The day after Seirin’s
victory to claim title of Winter Cup Champion, Riko was walking towards the
gym, head filled with new training regiments, dietary plans, and just how she
was going to manage without Kiyoshi being there.

The squealing of over
enthusiastic females coupled with the surprised grunts of male voices caught
her attention. Looking forward, she could see her whole team standing in front
of the gym practically surrounded by an ever-growing crowd of students, mostly
consisting of girls’ voices overlapping one another.

“Kagami-kun, you were so
amazing yesterday!”

“Izuki-san, how did you
steal the ball after they passed you already?”

“Mitobe-san, are you
gonna be the starting center now?”

“Hyuga-san, don’t look
so serious! You should be celebrating!”

Even Kuroko was managing
to garner attention, a bright blush on his cheeks as one girl leaned in a bit
too close.

All the boys weren’t
sure what to do, having never really garnered this level of attention, at least
not at close range, particularly with girls. They looked a bit more comfortable
answering questions from the guys, some apparently interested in joining the
team, though Riko doubted they were aware of just how much work went into it
and were most likely just wanting to hang on the coat tails of their
predecessors’ success!

Rolling up her sleeves,
the coach made to stride forward only to feel a steady, firm hand on her
shoulder stopping her progress. Looking up sharply, she found Teppei there, his
usual soft smile on his face.

“Let them be Riko,” he
said, a low chuckle in his throat. Drawing her closer, he went on, “We’ve
worked hard to reach the mountain top. Let’s
enjoy the view, eh?”

Riko huffed. “Fine,
baka, but they’re getting extra laps for delaying practice.”

Kiyoshi smiled wider
when the crowd finally took notice of their presence and a few girls rushed
Riko, questions and comment flying quicker than she could blink.

“Aida-san! You’re so
lucky to be surrounded by such handsome men!”

“How do you keep them in
line?”

“Do you need a manager
this year?”

As Riko spluttered her
replies, Kiyoshi slowly retreated backwards, taking in the sight one last time
before he turned to leave. It was a memory he would keep with him while he was
in America.