Chapter Text
"I don't even remember how to catch your passes anymore." The words echoed as Kuroko burned the lines of Aomine’s turned back into his mind and threw himself into playing basketball like it was the only thing he had left, like he could batter the hurt out of himself. After the championship game, Aomine's rejection was simply the finishing blow.
He let himself become even more introverted, as well, retreating into his own head and pulling his misdirection around himself like a protective cloak, as if he couldn't be hurt if he couldn't be found. Of course, the world doesn't work like that; it never works like that. His near-invisibility turned against him as he was rushing to school.
He was late, and he knew a shortcut, so instead of taking the crosswalk, Kuroko dashed across the street. Cars whizzed by, and as an oncoming vehicle bore down on him, Kuroko realized that the driver couldn't see him. There was pain, then darkness.
*-*-*
Ogiwara Shigehiro, who was just walking out the door, frowned as his phone rang. He flipped it open. "Hello?"
"Is this Ogiwara Shigehiro?"
"It is."
"A Kuroko Tetsuya was admitted to the hospital approximately half an hour ago. Your name was put down as emergency contact in the case of his parents being unavailable." Shigehiro felt his breath catch in his throat. Even after that game, Tetsuya had kept him as his emergency contact.
"What was he admitted for?" He demanded.
"He was hit by a car, and his right hand was crushed, among lesser injuries."
"I'll be there as soon as possible." Shigehiro immediately ran back inside and found his mother.
As soon as she was told of Tetsuya's injury, she gave him permission to skip school and promised to call the principle for him.