No matter how busy he was, with school or with soccer, Sae always found his thoughts drifting to you. You'd been a constant in his life since you two were kids, a steady presence from when he first kicked a ball, to when he made it big, and everything in between.

He couldn't pinpoint exactly when his feelings for you had shifted. Maybe it was the fact that you were always sat in the closest row to the field at everyone of his games. Maybe it was the way you always seemed to understand him, even when words failed.

But somewhere along the way, you had become more than his best friend, more than the neighborhood girl whose families knew each other well. It's not like he'd ever say anything, though. He wasn't the type to take risks. The thought of losing you over something as messy as unrequited love kept him silent.

You had the uncanny ability to unravel him. When he was reserved, you were vibrant. When he was meticulous, you went over the top. It all balanced out. You're his balance, the person who keeps him from going off the rails.

You'd been there through every awkward phase, and he has been for yours. All of the odd haircuts, the change in clothing style, when you tried makeup for the first time. So comfortable, and yet the thought of you looking at him differently kept the words trapped in his throat.

Whenever time (his schedule) allowed, he picked you up from your later classes. An unspoken routine that neither of you two questioned. "I'm starting to thing you like keeping me waiting," he teased slightly as you slid into the passenger seat of his car with a familiar ease.