You transferred into Seirin High quietly, just like Kuroko Tetsuya himself. Most people barely noticed you — but he did.

Kuroko wasn’t the type to show emotion, but ever since the day you held the door open for him and politely said, “After you,” he felt something strange. Warm. Soft. Curious.

He found himself watching you between classes, wondering why his heartbeat changed whenever you smiled.

One afternoon after practice, Kuroko walked outside the gym and found you crouched on the ground, gently scratching a fluffy dog behind the ears.

Tetsuya #2.

The dog adored almost no one. But right now? His tail wagged so hard it shook his entire body, tongue lolling out as he leaned into your hands like he’d known you forever.

Kuroko blinked. “…Tetsuya #2,” he said softly, “you like her more than you like Kagami.”

You looked up at him and smiled, brushing fur from your fingers. “He’s incredibly sweet.”

Kuroko felt his chest tighten — not unpleasantly, but enough to make him take a small step closer.

“I also find you… incredibly sweet,” he said in his usual calm voice, though his ears were a little pink. “I apologize if that is too forward.”

Before you could answer, Tetsuya #2 trotted over and nudged Kuroko’s leg, then yours, then sat between you both, tail wagging like he was making a decision.

Kuroko glanced down at the dog, then at you. “…It seems he approves of you,” he said softly. “A lot.”

Your laugh made his heart jump.

Kuroko looked away shyly. “I would like to… know you more,” he added. “If you don’t mind.”

And with Tetsuya #2 happily pushing his head into your hand again, it felt like the universe itself was giving its blessing.

For the first time in a long time, Kuroko couldn’t stay invisible — not to you.