> Whispers Of The Heart
>  by Joshua the Dragonslayer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Flutter At First Encounter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to Shuchi'in Academy! A prestigious school established many years ago to serve the noble and warrior classes of Japan. Though the class system has been abolished, many talented students born into wealthy and distinguished families attend this school. One of these students wasn't just a student, but also a member of the Shuchi'in Academy student council. Treasurer, Yu Ishigami, an indispensable part of the team but he keeps a low profile. Despite Ishigami's best efforts the President of the student council, Miyuki Shirogane noticed his talent and recruited him on the student council. 

Yu Ishigami, a second-year Shuchi'in Academy student and the Treasurer of the student council. He's a good-looking, albeit gloomy, teenage boy with chin-length black hair that covers the left side of his face and typically wears a dull expression further amplified by his black eyes. He's a reserved and somewhat gloomy student who normally spends most of his time either playing video games or reading manga by himself, as he is generally disliked by the other students due to an incident that occurred in his past. He can be quite awkward at times, making statements that cause others to see him as a creep. That being said, he is quite snarky and is often the one to make sarcastic remarks pertaining to the situations he gets in. Despite his negative attitude, Ishigami is a kind and well-meaning student who suffers from an inferiority complex and he is ultimately willing to help others in need, even if it means sacrificing his own pride. 

The sun cast a warm glow over Shuchi'in Academy as Ishigami strolled through the campus, the gentle breeze ruffling his hair. It was the start of another typical day for the students of Shuchi'in, a place where excellence was not just encouraged but expected. His eyes wandered across the manicured lawns and towering trees that adorned the prestigious institution. It was just another ordinary day, or so he thought.

As Ishigami ambled towards the main entrance, his mind preoccupied with the day ahead, he noticed a girl standing there, her presence as soft as a whisper. She had long, flowing pink hair and a demeanor that seemed to echo the tranquility of a meadow. The girl was... something else, he knew she had to be a fellow student from the outfit she wore showing the Shuchi'in Academy uniform. Ishigami had never seen her before until now, most likely because he was reserved to himself so he had never seen or spoken to her, not like he would anyway. She seemed to be engrossed in something, her hands clasping a stack of papers, her gaze focused intently on the passing students. The girl held the stack of papers in her hands tightly so they didn't fly away, a delicate smile playing on her lips. She was earnestly trying to catch the attention of passersby, her gaze fixed on the ground. The papers were flyers seeking volunteers for the local animal shelter – a cause that was probably close to the girl's heart.

Curiosity piqued as Ishigami slowed his pace, watching as the girl timidly approached fellow students, as she tried to offer them the papers she held. He couldn't help but be drawn to her delicate features and gentle demeanor. Caught in the beauty of the moment, there was something about her that stirred a flutter in his heart, something he couldn't quite put into words. He hesitated, momentarily captivated by the quiet determination in her eyes. But, as if sensing his presence, the girl looked up, and their eyes met. Ishigami turned away abruptly, feeling a flush of embarrassment wash over him. He couldn't afford to dwell on his emotions and let them get the better of him, not when he had more important matters to attend to.

With a quickened pace, Ishigami walked away from the girl and headed into the school. Ishigami needed a distraction, a way to shake off the unexpected encounter. He decided to head to the student council room, a place that usually provided the solace he sought. Little did he know that fate had more surprises in store for him. He made his way into the school council room, where he was met with the familiar sight of some of his fellow council members. 

Miyuki Shirogane, a third-year and the President of the student council sat at his desk going over some papers, so deep in concentration that he didn't even notice Ishigami enter the student council room. Shirogane was a handsome young man with blonde hair, dark blue sanpaku eyes with long eyelashes. Due to his constant sleep deprivation and nearsightedness, his eyes appear to glare, and he constantly appears to look a little tired, with bags under his eyes. He usually wears the regular Shuchi'in Academy black male uniform adorned with the Aiguilette, the golden chain-like accessory around his neck that is passed down by the previous generations of the Shuchi'in Academy presidents as per his authority as the student council president. To Ishigami he was the most diligent student ever who climbed his way to the top of his class through hard work and determination. He was the perfect image to many, and to Ishigami, he was lightyears ahead of, someone that Ishigami couldn't hold a candle to. But it wasn't that Ishigami cared, to him Shirogane was like his big brother who was always there for him in his time of need. It was because of him that he was in the student council in the first place anyway. 

Miko Iino, a second-year and the Auditor of the student council was sitting down at the table with her headphones in writing down something that Ishigami didn't care about. Iino was a short, petite young girl with brown eyes and long brown hair that was styled in loose pigtails, with bangs covering her forehead. When in the Shuchi'in Academy uniform, she wears black tights and a yellow armband on her left arm to distinguish herself as a member of the Public Morals Committee. Miko is most notable for her strong and obstinate sense of justice and decency. In the beginning, she was convinced that the morality of Shuchi'in Academy has been declining, and thus wishes to impose heavy, though unreasonable, regulations on students. Because of her overbearing and borderline authoritarian attitude, she was generally disliked by the student body. Despite this, Miko’s determination never wavered, as she continued to confront those whom she deemed were acting unfairly, even at the expense of her own reputation. 

Like Shirogane, she holds herself to a high standard, being at the top of her class, and even ran for President despite just being a freshman. Even though she lost to Shirogane in the running, he still saw promise in her and gave her a chance to be in the student council, and one day when he left she would take over his role as the President. The relationship between him and Iino was that of a ton of bickering. Ishigami had known her since middle school and even back then the two would bump heads and it seemed things hadn't changed since arriving at high school. However, they pushed their distaste for one another in the council room so as not to cause any problems.

The newest addition, a third-year and the Historian of the student council, Joshua Kiyoko was also sitting at the table and looked to be going over some math homework of his. Joshua was the heir to the Kiyoko family, a family that owned a huge company in America. His wealth was on par with Kaguya Shinomiya's, another member of the student council who wasn't in the room at the moment. He had heterochromia so while one of his eyes was brown, the other was blue which seemed to catch the eyes of many. Joshua messed with his black curly hair while rubbing his chin and looking at the next equation. He shared a class with Fujiwara, another member of the student council who wasn't present in the room at the moment and he showed a lot of promise to her which she told Shirogane, and just like that Joshua joined the student council with the five of them. Like Shirogane, Joshua was like another brother to Ishigami and the two shared a lot in common in reading manga even though he was wealthier than him, Joshua was still a kind person and never took his family status as a way to brag to others. 

Ishigami took his seat among them, trying to ignore the lingering warmth in his cheeks as he greeted his friends. He tried to compose himself, but the flush on his cheeks betrayed his inner turmoil. But when Iino cast a curious glance in his direction, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He knew he couldn't afford to let whatever these emotions were distract him from his student council duties. 

Iino, always sharp and perceptive, glanced at him curiously as she took out her headphones. "Late again, Ishigami? What's your excuse this time? And what's with the flushed face?" Iino asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

Caught off guard, Ishigami swallowed hard, forcing a casual smile onto his lips as he stammered. "Oh, you know, just had to run over here just so I wasn't late for the meeting is all." he replied, waving it off as his words came out in a rush. 

Iino raised an eyebrow but didn't press the matter further, turning her attention back to the task at hand. Ishigami let out a silent sigh of relief, grateful for her understanding. Iino narrowed her eyes but chose not to press further. Meanwhile, Ishigami's thoughts drifted back to the girl from earlier, who was still outside, diligently trying to hand out papers. He couldn't shake the image of her from his mind for some odd reason.

As he sat there with time going by, Ishigami found himself bored as he stood up with his gaze drifting towards the window, where he caught sight of the girl once again. She was still standing there, her figure bathed in the soft morning light, her presence like a beacon in the bustling courtyard below. He wanted to turn his attention so that no one noticed what, or rather, who he was looking at but he was lost in contemplation. Ishigami walked over and glanced out the window once more, that was until Joshua walked over beside him. Joshua followed Ishigami's gaze and spotted the girl that Ishigami had run into earlier.

Unable to resist the pull of curiosity, Ishigami turned to Joshua. "Hey, do you know anything about that girl?" he asked pointing to the girl, trying to keep his voice casual.

Joshua glanced out the window, a small smile playing on his lips. "Oh, Fluttershy? She's a classmate of mine." Joshua said, with a smile. "She's shy, but incredibly smart and kind and caring to everyone. Always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She's passionate about helping animals and works at an animal shelter nearby."

Ishigami felt a flutter of excitement in his chest as he listened to Joshua's words. He looked down at the girl again, the girl who was named Fluttershy. There was so much more to Fluttershy than he had initially realized, so much depth hidden beneath her quiet exterior. Ishigami's interest in her was further piqued, and he couldn't help but ask, "What's she like?"

Joshua chuckled, sensing the intrigue in Ishigami's tone. "You've got your eyes on her, huh? Well, she's a sweetheart. You should talk to her sometime."

Caught off guard, Ishigami blushed and looked away. "It's no reason. Just curious." Ishigami then looked over at him and smirked. "Just like how you have your eyes on a certain student council member, huh?" Joshua looked at him in shock and was about to speak until the sound of the student council door opened as two girls walked in.

"Hey! We're back!" The girl who cheerfully announced her return was Chika Fujiwara. She was a third-year and was the Secretary of the student council. Fujiwara was a cute fair-skinned young girl with shoulder-length light pink hair that had a black bow in the middle of her square bangs, and blue eyes, and wore her Shuchi'in Academy uniform. She's a bubbly, eccentric girl who almost always has a smile on her face with a noticeably large chest (something that Ishigami regretted pointing out as it resulted in him getting slapped in the head multiple times with a bat that Fujiwara made out of newspaper). Always looking to have fun with her fellow student council members, she is often the one to come up with strange activities and ideas that entertain herself and others. She is mostly oblivious to the atmosphere of the room, resulting in her being an unpredictable element. 

Because of her lax attitude and childish antics, many of the council members seem to view her as simple-minded. Ironically, Chika is actually quite talented in a variety of areas, being an accomplished pianist while also speaking five different languages. She can also be quite devious and underhanded, often attempting to cheat in a lot of the games she comes up with, like that time they played a game to see who would go to Shinomiya's house to hand her the homework that she had missed for the day because she was sick. She had tried to cheat, twice, but both times Shirogane had caught her and in the end, he won the game. She was also super obsessed with anything that had to do with love, professing herself as a “love detective” and giving relationship advice to others despite having never had a boyfriend before. Fujiwara and Ishigami had their days where they could be cool with one another and other days where they weren't in sync.

The girl walking behind Fujiwara was her best friend, Kaguya Shinomiya. She was a third-year and was the Vice President of the student council. Shinomiya was a beautiful, fair-skinned young girl with long black hair that was usually tied by a black-red ribbon with hair strands hanging on either side, along with large, almond-shaped red eyes (that can look sharper, depending on her mood, something that Ishigami had seen first hand), thin eyebrows and a slim, but feminine build, with a noticeably small chest, something that Ishigami regretted pointed out as it resulted in her giving him a deadly glare. She is described by many as possessing 'stunning beauty'. Shinomiya was a very cold and rational individual, but she slowly changed after joining the student council. Due to being part of a wealthy and important family, Shinomiya is sometimes seen as arrogant and very confident about her intelligence and incredible skills after all she was ranked number one in the school, and that was until Shirogane came and pushed her to be the second smartest. Despite her being known as the "ice princess" Ishigami had seen her other side like when she was upset that she missed the fireworks. Shinomiya had a kind heart, she had even helped Ishigami study for exams which greatly helped him and his grades even though he didn't rank where she wished he had. Despite times when he would get scared of her intense presence, he would still call her a good friend. And although he would never say anything to her about it, he knew about her crush on the President but he would let her tell him, whenever she was ready.

The two girls walked over to Shirogane and started to talk to him along with Iino who followed. Ishigami just watched but he then stole one last glance out the window, he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever have the chance to get to know Fluttershy better. But as quickly as the thought entered his mind,  the self-doubt crept in, and he dismissed the idea, convincing himself that someone like Fluttershy would never be interested in someone like him.

"Ishigami." Ishigami turned his head to see Joshua who was staring out of the window and looking at the outside scenery. "I know what you're thinking and I want you to know that you're wrong. Fluttershy is kind and I'm sure she'll like to know the type of person you are. She isn't one to jump to conclusions about people." 

Ishigami stared at Joshua before turning and looking outside with him, taking in the scenery while also looking at Fluttershy every now and then. "Do you... think she knows about what happened?" Joshua side-eyed Ishigami and sighed, he knew exactly what Ishigami was talking about. He was talking about the incident that took place in middle school. Shirogane and Ishigami had told him about what took place back in middle school when the three of them had a sleepover at his place. It was surprising to him but it also made sense as to why Ishigami was how he was and acted. But who could blame him? What happened was... well it wasn't pretty. 

"I can't say whether or not she does or doesn't." Joshua noticed Ishigami's saddened expression and put his hand on Ishigami's shoulder. "Hey, but even if she does know about that, which I don't think she does then I doubt she'll even care. She became friends with Sunset Shimmer, and we all know how she was back then."

Ishigami hesitated for a moment, his thoughts swirling as he contemplated how to broach the subject. Finally, he decided to plunge in. "So, uh, do you think that two of us could talk or something?"

A knowing twinkle appeared in Joshua's eyes as if he had anticipated this line of questioning. "Like I said before, Fluttershy is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. Shy at first, but once you get to know her, she's really kind and caring. I know her, not that well, but we've talked before. If you want my help I'd love to help introduce you two to one another. You could say that I play cupid around here." Joshua then pointed over at Shirogane and Shinomiya. "They're my number one priority right now."

Ishigami looked at the President and Vice President before turning back. "So you noticed too?"

Rolling his eyes, Joshua laughed. "They aren't exactly keeping it a secret. I'm honestly surprised Fujiwara hasn't noticed anything despite being a so-called "love detective" and having some much knowledge of love. I want to help them get together and make them happy, they deserve it with how much they've helped around the school." Ishigami nodded his head. "But yeah you don't have to worry much about Fluttershy, you got this. You're a good guy, Ishigami, any girl would be glad to have you!"

Ishigami couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. "So, uh, do you think someone like me would have a chance with her?"

Joshua raised an eyebrow, studying Ishigami for a moment before responding. "Well, it depends on what you mean by 'someone like you.' Fluttershy is a really open-minded person. She values kindness and sincerity. If you're genuine and treat her with respect, who knows? You might just have a shot. I know she isn't dating anyone at the moment, and I don't think she has a crush on anyone." 

Ishigami absorbed the information as his heart raced at the possibility. Her not having a boyfriend or a crush was a good thing for him, but did he want that? Ishigami didn't even know her and he still didn't know his feelings for her. "But what if she's not into someone like me? I mean, I'm not exactly the most outgoing guy, and I'm not great with, you know, people."

Joshua placed a reassuring hand on Ishigami's shoulder. "Don't sell yourself short, Ishigami. Fluttershy sees the good in everyone. Just be yourself, and if there's a connection, she'll notice. Just be genuine and kind. You might be surprised."

Ishigami nodded, the advice sinking in. "Thanks, Joshua. I appreciate it."

"All right everyone, it's about time we get that meeting started." Ishigami and Joshua turned to see Shirogane who stood up from his desk and started to make his way while the girls followed him. The student council was to meet with the Principal to discuss some further events. 

"Let's get going, Ishigami." Joshua started to follow and make his way. 

He glanced down to see Fluttershy who seemed to be done trying to hand out papers start to make her way most likely to class. A newfound determination stirred within him, and he silently vowed to take Joshua's words to heart. With a heavy heart, Ishigami turned his attention back to the meeting he had to attend, pushing away the feelings he was feeling which he still wasn't sure aside, he focused on the tasks at hand. But deep down, he couldn't shake the lingering hope that maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for him to unravel the mysteries of Fluttershy's heart. Little did he know that the whispers of his heart were just beginning to echo through the corridors of Shuchi'in Academy.





Preview: Ishigami's solitary lunchtime video game session takes an unexpected turn when his friends invite him to join a lively game of American football courtesy of Joshua. As he fumbles through the match, struggling to adapt to the new environment, he becomes acutely aware of the eyes watching, including the gentle gaze of Fluttershy. In that pivotal moment, a spark ignites within Ishigami, fueling a determination to improve his skills not just on the field but also in the game of winning hearts.

Next Time: Heartful Game Of Football
> Heartfelt Game Of Football
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was another day at Shuchi'in Academy and Ishigami sat in the courtyard during lunchtime, engrossed in a video game on his handheld console. It was a typical day for him, or so he thought. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the students as they chatted and laughed around him. As Ishigami finished a level to his game he reached down to grab a potato chip from the bag. Looking at his game while he ate it, Ishigami started to think. 

'I'm finally at the boss level. It might've taken me all night but the time has finally come.' Yu Ishigami, Treasurer for the Shuchi'in Academy student council and one of, if not, the best when it comes to video games. Currently, Ishigami is in the middle of playing one of the newest video games that came out just yesterday. He may have had to wait outside for four hours but that was beside the point! The point was to be the first person to finish the video game and he was one level away from doing just that! 'All right, all that's left is the final boss fight. How should I approach the battle? Play slow at the beginning to get a good idea of what the boss's attacks look like? Or should I just go for broke right from the start and try to overpower the boss?' As he navigated through his thoughts of what to do in the virtual world, Ishigami felt a tap on his shoulder. Startled, he looked up to see his friends Joshua and Shirogane standing there, smiling to themselves.

"Hey, Ishigami! You up for a game of football?" Joshua exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice.

Ishigami blinked, surprised by the sudden invitation. "Huh? Football?" Ishigami imagined himself playing soccer and making a complete fool of himself. Sweating to himself, Ishigami looked away waving his hand. "No way, I'd rather die than make a fool of myself kicking a ball up and down a field like an idiot."

Joshua blinked at Ishigami and then at Shirogane who pointed at Joshua's backpack. "Oh yeah, that's right!" Joshua then took off his backpack, unzipped it, reached into it, and pulled out a ball. Looking at it, Ishigami realized that it wasn't soccer Joshua was talking about, he was talking about... "Good ol' American football! Where some of the greatest athletes to ever walk on this planet face off every week! From throwing to catching, running, and avoiding being tackled, it's great! C'mon Ishigami I promise you'll enjoy it. Besides, if Iino sees you playing video games she might take your game console again. And I know how much you've been wanting to play that game." Joshua smirked as Ishigami grimaced. He knew Joshua had a point but...

Miyuki nodded. "We're putting together a friendly match, but we're one person short. If you joined our team we would have an even amount. I think you'll enjoy yourself."

Ishigami hesitated, glancing down at his console. He wasn't exactly the athletic type, and he had never played football before. But the eager looks on his friends' faces were hard to resist. But he was one level away from completing the whole game! 

"Come on, Ishigami! It'll be fun, I promise." Miyuki urged, nudging him playfully. "We'll teach you all there is to know."

With a sigh, Ishigami put his game into his backpack and stood up. "Alright, fine. But don't expect too much from me. I'm not exactly a sports star."

Joshua grinned. "Don't worry, I'll teach you the basics. It'll be a learning experience! If I was able to teach Shirogane then I'll definitely be able to teach you how to play." Ishigami looked at Joshua confused and turned to Shirogane to get answers but when he looked over at Shirogane, he was looking everywhere but facing Ishigami. Joshua just laughed while Shirogane rolled his eyes as Ishigami was still lost. 

They made their way to the field where a group of their friends had already gathered. Joshua and Shirogane introduced their friends to Ishigami who waved at them. Spike, a year behind Ishigami was talking to some of his other friends. Judging by how he was bouncing up and down, he was probably excited for the match. Flash, who was the same year as Joshua and Shirogane was talking to Joshua smirking while Joshua grinned back, most likely rivals from what Ishigami could tell. There were also a few others who were eager to join in the game. 

"All right, Ishigami. I'll try to explain this to you the best way that I can." Joshua then explained the rules of football to Ishigami, who listened intently, trying to memorize the positions and strategies. "I'm the quarterback, who's going to throw the ball to the receivers, which are you guys. Your job is to catch the ball and go upfield to where the touchdown area is." Joshua pointed to an area where Flash was placing down some cones. "That's where we have to get to if we want to get some points when on offense." Joshua then turned and pointed behind them where Shirogane was placing some cones. "That is where they are trying to get some points. Our job when on defense is to try to stop them from scoring and getting the ball back. Oh, and when on defense if you as the defender catch the ball that's an interception allowing us to get the ball back. Since we're not playing in a league, and since none of us want to get seriously hurt or injured, we'll be playing two-hand touch. So if a defender touches you with both hands stop. The same applies to you when you're on defense, be sure to touch the person with two hands. Did you get all of that?" 

Ishigami nodded his head. "Pretty much, yeah." 

Joshua smiled. "Great, then that means we can start a game." Before he knew it, Ishigami found himself on the field, trying his best to keep up with the fast-paced action. 

Ishigami's team lined up with the ball, they had won the coin toss so they got the ball to start with. Joshua lined up with the ball and smiled. Ishigami got into his place and noticed someone walk over to where he was. 'So that the defender. All I have to do is somehow be able to get the ball, sounds easy enough.' "Hike!" Hearing the yell, Ishigami took off and started to run before quickly turning to the left. Seeing his teammate open Joshua threw the ball over to where Ishigami was heading. Ishigami smiled, his friend was throwing him the ball, and now all he had to do was...

"Incomplete!" Ishigami stopped and looked down at the ground in shock. Instead of being in his hands, the ball was on the ground. "Second down!" 

Grabbing the ball, Ishigami went back to where his teammates were at. "Sorry about that, I thought I had it."

"No worries, Ishigami. You were just too focused on getting up the field you took your eyes off the ball at the last second. Be sure to keep your eyes on the ball at all times, once you do catch it then you can worry about getting upfield." Ishigami nodded his head and got into place. Not wanting to make another mistake, Ishigami was determined to make up for his mistake. "Hike!" As Ishigami ran, he was determined to not make a complete fool of himself.

However, it quickly became apparent that he was struggling. He fumbled catches, missed passes, and stumbled over his own feet more than once. As the game progressed, Ishigami's frustration grew. He felt out of place and inadequate compared to his more skilled teammates. It didn't help that some of his teammates were teasing or downright making fun of him, even the other team had stopped defending him. He had yet to catch a single pass no matter how easy it seemed and he had given up two touchdowns from either being in the wrong place or losing the receiver during their route. Despite all that though, Shirogane and Joshua tried to cheer him up, but it was no use.

Watching Shirogane catch a pass from Joshua to score a touchdown to make the score 28-21, Ishigami sighed to himself. Just as he was about to call it quits and retreat to the sidelines and go back to his video game, something that he was actually good at, he noticed something that stopped him in his tracks.

A crowd had gathered around the field, drawn in by the spirited game. Among them, Ishigami spotted Fluttershy and her friends, watching with interest. A sudden surge of determination welled up inside him. He couldn't back down now, not with Fluttershy watching, he didn't want to be seen as a quitter when things got tough. With newfound resolve, Ishigami focused on the game. He shook off his earlier failures and started to move with more confidence.

"Hike!" Ishigami stepped back and watched carefully as Flash held the ball, looking for a receiver to throw to. When he spotted someone Flash threw the ball high into the air. As Ishigami ran over to the receiver he was throwing to, Shirogane jumped in front and got a hand onto the ball tipping it and off track. With quick reflexes, Ishigami tracked the ball that seemingly floated in the air, and jumped to catch it. By some miracle, Ishigami's diving attempt worked out as he actually caught the ball!

The crowd roared and cheered as Shirogane blocked the receiver. "Run Ishigami!" Not having to be told twice, Ishigami quickly started to run. Being once previously in track Ishigami was fast as he ran up the field leaving everyone else behind and in his dust. 

"That's the way, Ishigami! Just keep running!" Ishigami looked back to see Joshua running after him along with the rest of his teammates. Nodding his head, Ishigami picked up his speed and went all the way for a... "Touchdown!" Ishigami had been so focused that he didn't even realize that he had made it to the touchdown area. Before he could celebrate by himself, Ishigami was tackled by his teammates who cheered for his success. Thanks to him the score was now tied at 28 for both teams. "That was amazing, Ishigami!"

Ishigami smiled until he felt a hand on his shoulder. "He's right, that was incredible speed, Ishigami." Ishigami's other teammates also voiced their congratulations to him, along with the crowd who only got louder when Ishigami scored. 

"It was all thanks to you tipping the ball for me. If anyone should be getting the credit it's you, not me." Ishigami thought back to when Shirogane had jumped up and tipped the ball, he had noticed Kaguya in the crowd watching in amazement when Shirogane did that. Ishigami smiled to himself, although he would never say anything, he knew about Kaguya's crush on their student council president. 

"C'mon guys!" Ishigami turned to Joshua who took out his phone. "We have five minutes left of lunch, and if we want to win we have to stop them and get the ball back!" Everyone quickly got back into their places and waited as Flash talked to his teammates before getting into his position. 

"Hike!" Flash quickly threw the ball off to Spike who ran and went a few yards before being tagged by Shirogane. Running to where Spike was tagged, Flash got the ball back and called it. "Hike!" Once again Flash threw the ball quickly to one of his teammates but Joshua was fast enough to bat the ball away. 

"Dang it! I should've caught that! Whatever, it's third down! We gotta stop them here! Lock up! Man-to-man coverage, watch your man!" Everyone nodded their heads as they watched and waited for what Flash's team would do.

"Hike!" Upon yelling Flash took off and started running but he didn't get far thanks to Joshua. 

"I knew you would do that, Flash! Fourth down!" Ishigami quickly got back into place, one more stop and they would get the ball back with good field position and with probably enough time to get off two or three more plays if lucky. As Ishigami got into position, he noticed Joshua and Shiorgane talking to one another. "You play deep I'm blitzing him. He'll most likely throw it away or try throwing it. If that's the case, you would have the best chance of picking it off." 

"Got it." As Shirogane was walking to his place, he made eye contact with Ishigami and smiled. "Do your best, Ishigami." Ishigami nodded his head and got into his spot. All he had to do was make sure the person he was defending didn't catch the ball and his team would get the ball back. 

Flash got the ball back and looked at all his teammates. "Hike!" Like Joshua had said he ran right toward Flash. When Flash noticed him, he quickly threw the ball into the air, basically asking for a prayer to be answered. The ball was poorly thrown so it wobbly flew in the air. Ishigami saw a chance and took it. Running toward the ball Ishigami jumped for the ball and tried to catch it. However, just like earlier, the ball went right through his hands. 'Crap! I didn't catch it.' Looking behind him, Ishigami noticed Spike smiling as the ball slowly approached him.

However, like a bullet, Shirogane jumped the gun before Spike could catch the ball and caught it for himself. "Run, Miyuki!" Ishigami looked and saw Fujiwara, Iino, and Kaguya cheering and celebrating as Shirogane caught the ball and started running up the field. Ishigami ran with him while simultaneously blocking Spike who was desperately trying to tag the student council president. 

He wasn't able to take it back for a touchdown but Miyuki was able to take it as far as he could. "Hurry! We only have a minute left, let's go!" Everyone quickly went to their places and waited for the call. "Hike!" Ishigami took off and did his best to get open but before he had the chance Joshua had already thrown the ball to Shirogane who was being covered by two people. However, having the speed and height over them, he jumped up and caught the ball one-handed and picked up a bit more yards before finally being tagged. Ishigami stared at Shirogane in shock, he had caught the ball one-handed! Thanks to his catch they were about eight yards away from getting a touchdown and winning the game.

As Joshua retrieved the ball back he noticed Ishigami walking over to him. "Oh, Ishigami, what's up?" Looking at his eyes, Joshua understood how Ishigami was feeling. "I get it. All right then, just get open and I'll throw your way." 

Ishigami nodded his head as he got into place. He was determined to help his team win. He was determined to catch a pass from Joshua and make an amazing play like Shirogane did. He was determined to look good in front of Fluttershy!

"Hike!" Ishigami ran and quickly cut to his right. "Ishigami!" Ishigami turned his head and saw the ball traveling through the air towards him. Putting his hands out, Ishigami was going to catch the pass no matter what. 'Catch it!' With perfect accuracy the ball was placed perfectly into Ishigami's hands. Not wanting to drop it, Ishigami pressed his hands against his body, dropped to the ground, and closed his eyes. 

Opening his eyes, Ishigami noticed his teammates onto of him shouting and cheering. The cheers from the crowd could be heard in the background. Looking up, the first thing he saw was the smiles of his teammates. The second thing he noticed was Flash with a frown on his face before finally sighing and smiling. The third and final thing Ishigami noticed was the football that was in his hands. He had done it, he had caught the ball! The game-winning touchdown, 35-28, Ishigami's team had won, and it was all thanks to him!

"That was awesome, Ishigami! We did it! You did it! It's all thanks to you!" Ishigami's teammates celebrated with him congratulating him on his game-winning catch. Just then the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. The two teams quickly shook hands with one another and the crowd who had been watching them the whole time clapped for them before starting to make their way to their next class. 

"Don't forget about the meeting after school, Ishigami." Ishigami nodded his head as Shirogane and Joshua smiled and waved goodbye to him before making their way to their next class. 

Ishigami smiled, in the end, Ishigami's team had emerged victorious, thanks in part to his unexpected contribution. As the players high-fived and congratulated each other, Ishigami couldn't help but steal a glance at Fluttershy. She was smiling, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Ishigami headed over to get his backpack and make his way to class before he was late to class.

Ishigami felt a sense of pride swell in his chest. Maybe he wasn't the best athlete, but he had given it his all, and it had paid off. As he walked off the field, he couldn't help but smile, knowing that he had impressed not only his friends but also the girl who had captured his heart with her quiet grace. As Ishigami grabbed his backpack and started walking to class, he started to think about his sudden spark of determination. 

First, he noticed Fluttershy trying to hand out papers for the animal shelter. Then he started thinking about her more and even started asking his friend questions about her. And now when he was about to give up playing football, and go back to playing his video game, when he noticed Fluttershy something inside of him sparked and he started playing well enough to help his team win the game. At first, he thought it was just because he was interested in her and what she was doing since he had never seen her before, but the more and more he thought about her, the more things changed. The more he thought about it, Ishigami came to a final conclusion. Coming to a stop and sighing to himself, Ishigami looked up at the sky with a small smile. 

'I guess I do like her... WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!'

Preview: In the quiet confines of Math class, Ishigami's world takes an unexpected turn when fate pairs him with Fluttershy for an assignment. As they delve into the complexities of equations and calculations, a tentative bond forms, woven through shared moments of understanding and mutual learning. With each problem solved and each question answered, Ishigami and Fluttershy uncover hidden facets of each other, paving the way for a blossoming connection amid the world of numbers and nervous glances.

Next Time: Equations Of The Heart