Snaggletooth (&Team)

16. Soft Side

"Huh? Haru what are you doing herer?" Yuma rubbed his sleepy eyes as he held the door to his house open sluggishly.

"I'm here to see my boyfriend" Haru smiled sheepishly, dancing on his tippy toes

Yuma dramatically clutched his chest "Your not here for me but my little brother?!"

Haru giggled, softly nudging Yuma's shoulder "Heyy, I always hang out with youu, it's just that Hirota and I planned a date together today!"

Yuma brows tangled into a slim forrow "Huh? But-"

"Your here!" Hirota pushed past Yuma to get to his boyfriend. Yuma stumbled to the side with a scowl.

Hirota embraced Haru in a warm hug, pulling away to whisper "You ready?"

"Wait, wait, wait.." Yuma scrambled towards the two and grabbed Hirota's arm, "But we have Nightball practise today.."

Hirota reached over to scruffle Yuma's hair "I know..I'll be there on time."

Yuma shrugged away with a small scowl "You better be, we have a game with Star Seeker Academy coming up."

Hirota chuckled "I will don't worry!" he slapped a hand against Yuma's back in a gesture of affection "Now will you please scurry off so I can hang out with my boyfriend?"

Yuma folded his arms across his chest, eyeing the two with keen eyes, "Ok then, make sure to be on time and....have a nice date." he mumbled.

Haru tugged Yuma's side into a hug, "See you later, Yuma!"

Yuma shut the door behind him as Hirota and Haru strolled away, hand in hand.

He couldn't help but feel slightly envious at the way they stared at each other with tender love. It was bizarre that Haru dated before him...but truly it was expected.
Yuma had always put his focus on sports and his hobbies to even consider the art of love and dating.

He was always surrounded with friendships and teamwork, nothing more. None of his relationships leaned towards more than just friendship...or did it?

Yuma suppressed the thought quickly before his heart began thumping at the thought of specific people. He shook his head, the Nightball season was just beginning, he couldn't have time for distracting himself with the thought of intimate relationships.

He needed to practise.

Yuma quickly pulled on a warm, thick coat, its fuzzy lining brushing against his skin as he fastened the buttons. With a swift glance back to the cozy room behind him, he opened the door, feeling the chill of the evening air rush in.

They were gonna have their first match against Star Seeker in a few days, so he needed to be prepared.

Being a couple hours early for practice wouldn't hurt, right?

He needed to work on personal skills so having the Practise space to himself might be useful.

Yuma strolled down the lane, his hands tucking tenderly in his warm pockets as he made his way to the bus stop.

"Hello, dear," a hoarse voice beamed beside Yuma when he reached the bus shelter spot.

Yuma glanced down and noticed an elderly woman standing next to him. Her face was framed by wispy gray hair that caught the soft afternoon light, and her warm toothy smile radiated kindness.

Yuma quickly bowed "Oh, hello.."

The bus stop sign creaked gently in the breeze

"What might you be doing this fine evening?" she asked, gripping tightly onto her stand.