It was fairly difficult to bypass questioning the next day at school when the entire basketball team converged on Koganei. Mitobe looked worried; Riko was outraged (at both the thugs and Koganei for fighting so foolishly), Hyuga clapped his shoulder and said he was proud, and the rest kind of just made jokes about it all. (Especially Izuki). On the way to basketball club in the afternoon, he ran into the girl from last night. She was waiting eagerly for him outside the gym, clinging to her bag like yesterday. When he approached, she jumped.

"A-ah, senpai! You, uhm, T-thank you for last night!" she bowed deeply, almost dropping her schoolbag. Her eyes brimmed with tears already, but before Koganei could even wave his hands and say "it's okay!" she was up again, talking even faster. "I-I asked everyone in my class until someone could help me f-find you, and I- I couldn't just run away, t-thank you, but oh my god, you're really hurt, I-I'm so sorry!" She bowed again, now sobbing. Koganei had no idea what to do. A few people who were passing by had even slowed to look at the commotion this girl was making.

"Uh, hey! It's okay! You should see the other guy" he chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. She raised her head and looked at him with teary eyes, but smiled wide.

"I'm glad you're ok, senpai…"

Koganei was starting to blush. No girl ever treated him like this. He was so uncool.

"It's not a problem, uh, if you ever need my help with anything, just ask!" He grinned and gave her thumbs up. She was about to speak again, but the gym door behind her swung open fast and made her jump a few steps towards Koganei. "S-sorry!"

"Oi, Koganei. We're starting in here." Kagami's head poked through the door, and he looked down at the girl with a raised eyebrow.

She squeaked in fear at the huge man, let out a sob, turned, and ran. Koganei's one chance at a girlfriend, running far into the distance…

He sighed, shot Kagami an almost-glare, and headed inside.

Although Kagami was right about their practice match starting, Koganei wasn't even included in it. He sat down grumbling.

"Sorry, Koganei. Just let your injuries heal up first" mumbled Riko as she strolled past, clearly deep in thought about whatever was on her clipboard.

Like the day before, all Koganei could do was sit and watch Kagami play in attempts of putting himself in a better mood. Though it changed his mood, not much can be said for improving it. Before he was grumpy, and now he just felt confused, and even a little bit sad.

This guy, why did he help me out? He cooked me dinner and gave me a bed and everything. He could have just splashed water on my face. I mean, I wouldn't want that, but… is he really a kind guy after all?

Kagami made a dunk.

Who goes to the trouble of cooking someone else dinner like that? Surely he could have just used my phone to call my mom and have her or a doctor sort it out. Why then…Well, I don't think I really would have liked that outcome either.

Another dunk. High fives reigned over the court.

No, I'm glad. He saved me and took care of me. God, not that I need saving. (An internal battle was ensuing). Jeeze, that service though. I could get used to that. Maybe I should go live with Kagami. Ugh… now I want ramen...

Then came the roar of victory. The practice match was already over.

I wonder if Kagami can make takoyaki?

"YEEAAAHHH!" Kagami shouted. It echoed through the gym; the seniors were beat in yet another practice match. Koganei's mood was starting to improve, seeing Kagami so enthusiastic again. When-

"You can go home you know, Koganei. You don't need to be here." Riko said, grinning over at the court. Maybe she didn't realise it had hurt Koganei, because she didn't turn her head to him.

Time to go. You don't need to be here, Koganei. So he sighed, picked up his bag and took another glance at Kagami. The first years had piled on him, but Kagami was looking around, a grin still on his face. He saw Koganei leave the room, and the smile dropped.

Walking home alone again. He still hadn't started on that damn English paper. How could he with all the stuff that went on last night? It was a plausible excuse, he thought. A sudden burst of confidence shot through him and he repeated in his head "I'll get it all done tonight!" Five minutes later that inspiration had died and he was back to walking home quietly in the warm air. Cicadas were chirping somewhere nearby, and their song made him grin to himself. The annoying screech was loud and obnoxious, but it wouldn't be summer if they weren't around. Koganei liked them. He was distracted, eyes shut, thinking about cicadas when he bumped into somebodies side.

"Ah- sorry, sorry!" he froze.

It was the thugs. He was at the same place as last night, and they'd come back. He was bruised and achy all over but they still weren't done with him. Suddenly, his head began to hurt again. He was scared. He showed his confidence in front of that girl, but now he was their target. He didn't want to black out on the side of the road again. What if nobody saved him this time? He was about ready to accept his fate, when he heard it. The roar of victory.

Koganei's eyes widened and he whipped his head around to look, but by the time he had done so, a thick arm had already flown straight past his head and collided into the thugs face. It was Kagami, raring and ready to go, intensity boiling out the top of him. He'd followed Koganei; he'd come to protect him. Koganei got out of his way, but soon tried to run back in and fight. "NO, Koganei. I've got these assholes!" roared the tall redhead.

Kagami tore through the thugs with blazing fists, yelling at them to "STAY AWAY FROM MY TEAMMATE", and they obliged. They pissed off like dogs with their tails between their legs.

It was quiet for a moment except for Kagami's heavy breathing. His fist was shaking. In fact- a lot of him was trembling. Koganei slowly crept up to him, and touched the others fist. Kagami replied with a flinch, but eased up. His knuckles were red, grazed and bruised. He'd punched hard. Koganei was still holding on to Kagami's hand. Kagami opened his mouth.

"Let's go to Magi-burger."

They walked in silence to Magi burger. Silence seemed to be a recurring thing between the two lately. Koganei had since let go of Kagami's hand, and had them shoved inside his pockets instead. His head was too busy swimming with thoughts of Kagami to actually speak to the guy.

He was supposed to be at practice with Kuroko. He always practices after club with Kuroko. Why take me to Magi-burger, anyway? That's where those two always meet up. Why save me… why was he there? Did he- he must have. He followed me. What the hell, Kagami. I'm not a damsel in distress! I'm not even a damsel.

"You right?"

Koganei blinked. He was wearing a nasty pout on his face.

"Uh, yeah."

The hell!? Now he's watching my facial expressions? Why? You're not supposed to pay attention to me.

Kagami kicked a rock and watched it skid across the ground.

Soon they had arrived at Magi burger. Koganei took the role of Kuroko and found them seats while Kagami ordered. 30 cheeseburgers and a cola for himself, and a chicken burger and fries for Koganei. People stared in amazement at Kagami (as always) as he took his seat.

"Jesus, you're impressive in everything." Koganei stared at the pile of food. Kagami smirked and grinned.

They ate, exchanging looks at some points, but once again it was silent. This time, Koganei was the first to speak up.

"So, you uh, followed me, right?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

Kagami took a big bite from his 15th burger.

"I just care."

"I mean, I care about my friends too, but-"

"I care a lot."