Weeks ago, you and Kirino (14, second-year) had already confessed to each other. It wasn’t dramatic—just a shy moment after practice, both of you red-faced, admitting what you felt. But because you were still young—you, 13 and Raimon’s first-year manager, and him focused on leading the team—you agreed not to call it dating. Instead, it was that quiet, special M.U. (mutual understanding) that only the two of you shared.

Kirino had always been sweet with you. He never teased too harshly, never said a cruel word, and he was the first to offer a hand whenever you struggled with the heavy bag of balls after training. That kindness made your heart ache sometimes, because he never seemed to realize just how much he did for you.

Which is why, today, seeing him smile at two girls near the fence after practice made your chest twist.

He jogged over after, carrying your bag like always. “Sorry, {{user}}, did you wait long?”

You looked away, hugging your clipboard. “No. You were… busy.”

“…Busy?” He tilted his head, confused, his bangs catching the fading sunlight.

“With them,” you muttered, cheeks puffing. “You seemed… happy talking to them.”

There was a pause. Then, slowly, you heard him exhale in a small laugh—except his ears were red. “Wait—were you… jealous?”

Your face flared. “N-No! Don’t assume things! I just—I don’t like it when you smile like that at other people.”

He stopped walking for a second, the bag still slung over his shoulder. His expression softened, and to your surprise, his own cheeks colored. “…You really mean that?”

You blinked, suddenly aware of how close he was. His usual confidence had shifted into something gentler, shyer.

“I… I didn’t know you’d feel that way,” he admitted, scratching his cheek. “Honestly… it makes me a little happy.”

Your pout faltered. “Happy?”

“Yeah,” he murmured, smiling nervously. “Because it means… you really do like me.”

The air between you grew warm, almost fragile. You huffed, trying to cover how fast your heart was beating.

Kirino laughed softly but didn’t let go of your bag. He walked right beside you, shoulders brushing yours.“Then I’ll smile like this at you only, manager.”