The two of you were walking home.

The walk was silent. Completely silent.

Both of you had your bikes, but neither of you felt like riding them. You didn't have the energy to do so. All of your energy was sapped up from the match that took place, where you were cheering your heart out.

As for Isagi, all of his energy was used up not only from the match that took place, but. . . From the crippling guilt and regret that was eating him up on the inside.

You watched it happen.

Where Isagi passed the ball to his teammate, and his teammate made the shoot - only to miss.

You and Isagi had been friends for quite some time. You were at every single match of his, cheering for him, believing in him, supporting him. . . He played his hardest in every game, to win, to earn respect, to impress you, to make you proud. . .

Losing in front of you like what happened today, was one of the worst feelings in the world. The worst feeling in the world, yes. He wanted to win so badly, but his stupid mistake, his hesitance is what cost him and his team the match.

Suddenly, Isagi stopped walking, so you stopped as well and turned back to look at him.

". . . Isagi?" You furrowed your brows, more concerned for him than ever as if that were even possible.

". . . I wanted to win, [Y/n]. . ." Isagi lowered his head, his black hair shadowing over his bright blue eyes. You heard a soft sniffle from him, which broke your heart. You wanted him to win too. If he and his team won, they'd be going to the Nationals.

But that didn't happen.

And there was no way to change that.

You let go of the handles of your bike, not caring that it fell over. You instantly hurried over to Isagi and wrapped your arms around him. He let go of his bike as well and coiled his arms around you in return. You could tell he was dying for this. He was dying for a hug. Some sort of support. Not just from anyone, but from you in particular.

"I'm so sorry, Isagi. I'm so sorry." You held him tautly, your eyes going glassy with tears.

"If only I made that shot. . . If only," The black-haired boy buried his face in your hair. He let all of his emotions spill out, all of his tears all of his frustration and anger. It was too much for him to bear, he had to let it out somehow.

"I let you down." Isagi muttered. He had wanted this hug so badly, but now, he wanted to let go and walk away. But you didn't let him. You kept your grip, and held your ground. There was no way he was getting away from you now.

"You didn't let me down, Isagi." You responded almost instantly - because you knew that's what you wanted to tell him from the start. "You've never, ever let me down." Slowly and hesitantly you retracted yourself from him, only to cup his face in your warm hands and wipe his tears away.

"But-"

Before he could say anything more, you interrupted.

"No matter if you win, or if you lose, I will always love you the same. So don't ever feel as if you've let me down. I'm more proud of you than ever, and I know you will overcome this loss." You looked him straight in the eyes.

Those kind eyes of yours. . .

Isagi felt so comforted in your gaze.

He pressed his forehead against yours, as his gaze lowered down to your lips.

"Keep playing football, Isagi." You cheered him on once more. "Keep fighting."

Isagi stood silently for a while, before nodding, and hugging you again.