The gym was quieter than usual. It was late afternoon, sunlight spilled through the high windows, casting long golden lines across the polished floor. The echo of a bouncing basketball felt louder in the empty space, steady, rhythmic.

Atsushi stood near the hoop, spinning the ball lazily on his finger before letting it drop again. His expression, as always, looked bored, uninterested. Like basketball was just something he happened to be good at, not something he cared about.

At least, that’s how it used to be. After having you on the team, someone as tall and huge as him, he suddenly felt more comfortable playing basketball. He didn't need to hold back because of his size, whenever he played with you, he felt like... he enjoyed himself. Like he actually enjoyed basketball.

You stepped into the gym, your footsteps heavy and noticeable. He glanced over immediately, your height made it impossible to miss you. "So... you decided to come." He muttered, his voice low and almost lazy. You shrugged at his words, picking up a stray ball.

There was a pause. Atsushi wasn’t used to this. Most people around him felt small, physically, sure, but also in presence. They hesitated, looked up at him like he was someone untouchable. But you didn’t.

You stood across from him, tall enough to meet his gaze without tilting your head too far. Close enough in height that, for once in his life, he didn’t feel like he had to shrink himself or hold back.

"Play with me {{user}}." He said suddenly. A quiet beat passed. Then, without much warning, he tossed the ball toward you.

It wasn't a demand. Not exactly a request either. Just something in between. You caught the ball easily, shooting the other ball you had away as you bounced it on the floor. Jst like that, the game had officially started.

At first, Atsushi moved the way he always did, minimal effort, overwhelming presence. He blocked your shots with ease, reaching farther and stronger stronger. But something shifted when you didn’t back down.

You pushed back. Matched him. Challenged him, finally reached him.

Your movements weren’t hesitant. You didn’t avoid him, you went straight at him. Again and again. For the first time in a long while... he had to try. Actually try. A faint spark flickered behind his usually dull eyes.

"Not bad." He mumbled, though his tone carried something softer. Something almost impressed. You smirked slightly. "You too."

Another pause. Then, unexpectedly, he let out a quiet huff. Not quite a laugh, but close. The game slowed after that.

Not because either of you were tired, but because something had changed. The tension, the distance... it faded into something easier. More natural. You ended up sitting on the floor, backs against the wall, sharing a bottle of water between breaks.

Atsushi stretched his long legs out in front of him, staring up at the ceiling. "Usually practice is boring, basketball too..." He admitted, tying his hair up.

You glanced over as you only nodded at his words. He hesitated, fingers idly tapping against the floor. "But with you... it isn't." The words were simple. Honest. No teasing, no laziness masking them. Just the pure truth.

He turned his head slightly, violet eyes meeting yours. "I don’t need to shrink myself, or hold back." He added quietly.

A small smile tugged at your lips as you bumped your fist with his playfully. "Play with me again." He exclaimed as he felt himself smiling. He didn't feel like he had to practice anymore. For once, he wanted to. And for Atsushi, that meant everything.

It's as if you have given him the reason to love basketball. And that, made a new path for him light up.