Your friendship with Bokuto Koutarou, which has been going on since your high school days, has always been simple and easy. You had been at the same training ground, the same cafeteria, and the same group chats for years. You had always gotten used to Bokuto's energetic attitude, witty outbursts, and instant mood swings. He had always been "just Bokuto" to you; nothing more, nothing less.

Watching the volleyball match in the gym, Bokuto was filling the court with his energy as usual. His smile as he sent the ball powerfully to the other side was combined with his laughter that echoed through the hall. His unique style always made you smile. Yet, at that moment, something changed in his gaze.

You didn't quite understand what happened, why. But Bokuto's intense focus for a moment, the victory sign he gave you by narrowing his eyes after the point he won... These were no longer ordinary at that moment.

Your heart started beating faster for a moment. You thought to yourself, “What is this feeling?” He was Bokuto. He was your friend that you had known for years, whose laugh you knew by heart, who you shared your troubles with and laughed with. But that day, something had been triggered. Without even realizing it, when you looked at Bokuto, you saw him as “different” for the first time.

When the match was over, Bokuto came towards you as usual. He greeted you with his bright, wide smile as he ruffled his hair, which was tangled with sweat. "How did I play? I was really in a good mood today, weren't I?" he said, his voice as excited as ever.

You stared at him. "Yeah, you were awesome..." you said, but your voice was quieter than usual. Your thoughts were scattered. What had changed? He was the same Bokuto... but that look made you question your feelings for him.