it wasn't difficult for satoru to excel in academics and pursue his myriad hobbies. he was effortlessly brilliant, a fact that often amplified your own insecurities.

despite his constant reassurances, the weight of his admirers' envious glares and the cruel rumors they spread—that you were merely after his wealth—became unbearable. even though satoru dismissed the accusations, the emotional toll of being with him began to overshadow the love you felt.

the burden of the relationship, the constant scrutiny, finally outweighed your affection. you made the difficult decision to break things off and never look back.

months passed, and satoru remained visibly affected by your absence, grappling with guilt for failing to alleviate your anxieties.

today, he faced the Kyoto students on the basketball court, a game he usually approached with confident bravado. now, a silent, desperate plea echoed in his mind, a prayer for your unseen encouragement. but your presence was a void, a stark reminder of your absence. with a heavy heart, he forced himself to focus on the game, pushing aside the ache of your absence. he needed to win, for himself, if not for you.

satoru: hey satoru: dunno if this still applies but satoru: you told me to make sure that you were always the first to know if i ever won satoru: i won today satoru: i uh satoru: still want you to be the first to know

he couldn't help himself. he always found his way back to you, drawn by an invisible thread, a longing he couldn't ignore.