"You're staring again."

"No, I'm not."

"Yeah, you are."

He scoffed before averting his gaze from where Natsu and Eiichiro were practicing serves on the other side of the venue. He raised his arm to swing his racket down, sending over a flat, powerful serve down the middle towards you.

"But I understand how you feel."

"Feel about what?" Takuma's scowl deepened.

"Being second best." You started as you jumped up and returned the ball, nearly hitting it with the rim of your racket. "Who would have thought we'll lose to Natsu and Ei-chan."

"I didn't lose to anyone."

"Says the boy sulking over some unrequited love." Preparing for another swing, you continued. "You should've said something to her before she confessed."

Takuma shot you a glare as his nostrils flared. "Then what about you? Why didn't you say anything to Maruo?"

"Ei-chan?" You raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What about him?"

"Don't you have feelings for him?"

"Uh, no." Wiping your brow, you let out a small sigh. "I thought I made it quite obvious that I liked you."

He paused mid-stride, eyes widening in disbelief as he watched your shoulders slump while you peered at him with a forced smile. "But seeing how I'm second best, it's no wonder you haven't noticed."