Chapter 9

It was a good day. The holidays were over and everyone had excitedly shared stories of their holidays. And yet there was me, whose life had drastically changed since the Christmas getaway with Sei-kun. "Hanabi, I am in love with you". Just thinking about his confession have my face burning bright red from embarrassment.

"Hana-chan why are you so red?"

I glanced at Riko-nee who was standing next to me eyeing me worriedly. I just waved her worry off by saying that it was because of the weather.

"Okay, let's proceed with the teams"

Hyuga senpai's voice echoed all throughout the gym which made both Riko-nee and me shift our attention to the group who are busy dividing among themselves. Once they had decided who is on whose team, I jotted it down the clipboard that I was currently holding. When I said that my life had drastically changed, I meant this. I sighed as I recall how I was dragged in to be Seirin High School's current basketball manager.

Basically, Riko-nee pulled some strings from the faculty room just so she can have me as the team manager. She was all smiles when she told me the big news. When I went in the faculty to ask about it, the teachers just waved me off saying that I should be in a club so everything was all right. So it has been almost a month since I spent my free time with the basketball team.

I stared at Riko-nee who was now shouting, instructing the team to not slack off just because they won the competition. I smiled. It wasn't like I hated being Seirin's manager now, quite the opposite. I felt more energetic compared to before and that may not be just because I get to be the basketball team's manager again.

After the team had finished their practice matches, they all slumped out tiredly on the gymnasium floor. Kagami-kun and Tetsu-kun went by the benches where I handed them some water bottles.

"Good work you two"

"Thank you."

It's not completely back to normal, but Tetsu-kun and I had certainly become closer now compared to when I first got back. When I told Sei-kun that I wanted to start anew, I meant repairing the lost connections I had with them. Although I still reply briefly to Ryouta-kun's messages due to several reasons. I sighed and smiled at myself. I guess it is too much to be comfortable with all of them at once, so I'm planning to take it one by one.

"What's up Hana, you look like someone stole your yogurt again"

I glared at Kagami-kun and gave him a punch in the arm.

"If anyone will steal my yogurt, I'll bet all my money that it was you. Don't think I let you off the hook for stealing some of my food last week"

Kagami-kun scratched his head and stepped back to hide behind Tetsu-kun which was a futile effort. Tetsu-kun only looked at him.

"I already said sorry and said I'll buy you a month's worth of yogurt didn't I?"

I sighed and just waved the topic off but the redhead had earned a disappointed look from Tetsu-kun which made me chuckle.

"Kagami-kun you shouldn't steal somebody else's food"

"Ugh Kuroko damn you it was obviously an accident"

"Stealing food is now an accident?"

"I didn't steal it okay? Hana damn it help me out here!"

The redhead may be physically stronger than Tetsu-kun but he can't always win an argument against him. Something that I had recently noticed, also, never thought he would be scared of dogs. Judging from his constant runoff from Nigou. I thought he just hated dogs at first but he was actually scared of them, something you most certainly wouldn't imagine when you see his big physique. I just smiled at him sweetly before walking away.

'OI!!"

"Goodluck on that Kagami-kun"

I chuckled when the other first years surrounded Kagami asking him about the food that he indeed accidentally stole from me last week.

"Hana-chan, could I ask you an errand? You just need to give these to the faculty staffs for their approval"

Riko-nee handed me a couple of papers that looked like the team's schedule. Since I was still new, Riko-nee still helps me with small tasks like this one. I nodded at her before going out of the gymnasium. It's fun, to be honest, but every time I do the stuff that I used to do I can't help but miss the old team. Miss the past where we all used to hang out.

I was walking down the hallway when my phone rang. I fished it out from my vest's pocket to see who was calling me. My eyes widened when I saw who it was that was calling me. I immediately pressed the answer button without even realizing the consequences.

"You answer too fast Hanabi, does the Seirin not train anymore?"

I leaned by the wall when I just realized that I did answer his call too fast.

"I...it's not that. I'm running an errand okay?"

His chuckle radiated throughout the phone's receiver and I wanted to punch myself when I realized that he was messing with me again.

"Still I'm glad that you're answering my calls immediately. Thank you."

"Y...you ugh why did you call anyway?"

"Just saying hi to you"

"Ughhh Hi?"

I leaned by the wall and sighed. Ever since Christmas, Sei-kun had always made it his habit to call me every now and then. At first, I was startled since I didn't remember giving him my contact number but then again he is Akashi Seijuro.

"Akashi we're starting practice again"

His teammates' voices echoed in the background.

"Right, I will be there in a minute. Hanabi"

"Hmmm? What's up?"

The line went silent for a second that I thought he had already hung up.

"Are you looking outside?"

"Outside?"

Is there something outside? I glanced by the nearby window and all I saw were the trees swaying by the cool breeze and how clear the sky was.

"I miss you every day Hanabi, I don't know if you feel it too but I'm just glad that we're looking at the same sky at the same time again. Knowing that makes me feel a little bit closer to you now. I love you. Have a great day and always keep safe. I'll be going now."

Was that what I think it was?

Before I could even utter another word, Sei-kun hung up on me and I was left stunned in place. I crouched when I felt my face getting hotter, even without looking I know that I freaking look like a tomato right now because of how red my face is. Other than that, it's like a stallion begun knocking on my chest by how loud my heart is beating right now.

It's cheesy. No. It's as corny as hell and no one flirts like that nowadays but why can't I calm down even when I know that fact already.

"Damn it. Calling me up just to rile my emotions up like that. Who does he think he is"

And so with a red face and an uncontrollable thumping heart, I stomped my way to the faculty to give the papers to the teachers. Of course, my current appearance earned a couple of teasing here and there and I am so blaming that redhead.

------------------

On the way home the first years from the Seirin team had decided to stop by Maji burger to grab a bite, except for Kuroko who will be meeting with Ogiwara-kun. Finally feeling how exhausted I was, I just let the others order for me and slumped on the table first.

"Why are you the one who is exhausted when you didn't even play"

I glared at Kagami-kun who was now placing his mountain of burgers on the table before sitting across from where I was.

"Do I have one on those?"

As an answer, he tossed me a burger and started eating one of his. I sat back and munched on the burger as the others arrive at the table.

"Hana-san here"

I watched as Furihata-kun placed a shake and fries in front of me. I thanked him for that and continued munching on the burger.

"Hey what do we do with Kuroko's birthday?"

As if on cue both Kagami and I looked at Kawahara-kun with our mouths full of burgers. Was it that time of the year already? I took out my phone and looked at the calendar. Kuroko's birthday is on January 31st, which was only five days away from today. I can't believe time flew by like that.

"Wait when is Kuroko's birthday?"

"Kagami you really forgot? It's on January 31st"

Fukuda sent Kagami-kun a disappointed look which in return we all laughed at. After a while, Kagami sat back and sulked while eating his ton of burgers.

"So Hana what do you think?"

I looked at Fukuda and silently think of what to do for Tetsu-kun's birthday. It was that one day of the year where we get to celebrate something where Tetsu-kun is the center of attention so it has to be special. That's what I'm thinking but I really can't think of anything else other than a birthday party.

"Let's just set up a birthday party for him."

The others also thought about my suggestion for a while but then agreed on it later.

"Then we can do it in my place"

"Oh? Then will you cook too Kagami-kun?"

"Do you think I don't know how to?"

I laughed when Kagami-kun replied with a proud smug on his face. What he didn't know was that was exactly what I wanted him to reply with.

"Then we'll leave all the cooking to you"

"Gah wait! You aren't going to help?"

"Well we can do the decorations and shopping"

Everyone agreed with me and nodded before patting Kagami-kun on the back saying how they're lucky to be with him.

"Damn you, Hana"

I just smiled at him before sipping out of my shake. I'm excited, for the first time in three years I think this will be the only time where I'll get to go on a celebration with schoolmates again.

"Then I'll invite senpai and others and Kagami will ask Kuroko"

We all nodded in unison which just made the redhead sigh out in defeat.

"You guys are really killing me out on here"

---------------------------

Just a few days before the birthday celebration, Hanabi had already prepared some of the decorations beforehand and left them on Kagami's place. She said it will make their work easier and faster. She had also bought a mini gift for the celebrant and left it at the redhead's house so wouldn't forget about it. Unbeknownst to her, some other people were also planning for a surprise on that day for Kuroko.

"uh should we invite Hana-chan?"

"We should, I mean Hanacchi should be there too if we want to be complete"

"But will she agree Ki-chan? You said she acted cold and uncomfortable?"

"Well, that may be only towards me?"

Both Kise and Momoi let out a deep sigh as they sat back on their chair in defeat. They had decided to set up a mini-reunion with the old teammates for Kuroko's birthday. Of course, if they were to gather everyone, it would also include Hanabi. Aomine just stared at both of them before looking ahead. He too also want Hanabi to join them since it had been a while since he last saw and played with her. He was also worried about how she was but he was too ashamed to ask that to Kise since he knows how he felt about that incident.

"Just let Akashi ask her"

Both the blonde and pink-haired lass looked at the latter before exchanging looks. They have no idea what exactly happened after Kise notified everyone about Hanabi's return but they had the feeling that Akashi did make his move. A feeling that terrified Kise. He had done something bad and if Hanabi were to know that, she would definitely stay away from him for good. This uncertainty didn't escape from the eyes of Aomine. He too did something bad but he knows that the guilt will only continue to gnaw away at him if he doesn't let it out.

"All right, I want Hana-chan to be there too. Ki-chan give me her phone number?"

"Eh? What Momocchi?"

"I'm going to call her, she can't refuse me if I cry now can't she?"

Just the thought of Momoi crying was enough to make the two males scared of what she might do so to avoid that situation, Aomine took her phone from her and started typing a message to Akashi saying that he should be the one to bring Hanabi on January 31st. Not a while later the redhead had replied saying that Hanabi would come so they don't need to worry.

Hanabi of course on the other hand wasn't aware of this not until the redhead had appeared in front of her doorsteps on the morning of January 31st. Suited in his sports shoes and attire with his gym bag slinging from his body, Akashi smiled at Hanabi and greeted her with a good morning.

"Wha... what? Why are you here again?"

Shocked at the sight of the redhead in front of her, Hanabi couldn't fathom why Akashi was standing at her door at five in the morning. Aside from the fact that Akashi was supposed to be in Kyoto and not Tokyo.

"Go change your clothes Hanabi, we're playing street basketball with the others"

"Huh?"

It wasn't the idea of playing street basketball with the others that had shocked Hanabi but the people whom Akashi was referring to. She wanted it to be clear and to be mentally ready for what today was waiting for her.

"By others? Whom do you exactly mean?"

She was silently praying that it wasn't them. After all, she wasn't really mentally prepared for a grand meeting with the generation of the miracles. She had wanted to do things right by taking them one by one and step by step.

"The generation of miracles, we're playing street basketball now"

However, her worse nightmares had been confirmed by nonetheless the emperor. Hanabi wanted to melt right then and there but then suddenly thought of the perfect alibi that might help her get out of her current situation.

"Wait... no one told me besides we're doing preparations for Tetsu-kun's birthday party"

Akashi knowing that this is how Hanabi would reply only smiled and leaned close to Hanabi.

"Kuroko would be joining us and you wouldn't help with the preparations because I know that you won't be the one cooking now won't you?"

"Di...did I say that?"

Hanabi screamed internally as she recalled how she did happily told Akashi over the phone about Kuroko's birthday party celebration. But then the thought that Akashi had planned everything all along surfaced from her mind. She looked at Akashi who was still smiling while looking at her. She put her palm on her face when she had put two and two together that Akashi did plan everything right from the start.

"You're really scary do you know that?"

Akashi just smiled back at her as a reply and adoringly stared at the lass before his eyes. He took the liberty to tuck a couple of hair strands behind Hanabi's ear. An action that made Hanabi's heart flutter lightly.

"This is the perfect opportunity don't you think so? Plus they're all waiting for you. You might not know it but they're also looking forward to this day because you're coming too"

Hanabi stared at Akashi and just heaved out a sigh. It wasn't that she didn't want to go. But rather she was afraid that she was just going to ruin this supposedly happy day. It was Kuroko's birthday and she didn't want to be the one to pop out and suddenly ruin the mood by making it a day that was all about herself.

Akashi knowing her, knew that this was how she would react and probably thought that she would just ruin this day. So he did the only thing that he could do to ease this thought from her. He lightly pulled Hanabi towards him and enveloped her into an embrace. Hanabi not knowing what to do just stood there oddly like a stick and didn't even dare to hug Akashi back.

"Sei-kun"

"You won't ruin it, nobody will think about that. For today you can just think that you're doing this for Kuroko. Even though I hate that you're thinking of someone else, I'll let you off the hook this time"

Not knowing how to react to the sudden confession that screamed jealousy from the redhead, Hanabi laughed and pushed Akashi lightly before nodding.

"Fine. I'll go"

"That wasn't a request Hanabi if you had still pursued to say no, I'm ready to carry you off until we reach our destination"

The sudden thought of being carried made Hanabi shiver. She knew exactly that Akashi was the type to do just that so instead of arguing any further she had just given up on her fate and decided to go.

On a certain street court just around the bustling areas of Tokyo, a tall blonde man got up ready and started warming up when a pink-haired lass and a certain bluenette greeted him.

"Ki-chan good morning"

"Momocchi, Aominecchi"

"You're way too early"

"But events like these almost never happen"

The long-awaited reunion of the generation of miracles was certainly an event that none of them had expected. They were all too sure that they would never get together like this again but then here they were right now.

"Are we the only ones here?"

"I'm here too"

Appearing out of the blue just like how he usually does, Tetsu-kun greeted the other three but not right after making Aomine jump out of surprise. After a few greetings with Tetsu-kun earning a tight hug from Momoi as well as a handmade scarf as a gift, Midorima who was delivered by Takao had also arrived.

"Takao, I only told you to buy me my lucky item."

"Yeah, yeah. You're not getting it until you get out"

Midorima who was annoyed at the fact that he had been duped by both Takao and Momoi grabbed his lucky item which is dried mushrooms and got out of the cart that he was in. He was more annoyed when he realized that Momoi had asked for Takao to deliver him to the get-together. Today wasn't his lucky day and he had changed his mind at the last minute because of that but now here he is. This wasn't what he had initially planned but since he was already here, he would play along with his old teammates.

"Well, as long as I'm here, I suppose I must participate."

After saying so, and having bid Takao goodbye, Midorima held up a yellow chick keychain which he had heard to be the Aquarius' lucky item for today.

"Kuroko"

"What is this?"

"It's Aquarius' lucky item for the day, It wouldn't be any fun if something happened to you on your birthday"

"Oh, right. Thank you."

With a small smile of gratitude from Kuroko, he took Midorima's gift which had earned a 'he meant to come all along' remark from the tall blonde man. From afar Hanabi could hear their cheerful voices. Without even looking she knew to whom those voices belong. She gripped the redhead's shirt from behind and walked behind him, making his tall physique hide her.

As the others sense the arrival of the redhead, the pink-haired lass greeted him while Kuroko smilingly nodded at him.

"Akashi-kun"

"Hey, guys. Thanks for waiting."

"Akashicchi, you came all the way from Kyoto."

Upon being closer to the group it was only then that they saw the rose gold-haired girl walking behind Akashi.

"Kuroko, happy birthday."

"Thank you. Hanabi-san, you came too"

At the remark that Kuroko made, Hanabi could already feel the stares that her former teammates have been giving her. She actually doesn't know what to say or what to do. 'As expected, this is still overwhelming" she had thought as she gripped Sei-kun's shirt tightly. There was a moment of silence before Momoi had run up to hug Hanabi tightly enveloping the latter in a warm embrace.

"Hana-chan!! I missed you. Why didn't you call? I'm sorry. I missed you. Can we be friends again?"

Having been bombarded with questions, Hanabi couldn't help but chuckle lightly before hugging Momoi back. She had forgotten how warm the pink-haired lass had always been. Back when she was in the hospital, the others did not visit her but Momoi would always text her back immediately updating her that they had a schedule that's why they can't come. Now that Hanabi thinks about it, Momoi did put in that effort and she had totally set her aside because of how bad she was feeling.

"It's too early to cry Satsuki-chan, don't worry about it"

As Hanabi pat, Momoi's head with pure adoration both Kise and Midorima confusedly glanced at each other. How Hanabi welcomed Momoi was far different from theirs and they can't help but feel jealous of it. Kise looked at the redhead who was adoringly looking at Hanabi and there he felt the invisible hand gripping on his chest again making it tight. Somehow he had already known that Akashi made his move already and that was probably the reason why Hanabi is joining them today.

Aomine on the other can't help but feel warm at the sight of the rose gold-haired girl before her. Other than the more mature features, he was glad that Hanabi had grown her hair long instead of trimming it like how she used to do when they were still in middle school. Having sensed the attention, Hanabi shifted her gaze from Momoi only to be welcomed by a warm expression from Aomine.

"It's been a while, not since middle school huh?"

Maybe it was because they really hadn't seen each other for so long but Hanabi felt warm just from hearing Aomine greet her like how he usually does. Gone was the cold and bored demeanor from the male. She can't deny that among the generation of miracles, aside from Akashi, she was the closest with Aomine. They had both shared the same passion when it comes to basketball and they had often found themselves rivaling about it more than the others. Hanabi could only smilingly nod at his remark.

Hanabi then shifted her gaze to Kuroko who was smilingly taking in on the warm yet awkward atmosphere that was enveloping the whole group.

"Tetsu-kun, happy birthday"

"Thank you Hanabi-san,

"I hope I'm not intruding by coming here"

"Hana-san, we are happy that you could join us"

"Midorin is right Hana-chan we're glad you're here"

Hanabi couldn't help but finally smile and sheepishly scratch her nape at the welcoming aura that the others had exuded. She knew they were trying their very best to not act all awkward with her and she didn't want to ruin Kuroko's day too. She shifted her gaze to the blonde one who was unusually quiet ever since she had come. Hanabi found Kise's wavering stares and can't help but feel sorry and guilty now that she remembered how she had acted when they first met together.

"Ryouta-kun, good morning"

Putting up a light smile on her face, Hanabi greeted Kise like how she used to do. Something that made the blonde male speechless. If he was being honest he wanted to cry right there. Not because he was finally getting a glimpse of the old friend that he had loved. But because he knew he wasn't the one who had made that possible. He wasn't the one that had made Hanabi come back to them and that fact had hurt him the most. Gulping down all of the pain, he smiled back at the lass greeting her the same.

"Hanacchi, good morning. So, I think this makes the seven of us huh"

"Murasakibara huh"

"Murasakibara should be getting here soon"

As the others stare at the redhead with confusion, a tall man with purple hair greeted them loud enough for the group to hear. They all shifted their gaze and had found Murasakibara coming through from the trees. Not the usual pathway that a normal person would take.

"Morning, guys"

"Ahh, Mukkun!"

"Wow, Akashi was right."

As the others greeted the tall male, Murasakibara who was more surprised about another person on their get-together rushed on to stare at Hanabi and scan her from head-to-toe which made the lass jolt in surprise.

"Oi Murasakibara don't rile up Hana-san like that"

Finally snapping into the reality that he really wasn't dreaming, Murasakibara had also held Hanabi into a tight embrace almost physically squashing the lass with his big physique.

"It is you Hanachin, you really are back"

"He... Hey Atsushi-kun... wait I can't breathe. Guys, help"

It was Akashi who had patted Murasakibara on the arm to notify him that Hanabi was losing air. He quickly pulled the lass away from the bigger male's embrace. Murasakibara's action earned glares from the other three males who hadn't had the opportunity to greet Hanabi as cheerfully and warmly as he did.

"But, Murasakibaracchi, you really didn't want to come"

It was the blonde male who had continued the conversation when he remembered how adamant the taller male was on traveling from Akita to Tokyo. He remembered how Momoi's plan to invite him had drastically ended up in a loss when she told Murasakibara that she would be preparing a treat for him. Something that the taller male certainly wouldn't like to eat.

"I just stopped by since I was already in Tokyo."

"What? You were?"

The others who couldn't understand what he meant all glanced at Akashi who was just about to tell them.

"I scheduled a practice game between Rakuzan and Yosen... Since we're located far away from each other, we decided to meet in the middle which is Tokyo"

Upon hearing this Hanabi did remember Akashi saying that he had scheduled a practice game by Tokyo. She glanced at the redhead who had probably planned everything in case something goes wrong with Momoi's plan. Earning the thanks from the pink-haired lass, the redhead glanced at Hanabi whom he found was also staring at her by then. He had only smiled at her as if to tell her that everything will be alright.

"Now everybody's finally here"

"Well, shall we get started then?"

As all of them made preparations, Hanabi couldn't help but feel warm at the certain interaction that they were all making once more. She sat by the bench and stared at them one-by-one. Kise who had noticed her decided to sit beside her as the others finish warming up.

"Hanacchi, are you going to play too?"

Hanabi looked at the blonde man and shook her head. He made a deal with Sei-kun that he was going to come on the condition that he wouldn't force her to play. It wasn't that she couldn't but rather she wanted to confirm something with her own two eyes.

"For the first round I think not, don't worry I won't run away anymore Ryouta-kun"

Hearing his name from her lips made Kise's heart fill with joy, there he had thought to not push the topic any longer as he didn't want to force her again and create an awkward atmosphere that would ruin this day. So he nodded at her and stood up just in time for the others to finish warming up.

"Okay, so we're doing a three-on-three first but we'll play full-court like it's five-man teams, but each game is ten minutes, okay? Hana-chan and I will join after the first game."

Using draws, the teams that had been decided were Akashi, Kuroko, Aomine for the first one and Kise, Midorima, and Murasakibara for the second one.

"We're on the same team, Tetsu"

"You're right"

"We won't lose"

"You won't beat me, Akachin"

"The same also goes for me"

"I accept your challenge"

"Now let's tip-off!!"

With Momoi's cue, the street basketball between the generation of miracles finally started. Murasakibara got the ball with ease passing it unto Midorima who immediately shot the first three points for his team. A shot that had made all of them stunned.

"Oi Midorima, don't finish the play with a single shot"

"Yeah, that wouldn't be a game"

As both Kise and Aomine complain about Midorima's shot, the mint-head could only reply with a brief remark indicating that he really did want to win against Akashi.

"Fools. Whoever strikes first wins."

An attitude that only made both Akashi and Kuroko chuckle but had certainly riled up Aomine who took the ball and ran straight facing Murasakibara who was on guard. Murasakibara blocked the ball which Kise took the liberty of taking. Passing swiftly through Kuroko before passing the ball to Midorima who was heavily guarded by Akashi. Midorima stepped back on shooting when he saw that it would only be blocked by the emperor so he passed it on to Kise who was the one that made the shot.

"Not bad Midorima"

"I don't have any intention of losing."

"They're already beating us"

"Don't worry"

As Akashi reassured Kuroko that they wouldn't lose, he began to move as well. Dribbling the ball that was meant to confuse both Midorima and Murasakibara before passing it on the blonde man who was unaware of his surroundings. Kuroko touched the ball that was barely inches away from Kise and passed it to Aomine who had made the shot.

"Nice"

"Nice pass, Tetsu"

"Thanks"

As the two males exchange a fist bump that was their usual sign, a tear fell from Hanabi's eyes, something that didn't escape Momoi who was sitting beside her.

"Hana-chan"

"Sorry Satsuki-chan, it's nothing... it's just so..."

Warm was the word that she wanted to say. As to not interrupt the male's attentions, Hanabi quickly wiped away her tears and looked up in the sky to stop them from falling. She never imagined this interaction to happen again. She was determined to stay away from them, to never meet them again because she was sure that all of them could never be friends again. And yet here they are. Momoi who also had tears in her eyes held Hanabi's hand tightly making the latter look at her way.

"Hana-chan, it's warm again, isn't it? It's not unbearable anymore, isn't it? We don't hate you, none of us did, so can you also not hate us that much anymore?"

Hanabi wanted to reply that it wasn't just that simple but she knew it was all a lie now. Never wanting to meet them again wasn't what she really wanted. The reason why she hadn't thrown away all of their pictures. The same reason why she worked hard to recuperate, for her to be able to walk again. The reason why she was so hurt when none of them went to see her. What she really wanted was for all of them to be able to play basketball again like how they used to. She never really want to run away and she didn't want to lie to herself anymore. This was what she wanted, for all of them to go back the way they used to be.

All that was left for her to do was to hear Kise's side of the story, on why he did what he did. Hearing it won't make any difference but she wanted to finally close this chapter of her life. She wanted to do so she could start making new memories with them again. So she can still be friends with all of them after all the pain.