Chapter Summary: Aomine suddenly declared his retirement from Basketball, and as the captain of the Generation of Miracles, Akashi was having none of it. He demanded Kuroko piece Aomine back together to fight in the winter cup.

Timeline: The night before Touou vs Seirin game during the winter cup.

Chp 4

Tomorrow is the start of the winter club and everybody in Seirin's basketball team is staying late to prepare themselves. With the keys to the gym in their hands, they're determined to stay and train until their legs gave out. Nobody complained about the harsh schedule and tough training. After all, their first match tomorrow is going to be against Touou Gakuen, and after their defeat during the Inter High, they all knew just how wide the difference between their skills are.

Kuroko was one of the more nervous members. He ran outside until his lungs felt like they're on fire and stumbled into the gym, hoping that the last minute training would extend his stamina tomorrow. He sat down against the north wall and covered his head with a towel, breathing heavily as he counted how many miles he ran outside.

He wanted this win so badly. Forget about revenge, he just wanted to show Aomine that he was wrong. His type of basket, the basket that prioritizes his teammates more than his own ego, is not useless like he said. He wanted to show Aomine how much joy can be found in the game, and how much he misses playing it with him. Kuroko failed to convey that during their disastrous dinner, and he hoped that those feelings could come through during their game.

"Did you have a good run?" A ragged voice called out from above him. Kuroko peeked up to see Kagami grinning down on him, already sweating through his second shirt. Kuroko stiffened and gave him an awkward smile.

"Yeah." He answered just as breathlessly. Kagami plopped himself next to the boy and guzzled the content of his water bottle, emptying it in just seconds.

"Wow, your mouth is like a black hole that just sucks up everything huh?" Kuroko wondered out loud, his voice carrying to over the other side of the court and made the other first year snicker.

"Shut up. Your ace needs to stay hydrated, so come here, donate your water." Kagami pawed at his bottle, enjoying their little banter.

"In your dreams." Kuroko teased, jabbing on the side of his ribs to punish him.

It's amazing how he managed to stay friends with Kagami even after he rejected him.

Flashback

"I'm sorry." He bowed as to the redhead. "It's not that I'm not attracted to you, it's just things are complicated right now."

"You mean Aomine." Kagami looked away, dejected.

"Not just that." Kuroko sighed. "We have such a great chemistry going on together that I don't want to change it for the team. The last time I was involved with my teammate it broke us apart. I don't want that to happen again, not when we're just about to start another Tournament. So please!" He bowed again. "Let us win the Winter cup first. After that, I promise I will give you a proper answer!"

"O-o-of course." Kagami stammered, giving Kuroko an awkward bow of his own. "Then let us work hard and win! It would be great to-to-to go out after we have a win under our belt."

Kuroko looked up in astonishment at the positive response from Kagami. "Yes, lets!" He chirped back, running into Kagami's arm and giving him a hug.

Flashback Ends

Was he attracted to Kagami? Yes immensely so, but he also still had feelings for Aomine. He felt that by accepting Kagami's confession he would simply be lying to him about his feelings, and right now, Kuroko is just isn't ready to open his heart out to Kagami yet.

Despite their uncanny similarities, it amazed him just how different Kagami and Aomine are from each other. Kagami is almost like a child, loud and confident about his feelings. On the other hand, Aomine is the complete opposite; he could never guess what he's feeling. Kuroko told answered them both with the ominous 'we should be just friends', and while Aomine simply pushed everyone away to lick his wounded pride, Kagami trudges with renewed passion and determination. They're like fire and ice, each so opposite to each other despite their similar situations. If he were forced to choose between the two, would gladly go with the warm and passionate Kagami.

And yet, deep in his heart Kuroko know that he still loves Aomine. Despite the man's obvious shortcomings, Kuroko still couldn't hate him. If anything, it only made the desire to take care of him grow. Just like how Kagami is smiling right now, he wanted Aomine to be as happy as they are now.

With that small innocent desire in his heart, Kuroko called out the tall redhead and extended his fist towards him. "Hey Kagami." He said firmly. "Lets win tomorrow."

Kagami heart skipped at beat at those determined baby blues. "Ossu!" he answered the bump, suddenly filled with an extra burst of energy. Kuroko smiled as he watch Kagami jumped around ecstatically. 'Just like a puppy.' Things like these made it easy for Kuroko to fall in love with the redhead.

Before he could continue with that line of thought, his phone rang with an unfamiliar melody. Curiously, Kuroko flipped open his phone to find an unfamiliar name flashing on the screen.

Akashi Seijirou was calling him.

In all his three years in Teiko, Akashi never called him on his phone even once. Something important must've happened. "Akashi-san," He quickly answered. "What's wrong? You never called me before."

"Tetsuya." Akashi answered, his calm voice sending shivers down his spine. "Come to X gym right now. You need to fix your mess right away."

"What?" Kuroko asked, confused. Akashi is known for giving cryptic order, but this was beyond cryptic. "What are you talking about Akashi-san?"

"Daiki. You broke him. He told me today that he's going to quit basketball. I have him locked in a sports equipment room in X gym right now, so come, fix your mess, or I'll make sure that your team cannot play tomorrow." Akashi gave his menacing order and ended the call with a click.

A million thought raced through his mind. It just doesn't make any sense. Aomine loved basketball above all others! How can he just quit before the winter cup actually starts? Was it their dinner from a week before? Is that why Aomine suddenly felt this way.

"Kuroko?" Kagami asked with a concerned voice. "What's wrong?" Kuroko turned to him, his palid lips trembling as he delivered the news to Kagami.

"WHAT? AOMINE WONT PLAY TOMORROW?" The redhead exclaimed, drawing the attention of the whole gym towards him.

The reaction was immediate. Everyone dropped their balls and ran over to Kuroko, crowing the panicked boy for some answers. The first years were ecstatic, high fiving each other over their guaranteed victory. Riko sighed in relief, her stern façade dropping for a second and showing her anxiety . The only ones that wouldn't celebrate with the rest of the team were the starting members, they all were either in shock or had their face cast down in disappointment.

"Hyuga! Why do you looks so unhappy?" Riko shook their captain's shoulder. "Be happy! Tomorrow just got easier. That's one less generation of Miracles to worry about." She crossed her arms and laughed triumphantly. "We've beaten Kise and Midoriyama before so we can prepare for them accordingly. Other than those two, we only have to go through two more overpowered basketball prodigies!"

"Yeah but…" Kuroko sighed, eliciting the same response from the other four starting players.

"IF AOMINE DOESN'T PLAY THEN IT WOULD BE USELESS." Kagami exploded, earing him a nice karate chop on the head from the captain.

"Don't you dare speak to the coach that way." Hyuga pushed his glasses up his nose. "BUT HE'S RIGHT RIKO. I WANT TO CHRUSH THAT ARROGANT SON OF A BITCH AND GRIND HIS BONES INTO DUST."

"YEAH GRIND HIM INTO DUST." Kagami exclaimed, giving his equally fired up captain a high five.

"Are you serious?" Riko stared helplessly at the two idiots in front of her, each ranting about how they can take Aomine and grind him into dust.

"I understand that logically it would be better for us if we don't go up against him…" Izuki chirped in. "… but without Aomine in the game, my heart just isn't in it to win it." Izuki gave thumbs up, looking especially proud of his terrible rhyming puns. Riko punched him for that unnecessary alliteration and turned to the team's center.

"Teppei! Help me out here. Tell the team that we don't need to fight any unnecessary battles!" She exclaimed in frustration. Surely Teppei who hasn't face Aomine yet wouldn't share the rest of the team's need for revenge.

The tall brunette scratched his head and smiled like a simpleton. "I'll go with whatever Hyuga think is best. " He said, nudging the captain who immediately stopped his antics and blushed. "Idiot." Hyuga mumbled, adjusting his glasses shyly.

Riko stared at her team, dumbfounded by their stupidity. "And you Kuroko...?" Riko tentatively asked to the shortest member of the team, her eyes pleading him to bring reason back to the team.

Kuroko frowned. He understood Riko's reluctance. It was silly of them to throw away an easy win against a strong team. However, like Izumi said, his heart says other wise. He looked up to his coach with determined eyes. "I'm sorry coach. I'm with everybody on this issue. Aomine is still my friend, and it would be wrong fro me to simply ignore what's happening to him right now. Besides, like everybody has said before, I really want to beat him this time!"

"See Riko! We can do it now, we've trained hard, we're stronger than before, and now, we have a Teppei to complete our lineup! If we win over them without Aomine, people would say that we haven't really won over them at all!" Hyuga exclaimed.

"Yeah Riko. I may sound naïve, but with this team, I'm sure we can win." Teppei added.

"Please coach let us play Aomine!"

"Please coach!"

"Coach!"

Cornered by the request of the team's core members, Riko yielded. "Ugh. Alright!" She relented. "Kuroko! Go meet this Akashi person and make sure Aomine plays tomorrow! But just in case, I'm sending Furihata with you. He should be able to protect you if there's any chance of foul play."

"I'LL GO WITH KUROKO TO-"

"Kagami please. You barely finished half of your weight training." Riko punched the petulant redhead into submission. "We're counting on you Kuroko. The team want Aomine to play, make that happen." Everybody cheered and patted Kuroko on the back, giving him encouragement before sending him off on his journey. As Kuroko began to pack and change his shirt, Kagami jogged over to him.

"I'll walk you to the gate." He said, giving Kuroko's head a good tousle. The two walked in silence along the darkened school grounds, each with different things on their mind. "Uh, I'll finish my weight training as fast as I can and catch up with you." Kagami said, struggling to hide a blush. Kuroko gave him a look and pouted. "I know! I know! You're a man and you don't need any protection that you can do yourself. I just want to go so… uhh, so I can give myself a piece of mind."

Kuroko smiled at Kagami's terrible attempt at making an excuse. Despite of what he feels about it, Kuroko couldn't stay mad at someone who cares enough to make an effort. "Okay .min~" He teased, brushing the red bangs that are covering his eyes. Kagami caught Kuroko's mischievous hands and gave him a look.

"Please be safe. This whole meeting sounds fishy." He said seriously, bringing the hand up to kiss it. "I don't know what I'll do if you're hurt…" He murmured against Kuroko's cool skin.

Before Kuroko could answer him, Furihata's shrill voice broke the quiet atmosphere. Kagami swallowed hard and pulled his hands away. "Well, I'll see you soon! Good luck you two!" he said, quickly jogging back to the gym.

Furihata gave the two a weird look. "Wow, you're teasing him again? Kagami's face is as red as a tomato!" He exclaimed, slapping Kuroko on the back. 'If only he knew.' Kuroko thought quietly to himself.

"W… w… wait! You're!" Furihata stammered and pointed at the redhead standing before them.

"Akashi Seijirou. Nice to meet your acquaintance." Akashi gave him one of his winning smiles, eliciting a gasp of wonder from Furihata. Akashi chuckled. He often left people speechless and in awe, but he never quite enjoyed their reaction like he enjoyed Furihata's.

"Calm down Furihata. He's just a high school student just like us." Kuroko patted his teammate's shoulder to calm him down. Furihata gulped. "O..okay. I just get nervous around authority figures, that's all."

Kuroko shrugged his shoulder in apprehension. Maybe it was a bad idea for coach to send Furihata with him, but he was glad that he wasn't facing Akashi alone. He intimidated him. Deciding to bite the bullet, Kuroko approached Akashi and extended his hand for him to shake. "Long time no see Akashi-san."

The redhead regarded the hand silenly and ignored it. "Likewise Tetsuya." He answered, nodding up towards a darkened corner of the gym. "Daiki-kun is inside the supply closet. He won't listen to me so I had to lock him in there until I can contact you." He said flippantly. "Do be quick about it. I prefer to be in bed before nine. I have an early game tomorrow."

Kuroko nodded and walk towards the barred door nervously. "Wait." He said, heart suddenly pounding harder as he approach the door.

"Tetsuya." Akashi rumbled, pointing at the closed door where Aomine is. "He told me that he's going to quit basketball to 'repent for his sins'. There is only one person that can make him this stupid." Akashi eyes glowed a deathly red. "Fix him. Now."

A year ago that order from Akashi would've seemed absolute. Kuroko would've gone into the room and do what Akashi demanded of him with no question asked. Now that he's in a different team, it all just seemed silly.

Kuroko walked up to Akashi, stared him down, and exclaimed loudly; "I'm not going there because you ordered me to. I'm going in there because I care for Aomine, so please, do drop the attitude. You may be my friend but you're no longer my captain."

Akashi chuckled, amused by Kuroko's little indignant rant. "My, my." He said quietly after Kuroko entered the closet. "It seems like everybody is rebelling against me these days." He turned to Furihata. "Are you going to be like them too?" He teased, raising an eyebrow suggestively.

"NO SIR." Furihata answered quickly, earning him a chuckle from the redhead.

"Well, I guess I can have fun with you while I wait for them." Akashi said, reaching out to pet the taller boy. "Come closer and talk to me."

The supply closet's rusty hinges grated loudly against each other. It was as if the gym's was voicing it's complaints about it's state of disrepair. Teiko's basketball team used to frequent this gym whenever they could, giving the Generation of Miracles a private place to practice. With their prodigies gone, the school stopped their patronage to that small local gymnasium, pulling out the proverbial chair from under the already dying establishment.

The gym's state of disrepair and neglect could not be summed up perfectly than in the supply closet. As Kuroko trudges on through a sea of broken equipment and half inflated balls, a chill ran down his spine. He remembered how each of them used to be afraid of this place. The superstitious Midoriyama would tell them stories of wild apparition and strange sounds, adding fuel to fire the fears of their young susceptible minds.

Kuroko could remember it clearly now, how the five of them are huddled together, always too scared to put their equipment back to the closet at the end of the day. Akashi was the only one who were brave enough to push the cart back in for all of them. One day, he came out with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Its okay." The young redhead said. "I befriended the monster in there. He said he'll only come out if one of you disobeys me."

It was only today that Kuroko realized just how twisted Akashi was.

"Aomine-san." He called out, reaching instinctively for the light switch that did nothing. The blue haired teen swallowed hard and walks deeper into the closet, ignoring the faint click from the door. Akashi is locking him inside, and as he remembers his story, it was as if he's sending Kuroko to the lair of his monster friend.

'There is no such thing as monsters.' Kuroko repeated those words like a mantra. His eyes searched in the darkness, intent on finding Aomine quickly and getting out of this wretched place. "Daiki-san!" He called again, this time sounding more desperate. The moonlight outside shine through the small window, bouncing it's eerie glow on the silhouette of a man. Kuroko raised his hand to call out him, but before he could open his mouth, dot of red light glowed brightly from the center of his face.

Kuroko gasped and stumbled backwards, his body shivering in fear. The stories of demons and ghost suddenly rushing back into his mind. The dark figure got up and approached him slowly, taking pleasure in the terror that's oozing from the boy's aura. Kuroko instinctively closed his eyes and put his arms out in defense, chanting an old Buddhist mantra that his grandmother taught him.

"Oi, oi." Aomine's deep voice broke the silence. "You were the one calling my name in this creepy ass place, I should be the one shitting my pants not you."

Kuroko peaked and saw Aomine grinning down on him, his shirt disheveled, his hair tousled all over, and his face slightly swelled with hints of a bruise. He looked like hell. "I… I thought you were the ghost." he admitted, taking Aomine's hand to help himself up.

The taller boy sighed and scratched his head. "Don't tell me Akashi got you involved." He grumbled, bringing a lip cigarette up to his lips and inhaling deeply. "Go home Tetsu. You have a game tomorrow. You should rest up and prepare yourself." He said, exhaling a fog of smoke right in front of his face.

Kuroko frowned at the gesture. "I could say the same thing to you, but Akashi-san told me that you've quit." He snatched the death stick away from him and grinded it under his heels. Aomine never smoked before. He always cherished his health for the sake of basketball.

The taller boy chuckled and kicked the cigarette butt away. "Ah sorry, I forgot. You hate the smell of cigarettes right?" he said, blatantly ignoring Kuroko's attempt to engage him. He pulled out another cigarette and brought it up to his lips. "You should go home before you catch some -"

"Please don't insult my intelligence by changing the subject." Kuroko spat out, irritated by Aomine's dismissive attitude. Why was he treating him like an oblivious child?

Aomine turned somber, irritation beginning to seem on his face. "You're being a nuisance Tetsu, that's why I'm changing the subject." He shrugged past Kuroko and walked over to the door, pounding at it. "Open up Akashi! I get it already. Tetsu's word got to me. I'll play in the tournament tomorrow." He lied without even a glace back at his companion.

Kuroko just stared at Aomine's back, confused by the exchange. It was as if an alien had taken over Aomine's body. When the door creaked open, Kuroko slammed it back shut and shouted, "He's lying Akashi-san. Don't open the door unless I tell you to."

Akashi answered in compliance and clicked the doors shut again, this time whistling away after he secured the two inside.

"You little shit." Aomine grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled the boy up, his face twisted in anger and fist raised, ready to hurt. He had been in this damned room without food or water since noon. Cabin fever is settling into his bones and the pain from Akashi's beating is shortening his fuse. At this point he'll even hit Kuroko if it resulted in his freedom.

Yet, like always, Kuroko's unblinking crystal clear blue eyes stopped him. Those cool blue orbs dampened his anger and sobered him up. This is Kuroko Tetsuya, the person who he loves more than basketball itself. Kuroko was the reason he kept playing a boring game with a less than amicable team. Kuroko was the reason he fought and pushed people away. Kuroko was the reason for his sleepless nights and his wildest dreams. He could never hit him.

Still shaken by the look, Aomine cursed and threw Kuroko aside. "Whatever. Lock me in for however long you want, I still wouldn't play tomorrow." He shouted to the redhead behind the metal door. Aomine turned to Kuroko. "Stay out of my way." He said menacingly, walking back to the pile of mats and lounged about, closing his eyes and hoping sleep would take him away from this horrible day.

In a twist of event, a light body clambered over his and pulled on his shirt. Kuroko was on top of him, his calm face contorted into a pained expression. "You cant quit now." he said in a monotonous voice. "We've trained so hard after you beaten us. Kagami ran so many miles just so he can jump higher and defend against your shots. Hyuga-senpai stayed in longer than anyone so he can us outscore you with his three pointers. Even now everyone is staying late because they know just how strong you are. If you quit now then everything that we did would all be for naught!"

Aomine lips tightened harshly. "We trained, we ran, we, we, we." he growled. "When does what your team want becomes more important than my own desires?"

Kuroko flinched back at that accusation. "That's not-"

"Yes!" Aomine sat back up, his apathetic façade twisted into the face of a very sad and angry man. "That's why you came here isn't it? So you fulfill you and your team's selfish desires! You don't see me as your friend anymore Tetsu, you only see me as a mountain to conquer and brag about!"

"You're wrong." Kuroko said, shaken by the sliver truth contained in Aomine's words. "I care for you Daiki, that's why I want you to play again. I just want to be happy."

Aomine pushed Kuroko away disgustedly. Never in his life could he imagine his Tetsu making up weak excuses like this. "Enough." He said. "You don't need to start lying. I'm used to this already. Everyone just uses me for their own selfish reason. I shouldn't be surprised that you're started doing it too." He sighed, resting his elbows on his knees, lighting up one more cigarette like he's lighting an incense to chase out his bad luck.

Kuroko didn't know what to say to that. There was no self-deprecating exaggeration in Aomine's words. He knew first hand how Aomine used to be swarmed by yes men and sycophants; each wanted to use him for their own selfish reason. Aomine found his relief in him, calling the quiet boy his 'truest and only friend'. So Kuroko tried his best to be the selfless friend that Aomine wanted him to be. That is, until he became greedy and pushed his own feelings to Aomine.

"I'm sorry." Kuroko whispered to Aomine's turned back, too ashamed to even look up to him. Aomine turned to see Kuroko crying tears onto the floor, his empathy taking over his body as it shakes in remorseful anguish. "Tetsu…" Aomine reached a hand out to touch his shaking shoulder.

"I'm sorry I pushed my feeling to you. I'm sorry I slept with you even though I know you didn't feel the same way about me. I'm sorry that I tried to break things off and left you afterwards. I'm sorry that I only came back to you because my class bullied me into a corner. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"Shhhh Tetsu." Aomine held Kuroko's neck and caressed it, knowing that it used to calm the boy down instantly. Kuroko looked up to him and bawled, crying harder when he saw the gentle look on Aomine's face.

"I'm sorry I made you look like the bad guy. I'm sorry I didn't take the space you got for me in Touou. I'm sorry I didn't reply to you messages and calls this year. I'm sorry I went and made someone else my light."

"It's okay!" Aomine exclaimed, pulling the boy into his arms and holding him close to stop his crying. "I forgive you Tetsu, so please, stop crying."

He latched onto Aomine's broad shoulder and shook his head. Those words of absolution made no sense to him. "You shouldn't though... I was your only friend and I turned selfish just like everybody else, and now…" Kuroko sniveled and hiccupped. "Now I'm asking you to play again even thought I… I…" He sobbed, guilt overwhelming him once again. "- I just want to play with you again! I miss you so much, I just want to play and smile like we used to."

Aomine sighed happily as the boy cried into his shoulder. "There, there." He murmured, rubbing the back of Kuroko's neck just like he always liked. "You can be as selfish as you want to be. I don't mind it if its you." He said. Kuroko calmed down and sat back on his haunches, his face and eyes red with the amount of crying and rubbing.

"I'm not completely self absorbed you know, I even found you a new rival. You told me you wanted one right?" Kuroko sniveled, sloppily wiping his tears away with Aomine's tie.

"Yes, you remembered." Aomine chuckled, happy that he still remembered their childish conversation. He took his tie from Kuroko's trembling fingers, cleaning the boy's tear stricken face with the outmost care that he could muster. Kuroko held his hand and brought it close to his lips, kissing the calloused fingers of his old friend.

"Of course I remembered. Every moment I spent with you was precious to me."

Aomine smiled at the boy, his heart feeling as light as a feather. He wondered, is this what it feels to be loved?

The things that he thought only he felt were validated today. He thought Kuroko hated him, but here he is now, crying his eyes out over the smallest slights that he did in the past. He didn't want a convoluted relationship that brought them pain and suffering. All he wanted was to be understood and empathized with, even in his lowliest moments, to be connected with somebody so his crooked heart can be whole again.

Kuroko looked up to him. No words were necessary between them, his wishes were clearly written in those reddened baby blues. Aomine groaned and pulled him close, overcome by the wave affection that he felt for the boy.

"You don't know what you do to me Tetsu." He murmured against Kuroko's hair, breathing in the sweet scent of his sweat. Kuroko's small arms reached out and pulled him closer.

"Daiki…" He sighed, enjoying the feeling of Aomine's solid body against his. Aomine begun remembering the nights that they used to spend together, connected to each other in their barest selves, moving with each other through a wave of pain, lust, and pleasure.

Aomine quickly pulled away, intent on keeping this moment pure and clean. Kuroko looked up at him, tilting his head adorably to question Aomine's sudden movement. The boy only grinned in response and shook his head. "Come on," Aomine pulled him up and placed an arm around his shoulder. "Lets go out, shall we?"

When they exited the storage room, a rush of fresh night air hit them. It was like they were born anew, walking out of the shadowed womb where misunderstanding and pain kept them both apart and into the open world where they given a second chance to try and love again.

Akashi were leaning close to Furihata, whispering things that made the boy both turn pale and red. Upon seeing the two, he patted the taller boy and pushed him aside. "Ah, everything goes well I assume?" he asked, catching the key that Kuroko threw.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll play in your damn tournament." Aomine grumbled, arms still wrapped around Kuroko's shoulder. Akashi noted their closeness and smiled.

"Good. Thank you for you help Tetsuya-kun. Oh, which reminds me, a wild dog came in looking for you."

"Huh?" Kuroko asked incredulously. "Wild… dog?"

"Kuroko!" Kagami voice called over, quickly jogging over to them. He caught sight of Aomine's overly friendly arms wrapped around Kuroko's shoulder and fumed. "Come on," He said, reaching out to take Kuroko's hand. "I'll walk you home."

"Ah, I don't think so." Aomine pulled Kuroko closer to him. "I'll walk him home myself."

"Over my dead body." Kagami growled, glaring daggers at Aomine's confident smirk.

Kuroko just winced at the two tight grips that the two had on him. Somehow, he managed to wriggle his way out of the vice grips. "Ugh. It's fine. I'll just walk home with Furihata." He muttered, leaving the two boys to fight each other in peace.

Akashi scoffed at the sight of the two buffoons shouting at each other, oblivious to the world around them. "How disgraceful." He said distastefully to Kuroko. "You should've followed Aomine quietly and saved us this trouble Tetsuya-kun. Touou would've been a great fit for you both."

Kuroko chuckled died as a shiver ran down his spine. Something isn't right. Only Aomine knew about his Touou recruitment. "Akashi-san…How did you know that Aomine saved me a spot in Touou?" he asked, quietly.

Akashi turned to him, his yellow eyes glowing menacingly. "Now, do you really want to know?" he smiled. Kuroko nodded, a terrible feeling suddenly rising up in his stomach. Akashi grinned, almost delighted by Kuroko's response.

"Well, if you insist."

TBC

Next Chapter: Akashi revealed his twisted involvement during their senior year at Teiko.