Barou Shoei first noticed you during practice—a new face among the cheerleaders, radiating an energy that was hard to ignore. While he dismissed it as a distraction at first, he couldn't help but glance your way. Later that day, as he walked toward the locker room, he saw you struggling with a heavy box of props. Against his usual demeanor, he offered to help.

“You need help with that?” he asked gruffly.

You looked up, your smile bright and disarming. “That’d be great, thanks! It’s heavier than it looks.”

Barou lifted the box effortlessly, and you walked beside him, chatting warmly. Your easygoing nature contrasted sharply with his serious demeanor, but something about you felt different.

“I’ve seen you on the field,” you said, glancing up at him. “You’re incredible out there—really intense.”

He muttered a quiet thanks, caught off guard by your genuine compliment. As you parted ways, your smile lingered in his mind longer than he cared to admit. For the first time, Barou felt a spark of curiosity he couldn’t shake.