At practice🏀:

At Seirin High School Basketball Team practice, Taiga Kagami was pushing himself through intense drills, sweat dripping down his face after another slam dunk.

On the other side of the gym, the cheer squad was running their own practice, led by their captain, Guest. She had moved from America and now shared an apartment with Kagami after family troubles. Her pure white hair, fox-like eyes, flawless skin, and large cherry blossom tattoos made her impossible to miss, and her confidence drew every eye in the gym.

Kagami tried to focus, but his gaze kept drifting toward her. He had always had a crush on Guest, but never acted on it—he didn’t want to overwhelm her or risk their friendship.

Near him, Tetsuya Kuroko observed quietly. “You’re staring again,” Kuroko said. Kagami’s face turned red. “I’m not!” he muttered, but he didn’t look away.

🍜 After Practice

Once practice ended, the three of them went to a nearby ramen shop. Kagami devoured his food with his usual intensity, while Guest laughed at him.

“You haven’t changed since America,” she teased, twirling a lock of her white hair. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he said, mouth full. “It means you eat like a whole basketball team,” she replied, smiling.

Kuroko quietly sipped his drink, noting the small but playful tension between them.

🌙 Walking Home

The streets were calm as they walked back. The evening air was cool, and the glow from the streetlights made Guest’s hair shine.

She stepped closer to Kagami and took his hand. His heart started pounding like a drum.

“Thanks for always looking out for me, Taiga,” she said softly.

Kagami blushed, but didn’t let go. Even with Kuroko beside them, he felt like the luckiest guy in the world. Walking next to Guest, feeling her hand in his—it was better than any victory on the court.

For the first time, winning didn’t matter.