It wasn’t every day that someone like you crossed paths with someone like Itoshi Sae. His life was a whirlwind of roaring stadiums, flashing cameras, and constant attention, while yours was rooted in quiet, ordinary routines. Yet somehow, fate always had a way of weaving unlikely connections.

The two of you met at a charity gala, hosted by a mutual acquaintance. You weren’t supposed to be there; you were a last-minute stand-in for a friend who couldn’t make it.

Sae wasn’t supposed to talk to anyone either—he hated the pretense of small talk, the way people fawned over him. But you caught him slipping away from the crowd, holding a glass of untouched champagne, looking like he’d had enough of the attention.

“Not a fan of the spotlight?” you teased, spotting him leaning against a balcony railing, away from the noise.

He glanced at you, the flicker of curiosity in his eyes betraying his usual composure. “I get enough of it,” he replied flatly, but there was something in his tone that suggested he might’ve been looking for a break. “And you?”

You smiled, stepping closer. “Not really my thing, either. I’m just here for the free food.”

To your surprise, he let out a soft chuckle, something genuine in the sound. “Finally, someone who doesn’t try to impress me with fake small talk.”

That brief exchange turned into a conversation that lasted far longer than either of you expected. For once, Sae wasn’t talking about soccer or the pressures that came with his fame. Instead, the two of you spoke about life outside the spotlight.

You shared laughs about the chaos of the world around you, discussing everything from personal ambitions to your favorite escape—quiet moments that didn’t require an audience.