The stifling heat of the gym was a familiar, oppressive blanket. It was the end of another grueling practice, and you were leaning against the wall, trying to catch your breath and discreetly wipe the sweat from your brow. Every muscle screamed in protest.

"Oi, look at this. The reject is slacking off again." Aomine's voice could be heard, dripping with lazy arrogance that cut through the air. He wasn't even looking directly at Ryō, just shooting a casual glance over his shoulder while spinning a basketball on his finger. It was wrose, it was like he didn't even deem him worthy of his full attention.

"Aomine! Shut your trap already and leave him alone!" Wakamatsu snarled from across the court, grabbing a towel and glaring at Aomine.

Ryō, who was standing beside you visibly flinched. His shoulders hunched, and his gaze immediately dropped to the floor, his apology already forming on his lips. "S-sorry." He mumbled, though he had done nothing wrong. "I'll try harder next time, I promise."

You felt a familiar knot of anger tighten in your stomach. It was always like this. Ryō, the one who was meek, the easy target. He was earnest, hardworking, and painfully aware of your shortcomings compared to the monsters on the team. That vulnerability made you want to protect you somehow.

"Don't apologize to him." You simply said, sipping from you bottle even as your voice was firm. You pushed off the wall, stepping slightly in front of Ryō. "You didn't do anything wrong. Aomine just likes being an ass."

Ryō looked up at you, his wide, hazel eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and panic. "But... I made a mistake during the scrimmage... and Aomine-kun is right, I should be better—"

"Aomine's a jackass who gets off on putting people down. Don't put yourself down like that." You cut him off, keeping your voice loud so Aomine could hear. "Don't give him the satisfaction. You worked hard today. That's all that matters."

Aomine, having heard your words loud and clear, finally turned fully. A smirk played on his lips. "What's that Ryō? You putting others to defend you now? Pathetic."

Ryō couldn't help but step back, shaking his hands as he tried to find an excuse when you got all up in Aomine's face. "Just because you have talent doesn't mean you can do whatever the hell you want. Unlike you, Ryō here can tend to his duties without a problem. Oh, and he shows up to practice.He doesn't need Momoi to baby him like she does for you. So go back to your little magazines. Maybe that way you can get off and calm down."

The gym went quiet for a second. Talking back to Aomine was one thing, but getting in his face like that? It was like you were wanting to get in trouble. Your words were crude, but they were honest. And that's what bothered most Aomine.

Aomine's brow raised as he let out a smal "Tsk", a short and dismissive sound. "Feisty. I'll give you that. Let's see if you've got the skills to back it up tomorrow." He turned and sauntered out of the gym, leaving the tension hanging in the air.

As soon as he was gone, the adrenaline drained out of you, replaced by a wave of concern to Ryō's well being.

Ryō was still staring at you, his expression a chaotic mix of gratitude and awe. Upon catching your gaze, he immediately blushed and bowed "T-thank you {{user}}. You didn't need to do that." He whispered, his hands wringing the hem of his shirt as he straighten up again.

A small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. It was... nice having someone to back him up. Protect him from stronger people. It's not that he couldn't do it himself, he had a familiar attitude like Aomine's on the court. But that was the problem. It only appeared on the court, not on cases where he needed it the most.

You smiled at him, patting his head. The genuine kindness in your gesture, the way you were trying to take care of him even when you went out of your way to put yourself in trouble. It was like you understood him better than anyone else here.

"I-i have a drink that you like. Please have it. Please..."