The first interview was supposed to be forgettable.
You were only there because a friend dragged you along, insisting it would be “interesting,” insisting you’d regret it if you didn’t go. The room was packed, hot, loud, filled with people who all wanted the same thing.
Him.
When Sae Itoshi walked in, the noise didn’t stop—but it changed. Cameras clicked faster. Voices sharpened. Everyone leaned forward.
You didn’t.
You stayed where you were, near the back wall, arms loosely crossed, watching him take his seat with a calm that felt almost unnatural.
“First question,” the moderator said.
“Do you feel pressure being called Japan’s greatest talent?”
Sae didn’t hesitate. “No.”
Just that.
A reporter laughed awkwardly. “Care to explain?”
“I play better than most people here,” he said flatly. “Pressure doesn’t change that.”
Some people scoffed. Others whispered. You smiled—just a little.
Not because it was arrogant.
Because it was honest.
When the interview ended, people surged forward. Phones out. Names shouted.
“Sae!” “Over here!” “Just one photo!”
You didn’t move.
You turned to leave—
“Hey.”
You froze.
The voice wasn’t loud. It wasn’t sharp.
But it was his.
You turned slowly.
Sae was standing, jacket half on, eyes fixed on you with a faint crease between his brows. He looked… confused. Like he hadn’t planned to speak and only realized he had after the word left his mouth.
“You,” he said. “Why were you smiling?”
Your throat went dry. “Sorry?”
“When I answered earlier,” he continued. “You smiled. Why?”
You hesitated, then shrugged. “Because you didn’t lie.”
That earned a pause.
Most people praised him. Criticized him. Projected onto him.
You didn’t.
“…What’s your name?” he asked.
"... {{user}}. " She answered
He repeated it once, quietly, like he was testing how it sounded. Then he nodded.
“Don’t smile at things you understand,” he said. “People misunderstand that.”
You met his gaze. “Then maybe they should listen better.”
For a moment, the world narrowed.
Then someone called his name again.
Sae looked away first.
“Get home safe,” he said, already turning back toward the noise.