wystrawb3rry♡

Four years. That's how long it had been without Itoshi Sae. The same boy you knew from your childhood had now became a well-known , professional footballer. But the catch was he had to go to spain to train. Leaving everything behind— his family , his home , his hometown , his country , and you. You knew very well that it was his dream to become the world's best striker , and you always supported him for it , but a part of your heart always remained empty. You wanted nothing more than for him to be here , you just needed him.

Every moment you spent with him during your childhood years , made you realise just how much your cherished both the Itoshi brothers. In your eyes , Rin was like your younger brother too , and you always used to correct his mistakes. And now , he was following the same path as his elder brother. Sae on the other hand? Well , your relationship with him was a bit complicated at first— he didn't wanted you to be around him , but Rin took a liking towards you. Your mom was friends with Ms.Itoshi , so it was natural that both the women's children would become friends , right? Wrong! Sae hated how Rin always asked for you , he was practically jealous that his precious little brother was talking about you every now and then , asking stupid questions like , “When will yn-oneesan come back to play with us?” , “Why is she not here yet? She promised that she'll come play with me!” , “Can I be as kind as her when I grow up , Sae-nii?” , etc.

Because of Rin's strange obsession with you , Sae was FORCED to talk with you. But deep down , even he knew that you weren't a bad person. He was just..jealous. That's all. He wanted his younger brother's attention only for himself. But now , he had to share it..with you.

Gradually , he warmed up to you. And you three became an unbreakable trio. Years passed , and you found yourself liking Sae a bit too much for your own good. He was definitely good looking (except for his stupid haircut) , thanks to the beautiful Itoshi genes. It started as an innocent act , how he would ruffle your hair , how he would buy you an ice-cream , or how he would listen to you talking whenever you had a bad day. It all seemed so child-like. So pure. But amidst all this , you grew a ‘small , teeny-tiny’ crush on him.

But it all changed when he told you he had to go to Spain for his training to become a striker.

You were disappointed , yes. But you were also happy for him. It was his dream , and it was his first way of achieving what he wanted. You were proud of him.

The day came when he had to leave , and you went with him and his family to the airport. You both promised that you two would stay in contact , and nothing would change. As his flight took off , you couldn't help but think if he was wondering about you too.

But promises aren't kept for long. You tried to keep in touch with him , but he was busy.

Now , you were seventeen. During these four years , you had become a beautiful woman , and remained as the compassionate girl you were. But little did you know , that Sae , had changed unmistakebly during the same course of years.

Sae had texted you a message earlier the evening to meet him up at the same park you , him and Rin always played at. He was back at Japan? Wasn't he supposed to come Tommorow? Putting these thoughts aside , you put on your jacket and headed towards the park. It was already late , around 9:30 pm. Plus , it was cold. You just wanted to stay at home under your blankets , but you just couldn't refuse Sae after he came back to Japan after four years.

You reached the park , and saw the familiar strands of the dark auburn locks. You could see him from the distance , and Sae seemed to notice you too. You were frozen , you thought it was a dream —he was finally here. The same boy you fell in love with all those years ago.

Taking a notice of your presence , Sae put his trolley bag aside , and walked towards you. Your heart began to race , why did you feel like you were about to melt? Sae came to a stop infront of you , his hands stuffed in the pockets of his jacket , which clearly looked expensive.

“Sae..welcome back—” You started , still unsure of what to say. He was here after all those years , and you had so much to speak for. You didn't know where to began.

"Shut up , y/n.” He said simply , his voice which used to be so full of emotions was now just a hollow vocal.

“What do you mean , ‘shut up’ , Sae?”

“I didn't know you got dumber over the years. It's a simple sentence , and it means what it means.”

Silence.

Now that Sae was this close , you could see the dark bags under his eyes. The eyes which used to shine with hope , was now nothing but full of hatred , anger and loneliness. And worst of all? They were devoid of any emotion.

“I want to end things here , Y/n. I appreciate you giving me your time all those years , but now , I only see you as a distraction. Nothing more. Nothing less.” Sae explained , his voice hoarse and quiet.

He continued ,“You're nothing to me. I don't get it , why was I even friends with the likes of you? You're dumb if you think I would still stay the same after all these years , y/n.”

Tears were threatening to spill from your eyes , but despite all of the crude words he was throwing at you , you decided to stay quiet.

“Don't interfere in my life anymore , Y/n. I want nothing to do with you.” Sae added , making your inner turmoil even worse.

As if that wasn't enough , he went and held his luggage , and walked straight past you , not even giving you the chance to say something.

The boy you fell in love with all those years ago , wasn't the same anymore. A small part of you always glimmered in hope that maybe , just maybe , he liked you too.

But life doesn't go according to your wishes , does it?

Itoshi Sae left , leaving you and your hopes crushed. Alone.

a/n : i have a love hate relationship with sae trust💔

Divider credits : @enchanthings & @cafekitsune !!

Light snow fell over the abandoned park in small flakes. It was already dark , and the unforgiving cold of the winter was as chilly as ever. The distant lights of the abandoned buildings flickered every now and then , but apart from the sound of the flickering , everything was dead silent.

Micheal knew it was christmas. A day where people give their loved ones gifts , spend time with each other , eat tasty delicacies and enjoy themselves. It was the festive season afterall , and everything in the city would be glowing and filled with love. People would be running here and there , shops will be filled with the customer's chatters , and everyone would be happy to spend the holiday with their beloved. But apart from that , the young boy also knew it was his birthday.

The boy's miserable father was probably drunk and passed out at home , while he was out in the park to have some time for himself. Nobody cared if it was his birthday or not , atleast , that's what he thought. He cared little for useless birthday parties anyway.

Michael sighed , lost in his thoughts as he gazed up at the cloudy night sky. It was strangely peaceful , he was covered in red and purple bruises , yet , the sight of the starless night sky made him feel a little comfort in the midst of his ruined life. Why did he find solace in such a simple sight? It wasn't anything extraordinary.

The football he bought on his twelfth birthday laid by his side. It was already worn out and dirty , but he didn't bother to buy a new one , mainly because of two reasons. First , he didn't want to replace the ‘gift’ he bought for himself with a new one and second , he didn't have the money for it. He was so lost in thought and busy staring at the sky that he didn't hear the footsteps which approached him , until it was too late.

“Why are you doing here? It's so cold out here.” you questioned , your tone full of concern.

So soft and gentle. The voice was basically music to Michael's ears. He didn't hear anyone talking to him so tenderly before , then why was a girl his age showing him...kindness? Shouldn't you be disgusted and run away after seeing his beaten-up face and ragged clothes?

“Why does it matter if I'm here? It's not your property. Get lost.” Michael retorted , he knew he was being rude , but could anyone really blame him? He only heard cusses and swear words all his life. He didn't know how to speak without being ‘rude.’

"It matters because you're alone. And you look like you've got beaten to a pulp!” You remarked. Why couldn't this unknown boy understand that you were worried for him!?

Michael sneered , eyes narrowing as he lightly gritted his teeth. “Did your parents not teach you to not poke your nose into others fucking business?!” He snapped.

"...I-I..just wanted to help..that's all. Mommy tells me to always help strangers and be kind. You look like the type of person who would need it—”

“I don't need your pity , shithead!”

"It's not pity!”

Silence. It was now eerily quiet , compared to the ‘heated’ banter you two were having before. If it wasn't pity , then why were you here? It was late. A girl like you should just go home already.

“Are you hungry?” You inquired hesitantly , unsure if his next reply would be a barrage of swear words or complete ignorance to your presence.

“No , I'm not hung—” He was about to finish his sentence when a loud growl from his stomach broke the ice. He was hungry , as much as he would hate to admit it. Michael soon got embarrassed , his actions betrayed his words afterall. He covered half of his face with one hand , and peeked at you through the gaps of his fingers. He already made a fool of himself.

“..Looks like you are hungry. You didn't have to deny it.”

He didn't say anything this time. The usual sarcastic remarks and taunts that Michael would give were replaced by a sense of silence.

You reached to your small tote bag , the one which you had decorated with small keychains and made doodles on. After a beat of rummaging , you take out a brown-papered food packaging. You ripped the package , and the smell of a freshly baked Croissant filled the air. You divided the pastry into two halves , and extended the hand with the other half to the unknown boy.

“Here. Take this. I only had one..and I wanna share it with you.”

“Why..”

“What do you mean why? Just take it!”

Michael was debating on whether to take the piece of bread from your hands or not. He wasn't used to people showing sympathy to him and helping him. It all felt so..weird. But in the end , his hunger won and he took the snack from your hand.

“Eat it , it's tasty!!” You giggled , your voice muffled because of your chewing.

Michael took a bite , and you weren't wrong. It WAS tasty indeed. He continued to slowly chew the sweet , savoring the flavour. Meanwhile , you had already finished eating.

“I've to go now. It's already late. Bye-bye!"

You turned to leave , and a pang of sadness crossed Michael's features. He knew you had to go , you had your parents waiting for you back home.

“Wait—.."

"Hm? What is it?" you asked innocently , expecting him to thank you for the food or something. Turning your head back to see him , you raised an eyebrow , signalling for him to continue.

“What's your name?"

"Y/n." You muttered before giving a small smile and then running out of the park.

"...Y/n , huh?"

The name felt oddly good on his tongue and he was sure he would remember this name for the rest of his life. He wouldn't forget the girl's name who showed him kindness when all he ever got was pain.

And a part of him also wished he would see you again , which was a foreign feeling for him aswell.

Maybe this was his birthday gift afterall. A fated encounter with you.

___________________________________________

A/n : My first ever fic guys🙏🏻🙏🏻 poorly written ik , also english ain't my first language 😔