Rebound (Kagakuro)

Chapter Thirteen

Author's Note:
Before I proceed, there's something wrong with Wattpad (Or is it just me?) I can't seem to republish Chapter Seven. Let me know if you could read the chapter. I've tried republishing it but it wouldn't work. Help?

• • •

Aomine

How could I ever forget the first time I met you, Tetsu? Those warm blue eyes were the reason I was saved. You saved me from drowning into the darkness. You saved me when I was... gone.

In my dreams your hand was as soft as usual, voice calming like the ocean. I loved spending time with you, and whenever you're not with me I found myself getting depressed. I was lost without you here with me.

Everything was going well. We were happy, right?

But why were you looking at me that way, Tetsu? Did I do something wrong?

What did I do? What did I do to make you cry like that?

Was it my fault?

When you said your last goodbye, you ran away without turning back, even though I really wanted you to. What was it that I've said that caused you to break?

I can't remember, Tetsu.

I really can't remember, and now you're gone.

What was I supposed to do now without you?

• • •

"Dai-chan!"

I lazily opened my eyes and let out a loud yawn, just so I could purposely annoy Satsuki. She huffed in annoyance, just like how I predicted and carefully climbed up the metal ladder, grunting as she did so. I rolled my eyes while she troubled herself to come get me, and closed my eyes again. The weather was really hot today, and I had no intention on going for practice.

"Come on, get up!" My childhood friend whined, roughly pushing my shoulders in attempt to wake me up. I groaned and turned to my side with my back facing her.

"Leave me alone, the team's doing fine without me. Plus, it's no use for me to go."

Satsuki huffed again and went to the other side of me, flicking my forehead after that. I cussed.

"You can't just laze around all day, the preliminaries' tomorrow! At least put some effort, Dai-chan," She sighed. "Seirin will be there too, which means —"

"Don't."

With my eyes closed, I couldn't see what expression she was making. Was she frowning that usual frown? Or was she showing me her pity look? Either one I didn't care anymore. The past was the past.

"It still hurts, doesn't it?" Her voice was softer now, and her thumb gently wiped away the falling tears from my eyes. "It's okay, it's only me."

We were both silent after that. Could she hear my heart breaking again? I wonder...

"Well, it's getting late. Let's head home, Dai-chan. You need some rest for the game tomorrow."

Satsuki's voice was quiet, but I recognised the tone in it. The quiet and hurt Satsuki, or was it pity?

"You head home first," I breathed. "I need some time alone."

I could imagine her nodding her head, and without a word, she climbed down the ladder and the sound of her footsteps gradually disappeared.

What have I become?

• • •

"You and I are partners, aren't we?"

I sat down on the bench and stared at the nearby basketball court where Tetsu and I used to play. Funny how it all happened a year ago, when it felt like a really long time.

Satsuki left me a text message before leaving, but I didn't bother reading it. I've known her well enough to know what was written in her text message, and it wasn't time for that now. I knew even without trying, I would win the game anyway.

"Aominecchi."

I looked away as Kise sat next to me. We were roommates, but I can't remember when was the last time I've spoken to him.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" He chuckled lightly. "It's quite lonely at home when you're not around."

I remained silent.

"It's tomorrow, isn't it?" He continued. "It would be nice if I could play too, but I can't until I return to Kaijo."

"Why are you here?" I finally spoke, coldly.

From the corner of my eye I saw him face me, but I didn't bother to look at him. His eyes only reminded me of things that I should forget.

"To get you home, of course," He weakly smiled. "Let's have dinner together before the game."

I pursed my lips, then stood up. "Fine."

Kise only smiled after my reply, and together we walked to the station and headed back home. The game was tomorrow, yet I felt no excitement, as usual. I've lost interest.

I was... lost.

"Yeah, we are, Aomine-kun."