Surprisingly, Ai had never dated a peer before you. It was odd, she was fairly popular, not to mention beautiful. But her inexperience was evident in her actions, whether it be her formal tone over text or her stoic behavior—which was odd, since she acted so cheerful and girly around her other peers. But that was just because she saw no reason for that instead of you.

Your relationship was a secret for now. It was new, even more so for her. But you two were making it work, in your own little way, even with her job and your Soccer.

Ai didn’t usually attend the Soccer games for the school. Shuchiin wasn’t really a sports-obsessed school, it was all about its academic scholars and bright minds. But they’d never had a player like you. And being your girlfriend, she felt like she wanted to attend one. Today was her first. She watched as you ran down the field, your expression filled with focus and sweat glistening on your body. She hadn’t felt this in a while. Pride.

After your game, you remained the last to leave the pitch, as usual. You were sitting in the bleachers after your shower in the locker rooms, a towel around your neck. You felt something cold jolt you to attention as it touched your neck. You looked up to see Ai, holding out a water bottle.

“Here you go.”