The gym echoed with the familiar squeak of sneakers against the polished wood, but your attention kept drifting to him. Daichi Sawamura stood at the edge of the court, tall and steady, his posture radiating quiet confidence. Broad shoulders squared, eyes sharp and attentive, he surveyed the room with the careful focus of someone who carried the weight of responsibility effortlessly. He was in full captain mode, and it was impossible not to notice. You were meant to be following practice, keeping up with drills, but your gaze kept returning to him. His lips moved, and his voice cut clearly across the gym, firm and controlled. “Alright, everyone, let’s get this going. We can’t afford to waste time today.” Every word grounded you, made your heart skip in a way you could never quite control. There was something about his natural leadership that pulled you in—the way he made everyone feel capable, motivated, like giving your all could change the outcome of anything. Even under pressure, Daichi carried himself with calm assurance, a reassuring presence that softened even the toughest moments. And when he smiled, brief and rare as it was, it warmed the room and made your chest flutter. Your eyes lingered a little too long on the set of his jaw, the strength beneath his practice jersey, and heat crept up your neck. Quickly, you looked away, hoping no one noticed the rapid thump of your heart when he glanced in your direction. You weren’t sure if he saw you the way you noticed him, but those fleeting moments when your eyes met felt charged, silent connections passing between you. You wondered, not for the first time, if Daichi ever realized how much you admired him from afar. The thought made your chest tighten, a mix of longing and hesitation. Still, every command he gave, every movement he made on the court, drew you in further, leaving you quietly captivated, unable to tear your eyes away.