By Your Side

The school field was packed for the hotly anticipated soccer match between Class 2-A and 2-B. Takashi scanned the sea of students for Kenji and waved when their eyes met, pulse skipping a beat as usual.

Kenji jogged over with a grin. "You ready to kick some Class 2-A butt?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." Takashi smiled ruefully, distracted by how close Kenji was standing. His stomach fluttered with something more than just pre-game jitters.

The match began with a blast of the referee's whistle. Takashi raced down the field but struggled to keep his mind on the game. Every time he and Kenji were near each other, his concentration wavered.

Late in the first half, Takashi spotted an opportunity to steal the ball. He sprinted forward and intercepted a pass, instantly surrounded by opponents. "I'm open, pass it here!" Kenji waved his hands, eyes meeting Takashi's.

In that split second, Takashi didn't notice the burly student charging at him until it was too late. The impact came out of nowhere, and he crumpled to the ground with a cry of pain. His ankle burned like fire.

"Takashi!" Kenji was by his side instantly. "Are you okay? Where did he hit you?"

Takashi clutched his ankle, face contorted in agony. "I-I don't know if I can stand..."

Kenji helped him hobble off the field, arm wrapped firmly around Takashi's waist. "Don't worry, I've got you. We need to get you to the school nurse right away."

The nurse examined Takashi's ankle and concluded it was likely just a bad sprain. "Keep icing it regularly and avoid any strenuous activity over the next few days," she instructed. She handed him an ice pack and painkillers. "You can go home to rest now."

"I'll help you," Kenji offered. His hand touched the small of Takashi's back, guiding him gently out of the room, and Takashi had to suppress a shiver.

Kenji supported him as they walked slowly out of the school. "Do you want to come over? My place is closer, and we have snacks and movies..."

Takashi smiled gratefully. "That would be great, thanks." The prospect of lingering alone with Kenji made his heart race.

They went to Kenji's house and up to his room. Kenji helped Takashi settle on the bed with pillows under his ankle before lying back next to him. "Comfortable?" Kenji rolled onto his side, gazing worriedly at Takashi's face.

Takashi's throat went dry at their sudden proximity. "Y-Yes, I'm fine." Kenji's messy blond hair falling over his forehead, the warmth in his eyes, made it hard to look away.

Kenji placed an ice pack gently on Takashi's ankle. "Does it still hurt?" His fingers brushed Takashi's skin, and his breath caught. Kenji froze, swallowing hard. "Did I hurt you? I'm sorry, I should be more careful..."

Takashi shook his head quickly. "No, I was just...startled." An awkward silence fell, broken only by the pounding of his heart. What had just happened between them? Yet as their eyes met again shyly, it felt as though something had shifted into place.

They spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies and joking around halfheartedly, awkwardness fading. Around dinnertime, Kenji walked Takashi home under the golden sky.

"Rest well, okay?" Kenji said. "I'll come get your assignments from school and stop by this weekend." His hesitant smile made Takashi's chest tighten.

"Thanks, Kenji." Takashi smiled back. "For everything."

Kenji rubbed his neck, cheeks flushing slightly. "Of course. What else are friends for?"