Kenma hooked his thumb into his jersey's waistband band and tried to steady his breathing. 

The memory of Shouyo smiling at him after their match at nationals played in his head on repeat. He'd wanted to confess his feelings right then and there, but it hadn't been the time.

Shouyo deserved to let that moment be untouched by distractions, especially considering he had another match to prepare for. 

And there was no way he could bring it up after the events that unfolded during the Kamomedai match.

So he waited.

He swore on Nintendo that the next time they crossed paths, he would tell him. But with every phone call and every cat picture Shouyo sent him captioned 'WISH THIS WAS YOU,' the feelings that were once easy to think about formed into something bigger, harder to put into words.

His crush wasn't just some low level tier one pokémon anymore. It gained experience and evolved into something with more power and presence. 

He could easily be defeated by his own feelings.

When the practice game against Karasuno was announced, his chest tightened and his heart rate turned erratic. He had three days to form a strategy.

Shouyo was the final boss in more than one way, it seemed, but thinking about Shouyo' smile made it easier.

When he remembered how he felt in that moment, like they were the only two people in the stadium, he felt at ease.

Kenma wasn't prepared to be hurt by that smile.

It was exactly how he remembered it, honest and bright, but it wasn't aimed at him.

Watching Shouyo reach for the outstretched hand of the stern, clever middle blocker waiting for him was like watching your character take a critical hit when all you needed was one more turn to win the boss fight. 

Game Over