The night air was cool against their skin when Yuuto and Marcus finally stepped out of the locker room. The court's echoes still clung to their minds sneakers squeaking, the roar of the crowd, the hum of adrenaline that refused to fade.
Outside, under the glow of the streetlights, two figures were waiting.
Kana and Ayaka waved as they spotted them. Kana leaned casually against the fence, backpack slung over one shoulder, while Ayaka bounced slightly on her toes, her long hair tied up in a high ponytail.
"There you guys are!" Ayaka said brightly. "We were wondering if you'd ever come out."
Marcus grinned. "Had to clean up after the war. You know how it goes."
Kana smirked. "Yeah, I could hear Coach's voice echoing down the hall. Thought he was giving you extra drills."
Yuuto chuckled softly. "He gave us a day off instead. Miracles exist."
