CHAPTER THREE
That day marked the second week after the tragedy and Kise finally woke up.
It was during the evening, when the sky turned orange as the sun set. Kuroko had many visitors coming during the morning until afternoon, and currently the remaining were Aomine, Kagami, Kasamatsu, Hayakawa, Murasakibara and Akashi.
"It's almost night," Akashi announced, looking at the window. "I guess Atsushi and I have to leave now if we do not want to arrive home late."
"Right~ It's time to release Muro-chin and his husband from our little devils' clutches," Murasakibara added.
"Our twins are not devils, Atsushi," Akashi scolded, though there was no hint of anger. "Well, I hope Kise will wake up soon. Don't be hard on yourself, Kuroko."
Akashi gave Kuroko an assuring hug. Murasakibara too, gave him a hug before both of them left.
"Well, we will stay for another hour before leaving," Kasamatsu said.
"As usual, we will be staying over," Kagami said.
"Why don't you go for a walk, Tetsu?" Aomine suggested. "It has been two weeks since you went out. I think the baby would be happy to be out once a while."
Kuroko was about to protest, but before he could open his mouth, the cries of Mamoru interrupted him. He immediately hushed him, rocking back and forth gently.
"Look, he really wants to go out," Aomine said.
Kagami then helped Kuroko to stand up and gently pushed him to the direction of the door.
"I'll accompany you. See you guys later."
The door behind Kagami closed. Kagami kept pushing Kuroko forwards gently, until Kuroko retorted that he could walk on his own.
"Where are we going, Kagami-kun?"
"To the garden. It's calming when you visit during the night and the view is beautiful."
Kuroko let Kagami led the way, his steps were gentle to avoid his little boy from waking up.
They began chatting animatedly throughout the walk until they reached the garden, where Kuroko quickly took a seat on one of the benches, followed by Kagami.
Kagami was right. It was calming to stay there, watching at the star-filled, dark blue sky.
Until they saw Aomine running frantically towards them.
"Aomine-kun? What's wrong?"
Aomine halted his run when he was in front of them, chests heaving as he gulped as much air as he could.
"Ki... se...! He... wo... ke... up!" Aomine tried to say between his breath.
Kagami and Kuroko exchanged confused looks with each other, then looked at Aomine again, puzzled.
Aomine growled, frustrated. "It's Kise! He has woken up!"
That hit both of them.
Kuroko was about to run, but stopped when he realised the sleeping baby boy on his arms. He shifted his eyes on Kagami, stuck between his choices.
"Alright, I get it!" Kagami quickly, but gently released the boy from Kuroko's arms. "I'll follow you right after. Now go!"
"Thank you," Kuroko murmured. Then he ran as fast as he could, leaving Aomine and Kagami.
"Sheesh. That Kuroko..." Kagami shook his head, chuckling. He turned his head to Aomine. "Hm? Aren't you going to catch up with Kuroko, Daiki?"
Aomine frowned. "And leave you here, alone? No way." He then looked at the figure of Kuroko which slowly became smaller as he ran further. "Besides, it's between both of them now..."
Kagami's expression went sullen.
"So... Does he remember...?"
Aomine looked at Kagami, his lips thinning. "About that..."
Kagami listened to Aomine, eyes widening as he heard the shocking information.
Meanwhile, Kuroko finally arrived at the front of the door, panting heavily. He tried to calm himself, to prepare himself mentally for everything that would happen behind this door.
Kuroko reached for the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open.
There was Kise, sitting on the bed with Kasamatsu and Hayakawa at his sides.
All pairs of eyes landed on Kuroko as he revealed himself to them.
A pair of blue eyes accidentally connected with a pair of golden eyes.
"Ryouta-kun..?"
The golden-haired young man tilted his head, observing the blue-haired person in front of him.
"Who... are... you?"
Kuroko felt like his heart had just skipped a beat.
His worst nightmare had turned into a reality.
