it comes to international basketball. I don't know why but I feel like I'll have my hands full.
Prrrrrt!
"Winner, Nash Gold!" the announcer said as the five minutes had just finished and the Black American lay in his fours as he was breathing heavily from playing against the taller blonde. Meanwhile, Eddy suddenly said as he checks his schedule, "Hey, TK, our game is already next after that one." He points to another court where the five-on-five was being held, "Get warmed up already as soon as that game ends since it will be our turn now." But as Eddy immediately leaves to meet an official, Kamijou can't help but stare at Nash, who was immediately swarmed by his fans in the exit of the court.
Suddenly, Nash's green eyes met with Kamijou's dark blue eyes.
Instantly, the blonde managed to get out of his swarming fans and suddenly walked towards the smaller Japanese boy, who had Fukiyose at his back.
"Hey," Gold suddenly called out at Kamijou, who was quite confused at his sudden appearance before him.
"Uh…yeah. What do you want? You could have at least greeted nicely," Kamijou answered in awkward English as Fukiyose tried to restrain him from actually saying anything by squeezing his arms with her hands but she failed.
"Are you some oriental? Because your eyes tells me that's the case," the blonde replied with a hint of annoyance as inwardly, he actually observed something from this boy. He's aura is reeking of strength and his body does looks like he can take shit. I wonder if he plays street basketball. Smirking at the idea he deemed ridiculous, Nash then smiles smugly as he heard the answer of the spiky haired boy.
"I'm Japanese and what's with you asking that—"
"Oi, oi. I'm just asking out of curiosity," Nash chuckles at the boy as he then dribbles the ball in front of him, "How about this? Let's have a one-on-one later at night in five minutes. Whoever wins should pay what I eat later at night. Who knows? I might order big." For those who actually knows him personally, he had actually changed a little bit from his bad attitude to that of a still bad attitude but without the manner of spitting on his opponents, crushing their spirits, and actually respecting whoever they play against. This has happened after his and Jabberwocks' defeat at the hands of Akashi and the Vorpal Swords but of course, Nash won't admit it openly, at least.
Kamijou then was quite shocked as logically, he wasn't even sure if his skills are enough to take on a highly experienced player. But on the second thought, he was also aware that playing against strong players, even if it means losing, would actually be helpful as it would tell him what areas he can improve on. But judging by the conditions he set, it seems that losing isn't even an option at all. Just my luck.
Nevertheless, since he knew in hindsight that he'll eventually meet this kind of misfortune (though he didn't expect to be Nash Gold Jr. of all people), Kamijou said in a way warriors say it, "Hnnn. Fine. I accept it."
"Then let's meet each other at 7 pm in this same court then, punk," Nash said as he waves his hand as a sign of good bye and hurriedly left as he turns his back on them. Suddenly, Fukiyose, who remained quiet for most of their meeting, suddenly got mad as she head butts him violently.
"Ittai! Seiri, what the hell is that even for!?" Kamijou was startled as he nurses his own forehead that is now reddening.
"Baka! Why did you accept his proposal so easily when you could have refused it!?" The Iron Wall Girl was livid with the boy's sudden decision and she thought that she just did what she could to knock some sense out of the spiky haired boy.
"There's nothing wrong, is it?" Kamijou replied as he rubs his forehead and slowly composes himself.
"Of course, there is something wrong. It's very obvious that this Nash guy is very much stronger than what you think." Even Fukiyose, who doesn't play basketball, can tell by merely looking at Nash's body that the latter is quite powerful even for the spiky haired boy to take.
After some minutes of thinking, Kamijou said only five words that shook the brown-eyed girl deep inside her heart.
"Don't you believe in me?"
Kamijou said those words with a smile in his face and instantly, the girl's heart suddenly tugged all of the sudden in guilt as she only realized what she had just said is an indirect insult to the boy's own skills and all his hard work in achieving them. She bit her lip as she can't look at the boy and bowed her head.
Suddenly, she felt a tap in her shoulders and she raised her head to see Kamijou looking at her with some concern.
"Eh, why are you looking like you just lost a love one? It's not like you, to be honest," the boy said as he then hears the voice of Eddy calling out to him now, "Well, I better get going. I'll see you when we're finished." He spun around and ran towards to where Eddy was and it left a very flustered Fukiyose, who just watched the boy ran to the street court.
He makes me feel warm!
She held her hand, feeling very lost.
#
The court wasn't even devoid of chatter and cheers from the side lines but even then, the sounds of the ball bouncing and the swish of the net were heard. On one side of the court were the team of Eddy and Kamijou and to the next there were a team of mixed Latvian and Slovenian immigrants who were here in hopes to at least get some attention from some colleges. Both teams were warming up, but Kamijou felt uneasy. All of Eastern European players are taller than even Sebastian, who is going to play the center position.
"Don't let it get to you," Eddy said as he then taps the shoulders of Kamijou, "They may be taller than us but judging by their dribbling, we can compensate our heights with our speed." He then dribbles fast before going for a slam dunk. After the warm ups, all of the five then started to line up for the first rites of the game.
When Kamijou looked at other team's starters, he saw that they had height and judging by their build and power too, they don't look like wimps at all. I don't know why but I think I'll have to keep my cards to myself for a moment if I don't see the need to.
The referee threw the ball into the air, both Sebastian and Number five jumped for the tip-off. It was a close one, but Sebastian managed to get it to Kamijou. He then dribbled the ball as fast as lightning since in his mind, he wanted to strike right away while the iron is hot. I wanted to ambush them now. Suddenly, he realized that this won't be the case as the Europeans were back to their feet as well as their quick defense has stalled his advance.
Kamijou observed the whole situation before him closely as dribbles and dribbles before finding his open man. Their defense wasn't bad but it was annoying, by mere looks, at least. Not only were the blockers huge but they were too close along with it. He saw Shelvin attempt to pass Number Four that was on him, but he found it difficult. However, he then passed the ball to Eddy, who made an overhead pass to Sebastian. He caught the ball and quickly made a slight push to his defense before making a jump hook to score the first points of the game.
While they were making their way back, Number six quickly took the ball, and threw it to Number four who then dribbled some more but was blocked by Shelvin. He then shifted to the right, Shelvin moved as well. As a matter of fact, he found it hard to pass the captain. Four then passed to Seven while Number Five had broke pass Sebastian and was heading to Number Seven.
However, Ben was quick enough to catch him back. Seven then passed to Five. When he received the ball, he attempted to go around Sebastian, who was slightly shorter. When the braided big man blocked him, he then tried to push with his weight but Sebstian was standing his ground. Knowing he won't be able to push him at all, Five passed to Nine who made a quick jumper.
"Don't mind!" Eddy shouted as he took the ball and inbound it to Kamijou, who then began bringing it down, "We'll get them back!" he then instructed the guys where to position themselves. Deciding to let the Japanese kid do his work, Kamijou then decided to make a quick turnaround to surpass Four, who is now guarding him. He successfully manages to bypass his mark but the moment he did, he was stunned to see Five, who was blocking Sebstian, suddenly coming to his way. Stepping back for the moment to avoid turning over his possession, the spiky haired boy felt he had no choice but to use on of his weapons.
Ah, I think I'll have to use my Falcon Eye, then.
Activating his all-seeing eyes, he then notices that everyone of the defenders were all blocking them except for Shelvin, who was waiting in the three point line in the tip of the rainbow territory. The boy then sees Tyrone getting free as well but he was quickly being closed in.
Suddenly, Kamijou made a fake pass to Tyrone, who was ready to get it but his mark was also ready to intercept it as well. But to their surprise, Kamijou suddenly switched the directions of his hand as he made a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Shelvin, who was stunned to accept it when the one passing can't see him but quickly, he made a three pointer.
"Damn, that was a very pretty pass!" Eddy complimented him as they were going back to defense, "I'm surprised that you passed to your blindside. Did you know he is there?"
"Uh…" Kamijou didn't know how to explain his Falcon Eyes to the American, "I just felt he was there."
As the game goes on, Kamijou had noticed something about their opponents. It was a game where they were all playing position less regardless of height but so far he realized someof his opponents' roles based on what they do in the court. Five was a center, Seven was a point guard. Nine was a shooting guard that never goes beyond the three-point line. That leaves Six and Four. He didn't know who was the power or small forward but Six specializes in rebound.
And he was damn good at it.
Four could make shots and defend well but he wasn't as dangerous as Nine and Five.
As Five retaliated with a wild dunk, Kamijou can only think of one thing as he gets the ball. I'll have to take that shot. As he was in the three-point line, Kamijou entered his shooting motion and Seven followed what he's doing by bending his knees as well in an attempt to lock down the boy. But in doing so, he didn't realize that he was following the way the boy dips the ball abnormally lower that how it should be. And by the time Kamijou suddenly sprang up to make his shot, the Latvian could only stare in shock as his knees suddenly can't respond due to all his energy in his legs temporarily drained.
"W-whaat!?" the opposing point guard said as the spiky haired boy easily makes his shot without any mistakes.
"Wow! It looks like the defense can't even respond to that smooth shot!" the commentator said as the crowd was equally amazed.
"What did you just do?" Sebastian asked as they were going back to defense.
"Uh…I made the shot?" Kamijou said dumbly but inside, he was secretly thanking someone else.
Thanks Mibuchi-san for showing me that Void release.
#
At the end of the match, Kamijou's team did win but by a minimal margin with a score of 77 – 70.
He partially kept his promise by not using any copies of the movements from the Generation of Miracles or even from Nash, whom he carefully and intensely observed a while back, hoping to see and adapt anything from the blonde with tribal tattoos. But then, he used what he learned from the other players by using his own version of the Void Shot, using the Barrier Jumper to create space for himself from Number Seven, and even shooting a quick release—Sakurai's signature move. This game also provided him the opportunity to play through Orthodox means in majority of the minutes in his game. He did well in that area as his fundamentals by this time has been well-nurtured and as opposed to his free-style movements, his basics are basics but has been enhanced by his natural strength and speed.
But then, he also had his mistakes.
He once turned over the ball after getting desperate to find the open man after getting trapped in a double team, though he was able to combat this in the second double team by immediately passing to Eddy. He also slipped after trying to attempt a slam dunk despite his height and it ended up with the ball bouncing very violently in the ring's direct mounting, sending the basketball in the stands and it also hit some few barricades. As for him slipping, hit butt fell hard in the cement and he had to be helped up to his feet before he can resume playing.
Such misfortune.
After the game, it was already late in the afternoon when he went back to the apartment complex just in time to see Index and Himegami on the kitchen busy nibbling some burgers that the latter bought. And to Kamijou's surprise, he saw Fukiyose quietly washing the plates on the sink as she didn't seem to notice the boy suddenly coming in, not that the latter minded. But just in case they might worry, Kamijou then decided to speak out.
"Index! Himegami! Seiri!" the boy belatedly announced his presence, "I'll be late in coming home tonight so please take care of the house. I'm participating in the Blacktop event."
"Huh? What's that?" Index asked.
"It's simply a one-on-one game which I had betted on," the boy explains as he changes his sweaty clothes and socks and replaces them with a fresh clothing as well as a change of sneakers, "Oh and if I do manage to win, I think I can bring some treats here in the house."
"If that's the case, then I'm going with you!"
Fukiyose declared as she was finished washing the plates, which amazed the boy as he didn't realize he was fast in doing so, "Uh, Seiri…you don't need to if you feel like it. Well…I better get going and…"
"Wait for us," Fukiyose suddenly stopped him in his tracks as she went to the room to change some clothes, "We would be going as well. Right Aisa and Index-san?"
"Uh…right, Touma!" Index declared as he gobbles off the last remaining burger of hers, "Of course, I can't wait to finally have my free treats!"
That's if I win, Index. Kamijou groaned inwardly as in an instant, Fukiyose and Himegami are now ready in their very short shorts and tank tops. Well that was fast.
Not long after, the four people then set out of the house to go to one of the courts where Gold should be waiting for them. On their way, Kamijou encountered Alex, who was very curious as to why they were going out this late and Fukiyose replied that Kamijou had just accepted a proposal one-on-one in a Blacktop match.
"Nani!?" Alex spitted her Seven-Up drink on the sand as she looks at the boy like he was some kind of an idiot, "Why the hell did you accept his condition when the gap of skill between the two of you is…"
"I know that. I'm inferior compared to him," Kamijou cut her off as Fukiyose was stunned to hear the boy basically belittling himself, "I'm weaker than him. But that's why I won't hold back when I face him later, Alex-san. I can't lose against someone with the sport that I love."
Alex couldn't' say anything as she found herself facing a boy who seemed to be pretty much prepared for what he is singing up for. Sure, he is a strong player but Nash Gold is out of his league…probably. But nevertheless, she didn't anymore object as she decided to follow the four. For Fukiyose, she was starting to get curious and worried as she observed that the boy kept murmuring to himself as if he was trying to memorize something in his mind.
Is he trying to do something?
Her thoughts were taken out as they were now in the street court. Once they were in the venue, Kamijou went to an organizing official to confirm his registration and be able to start warming up to this game. It was only after 7 pm finally struck that the blonde point guard finally appeared. Judging by his appearance, it looks like he came from a night club his hair is somewhat messy and he got the smell of alcohol.
"Took you long enough," Kamijou said as he and Gold finally met in the center circle while a referee walks to them to announce some changes in the rule.
"Idiot. It doesn't matter if I don't warm up. I will never lose to someone like you." Gold said, hoping to provoking the smaller Japanese and thus, throw him out of his game but to his surprise, the younger teen didn't even flinch. This monkey's pissing me off. Gold angrily thought.
"For your information lads, the game would be a ten minute one-on-one in half court," the referee said, "This is for the game finish quickly at this hour. No punching, no kicking, no spitting, and definitely no swearing at the game officials. Free-style basketball is allowed as long as rules and regulations are followed." After that, a coin was tossed between the two and it turned out to be Gold's ball so he'll be the first to go offense.
Receiving the ball as the ten-minute mark finally ticked off, that tall American and the spiky haired Japanese finally faced off as Gold dips the ball against Kamijou's defense. His stance looks calm and collected. The blonde noted it as it reminded him of those stronger players he had faced before. Low key, it made him smile.
Let's see what you can do, kid.
Gold then began to dribble it hard (the same dribble that he used against Kasamatsu) but instantly, Kamijou didn't panic and instead, he decided to step back. Now, Gold was very much surprise that his mark didn't get shook off so he decided to go for a shake-and-bake dribble. Suddenly dashing to his right, Gold then tried to penetrate but was met by an equally-faster Kamijou, who tried to block him but the blonde then stopped and tried to shake him off but since it looks like the boy is sticking to him like a magnet, Gold had no choice but to make a quick jumper which his Japanese counterpart tried to block but due to his quicker release and taller height, he was able to make his shot. Perfect. Gold thought in his mind as Kamijou then gets his turn.
When Kamijou caught the ball, he immediately made a beeline for net, but the blonde stopped him in his tracks. But for some reason, the amount of both pressure and a tactical battle he felt from the Japanese boy made him grin.
This is going to be more exciting than I thought. I can play with a little more strength.
Within a split second, Kamijou made a Shammgod crossover and dashed around Gold, with the latter now chasing. By the time Kamijou reached the net and tried, jumped to make a shot Aomine knocked the ball from his hands and the two boys could be seen scrambling for it, which unfortunately still ended up in Kamijou's hands.
Shit! He blocked me! I have to be smarter than that. Kamijou said to himself as he gets the ball. Seeing that Gold had already blocked his pathway, he knew he had no choice but to use on of his cards as he steps back away, some seven feet good from the three-point line. He then enters his shooting motion and decided to combine Midorima's far-away shot and Sakurai's quick release shot.
"You must be kiddin me, fukcer—"
Bang!
The sound of the ball swishing to the hoop shattered Gold's sentences as he was basically stunned to see someone else shoot in that kind of distance—and in a quick release. He had seen one of those in the NBA but to see someone in the streets do it.
"You bastard, I never expected you to do something as suicidal as like that," Gold remarked as he was getting the ball back.
"Is that so?" Kamijou replied as he retreated to defend as Gold then charged at the blond with an even faster speed, but Kamijou could see him. After all, he had watched all of the Jabberwock's magician footages in the past and he had prepared himself mentally for this daunting task.
When Kamijou blocked Gold, he swiftly made a crossover to pass the Japanese on his left. However, Kamijou sensed his movement and blocked him then. Gold then shifted to the right, but Kamijou's sharpened instincts help him predict the blonde's course and still blocked him. The fire that burned in the raven's eyes was making Gold suddenly enjoy this match.
Ai strong opponent, huh? That's what it should be!
He then took a step back and then surged forwards, flying past Kamijou, who was startled by his combined change of pace and sleight of hand. Quickly recovering, the latter concentrated all of his nerves as he quickly catches up to the blonde but Gold push back against Kamijou's wall of defense as he dribbles and suddenly stops and make a quick fade-away, which Kamijou failed to block and the score was tied at 2 – 2 at the seven-minute mark.
"For some reason, this match is giving me chills," Alex said in crisp Japanese as Fukiyose was listening.
"Heh? Why, Alex-san?" the Iron Wall Girl asked as the match progressed.
"Nash Gold Jr. is arguably this generation's best street baller in America today," Alex explains as back in the match, Kamijou managed to score a floater, giving him again the slight edge, "Normally, it would then be logical if anyone would struggle against the blonde butjust judging from what I see today, Gold and Kamijou-san seemed pretty much tied when it comes to skill and the ground battle."
"Eh?" Fukiyose wasn't sure if she heard right but if that was the case, then there really is the possibility of Kamijou winning the match.
Back into the game, Gold found himself getting more and more pressured by the smaller boy as to the delight and somewhat surprise of the crowd, their score has been going back and fourth with a lot of lead changes so not a single person among the spectators can tell who was the better player. Now, the blonde is getting more irritated as he faces off against Kamijou. I had to admit, he is strong. Guess I had no choice, then.
Quietly, he activates his Belial Eye.
Through his eyes, he managed to see a split second a head of Kamijou's movements as he then brings the ball behind his back. The spiky haired boy then tried to intercept the ball as he extends his right hand in an attempt to steal but Gold, with his Belial Eyes, saw what he intended to do, and he suddenly made an abnormal change of pace as he shifted his right hand and quickly brought the ball back into a dribbling motion and he dashed pass a frozen Kamijou and quickly scores a dunk. The crowd was once more wowed as the Japanese boy's knees suddenly broke and he fell in his butt.
"Don't get carried away, kid," Gold sneered after he scores, "I'm stronger, that's all."
"So that's Belial Eye," the spiky haired boy murmured to himself as he slowly stands up and gets the ball. As he faces off against the blonde, the Japanese boy calculated his move as he dribbled away from the reach of Gold.
He knows his Falcon Eyes are much inferior compared to the Belial Eye and even Akashi's Complete Emperor Eye.
But if that's the case, then I'll just have to come up with something.
Suddenly, without any hesitation, Kamijou decided to go to the offensive.
He dribbles fast against Gold and when he did came in contact with him, he suddenly stops dribbling forward as he hesitated his moves. Picking up his speed, he then dashes to his right and Gold catches him there but Kamijou then crossed to his left and tries to force his way as Gold's Belial Eye catches it. Kamijou then retreats back to restart his attack but he was determined to do one thing.
"I'm lying if I won't be surprised but I think he is doing the same thing as Nash Gold," Alex said, narrowing her eyes in the match.
"And what's that?" Index asked.
"I think Kamijou-san is trying to do streetball," the Spanish-American woman replied as the Japanese boy was now dribbling the ball harder.
"Can Kamijou-kun do that?" Himegami squeaked as she was now slightly nervous about the outcome of the game.
"If it's just a one-on-one, even my Eyes can help me with this," Kamijou declared as he activates his Falcon Eyes, which startled Gold as he never knew his opponent can have the same field of vision as his Belial Eyes have. Taking advantage of his this momentary distraction, Kamijou then swerved to his right with an Allen Iverson-style crossover as he attacks the now-open basket. Suddenly, he saw a shadow looming over him and quickly steps back as he knew it was Gold quickly recovering. Now, he then motions his dribble to his left as he brings the leather to his left side but Gold anticipated this and sealed his right wing.
Little did he knew it was a trap.
Gold can only watch in shock as Kamijoi didn't make any move to his left and instead dribble quickly between his legs before suddenly turning around his back and converting a wide layup. The score then was tied at 12 – all with only five minutes remaining.
"Woah, that Asian dude can actually perform streetball!?" a Caucasian woman was heard exclaiming as the game goes on.
"Now, that you mention it, it reminded me of The Professor's Insane Spin Move. I only see it being done among streetball legends." Another spectator said.
However, Gold isn't one to be outdone.
Shit. This kid's even more troubling than that Vorpal Swords guard. Gold remembered Akashi as he brings the ball up as Kamijou was blocking his path. Suddenly, he dashes into his right wing without any motions and attacks the basket. Shit! He faked me out on that one. Kamiju cursed as he eventually catches up and jumps high but he ended up getting dunked on as Nash had put all his strength in the slam and the Japanese boy was somewhat shaken up before he recovers.
Noentheless, the spiky haired boy then countered by deciding to shoot a quick release five feet from the three point line, causing Gold to grunt as he was expecting that the younger opponent would penetrate like he did previously. He's a smart player, huh? The blonde then responded by baiting the Japanese boy in trying to block him and when Kamijou took the trap, Gold took step back similar to his and Hyuga's Barrier Jumper but which is more faster and he made a fade away shot. That's one faster step back that I saw. Kamijou groaned as he gets the possession.
Nevertheless, the Japanese kid is making some good counterattack as he then pushes against Gold's defense and with his sturdy legs, he quickly stops and pops up for his own fade away. Gold jumped higher in hopes to block his shot but he was surprised when he saw the posture of Kamijou. What? He's back is almost parallel to the ground! How the hell can he make this shot!? His thoughts were shattered when Kamijou released a high-arch shot, way out of the blocking hand's reach and it bounced off the glass board before eventually settling inside the hoop.
"I don't know how to describe this very intense this game!" the commentator said as the two pair of black and yellow continued to pound each other with tricks in their sleeves, "It looks like Jabberwock's Nash Gold Jr. had just found a perfect match against him tonight!"
As Gold kept hammering his way towards the ring, Kamijou didn't disappoint and kept bombarding his defense with his deep three pointers and penetration drives. It came at one point where the spiky haired boy was going for a layup and Gold caught up and was about to stop him from making his shot but Kamijou switched his shooting form mid-air and went for a double-clutch as he makes the shot even without looking the ring. Gold did the same in the next possession and this time, he made a reverse-dunk.
In other words, they were so focused in their one-on-one that they had even forgotten to keep track of their scores.
For the spiky haired boy, it was like entering into a semi-mental state of focus that cut off all unnecessary information from the outside. 'It's not enough that I can keep up. I must win!' was all the Japanese by could think as he then goes into his fastest drive after managing to get around the Jabberwock captain and was about to make a layup when…
Aaaargh!
His right leg suddenly began to cramp up as his right shooting hand also began feel some pain as he momentarily stopped slowed down. Dammit! Move, my legs! Move! Kamijou said in his mind as he then decided to switch to his left as he then goes for a reverse layup.
Twack!
"Shimatta!" Kamijou cursed in Japanese as Gold was able to catch up due to the younger teen slowing down and the blonde managed to swat the ball away. The leather basketball then flew out of bounds and the two boys were seen scrambling quickly for it to try to rebound/keep the ball alive despite the Kamijou now slightly hurting as his right legs were now in pain.
Prrrrrt!
"What?" both Gold and Kamijou said in unison as the referee had just blown his whistle. They turned their heads to see a suddenly quiet crowd whispering to each other. Confused, Gold then turned his head towards the officials' table and was startled to see the score.
21 – 21
"Th-They're tied?" Fukiyose can't believe it as the commentator then announces the end of the match and that they called the two participants of the game to now meet each other in the center circle as well as the referee, "Uhm…shouldn't there be an over time?"
"Normally, that happens in regular basketball but that's not the case here in streetball tournaments, especially if it's a timed one-on-one like theirs," Alex explains as she cleans her eyeglasses, "Well, that means this game is a draw for them."
Back in the court, the two only shook hands before the referee and game officials but before they were about to separate, Gold said, "A tied score, huh? That means our bet has gone nowhere near good. Well, I guess I'll beat you next time we meet kid. Good luck. Your scrawny ass would need it."
"Same to you," Kamijou said as the blonde then walked away without any signs of emotions or even regret. He's one tough guy, huh. Well, I better get something for these legs. He then tried to walk as calmly as possible as he meets Alex and company in the side lines.
#
The rest of the night was as festive as ever.
Or at least, for Index.
"Yay! More food!" The gluttonous nun celebrated as she was treated by Alex on a nearby seafood restaurant which had fatty crabs and lobsters as well as Yellowfin Tuna as its best-selling products. Currently, Kamijou and the four women were in the long table as they were feasting on some fish and crab fats while having fresh orange juices as drinks.
While they were eating, Kamijou kept squeezing his leg, which was obviously hidden under the table as all of his female companions were busy chatting with each other. It's just cramps. I don't need to tell them this. He didn't want them to worry so much about him so he kept his face composed as he ate every last bit of his meal.
After they have finished eating, they have gone back to their apartment complex, with Alex saying goodbye to them as she went inside her own room. As the group then went back to their unit, Kamijou suddenly pulled Index and whispered something to her.
"Hey Index, please do me a favour."
"What's that Touma?" the nun suddenly asked in concern as she saw the eyes of her partner suddenly become serious.
"I'm going back to the beach where we had the Blacktop event. Don't tell everyone where I am," Kamijou said as he motions for the door, "But do bring me an ice pack and a heating pad since I don't want to do it here." By "here" he was referring to his cramped up right leg.
Index only nodded as he then goes out of the door without being noticed by their companions as the two other girls have already retreated back to their bedroom. After the boy had left, Index immediately set out for the kitchen to get the things that his brotherly partner just asked. Preparing an ice pack was easier for her since all she had to do was get some ice cubes from the refrigerator and put them inside a zip lock. Now, preparing a heating pad is a challenge—well, challenges for her since she didn't even know what a heating pad is in the first place. Maybe I'll just have to get a white cloth and put in a thermos. But as she was getting some ice cubes from the freezer and was about to sneak out, she was suddenly halted by a sudden voice.
"Sister-san, what is that?"
Nearly dropping the bag of ice, Index almost panicked as she saw Fukiyose standing in the kitchen, in her white tank top and pajamas. Apparently, the Forehead Deluxe was just about to get her Musashino milk from the refrigerator as a part of her nightly rituals. But she was surprised to see Index holding on the bag of ice.
"Eh…well…this is…" Index stuttered as she knew that her Touma told her not to tell everyone that he requested it. But unfortunately for her, it's only making Fukiyose curious and her brown eyes narrowed on the bag she was holding. Even before the English nun can even speak more, the Iron Wall Girl walked closed and immediately scanned the bag closer Index.
"Mind telling me what's that for?" Fukiyose asked as Index was tight-lipped, "And where is that idiot Touma? Do you know where did he go?"
"I-I can't tell you…" Index blurted but suddenly, she realized her mistake and wanted to run away but found herself getting cornered by the taller girl. She wasn't going anywhere without answering the questions.
"Touma just asked me to bring an ice and something he called a heating pad to him," Index finally decided to tell her for the reason that the heating pad might not be what the cloth she was about to prepare.
"An ice pack and heating pad?" Fukiyose's eyes grew wide as secretly, she actually had suspicions that Kamijou had overexerted himself as she noticed him clinging to his right leg all too often a while back. Hearing that the boy needs some ice and padding just confirmed her worst fears.
That idiot just hurt himself.
"Very well. Give that ice pack to me," the girl ordered Index, "And just stay here."
"Eh?" The nun looked surprised as her sudden decision, "But…"
"I'll just explain it to him when I get to him. Besides, you should get some sleep as you're tired from the whole day of being outside," Fukiyose was practically saying that she would be the one going to the boy.
Reluctantly, Index gave the bag of ice to the older girl and she quietly retreated back to their room. Fukiyose then set aside the bag and went back to her room to find an electrical heating pad that she brought along as she had the feeling that she would need them here in America. Well, I was right all along.
He then set out for the street court.
#
The night looked beautiful in its pitch, black color as it was powdered by twinkling and numerous stars.
The wind was also gushing as its salty breeze was keeping the whole place cool, in contrast to the atmosphere of the place, which was still crowded but that's in the in the beach portion, where there are still a lot of people, mainly lovers, couples, and families all busy watching the constellations forming in the heavens.
But it was for this reason that a certain spiky haired boy was in the street basketball court instead. Knowing that the beach would still be filled with people, he decided to retreat to the only place he'll gladly sleep for the night as he was clutching on his right leg.
"I didn't expect to have that much strength," Kamijou whispered to himself as he had to take a long and thick tree branch as a makeshift cane as he limps with his left leg the only fully-functioning portion. While the cramp wasn't that bad, the spiky haired boy knew that further playing it would probably lead to a worse condition.
Sitting down on a bench, he then felt calm as the wind flew past him. Ah, I like this fresh air. As he sat there waiting for the nun, his thoughts flew back to Japan as he remembered his Seirin team, his family, and most of all, Kuroko and Kagami. How are they doing right now? He then deduces that they must be doing fine and so are his seniors. I can't wait to get back to Japan!
"That was some obvious bravado…"
"Oh Index—huh!?" Kamijou didn't expect to see that one person suddenly coming into the street court.
It was obviously Fukiyose.
"I heard someone got hurt so he asked sister-san to bring some things to him," Fukiyose said in a not-so-pleased voice as she was bringing an ice bag and an electrical heating pad, "Unfortunately for Index, she didn't know how to prepare an electrical heating pad so I had to get it from my bag."
"Seiri!? Uh…you don't have to do this," Kamijou tried to reason out but the busty girl want to hear none of it.
"Just shut your mouth and stretch your legs," the girl steely said as the boy knew better than to argue back and quickly did as he was told. After stretching his right leg, Fukiyose examined it closely. While she isn't a doctor, she was a health nut and one of her daily rituals was keeping herself disciplined in her bodily aspects as well as in her diet so she knew a thing about common injuries suffered by athletes.
Fukiyose gingerly took his right leg and began to scrutinize it. It was a bit harder to get the diagnosis without proper equipment, but judging by the slight twitching of his calves and the contracting of his leg muscle, Fukiyose could judge that while it wasn't extreme, it was still enough to worry a lot.
"Don't move. I'll quickly relieve you of pain." The girl said as she takes out her electrical heating pad from her kit and a power bank to power it up. Wrapping the boy's leg, she turned on the pad and in an instant, the heat began to swarm across the leg of the spiky haired boy. Kamijou had to admit that he feels comforted as the heat began to decrease the pain in his legs and ultimately, it was already soothing in the feeling.
"Don't move your right hand. I know it's also in pain as you kept shaking it, idiot," Fukiyose sighed as he takes the hand of the boy and began applying cold compress in it. While she was working on it, Kamijou can feel the warmth of her hands passing through his and in an instant, he felt his own heart suddenly warming and beating faster than expected. Why is my heart beating faster? He then raised his head up and in an instant, his blue eyes locked in a stare with Fukiyose's brown eyes and suddenly, they felt like they were communicating without any words involved.
Fukiyose looked at the boy who had saved her at least thrice, counting the game against Kashiwaki. He was really brave to face Nash Gold, but really stupid at the same time. He just accepted it without even thinking about it. Very typical of Touma. But maybe it's those dumb actions as well as the fact the he never gave up despite his very tragic life that made me fall for him like this. Yes. I'm sure how I feel about him now. It's very clear to me already at this point.
Touma stared into her eyes. I really do feel this way about Seiri, huh? Before, I had never really seen her as a love interest and as a matter of fact, with any other girls that the annoying Tsuchimikado is linking to me. But now…I really do feel this way towards her. I don't know why. She's Fukiyose Seiri and any wrong move can get me into trouble. Wait…I think that's probably the case right now!
Fukiyose was the first to speak, "Why are you staring me like that?"
"Uh…I'm sorry!" Kamijou apologized rather loudly, "I was just—"
"You don't need to apologize in such a lousy manner," Fukiyose groaned as she then removes the heating pad, "Judging by the way you now move your legs, it looks like you are fine now. But you need to rest just in case."
"Thanks," Kamijou replied as he finally was able to have his legs back good as new. As they quietly sat down in the chair, the boy said, "The view here is very nice, isn't it?"
"Hai. It's so pretty here," Fukiyose replied back as they look at the stars together. But as they do, the girl felt her head tilting towards the shoulders of the boy.
"Hey, have you actually thought about entering into a relationship with someone else?" the girl asked, nervousness somewhat evident in her voice.
"Now that you mention it, it's pretty much impossible for me while I stick to my ideals," Kamijou sighed as he scratches his head, "In fact, I'm better off being single for now if it means preventing them from getting affected with my luck. Who even would like a misfortunate guy like me? I mean, just look back at my team, I'm some sort of a third wheeler since the main aces are still Kuroko and Kagami."
"I am referring to those girls you were linked with," Fukiyose was now feeling irritated as she felt that boy is suffering from some sort of selective obliviousness syndrome, "Everyone can damn see it, you know."
"Eh, is that so?" Kamijou scratched his head once again as he then faces upward, "Well, then that would have been a lot better. Maybe you are right. I was ignorant of girls." Though I wouldn't mind ignoring a certain electrical esper in her trigger-happiness. "But then, if you just think of it, entering in a relationship means a bigger responsibility. Besides, with my misfortune biting my ass, I might even end up harming them—fffffffmmmmmmmppppphhhh!"
Fukiyose Seiri had just found an innovative way to cut off Kamijou Touma from completing his sentence.
Namely, with her own lips and mouth.
#
I just couldn't take it anymore.
His density with what is happening with his romantic overtures, his self-belittling words of not being as good as his two idiot teammates when it was actually the opposite way around, his moronic philosophy.
It was too much to bear for her.
She already knew exactly what she felt about Kamijou, other than wanting him to be in her side.
I was a fool. I hate myself. I guess today was the only chance.
The moment she released him, the idiot had the nerve to look completely astonished yet again straight in her face.
"Hah, hah, hah…wha-wha-wha-a-a-at was that!?"
I guess I'll have to get it straight one more time.
"You talk too much."
"Wha-wha-wha-wh–mmmmpphhh!"
It was also a good thing said solution was so damn enjoyable.
Other than doing this, her brain just couldn't process anything logical in that moment. She felt embarrassed as she wanted to just act normally and give him a good German Suplex but she felt weak right now.
He made me feel weak.
Shortly afterwards, her first move got even sweeter when he started to reciprocate.
The two then stopped and once again, they stared at each other.
"Touma," Her voice was barely audible, "I don't know what got into me."
"That makes two of us," The spiky haired boy chuckled.
And then when she turned to face him, she revealed a gentle smile and said.
"Touma, I like you."
Unlike her usual previous words, they were sincere, perfectly honest, and above all, earnest words. They were words delivered with determination after overcoming a stream of hesitation and anxiety.
Even Kamijou understood at least that much.
"If possible, I want to be next to you forever."
The bright moon shone on her back.
In the world powdered with glittering stars and the dark, only Fukiyose's smile seemed to clearly
shine.
He was important to me.
She gripped his black shirt and moved her face towards his. She was very much embarrassed from confessing. She couldn't think clearly. But one thing's clear to her. She wanted to be closer to him.
I wanted him.
I needed him.
And so, in that fateful night, she gave him her very first kiss.