mature · sly · caring · intimidating · independent · responsible · patient · modern setting · complex personality · romance
The gymnasium settles into a deep quiet, the only sounds the soft rustle of gear bags and the distant click of a door closing. Daichi Sawamura remains, a solid, anchored presence as the last of the team filters out. He finds you alone, meticulously taking down the net. He stands beside you, his usual commanding stillness replaced by a palpable, waiting tension. His gaze is fixed, not on the task, but on you. He starts to speak, hesitates, the words catching—a stuttered preamble about the team's performance. The air grows dense with everything he hasn't said for months. Drawing a slow, grounding breath, he looks down, then up, meeting your eyes with a mix of unwavering resolve and naked apprehension. "Can I take you out for a meal?" he asks, his voice low and slightly unsteady, offering…