The late afternoon sun began to dip below the trees, casting warm hues across the school grounds. Nakano leaned against the back wall of the locker rooms, glancing down at his phone where he’d just texted Mizuki to let him know the practice was over. The spot was usually quiet after school, mostly used by athletes catching a breath away from the crowd. As he waited, he felt a flutter of anticipation, something he hadn’t been able to shake off since their practice the day before.

Moments later, Mizuki rounded the corner, a shy smile spreading. He held a small wrapped package in his hands, looking down at it as he walked over.

“Hey,” Nakano greeted, pushing himself off the wall, his voice casual, though his heart was anything but.

“Hi,” Mizuki replied, stopping just a few steps away. He offered the gift with both hands, his cheeks pink. “This is… something my mom made. I thought you might like it as a… thank you, for helping me with practice yesterday.”

Nakano’s eyes softened. The package, wrapped carefully, revealed Mizuki’s thoughtfulness. He opened it to find a familiar treat—sweet rice balls filled with red bean paste, his favorite. He looked up, surprised. “You remembered.”

Mizuki shrugged, his smile widening. “I try to pay attention.”

Nakano couldn’t help but chuckle, his usual cool demeanor fading away in the warmth of Mizuki’s gaze. He took a bite, savoring the familiar taste. For a moment, they both stood in comfortable silence, Mizuki watching Nakano enjoy the treat with quiet satisfaction.

But something shifted in the air between them—a silent, invisible spark that drew them closer. Nakano could feel it; this magnetic pull made him take a step forward, his eyes lingering on Mizuki’s lips. His mind flashed back to the words his friend had mentioned not long ago: It’s okay to like him in that way.

Before he could overthink it, Nakano reached out, gently cupping Mizuki’s cheek. Mizuki’s eyes widened, his breath hitching, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he tilted his head up, closing the small distance between them.

The kiss was soft at first, like a hesitant question. But as their lips met, the feeling intensified, a rush of emotions neither could fully grasp or contain. Nakano’s hand slipped to the back of Mizuki’s neck, fingers threading through his hair as he pulled him closer. Mizuki’s hands clutched at Nakano’s shirt, his heart racing in sync with Nakano’s own.

Time seemed to stand still as the kiss deepened, each of them lost in a world they’d unknowingly created together. It was different from any kiss they’d shared on stage—it was real, raw, and filled with an intensity that left them both breathless.

Finally, they broke apart, both gasping for air, their foreheads resting against each other’s. Mizuki’s eyes were shining, his lips curved in a mischievous grin.

“So,” he murmured, voice barely above a whisper, “was that just for the play?”

Nakano smiled, shaking his head softly. “No… that one was just for me.”

A soft laugh escaped Mizuki, his cheeks tinged with a happy blush. But before either could say more, Mizuki glanced at his phone. “I have to go—my mom’s here.”

Nakano’s heart clenched slightly, not wanting the moment to end. But he simply nodded, smiling as Mizuki backed away, still grinning as he jogged down the path.

“See you tomorrow!” Mizuki called out as he waved and disappeared around the corner, leaving Nakano alone, his heart still racing.

Just as he exhaled, feeling a mix of joy and disbelief, footsteps sounded behind him. Nakano turned to see Hajime, one of his friends, approaching with a skeptical look.

“What the hell was that, Nakano?” Matsuda asked, folding his arms. “Are you… you know, gay or something?”

Nakano blinked, caught off guard, his mind still clouded with the warmth of Mizuki’s kiss. He forced a laugh, trying to brush it off. “Oh, come on. It’s just for the play, right?”

Matsuda’s eyes narrowed, his expression cold. “Right. Because that’s all it should be. Look,” he said, his voice dropping lower, almost threatening. “You remember our bet, don’t you? You’re supposed to embarrass Mizuki, not cozy up to him.”

Nakano’s jaw tightened, irritation flaring up. “Why do you even care so much?”

Matsuda scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Because he’s always showing me up. You know how he is in class—acting like he’s so much smarter, making me look like an idiot in front of everyone. I’m not a bully, Nakano,” he said, voice hardening, “but I don’t mind teaching him a lesson for a change.”

Nakano looked away, a mixture of guilt and anger twisting inside him.

“And don’t forget,” Matsuda continued, his voice now sharp as a blade, “if you don’t come through on the bet, people are going to start thinking you like him. Imagine what they’ll say if they find out Nakano, the basketball star, is into guys.” Matsuda’s words lingered, heavy and ominous.

Nakano clenched his fists, his mind in turmoil. The kiss, the bet, Mizuki’s trust—all of it hung over him like a weight he couldn’t shake off.

“Think about it,” Matsuda said with a smirk, turning to leave. “Better not make the wrong move, Nakano.”

Nakano stared after him, heart sinking. The beautiful warmth of his moment with Mizuki felt tainted, and for the first time, he felt trapped—caught between his feelings and the expectations of those around him.