On one hand, Haruka as a friend wants to root for Aomine's sudden declaration, but on the other, he does not exactly know how to feel about it considering his history with Sora, her little sister. Perhaps it was in his shortcoming that he had not asked further about their status quo recently, but he nonetheless decided to hear Aomine out as the cafe closed and his staff went home.

"Finally a downtime… I haven't had a cold one in a wh-"

Just as Haruka was about to pop open a can of beer, his phone buzzed with his wife asking to look after their child, and so he climbed back down the shop with a baby on his arm.

On a single light left open on the entire shop, Aomine and Haruka sat on a table face to face.

"And here I thought I could ask for a can too."

"You don't even drink."

"Anyway, it kind of feels surreal that you're a dad now."

"Cute, isn't she?"

"Come to think of it, you never told me her name."

"Yona," Haruka proudly announced as she cradled the baby on his arms.

"That… somehow makes sense.

Did you get her name from the shop or did you get the name of the shop from her? That sounds paradoxical."

"When I was still a Kagurazaka, I never thought I'd get a normal life and resigned myself to not finding happiness equal to what I have now.

Granted, I was a teenager when I left home, but I was so ecstatic about popping out like a misshaped puzzle piece that barely fit and it felt like my life just started then. I didn't mean to go on a tangent, but I've been daydreaming of that name for quite a while now."

"Even I could see you're overjoyed having the little one with you, you know."

"Anyway… what was that about you liking someone? Your college friends are probably a better bet in this kind of talks, don't you think?"

"I think I'd be too anxious to ask them. Not as much as my friends from high school, but you're the one I've known the longest… and when it comes to this kind of talks, haven't you covered all the bases?"

"By bases… you mean dating, getting married, and stuff?"

"What else?"

"As if I have. Maybe for you, but for me it extends to how I'll raise Yona and how I'll guide her when she grows up. Now, if you're going to translate that to me reaching self-actualization, then no, I'm far from that."

"That's… an insightful perspective."

"Still, that took you quite a while, huh? How old are you again? 19?"

"I'm 21, Yuka."

"Well, it's not like there's a problem with that. I never really thought about love or dated anyone until I met Sana. It's like the feeling naturally came to me, and in the most unexpected moments."

"See, that's how I feel right now. It felt a bit strange at first but when I came to terms with it, things just made sense.

I thought that she's an amazing person, and every time I see her, there's the feeling that I want to get to know her. Before you were together with Ane Sana, didn't you have thoughts of just wanting to skip work and watch her smile all day?"

"How the hell did you know that?"

"See? That's how I felt whenever she visits the shop."

Haruka's ear twitched. His attention then shifted from his daughter to the guy in front of him.

"Hold on… is she our customer?"

"…Yes."

"Is she a regular?"

"Well… she recently just started frequenting the cafe."

"Her name…?"

"It's Ms. Yukihime."

At that moment, Haruka became stupefied and involuntarily massaged his forehead. He had no particular qualms about Aomine developing feelings to someone that frequents his shop, but he is still a brother to the one he rejected.

"So your type is older than you."

"How in the hottest hell did you reach that conclusion, Yuka?"

While he and Sora may have settled their differences and reached mutual openness, nothing has happened despite the words that they have conveyed.

As soon as college started, their relationship had stagnated and fizzled out until past promises felt like they were simply dreams. When Sora realized that the pursuit of a better connection between them had become one-sided, she slowly eased away from her hopes. And Haruka knew about this because just seeing Aomine, he was the only one she could confide her frustrations to and speak up her mind with her social mask removed.

"Still kind of bold of you to declare this to me especially since I'm Sora's brother, you know."

"S-Sorry."

"Nevermind that, I suppose you don't see someone like Ms. Yukihime everyday. I get where you're coming from after getting to talk to her when she comes here."

"I just find it admirable that when there's a lot of people to help her in her life, she chose the way of helping those who wanted to help her, help the people they want to."

"Okay, hold on just a second. There are too much 'helps' in that sentence that my brain can't keep up, but I'm pretty sure you just said her words verbatim."

"I did understand what she meant, after all."

"I know you hate being told this, but your brain just works differently.

But now that you've told me this, what's next for you?"

"Next for me?"

"Yeah, you've confirmed your feelings; now what do you want to do?"

"That… That's what I need advice for. All these things are still foreign to me."

"Is that so… Then what I can tell you is that, as trite as it is, communication is key. You'd be surprised that some people don't realize that. It's only when you converse that you get to know each other and find out your differences.

I've already had regulars complain to me that after years in their marriage, they only find out things about their spouses that may not align with them. As for me, that's the last thing I'd want to happen with me and Sana.

Still, that doesn't mean that you can just jump the gun. It can be a slow process if you want to be seen favorably and leave a good impression."

In the continuing cradling, Haruka and his daughter's eyes met, stared for a while, and the little one then tried to reach her arms to him.

"Okay, one last question, Aomine. This could be a bit heavy and serious, though. What say you?"

"I'll… at least hear it."

"Right. This doesn't particularly apply to everyone, but you're old enough to probably think about this a bit. In the event that things go well, are you pursuing a relationship with an intent to marry?"

For a while, Aomine lips couldn't part.

"I'm not asking this to put pressure on you or something. It's just that some people think long-term while some think short-term.

Of course in high school that's not really something you think about yet, but you're way past that so in my opinion it's important to find that distinction from you and your partner.

Granted, people date first before ascertaining it, so I guess it's my bad that I'm talking with a bit of bias since that's how I approached things with my wife. Well, maybe I'm a bit too serious when it comes to relationships. In the end, it's up to you on how you'll tackle it."

"I'll give it a lot of thought."

"Just not too much or it will stress you out."

"I guess I'll be off for today, then. Thanks for the advice, Yuka."

"Alright, good luck with your studies and life. Be safe on your way."

▪ ▪ ▪

"Welcome to Yona."

A quick glance into the cafe tells that it was not a busy hour, thus Yukihime picked one of the seats on the counter instead of the usual place where she sits at.

"It's so nice that this is how your shop is laid out, boss."

"Shush or she'll hear you."

Coincidentally, Aomine and Haruka are tending the front.

"It's rare to see you this early, Ms. Yukihime."

"I was supposed to come with a friend, but she got called at work last minute."

"Will you use your coupon?"

"Not today. I'm reserving it for when I'm not by myself. I still think you gave me too much freebies."

"Well, you made a better job of propping our shelf at the back than the contractors we hired. It was nice hearing your critique."

"I've noticed, but your days off are in the weekdays?" asked Aomine.

"I only work four days at construction then at weekends I go home to my family so I'm not around those days. It's just very convenient staying a few blocks away from the site.

You're in college right, Aomine?"

"I do… but this is a free day for me so I work here early."

"How nice… I never really went to college."

"It's still amazing that you know so much about construction that you're able to work comfortably." Haruka praised.

"I owe it to my teachers that drilled everything engineering to me.

Ah, I haven't ordered yet… I'll take a souffle pancake and a flat white."

"I'd recommend you give our breakfast and savory menu in general a try."

"Ahaha… I will once I've tried all the sweets."

"I guess you get more than enough exercise at work, huh.

Oh, give me a minute. I need to pick up delivery of beans right now. Hold the fort for me, Aomine."

"Roger."

With the owner's exit, he passed on the order to the kitchen. And so as to not let the dead air in, Aomine continued the conversation as he prepares a cup.

"What do you usually do at your free time, Ms. Yukihime?"

"Me… I honestly don't know how to answer that. I've only recently just started working so it's either I'm studying under my mentors or I'm with family or playing with the kids of my neighborhood."

And by neighborhood, she meant the underground.

"It's just recently that I got a lot of leisure time.

My cousin is our current client and his fiancee is letting me stay in their place since it's so close to our work site and she's been making me play a lot of games with her."

"Oh? What games have you played recently?"

"We recently got into Last Fantasy VII and the remakes are coming out so we're giving it a try. But currently we're playing a souls-like."

"Oh… are you finding it difficult?"

"A lot… It gets frustrating but it's because I have a hard time with the controls."

"No, no. It's probably just that the bosses are hard. It took me a while to clear one myself."

"I'll do my best, then. How about you, though? Any hobbies?"

"Here's your flat white."

"Thank you."

"Hobbies… I took up drawing when I was high school and now it just stuck with me. These days I've been going out to find landscapes."

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"That's nice. I'm surrounded by artists but I can't seem to draw. Ahaha…"

"Engineers and then artists; you know a lot of amazing people, Ms. Yukihime."

Before she could put the cup on her lips, Yukihime placed it back down as her face began burning up as warm as the coffee on her hands.

"When you say it like that… I guess I'm really blessed to be with such great people."

An unfathomably warm smile had left Yukihime as though she had drifted into a world reliving her memories.

On the other side of the counter, Aomine has fallen into petrification on the sight of such a scene in front of him. At the back of his mind, words slowly floated around to make a sentence—a wish.

A wish to make her smile like that again.

"…mine. Aomine~"

"Ah, y-yes?"

Taken back to reality by a voice from the kitchen, he received a plate of the souffle pancake that was ordered earlier. But as he turned back around, the smile he had engraved in his memory had subtly changed.

The smile that radiated happiness was now thinly fogged with sadness.

"Your souffle pancake, Ms. Yukihime."

"Thank you…"

"Is… everything alright?"

"Ah, yes. Sorry, I suddenly just remembered my dad's painting."

"He's an artist too?"

"He wasn't, or at least that's what I learned. The painting I know now was apparently the first piece he had finished.

Actually, I should just show you."

Hurriedly, Yukihime pulled out her phone and rummaged through grids of pictures until he found a neatly captured photo of an impressionistic painting hung on a white wall.

On Yukihime's earlier words, Aomine listened intently and found the supposed connotations behind those words.

"…or at least that's what I learned."

And when he gazed upon the painting of a newborn's hand holding its parent's, it felt as if he became a little closer to what might be the truth.

"I-Is this a recent work…?"

"Hmm… What year were you born, Aomine?"

Aomine felt a sting in his heart.

"I was born… 2002."

"Oh," a small chuckle left Yukihime. "I guess it's a year older than you."

A sting again.

23 years have passed since the making of that painting, and if Aomine's deductions were true, then that could mean that she had lost her father within those years. Still, he didn't dare to say anything about it as anything that relates to it could be a sensitive topic to get into, whether or not his assumptions were right or wrong.

What was just a painting in Aomine's eyes all of a sudden drastically changed. He knew himself as he himself is an artist—that the beauty or the truth of a painting is unearthed from its meaning or story.

…

"That will be 235 Laxes."

"Thank you very much. It was delicious, as always."

In Yukihime's exit, Haruka came returning several sacks on the back of his moped.

"Woah… you aren't even helping me carry the sacks yet, and you look totally exhausted already. Something happened when I was out?"

His head listlessly slumped on the counter, Aomine started muttering.

"There's so many things I don't know about her, huh…"

"That's just natural when you just met her. If she continues to frequent the shop, you'll have more chances to talk to her. Just don't overdo things."

"At least, I think I have a direction to follow now."

"You look motivated, so I'd like you to put that motivation to your work. Your shift isn't over so help me out on carrying the beans inside."

"I-I got you."

▪ ▪ ▪

From time to time, Haruka would remember his sister coming to their cafe. He and his wife would hear her out, while the employees would only listen at a set distance at the back of the shop despite having worked briefly with the lady already.

Sometimes, Sora would tell stories about her life as a student and in the company behind the scenes. Some are good things, while some are complaints that she can't clearly voice out in front of her parents, sometimes sprinkled with foul language. But some days, she would come to the cafe weeping with her woes let out as her relationships wouldn't work out.

Just when things felt like they are going up, it all suddenly felt like a slow descent at a downhill. Then at some point, she just stopped talking about it as if nothing happened.

Now, Haruka felt like he now knows the reason for her sister’s tears.

Many days passed, many visits came by, but it was as though he could almost literally visualize a road slowly going downhill.

Where has the motivation gone to?

Why is Aomine suddenly getting cold feet?

Why is he letting very opportune times pass up without anything happening?

Where is the vigor that was once there?

Based purely on his observations, Haruka had perhaps found a flaw in Aomine.

His communication skills are exceptional that regular and new customers give praise to his service. But maybe that was as far it goes.

Somehow, Aomine becomes hit with inaction when it counts most.

He would suddenly step on his brakes in the presence of Yukihime for some reason, just when things are going up. The signs would then align to the things that Sora have confided, thus Haruka decided to wait for the right moment to break away from observing and have a word with Aomine about it.

But the developing situation may have been faster than the right moment he was waiting for.

It was a somewhat busy day, and the chimes of the shop sounded with Yukihime entering and looking around.

Contrary to the usual, Yukihime decided to sit on a table for two, instead of the single seats.

"This is rare. Do you have someone with you today?" before anything else, Haruka offered a glass of cold water at the table.

"Mhm. I'm with a friend today."

"Finally using your coupon again, I see? I remember you saying that you'll only use it when you're with someone. Is it your cousin's fiancee?"

"Ah, no. They're paying for us today. He said he'll be hear in a minute. Although he's a regular, I'm a little concerned since he stands out a bit, especially when it's a little crowded today."

"A small world? Well, just call me over when you're ready to order."

"Ms. Yukihime is here earlier than she usually does?"

Just as Haruka was coming back to the counter, Aomine stepped out of the kitchen to join him.

"Looks like she's with someone today. Since it's getting busier, leave the waitering to me."

Drowned out by the chatter, the chimes only faintly sounded as a man with short, white parted hair and tinted glasses donned with a long coat entered the cafe.

"Over h-"

Failing to complete her words, Yukihime could only wave her hand as the shock had quickly taken over her face.

"Why do you look so surprised? It's like you just saw a ghost," disregarding the eyes suddenly directed at him, the man sat on the table where Yukihime sits.

"Y-You got a haircut, Kuroko?! Is that why you told me to go here ahead of you?!"

"My appointment kinda ran late, but I think worked out well as a surprise, don't you think?"

"Well, yeah…! You've always had long hair… and you even changed your style!"

"The unruly style just didn't work well when short, so I decided to get it parted. How is it? Looks good?"

"Suddenly you look like a celebrity… Now I feel like you're going to get more attention with that, like, you'll probably get picked up by some woman while walking around."

"You sound jealous when it hasn't even happened."

"I'm just saying."

Suddenly, a heavy hand landed on Kuroko's shoulder.

"I almost didn't notice you from your back. It's been a while since you last came here, huh?"

"Sorry I haven't been going here a lot, Haruka."

"More than anything… you know Ms. Yukihime?"

"We've known each other for a few years now."

"Ohh, so you've known her before she even moved here."

Hearing that, Kuroko looked at Yukihime but only for her to look away.

"Still, you look like a totally different person without your long hair."

"Riiiiight?! I'm just surprised as the owner, no, maybe I'm more surprised than him."

"You're definitely more surprised. I've never seen you so shocked before."

"Because you suddenly dropped this bombshell! This sprung up so out of the blue!"

"Alright, we'll talk about this later. How far have you gone in the menu, Yuki?"

"I've pretty much finished the sweets. Can you pick for me, then?"

"Two eggplant ravioli and a side of salad each, then. We'll have my usual blend after the meal."

"Got it."

"Oh, and congratulations to you and Sana. What's the name of the baby?"

"The cafe is named after her."

"Huh… hahahaha. Now isn't that amazing."

"How about you though? Found a partner, or…" Haruka sneaked a look at Yukihime.

"Working hard on it," Kuroko proudly said and patted the lady's head.

"Can you not…?"

"Now this is awkward. I shouldn't have asked that."

"Alright, then. Give us a minute for your order."

All of sudden, Haruka's legs were heavy returning to the counter. He passed by behind eyes that were briefly looking at Yukihime's table, then down on his feet.

"That was… Yuka Kuroko, wasn't it."

"Yes."

Aomine continued to take short glances, only to be met with a smile directed at the man whose back he could only see. The once ephemeral smile he could gaze upon was suddenly unending in the presence of that someone.

Beside the pained expression he had to hide, he had not said a word about it from then on. Likewise, realizing a fault that may have hurt his sister, Haruka remained unspoken towards him who could not follow through with his words.

▪ ▪ ▪

"When are you getting off this bench? You're all dusty."

"Come on, I can at least have a bit of a break, right?"

Under a natural shade of a large tree that covers the bench at any time of the day, Kuroko sat trying to shoo the masked Gin away as the residual dust from the construction visibly floats around the air.

"It's convenient how this mask really acts like a mask, huh."

"I wish I can wear mine right now."

"Even if you've cut your hair, it still remains the same one that would stand out."

"How about you? Your hair hasn't turned gray in a while, has it?"

"It's always been random. But yeah, I think it's been more than a year and I kind of miss it."

Then, the chat was cut off as Gin caught someone from his peripheral vision walking closer to them.

"Maybe if I pour cement on my head it will become gray," he joked as he stood up. "I'm going back so good luck with whatever your work is right now."

Amidst the sun beaming brightly late in the morning, Kuroko took off his glasses and closed the lid of his computer.

"Good morning," right before him, Aomine stood.

"Good morning too, Aomine. Did you hear from Rei that I'd be here?"

"Yes…"

"I'm guessing there's something you want to talk with me when we've rarely met."

"…Yes."

"Why not take a seat?"

Aomine took a look at the bench.

"It's fine… I don't think I'd be here for long."

"For crying out loud, that flipping Exile…"

The comic relief aside, before Aomine's words came out, his fists closed further as he gathered the strength to say the things he wanted to.

"About Ms. Yukihime… are you going out with her?"

"No."

In silence, he became confused.

"I would not say that, because I'm trying my best so that we can be."

"I see…"

Promptly, Aomine turned around and started walking away.

"She would appreciate if you talk to her about it."

Momentarily, he stopped and his shoulders trembled along with his wavering voice.

"I w-wan…

…

I can't…"

Quickly, Aomine disappeared from the street.

Kuroko's computer then lifted away from his lap as he stood up, holding a cloth and wiped the seat that the stupid Exile left dirty.

"So that was what you meant of him falling short, Haruka."

~ ~ ~

That night.

Upon getting off of a cab, Sora walked inside a pub on quick steps.

"I'm sorry I'm late… I had some business to attend to."

"It's fine~ Corporation stuff comes first when it's big as your family's."

"I'm not even officially in and I'm already running around which is annoying… Anyway, have you guys started already?"

"Girl, you just missed out on something crazy! He's already passed out unfortunately."

"Who?"

Due to unforeseen circumstances with regards to small matters that Sora needs to be present at in their company, she ran late on a party organized by peers from college. The pub as she entered was drowned with noise, especially by the public karaoke playing incessantly as long as customers are waiting to get their turn on the microphone.

And in the midst of the crowded energy, Aomine was there with his head flailing about.

"W-What happened to him…"

"After he got his fill, he started getting drinks from the tap and started singing Heartache again and again. Turns out he's a total lightweight!"

"'Heartache?'"

"You don't know? The one by O*E OK ROCK?"

"Oh, I think I've heard of that song…

Wait, isn't that really hard to sing?"

"See this, Aomine actually nailed it really well. First time I heard him sing and he can actually belt!"

"Really? Do you guys have a video or something?" suddenly, Sora was heavily interested.

Being vocally and musically trained, Sora judged Aomine's one too many performances as very good despite getting intoxicated further. If anything, it did sound like the liquid courage helped on reaching the higher notes without him using falsetto.

※ This is a PSA to drink alcohol in moderation if you do drink.

Still, what happened brought about a cause of concern for Sora.

"I'll go get some more water."

There has been no instance or any recollection in which she had seen him drink, and even denied to it.

"Hoeh… Oh, how long was I out for…?" after a few minutes, Aomine woke up in somewhat of a daze.

As if his eyes were there but looking at an entirely different dimension, he stared at Sora.

"Ah… shoot. Still dreaming, huh… If Sora was really here… Damn, man… I feel like I owe her an apology… for all this time…"

Suddenly, the declaration has caught the interest of fellow peers.

In their college, the image that Sora and Aomine had together was just friends that happened to be the academic cream of the crop of their respective majors.

"Looks like someone has to give us the deets~?"

Needless to say, Sora was egged on for details.

"We're from the same high school and we kind of had a hostile connection because of clashing opinions. Things are fine now, though."

"His song choice made it sound like you had a history, though?"

"No? We didn't go out or anything? But we were in the same club in our final year," she said with the right amount of conviction, so as to convince the others."

"Hmm, I see. Wonder what got our guy heartbroken. Oh, he's falling asleep again, hahaha."

Another half hour later, the party disbanded. Aomine has, for the most part, lost his swaying and could now stand straight.

On the other hand, the possibilities dwelled in Sora's mind. She wondered what it was that he had to apologize for, and can only deduce that it had something to do with a seemingly broken heart, which she was not foreign about.

"I called our driver so we could get you home," said Sora as she handed out a bottle of water to the still drunk Aomine.

Then, she continued, "How about we take a walk?"

…

The stroll was incredibly silent. Aomine walked a meter or two behind Sora until they reached a riverside.

The river has finally started seeing better days as the air does not carry a stench anymore. And so, the two of them stood under a lamp pole, leaning on safety railings, quietly watching the river flowing until Aomine broke the silence.

"Y'know… I fell for someone. And then I asked Yuka Haruka for advice and tried to take things slowly… thinking I even had a chance.

Turns out, it was short-lived. Now that I'm remembering what happened with us back then, I feel so pathetic when I'm now on the receiving end. I'm sorry for what I di-"

All of a sudden, Sora started punching Aomine on his shoulder, although it could hardly be called a punch as there was no force behind them.

"Turns out… I'm not as strong as you. After realizing I never had a chance, I couldn't even talk to her about it."

Sora's fist open, and her palm collided with Aomine's cheek.

"What the hell…? So you just chickened out again like how you did to me?"

"…"

"I really, really hope you realize what you're doing right now. I want to forget what we talked about in our camp when I found out that you're all talk and no walk, and what you just said cemented that that's what you are.

And you know what, maybe something's already gotten messed up in me after all that happened because I can't leave you alone. I hated you for doing nothing all this time and left me stuck aimlessly up in the air, but that doesn't mean I can't forgive you.

Even if you don't acknowledge them, I know the amazing things you've done. You've helped advocate for new policies, you help make assignments even for other departments, and that's just a few of the things I learned about you that I didn't in high school.

I've always been watching… but you never looked back at me."

Aomine couldn't say a word. The stinging pain in his cheek had completely sobered him up, but even with a clearer mind, all he could think of saying was sorry. He is finally digesting all the unconscious errs that he had accumulated, exploding right in front of his face.

"A car will be here in fifteen minutes."

"I appreciate it… but I think I can go home alone."

The riverside was well lit. As Aomine turned around, Sora lightly propped her leg towards Aomine's enough that he could see it, yet he still tripped on it only to be grabbed on the arm by Sora before the gravity could even take him.

"You think you're in any capacity to say that?"

With her grip still on his arm, Sora led the two of them towards a stone bench and sat together.

"I've recently reached Nidan in judo, so if you dare stand up, you know what's to come."

Regardless of whether Aomine knew if Sora just said a jargon, he suddenly remembered the man that she threw at a party that folded an assassination attempt. Thus, he obediently remained sat.

"What was she like?"

"The… what?"

"I mean the girl you like."

"She's… a bit timid, but when it comes to her specialization, she shines. She works at construction and she helped fix a large shelf in the cafe in no time.

When she thinks about her family, she smiles so brightly… and she smiles the same… in every second he's with someone special to her.

And it turns out it was Reina's brother."

"Wait, really?

But I didn't know your type is strong women."

"No, that's not-"

"Maybe I should have aimed for a higher rank before things went south."

"No, I'm telling you, it just hap-"

"I'm just kidding "

"…

I think… you've changed, Sora."

"How so?"

"You were much more serious before, but now you crack up jokes."

"Well, you would learn that it happened gradually if only you stuck to your word."

Aomine was hit by a figurative stab.

"But is that it? Are you just going to give up on that?"

He nodded, "I've learned that I may be lagging behind on emotional maturity. I've talked with Reina's brother earlier. We only exchanged very few words, but I could feel his conviction that I couldn't feel in myself. That made it clear that I'm not fit to be with her, or anyone else unless I work on myself first."

"That doesn't mean you have to drown yourself in alcohol. And you got yourself plastered in your first time drinking. You know what they were telling you? They said you're a total lightweight.

But it turns out you can sing well."

"Did I really…?"

"You have incredible range. You definitely have to sing when we go with Hoshino and the others to karaoke."

From the distance, a car engine could be heard and a pair of lights gradually approached them.

"I looked after you a bit because I care about you, but don't expect that I'll comfort you just because you're heartbroken. I've cried enough in the past and finally got everything out of my chest tonight, so I feel refreshed if anything."

Sora then promptly stood up as the car stopped behind them and walked to the car.

"I always tell you I can open the door myself…" she scolded as the driver opened for her.

"Wait, Sora-"

"Whaaaat…?"

Just before Sora could enter the vehicle, her eyes shot back to the riverside where she could still see Aomine sitting on the bench.

"Can I… stand up now?"

Perhaps he was still drunk, Sora thought.

"Pfft… you dumbass."