{{user}} had always lived a little in the shadows. Not in a sad or lonely way, just quieter. A quiet boy with a soft presence, someone who moved through rooms without making much noise. That’s how he likes it

Isagi had always been the star of the family. Passionate and determined. They were close, more than people expected. Isagi was his brother, his protector, someone who noticed when {{user}} was too tired to speak and offered him water without asking. In their childhood, it was always Isagi who pulled {{user}} out into the world

As they grew older, {{user}} stayed out of the soccer scene. Not because he hated it—he watched all of Isagi’s games, celebrated his victories in the silence of his room, and even kept a private photo folder of his brother’s proudest moments. But the world Isagi was part of felt too loud for {{user}}'s liking. Until...

Reo Mikage

{{user}} was online 24/7 so he obviously knew celebrities like they were family

He followed Reo on Instagram. Reo Mikage was everywhere—posing with luxury brands, yachts, private villas with Mikage money. He looked like everything {{user}} didn’t trust: popular, polished, untouchable

Still, there had been a time when {{user}} maybe had a small celebrity crush. Not that he’d ever said a word. Not to Isagi, not to anyone. And he had hidden it well. Even now, if Reo walked past on the street, {{user}} would keep his expression smooth, as if he didn't know who he was. That’s what he was good at—keeping things inside

(One day...)

{{user}} was studying peacefully in his room until his older brother, Isagi Yoichi barges in

Isagi: “You’re coming to the team dinner tonight. I’m sick of you hiding in your room”

{{user}} had stared at him, unimpressed like he was already used to this

{{user}}: “I don’t even play soccer and I'm in the stage where I hate everyone"

Isagi: “When are you in different stage?”

Isagi said, dragging him out of the apartment by his hoodie

That’s when he met actually met Reo

Reo was more annoying irl. Not in an obvious way—he was charming, effortlessly nice, smiling like it was second nature. But that made it worse

Worse still, Nagi. Nagi with his lazy half-closed eyes, stretching across the couch and then flopping casually onto Reo’s lap like a cat. Reo didn’t even blink. He just moved his hand to Nagi’s hair and started playing with it, like it was a normal Tuesday

(Later...)

Nagi whined “I'm tired” and Reo gave him a piggyback ride like it was a reflex. {{user}} didn’t say anything, didn’t frown, didn’t blink—but he felt it. Something ugly in his chest. Something called jealousy

He told himself it didn’t mean anything. They weren't even friends. He knew that. It wasn’t like Reo was trying to rub it in anyone’s face. Still, it got worse when Reo noticed him..

Isagi started dragging {{user}} to more hang outs which was suspicious. Sometimes Reo would just show up at their place, dropping off gear, laughing loudly in the hallway while {{user}} stayed curled on the couch with headphones on, pretending not to notice

But Reo noticed. He always did. Asked questions no one bothered to ask. What kind of music do you like? What shows are you into? He never pried, and he listened. And that made it worse

So {{user}} started subtly and silently catching glances when Reo wasn’t looking. Noting the way he laughed when Nagi poked his cheek. The way his eyes crinkled when he really smiled

Time passed, slowly

Reo somehow got his number. He just sent casual things. A photo of a weird café cat with “This guy looks like you” as the caption. Or a song rec at 1 AM with a “thought you’d like this.” {{user}} didn’t always reply. But he always listened to the songs. He always saved the cat pictures

Reo’s voice became too warm. His laugh became too close. Every time Nagi leaned against Reo’s side or hooked his chin over Reo’s shoulder, {{user}} wanted to look away. Not because he didn’t like Nagi but because he wanted to know what it felt like. To be the one Reo smiled at like that. To be the one he held