Rebound (Kagakuro)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kuroko

When I woke up from my sleep, everyone else was still asleep. My neck hurt from sleeping in a wrong position for too long, and my eyes swollen from all the cryings earlier that night. Kise slept soundly on the cold tiled-ground, his head dropping once in a while. I turned my head and realised I was lying on Aomine's lap. Feeling ashamed about it, I instantly sat up.

My heart still hurt from what happened. When I reached out towards the table to take my phone, I noticed there were a few missed calls from Kagami. My lips trembled and I immediately switched off my phone just so I wouldn't see his name on my screen again.

The doctor appeared by the entrance and his eyes widened when he saw most of the visitors asleep - some on the ground and some on the seats. I cleared my throat, and that made him gasp in terror. I frowned a little at his reaction, even though it was always the same one that I'll receive from those who didn't know me. He muttered a quick apology before picking up his fallen clipboard. I waited for the news, silently hoping it was a good one.

"Kasamatsu's operation went well, thankfully," He told me and I let out a sigh of relief, one that I didn't know I was holding. "But he has to stay here for further checkups. He needs a lot of rest, that means when he's finally allowed to go home, he couldn't play any games just yet."

"Alright, I'll let Kise-kun know about this," I smiled genuinely. "Thank you very much, doctor."

Kise woke up a few minutes after the man left, and I waited for him to settle down before telling him the good news. He instantly broke into tears, laughing and crying at the same time.

"That's good," He cried. "That's really good. I can't wait to see him again."

Kise then proceeded to spread the good news. The whole team cheered loudly, even though it was already very late at night. The sun was going to rise in a few hours time, so I decided to head out of the hospital for a bit for some fresh air.

Aomine followed me, though.

"You didn't have to come." I stated.

"It's fine," He mumbled. "Unless you want to be alone?"

"It's fine."

The tension between us was very awkward, and it was swallowing me whole. I didn't like the atmosphere. It was suffocating. I took a deep breath, and decided to start talking. Aomine gave me a confused glance, because I wasn't usually the type to speak up first.

"Thanks for letting me sleep on your lap." I could feel my cheeks reddening as I said those words, so I looked away, hoping he wouldn't notice. The boy next to me only sighed in respond.

"It's fine, Tetsu. We usually do that anyway."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "We used to do that."

"Right."

I couldn't stop my mind from thinking what happened between us. We were a happy couple, just like Kagami and I. Sure, we had little arguments but that's what made our relationship interesting and fun. I could never get bored with Aomine around. He'd always bring out the best of me, and of course, playing basketball and winning games together was the best memory I've made with this boy. Suddenly, my chest tightened again.

Before I realized what was happening, Aomine pulled me towards him, making my face collide with his body. That's when I found out I was crying.

"I hate seeing you cry," The tanned boy admitted, his voice low and afraid. "But if that's what you really need to do right now, I'm here."

I guess I could admit that I was proud to have been given a chance - a rare chance - to date this boy. Aomine always had a good side of him, even though he was rude and annoying most of the time. I cried while thinking of our good memories, and how the happy moments came to an ending without us knowing that it'll be over that quickly. I wrapped my arms around his body without a second thought and hugged him tight, repeatedly muttering an apology. For what reasons, I wasn't sure. But somehow I felt like I've made a mistake.

I never expected a happy ending, but if it meant having my best friend back, I wouldn't have it the other way. I was glad to have Aomine back in my life, as a friend, but I was really upset that Kagami had to leave.

"I shouldn't be saying this," Aomine gently pulled me away from him. "But you need to talk to Kagami. As much as I hate to say this, because you should be mine and not his, but I don't want you to repeat what I did to you. I know it's not your fault, Tetsu, but be the first to compromise."

"I can't," I choked. "I'm afraid."

"Don't be," He weakly smiled. "You love him, don't you?"

I nodded my head without a doubt.

"Then go," Aomine whispered and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. "One last time, and I won't do this anymore. One last time before you leave."