From: Kazamatsuri-kun

Kuroko-kuuuun! I just arrived in Germany! ₍₍ ◝(●˙˙●)◜ ₎₎

I'm so excited (*≧∀≦*) ~ Gonna meet up with my friend later today! I miss you ! ouo

Kuroko read the message over as he sat down on the bleachers, trying to catch his breath.

From: Kuroko-kun (•ө•)

I threw up today, but managed to make it to the trash can, so coach didn't yell at me. No matter, I wish you two a happy reunion.

..eh..? I hope he's okay… Sho thought as he reread the message that he'd just received.

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

Kuroko-kun! Please take better care of yourself! (⑉･̆⌓･̆⑉) You make me so worried sometimes… will you really be okay..?

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

Kuroookoo-kun~ Please answer ⊂(ﾟДﾟ⊂ What happened? Why aren't you answering?

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

...Did you faint?

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

I have to go now, but don't think this is the last you'll hear of this! ૮( ᵒ̌▱๋ᵒ̌ )ა

Sho gave his phone one last glare before closing it and placing it into his back pocket.

By the time practice was over, Kuroko wanted to bury himself. His body was drenched in sweat and he was panting heavily. Glancing at the emoticon-laced messages from one Sho Kazamatsuri, the teal headed boy wondered if he could possibly get away with not replying.

…

But he did feel a twinge of guilt. After all, Sho was just worried. But it wasn't his fault coach made him turn off his phone and hurry back to practice.

From: Kuroko-kun (•ө•)

I am okay, sorry I made you worry. Had to practice. I might be close to dying though.

A snort left Sho before he had time to cover it. Beside him, Ryoichi halted in his monologue about life in Germany to see what had caused his friend to snort like that.

"Who're you texting?" He inquired.

"A friend in Japan." Then, Sho glanced up at him as an idea came to mind. "Oh! I know, why don't we take a picture, Ryoichi-kun?"

"Why would I want to take a picture, much less with you?"

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

[image attached]

Kuroko stared at the image Sho had sent him. It was a picture of Sho, smiling brightly at the camera, hands holding on the his crutches. Beside him, a tall blond boy with a scowl on his face, canceled out by the slight pink of his cheeks, giving away his nervousness and embarrassment. He had his arms crossed against his chest, but stayed closed to Sho despite the aloof facade. Kuroko wondered if he was a tsundere.

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

That's my friend, Tenjou Ryoichi! ʕ•͡ω•ʔʕ•͡-•ʔ He looks mean, but he's actually totally really super nice~ He's also reaeaaally good at soccer too!

Kazamatsuri-kun sure has interesting friends, he thought as he took a ball and started dribbling. Aomine hadn't showed up yet, so he'd have to start practicing by himself. He stopped dribbling when he realized he should probably text back as to avoid worrying Sho again.

From: Kuroko-kun (•ө•)

I'll be looking forward to seeing him play one day, then. Anyway, I have to go now. I'll text you later.

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

Okie Dokie! We'll be rooting you on, Kuroko-kun~ ҉*\( 'ω' )/*҉

From: Kuroko-kun ╰( ･ ᗜ ･ )╯

Played my first game today.

Kuroko wouldn't be surprised if Sho didn't believe him. He couldn't really believe it himself. To think, that it was only a few weeks ago that he'd been practicing by his lonesome in the fourth gym. But then again, once Aomine Daiki came into his life, he knew nothing would be the same after that. He was only sad that Sho isn't there to see him. Hours after he sent the text, a reply finally came.

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

What. Really? Really? ┏○ ＼(ﾟ 0ﾟ ;)/┓How'd you do?

Things really escalated quickly… Is it because of that Akashi guy you told me about?

Earlier, Kuroko had texted him, saying that another one of the first stringers, Akashi Seijuro, took interest in him. Over the span of weeks, Kuroko had developed an ability, misdirection. Apparently, he used his lack of presence to divert attention to other players and would intercept the ball to pass to his teammates, giving the team an upper hand. Of course, Kuroko was still in the early stages, and often missed his passes. Despite being in first string, he'd yet to really gain anyone's respect (other than Aomine and Akashi).

From: Kuroko-kun ╰( ･ ᗜ ･ )╯

I also worked hard for this too, you know. But yes, Akashi-kun was great help. As for the first question….I tripped and got a nosebleed within 3 seconds of the game. But the coach didn't demote me, so it's okay.

From: Kazamatsuri-kun

Kuroko-kuun… I don't know how to respond to that…

A few days later he received a follow up message…

From: Kuroko-kun ╰( ･ ᗜ ･ )╯

I go better. Everyone's warmed up to me, I think. Heal faster, Kazamatsuri-kun.