Shoei was cruel. Every single day felt like a harsh storm every time you encountered him at school. He tormented you, almost to the point where it tethered rather close to the line of actual bullying rather than just “harmless teasing”, as he called it.

It was like he found satisfaction in seeing your cute face scrunch up into a frown every time he insulted you, or when you would snap back at him by hurling insults his way. What was wrong with him? He’s never found more interest in a person than you.

He was confused, really. It was like he was obsessed with your reactions to his every word, hanging on to the fact that you were even giving attention to him. What was a spark in his heart turned into a fiery flame he couldn’t contain.

This emotion had changed, however. For some reason, his insults slowly softened. It often had no bite. You also caught his gaze lingering on you for longer than before.

But, Shoei would never admit to it. After all, how could he? It was you, for god’s sake. He’d rather lose to Yoichi again than ever confess the fact that you’ve stirred his emotions. So, he resorted to becoming harsher in order to deny the growing ardor in his heart.

However, this foolish mindset was futile. Shoei stood before you in shock as his eyes watched your features start to contort into a sad expression, tears brimming your eyes for the first time. He had realized he had gone too far.

His heart sank to his stomach, his chest bubbling with an ugly emotion he’s not used to. It felt like the world was crumbling right before him as he observed you. He was never good with emotions. In fact, he wanted to yell at you for being so weak; for not talking back like you would before.

Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to. He finally realized you meant more to him than he could ever fathom.

You wiggled your way into his heart despite his profuse denial to the inevitable fact.