"And so, I'll be hanging out with my friends fron Middle school. I'll be back before the curfew" I told Kuwabe-sensei and the others, also introducing the three to my current team.

In which they seemed mesmerized by the beauty of these three, especially Rio, who I know that she is a fan of Ryouta.

"You were the one who sent (f/n) last time" Kuwabe-sensei pointed at Ryouta "so you really do know him"

"I'm Kise Ryouta-ssu. I'm (f/n)-cchi's friend from Teiko."

"They are part of the generation of miracles." I added and I just heard Midorima sighed, and Ryouta chuckled dryly "ah, Ryouta, this is Rio, Minagawa Rio. She is Ishikawa Jiro's twin sister also a fan of yours"

"Wait (f/n)!"

"Twins?" He and Midorima both asked at the same time

"Ask them." I shrugged as I turned to Kuwabe-sensei "anyways, I'll take my leave now-"

"Give your equipments to us, and change your clothes first" Sayaka got my equipments then sensei handed my bagpack

"Then all of you should go and change first. I'll stay here with (f/n)'s friends"

"I can go later" Rio immediately retorted then looked at Sayaka "let (f/n) change first, or let her go with senpai"

"You are scaring me, Rio"

"I'm fine by myself, Sayaka. So while I am here, please entertain my friends"

"Ah, then I'll go with (f/n)-chan instead. I need to wash my hands anyways" Satsuki winked at me "then Midorin, Kii-chan wait us here"

I chuckled and left Midorima and Ryouta there.

~

"So Ishikawa-kun's twin sister likes Kii-chan" Satsuki chuckled as we headed to the change room "she looks cute"

"Yeah, she hated me though at first, but I'm glad that we get along now. She teases me though always"

"With Akashi-kun?" I looked at Satsuki and surely my face was surprised "oh, I got it right?" She chuckled, and I just sighed walking towards the change room "well, we have time later, so go and change first"

"Aren't you going to wash your hands?"

"No, I just wanted to come with you. I'll wait you outside"

I entered the change room and saw two students who already changed, but somehow felt something weird from their gaze. I entered the 2nd stall, but didn't change right away. I heard them left, and so I moved from 2nd stall to the very end stall. For some reason, I felt that they would return here and bully me.

Good thing the doors here just close even though there was no one inside. If ever they would return, I just hope they are stupid enough not to notice that the sign is vacant. Just in case, I also didn't lock the door in this stall, and immediately changed my clothes.

But not long after, I heard couple of footsteps. I stopped from moving

"She's too cocky for winning. She was the one arguing with Mie-chan a while ago too"

Ah, they are from that school in Hokkaido.

"Yeah, I think this is enough. Are you sure she's here-"

"And just what are you doing?" This voice? Satsuki?! "I thought it was weird that you left, then coming back with more people, and one was left outside to guard." Ah, I can change in peace now. And while I'm changing, I listened to them

"Who are you?!"

"She's taking a video!"

"You- delete that!"

"Once I clicked the stop button, this will be sent to someone that has a high authority. It doesn't matter if you continue or not what you are planning, regardless, not just you, but your team, your school, your family, everyone will be involved because of your foolishness"

Woah, I could feel Satsuki's tone, she's serious... but surely-

"Why even our school and family-?"

"Think of your actions first then. You lost today but that doesn't justify what you are trying to do. You are ruining the reputation of your school.!"

Go, Satsuki! I really love how straightforward you are.

"She's just by herself. Don't mind her, she's bluffing for sure-"

"Why don't you try it?" Even I could feel the seriousness from Satsuki's voice "try it, and the moment you do it, I'll stop the recording and this will be immediately sent to that person. Once you returned to your team, you'll hear the devasting news that your team will be disqualified, that your family business will be closed, your parents get fired from work, try it, and let's see who is bluffing"

Silence covered the changing room. Surely enough for them to think twice what to do next

"Well, since nothing happened" I came out of the stall and I could see their eyes widening in surprised, as if asking why I was there "once you stop the recording it would be sent to him, I'll just talk to him not to do anything" I smiled to them wearing my casual clothes, holding my hakama "I need to win againts their school after all next week"

"As if you can win, team and individual category are entirely different"

"I know" I retorted as I started folding my hakama "that's why I wanted to send a clear message to your arrogant teammate, and my former senpai, that I am better than them. But anyways, can you just leave?"

They glared at me and before they left they even told me that they spared my life.

I sighed as I looked at Satsuki and we couldn't help but laughed at each other. We didn't say anything for now, and I just continued folding my hakama then putting it in my bag.

As we left the change room to meet up with the others, that's when we finally talked

"Gosh (f/n), you are still experiencing things like that?" Satsuki sighed, but I could hear her worries from her tone

"Well, I couldn't do anything about it. Setting that aside, good bluffing though. Sending videos, and stuffs"

"Ah, I could say that some were lies, like if I click the stop button it will be sent immediately to that person, but if I wanted to I could immediately sent it to him since I'm fast using my phone. And I am sure that if I send it to Akashi-kun, he would do something about it right away"

"But Akashi won't, I mean it's not that he's involved here-"

"But his uncle is one of the organizers in your region, and one of the shareholders top he was the one who help your friends retrieved your equipments"

"Eh?! Is that so- wait, Satsuki" I stopped and looked at her "how did you know about that?"

"You know me, I have lots of connection" she winked then hummed as she started walking again

I know that Akashi's uncle in mother side is one of the organizers, but I didn't hear anything that his uncle helped Sayaka and Fujiko-chan. I need to thank Akashi again.

~

When we returned to where the others were, surprisingly, Ryouta and Rio quite click together. Himeko-senpai, Sayaka, and Mitsuki-senpai were on the other side, while Midorima was talking to sensei. Now, I'm curious with Ryouta and Rio, but I'm curious with what Midorima and sensei were talking about.

Anyways, they noticed us and I absolutely could see Rio's eyes, as if not wanting to end their conversation

"Sorry, should I just come back a bit later?" I whispered to her but she pouted her lips

"No, it was a very memorable quality time. I heard that it's been a while since you last saw Momoi and Midorima, so I won't take that time anymore"

"But, you came back rather late. Was everything okay?" Midorima asked, and they all turned to Satsuki not to me since probably I could hide my expression but not much for Satsuki in this kind of situation.

...

Yeah, not. She averted her eyes, and responded dryly

"So something did happen." This time, Ryouta looked at me "if Akashicchi hears about that, it would be a problem"

"Well, I feel like that he already knows" I stated, and wow, they didn't even retort and just agreed in silence "anyways, let's go. I am starving."

Sayaka got my equipments and even my bag with my change of clothes. Since they decided to just go back to our hotel.

~

...

"Uhm...?" I looked at Ryouta and Satsuki who were both smiling at me, staring at me since we sat down here in the family restaurant. It became more intense when we finished ordering. Midorima was still the same, but I could feel that he is somehow embarrassed

...

"Can you please not look at me like that?"

"Eh but, it's really a miracle that I'm seeing you after a long time." Satsuki then suddenly hugged me and I could really feel her overflowing affection

"When I first told Momocchi that I got reunited with (f/n)-cchi, she insisted to get your contact number and wanted to see you as well" Ryouta chuckled then turned to Midorima "but I was also surprised when Midorimacchi also decided to come when we told him"

"Indeed. I was surprised seeing Midorima here. Of all people"

"It's not surprising-nanodayo. The one surprising is you, (l/n). You disappeared during middle school, and then now, you are in the same school with Akashi. That's a crazy coincidence- or was it really?"

He's right, it was really crazy. But...

"It was really a coincidence. I mean, I also didn't know that Akashi would be there. It was actually a hell at first, but we kind of compromise the situation" I reasoned out "anyways, how's everyone? I want to hear what you guys have been to"

While waiting for our order, they told me what happened recently and how Kuroko-kun won against Midorima's team, and Seirin also won against Ryouta's team during a practice game. Though, he lost against Aomine and they said that they surely would be back during Winter cup.

We talked more about basketball until our order arrived, but then,

"Ah, about the school who bullied you in the change room, they were from Hokkaido, right?"

"Hokkaido?" Ryouta and Midorima immediately asked, that's where they were curious about?

"Yeah from the school representing Hokkaido. Why?"

"No, just..." Satsuki looked at Ryouta, and I could sense them hesitating

"Hmmm?"

"Akashi decided to play against the school from Hokkaido from their first round of game this Inter-high"

"...? I see, hmmm? Is that unusual? He's a basketball player"

"Akashi never played, not even once before inter-high." Midorima responded "no one expected him to play. Plus the school from Hokkaido won game after game before reaching the inter-high, giving their opponents hard time, scoring twice, thrice their opponent's score. Everyone was saying that they are the dark horse."

"But Akashi-kun played the first round against them. He was defending this one guy, not letting him score. It was really obvious that he was only going against him since he would only play if that guy was on the floor, and only defended him." Satsuki added

"Akashicchi didn't dare to shoot and just pass the balls to his teammates, then would go screen and go against that guy again." Ryouta also added then he continued "in the end, the school from Hokkaido only scored 8 points, and they were only from free throws attempts. Rakuzan scored 97 points, Akashicchi didn't even score, and the players who played were not even the regulars. It was a crazy blow-out game. Talk about traumatizing your opponents."

"Akashi can do that. You know that very well, Kise. The reason is, why?" Midorima commented then I could feel his gaze towards me

...

I do have an idea to who that guy is... but really? That happened? I somehow feel bad to that school, but the question here is, why did he do that?! It's not because of what happened recently, right?!

"Seeing your reaction, you have idea who we were talking about" Midorima pushed his eyeglasses and it glinted "the mystery had been solved"

"Not yet" Satsuki shook her head and for some reason, I felt nervous all of a sudden "what did he do that made Akashi-kun like that?"

The other two also looked at me with eyes of curiosity

I cleared my throat and smiled at them, feigning ignorance

"Indeed. I have an idea to who that person was, but to why Akashi did that. We should ask him since I also don't know why. It's impossible that it's purely because of that bastard's sister" once I said that, I could totally see their eyes as if they all ended in one conclusion "anyways, set that aside now. Let's talk again about other stuffs."

We again talked just random events from the past, reminiscing our middle school days. Until we decided to go to arcade after finishing our foods.

~

"So the two are still not here?" I turned around and it's Midorima, who just came out of the restaurant. I was waiting for the three of them since they went to the bathroom

"Yeah." I responded then looked at Midorima, "I'm really surprised seeing you here, of all people"

He sighed and pushed his eyeglasses again "As I said, it's me who should be surprised since you are here. But then, it's surprising that Akashi isn't here"

"He said that it's not yet time for reunion. I didn't hear anything about what happened to all of you when I transferred. But I feel like something did happen, and you are all going against each other, with the school you are all in." I smiled at Midorima, and he gazed away. I think I hit the right answer "well, at least by now, you understand being a team, and what it means by winning and losing"

"Goodness, you sounded like Kuroko-nanodayo!"

"Well, he was different from the others anyways. His play style has to have members he trust, and also trust him. Basketball is after all played by 5 people"

I could feel the gaze from Midorima. His stare pierced as if he understood what I meant

"Well, losing against Seirin made me realized various things. Also, I lost, but I'll- no, we'll win next time"

"That's the spirit. I hope you win against Akashi"

"..."

"What?" I looked at him and he sighed

"Are you really saying that?"

"Well, Akashi only knows how to win. He lost in video games, but that doesn't count. Eventually, someone needs to teach that guy what losing means." I crossed my arms and again smiled at Midorima "and I feel like, you are one of those who really wanted to win against him. You two were going against each other with shogi as well"

"(L/n)" Somehow his gaze looked so worried and somehow sad "you still know him well. But then-"

"I don't know him. He changed. But, it's the fun of knowing him." I immediately responded but he sighed "Midorima?"

"That's not what I meant. But well, if you like him that much then I won't say anything anymore-"

"Midorima, don't tell me, you also think that I went out with him back in Middle school?"

"You didn't?!" Wow, he was really surprised!

"No, for goodness sake. Everyone thinks that? Please spare me."

"..."

"Midorima, what's with that look?!" I glared at him, since it was clear he didn't believe what I just said "wow... again, please spare me with that misunderstanding"

"But... I think it's not the case now?"

"... I'm not going out with him" I told him but he smirked

"Not yet. Akashi is crazy overprotective since Middle school, especially towards you. Now that he changed, he is more dangerous than before." Then he showed his phone

Make sure to send (f/n) back to their hotel. If something happens to her, you know what will happen.

"Is he serious?!"

"I'm sure Kise and Momoi received the same message." Midorima smirked as he shook his head then put his phone back to his pocket "I just wanted to see you again, but I don't know if I'm glad or worried that Akashi is like this towards you. But I think you can handle his current self"

"Midorima..."

"Ahre? Shin-chan? It's really Shin-chan!" A guy relatively taller than me, but shorter than Midorima came out behind him. He has a black straight hair, with slate blue eyes "woah, what a coincidence seeing you here!" But then his gaze turned toward me, and he burst into laughter "so the plan you have today is to have a date with this beautiful lady?!"

"It's not!" Midorima rarely raises his voice, but this time he did. Now, I wonder who is this guy.

As I have that thought, he turned to me and made a wide smile

"Hello, I'm Takao Kazunari, Shin-chan's bestfriend"

"He is not" Midorima immediately retorted, but I feel like they are close though

"Hello Takao-kun, I'm (l/n) (f/n), Midorima's friend since Middle school"

"Middle school? Eh, you are from Teiko? Shin-chan has a beautiful friend from Teiko?!"

He sure have lots of energy

"Ah, but-" I turned to Midorima, and he seemed didn't like that "I think it was just me who thinks that. So-"

"No, that's not it" this green hair guy here just cleared his throat, and somehow his face turned red "indeed, you are my friend"

"Why are you being so shy Midorin?" We turned around and it's Ryouta and Satsuki "sorry for the wait

"No worries. We are just talking here" I answered then again turned to Takao "If you mean beautiful, I think Satsuki is more beautiful than me"

"Ah, I know Momoi-san. Their school is quite famous after all, her and the other member"

The other member? Does he mean Aomine-kun?

"(F/n) is more beautiful than me. There's no doubt about that" Satsuki hugged me then turned to Takao with a big smile "I also know Takao-kun. You and Midorin are so close. But let me give you a warning, it's fine to admire (f/n)-chan, but that's it. Midorin can explain the rest"

"Anyways, there are still time before (f/n)'s curfew. Let's go to arcade now. Do you want to join us, Takao-kun?" Ryouta asked but Takao-kun shook his head

"No, I have plans today. Also, I feel like you are having a reunion. I don't want to get in your way" he grinned then our eyes met again, but compare to before, his gaze of admiration became a gaze of a different kind of interest. "Now then, I'll take my leave. Enjoy your day. Shin-chan, see you in school"

And there he goes.

"You sure have an interesting bestfriend, Midorima-"

"He is not!" Midorima immediately retorted and sighed loudly "anyways, let's go before we ran out of time. We don't know when we will see this person here" he pointed at me then somehow made a faint smile "so let's go and enjoy this day"

"Then, let's go to arcade now. I wanted to go there just once."

"Well, it's weekend. There are lots of people, but let's go." Kise excitedly looked at us, but I think it wasn't just me who haven't been there "don't tell me... Momocchi and Midorimacchi... you also haven't been there?"

"Well, I didn't have any interest in that kind of place" Midorima answered but then looked at me "but I am quite interested now. So let's go"

"Midorin got too excited. Let's go, I only heard it from Dai-chan, but let's enjoy today" Satsuki linked her arm to mine and we followed Ryouta and Midorima who were walking in front of us. "We'll also make sure to send you back to your hotel. Or else, Akashi-kun will get mad at us"

~
TBC

~~
I am back!! (FINALLY!!!)
I AM SO SORRY!!!!
I was so busy with Work ㅜ_ㅜ
And weekend is my only rest day...
So, I will again apologize that I won't be able to update as much..
But I will still finish this one..

For now, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter..
And to the next chapter-

Niccy~

TBC