Second Chances

Teiko: Closer

Teiko Flashbacks Chapter 2: Closer

*****

Coming from the third string, Kuroko rose up to the first string because of his lack of presence and determinations. I've seen it myself, too, watching him passing the ball to others, and that's pretty cool. I can't really help but to marveled and admire him for his dedications, because he trained harder than anyone in the third string so that one day, he can play in the court too.

And his efforts really paid off. And right now, as usual, Teiko's basketball club first string players are having their usual practice. 

However...

"MOMOI!" I called the pink-haired lady panicking while running towards us holding a bucket. "THE BUCKET! THE BUCKET! HE'S THROWING UP AGAIN!" 

"Wait! Wait!" She said, handing me the bucket. "Okay next, I'll get the mop! Take care of him!" She leaves again, and this time, frantically finding where on earth is the mop.

The practice didn't stop. Not until Kuroko throw up again and all of us rushes to his side, mostly because he still isn't really used on the fast training first string players have here, and then this noise about 'Where's the Bucket' started. 

"Hey Tetsu," Aomine said, rubbing Kuroko's back gently. "Are you really okay?" 

"Don't Wo-" Kuroko didn't finish his answer when he throws up again. 

"You're sweating too much. Maybe you should take a rest first." I said this time, noticing how he breathes heavily. 

Kuroko finally survived whatever he's been going through and managed to smile weakly at me. "Sorry for causing trouble, but I'm okay now, Miu-san." 

All of us watching sweat-dropped when his face fell down on the floor. 

"He's not okay." Aomine sighed, watching his best friend helplessly. 

Akashi kneel down beside me. "Kuroko, take a rest first." He said to him, who looks up when he heard his name. "However, if you're still not feeling fine, you can go home early." 

"I'll just be sitting on the bench, then." Kuroko said, and with the help of Aomine, he stand up and let his best friend accompany him to the bench. 

"I'll look out for him." I smiled at Akashi. "You guys continue practicing." 

"Yes." Akashi nodded, calling everyone again to continue their practice. 

I sit down beside Kuroko, watching the others resuming their practice. I had to admit, but being with this first-string players really amazed me because...seriously, we're still middle school for heaven's sake but they play basketball at a professional level. 

"The fast pace of the practice really makes you tired, right, Kuroko-kun?" I asked the boy beside me as I focused  my attention on him. "I would pass out if I would do their routine."

Kuroko bows his head down. "Yes." 

I immediately freak out. "I-It's not what I meant!" I said, frantically waving my hands to him to explain what do I really mean. "I mean, first string's practice is more advance and difficult than the second string or third string..." 

But I quickly understand what I mean again and mentally face-palm myself. "N-No! It's not what I mean either! I'm just-" 

"Don't worry," Kuroko smiled at me. "I get what you're saying, Miu-san." 

I raised a brow at him. "You did?" 

"Yes, I did." 

I sighed in relief before frowning at him. "Wait a minute, you haven't wipe your sweat! Geez.." I said, handing him a towel. "Take care of yourself, Kuroko-kun."