I grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder, ready to head out for practice. The afternoon sun was warm, and the streets looked ordinary, calm—the perfect backdrop for a routine training session.
"Wait," my brother called from the kitchen doorway. "Mind if I come along?"
I stopped mid-step, turning to look at him. "Come along… for practice?"
He grinned, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Why not? I haven't seen you in action in a while. Thought I'd check it out."
I hesitated. Part of me thought it would be a distraction—my training was serious now, and I didn't want anyone messing with my rhythm. But another part… another part remembered all the times he'd been there before, cheering me on, pushing me without even trying.
"Uh… sure," I said finally. "But don't get in the way."
He laughed, clearly not offended. "Don't worry. I'll try not to embarrass you."
I shook my head and headed out the door, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement. Today wouldn't be the usual practice.
And somehow, I knew that having him there might make it… different. In a good way.
We walked together through the streets, my brother matching my pace easily. I tried to focus on the route, on the rhythm of my steps, but it was impossible not to notice him glancing around, taking in the familiar sights.
"So… you've been training hard, huh?" he asked casually, but I could tell he was already forming an opinion.
"Yeah," I said shortly. "Same as always."
He smirked. "Same as always, huh? You've been pushing yourself, haven't you?"
I shrugged, keeping my eyes forward. "A little."
"A little?" he echoed, chuckling. "Man, I remember when you couldn't even finish a ten-minute drill without collapsing. Look at you now."
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. "Thanks… I guess."
We reached the gym quickly enough, the familiar squeak of the doors greeting us as we entered. The smell of the court, the echoes of shuttles being hit, the faint scent of sweat and rubber—it all felt like home.
I dropped my bag and turned to him. "You sure you want to actually stay for practice?"
"Absolutely," he said, grinning. "I want to see what all the fuss is about."
I nodded, trying to shake off the nervous flutter in my chest. Training had always been serious, but having him here… it added a new kind of pressure.
Not the kind that made me panic, but the kind that made me want to prove I hadn't wasted my time.
And with that thought, I stepped onto the court, ready to start.
The familiar sound of rapid footsteps echoed through the gym just as I was warming up.
I looked up.
Riku had arrived. Racket in hand, expression calm but focused, like he was already scanning the court and everyone on it.
"You're late," I muttered under my breath, though I didn't expect him to hear.
He didn't respond. Just nodded to my brother and me, then moved to his usual spot.
"Alright," he said after a moment, voice even and clear. "Let's start."
Practice kicked off immediately. Shuttles flew back and forth, and I fell into the rhythm almost instinctively. My brother watched from the sidelines, leaning on the wall with crossed arms, a grin playing at the corners of his mouth.
Riku was relentless, as always. Every drill precise, every shot meant to push me just past my comfort zone. My legs ached quickly, my arms burned, but I kept moving.
He glanced at my brother briefly, then back at me. "Focus. Footwork first. Eyes on the shuttle."
"Yes, sir," I muttered, forcing a grin that masked my fatigue.
This was the real start of practice—and with Riku here, there was no room for shortcuts.
Not for me. Not today.
The first few rallies were brutal.
Riku's smashes were faster than usual, angled perfectly to test my footwork. I barely managed to keep up, sweat dripping down my temples. My brother leaned forward, hands on his knees, clearly impressed despite trying to hide it.
"Man… he's really pushing you," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to me.
I grit my teeth and returned a difficult shot, lunging just in time. "I can handle it," I panted.
Riku didn't slow down. He was watching me carefully, reading my movements, anticipating where I'd go next. Every weak point I showed was noted instantly. Every hesitation corrected silently.
"Again," he said sharply after a particularly long rally.
I nodded and reset my stance. My brother clapped softly from the sidelines. "This is intense," he muttered, clearly enjoying the view.
We continued, shuttle after shuttle, the gym echoing with the sound of impact and our footsteps. I felt my muscles scream, my lungs burn, but I didn't stop. Not yet.
Riku finally paused, letting the shuttle drop to the floor. He wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes still locked on me. "Better," he said simply. "But still too slow on recovery."
I swallowed hard and adjusted my grip. "Yes, sir."
My brother grinned. "Wow… looks like I picked a good day to watch. You're really getting pushed to your limits."
I shot him a glance. "Tell me about it."
Riku readied another shuttle. "Focus. This next drill will be harder."
And just like that, practice didn't feel like practice anymore. It was survival. Every step, every shot, every movement mattered.
I tightened my grip on my racket, heart pounding, knowing full well that this session was going to leave me completely spent.
But I didn't care. Not today.
Because I had to prove to myself—and now, maybe a little to my brother—that all this training wasn't for nothing.
HIS BROTHER's POV—
I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Haruto move across the court.
Man, he's changed. I mean, I knew he'd been training hard, but seeing it up close? Damn.
Riku didn't waste any time—relentless as always. Every shot, every angle, every drill designed to break him down and build him back up. I could see it in Haruto's face—the strain, the focus, the sheer determination to keep up. And he was keeping up… barely, but still.
I had to suppress a laugh when Haruto lunged for a shuttle and almost stumbled. That guy never quits. Classic Haruto.
Riku's eyes didn't leave him for a second. It was like he could predict every step before Haruto even thought about it. I've seen Riku play—he's unbeatable—but the way he was drilling my little brother… I felt my respect for Haruto rise.
I caught Haruto's eye for a second. He shot me a glare like I'd just called him out or something. I smirked and looked away.
The kid's grown up so much. Not just physically—he moves with purpose now. He doesn't just react. He anticipates. Every step is deliberate. I can see why Riku bothered training him. He's got potential, real potential.
By the time the next rally started, I was genuinely on edge. Every shuttle that flew past, every near miss, I was right there with him in my mind, yelling at him silently.
"Come on, Haruto! Don't let him push you around!"
I laughed quietly at myself. Yeah, I was invested now. I couldn't help it. Watching him train like this… it was kind of incredible.
And deep down, I knew it wasn't just about badminton anymore. It was about watching him grow—and for the first time, I realized I was a little proud to be here, seeing it all unfold firsthand.
I leaned against the wall, wiping sweat off my forehead, when Riku finally took a short break too.
I stepped a little closer, trying to sound casual, though I doubt I was fooling anyone. "Hey… you really push him hard, huh?"
Riku didn't look up at first. He just kept his gaze on the court, silently counting some mental notes, before finally nodding. "He can take it. He needs to take it. Otherwise he won't improve."
I raised an eyebrow. "I know he's been training, but… this is intense. He's sweating like a madman."
Riku finally met my gaze, expression calm, precise. "Intensity is part of growth. If he wants to be better, there's no other way."
I smirked, shrugging. "Fair enough. Guess I can see why you offered to train him. Most people would give up or quit halfway through."
He didn't answer right away. Just studied Haruto for a moment, like measuring something invisible. Then he said, "He's different. He doesn't give up. He listens. He adapts. That's rare."
I nodded slowly, feeling a little proud, though I tried not to show it too much. "Yeah… he's always been stubborn, but I guess now it actually works in his favor."
Riku's eyes flicked back to Haruto, still moving across the court, already preparing for the next drill. "Exactly. If he keeps this up, he'll surprise a lot of people. Including himself."
I chuckled quietly. "Well, then I guess it's my job to make sure he doesn't quit halfway out of stubborn pride."
Riku's calm expression didn't change, but I caught the tiniest hint of approval in his eyes. "That, too, might help."
And just like that, the break ended, but I stayed where I was a moment longer, watching my little brother push himself harder than ever before.
HARUTO's POV—
We left the gym, muscles sore and hearts still pumping from the intensity of practice. The sun was lower now, casting long shadows across the familiar streets as we walked side by side toward home.
As we approached the corner market, my brother slowed, glancing at me with a grin.
"Hey," he said, stopping completely. "Ramen?"
I blinked. "Ramen?"
"Yeah," he said, nodding toward the small shop on the corner. Steam curled from the windows, carrying the unmistakable scent of rich broth and fresh noodles. "You've been training all afternoon. Don't tell me you don't want a proper reward."
I hesitated, still feeling the burn from practice, but the smell alone made my stomach rumble. "Uh… okay. Sure."
He clapped me lightly on the shoulder, grinning. "Good choice. My treat. Don't worry, I'll make sure it's worth it."
We stepped inside, the warmth of the shop wrapping around us instantly. The chatter of other customers, the hiss of boiling water, the clatter of chopsticks hitting bowls—it all made the place feel alive in a comforting, familiar way.
I watched as my brother ordered, his energy unshaken despite the heat and the walk. I couldn't help but smile. Even after all these years, he still had that effect—making everything feel lighter, more fun, even after the hardest of afternoons.
When our bowls arrived, steaming and fragrant, I picked up my chopsticks and took my first bite. The broth was rich, the noodles perfectly chewy.
"You were right," I admitted, glancing at my brother. "This is worth it."
He grinned, already halfway through his own bowl. "Told you. Some things just can't be beaten by training alone."
I laughed, leaning back slightly, letting the warmth of the ramen—and the afternoon—sink in. For once, the world felt simple. Full of small victories and the comfort of family.
We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the clatter and chatter of the shop around us fading into the background. I could feel the tension from the day slowly melting away with every bite of noodles.
"You've gotten better," my brother said suddenly, breaking the quiet. He had that grin again, the one that always made me squirm a little. "Faster footwork, sharper shots… Riku's not holding back either, huh?"
I nodded, trying not to sound too proud. "Yeah… he's intense. But it helps."
He chuckled. "I can tell. Watching you today, I didn't expect you to keep up for half the drills, let alone the whole session. Guess you've grown a lot since I last saw you."
I felt my face warm slightly. "Thanks… I've been working on it."
He leaned back, resting his elbows on the table. "You know, it's good to see you like this. Focused, determined… and not just about training. You're… different. More… capable."
I looked down at my bowl, suddenly self-conscious. "I'm still me," I muttered.
"Yeah, but better," he said simply, smiling. "Better in ways that matter."
I didn't argue. I just took another bite of ramen, letting the warmth of the broth and his words settle in.
After a while, he nudged me gently with his elbow. "Ready to head home?"
I nodded. "Yeah… thanks for stopping here."
He clapped me on the shoulder again. "Anytime. You worked hard today, you earned it."
We left the shop together, the evening air cooler now, the streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Side by side, we walked the familiar path home, the silence between us comfortable—filled with the kind of unspoken understanding that only comes with family.
For once, it felt like nothing else mattered. Not practice, not competitions, not even the world outside. Just this moment. Just us.
As we turned down our street, the familiar houses coming into view, I glanced at him.
"So… how long are you staying this time?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.
He shrugged, a grin still on his face. "Not sure yet. A week, maybe two? Depends on how busy things get back at my place."
I nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Cool… nice to have you around, at least for a little while."
He elbowed me lightly. "See? You're already acting like you missed me."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't hide the warmth in my chest. "Don't get used to it," I muttered.
He laughed, loud and carefree, clearly enjoying the tease. "Too late. I've been gone for months. I've earned this."
I sighed, shaking my head with a small smile. "Guess so."
The rest of the walk passed in quiet conversation, our footsteps in rhythm, the kind of easy chatter that made home feel a little warmer and the evening a little lighter.
For once, the world outside the court didn't matter. Just the street, the houses, and the simple comfort of having him back.
SAKI's POV—
The mall was bustling, the weekend crowd moving like a river around me. I weaved through clusters of shoppers, trying not to bump into anyone while keeping my eyes on the list in my hand.
I wasn't exactly sure why I'd come today. Maybe I just wanted to get out of the house, or maybe it was the promise of a quiet little escape before the chaos of school next week.
I passed the clothing stores, their mannequins dressed in bright spring colors, and the smell of freshly baked pretzels made my stomach rumble. I ignored it for now.
Stopping near a small electronics kiosk, I glanced around, half-expecting to see someone familiar—but the mall was full of strangers. Or so I thought.
I picked up my pace, heading toward the bookstore tucked near the back, hoping for a little quiet among the shelves. The smell of paper and ink was comforting, a small escape from the noise and chatter outside.
I smiled softly to myself, thinking about Haruto. He'd been so caught up in his training lately. I wondered if he was practicing today, pushing himself harder than ever, like he always did.
A part of me wanted to see him, to maybe bump into him accidentally like before. But I shook my head lightly. No, today was just… me, the mall, and maybe a little harmless window shopping.
Still, as I wandered past the cafés and small kiosks, I couldn't help but glance toward the entrance every so often. Maybe it was wishful thinking, or maybe… I just wanted a little glimpse of him.
I wandered past the cafés, pausing every so often to peek at the tables, the people sipping their drinks, chatting or scrolling on their phones. It was the kind of scene that made me feel like I could stay invisible if I wanted—just another face in the crowd.
Still, my thoughts kept drifting back to Haruto. I wondered how his morning had been, if he'd already trained, or if he'd been stopped by something—anything—that made him pause, even for a second.
Shaking my head, I told myself to focus. I had errands to run, a few gifts to pick up, and maybe a little window shopping. Nothing more.
I walked past the bookstore, glancing at the display for a moment before continuing on. Then, near the small ramen shop tucked between the mall entrances, I paused. Steam curled from the windows, carrying the familiar scent of rich broth and fresh noodles.
I smiled faintly. I knew that smell would probably make him stop if he were here, just like last time. I imagined him standing there, torn between hunger and the need to keep moving—awkward, flustered, stubborn.
A small part of me wished I could see that side of him today.
But I kept walking, weaving through the crowd, letting the bustling noise of the mall fill the space where my thoughts of him lingered.
For now, I decided, this was my day. A little window shopping, a little quiet, and maybe, just maybe, a tiny hope of running into someone familiar.
I wandered past a small café, watching people laugh over steaming mugs, and my thoughts drifted back to Haruto again.
A small, mischievous idea popped into my head. Maybe I could see him tomorrow—not by accident, not just imagining it—but on purpose.
I pulled out my phone, thumb hovering over the screen. "Hey… maybe tomorrow?" I muttered to myself.
I could ask him to come with me, just for a little walk or maybe to grab coffee. Something casual, nothing that would seem like too much. Just… a chance to see him, talk, and not let the day pass without noticing each other.
I typed a quick message, then stopped. What if he was busy? What if he said no? My fingers hovered over the send button, heart thumping a little faster than it should.
I sighed softly and typed anyway:
"Hey Haruto… wanna come with me to the mall tomorrow? Just for a bit?"
I stared at the message for a moment, rereading it. Not too pushy, not too casual. Perfectly… me.
I hit send.
Then I slipped my phone back into my pocket, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and excitement.
Tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow would be different. Maybe tomorrow I'd finally see him—not in passing, not in thought, but right there, beside me.
And maybe, just maybe, it would be the start of something small… but important.
HARUTO's POV—
I was halfway through stretching my legs when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out and saw Saki's message:
"Hey Haruto… wanna come with me to the mall tomorrow? Just for a bit?"
I froze for a second, thumb hovering over the reply.
Before I could even think properly, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Hmm?" I muttered.
My brother was standing there, leaning casually, a smirk on his face. "That your phone?"
I nodded, trying to act casual.
He glanced at the screen—and my stomach dropped. "Saki, huh?"
I swallowed hard. "Uh… yeah."
His grin widened. "You sure you don't have a girlfriend? Because that looks… suspicious."
I waved my hand, trying to deflect. "It's nothing like that! She just… uh, asked me to go with her to the mall tomorrow. That's all."
He raised an eyebrow. "Just the mall, huh? Sure, sure. That's what they all say."
I groaned internally. "I literally just said that!"
He laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Relax, little bro. I'm just teasing. But… don't do anything too embarrassing, alright?"
I shook my head, cheeks warming. "I said I wouldn't."
Still, as I stared at the message again, I couldn't help but smile a little.
Just a casual trip to the mall… but somehow, it felt like a lot more.