𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒; 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐢 𝐘𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐢

02. POCKEY

THE CONVENIENCE STORE

You and Isagi were neck and neck in your little race to the quaint, homey convenience store that was at the end of your street. You were going your absolute top speed, trying to get ahead of the prestigious football player who wasn't putting in too much effort.

Alas, you took first place. Again. Ever since a few months back, Isagi has been letting you win time after time in your little racing games.

"I think you're getting slower, Yoichi!" You giggle. "Or maybe I'm just too fast. I mean, how could I not be with these guns??"

You slightly lift your skirt and attempt to flex your thighs, which... didn't flex all that much. Isagi only laughed at you, causing a pink blush to form on your cheeks. "Hey! Don't make fun of me! You owe me a pocky, loser."

It was tradition, since you two were young, that the loser would buy the winner a little treat from the store as a makeshift trophy. Never once have either of you gone back on your word.

You entered the store with Isagi trailing behind, leading him to the section you both adore: the ice cream and treat isle! Honestly, Isagi can't recall a single time when you two didn't purchase a form of sugar each week. It was like some sort of ritual that has become a staple in your friendship.

"Hmmm." You hummed, browsing through the superfluous options. You charmingly tapped your finger to your chin, a glint in your eye as you scanned each sweet. "I want something new. Let's shake it up a bit today."

"What, no pocky?" Isagi gasped. "I think you'll experience withdrawals at this point, you're too addicted."

"Ah! Shut up." You slapped him on the side while laughing. "I'm getting sick of pocky! The same amazingly yummy taste every time. I need something... sour."

"...You hate sour things." Isagi deadpanned.

"Well, Yoichi, I'm a new woman as of two minutes ago."

"I know you too well, Y/n." He leaned in a bit, meeting your giddy gaze. You both were smiling. "You'll make me buy it, you'll try one bite, then you'll spit it out and make me eat the rest of them. It would be a waste of a trophy."

You scrunched your nose. "Fine... grab me a pocky."

Defeated, you dredged around the rest of the store with Isagi to complete your trip. You had picked up an energy drink, some chewing gum, a bag of Nutella Cookies, and some KitKat bars. You were a chocolate enthusiast at heart. Oddly enough, this was the one difference you and Isagi had: he didn't care for chocolate at all.

Isagi snatched the box of pocky from your hand and paid for it with the rest of his items, then stood back to watch you pay for your load. He laughed as he watched you fumble with your credit card, earning a jab to the side when your hands were free.

Now, you two walked and talked. And talked, and talked, and talked. If there was one constant in the bond you and Isagi shared, it would be the sheer amount of endless conversation. Seriously, somehow, you two never ran out of stuff to talk about. Well, mostly it was because you yapped for years on end.

Isagi adored that part of you. You were somehow so passionate about everything that came to mind; never a single word that left you lips was unenthusiastic. Sometimes, you'd even cut yourself off and begin a whole new conversation because your heart was tugging you to do so.

He could only just watch and smile. He took in every single word as if they were last drops of water in a sweltering desert. Your voice, your expressions, your wacky hand movements. Once on a family vacation, Isagi swore you talked the entirety of the 6 hour plane ride while he was a silent listener.

"-and then Barou told me that Chigiri does his entire hair care routine every single night! Like, how does he have the funds for that? Seriously, a seven-step routine? Not even Aryu goes that far for his hair... but Aryu's hair is naturally that way anyway- oh, do you think that Chigiri isn't a natural beauty? And it's all fake?" You asked.

"No, I saw pictures of Chigiri when he was younger. He's looked like a porcelain doll all his life." Isagi replied.

"Ugh, God has favorites! I wish I had enough spending money for a seven-step routine to upkeep my naturally amazing hair!" You groaned. "Isagi... is my hair... bad?"

"What- no! Yours is... long and soft... I- why are you asking?" Isagi muttered.

"I don't know, sometimes I just... feel so mediocre in comparison to other people. Even guys like Chigiri have better hair than me." You murmured, rubbing the back of your neck.

Isagi didn't expect that. He rarely heard this side of you. A big part of your personality is being unapologetically yourself- which includes your looks, style, and humor. You usually believe that you shouldn't change the way you are at your core because of what others think.

Isagi stopped and grabbed your arm. "What happened?"

You were dragged over to a nearby bench by Isagi, who wouldn't take no for an answer. He sat you down, taking his spot beside you, before raising an eyebrow as if to tell you "spill."

"I..." You tried to come up with the words, scrunching your face together as if to think harder. "I don't know. I just feel weird today. Maybe I need to take a shower."

"Come on, Y/n." Isagi took you by your shoulders, squeezing them slightly. "I'm here."

"...All my friends are getting boyfriends." You blurt out, catching Isagi off guard.

"O-Oh?"

"Megumi's dating that Raichi guy on your team. Tarumi is talking to a basketball player from another school... Minnie is even dating! I just found out today that she's had a boyfriend for a few weeks." You exclaimed.

You continued, "It's not like I desperately want one or anything, it would just be... nice. It's just, I see so many people getting asked out, it makes me wonder why nothing's happened to me yet."

You slumped down in your seat, resting your head in your hands. "I'm unloved."

Isagi clenched his jaw nervously. He may or may not know the answer as to why:

Everyone knows Isagi is head over heels for you. Except for you, of course.

It started with just the football team, but soon all the other boys knew about it. They surely found you attractive, it was just that they didn't want Isagi on their toes for flirting with you.

'I could say it now.' He thought.

I love you.

"Y/n." Isagi took your hand. You glanced up to meet his eyes. "You're perfect the way you are. Just because you don't have a boyfriend right now doesn't mean you never will. Think of it... as the right person waiting for you."

You stared at him silently. Until a small smile broke onto your face. There was a hint of another emotion on your face, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Thanks, Yoichi. Come on, let's get back."