#kunimitsu x reader

[darkdevasofdestruction]

When They Save You ~ Tekken

Characters: Kazuya Mishima, Sergei Dragunov, Kunimitsu, Ling Xiaoyu

I never expected to fall in love with Tekken as much as I did, but here we are. This is my New Year’s gift for you, and especially for my dear friend @atomicpunch99​ whose idea I’m using. Enjoy getting saved by your lovely lady friends, little one~

----

SERGEI DRAGUNOV

You were a scientist working for your country’s Government, and in a joint project with Russia, you and some of your colleagues were sent to do medical engineering research there and analyse the probes at their laboratories, as they were far more developed than the ones you were used to.

As you were the only one both brave and intelligent, therefore you were tasked with being the leader of your people, under the Russian patronage. When they deemed the results of your research to be satisfactory, the General under whom you were working had to send one Russian researcher along with one from your country to infiltrate in an enemy lab and steal their own work, a certain device, but also wipe everything, it was clear that all your co-workers were too afraid to go forward, fearing for their lives - After all, this wasn’t what they signed up to! Locking themselves in a safe laboratory was what they did for a living.

Sighing, you went ahead and nominated yourself, and together with the Russian researcher you were to follow the plan made by the spies. Thankfully, you were going to have a guard - His name is Sergei Dragunov, the best in his field. His pale face, that scar on his lip, those gargoyle-like eyes, all in contrast with that dark, dark hair made him look intimidating and scary. His height and uniform, but also his imposing presence and his lack of words made even his brethren shudder in fear. He was sworn to protect them with their life, so there was nothing to be afraid.

Your journey through the forest was filled with silence and more silence, as you tried to initiate a conversation with him. You asked him about his culture, about songs, about weapons even - He merely stared back at you, his eyes peering so deep into your soul, that for once, you felt that you were the specimen being watched at the microscope.

It wasn’t until you got attached by a bunch of mercenaries that you first heard a grunt from your protector. He was beating down so easily tens and tens of enemies, while you and your partner hid. You admired his fighting style - It was strong, but also leisure and elegant, using perfect technique backed up by a monstrous strength. But gazing so fondly at the man protecting you was enough to drop your guard down without even realising. 

One enemy, however - The last one standing - In his desperation, caught you and dragged you up by the hair, his forearm over your neck to choke you, the cold steel of the rifle against your temple. “I’ll kill her! I swear I’ll fucking kill her! You monster, Dragunov! White Angel of Death!” Sergei merely stared down the pathetic enemy holding a hostage, and he growled like a wild animal baring his teeth - Even now, however, he did not speak. “It’s either you or her, Dragunov! I know those rich fat fucks care about her brains only - The only researcher in her field that can do something of this magnitude. To think they would be dumb enough to leave her unprotected.” his grip laxed against your throat, allowing you to breath properly. “Huh. And she’s such a pretty thing too. Maybe I can throw her to the ground and have my way with her? Would that bother you? Nah, doubt it. You’re a monster, you only care about getting your mission done, and --” before he could speak again, so lost in his own hatred for Sergei, he didn’t notice you had pushed his forearm just far enough for you to slip away and side step him, grabbing his hand and pulling the trigger towards his own head. Your face was painted scarlet. 

“You speak too much.” you muttered, stepping away from him. “Systema.” Sergei spoke for the first time since you’ve known him. You couldn’t help but smile at him, happy that your small, yet very effective technique pulled a win. “Yes. I learnt Systema after getting threatened like that the first time. I was 14, just barely employed by the Gov.” you loved watching technical fights, and did your best to learn the best way to defend yourself. Systema was the best MMA fighting style for self-defense. It was Russian. “It’s not as remarkable when I do it. You, using Sambo, however, looks far more fascinating - And intimidating. I’d be afraid to be your enemy.” you chuckled lightly, yet he only hummed in acknowledgement. Sergei took a handkerchief from his coat pocket, and cupping your face gently, he wiped the blood from your face. “You did well.” his praise, he had no idea made your hear beat a thousand miles per second, yet the sweet and tender smile that you gave him, gazing back into those cold eyes like the Siberian ice, made him melt with your warmth.

That night, you had to camp outside, in a small tent. Sergei made a campfire and ate a sandwich while he used snow water, boiled, to make himself some fruit tea. It was late into the night, and you didn’t want to let him stay all alone, in the freezing cold - Though he says he’s used to it. You sit on a log next to the fire as he passes his cup for you to drink.

It is here that you learn of his fascination with trains, old and new, how each model works, what they are good for, their speed, their endurance, even the weapons they can have attached to them. It was rather interesting, hearing him speak about a subject you barely had idea idea of, but the more you chatted, the later it got... And his baritone voice was so velvety and soothing, that in combination with the hot tea and the mild cold from outside, you felt drowsy, so you leaned your head on his broad shoulder. It was unexpectedly comfortably.

Sergei said nothing, except putting his arm around your body, pulling you against his chest. Before you fell asleep, you found yourself with a cheeky smirk, hearing the man hum so beautifully some kind of melody unknown to you. “One of these days, I’ll kiss that scar on your lips.” you felt an amused exhale from him, as his grip tightened. Once he was sure you were sleeping, he leaned down to plant a kiss on top of your head. “Zayka moya. (My bunny)” he muttered against your soft hair.

--- KAZUYA MISHIMA

Kazuya fondly recalls the few, yet beautiful memories of his short childhood while meditating under the freezing water from the cascade. His mother’s warm embraces, her encouraging words... His grandfather’s sage advice as he taught his new fighting techniques that he could use against his dreadful father, his patience also, as he never got upset if he screwed up...

And then there was that sweet smile of yours that was able to get him through any hardship.

Your family and his were very close business partners - So close, in fact, that unbeknownst to either of you, your parents had you betrothed to one another . It was very satisfying, watching the two of you interact so well, it was going to be a successful arranged marriage that will produce capable heirs, and -

And Heihachi threw his son off a cliff.

Kazuya often wondered how you were doing. Hopefully, at least you were alive, and untouched by his own demon of a father. He killed Jinpachi, and he killed Kazumi. Like hell he’d let him kill you as well, if you’re still alive.

He once promised you that he will become the strongest fighter there is - And he is going to prove himself, by destroying his own father. 21 years he trained his body, mind and soul, just for this battle alone. To kill Heihachi Mishima. He was going to make you proud, he swore, clutching tightly the necklace that you have gifted him, long ago. 

Finally, after so many years, Kazuya was ready to destroy his arch enemy - Entering the Tekken tournament that was being held by his own father, and he joined in, easily making it all the way to the top. Now, the final was going to take place, and he was fighting Heihachi - The perfect vengeance plan was going to unfold.

As he walked towards the fighting ground, but instead of his father, he saw a beautiful woman, looking distraught. She looked small, and frail, and completely out of place - Yet at soon as he he linked eyes with her, they both froze in place. “Kazuya...?” he heard you whisper out his name. He couldn’t believe it. The woman, grown, so ethereal before his very eyes -- It was the cute little girl that would hug him and kiss him all the time, that he would play tag and chase around the garden... And she would always praise him when he’d show off, training at the dojo. “You’re alive...! You’re alive, I can’t believe it!” “What are you doing here?” he asked, only to see his father’s silhouette prancing behind you, his large hand over your shoulder, gripping tight enough to make you whimper.

It turns out, Heihachi had his men kidnap you and keep you guarded, used as bait for Kazuya, just to make sure he was truly dead. Surely, if he wasn’t, he’d fight tooth and nail against him, just to save his beloved from the grasp of the monster, otherwise, he would kill you also, and he would have to watch the life leave your very eyes.

Even more enraged than before, Kazuya destroyed the traitor that his father was, and in the most symbolistic act of revenge, he threw him off the very same cliff from which he, himself, had been thrown. He then made his way back to your side, and though almost afraid at first, he pulled you into a tight embrace, astounded at feeling your heart beating against his chest so rapidly. “Why did you never tell me you were alive? I missed you so much...” you muttered, resting your forehead against his torso. “I was afraid you might become a target, meant to get to me. I did not want people to know I was still alive. Now that I have finally gotten my revenge, I can take over the company and live a normal life... If you’ll still have me.” he cupped your face, and glued his forehead to your own - For the first time since that day, 21 years ago, he achieved true peace. “There’s nothing else that I would love more than to spend every day of my life by your side.” Kazuya was happy. Truly happy.

--- KUNIMITSU

Kunimitsu tried, yet failed once again, to steal Yoshimitsu’s legendary sword. She had failed her mother’s wishes once more, and she was more evil than ever. In her blind, rageful plight, she didn’t realise she rammed hard into a person, stumbling together to the ground. She groaned, cursing herself for not paying attention, and getting up, she looked to see what victim she made - It was a man, struggling to get up.

She said nothing - Instead, she wanted to turn about and leave, but the gasp of pain as the man couldn’t get up, made her feel guilty. Men must live with the consequences of their actions - She remembers her Master’s teachings, and she put the man on her back and said no word - Yet they reached no settlement, and her own home was pretty far away, so they had to camp. “Stay.” she grumbled at him, putting the man carefully on a log as she bandaged his leg and went to get some food and water.

In the meantime, you could only sit quietly and patiently until the ninja lady returned to take care of you. Though you tried to have a proper conversation with her, to explain that she needn’t take care of you and all that - She did not answer at all. Instead, she got up. “Go sleep. I’ll keep watch.” it wasn’t easy, sleeping on the grass by the campfire, but it was the only thing you could do until she could finally get you home. But the dream world came unexpectedly faster, aided by the sweet sound of a flute melody playing ever so soothingly, accompanied only by the silent breeze and the choir of toads and crickets.

The next day, the ninja went to get some food so you wouldn’t leave the place on an empty stomach, but did not expect to get you attacked by petty thieves trying to rob you. “Leave him alone.” she sneered, at at the speed of light, everyone was dead, in pieces, on the ground. You couldn’t but gasp - If you had blinked, you’d have missed all the gracious moves that she had performed at the such speed - She was, by far, the most beautiful miracle that you ever experienced. “Th-Thank you...” you manage to stammer out, gulping at the intimidating ninja lady who just saved you from the threatening robbers. “Don’t thank me for taking a life.” putting out the fire, she put you on her back again, yet this time, she managed to get you back home. 

You asked if she wanted to stay the night and rest, have a proper warm meal and a comfortable bed to stay at - But she refused. She had to return to her ill mother, after all.

Watching the kunoichi disappear before your very eyes, you sighed pitifully - You know you would miss interacting with this lady, although she didn’t exactly reciprocate - But she wasn’t hostile either, so it must account for something!

Though you fell asleep to the thought of the strong ninja lady protecting you, the moment you woke up, you found on the pillow next to you, something odd. It was an origami fox, and on it, there was a name written.

Kunimitsu

--- LING XIAOYU

The two of you became immediate best friends in highschool, being in the same class - She was so beautiful, and always cheerful and positive, not to mention supportive with every of your hobbies! You had no idea she was a fighter, though the toned muscles of her slender, feminine arms should have made it obvious that she enjoyed working out, more or less.

Or perhaps you should have picked up on this thing when she’d confidently stand up for you when you’d get bullied. The way she’d beat up those jerks was outstanding, and you couldn’t but stare starstruck at her.

She’d even take you on rides on Panda whenever you’d fell down by something happening in your life  - She’d say she loves hanging out with you, because you’re nice to her all the time, and you genuinely want to see her being happy. “You’re just so pretty when you smile!” she’d say, making you feel all flustered up.

It was you, the first person who ever knew and supported her in her dream of becoming a proper fighter - But because she was a woman, her family didn’t support her. But you did. You always did, and will continue to do so. 

And you were the person that she brought along when she was finally able to join a Tekken tournament - You were worried for her, but at the same time, you were happy that she could finally accomplish her desires.

Every time she’d get hit, you cringe, feeling her pain - And every time she’d win, you’d cheer the loudest on her - And when she was finished with the fight, she’d jump-hug you and kiss your cheek.

But being such a renowned Tekken fighter meant that she often had enemies... Enemies who ended up ganging up on you and threatening you, unless you call her to get over. You refused at first, but after getting a pistol at your temple, you called Xiaoyu, telling her to meet up, but also that she’s in danger if she does.

She wasn’t afraid though. Xiaoyu is fearless - And more than anything, Xiaoyu is mad. How dare anyone harm the person she loves so much? They were going to pay for it! Dropping down from a building, she kicked and jabbed away at all the weapon-wielding villains, knocking them all down, before whistling for Panda to come over and carry the two of you away.

“Are you okay?!” she looked so upset as she hugged you tightly to her chest. “I’m so sorry I put you in danger like that! I... I didn’t think anyone would go so far! It’s not like I have any vendetta against people... Ohh, maybe we should stop being friends, I don’t want to put you in danger like that ever again!” she was so gloomy, genuinely shuddering at the idea of you being threatened like that again - So very worried, that you couldn’t help but kiss her to stop worrying so much. “It’s okay, Xiaoyu, it’s really okay. I-I knew you’d protect me. You always do... So I wasn’t afraid!” you reassured her, though your cheeks were flushed red with embarrassment, and you couldn’t even meet her eyes. Xiaoyu giggled sweetly, throwing her arms around your neck and peppering your face with kisses. “That was sooo adorable~!”

[saylor-twift]

this is a bit random but one thing I love about the genshin community is how when wanderer came out, everybody collectively banded together to come up with beautiful names to give him. And they didn’t just choose the first thing they saw on google either, no, these people put thought and research into these names. It’s so ironic that this guy who’s so convinced that people only ‘like’ him for his utility, or see him as some sort of weapon for their own benefit, actually has thousands of people who love and adore him universes away.

some honorable mentions of names I’ve seen:

-Icarus (son of Daedalus in greek mythology who created the labyrinth to hold the minotaur. I don’t actually remember why they gave him this name, or the real meaning behind it, but I still like it)

-Kunimitsu (light of the world, contrast to his previous name kunikuzushi, roughly meaning conquerer or destroyer of nations)

-Shinji (Evangelion reference, I believe? If you haven’t seen the show, I won’t spoil, but there are so many connections and similarities between Shinji and Wanderer. Abandonded by creator/parent who they seek(ed) validation from but will likely never get it, taken in by someone named Katsuragi, etc.)

-Zuko (my own personal addition) another character (Avatar: The last airbender if you don’t know) that shares so many similarities with him. Very conflicted individuals who were shown from the beginning that things were going to be extra unfair and hard for them. Both have parental/creator figures that for a while they sought to please until they discovered their own paths and what they actually wanted, as well as siblings they despise and envy because they hold the position they so desperately wanted. (that is, if you consider the shogun puppet a sort of sister to wanderer/scaramouche)

-Fujin (Japanese mythological god of wind who appears next to Raijin, the god of thunder)

that’s all i got off of the top of my head, but i’d love to hear what names everyone else gave to/came up with for wanderer if you have any!

[reads-for-the-void]

𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚝

Genre: Fluff

Pairing: Reader x Fuji syuuuske

In honor of the new Prince of Tennis Anime, I've decided to share here the old one-shot I've made of Fuji. Hope you guys like it ♡ ﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

Being Kunimitsu Tezuka's little sister has its pros and cons; the pros are being able to have private and hands-on training from none other than your own older brother. The cons that come with it, having to deal with the Segaku Tennis Club and its plethora of unique individuals.

Despite being part of the Female Tennis Club, [Name] Tezuka was mostly seen hanging around with the male regulars. Her closeness to them was due to her older brother being the captain, and the fact one of their regulars is in the same grade as her, which is none other than Ryoma Echizen.

Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows as she saw the male prodigy none other than a rival. That story is for a different time, though.

At the moment, the younger Tezuka was busy the night before the 14th of February, making special sweets for her older brother, male rival, seniors, and of course, for one certain person.

"Right, tomorrow's the day I'm going to confess to Fuji-Senpai!" She promised as she continued making the sweets.

As morning came, [Name] awaited for her brother in the kitchen. Though the older Tezuka would mostly be the first person to wake up early between them, today was a different and special day. She had been cooking up a grandiose breakfast and a bento box for him. While doing so, in her mind, she had been trying her best to muster up the courage to finally do one thing she's been planning to do for so long.

"Good morning Nii-chan" She greeted sweetly as her brother entered the dining table.

The older Tezuka was slightly surprised at his sister's sudden demeanor. "You're cheerful today, something happened?"

[Name] pouted at her brother's response, "Geez, don't put me in the same grumpy boat as you. One of us should be the ball of sunshine in the family, after all."

Tezuka sipped the tea his sister had prepared earning a deadpan stare from his sister. [Name] then sighed, this was her brother she was dealing with- the stingiest man on earth. She always wondered how the heck her older brother could be so popular with the girls when in fact he'd probably bore them to death.

"Uhm Nii-chan" [Name] nervously stammered as she fiddled with the special chocolate she prepared for him. Her brother turned to her, one brow rose in curiosity. She then handed the chocolate to him along with him.

"H-Here..." She shyly mumbled.

Tezuka's brows rose seeing the gifts. He turned to his sister whose cheeks were tinted with red. In a low voice, she squeaked, "It's valentines day today, and so-I um baked these last night and made you a bento box."

"Ah, so that's why you slept late" Tezuka spoke.

"So you knew..." [Name] sheepishly scratched the back of her head. "Sorry if I made a bit of a ruckus."

"You don't have to apologize. It didn't bother me at all" He responded as he took a bite out of the chocolate. His eyes suddenly widened, "It's delicious... Thank you, [Name]."

[Name] was taken aback at how he just casually ate it. She was so nervous that it might taste horrible- so when her older brother instantly took a bite out of it, she almost had a heart attack then and there. To hear he loved it brought relief to her.

She exhaled deeply as she leaned back on their kitchen counter, "Really? Thank goodness... I was so scared I might have put in too much sugar."

"So you were treating me as your test subject then?"

"What O-of course not Nii-chan! Why would I do that to you? I'm not like Inui-senpai!" [Name] yelped. "Anyways, I've made a whole bunch of chocolates for the rest of the Segaku team. Can you give it to them for me?"

"I think it might be better if you were to hand over it to them" Tezuka replied.

"Eh?!" [Name] gawked. "But- but isn't that a bit embarrassing?"

Though being close to the regulars, [Name] wasn't really that openly affectionate and sweet around them. She can come off as cold to others, because of her strong admiration for her older brother; But she's been trying her best to break down her icy barrier and open up to others. The only people who she's confident in opening up to are mostly her older brothers, Sakuno, Ryoma, and to some extent Fuji-senpai as well.

Still, she was trying her very best to be much more friendly towards the other regulars as well. However it doesn't change the fact she's been considered a Tsundere.  One of her senpais, Kikumaru-senpai to be specific, even gave her the nickname Chibi Tsun-Tsun.

"It's common courtesy that you should be the one to give to them" Tezuka spoke.

"B-But-" Her brother had a point though. [Name] let out a heavy sigh. There was no going back to the promise she made last night. It was time to pluck up some courage.

"Alright..."

Though she was fine with giving the treats to the other senpai's and Ryoma. Her problem was how she was going to accomplish her plan of giving it to Fuji. She may act cold at times. It doesn't change the fact she's very bad at hiding her feelings, especially her huge crush on him from time to time.

She would often be a blushing mess around him and tongue-tied whenever he'd talk to her. Sometimes, the other senpais would even tease her at how nervous she gets around Fuji-senpai.

"Let's go now [Name]. We'll be late for school" Tezuka spoke as he sat up, finishing his breakfast. "You should finish up as well."

"Right."

The brother and sister duo then walked together to school. It was one of their routines ever since [Name] finally entered Seishun Gakuen. In her bag were the numerous chocolates she had made which were wrapped nicely. While walking, she wondered if Sakuno had made chocolates as well- it was no surprise if she were to give some to Ryoma since her feelings for him were very obvious.

"I wonder how that Baka-chibi's gonna react?" [Name] lightly chuckled at the thought.

"Is something the matter, [Name]?" Tezuka turned to her.

"Oh, nothing" She chirped. "Say Nii-chan, since it's Valentine's day. I'm not surprised if you get a ton of chocolates and love letters."

"If you want some of the chocolates, you can have them" Tezuka bluntly replied.

"What?" She squawked. "That's so mean! Shouldn't you appreciate the effort put into those chocolates?"

"Your chocolates are enough for me [Name]."

She was taken aback at her brother's words. How could he say something so embarrassing with a stern face? The struggles with dealing with a straight-laced older brother who attempts to be sweet and soft at times. It would sometimes cringe her.

"I think you should prepare to give the other one right now" He informed.

[Name]'s brows furrowed at what her brother meant until she heard a familiar voice speak. "Tezuka, [Name]-chan, good morning."

Instantly her body froze in place upon seeing the approaching figure. It was none other than Fuji. Her face blanched. Sure Fuji tends to join them in walking to school, but this was a different situation. It was Valentine's Day and he might be expecting some chocolates- though she had made some for him, she was planning on giving it to him along with confessing.

Yet now wasn't the right time to do so!

"Good morning Fuji" The older Tezuka greeted while [Name] was having an internal panic attack.

"What a nice weather we have today," Fuji said. "Did you know that today's Valentine's day?"

Tezuka gave a quick glance at his sister; though she didn't talk much about it, he was well aware of his sister's feelings for his colleague but didn't want to intervene with it. He then responded, "You don't say, Fuji?"

"It's no surprise if many of our club members receive chocolates today" Fuji mused. He then turned to [Name], "I'm sure [Name]-chan here's baked some for someone special as well."

"In fact she has," Tezuka said placing a hand on her shoulders.

[Name] turned to his brother with widened eyes. 'What the heck is Nii-chan doing?!' She internally screamed. Out of all the times he had decided to offer his help as a wingman, -not like she even asked for his help- it had to be now!

"I see," Fuji said with a small smile. "How lucky are you Tezuka to have a sweet sister making chocolates for you."

"Actually, she's been up all n-"

"Well look at the time?!" [Name] spoke up, cutting her brother off. If this was his way of trying to help, then his services aren't needed. "I forgot I still have to go meet Sakuno and Tomoka before class starts! I'll just go on ahead, alright? See you around Nii-chan, Fuji-senpai!"

She then dashed ahead leaving the two seniors behind. Fuji couldn't help but chuckle at [Name]'s antics, "Always energetic... She's really quite the ball of sunshine don't you agree, Tezuka?"

Tezuka let out a heavy sigh. "You don't say..."

Arriving at the school gate, [Name] panted heavily. "Stupid Nii-chan! You're so stupid!" She mumbled as she leaned on the gate, trying to recover the strength she lost after dashing a great distance. "I'm going to confess alright. Just not at that moment."

"Confess to Fuji?" [Name] quickly jumped back. Her heart almost stopped upon hearing that name. As she spun around, she saw the smirking look of none other than Kikumaru who had a mischievous aura radiating from him. "Good morning Chibi Tsun-Tsun."

"Oh it's just you Kikkumaru-senpai" [Name] sighed in relief. "Good morning."

"[Name], Eiji, good morning" Oishi greeted upon arriving. "Is Tezuka absent for the day?"

"Good morning, Oishi-senpai. I actually went ahead of Nii-chan" She responded, fiddling with the hem of her skirt at the reason why she ran off earlier.

"Huh? That's strange don't you usually walk with Tezuka?" Kikkamura pondered as he poked his chin. "I thought you always love to walk with him since Fuji always joins you together."

"It has nothing to do with Fuji-senpai ok?!" [Name] squeaked earning a chuckle from Kikkumaru.

"Come on Eiji, you should stop teasing her you know," Oishi told him. "Let's head inside already or else we'll be late."

"Righty hoo~" Kikumaru purred. He then lightly ruffled [Name]'s hair before going. "See you around Chibu Tsun-Tsun."

"Oh wait before you guys go!" [Name] called out to them. The two seniors stopped in their tracks as they watched her pull out two wrapped treats from her school bag. "Kikumaru-senpai, Oishi-senpai."

"Hm? What is [Name]?" Oishi turned to her.

"Oohhh~ What are you holding [Name]? Nyaa~" Kikkumaru purred eyes gazing at the gift in her hands.

She then bashfully hands the homemade chocolates to them. In a shy voice, she greeted, "H-Happy Valentine's day. I made them for you guys."

Kikumaru couldn't help but smile. "[Name] making chocolates for me!? Nyaa, this must be a dream" he purred as he threw his hands around her and nuzzled his cheeks on top of her head. "Thank you so much [Name]-chan!"

"Thank you, [Name]" Oishi beamed.

"You're welcome" She replied, letting Kikkumaru's affectionate hug slide. She was already used to him engulfing her in hugs, so it was no big deal. "I hope you guys like it. I made sure to make enough for everyone"

"That's sweet of you [Name]" Oishi said. "Eiji, you're squeezing her."

"I-I'm used to it Oishi-senpai" I squeaked.

"Nyaa, [Name] you must've baked one for Fuji as well, haven't you? I can smell it being much more sweet than ours." The [hair color]-haired girl blushed at Kikumaru's statement. Seeing this, the red-headed senior laughed.  "You have, haven't you? When are you going to give it to him? Are you planning in confessing?"

[Name]'s face was now as red as a tomato. It started to rival Kikkumaru's hair. "Eiji, stop teasing her" Oishi sighed, feeling bad for the girl. "You should get going now [Name] or else he won't stop messing with you."

"R-right" [Name] lowered her head, in hopes her hair would hide her blushing face. "I-I'll be going now!"

She then ran ahead into the school. Upon arriving at the cubicle where her shoes were, her attention was then caught by the sound of students huddling at a certain male. "Wow! No surprise Ryoma's got lots of gifts!"

In the middle of the crowding group was none other than her schoolmate, tennis club member, and rival, Ryoma Echizen. [Name] watched as he looked at the number of chocolates and letters pouring out from his shoebox. It was to be expected since Echizen was quite popular in the female group.

"Guess Echizen's got a haul," A tall male with dark spiky hair said. He turned to another male who stood beside him- he had a green bandana wrapped around his head and had a nasty scowl. "You think he's gonna share some for us, Kaidou?"

It was none other than Momo and Kaidou. One of the regulars who are one year higher than [Name] and Echizen.

"You're just jealous that you might not get any today" Kaidou spoke in a gruff tone.

"Hey! I'm quite popular too you know. In fact, I'm sure I'm much more popular than you" Momo huffed earning a nasty glare from Kaidou.

[Name] let out a sigh as her two seniors exchange deadly looks. Before they'd start cobbling each other, she decided it was best to give them their chocolates or else she'll get caught in the upcoming clash. "Here you guys."

The 2nd years glance down at the younger Tezuka with confused looks. They then swiped the chocolates from their hands.Eyes widened upon seeing the small trinket.

"Wow! Didn't expect I'd get one so early! Thanks [Name]-chan!" Momo ruffled her hair earning a frown by her. "I'll return the favor on White Day! Promise!"

"That's sweet of you Momo-senpai, but you guys enjoying the chocolate is enough for me" [Name] replied, shyly dwindling her thumbs.

Kaido nodded, "Thanks, kid."

"I'm not a kid you know Kaido-senpai" [Name] pouted as she fixed her hair. Unlike her senpais from the 3rd year, she found herself at least being able to casually talk to her 2nd year Senpais- although there were still times she'd give snarky remarks and cause some unwanted feud with them. Over time, she found herself getting along with them, probably because they were near her age.

"Hope you guys like it!"

As much as she wanted to give some to Echizen then and there, it seemed like it'd be a bit difficult since the tennis prodigy was still fazed at the number of gifts he had received; not to mention the Tomoka trying to get his attention.

[Name] let out a sigh. Out of all the people she had no plans on dealing with, the no. 1 will always be the leader of the so-called Ryoma Echizen fan club. She was too hyper and energetic for her liking- even saw her a somewhat of a rival for Echizen's attention.

"As if I'd want that Baka-chibi attention" [Name] muttered under her breath as she headed for class.

During the whole morning, [Name]'s focus flew out the window as her thoughts mostly consisted of her upcoming confession. She was aware she had made a vow the other night to finally admit her feelings for so long, but doubt slowly crept in. Who wouldn't be nervous about it?

Fuji was one of her first friends in Seigaku, even before she had studied there- thanks to the days her older brother would invite him to their house. She had known him for so long and even watched the matches he had ever since he became a regular. He even gave her advice on tennis practice as well. She always thought this might just be puppy love, but how come she hasn't grown out of it? Fuji was just an amazing person, a great player, and even a dear friend to her.

To some point, he might just even see her as a little sister. Would confessing be the right move?

[Name] let out a heavy sigh. 'Why am I even worrying about this? Out of all the dilemmas I had to have, it had to be about Fuji-senpai.'

As lunchtime came, [Name] decided to continue on handing out chocolates to her friends. She then spotted Echizen standing outside their classroom gazing out the window. Before approaching him, she first surveyed the area if his fans were around.

The young male noticed [Name]'s demeanor and let out a heavy sigh. "You look like a stalker you know."

[Name] scoffed, "I'm just checking if the coast is clear." She approached the male and handed him the chocolates, "Here have it Ryoma."

Echizen's brows rose upon receiving the gift. "What is it [Name]?" he asked inspecting the trinket. "Should I give this to someone for you?"

[Name]'s brows twitched at his question. "They're chocolates you dense shorty!"

"Chocolates? For what?" Echizen looked at her in confusion.

"Baka-chibi... It's Valentine's day! My gosh, you are so infuriating!" [Name] exclaimed. "Didn't you just receive a butt load of letters earlier?"

"Oh those, I just thought Tomoka was just doing something extravagant again" Echizen replied tugging his cap. "Most of those letters and gifts were signed by her, and one from Sakuno."

[Name] sweatdropped. "Wow, didn't know she was that dedicated," she remarked. "Still... You should show some appreciation."

"It's sweet." She turned to the male seeing as he had taken a bite out of the chocolate. "They're delicious [Name], thanks."

Her eyes widened, taken aback by how casually he ate it. "Don't eat it here!" She exclaimed, cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

"Then where should I eat it?" Echizen retorted.

"Any place where I'm not around!"

"But you said I should show some appreciation?"

"That's not what I mean!" [Name] huffed as she turned her heels. "Honestly Echizen, you're such a big moron... I'm going now, see you later."

With that, [Name] then proceeded to look for Kawamura and Inui. She had later found them during tennis club practice. Her two seniors were elated upon receiving such a gift.

Kawamura beamed, "Wow! Thanks [Name]!"

"Thank you [Name]" Inuid said. "The contents of this drink might help me create a new concoction for my Inui juice."

Distraught washed over Kawamura and [Name]'s face at the mention of such infamous drink. [Name] wondered if giving Inui was the right option or if had she just dug her own grave even deeper.

"I heard from the others you've made these chocolates all by yourself" Kawamura began, deciding on changing the subject. "You're quite the little chef [Name]. Maybe you should try and do part-time for us?"

[Name] awkwardly chuckled, "Thanks but my schedule's already packed with training and all."

"That's true, well the offer's always open [Name]" Kawamura replied. "Just give me a call if you're interested."

"Maybe soon" [Name] chuckled. She then looked at her watch, "Oh my! I still have to help the other seniors. I'll get going now, see you guys around!"

The two then watched the younger Tezuka head to the tennis court where the other female members were. "It's nice to see [Name] starting to open up to us" Kawamura noted but the smile on his face quickly vanished upon seeing Inui begin on doing stuff with the chocolate. "Please don't let us drink that."

All the male regulars then began on doing their warm ups lead by their captain, Tezuka. After a couple of rounds, they all huddled together and took a breather- but for some reason, they didn't look that exhausted. Coach Ryuzaki noticed this strange and positive behavior and was then curious.

"You lot are sure happy" She noted. "Seems like you boys got some Valentine's dates."

"Well, who wouldn't be Coach? It's my first Valentine's day to get a gift!" Momo cheered as he pulled out the gift. "The young and icy cold [Name] gave us such a warm and kindhearted gift."

"You're exaggerating it Momo-senpai" Echizen noted.

"Let me have my moment!" Moko responded.

"Well, we have to hand it to [Name] in making each of us chocolates," Oishi said. "She must've worked all night for this."

"Are you sure she didn't ask for help from Tezuka?" Coach Ryuzaki suggested.

They then all had an image of the older Tezuka in a cute frilly apron baking chocolate with a cheerful smile on his face as he worked alongside his sister. The thought of it quickly frightened them.

"That's entirely impossible," They all said in unison.

"What are you talking about over there?" Tezuka approached them. Beside him was Fuji who had the usual smile plastered on his face. "Breaks over in 3 minutes, you guys better prepare."

"Will do captain!" Kikumaru, Momo, and Kawamura chirped.

"Say Tezuka-senpai, what did [Name] give you for Valentine's day?" Momo questioned.

"What [Name] gave me?" He was slightly surprised at the sudden question. "Well, she prepared me some breakfast and gave me chocolates along with a bento box."

They were all in awe at his reply. Kikumaru cooed, "Oh to taste [Name]-chan's cooking. I envy you so much Tezuka."

"I see, so that's why you stay back in the classroom," Fuji said in amusement. "Some of the girls in our class thought you're girlfriend gave you the bento box."

"What about you Fuji-senpai? I'm sure [Name] gave you something special" Momo asked eyebrows wiggling. It then spiked everyone's curiosity, eager to know what the younger Tezuka had gifted him.

Fuji tilted his head, "Well, unlike Tezuka... [Name]-chan hasn't given me anything." His response caught everyone off guard. "In fact, throughout the whole day she's been somewhat avoiding me. I don't know why though."

'It's probably because she's nervous around you'They all thought. Everyone already knew about the obvious crush the younger Tezuka had for the Tennis Genius, and at times it would infuriate them seeing how oblivious he was.

"Break times over, it's time for practice matches" Tezuka announced clapping hid hands. Everyone then stood up and went to grab their rackets, Tezuka picked up his bag- he was surprised to see that the racket inside was [Name]'s. "We must've switched bags."

Fujj chuckled, "Didn't expect the Tezuka siblings to be a bit scatterbrained as well. Why don't I go get your racket from [Name] while you and Inui discuss the match ups?"

Everyone's ears perked up at the sudden suggestion. This then spiked their curiosity once again. With keen eyes, they watch as the Tennis Genius heads towards the female court.

[Name], at the moment was doing stretches. Rather than joining in the practice matches for today, she decided to referee it instead. It may not be that obvious, but she was slightly drained from the late-night cooking along with the stress of dealing with her feelings for Fuji-senpai.

She felt bad for trying her best to avoid him throughout the day. She cursed her thoughts for making her all tongue-tied. "And I thought I was making progress with my nervousness around him."

"[Name]-chan!" Her eyes widened upon hearing him call out to her.

Instantly all hairs stood on end as he approached her. She wanted to run away as far as possible since she was not in the state to have a casual chat with him. No- she internally slapped herself. Running away would do no good! In fact, why should she run away? It's not like he's going to reject you all of a sudden.

The words REJECTION then flashed before her mind.

Realization dawned upon her as she knew their was a possibility he might reject her. Fear then washes over her at the chance that not only Fuji might reject her, but even ruin their friendship. It felt like her world was about to shatter then and there.

"[Name]-chan..." She snapped out of her trance as Fuji lightly shook her.

"Huh-what, Oh Fuji-senpai" She stammered in her words as the male tennis player stood before her. "What b-brings you here?"

He gave her a small smile- one that made her internally squeal at high decibels. "Tezuka told me to get his racket" he handed her the Racket that was from her brother's bag. "Apparently you guys had switched rackets."

"Is that so? Let me go get it" She then ran to her bag that was placed on the bench. She was trying to be as calm and cool as possible. "Now I know why my bag was slightly heavier."

As she opened her bag and pulled out her racket, a small trinket dropped from her bag. Fuji noticed then and began to pick it up, "[Name]-chan you dropped something."

As [Name] turned to see what it was, her eyes widened upon seeing what he had picked up. "Fuji-senpai wait-"

"Huh? It has a nametag-" He was about to read who it was addressed to but [Name] managed to snatch it away quickly. Fuji was surprised at how swiftly she was able to take it off his hands. He turned to the young Tezuka, surprised seeing the panic-stricken girl huddle unto the ground clutching onto the gift. "[Name]-chan?"

[Name] was sweating greatly. Her pupils were dilated at the close call. 'Fuji-senpai almost saw the gift... He almost saw it'Her hands clutched onto the chocolate tightly. She then gasped upon hearing a light crack coming from the gift she made. Their eyes widened upon realizing what she had done. "N-No..."

"[Name]-chan is something wrong?"

Of course there was!

[Name] wanted to tell him that. Her chocolates for Fuji were crushed by her own strength. If only she had let him pick it up and not get scared this wouldn't have happened. Now look at what had happened, the special present she made for someone special is now ruined.

She bit her bottom lip, trying to stop herself from crying. Her one chance of showing appreciation for Fuji was now gone...

All because of how she's afraid he'd find out about her feelings. Wasn't that the plan? Didn't she want him to know?

It's all because of her fear of rejection...

"[Name]-chan" She felt a hand place on her shoulder. She turned to see it was Fuji, brows slightly furrowed. "Is something the matter? Oh no, that gift in your hand- is it ruined? Were you planning on giving it to someone special?"

"F-Fuji-senpai" She croaked. She looked down at the gift, lips quivering. "I was supposed to give this to someone who means a lot to me. I made so much effort in making this and now its ruined."

"That's terrible" Fuji replied. "Maybe he'll still accept it, who knows? If it were me, I would happily accept whatever you make [Name]-chan."

[Name]'s eyes widened at what he said. "Y-you mean that?"

"Huh? Of course" Fuji beamed. "Everything you make is always from the heart, [Name]. You always put your effort into the things you do. Especially when it comes to the people you care about. If you were to give something to me, I would wholeheartedly accept it no matter what its shape or form."

[Name] could feel her heart beat rapidly. She was awestruck at his words. If she were to tell him then and there, then would he accept it? But what about the chances of rejection?

Screw it!

Who cares if she gets rejected or not? As long as Fuji-senpai knows how she feels and how much she cares for him, she doesn't care what the outcome is. She will always be there for him!

"Fuji-senpai... If you aren't busy," She began, the tennis genius tilted his hand in curiosity. Clutching her fists, she spoke up. "Can we talk somewhere privately? Some place where we can be alone?"

"Hm? Sure" Fuji responded.

It was time for her to tell him...

The male regulars were then doing stretches while Inui, Tezuka and Coach Ryuzaki were discussing the matchups for today's round.

"Fuji-senpai's sure taking his time" Momo sighed as he helped Kaido in stretching.

"Who knows, maybe Chibi Tsun-Tsun's finally confessing to him somewhere" Kikumaru suggested.

"That may sound possible, but it's [Name] we're talking about" Oishi replied. "I doubt she'll admit her feelings to him out of the blue."

On the side of the court, Echizen was taking a sip from his water jug when he noticed two certain people walking into the foresty area of the school. His brows rose up upon recognizing who they were. It seemed like the others noticed as well as Kawamura pointed out, "Hey isn't that [Name] and Fuji?"

[Name] wanted to tell him in some place where no one could hear or see them. She wasn't the type to openly tell the whole world she's fallen for someone- though she felt a bit hypocritical since almost all of her friends knew about her feelings for Fuji. Nevertheless, she's willing to gamble it. She wanted this feeling she had been holding to be finally freed.

"[Name]-chan, where are you planning on taking me?" Fuji asked.

"This place is enough" She replied as she stood by a tree. It seemed there was nobody around except for the two of them. This was the best place she could find to finally tell him how she really felt.

She took in a deep breath, gathering all the courage she muster. She balled her fists tightly, she could feel her body quiver at what she was about to do. Yet she gave no heed to it, it was now or never.

"F-Fuji-senpai"

The brown-haired senior turned to her. "Hm?" He hummed, curious about what the younger Tezuka had in store. "What's the matter, [Name]-chan?"

[Name]'s lips quivered struggling to find the right words to say. Unbeknownst to her, the other regulars have hidden behind some bushes and trees watching the confession unfold.

"Come on [Name]! Give it to him" Momo rooted.

"You can do this!" Oishi whispered.

"You can do this kid" Kaidou muttered

"This is exciting" Kawamura was thrilled. "Win Fuji's heart"

Inui was there as well, calculating. "Chances of [Name] confessing are 99.9%"

Upon hearing this, Kikumaru smiled. "Go Chibi Tsun-Tsun!"

Ryoma watched as his seniors were all huddled together eavesdropping on the two. "Why am I even with you guys-"

"Shh!!! We'll be caught!" Momo hushed him. Kaido and Momo then grabbed a hold of him and covered his mouth. The poor 1st year could only attempt to struggle as he was forced to accompany them.

"It's starting" Oishi informed them. Everyone then turned their attention back to the two.

Finally finding the resolve, [Name] began. "Uhm... Fuji-senpai, I"

"Are you alright [Name]-chan?" He questioned as he leaned closer, causing the girl's blush to worsen. "Your cheeks are red, do you have a fever?"

He then placed his hand on her forehead. "Your temperature seems normal, thank goodness" he sighed in relief. "You'll make me worry if you get sick all of a sudden."

"F-Fuji-senpai will get worried!?" [Name] stammered head overheating upon hearing what he said. She could probably faint then and there.

'Damn, Fuji is smooth' The second and third-year regulars all thought together. On the other hand, Echizen focused on [Name] curious to see how she handled the situation.

It seemed like she'd finally snapped out of her trance as she looked down at the ground. Head finally clear, she looked at the male with admiration.

'Fuji-senpai...' She looked at him in awe. Eyes softened as she contemplated, 'You're the most caring person I know. You always watch out for me. Supported me in everything I do. Even though I'm just some pathetic tennis player who could never reach up to your standards, you still stood by my side. I thought I'd be just some nuisance to you...Yet, here I am standing in front of you... About to say the words I've been wanting to say for a long time now'

With head held high, and eyes focused unto she spoke. "Fuji-senpai, I-"

"It'll be no good if you're absent for the next game" His words suddenly cut her off. Which caused the girl to pause. The Tennis Genius stood there with brows furrowed, "How could you do well if you're not in top condition for your future games."

The male regulars were infuriated by this. They were so close, [Name] was so close. Out of all the times he could have been talking about Tennis, it had to be now. Their attention turned to the girl, seeing the look of surprise plastered on her face.

They were worried that [Name] might have lost hope.

But she begs to differ as a different thought crosses her mind. Realization dawned upon her. 'That's right... Tennis is the only thing connecting us. The bond we share is through tennis and... I doubt we could go farther from there... If so...'

She balled her fists tightly and looked up at him with an eager smile. "Fuji-senpai, I want to play one game with you!"

Everyone was eavesdropping was stunned. Even Fuji was surprised at this, "Why the sudden invite?"

"I've always wanted to play a match with you" She responded. "Don't hold back... Treat me as if I'm a true opponent!"

"But [Name]-chan I-"

"No excuses Fuji-senpai!" She cut him off. "Don't you dare look down on me just because I'm Kunimitsu Tezuka's sister... I'm also a tennis player who strives to be one of the best!"

Fuji turned to her in awe. "[Name]-chan..." the corners of his lips then curled into a grin. "Then, I will gladly accept it."

[Name]'s eyes widened with delight. The male regulars who were eavesdropping were surprised at this. Fuji wasn't the type to accept these kinds of offers and yet, here he was accepting the challenge of the younger Tezuka. They didn't know if they should be worried or excited- the third-year regulars recalled about the clash their captain and Fuji had. It was a great brawl- seeing Fuji up against [Name] will be an interesting match.

They already knew how skillful [Name] was. But she hadn't fought up against Fuji- only Echizen, Momo, Kaido, and even her brother. 

"Then why don't we have a match at this moment? Maybe Oishi and the others can volunteer as our referees" Fuji suggested as he turned to where the others were hiding, alarming them. "Kawamura, why don't you be our referee?"

Knowing there was no point in hiding anymore, everyone came out of their hiding spot. [Name] was frazzled at her eavesdropping senior. She shot them nasty looks but decided to deal with them later.  She turned to Fuji, "Let's get started then Fuji-Senpai."

They all then headed to one vacant court. Kawamura was the one who volunteered to be the referee. The other male regulars watch anxiously at the upcoming match.

"Do you think [Name]-chan will be alright?" Momo asked in worry. "Sure she's one of the strongest in the female regulars, but she's up against Fuji."

"Who knows, maybe Fuji might dial it back a bit?" Kikumaru wondered as he looked at the two preparing. "How in the world did this confession turn into a match?"

"I guess as Tezuka's sister, [Name] has her quirks as well" Oishi replied. "Although, this will be an interesting match."

"The No. 1's sister vs. Seigaku's Tennis Prodigy" Inui mumbled as he fixed his glasses. "This will be an interesting match indeed."

The match then was about to begin. Fuji gave [Name] the privilege to serve first. "I think it would be better for the person who started this match to serve first."

"Such a gentleman you are Fuji-senpai" [Name] cooed as she began to serve. Everyone was stunned at what happened next. The ball managed to pass through Fuji easily. "But I have no intention of holding back."

Kawamura's jaw dropped. "15-L-Love."

The female tennis club members cheered at the quick point their member had gotten. The male regulars were stunned to see this.

"That was a fast serve" Momo gawked.

"Like I said, Fuji-senpai..."[Name] turned to him, raising her racket at him. Her eyes narrowed as she gave him a stern look. "Don't you dare look down on me because I'm your captain's sister."

Fuji's brows rose. "Very well then..." The corners of his mouth quirked up, "Then today... You will be my opponent [Name]."

"I'm betting on that."

The atmosphere suddenly tensed up. It was still the start of the match but everyone could sense the firey tension the two players had emitted. It soon reflected on their game, as neither of them were holding back.

"[Name] style: Tezuka.... Zone" She exclaimed as she finally did her version of her older brother's technique.

"There it is! [Name]'s Tezuka Zone!" Momo exclaimed.

"Is this even a friendly match anymore?" Kikumaru yelped.

"It's [Name] and Fuji-senpai we're talking about" Echizen spoke up. "A match is a match to them no matter who the opponent is."

Fuji then counters [Name]'s swing with his Tsubame Gaeshi.

"None of them are holding back" Kaido noted.

"And it's what both of them liked," Echizen said as he focused on [Name].

Despite the serious look on her face. Sweat dripped down her forehead as the match continued. This may be one of the most difficult matches she's ever participated in. Yet, maybe one of the best as well. She looked at Fuji who had a serious look on his face.

A small smile crept on her lips, thankful that he did what she asked him to do...

'Fuji-senpai... Ever since I've started playing tennis, it was one of my goals to play against you. Not because of my feelings but because I love tennis. Seeing you play, your skills... It was one of the things that made me strive to practice more! This is why, Fuji-senpai... May I convey my feelings through this game. No matter what the outcome is...I'm grateful!!!'

[Name] then hit the tennis ball with all of her might. Fuji watched as the ball flew upward. Everyone anticipated on the next counter he was about to perform.

'This is strange' He pondered as he focused on the ball. 'I may have seen [Nams]-chan plays like this before, or maybe... It's because she was serious about playing against me. Her style, I expected it to be the same as Tezuka's. Every game she's been in, what I deduced was that she tries to be like her brother...But as I play against her, I could now tell the difference. [Name] may be striving to surpass her brother but she isn't aiming to be like him...'

The memory of watching the Tezuka siblings have a match with each other flashed before his eyes. He had found it adorable how [Name] would happily jump around whenever she'd win a point against her brother. He always knew she had the potential to one day be stronger than Tezuka, in fact, she might even surpass him one day.

'[Name]-chan, how great it is for us to finally have a match like this. You're even making going all out... You certainly are special, despite having a long way to go, I could see that you'll finally reach your goal one day...' He then was about to do his special counter. His eyes shot open stunning everyone. "But first you have to defeat me! Hoo Gaeshi!"

All the regulars are shocked at the sudden turn of events.

"No way! [Name] made Fuji-senpai serious!?" Momo's jaws dropped.

Kikumaru's eyes widened. "Wahhh, I'm now worried. It may just be a friendly match, but they're starting to get even more serious Nyaa!!"

"I think we should end this game already" Oishi suggested.

"No" A voice joined in. Everyone was stunned to see their captain arrive.

"C-Captain?!" Oishi yelped.

"No way... You really came to watch?!" Momo was in disbelief.

"I've actually been looking for you guys for our match to begin... But it seems a far much more interesting match is happening here" Tezuka said as he looked at the players giving it their all. Despite noticing that [Name]'s body began to tremble, he knew that stopping her would only anger her.

"Tezuka-senpai, do you think we should end the match now" Momo suggested. "[Name]'s getting more and more weak."

Tezuka turned to them. "Do you think if you end this match, they'll be happy about it?

They contemplated for a moment before agreeing.

"Thinking about it, I think I don't want to be on the receiving end of their furry" Momo noted.

"Not just that..." Echizen began. "Fuji Senpaj and [Name] don't intend to end this match and see the victor. They're testing each other's strength."

The other regulars turned to him with a confused look. Ryoma's brows furrowed seeing the dumbfounded looks on their faces, "Come on, isn't it obvious? They're having fun... Right captain?

Tezuka nodded in response. "Fuji and [Name] have always known each other for a very long time. But neither have ever engaged in a match before."

He then returned his attention to the two. 'Fuji...[Name]...Never have I seen you two face off like this before. [Name], is this how you convey your feelings to Fuji? Fuji is this your response to [Name].'

"Game set and Match 6-5" Kawamura announced. "Winner Fuji!"

Everyone applauded at the outcome of the match. [Name] dropped to the ground, panting heavily.

"I guess I lost..." She sighed. "It was arrogant of me to think I could face of against Fuji-senpai. But, it was such an amazing game..."

"[Name]-chan." She glanced up at the senior who held out his hand. "That was an amazing game. You certainly are amazing. I'm glad we got to have a match.

"F-Fuji-senpai" [Name] looked at him with widened eyes. She then smiled as she grabbed it. "I had fun."

"I did too" He replied.

The other regulars then ran towards them to congratulate them on an amazing match that had happened. Some of them couldn't help but express their worry at the possibility that things might get rough which caused the two to chuckle. Tezuka even expressed how proud he was of [Name].

At that moment, [Name] felt like she was the happiest girl in the world. To be surrounded by great friends, to experience such a marvelous game with Fuji, that moment felt surreal- unaware that she and Fuji were still holding hands even as they made out the court.

The only person who noticed this was none other than Echizen. A proud smirk crept on his lips as he tugged down his cap. "Not bad..."

"Wahhh!!!! I forgot to give the chocolates to Fuji-senpai! I'm such an idiot, after all that trouble" [Name] whined as she plopped herself into their living room on the couch. She felt stupid for forgetting the one thing she was planning to do on that day. She had only recalled about it the following day.

"I can't believe forgot!" She whined.

"Kunimitsu, your friend Shusuke is here" [Name] heard her mother announce.

"What?! Fuji-senpai is here?!" She gasped. She then slowly peeked out the hallway seeing the brown haired male meet up with her brother.

"What brings you here Fuji? Did the coach need me?" Tezuka asked.

"I apologize for the intrusion Tezuka, but I didn't actually come here for you" Fuji spoke.

"Eh?" [Name] blinked back. "Fuji-senpai's not here for Nii-chan?"

"Is Mieko here?" He suddenly asked which made [Name]'s jaw drop.

"What??????"

"Ah, I see" Tezuka spoke. He then turned to where his sister was. "[Name], Fuji's here for you. You don't have to hide and pretend you're sleeping."

[Name] shot a deadpan look at her brother. As she begrudgingly walked to them. "Geez Nii-chan. I wasn't even planning on hiding" She grumbled. She wondered if her brother was being a wingman or straight-up punishing her for the unplanned match.

She then turned her attention back to Fuji. "So, what is it Fuji-senpai?"

A soft smile formed on his face. He then pulled out something from his coat which caught her off guard. "[Name]-chan, here."

[Name] was shocked as Fuji gave her a rose. Her eyes widened at the beautiful flower given to her. "E-eh... F-Fuji-senpai, I what-"

Fuji chuckled at her dumbfounded look. "I actually saw it as I passed by a flower shop when I was heading home. So I decided to buy it for you, as a thank-you gift."

"T-thank you for what?" She stuttered.

"It's a secret..." He playfully winked at her causing her cheeks to redden. "Well, that's the only thing I came by here. See you tomorrow [Name], Tezuka... And I hope you'll love the rose [Name]-chan."

Without another word, he then ran off. [Name] was awestruck at the gift she had suddenly received. As she looked at the flower, a small note was attached to it.

"This rose reminds me of you, it has it thorns... But it blooms beautifully like you" She read it. Cheeks flushing red even more at the message. "F-Fuji-senpai..."

"Ahem," Tezuka coughed, making his sister jump back.

"N-Nii-chan" She was frazzled. "I forgot you still-

"I'm not really against what's going on between you and Fuji-"

"But nothing is going on between us!"

He sighed. "I know... Just don't grow up too fast..." he gave her a small smile as he ruffled her hair. "You're still my little sister after all"

"Hey, cut it out!" She whined as she jumped away from her brother. Her eyes widened at the soft expression her brother had. One that could only be seen once in a blue moon. Suddenly, realization struck at her.

"Oh no! I forgot to give Fuji-senpai my chocolates... I wasted another opportunity" She whined.

Tezuka just sighed. The struggles of having a little sister with a love life filled with mishaps.

[prince-of-scenarios]

HIii I'd like to ask for Headcanons about Married life with Sanada, Atobe, Tezuka and Yukimura Pretty pretty please 💕💕💕 I love your blog and your writing style 💕

(aaaaa thank you so much!!!! i hope you enjoy! :D)

Sanada

Has a strict waking up schedule for himself, but also will wake up early to watch his partner sleep for a bit before he begins to actually get ready for the day. Is usually the one to make breakfast because he’s not great with words, but with actions he flourishes, and if making delicious breakfasts is a way he can show his partner affection then dammit he’ll make them breakfast every day until he dies. 

Even though he’s still firm with himself and is stern, he’s gotten softer over the years and is prone to just giving his partner soft face kisses when he’s hit with a rush of affection. In the morning, at night, in the afternoons, he’ll lean over and kiss them and will get flustered when they tease him. 

The biggest sap of a husband to ever exist, even if he denies it. Can actually have witty conversations on sticky notes slapped onto the fridge? One of his favorite things honestly, even though he rolls his eyes when his partner smiles cheekily. 

Has anniversary dates memorized (probably down to the minute) and never fails to do something for his partner, even if it’s just making a nice dinner and giving them a massage after the end of a long day. 

Atobe

Schedules out biweekly dates with his partner a couple months at a time because he will spend as much personal time with them as possible no matter how busy he is. 

Even though he seemingly has otherworldly powers of money and time at his control, Atobe as a married man has learned to take some things slow, like having a nice dinner with his partner, or pampering them himself with massages, scented candles and bubble baths. 

Never yells at his partner, always makes sure both he and his s/o are calm before tackling an issue that’s prevalent. If he’s stressed or they’re stressed and more prone to lashing out, he will remove himself and calm down because he loves his s/o and doesn’t want to say hurtful things in the heat of the moment. 

Speaking of which, he can tell when his partner is getting stressed. Whether it’s about family or work or anything in between, he coaxes them to take a break and pampers them extra. Spoils his partner when they’re down. 

Tezuka

Very gentle husband, treats his s/o like they’re the most important person in the world to him, but is also mature enough to set his own boundaries. Makes plans with his partner and actually follows through. If they mention they wanted to try a restaurant in town? He’ll take them to it on a date. 

Like Sanada, has as all anniversary dates memorized, equal parts wants to surprise his partner and also ask what they want because he doesn’t want them to feel like their needs aren’t being met. 

If they make him breakfast and lunch, he does the dishes. It’s a very good system. Is very insistent on doing things to make the situation equal for them both, like the dish-food system, taking turns taking out the trash or other miscellaneous chores that take the stress off of him and his s/o. 

Is the type of husband to send (somewhat blurry) pictures of random things throughout the day that remind him of them. It’s one of his most endearing traits because his partner knows he’s thinking of them. 

Yukimura

If his s/o loves plants (which they likely do), then he will have a hundred plants in the house, takes turns with his s/o taking care of them. The plants are a way for him and his s/o to destress and share a hobby. 

Loves surprising his partner whenever he can. Surprise kisses, surprise little gestures that let his s/o smile and keep a playful atmosphere around them. 

Hates fighting with his s/o, does it as little as possible and I think he would be very good at pinpointing the issue and working out a solution with his s/o. 

Impromptu date nights!! He’s a very soft husband most of the time, and wants to shower his partner with as much love as possible. Aims to make his partner feel like they’re in the honeymoon phase constantly, never wants them to feel like he’s too busy to spend time with them or that he’s too tired to be with them. 

[princeoftennisandyou]

Info & FAQ:

★ Main boys:

♥ Tezuka Kunimitsu

♥ Atobe Keigo

♥ Kabaji Munehiro

��� Sanada Genichirou

♥ Yukimura Seiichi

♥ Yanagi Renji

★ Can do:

♠ Ryoma Echizen

♠ Fuji Shuusuke

♠ Jirou Akutagawa

♠ Marui Bunta

♠ Akaya Kirihara

♠ Yagyuu Hiroshi

♠ Akutsu Jin

♠ Dan Taichi

♠ Shiraishi Kuranosuke

♠ Kintarou Tooyama

★ Can you ask for others?

♦ YES. Only they might come too Out of character, or I will take longer.

★ How long do I take?

♣ For main ones, one or two days depending on the prompt and whether it's headcanon or scenario.

♣ For "Can do"s it might take longer, but less than a week.

♣ For Extras it might take more than a week, specially scenarios.

♣ For Combos anywhere from three days to two weeks depending on the characters.

★ Do I write NSFW?

♥ Head-canons? Yes, bring it on

♥ Scenarios? No, sorry

★ How many characters at once can you request?

♠ Main Boys - Full list

♠ Can do - Five at most

♠ Extras - Three at most

★★★ Also accepted: (but will take longer)

♠ Main Boys + Can do: Full + Three at most

♠ Main Boys + Extra: Full + Three at most

♠ Can do + Extra: (5 + 1) / (3 + 3)

♠ Main Boys + Can do + Extra: (Full + 3 + 1) OR (Full + 2 + 2)

★★★ Can I add more Extras or Can Do if I don't choose Full Main Boys?

♠ YES. But. Have in mind that I'll take longer. And please, never give me more than 10 at once. I don't want to die.

★ Is there anything I'm uncomfortable with writing?

♦ YES.

★★★ I DO NOT write:

♦ Non-Con/Dub-Con

♦ Abusive relationships with main character

(Can I request X protecting Reader from their abusive ex? YES. Can I request X being abusive? NO)

♦ I'd rather not do Yandere. It just doesn't vibe with me

♦ Crossovers. I'm sorry.

★★★ I DO write:

♦ AUs (Highschool/Futuristic/Edo Period/Mermaids/etc.)

♦ Mental Health Issues (Depression/Anxiety/Eating Disorders/etc.) ALWAYS. WITH. TRIGGER. WARNINGS. AND. I. DO. NOT. ROMANTICISE. THEM. (Sorry if I seem too extra with the caps and dots but I really need to stress this enough. Like I'm fine with writing it, but I have a huge respect for this topics so don't expect me to take them lightly.)

♦ Personalized Readers (Chubby reader, Tsundere Reader, a Reader of a specific gender/ etc.)

★★★ Having said that, it's a pleasure being here. Please feel free to hit my ask box anytime! ★★★

[princeoftennispillows]

The stuff you have been posting so far has been so great !! I was wondering if I could request headcanons for the team teasing Sanada (mayb tezuka too if you’re down ??) since his S/O fell asleep on his shoulder during lunch or smth. Thanks in advanced if you write this request and keep up the good work !! I’ll definitely be requesting more in the future 😎

Hi there! Thank you for reading so far aaaaa still cant wrap around my head that some people are willing to read my hcs

This ones a bit long? I don’t know cause its in point form but I hope you enjoy this <3 its just chaotic here ✨✨✨

Tags: Fluff!

Sanada Genichirou x Reader

You would always call Sanada, but since he went into the U-17 camp, you couldn’t call as often

Usually you’d call while you’re doing your homework or when you were preparing your meals for the next day, it was nicer that way, you felt like he was there with you while you’re getting things done

You called him that night and asked how he was doing over there

“Well, lots of things happened, but tarundoru!” 

He’d say his usual line which always made you chuckle at how ridiculous he’d sound sometimes, but you loved him for that

“But well, we seem to be getting a day off tomorrow, seems like some people are getting visits too,”

You were happy to hear that, you really were, but you made sure to reconfirm back with him to ensure that you heard him right

“I’m coming over tomorrow!’ your tone became a pitch higher “I’ll bring some lunch for us, maybe enough for your teammates too! Is there anything you’d wish to be included? I’ll make sure to pack em up nicely for you, Genichirou,” you beamed excitedly.

Sanada loved your cooking, and he missed it too, especially any meat dishes you did, they really just felt homey.

Sanada coughed, trying to not sound too happy but he really was looking forward to your visit

“Be careful on your way here tomorrow, try not to stay up too late. I gotta go now, pretty tired from practice today,” he paused “I um, l-love you, (y/n), hoping to see you tomorrow, good night,” he said before ending the call

“Genichirou wait- ah, there he goes again, ending the call without letting me say good night,” you’d sigh, but you smiled so widely cause he actually said he loves you, directly, that’s pretty rare! 

You finished prepping the lunch boxes pretty late but well, it was worth it! You went to bed straight after

By the time you arrived at the U-17 camp the next day, it was already noon, just in time for lunch

Sanada made sure you updated him your whereabouts and all; it felt like he was your parent

‘Genichirou, I’m here already’ you texted him and got an immediate reply ‘Ok, be there in 5,’ and you thought it was 5 mins but he came there in 5 seconds

He was panting, and you could tell that if he took off his cap, his hair is disheveled

“Sorry, must’ve kept you waiting,” and you smiled to him, holding back a laugh “You literally came in 5 seconds Genichirou! I have to apologise for making you wait. Come, lets go now,”

You gave him a small peck on his cheek to which, he blushed, so he shifted his cap to hide it

You laid out the lunch boxes you prepped just enough (maybe) for the Rikkai boys. Honestly if you could, you would’ve probably brought much more, enough to feed the whole middle schoolers. But that requires more time and energy, and neither, did you have

“Good lord, senpai! This is so good!” Akaya beamed at you as he chowed down

“Guess our vice here is reaaaally lucky huh?” Niou said as he nudged Sanada, who, has been very quiet the whole time

The rest of the team laughed at Niou’s remark, they could’ve teased him more but well, they had to behave here (not that they did anyway)

“But I bet it’s not as good as what you guys have here— i mean look at those,” you said gesturing to the meals they served in camp

“The cookings here don’t feel like home as much as yours do, yknow,” Sanada spoke, making brief eye contact with you before focusing on finishing his food

That made his teammates coo at him btw and he turned really really red

“Tarundoru!” he’d say yet again, embarrassedly this time, it was well, very cute

You smiled happily, it was really enough to give you assurance about the food you brought. It felt warm inside seeing people enjoying it

“Thanks your the meal, (y/n)-chan,” everyone thanked you happily. They sounded really genuine about it too!

“Well now, I think its time for us to continue on with our practice? We shouldn’t let our performance die down just because we get some time off. Well now everyone, lets get moving; except for, well, Genichirou of course,” Yukimura said as he smiled softly at you and nodded his head to Sanada

“But- buchou!” Akaya couldn’t finish what he had to say before getting pushed by both Jackal and Marui as they left the cafe

You chuckled at how lovable they are, you really had the best time with them

Sanada softly grabbed your wrist so you’d turn facing him “Want me to show you around?” of course, you nodded and showed him a grin

You guys talked for such a long time, it was rlly nice; you didn’t even realised you finished touring the whole camp. By the time you did though, you grew tired. Sanada had to seat you on a bench nearby the courts

Eventually you drifted off, you were leaning against him, head on his shoulder and fingers intertwined with his. Sanada looked at you longingly and had a little smile on his face. He took off his cap and put it on your head so you’d get more shade

“Well, if it isn’t Genichirou, isn’t it a coincidence?” Yukimura. That was Yukimura’s voice. “I think I miscalculated a bit, I didn’t expect to see the both of you here at all,” and that was Renji

The 2/3 or the monsters from rikkai just smiled at him, knowing that he couldn’t do anything, atleast, not while you were asleep. Sanada just let out a soft groan of annoyance. Just the two of them isn’t that bad

Unluckily for him though, turns out that the whole team was there

“Pio,” Niou said as he snapped a pic on his phone; making a mental note to send it to you later on

Marui and Akaya. Boy were they getting on his nerves, but not enough, yet, to make him go shEEEEEHHH

That’s thanks to Yagyuu and Jackal for preventing them from going any further btw, it surely can’t get any worse

But Sanada was wrong. And he finally lost it

Tezuka Kunimitsu. He witnessed it

Tezuka didn’t do anything though, he just well, looked and looked away right after, as he was passing by

He really do be saying ‘I pretend I do not see but in reality I do’

“SHEEEEEEEHHHH” Sanada went, which of course woke you up

But you just groggily looked at him and fell asleep again, nuzzling closer to him

The rikkai boys wondered, how in the world did you fall asleep again from that

[therainroguefanfiction]

🎾 Announcement; Kunimitsu Tezuka (Sportember #009)

📑 Table of Contents | ⚾ Challenge Post

Genre: Slice of Life, Fluff, Friendship, College AU

Word Count: 3,960

Pairing: Reader x Tezuka

World: Prince of Tennis

Prompt: Announcement

Sport: Tennis

━━━━━━༻🎾_🏀_🏐༺━━━━━━

The ticking of the clock echoed in the quiet dorm room, distracting you from your studies. Not that you had been able to concentrate anyway. It’s been almost an hour and you still haven’t gotten through the first paragraph of your essay but, thankfully, you still had a few days before it was all said and done.

You flicked your pen absentmindedly, eyes on the dark screen of your phone. It was starting to get late and your boyfriend still hadn’t called you as he did every night. You understood, of course, but that didn’t mean you couldn’t still miss him. Hearing his voice before bed had become a staple for you and on the rare occasions that he was too busy to call, you found it harder to sleep.

Tezuka Kunimitsu was a tennis player, drafted to the German national team when he was in his third year of middle school. He’s returned to his home in Japan many times over the course of the past three and a half years and, during one of these trips, you were able to meet him. At the time, you were in your third year of high school and your friend, Fuji Shuusuke, forced you to join him at a Halloween party hosted by his friend, Atobe Keigo. The party was to celebrate Tezuka’s return and the fact that he would be staying for three months.

Fuji was the one to introduce you, being friends with the both of you.

For you, it was love at first sight. Despite the monotone voice and expression he had kept up without fail, he was still polite and kind, his deep voice soothing to you. In the sea of people that had been at the party, everyone’s face was a blur to you but his. You remembered every detail, from the green flecks within his brown eyes to the way his brown hair was parted. He was a gorgeous man.

For Tezuka, he never had any interest in dating, focused only on tennis and his friends, but when his eyes first landed on you, he suddenly wondered if you were single and what it would be like to date you. So, when he noticed you sneaking out into the back garden to get some air, he didn’t hesitate to join you. The two of you spent the rest of the night just enjoying each other’s company, talking about everything under the sun. When it was time to part, he admitted that he wanted to see you again and, from there, the two of you started to date.

Even now, nearly three years later, both of you are still so in love with one another, even being more than five thousand miles apart. You just wanted to hurry up and finish college so you could move to Germany in order to be with him, but that seemed so far into the future.

You glanced at the time on your phone. ‘It’s nearly ten-thirty and I have a class at eight. The professor is a real stickler for being on time, too. I should really get some sleep…’ You closed your notebook, packing it into your school bag along with everything else you’d need for class so you wouldn’t have to rush to gather your things come morning time. You turned the light off, crawling under the covers before pulling up the Happy Color app on your phone.

It was the best way you’ve found to relax and destress before attempting to sleep. It was almost like magic how easily the app could help release the day’s tension. Plus, there are achievements for you to work toward, which enhanced the experience for you.

Your eyes were beginning to droop, so you decided to close the app, reaching for the charging cable when the phone started to ring, showing off the picture of your boyfriend looking at the sunset, a picture that you had personally taken the last time he was at home. You did your best to shake off your sleepiness, pressing the phone to your ear. “Hello?”

“Y/N,” came Tezuka’s deep voice, slightly strained from his practice. “I’m sorry for calling so late. I couldn’t get away from practice.”

You smiled, bringing one of the pillows to your chest. “It’s okay, I figured it was something like that. You’re not pushing yourself too hard, are you?”

“I promise you, I’m not.”

“You’re staying hydrated, right? And getting plenty of sleep?”

He chuckled softly, a sound he reserved only for you. “I’m taking care of myself, love. What about you? How is school going?”

“Mm, I’m struggling with my literature essay and I have a math test tomorrow that I’m not really looking forward to,” you sighed heavily. “I’m keeping up, though.”

“Do your best,” he encouraged gently. “You’ll be fine as long as you don’t let your guard down.”

You laughed at his typical line of advice, but it came out as more of a tired puff of air. “I’ll make you proud, Mitsu~”

“I always feel proud of you, Y/N,” he responded with earnest, making warmth settle within your chest. “You should get some rest. Text me when you wake up.”

“Mkay,” you stifled a yawn. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

As soon as the call ended, you fell into dreamland with a smile on your fae, dreaming of the man that you loved so dearly.

━━━━━━༻🎾_🏀_🏐༺━━━━━━

“Y/N~”

You paused, turning around to give your best friend a smile. “Hey, Fuji! Do you wanna join me for lunch?”

“I’d love to!” He tilted his head to the smile, giving you his infamous closed-eye smile as he fell into step beside you. “How did your test go?”

“Ugh, the test.” Your nose wrinkled as if smelling something foul. “If by some miracle I manage to pass, it’ll be just under the wire.”

“I’m sure you did just fine.”

“I hope so. If I fail, Mitsu’s going to be so disappointed in me, ugh.” You frowned, carefully pushing the glass door of the cafe open, hearing the little bell above jingling as you held the door open for him.

Fuji chuckled in response. “He’s not capable of being disappointed in you. He loves you too much.”

The comment brought a goofy smile to your face as the two of you sat down at a small table near the window, ordering some boba tea and a couple of sandwiches. The sky outside was slowly beginning to darken as grey clouds rolled in, thunder rumbling in the distance as if chasing them down.

“By the way, Atobe is throwing a small get together on Saturday,” Fuji commented before taking a sip of his tea. “He asked me to invite you.”

“Nothing that man does is small.” You rolled your eyes. “I think I’ll skip out this time. Staying at the dorm and binge watching some TubeYou videos sounds a lot more pleasant.”

He frowned, brow furrowing in thought, but you were too focused on your sandwich to notice the change. Fuji Shuusuke wasn’t considered a genius for nothing, however, and a plan quickly formed within his mind. “I could really use the help, though.”

“Eh?” You glanced up, meeting his cerulean eyes, which he rarely opened, so you knew whatever he was about to tell you had to be quite serious. “Help with what?”

“Well, it seems I’ve recently acquired a stalker. She won’t take no for an answer no matter how many times I say it, but she seems to be intimidated by you.” He lied smoothly, offering you a fake, worried expression.

“Intimidated by me? Really?” You couldn’t help but snort at the ridiculous notion that anyone could be afraid of. You thought it was more believable for a hamster to be intimidating than yourself! And it made sense because you didn’t like violence, preferring to resort to kindness above all else and try to talk through any problems you had. You were also a firm believer of walking away when people couldn’t be reasoned with.

“She never comes around when I’m with you.”

You chewed on your lip thoughtfully before sighing in defeat. “Fine, I’ll go with you. You’re lucky I love you so much, Fuji.”

The brunette laughed, his eyes sliding closed once more. “I love you too~”

━━━━━━༻🎾_🏀_🏐༺━━━━━━

The phone buzzed on the bed and you stepped out of the bathroom to check it. It was a message from Fuji, letting you know that he was waiting outside of the dorms. You quickly messaged back that you were on the way before slipping the phone into your pocket and grabbing your keys. The first thing you noticed upon exiting the building was how dark it was.

It was only just now noon, but the grey clouds covering the sky made it appear to be around eight at night. Lightning streaked across the sky, thunder roaring loudly seconds after each strike, and the rain was falling in steady sheets to the earth. To you, it was a beautiful sight, though you understood most people felt quite melancholy when it rained.

Fuji held out the umbrella so that it covered both of you, sending you a smile. “Ready to go?”

“As ready as can be,” you answered, forcing a smile. While the current weather did lift your spirits a bit, you were still feeling quite sad. You missed Tezuka so much that it was starting to physically hurt you, plus you were stressing out because you knew that you had done poorly on the math test. The last thing you wanted was to be surrounded by a mansion full of people you didn’t even know, constantly being checked on by waiters and butlers.

It wasn’t your lifestyle, but you wanted to support Fuji if you could, just as he had always done for you.

Stepping through the gate that surrounded the campus, you noticed the sleek black limo sitting down the street and you were unable to hold back the groan of annoyance. “Fuji~”

The brunette laughed, patting your back. “Atobe insisted because of the weather.”

‘Of course he did,’ you held back your sigh, following him to the vehicle. The driver jumped out as soon as you got close so he could pull the back door open for you, as if you couldn’t do so yourself. ‘He doesn’t even care that he’s getting wet. What if he gets sick? I feel bad for him, but… at least he gets paid well.’

The man sent you a kind smile as you slid into the back, taking the umbrella from Fuji so he could slide in beside you. He shook the umbrella before climbing into the driver’s seat and starting the engine.

Silence settled over the vehicle as it started forward, the tinted windows streaking as the window forced the drops of rain to slide at an angle across the glass. The closer you got to the Atobe manor, the more uncomfortable you felt, but you did your best not to let that show on your face because you didn’t feel like being hounded all night about what was bothering you.

When the limo finally arrived, you stuck by Fuji’s side for most of the night, speaking only when spoken to directly, which was more than you were currently comfortable with. It’s not that you were an introverted person or anything – normally, you had no problems with social interaction, but for some reason, you were just feeling so… down and you wanted to be left alone.

The only person you wanted to talk to right now was more than five thousand miles away.

You waited patiently for Fuji to finish his conversation with one of his old schoolmates before you called out his name to grab his attention. “I’m gonna head to the bathroom. Be right back.”

He nodded before turning back to the other male, laughing about some tennis match they had years ago.

You honestly felt pretty guilty about lying to him, but if you didn’t get a chance to breathe soon, you felt like you were going to go insane. While the hallway leading to the bathroom still held a few party-goers, it was a drastic down-size from the large ballroom that was so packed with people that it was hard to move.

Glancing around the hall, you were thankful that no one was paying you any mind, and you slipped through the side door that led out into the massive garden behind the manor. Rain still felt softly from the sky, but the thunder and lightning had already moved on, leaving only the soft pitter-patter against the walkway.

You stuck to the stone path, following it towards the very back of the property where a large hedge maze sat. With a pause, you glanced over your shoulder, but the garden was empty because of the rain, so you continued into the maze, following that familiar path that led straight to a dead end. At least, that’s how it appeared to most, but you knew better.

With a bit of prodding, a small crack in the hedge appeared, allowing you to slip into a small area hidden by the towering bushes. A willow tree sat in the center of the clearing, probably older than the manor itself, its branches long and gnarled, covered with stringy moss that formed a sort of blanket around the area.

You took a deep breath, soaking in the peace and quiet around you. The grass at the base of the tree was damp, but not soaking wet thanks to the moss, so you plopped down with your back against the trunk. You checked your phone, but Tezuka still hadn’t responded to your message, which only made your mood drop further. With a sigh, you pulled your knees up to your chest and rested your head atop them, eyes sliding closed.

━━━━━━༻🎾_🏀_🏐༺━━━━━━

Fuji frowned as he scanned the ballroom, looking for any sign of you. You should have been back by now, but you were nowhere in sight. He certainly hadn’t missed your reluctance to join him tonight, either, and now he was starting to feel worried. Surely you wouldn’t have left the manor without telling him.

Atobe weaved his way through the crown toward the brunette, his phone held within his hand and a frown upon his lips. “Tezuka’s plane was delayed. It’ll be another twenty minutes before we can get him here!”

“I think Y/N decided to ditch the party,” Fuji added. “They really didn’t want to be here, to begin with.”

“You were’t supposed to let them out of your sight!” Atobe huffed in annoyance, running a hand through his purple locks. Tonight was supposed to be perfect, but it seemed as if everything that could go wrong was.

“Hm, they said they were going to the bathroom. We may be best friends, but I doubt they would appreciate me joining them,” he chuckled.

Atobe quickly dialed a number on his phone, pressing it to his ear. “Michael, we have a problem. Our guest of honor is in the wind. Find them immediately!”

“Y/N isn’t going to be happy about this~” The brunette quipped, earning a glare from the host.

“I promised Tezuka that tonight would be perfect and it will be, no matter the cost!” And the purple-haired male turned on his heel, heading farther into the manor as he barked orders into his phone.

━━━━━━༻🎾_🏀_🏐༺━━━━━━

Tezuka stepped out of the limo, readjusting his suit as he looked up at Atobe manor, feeling very jet lagged and a bit nervous, not that his monotone expression betrayed this. He wasn’t entirely sure how this night had even come to be. He had simply mentioned returning home to surprise you, but Atobe had run with it, insisting on making a huge deal out of it. Why had he thought it would be a good idea to mention proposing to you? It had been a fleeting comment that he hadn’t even meant to speak aloud, but Atobe had latched onto it with a vice-grip, refusing to let go.

Fuji was waiting outside the large double doors with a warm smile upon his lips, cerulean eyes shimmering under the lights of the porch. “Welcome home, Tezuka.”

“Thank you,” he nodded in reply. “Where is Y/N?”

“About that -”

The doors suddenly swung open and Atobe strode out with a female butler at his side, his usual smirk upon his lips, but Tezuka could tell that something wasn’t right. “Don’t worry, Tezuka. I’ve gone ahead and purchased the airline and had the pilot fired for his lack of professionalism.”

“That wasn’t necessary,” Tezuka resisted the strong urge to sigh, used to the man’s actions after so many years. His dark eyes scanned the crowd through the open doors, but he saw no sign of the one person he craved the most. “Where is Y/N?”

Atobe exchanged a look with the genius, which did little to boost Tezuka’s confidence. Clearing his throat, the host held his arm out toward the entryway. “Fuji will go get them for you. Come along, let’s get you a drink and you can get changed out of that cheap suit. I’ve had one made for you, the very best that money can buy!”

But Tezuka didn’t budge, his eyes shifting between the two men. His annoyance levels were quickly rising, along with his worry for you. Had something happened to you? The thought had his heart tripping over itself within his chest and he folded his arms, fixing his narrowed eyes on the brunette. “The truth, Fuji.”

Although Atobe shot him a warning look, the brunette paid it no mind, his cerulean eyes locking with hazel. “They didn’t want to be here so they ditched me. We haven’t been able to find them.”

Tezuka’s eyes widened a fraction behind his glasses and, without a word, he brushed past the two men, determined to find you himself.

Atobe followed him closely, his hands swiping through the air as if trying to shoo away a fly. “My men have already checked the cameras. They were last seen going out of the side door, but the rain short circuited the cameras outside. They were supposed to be waterproof! I’m already going through the process or purchasing the company so that I can fire their CEO and the imbeciles that installed them here.”

Tezuka paused at this new information, realizing instantly where you had gone, but he certainly didn’t plan on telling the other male that. Instead, he turned toward him, his voice firm. “Call your men back. Y/N won’t come out for them.

Atobe’s eye twitched. “There isn’t any place they can hide from -”

“Atobe,” his eyes narrowed, hands fisting lightly at his sides. He was already tired of his friend’s over the top nature.

“Fine,” the host huffed in annoyance before storming off, pressing his phone back to his ear.

Tezuka then headed for the garden door, following the left path around the manor to the back garden where the hedge maze sat. It had been such a long time since he had last visited the small area hidden within the maze, but he remembered the path to it like it just yesterday.

He remembered the feeling of your hand in his as you attempted to find your way to the opposite side of the maze only to find a dead end. As if you were meant to find it, you had spied a small gap in the hedge when you went to turn around.

He remembered asking you what you were doing, advising you to be careful of the sharp branches as you tried to part them. He remembered how your face had lit up when you stepped through the opening, finding the hidden area that was cut off from the rest of the garden. You had fallen in love with it the moment you saw it, he knew, and he was positive that was where you had escaped to.

By now, the rain had come to a stop, leaving behind puddles and damp grass as a reminder that it had been there, shimmering under the bright lights that were scattered across the garden.

When he finally stepped through the small gap in the hedge, his eyes immediately fell upon you, curled up against the trunk of the tree as you slept, phone held tightly over your heart. Waiting for his reply, he knew. The thought made him smile softly as he kneeled in the grass beside you, feeling the wetness seeping through the cloth, but he didn’t mind.

His hand gently rested upon your shoulder. “Y/N, wake up.”

You stirred after a moment, blinking as the fog of sleep slowly lifted off of you and then your eyes snapped to his, wide with disbelief. Without a moment of hesitation, you threw yourself at him, knocking him off balance and onto his back with you on top, clinging to his neck as if he would disappear if you loosened your grip even a hair.

“Kunimitsu,” you breathed out, fingers curling around the back of his neck and the collar of his suit jacket. “I missed you so much.”

He smiled, bringing his arms around your body, breathing in the scent of your shampoo. “I missed you, too.”

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were coming back?” You frowned into his neck, playing with the soft strands of hair at the base of his neck.

“I wanted to surprise you,” he spoke softly, wondering if he should foil Atobe’s elaborate plans. Ever so gently, he coaxed you into releasing him and you pulled back just enough to see his face. He didn’t miss how your hands clutched at his shirt, as if afraid that this was some dream you didn’t want to wake up from. “The plan was to announce my return at the party.”

You deadpanned as the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together within your mind and you groaned. “That damn Fuji, he totally knew! And he made up that stalker story to lure me here.”

Tezuka’s eyes closed as he held back an exasperated sigh, not even wanting to know what this stalker story was about. “I apologize. I should have known better than to trust them with something so important.”

“Important?” You tilted your head at the comment. He had returned home dozens of times before since going pro, but Atobe had only thrown a party for him once, and even then, it was no comparison to the gathering tonight. So what made this time to special? You didn’t understand.

“Because,” he chuckled, reaching into his jacket so he could produce the ring that his grandmother had given him for this very occasion. “I returned home to ask for your hand in marriage.”

“You -” your breath caught in your throat as you looked at the ring being held between his fingers. It was the most beautiful piece of jewelry you had ever seen and, despite how hard you tried, no words would pass your lips. This was what you had dreamed of so many times before, spending the rest of your life with this man, this man that you would destroy the world for if he so desired.

“Y/N,” his eyes met yours, full of love and warmth. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” You managed to squeak out, hand shaking as he slid the ring onto your finger before setting his palm against yours, fingers lacing together. “I love you so much, Kunimitsu, I – I -”

“I know,” he responded softly, his thumb gently brushing away your tears before bringing you into a deep kiss – a silent promise atop the declaration of love.

━━━━━━༻🎾_🏀_🏐༺━━━━━━

[kenkamishiro]

Ishida’s Q&A comments from YJ compilation, Part 8

Once again Ishida continuing to give answers that don’t actually answer the questions at all lol.

For anyone who doesn’t know about the relevant Questions to Ishida contest, please read here. You can start from Part 1 here.

The recent set of zakki:re and interview translations take a lot of time and effort, so if you enjoyed it please reblog or leave a like. Thank you!

2016

No. 1

Still 1 month left of this year! What’s something you still have left to do for 2015?

The storyboard.

Good luck.

No. 2

Sensei, please share with us a piece of news that was important to you in 2015!

I forget.

I wasn���t feeling so great in 2015.

No. 3

December 17 is Airplane Day! Now then, please share with us a memory you have that is related to airplanes!

I like the window seats.

Probably that time on the plane to head to the New Years party, when the staff was forced to stop because of me...

[T/N: Referring to his New Year’s party escapades in the volume 6 omake.]

No. 4-5

December 24 is Christmas Eve! Now then, please share with us a present that you want now as an adult!

I don’t need one since I’m an adult.

Even adults want presents too, you know!

No. 6-7

When you think of New Year’s Day...you think of New Year’s money!! Please share with us one way you spent the money you received from New Year’s when you were a child!

On games.

I was jealous of other people’s families since I didn’t have a lot of relatives.

No. 8

Sensei, please tell us your philosophy when it comes to food!

I think of meals as work.

I consider meals as work when I’m eating alone. When I go with people I eat whatever I like.

No. 9

January 28 is the birthday of the late Komatsu Sakyou! Now then, please share with us one of your favourite sci-fi works!

Gantz.

It’s not Star Wars...

No. 10

Please share with us one aspect or behaviour of the opposite sex that you unconsciously care about!

Their face.

How they use social media.

No. 11

Please share with us a Twitter account that you’re most interested in now!

Inagawa Junji-san’s for his ghost story tweets.

I find that accounts of artists are helpful for studying.

No. 12

Please share with us one of your favourite genres/videos that you end up watching on video streaming sites.

I got Netflix so I could watch Terrace House.

I still use it.

No. 13

If you were to ever film a Taiga drama who would you pick as the main character?

Siebold.

But why?

[T/N: A Taiga drama is a type of long-running TV drama period piece, often produced by NHK.]

No. 14

Graduation season is in full bloom! Now then, please share with us one of your favourite graduation songs!

“Lion” by Amano Tsuki.

Uh-huh, yup.

[T/N: "Lion” was one of the songs included in Ishida’s Spotify playlist.]

No. 15

Sensei, if you could decide the design of the 10,000 yen bill, who would it be a portrait of?

A cat.

A cat...?

No. 16

Today is Weekly Manga Day! Please tell us your number one favourite manga that is released weekly!!

I’m curious about what Ooima Yoshitoki-san will draw for her next manga.

Just how much do you care?

No. 17

Sensei, please share with us one thing that makes you go, “Man, I wanna go see this,” now?

Commentary on demonstration boards for shogi.

I went to one! Man, was it interesting.

No. 18

The final day of March is...Orchestra Day! Now then Sensei, please share with us a memory you have that’s related to musical instruments!

I bought a piano recently, and I’ve been playing it almost every day.

And I still play it.

No. 19

Entrance ceremony season has arrived! Now then, please tell us about a schoolteacher who’s left the biggest impression on you!

Some student hacked the school server and the teacher intercepted the culprit.

That’s the kind of school I attended.

No. 20

New dramas are starting one after another! Now then, please share with us a series that’s left the biggest impression on you among all the dramas that you’ve seen recently!

Right now I’m currently watching Mad Men.

I watched all of Mad Men. I can’t believe what happened at the end of “Meditations”...

[T/N: Not entirely sure what Ishida meant by that last line, but I think “Meditations” refers to the last episode of the second season, titled “Meditations in an Emergency”.]

No. 21

Sensei, please share with us one game that’s popular in your circle!

The staff and I often play Mafia a lot together.

Recently we’ve been playing table RPGs.

No. 22-23

Today is the day in which the elephant was first introduced to Japan! Now then, please share with us a person/thing/culture from overseas that you would like to come to Japan!

David Downton-san.

I don’t think that.

No. 24

It’s that time of year where it’s getting warmer even at night! Now then, please share with us something about hanging out at night that you still remember!

That time I went drinking at a bar in the outskirts of Tokyo with Takahashi Kunimitsu-kun.

I don’t want to go there again.

[T/N: Referring to that time in April 2016 where Ishida and Takahashi were at a bar and a middle-aged woman started hitting on Takahashi for 3 hours lol.]

No. 25

May 19 is Boxing Day! Now then Sensei, please share with us what you thought was the best match ever!

I like the match with David Haye.

Clearly it’s Darth Maul vs. Obi-Wan.

No. 26

Please share with us a story about a debacle that you or someone else caused at a drinking party!

The first time I met Nakayama Atsushi-sensei, I made so much of a fool of myself.

I was so piss-drunk that I fell asleep in the bathroom I think.

No. 27

When you think of June you think of June Bride! Now then Sensei, please share with us a story that you remember that has to do with weddings!

I drew the welcome board for my friend’s wedding.

That time I left early since I didn’t want to be late for my senpai’s wedding, but the flight ended up being delayed by over an hour...

No. 28

Sensei, please share with us one of your favourite literary works for children!

Ringing Bell by Yanase Takashi.

Stormy Night.

[T/N: Ringing Bell (Chirin no Suzu) was referenced in :re by Kaneki during Arima’s death scene. You can read about it here. Stormy Night also seems to have influenced :re.]

No. 29

June 16 is Wagashi Day! Now then Sensei, please share with us a confectionary that you like!

It’s not available in Fukuoka, but sweet mochi cake.

I want some now.

[T/N: Wagashi is traditional Japanese confectionaries.]

No. 30

June 23 is Olympics Day! Now then Sensei, please share with us a competition from the Olympics that you still remember to this day!

Uchimura Kouhei’s horizontal bar performance at the London Olympics.

I don’t really watch TV much, so questions like these are tough for me to answer.

No. 31

Please share with us your slogan for the latter half of 2016!

I won’t be late. I wasn’t able to keep that promise for the first half of the year.

Good luck with that.

No. 32

Sensei, please secretly tell us about one shop that you think is the King of Restaurants!

The Chinese restaurant by my previous workplace.

The stir-fried oyster with lettuce was perfection.

No. 33

Summer has arrived! Now then Sensei, what do you think of as “summer food”?

The spicy Mexican crispy noodle salad from Family Mart.

Ah that, that was so good. But I don’t see them sold anywhere now...

No. 34

If you could see exactly one historical event or incident live in person, what would you want to see?

I want to see Tezuka Osamu-sensei’s workplace.

The Perry Expedition.

[T/N: Tezuka is the “father of manga”, having drawn iconic manga like Astro Boy, Black Jack, and the currently airing anime Dororo.]

No. 35

When  you think of summer, you think of the ocean! If you could raise just one sea creature as a pet what would you choose?

An octopus.

So I can eat it.

No. 36

Sensei, please share with us the most nerve-wracking moment you’ve ever experienced in your life!

That time when I had to address a speech to over a hundred people for the launch of the anime.

Finishing the manuscript before the deadline of the final chapter.

No. 37-38

Sensei, please share with us a word or phrase that’s been stuck in your head recently!

“Pandas exploding in the wild.”

It’s from group_inou.

No. 39

Sensei, please share with us a small luxury that you use in your everyday life!

On days I stay up all night I buy carbonated drinks.

Feels kinda pathetic huh.

No. 40

The disbanding of idol groups nationwide is hot news, but please tell us about an experience that you’re still reluctant to part ways with.

A little while ago, I bought a copy of Jump every week for several months.

It was so I could read Hunter x Hunter.

[T/N: Question is most likely talking about the disbanding of the top male idol group SMAP which was announced around this time of the year.]

No. 41

Sensei, what item makes you think, “whoever invented this is a genius”?

The PC.

Amazon.

No. 42

What was the most interesting reception you’ve received up until now that has made you the happiest?

I got a shikishi from the staff to commemorate 100 chapters of being serialized. Though no one from that time is left anymore...

I also got a shikishi from the current staff. I was happy.

No. 43

Sensei, please share with us a moment that’s made you feel the generation gap the most!

Encountering people who were born in the 2000′s.

Sha-Mail.

No. 44

It’s Reader Autumn! Please tell us what you consider as your bible!

Recently it’s “Speak Aloud and Rhyme”.

Now it’s “Drawing the Morphological Human Body with Boxes and Cylinders”.

No. 45

Sensei, please tell us about a manga/anime/novel that you’d like to see as a movie!

I’m looking forward to “Satoshi: A Move for Tomorrow” being released this fall.

I missed the chance to watch it.

No. 46

Sensei, what were you most enthusiastic about playing with when you were in school?

Smash Bros.

Games that are updated periodically.

No. 47

Sensei, please tell us about something that you’ve used for many years and have been unable to throw away!!

I throw things away when I need to.

My Cintiq 22HD (DTK-2000/K1) LCD tablet. The size and responsiveness of it matches it better than the latest model.

No. 48

Sensei, when was the moment you felt you became independent?

If I’m living.

What? Probably when I got my pay cheque.

No. 49

November 2 is Family Culture Day! Sensei, please tell us about a rule that’s only found in your household!

Playing no more than 1 hour of games a day.

That’s proper.

No. 50

Sensei, please share with us any furniture/interior work that you want to replace right now!

The bookshelf.

Same.

No. 51

Sensei, please share with us the first CD you’ve ever bought!

Morishita Reika’s “Your Wind is Blowing” (most likely).

Most likely, yeah.

No. 52

This year has had various movies become blockbuster hits, but in your opinion what work do you consider as a hit?

It’s actually a drama, but Game of Thrones.

I recommend it.

previous || next

[itsworn]

The Art of Countersteer: The Bow Tie vs. Blue Oval battle reaches full lock.

The sights, sounds, and smells of drifting are unique in the world of motorsports. The brash cars, billowing tire smoke, and shrieking engines lend themselves perfectly to the multimedia of today’s young enthusiasts who have grown up on video games and social media. Add to that a relatively low cost of entry, and it’s no wonder that drifting has blown up across America. Many local tracks now offer a night for drifting for as low as $25, and several sanctioning groups like Lone Star Drift FD Pro Am Series and The Drift League have sprouted up for hopefuls looking for a chance to break into the pro series, Formula DRIFT. Though the sport may be foreign to most HOT ROD readers, drifting is as much about ingenuity and engineering, high horsepower, and driving skill as the types of motorsport we typically cover, and looking through the specs of these purpose-built domestic cars may convince some of our audience to check it out.

The Origins of Drifting

More than just a pastime in vacant, snow-covered parking lots, drifting was born in Japan in the 1980s. It was first seen in the All Japan Touring Car Championship series when driver Kunimitsu Takahashi began to slide his car through the corners as a way to maintain momentum on the era’s low-grip tires. This controlled state of oversteer was later elevated to an art form by Keiichi Tsuchiya, highly accomplished race-car driver and co-host of the Japanese automotive show Best Motoring. Considered by many to be a master of racing in the rain, Tsuchiya has come to be known as the “Drift King” and was instrumental in the formalization of organized drifting as a professional motorsport. Tsuchiya and the staff of Japanese automotive magazine Option organized the first drifting event in Japan in 1988, the D1 Grand Prix, held at the Tsukuba Circuit. Formula DRIFT, its American counterpart, was formed in 2003, holding an exhibition event at Irwindale Raceway and its first stand-alone event at Road Atlanta in 2004. The series has since expanded to hold events at nine venues across the country for the 2019 season and fields teams with big-name sponsors like Red Bull, Rockstar, Falken Tire as well as factory sponsorship from Dodge, Pontiac, and Ford throughout the years.

Unlike traditional forms of racing, the winner of a drifting event is not determined by who is the fastest or who crosses the line first. Instead, a panel of judges scores each driver on several criteria focusing on precision car control and style. The judges reward drivers who can maintain a maximum amount of drift angle while maneuvering their cars through a series of turns, bringing the car to the apex of each corner, then carrying the slide to the outside of the turns (similar to the racing line). These maneuvers must be performed in a fluid and continuous motion, with minimal steering correction, braking, or pedaling of the throttle. Competitors run the course in tandem, in which case the following car must maintain the optimum line through the course as well as keeping his or her car as close as possible to the lead car. Imagine doing synchronized donuts in a snowy parking lot that, in most cases, would result in a humiliating video on FailBlog. In pro drifting, it’s a required skill.

During the 2018 Formula DRIFT (FD) season, we followed drivers Matt Field and Justin Pawlak, both of whom drive for the Falken Tire team. They pilot two of the most iconic American muscle cars—a Chevrolet Corvette and a Ford Mustang, respectively—and carry the torch for the age-old Ford versus Chevy feud into the world of professional drifting. Justin and Matt each run their own shops while designing, developing, building, and driving their own race cars. They are true hot rodders, who are passionate about every element of building wicked-fast vehicles and making them survive the grueling series.

Justin Pawlak: 2017 Mustang

Justin got his start in drifting while working at AEM Electronics in Hawthorne, California, getting involved with the sport at the grassroots level. In 2009, he opened his shop, Hot Line Performance, where he and his crew would do fabrication work, race-car builds, and engine swaps. His drifting skills were honed behind the wheel of a second-gen Mazda RX-7, in which he received his D1 Grand Prix and FD licenses. He graduated to a S197 Mustang once Falken Tire picked him up, and he’s been wheeling Mustangs ever since. Now his 2017 S550 chassis packs one of the hardest punches the Blue Oval can throw. Like all FD competitors, this race car began as a regular production vehicle, but to be competitive at the pro level, he needed to strip the car to a bare chassis and build it from the ground up.

Drivetrain

Unlike most cars in the series, Justin’s Mustang sports a list of parts available directly from Ford Performance and Roush Performance Products. The high-compression Aluminator 5.0L crate engine that is controlled by the Ford Performance Control Pack ECU and topped off with a 2.3L Roush Supercharger that breathes through the factory airbox makes 1,000 hp with stock internals and exhales through a set of Kooks 1-7/8-inch headers. The Coyote routinely sees 7,500 rpm and, despite the abuse, shows hardly any signs of wear and tear, as demonstrated in a teardown performed by Ford Engineers in 2017. That engine is nearly identical to the current setup in Justin’s car.

A complete Radium Engineering fuel system feeds the thirsty Coyote Ignite ethanol through a set of 1,700cc injectors from Injector Dynamics. The supercharger has been on the car for more than three years with no issues and is driven off of an ATI 15-percent overdrive super damper with a VMP Performance eight-rib belt kit. C&R Racing built a custom, rear-mounted supercharger heat exchanger and radiator. Mounting the radiator in the trunk area (just aft of the rear window) is common practice in FD. It helps with weight distribution and eliminates potential hazards to the cooling system in the event of a crash or rubbing with another car on track.

The robust driveline incorporates a Quick Time bellhousing, an Andrews Products A431 four-speed Transmission (commonly found in NASCAR Cup Cars) with an Exedy twin-disc clutch, and a one-piece prop shaft from Driveshaft Shop. The driveshaft and axles survived an entire season’s worth of abuse without fail. The ring and pinion are from Rave Gears, an aerospace gear company that supply companies like Andrews Products.

Chassis and Suspension

Competition-level drift cars must be stable when sideways. Bracing and gusset work are a must, but Justin took it a step further by stitch-welding the chassis end to end. He also fabricated the rollcage and crushable bash bars. Drivers go to this effort to eliminate any undesirable movement in the car that not only increases stability but makes for more precise suspension tuning. Despite that, it’s necessary to note the cars must retain their factory pick-up points (control arms, strut towers, and so on). Essentially, every element of the car’s structure between the front and rear strut towers must remain factory. Within those parameter’s, the sky is the limit for tuning and steering angle.

Justin and Tim Folkerts of iWon Suspension R&D’d the rear suspension and front “angle kit,” which allows the car to have about 75 degrees of steering angle. To eliminate bind when steering at such extreme angles, the factory dual front links and pivot points on the hub were eliminated in favor of a single control arm and pivot. Justin had to design not only the control arm but the spindle as well. The factory item was milled down to accept adjustable, fabricated pick-up points for the control arm and FK spherical tie-rod ends, all while retaining the factory hub to accept a Wilwood six-piston brake kit. Damping is controlled by KW Suspension coilovers in all four corners.

Interior

The car’s interior sports a factory dash with Roush gauge pods in place of the factory air vents. Those pods and top half of the center console are home to an array of AEM X-Series gauges with an AQ-1 data logger tucked away. Gears are selected via a JSP shifter and knob while a JTP handbrake lever attached to a Wilwood master cylinder can lock up the rear wheels on command to help initiate an oversteer condition. Sparco seats and six-point harnesses keep the occupants secure during 80-plus-mph initiations, and a Sparco quick-release steering wheel ensures Justin will keep the car traveling where he wants.

Exterior

Though the car is a 2017 model, the nose is that of a 2018 Roush Mustang with all of the aero goodies: splitter, aero pockets, and the upper and lower grille. That bodywork is affixed to the car via the factory, removable core support, an item that can also be purchased from your local dealer. This is uncommon in FD, as cars typically have a custom-fabricated front end that involves bash bars, but in this case, the factory core support is used as the front bash bar.

The rest of the body, except for the roof, is all carbon fiber, courtesy of Anderson Composites, which puts the car right at the 3,000-pound mark (800 pounds lighter than stock). The rear trunk spoiler also came from Roush, and the roof spoiler is from Classic Design Concepts. All of the glass in the car was replaced with polycarbonate panels that Justin cut to fit. To complete the look, white Forgestar F14s are wrapped in Falken Azenis 615k+ tires, a DOT, off-the-shelf tire.

Matt Field: 2013 Corvette

Known as the “Beast from the Bay,” Matt Field has been hucking cars sideways for the better part of a decade. Having received his FD Pro license in 2009, his first career podium finish was in 2013 behind the wheel of an S14 Nissan 240SX. That same year, he opened The Drift Cave in San Jose, California, a shop that specializes in building top-quality race cars. Before the 2018 FD season kicked off, he decided to leave the 240SX chassis and build a whole new car. The vehicle choice was a 2013 Corvette because it is far more capable than the S-chassis, thereby making it easier to develop; used Vettes are cheap right now, too, and as Matt sees it, they’re also the next popular all-American drifting platform. It’s the first time in several years a Corvette has been this heavily campaigned, and last season, Matt proved its worth by taking a salvage-title car to a Seventh Place overall finish.

Drivetrain

Though the Vette already comes LS-equipped, more power was needed. The RHS 427 LSX engine under the hood of Matt’s Vette and packs a bit more of a punch than stock. CBM Motorsports out of Colton, California, assembled the engine to be ready for supercharging and nitrous. With a Vortech YSi-B blower attached via A&A supercharger brackets, and direct-port nitrous kit from Nitrous Express getting sucked through a FAST 102 intake, this C6 is good for 1,060 hp and 990 lb-ft of torque to the tires. All of that power vaporizes ear drums through Borla headers and ATAK exhaust system.

Accel spark-plug wires and Holley EFI smart coils keep the engine firing true with a Mechman alternator keeping all of the electronics fully juiced. To ensure longevity, a CX racing oil cooler and ARE dry-sump system ensure it will hold up to every bang off the rev limiter. The supercharger is cooled by a Treadstone Performance intercooler while the engine’s coolant travels through a C&R Racing dual-pass radiator that lays flat in the trunk of the car. A pair of 1,950-cfm Spal brushless fans make for some icy coolant temperatures.

Earl’s Ultra Pro plumbing runs throughout the entire car and two Aeromotive 340 fuel pumps and a pressure regulator keep the Injector Dynamics 2000cc injectors well fed. The plastic outer shell of the stock fuel tank was retained and a Fuel Safe bladder was made to fit within it. A Fuel Safe dry brake is installed in the factory fuel-filler location.

Chassis and Suspension

Parts Shop Max handled the entire suspension of the car. Together with Matt, the shop developed the control arms, knuckles, sway bars, and adjustable coilovers for the C6 Corvette.

The C6 chassis is already very well-engineered, but for drifting, the cars need a little room to crumple without causing damage to the vital structure. After mocking up the rear body panels, Matt cut a substantial amount of the stock frame from the car and replaced it with bash bars that are engineered to fail in the case of the occasional wall tap or car-to-car contact.

Interior

Matt’s “office” is home to not only his Cobra Ultralite seats and Schroth Racing Enduro harnesses but the brains of the whole mechanical operation. Tucked within an HGK carbon dash is an MXS digital dash and data logger from AIM Data Sports that gathers the info that Matt and his team need. A Holley Dominator ECU serves as the brain and accepts Matt’s commands via a Motec PDM. Jei of Blacktrax Performance buttoned up all of the wiring from tip to tail of the C6.

At the controls and behind the Optic Armor lexan windows, a bespoke NRG Innovations steering wheel sits atop a Woodward steering column and the Parts Shop Max handbrake is within a finger’s reach of the wheel. A Tilton pedal box and reservoirs are tucked in the footwell, and to stay cool under pressure Matt wears a Coolshirt during competition.

Exterior

HGK came through with a full carbon/Kevlar body for the car, including a fan shroud. The carbon-fiber hood and trunk are from Anderson Composites, and APR added some style and aerodynamics with a front splitter and side skirts. This all contributes to a 3,000-pound vehicle weight with Matt sitting in it, a weight that must be adhered to, given his 295 tire size. Falken Tire’s iconic teal and blue livery shines bright as a throwback to the early days of drifting in the states. A set of 18-inch Rotiform WGR wheels are wrapped in the same DOT Falken 615k+ rubber as Justin’s Mustang and have accents color-matched to the car’s theme.

What’s Next?

Going into the 2019 season, Matt and Justin are on the hunt for more. After finishing 2018 in Seventh and Fifth Place, respectively, they have podium finishes on the brain. There is plenty of stiff competition, but in a judged motorsport that demands as much as drifting does of man and machine, anything can happen. Having been in the game this long, things are looking up for these guys, and we could be looking at the next FD champions in the very near future.

Drivers like this duo are already veterans of the sport and will someday, along with the rest of their comrades, be the “old guys” to which future drivers look up to for guidance and inspiration as they claw their way through melted rubber, blown engines, and crunched cars to take the ultimate victory.

The post The Art of Countersteer: The Bow Tie vs. Blue Oval battle reaches full lock. appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

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[saylor-twift]

alright, so first off. This is my first time doing a req to a creator/author/writer I admire so much so hopefully I won't cause any confusion— ">-< but could you uhh do a wanderer x reader unrequited love? (eg: wanderer prefers someone over reader) I really want more angst to read and also with this topic. You don't have to take this request if you're not comfortable!

(❄️. SHON)

Yes yes I can!! This is such a coincidence cause I just recently made a very similar request to one of my mutuals haha. Recently I’ve lowkey had this brain rot of Wanderer having feelings for the traveler (Lumine) because i’ve been reading so much Scaralumi lmfao and it lowkey makes me kinda salty even tho i love them to death so that’s kinda the direction this will take :) Thanks so much for asking!!

side note: I’m so fking angry i literally had this whole thing proofread and totally ready like an hour and a half ago when my tumblr fucking shuts down and deletes all my work and I had already deleted it off the google doc so I could paste the version from tumblr so i had to go restore the google doc and ughhh it caused me an extra hour of work cause i had to proofread everything again. anyways, please enjoy :)

Live is to Love, as Love is to Hurt

word count: 6801

also heads up for anyone who doesn’t know, I like to refer to Wanderer as Kunimitsu cause that’s the name I gave him :)

Everyone knows, or should know at least, that when one decides to accept something, anything, that they are also agreeing to take on each and every single thing that comes with it. To look forward to the rebirth of spring means also accepting that the barren, frosty breath of winter will indeed return, turning the once lush gardens of the world into sharp, jagged blades of grass and trees devoid of green. The same is true when you decide to accept somebody into your life. You must know that no matter how benevolent and perfect to you they may seem, fate has its mishaps, and doesn’t always play a fair game. And yet there’s one more thing, one might think after learning all these things that the way they will be better off is to never take risks. And supposedly yes, maybe you won’t get hurt, but you also won’t live. Because to live is to love, to live is to hurt, to live is to heal.

This current chapter of life feels strikingly similar to one of those slice of life novels you’d expect to find at the bookstore on the corner of the street. Only it wasn’t something you read whilst sipping tea on a sunday afternoon, it’s more like the type of heart-breaking piece of literature you finish late on friday nights, the kind that leaves you restless and contemplating the rest of the weekend. Or in this case, the rest of the month. And instead of seeing yourself in the life of the main character and mourning for them as if they were your own, the one who hurts is you, and it feels like nobody from the sidelines is mourning on your behalf. It’s almost ridiculous the amount of times you’ve mentally punched yourself for being this distraught, doesn’t everybody experience heartbreak at least once in their life? Maybe they do, but not everyone feels it this hard. Not everyone devotes every single inch of love in their hearts towards one singular person, only to have it blown out like the candles on a birthday cake, because the candles of the one you love burn for somebody who isn’t you.

And maybe if you were younger, if you were less understanding, if you had less control… you would be vengeful, heart full of nothing but envy for the lovely woman whose presence has his full attention. But you’re not, because you’ve grown. You’re older, you’re wiser, you understand. You understand the kind of pain such a mindset would inflict not only on the people around you, but also yourself. It’s truly hard to feel hate for that beautiful woman. She’s ever so kind, and strong, and beautiful and perfect and everything you’ve somehow convinced yourself that you’re not. She’s never wronged you, it’s not her fault. Truthfully, it’s not anyone’s fault. But that won’t change the fact that it hurts. In fact, it maims your very soul more than any pain you could have felt before. Most people would wonder why you even felt for him in the first place if they knew the history the two of you had. Yet the answer comes clear as day. To feel such comfort around him is something that rarely comes from other people. You know you can speak your mind on a bad day without scaring him off, and he knows, you hope he knows, that you’d put up with and listen to him as much as he needed as well. You love the way you always have to stifle a laugh whenever he makes an inappropriate comment, or how he’s unafraid to let you know when you’re wrong. How he always has to ponder the mysteries of the world at such a deep level, never taking things at face-value. And how he always hears you out from your perspective, never making you feel crazy or out of place for your seemingly otherworldly ideas.

Maybe it irked you at first, his insouciant and immature behavior, but it’s difficult to keep lying to yourself when really you knew deep down how endearing it felt, to have someone close enough to share such experiences with. And yet, through all of this, it seemed you had read him all wrong. This was the first time you had ever loved someone this deeply, let alone loved at all. People these days, especially young people, seem to lack the mental complexities you’d prefer in a partner. You wanted someone you could love and understand, not just some accessory at the hip to just brag and boast about. Even with all the times he’d berated you with insults and poked fun at your mishaps, he still possessed a sort of depth to his mentality, the kind that honestly made you fawn over the way you could hold meaningful conversations without feeling like you didn’t belong. If you recall correctly, he did mention once that he wasn’t a fan of small talk. Maybe that was just the way he was, or maybe it came as a result of his seemingly never ending history of trauma. (it made your heart clench just thinking about it, but you rarely brought it up. You knew all too well he wasn’t fond of the subject)

It only made sense he managed to snatch your heart right up into an unbreakable death grip. You were in love with him, for sure and certain. And it was likely that undying inferno, clouding your correct judgment in a cloud of smoke and ash, that led you to be here in this scene, the very moment that truly broke your heart, for the very first time.

You’d seen him with the girl a number of times, and to be fair, neither of them had ever confirmed any affection for the other, so perhaps you were just overthinking it all. Maybe to think such things would only be setting yourself up for disappointment, but for now, that could be left to the future. Maybe, if you were to get over your fears and doubts for just a moment, you would tell him. Maybe plan something for just the two of you, like they do in those cheap romance novels, and over a glass of zaytun peach lemonade, you look him in the eyes and say, “I love you.” And he would reply with, “Yes, so do I.” And the day would end however the author of said cheap romance novel sees fit.

And so you decide to do exactly that.

You find yourself sitting in immense regret as you wait outside the doors to the Akedemiya, anxiously picking at the cuticle of one of your nails as the unforgiving sun beats down on the back of your head. You’ll likely never fully get used to Sumeru’s weather. Typically at this time of the week, he attends the usual Vahumana lecture, begrudgingly of course. That was one of the things he was fond of complaining to you about, specifically the professor, whom he described as a “sulking old wench on the verge of death.” Maybe the description was a little much, but it elicited little giggles out of you nonetheless. And as the clock hits two in the afternoon, your anticipation only increases as you watch the door open and close, pairs of students leaving in intervals. You instantly perk up as you see his slender figure push its way out from the large wooden doors, making a beeline directly away from where everyone else was heading. Caught up in simply admiring him as he strolls away, lost in a daze, you suddenly snap out of your daydream as the realization hits you that he’s the reason you’re here. If he gets away, you’ll lose your chance.

With one last quick, deep breath of reassurance, you jog up to his side before he’s too far away, bouncing on the balls of your feet. “Hey, hold on!” You call out, cheeks instantly redding as he cocks his head in your direction with a (thankfully) only mildly annoyed expression. Having a crush is so much more mortifying than you would have ever anticipated. “Hey-“

“What?” He interrupts, clearly already exasperated with whatever antics he thinks you intend to throw his way. “How was school?” You inquire, jogging up to his side again as he quickens his pace out of annoyance. “Don’t ask questions like that, I’m not your child.”

“Fine, my fault for wanting to know how you’re doing. I have a request for you.” You press on, not wanting to waste much time with his brashness. “I’m going to decline.” He insists. “No, you won’t. Well, maybe you will. But i’m politely requesting that you accept.”

“Well, you have to tell me what it even is first, no?”

You mentally roll your eyes. He always had to be like this, didn’t he? “I’m getting there. I was, um.. wondering if you were going to be busy this afternoon?” You question, cringing at the way the words failed to come out as smoothly as you had originally intended. He scoffs at this, followed by a laugh. “You’re hilarious. What do you actually want from me?”

“..what do you mean? I’m asking if you have any plans for the rest of today.”

“Why? Is Kusanali being overly dependent on her little errand boy again? I would’ve thought she would tell me herself, not send some messenger.”

This causes you to cringe. Despite the immense progress he’s made, he still can’t comprehend the fact that there are people who actually care for him and don’t see him as just some sort of a tool. “Oh come on, is that really the conclusion you’re going to jump to?” You ask with a hand on your hip. “What other reasons could you possibly have for seeking me out? Don’t tell me you actually want to spend time with me?” He quirks an eyebrow in amusement as he crosses his arms. He enjoys messing with you, he really does. “And what if I do?” You respond with an equally smug expression, seemingly forgetting about your previous nervousness and relishing in the fact that you can lightheartedly tease each other like this. “Then I’d tell you that you’re a fool. I don’t see any possible way you could benefit from being around me.”

“Why do you do this? Is it really so difficult to imagine that people enjoy being around you? Haven’t you spent enough time around me to know I’m not joking?”

He sighs, half in exasperation and half in defeat. “So you’re really saying you came all the way out here because you want to waste your afternoon on me? If I agree to whatever escapade you have planned, will you leave me alone then?” His voice is only slightly, but definitely noticeably softer than it was before. “I wouldn’t call it a waste. Please give yourself some credit.” You insist. “Fine, I’ll indulge you this once. But I better not hear any more of this.” He says, only mildly displeased. You smile madly to yourself, biting a lip as you fight to contain yourself, at least for the time required to form your next sentence. “Okay well, I’m not letting you back out now. Can we agree to meet somewhere then?”

“..if you insist.”

And not much longer after that, the two of you had agreed to meet a few hours later in the evening outside of the Grand Bazaar. Zubayr Theater had planned that day to host a small festival in honor of what Nilou liked to call it’s “grand reopening”. Following recent events, the matra of the Akedemiya had decided to lay back on some of their laws and views regarding the arts, meaning that the theater was free to perform as openly as it liked, with some rules, of course. Needless to say, Nilou was absolutely ecstatic. She’d choreographed a whole show solely for the sake of reopening, and the streets of Sumeru City were plastered with all of the posters and flyers. Not only were you more than happy to come and support your good friend and her passions, you were also quite fond of the arts and always enjoyed a good performance. Not to mention it made a decent first date spot for two aspiring lovers. (“Date” was a strong word, and you were fully aware of the fact that a date was not what this was. Nonetheless, you couldn’t help but daydream about such things.)

You’d graciously purchased a ticket for yourself as well as for him, much to his surprise. “And what if I hadn’t decided to show up? What would you do with your wasted money then?” He quirks as the two of you walk inside the theater, breathing in the scent of spices mixed with floral perfumes. “Well you’re here aren’t you? That means I don’t have to worry about that. But if for some crazy reason you did decide to ditch me, I’d just find some lucky unsuspecting stranger who’d appreciate a theater ticket much more.” You reply. “Of course you would. Always so generous.” He quips, not lacking his usual sarcasm. “Well what would you rather I do with it?” You question curiously. He scoffs. “That's not what I meant, your answer was fine. I’m just saying it’s so very like you.”

“Whatever, just come on. I think you might actually enjoy this, Nilou is very talented!” You chirp, skipping ahead to the doors of the auditorium, your enthusiasm showing right through. In truth, you had decided to bring him to a quiet place such as a theater as an excuse to not have to make too much conversation with him. The long performances would give you plenty of time to come up with what you were going to say once the time came. As guilty as it made you feel, you really only paid a fraction of attention to the lovely performance as your thoughts were lost elsewhere. It was finally beginning to dawn on you how anxious you really were, and a pool of regret starts forming in your chest as your mind conjures up all of the worst possible scenarios. He’s not exactly known for being the most compassionate person, so fear of rejection was only worse in this case. Would he ridicule you, or would he simply spit venom in your face like there’s no tomorrow? Either way, whether this night would turn out for the worse or for the better, you were too far in to turn back now. At least, that’s what you tried to convince yourself.

He didn’t seem to have much to say himself either, only making a snide remark as the curtains opened and remaining mostly silent for the rest of the performance. You’d almost say he was enamored with the dancers, watching them with a lovely sort of infatuation, almost as if he was also lost in his own little world. You find yourself continuously sneaking glances at him, whether to try and catch some sort of emotion on his face or simply just to look at him, you weren’t entirely sure. If he notices your constant little glances, he makes no comment. With a final flourish of sounds, music and lights that snaps you out of your anxiety-filled little daze, you zone back into the stage as the audience roars with applause and the curtains slowly come to a close. You breath in deep for your nose, realizing that you can no longer hide in the darkness and music of the theater. And for the first time since the beginning of the whole show, he speaks up. “You know, I might have doubted you a bit too much. It would be a lie to say that wasn’t a little enjoyable. You’re right, that girl does have some talent.”

Taking a minute to actually process that he was speaking to you, you blink a couple of times before turning to face him. “O-oh! See? I told you. Are you realizing now that you don’t always have to be so pessimistic?” He quirks an eyebrow at the way you appear to be so startled, but chooses to make no mention of it. “I hate to break it to you, but one night of little dance performances isn’t going to change my philosophy, no matter how much you want it to.” He chuckles as the two of you start to filter out with the rest of the crowd. “Maybe not tonight, but I bet one day I will.”

“Mhm. Good luck with that.”

By the time you exit the theater, the sun has almost completely gone down, only casting the city in the faintest remnants of orange and yellows. The ambience of the night can only be described as tranquil with the way it bathes the buildings in its warm purples and cooler blues. It fits him so well, you think. So well, you don’t even realize you’re staring. The moonlight illuminates the carefully sculpted features of his face, making him appear as if he were straight from one of the paintings of the masters. The artist clearly has a steady hand, with each brush stroke being carefully placed to exact precision, the colors fading into each other absolutely beautifully. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience to get the chance to lay eyes on somebody this breathtaking. You’re a sight for eyes, Kunimitsu. Are the words your brain decides to conjure up following this butterfly-inducing observation. But of course, such moments can only live so long as he decides to cut you off with a rather embarrassing reality check. “You’re staring. Something you want to say?”

The blush attacks your cheeks faster than you can even blink, eyes widening for but a moment. You’ve been caught red handed, nothing you can do about that. Instead of averting your gaze in shyness, you grasp tightly to that little sliver of confidence left from the beginning of this whole endeavor, using it as assistance for crafting your next words. “Hmm.. maybe there is.” The words fall out flawlessly, gaze never leaving his. And then there it is again, that familiar feeling of teeny tiny butterflies making themselves at home in the pit of your stomach with the way his eyes meet yours. “Then I think we should go find a place to sit. There’s… actually something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you as well.” He replies, with him being the one to break eye contact instead of you. If you strain your ears just hard enough, you swear he sounds uncharacteristically softer than usual, and you instantly wonder if he’s thinking the same thing you are. And with the way he immediately follows by tilting his hat down to cover his expression and quickens his pace, he has to be, you think. “Good. I wanted a drink, anyway.”

You imagine yourself being patted on the shoulder reassuringly, it’s truly now or never. You’re by yourself again, waiting in a surprisingly short line for lemonade. Disappointingly, the clearly under-staffed lemonade stand had quickly run out of many of the good flavors, including your favorite, zaytun peach. Deciding not to let it get you down, you settle on two glasses of plain lemonade, figuring that the Wanderer would prefer that kind anyway. You still hadn’t figured out what his deal was when it came to food. He didn’t seem like a picky eater, but he always grimaced anytime anyone made a comment regarding anything gooey and sweet. You hadn’t quite figured out if he hated all sweet things, or if it was just sweet things that also happened to be sticky… but no matter, if the citrus drink happened to not be to his liking, that was the least important concern on your mind at the moment. With annoyingly shaky hands and an increased heart rate, you take the two cool glasses of lemonade and make your way over to where your companion has already claimed a spot at a table, shaded and secluded away from the rest of the festival-goers.

You set the cups down, which he barely even acknowledges. Neither do you, practically forgetting about their entire existence the moment your legs hit the smooth wooden structure of the chair. He shifts in his seat, almost uncomfortably, you note, turning to face you. Much to your chagrin, he decides not to say anything, leaving the two of you in a dreadfully uncomfortable silence. “So-“

“You wanted to tell me something?” You interrupt. Truly you weren’t sure why, though it was most likely because you were trying to find some last minute way to further procrastinate your confession. He pauses for a moment, before inhaling sharply, followed by an unnecessarily long exhale. “I… suppose I do. I’ve given this quite a bit of thought, and I’ve decided that despite the way you annoy me and your persistent show of naivety, I still think you’d have a good outlook on my predicament.” Usually when he makes quips like this, you’d playfully roll your eyes, followed by a witty retort of your own. But it seems that at this point into the night, you’ve already spent up all your previously prepared confidence. Your hands are under the table, one finger working nonstop at picking a loose cuticle, already turning pink and uncomfortable and raw from the friction. “I’ll… try my best. What exactly is it?” Your voice comes out smaller than intended, and you wonder if he can sense your anticipation.

He makes an ‘ugh�� sound as his head drops forward, the bridge of his nose coming to land directly in between his pointer and thumb. “I just… I’m conflicted. I don’t…” This causes you to furrow your brows together at his odd display of vulnerability. It seems he’s at a loss for words, the first time you’ve ever witnessed such a thing. “About… what?” You query, clasping your hands together underneath the table. He squeezes his eyes shut and a forced exhale leaves his nose, and it’s the first time you think you’ve ever seen him willingly show that much emotion around you. “I’ve been… trying to come to terms with something as of late. And I’m just not understanding how all you mortals endure these kinds of things every day, it’s honestly appalling.” He lifts his head up from between his fingers, looking at you concernedly, as if he really was being honest about how he felt. “Okay, well first of all, I doubt that you actually feel things any less than the ordinary human, you just like to hide it. Second, what is it that’s bothering you even? You’re concerning me.” You comment. He scoffs. “The amount I feel is not the point. I am incredibly disturbed by this, and you are the only person I feel can advise me on what to do. You’re quite the expert on emotions, after all.”

You’re not quite sure whether he’s giving you a compliment or calling you emotional, but it didn’t matter. The fact that he’s even coming to you about something that clearly means so much to him hints at the fact that there might be some greater feeling lingering behind all of this. You’re about to open your mouth to ask once again what he means by all this, but he beats you to it, and you swear you see the apples of his cheeks turn a dusty rose color. “I keep having this reoccurring thought, about a person… that I may hold some sort of fondness for..”

Your breath hitches. This whole time your well-thought out (more like impulsive, but you digress) plan was to get him alone so that you would have to work up the courage on your own to confess to him. But now, was he going to do it for you? Would you be getting the happy ending you’d daydreamed about for so long? You zone out for the better part of his speech, attention only coming back for the last few words.

“…your friend, actually. You know, the one with the (color) hair? Surely you’ve noticed? That’s why I’m telling you, you’re the only one I feel even remotely comfortable with giving this information.”

What.

With those words, you swear you could literally feel your face turn white . Could you perhaps have misheard? Is he alluding to something else? It’s almost like you’re in denial. The only physical reaction this confession seems to get out of you is a blank stare, while your mind on the other hand is practically on a wild rampage. The man you love more than anything, more than life, more than the sun, more than yourself, sitting in front of you, telling you directly to your face that his heart belongs to somebody whose name is not yours. Whose whole persona you wish so dearly could be your own. And the audacity to ask for advice on what to do was really just the cherry on top. You feel absolutely mortified, like there’s a sizzling flame, a light in your stomach making you feel like you’d vomit the entirety of your organs at any given moment. He couldn’t possibly be lying either, with the way his whole demeanor seems to change to a completely different person when he speaks about her. He seems so oddly vulnerable telling you about how he feels. At the very least, he trusts you more than most to be so willingly sharing his thoughts with you. That’s something, at least.

After a short moment too long of silence, you blink away your surprise, putting on a soft expression that reads ‘congratulations, I’m so happy for you’ despite the ache forming in your heart. “Ah, is that so? You know, I think it’s great you’re allowing yourself this. She’s a beautiful girl, I’m sure she loves you just as much.” Gods, that hurt more than anything else you’ve ever had to say before. He pauses for a moment before speaking again, and you fear it’s because he’s noticed your trepidation. “You’re very perceptive for a mortal, you know. That much I’ve picked up on, if not anything else. So is that really what you think then? That she could really harbor any sort of affection for me, despite what I’ve done?” And if that doesn’t hurt even more. The first reason being that he clearly loves this girl even deeper than you’d originally thought, the second being that he still believes himself to be so inherently undesirable that he has to ask you for confirmation that another could love him back. And of course he’s lovable, he’s literally taken your very soul and intertwined it with his own.

“Kunimitsu, how could she not? Do you really not see anything in yourself of any value? Of course you’re loved. Despite what you think of yourself, and what you think others should think, you are meant to be cared for just as you are. I- she can see the way you’ve changed, and your efforts to heal and become better. If someone like you cares for her, there isn’t any possible way you aren’t dear to her as well.” The reason these words come out so easily can only be explained by the feelings you harbor so deeply for him. Maybe it sounds too much like a confession of your own, and despite trying to make yourself believe you say it for his own good, you know deep down it’s really because you want to relieve some of that ache for yourself. He looks at you in a relieved sort of way, almost endearing, yet still not fully believing. “Do I really deserve this..?” His eyes are by far the softest you’ve ever seen as he practically begs you to confirm it for him again. And damn it if you didn’t love him so much, if you weren’t so eager to please him. “You do. You really, truly do.” If only he knew how good you’d treat him if you were the one he longed for. If only he knew how hot your flame burned for him, if only he knew the way you longed to hold, caress, and simply just love him. And so you decide you can bear to look at him no longer, lest you break down in tears. “It’s getting a bit late, I think. I hope you think about what I told you. Good night, Kuni.”

You stand up, not really caring anymore if you seemed to end the night too abruptly. Maybe it was selfish to leave just like that, and maybe he could tell you were upset, but none of that mattered. Right now, you really wanted to just put yourself first for once. Nearly the instant you consider yourself far enough away from him or anyone else, you begin to break down. You roughly cover your mouth with the palm of your hand to cover the sound of a pathetic little sob that escapes your vocal chords. A shaky inhale follows as large droplets of salty tears quickly make their way down your cheeks from the corners of your eyes. Your other arm wraps around your midsection at a subconscious attempt at self comfort. You collapse against the slide of a building, sliding down the wall until you’re fully seated on the ground, allowing your emotions to fully take a hold of you. For what feels almost never ending, you cry and cry and cry until you don’t have it in you to produce anything more. You take another shaky breath, whether to calm yourself down or to replace all the oxygen lost, you’re not sure. It doesn’t really help either way.

After several more minutes of just sitting there, hugging your knees to your chest and looking up absentmindedly at the night sky, quite literally contemplating everything about your life, you’re snapped out of your thoughts by the sounds of soft footsteps coming down the cobblestone road. You panic, desperately not wanting anyone to see you in such a state. Upon further inspection, the sounds of the approaching person become clearer. It sounds as if the owner isn’t wearing any shoes. Instead, there’s also the faintest sound of jingling bells. Turning your head slightly to the side, you catch a glimpse of exactly who seems to be approaching, and you sigh in relief. You actually wouldn’t mind a little company from this person, if they even notice you hiding in the depths of your despair. The little dendro archon strolls casually down the street, seeming to be thinking of nothing but how tranquil the ambience is. Part of you wants to step out from your hiding place and greet her, the other urging you to curl away even further. Neither of the thoughts win, resulting in you staying exactly where you are.

The white-haired little sprout hums an old Sumeruen tune as she bounces on the balls of her feet, not a care in the world. Your heart warms a little at the sight. Just as the thought finishes passing through your love-sick mind, she cocks her head to the side, noticing your presence. With a little pleased gasp, she bounces right over to you. “(Name), I’ve been looking all over for you! Why are you sitting all alone?”

You give her a smile, only half attempting to conceal your distress. You don’t really want her to question you about your misfortune, yet at the same time, it would feel really nice to tell somebody you trusted as much as her about it. “Hi, Nahida. I’m just taking a breather, I guess. It’s really nice out tonight, isn’t it?” Your voice is soft and smooth, as it usually is when making conversation with her. “It is indeed! I was just out taking a walk myself. My intention was actually to find you, I was wondering if you had made it to the festival. It seems I ended up getting a bit distracted… so I’d say it’s actually quite lucky I managed to run into you here. Silly me!” She sits down next to you, bells rustling against each other. Her short legs stick out straight and she rests her hands atop her lap. “You were looking for me? What for exactly?” You curiously ask, resting your cheek on the palm of your hand while your head turns to look at her. Your eyelashes are still clustered together in little points as a result of the river of tears just a few minutes prior.

She taps a finger against her chin, a typical habit of hers reserved for thinking. “To be honest… I don’t think I really had a reason. I was just seeking your company! Ever since I met you and the traveler, I’ve found that I quite enjoy spending time with my friends.” This elicits a giggle from you. She didn’t even intend for it to be a compliment, her comment was pure honesty. But nevertheless it succeeded in making you feel a little better to know that you were on her mind, even if she had no idea what you were feeling at the moment. “Well I’m glad you found me then. Did you go to the festival today?”

“No, I didn’t get the chance to. But…” She trails off, giving you a puzzled yet concerned expression.

“Is there something on your mind? I know I’m not an expert yet on human emotions, but I feel as if you are acting differently than you normally do.”

She sits patiently, waiting for a response. True, she had a bit of a hard time contemplating the more complex emotions of humans, but she was still one of the most empathetic people you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

You sigh, might as well tell her the truth. “Nahida, I… you’re right. I am thinking about something. I just don’t know exactly how to tell you..” Your gaze falls down, suddenly you become more interested in picking at your cuticles than the inquisitive girl beside you. She hums in understanding. “I see...” She sits in silence, words failing to find her. They don’t seem to come to you either.

“..shall I read your mind? Not to intrude, but do you think it would help? Would you like me to know what’s wrong?” She pressed, almost carefully. After a bit of trial and error, the young archon had learned that most people don’t appreciate being bluntly asked for their feelings. So, she’d learned to take things with a bit more heed. Any other day, you probably would have laughed, telling her not to worry herself over you. But, thanks to none other than Nahida herself, you’d begun to slowly become a bit more open with how you felt. She’d advised, after reading some self-help book on managing emotions, that you start telling people when you felt something that made you hurt. And as honestly awkward as it was, it was helping. In lieu of a response, you nod your head in answer to her question with a small ‘mhm’ sound, the words once again failing to come to you.

She nods her head as well, giving your shoulder a gentle pat before ever so softly taking your hand in both of hers, treating it as if it were a fragile glass ornament. She gives it a soft kiss before grasping it more firmly, shutting her eyelids before beginning the process of entering your consciousness. Without even trying, you replay the events of earlier that afternoon in your mind, cringing the whole way through. It brought a tough sort of ache into your chest, sort of like bread dough with too much flour. After only a few more seconds of replaying painful scenes and holding your breath without even realizing, she opens her eyes, but chooses not to release your hand just yet. When her expression meets yours, it can only be described as sorrowfully compassionate.

“Oh…” Is the only sound that escapes her lips. You smile sadly and attempt to laugh in order to lighten the mood, regretting it instantly the second the noise emitted from your throat turns into a sob. You cover your mouth with your hand as the tears return yet again. Nahida stands on her knees to better reach you, wrapping her small arms around your shoulders, patting your back comfortingly. “I am so, so, so sorry (Name). If only I had known… he hadn’t even told me about his feelings for her.” She coos. Speaking through your tears, you make an attempt to defend her position. “It’s not- It’s not your fault. It’s not anyone’s fault. But it doesn’t make it hurt any less.” You let your head hang low with no more energy left to hold it high.

“You know that I’ve never experienced such heartbreak personally, but I can imagine it hurts just as much as you say. Please don’t start to think anything less of yourself because of this, you are still perfect.” She lifts herself from the embrace, holding your head in both of her hands. You look up at her with tear stained cheeks that glisten in the moonlight, giving a watery laugh. “Nahida, you are so nice to me. You think you don’t understand emotions, but you still care about mine more than a lot of people I’ve met.”

“It’s my duty as the Archon of Sumeru, isn’t it? I must attend to all the needs of my people. Political, physical, and I also believe emotional. And as one of my newfound friends, I need to take care of you too.” She smiles, resembling that of a proud child after their mother congratulated them on a well-earned school grade. It makes you smile too. “I guess it is then. Thank you, Nahida. You are really a good friend.”

“And so are you! Now, I want you to promise me something, okay? Go to bed tonight as soon as you can, get lots of good rest. And tomorrow make sure to eat a healthy breakfast and get lots of sunshine. Sunshine is proven to lift moods significantly! Can you do that for me?” She counsels, this time resembling that of a mother caring for her ill child. You nod in agreement. “Sure. I’ll try my best.” You know full well agreeing to her worried demands was only to make her happy. Truthfully, you’re not sure for how long this heartbreak will plague your mind. It’s not everyday the love of your life blatantly states to your face that they love somebody who isn’t you. Some people would get angry when faced with a situation like this. Angry at the boy, angry at the other. Angry at themselves, even. But as of right now, you can’t find it in you to be angry. The feeling lingering behind from the shipwreck only seems to be a deep sort of pain, the kind that hollows out your chest and resides deep in the darkest of corners, it’s shadows seeping out to infest every single inch of you. Despite the sunshine peeking in, maybe from the kind words of a friend such as Nahida, the shadows don’t seem all that repulsed by it. When you were younger, you once told yourself you weren’t interested in the idea of falling in love. After reading so many books, nothing about the topic ever appealed to you. But as most people know, lives hardly go as they are planned, hardly follow along with the intentions. You hadn’t meant to fall in love with him, you hadn’t even tried. And maybe that’s what made it hurt so bad, because it seemed the universe had surprised you with a gift so lovely. You accepted, because who wouldn’t turn down such a generous item? Only to find out the universe had made a mistake, that lovely present tied with a satin bow was not in fact made for you, but rather instead for the lovely person next door with sparkling eyes like diamonds and a heart of gold.

Right now, your eyes feel much too clouded to even have a chance at sparkling, and your heart too heavy to be made of anything but black, crumbling coal. Maybe you’ll get over him, or maybe you won’t. Maybe this will be the kind of first love that stays by your side the rest of your life, the kind you tell stories to your grandchildren about when they ask you if you’ve ever been in love. Or maybe the fates will have a change of heart and decide to grant you the wish you’ve been so desperately clinging on to. Either way, you love him. And there will always be a part of you that hopes, maybe, he’ll love you too.

[prince-of-scenarios]

Hiiii it's me again, I hope you don't mind ma asking twice... but I simply L O V E D 💕✨ your headcanons on their married life, so if you don't mind I'd like to request:

T H E I R. W E D D I N G. 🌼❤️

Like, the type of wedding, the decoration, who gives the speech, who cries the most between the two... That sort of thing XD

For Atobe, Sanada, Tezuka and Yukimura, please 😍

Atobe

Surprisingly modest, but also over the top simultaneously because he’s Atobe. But his s/o forbade him from going too overboard because it would be a pain for the staff to clean. Atobe made them promise that they can’t complain for what he has planned for their honeymoon because if he can’t go all out for the wedding then he’ll find other ways to make it up. 

Atobe doesn’t cry. He prides himself on handling his emotions well, but damn, if he didn’t get a little misty-eyed watching his s/o walk down the aisle and then hearing them say their vows. It takes him by surprise how emotional he gets, probably, and even though a single tear isn’t shed from him, he’s quieter than usual. A lot of soft touches from him on this day. 

Lots of elegant decorations, silk and white ribbons and pale gold and white and clear balloons. A literal red carpet. The best food anyone has ever eaten and of course the festivities go on for hours while people dance and sing and cry and eat and drink their fill. Slow songs, fast songs, songs that make people sing together. 

Obviously he gives the speech, and it’s so elegant and heartfelt his s/o probably begins crying halfway through. Atobe mostly lets other people talk though, because he wants the celebration to be about him and his s/o, not about him talking. 

Sanada

Has a modest wedding (god forbid he try to emulate anything that might be Atobe’s taste...) Neutral colors, pale colors, soft colors. Soothing music, a spread of food that evokes nostalgia and the future all at once because he and his s/o reminisce about their time before getting married as well as anticipate their future together. 

Sanada refuses to cry, but watching his s/o walk down the aisle makes his vision blurry and he can’t stop staring at them the entire night. While all of the planning of this wedding made him the tensest he’s ever been, the actual event makes him so soft and loving. Careful touches and stroking his s/o’s knuckles with his thumb. 

Voice wavers once through his vows, and he kisses his s/o like it’s their last kiss on earth. Impresses and disgusts a good portion of his old tennis team, but they still cheer and throw confetti and congratulate him because he looks so happy. 

Likely set outdoors during a perfect summer day. The kind of day that’s in the transition of spring and summer, clear skies and birds and trees blossoming flowers with petals that rain down on the guests when a breeze drifts through. 

Tezuka

A wedding full of friends and family, even acquaintances that he might not have thought to invite initially because he wants to share his happiness with other people. 

Smiles so much and unabashedly because his s/o looks so good and his heart has never felt lighter. Also sheds a few tears when he thinks no one is looking because he’s not made of stone even though he’s stone-faced a lot, and dances freely with his s/o. A lot of his emotion probably comes out unintentionally, but he doesn’t really feel the need to hide it because he sees how outwardly happy his s/o is. 

Hand kisses, cheek kisses, forehead kisses. Always holding his s/o’s hand when he can because he doesn’t want to be apart from them for even a second, even if he denies being super clingy. Surprisingly fastidious about taking photos because he wants to remember this night. 

The wedding goes on for the near perfect amount of time, because he wants to lay with his s/o in their bed after everything’s said and done and just be with them. Looks forward to the days after the wedding too, organizing pictures, putting aside mementos, rewatching the video of their wedding, and even listening to his friend’s commentary. 

Yukimura

A reasonably sized wedding with lots of close friends and family. He doesn’t want to put on a show for the sake of putting on a show, so the reception and the wedding will be sweet and sincere. Many colorful flower arrangements. 

Surprisingly large cake, but only because he knows Marui will have more than one or two or even three pieces. The food is all familiar and warm, aims for comfort over fancy because he doesn’t need much to be happy. Isn’t super big on alcohol but will pop a bottle of champagne or two for tradition’s sake. Gives the speech and doesn’t take up people’s time with filler. Concise and sincere and heartfelt. 

A good amount of decorations, also likely outdoors. Decorations that invite people to smile and let loose, soft colors and custom balloons and hanging lights that illuminate the venue with a perfect warm glow. Likely hires a live band and requests songs that are special to him and his s/o. 

Accepts any and all photos, the more candid, the better. To him, the best pictures aren’t the ones that are staged, but the ones where people don’t realize they’re being captured; the raw emotion on people’s faces and how they naturally look when surrounded by friends and family. 

[prince-of-scenarios]

(this is so cute and pure i’m—)

Tokugawa

Doesn’t have a big outward reaction, but the amount of times he’ll listen to songs just to hear you hum goes up by a significant amount. Will probably deny it even happening, but you see the way he relaxes when you hum or sing. 

Yukimura

Would be very impressed and supportive. If you’re pursuing a career in singing or music, he would be your number one fan, and is always interested in learning about your skills and says how beautiful your voice is and invites you to sing for him and his plants anytime. 

Tezuka

I’d like to think that him finding out was an accident, whether he stumbled upon you singing in a club room after school or happened to pass by and hear, but I think he would be apologetic for interrupting, but would ask that you don’t shy away when you have such a nice voice. Is unabashed about telling you how good you are. 

Atobe

Is very impressed, and asks why he didn’t know this earlier. If you’re pursuing a career you can bet on him literally building you an entire studio?? Complete with the best recent equipment and soundboards and will literally support you in any way he can. 

Shiraishi

Praises and compliments you a lot, because he’s so entranced and loves hearing you sing. Probably asks you to sing for him when the two of you are alone and just... relaxes so much. Also will likely sing and hum with you, and is so grateful that you’re comfortable singing around him. 

[prince-of-scenarios]

Hey there!

May I request headcanons for Tezuka, Shishido, Yuushi and Shiraishi on how they would try to court/impress a female reader?

Thanks :3

Tezuka

A very polite boy, gentle and a little awkward but he gets points for trying and being honest. He probably won’t say straight up that he likes you, and tries to make it obvious with actions (even though he’s painfully awkward and a little inexperienced with stuff like that). 

Is the type to recommend books to you, or other forms of literature he think you’ll like or will write down a list of poems that reminds him of you. Is actually pretty sappy when it comes down to courting you. Manages to ask your favorite type of flower/food and is almost completely straight-faced when he shows up and gives you some of whatever you tell him. 

Also just shows that he cares? Is a really good listener and makes sure you know that he cares about your physical and mental wellbeing. 

Shishido

He’s! So! Awkward! Probably only knows how to talk about sports with you at first because he’s so painfully awkward even though Ootori encourages him on the sidelines. Is the type to ramble and gives you tips for stretching, working out, hydrating, the whole thing. 

Is ecstatic if you invite him to play tennis with you or to run with you, and he finds it a little easier to talk after he works out some, because it means he’s able to get rid of some of his nerves. 

Being awkward is actually part of his charm, you make fun of him for being so red-faced and stuttery but it also makes him unbelievably cute, and serves to embarrass you as well. 

Yuushi

Smooth talker to the max. Will carry your books to class, shower you with compliments, tease you, he’s a little shit but has a nice voice and is very suave when he wants to be. 

Not afraid to be a little physical too, touching your hair, kissing your knuckles, he wants to see how much you’ll be able to take in terms of teasing. 

Is also a huge showoff, wants to impress you with his tennis skills so he invites you to watch him during tennis practice (and tells you to avoid Mukahi in the process). Becomes a little extra when he knows you’re watching because he wants to make sure you see how cool he is when playing tennis. 

Shiraishi

Is the king of PLANTS and will court you with anything you wanted and never needed to know about plants. Will be very happy if you also love plants because he can show you some really cool ones. But will also be equally happy if you don’t because it means he can show off with knowledge and inconspicuously court you with plant language. 

He is very traditional, he asks you out on dates, wants to get to know you better and will give you flowers, compliment you, and is overall a very sweet guy. 

Would probably make a playlist of songs for you to listen to, and tells you that they make him happy because he’s reminded of you. Because he’s a sap but also wants you to know that he thinks of you. 

[prince-of-scenarios]

Lucky me you still have your box open 😺 I wanted to ask about Tezuka falling in love with a famous singer/longtime friend and how would he take his public/famous romance. Xoxo 💋

Tezuka would likely spend some time worrying that any sort of developing relationship would make his friend’s job difficult, since rumors are very easily spread and stories can quickly take a turn for the weird. 

Isn’t worried about what the public thinks, he’s got thick skin and no one knows what he and his friend are like except for him and his friend. But he doesn’t want to cause trouble for them and so he would think a lot about how to proceed. 

Is bad at being subtle, so his feelings would probably come out naturally when he’s able to hang out with them. I think his friend would be worried about the effect their open relationship would have on him, but Tezuka is also extremely honest and knows his limits well. 

I think one aspect he would have to get used to is being followed by paparazzi a lot, but I think that’s the only aspect of the public romance with his famous friend that he would find annoying. 

All the rumors can be tiring too, but I like to think that he and his friend talk about the really silly ones and make fun of them (which means it’s mostly Tezuka listening to his partner laugh at all the people spouting dumb rumors.) 

Tezuka is often taken aback with how in depth people can get when following him and his friend, he didn’t think people would be that interested in him but if he ever sees fan edits of him I think he always gets surprised. 

[prince-of-scenarios]

(omg no you are absolutely fine!!! thank thank YOU for sending in an ask! (i say as i get to year many many months later :’D i would probably classify this as a headcanon!))

Tezuka is quiet and private in middle school and beyond but i think once reaching adulthood he’s more blunt in his actions and isn’t really worried what other people think of him.

That being said I also think he would want to be aware of his s/o’s comfort level, so I think in order for him to propose in front of a huge crowd he and his s/o would have had to talk about marriage beforehand so they didn’t feel pressured

He would probably use some connections (ahemAtobeahem) and end up getting a super nice but simple set up (I bet Atobe would have added stuff just for the flare though). It would be projected on the big screen(s), there would be confetti and a band playing and the crowd would go apeshit because wow that’s the cutest thing they’ve ever seen—

Anticipation is super high and if he won his match (which he probably did because the man fucken’ ended the dinosaurs????) then he would literally be one of the happiest moments in his life (Fuji said that he saw him cry on the big screen but Tezuka denies it heavily)

[prince-of-scenarios]

(you and me both anon :’D still in college but getting there.....)

Atobe

He would shower his colleague in gifts, ranging from a fancy lunch that maybe takes too long but the boss doesn’t dare question it, to a year supply of candy/snacks for their desk that they just kind of stare at (because holy shit? that’s so much food?) and end up having to give away so it doesn’t go to waste just sitting at their desk. 

The job he has likely wouldn’t be an office job, he’d need something a lot flashier and probably something that gives him more freedom, but if his job requires him to travel a lot I can definitely see him inviting his colleague to go with him (even if they don’t need to) and turning it into a getaway? Which is his colleague is like “I don’t really understand but mimosas on a beach? heck yeah.” 

I think he would also give them lots of good advice and make himself a resource for them, because as much as he wants to woo them with his devastating good looks, he will not sacrifice his job to do so and it’s important to him that he and his colleague are passionate and driven

Yukimura

Would probably be a landscape/garden designer, and a really popular one at that. Is definitely cheesy enough (but also very sweet enough) to try and woo his colleague using plant language. 

He’s probably the lead designer/top designer, and I think that if he likes his crush’s work ethic and style, he would definitely want them to tackle a lot of projects with him. It’s a win-win if their styles/ideas work well together, and he gets to spend time with them. 

Would also probably flirt on the job, just saying things like “These yellow acacia can sometimes mean secret love... I wonder if our client is trying to impress someone...? Well, I can understand their efforts.” He will find any reason to flirt and get work done (multitasking!) and finds his crush’s reactions so endearing and cute. 

Ryoga

He’s probably the most whimsical of the group, his playful side comes out a lot more easily. I think he tends to focus on his colleague’s interests and such outside of whatever work they’re doing. He wants to know about them personally, as that’s what’s most interesting. 

Invites them out to lunch or drinks after work because he’s really sociable and likes talking. Always teases them a little bit, and is extremely pleased if they can tease him in return. Even though he’s pretty playful I think he admires someone who’s very mature and organized (he probably also thinks that someone who can put him in his place is hot). 

Probably is the type to bring donuts or bagels to work early in the morning (if applicable) and makes sure to save his crush’s favorite and (only half jokingly) threatens people that he’ll put salt in their coffee if they try to take it. 

Kite

He probably is in the fashion industry in some way or another, whether he’s a model or a clothing designer or a judge, what’s important to him is that his colleague’s visions compliment his, not so much that they’re completely the same, because that would be boring. 

Unlike Ryoga, he’s interested in seeing his colleague crush work; he wants to know their process, their doubts, the face they make when they’re satisfied with a work and even when they’re less than satisfied. There’s something about seeing his colleague in complete concentration when they’re working that just entrances him. 

Gets to know them on a personal level after he assesses that he can comfortably work with them, and if they clash at any point he actually becomes more interested in them. 

Tezuka

He probably wouldn’t really know how to go about it, since work for him is a very serious thing and he doesn’t do well with people who futz around and don’t take their work to heart, but if his colleague is a hard worker and is also energetic, he’s hooked. 

Is the kind of person that likes doing sweet little gestures for his colleague crush, and is also very lowkey. Will get his crush’s favorite drink when they’re feeling down, will treat them to lunch, will praise them when they’ve done a good job, things like that. 

If he and his colleague have a good relationship in whatever office they’re at, I bet he’d be willing to take the leap and see them outside of the workplace. Whether that be meeting for coffee or even just chilling at the library and reading, he doesn’t need to do anything super special to feel close to them, and he doesn’t need to even talk, just being with them is enough for him. Definitely becomes bolder the closer they get, and will eventually ask them out for a proper date (when they’re not at work, obviously).