Chapter Text
“Twenty points to Slytherin!” the commentator shouted, clearly pleased.
The entire Slytherin team erupted into cheers, jumping up and down in excitement. They were now at one hundred and twenty to Ravenclaw’s ninety-five. If they won, they’d be headed to the finals.
The so-called “smartest house” was stunned. They’d spent days planning intricate strategies, but they hadn’t anticipated such a ruthless change of pace from the Slytherins.
It was all thanks to Keigo, nicknamed “Hawks” for his incredible speed. He’d distracted the Ravenclaws so effectively that several had been knocked senseless by Bludgers, making them lose their rhythm.
Now, proud of his maneuvering, the golden-haired Seeker flew high scanning for that elusive glint of gold. He was ready to change the game completely when he caught sight of it: a tiny flash to his right.
But the Ravenclaw Seeker saw it too.
“It looks like someone’s found the Snitch! Right now we see our dear Hawks brushing against those golden wings, any second now he’s going to grab though let’s be honest, those eagles are far too weak and I doubt their Seeker could possibly—!” A loud crash interrupted the commentator, followed by several annoyed shouts.
“Students,” came the dry voice of Slytherin Head of House, Professor Aizawa, “our esteemed commentator Present Mic will be… unavailable for a short time due to a minor accident.”
The stands burst into laughter, though they quickly settled again. This wasn’t the time for jokes. This was the time for action.
Back to the Seekers. The tension between them was thick enough to cut with a knife. They exchanged sharp kicks, trying to make the other wobble and fall in what would look like an “accidental collision.”
For the fifth time, the blond Seeker’s fingers grazed the Snitch’s metallic wings, but it darted away again. He glanced sideways at his opponent, slower than him by just a fraction.
That was enough to make Keigo smile. He shot a confident grin at his rival, who frowned in confusion, just in time to take a hit from the tail end of a passing broom.
Two seconds of distraction. That was all Hawks needed. He dove, hand outstretched. Closer, closer… The Snitch brushed his fingertips again, solid and cool and… Just a little more and—
“HAWKS HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY POINTS! SLYTHERIN WINS!” Present Mic’s voice rang out, fully recovered and louder than ever. “In your face, flying crows! YEAH!”
The Slytherin section of the stands exploded in celebration, a sea of green dancing and singing at the top of their lungs. Ravenclaw’s supporters held their heads high, still proud despite the loss. Maybe next year they’d make the finals.
The players disappeared into the locker rooms and returned freshly changed, greeted by applause and shouts of praise. Hawks, of course, was the star of the hour, beaming as everyone congratulated him.
But Tamaki glanced around quietly, letting out a barely audible sigh. No one noticed it, just as no one noticed that Dabi hadn’t come to watch the match. Again.
In the common room, Dabi sat reading in peace until loud voices and cheers filled the corridors. His house had clearly won. The noise swelled closer until the door burst open and the triumphant Quidditch team spilled inside, followed by a crowd of excited students.
He watched as everyone swarmed Hawks, who looked smug as ever, basking in the praise, signing scraps of parchment like some kind of celebrity.
“Arrogant,” Dabi thought with irritation, closing his book halfway.
He wasn’t really one to judge. He knew he wasn’t the humblest person around. But that blond boy took self-confidence to another level.
He noticed they’d brought butterbeer and pastries, clearly ready to throw an impromptu victory party. Merlin, you’d think they’d already won the final, Dabi thought bitterly.
He tried to ignore the shouting and laughter, but as more people crowded the sofas, he had to give up his seat and sink reluctantly into a beanbag.
It took him nearly ten minutes to realize he was sitting right next to the night’s shining star: Hawks himself. At first Dabi didn’t even look at him, keeping his eyes on his book, but the blond seemed determined to start a conversation.
“So… what did you think of the match?” Hawks asked, still wearing that trademark grin. Though on closer inspection, there was a faint, nervous twitch to it.
“I didn’t go,” Dabi replied flatly, trying to refocus on his book but feeling Hawks’ gaze burning into him. It made it impossible to read a single line.
“What do you want?” Dabi asked sharply. If this idiot was here just to annoy him, he’d better leave now.
“Well, hmm… maybe talk to you?” Hawks answered with surprising confidence. “What do you think I’ve been trying to do this whole time?” he added, with a playful lilt.
“Waste your time,” Dabi shot back sarcastically, getting to his feet to leave.
That blond really got under his skin. Always winning, always smiling, always surrounded by adoring fans. And always finding a way to tease him. Or at least that’s how it felt.
And the worst part? Dabi couldn’t stop thinking about how damn good he looked doing it.