Aomine Daiki's Infatuation. - Aomine X Reader.

Practising Alone

Momoi swiftly brushed her sleeve across her eyes, wiping the remaining salty liquid dry. Her usual energetic attitude was momentarily dimmed by the emotions of the day, but she quickly gathered herself, her spirit shining through once again.

"I'll discuss the upcoming game with everyone tomorrow," she said, her tone regaining its lively edge. "I'm not sure if Aomine will be there, so it'd be great if you were around just in case he isn't." Her eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and concern as she spoke about the match, the anticipation evident in her voice.

"Don't worry, I'll be there," I replied with a reassuring smile, my heart warming at her enthusiasm. Just then, my name echoed from the doors of the academy, pulling my attention away.

"Excuse me, [y/n]," a lecturer waved me over, her expression serious yet hurried. I looked at Momoi questioningly, and she shrugged in confusion, whispering, "See you tomorrow." I nodded feverishly, watching as she walked home, her pink hair bouncing with each step. My stomach churned slightly as I approached the lecturer. What have I done wrong? was the only thought racing through my mind.

"Yes, Miss?" I answered her call, anxiety creeping into my voice.

"The usual door attendant is off sick today," she explained briskly. "I need to leave the building immediately because of a family emergency. Since you're the new assistant for the basketball team, I trust you're getting familiar with the gym." She clutched my wrist tightly as my fingers instinctively unfastened, dropping a pair of steel keys into my hands.

"Could you please ensure that the gymnasium is securely locked up tonight? It's important to double-check that all students have cleared the building. Also, please bring the keys to the head office tomorrow; I'll make sure to collect them from you personally." Before I could object or even process what was happening, she hurried away in her clamouring heels towards a sleek black Mercedes parked nearby. She slid into the driver's seat and sped off, leaving me standing there with the gym keys still warm from her grip.

Rolling my eyes at the sudden responsibility thrust upon me, I headed towards the gym door. My feet moved slowly until they halted suddenly at the sound of a single basketball repeatedly hammering against the polished court floor.

Stepping within the confines of the vast space, an unmistakable head of blue stood with his back towards me – Aomine. His head was lowered and unmoving except for his arm actively alternating between up and down as he dribbled.

What is he doing here on his own at this time? I wondered silently as I observed his controlled movements. He paced back and forth on the court with an effortless motion that seemed almost mesmerising. Each time he dunked the ball, it echoed through the empty gym like a thunderclap – powerful and precise – his muscles contorting and rippling under his rich brown skin.

"Hey," he said directly without turning around, his voice low but imposing as he noticed my presence the moment I entered.

I stood there for a moment, situated with my back to the door and arms wrapped around myself for warmth as a raw breeze hit my rear. "So, is this your first time coming here alone after hours to practice? It must feel different being here when it's quiet." I dared to question him confidently.

"I already mentioned that practising is a waste of time," he replied nonchalantly, bouncing the ball on his finger as it rapidly spun like a globe in motion.

"It's helped you get this far, hasn't it?"  A shimmer of light caught in his eyes as they glowed in what little brightness filtered into the room from outside. He threw the ball towards me; it hit my hand with surprising force, a sharp sting from the friction of skin on leather causing me to flinch slightly.

"Come on, play with me," he urged, his tone casual yet laced with an intensity that caught me off guard – a forward invitation that could easily be misinterpreted. I laughed nervously.

"Are you seriously suggesting that an amateur like me should take on a basketball prodigy?" I raised an eyebrow in his direction, trying to mask my apprehension behind mild humour.

Unwaveringly confident, he merely replied, "Why not?" His matter-of-fact tone left no room for argument.

"Alright then, Mr. Ace, here goes nothing." I had participated in small games with various groups before, but never against someone with Aomine's extraordinary talent and skill level.

"Too slow," he uttered smugly as he snagged the ball from my hand faster than I could blink.

"Impressive; I'll give credit where it's due," I replied, breathless with a mix of exhilaration and awe at his remarkable skill. The intensity of his performance was palpable, and rather than feeling envious of not competing against him directly, I found myself inspired by his prowess. 

"Again, pick up your pace this time," he commanded with unwavering authority. Without a moment's hesitation, I quickly began to bounce the ball between my hands, striving to synchronise my rhythm with his.

"Better," he said with a smirk playing on his lips. My heart raced at his approval; maybe there was hope for me yet.

"But still – too slow..." He dashed past me effortlessly; my hair danced around in his motion as his fast movement caused a weighty draught that left me momentarily stunned.

In awe of his speed and agility, I stood immobile while Aomine wiped the sweat from his forehead with a swipe of his hand – a casual gesture that somehow seemed charming in its simplicity.

"To be honest, I expected nothing less from you." I praised him again despite feeling slightly outclassed.

"And that's why I don't practice," he replied coldly. "I've surpassed my opponents just like I've surpassed you – with ease." A veil of seriousness fell over my face at his words; they carried an underlying truth that resonated deeply within me.

He didn't want to become stronger because he feared it would hinder his enjoyment of the game...

Perhaps he has lost his way, afraid to confront the disappointment of those who can no longer keep pace with him – a thought that lingered uncomfortably in my mind.