Kuroko's feet pounded against the pavement as he ran toward Teikou High, the early morning air crisp against his skin and wind rushing through pale blue hair. It had become a habit recently, since meeting Akashi-kun, to arrive at school before anyone else, slip into the third gym, and practice alone. His shots were still inconsistent, but they were improving, little by little. He had no intention of joining the basketball team, yet he couldn't seem to abandon the sport either. Nostalgia flowed through his veins and filled his thoughts as he felt the weight of the ball leave his hands and hit the rim of hoop. Chasing the ball down and trying again. Dribbling the ball methodically, he focused on his form, his movements sharp but quiet. He shot. The ball arched through the air, bouncing off the rim before finally falling through the net. Kuroko let out a quiet breath. Progress.
As the time neared for class, he wiped his sweat with a towel and headed for the locker room to quickly change into his uniform. Making his way toward the main building, he entered the classroom, slipping into his seat unnoticed as usual. However, someone did notice him.
"Kuroko," Akashi's calm voice called from the seat beside him.
Kuroko turned to face him, expression unreadable. "Yes, Akashi-kun?"
"Join the basketball team."
It wasn't a question. It was an expectation.
Kuroko sighed softly. "I appreciate the offer, but I have no plans to join."
Akashi studied him, his heterochromatic eyes gleaming with quiet calculation. "You practice every morning."
"That is unrelated."
Akashi didn't seem convinced, but before he could push further, the school bell rang, signalling the start of class. The teacher entered and began the math lesson. As formulas and equations filled the board, Kuroko's grip on his pencil tightened. Calculus had never been his strong suit, and as the lesson progressed, his notes became more fragmented, his understanding slipping further away. Now, Kuroko had never had issues in many other classes, especially English and literature however mathematics was a weakness.
Akashi, of course, noticed.
"Kuroko," he said once the teacher assigned their independent work. "I'll tutor you."
Kuroko blinked. "That won't be necessary."
Akashi's gaze was unwavering. "I'm already tutoring Aomine, Kise, and Murasakibara. You'll join us."
Kuroko hesitated. "I can manage."
Akashi's tone didn't change. "That isn't an option."
Kuroko sighed in quiet resignation. There was no arguing with Akashi. "...Alright."
The school day passed, and when the final bell rang, students packed up to head home or to club activities. Kuroko was carefully placing his materials into his bag when Akashi approached his desk.
"I have practice," Akashi informed him smoothly. "Wait for me, and then we'll go to my home for the tutoring session."
Kuroko frowned. "I'm sure I'll be fine without it." He had managed thus far without the intervention of a tutor and he didn't see that needing to change anytime soon.
Akashi ignored him entirely and left for the gym.
Left alone, Kuroko exhaled, resigned to the inevitable. He had time before Akashi would be finished, so he turned and made his way through the schoolyard, dodging and weaving through the masses of students towards the ever empty third gym. It wasn't like he had anywhere else to be. With quiet precision, he picked up a basketball, dribbled to his usual spot, and prepared to shoot.