■Y/N's POV■

The sports hall is filled with cheers, the ball just has entered the ring and the score changes, adding another point to the shooter team and also bring their victory.

Referee: Vapor Swords has won the game!

I look down at the players as they all celebrate with one another. Just then, a certain dark-haired player looks my way and smiles while waving his hands. Takao looks proud that his team won the game.

Years have passed, Takao still plays basketball along with Midorima and the other Kiseki no sedai members. I'm currently studying as a university student. I often meet and hang out with Takao or watching his games.

As I walk into the hall and find the sword vapors team members, I head their way but stopped the moment I see their fans have surrounded them, especially they Have Kise san. But just in a few minutes the crowds were splitted as Kise san go to a girl on the other side of the hall, it's his roommate and childhood friend.

I turn my gaze back to look for Takao san and I found him being surrounded by his fangirls. I stop moving and stay where stand. It's not like a rare thing to see Takao san being surrounded by girls, he is a famour basketball player after all, but still, whenever I see him in this situation, my heart clenches.

I shouldn't feel like this... I'm the one who keep our relationship to stay as friends...

Yes, though we often meet and hang out, he and I are just friends. As I'm in a deep thought, the sound of someone's running my way makes me look up. Takao san is in front of me by now with smilling happily.

Takao: how is it? did I play well?

But then again, whenever my mind is in a deep thought, he manages to pull me back. he holds both of his hands in front of me for a high five. It's always like this, I can't help but to smile. I tap his hands lightly.

Y/N: yes, you did well... you always did... congratulation on winning...

He looks happy with the compliment. As we are talking, we just realized that we're surrounded by some of his fans.

Girl1: Takao san! she always watches you play...

Girl2: Takao san you look close with her, who is she?

Girl3: Is she your girlfriend?

that question...

As we often spend our time together, we sometimes encounter that question. When someone asks us this, Takao san always answers with the same words. Takao smiles as he puts his hand on my shoulder and turns our body around facing away from his fans. But as we walk to the exit, he looks back and speaks.

Takao: Soon~

Soon...

That is the word he always says when someone ask him that, in the last four years. Just like how he told me back then at the park, he'll give me time but will still pursue me. he never cross the line.

He gave me the space that I need, but still be around when I need someone to talk to.

The painful memory from the past has gradually faded from my mind. Takao manage to make me believe and see that he has changed.

And I...

Want to change too...

■3rd Person POV■

Takao and Y/N have just left the basketball hall and walk to the nearest station.

Takao: wanna stop by the bookstore before going back?

Y/N looks at Takao as he said this. On the way to the station they will find a bookstore. Takao offers to stop by the store to Y/N because he remembers Y/N needs a book for one of her uni subject.

Y/N who sees how much Takao moves on the game earlier, would rather have him rest than helping her looking for the book.

Y/N : Takao, I think let's go back right away... you should rest..

Takao smiles knowing that Y/N refuse to go to the bookstore because she doesn't want him to be exhausted, and moreover because she's worried about him.

Takao: it's okay, moreover by not heading home right away, I can spend more time with you...so, come on..

Takao extended his hand for Y/N and the girl puts her hand on his. The two enter the bookstore and look for Y/N's book.

Takao learns about the title of the book from Y/N and help her to find the book or something similar, and after a while they found it.

They stopped by to grab early dinner at the new restaurant they passed. The food tasted good and the two enjoy their meal while having light conversation.

Takao couldn't hide his happiness whenever he talks or listen to Y/N, and the girl definitely aware of this.

After dinner, the two decided to take a walk to the park, the park in the night isn't to crowded. The seats under the tree are empty. Takao and Y/N both take their steps to their favorite spot.

As they walk, something caught Takao's eyes.

Takao: Y/N, go save our seat first, I'll grab something for us.

Y/N: Takao sa- no need to save the seat though... practically we're the only one... pfft

Y/N laughs a little as she sees Takao runs to the street food stall. Y/N sits on one of the empty bench and looks at Takao who's humbly talks with the seller.

Takao comes back and return with warm Takoyaki and canned teas. He handed it to Y/N before sitting next to her.

Y/N : Thank you Takao san... come on sit down first...

Takao: Careful it's still hot...

Y/N nods and blow her Takoyaki before eating.
The two chew on their Tako before exclaiming at the same time.

Takao & Y/N : Tasty!

The two looks at each other as they say this at the same times and laughs. They talks about Takao's earlier game and upcoming game.

Y/N: them I'll clear up my time next time as well, I'll watch you win again

A smile plastered on Takao's face as he hears Y/N confidently says he will win his next game as well. He's happy that Y/N always come to his game and cheer him on.

Truthfully, whenever he was tired and looking at the bleachers, he's glad that she's always there and that boosted his energy.

Takao: Thank you for always cheering me on... you coming to watch... you don't know how significant it is to my performance.

Y/N's heart skips a beat as she watch Takao speaks with glitters on his eyes. Seeing him so sincere whenever he thanked her for coming or even just to agree when he asked her to hang out with him.

All through the year, Y/N is very well aware that Takao wishes to ask her out, but he holds himself, afraid that he'll make Y/N uncomfortable. She likes how he's still waiting an being considerate of her feelings.

Years have passed, her feelings for him grew even more and she started to think that she's ready.

Passerby granny: oh my... how lovely, spending time together under the tree, just like us when we were young

An elderly couple walk and see Takao and Y/N enjoying their Takoyaki.

Passerby grandpa: because you like to sit under the tree whether it's sunny or at night, I'm just happy to be with you.

Y/N and Takao couldn't help but smile at the romantic couple that stays loving each other.

Passerby granny: are you guys lover?

Takao and Y/N were stunned for a sec by the familiar question. Just right when Takao's about to give his usual answer.

Takao: so-

Y/N: Yes

Takao stiffens and look at Y/N. The girl look at the elderly couple as she answers them before turning her gaze at the guy next to her.

Y/N : yes, he's my boyfriend...

The elderly couple smiles and left heartwarming words for the two before they continue their night stroll. Takao stares at Y/N and gulps before he finally let out a word.

Takao: a-are we?

Y/N looks at the still surprised boy next to her and smiles while giving him another question.

Y/N: do you... want us to?

The feelings that have been held for years resurfaced, As if his body moves on his own, Takao wraps his arm around Y/N, tightly holding the girl close to him. Y/N was surprised, face turns red from the sudden closeness.

Takao: it's too obvious to be answered.... I've been patient for years...

Y/N's heart warmed and she puts her arms around Takao, returning his embrace.

Y/N: then... ask me again... so you'll finally get the answer you wanted...

Takao let go of his arms around Y/N and stares at her. Y/N stares back at him, hand is taken by Takao as he hold it to ease his nerves.

Takao: then... Y/N... with me... would you please be mine again... let's start again, romantically, not just as friends... I, want you to be my girl...

The long awaited answer finally come, as Y/N smiles at Takao while letting him hear it.

Y/N: I'd love to...

Takao can't help but hug her again, chanting thank you and words of affection again and again.

Y/N: thank you for trying... thank you for being patient and didn't back off... thank you for thinking about my feelings all the time... I... now want to be more caring about you...

Takao: no... thank you for giving the chance I probably don't deserve... I'm grateful even when I'm just around you, and now... I can't be happier....

The two stares at each other, Takao softly caresses Y/N's cheek. The girl can't help but be nervous by the closeness, because it's been a while since they're this close.

Takao: I promise, I will never hurt you again, I'll cherish you and make you happy... I... Love you Y/N...

Y/N: and I... Love you too... Kazunari

With that, Takao close the gap between the two by placing his lips on Y/N's. The soft and gentle kisses are warming the two hearts.

Takao got to learn about not losing what's important to him, and how to get the lost thing back.

As for Y/N...

She got to feel how it feels to be understanded.

The two will carefuly start their new relationship

And this tine will try not to break apart...