My eyes are glued to the intense match down in front of me. My excitement is palpable at this point.

Hoping that Tetsu and Kagami can knock some sense into Ryota. To challenge him in a way he hasn't been in years.

A worthy adversary that can dethrone the Generation of Miracles. That's what I want.

And with Tetsu helping him, he just might be able to. "Kya! Kise-Kun! I love you!" A girl shrieked from upstairs.

Ugh. I shot a look at the onlookers. More and more girls began to proclaim their love for him.

They don't even know Ryota. How can they say they love him? "Nina-Chan! Your fierce gaze is lovely!" A guy shouted.

What the hell is wrong with people? Can't they see we're in the middle of practice? Of a game? Now's not the time to fan over me or Ryota.

"I love you!"

~

"I like you! Will you go out with me?!" I stared at the boy in front of me. He's super tense and his face is flushed. Normally these things are awkward. But this one is especially considering I've only seen him in passing, maybe twice.

This morning I had found a letter in my locker calling me out after school to behind the gym.

I don't even know him. He claims to like me, but he doesn't even know me. He only likes my looks. That's what all any of the boys like really.

Being confessed to is a common occurrence for me. I mean I have great looks, my grades aren't bad, and I have money because of my modeling gig. You know, the materialistic things. That's what everyone likes. Not me.

But it takes courage to say these kinds of things. "Thank you for your feelings, but I'm not really looking for a relationship right now." I said, trying to be as nice about it as I can.

Which I should be considering I've given this rejection many times before.

His face fell and a dejected look crossed it. Then anger. "Oh I see! You already have your fill with the basketball club." He sneered.

My eyes widened in surprise. "What?" I asked.

His face had morphed completely from in love to loathing. "Well I should have seen that coming. Well good thing huh? Don't want to use something that's been passed around." He sneered.

What a douchebag! Anger boiled from within me. "I am not with anyone!" I began to protest.

But he only snorted. "Oh yeah? Because you're so much better than us? What's your problem? I want to go out with you, yet you think you're better than me. Nobody wants a snobbish girl like that. The most they'll do is sleep with you and then ignore you anytime else."

What the hell is this kids problem?!

Suddenly a muscled dark arm wrapped around my neck gently, yet firmly. My back is pressed to his chest and his chin rested on my head.

"I'd leave if I were you." He warned. I glanced up, seeing him glare at the kid. "Daiki?"

Shouldn't he be inside the gym? "Why are you defending her? She thinks everyone is so far beneath her. Just because you're sleeping with her doesn't mean you have to pretend to be her white knight."

Daiki's muscles tensed with anger. "So because she doesn't want to date you, she's a whore? Come on. Didn't you like her? If you really did, you wouldn't be acting like this."

The boy in front of me jumped a bit, pursing his lips. Daiki is right. And he knows it.

"Do you even know anything about Nina?"

"Of course I do! Her birthday is June 18th. Her favorite color is purple. She has two older sisters and one brother. Her favorite food is-"

"Do you know anything that wasn't said in a magazine? Like how she watches MMA? Or the fact that she's enjoys writing short novels? That she likes teasing her friends or that she either donates her paychecks or blows it all in manga? That she cries a lot reading it? Do you know that she can take Midorima in a fight? That she won't hesitate to throw the first punch in defending someone? Do you know anything about her?"

The kid didn't say anything, surprised by the information Daiki had given him.

I stared up at him in awe. "You claim you like her, but you don't know anything about her. And when she rejects you, you run your mouth off calling her a whore. You ever spout things like that again and you'll regret it!"

The kid turned and ran off, embarrassed and afraid.

Daiki sighed, rubbing his head. "Jeez. Some people. You alright Nina?"

I stared at him in awe. Then I smiled up at him. "I'm fine. Thanks for standing up for me. Buuuut."

I jabbed my fingers between his ribs, making him double over. "Why'd you have to bring up the manga?" I pouted childishly.

He looked at me weirdly. "I just helped you and you thank me by hurting me? If that kid knew your personality you wouldn't have this problem."

My face flushed and I turned, crossing my arms over my chest. "I'm sorry my personality is detestable." I stated.

Daiki chuckled and placed his large hand atop my head. "It's not detestable. It's a good personality. And if someone doesn't like it, then that's their problem and they're missing out." My stomach flipped around as my chest tightened.

"You think so?" I asked attentively. Daiki grinned that idiot smile of his.

"Of course."

~

Pursing my lips, I turned and sat back in my seat.

Some of the players who aren't on the first string tried to quiet them down. Not like it'd work. I tried to block them out and concentrate on the game in front of me.

The players are doing well droning them out. They're only concentrated on the game itself.

Lucky for me, this game is more interesting than normal ones.

I cupped my hands around my mouth. "Go!" I cheered. I want my team to win, but I think I was cheering more for Seirin. Because I want them to beat them. But I want them to beat them for Ryota.

Because I want Ryota to go back to how he was second year in junior high. I want all of them to go back.

But just because I'm cheering for them doesn't mean I won't make it difficult. Because the way to win is to win fair and square. I'm still Kaijo's manager. And I will work to bring them to victory.

The whistle blew. "End of the first quarter. Take a break!" One of the guys called. Everyone walked over to the bench while some first years cleaned the floor. Our team was being scolded, once again, by coach.

Such a slave driver.

But . . . I glanced at Ryota. "You weren't expecting them to realize your weakness, huh?" I asked so quietly no one else could hear over coach's shouting.

His hand twitched and he forced a smile. "It doesn't mean anything. And it's not that big of a weakness." He said.

"A weakness is a weakness Ryota. No matter how big or small. If exploited and attacked correctly will result in your downfall."

He frowned at me, getting upset by my behavior. "It's like you want us to lose, Nee-Chan."

I sighed, looking forward. "Ryota, you know I'll always cheer for you. You know I'll help bring you to victory, no matter what. I'm saying this because you need to acknowledge your own weakness to work around it. I may be cheering on Tetsu to beat you, but I want you to do your best. And if you win that way, then that's a great outcome." He bit his lip, looking down. "I know. I'm sorry."

I smiled lightly and bumped his shoulder with mine and he returned the gesture.

After the break, everyone returned to the court. Our students and team cheered on our players and Seirin's bench cheered for their team.

The pace has slowed down. Looks like they calmed down Kagami. It's become a bit easier for the others on both teams.

A ten point gap now. Our defense is still man to man, but it's effective. Well placed if you ask me.

Ryota and Kagami ran down the court, Kagami dribbling the ball. Another drive? A fadeaway perhaps? Kagami's arm moved back and my eyes widened as he passed it back. Tetsu hit the ball around Ryota and back at Kagami.

No way. He's coordinating with Tetsu?!

Kagami scored and Seirin cheered loudly. I stared at the two in surprise. I've never seen Tetsu coordinate with anyone else other then the five at Teiko.

Kagami had the ball again and passed back. Ryota stopped to block the pass back at him, but Tetsu passed it to the guy with glasses, number 4. He shot a three pointer with ease.

I knew it. He is a long shot. Kinda like Shin-Chan but less . . . well, Shin-Chan like? I mean they're still leagues apart, but you never know, things change.

He's good. Not as much attention is being brought to him because of Kagami, but it doesn't make him any less of a threat.

Because Kagami is passing now. And that changes the flow of game with ease. They have far more options, making their offense stronger. To top it off, Ryota can't copy Tetsu.

The linchpin of the play. It's his bane, his kryptonite.

My gaze drifted to Ryota, who is starting to lose some of his composure. His narrowed yellow eyes are on Tetsu.

The weapon used against him.

Hey, Ryota. If you played with your team, you could win. But you won't do that will you? Because you believe everyone is so far beneath you. If you had the right attitude, the right heart for the game, you'd be an undefeatable foe.

Ryota exchanged words with Tetsu and Kagami. "Oh. The air has changed. Looks like Ryota's getting fired up." I said.

Coach glanced at me before back at Ryota. He doesn't like the small gap between the two.

My brother got hold of the ball and began to run down the court but- What?! My eyes went wide as Tetsu stepped in front, blocking him.

Tetsu is blocking . . . he's blocking Ryota?! What are they doing?!

Tetsu is an invisible man! He doesn't need to block but he's . . . he can't block Ryota properly. He's far too strong compared to him.

"I never dreamed we'd play together like this, Kurokocchi." I barely heard Ryota's words. "Neither did I." Tetsu responded, staying in front of Ryota. I stared at them in disbelief.

I don't know what they're up to, but Tetsu can't stop my brother.

Ryota moved and went around Tetsu, but was stopped as Kagami intercepted. Ah. They're not going to stop him . . !

"Ryota! Move!" I shouted. But it was too late. Tetsu turned his upper body a bit and hit the ball out of Ryota's hand with a back tip.

They're taking the ball.

They took advantage of the second Ryota hesitated. Because it doesn't matter how amazingly he plays against them. They're trying to let him through.

The ball bounced and one of their teammates took it and ran down the court, scoring a basket.

They're smart. It doesn't matter normally if two people team up on my brother. But nobody can see an invisible guy coming up behind him.

As Ryota got the ball again, Tetsu stood in his way again. Ryota dribbled the ball a bit before getting ready to shoot.

After all, his abilities aren't limited to dunks. He can shoot three pointers.

Kagami ran up and placed his hand on Tetsu's head, using him to jump up and smack the ball out of Ryota's hand.

I pursed my lips. Tetsu is covering below and Kagami is covering the top. An outside shot takes too much movement. So Kagami can take advantage of it and stop him.

These guys are good. But will they be good enough to hold out forever? Although I want him to be knocked off his pedestal, I don't foresee it happening.

Because he is one of the best.

Kagami ran after the ball after landing. In a hurry, Ryota turned to get it as well, but his arms are long and smacked Tetsu and he fell to the ground.

"Tetsu!" I shouted, standing from my seat.

I kept my eyes on him even as the whistle blew. "Kuroko!" One of his teammates shouted. Tetsu looked up, and it was then I saw the blood running down his face.

"Tetsu!" I screamed, running onto the court. I reached him as he stood up. His teammate, glasses, ran our way.

"Tetsu! Stay still. Let me see." I ordered, taking his face in my hands. I'm taller than him, so I had to make him look up and turn his head a bit to better inspect the wound on his head.

"Are you okay?" His teammate asked as I inspected it carefully. "I feel lightheaded." He admitted.

Tsk. I shot a look over at the players who aren't first string. "Get a first aid kit! Hurry!" I ordered, making them scurry off.

Kagami ran over and I released Tetsu's cheeks. "Are you okay?" He asked, wanting to hear him say it.

Tetsu looked over at his friend as Kana ran up to us. "I'm fine. The game is just getting started." He tilted and began to fall, making them shout. I quickly caught him in my arms.

"Tetsu?!

"Tetsuya?!"

Kana and I shouted simultaneously. "Nina." Kana looked up at me. Her seemingly emotionless eyes holding a hint of worry in them.

I nodded and grabbed one of his arms and slung it over my shoulder and she did the same. We stood and I sweat dropped.

I'm taller than both of them.

Well, we need to get him on the bench.

I helped her take him to her team's bench. Their coach laid out some towels and we placed him on the ground.

"Kise!" I turned to see one of our members bring me the first aid kit and went to work.

"How is he?" Kana asked, sitting next to me as their coach hovered around me. "It's not too bad, but I would still take him to the hospital after this." I told them, finishing up bandaging his head.

I hadn't realized that their members were around me until I looked up.

"I don't think he should be put back on the court. He needs to rest, but don't let him fall asleep. Personally, I'd rather him go to the hospital immediately, but he's not in any immediate danger so you can take him after the game. I'll leave the kit here for the meantime.

I looked over at my friend whose laying with a towel over his eyes, worry etched within me.

I don't want to leave him. Maybe I'll just take him while the others play.

"Nina." Kana placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked over to her. Her light blue hair moved as she crouched down. "You said it yourself, he'll be okay. You should check on Kise-Kun. He's probably upset with himself."

She's right.

Nodding, I stood and walked over to my brother, who stood off the the side frome everyone. "Nee-Chan, I swear, I didn't mean to hurt him." He told me, voice in pain.

I rested my hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "I know Ryota. I know. Everyone knows it. Kana, Tetsu, me, we know. He'll be okay. Come on. We still have a game to play."

He seemed reluctant about it, but went back to the court nonetheless.

I'll pound on him later. For now, we should just focus. But there's not as big as a threat like before.

Tetsu was their only liable weapon. Without him the game is as good as ours. Although I doubt my team would like that type of victory.

I sat back on the bench as the whistle signalled, my leg bouncing as my mind turned, thinking about the game and Tetsu's injury.

It seems they're not using Kagami for offense. He's keeping to defense. Smart move. If they want to win, they can't use him or Ryota will copy him.

But that'll only get them so far. However, even without their secret weapon, they're not bad as an offensive team.

They have potential, I'll give them that.

The game went on. Our gap getting slightly bigger each passing minute.

The whistle sounded again. "Seirin, member change!"

Eh? EH?! "TETSU?!" I shouted, standing up as he walked onto the court. I looked over at Seirin's bench, in demand of an answer.

Kana looked my way and merely shrugged.

"What do you mean 'shrug'?! Geez!" I sat down, staring at Tetsu. He's insane.

But . . . "That's Tetsu for you." I mumbled, watching as the game continued.

Well, him sleeping for the second and third quarter really revived him. Our team was just getting used to it and now he's back at full power. Seirin is catching up.

Only a two point difference and there's five minutes left in the last quarter.

I'll admit, this game is amazing to watch.

Ah! My jaw dropped as they shot the ball, gaining two points. They're . . . they're caught up!!

A smile graced my lips as my adrenaline spiked. But it fell when I sensed it. My eyes snapped back towards Ryota.

He's . . . he's getting serious.

I haven't seen him get serious since the change. Ryota . . .

"Kise!" Kasamatsu shouted as he threw the ball towards them. Ryota caught the ball and moved far too quickly and went right through Tetsu's defense.

Kagami went to stop him and before Tetsu could do the back tip, Ryota switched the ball to his other hand and ran past Kagami before dunking the ball in.

He's finally gotten serious. The first step is done. But now he's focused on not losing. Because Ryota can't handle losing.

He hates it. He absolutely hates it.

One of the reasons why he's so obsessed with Daiki. Because he's never been able to beat him.

Three minutes left. A lot can happen in three minutes.

Hey, Tetsu. Please beat Ryota. I want the old Ryota back. I want him back. I want all of them back.

All of them.

The game progressed, both teams desperate to win. My leg bounced madly as my anxiety spiked. As I continued to watch, my mind kept on racing. Ten seconds left. Seirin needs to score ot win.

Kagami and Tetsu ran down the court and Ryota blocked his path. "Kuroko!" Kagami tossed the ball to him.

What the? Tetsu can't shoot.

With only the two of them at that end of the court, he'll have to pass it back to Kagami- no way! Tetsu shot?!! But it's going to miss.

No. He didn't shoot. It's an alley oop with Kagami!

Kagami jumped high into the air and caught the ball "Ryota! BLOCK!" I shouted. My brother did so, jumping behind to block him.

However he began to fall back to the ground first.

What the? That can't be possible. How can Kagami stay in the air long enough to do that? Ah! Could he be . . . an Air Walker?!

Sound ceased, not a noise reached my ears as I watched Kagami turn and dunk the ball into the hoop, scoring.

That's it. One move Ryota can't copy.

It's a buzzer beater.

My eyes wandered to the scoreboard. 100 to 98.

Seirin wins.