𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞 - 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟

being team manager wasn't for the weak. between handling schedules, managing equipment, and making sure the players didn't kill each other, your days were exhausting. but the biggest challenge? no doubt  shidou ryusei.

"oi, manager!" shidou called across the field, a lazy grin stretching across his face. "how about a little reward for your star player?"

you sighed, already done with his antics before the conversation even started. "if you want praise, talk to anri."

shidou feigned heartbreak, clutching his chest. "damn, sweetheart. you're cold."

"then put on a jacket."

kunigami, jogging past, barked out a laugh. "she got you there."

shidou narrowed his eyes playfully but didn't let up. "c'mon, you know i'm your favorite."

bachira popped up beside you, grinning. "i dunno, shidou. our n/n here actually likes players who listen."

you smirked. "exactly."

shidou grinned wider, stepping closer—too close. "then why do you always pay so much attention to me, huh?"

your face did not heat up. not at all.

"i have to. it's my job to make sure you don't get suspended."

"and yet," isagi chimed in, shaking his head, "he still almost does every week."

shidou just laughed, unfazed. "what can i say? i like keeping our manager busy."

you rolled your eyes. "annoying."

"you love it," he shot back, winking.

it was always like this—shidou pushing, teasing, testing your patience like it was his favorite game. and sure, he was annoying, but he was good. you wouldn't admit it to his face, but shidou's talent was undeniable.

that didn't make him any less exhausting.

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practice ended, and the rest of the team filtered out of the locker room. you stayed behind, checking over the equipment, double-checking schedules, making sure nothing would be a disaster tomorrow.

you barely noticed shidou lingering until he leaned against the lockers, watching you.

"you should go," you said without looking up.

he hummed. "nah. not yet."

you finally turned to him, arms crossed. "why are you still here?"

shidou tilted his head, smirking. "maybe i like watching you work."

"or maybe you're just too lazy to walk back to your room." he chuckled but didn't deny it. "maybe both."

you sighed, slinging your bag over your shoulder. "well, it's late, and you should go."

you moved toward the door, but before you could take another step, shidou's hand brushed your wrist, stopping you.

"do you have to go?" his voice was different this time—quieter, hesitant.

you blinked. this wasn't like him. shidou ryusei didn't hesitate. he never hesitated.

his usual smirk was gone, replaced by something almost unreadable. and yet, the way his fingers barely curled around your wrist, the way his golden eyes searched yours—it made your heart skip.

"shidou...?"

he exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck like he was frustrated—but not with you.

"shit," he muttered under his breath. "i was just supposed to mess with you, not actually fall for you."

your breath hitched.

what?

you stared, waiting for him to laugh, to say something dumb to brush it off. but he didn't. he just stood there, his usual cocky confidence flickering, like he'd just realized it himself.

"wait," you said, heartbeat pounding. "you're serious?"

shidou scoffed, running a hand through his messy blond hair. "hell if i know. all i know is that i actually care when you're pissed at me. and that's... new."

your chest felt tight.

shidou wasn't supposed to be like this—wasn't supposed to look at you like this. he was reckless, loud, impossible to deal with.

but he was also loyal. talented. more thoughtful than he let on.

and he made your life a living nightmare—but somehow, you never wanted him to stop.

you swallowed. "so... what happens now?"

shidou let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "dunno. but i'm not gonna pretend like i don't want you, manager." his eyes darkened slightly, voice dropping lower. "the question is... do you want me too?"

you hated how easily he made your pulse race.

slowly, cautiously, you reached for his hand—the one still loosely holding your wrist—and intertwined your fingers with his.

"you're a pain in the ass," you murmured.

shidou grinned. "yeah, but i'm your pain in the ass now."

his hand tightened around yours, and this time, you didn't pull away.

not even when he leaned in, voice barely above a whisper.

"you gonna let me kiss you now, or do i have to keep playing the long game?"

your lips curled into a smirk. "you're already losing."

shidou's golden eyes flashed, and before you could tease him again, his lips were on yours

it wasn't rough or teasing like you expected. no, it was slow—like he was taking his time. like he wanted to savor this moment. his grip on your hand tightened just enough to ground you as his lips moved against yours.

slowly pulling away he muttered "shit,"

shaking his head with a small chuckle keeping you trapped in his arms. "this is gonna be a problem."

𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠