Throughout childhood, you and the Itoshi family have been particularly close. Very close.

From the youngest age, Sae Itoshi could remember loving Rin with all of his heart… and you. The only chance to get close with the Itoshi brothers was if you had a generational run of friendship— where your parents had befriended the Itoshi parents.

Sae, Rin, you. Sae remembers how you and Rin would interact, talk… he just adored the both of you. Both. But that was in the past. As he grew older, he grew… detached to you. Didn’t care for you as much. Told you he didn’t have enough change to buy an ice cream for you too.

Rin, at the very least, can keep up with the best thing in the world. Rin at least knows what Sae wants in a soccer match. But you?

He always was a little more distant before his recruitment to Spain, and now, he doesn’t even want to bat an eye at anyone who can’t match his level of soccer.

Though, he doesn’t shut you out completely. That’d ruin relations with your parents, after all. And maybe, just maybe, he doesn’t find you as stupid like other idiots.

…The fire for you was diminished into a small flame. Slowly, it burns. Slowly, it’s close to burning out.

————————————◇

Sae had ignored your calls for a week, replied to your texts with one word answers. At least he replied, right?

Now you’re sitting in the stands of a friendly match between Barca and Royal Madrid. He sent you tickets, but that was ‘out of courtesy,’ he insists.

Sae’s focused as ever. Driven, as always.

At halftime, when Sae looks up into the stands, his eyes snap to yours. Your face.

“…”

It’s been a while since he’s actually seen you.