"Where did Yuki go?"
Following Kise's gaze, Kota also realized Yuki was nowhere to be seen. He turned, scanning Kise with a questioning look.
"What's wrong? Did he need me for something?"
"I'm not sure what it's about, but one thing's clear—he's not in a good headspace right now."
Kise shook his head, stepping off the court to ask around about Yuki's whereabouts.
"Yuki? He was just here a minute ago… Wait, he left already? Didn't even notice…"
One Kaijo player who had just seen Yuki spoke up, then hesitated.
"Strange… Usually, before leaving, Yuki always bows politely and says, 'See you later, senpai!'"
That's right. That was the usual Yuki. Which meant something was definitely off today…
Kise frowned slightly, deciding to call Yuki right away.
But before he could pull out his phone, Kota grabbed his wrist and shook his head calmly.
"I'll handle it."
"Hi… Kota-senpai?"
Yuki recognized the number immediately; they had exchanged contacts earlier.
Kota could hear Yuki's uneven tone on the other end and felt a heaviness settle in his chest.
"You left?"
"…Yeah."
Yuki's short reply came after a brief silence.
Kise, leaning over to listen, caught the unsteady tone in Yuki's voice too. His expression tightened—something was definitely wrong.
"Who told you to leave? Practice wasn't even officially over yet. And you didn't say a word to me."
Kota glanced at the gym clock. Two minutes ago, he had dismissed the team himself. Only he and Kise were still here; Hiroshi Ōhara had already been sent home.
"Sorry, Kota-senpai…"
Yuki could have easily said he wasn't feeling well and ended the conversation there. But instead, he simply apologized, nothing more.
"Come back to the gym. I want to talk to you."
"Huh? Right now?"
"Yeah. You can't be far."
Kota hung up before Yuki could respond, exhaling slowly.
"Hey, Kota… you're not gonna chew him out too hard, right?"
Kise eyed him nervously. If things escalated into a shouting match… what would he even do?
Kota rolled his eyes. "Relax. I think I know what's going on with him."
A prodigy arriving in a new environment, only to be overshadowed—by someone he considered "ordinary" no less. Kota wasn't surprised Yuki was feeling this way.
Kise sighed in relief and grinned, patting Kota on the shoulder. "Then I'll leave it to you, Captain!"
"You didn't have to say it. Kaijo's captain always handles things."
Kaijo Front Gate
Yuki stood before the familiar school gates, forcing down his nerves before stepping inside.
School was already over, so except for a few club members lingering after practice, the grounds were quiet.
The rare silence eased his tension slightly—Yuki hated crowded places.
Finally, he stopped at the gym doors, anxiety rising again.
Skipping practice early, getting caught, not asking permission… Kota was definitely going to let him have it.
Yuki imagined every possible scenario in his head before finally taking a deep breath and pushing the door open.
The creak echoed through the gym. Light fell across Yuki's face as he spotted Kota standing calmly at center court, waiting.
No sign of Kise?
Yuki glanced around nervously. He had assumed Kise would be here too.
Maybe this wasn't going to be as scary as he thought…?
But he had never been alone with Kota before.
Wait—was this on purpose? Was Kota planning to scold him privately?!
His thoughts spiraled as he walked toward Kota, shoulders tense, head lowered like a soldier awaiting his fate.
"You sure took your time. Keeping your senpai waiting like this?"
Kota's voice carried through the empty gym. From the tone alone, Yuki braced for impact.
"Sorry, Kota-senpai."
Head still bowed, Yuki steeled himself.
It's fine. No matter how bad it gets, I won't cry.
"Kise said you had something to ask me. Go ahead."
…Huh?
Yuki's head shot up in surprise, meeting Kota's calm, almost amused expression.
His mental preparation shattered instantly.
"What is it, Yuki? As long as it's nothing weird, I'll answer."
Yuki stammered, "K-Kota-senpai… you're not mad at me?"
"Mad? Of course I'm mad" Kota replied. "You left without a word. Any captain would be."
"Then why—"
Yuki began, but Kota cut him off with a wave.
"You already apologized. So I'm over it. I just want to know what you wanted to ask. Curiosity kills me, you know."
Yuki blinked. Was he… serious?
Relief washed over him. He had braced himself for a storm, but instead…
"Thank you, Kota-senpai. But actually… I don't have anything to ask after all. Really, thanks."
Yuki bowed deeply. Hidden from view, his face carried a trace of disappointment.
He still couldn't bring himself to ask.
How could he seek help from the very person whose spot he planned to take one day? It felt too underhanded.
No… he'd wait until Kota graduated. Then he could aim for the starting point guard position himself.
But when Yuki finally looked up again, Kota's warm expression was gone—replaced by a cold, sharp gaze.
Yuki froze. Had he said something wrong?
"Getting a little full of yourself, aren't you?"
Kota's voice was calm, but his eyes glinted dangerously.
Yuki tried to apologize, but Kota grabbed his shoulder.
"Let me guess," Kota sneered. "You thought if you learned everything from me, then took my spot, it'd feel too shameless, right? Like even if the position fell into your lap, you wouldn't dare sit in it?"
"Am I wrong, Yuki?"
The way Kota used his name made Yuki flinch. He stayed silent, lips pressed tight.
Kota smirked. "Your passing is way too soft. A point guard isn't just a people-pleaser. Even if you train your tail off, you won't surpass me."
"And don't worry about me holding back. I'll teach you everything I know. But until I graduate, the starting PG spot stays mine."
"So, little prodigy—want to make a bet?"
Later, Kise confronted Kota after Yuki had left, eyes wide.
"Seriously, Kota? Betting the starting spot? Yuki looked like he was about to cry!"
Kota smacked him lightly. "What else was I supposed to do? Interhigh's coming, our starting shooting guard's already out, and Yuki keeps eyeing my position. As captain, I have to handle it."
Kise blinked. "So you knew what he was thinking all along?"
"Of course," Kota shrugged. "Every time he faces me in practice, he comes at me like I stole his lunch money. Even when we're teammates, he stares like I owe him rent. Annoying kid."
Despite his words, a small grin tugged at Kota's lips.
A rookie desperate to dethrone him… it was kind of exciting.
Kise noticed the grin and relaxed. If Kota was smiling, everything would be fine.
"I'm starving, Kota. Ramen?"
"Not tonight."
"Huh? Why not?"
Kota pointed toward the black sports car waiting at the gate. "Got dinner plans."
Kise just stared. "…Unbelievable."
Kota waved mockingly and hopped in.
"Why so late?" a cool voice asked.
Didn't even need to look. Araki.
"Had to deal with a moody rookie," Kota sighed, adjusting the seat.
"Being captain is way too much work. Coach basically turned me into free labor."
"Get used to it" Araki said flatly. "Coaching's more than just drills."
"Except I'm not the coach," Kota groaned. "I'm just a high schooler trying to play basketball. I don't even know what I'm busy for anymore."
Araki raised an eyebrow as he complained about the seat adjustments again, finally promising, "Fine. Next time, he doesn't get the front seat."
"Deal" Kota grinned, settling in as drowsiness crept up on him. "Wake me when we get there."
"Goodnight" Araki murmured softly.
At the gym, they found Himuro still practicing, dribbling steadily, lost in focus.
Kota frowned. The guy hadn't stopped once.
Half an hour. Same rhythm, same speed.
…Was he really about to hit the Zone?
Sweat trickled down Kota's face. If so, he might have just created a whole new problem for himself.