So this is life?

Chapter 4

"Aomine-kun?"

....

"Aomine-kun?"

....

"Aomine-kun!"

"Huh?"

"I've been calling you."

"Oh, sorry Tetsu."

"Aomine-kun, are you alright?"

"Yea, I'm just tired."

But he was lying. His eyes were cold, and he looked away. If only... if only I was able to help him, maybe I could've made him love basketball again.

But it was too late for me.

"Kuroko, what's wrong?" My mother asked. "You look like you just got heartbroken."

"Nothing's the matter." I answered. What am I supposed to tell her?

"So how's the team doing?" She asked.

"Fine." I lied. "I think I'm going to head out for a bit."

"Don't stay out too long; dinner's going to be ready soon."

"Got it."
-
I went to the nearest basketball court. I needed to calm down. I needed to forget about it; about today, about the team, ... about Aomine-kun.

"I don't even know how to receive your passes anymore."

Why? Why is life this way? This isn't what I wanted.

"We should no longer continue with teamwork."

Then what's the point of a team? Akashi-kun, is that even you?

"Tetsu-kun, do you remember what I asked from before?"

From before?

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't. What did you say?"

"Oh, never mind! It's not important anyway."

I wish I remembered because as soon as I left, I could hear her crying.

What was it?

My phone began buzzing. I checked the ID and I stared at it.

Ogiwara-kun...

I took a deep breath and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Oh, you picked up! What's up? We haven't talked lately, so I was wondering how you were doing."

What can I tell him?

"I'm sorry, I was busy." I told him. "I'm doing fine. How about you?"

"Ah, that's good! I've been fine too." He replied. "Teiko's been doing really well, like always. You guys are always have articles in Basketball Monthly. I'm always reading them."

"Thanks."

"But you're always out of the photos!" He complained. "We're getting strong too. We'll put up a better fight than last year. This time, I'll keep our promise."

"Good, I'm looking forward to it."

There was silence.

"Kuroko, are you okay? Did something happen?"

I could't tell him; I didn't want him to worry. He doesn't have to know what's been happening.

"Nothing happened; I'm fine, thank you, though."

"Okay then. I'll call or text soon."

I hung up and stood there silent.

"I'm sorry, Ogiwara-kun. There's a lot of things I couldn't say. Most importantly, today... I lied and I made a girl cry."

Tears started to stream down my face. "...I'm the worst."

I suddenly heard footsteps coming my way and they were dribbling a basketball.

"Hey, if you're not using the court, then go." The person said.

"Sorry."

I moved out of his way and decided to head home.

"Hey, are you in a basketball club?" He asked.

"Yea... I guess you can say that."

"Huh, okay then." I could hear him make a basket. "Well, this doesn't have anything to do with me, but have fun."

Have fun?

"Thank you."

I headed home with that quote in my head. "Have fun."

That boy had some strange eyebrows, though.