The only thing that wakes me is the sound of sizzling from the kitchen. It's twenty minutes past when I should've woken, but I don't have the heart to get out of bed. "Why do I smell food?" I murmur, burrowing further under the covers.

"Oi, baka, get out of bed." Aomine says kicking the edge of my futon gently. "You'll be late."

"I don't wanna." I reply, cocooning myself into a ball of warmth. "I wanna stay home."

"If you do that you won't get to go to Kuroko's game today." I stop burrowing.

"Why's that?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.

"Satsuki has some information on a practice match and in order to get it both of us have to show up to practice." I groan loudly.

"Can't we skip school and go straight to practice?" My blanket is ripped away roughly.

"You'll miss your lessons, idiot. C'mon." With that, I'm somehow persuaded to pay attention in school by the boy who sleeps through every one of his classes. He's so lucky we're in the same class! I shoulder my way through the halls, Aomine walking just a couple steps behind me. While everyone will notice him, it seems I'm somehow invisible. The struggle is real, guys. I get crushed twice.

"Hai-chan, you were late to school today!" Momoi says with a pout, bouncing her way over to me. "I didn't get a chance to see you at all!" I offer her a sheepish smile before dodging an overly excited hug.

"Ah, my bad." I say, rubbing the back of my head. "I accidentally overslept and Ao-" Aomine gives me a reprimanding glare. "Daiki had to wake me up." Momoi gives the two of us an interested and suddenly illuminated look as she smirks.

"I see." She says. "Well then you have to call me Satsuki, too!" I give Momoi a strange look.

"Momoi, I-"

"Satsuki!"

"Mo-"

"Satsuki! Call me Satsuki!" Silence engulfs the gym as the stare down between the pinkette and me is monitored.

"F-Fine." I say, looking away. "If that's really what you want." Momoi throws her arms around me in a hug and, with a rather menacing stare, presses closer. "You're a bit close..."

"I'll get off as soon as you say my name." Momoi knows that I dislike physical touch. I try to worm my way free several times only to fail each time.

"Aomine, help me!" I plead. The bluenette gives me an unimpressed expression before leaving to take some of Sakurai's bento. "OI! Don't you choose food over me! Help me out here, Aomine!"

"He's mad you're not calling him Daiki." Momoi says.

"Please get off." I say, squirming in discomfort.

"Get off who?"

"Get off me."

"Who're you talking to?"

"You?"

"Who is you?"

"The only person in this gym with pink hair!" I exclaim, stomping my foot furiously.

"What's my name, then?" I sweatdrop as she presses closer.

"Satsuki." I say.

"What was that?" The pinkette presses even closer, her face squished against mine. "I don't think we can all hear you."

"Satsuki." I repeat, although this time my voice is louder.

"Still can't hear you~!" She repeats, giggling uncontrollably. I grow irked.

"Satsuki, get off me!" I yell, my face reddening with anger. The taller girl laughs and relinquishes her hold on me. She then grows serious.

"Our next match is in two days." Momoi says pleasantly, looking at her notebook. "They shouldn't pose much of a threat at our current level." Aomine instantly walks off, his eyes narrowed and bored. "A-Aomine-kun!" She exclaims, stepping toward him.

"I won't play anyone who can't entertain me." He says, looking back balefully. "Alex, come." I give Momoi an apologetic look before hurrying after the ace. "Any team that plays below my level isn't worth my time." He says, growling out the words. Aomine's long strides make it difficult for me to keep up with his swift gait.

"Daiki, I can't walk that fast..." I say hesitantly. "My legs are much shorter than yours." Aomine slows his pace just slightly so I don't have to jog just to keep up. "I understand how you feel, though. Even though I don't completely agree with you."

Aomine gives me a hard stare before climbing up a ladder to the rooftop. I follow him hesitantly, much less accustomed to hiding from Momoi. "What's the fun in basketball if there's nobody to compete with?" Aomine says with frustration. I frown slightly.

"Daiki..." I clasp my hands together tightly, wishing I could show him just how much fun basketball can be. "Do you want to watch Kuroko play? He has a match against Kaijo, Kise's school." For a moment, Aomine's eyes look bright and alive. Then they dull into boredom.

"The winner is already obvious. Go on your own. Tell me if anything interesting happens." He turns away, and I feel my shoulders slump.

"Right..." I glance at Aomine. "The key is in the usual place." I climb down the ladder and exit school grounds, trying to remember the way to the Seirin from Touou. It takes me the better part of twenty minutes just to get directed correctly, and I end up a few minutes late. Kaijo itself is hard enough to navigate. I hate asking for directions, especially since people often talk too fast for me to grasp most of it. Asking them to repeat themselves is embarrassing. I end up asking for directions anyway.

"Haicchi~!" Kise's voice echoes in the gym as I enter, searching for where I can view the practice game best. I'm knocked over in 0.2 seconds with the large blond crushing me in a bear hug. "I haven't seen you in forever~!" I give the over-friendly man-child a tight-lipped smile.

"Ah, Kise... it's nice to see you again." He releases me and helps me up. "So you're here to watch our match? Bring Aominecchi with you?"

"Ah, I'm just by myself today, Kise. Aomine... couldn't make it." Kise's face doesn't give away anything.

"Just watch~!" Kise says pleasantly. "I'm going to beat Seirin today, and I'll bring Kurokocchi back." I give an uneasy glance to Kuroko and his team, watching them warm up.

"Honestly, Kise..." I say with exasperation. "Whatever." Kuroko looks determined today, and his partner, the tall redhead, reminds me sharply of the first Aomine I met. I give a slight smile. "I'll watch from up." I offer Kuroko a wave as he notices me before walking to the more appropriate viewing area.

I know the Seirin coach, Aida, is watching me from her place on the court. I give her a slight nod from my place above before giving the whole gym the once over. Only half the court? What is Kaijo thinking? Kaijou's coach yells at Kise, although I can't really understand what he's saying. Kise gives a pleading speech, and the coach apparently shoots him down. Seirin looks furious.

I fall asleep before the game has a chance to start.

"Oi!" I wake with a start, my eyes bleary and thoughts foggy. The face looming toward me startles me enough that I crush my fist into it. The much taller figure falls back, staring at me in shock. I sit, wide-eyed and more than a little anxious.

"S-Sorry!" I say quickly, scooting back. "I-I really... I d-didn't... u-uh..."

"Kagami-kun, the look on your face is scary." Kuroko's sudden speech startles me again, making me jump slightly. It's true that this Kagami's face is rather scary. He's very intimidating. My phone vibrates, and a text shows up.

Oi, the match should be over. When are you leaving? I'll meet you somewhere. -Aomine

I glance between the two males as they bicker.

Sorry. I fell asleep. It seems Seirin won. -Hai

"Kagami-kun, you should stop yelling." Kuroko turns away from the fuming boy and looks to me. "I'm surprised you came to watch us."

"I said I'd come, didn't I? Sorry I fell asleep... I haven't been feeling well." Kuroko's eyes flash slightly. I attempt stretching before standing drowsily. "Aomine's going to get pissed if I don't get home soon."

"Hai-chan... Did it happen again?" I stare at Kuroko sheepishly.

"Aomine had to chase me down for a few blocks, but it turned out okay in the end." I reply. Silence engulfs the two of us, and it seems like Kagami can read the atmosphere enough not to speak. My stomach growls in unison with Kagami's. "Why don't we go to Maiji Burger?" I offer, looking between the two Seirin players. "My treat."

"You really don't want to tr-"

"Hell yeah!" Kagami abruptly cuts off Kuroko.

"-eat this guy." He finishes. I smile slightly, wanting to laugh but refusing to in case it's impolite.

"It's okay. I have some extra cash burning a hole in my wallet." I reply, smiling slightly. I'm going to Maiji Burger with Kuroko and Kagami. Wanna come? -Hai

I walk out side by side with the ace and his shadow, nearly running into the team itself. I'm about to skirt around the group in order to avoid them when Aida Riko grabs my arm, startling me. I almost jump in place, but tense and freeze instead. "Hai-chan, was it? I haven't seen you since the first day of school." She says, narrowing her eyes. I offer a nervous smile.

"I had to switch schools, and transferred to another. Sorry, Aida." I reply, trying to retract my arm from her grasp. I feel like electricity is racing up my arm.

"Oh? Where to?" She asks, loosening her grip only slightly. I gulp.

"A-Ah, Touou Academy." I reply hesitantly.

"And you're playing there?" I nod. "For Touou?" Another. "The boys' team?" Again. "Why did you even bother to switch?" I have many different answers running through my head, all of them incomplete and in fragmented Japanese.

"Akashi-kun told her to." Kuroko says, coming to my rescue as always. I shy away from Aida and Kagami's inquiring glances. "It is best to do as Akashi-kun says." I want to pull another of my vanishing acts, but it seems that won't be working in my favor today. I'll just have to do something else, if I can figure out what to do in time to do it.

"Who is Akashi?" Kagami asks bluntly. Kuroko and I wince simultaneously.

"Former captain of the Generation of Miracles." We say in unison. A shudder rips down my spine. "Scary as hell." I add under my breath. Kuroko gives me a curious look before I pry myself free of Aida's grip.

"I should be able to play against you at least once." I say, looking over the team behind her. "I... I really wish I could've played on this team, with Kuroko, and you, and even Bakagami here." I say, pointing at the overly tall and hilariously offended redhead. "I'm sorry it turned out like this."

"Yeah." Aida says. "I am, too." I sigh with a hint of frustration. I'll pass. I'm raiding your fridge. -Aomine. Aomine's good about that- telling me things, that is. Particularly when they involve things I need to buy.

Sounds good. I won't take too long. Make yourself at home. -Hai Kuroko glances subtly at my phone before I put it away and sigh. "I gotta get going if I don't want to get myself into trouble." I say. "It was nice seeing you again, Aida-san. I hope I can play against Seirin so everyone can show me what sort of team they've created." I bow slightly. "See ya 'round." I take off, lengthening my strides slightly so I walk faster than I was before. I don't want to stick around and see what I could've joined, what I could've been a part of. I'm in Touou now. I should only have the desire to play for them, so why do I still want to play for Seirin?

Kagami and Kuroko are a step behind me, talking excitedly about the match they've just won. Yeah, maybe I should've let them go home with their team. I suddenly feel that I've intruded on their personal life. Swallowing my unease, I manage to find Maiji Burger without too much hassle. Kuroko orders his usual, and his new light gets some ten burgers. He better eat every last one of them.

"Are you American?" Kagami asks suddenly as I order my shake and a burger. I smile and nod to him before paying and joining Kuroko at his usual booth.

"I am." I reply smoothly, feeling vanilla melt over my tongue. My burger soon faces the wrath of my empty stomach as silence engulfs us.

My mind wanders aimlessly, mostly I bringing up the past and wondering how things could've changed. I hardly notice that when I finish my burger and begin to frown as my thoughts continue. "-an. Hai-chan." I'm brought back to the present when I recognize Kuroko trying to get my attention.

"Ah, sorry!" I say sheepishly, rubbing the back of my head. "I've been really absentminded lately." I take a long sip from my shake as I look over at him. "What were you saying?"

"You have a practice match tomorrow, right? Momoi sent me something about that." It amuses me that after all these years Momoi is still up to her eyes in love with Kuroko. I nod a couple times to assure him the information is correct, noting how confused Kagami looks. "Who are you playing?" I frown slightly.

"Honestly, I've no idea. Daiki left in the middle of her speech once we were told the team wouldn't be too much trouble, and I followed him since I had to make sure he didn't get into any trouble. I'm really hoping for a good game, though." I reply, frowning more harshly. "Honestly, that boy needs to at least wait until Satsuki is finished." Kuroko raises an eyebrow at my first-name basis with the two former Teiko students, and I shrug.

"I see. Do you know where you'll be playing?" I smile wanly.

"I think it's at Touou, if you'd like to come see it. I hope Daiki will at least show up to watch... it doesn't seem like he'll play at all...and the coach seems to only encourage him to skip. He won't even make practice mandatory for the two of us... what kind of coach does that?" I say, gripping my cup violently. "It'll be like middle school all over again."

"You're as pessimistic as always." Kuroko says flatly. I wince slightly. "But from the sound of it, you're correct." My phone buzzes violently.

"Ah, sorry." I say sheepishly. "I have to answer this." I answer it hesitantly. "Hello?"

"How long are you planning to stay out, Alex?" Daiki's voice surprises me.

"Sorry, Daiki. I've lost track of time again." I reply with embarrassment.

"It's already dark out. Stay at Maiji and I'll come get you." He says. Daiki hangs up suddenly, and I'm left staring at the dark screen of my phone before glancing out the window.

"It is dark. How did I lose track of time like that?" I murmur, sipping on my shake. "You two can go home, if you like. I'm waiting on Daiki." Kuroko smiles slightly at me.

"I'll wait until Aomine-kun gets here. It's bad for girls to wait alone at night." Relief fills my chest and I smile gratefully at him. I don't like being alone at night, especially surrounded by strangers.

"Thanks."

"How long have you been in Japan?" Kagami's sudden English surprises me, and it shows, but I smile wider.

"Since seventh grade, so about three years." I reply.

"What're you doing out here? Is your family here with you?" I shake my head.

"My family is still in America. I was here in middle school on a sports scholarship and to study abroad, and I've just kept studying abroad I guess. As long as I pass the American exams like I should, it's okay for me to be here." I reply easily, smiling at the interested redhead. "Your English is great. Where did you learn it?"

"I lived in Los Angeles for a while for my dad's job before I moved back here. That's how I learned basketball."

"Seriously? That's great. I only learned basketball once I got here." Kagami looks surprised.

"How did you learn so fast?" He replies. "You're still pretty new to this. Newer than Kise." I nod.

"Unfortunately, I learn fast. I had some incentive to keep up and learn, though. Otherwise I probably would've stopped playing by now." Kagami looks suspicious, but it's Kuroko who speaks.

"Why did you agree to learn basketball anyway?" He asks, looking at me calmly.

"I wanted to get back at the softball coach for constantly putting me down. But after he learned I was actually training and showed up that day, what he said really made me angry. I don't want anyone to ever tell me I can't do something." I answer with a frown. "To constantly be used as a pawn, to be nothing more than a game piece and to be kept like a dog on a leash, constantly hearing 'no, you can't' and 'you're worthless' and 'you can't do it' isn't something I want anyone to experience, especially after hearing it myself. After a while, when I finally stopped playing because I was angry, I thought to myself 'wow, I really like this game. Let's play it some more. Let's see how far I can go.'"

Kuroko is smiling faintly, but it's a smile nonetheless. "Oi, Alex." Daiki stands next to the booth, "You ready to go?"

"Daiki! Yeah. Nice seeing you, Kuroko, Kagami." I practically bounce to the bluenette.

"Haruna called." Daiki says. "You shoulda heard the surprise when I answered. She wanted to know if you were still up to practice in two days." I hum in response.

"What did you tell her?" I ask, walking down the street side by side with him. Daiki gives me a smirk.

"What I usually do." He drawls lazily.

"Before or after terrorizing her?" I reply. Daiki snickers. "After it is." I say with exasperation. "Honestly, Daiki, you're going to chase her away."

Daiki laughs and swings an arm around my shoulders. "That's why you have me." He says with a snicker. I roll my eyes and jab him in the side with my elbow.

"You don't play softball, Ahomine." I say with a snicker. "Until you do I still need those people." Daiki pouts.

"Don't be like that." He says. "Honestly I don't see the point in you practicing at all." I attempt shrugging Daiki's arm off my shoulders. "I haven't seen you play since middle school graduation." I wince.

"I haven't found a team I want to try out for." I reply. "The type of team you join is really important."

"Just play for Touou. That's another reason Akashi sent you here. Basketball and softball were both interested in you." I glance away.

"I don't want a coach like the last one." I say quietly. "That wasn't a good experience." Daiki stiffens.

"I'm sure this one is fine." I glance away.

"I can't do both, Daiki. It didn't work out well for me in middle school. One sport in school is enough." I mutter.

"Sure, sure. That's what you said in seventh and eighth grade, but ya still did it." I sigh.

"I didn't do it because it was fun." I snap, a scowl crossing my face. "I did it because I was expected to. My parents would've thrown a fit. My teammates would've hated me. What I did wasn't playing, Daiki. It was... isn't playing supposed to be fun?"

Daiki sighs. "Now do you see what I mean?" He asks. "Nothing is fun unless you have someone to compete with."

"Mm." I respond. I stop attempting to stray from Daiki and instead lean against him as the wind blows more harshly.