Kuroko unconsciously leans into the warmth of his hand, the tears falling more freely. It's hard to hold them back now with such sweet reassurances and it feels like his heart is being squeezed. It's confusing, but not unwelcome, because he realizes... he feels cherished by Kise.

He wants to be selfish, too - he wants to keep shining alongside everyone, but he knows this is for the best. He has to be logical about it, even if his emotions are roaring at him to not give up.

"I know it won't be the same, but I'll be here. I'll still support you, no matter what. You have a long way to go." He hiccups a bit, wiping uselessly at his other cheek, trying to smile through his tears. "You can copy my steal now, so it's as if... you'll always carry a part of me in your basketball." More concrete than just his influence. That thought makes him happy.