𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗟𝗬 - Sae Itoshi x Reader

XXI

| TW: SH/self-mutilation |

♫

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗱 finally arrived, the highly anticipated match drawing near. (Y/n), Haru, and Akari had made a promise earlier that day: they would set aside the drama, forget about Emiko's schemes, and simply enjoy the event. Despite their resolve, Akari found herself in a difficult position. Emiko was still unaware that Akari had reconciled with (Y/n), which meant Akari couldn't sit with her friends. Instead, she was forced to keep up appearances and sit with Emiko.

As the stadium filled with enthusiastic spectators, (Y/n) and Haru scanned the crowd for Akari's familiar face, hoping to catch her eye and exchange a reassuring smile. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, cheers, and applause echoing through the stands as the teams took their positions on the field. Despite the crowd's energy and the match's adrenaline, (Y/n) couldn't shake off the worry gnawing at her, but set it aside.

Akari sat uncomfortably close to Emiko, their forced camaraderie a stark contrast to the genuine bond she shared with (Y/n) and Haru. Emiko seemed oblivious to Akari's discomfort, chatting animatedly with those around her as if she hadn't caused a rift between friends. Akari kept her responses short, nodding along when necessary, all the while itching to be anywhere but beside her former tormentor.

Meanwhile, on the field, the match unfolded with thrilling intensity. Kyōto high's team, dominated the first half, as Yoichi Isagi managed to score a goal, igniting a roar of celebration from the crowd, drawing thunderous cheers from their supporters. Despite the captivating display.

The halftime arrived with the score in favor of Kyōto high, and the stadium buzzed with conversations and excitement. Haru suggested they grab some snacks, hoping to distract (Y/n) momentarily from her concerns.

As the match progressed into the second half, both teams intensified their efforts to score. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating every move on the field. Yoichi Isagi's earlier goal had set the stage for an intense battle, and the players were determined to leave everything on the field.

Minutes after the second half commenced, the crowd erupted once again. Sae, showing his skill and agility, managed to find an opening in the opponent's defense and swiftly maneuvered past their goalkeeper, slotting the ball neatly into the net. The stadium reverberated with cheers and applause, echoing the jubilation of the supporters. Among them, Haru and (Y/n) couldn't contain their excitement, jumping to their feet and cheering loudly for their team.

However, amidst the jubilation of the moment, (Y/n) noticed something that caught her off-guard. As Sae turned to celebrate with his teammates, his gaze briefly swept across the stands until it settled on where (Y/n) and Haru were seated. A broad smile spread across his face, and with a gesture that melted (Y/n)'s heart, he made a heart shape with his hands and pointed directly at her.

The gesture sent a surge of warmth through (Y/n), a mix of surprise and delight washing over her. She exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Haru, who grinned knowingly beside her. The acknowledgment from Sae in such a public and heartfelt manner felt both exhilarating and reassuring. It was a silent reassurance of their connection amidst the turmoil of recent events, a reminder that some bonds were stronger than any external challenge.

Throughout the remainder of the match, (Y/n) found herself occasionally distracted by thoughts of Sae's gesture. Despite the ongoing drama with Emiko and the lingering concerns about what might unfold next, that moment on the field anchored her in a sense of solidarity and support. It was a small gesture that spoke volumes, reaffirming the bond between them and providing a brief respite from the tension that had gripped her in recent days.