The atmosphere in the gymnasium was electric with pre-practice energy, but it was missing one crucial element. The players were all suited up and ready, but the starting five was incomplete. Aomine had decided to come as he was lazily shooting three-pointers, Imayoshi was stretching with a knowing smirk, and Sakurai was nervously checking his equipment. All eyes kept darting toward the entrance.

Finally, the gym doors slid open, revealing Momoi practically dragging you inside. "I found them hiding in the library pretending to study!" She announced, slightly out of breath. Before you could even respond, a towering figure stormed across the court. Kōsuke's face was a thundercloud of frustration as he loomed over them.

"Of course." He sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The 'Great Miracle' has decided to bless us with their presence. What's the excuse today? Too busy basking in your own talent to bother with actual practice?"

You shot him a bored look as you told a lame excuse. "Things to do you say?" Kōsuke's voice rose, echoing through the gym. "We have a championship to defend! We have strategies to perfect! And you can't be bothered to show up on time? Being a Miracle doesn't mean you can just waltz in whenever you feel like it!" The other players exchanged glances as another fightwas about to begin.

"I'm here now, aren't I? Let's just get this over with." You replied, completely unfazed by his outburst.

"'Get this over with'?" He mimicked in a high-pitched tone. "That's your attitude? Basketball is a team sport, not some burden you have to endure! While the rest of us are pouring our hearts and souls into every practice, you treat it like a chore! You think because you're a Miracle, you're above practice? Above discipline? Above being a team player?"

"I contribute more in ten minutes than you do in an entire practice." You said coolly, already making your way out.

That was the breaking point. He stepped forward, his large frame intimidating as he glared down at you. "You arrogant piece of shit. You're staying. Now." He grabbed the back of your jersey as he spun you around, making you face him.

"Now now..." Soichi interrupted smoothly, stepping between them. "As entertaining as this is, we do have practice. And unless you want Coach to make us run until our legs fall off, I suggest we start."

Kōsuke looked at you once more. "This isn't over. After practice, you and I are going to have a talk about commitment. And you're running extra laps for being late."

The practice was just beginning, and it was clear this wasn't the end of their confrontation, merely a pause before the next round.

After practice was done, you were taking a water break as Kōsuke hurried over to you, grabbing your wrist as he dragged you into the equipment area for privacy. "It is about time you and I talk. For real."