章 182: Home

Long shadows stretched across the pavement as Sota trudged home, each step measured and weighed down by the events of the day. Evening had settled fully now, casting a cool, crisp air over the quiet streets of his neighborhood. Riku had already gone on ahead, leaving Sota to face the journey alone. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he should've hurried too—his parents would be waiting. Yet, he found himself slowing down, breathing in the chilled air, letting the tension slowly unfurl from his shoulders. Tonight, he wanted to savor every moment, even the ache in his limbs, every sharp reminder of the game.

A quiet shuffle broke his train of thought. Turning slightly, he spotted Aiko's familiar figure hurrying to catch up to him. Her gentle footsteps seemed to match his mood, unobtrusive yet determined.

"Sota," she called softly, a touch of weariness in her voice. "Mind if I join you?"