Kaito didn't mean to stare.
But Ren Ishikawa was impossible not to watch.
During afternoon practice, the third-years were using the main court. Second-years were technically not allowed there unless invited.
Technically.
Hiroki nudged Kaito.
"If you keep staring like that, he's going to think you have a crush."
Kaito almost choked. "W-What?! I'm studying!"
Shun grinned. "Sure you are. Studying his jawline."
Takumi sighed. "Ignore them. Focus."
Kaito's face burned red.
Slice of Life: The Awkward Attempt
During break, Kaito gathered courage.
Just say something simple.
Ask about training.
Be respectful.
Not weird.
He walked toward Ren, who was wrapping his hands calmly.
"…Senpai."
Ren didn't look up.
"Yes."
That single word nearly ended Kaito's career.
"I—I just wanted to ask… how do you stay calm when fighting?"
Silence.
Ren tightened the wrap around his knuckles.
"Why do you think I'm calm?"
Kaito blinked. "…You don't look angry."
Ren finally glanced at him.
"Looking calm and being calm are different."
That hit harder than any punch.
Ren stood up.
"When you fight because you're emotional, you lose control. When you fight because you've decided to… you choose when to stop."
Then he walked away.
That was it.
No praise.
No insult.
Just a lesson.
Hiroki appeared behind Kaito instantly.
"Well? Did he adopt you?"
Kaito sighed. "No."
Shun patted his back dramatically.
"Rejected by Ren Ishikawa. Tough life."
Takumi shook his head. "At least he answered you. That's rare."
The Gap in Action
Later that afternoon, something small happened.
Two first-years started arguing near the lockers. Pushing. Loud voices. Ego rising.
Before teachers could react—
Ren moved.
He didn't shout.
He simply stepped between them.
One hand on each shoulder.
Firm.
Controlled.
The argument died instantly.
"You're loud," Ren said flatly. "If you want attention, win something meaningful."
The first-years froze.
"…Sorry, senpai."
Ren let go.
Walked away.
No violence.
No threats.
Just authority.
Kaito felt it again.
That invisible weight.
He turned to James later that evening.
"How long until someone like me can reach someone like him?"
James leaned against the fence.
"Years."
Kaito's shoulders dropped.
James smirked.
"But that's not the right question."
Kaito looked up.
"The right question is — what can you improve today?"
Humor Break: Training Disaster
Motivated, Kaito trained harder that evening.
He attempted one of Ren's pivot steps.
His foot caught.
He spun.
And slammed into a trash can.
Metal clanged loudly.
Silence.
Then—
Hiroki burst out laughing.
Shun fell to the ground holding his stomach.
Takumi covered his face. "Unbelievable."
Even Keisuke's lips twitched slightly.
Kaito groaned from the ground. "I'm alive."
James walked over calmly.
"Good. That means you can do 50 more."
"WHAT?!"
A Small Change
Later, during light sparring, something shifted.
Takumi threw a straight punch.
Kaito didn't panic.
Didn't freeze.
He stepped slightly to the side.
Guard tight.
Minimal movement.
Controlled.
Takumi paused.
"…Better."
Just one word..
But it meant everything.
Across the yard, Ren glanced briefly in their direction.
Only for a second.
But he saw it.
And that was enough.
End Scene
As sunset painted the sky orange, Kaito sat on the steps, breathing hard.
He wasn't strong.
He wasn't special.
He wasn't a legend.
But he wasn't the same as before either.
Ren stood at the gate, about to leave.
For half a second, their eyes met.
Ren gave the smallest nod.
Then walked away.
Kaito's chest tightened.
Not approval.
Not mentorship.
Just acknowledgment.
And somehow—
That felt bigger than praise.