[ He listens quietly. He stays under the water the whole time, if only because the harsh beating of the pressure is helping to offset his thoughts. Midorima isn't the type who lets himself respond reactively when it's important, even if he allows himself to in light-hearted situations. Kneejerk reactions aren't useful in situations like this. The green-haired shooting guard needs a moment to think. ]

There are two people I have who I consider someone I trust completely. One of them broke in middle school and I could do nothing to stop it. Given the chance to help him and keep my promise, we managed to put pressure on his team. My partner and I were double-teaming him and he backed off and made a shot to his own goal, then told his team that if they lost, it would be his fault, and that he would gouge his eyes out for them in penance. Not one of us on the court doubted he was telling the truth. At the end of the game, I asked for a handshake and he told me that I would never win unless I became cold-hearted.

[ He turns to press himself against the wall to let Eichi switch to the water to soak again, but doesn't turn away from his touch. It probably seems like a disjointed story, but Eichi reminds him far too much of Akashi. The kind of soul who's far too concerned with how kind Midorima is. ]

I don't know about a fear of death, or a desire to taste it, but I do know how irritating it is to be told that my heart is the reason I can't accomplish what I want to by those with weaker hearts than mine. Worry about your own first. There's no strength in a cold heart.