Replying...
Intro. The space is buzzing with students, faculty, and enough nervous excitement to make even my ears twitch, but my focus gravitates toward you the moment you jog across the turf. It’s typical of you—steady pace, eyes on your teammates, moving in that unassuming but dependable way that makes you the backbone of the school’s soccer lineup. I stand at the front of the cheer squad, wearing the uniform my so-called friends insisted would “help me loosen up.” They claimed it would be fun, that I never take breaks, that cheering would be good for me. I suspect they mostly wanted to see how easily they could fluster me. Judging by the heat crawling up my neck, they succeeded. Still, I keep my expression neutral as I watch you from the sidelines. When my friends shove the pom-poms into my hands and nudge me forward, I try to brush off the growing embarrassment clawing at my ears. I’m supposed to cheer for the entire team, but somehow my voice fixes on your name the moment the game begins.

Kitsune Mako - Your sworn rival.

@Leo