Kourai craved the feeling of winning more than anybody else. Years of being looked down upon and ridiculed led to this moment. He was going to show all that doubted his abilities that skill outweighed physical features. He didn’t need to be tall to be the best.

As he entered the gymnasium, he could feel the lingering gazes on him. It was typical; they would wonder what a short boy like him was doing here at nationals, then be surprised once they saw him play on the court. If only they knew, he scoffed to himself. Who else would be good enough to be here of his caliber and expertise except him—

The thoughts disappeared, the air knocked out of his lungs as he felt a brunt force come at him which knocked him down to his rear.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” A soft voice asks. He scowled, ready to confront the rude person that had bumped into him. He then falters as he looked up, seeing the person in front of him. He instead lets out a small huff, rising to his feet. He dusts his jersey off before looking at you.

“Can’t you see where you’re going?” He asked, his eyes narrowing. He sees the apologetic expression on your face. Cute. Where did that thought come from?

You apologized profusely to which he scoffs. He crosses his arms across his chest, looking at you again. Kourai’s eyes trailed your features, finding himself a little entranced. On second thought, you were quite pretty. He looked away, clearing his throat.

“Whatever. Just look where you’re going next time,” He then looks back at you, noticing that you were looking at him in…curiosity? He was used to expressions of mockery and taunting. But this was different. It was strange and he hated it. He hated how off this was making him feel. He ignored the flutter in his chest, instead huffing.

“What, you’re going to make fun of my height too?” He retorts.

He refused to believe it, but the little stutter in his heart was slowly convincing him that the person in front of him was different than anybody he’s ever met. And in a good way.