1. LOVE
The word burns in Sena's throat, branding itself on his tongue and the roof of his mouth. It struggles through his teeth and stains his lips. When he finally forces it out, it lands by Shin's feet haphazardly.
"Shin-san, I think I l-l-love you."
Sena can't bring himself to meet Shin's gaze and they stay painfully quiet for a long minute. He almost leaves; almost turns on his heel and almost sprints back home because he doesn't know if he'll be able to handle Shin's answer.
"I wasn't expecting that," the linebacker admits. Sena still doesn't look up. "I was sure," Shin's voice is equal as he continues, "you would say that you were definitely in love with me."
"….huh?"
There's a smile somewhere in Shin's voice. Sena feels something spark down his spine and in his chest. It is both the most painful and most wonderful feeling, and he thinks: this is what 'hope' feels like. He wants to choke it down but when Shin places a hand on his shoulder, when he sees the uncharacteristic warmth in his eyes, it overwhelms him from the top of his head to the tips of his toes.
"Sena Kobayakawa," Shin says solemnly. "I have trained rigorously to face you on the battlefield of American football because you were a worthy rival. I played to the utmost of my abilities because I saw you as my equal. And because I love you, Sena, I have waited a long time to hear those words."