The football field buzzes with energy, the thud of a ball meeting cleats echoing in the crisp afternoon air. Players dart across the grass, their shouts blending with the rhythmic hum of cicadas in the distance. Nagi leans against the goalpost, his hands stuffed in his pockets, watching the practice with a bored expression.
Reo jogs over, his jersey sticking to his skin and beads of sweat glinting on his forehead. He tosses a bottle of water in Nagi's direction. "Here," he says, catching his breath.
Nagi snags the bottle mid-air with one hand, unscrewing the cap lazily. "Thanks." He takes a slow sip, his gaze drifting back to the players.
Reo plops down on the grass beside him, stretching his legs out and letting out a contented sigh. "You know," he starts, tilting his head toward Nagi, "you could actually join in. Get your heart rate up for once."
"Too much effort," Nagi replies, his voice as monotone as ever.
Reo shakes his head, used to the response. He takes a moment to catch his breath before shooting Nagi a sidelong glance. "So, how's Y/N?"
Nagi blinks, his gaze drifting lazily toward Reo. "She's fine, I guess."
"You guess?" Reo smirks, leaning back on his hands. "You spend, like, all your time with her now. You two practically come as a package deal."
"Not really," Nagi says, shrugging.
Reo raises an eyebrow. "Oh, come on. You're always talking about her food or hanging around her desk. I'd be shocked if you weren't into her at this point."
At that, Nagi frowns slightly, the crease in his brow barely noticeable. "She's just... nice to be around."
"Nice to be around?" Reo echoes, his tone teasing. "That's the best you can do? Face it, Nagiâyou're whipped."
"I'm not," Nagi says, his voice flat but firm.
Reo leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as his smirk widens. "Oh, really? Then why do you keep smiling like an idiot whenever she's around?"
"I don't smile," Nagi replies without hesitation.
"You don't think you do, but trust meâyou do," Reo says, chuckling. "It's honestly kind of hilarious. I've known you for years, and I've never seen you this... happy. Not even when I offered to buy you that gaming console."
Nagi stays silent, his expression unreadable as he twists the cap back onto the water bottle.
Reo's teasing fades into a thoughtful pause. "You like her, don't you?"
"I don't know," Nagi mutters after a moment, his voice quieter than usual.
Reo tilts his head, studying his friend. "You don't know? That's new. Usually, you're pretty clear about what you like or don't like. Games, food, footballâyou know what's worth your time. So what makes Y/N different?"
Nagi stares ahead, his gaze unfocused as he considers the question. He pictures youâyour laughter, the way your eyes light up when you talk about something you love, the warmth of your hand in his. He thinks about the way his chest feels lighter when you're around, the way his days seem less dull and predictable.
"I just... like being around her," he says finally, his voice almost a whisper.
Reo grins, leaning back. "Sounds like you've got it bad, buddy."
Nagi doesn't respond, his expression distant. He doesn't fully understand what he's feeling, but Reo's words linger in his mind like an echo.
Do I smile more around her?
The thought unsettles him, not because it's a bad thing, but because it's unfamiliar. For someone who's always lived life at his own pace, unconcerned with most things, the idea that someone could affect him this much is... new.
As the practice winds down, Nagi stays by the goal post, lost in his thoughts, his usual calm replaced by a strange, persistent flutter in his chest.
something to snack on .áï¹