And Kuroko feels perfectly justified in his disappearing act, petty as it was. He had no reason to ease their hearts when his own had been crushed so irreparably, their connections already frayed. It was easier to heal by himself.

"Mm." He's not sure he felt the same way, when their friendship had weaker foundations, especially compared to now, but he won't say anything. "We didn't have to go to the same school to continue being friends, though."