A week passes by.

You try not to cross paths with Ni-Ki outside of art club, still choosing to believe you were right about his intentions. That whatever he was up to, you wouldn't fall for it so recklessly.

His friends from the basketball team however became more open to talking to you, giving you a hello in the hallway or sometimes giving you small acknowledgements. But you couldn't exactly trust them yet. Ni-Ki tries to converse with you to get you to open up a little more with him, yet nothing seems to work.

Afterschool meeting was done, and you were almost done with your project.

"Y/n?" He called out while you were putting your pencil case back in your bag.

You hummed as a reply, looking up at Ni-Ki who was right by your desk.

"I just wanted to say goodbye." He said shyly.

You didn't know what else to say, so you nodded.

It wasn't long until he picked up another conversation "Is anyone coming to pick you up?"

"Nope, I'll be taking the bus. Yunjin already left early to take her nap" You joked, trying to ease your nerves.

Ni-Ki laughs "Hey, I'll take you home." He said, genuinely offering you a ride.

"No, Ni-Ki, I don't want to bother you—"

"I insist, please." He almost begged, and you couldn't really gather the courage to tell him no. "And you're not bothering me. It's getting dark so, I don't want anything to happen to you."

Heat crept up your cheeks as those words left his lips, "Oh, okay" you managed to say.

—

He opens the passenger side of his car for you, making sure your seatbelt clicked before he handed your bag back to you.

He buckles in himself, staring at the rear view mirror before starting the engine. "Are you almost done with your project?" He asked.

"Mhm," You nodded, "I just need to fix up some shadings, you?"

"Me too, I'm almost done too." He replied, smiling to himself.

He handed you his phone, so that you could put in your address.

Which made your eyebrows fused together in confusion. For someone who said they joined the art club for a chance to win the newest iPhone, he already had the newest iPhone himself.

You tried not to think much about it, maybe he just got it recently, who knows.

"How are you finding art, captain?" You decided to tease him, perking your eyes at him.

His ears turned red at the nickname, and so did his face. He tried to hide a smile but failed, quickly putting a hand to cover his eyes. "I like it." He said, smiling widely at you. "How is it, for you."

"It's going well" You replied, facing forward now, and onto the road.

It became silent for a split second but he spoke again "I wish, I was like you"

"What do you mean," You asked, unsure of the meaning behind it.

"I mean, you're smart, talented, and you were student of the year—twice in a row at Ace Academia" He admitted, but not a hint of jealousy or envious, just pure, admiration, and adoration.

"Says Mr. Captain of the Basketball team over here." You crossed your arms and huffed, pretending to pout at him.

But you weren't going to lie, the comment would've made you sprawl on your bed, and wack your feet aggressively against your bed if it wasn't for the fact that you're still in a car with him.

You liked that he paid attention to you, that he acknowledged your achievements.

"You too, you were named student athlete for two years in a row too. You have all this wrapped around your fingers" You smiled, noticing his smile didn't leave his face one bit.

"You're flattering me too much."

"You, really love basketball though, don't you." Rather than a question, it came out more like a statement. Because everyone in the school, knew he was the best basketball player, the school ever had.

"I do." He replied slowly.

"But you're doing art."

"Yeah. I wanted a change. The team tease me for it, so I'm keeping the update quite low.."

You gave him a stare. "You shouldn't care about what anybody else thinks. You're just doing what interests you."

Ni-Ki looks at you, pleased.

"What made you..get into basketball?" You ask, playing with your fingers.

"My father played during his high school years. You know, every son looked up to his father kinda thing," Ni-Ki explains, taking a deep breath, "He was my role model. I really liked it, he took me to clubs, and I never really stopped. It's a part of me." You nodded, admiring him. "How about you? artist and chemist?"

"I just, really like working with chemicals, I guess" You chuckled, feeling silly with your answer. "And art, it just ease my mind. It's like telling a story, through the canvas." You went on, unintentionally venting to him how you've always wanted to major in art, just like your grandma, but your parent's occupation had a bigger influence on you.

"Do you have a favorite art piece?" He asked, and you showed him some of the ones you have saved on your phone.

"I also have some in the house, my grandma bought them from auctions, since she died, we keep it around in memories of her." You smiled.

"Oh, I'm sor–"

"No, you're good, she's in a better place now." You almost felt bad for bringing up your dead grandma, it made you mentally slap your forehead.

He slightly nodded, "I'm sure, she's proud of you, for continuing doing what you love"

It made you smile wider at his sweet words, "Hmm." You hummed softly, letting the calm atmosphere take over as his playlist plays faintly in the background.

"You're a hard worker, Y/n" He praised.

You grinned from ear to ear at him. He looks at you once a red light reflects upon his face. "You definitely work harder, Nishimura Riki."

—

You had to admit you were falling for him a little. The subtle winks across lunch tables and the fingertip touching during art couldn't have made it obvious enough. Your friends quickly caught on once you and Ni-Ki started to hang out at lunch together.

He also told you how only his best friends call him Riki, though he didn't mind it either way if you say Ni-Ki or Riki. But you found it really cute how he reacted the first time you called him Riki. So you started to call him that, sometimes.

"Oh god," Yunjin rolls her eyes. You stare at her, confused before a strong pair of arms wraps around you from behind.

"There's my favorite girl," You shiver when Ni-Ki's hot breath tickles on your neck. You bite your lip, not wanting to acknowledge the heat rising to your cheeks. "Mind if I steal her away, Yunjin?"

"Please, Ni-Ki, you always do," Yunjin says sarcastically, "I'll catch you tomorrow?"

"I'll make it up to you, Yunjin!" You yell and Ni-Ki giggles before sitting next to you. Suddenly, you were aware of the faces and stolen glances that you saw, for you and Ni-Ki.

"You okay, captain?"

"Ms. Lim didn't post any meet up this week." You nodded, "I..I figured since we were both free, if you wanted to come along basketball practice?"

"Oh, I actually have to work on a lab today," You pat his chest. "Not used to rejection, hm?" You tease and Ni-Ki blushes.

"I get it. I'll come and stop by before fifth period, though," Ni-Ki says, "I have a surprise."

—

"Brownies?!"

"Are you happy to see me or the brownies?" You take the container out of Ni-Ki's hands, a wide smile plastered on your face.

"Probably the brownies," You say, playfully. "Thank you for the surprise, captain! You're the best." You placed the container on the table before standing up, taking a step towards him and wrapping your arms around Ni-Ki's neck.

He smelled nice, misty—and fresh. The same one you would always catch a whiff of, now the cologne filled your nose. You didn't realize it, but this triggered a memory gland in your brain—whenever you smelled the same scent, it brings you comfort and thoughts of him.

"Well, you deserve it after working on this titration for almost an hour."

"And you still made time to see me after your basketball,"

"Of course." Ni-Ki shows off his boxy smile. "I'd do anything for you, Y/n." Which almost made you look at him slowly, he was too smooth, too calm about it. There's a glint you don't miss in his eyes.

Your heart flutters as he pulls you closer to him, hands around your waist. "The brownies are waiting, angel,"

"R-Right." You stutter.

—

"Your house is nice," Ni-Ki compliments as you lead him through your gates, entering your garden to immediately sit on the patio sofa. "Tired?"

"Just a little," You close your eyes for a few seconds and Ni-Ki delicately places your head on his shoulder. He smiles down at you. "Thanks for dropping me off. I know you have practice after school.."

"It's okay. I'm sure they won't mind me running late, or not going,"

"Ni-Ki–"

"Don't worry about it, love. I just wanted to make sure you got home safe," Ni-Ki says softly into the crown of your head. "Wait, I almost forgot." You sit up carefully as Ni-Ki's hands fumble inside his bag.

"I...We have a game tomorrow after school, and we'll be advancing if we win," You look up at Ni-Ki. "And um, I would like you to come and cheer me on."

"I'm your lucky charm now, I assume?"

He smiles.

"Yeah. I would like you to wear my varsity jacket."

He hands the oversized material in your lap. Your fingertips run over the embroidered NISHIMURA 09, the Ace Academia that sat proudly on the jacket. "You know, since you're my lucky charm, I think you'd look cute in this. You don't need to, though!" He says, a little rushed with a tint of rose on him.

And a blush forms on your cheeks too.

"I'd cheer you on any day, Riki." You shove him lightly.

"Isn't that.. Ni-Ki's?!" Yunjin's eyes widen as you turn around, giggling.

"Just to cheer him on," She smirks, pinching your cheek.

"Looks like somebody's falling in love."

"We're friends." You state, hearing a few gasps from the people surrounding you. "I came to support him today." She hums in a particular tone that makes you roll your eyes. You almost plead her to take a seat on the bleachers, feeling a little anxious from the amount of stares you were getting.

Ace Academia's basketball team huddled together, likely discussing some quick strategies and putting their hands together to show their unison, their remarkable teamwork. Ni-Ki glances along the seats, scanning for a familiar face.

He smiles.

You send him a thumbs up, turning around to show off his jacket. He sends you a thumbs up too before earning a pat on the shoulders from Jay. "Dude, you even got her to wear your jacket?"

"I'm not lying, she looks great in it." Ni-Ki furrows his eyebrows at his friend.

"Yeah yeah, watch yourself Hee," Ni-Ki warned.

Heeseung put his hands up in surrender. "She's all yours, Riki."

Coach Minhyun gathers them together one more time, a whistle blows and Ni-Ki's already got the ball.

The entire game feels like a blur—the deafening cheers, a few 'ooh's in between, and you swore you've never been this interested or loud in Ace Academia's annual basketball games. It's almost like Ni-Ki can hear you against the hundreds of people, cheering his name on and the occasion yelling his number out.

The announcer calls for a quick break, and Jungwon throws Ni-Ki a towel and a water bottle. You're a few stairs away from the court, so you excuse yourself to Yunjin, who teases you while you try to find Ni-Ki.

"Ni-Ki?"

Ni-Ki turns around, licking his bottom lip. His gaze runs up and down your figure: his varsity jacket is a little too oversized for you, and he laughs at how small you looked. You looked perfect in it.

"Hey." He says.

"I'd step closer to you, but you're sweating."

"You'll get used to it." He pats the free seat next to him. "You having fun?"

"Yeah, actually," You shyly say, "More fun I've ever had in the previous basketball games."

"I'm glad you came." Ni-Ki whispers into your ear. "You look cute, by the way." You try your hardest to not acknowledge the temperature rising on your face.

"Thirty seconds left, team!" Coach Minhyun calls.

"Your call," You stood up. "Good luck."

"Stick around after the game for me?"

You look up at him. "Okay."

—

"You won!"

"Hey my lucky charm," Ni-Ki flirts, taking a gulp of his water. "How'd I do?"

"You never disappoint, captain," You giggled, "Perhaps I should start coming to your games often." He steps closer to you, snaking an arm around your waist.

"Y/n?" His fingertips land softly on your chin. "Look at me, angel."

"Ni-Ki.."

"Can I kiss you?" Ni-Ki whispers, only a little apprehensive. Your hands tremble it rests on his chest. You nod as an answer, not being able to form any words.

His soft lips land on yours after he leans in, gently kissing you. Both of his hands slide down your waist while your palms land on his jaw. His touch is delicate. Your face feels hot surely, but you're too distracted by your kiss to even think about anything else. You feel a smile form against his lips. "You know," He pulls away carefully, still close to you. His thumb runs over your bottom lip. "I've liked you for a while now."

The sudden confidence radiating from Ni-Ki makes your heart flutter. "For how long, hm?"

"Feels like forever," He spoke. A chuckle leaves your lips.

"Just kiss me again, cap."

Your heartbeat is surely loud enough for Ni-Ki to hear. He doesn't waste any more time, pressing his lips against yours for the second time.

"You did your art project on me?" You asked, surprised as you looked at his canvas.

It was of a girl who had her back facing him, with beautiful scenery in the back. The same scene from that day, when the wind was going all crazy.

It had been a while since he finished, but he decided to show you today.

He had the original picture saved on his phone as a background, he too showed you that.

It left you speechless, but you liked it—you loved it.

—

You were gathering your things to leave. "Ni-Ki?"

Ni-Ki's head perks up at you. "Yeah?"

"Are you, okay?" You instantly wonder if he regrets your shared kiss from a week ago. He's only been distant for the past few days.

"I'm fine, love," He nods. "I just need to run to practice, Ms. Lim kept me behind.."

"Oh. I see."

"I'll see you later?"

"Yeah. Sure."

He just seemed off.

-

"Look, Ni-Ki, I know I said I'd take your position away but I'm giving you the benefit of doubt this once." Coach Minhyun easily towered over Ni-Ki. "Running late to practice, your shoots have been a little off. You're slacking, Ni-Ki."

"I'm sorry, Coach." Ni-Ki mumbles, "T-There's a lot happening."

"Like what, Ni-Ki?"

Your face grimaced at the smell. Sweat and basketballs. You've earned a few looks from the basketball team, asking why you've entered their locker room. "Y/n? Is that...you?"

You turn around. "Uh, hi Jungwon. I wanted to give Ni-Ki a surprise." Jungwon's eyes widen slightly, a bag of food in your hands. He even glimpsed at the blue sticky note hidden between your fingertips.

"Oh uh, he's talking to Coach—" Jungwon sighs when you walk off, finding Coach Minhyun's office. Your forehead creases when you see that the door isn't closed, and their conversation is quite apparent.

"I want you to delay that art production of yours, Ni-Ki. It's clear you haven't concentrated because of...that girl. I told you your games this year was important,"

"I know, Coach." Ni-Ki's heart crumbles. "I'm sorry."

"That girl...Y/n. She's a key student here. I don't need you distracted by her and I'm sure she's busy too."

"She...She's not that important, I promise Coach. I'll prioritize basketball first. I'll ask Ms. Lim to make meetings more flexible." Ni-Ki takes a deep breath. "Both her and art don't mean anything. It was a stupid decision. I promise. I'm focusing on leading the team to the finals from now."

Tears begin to well in your eyes.

"Good."

Your heart shatters.

"Y/n...I–" Jungwon spoke, quietly.

"I knew I shouldn't have trusted any of you," You chuckle, attempting to conceal your pain...your crushed heart. "Don't bother, Jungwon." You drop the bags on the floor, wiping your tears from your cheeks. Jungwon's lips turn into a frown as he sees you run away.

"Jungwon?"

"Ni-Ki!" Jungwon exclaims, he almost felt mad for you. Calling the tall boy by his name rather the endearing Riki. "H-How could you say that?" Jungwon picks up the bag off the floor.

"Y-You heard?"

Jungwon gives Ni-Ki the bag of food.

eat well, captain! i'm always cheering you on. your lucky charm

"The door wasn't closed, Riki." Jungwon rubs his temples. "Y-Y/n wanted me to give this to you."

Ni-Ki stares at the note, guilt settling into his stomach.

"P-Please don't say anything. I'm trying to balance myself and figure everything out. I fucked up." Jungwon sighs and pushes past his friend to the locker room. But Ni-Ki only thought if you were okay.

—