"What is that?"

"Tickets for Friday night's movie this week," answered Kishimoto holding the pair of tickets in the air.

"Oh? And who's going to this movie?" inquired Minami as he shut the door to his locker. They were just done with practice and the team were filing out, leaving only Kishimoto, Itakura and Minami behind.

"Coz you're going," Kishimoto said smugly.

Minami arched an eyebrow, "I'm what?"

"You're going with me on a double date," said the other boy, "Remember that girl I bumped into that day? Well, she wants to go out with me and her friend wants to go out with you so she bought us this tickets as long as we're buying the food for dinner before the movie and snacks later on."

"And what makes you think that I want to go on this double date?" said Minami in disinterest, picking up his bag before making his way to the door.

Kishimoto blinked in surprise before he ran up to his captain, a small whine distinct in his voice, "Oh, come on! Your date is one of the most popular girls in school! Yotoru Kaiko!"

"Whoah! Really?" said Itakura catching up to them, "If Minami-sempai won't go, I'll take his place!"

Kishimoto looked at the junior in irritation and snapped, "Who asked you?" before he went after Minami again, leaving a steaming Itakura behind.

"C'mon Minami!" tried Toyotama's power forward again.

"Why me?" sighed Minami not breaking his stride.

"Kaiko wants you as her date," stressed Kishimoto, "And we - you and me - we've always done things together."

Minami snorted, "I did not go with you when you had your first date 2 years ago."

"... well, I uh..."

"And neither did I recall having you tag along on any of my dates as well," said Minami cooly.

"Ok, ok," said Kishimoto as he blew out an exasperated breath, "Iyami won't go out with me if you're not there as Kaiko's date. C'mon, Minami. It's been ages since we've been on a date. Let's have some fun!"

Minami sighed again and finally nodded, "When and where?"

Kishimoto grinned, "Seven. We're going to meet the girls by the park and we'll take the bus to the fast-food restaurant before we head out to the movies."

"Alright, alright. I'll be there," said Minami, sounding as if he'd rather not be.

Kishimoto slapped his friend on the shoulder before jogging away, assuring Minami in a loud voice, "Don't worry! It'll be great!"

Minami smiled a bit at the enthusiasm from his childhood friend and thought that maybe the date won't be such a bad thing after all. After that game with Shohoku he realised that he felt weary and taking a break from school and basketball for one night sounded good at that moment.

**

The quartet walked out of the movie theatre together, chatting among themselves about the movie they have just watched.

"Too bad it ended like that, ne Minami-san?" quipped Kaiko.

Minami shrugged, "But it was kind of predictable, don't you think?"

The girl nodded enthusiastically, "Hai!"

The four moved on, with the girls taking up the rear and the boys walking in the middle. Once in a while, Kishimoto's arm would brush against his Minami's neither boys minding, too familiar with each other to care.

Once they saw the girls safely to their houses, the pair of players went on foot towards their own homes. Minami didn't talk much as was his habit and when Kishimoto didn't close that gap of non-verbal communication, they would just walk in companionable silence. It was a full moon night and even when the streets were empty, the light from the moon and the street lamps chased the eery feeling of night-lateness.

"So," said Kishimoto, breaking the quietness, "Enjoyed yourself tonight?"

If he didn't turn his head to look at his friend next to him, Kishimoto would've missed seeing Minami nod.

"What do you like about that girl?" asked Minami of the taller boy.

Kishimoto had to think for a moment because strangely all he can think about now is the boy beside him. He would be ashamed to admit that he was nervous of this date since he hasn't been on one for more than a few months so he felt greatly relieved that Minami agreed to go with him in this double date because the shorter boy unconciously gave him mental support just with his presence. At the fast-food restaurant he found himself stealing glances at his friend, enjoying the relaxed look on Minami's face and looking particularly for the smiles.

"Uh," said Kishimoto, digging up whatever charactersitics he found on Iyami he found appealing, "She's cute, funny and she's smart. And..."

"And?"

"She's got sexy lips," Kishimoto grinned.

Minami bowed his head as he smiled, "So why didn't you kiss her?"

Kishimoto shot him with a hurt look, "Hey, I don't expect that much on a first date."

"Aa, souka," said Minami, smiling.

"How about you," teased Kishimoto, nudging his friend by the arm, "Anything you like about Kaiko?"

"She's smart, cute as well and she's got such smooth skin that I wouldn't mind brushing my mouth on her rosy cheeks if I was demanding on a first date."

Kishimoto gaped at his friend who was still walking leisurely. When he got over his surprise he laughed out loud, "I've never heard you speak like this! Are you this loose tonight?"

Minami shrugged, "I guess I am."

"How loose?" asked Kishimoto, getting a twinkle of mischieviousness in his eyes.

"Loose enough to tell you that you would've kissed Iyami if she'd have given you the chance," said Minami.

Kishimoto ran his tongue in his cheek as he considered the claim, "Maybe. I'm feeling so happy tonight that I'd even kiss the nearest good looking person including you."

Minami looked at him then, "I'm good looking to you?"

Kishimoto made a careless gesture and said, "You pass in my book."

Minami chuckled, "Thanks, I feel honoured. However you wouldn't dare."

"Oh, I would," said Koshimoto in a drawl, "I don't think you're up to it."

"Oh, I am," Minami drawled right back, "I think you're not."

Minami chuckled when he heard Kishimoto grunt in response.

~Tbc~