"Move those legs!" I shouted at the first string. They picked up the pace at my command. The other day I had opted to buy special leg and arm weights for them to do their exercises. I wanted to work on drilling them with the fundamentals first so that it'd become instinct to do so.

And I thought putting on these weights for practices would help them in the future.

My eyes drifted to a certain brunette. "Hayakawa-Senpai! Do them properly!" I scolded loudly. "Yes!" He shouted in turn, continuing the drills. Coach sat down behind me on the bench as he watched over us.

"I didn't take her for a demon." Hayakawa cried, thinking he was being quiet but he's very loud as a person. My eye twitched. "Don't make me up the rounds." I threatened.

This just made him cry even harder. "Nina-Chan's a demon." He wailed. This just irritated me further. "Twenty more!" I shouted, causing the others to shout at their teammate.

Of course since their match against Seirin things have changed. They're not as cocky as they were a couple weeks ago. Even Ryota has changed.

Not a whole lot, but enough where it makes a difference.

They're all practicing so earnestly lately that it's almost moving. I hadn't seen practice like that since my second year of junior high. So of course I've been abusing their drive and upping their training.

The only ones really complaining are Ryota and Hayakawa. Moriyama is a little tired, so is Kobori, but they're not complaining.

The only one who's really into it is Kasamatsu, and he doesn't really talk to me much on the account I'm female.

We've already had our first match, and as predicted, we won. We had doubled their score and then some. Honestly it wasn't very satisfying.

There's a reason why Ryota picked Kaijo afterall. You know, all of them, with the exception of Tetsu, picked schools with really good basketball teams.

But wouldn't they get more out of it if they picked nobody schools with lack of sports recognition to fully grasp the effect? Then again; Sei-Chan and Shin-Chan wouldn't be caught dead in a nobody school. Maybe that's why Shin-Chan is so upset.

Nah, he's always upset.

But I'm even more brutal on my team today. Not for the right reasons though. I finally decided that after school today I'd head over to Tōō and talk to Daiki. I wasn't going to chicken out, and since I've been ignoring him for so long, texting him seems wrong.

The only reason I know where he's going to school is because I harassed Shin-Chan into telling me.

I could've asked Sei-Chan, but I feel like he'd make me do something I don't wanna in exchange for the information.

I can make Shin-Chan tell me free of charge.

I was going to skip practice in order to go, but I decided to just dip out a little early instead. Just to make sure they're starting correctly. "Nee-Chan, isn't it about time you go?" Ryota complained, sweat dripping off of him like the others.

I've been especially hard on him. I know that's the main reason he wants me to leave.

Sure, I told him that today was the day, he's my brother. And I'm sure he genuinely wants me to talk to him again. God knows that he's been yelled at by the boy because I've ignored him.

Although I'm pretty sure he wants to slack off some because of how brutal I've been on them today.

This morning and now.

I shot him a glare and looked over at the coach. "As much as it pains me, he's right. Here's what I had planned for today. They have to get through everything today because I have their training on a set schedule, it needs to be done today so tomorrow they can finish what's in store for them then." I handed him my clipboard with all of my notes and schedules.

I didn't become a manager for the Generation of Miracles because I was nice and said pretty words.

I have their exercise regime, their water intake, their sleep schedule, and their calorie intake down and have threatened them enough to make sure they go through with it.

The right diet and exercise can improve an athlete leaps and bounds. It's not all the same either. Kobori needs more intake then Kasamatsu and Moriyama needs more physical exercise then Hayakawa.

Each person is different and in turn needs a different routine.

"Will do. See you Monday for practice." I nodded and turned back to the first string with my eyes closed.

A smile was on my face but there was a dark aura around me. "Please make sure to do this diligently. I'll know if you didn't, and I don't want to have to make anything harder than it has to be . . . but I will." I opened my eyes and glared at them, mainly my brother and Hayakawa. The two jumped, going pale.

With a nod I grabbed my bag and left the gym, heading for the station to Tōō Academy. Once I was on the train my nerves started to take the heat since there wasn't anyone to lash it out on. I'm nervous.

What do I even say to him? 'Sorry I ran away because you became an insensitive jerk and who only belittles others'?

I doubt I can say that. And I'm not all that sorry. A little, but not a hundred percent.

I doubt he'll even listen to me. He might yell at me. The more I thought about it the more nervous I became. To the point I started to feel sick and lightheaded. By the time I reached the station and was headed for the school, I had started to drag my feet on the ground.

No. No, I can do this. This isn't an issue. I can do this. I'm Kise Nina. I became a model my first year of high school, I've been on honor roll my entire school time, I've played every sport available, managed a winning basketball team, I bounced right back from being hit by a car, handled every handsy boy that's crossed my path, volunteered at an orphanage, and I've dealt with my three sisters and narcissistic younger brother all my life.

I can talk to one boy.

As soon as I reached the school my pep talk faded and I began to twitch. I only managed to walk onto school grounds before I froze in place.

I can't do this. No way. He's going to be so mad at me. He'll scream at me. He'll say he hates me, oh god what if he says he hates me?!

No, I can't do this. I'd rather be hit with a car. That was so much easier than this.

But if I run away again nothing will be fixed. I miss him. If we can't go back to how we were before the tournament, then I at least want to go back to being friends.

Daiki was a big part of my life in Junior High. And I don't want it to end there. But I'm . . . I'm scared.

I'm scared to face him.

It's not like he didn't try to contact me. He came to my house everyday for weeks, called and texted me. He even called my manager and the orphanage looking for me. I've been deliberately avoiding him and that must've hurt. I had my reasons, but it wasn't the best course of action.

I just couldn't stand seeing him like that. Not the boy who smiled as brightly as the sun. It hurt.

Totally lost in my train of thought, I didn't notice people talking or even the guy who then grabbed my shoulder. Huh?

I looked up to see three really tall guys wearing the school uniform. "You're Kise Nina. I'm a huge fan." One said, a smile on his face. But the smile wasn't comforting.

"What brings you here?" The one who had my shoulder asked. I don't like him touching me. It's uncomfortable.

"I came to see a friend. I gotta go." I said, trying to shrug him off, but his grip only tightened before he threw his arm around my neck and forced me to his side. "Awe, don't leave. Why don't you hang out with us instead?"

The other two came in closer and the hairs on my neck stood. This isn't a good situation. They're all bigger than me and look like they've thrown around a few girls.

Looks like I got to go straight for the family jewels.

Before I could bring my leg up, someone's hand grabbed the shoulder of the guy who had his arm around me. "Um, I'm sorry, but she's my friend. She came to visit me." Despite the action, the voice was rather timid.

A young guy stood behind him, a nervous look on his face. He's wearing shorts and a t-shirt, probably on break from a practice. He's rather feminem, but from his muscles I can see his stats.

Which are high. His light brown hair was damp with sweat and his light brown eyes held more anxiety than me.

One of the guys by me sneered at him. "Huh?! You got a problem, first year?" He demanded, standing a little straighter. The younger guy flinched but he wasn't running away. "She doesn't like this. Could you please let her go, she came to pick me up from practice." He tried again.

The guy who had me turned and grabbed him by his collar and pulled him to him in a threatening manner. "You're ruining the mood!" He raised his fist and that snapped me into action.

This kid, as sweet and kind he is to try and save me, does not look like he can fight. I reared back and brought my leg up between the lechers legs with great force.

He let out a squeak of pain and released the kid, falling to his knees with his hands on his crotch. I ran around and grabbed the guys hand and took off in a sprint, dragging him with me.

There were some angry shouts from behind, but that only encouraged me to pick up speed and start taking random turns to lose them.

I take pride in my speed. I was an ace soccer player and ran track. And whenever I played basketball, I even outran Daiki!

Then he took advantage of his long ass legs and abused it.

Curse his height! I mean Murasakibara is taller, but he's too lazy to run seriously.

It took no time at all to lose them and their angry shouting. I stopped outside what I assume to be the greenhouse, which is a plus. I turned to the kid I dragged around.

He kept up so that's a plus. Releasing his hand I smile lightly. "Sorry about that, I wasn't sure how well you'd handle in a fight. But thank you for that. That was really sweet of you."

He shook his head feverently, his round eyes going wide. "No, I didn't do anything! You had to save me actually. I am so sorry about that!" He began to apologize again, his anxiety palpable from here.

I held my hands up in a calming gesture. "There's no need to apologize." I tried, but he just shook his head and looked down, mumbling about how he's useless.

Is he . . . is he okay?

"Hey, you shouldn't talk like that about your-!" I let out a loud gasp as my own eyes went wide, zeroing in on a lanyard that stuck from his pocket. "Is that Shou from Rising Heroes?!" I all but screeched.

He jumped, looking down to see that it was sticking out of his pocket. Then his gaze went to mine, his eyes twinkling. "You watch Rising Heroes?!" He asked animatedly.

I nodded quickly, my own eyes sparkling. "Of course! That's in my third favorite anime and twelfth favorite manga!" He began to emit an excited aura. "It's my eleventh favorite right after Bring On!"

I squealed in delight at the sports manga. "That's the reason why I played basketball in third grade!" The two of us were glowing with happiness and excitement of finding another Otaku.

Ah. I'm fangirling.

Laughing nervously I scratched my cheek. "I guess I got a little carried away." He seemed to snap out of it and flushed before bowing his head apologetically. "I am so sorry! I also got carried away!"

Geez, there he goes apologizing again. "It's alright, I did too. But it's nice to meet someone who knows what I'm talking about. Oh, I'm Kise by the way. Kise Nina." I introduced myself.

He righted himself again. "I know. I mean because you're in a lot of magazines!" He seemed worried I'd think poorly of him because he knows me?

I'm not exactly a subtle person.

"I'm Sakurai Ryo. It's nice to meet you." He replied timidly. Ryo, huh? That's super close to Ryota. What a shame, he's kind of cute.

If only you had another name.

"Well, thanks again for helping me out back there. You're in the middle of practice right? Let me see . . ." I analyzed his body, a small smile on my face. But the smile soon vanished and I was a bit surprised. "Oh. Basketball." So he's Daiki's teammate.

I scratched my cheek. "Would you mind if I peeked in on your practice? My friend joined your team here, I came to visit."

He looked at me curiously before giving an attentive nod. "I don't mind, but is it okay if I do it? Sorry." He mumbled looking down.

Oh boy.

I chuckled nervously. "Yeah. We should get going though, your captain's probably starting to wonder where you went." His face paled and he stood up straight. "Oh no!" He screamed, clutching his head in his hands.

"Um . . . Sakurai-Kun?" He looked over, grabbing my wrist, and took off. He is terrified.

I worry how this kid's heart is going to turn out. This is not good for his body at all. He's going to age very quickly and ruin his adorable face. Poor Sakurai. He's going to just drop here in a couple of years.

Wait this is not the time to sympathize with him, he's taking me to the gym. To the Basketball Club. Where Daiki is!

Oh no. No, no, no, no. I cannot do this. But he has a grip like iron! I don't think I'll be able to break free of it in time! Ah! That has to be the gym. Oh no!

Panic had taken ahold of me in little to no time as he ran through the doors, releasing me as he did so.

"I am so sorry!" He immediately began to bow profusely as he apologized.

While he did that I searched every face here in the gym. Unfamiliar faces. No, wait. There's one I recognize. But it's not Daiki. He isn't here. Relief filled me, then guilt for feeling that. Coward.

You're a coward.

"Huh? Kise?!!" One of the boys shouted as I was finally noticed. Most of the players' eyes went wide as they gawked at me. I smiled a bit, even though it was a bit forced.

They were about to run to me when a feminim voice spoke. "Nina? What are you . . ?" I waved, forcing myself to stare into her light pink eyes and not look away. "Hey, Satsuki. It's been a while."

She pursed her lips and continued to stare. Figured as much. Satsuki wasn't the biggest fan of me. More specifically, she wasn't too keen on mine and Daiki's friendship.

Or our relationship.

When she managed to be somewhat okay with it, well, I quit and ran away. She's left plenty of messages on how I was in the wrong and horrible to cut all contact with them. Especially Daiki.

We've always had a rocky relationship. I was just too concerned with Daiki to worry about her. Now that I see he's not here, well, it's setting in. "You shouldn't be here. Spying so brazenly, that's not your style."

I sighed and placed a hand on my hip and smiled slyly, standing my ground. "I'm not here to spy. Besides, I already have all the info on this team. And I'm well aware of how you think." I managed Teiko with her.

Three years. I can predict her moves before she makes them. The same can be said vice versa, but I'm confident I can outsmart her and beat her in terms of strategizing.

"I came to visit. After all, we were in the same club in Junior High." My golden eyes glinted, I knew.

I can be just as sly and two-faced as Ryota if I really want to. She just makes me pull it out.

Most of the members watched otu exchange, the tension in the gym was thick. It's clear that my presence is overpowering hers. I'm Kise Nina afterall.

We Kise's really hate to lose. And we always demand attention. As much as I hate that aspect, it's always helped me in whatever sport I play.

Satsuki finally sighed, closing her eyes in defeat. "He's not here. He's skipping." I hummed, looking upwards. He's probably on the roof. "I figured as much. Same old same old. Is he there?" I pointed upwards.

She shrugged her shoulders before crossing her arms, emphasizing her large bust.

"I'm not sure. Probably not. I caught him up there a couple times and kept on telling him to come to practice." So she nagged him so much he's switched his ditching spots. Well maybe not entirely.

I nodded and glanced at the players. While I didn't recognize them immediately, I did start to after a second glance. I had watched old game videos and did my research of them. It is part of my job after all.

My smile softened a bit. "I'm so sorry to intrude. I wanted to visit my old friends, but it appears one is gone right now. It's a shame." The captain, Imayoshi, stepped up, coming closer.

"I'm sorry Aomine isn't here right now. But this is a pleasant surprise. Two of Teiko's managers in one room." He smiled pleasantly.

I tilted my head as I analyzed him. He reminds me of a snake.

I definitely can't let my guard down around him. I chuckled a bit at his words. "Well I'd happily invite Kana, but she prefers to meet in game." I said, placing a hand on my cheek as I looked off thoughtfully.

My eyes went back to him. "But you guys are sure to meet. I've seen your games, you're all pretty good, I'm impressed." His smile never dropped. In fact it seems he likes the direction this is going. "Well, we try. Kaijo is doing great themselves. Kise is definitely fun to watch."

Although our conversation appeared to be pleasant, we were both testing the waters with each other. Playing mind games so to speak. Provoke the other and trying to get a foothold in this war that is basketball.

It may have worked if I wasn't the way I am. Sei-Chan gave me one-on-one lessons in psychological warfare for sports.

Not to mention that rotten personality my brother developed.

But this guy uses it so well. In fact it's kind of terrifying how easy it is for him. Well, it's not like I came here for ulterior motives. So I let down my guard and genuinely smiled.

"You know, you all seem rather fun. Sakurai was so enjoyable to talk to, I think I'll come visit one of your matches. Maybe treat you all to some victory dinner." I grinned, closing my eyes.

This caught him off guard since I was being genuine and my threatening aura was gone. It's not like I enjoy it. In fact it's become natural instinct to do so considering how Sei-Chan liked things specially done.

I held my hands behind my back and opened my eyes. "Well, I should let you guys get back to practice, again I'm sorry for disturbing you."

I went to leave but Sakurai spoke up. "But what if they're still out there?"

Oh. Right. My eye twitched as I thought about those jerks.

Forgot about them.

To this, Satsuki's cold demeanor crumbled. "Eh? What's wrong? Are you being stalked again?" She asked with so much concern I almost sighed.

She's referring to our second year when a man had been stealing my things, taking hidden photos, and overall, being a total peeping tom. Daiki and Atsushi wailed on him, but not before Satsuki beat him with her book bag.

She may not be my biggest fan, but she wouldn't tolerate me being harrassed.

"No, some guys were trying to pick me up. Sakurai helped me out though." I assured her. The said boy shook his head. "I didn't do anything, I was useless. I'm so sorry."

Oh no, please don't go in an apologetic spree. "Eh? Then . . . you were the one to hit them." I nearly fell at her spot on claim.

I laughed nervously and scratched my cheek. "Well, they were going to hit him and he reminds me of a puppy." I shrugged.

She rubbed her temple with her fingers and let out a sigh. "Why must you always do this?" I pouted a bit at that. "Eh? What was I supposed to do? Let them hit poor Sakurai. I don't take well to bullying."

She gave me a pointed look. "No, but knowing you, you used a cheap, dirty trick."

My eyes went wide and I put a hand to my chest. "What? Me? Never!" My voice went higher on the last word and I internally winced.

Satsuki sighed and pointed to the bench. "Wait until practice is over and we'll take you to the station."

I frowned a bit at that. "I don't need to be walked to the station. I can take care of myself." I defended, having said this a million times to different people. "Not everyone will be as easy to take as Midorin. Now just sit and wait."

First Ryota, now Satsuki. Shin-Chan we just don't let up on you. She has a point though. I'd rather not get caught up in this, I have a photoshoot tomorrow morning.

"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt." I mumbled. Daiki isn't here, so I'm not worried about staying.

And that just made me feel even worse about it.

I'm such a coward.