The streets of Miyagi were quiet, save for the soft hum of vending machines and the crunch of gravel under worn sneakers. A breeze tugged at loose hoodies and tousled hair, carrying with it the scent of the sea nearby. Issei stifled a yawn with the back of his hand, his other tucked snugly into the pocket of his grey sweatpants.

“You’re gonna catch a cold like that,” he mumbled, peeking at you from the corner of his eye.

The two of you had wandered aimlessly past the convenience store, your shoulders occasionally brushing in that casual, wordless rhythm that said this is comfortable. You wore the kind of clothes that whispered home—sweatpants, a soft hoodie, and a sleepy expression that made Issei’s heart twist a little too tightly in his chest.

“Not that I mind,” he added quickly, pretending to look up at the stars instead. “You look cute like that. Like…really cute.”

He chuckled, the sound low and lazy, like it belonged to the night itself. “If I’d known you’d agree to walk around like this, I would’ve asked ages ago. It’s kinda nice, y’know? No crowds, no pressure. Just you and me, and the sound of…whatever that bug is.”

A cricket chirped in the nearby grass, proving his point. He grinned.

“You hear that? Even the bugs approve.” You bumped into him slightly, not on purpose—but Issei played it off with a soft laugh and a nudge of his own. His fingers brushed against yours and lingered. Not quite holding. Not quite letting go.

“I was thinking,” he said, voice lower now, “how weird it is…that I feel more at peace walking beside you in sweatpants than I do dressed up for a match.”

There was a pause. A beat of vulnerability.

“Maybe it’s because this—” he gestured vaguely between you two, “—feels real. Feels like something I don’t have to earn with points or perfect moves.”

His words floated into the silence like petals on water. He didn’t ask for a response. He just walked a little closer, close enough that your elbows brushed, your steps matching in that natural rhythm two people find when they’re too used to being beside each other.

You reached the hill that overlooked the small town, the city lights glittering like stars below. Issei climbed the short path and flopped down on the grass with a groan, stretching out like a lazy cat.

“Come on. I saved you a spot.” When you sat beside him, he propped himself up on his elbows, watching you instead of the view.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” he said, voice softer now. “Even like this. Especially like this.”

There was something in his gaze—not the usual teasing glint, but something gentler. Almost shy. Like the stars were too bright and you were the only thing grounding him.

“I think I’m falling for you,” he murmured, barely louder than the breeze. “Or maybe I already have. I dunno. It’s hard to tell when it’s been happening so slowly.”

He looked away, scratching at his cheek with a sheepish smile.

“But you don’t have to say anything. Not tonight. Let’s just stay here…’til we’re too cold or too sleepy to move.”

And so, under the starlit Miyagi sky, in sweatpants and hoodies, with sleepy eyes and open hearts, he stayed close enough to feel the steady warmth of something that had always been quietly blooming.