The weekend had rolled in with a sense of calm, the sun casting its warm rays through the window. You were curled up on the couch, your phone in hand, retyping a message to Sitetampo before eventually sending it.
You: Hey, Tampo! If you're still free, you're welcome to come over. Moya and I are just hanging out at home.
You hit send and stared at the screen, waiting nervously for his reply. It came almost immediately.
Sitetampo: Sounds great. What time?
Your lips curled into a small smile as you typed back.
You: Anytime works. Just let me know when you're on the way!
Sliding your phone onto the coffee table, you got up and wandered into the kitchen, where Moya was rummaging through the fridge.
"Hey, Moya?" you began, trying to sound casual.
"Yeah?" he asked, not looking up.
"Tampo's coming over later," you said, bracing for his reaction.
Moya straightened up and shut the fridge door, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Tampo, huh? Just him?"
You sighed, rolling your eyes. "Yes, just him. Don't start with the protective big brother routine."
"I'm not starting anything," Moya said, crossing his arms. "I'm just saying, I'll be here. You know, in case."
"In case of what? He's not a burglar."
"I don't trust his intentions," Moya teased, though there was a hint of seriousness in his voice.
"He's just a friend," you said quickly, ignoring the heat rising in your cheeks.
"Right," Moya said, clearly unconvinced, as he grabbed a bag of chips and plopped onto the couch.
When the doorbell rang a couple of hours later, you practically leapt to answer it. Moya barely glanced up from his phone, but you could feel his presence looming in the background.
Swinging the door open, you were greeted by Sitetampo's familiar smile. He looked effortlessly casual, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets.
"Hey, Y/N," he said, his voice warm.
"Hey, Tampo," you replied, stepping aside to let him in. "Come on in."
As he entered, Moya finally looked up, giving Sitetampo a polite nod. "Hey, Sitetampo," he said, his tone neutral but watchful.
"Hey, Moya," Sitetampo replied, unfazed.
The three of you settled into the living room, with Moya making a point to sit between you and Sitetampo. You couldn't help but groan inwardly at his obvious attempt to keep a buffer between you two.
The conversation flowed smoothly, mostly revolving around tournament highlights and funny moments from practice sessions. After a while, Sitetampo reached into the bag he'd brought with him and pulled out something soft and brown.
Your eyes widened as he held out a small, stuffed bear, its round eyes and floppy ears making it impossibly adorable. (picture is at the top^^)
"What's this?" you asked, blinking in surprise.
"This is what I won for you," he said simply, handing it over.
"You... won this for me?" you asked, staring at the bear in awe.
"Yeah," Sitetampo said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I saw it at the arcade yesterday and thought you might like it."
Your heart swelled at the gesture, and you couldn't stop the smile that spread across your face. "It's perfect. Thank you, Tampo."
Moya raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange with suspicion. "What's that about?"
"It's just a gift," Sitetampo replied casually, but the slight pink tint to his cheeks didn't escape your notice—or Moya's.
"Uh-huh," Moya muttered, leaning back on the couch.
You hugged the bear close, ignoring your brother's dramatics. The gesture felt more personal than you'd expected, and it only added to the emotions you were trying to keep in check.
Later that night, you and Sitetampo stepped out into the garden behind the house, leaving Moya inside to make dinner. The sun was lower in the sky now, casting a golden glow over the yard.
"It's nice here," Sitetampo said, glancing around.
"Yeah, it's peaceful," you agreed, fiddling with the stuffed bear in your hands.
He looked at you for a moment, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks for inviting me over. It's been nice hanging out outside of tournaments and games."
"Of course. It's been fun having you here," you said, your voice a little quieter.
There was a pause, and the air between you felt heavier somehow, charged with unspoken words.
"Tampo, about—" you began, but he cut you off gently.
"Y/N, I—"
You both laughed nervously, the moment breaking slightly.
"You first," he said, his tone soft.
You hesitated, your grip tightening on the bear. "I just... wanted to say thanks. For the bear. And for everything. You're always so thoughtful."
His gaze softened, and he stepped closer. "It's nothing. I just... wanted to make you smile."
Your heart pounded as he reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face.
"You've been on my mind a lot, Y/N," he admitted, his voice low but sincere.
Before you could respond, the sound of the sliding door opening startled both of you. Moya stepped out, his expression neutral but his presence unmistakably protective.
"Dinner's ready," Moya announced, his eyes flicking between you and Sitetampo.
"we're Coming," you said quickly, stepping back.
After dinner, Sitetampo stood at the door, ready to leave. Moya had been less intimidating by the end of the evening, though he still kept a watchful eye.
"Thanks for having me over," Sitetampo said, looking at you with a warm smile.
"Anytime," you replied, holding the stuffed bear close.
As he stepped outside, he turned back briefly. "Goodnight, Y/N. I'll see you soon."
"Goodnight, Tampo," you said, your voice soft.
The door closed, and you leaned against it, your heart racing. Moya walked by, giving you a look.
"He's got it bad for you," Moya muttered.
"Shut up," you shot back, though your flustered expression gave you away completely.
That night you went to sleep hugging the bear tightly...