NBA Skills: Dominating Kuroko no Basket

"Yo, what are you talking about?" Shiro and Momoi interrupted the conversation as they walked over.

"Oh, Shiro and Momoi" Aomine replied. "Tetsu was just talking about some 'human observation' thing"

Everyone turned their eyes to Kuroko, who nodded and explained, "Yes. People have various habits and behaviors, they respond differently to situations. I observe and classify these reactions. It's the foundation for misdirection techniques."

"So, do you know any of my habits?" Aomine smirked, teasing him.

"When you lie, you always avoid eye contact" Kuroko said, staring directly at Aomine while describing his earlier actions.

"Ugh, you got me" Aomine scratched his head, then instinctively turned his face away again.

Kuroko, understanding as always, said, "I won't push you to talk about it. Just let me know when you're ready"

Hearing this, Aomine turned back to Kuroko. A warm feeling welled up inside him, and he smiled slightly. "Yeah, I'll do that."

"So wholesome!" Shiro thought to himself, his gaze darting back and forth between Aomine and Kuroko. "Feels like something out of a bromance!"

His eyes widened at the realization.

"Ah, so this is where you guys are! How about we grab some ice cream on the way back?" A cheerful voice called out from a distance. Soon, Kise, Midorima, and Murasakibara appeared, their distinct yellow, green, and purple hair unmistakable.

Kise waved enthusiastically. "Hey, everyone!"

"Sure, sounds good" Aomine agreed without hesitation.

Kise then turned his attention to Shiro and Momoi. "What about you two?"

"We've got something to take care of first. Momoi needs to deliver these game stats to Akashi" Shiro said, holding a stack of data sheets in one hand while the other hand clasped Momoi's. Momoi nodded in agreement.

"Akashi's been relying on Momoi a lot for intel lately" Murasakibara commented lazily.

"It must be tough" Midorima added.

Momoi smiled and responded, "Not at all! I think I'm quite suited for this kind of thing, and it's rewarding to help the team."

"Alright, catch you next time" Shiro said, nodding at the group before leading Momoi away.

...

"Congrats on winning your first game of the prelims!" Momoi cheered enthusiastically as she addressed the team.

"Yeah"

"Thanks"

The replies from Aomine and the others were lukewarm at best.

"Why's the mood so low?" Momoi asked, puzzled.

"Congrats to us!" Shiro chimed in, sneaking a chilled drink close to Momoi's cheek with a grin.

Momoi giggled and playfully clung to Shiro's arm, her smile as bright as ever.

"Geez" Aomine muttered with a twitch of his mouth. "I'm curious why you're so excited."

"Isn't she always like this?" Murasakibara replied, his focus on spearing a piece of meat with his fork.

"But Kuroko's been glowing with happiness since yesterday!" Kise remarked, prompting Aomine and Midorima to glance at Kuroko. Sure enough, his eyes were sparkling, and he seemed to radiate an almost starry aura.

"Well, it's his first time playing in an official match" Aomine explained.

Akashi, standing nearby, wore a faint smile. "Victory is certainly worth celebrating. Let's maintain this momentum. However" his tone turned serious, "I need to make a suggestion. This team is already very strong, but our lack of energy after winning could draw unwanted attention"

Akashi's expression grew colder. "That's why I'm setting a benchmark: every player should aim to score at least 20 points per game."

"Sounds fun! Right, Aominecchi?" Kise said with a grin, turning to Aomine.

"Ugh... sounds like a hassle" Aomine replied, propping his chin on his hand, visibly disinterested.

"What's wrong? Aren't you usually the most competitive one?" Kise asked, confused by Aomine's lack of enthusiasm.

Aomine leaned forward slightly and said indifferently, "As long as we win, it doesn't really matter"

Shiro narrowed his eyes. Aomine's tone gave him pause—this was the first time he'd seen Aomine this disinterested in basketball.

Akashi's gaze sharpened. "I didn't suggest this lightly. Let me be clear: as the main scorer, your lack of enthusiasm affects team morale"

"Isn't Shiro here to pick up the slack?"

"Let's settle this, Aomine" Shiro challenged, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Let's see who can score more in the next game. We can't go all out one-on-one right now, but this will be the perfect way to decide who's better. Or are you scared?"

The tension was palpable as the group watched Shiro's unwavering confidence ignite a spark in Aomine.

Aomine locked eyes with Shiro. His demeanor changed, and a competitive fire lit up in his gaze. "Shiro, the only one who can beat me is me!"

The others smiled subtly, feeling the intensity between the two.

...

"The harder I try, the more I feel like basketball is meaningless" Aomine muttered quietly. "In the end, it's just a game."

"Not a chance!" Kuroko suddenly yanked Aomine's collar and stuffed his ice cream into the back of Aomine's shirt.

"Ahhh, it's freezing!" Aomine jumped, frantically pulling out the ice cream. "Did you seriously do that?!"

Kuroko's tone was firm. "I've worked hard just to keep up with the team. I don't fully understand how you feel, but if it were me, I'd never want someone to hold back or go easy on me, no matter the skill gap."

Aomine stared at Kuroko, stunned. After a moment, Kuroko added, "Besides, isn't Shiro already a worthy opponent for you?"

Aomine chuckled, the weight on his shoulders lifting slightly. "You're right. To be honest, Shiro's become someone I look up to. Back in our first year, he crushed me in a one-on-one. Then, in Nationals, he single-handedly turned the tide of the game. I wonder if I could beat him now"

Seeing Aomine smile again, Kuroko felt a sense of relief and thought to himself, 'You've helped me so many times. Now it's my turn to help you.'