Chapter 8
"What ball?" Aomine grunted as he shoved another bite of his teriyaki burger into his mouth.
"The basketball that you played with at the park. You should seriously remember the things that you borrow from others. Note that I said borrow-meaning you know you need to return."
"Yeah. I remember. What about it?"
"The girl wants it back. She said that it's very important to her. She even said she had the money to pay for your ball that she destroyed. Just give it back if you have it. "
"I don't have it with me."
"Where is it then?"
"Kise. I don't remember these things."
"What do you usually do with your own basketball after you finish playing?"
"I bring it home."
"Did you bring her basketball home?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"It was raining."
"So you put it down where?"
"On the shaded area to dry."
The two boys stared at each other. Aomine spoke first.
"I left it at the park for it to dry. Didn't she see it?"
"I'm guessing not since she was asking for it when I went to pick up your phone."
Aomine smirked. "Or she recognized the popular model Kise and decided to put up a little act to get your attention."
"Aominecchi. She was crying."
"I will cry too if you continue asking me any more questions." Aomine unwrapped the paper off another burger and began chewing that one.
"I told her that I'll let her know when I contact you."
"What'd you do that for? Now you got more on your hands to deal with. This is what you get for being soft." Aomine shook his head at the kind-hearted Kise.
"Aominecchi. Let's go." Kise stood up and dragged the still-eating Aomine to the park.
...
"Do you see it?"
"No. Who could see anything when it's this dark?"
"Aominecchi. I heard that monsters see the best in the dark."
"It depends on what kind."
"Can you?"
"Like I said. No." Aomine glared at his ex-teammate. "Did you just call me a monster?"
"No no. Now why would I say something like that? Haha." Kise continued searching.
...
"Here's your order, sir." Aomine grabbed the tray and walked to the model who was already sitting.
"Here." Aomine gave one of his burgers to Kise. "What now?"
"No ball. Maybe someone took it."
"Or we just missed it. It doesn't even matter anymore. Let the girl take care of herself."
"Aominecchi. You need to take responsibility."
"Kise. Was I ever the responsible type?"
"When it comes to basketball. But everything else, not really."
Aomine gave Kise his infamous glare and finally gave in to the angelic boy. "Since it wasn't there, someone probably took it. What do you suggest?"
"Follow me."
...
"Aominecchi. What's wrong?" Kise asked the boy holding the newly bought basketball.
"Something is missing." Aomine examined the ball further.
"It's the same brand right?"
"Yeah." Aomine flipped the ball and pointed a finger at the ball. "She had like an autograph or something on hers."
"Who's autograph?"
"I don't remember. Just sign yours and give it to her. I'm sure she'll be thrilled."
"Aominecchi. Don't joke."
"Alright. Then leave it as is and give it to her tomorrow or something. Hurry and get this over with."
"What? Feeling a little guilty?" The blonde teased.
"Don't push it."
...
{Text from Kise Ryouta}: Are you free tomorrow? Want to meet at the courts in the park?
{Text from Kineno Sayumi}: Yes. What time?
{Text from Kise Ryouta}: 6:00am okay? It's a bit early, sorry.
{Text from Kise Ryouta}: Not at all. Thank you so much. See you there.