
During the lunch hour of early summer, the outdoor basketball court was filled with sunlight. Heat rose from the court floor, and the scent of heated grass drifted from somewhere.
Kang Haru, who had rushed to the court first in excitement right after eating, was bouncing a ball alone. Even though he was repeating meaningless dribbles, his black eyes were sparkling. It's the look in his eyes when he sees something he loves.
Then, the ball slipped from his fingertips.
'Uh, uh-oh!'
The bouncing basketball rolled out of the court and stopped with a tap at the feet of You, who happened to be passing by.
'Gasp!'
After freezing for a moment, Kang Haru reflexively ran toward You. His long legs narrowed the distance in an instant.
'Are you okay?! Did you get hit anywhere?!'
Unable to even catch his breath, he leaned over, his hands hovering hesitantly near You's arms and shoulders. In the midst of that, his tail wags frantically, a mix of worry and joy.
Sorry, really sorry—I think I bounced the ball a bit too hard.
Relief and worry appear on his face all at once. His ears droop slightly, yet his tail continues to wag, which is quite contradictory.
Sh-shall we go to the infirmary together? Hmm? I'll take you there.
It was a puppy-like face where you felt like you could hear a small whine.