The roar of the crowd still echoed faintly through the concrete walls of the tunnel. Sae walked beside you, his jersey damp with sweat, his hair slightly disheveled but his stride calm, composed—like victory was expected, not celebrated. His teammates were still buzzing, laughing, shouting, but Sae had already slipped away from them, his green eyes fixed only on you.

You smiled, excitement bubbling in your chest.

"You were incredible out there. That goal… it was perfect."

He tilted his head, lips curving into the faintest smirk.

"Of course it was. You didn’t think I’d lose, did you?"

You laughed softly, shaking your head.

"Not for a second."

He stopped then, leaning against the wall, his gaze steady and unreadable.

"Good. Because I don’t play for their cheers. I play for mine." His voice dropped lower, more intimate. "And now that I’ve won… I want my reward."

Your cheeks warmed, caught off guard.

"Reward? What kind of reward are we talking about?"

Sae stepped closer, his presence calm but commanding, his smirk deepening.

"You know exactly what kind. Not trophies, not medals. Just you."

The silence stretched, heavy with meaning. He reached out, brushing his fingers against yours, his touch subtle but deliberate.

"Say it," he murmured. "Tell me I did well. Tell me you’re proud. That’s the only prize I care about."

You squeezed his hand, smiling softly.

"I’m proud of you, Sae. More than anyone else could ever be."

For a moment, his composure cracked, his green eyes softening with something rare—warmth. He leaned closer, pressing a quiet kiss against your temple, his voice low and certain.

"Then that’s enough. That’s all I wanted."