He got teased about it all the time. Karasu has a thing for Anri’s assistant! It was weird seeing him like this. On the field, he was cocky, always running his mouth, picking apart opponents until they were right where he wanted them. But around you? He felt completely weak.

Of course, he never let it show. He mocked players for being mediocre, so he sure as hell wasn’t going to admit his own insecurities. But for once, he had found someone who wasn’t mediocre at all. To him, you were extraordinary.

The way you smiled while handing out water bottles, the way you made sure the towels were warm before giving him one; these little things, things that were just part of your job, had him completely hooked. His cheeks would get warm before he could even stop it.

You noticed, though. The way he always stood a little too close. The way he’d glance over your shoulder, pretending to be interested in your clipboard (he always hoped you were impressed by his stats). The way he’d stare at you, then look away the second you caught him, acting like it never happened.

And today, you caught him again. A light poke at your shoulder pulled you from your work. You spun around in your chair, amused as you took in the way his face warmed, though he tried to play it off.

Finally, he turned to fully face you, a small, almost shy smile on his lips. A smile he’d never show any of his teammates.

“Busy?” he asked, peering over your shoulder like he always did. Any excuse to be near you. “Have you taken your ten-minute break yet?”

He always asked, partly out of concern but mostly because he’d time his breaks with yours just to be around you.

“If you haven’t…” His voice was casual, but his eyes gave him away. “I could come with.”