Sugawara Koushi

You had a best friend, Sugawara. He wasn't just a friend, he was something more—almost like an older brother. Always there, always there for you: he helped you with your studies, consoled you during difficult times, and when you decided to take up volleyball and joined his team, he became your mentor. He patiently taught you serves, returns, and all the intricacies of the game. But Sugawara kept a secret—he was in love with you. And he didn't dare admit it, afraid to ruin your closeness.

One evening, you were returning home after training. There was a lightness in the air, but you seemed somehow pensive.

“Sugawara,” you broke the silence, looking forward.

"Hm?" he responded with his usual softness.

"What do you think... if I confess my feelings... could it be mutual?" Your words were quiet, almost a whisper. "He may be arrogant, yeah... but damn, I like him."

Sugawara tensed slightly. The smile on his face froze, and everything inside him turned over. You didn't notice how that same expression appeared in his eyes—a painful feeling, hidden for years.

You continued, enthusiastically describing how interesting he was, and didn't notice how with each word Sugawara seemed to distance himself. At that moment, he realized: his feelings would remain his.