Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Oops, a headshot. Ah– I died."

The door to the rooftop opened with a soft click. From where he was, with his back leaning on the huge water tank, gray eyes could see a male with rather small stature, a soccer ball tucked under his arm, walking towards one corner of the rooftop before sitting down with his hands on each side of his head and knees pulled into his chest, face buried in between them.

"Who's that?" The white haired boy asked himself but then again, Nagi wasn't one to meddle with other people's businesses so he just stayed quiet after mumbling to himself : " Cheer up, dude ." and continued with his game.

But then, it's pretty strange that he could hear it in such a huge space; the quiet sniffle and although he'd rather not stick his nose to where it didn't belong, Nagi found himself climbing down the stairs.

Bachira Meguru loves soccer. For him, there is nothing in the world that's more fun than soccer. Naturally, he is always a part of his school's soccer team and Meguru is oftenly the best among his teammates.

Even in his high school's soccer team which is filled with considerably good players, having to spend most of his time with the ball, Meguru stays on top.

However, despite playing and loving the same soccer, as Meguru grows up he found out that not everyone could feel the same fun he feels.

And people dislike differences.

"You should ' ve passed there!"

"Pay attention to me!"

"Pass the ball to my feet!"

"Stop being selfish with the ball!"

"If only you'd stop doing those strange dribbles and passes."

Those guys said. But to Meguru those plays– their plays are not fun. If only they could be like the "monster", then soccer would be a whole lot more fun.

They began to call him weird and made fun of him and the "monster" he played soccer with. Meguru knows that the "monster" is not real and just something he created due to his longing to play with a friend who could understand and experience the same fun he feels because more than anything, more than becoming the best or playing and winning the nationals, Meguru simply wants a real friend to play soccer with.

He never stops believing that he'll find them. But after years of searching and there's still no one who could play like the "monster", Meguru began to feel scared.

What if nobody ever understands him? What if he has to play soccer alone forever ? Will soccer still be fun?

When Meguru thinks like that, his chest squeezes tightly and he feels so lonely that he could die.

"It's so lonely." Meguru muttered quietly, voice muffled by his pants and just when the words left his mouth, he felt something pressed against his shoulder.

The dark haired boy lifted up his head in surprise and his eyes widened at the sight of another boy with fluffy white hair.

"Eh? Uh–" It was so awkward and Meguru wasn't sure what to do but he rubbed the tears away from his eyes. "I didn't know there's anyone else." He said with a small laugh.

"Your nose is red." The other boy said, his facial expression unchanging as he offered him a piece of plastic..?

Now that he looked closely, it was the wrapping of a melon bread. Meguru looked weirdly at the wrapping. "Yes..?"

"Ah, I don't have tissues with me." He reasoned and that pulled a laugh out of the dark haired boy.

"Why don't you offer me your hoodie or something?" He asked playfully.

"That's gross." The other said, still with the same flat expression.

With a smile, Meguru took the plastic wrapping and used it to blow his nose. "Ew. It's stretching."

"Gross." The white haired boy repeated with a pursed lips, scooting away when Meguru stretched his snot like some kind of a string cheese.

"Nyahahaha!" Meguru then crumpled the plastic away and wiped his nose with the sleeve of his jacket and it's kinda funny, the face that the white haired guy made when he did that. "You are the one who gave me that wrapper."

"Yeah." The boy nodded. "I shouldn't have done that."

Meguru laughed again.

"For someone who's depressed, you do laugh a lot."

That was an unexpected comment. "Ah, that. I just wasn't feeling that good. By the way, aren't you supposed to be in class?"

"Yeah but I remembered there's this special quest lasting only for an hour so I sneaked out to play."

"You're a bad boy!"

"You're one to talk. No one comes here at this hour."

Meguru nodded. "The soccer regional is going to start soon so we are allowed to skip classes to practice."

"You're on the soccer team."

"Yeah. I'm Bachira Meguru."

"Nagi Seishirou." The boy introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you, Nagicchi ."

"So why are you here? You can skip class if you're on the soccer team. How nice. Maybe I'll join."

Meguru's eyes twinkled at that. "You can play soccer!?"

"No." Was the immediate response. "But I can use it as an excuse to stay on the bench and play games." He said while pressing the screen of his phone.

"Haha! Coach will yell at you. He's pretty scary." Meguru made a face at the memory of his coach yelling at him for passing to an empty space.

"Then I'll pass."

Again, Meguru laughed. This guy is so weird! "So, Nagicchi, what class are you in?"

"2-1."

"We're in the same year. I'm in class 2-3."

"I see. Ah, I died again."

"So, Nagicchi, why did you come to me?"

Nagi's fingers paused and he turned to look at the dark haired boy. With a blank face, he then said : "I don't know."

"Huh?"

"I don't know." He repeated again. "You just seemed really sad and before I know it I'm here."

"You're so kind. Like a prince." Meguru smiled. "What game are you playing? I don't really play games so chances are I won't know even if you tell me. But is it fun?"

"This one is so-so. But there are fews fun ones." Nagi told him, returning to his home and pressing on an application. "Like this one."

Meguru nodded. "You really like playing games." He pointed out.

"It's fun and there are a lot to choose from so if you're bored you can play another." He reasoned and Meguru agreed to the statement. 

"But soccer is more fun! You should try it sometimes."

"Eh, running is such a hassle."

"Haha! As expected, Nagicchi is not the monster." Meguru said, expression turning slightly somber.

"Monster?" Nagi repeated, opening an idle game so he could listen to Meguru.

"Yeah. There is a monster inside of me." The dark haired boy said. "Ah, that face! You're totally thinking : this guy is a weirdo, aren't you?"

Nagi, lips pursed, shook his head in a blatant lie.

"You liar." Meguru said with a teasing tone. "Well, it's okay, I get that a lot." He continued. "Everyone said that I'm weird but they're the ones who don't understand."

A glance at Nagi and Meguru couldn't help but to snicker. "That face totally says you're regretting ever asking. But sorry, Nagicchi, will you listen to me?"

Nagi shrugged and put his phone away.

"Thank you."

And then, Meguru began to tell him about his love for soccer, the monster, and the words from the people around him.

"So put it simply, you're just lonely." Nagi concluded. "Just like you said earlier."

"You heard that? I'm embarrassed." Meguru mumbled, face resting on his knees as he looked at Nagi. "You think I'll ever find someone, Nagicchi?"

"Maybe. But there's nothing wrong with being alone, you know." Meguru's eyes widened at the words. "If it's me, I'd rather be alone. People are such a pain to deal with. I'd prefer to be with Choki and play games."

"Choki?"

"My pet cactus."

Meguru's mouth formed a circle and he giggled. "Nagicchi, you're so interesting."

"Not really." He said, standing up when the bell signaling the start of next period chimed.

Meguru stood along with him. "It's time to go back, huh. It was really fun talking with you, Nagicchi. See you again." He said, waving to the male who was walking to the door.

"Yeah, It's nice talking to you too, Bachira." He returned the wave. "You don't fit being gloomy. It's better when you smile."

Meguru's lips spread into a wide smile. "Thanks! Oh, a present for you."

Out of the blue, the soccer ball Meguru previously carried under his arm, was kicked and flew towards Nagi.

His gray eyes widened in surprise but then the ball began to lose its power before it reached him and Nagi reached out a leg to catch it before it fell to the ground then kicked it back to Meguru's direction.

The ball then passed right beside Meguru's head and hit the protective mesh fence behind them with a loud noise.

"Ah, that's so loud. The teacher might come."

However,  Meguru was frozen in place as he stared at Nagi in surprise. "Nagicchi! You said you couldn't play soccer!

"I can't."

"That trapping was so good, though! You have a talent for soccer!" Meguru exclaimed, eyes wide as he jumped towards the white haired boy.

"Eh–"

Before he knew it, Meguru was right in front of his face, eyes twinkling as he looked at Nagi and asked. "Will you play soccer with me!?"

The white haired boy took a step back, eyes squinting from the sun behind Meguru– or maybe from Meguru's bright expression. "It's such a pain."

"Just once." Meguru begged, lips jutting out in a pout. "Please?"

Even Nagi wouldn't be immune to this, right?

"Just once, I promise." Meguru continued, holding onto both Nagi's hands and yeah, sure enough–

"Ah- Okay."

"Yay!" Meguru jumped in delight, giving the boy a big hug where his arms wrapped around Nagi's neck and legs around his waist. "See you after school, Nagicchi! I'll come to your class and don't run away!" He said, ran to pick up his ball and disappeared to thin air.

Nagi looked at the now empty stair where Meguru previously ran down. "He's like a monkey. Golden, Shining Monkey."

Nagi packed his things quickly and swung his backpack on. With both hands holding to the straps, he made his way out his classroom, walking quicker than usual in hope a certain black-blonde haired guy wouldn't find him. But just his luck to be born with good genes that made him taller than your usual high schooler, it's very easy to spot him in a crowd.

"Nagicchi!!!" He heard a shout and then a few seconds later, he felt a weight on his shoulders and back.

It's Meguru, obviously, having to make himself comfortable on his back. "I knew you're going to run so I staked out in front of your classroom." He said with a giggle. "You promised me one game. If it's not for you then I won't bother you again." He said.

Meguru was not the type to force people to do something but maybe… just maybe, Nagi is different from everyone else.

"Fine. You're going to take me home after if I collapse from exhaustion."

"But I walk."

"Then carry me."

"Can't I just buy you dinner?"

"Digesting is a pain."

Meguru stayed quiet, racking his head for a reward that would satisfy the game addict. "Oh. I'll buy you diamonds."

"Real diamonds? Sure."

"Not that! The one you use in games."

"Oh~ that might work. But they're expensive, you know."

Meguru gasped. "I don't have that much but it's a promise."

Nagi nodded in agreement and then Meguru pointed his finger in a direction. "To the field!"

"Bachira, you're late!"

Meguru jumped off the white haired boy's back and ran up to the coach. "Sorry, coach! I found someone and he might be really good at soccer. Can we have him in a sparring match?"

"Hah? What are you talking about!? Don't you realize that the tournament is only in a week! We don't have time to entertain your bullshit. Just because you're good, doesn't mean you get to slack off. Change into your jersey and get ready for training!"

Meguru looked down at the ground, fists clenching on his side and Nagi frowned at the coach but didn't say anything. Meguru did say he was scary.

"Eh~ Don't be like that, Coach! Please~ just one game and I promise I'll behave." Meguru begged. "Besides, what's a better way to warm up than a sparring match? Please~"

"Seems like I'm not wanted here." Nagi said flatly. "Then, I'll excuse myself."

"Nagicchi, stooop! Coach, please?"

"Ugh. Just one game."

Meguru nodded ecstatically. "Let's go, Nagicchi. We'll lend you a spare."

Nagi sluggishly walked behind the dark haired male. "What a pain.."

They came back to the field after changing and did some warm up exercises before the coach split them into two teams with Nagi and Meguru in the same team.

"I can feel something from you, Nagicchi." Meguru said quietly.

"Hmm. Just so you know, I don't know the rules." Nagi told him.

"Eh!? Erm, you can only use your feet, chest and head and you kick the ball to the enemy's goal. Just go with the flow." Meguru smiled and Nagi nodded.

"Okay."

"The first to score 3 points wins!" The coach exclaimed and everyone got to their position.

"We're going to win this."

As the game started with the other team's ball, Nagi simply followed what others did, he ran around the field and didn't even bother to try and snatch the ball. Maybe if he acted lazy then Meguru wouldn't bother him anymore.

His eyes widened when he found the player that had the ball faced off with Meguru and easily, the dark haired male snatched the ball.

"Let's do this!" Meguru shouted, licking his lips as he dribbled the ball towards the direction of the enemy's goal and Nagi, as he ran, watched in awe of his leg movement.

"That's so cool." He said to himself, running into an empty spot near the goal so he could see Meguru's dribbling clearer.

Meguru was at the top of his game. He felt like he's one with the ball and whenever he feels like that, inspiration flows into his mind and he'd be incredibly fast and strong. However, his teammates who've been training with him for a long time have gotten better in defending against him.

"Bachira, send it over here!"

Meguru looked at his teammate. No, not there. If it was the monster, he'd be there–

"Ah." Before he knew it, Meguru had passed the ball to the empty space.

"That Bachira!"

"He always– Ugh!"

However, yellow orbs widened in surprise when he spotted the familiar lethargic, white haired boy, who had positioned himself right where the monster was supposed to be.

"Nagicchi, shoot it!"

Nagi watched the ball as it came to him, and instinctively moved his legs. Gently, he controlled the ball and took the shot.

"Boom!" Meguru watched in delight as the powerful shot pierce through the keeper's defense and he immediately ran to the boy, throwing himself at the male until they toppled to the ground. "Nagicchi, nice trapping, nice goal!" He cheered, hugging the male tightly.

Damn it, he's incredibly touched he could cry.

"Lucky!" Their teammates cheered while the two boys got to their feet.

"Let's score 2 more and win this." Meguru said cheerfully and Nagi nodded.

"Seriously, Bachira, stop sending the ball where no one is!"

"You're lucky this time Nagi is there."

"Yeah. Sorry." Meguru smiled but it was different from what he usually shows Nagi. It's more.. forced and Nagi decided he doesn't really like that.

Right, it might have been a fluke. Meguru reminded himself. He shouldn't get too excited over a lucky shot.

"Nagi, if you're not sure what to do, just run wherever you think is perfect to score a goal, okay?"

Nagi wiped the sweat from his chin and nodded. "Got it. Just two more, right?" It's starting to get interesting. After seeing Meguru's dribble and after scoring a goal– he didn't know scoring a goal felt that good. It's like the feeling he experienced after clearing a boss stage in a game.

"Yeah." Meguru tightened his shoelaces before returning to their spot.

It started with their ball now and Bachira passed it to their teammate who then passed it around themselves while making their way to the goal.

"Nagi!"

"I got it!" It was the boy from the other team who'd been in charge of marking Nagi. The boy had pushed Nagi's back slightly, making him bend a little and the ball headed to the space in between Nagi's back and the other player's front. "Hah! You amateur don't even understand shit about soccer. What a waste of a pass, I'll be taking it."

"What are you talking about?" Nagi muttered quietly, his eyes following the ball and his body moved accordingly.

The next moment, he surprised everyone by trapping the ball with the back of his heels.

"You!"

And then, twisting his upper body, Nagi sent the ball to the goal, scoring another.

"Shit, he's good."

From the other side of the court, Meguru gave him a thumbs up.

They lost the next point but when it was their ball to play again, Meguru was up again, dribbling the ball and doing flashy footwork that got himself past the defender and into the goal area.

Excitedly, Meguru checked his teammates' position. If it's the monster, it'll do a special play from there!

He's still surprised the second time. When he saw Nagi there . Without hesitation, he kicked the ball to the waiting boy who scored the third time and finally, the game ended.

"I knew it! You're amazing, Nagicchi!" 

"I can't believe someone received the weirdo's pass." Someone commented and usually, it would stung Meguru a little but at the moment, he could care less.

"If anything, it's pretty weird no one is there." Nagi spoke up. "Bachira's passes aren't weird. He just passed to where it would be best to score a goal from."

"Huh?"

"Crap, it's another weirdo."

"Nee, Nagicchi. You're really talented. Won't you join the soccer team?" Bachira offered.

"You said one game." Nagi reasoned, walking to the bench for some water.

"Yeah. But did you not enjoy it? It feels good, right? When you score a goal." 

"Well, yeah. But running around is tiring, I'm exhausted."

Meguru laughed. "Well, I guess that's expected coming from you. I should be grateful you played this one game with me. But give it a thought! I'm sure you'll be welcome anytime."

Nagi quietly observed the dark haired boy.

"I need to continue training so I will quickly buy you the thing I promised–"

"I'll wait."

"Huh?"

Nagi sat down on the bench. "My legs.. There's no strength in them." He said wobbly, making the other chuckle.

"Okay. Since you showed me something amazing, I'll walk you home as a bonus."

"Piggyback."

Meguru pouted. "Soccer training wore me out too, you know."

Nagi mimicked the expression which turned into surprise when Meguru ruffled his hair. "Thank you, Nagi."

The white haired boy nodded and stayed in his spot as Meguru returned to the court.

Throughout the minigames they play as training, Nagi noticed that Meguru really loves soccer. It could be seen clearly from the way he moves so well with those techniques of his and the way his face lights up whenever the ball is on his feet. But another thing he noticed was that Meguru does frequently send out passes to an empty spot, giving the enemy a chance to steal the ball. And for that reason too, he got scolded a lot but Meguru only spaced out when that happened.

In Nagi's opinion, Meguru didn't do anything weird. Like he said, he's simply sending the ball where it's best to score from and to think that he gets yelled at for that reason, it didn't sit well with Nagi.

It's not his fault that his teammates aren't on the same level as him.

Since he's only watching Meguru, it also didn't escape him how his face would fall when he noticed no one was there to receive his pass and yeah– Nagi really prefers seeing him with a smile.

He whipped up his phone from his pocket and turned on one of his many games as he waited for Meguru to finish his training.

"Did you have fun?" Was the first thing Meguru asked when he approached him.

"So so. Do you always practice until this late?"

"Only because the tournament is coming up." He explained. "Let's get changed and go home."

"Sure. Piggyback?" 

Meguru looked at him in amusement before chuckling. "Fine."

"Ughh, Nagicchi, you're heavy." Meguru groaned as he dragged his feet while carrying Nagi on his back.

"Ah, so comfy." The white haired male said. "I'm gonna fall asleep."

"Don't fall asleep! I don't know your house."

"Then we can go to your house. Whichever is closer." Nagi mumbled. "Soccer is so tiring. How can you do this everyday? Are you guys masochists?"

Meguru giggled. "We do it cause we love it." He told him. "So it's a no, after all?" He asked again, voice smaller than usual.

Nagi didn't say anything. He just thought back to Meguru's somber expression at the court, how lonely he looked.

"That's my house."

"Whoa. Our houses are pretty close!" Meguru gasped, stopping in front of the house and practically throwing Nagi down.

"That hurts. I'm fragile, you know." Nagi protested, getting up to his feet.

"Haha! Well then, good night, Nagicchi. Thank you for playing soccer with me today!"

Nagi nodded, returning the wave Meguru gave him. However, he didn't immediately got inside and instead watched Meguru's back.

Three, four, five steps away and–

"Bachira."

Meguru stopped, turning back to look at Nagi with a raise of his eyebrow.

"I get to skip classes, right?"

"Eh?"

Nagi pursed his lips. "Can I skip training too? I'll die if I do that everyday."

Realization slowly dawned on the smaller male and Nagi swore, even though it's nighttime, it's like staring right at the sun.

"You'll get scolded!" Meguru said cheerfully.

"The coach is a pain."

"I agree with that." He said. "I'll let him know. See you tomorrow, Nagicchi, let's walk to school together. Oh, give me your contact!"

"Sure."

From that point onward, Meguru's days only get better and better. Not only has he gained another friend to hang out with, he's finally found someone who can play the soccer he wants.

One day, the two of them were on the rooftop, skipping classes with Meguru accompanying Nagi who wanted to play this special limited event quest.

"Nagi, is soccer fun?" The dark haired boy asked as he controlled the ball on top of his head so it wouldn't fall.

"Sometimes after training I couldn't feel my legs and I felt like death. But.." If that keeps you from making that expression then it's okay.

"But?" Meguru looked at him curiously.

"It feels nice when I score a goal."

Meguru smiled, jumping on his feet and used to trap the ball. "I totally got you!" He then kicked it up and let it land on his nape. "But you know, Nagicchi."

"Hm?"

Nagi looked up from his screen to Meguru who was wearing that smile he smiled when Nagi agreed to join the team.

"Soccer has been a lot more fun with you here."

For a few seconds, Nagi lost his words and he could only blankly stare at the boy. "Nagi?"

He blinked. "Ah– It's not a pain being with you so it's fine."

Meguru sat back down beside him, hugging the ball on his lap. "I think that's the closest thing to : I like being with you coming from your mouth."

Nagi pressed his lips in a thin line and continued with his game. Why is his heart beating faster? Must be the heat.

"Bachira, I'm tired already. Let's go home." Nagi called from where he was seated on the grass. His whole body still aches despite the many times he'd done the same training.

Meguru, who was in the middle of dribbling the ball, stopped and turned to the white haired male. "Okay, let's go."

"Bachira." Nagi called again once he's in front of his house.

"Hm?"

"Do you.." His gaze stayed on the ground for a few seconds before connecting with curious yellow orbs. "Want to stay over?"

"Like a sleepover?" Meguru asked and received a nod as an answer. "I wanna!"

Nagi nodded again and stepped aside to let him in.

"But I need to run home real quick and tell my mom and get some clothes, is that okay with you!?" He asked excitedly. "And do you have dinner? I can bring some from my house!"

"Dinner will be instant noodles."

Meguru gasped in horror. "No wonder you're so lethargic! You lack nutrition! I'll grab some food from my house." He said and waved a quick goodbye before running home. "Be back in 15!"

"You don't have to run." Nagi said when he reopened the door and saw Meguru out of breath while bringing a back and a plastic of food, probably.

"I-I can't help it." Meguru panted. "I never had a sleepover." He continued, taking off his shoes and stepping in. "Please excuse my intrusion."

"Make yourself at home." Nagi nodded, closing the door again.

"Where's your parents?"

"Overseas."

Meguru's mouth fell agape. "So you live alone?"

"Yeah."

"All this time!?"

"Is there any problem?"

"Nah, I think it's cool!" Meguru grinned.

"You can take a shower if you want. The bathroom is that way."

"Thanks! I took one at home but then I ran here and got all sweaty again. Also mom gave us dinner and snacks. We only need to reheat it."

"Okay, I'll do that."

Meguru came out fully clothed in his dolphin printed pajamas, a pretty difficult task because he always prefers to be naked after a shower but since he's not at home, he thinks it's better to refrain from doing so. He still has some shame, excuse you.

"I reheated dinner." Nagi said, sitting down at the dining table he rarely used.

Meguru gave him thumbs up and went to sit across from him. "Nice job, Nagicchi."

"Thanks for the food." They both chorused.

"Is it good?" The dark haired boy asked.

"Yeah. It's been awhile since I last ate home cooked meals." 

"Come to my house sometimes. I'll ask mom to cook for you too."

Nagi nodded, the offer sounds appealing.

"So, Nagicchi, I didn't expect you to ask me to stay over. Why?"

"I don't know."

Meguru smiled because it reminded him of their first meeting.

"I did it on impulse."

"Is that so? What do you usually do at home? Ah– you probably game all day."

"And take naps." Nagi corrected him.

"Yes, games and naps." Meguru nodded knowingly. "The two things that made a Nagi Seishirou."

After washing the dish, they finally went to Nagi's room.

"What are we going to do?" Meguru asked. "I have never stayed over at someone else's house."

"I don't know. I've never had someone stay over." Nagi told him.

"Hahah! That's so you! Oh! Is that Choki?"

"Yeah, I like having a companion in my room. When I asked for the least annoying one, they gave me this. It's perfect because I only need to water it once every 2 to 3 weeks."

"Well, nice to meet you, Choki!" Meguru saluted at the cactus. 

Nagi nodded approvingly and sat down on his bed. It was when he realized something. "Oh. I don't know where the spare futon is."

Meguru blinked. "It's fine, I can sleep on the sofa! Your sofa looks comfortable."

Nagi shook his head. "You can take the bed." But the sofa is too short for him and it wouldn't be comfortable so Nagi added, at the end of his sentence, "With me."

The black-blonde haired boy paused. "Hm?"

"Yeah. We can both sleep on the bed. I think we can fit."

Meguru looked at the size of the bed and nodded. "You're right. It's easier to clean up after, too."

"Yeah. We can grab the additional cushions from the sofa."

"Okay then it's decided!"

They ended up finding and playing a new mobile game together until past midnight. Nagi, having gotten used to staying up playing games, had no problem with it. However, when he glanced at the other male, he could see his eyelids drooping.

"Let's call it a day." He said.

"Eh, but we're almost done with the quest." Meguru pointed out, eyes barely open and his play a mess. 

"At this rate we're going to fail, anyway."

"Sorry about that, Nagicchi." Meguru pouted, locking his phone and setting it aside; Nagi doing the same.

He then climbed off the bed to turn off the light and greeted Choki good night before climbing to his side of bed, smaller space than usual but it's better than the sofa.

Nagi looked at the other boy who fell asleep surprisingly quickly. Meguru had his body curled facing Nagi and he had his thumb in his mouth. Looking at the male's peaceful sleeping face, Nagi, for some reason, couldn't look away. He looks, for the lack of better words, cute; His little habit is cute, his eyelashes are cute, his hair a bit mussed up is cute.

Suddenly, Nagi felt like he'd just run 10 laps with how fast his heart was beating.

Wait, he felt like he'd read this somewhere in the dialog of his RPG game; Thinking someone is cute, liking their smile and heart beating fast. Nagi's eyes widened slightly as he thought of the reason. "Do I like Bachira?" The soccer amateur laid down on his back, his mind filled with the boy sleeping besides him. "Ah, it's getting bothersome. I'll just sleep." And fell asleep, he did.

Around 4 in the morning, Meguru jerked awake due to a dream. His eyes blinked open and he looked around the unfamiliar room, taking a while to remember where he was. His gaze then fell on the sleeping male besides him.

He sleeps like a mummy,  was what he thought and it made him giggle quietly.

Meguru did not move his eyes from the other male. "His lashes are long." He muttered. "He's so handsome and tall it's unfair." He rambled on. "And his body is a cheat sheet. Not to mention his natural talent in soccer. How enviable."

The boy quietly shuffled closer until their arms touched. "I like you."

Bachira Meguru likes Nagi Seishirou. Yeah, it's something Meguru had realized earlier on and came to terms with.

When did it begin, who knows? Maybe since that first time Nagi comforted him? Or when he agreed to join the soccer team with him despite his complaints? Or when he sees him trying his best in training despite his protest of his muscles hurting?

He just knew that in the end, he'd fallen for the white haired soccer genius.

Of course, Meguru had carefully thought about his feelings. Making sure to not confuse it with attachment since Nagi is the first friend he made who doesn't think of him as weird and plays soccer with him.

And after spending days thinking, he's sure that even if Nagi does not to play soccer with him, he'd still end up falling in love with him.

"Bachira."

Meguru jumped in surprise. "Nagicchi, you're awake!? Did you hear what I just said!?"

"Ngh.. so noisy."

Meguru put a hand over his mouth. "Sorry." He whispered.

Nagi pulled himself up with a yawn and Meguru followed after him. "Bachira, I think we got Isekai-ed."

"Huh?"

"I was thinking before I fell asleep." Nagi rubbed his eyes sleepily. "Lately when I'm with you, my heart beats faster and I think you're cute and I like seeing you smile."

Meguru could only blink foolishly at the revelation. "Eh? Nagicchi you–"

"Do you feel like that too?"

Meguru scratched his cheeks shyly. "Well, in my case, it's more like I feel happy being with you. The same happy I feel when I play soccer and a bonus point is playing soccer with you is double the fun."

"I once played this game where the MC experienced the same things I do and apparently that's how love feels like." Nagi told him.

"Sorry, I don't quite follow you." Meguru frowned, his sleep fogged mind couldn't quite comprehend what the soccer genius was saying.

"I thought we got transferred to the game world where I play the MC and fell in love with you."

Meguru laughed sleepily at the conclusion. "You can be silly too, Nagicchi. There's no way we can get Isekai-ed." He said, falling back down to the bed. "We should go back to sleep. We only have two more hours before we need to get up."

"Maybe I'll skip practice later." Nagi muttered, taking his previous position, only now he was facing the smaller male.

"We'll get yelled at. They see us as a package now, you know." Meguru told him, thumb finding its way to his lips again and through his half lidded eyes, Nagi still found it cute.

He likes Bachira Meguru, after all.

"Bachira."

"Hng?"

"Love is troublesome, isn't it?"

"It is." Meguru told him. "But you just need to find the one that's worth going through the trouble for. At least that's what mom said. Personally, I think you are worth it." He ended his words with a smile and let his eyes close to return to slumber.

Nagi stared blankly at the male then to the ceiling.

Worth going through the trouble for? Is it like how he willingly joined the soccer team so Meguru wouldn't make that lonely expression ever again and keep Meguru's smile as he plays the thing he loves so much? 

If love is something like he and Meguru have right now then in his opinion, it's not bad at all .

Okay, so now he knows he likes Bachira and apparently Bachira likes him back. What now?

The alarm blared loudly at 5:50 AM, sharp. 

" Fuyah .." Nagi's long arm reached to turn his alarm off and at the same time, pulled himself up. "So sleepy." He rubbed his eyes which felt extremely heavy. After all, he barely got any sleep. "Mornin', Choki."

Nagi searched around for his phone and only then did he remember the male who was spending the night at his place; Meguru who was still sucking lightly on his thumb. Nagi checked the time and decided he'll wake him up after he finishes his daily mission.

"Bachira, it's morning." He shook the male lightly.

"Mnhmm, Hey.. pass…!"

"He's even dreaming of playing soccer." Nagi noted in amusement. "Bachira, wake up." He tried again and shook harder.

Finally, he showed a sign of waking up by rubbing his eyes. "Mnh? What time?"

"It's 6:00."

"5 more minutes." He said and turned in his sleep.

Nagi shrugged. He'll wake him up after getting ready, then.

The white haired male walked to his fridge to retrieve some jelly before he took a quick shower and got changed. After all that, Bachira was still deep asleep.

Unexpectedly, he's hard to wake up.

Nagi approached him again once he'd put his hoodie on. "Bachira."

"Mm, Nagicchi."

"What?" Nagi poked his cheeks experimentally. "We're going to be late, Bachira. Should I pour water on you?"

His gaze traveled the room for something he could use to wake him up and it fell on his beloved cactus.

Nagi then walked over to retrieve the small pot before bringing it close to Meguru. Lifting one of his hands up, Nagi used Meguru's index finger to touch the cactus.

"Ow!"

He looked at dark haired boy who jolted awake and put Choki behind his back. "We're going to be late." He said when Meguru sat up.

"Mm'kayy."

When Meguru disappeared to the bathroom, Nagi looked at the cactus and gave him a peace sign. "Good job, Choki."

"I'm so sleepy." Meguru whined as they walked to school. "I'm hungry."

"There's jelly in my fridge."

The shorter one shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Nagi-kun, if you're Japanese then breakfast must be rice."

"Eh, rice in the morning, what a pain." Nagi mumbled.

Meguru opened his mouth to protest and list down reasons why rice is the best breakfast but the other boy stopped him by asking the least expected question : "Bachira, what do we do now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Last night."

"Last night?" Meguru paused and he racked his brain to remember if something had happened last night and Oh – "Right, I told you I like you and you heard. " He said with an awkward laugh.

"Yeah."

"And Nagicchi said he likes me too, right?"

"Yeah."

"What do we do now?"

"That's what I just asked you." Nagi said, both of them finally entering the school grounds. "I think people usually date after this?"

"Do you want to?" Meguru asked while they changed into their indoor shoes.

"What do people do when they date?"

Meguru hummed thoughtfully. "They hang out and play together."

"Like what we do now?"

"I think so. But they also hug and kiss."

Nagi nodded. That's right, people who date do that.

After closing his shoes locker, he walked towards the smaller male who looked curiously at him with his round eyes. With one hand on the locker to support himself, Nagi then leaned down until he's eye level with the striker and pressed their lips together.

Meguru's eyes widened in surprise and he stayed stunned until Nagi pulled away.

"Is it not good?" The white haired boy asked.

And it took Meguru a few seconds to comprehend what just happened and bursted into giggles. "No, no. I'm just surprised." He said. "Sorry, can we try that again?"

"Okay." Nagi dipped down the second time, uncaring of the stares they've attracted, and this time, Meguru met him halfway as they shared a short, innocent kiss.

"I guess we're dating now?" Meguru asked once they separated. 

"I guess so."

"Then can I call you by your first name? Sei? How does it sound?"

Nagi nodded his head. He quite likes it. "Then I'll call you Meguru?"

"I like it." Meguru said, his lips curling into that smile that stole Nagi's heart.

"I like it when you smile like that." He told him.

That managed to make the striker blush slightly. He looked at the clock behind Nagi. "We need to get to class soon. Rooftop later?"

"Okay."

"See you later, Sei!"

"See you, Meguru."