author's note: there is not enough slam dunk fics and that should be a foul😾💢 presenting my bby <33 still on s4 so... yeah
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You met him during middle school and it was awkward to say the least. You were very much open up to meeting new friends—and him was not an exception.
You thought to yourself that he can be a member of a sports like basketball or volleyball. You admired his height and was a bit envious because you want to get taller.
Takenori is obviously unaware of your inner struggles because of his shyness towards you—you're talking to him! You first thought that he wouldn't really give a single crap about you in middle school and will focus on something else that matter to him, not until he gained the courage to talk with you. You relished in the memory of him what appears to be stuttering and the awkwardness of you replying to him neutrally.
It was the start of an adorable friendship. Your classmates were surprised to see you being close with him and you didn't know what was supposed to be surprising about.
You came to find out that he loves basketball, although he seems to be needing a bit more polish. You can see the passion and determination in his eyes about going to the Nationals and you were in trance. Such a dream wasn't just an easy fickle to reach, yet you know he can and will. You always go to his practice, you weren't part of the team yet. You're just there in the sidelines watching him silently, there is no cheer from you because you're afraid of disturbing him. He knew you're watching—although he actually wants to hear you cheer him but he misunderstood that you weren't that impressed with his skills :(
He confronted to you about it and felt warm when you put out your consideration for him. You laughed seeing the adorable blush on his cheeks while scratching his head, a big soft cutie. You absolutely love his sister! She is now like one of your adopted little sisters. You get along with her so well, that she demands his big brother to let you sleepover at their house on the weekends.
Now how he's gonna reject his sister's request; also he doesn't mind the idea. He wasn't used to your attitude of nagging him like a mother chicken when he overworks and hurts himself because of the sports. His eyes were shimmered in shock when you aid him and bonked his head for being reckless. Akagi laughed seeing you getting concerned and you just.. watched his smile like you're entranced.
He looks so bright whenever he smiles, too kind like an angel Perhaps the middle school childishness in you can't seem to grasp yet the fact that he has to take risks in order to pursue his dream—he wasn't going in a war, he was reaching for the top of his favorite sport. You support him, and that is all that matters. He relies and trusts you, so why shouldn't you do the same? You never notice the soft look in your eyes as you look at him.
(BEFORE THE ANIME PLOT)
Timeskip to highschool; as you grew older, you were nagging him less and just gave up when you came to see him working hard. You grew up in a mature way to see that he definitely needs to work up his body above limits—he did appreciate your quirks and the team was teasing him for having such a cute "babysitter" with him which leaves him flustered You always have the urge to protect him, even though by physically it's supposed to be the opposite. The two of you are always together, your classmates wonder how the two of you aren't dating yet.
One of them asked you about your relationship, and you had a mind-circuiting moment about the though of dating your childhood friend.
You're now observing your bestfriend, who is focused on the board and was writing down notes. You smiled thinking that it wouldn't be that bad dating him. Aaandd.. it now messes up your mind whenever you see Akagi, sooo... there are sometimes where you want to not see him because of your stubborn heart leaving him confused and a bit hurt. You sighed and call yourself dumb on how ridiculous you're being. You just need to give him hints soon, but what if you'll ruin the friendship?Your caring actions slowly begin to have a twinge of intimacy that is above platonic towards him.
