Awkward Beginnings
The championship may have been over, but for Renji and Asuka, a new kind of battle had just begun—figuring out what it meant to be a couple.
It wasn't that things were dramatically different between them. They still trained together, still bickered, still challenged each other to be better.
But the small things had changed.
The way Asuka nudged him a little more playfully during drills.
The way Renji hesitated just a second longer before meeting her gaze.
The way his heart raced whenever their hands brushed.
And, of course, their teammates noticed everything.
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The Teasing Begins
The first day back at practice was a disaster.
Renji had hoped—prayed, really—that nobody would make a big deal out of his new relationship. He should've known better.
They were warming up when Yuuto, who had been watching Renji struggle through footwork drills, smirked.
"Renji, your footwork's been sloppy today." His tone was too casual. "Got something distracting you?"
Renji stiffened. "W-What? No!"
Before he could recover, one of their middle blockers, Taichi, grinned wickedly.
"Maybe he's too busy thinking about Asuka."
The words sent the entire team into chaos.
"Ohhh, that explains everything!"
"So that's why he's been acting weird."
"No wonder he's spacing out."
Renji's face turned a deep shade of red. Why were they like this?!
Meanwhile, Asuka, completely unbothered, sighed dramatically and wrapped an arm around Renji's shoulder.
"Aww, don't be shy, Renji~" she teased.
The gym erupted into laughter.
Yuuto smirked as he crossed his arms. "Man, this is more fun than I expected."
Renji groaned and buried his face in his hands. I'm never going to survive this.
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Lunch Break—No Escape
The teasing didn't stop at practice.
During lunch, the team gathered around Renji and Asuka like predators circling their prey.
"So, who confessed first?" Taichi grinned.
Renji, chewing his food in silence, pretended not to hear.
Asuka, however, answered easily. "Renji did."
The entire table exploded.
"Wait, really? Renji?"
"Our quiet, reserved Renji actually confessed first?!"
"Damn, we missed it!"
Yuuto, looking way too amused, leaned forward. "How'd he do it? Stumbling over his words? Sweaty hands? Voice cracking?"
Renji wanted the earth to swallow him whole.
Asuka hummed, pretending to think. "Well, he did look really nervous…"
Renji covered his face. "Asuka."
"…And he totally blushed the whole time—"
"ASUKA."
She grinned. "What? They asked."
The team howled with laughter.
Renji let out a long, exhausted sigh.
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A Private Moment
Later that evening, after practice, Renji and Asuka sat on the edge of the gym steps, watching the sunset.
It had been a long day.
Renji leaned back on his hands, staring at the sky. "Are they ever going to stop?"
Asuka, sitting cross-legged beside him, smirked. "Nope."
He sighed. "That's what I thought."
The teasing had been relentless. Every little thing they did, every glance they exchanged, was met with knowing looks and snickers.
Renji had never been the center of attention before. He didn't like it.
"…Doesn't it bother you?" he asked hesitantly.
Asuka shrugged. "Not really. I like seeing you flustered."
Renji groaned. "You're enjoying this too much."
She grinned. "Definitely."
He gave her an exasperated look, but there was no malice in it.
The teasing was annoying, but… there was something oddly comforting about how easy things still felt with Asuka.
She hadn't changed.
Even now, she was still the same Asuka—sharp, playful, and completely unshaken by anything.
Renji, on the other hand, was still figuring things out.
Asuka must have sensed his thoughts because she nudged his arm. "Hey."
He looked at her.
"I think it's cute," she said casually.
Renji froze.
Did she just—?
Asuka, looking completely unbothered, rested her head against his shoulder and let out a content sigh.
Renji… didn't move.
He was pretty sure his brain had shut down.
But after a long moment, he smiled.
Maybe he really would survive this.
Maybe—just maybe—he didn't mind it as much as he thought.
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End of Chapter 50
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To Be Continue