Spark | Kuroko no Basuke x OC

Driven to a Corner

"You can't do that! She's my friend!"

"Kotarou, Reo, that's enough," Akashi's intervention cut the males' argument short and they silenced immediately to listen to their captain. He held a knowing look in his eyes, "I'm sure Okuma-san would like to go back to her team. That's where she should be as Seirin's team manager."

Tomoko could hear the disapproval from the red haired captain's tone and he wasn't wrong to be so. She felt the last twenty minutes was entirely out of sync with what should be going on and it made her feel lost. However, this was just the cue she needed to clear her mind of everything.

"Though, Seirin is doing fine," the captain continued. "According to our scouts, Ryouta was subbed out for an injury. Kaijo's a good team, but they can't handle Seirin without him. I'm interested to see how Ryouta pulls through the last quarter with only two minutes of his ability left to spare."

Tomoko's lips tightened into a line at the mention of the blonde's injury. Although she already knew that, she really had wasted too much time out here. "Sorry Ko-tan, I'll catch you up next time. Congratulations to Rakuzan on winning," she said while being aware of Akashi's gaze constantly on her. Shaking it off, she gave them an unwavering look.

Just forget everything that doesn't matter right now. I have to focus on the match.

"We'll meet again if Seirin makes it to the finals."

With that, she finally got out of there.

.

forty-seven

driven to a corner

.

Kise's fists curled tighter as he tried to contain himself on the bench. The third quarter was almost ending and Kaijo wasn't fairing well against Seirin. The score from the beginning was now almost ten points away. It was all his fault that he couldn't get out there and help; frustration consumed his being.

"Coach, please..."

The older man besides him can only look away at the request and the miracle gritted his teeth more.

Damn it... Damn it! his eyes followed the seniors on the court with pleading concentration. Please hang in there until I can get back out... Please...

Seirin's teammwork was such a force that it was hard for Kasamatsu and the others to break easily. Even without Kuroko assisting, they were holding on well because of the redhead's support. Kise watched as the Seirin point guard grab the ball at the last moment and passed it to Kagami, who was then able to perform one of his impressive dunks right as the buzzer sounded.

58 to 67.

Kaijo was behind and Kise had to stop himself from jumping up and run to the court. He adverted his gaze for a moment to collect his thoughts and suddenly saw Tomoko coming in from the side doors back to her team. Kuma-cchi? He had been stewing so much in his frustration that he hadn't noticed the girl was gone for the entire quarter—that was how anxious he was.

The girl sat down next to Kuroko and the male filled her in on the details she missed about the match. However, all Kise can concentrate on was how she was grinning as she listened intently to the male. It made him even more frustrated. Everything was going so well with Seirin while Kaijo was shoved in a corner because of him.

I only have two minutes left with my ability, but that's not enough time... he gripped his knees. At this rate, it's hard to make a comeback in only two minutes...