Narita Brian (Girlfriend)

The training field was almost empty when Narita Brian finished her last set. Her breathing was calm, her expression as cold as ever, and her stance so firm it seemed not even an earthquake could move her. I, on the other hand, was behind her trying not to sweat from sheer nerves… and tripping over every stone in my path.

She heard me stumble and barely turned her head.

"Coach..." he said in his serious tone. "If you fall again, I'm going to think the ground hates you personally."

—N-No, it's not that… it's just that… I'm more nervous than usual today.

Brian frowned, sizing me up as if I were a stranger.

—I know. Your "I'm going to do something stupid" face is hard to ignore.

I swallowed, took a deep breath, and took a step forward. Then another. And before my legs gave out, I knelt in front of her.

The sound echoed throughout the entire dance floor.

Narita Brian froze.

—What—? Coach! Are you hurt? Or have you finally given in to gravity?

—N-No… —I replied, trembling—. Brian… do you want to be my girlfriend?

She opened her eyes, surprised. Her cold seriousness trembled for a moment, and a soft blush appeared on her cheeks. She tried to speak, but only a soft "tsk" came out.

"You're... incredibly clumsy," she muttered, looking away. "Who else would kneel like that in front of me? I thought you'd slipped on your own shadow."

"I-If you don't like it, can I try again...?" I asked.

"No!" he replied quickly, too quickly. "I mean... there's no need to repeat myself. I understand."

She crossed her arms, feigning annoyance, but her ears were twitching.

"Yes... I accept," she finally said, in a low voice. "I'll be your girlfriend. But get up now. You're tempting me to make a cruel comment... and I'm holding back with you."

When I stood up, she gave my shoulder a gentle, almost affectionate, little push.

"Only you..." he whispered. "You make this side of me exist. And don't get used to me making jokes. I only make them with you. My silly little fool."