SkyNani: Who is the Enigma?

One year later:

'Just when I thought maybe the world was no different from the academy walls, things started to change. A stupid president of the student council made me think that. But now, standing here, I wish I never left the academy.' Nani said as he chuckled.

Back to the present:

Things started to get better after that day somehow. Nani started to enjoy the taste of his new life.

...

The sun was merciless that afternoon, hanging high above the field as the team gathered for practice. Nani adjusted his jersey, rolling his shoulders, trying to shake off the nerves that still crept in whenever he stepped onto the pitch.

Bright, standing beside him, gave him a small nudge. "You good?"

Nani exhaled. "Yeah."

Bright grinned. "Good. Because I'm not going easy on you today."

Dew chuckled from the other side, tossing a ball between his hands. "Not that you ever do, Captain."

Bright ignored him and turned to the rest of the team. "Alright, listen up! From now on, Nani is one of us. That means we play with him, not against him. Understood? Not even outside the field...if I hear anything...It won't be good."

A few murmurs. Some reluctant nods. But no one openly objected this time.

Bright clapped his hands. "Alright, let's go!"

The drills began, and soon, Nani found himself lost in the rhythm of the game. Bright ran beside him, guiding him through new strategies, while Dew took the defensive role, making sure no one got too rough.

At one point, Nani made a perfect pass, cutting through the defenders and setting up Bright for a goal. Bright didn't miss.

As the ball hit the net, Bright grinned. "See? That's what I'm talking about!"

Dew ruffled Nani's hair as he ran past. "Not bad, superstar."

For the first time, Nani smiled—genuine and unguarded.

Maybe he did belong here.

...

The cafeteria was packed, the lines stretching almost to the door. Nani stood at the back, sighing. He really didn't have the patience for this.

Then, a hand reached out, holding a tray of food toward him.

"Here," Sky said casually. "I got an extra."

Nani looked between the tray and Sky. "You just happened to get an extra?"

Sky smirked. "You could say that."

Nani hesitated but took it. "Thanks."

Sky simply nodded, like it was no big deal. But as they sat together and ate, Nani realized—maybe it was a big deal.

...

The library was quiet except for the occasional rustle of pages and the faint hum of the air conditioning. Nani sat at a table, brow furrowed, scribbling down notes in frustration.

Sky watched from the other side, pretending to focus on his own book, but in truth, he was too distracted by him.

The way Nani bit his lip when he concentrated. The way his lashes fluttered when he blinked, long and dark. The way his fingers fidgeted with the edge of the paper when he was stuck on something.

And then there was his skin.

Nani had this unfair, delicate glow to him—smooth and warm, turning pink under the smallest amount of heat. It wasn't just when he blushed. It was when he sat too close to the sun, when he ran too hard, when he—