Rebound (Kagakuro)

Chapter Thirty

Kuroko

The days were going well so far ever since my problems were solved. Life seemed brighter and better, and I finally felt like I was able to breathe normally. Getting Kagami back was good, and mending my friendship with Aomine was a bonus. As I walked down the path to school, I can't help but to think about how lucky I was. I was part of the best team in Japan - the Generation of Miracles, and now I've made new friends and even got myself a boyfriend, who - sometimes - reminded me of Aomine. I smiled to myself. The world worked in such wonderful ways.

My phone buzzed, and when I retrieved it from my back pocket, my face instantly lit up when I saw a familiar name on the screen. It's been so long since I've spoken to him. We've parted ways ever since our Teiko days ended, so receiving a simple text from Akashi was a blessing.

Akashi Seijuro: Greetings, Tetsuya. It's been a long time. Is this a right time to talk?

I smiled at the way he typed. It really sounded like Akashi, and I felt a little bit nervous as I typed back a reply. The relationship between him and I weren't that good, even though he was the one who found my talent. I've always owed him for that, but I couldn't find the ways to thank him back. After all, it was all my hard work and skills that I was able to be the person I was now.

Me: It's good to hear from you again, Akashi-kun. I'm on my way to school. Is there anything you need?

He didn't reply instantly, though I wasn't expecting him to. Akashi was always a busy person, even though he was just another high school student. His parents were really strict, and after his mother passed away, Akashi's behavior changed completely. He was still the same Akashi that we knew, just more... sad.

My friends greeted me by the school gate when I arrived, and their conversation has allowed me to forget about Akashi for a while. Something must've been wrong, because Akashi was never the one to seek me when there's something's bad. He could've looked for Midorima if he could. It didn't have to be me. I tried to ignore the worried feeling that was slowly building up in my chest. It was only Akashi. I was positive that he would be okay.

He must be.

"Hey," Koganei-senpai nudged me lightly on my side. I quickly blinked and stared at him blankly, which caused him to chuckle nervously. "Are you alright? You don't seem okay. How's studies coming along? There's a test coming up, isn't it?"

"It's okay," I replied him. "Studies are always fine for me. I just had something in mind, that's all."

"Oh, are you worried about the upcoming game?" Furihata guessed. "I heard from coach that you couldn't be on the team if you fail the exams."

"What?" Koganei-senpai whined next to me as I placed my shoes into my locker. "That can't be it! I have to play!"

"Then study, idiot." 

My smile returned when I felt the familiar pair of arms wrap around my shoulders. I leaned my head back against his shoulder and greeted him. "Good morning, Kagami-kun."

Our friends rolled their eyes at his weird yet sweet behavior. I noticed his cheeks going red, so I gently pulled him away before placing a soft kiss on his cheek. Koganei-senpai groaned in disapproval. "Get a room."

Class went on as usual, but I found myself enjoying the classes more than I used to. Not only because Kagami and I were in the same class, but people seemed to notice me more now. Sure, being invisible was fun, but sometimes I needed attention too. It hurt being avoided as if you never existed.

Coach was extra stressed that day. None of us complained when she gave us more and harder trainings. The game was right after our exams, which meant time was running out. Kiyoshi-senpai came over to watch us train, giving us support from time to time.

During our break, the small envelope symbol flashed on my phone screen. I instantly took it in my hands to read Akashi's reply.

Akashi Seijuro: It's nothing important. I just thought it'll be a good idea for all of us to meet up before the game.

Us? Did that mean he texted the other members too?

I blinked before sending him a reply:

Me: Sounds okay for me. I'll see you soon then, Akashi-kun.

Before we returned to our training, I decided to send Aomine a quick text:

Me: Did Akashi-kun texted you?

Aomine Daiki: Yeah, something about meeting up. You got the message too?

Me: Yes.

"Kuroko, let's go!" My teammates shouted to capture my attention. I smiled apologetically before running towards them. Coach didn't seem happy with me being late, so I apologized again.

"I need all of you to be serious," Coach sighed while shaking her head. She seemed pretty tired today, then I remembered about the exams. She must've studied until late at night. "The game is in a few weeks. We have to win this time."

Kiyoshi-senpai placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and she relaxed a little bit. He then turned to us and smiled.

"She's right, everyone. I'm sure all of you want to win, right?"

Kagami screamed. "Of course!"

A few of our friends slapped his back, earning a pained whine from the red-headed boy. I only chuckled in amusement at his immature behavior, shaking my head a little.

Something was different. Right, Kise wasn't with us anymore. I kinda missed having the blonde around. Watching the rest compete with him in basketball was always entertaining, especially when he's off against Kagami. Those two were unstoppable. One was like fire, and the other like lightning. Both strong and powerful.

"Damn, I'm missing Kise already," Koganei-senpai sighed heavily and leaned his body against Mitobe-senpai lazily. "It's nice to have someone to argue with sometimes. I miss him!"

"You'll definitely meet him again during the game." I commented.

"But as enemies," Kagami added, suddenly feeling so pumped at the thought of going against Kaijo High. "Plus, his captain is okay now, right? He'll get to play too?"

I frowned a bit. "I don't think so, unfortunately. But I've heard from Kise-kun that the captain role was temporary passed down to him, though Kasamatsu-senpai will still be there to observe them."

"Of course he will," Kiyoshi-senpai nodded his head, a relaxed grin spread across his features. "He's a great captain after all. He'll never leave his team behind."

I smiled, because he was right. Kaijo High wasn't only strong because of the members, but it was also because of their captain. He's the one who kept them together, who made sure each and every one of them worked hard so they could win.

Kasamatsu-senpai was one of the strongest person I've met. Despite being too strict sometimes, everyone knew he had a big heart, and he appreciated every single one of his teammates, who never let him down.

Especially Kise, Kaijo High's new captain.