Why Do the Itoshi Brothers Keep Trying to Get Me to Smile in Public?

It's a rare free afternoon, and you find yourself roped into joining the Blue Lock boys for a casual soccer scrimmage at the school field. It wasn't your idea—Isagi cornered you earlier, claiming it was a great way to "relax" after the recent stress at the café. You reluctantly agreed, but only after he promised you wouldn't have to actually play.

-ˏˋ. ᵃᵗ ᵗʰᵉ ᶠⁱᵉˡᵈˊˎ-

The atmosphere is lively. Chigiri is showing off his incredible speed, drawing exaggerated groans from Reo, who complains about how unfair it is to play against someone so fast.

"Come on, Reo," Chigiri teases, flipping his hair dramatically. "It's not my fault I'm built for this."

Nearby, Bachira attempts to coax you into joining the game.

"C'mon, Y/N-chan!" he chirps, practically bouncing. "Just one round! I'll pass you the ball, promise!"

"I'm good," you say, deadpan, arms crossed as you watch from the sidelines.

"Aw, you're no fun." Bachira pouts but doesn't push further, skipping off to annoy Reo instead.

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Nagi plops down next to you, sprawling lazily in the grass. "It's too much work to play today," he yawns, already pulling out his phone. "I'd rather chill here."

You glance at him, unbothered. "You're supposed to be practicing."

"I am," he says, holding up his phone. "Soccer sim app. It counts."

"Does it?"

Before Nagi can answer, Shidou storms onto the field, his usual chaotic energy dialed up to eleven.

"Yo, Y/N!" Shidou calls, pointing dramatically at you. "Why are you sitting around? Don't tell me you're scared of getting shown up by me."

You blink slowly. "I'm not playing."

"That's what all the cowards say," he shoots back, grinning. "C'mon, I'll go easy on you~."

"Leave her alone, Shidou," Hiori chimes in, jogging past. "She has more sense than to get dragged into your nonsense."

"Boring," Shidou mutters, giving you a mock pout before returning to the game.

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As the game progresses, you watch the boys interact—some competitive, others playful, all loud. It's... oddly entertaining. Isagi frequently glances your way, clearly checking to make sure you're comfortable. Chigiri and Reo take turns showing off, occasionally exchanging smug remarks.

When Bachira scores an impressive goal, he spins around, pointing directly at you. "That one was for you, Y/N-chan!"

You blink. "Why?"

"Because it was cool!" he says, grinning widely.

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After the scrimmage, the boys collapse in a sweaty heap near the benches.

"Y/N," Reo says, leaning back against the bench. "You should at least manage the team. You've got the right vibe for it."

"I don't have time," you reply flatly.

"Bachira does it for fun," Isagi says, laughing.

"That's because Bachira doesn't have a life outside soccer," Chigiri points out.

"Hey!" Bachira protests. "That's not true! I hang out with Y/N all the time."

You tilt your head. "Do you?"

"Okay, maybe not all the time, but enough!"

Shidou, lying dramatically on the grass, suddenly pipes up, "Hey, Y/N, if I ever need backup in a fight, you're coming, right?"

"Why would I?"

"Because you're scary," he says bluntly, grinning.

Nagi, still glued to his phone, adds, "She is kinda scary when she wants to be."

You glance between them, unimpressed.

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As the boys banter, you find yourself oddly comfortable among the chaos. While Rin and Sae's presence often feels heavy with unspoken tension, the rest of the team brings a strange sense of lightness. They don't demand much of you, and in their chaotic way, they make you feel... included.

You don't say it aloud, but it's nice.