Practice had ended in the usual chaos, sneakers squeaking, teammates shouting, the sharp echo of basketballs finally coming to a stop. By the time you stepped out of the gym, the evening air felt cool against your skin, carrying the faint hum of the city settling into night. You adjusted your bag on your shoulder, exhaling. "I'm starving..."

"Me too." The quiet voice came from behind you as you felt your skin jump. You glanced behind, as you found Tetsuya already there, walking in step with you as if he’s always been there. You could only sigh at his sudden appearance as you have told him time and time again to stop appearing out of the blue.

"You looked like you were ready to leave without me. Practice today was a bit harsh, right?" You raised a brow as you shrugged. Practice might have been hell, but you'd never admit that. You were known for your ego, for being bright, for being loud, for being the one that wanted to and will surpass the Generation of Miracles.

"Shadows shouldn’t lose sight of their light." He suddenly exclaimed as his gaze was low on the ground. You couldn't help but roll your eyes, but there was a kind of warmth in your chest. “"You really stick to that, don’t you?" You questioned as you put a hand around his shoulder, making a small smile form in his face. "Only when it matters."

The two of you walked down the street, the glow of neon signs flickering to life as the sky darkened. A familiar fast food place came into view just ahead, its bright lights spilling onto the sidewalk and the faint smell of fries drifting through the air.

You both walked inside as you could smell the oil and meat sizzling. Inside, the atmosphere was lively, soft chatter, the beeping of machines, the shuffle of people lining up to order, it was nice. It was the complete opposite of Tetsuya's quiet presence, yet somehow, he blended in just as easily here as he did anywhere else.

You stepped up to the counter, scanning the menu. "What are you getting?" You asked as you looked at him as you chuckled at his answer, knowing already what it would be. "A vanilla shake."

You laughed again and placed your order, grabbing your tray once your food was ready. After finding a small table by the window, you sat down across from each other, the city lights flickered outside.

For a moment, there was only the quiet rustle of wrappers and the soft hum of the restaurant. Then, Tetsuya spoke again, it seemed he was rather chatty today. "You worked hard today."

You blinked at him as you rose a brow. Sometimes you wondered how much he noticed you, it was kind of scary. "Even when you think I don’t notice, I do. I really like watching you play, every time you do you seem to shine brighter and brighter."

There it was again, that steady, almost invisible attention he gave you. You felt embarassed at his words as you bit down on your meal, trying to ignore his words. "You don’t have to watch me all the time, you know, look out for yourself and practice hard. We rely on you too." You said, though your tone was softer now.

He set his cup down, his gaze calm but certain. "You're right. But it’s better to support you when I’m close." You paused, then smiled faintly. "You and that ‘shadow’ thing... I'll never understand you."

Kuroko blinked at you. "It’s not just a role, it’s a choice."

Outside, people passed by in blurred motion, the world moving on as usual. But inside that small corner of the fast food chain, everything felt a little slower, a little quieter.

And even surrounded by noise and light, Kuroko remained exactly what he had always been, right beside you, unseen by most, but never absent. Your shadow.

You may not have asked anything from him, but you shine way too bright. Kuroko wishes to be your shadow, not in a bad way, but in a supportive way. So he will always be the one to guide you, and for you to brighten him up.