Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Rin was six years old when he met him.

The sun was dipping lower in the sky, casting the park in a soft amber glow. The air felt cooler, a breeze stirring the leaves of the trees that lined the small playground. It was too quiet for a place that usually echoed with the sounds of laughter and children playing. But today, the swings stood motionless, and the slide glistened empty under the fading light.

Rin’s steps faltered as he scanned the unfamiliar area, teal eyes wide and searching. His small hands tightened into fists at his sides, the urge to find Sae growing with every second that passed. His brother never let him out of sight for too long, and Rin had never been lost before. But now standing alone at the edge of the park, he could feel tightness building in his chest, the first traces of worry taking root.

It hadn’t been his fault. Not really. The butterfly—bright blue, with delicate wings—had floated past him, so close he could almost touch it. He’d wanted to catch it, show it to Sae, and tell him how rare it looked. And without thinking, he had followed it through the streets, his focus entirely on its fluttering wings. When he finally stopped, the butterfly was gone and so was Sae.

Now, the streets felt like a maze. Rin had wandered until he found the park, the closest landmark to anchor himself. But now that he was here, standing on the edge of the grass, he wasn’t sure what to do next. 

He looked around, the park seeming emptier with every passing second, until his gaze landed on a lone figure under a large oak tree. A boy, maybe a little older than Rin, sat with his back against the trunk, knees pulled up, a handheld game console cradled between his hands. His white hair, stark against the evening’s shadows, fell lazily over his eyes as he stared at the screen, thumb clicking buttons in a slow, almost bored rhythm.

Rin hesitated. The boy didn’t seem to notice him, completely absorbed in whatever game he was playing. But he was the only other person around and Rin’s own growing anxiety pushed him to approach. Maybe he knew the way back to the convenience store. Maybe he’d seen Sae nearby. Maybe...

Rin crossed the grass quietly, his footsteps barely making a sound as he moved toward the tree. He stopped a few feet away, biting the inside of his cheek nervously. For a moment, he wasn’t sure what to say. The boy still hadn’t looked up, eyes glued to his game.

“...What's your name?” Rin finally asked, his voice soft but clear.

The boy’s thumb paused over a button. Slowly, he lifted his head, gray eyes blinking once as he took in the sight of Rin standing there, looking small and slightly out of place in the evening light.

“Nagi,” he said after a long pause, his voice flat and uninterested. His eyes flicked back to the game, resuming his casual button pressing.

Rin shifted on his feet, feeling the awkwardness creep in. “I'm Rin,” he offered, waiting for any sign of interest, but none came. Nagi barely moved, the glow of the screen reflecting faintly in his eyes. 

Minutes passed, the silence growing thick around them. Rin’s gaze fell to his feet, scuffing at the dirt below. He was starting to feel cold, the breeze picking up as the sky darkened slowly. His brother still hadn’t come. What if he had to walk home alone? He didn't know the way.

He fidgeted with his fingers, trying to keep the growing anxiety at bay. “My brother plays football,” he said, more to fill the silence than anything else. His voice was quiet, but there was a touch of pride behind the words. “He’s going to be the best player in the world.” 

Nagi’s fingers stopped moving. He blinked slowly, as if processing what Rin had said, before lifting his eyes again. “...Eh, that sounds like a pain.”

Rin blinked back, unsure of how to respond. He wasn’t used to people reacting like that. Most of the time people were impressed, or they at least pretended to care. But this boy? He seemed utterly indifferent, his expression as blank as it had been when Rin first walked up.

Still for some reason, Rin didn’t feel like leaving. There was something calming about Nagi’s presence. Maybe it was because Nagi wasn’t fussing over him like Sae did, or maybe it was just the distraction of having someone nearby. Either way, Rin found himself sitting down on the bench nearby, the cool metal chilling the backs of his legs as he stared at the ground, waiting. 

The park grew darker as the minutes ticked by, the sun setting lower. Rin glanced at the path leading back to the street, but there was no sign of Sae. He rubbed at his eyes, trying to hold back the fear building inside him.

What if Sae really didn’t find him? 

Rin shifted uncomfortably on the bench, casting another nervous glance toward the street. He could feel the anxiety bubbling up again, but Nagi’s indifference was somehow keeping him grounded. Still, he needed to find Sae. His brother always told him not to wander too far, but now he had no idea how to get back.

He cleared his throat quietly, then asked, “Do you know the way to a convenience store? The one near here?”

Nagi didn’t look up from his game, his eyes glued to the small screen. His response was as blunt as it was unhelpful. “No.”

Rin’s face fell slightly, and he glanced down at the ground again, unsure of what to do next. After a moment, he asked softly, “What are you doing here?”

There was a long pause as Nagi finally seemed to process the question. His fingers stopped moving over the buttons, and he gave a lazy shrug, eyes still half-lidded with disinterest. “Got lost,” he said simply.

Rin blinked in surprise. “You got lost too?”

“Mm.”

For some reason, hearing that made Rin feel a little better. At least he wasn’t the only one. He exhaled slowly, the tension in his chest loosening a bit as he moved closer, his small footsteps light as he approached Nagi under the tree. Without saying anything, Rin sat down next to him on the ground, feeling the cool grass beneath him. The space between them was small, but Rin didn’t feel uncomfortable. In fact, sitting next to Nagi made him feel less alone.

“What are you playing?” Rin asked, leaning a little to try and see the screen.

Nagi turned the console slightly, just enough for Rin to get a glimpse of what was happening on the screen. “It’s a shooting game,” he said, his voice still as flat as ever. “You shoot the other players to win.”

Rin’s eyes widened slightly, watching as Nagi’s character on the screen moved effortlessly across a battlefield, firing shots at enemy players. His movements were fluid and precise, and Rin could tell that Nagi was really good at it, even if he acted like it was no big deal.

“That looks hard,” Rin murmured, his voice laced with a hint of awe. He wasn’t very good at video games, but watching Nagi play was kind of mesmerizing.

“Not really. It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it.”

Rin found himself leaning closer, his small frame huddling slightly beside Nagi as he continued to watch the game unfold. The quietness wasn’t uncomfortable anymore. In fact, Rin found it kind of nice. They didn’t need to talk much, just sitting there, watching Nagi play, felt calming.

For a while, that’s all they did. Nagi continued playing his game, and Rin watched intently, occasionally asking questions about the game or commenting on Nagi’s moves. Nagi, for his part, answered in his usual laid-back, uninterested way, but he never seemed bothered by Rin’s presence. If anything, he just accepted it, as if it was only natural that the two of them would sit there together, lost but not really alone.

The sky had almost fully darkened now, the last rays of the sun disappearing beyond the horizon. The park was bathed in deep shadows, the only sound was the soft clicking of Nagi’s game and the faint rustling of the trees overhead. Rin’s fingers fidgeted with a blade of grass, his earlier worry now just a distant echo in his mind.

Then, a sound broke the stillness—the sound of hurried footsteps, pounding against the pavement.

“Rin!”

Rin’s head snapped up at the familiar voice, his heart skipping a beat. It was Sae. He jumped to his feet just as his older brother came running into view, breathless and wild-eyed, his usually calm expression shattered by panic.

“Rin!” Sae called again, his voice strained with fear. When he finally spotted Rin near the tree, his face softened with overwhelming relief. He rushed over, and pulled Rin into a tight hug. Rin could feel Sae trembling slightly, his hands clutching the back of his shirt like he was afraid to let go.

Rin blinked in surprise, not used to seeing his brother like this. “Nii-chan... I’m okay,” he murmured, his voice muffled against Sae’s shoulder. But he didn’t pull away, letting Sae hold him for just a little longer.

Sae pulled back slightly, his teal eyes scanning Rin’s face to make sure he was really alright. He let out a shaky breath, his expression hardening again as he tried to regain his composure. “You scared me,” he said, his voice quiet but firm. “You can’t just wander off like that.”

Rin nodded, feeling a little guilty but also reassured by the fact that Sae had found him. He glanced back toward the tree, where Nagi was still sitting, watching the reunion with the same blank expression as before.

Sae followed Rin’s gaze, his eyes landing on Nagi for the first time. He frowned slightly, clearly unsure of who this strange, white-haired boy was. “Who’s that?”

Rin looked back at Nagi, then at Sae. “He’s Nagi. He got lost too.”

Nagi didn’t react much, just blinked slowly and looked back down at his game, unbothered by the exchange. Sae, on the other hand, looked slightly taken aback. His brow furrowed as he studied Nagi for a moment longer, the usual coolness in his expression breaking slightly.

It was already dark, the last of the daylight gone, leaving the park bathed in shadow. Rin glanced up at Sae, tugging gently on his sleeve. “Can we help him too?”

Sae looked from Rin to Nagi. It was clear from the way he pressed his lips together that this wasn’t part of his plan, but seeing the way Rin’s teal eyes shimmered with quiet hope, and how he couldn't let another kid stay lost, he let out a small sigh.

“Fine,” Sae said, though the edge in his voice softened. “We’ll walk him home.”

Rin’s face lit up, even if only a little, and he turned back to Nagi. “Come with us. We’ll help you get home,” he offered.

Nagi blinked again, his game paused in his lap. He just stood up slowly, stretching his arms lazily over his head. “...Okay.”

Sae took the lead as they left the park, Rin walking beside Nagi, who trailed slightly behind, hands stuffed into the pockets of his hoodie. They passed through the quiet streets, illuminated by the occasional streetlamp, their shadows stretching on the pavement.

“Where do you live?” Sae asked, his voice even, though his eyes stayed forward.

Nagi stared blankly at the street ahead, his pace slow and unhurried. “Next to a big house... a few blocks from a school.”

Sae glanced down at Rin, who looked back with a spark of recognition in his eyes. “That’s near our school,” Rin said quietly, and Sae gave a curt nod.

The three walked in relative silence, with only the occasional car passing by, casting their figures in brief flashes of light. As they continued, Rin couldn’t help but steal glances at Nagi. He wasn’t like anyone Rin had met before. His calm, almost indifferent attitude wasn’t cold, but rather... soothing, in a strange way. Rin found himself feeling a little less scared, knowing Nagi was walking with them.

Eventually, Nagi began to slow down, his eyes darting to the streets around them. “I think...” he mumbled, his voice even quieter than before. “I live over there.”

He pointed toward a modest house at the corner of the street, its exterior plain and unremarkable, with a small yard overgrown with weeds. Rin followed the direction of Nagi’s finger and nodded. It wasn’t a house Rin had paid much attention to before, but it was close enough to the school that he recognized the area.

Sae stopped in front of the gate, glancing at the house before turning back to Nagi. “Alright, you’re home.”

Nagi stood there for a second, his hand still in his pocket, as if unsure what to say. Then, with a barely noticeable sigh, he muttered, “Uh... thanks.”

Sae gave a brief nod, his usual cool composure slipping back into place. “Be more careful next time.”

Rin, on the other hand, lingered a little longer, looking up at Nagi with faint curiosity. “Will you be at the park tomorrow?” Rin asked, his voice hopeful.

Nagi looked at him, then muttered, “Maybe.”

Rin nodded. “Okay. See you tomorrow.”

With that, Rin turned and followed Sae, who was already walking down the street, casting a quick glance back toward Nagi. Sae didn’t say anything, but Rin could feel the warmth of his presence beside him, the tension from earlier finally easing.

As they walked, Rin kept thinking about Nagi, his strange attitude. It wasn’t like anything Rin was used to, but somehow, it felt nice.

Tomorrow, maybe he'll see Nagi again.

⸻

The days had started to blend together for Rin, each one marked by the dull monotony of school and Sae’s endless football practices. But something changed lately. Each day after classes, Rin would make his way to the park, his small footsteps quickening as he neared the familiar tree. His heart always beat just a little faster as he wondered if Nagi would be there again.

Even though Nagi had said, “Maybe,” when Rin asked if he’d return, Rin couldn’t help but feel hopeful. He liked Nagi’s quiet company, the way he wasn’t loud or overbearing like everyone else. Nagi didn’t seem to care about anything, but somehow, that made Rin feel strangely calm.

And sure enough, the very next day Rin found him—just as he had the first time—sitting under the same oak tree, his back pressed against the trunk, his eyes half-lidded as he focused on his console.

Rin’s lips twitched into the faintest smile as he approached. He didn’t say anything right away, just walked over and sat beside Nagi without a word. The two of them stayed like that, sitting in companionable silence, the only sound the occasional rustle of leaves and the quiet clicking of Nagi’s game.

It became a routine. Day after day, Rin would show up at the park in the evening after school, and Nagi would be there, sitting under the tree playing his games. At first, Rin wasn’t sure what it was that kept drawing him back, but the more time he spent with Nagi, the more he understood. Nagi wasn’t like Sae—he wasn’t driven or focused on any one thing. He didn’t make Rin feel small or overwhelmed with his intensity. Nagi just existed, drifting through life with the same kind of quiet disinterest that fascinated Rin.

As the days went by, Rin began learning little things about Nagi—like how he hated school because it was "too much effort", his full name being Nagi Seishiro, and how his parents were almost never around. Nagi never complained about the last thing, though. In fact, he didn’t seem to care one way or the other.

It was late one afternoon, after they’d been sitting together at the park for several days, that Rin broke the silence with a request.

“You can come over, you know,” Rin said, his voice soft but earnest. “We have lots of food.”

Nagi paused his game, glancing over at Rin with a blank expression. “Mmm, that sounds like a hassle,” he muttered, but after a brief moment, he shrugged. “...But whatever.”

Rin felt a spark of happiness at that and stood up, brushing the dirt off his shorts. Nagi followed suit, slipping his console into his pocket as they walked side by side toward the Itoshi's household.

Rin’s house wasn’t that far from the park, and they made the walk in relative silence. As they neared the front door, Rin hesitated for just a moment, glancing back at Nagi to make sure he was still following. Nagi, as usual, seemed unfazed, his hands tucked into his pockets as he stared off at nothing in particular.

When they stepped inside, the house was eerily quiet. Sae was still at practice, and their parents were out, probably at some meeting or business dinner. The cold stillness of the house reminded Rin of Nagi’s description of his own home—empty, detached. It made Rin feel a little better, knowing that someone else understood what it was like.

They made their way to the dining room, where Rin motioned for Nagi to sit. He sat with his usual sluggish posture, leaning back in a chair and staring at the ceiling for a moment before glancing at Rin.

Rin rummaged through the cabinets, grabbing a few bags of chips and some juice boxes before returning to the table. He set the snacks down in front of Nagi, who took a chip out of the bag, popping it into his mouth without much enthusiasm.

They sat there as they munched on the snacks. Rin, feeling a little restless, glanced over at the wall where some of Sae’s football trophies and medals were proudly displayed.

“That’s all my brother’s stuff,” Rin said, breaking the silence. “He’s really good at football.”

Nagi’s eyes flicked toward the trophies for a brief moment before he shrugged again, unimpressed. “Football sounds boring,” he said flatly. “And tiring.”

Rin frowned slightly, feeling a small surge of frustration. He knew Nagi didn’t care about a lot of things, but to dismiss football so easily, something so important to Rin and Sae, felt strange.

“It’s not boring,” Rin insisted quietly, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. “You just haven’t played it yet.”

Nagi didn’t respond right away, just continued eating his chips with the same half-hearted disinterest. But Rin could see something flicker in his gray eyes, a small curiosity that he didn’t express out loud.

After a while, Rin led Nagi upstairs to his room, where his own console sat plugged into the small TV on his desk. It wasn’t as fancy as Nagi’s handheld, but it worked well enough for games. Rin turned it on and handed Nagi one of the controllers.

“We can play Fifa,” Rin suggested, watching Nagi’s reaction closely.

Nagi glanced at the controller in his hand, then at the screen where the game was loading. He didn’t seem all that interested at first, but after a moment, he let out a quiet sigh and settled onto the floor beside Rin. “Okay.”

As soon as the game started, Rin realized something—Nagi was really good. His fingers flew across the buttons with practiced ease, controlling the virtual players as if it were second nature. Rin, who had played the game countless times, found himself struggling to keep up with Nagi’s precise movements.

“You’re really good at this,” Rin said, a mix of admiration and surprise in his voice.

Nagi shrugged, his eyes still glued to the screen. “It’s not that hard.”

They played for a while, the competition growing more intense as Rin tried to score against Nagi’s near-flawless defense. It was the most fun Rin had had in a while, and for once, it wasn’t about Sae or football—it was just him and Nagi, lost in the game, with nothing else to worry about.

Eventually, they both grew tired, and Nagi set his controller down with a yawn. “I’m going home,” he said, standing up and stretching lazily.

Rin nodded, feeling a strange pang of disappointment at the thought of Nagi leaving. “Will you come back tomorrow?” he asked, his voice softer than usual.

Nagi paused, glancing back at Rin with his usual blank expression. “Maybe,” he said, his answer as ambiguous as ever.

But Rin didn't mind. Somehow, he knew Nagi would come back. 

⸻

The next day Rin and Nagi stood side by side at the edge of a football field. The familiar scent of freshly cut grass filled the air, mingling with the faint sounds of the distant city. Sae’s team was already warming up, their movements crisp and practiced as they prepared for another session of training.

Rin glanced up at Nagi, who stood with his hands shoved into his pockets, his eyes half-lidded as he watched the players move around the field. He didn’t seem particularly interested—just like with everything else—but he was there, and that made Rin feel a quiet sense of happiness.

“Thanks for coming,” Rin said softly, not really expecting a response.

Nagi shrugged, his gaze wandering lazily over the field. “I didn’t have anything better to do,” he muttered. It was just the truth, simple and matter-of-fact.

Rin turned his attention back to the field, his heart swelling with pride as he watched his older brother in action. Sae was easily the best player out there, his movements precise and powerful, each kick and pass executed with a level of skill that made it clear why everyone said he was going to be a star.

As Sae weaved through the other players, Rin couldn’t help but steal a glance at Nagi. He was expecting him to be bored, maybe even looking for an excuse to leave, but instead, Nagi was watching, his eyes slightly narrowed as he followed Sae’s movements across the field.

“Huh...” Nagi mumbled, tilting his head to the side as if he were analyzing something. “His left foot’s faster.”

Rin blinked, his head snapping to look at Nagi. “What?”

Nagi didn’t look at him, his eyes still trained on the field. “That guy,” he said, nodding toward Sae. “He moves faster with his left foot. It’s like... I dunno, more balanced or something.”

Rin’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by Nagi’s observation. He knew Nagi didn’t care about football—not even a little—but here he was, picking up on details that most people wouldn’t even notice. “You can see that?”

“Yeah, it’s obvious. He’s favoring his left leg when he cuts in. Means he’s probably better at shooting from that side too.” He said it so casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world to pick apart Sae’s technique.

Rin stared at Nagi for a moment longer, then turned back to the field. He had watched Sae play countless times, but he had never thought about it like that before. Nagi didn’t know anything about football, that’s what Rin had thought. But somehow, Nagi’s genius was shining through even here.

Sae charged down the field, his foot connecting with the ball in a powerful strike that sent it soaring into the net. The other players watched in awe, but Rin noticed that Nagi didn’t seem all that impressed. In fact, he was frowning slightly, his eyes narrowing as he followed Sae’s next movements.

“Huh... maybe it’s not so bad,” Nagi muttered under his breath, almost too quietly for Rin to hear.

Rin turned to him, his eyes wide with surprise. “What?”

“Football,” Nagi said, his expression still as blank as ever. “Maybe it’s not as boring as I thought.”

Rin’s heart skipped a beat. Nagi had never shown any interest in football before. But now there was a glimmer of something, a spark of curiosity that hadn’t been there before. Rin couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. 

The practice continued for another half hour, with Sae dominating the field as usual. But as the sun began to set and the practice drew to a close, Sae finally noticed Rin standing on the sidelines—and more importantly, he noticed the boy standing next to him.

Sae jogged over, his teal eyes sharp and focused as he wiped the sweat from his face. His gaze flickered briefly to Rin before settling on Nagi, blinking absently. “Do I know you?” he asked, his voice blunt and direct.

Rin froze for a moment, not entirely sure how to answer. He hadn’t told Sae about seeing Nagi regularly—not because he was hiding anything, but because he didn’t know how to explain it. Nagi was... well, Nagi. And somehow, that made Rin feel like their friendship was something special, just for him. 

Rin took a deep breath and straightened his back, his voice steady as he replied, “He’s Nagi, my friend.”

Sae blinked, clearly taken aback. For a moment, he just stared at Rin, trying to process what he just heard. Rin had never really mentioned having friends before. Sure, people liked him, but Rin was always so focused on following Sae around that he never had much of a social life. This was new.

Sae’s eyes flicked back to Nagi, who was standing there with his usual blank expression. But his gray eyes blinked slowly, and for a brief moment, a flicker of surprise crossed his face—so brief that it would have gone unnoticed by anyone who wasn’t paying close attention. 

Sae frowned slightly, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Friend?” he muttered under his breath, clearly unsure of what to make of the situation.

The word seemed to hang in the air for Nagi, unfamiliar and strange, like a concept he hadn’t really thought about. Sure, they spent time together, but this was the first time anyone had ever really called him their friend. It wasn’t bad, though. It felt okay.

Nagi glanced at Sae, his gray eyes meeting Sae’s teal ones for just a moment before he looked away, completely unbothered. “I guess,” he said, his voice flat.  

Sae, noticing the slight shift in Nagi’s expression but not commenting on it, sighed and ran a hand through his damp red hair. “Hmpf, okay, come on,” he said, his voice softer now as he turned back to Rin. “We should head home.”

Rin turned to Nagi and said, with his usual soft voice, “Come on, Nagi. Let’s go.”

Nagi blinked again, a bit thrown off by how naturally Rin included him. Without much thought, he gave a small nod and fell into step beside Rin and Sae as they walked toward the exit of the football field. 

The three walked together with Sae leading the way and Rin quietly staying close to his brother. Nagi followed behind, his hands once again tucked into his pockets. He wasn’t thinking about his game or how much of a hassle this all was. Instead, he found himself listening to the two brothers talk as they made their way down the street.

Sae, now a little more relaxed, asked, “Did you watch the whole practice?”

Rin nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! Nagi was really good at noticing things too. He said your left foot’s faster.”

Sae shot a curious glance at Nagi over his shoulder, but Nagi just looked off to the side, as if he hadn’t heard the comment. Sae hummed, slightly impressed but still not sure what to make of the boy who had become such a frequent part of Rin’s afternoons.

As they walked, they passed by the convenience store where Rin had gotten separated from Sae that first day. Sae suddenly slowed his pace. “Wait here for a sec,” he said, and without another word, he slipped into the store, leaving Rin and Nagi standing outside.

And after a few moments, Sae came back out carrying three popsicles. He handed one to Nagi first. “Here,” he said simply.

Nagi blinked, staring at the popsicle in his hand for a moment. “...Thanks,” he mumbled, his voice quiet.

Sae handed the next one to Rin, who smiled brightly up at his brother. “Thanks, Nii-chan!” 

Sae nodded, his expression softening a little as they began walking again, the cool evening air settling around them as they ate their ice cream. Nagi for his part ate his in silence, occasionally glancing over at the two brothers as they talked.

As they passed through quieter streets, Rin finished his popsicle first and let out a small sigh of contentment. He looked at his stick and then over at Nagi. “I won,” Rin said.

Nagi, without missing a beat, glanced at his own stick and then at Rin. “Yeah. Me too.” 

They both said it with such casual, unbothered tones that it almost felt like it was the most normal thing in the world to them. Sae just stared at the two of them. He frowned slightly, then shook his head, deciding not to comment on their luck.

As they reached the street corner near where they had first walked together that day, Nagi slowed down, his eyes scanning the familiar path that led back to his house. He came to a stop and turned toward Rin and Sae, his expression as neutral as ever. He lifted a hand in a lazy wave. “See you tomorrow.”

Rin nodded, already used to Nagi’s vague way of talking but feeling reassured by the fact that Nagi would show up anyway. “See you tomorrow!”

Sae simply gave Nagi a nod of acknowledgement, watching as the boy turned and walked down the quiet street, his white hair catching the last bit of evening light.

As Nagi disappeared from sight, Sae turned back toward Rin, his expression unreadable. “You really like hanging out with him, huh?”

Rin hummed softly. “Yes. He’s different.”

Sae didn’t say anything for a moment, then shrugged. “As long as you’re happy.” He ruffled Rin’s hair, his usual stoic expression returning as they continued walking the rest of the way home, the cool breeze of the evening wrapping around them as the day turned into night.

⸻

Rin hurried toward their usual spot under the large oak tree. His heart was beating a little faster than usual, a ball tucked under one arm as he made his way through the grassy field. 

Nagi was already there, sitting in his usual place, leaning against the tree with his legs stretched out and his game console balanced in his hands. His white hair fell lazily over his eyes, which were glued to the screen, completely absorbed in whatever game he was playing. 

Rin paused for a moment, catching his breath, before walking over. He stood a few feet away staring down at Nagi, feeling a flutter of nerves in his chest. Nagi didn’t notice him at first. It was only when Rin shifted the ball under his arm that Nagi, without moving his head, finally glanced up, his gray eyes flicking toward him. 

“You’re late,” Nagi said flatly, returning his attention to his game as if nothing important had happened.

Rin bit his lip, hesitating for a moment. “I, um... I brought a football,” he said, lifting the ball slightly to show Nagi. “Do you... want to play?”

The question hung in the air for a moment, and Rin suddenly felt unsure. Nagi had never shown any interest in football before—he usually brushed it off as boring or too much effort. But Rin had been practicing by himself for weeks now, trying to get even better so he could surprise Sae. He wanted to play more, but he didn’t want to do it alone. 

Nagi didn’t respond right away. His thumb pressed a button on the console, the soft click breaking the silence between them. After a long moment, he finally looked up again, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the ball in Rin’s hands.

“Play football?” Nagi repeated, his tone indifferent. He didn’t seem particularly interested, but there was no outright rejection either.

Rin nodded quickly. “Yeah. It’s not that hard. I can show you. And...” His voice trailed off as he searched for the right words, something to convince Nagi without pushing too hard. “It could be fun?”

Nagi stared at him for another long moment before exhaling softly, the barest hint of a sigh. “...Fine.”

Rin’s face brightened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He wasted no time, tossing the ball down onto the grass and giving it a small kick to start. “Okay! Let’s just practice passing for now.”

Nagi pushed himself to his feet with a slow, deliberate movement, tucking his console into his pocket. He approached the ball with his usual calm, unhurried demeanor, his posture relaxed as if he had no real stake in the outcome of this little game. He tapped the ball back toward Rin with the inside of his foot, his expression unchanged.

To Rin’s surprise, the pass was nearly perfect. The ball rolled smoothly across the grass, stopping right in front of him. Rin blinked, impressed despite himself. “That was good.”

Nagi glanced at the ball like it was nothing, his face still neutral. “It’s just kicking a ball,” he said, as if that explained everything.

Rin smiled again, feeling a flicker of excitement. “Yeah, but you’re good at it.” He kicked the ball back to Nagi, this time a little harder. “Try kicking it back to me.”

Nagi hesitated for a second as the ball came speeding toward him, but his body reacted instinctively. With almost no effort, he lifted his foot slightly and trapped the ball with the bridge of his foot, stopping it dead in its tracks. The motion was so smooth, so effortless, that it looked like Nagi had done it a hundred times before.

Rin’s eyes widened in amazement. “Whoa! How did you do that?”

Nagi glanced down at the ball, as if only now realizing what he had done. “...I dunno,” he mumbled, his tone still as casual as ever. “It just stopped.”

Rin’s eyes shined, excitement bubbling up in his chest. “That’s called ball control! You’re really good at it, Nagi! Most people can’t trap the ball that easily.”

Nagi shrugged, shifting the ball slightly under his foot. “Feels the same as pressing a button. Just... slower.”

Rin’s eyes lit up at that. “It is kind of like a game! You’re trying to control the ball, but instead of pressing buttons, you’re using your feet. It’s just a different kind of skill.”

Nagi tilted his head, considering that for a moment. “Hmm. I guess.” He tapped the ball back again, this time with enough force to send it sailing a little farther. Rin ran after it, his laughter filling the quiet park as he chased the ball down.

When Rin returned, panting slightly but still grinning, he kicked the ball one last time toward Nagi. “You’re really good,” Rin repeated, his voice softer now, more sincere. “I bet if you practiced you’d be even better.”

Nagi’s eyes flicked up, meeting Rin’s gaze for a brief moment. There was no boasting or competitiveness in Rin’s tone, just genuine admiration. Seishiro didn’t respond, but something in him stirred, a quiet thought that he didn’t fully understand. He was playing football, something he never thought he’d do, and it wasn’t because he cared about the game itself, it was because Rin was here. 

Rin took a step closer, smiling as he grabbed the ball under his arm again. “Let’s play more tomorrow?”

Nagi paused, looking at Rin’s hopeful face. “...Maybe,” he said, his tone light but noncommittal. Still, there was a small part of him that knew he’d probably come back. Rin had a way of pulling him into things without asking for much, and Nagi found himself caring about that in a way he hadn’t expected.

They walked side by side, heading back toward the park entrance. The sun was lower now, casting long shadows over the field. Rin’s excitement was contagious, and though Nagi didn’t show it outwardly, he felt a quiet warmth growing somewhere deep inside.

As they reached the street, Rin turned to him one last time. “Thanks for playing with me today.”

Nagi glanced at him briefly, then looked ahead again, his voice low but steady. “...It wasn’t so bad.”

⸻

The sun was starting to set as Rin and Nagi made their way out of the park, their footsteps light on the gravel path. The air had grown cooler, the fading warmth of the day giving way to a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves overhead. The familiar sound of Rin’s quiet footsteps echoed beside Nagi, who walked with his usual, unhurried pace.

They didn’t talk much, but they never really needed to. After all this time spent together, silence was comfortable between them, an understanding that neither of them felt the need to fill the quiet with empty words.

As they approached the edge of the park, where the grassy field met the concrete of the sidewalk, Rin hesitated slightly, his eyes flicking up to Nagi before dropping back down. He glanced at the ground, his mind wandering back to his walks with Sae—how his older brother always grabbed his hand to make sure he didn’t get lost or fall behind. It was a natural thing, something he didn’t even think about anymore. And now, without pausing to consider it, Rin reached out.

His fingers wrapped around Nagi’s hand, small and warm against Nagi’s cooler skin. It wasn’t forceful, just a quiet, instinctive gesture—a way to keep them together as they crossed the street. 

Nagi blinked, his steps faltering for a fraction of a second as Rin’s hand closed around his. His gray eyes flickered down to their joined hands, surprised but not pulling away. For a moment something unfamiliar tugged at him. It wasn’t unpleasant, it was just different.

They walked like that, hand in hand, crossing the street in silence. Rin didn’t say anything, didn’t look up, and Nagi didn’t ask. It was as though this was normal, like this was something they’d done a hundred times before. And maybe, in a way, it was. Rin had always held Sae’s hand like this, so it made sense that it felt natural now.

But Nagi wasn’t Sae. He wasn’t anyone Rin had to hold onto, wasn’t someone to guide him or keep him from getting lost. Still, the warmth of Rin’s hand in his own felt... right. It wasn’t something Nagi had ever thought he’d care about, but now that it was happening, he didn’t mind. In fact, he kind of liked it.

As they continued walking down the quiet street, the evening settling around them, Rin finally glanced up at Nagi. “You don’t mind?” he asked, his voice soft but unsure. 

Nagi stared straight ahead, not meeting Rin’s gaze, but his grip on Rin’s hand didn’t loosen. “...No,” he said after a beat, his voice just as calm as always. “I don’t mind.”

Rin’s lips curved into a small, relieved smile. He squeezed Nagi’s hand a little tighter, a quiet comfort settling in his chest. He hadn’t even realized he’d grabbed Nagi’s hand at first—it had been automatic. But now, walking like this, with the soft breeze brushing against them and the fading sunlight casting shadows on the ground, it felt like the most normal thing in the world.

They reached the next corner, the park fading into the distance behind them, and Nagi noticed that Rin still hadn’t let go. Not that he was in any hurry for it to end. He wasn’t used to people, wasn’t used to caring whether someone was close by or not. But with Rin, it was different. It was like Rin filled a space Nagi hadn’t even known was there—an empty, quiet space that now felt a little less empty.

Rin swung their hands slightly as they walked, the movement so small and subtle that Nagi barely registered it at first. The quiet rhythm of their steps was comforting, and Nagi found himself falling into it easily. There was no rush, no reason to hurry. They would just keep walking like this for as long as it took.

Eventually, they reached the end of the street, where they usually went their separate ways. Rin slowed his steps, his fingers finally loosening around Nagi’s hand. For a moment, Nagi thought he’d let go completely, but then Rin’s grip tightened again, just briefly, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go yet.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” Rin asked, hopeful.

Nagi looked at him, his gray eyes softening just slightly. “Yeah,” he replied. “Tomorrow.”

With that, Rin finally let go, his hand dropping to his side. The warmth of his touch lingered in the cool evening air, and Nagi stood there for a moment longer, watching as Rin waved a quick goodbye before heading down his street.

Nagi stood still, his hands slipping into his pockets as he watched Rin’s retreating figure. There was something about the way Rin had grabbed his hand—so natural, so unthinking—that made Nagi’s chest tighten in a way he didn’t fully understand. It wasn’t bad, though. Not when it was with Rin.

⸻

The stadium lights flickered to life, casting a bright glow over the football pitch as the match began. The small crowd buzzed with energy, scattered cheers rising from the stands as the players took their positions on the field. Even at eight years old, Itoshi Sae was already making a name for himself as a football prodigy, and this game was just one more step in his greatness.

Nagi leaned against the chain-link fence, his eyes half-lidded as he stared at the pitch in front of him. His usual spot at the sidelines felt comfortable, familiar. Rin stood beside him, gripping the metal fence with both hands, his teal eyes wide and focused, following every move Sae made on the field. The excitement radiating off of Rin was almost palpable, and Nagi could feel it, even though his mind was elsewhere.

“Look at him, Nagi!” Rin said, his voice barely containing his excitement. “He’s so fast!”

Nagi blinked, tearing his gaze away from the dull sky to glance at the field. He could see Sae weaving through the other players, his movements sharp and precise. There was no denying it—Sae was good. Really good. But to Nagi, it was all just part of the game. He’d rather be playing something on his console, something he could control.

Rin, however, was completely absorbed in the match. His eyes followed Sae’s every move, the way his brother cut through the defense, the way he set up a perfect pass. It was like watching an artist at work, and Rin couldn’t tear his gaze away.

Nagi, on the other hand, found his mind wandering. He was thinking about the game he’d left paused at home, the one where he had to figure out how to outsmart his opponents. The noise from the crowd seemed to fade into the background, becoming little more than a dull hum. Nagi shifted his weight, pushing himself off the fence slightly, already imagining the quiet of his room, the soft glow of his console screen.

But just as his mind started to drift, a sudden movement caught his eye. 

Rin.

Before Nagi could fully register what was happening, Rin had slipped through the gate and bolted toward the pitch. His small figure cut across the sidelines, running directly toward the ball. Nagi’s eyes widened, his posture straightening as he stared, startled. “Rin!” he called. But the boy didn’t stop. He didn’t even slow down.

Nagi didn’t chase after him—he didn’t move from his spot. Instead, he watched, transfixed, as Rin sprinted toward the center of the field, the ball rolling toward him as if by fate. The other players slowed, confusion spreading through the ranks as they noticed the small boy darting onto the pitch.

Time seemed to slow as Rin reached the ball. His eyes locked onto it, his determination clear even from the sidelines. Nagi stood still, unable to look away as Rin drew his leg back, then swung it forward in a clean, swift motion. The ball soared through the air, a perfect arc carrying it toward the net.

And then—swish.

The ball sailed into the goal.

The stadium fell silent for a split second, as if the entire crowd was holding its breath. The sound was deafening, but all Nagi could hear was the soft echo of Rin’s name in his mind, the image of him standing there, breathless and triumphant, burned into his thoughts.

Sae, standing near the goal, jogged over to his little brother. He ruffled Rin’s hair, a rare softness crossing his features. Nagi could see them talking, but he couldn’t make out the words. Whatever Sae said made Rin’s face light up, a bright, almost radiant smile spreading across his face.

Nagi blinked, his chest tightening in a way he couldn’t quite explain. He’d seen Rin smile before, but this felt different. This felt... important.

As Rin and Sae walked off the pitch together, Nagi stayed where he was, his eyes lingering on Rin’s small figure as he walked back toward the fence. His heart was still pounding, but it wasn’t from excitement. 

And a few months later, Rin stood at the center of the pitch, clutching a small trophy in his hands. His team had just won a local tournament, and even though it was a small victory, the pride on Rin’s face was unmistakable.

Nagi watched from the sidelines again, leaning against the fence just as he always did. His hands were shoved into his pockets, his posture relaxed, but his eyes were fixed on Rin. There was something different now in the way Nagi watched him, the way his chest tightened whenever Rin succeeded. 

As the team gathered around to celebrate, Sae knelt beside Rin, saying something that made Rin beam with pride.

“See?” Rin had told him once, his eyes shining with determination. “Nii-chan is going to be the best striker in the world, and I'll be the second best one to him.”

At the time, Nagi had just stared at him, uninterested in such lofty dreams. He’d only cared about the moment, about the games he played on his console and the quiet evenings at the park. But now, standing at the edge of the field, watching Rin hold that small trophy high, Nagi felt something shift.

Rin could do it. And Sae, too.

The realization was quiet but profound. Nagi had never cared about much of anything. But Rin—Rin was different. Rin mattered in a way that Nagi couldn’t quite explain, and watching him now, surrounded by his teammates, his trophy held high, Nagi felt a strange sense of pride swelling in his chest.

Maybe it wasn’t football itself that mattered. Maybe it was just Rin.

Rin spotted him then, standing at the edge of the pitch, and waved enthusiastically. His eyes were wide and unguarded, the pure joy of the moment radiating from him. Nagi lifted a hand in return, his movements slow but deliberate.

As Rin ran toward him, still clutching the trophy, Nagi felt the smallest of smiles tug at the corner of his lips. It was brief, barely there, but it was real.

“Did you see?” Rin asked breathlessly, his eyes shining. “We won! And look—We got a trophy!”

Nagi nodded, his eyes fixed on the gleaming trophy in Rin’s hands. “I saw,” he said quietly. 

Rin bounced on his foot. “One day we’ll win the World Cup. Nii-chan and me. Just watch, Nagi.”

Nagi stared at him, a warm feeling settling into his chest. He didn’t care about the World Cup, or trophies, or fame. But if Rin wanted it—if Rin believed in it—then that was enough. 

He will believe in Rin. 

“Okay,” Nagi said simply, his voice soft. “I’ll watch.”

⸻

The sky was heavy with clouds as Rin and Nagi sat together on a bench near the park’s entrance. A chilly breeze swept through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of rain. Nagi sat with his usual lazy posture, his hands in his pockets, while Rin leaned forward, his voice animated as he talked about Sae.

“They say Sae’s going to get scouted soon,” Rin said, his eyes bright with excitement. “He’s only nine, but everyone knows he’s special. He’s going to be a star.”

Nagi listened quietly, his gaze shifting from Rin’s enthusiastic expression to the overcast sky. Small drops of rain began to fall, soft and cool as they dotted the ground around them. Rin blinked, looking up as the rain started to pick up, the tiny droplets quickly becoming more frequent.

“Oh, we should go home,” Rin said, standing up and shaking the water from his hair. He reached out, grabbing Nagi’s hand without hesitation, tugging him gently toward the street. The movement was so natural and so familiar by now. 

Nagi let himself be pulled along, following Rin’s lead as they made their way toward the exit. The rain fell in light sprinkles, just enough to make the air feel damp and cool. As they reached the sidewalk, Rin stopped and turned to Nagi, his wide teal eyes looking up at him through the soft drizzle.

“Do you want to have a sleepover?” Rin asked, his voice soft but hopeful. His eyes, always so expressive, were filled with a quiet plea that Nagi found himself unable to resist.

For a moment, Nagi stood still, the rain lightly pattering around them. Rin’s eyes held his gaze, and Seishiro could feel that strange tightness in his chest again, the same feeling he’d had when he watched Rin win that trophy. It was hard to describe, but it was there, and it made him feel like he couldn’t say no.

“...Yeah,” Nagi said quietly. “Sure.”

Rin’s face lit up with a smile, and he squeezed Nagi’s hand before they started walking again, heading toward Rin’s house. The rain had picked up just a little, but they didn’t hurry. They walked together, the world around them fading into the soft rhythm of raindrops and quiet footsteps.

When they reached the Itoshi house, the lights were already on, a warm glow spilling out into the rainy evening. Rin led Nagi inside, shaking the water from his hair as they stepped through the front door. The scent of something sweet and comforting hung in the air, and the faint sounds of conversation drifted from the kitchen.

Rin’s mother turned from the stove, surprised to see Nagi standing next to her youngest son. “Oh, Seishiro-kun! It’s nice to see you again,” she said, her tone warm but curious. “Are you staying for the night?”

Rin nodded, looking up at his mom with a small smile. “Yeah, Sei’s going to have a sleepover.”

Mama Itoshi wiped her hands on her apron, giving them both a soft smile. “Well, make yourselves at home. I’ll make you boys some hot chocolate. But... what about your parents, Sei-kun? Will they be okay with you staying over?”

Nagi shrugged, his hands still tucked into his pockets. “They won’t mind. As long as I show up tomorrow, it’s fine.”

Rin’s mother exchanged a brief look with his husband, but neither of them pressed the matter further. They knew Nagi’s home life was a little different from Rin’s, but they trusted him. “Alright then,” she said, her voice light. “Why don’t you two head upstairs and get settled? Sae’s already home.”

Rin nodded eagerly, pulling Nagi toward the stairs. “Come on, let’s go!”

Upstairs, Sae was already in his room, sitting on the top bunk of their shared bed, flipping through a magazine. He glanced up as Rin and Nagi entered, his eyes narrowing slightly but his tone indifferent. “Don’t make too much noise,” Sae said. “I’m trying to sleep early.”

Rin gave him a quick nod, already used to Sae’s usual directness. “We won’t.”

Sae shot a quick glance at Nagi, then went back to his magazine, uninterested in the rest of their conversation. Rin turned to Nagi with shining eyes. “You can sleep in my bed,” he said. “The bottom bunk’s comfier anyway.”

Just then, Mama Itoshi called up from the kitchen, her voice carrying warmth. “Hot chocolate’s ready!”

A few minutes later, Rin, Nagi, and Sae sat around the dining table, each holding a mug of steaming hot chocolate. The warmth of the drink spread through Nagi’s fingers, the rich smell of chocolate filling the air. Rin was already halfway through his cup, his cheeks slightly flushed from the heat as he took another eager sip.

“It's really good, Mama,” Rin said, his voice filled with appreciation.

Nagi sipped his own drink slowly. The warmth of the house, the comfort of the hot chocolate, and the quiet hum of family around him made him feel calm. It was different from the empty, quiet evenings he usually had at home. Here, there was a warmth that he hadn’t realized he’d wanted.

Once they finished their drinks, Mama Itoshi shooed them back upstairs to brush their teeth and get ready for bed. Sae, always the first to disappear into his routine, left them to their own devices as Rin and Nagi made their way back to the room. The quiet of the night settled in, the rain still gently tapping against the windows.

The room was dark, except for the faint glow of a nightlight tucked into the corner. Rin climbed into the bottom bunk, lifting the cozy blanket and gesturing for Nagi to join him. Without saying anything, Nagi slipped into the bed beside him, the warmth of the blanket immediately wrapping around them as the chill of the evening faded.

Rin lay on his side, his back turned to the wall, while Nagi lay on his back, staring up at the underside of the top bunk. The space between them was small, their shoulders brushing against each other under the blanket. It was a tight fit, but neither of them minded.

Nagi’s chest felt strange—tight, but not in a bad way. There was something about being so close to Rin, the warmth of the blanket, the quiet sound of rain against the window. It made Nagi’s heart beat just a little faster, though he couldn’t quite explain why.

“Nagi,” Rin’s voice broke the silence, soft and sleepy. “Thanks for staying over.”

Nagi blinked, his eyes heavy as he turned his head slightly toward Rin. “...It’s fine,” he mumbled. “It’s nice.”

The corners of Rin’s lips curled into a small, sleepy smile. “Yeah,” he whispered, his voice already starting to fade as he drifted off. “It’s nice.”

Nagi lay there in the quiet, the warmth of Rin’s presence next to him filling the space. He wasn’t thinking about anything—no video games, no distractions. Just the sound of Rin’s breathing, the rise and fall of his chest beside him.

Nagi’s own chest tightened again, but this time, he let the feeling settle. Whatever it was, it didn’t feel bad. It felt comforting. Maybe this was what it meant to care about someone. To feel like you wanted to be close to them, even when the world outside was cold and rainy.

He turned slightly, letting himself relax as the weight of sleep started to pull him under. With Rin beside him, the rainy night made everything feel a little warmer, a little softer. 

⸻

The air had a sharp chill to it, the kind that signaled the start of winter. The sidewalks were quiet, their footsteps echoing softly in the cold evening. Rin and Seishiro walked side by side, bundled up in their coats, with the sky above them heavy with clouds.

As they rounded the corner onto a quieter street, something delicate and almost magical happened. A soft flurry of white snowflakes began to fall, swirling down from the darkened sky, touching the world with a light, icy grace. At first, it was just a few, barely noticeable, but soon, the flakes multiplied, filling the air in a slow, steady dance.

Rin’s eyes lit up when he noticed, his steps slowing as he watched the snow drift down around them. “Look, Sei!” he said, his voice filled with wonder. “It’s the first snow of the year!”

Nagi glanced up at the sky, watching as the snowflakes twirled silently down to earth, dusting the sidewalk in a thin layer of white. He felt the cold kiss of a snowflake as it landed on his cheek and melted instantly, leaving behind a faint trace of coolness. 

“It’s always so pretty,” Rin murmured, his eyes wide as he looked around. “It feels like everything changes when it snows...” He stretched out his hand, catching a few flakes on his gloved fingers, staring at them as if they held some kind of magic.

Nagi remained silent, his eyes following the falling snow as it blanketed the trees and rooftops around them. He wasn’t one for traditions, wasn’t one to care about things like the first snow or good luck. But there was something about the way Rin looked so amazed, so captivated by the snow—that made him pause.

“Did you know,” Rin said suddenly, his voice breaking through the quiet, “Nii-chan thinks that luck shouldn’t be wasted on normal things.”

Nagi raised an eyebrow, glancing at Rin. “What does that even mean?”

Rin shaked his head. “I don’t really know. He says things like that sometimes. Like... if you use up all your luck on normal things, you won’t have enough left for the important stuff.”

“Huh,” Nagi muttered, looking back at the snow. “That sounds like a pain.”

Rin’s breath was coming out in small puffs of steam in the cold air. “Yeah, but I kind of like doing normal things. Like... this. I like being out in the first snow.”

Nagi watched as Rin twirled in a small circle, his arms outstretched, catching the falling flakes on his coat and in his hair. There was something about the way Rin moved, something about his childlike wonder that always caught Nagi off guard. Rin’s face was alight with quiet joy, his eyes sparkling with the same magic that seemed to hang in the air with every falling snowflake.

Seishiro stopped walking for a moment, his gaze softening as he looked at him. 

This boy, Rin, who had so easily taken Nagi’s hand and pulled him into his world, who never asked for much but always gave so freely—he was different. He had become a part of Nagi’s life, of his every day. And as Nagi stood there, watching Rin marvel at the snow, he realized something important.

He wouldn't mind growing old with him.

The thought came to him so quietly, so naturally, that it didn’t feel strange at all. It felt right. Rin, with his bright eyes and unshakable optimism, had become Nagi’s only and first friend. The one who had always included him in things, who made him feel like he mattered, even in the smallest moments.

Nagi turned to look at Rin, who had stopped spinning now and was staring up at the sky, his face filled with quiet awe. The snow was falling faster now, turning everything around them into a soft white canvas, and Rin smiled as he took it all in.

Without really thinking about it, Nagi spoke.

“...I wouldn’t mind spending the rest of my life with you.”

Rin froze, his breath catching in his throat as the words hung in the air. He turned slowly, his wide teal eyes locking onto Nagi’s gray ones, filled with something like amazement. Snowflakes clung to his hair, and his cheeks were pink from the cold, but Rin didn’t seem to notice. He was too busy staring at Nagi, blinking in shock.

“What?” Rin asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Nagi’s gaze didn’t waver. “I said,” he repeated, his voice soft but steady, “I wouldn’t mind spending the rest of my life with you.”

Rin’s mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. He stared at Nagi, his heart pounding in his chest, trying to make sense of what Seishiro had just said. It wasn’t a confession, not exactly. It wasn’t like the things people said in stories, full of grand gestures or declarations of love. 

But it was Nagi, in his quiet, understated way, telling Rin that he mattered. That he was special. 

Rin blinked again, his lips curving into a slow, almost shy smile. His breath fogged in the air, but his eyes were bright and warm, filled with something Nagi couldn’t quite name. 

“I wouldn’t mind that either,” Rin said softly, his voice trembling just a little with the weight of the moment.

They stood there for a long time, watching as the world around them turned white, the snow falling thicker and faster now. Nagi’s hand slipped into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the warmth of his coat, but he couldn’t shake the feeling in his chest—the tightness, the warmth, the quiet sense of belonging that only seemed to grow whenever he was with Rin.

From that moment on, the first snow of the year became theirs. A quiet promise that they would always find time to be together when the world turned white. 

⸻

It was late in the afternoon, and the sun was already beginning to sink below the horizon. The cold air nipped at their cheeks as Rin and Nagi walked together, their footsteps muffled against the damp pavement. 

They had spent the day together—like they usually did—and now they were heading home, the weight of another quiet evening settling in. The conversations they’d had during the day had mostly been about small things: a video game Nagi had been playing, how Sae’s team was getting ready for an important match. Nothing big, nothing out of the ordinary.

But something felt different. Nagi was walking closer to Rin than usual, his shoulder brushing against Rin’s every few steps. It was subtle, so small that Rin barely noticed at first. But then, as they reached the corner where they usually parted ways, Nagi hesitated.

Rin stopped and turned to him, blinking in surprise. “You’re going the wrong way,” he said lightly, his voice breaking the silence. “Your house is over there.”

Nagi didn’t respond right away. His gray eyes flicked toward the street that led to his house, then back to Rin. For a moment, he stood still, his hands shoved into his pockets, his expression unreadable.

“...I don’t feel like going home yet,” Nagi finally mumbled, his voice low and quiet. He took a step closer to Rin, his gaze lowering slightly. “I’ll walk with you for a while.”

Rin raised an eyebrow, curious but not bothered. “You sure? It’s getting kind of late.”

Nagi gave a small nod, already falling into step beside him. They walked together in silence again, but this time Nagi was even closer than before—almost as if he was leaning into Rin without really realizing it. His hand brushed against Rin’s a few times as they walked, but he didn’t pull away or make any attempt to create space between them. If anything, it seemed like he was trying to close the distance.

Rin didn’t mind. It was unusual for Nagi to be this close, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable. In fact, it almost felt nice. Like Nagi was seeking him out, wanting to be near him in a way that he never usually did. Rin glanced over at him, noticing how quiet he was—quieter than usual.

“Are you okay?” Rin asked softly, breaking the silence between them.

Nagi gave a noncommittal hum in response, his eyes focused ahead, but his hand pressed firmly against Rin’s. It was a small gesture, but one that Rin understood immediately.

Nagi didn’t like talking about feelings—not really. But the way he was staying so close, the way his presence lingered just a little too long, made it clear that something was on his mind. Something that Nagi couldn’t—or wouldn’t—say out loud.

Without a word, Rin reached out and grabbed Nagi’s hand, his fingers wrapping gently around Nagi’s. It wasn’t the first time they’d held hands—it had become a habit for them, something they did naturally when they were together. But this time, Rin could feel something different in the way Nagi’s fingers tightened around his, as if he didn’t want to let go.

They kept walking like that, hand in hand, until they reached Rin’s house. The front lights were on, and Rin’s breath fogged in the cold air as he turned to Nagi.

“Do you want to come inside?” Rin asked, his voice gentle. “You don’t have to go home.”

Nagi hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “I’ll stay.”

The warmth of Rin’s house enveloped them as soon as they stepped inside. It was quiet, save for the faint sounds of conversation drifting from the kitchen where Rin’s parents were. Nagi kicked off his shoes and followed Rin upstairs to his room, where they both collapsed onto the bed, lying side by side.

Nagi didn’t say anything at first. He just lay there, staring up at the ceiling, his hands resting on his chest. Rin turned to look at him, studying the way Nagi’s usually relaxed expression seemed more serious, more thoughtful.

“What’s up with you today?” Rin asked, his voice soft but curious. “You’re... sticking closer than usual.”

Nagi blinked, not meeting Rin’s eyes. He stayed quiet for a long moment, his fingers fidgeting slightly with the hem of his shirt. “...I don’t know,” he mumbled. “I just didn’t feel like being alone.”

Rin’s eyes softened at that. Nagi wasn’t the type to admit things like that so easily, but when he did, it meant something. He wasn’t good at talking about his feelings, but the way he was laying so close to Rin, his arm almost touching Rin’s, spoke louder than any words he could have said.

Without thinking, Rin scooted closer, his shoulder pressing against Nagi’s. “You’re not alone,” he said simply, his voice soft but steady.

Nagi turned his head slightly, his gray eyes meeting Rin’s for the first time since they’d started walking together. There was something in his gaze, vulnerable and unguarded, that Rin wasn’t used to seeing.

“I know,” Nagi said quietly. “That’s why I’m here.”

For a moment, neither of them moved. The soft glow of the evening sun filtered in through the window, casting long shadows across the room. Nagi’s hand, still resting on his chest, twitched slightly, as if he wanted to reach out but wasn’t sure how.

Rin smiled faintly, his heart feeling warm despite the chill outside. He didn’t need Nagi to explain anything. They understood each other well enough by now—words weren’t always necessary. So instead of saying anything else, Rin closed the small gap between them, letting his hand press against Nagi’s, offering silent reassurance.

Nagi didn’t move away. If anything, he seemed to relax, his eyes closing for a brief moment as the tension left his body. 

“Thanks,” Nagi mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Rin gave a soft nod, his eyes soft as he watched Nagi settle into the bed beside him. “Anytime,” he whispered back.

⸻

The season had shifted from the warmth of summer to the coolness of early autumn, and the first hints of chilly winds were starting to creep in. 

As they walked, Rin glanced over at Nagi, noticing the way he was walking just a little closer than usual. Nagi had been like this for a while now—clingy, always reaching out to Rin in subtle ways. At first, it had been the occasional brush of his hand or the way he’d lean in a little too close. But lately, it had become much more frequent.

Out of nowhere, Nagi slowed his steps, then without any warning, wrapped his arms around Rin from behind. His chin rested lightly on Rin’s shoulder, his arms loosely draped around Rin’s waist. It was a soft, unhurried hug, one that Nagi seemed to melt into. 

Rin didn’t even flinch. By now, he was used to this—Nagi hugging him whenever he wanted, without any particular reason. It had become a habit, one that Rin found himself quietly enjoying, even if it was unexpected at times.

“Why are you hugging me again?” Rin asked, his voice light with amusement as he felt Nagi’s breath on his neck.

Nagi shrugged slightly, his arms tightening just a little around Rin. “Felt like it,” he mumbled, his voice lazy but content. 

Rin smiled to himself, shaking his head. “You’re so clingy lately.”

“Mm-hmm,” Nagi hummed in agreement, not moving from his spot. He stayed like that for a moment longer, his chin still resting on Rin’s shoulder, his whole body relaxed as if hugging Rin was the most natural thing in the world.

After a while, Rin gently patted Nagi’s arm, prompting him to finally loosen his hold. Nagi stepped back, his hands slipping into his pockets as if nothing had happened. They resumed walking, but it didn’t take long before Nagi was leaning into Rin again, his shoulder brushing against Rin’s with every step.

“You really like hugging me, don’t you?” Rin teased, his tone playful but soft.

Nagi gave a lazy nod, his eyes half-lidded as he stared ahead. “It’s comfortable.”

Rin blinked, glancing sideways at him. Comfortable. That was how Nagi described it, but Rin knew there was more to it than that. Over the past year, their friendship had grown deeper, more solid, and Rin could feel it in moments like this. Nagi’s way of showing that he cared wasn’t through words or grand gestures—it was through these quiet, almost absent-minded hugs, like he couldn’t help but reach out when Rin was nearby. To touch.

Without thinking, Rin reached out and ruffled Nagi’s hair, a gesture that was rare for him but felt right in the moment. “Well, I don’t mind. You’re kind of like a cat, you know.”

Nagi looked at him, his expression as neutral as always. “A cat?”

Rin hummed softly, nodding. “You only come close when you want to, and then you just sort of... stay there until you’ve had enough.”

Nagi tilted his head, considering the comparison for a moment. “I guess,” he said simply. Then, without warning, he wrapped his arm around Rin’s shoulders, pulling him close again as they walked. “I could be a cat.”

Rin laughed softly. “Yeah, you could.”

They reached Rin’s house just as the sun disappeared below the horizon. The sky had turned a soft shade of purple, and the cool air had settled around them. Rin paused at the front gate, turning to face Nagi.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” Rin asked, though he already knew the answer.

Nagi nodded, his eyes drifting toward the door. “Tomorrow.”

But before Rin could open the gate, Nagi stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him again, this time more firmly. It wasn’t a quick hug—it was one of those long, lingering hugs that felt like Nagi didn’t want to let go. His face was tucked into the crook of Rin’s neck, his breath warm against Rin’s skin.

Rin stood still for a moment, letting Nagi cling to him without saying anything. He could feel the way Nagi’s arms tightened around him just enough to show that he didn’t want to leave yet.

“Do you really need another hug?” Rin asked softly, his voice barely a whisper.

Nagi mumbled something against Rin’s shoulder, his voice too quiet to hear clearly. But Rin didn’t need to understand the words—he already knew what Nagi meant. He could feel it in the way Nagi held him, in the way their friendship had shifted into something more constant, more familiar.

After a long moment, Nagi finally pulled away, his arms dropping back to his sides. “Okay,” he said quietly, as if that was all he needed.

Rin smiled, warmth filling his chest. “Okay. See you tomorrow, Sei.”

Nagi gave him a small nod before turning and walking down the street, his hands back in his pockets. Rin watched him go, the ghost of Nagi’s warmth still lingering around him. 

⸻

The sound of distant shouts and whistles echoed through the quiet afternoon as Nagi made his way toward the school, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. The sun hung low in the sky as he walked the familiar path. It had become a routine of sorts—when he felt like it, Nagi would make his way to Rin and Sae’s school to watch them train.

They trained a lot these days. Rin, now twelve, had grown into his football skills, his determination to follow in Sae’s footsteps driving him harder than ever. Sae, fourteen and already considered one of the brightest football talents in Japan, had become almost untouchable, his every move calculated and precise. Nagi had noticed the change in both of them—the way their lives revolved around training, the way their conversations were filled with talk of matches and practice.

He saw them less now, especially Rin. But that was okay. He was used to it.

Nagi approached the field, his gray eyes scanning the players as they moved across the pitch. It didn’t take long to spot Rin and Sae—Sae’s presence was commanding, his every movement drawing the eye, while Rin, smaller and quicker, darted between the other players with sharp, focused precision. They were in sync, brothers united by their shared dream.

Nagi leaned against the chain-link fence that surrounded the field, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp as he watched them. It had been like this for a while now—Nagi standing at the edges, watching Rin and Sae as they trained, sometimes for hours. He didn’t mind. He liked watching Rin play, even if football wasn’t his thing. There was something about the way Rin moved, the way he threw everything he had into every sprint, every pass, every kick.

Still, something felt... different. 

Nagi couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but the distance between them had grown, even if only by a little. Rin was so absorbed in football now, so focused on getting better. They didn’t see each other as often as they used to, and when they did, their conversations were shorter, more rushed. Seishiro knew it wasn’t because Rin didn’t care—he cared a lot—but there was always something pulling Rin away. Always football.

Nagi sighed softly, the cool breeze ruffling his hair as he leaned further into the fence, watching as Rin shot past a defender with ease, the ball rolling perfectly in front of him. There was a sharp intensity in Rin’s eyes, a focus that Nagi had only ever seen when it came to football. It was impressive, in a way, how much Rin had grown—how much he had changed.

But Nagi couldn’t help the small pang of something in his chest as he watched from the sidelines. He missed the days when it was just the two of them, hanging out in the park, playing video games, talking about nothing important. Things felt weird now. 

“Good, Rin,” Sae’s voice carried across the field, sharp and authoritative. “Keep your head up.”

Rin nodded, pushing harder, his breath coming in quick bursts as he sprinted down the field. The ball was a blur beneath his feet, and all Rin could think about was making the perfect pass—just like Sae had taught him. His brother was always watching, always expecting more, and Rin didn’t want to let him down. He wouldn’t.

With a sharp flick of his foot, Rin sent the ball flying toward Sae, who caught it effortlessly. A rare smile flickered across Sae’s face, and Rin felt a small surge of pride swell in his chest.

“You’re getting better,” Sae said, passing the ball back to him. “Keep it up.”

Rin wiped the sweat from his face. “Thanks, Nii-chan.”

They resumed their drill, the rest of the team watching with admiration. Everyone knew the Itoshi brothers were something special. Rin had always admired Sae, always wanted to be like him. Now, Rin felt like he was finally catching up, finally proving that he could stand on the same field as his older brother.

But as they continued, a familiar figure caught his eye.

Nagi stood at the edge of the field, leaning lazily against the fence, his gray eyes watching the game unfold. For a moment, their eyes met—Rin’s sharp teal gaze locking with Nagi’s calm, unreadable one. 

Rin felt a small pang of guilt tug at him. He hadn’t seen Nagi as much lately. Training had consumed so much of his time, and between school and football, there were days when he barely had time to breathe. But Nagi... Seishiro was always there, in the background, waiting patiently. 

Rin’s steps faltered, his foot hovering over the ball as he hesitated for a moment. Then, with a quick shake of his head, he forced himself to refocus. He’d talk to Nagi later. Right now, he had to train.

The sun was setting by the time practice ended, the last of the players trailing off the field, exhausted but satisfied. Sae was already packing up his gear, his focus already shifting to the next match.

Rin wiped the sweat from his face, his legs aching from the drills. As he headed toward the fence, his eyes scanned the edge of the field, half-expecting Nagi to have disappeared by now. But to his surprise, Nagi was still there, leaning casually against the fence, his hands tucked into his pockets as if he had all the time in the world.

Rin jogged over, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re still here?”

Nagi looked at him, his expression neutral. “Mmh, I didn’t have anything else to do.”

Rin laughed softly, shaking his head. “I’m glad you stayed. It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

Nagi shrugged, his eyes drifting back toward the empty field. “You’ve been busy.”

Rin’s smile faltered slightly, a flicker of guilt passing through him. 

“Yeah, I guess,” Rin said quietly. “But we should do something soon. Just the two of us.”

Nagi’s gaze shifted back to Rin, his gray eyes softening just a little. “That’d be nice.”

They stood there in comfortable silence, the cool evening air settling around them. Nagi didn’t ask about football, didn’t push Rin to explain why he was always so busy. He just stood there, steady as ever, a constant in Rin’s life.

Then Sae emerged from the field, his practice bag slung over his shoulder. He approached with his usual calm expression, his eyes flicking briefly to Nagi before speaking. “Ah, Nagi. Hello.”

Nagi, equally unfazed, gave a lazy wave. “Hello.”

Sae raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching slightly, as if amused by Nagi’s lackluster response. “You waiting for Rin again?”

Nagi shrugged. “As always.”

Sae gave a short hum. “At least you’re honest.”

“It’s easier that way.”

⸻

The sound of the waves rolling onto the shore filled the quiet evening air as Rin and Seishiro walked side by side along the beach. The sky was a soft blend of pink and orange, the sun hanging low on the horizon, casting long shadows behind them. The breeze was cool but not cold, carrying with it the familiar scent of salt and sea.

Rin had always liked the beach. It was one of the few places that made him feel calm, where he could let his thoughts settle. He didn’t come often, but when he did, it was usually with Sae. The two of them would walk along the shore, their conversations quiet, the sound of the waves their only company. 

Rin’s hands were shoved into his pockets as they walked, his eyes fixed on the sand beneath his feet. He didn’t say much, but that was nothing new. His silence wasn’t uncomfortable, not with Nagi. They had known each other long enough that words weren’t always necessary. The quiet between them was familiar, comfortable, like the ebb and flow of the ocean beside them.

Nagi walked next to him, his posture relaxed, his gaze drifting lazily out toward the water. He wasn’t as connected to the sea as Rin was, but he didn’t mind being here. If Rin had asked him to come, there was a reason. And Nagi didn’t need much of an excuse to spend time with him.

They walked for a while, the sun slowly sinking lower, casting a golden light on the world around them. The waves lapped gently at the shore, the sand cool beneath their feet, and in the distance, a few scattered clouds floated by, tinged with the last light of the day.

“It’s quiet here,” Nagi said, his voice soft, barely rising above the sound of the ocean.

Rin nodded, his eyes still focused on the sand. “Yeah. It’s why I like it.”

Nagi glanced at Rin from the corner of his eye, noticing the way his expression remained serious, but his eyes—those bright teal eyes—were filled with a deeper feeling. Rin didn’t smile much, but his eyes always gave him away, always showed the things he couldn’t say out loud.

Today, though, there was something different in Rin’s eyes. A kind of intensity that Nagi had come to recognize. A quiet longing, a need for something more than words. Nagi didn’t ask, but he knew.

After a few moments, Rin broke the silence, his voice low but clear. “Nii-chan is leaving soon.”

Nagi’s steps slowed slightly, his gaze shifting toward Rin, but he said nothing. He knew this already—everyone did. Itoshi Sae, the prodigy, had been scouted by Royal Madrid’s young academy in Spain. It was a huge deal. Everyone was talking about it. And soon Sae would be gone. 

Rin didn’t look up, his eyes fixed on the sand as he continued. “In a few months, he’ll be in Spain. For good.”

Nagi kept walking beside him, letting the sound of the waves fill the silence between them for a moment longer. He knew how much Sae meant to Rin—how much Rin had built his entire life around catching up to his brother. 

“It’s just going to be the two of us, then,” Rin said, his voice barely above whisper. There was no bitterness in his tone, no sadness—just acceptance. “Me and you.”

Nagi didn’t hesitate this time. “Just us,” he said simply, his gaze focused on the horizon.

For a long time, they didn’t say anything else. They walked in silence, the sand shifting beneath their feet, the waves crashing softly against the shore. The light was fading now, the sun sinking below the horizon, leaving behind a sky painted in shades of blue and purple.

Rin stopped walking, his feet sinking into the sand as he turned to face the ocean. Nagi stopped beside him, his gaze following Rin’s. The world felt quiet around them, the sound of the sea the only thing between them.

“I’ll miss him,” Rin said quietly, his eyes fixed on the water. His voice was steady, but there was a hint of something else—a vulnerability that he rarely showed. “But he’s going to be the best. I know it.”

Nagi watched Rin, seeing the way his shoulders tensed slightly, the way his hands clenched inside his pockets. It was strange—Rin, who always seemed so composed, was suddenly showing cracks. 

Without thinking, Nagi stepped closer, his hand reaching out to rest on Rin’s shoulder. It was a small gesture, but it felt right. Rin didn’t flinch or pull away. He just stood there, letting Nagi’s hand rest there, as if the weight of it was something he needed.

“You’ll be the best, too,” Nagi said softly. His words were simple, but they held a quiet certainty. He didn’t need to say more. Rin already knew.

Rin turned to look at him then, those bright, expressive eyes locking onto Nagi’s. For a moment, Nagi felt like he could see everything in them—the determination, the worry, the emotions that Rin never let show. 

Rin’s voice was barely audible when he spoke again. “Will you stay with me? Even after Nii-chan leaves?”

Nagi didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”

It wasn’t a question for Nagi. It had never been. Rin was his first real friend, the one who had pulled him into his world without hesitation. Being by Rin’

s side was something Nagi didn’t even need to think about. He would stay, no matter what.

“Promise?” Rin’s voice was soft, almost unsure, as if he needed to hear it again.

Nagi’s hand slid from Rin’s shoulder down to his wrist, his fingers curling gently around it, holding it firmly. He didn’t look away from Rin’s eyes. “I promise.”

Rin blinked, his eyes widening slightly as he took in Nagi’s words. For a moment, something passed between them. His eyes softened, a quiet warmth filling them as they looked at each other. It was the kind of look that Rin only ever gave to two people: Sae and Seishiro.

Nagi could feel the weight of that look, the quiet trust and affection that Rin rarely let show. And in that moment, standing on the beach, the waves crashing softly in the background, Nagi knew.

Rin held Nagi’s gaze for a moment longer, then a small smile began to tug at his lips, something mischievous flickering in his eyes. Without warning, he tugged at Nagi’s wrist, pulling him toward the edge of the water. “Come on.”

Nagi blinked, caught off guard. “Huh?”

But Rin didn’t let go, his grip firm as he led them closer to where the waves rolled gently onto the shore. Nagi followed, a bit slower, his usual lazy posture still intact as his feet sank into the wet sand. He glanced at Rin, noticing how light and energized his steps had become, how the tension that had clung to him earlier seemed to wash away with the tide.

When the water finally lapped at their ankles, cool and refreshing, Rin’s smile widened. “You’re too slow,” he teased, giving Nagi’s wrist another tug.

Nagi raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, Rin splashed him—light at first, just enough to send droplets scattering against Nagi’s legs. 

Nagi blinked, staring down at the water now clinging to his pants. “What was that for?”

Rin shrugged, his grin widening into something almost playful. “You looked like you needed it.”

For a moment, Nagi just stared at him, taking in the way Rin looked standing there, the fading light catching in his dark hair, his teal eyes gleaming with mischief. Then, with a slight huff, Nagi bent down, scooping up water in his hands and tossing it right back at Rin.

Rin yelped, jumping back but unable to stop the splash from hitting him full on. He blinked, water dripping from his hair, and gave Nagi a look that was both surprised and amused. “Oh, you’re in for it now.”

Nagi didn’t have time to react before Rin lunged forward, sending a much larger splash his way. The cold water hit Nagi’s chest, soaking through his shirt, but instead of being annoyed, he just shook his head, a small, rare smile tugging at his lips.

Before long, the two of them were fully immersed in the water, splashing back and forth, their laughter mixing with the sound of the waves. Rin was relentless, darting in and out of the water’s edge, his movements quick and unpredictable, while Nagi stayed more grounded, his attacks slow but precise, always hitting his mark.

At one point, Rin managed to splash Nagi right in the face, sending water streaming down his pale hair and over his eyes. Nagi stood there for a moment, blinking away the water as Rin laughed, his whole face lighting up with pure, unguarded joy.

Nagi wiped the water from his eyes, his gaze fixed on Rin. He was drenched now, his clothes sticking to him, his hair wet and messy, but there was something about the way he looked—standing there with the waves lapping at his ankles, the sunset casting a warm glow over him. The sea felt like Rin’s element, where he could let loose and be free, where he could just... himself.

Nagi’s breath caught for a second, a strange warmth filling his chest as he watched Rin laugh, carefree and beautiful in a way that took him off guard. Rin had always been intense, always driven by something Nagi didn’t quite understand, but here, in this moment, he looked at ease. Free.

Without thinking, Nagi stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Rin. He wished they could stay like this forever—just the two of them, the world quiet and distant, nothing else but the sea and the sky and each other.

As if sensing Nagi’s thoughts, Rin turned toward him, his laughter dying down into a soft smile. His eyes sparkled with something warm, something that made Nagi’s chest tighten in a way he was starting to get used to. 

“Had enough?” Rin teased, still catching his breath.

Nagi didn’t respond right away. He just looked at him, taking in the way Rin’s cheeks were flushed from exertion, the way his eyes were still bright with happiness. Finally, Nagi gave a small shrug, his voice soft but steady. “You look... happy.”

Rin blinked, surprised by the sudden comment, but then his smile softened, something tender in the way he looked at Nagi. “I am,” he said simply.

Nagi’s fingers twitched at his side, the feeling in his chest growing heavier, deeper. He wanted to stay in this moment—just him and Rin, standing in the water, the world quiet around them. He wanted to hold onto this feeling, the one that made everything else seem so distant, so unimportant. 

Rin turned back toward the sea, his gaze settling on the horizon, but Nagi kept watching him, unable to look away. His best friend. His world. Rin was everything in this moment, and Nagi didn’t know how to put it into words. 

All he knew was that he didn’t want this to end.

⸻

The airport was bustling with activity, the sounds of chatter and footsteps filling the air as the Itoshi family stood together near the departure gate. Sae, with his bags packed and his flight to Spain just a few hours away, stood beside Rin and Nagi. 

Rin stood close to his brother, his usual calmness betrayed only by the tightness in his jaw. He hadn’t said much since they arrived, but his bright teal eyes were filled with emotion, as they always were when it came to Sae. And Nagi lingered just behind them, watching the exchange with his usual laid-back expression. 

Sae glanced down at Rin, his eyes softening as he reached out to ruffle his little brother’s hair. “Don’t fall behind, okay?” Sae said, his voice low but filled with the weight of his words. “You’ve got this.”

Rin looked up at him, eyes bright but determined, nodding silently. There was no need for words between them. Everything that needed to be said had already been spoken in the countless hours they had spent together on the field.

Then, Sae turned to Nagi, who had been quietly observing the scene. Without a word, Sae reached out and ruffled Seishiro’s hair too—something he had never done before. Nagi blinked, surprised, but didn’t move away.

“Take care of Rin for me,” Sae said, his tone lighter, but still holding an edge of seriousness. “It’s up to you now.”

Nagi didn’t react immediately, but after a brief pause, he gave a small nod, his gaze steady. “I’ll take care of him.”

Sae smiled faintly, satisfied with the answer. 

The Itoshi family shared a few more quiet words, the atmosphere warm despite the looming goodbye. They weren’t sad, there was pride in their eyes, pride in Sae’s future and the path he was about to take. But there was also the undeniable feeling that things would never be quite the same again.

When the time came, they all walked Sae to the gate, exchanging final goodbyes. Nagi stayed by Rin’s side silent as always, but present. And they watched Sae walk away, disappearing into the crowd.

⸻

The years after Sae’s departure felt like a blur, marked by long practices and newspaper articles detailing Sae’s rise in Spain. Rin followed every development—every match, every article written about Sae’s brilliance on the field. But despite the constant presence of Sae in the media, Rin hadn’t heard from him directly in what felt like forever. No messages, no calls, just the ever-growing distance between them.

Still, Rin pushed himself harder than ever. The team they used to play on together was now his responsibility, and he was determined to carry it forward even without Sae by his side. But it was difficult. No matter how much he tried, the weight of Sae’s absence never really left him.

Nagi, of course, was still there. He didn’t come to every practice, but when he felt like it, he’d show up, watching from the sidelines or lounging lazily on the grass outside. Sometimes, rarely, he’d join in, playing against Rin in small one-on-one games. Despite his usual lack of interest in football, Nagi’s control of the ball was impeccable. His natural genius shone through every time he touched the ball, moving with a kind of effortless grace that always surprised Rin.

But even so, Nagi had never beaten Rin. Not once. And that was fine with him. Winning didn’t matter to Seishiro. He was just there because that’s where Rin was.

One late afternoon, after another long practice, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the emptying field. Rin stood at the goalpost, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he glanced over at Nagi, who was sprawled out on the grass, his eyes glued to the screen of his phone. 

“Are you done yet?” Nagi called lazily, not even bothering to look up. “I’m getting bored.”

Rin shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “You’re the one who came all the way here.”

“Mmh, and I’ve made enough of an effort for the day,” Nagi replied, finally glancing up from his phone. He sat up, stretching his arms above his head before flopping back down onto the grass with a sigh. “You should carry me home. I’m too tired.”

Rin snorted, rolling his eyes as he walked over to where Nagi was lying. “You didn’t even do anything.”

“I played against you for like twenty minutes,” Nagi whined, his voice taking on that familiar lazy tone. “That’s enough.”

Rin crossed his arms, staring down at Nagi with an unimpressed look. “No way I’m carrying you.”

Nagi groaned dramatically, throwing an arm over his eyes. “Come on. I came all the way here just to keep you company. You owe me.”

“You owe me,” Rin countered, raising an eyebrow. “You barely moved all day.”

“Effort is effort,” Nagi mumbled, refusing to move from his spot. “Besides, you can’t leave me here.”

Rin shook his head, but despite the banter, there was a warmth in his chest. Nagi had always been like this—whiny, clingy, and annoyingly persistent—but it was familiar. It was comforting, especially now, when everything else felt so distant and difficult. Nagi might not care about football, but he cared about being there for Rin, in his own way. 

Rin crouched down next to Nagi. “Come on. I’m not carrying you, but we can walk.”

Nagi peeked out from under his arm, his gray eyes gleaming with lazy amusement. “Fine,” he sighed, finally pushing himself up into a sitting position. “But next time, you’re carrying me.”

“Keep dreaming,” Rin muttered, standing and turning to walk away, but there was a small smile on his face.

Nagi followed after him, falling into step beside Rin as they left the field. The sun was almost gone now, the sky turning shades of pink and orange as the day faded into night. As they walked, their footsteps quiet on the empty street, Nagi leaned slightly into Rin, his hand brushing against Rin’s.

Rin didn’t pull away. He was used to it by now—Nagi’s constant closeness, the way he always seemed to want to be near him. 

The sky had fully darkened by the time they reached the front door. The house was quiet, the soft glow of the kitchen light spilling out into the hallway as Rin unlocked the door and pushed it open. His parents weren’t home yet. It was just the two of them.

Rin slipped off his shoes and made his way into the kitchen, his mind already going over what he could make for dinner. He wasn’t the best cook, but he could manage something simple. Nagi followed behind, quieter than usual, his hands in his pockets as he wandered over to the kitchen table and sat down.

Rin glanced at him over his shoulder as he opened the fridge. “Hungry?”

Nagi shrugged, leaning his chin into his palm, his usual posture making him look half-asleep. “Eh, I guess.”

Rin grabbed a few things from the fridge—some eggs and rice, the easiest option—and set them on the counter. He knew Nagi would eat whatever he made, as long as it didn’t take too much effort on his part. As Rin worked quietly, Nagi’s gaze followed his every movement, but his posture remained relaxed, like he didn’t have a care in the world.

By the time Rin finished cooking, the smell of warm food filled the small kitchen. He placed the bowls on the table, and as soon as he sat down next to him, Nagi shifted closer, leaning his head against Rin’s shoulder with a quiet sigh.

“I don’t feel like eating,” Nagi mumbled, his voice low and muffled against Rin’s sleeve.

Rin huffed, rolling his eyes as he reached for his own bowl. “Then why did I make this?”

Nagi didn’t answer, his arms resting limply on the table as he slumped even further into Rin’s shoulder. “Feed me,” he whined, his tone barely lifting above a murmur. “I’m too tired.”

Rin clicked his tongue, but he didn’t protest. This wasn’t the first time Nagi had pulled this, and it wouldn’t be the last. With a resigned sigh, Rin set down his own bowl and grabbed Nagi’s, holding a spoonful of rice in front of Nagi’s face. 

“Open your mouth,” Rin muttered, his voice half-annoyed, half-amused.

Nagi, with his eyes half-closed, opened his mouth obediently, taking the food without moving from his position. As Rin fed him, Nagi leaned further into his shoulder, content to let Rin do all the work.

“This is what you get for staying late and whining about being tired,” Rin said, exasperation clear in his voice, though there was no real bite to his words.

Nagi just hummed in response, his head leaning heavier on Rin. “You should pet my hair while you’re at it,” he added lazily.

Rin let out a small sigh, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable,” he muttered, but he reached up with one hand and ruffled Nagi’s hair anyway. His fingers slid through Nagi’s soft white hair as he continued feeding him with his other hand.

It was familiar, this easy, almost instinctive closeness. They had been like this for years now. Rin didn’t even think twice about it anymore. Feeding Nagi, petting his hair, sitting close like this—it was just how they were.

Once Nagi finally finished eating (thanks to Rin), they cleaned up, though Nagi didn’t help much, as usual. Rin glanced at the clock, noticing how late it was. “Come on,” he said, his voice soft as he motioned for Nagi to follow him upstairs. “Let’s go to bed.”

Rin’s room was simple, small, but cozy. It had changed a lot since Sae left. He had his own space now, with a single bed in the corner, a few posters of football players on the walls, and, of course, Sae’s trophies displayed proudly on a piece of furniture near the window. They were a constant reminder of his brother’s success, of the path Rin was trying to follow.

Seishiro wandered into the room after Rin. He had been here countless times before. The room hadn’t changed much, and neither had their routine. Without a word, Nagi collapsed onto Rin’s bed, sprawling out like he owned the place. 

Rin sighed, closing the door behind him as he watched Nagi take up more than half of the bed. “You’re such a pain,” Rin muttered, though his voice lacked any real irritation.

Nagi just yawned, turning his head to look at Rin with half-lidded eyes. “You know you like it,” he said lazily, his voice soft but teasing.

Rin shook his head, but there was a faint smile on his lips as he walked over to the bed and nudged Nagi to make room. “Move over.”

With a soft grunt, Nagi shifted slightly, allowing Rin to slip under the blanket beside him. They lay close together, the narrow bed barely large enough for both of them, but neither of them minded. Sharing a bed, bodies pressed together, the quiet sound of their breathing filling the space around them was normal. 

Nagi rested his head against Rin’s shoulder, his arm draped loosely over Rin’s chest, while Rin lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling. The warmth of the blanket and the soft, steady rhythm of Nagi’s breathing made the room feel cozy, almost dreamlike. 

The quiet intimacy of sharing a bed, of falling asleep side by side, was something they had done since they were kids.

As Nagi’s breathing began to slow, Rin turned his head slightly to glance at him. Nagi’s eyes were already closed, his face relaxed, his body curled comfortably against Rin’s side. Rin smiled faintly, his own eyelids growing heavy as he felt the day’s exhaustion catch up with him.

He glanced over at Sae’s trophies one last time before closing his eyes, the soft weight of Nagi’s arm grounding him. Things had changed since Sae left. Football had become more lonely. But nights like this, with Seishiro beside him, made everything feel a little easier. 

And in the quiet darkness of the room, with Nagi’s warmth pressed against him, Rin felt a sense of peace he rarely found anywhere else.

⸻

Rin had been noticing it for a while now—Nagi acting... different. More touchy, more clingy, if that was even possible. Nagi had always been physically close, always draping himself over Rin or leaning against him whenever they were together. But lately, it had been more intense. Nagi rarely left Rin’s side after school, and he lingered long after Rin’s football practice, watching from the sidelines or waiting nearby. 

Rin didn’t mind. He never minded Nagi’s presence. But this—this was different. It wasn’t just casual affection or laziness. It was something else. And Rin, with his sharp instinct for sensing what wasn’t being said, knew that Nagi was hiding something.

They had just finished practice, the sun dipping below the horizon. Rin had stayed late again, pushing himself harder in the absence of Sae. And now, as Rin walked off the field, Nagi was waiting for him like always, leaning against the fence with his usual detached expression.

They walked together in silence for a while, the cool evening air wrapping around them as they made their way down the familiar path toward Rin’s house. Nagi hadn’t said a word since Rin’s practice ended, and the quiet between them was starting to feel too heavy.

Rin glanced at him from the corner of his eye, noticing the way Nagi’s posture was slightly more tense than usual. His hands were tucked deep into his pockets, and his gaze was fixed on the ground, like he was lost in thought.

“Sei,” Rin finally said, his voice cutting through the silence. “What’s going on?”

Nagi didn’t answer at first. He kept walking, his steps slowing just slightly, as if he was trying to avoid the question. Rin frowned, turning to face him fully now, his teal eyes narrowing in concern.

“You’ve been acting weird lately,” Rin pressed, his voice more direct. “You’ve been hanging around more. Not that I mind, but… I know you. Something’s up. Just tell me.”

Nagi stopped walking, his shoulders stiffening as he stared at the ground. For a long moment, he didn’t say anything. Rin stood there, waiting, watching as Nagi struggled to find the words. And then, finally, Nagi spoke, his voice low and unsteady in a way Rin had never heard before.

“My parents are moving abroad,” Nagi said, the words coming out in a rush, as if he had been holding them back for too long. “They’re going to work overseas.”

Rin blinked, the information sinking in slowly. He hadn’t expected that. Nagi’s parents had always been distant, barely present in his life, but this—this was different. They were leaving. 

But before Rin could say anything, Nagi continued, his voice tightening. “They’ve already arranged everything. They found a place for me in Tokyo. They’re sending me to one of the best high schools there.”

Rin’s chest tightened at the words. Tokyo. He should have seen this coming—Nagi’s talent, his genius, had always made him stand out. Of course, his parents would want him to go somewhere prestigious, somewhere that could “match” his potential. But it still hit Rin like a punch to the gut. 

“And... you’re going?” Rin asked, his voice quiet, his stomach twisting as he forced the words out.

Nagi looked up at him then, his gray eyes filled with with something that looked like desperation. “I don’t want to go,” Nagi said, his voice raw with emotion. “I don’t care about Tokyo or some stupid school. I don’t want to leave.”

Rin stared at him, the weight of Nagi’s words sinking in. Nagi wasn’t just upset about leaving—he was terrified. And Rin understood why. Seishiro didn’t want to be alone. He didn’t want to be away from the one person who made him feel grounded, who made him feel like he belonged.

“I can stay here,” Nagi said, his voice quieter now, as if he was trying to convince himself. “I can stay by your side.”

Rin’s heart clenched at those words, his mind racing. He could see it in Nagi’s eyes—the desperate plea for things to stay the same, for them to keep this closeness, this familiar routine. 

But as much as Rin wanted that too, he knew it wasn’t possible.

Rin shook his head slowly, his voice steady but filled with quiet sorrow. “You can’t stay, Nagi. You know that.”

Nagi’s hands tightened into fists at his sides, his expression twisting into something between frustration and helplessness. “Why not?” he snapped, his voice louder now, edged with emotion. “Rin, I don’t care about all that stuff. I don’t care about school, or Tokyo, or anything. I care about you.”

The words hung in the air between them. Rin’s chest tightened even further, the weight of Nagi’s feelings pressing down on him. This wasn’t just about school. This was about them. About the bond they had shared for years, the closeness that had grown between them. Seishiro didn’t want to leave because he didn’t want to leave Rin.

But Rin knew better. He knew how the world worked. Sae had left. Now, Nagi was leaving too.

“You have to go, Sei,” Rin said quietly, his voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of emotion. “Your parents are giving you an opportunity. You can’t just throw that away.”

Nagi shook his head, his eyes burning with frustration. “I don’t care,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “I care about staying with you.”

Rin stared at him, his heart aching in a way he hadn’t expected. He understood Nagi’s fear, his desperation. He felt it too. The thought of being left behind again, first by Sae and now by Nagi, made Rin’s chest feel hollow. But he couldn’t be selfish. He couldn’t let Nagi give up his future for him.

“I’ll still be here,” Rin said softly, his eyes meeting Nagi’s. “Even if you’re in Tokyo. Even if you’re far away. I’ll still be here.”

Nagi’s shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of him as he looked down at the ground. “It won’t be the same.”.

For a long time, they stood there in silence, the cool night air wrapping around them as the reality of the situation settled in. 

“I don’t want to leave you,” Nagi whispered, his voice filled with quiet vulnerability. It was rare for Nagi to admit something like that, to let his guard down so completely. But here with Rin he didn’t have to pretend.

Rin’s heart clenched at the words, and without thinking, he stepped closer, his hand reaching out to rest on Nagi’s cheek. “I'll be okay,” Rin said softly, his voice steady. “We’ll figure it out.”

Rin was thirteen years old when he let him go.