Kise Ryota

/Damn, my hips hurt so bad/. Shocks of pain rocket up his sides with every move he makes. His feet feel weighed down by led. The people running around, and shouting is disorientating him to the point that the gym is starting to spin. Despite his daze, he sprints across the court to provide a screen for one of his senpais currently charging through the defense. He tries his best to keep his focus on the ball being passed around, but the throbbing soreness radiating from his bottom and lower back is making it increasingly more difficult.

"Kise! Pay attention!"

"Huh?" The ball comes to him seemingly out of nowhere and his hand juts out to catch it purely on reflex. The basketball slams into his palm with a resounding smack and he stumbles after it when it starts to fall to the floor. An opposing teammate lunges at the easy opportunity to steal, but the blonde uses a borrowed move to twist around him at the last second. With the ball secured, he sprints towards the basket only for two more players to come chasing after him. They cannot close the gap quick enough and soon he is facing the last line of defense; the center. The male gets in position to try his damnedest to stop the generation of miracle's prodigy. Kise fakes left and when the center jumps to block, he doubles back to the right with Kasamatsu's quick turnaround move. The ball rattles around the rim before falling into the net with a satisfying swish as he lands his shot with Sakurai's quick release. "Yosh! Hey, did you see that sweet—ack!" He nearly topples over when he receives a harsh smack to the back of the head.

"You idiot!" He does not need to turn around to know who that irritated voice belongs to. "You've been distracted all practice. Get your head in the game!"

"Kasamatsu-senpaaaai~" The whining only causes those caterpillar eyebrows to knit together tighter in a deep scowl, "In the end, I made the shot, didn't I?"

Those steel blue eyes narrow in away that is dangerously familiar and even though Kise sees it coming, he cannot avoid the inevitable kick the upperclassman sends straight into his back. Real tears sting at the corner of his eyes considering the current condition his body is in, but the waterworks do nothing to keep him from being scolded. "You nearly dropped the ball, you moron! And who cares about such a sloppy basket? If we were up against serious opponents, you would have cost the team those points." Kise's bravado wavers and he sobers up at that statement. There is no way he would do anything to let his team down. His complaints are irrelevant because the team comes first no matter what. /He is right. I am being really sloppy and inconsiderate. Who cares if I'm hurting or if I'm tired. It's not about me. It's about the team/. "Are you just going to stand there with that dopey look on your face?"

"Haha." The sheepish laughter does little to dissipate his senpai's rage and he can only scratch his head in the face of his murderous glare. He figures it may be best to say something. "What can I say? You're right senpai…but man, that was some pass! It stung like crazy!"

"Haah?! Are you making excuses?!"

/Uh Oh/. "N-No of course not." His explanation rushes out as he raises his arms to block his face in preparation for another attack. "I'm only saying that was some crazy powerful pass."

"It was no different from my usual passes…"

"Gah!" Kise flinches away in alarm when Kuroko suddenly appears at his side.

Kasamatsu was startled as well but manages to get his eyes back to a normal size before frowning at the taller teen. "See? You're just slacking off."

"Wha—Kurokocchi wasn't that an ignite pass?"

"Not at all. I saw you standing there, staring at me so intently, so I thought you wanted the ball. Now I see I misunderstood the situation, and you were actually just spacing out."

"Well, I wouldn't go as far as to say I was spacing—"

"Exactly." The senior does not hesitate to agree, making the blonde's shoulders slump in defeat.

"Alright already, I'm sorry okay? How much longer are you going to beat me up for it?"

"Hmph."

"Everyone, let's call it a day!" Coach announces to the busy gym. "Make sure you do your stretches. First years, you guys hang back. You are on clean up duty." Many groans and complaints follow this announcement, but no one is bold enough to challenge him.

Kasamatsu grabs his bag to leave and Kise gives him a big shit-eating grin and a friendly wave. "Good work today senpai! We should get lunch sometime~"

"Go die."

"Aaaaw." Even though he was very much expecting such a cold reply, Kise still grabs his chest as though his former captain physically wounded his heart, earning chuckles or eye-rolls from his fellow teammates. "So mean!"

"Are you alright Kise-kun?" Kuroko asks with a hint of real concern hidden in his deadpan voice.

"No! Didn't you see how mean he was to me? That is no way to treat your most devoted kohai."

"That is not what I am referring to."

"Hm?" /He's looking at me funny again. So, it wasn't just my imagination after all/. Earlier, he noticed that the overly perceptive bluenette had been keeping a watchful eye on him and he has no idea why. At first, he thought it was all in his head, but there is no way he can not notice those large puppy-dog eyes observing him.

"There has been something off about you recently."

"Oh geez, not you too. How many times does a guy need to apologize?"

"No, not just today. Lately, your movements have been stiff, and you seem to have your head in the clouds more and more."

/Wow, I am being told I have my head in the clouds by Kurokocchi of all people?/ "Well I—"

"Your movements are like those of an injured player."

"I think you—"

"Not to mention those bags that have been forming under your eyes." Kise stumbles back when the shorter teen rocks onto his toes to get a better look.

"H-Hey! Kurokocchi, it does make me happy to see you're so worried about me but, I'm fine—really!" He adds on a little too quickly when his round eyes narrow in doubt. "I'm just tired, you know? Classes just started, and I have modeling to worry about and basketball, not to mention keeping up with my social life. It's exhausting. And I have not been doing my warm-ups or stretches properly, so I guess that's why I'm so stiff during practice. And I'm not always coming straight from a gig before practice. Usually when I am, I still have on make-up which hides the bags pretty well. I've always had them. I don't wear make-up outside of work so," He shrugs his shoulders in conclusion.

"…I see." /Kurokocchi, after all these years you are still so hard to read. I cannot tell what that vacant expression means at all. Do you believe me?/

"Are you satisfied now mom? For a second there I thought I was talking to Midorimacchi."

"Want to do our stretches together since you've been neglecting it?" The former Kaijo ace perks up in a way that Kuroko can only akin to the way Nigou does when he grabs his walking leash.

"Sure!"

The Teiko graduates take their time going through their post-practice routine and cleaning up while talking idly about general things. Well, more like Kise rambled about a million and one things while his invisible teammate listened in blank-faced silence. Per usual, when talking to Kise for an extended period of time, the conversation eventually went down a strange route. The blonde started complaining about how Kuroko does not pay him enough attention and how much he is neglecting him. "You know, I have really been hurt over this. To the point that I've been crying myself to sleep every night."

"…"

"Especially after you declined my offer to be roommates. I can't believe you rather room with a stranger before me."

"…"

"I think—" He pauses to sniffle and closes his eyes as if trying to keep himself from bursting into tears. "I think you should make it up by joining me for a lunch a date."

"…Okay."

"Awww, Kurokocchi you are so cruel to—wait…Did you just agree?" The surprise is written all over his face as the enigmatic male gathers his belongings.

"Yes, I did. I am actually quite hungry right now, but I need to shower first. Shall we meet in front of the fountain in thirty minutes?"

"Uh y-yeah, sure, of course."

"…" Kise raises a fine eyebrow when the shorter teen gives him another long blank stare. Just as he opens his mouth to question him, he turns around and leaves the gym. As soon as he is gone, Kise pulls out his phone to check the time; 2:17pm. /Okay, I'm supposed to meet at his place at 5. That should be plenty of time…I should let him know just in case. The buses can be unpredictable, and I don't want to give him any reason to be angry/.

Subject; About This Evening

[Hey, I'm really looking forward to seeing you later. Would you like me to bring anything? Cake? Drinks? By the way, I might be a few minutes late. Probably not but, I wanted to let you know just in case. Okay, bye. See you soon~]

/That should be good. I don't think I said anything that could make him mad/. Even as he thinks this, he bites the corner of his thumb in apprehension.

The reply does not come until forty minutes later while he is waiting in front of the iconic fountain. The message is short and to the point and the bluntness of it is enough to make his stomach flip. [Be here at 5.]

[I plan to be. I just wanted to let you know in advance in case I'm a FEW minutes late. I'm having lunch with Kurokocchi and you know how unreliable the bus schedule can be.]

This time the reply is almost instantaneous: [I don't give a fuck about what yer' doing. 5 o' clock. Yer' ass better be here. End of story. Now stop texting my phone.]

/Great, now I've done it. He's definitely in a bad mood. That is exactly what I was trying to avoid. I'm such an idiot…I want to clear the air before I get there but, he just told me to stop bothering him…ugh/. His thumb hovers over the keys as he chews his bottom lip. /Would it piss him off more to try and apologize? Or to not apologize and leave him alone like he asked? I never know the right move is with him! /.

"Sorry for making you wait."

The phone fumbles out of his hands and nearly crashes to the ground if it were not for Kuroko's quick reflexes. "Whew! Thanks, Kurokocchi."

"Have you been waiting long?"

"No not at all. Are you ready?"

"Mm."

"Where do you want to go?" The blonde is all smiles and optimism as they head towards the main gates. "Ah, where did Kagamicchi take you? Some burger place, right?"

"I took Kagami-kun to a family run place downtown…they have good vanilla milkshakes."

"Hahaha," His grin only widens when the other averts his gaze, "I see, want to go there then?"

"If you do not mind."

"Not at all…ano, is there a bus stop near this place?"

"Hm, I think there is one a block or two from it. Why? It is only fifteen minutes from here on foot."

"Oh no that's fine. It's just I have somewhere to be right after."

"…"

"But it should be fine. Let's go."

A short walk and a few minutes later, the two are sharing a meal at the quaint ma and pop style restaurant. Kise has to admit, he likes the calmness of this place. It is warm, cozy, and quiet. A far cry from his life in recent weeks. The food is pretty good too, but of course Kuroko ate less to ensure he had room for his liquid dessert. A genuine smile tugs at the corner of his mouth as he watches his old mentor drink to his heart's content. The blonde may be overzealous and dramatic in expressing it, but he really does miss all his old friends and teammates. Although college just started, he already feels so tired and like everything is spiraling out of control. He feels disconnected and like everyone is so far out of reach. It is nice to relax and deal with the familiar for once. Kuroko is a prime example of that calm familiarity and reliable certainty. /If there is ever a guy who would never change, it is definitely Kurokocchi. Must be nice/.

"What is it?"

"Hm?"

"You are staring."

"Ah, I was just thinking about how lucky and happy I am that Kurokocchi finally came out on a date with me."

Kuroko closes his eyes for a second before sighing out loud. "…Stop calling it a date Kise-kun."

"Pfft." Even though the bluenette still appears pretty expressionless, Kise knows by the slight narrowing of his cerulean eyes that he is starting to really annoy the other. "Sorry, sorry I should quit before Momoicchi gets upset with me."

"…"

"You know, since you two are dating after all."

"…"

"…" He tries his best to mirror his blank face right back at him.

"…"

But even with his knack for copying others, he quickly finds himself in a losing battle. /Why am I even trying? I could never win a stare down with this guy! /. "Just silence huh? Haha, guess it will remain a mystery whether you return Momoicchi's feelings."

"There is no mystery. Momoi-chan and I are good friends."

"Yeah but she claims to be your girlfriend, you know? That is what she has always told everyone. Are you even aware that she is madly in—"

"What happened to your lip?"

"H-Huh?"

"Your lip." He repeats coolly. "Did you get into a fight?"

The blonde runs his tongue across his bottom lip and only then does he notice the slight swelling and bruising there. /That must have happened the other night/. "Ahaha," Kuroko sips his drink quietly and stares patiently as the other laughs a little too forcefully. "I must have bit my lip during one of Kasamatsu-senpai's epic kicks."

"He does seem to use violence with you a lot."

"Yeah, Kasamatsu-senpai has always been like that." A fond smile spreads across his face as he recalls the countless memories he has shared with his beloved captain.

"Hmm."

"What is it?" /He is looking at me funny again/.

"It's nothing…"

"What a way to get out of me asking you about Momoicchi, by the way!"

Kuroko sighs once more as he glances up at the ceiling. "There is nothing else for me to say about Momoi-chan. What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Would YOU be comfortable if I asked you about all the girls you are seeing?"

"I would be ecstatic! It would mean that Kurokocchi is jealous."

"…"

"Hahaha you should see your face! I am just kidding. I would not have anything to tell in that regard, since I do not really have time for that right now. I already told you about my schedule and everything."

"Do you have a difficult major?"

"No not really." The blonde admits with a shrug. "My major is general studies."

"Oh. What do you want to do with that?"

"Nothing." Kuroko raises his eyebrows inquisitively, so Kise elaborates a little more. "My dreams are on basketball and modeling, but my sister said I should have a backup since neither career tends to last long. She has never steered me wrong before, so I deiced I will be a pilot if things don't work out."

"…But you do not have to go to a university to be a pilot, do you? I thought you only had to attend flight school."

"Right you are. But to play basketball, I decided to go to school. And with general studies I will have plenty of backups if I change my mind about piloting too."

"That is…amazingly well thought out and intelligent of you."

"Hey! I'm not really an idiot."

"Your below average grades would say otherwise."

"Like you have room to talk with your barely average grades!"

"…Fair enough." A tiny amused smile finds its way on his usually emotionless face as Kise laughs at his candidness.

"What about you? Are you studying history or something?"

"No. Early childhood education."

"You want to be like a playschool teacher?"

"Kindergarten."

Once again, he finds himself smiling as the bluenette looks away. "Somehow I can see you doing that. Aaaw, what lucky kids. But I know I will always be your favorite and most cherished pupil."

"Kise-kun—" Whatever he was going to say dies on his lips when his cellphone starts ringing. "Sumimasen." Kise gives him a dismissive wave of his hand and he takes it as the go ahead to answer. "Hello…oh, hello Kagami-kun…no, I am out with Kise-kun at the moment—"

"Hi-Hi Kagamicchi~"

"He says hi…" Kuroko pauses a moment before locking eyes with the taller teen. "Kagami-kun said 'shut up blondie'."

"Eeeh? Rude oaf."

"Yeah," Rather than deliver that return insult he decides to turn his attention back to his phone conversation, "You can come over if you want to…Yes…No, we just ate…No, Kise-kun said he has to go somewhere right after this—!"

"Shit!" People around them jump in shock when the model suddenly springs up from the table to yank out his cellphone and wallet. "Forgive me Kurokocchi, I really have to go! Here," He takes out a few bills before gathering his things and nearly tripping over his own feet getting to the door, "Lunch is on me," He shouts over his shoulder, "Thanks for coming out with me! We should do this again soon!" His words come out in one long breath and he is out the door before his teammate can say anything. /Shit! Shit! Shit! He is going to be so mad! I'm such an idiot! How did I lose track of time like this?!/. Kise risks one more glance at the time as he sprints head first down the sidewalk; 4:18pm. /Please oh please let me make it in time to catch the bus. Then I'll only be a few minutes late…maybe he will be in a good mood/. He knows he is just kidding himself. Not matter what he does now, he is going to be in an awful mood which can only mean a painful time for him. It is just a matter of how upset he is going to be and if Kise can de-escalate the situation before it gets really bad. /Honestly, he has every right to be pissed with me now. He specifically told me not to be late. What is wrong with me? It's like I'm just asking for it/.

Despite his aching body screaming in protest, he skids around the corner at full speed to see the stop just up ahead. The bus is there, and he shouts as loud as he can for it to wait. It starts to pull away and he runs up to the side and pounds on it to stop. It proves futile when the bus picks up speed and leaves him behind. /No!/

Kagami Taiga

"Kuroko? You still there?"

"Yeah sorry."

"What were you saying about Kise?"

"Kise-kun can't hang out anymore. He just ran out of here, so I think he is late for the other person he has to meet."

/Again? Wasn't he in a hurry when we last saw him too? /. "Who is the person he has to meet?"

"I don't know. He did not say."

/He must really have a girlfriend then…What is this sinking feeling? /. Suddenly it feels like someone just punched him in the gut.

"Hello?"

Kuroko's bland voice reminds him that he is still on the phone and he mutters a quick goodbye. "Yeah. I have to go."

"Do you still plan on coming by?"

"Probably not. The buses are running slower than usual this week. I'll text you if I change my mind."

"Okay. Bye Kagami-kun."

"Yeah." As soon as he hangs up, he flops back onto his large bed and closes his eyes as he lets out an exasperated groan. These strange feelings are so confusing for the Japanese-American teen. It is not as though he has never had a crush before. He has liked his fair share of girls in the past. And this troubling feeling does not feel like that at all. For one, he has never been into guys. Two, if he was, he could surely do better than an irritating guy like Kise. /But…why can't I get him out of my head then…What is he doing now? Who is he going to see? I want to know so badly…and I do not even know why! / It does not make any sense and the more he thinks about it, the more confused he feels. If he could only be near him…it is not as if he wants to be close to the cherubic blonde because of some weird motive! He just wants to make these thoughts and feelings go away. He is sure if he only spent some time with him, it would be all he needs to get back to his normal self and ignore him forever. He would be reminded of just how irritating the blonde is and get over…whatever this is. "Ugh!" /Enough already! / Instead of lying there and lamenting something he can do nothing about now, it would be better to do something more productive. Something to get his mind off him.

….

After hours of working on a paper that should have only taken forty-five minutes to write, the redhead decides he deserves a well-earned reward. Sure, he took one too many breaks and would have been done sooner if he did not get so distracted but, in the end, he got it done which is what counts. He snatches up his big headphones before journeying out into the cool night air. It only takes a few minutes to walk to the corner store near his home and soon he has an arsenal of snacks secured in his basket and ready to check out. Before he makes it to the counter, he walks past the magazine rack and spots something from the corner of his eye that stops him dead in his tracks. The latest Zunon Boy issue has just been released and right on the front cover is the one person he has been trying his utmost to stop thinking about. He picks up the magazine and gulps as he looks at Kise staring back at him. He is holding a basketball at his hip and it looks like the wind is blowing through his hair. His jeans are tight around his toned thighs and the button up shirt he is sporting has been left open to the third button. Those piercing eyes seem to look right through him and the knowing smirk on his face is enough to make the redhead's face burn under his gaze. He tries to will himself to put it back. To drop the ridiculous magazine and never look at it again. To leave it there where it belongs. But his face is still burning red when he drops it into his cart and rushes to the front to buy it. The clerk eyes him questioningly but says nothing as he pays for his purchase and hightails it out of there as quickly as possible. In his haste, he does not notice when the door swings open until it nearly smacks him in the face. "Oi!"

"S-Sumimasen." Kagami nearly drops his bags in shock and the halcyon orbs that peek up at him look just as taken aback. "Kagamicchi?" The blonde is almost unrecognizable. His hair is stuck to his face from sweat and his clothes are disheveled as though he got into a fight. And judging by his bloody lip and darkening eye, Kagami is starting to think that is exactly what happened.

"Kise, what the hell happened?! What are you doing here? Who the hell did this to you!?"

"I-I…"