∙ ❀ Philophobia ❀ ∙

Chapter 12 - On the Court

Chapter 12 — On the Court

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The sun hangs lazily in the afternoon sky as Yuuki wipes the sweat from her brow, her chest heaving from the strain. She leans on her knees, trying to catch her breath, her body screaming at her to stop, but her pride won't let her completely collapse. Across from her, Subaru dribbles the ball effortlessly, his movements light and easy, as if he hasn't been running circles around her for the past thirty minutes.

"You're improving, Yuuki," Subaru says with a grin, barely puffed from the exertion. "Your defence is getting better."

Still trying to regain her composure, Yuuki shoots him a glare. "Shut up," she huffs, raising her hand and flipping him off.

"I guess that's one way to show appreciation."

"I'm dying, Subaru!" Yuuki groans, collapsing onto the bench beside the court, her legs giving out beneath her. She reaches for her water bottle, chugging it like it's the elixir of life. "Why do I even agree to these games? You destroy me every time."

Subaru joins her on the bench, still smiling—something lighter than the tense, guarded face he's been wearing more recently. "You agree because you hate losing."

"I don't hate losing. I just hate losing to you."

He chuckles, taking a sip from his own water bottle. "But seriously, you've gotten a lot better since we first started playing."

She raises an eyebrow at him. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

Subaru shrugs, leaning back against the bench. "It should. You are improving. Considering how out of shape you said you were when we started, you've come a long way."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," she mutters, though a small smile tugs at her lips despite herself.

They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the park around them filling the air—distant voices of kids playing, birds chirping, the faint hum of traffic in the background. Yuuki leans her head back, eyes closed, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. She can hear Subaru dribbling the basketball absentmindedly beside her.

When she finally opens her eyes, she glances over at him. "You seem... happier right now."

Subaru stops dribbling and looks at her, curiosity flickering across his face. "What do you mean?"

"Well... Compared to last week, you're near a completely different person. Did something happen?"

For a moment, Subaru doesn't respond, his gaze shifting away, carefully considering his words. Finally, he nods. "Yeah, I guess I am feeling a bit better. I'm not entirely over Ema, but... It's easier." His gaze flickers back to hers, a softness lining it.

Yuuki tilts her head but decides against pushing for answers. She's known Subaru long enough to recognise that he isn't the type to open up easily. If he's feeling better, that's enough for her.

"Anyway," Subaru says, standing up and spinning the ball in his hands. "You ready for round two?"

Yuuki groans loudly. "You've gotta be kidding me. Look at me, Subaru. I'm dying. I'm gonna be sore for days after this."

He smiles, tossing the ball lightly toward her. "Come on. One more game. I'll go easy on you this time."

She catches the ball, glaring at him over the top of it. "You always say that, and then you proceed to destroy me anyway."

"Maybe this time will be different."

With an overdramatic sigh, Yuuki pushes herself up from the bench, her legs wobbling beneath her. "Fine. One more game. But if I end up in the hospital because of you, I'm sending you the bill."

"Deal."

Despite her protests, Yuuki finds herself smiling as she steps back onto the court. These games are refreshing despite how sore she gets afterwards. It's not just about basketball—it's the conversations they can share while the game runs. The way Subaru finally lets loose after whatever has happened to him during the day or week.

"Alright," she says, dribbling the ball as she faces off against Subaru. "Prepare to be amazed by my superior basketball skills."

"Oh, I'm prepared," Subaru replies. "Let's see what you've got, Yuuki."

And with that, the game is on again.