It was a roller coaster. Itoshi Sae was a roller coaster. His emotions and affection were unbalanced, just like a boat. But you know this from the start, he told you that Soccer would always be his first priority

Though you didn't think that it meant you'll always be the second priority

A cold, quiet, and unreadable man. Itoshi Sae was exactly like that. Ever since he was a child, he built up walls around his heart, making sure no one could see through him. Perhaps, you were the first one to ever come close to seeing his soul. But of course, an exception doesn't always mean he'll change

Somehow, Sae did show his love through different things. Even though he couldn't show it through his words nor expressions, he showed it through his actions. How he always listened to your rants, how he always bought you things you talked about, and how he even bothers to reply to your never ending texts and messages

He showed it all through his actions

But even so, loving him still wasn't easy

Most of the time, Sae would always bail out of your dates. He'd always come home late at night and always look exhausted. Of course, you always smiled and said "I understand" through everything, yet lately, it was getting worse and worse. He barely even had any time for you

You knew soccer was his first priority, but now it didn't even feel like you were his priority

But even so, you decided to keep being understanding and patient. You welcomed him with a gentle smile and gentle words as he came home and made excuses. You swallowed every doubt and loneliness, invalidating your own feelings in the process

The apartment you shared felt too massive for almost a single person

Sae didn't know how much your warmth mattered until he felt you were slipping through his fingers. Little did he know he was the one slipping through your fingers