The Cute (but not White) Fox

~~~❤️~~~

"Make way!"

"Shiraito, no!"

Coach's assistants were meant for training, not attending to Shiraito. Yet, they halted him from opening an expensive sake bottle during the team's inn dinner.

Despite the elusive coach, dodging his assistants akin to a skilled Argentine number 10, the dinner radiated positivity. The youngsters shared jokes, recounted anecdotes, and debated video games as they awaited dinner. They weren't still eating, though, as they were waiting for someone special.

"E-excuse me..."

As the bottle was wrested from Shiraito's grasp, all eyes shifted to the dining room's entrance. There stood Nao.

"Welcome!" Shiraito cheered, echoed by the group's applause.

"Um, sorry for being late," Nao apologized, nervously intertwining her fingers.

"No problem," the assistant who secured the bottle beckoned her. "Sit wherever you like."

‘Wherever you like’ clearly meant next to Takashi. Nao seated herself by his side, in the spot set aside for her.

"Good evening," Takashi, Jun, Hiroshi, and Yoshida, the ones closest to her seat, greeted her in unison.

"G-Good evening," she responded, eyes lowered as she settled into her seat.

In case you're wondering, "Why is there a young lady at a male soccer team’s dinner?" the answer is that's what they wanted. After a successful tournament start, shrine visit, and Kadogawa comeback, Nao became their lucky charm. Shiraito, superstitious as every football coach, insistently invited her to all the upcoming tournament events.

"Alright, let's begin!" The coach and assistants helped kitchen staff present the dishes.

The meal featured sashimi and seasoned cooked rice with wasabi. Despite the hotel setting, they remained competitive athletes.

"Did you go see your brother?" Takashi asked.

"Yes. They had the day off today, so they went to the festival."

"Eh? That's nice. Were you there with..."

"And that's why she's not planning on going to the festival this year," Inari had told him. Takashi's enthusiasm waned during the question.

"Did you say something?" Nao looked up from her plate to look at him.

"No, nothing," Takashi returned a warm smile, marveled again by Nao’s beauty.

"But I was really impressed when you started dancing, Nao," Jun remarked casually, biting into sashimi. The girl jumped, startled.

"D-did you see it?"

"Hard not to," Hiroshi smiled warmly, his expressiveness amplified. "You put on quite a show."

Nao's face reddened as a burning ember. If they had lit a fire around her, it would have been difficult to distinguish.

"Hush! Don't remind me!"

Both boys chuckled politely, genuinely amused by her reaction.

"But it seems to have had an effect," Yoshida chimed, mischief dancing in his gaze. "After all, our dear Takashi ran even more."

"That's true!" Jun's fist struck the table. "That was great pressure, Takashi! How did you know I was going to pass it there?"

"Thanks to that, I was able to score," Hiroshi said enthusiastically referring to his equalizing goal. "It was a good play."

"Well, the truth is..." Takashi caught Nao's intent gaze. He put on a warm smile for his ‘talisman.’ "All the support I was receiving motivated me to run past the defender. Thank you, Nao. And thanks to you too, guys."

The long table echoed like an attentive theater audience, applause overriding other conversations, as everyone was captivated by their chatting.

"Thanks, thanks," Takashi blushed, warmth emanating from his vivacious smile.

"Besides, you scored the goal. That was great, Ta... oh?"

Jun abruptly stopped mid-sentence, without warning.

"What's wrong?" Hiroshi asked him.

"Takashi doesn't have a nickname."

"Huh? So what? No one uses them anymore."

"But he's the only one without one!"

A long time ago, players had proposed nicknames for each of their teammates, based on their playing qualities.

"Could it be that you want us to use them again, 'Rabbit'?" Hiroshi's nickname flustered Jun.

"Shut up! At least I wasn't called 'Crow,' a cold and silent kid!"

"But you want us to use them again!"

The two had engulfed in a half-friendly discussion, until a high-pitched voice interrupted.

"How about 'Fox'?"

Nao hadn't noticed that, before proposing the nickname, the entire room had fallen silent, listening to the discussion. All eyes turned toward her.

"'Fox'?" Jun inquired.

"It must be a joke," Takashi thought, unable to believe the coincidence.

Gradually, Nao blushed crimson in the spotlight.

"W-Well... I figured, since we're in Takachiho... and, well... I find it cute."

Nao's gaze shifted to Takashi's side, her flustered expression as endearing as a cuddly teddy bear. "I can't say no," he thought.

"Smart choice," Shiraito reasoned. "The fox, a creature that detects its quarry and follows unique trails. Interestingly, that mirrors his gameplay's highlight. Today, he crafted both goals through unexpected positioning."

Teammates exchanged approving words about the nickname.

"Great! So it's 'Fox' Ueda! I like it," Jun grinned.

"It has charisma," Hiroshi contributed.

"And it's very cute," Yoshida chimed in.

"Now that I think about it..." Takashi remembered his talk with Inari with joy. "It's a truly nice nickname. Thanks, Nao."

Her smile gently moved Nao. "You're welcome," she grinned into her plate.

"Also, our victory today is thanks to the shrine visit by these four," Yoshida exclaimed. "Inari works miracles."

"You have no idea," Takashi smiled mischievously.

"Then it's settled," Shiraito concluded. "We'll put our faith in Inari. Nao, can you guide us in prayer?"

"Huh? M-Me?"

"Of course. You're the one who knows Inari best. Let's go," he requested.

"B-But..."

Takashi noticed how Nao hesitated. "I should do something to calm her down. Maybe... no, that's too much." He pondered about how Nao might react in front of everyone. However, he decided after seeing the situation again.

"You can't?" Shiraito inquired.

"Well... Oh!"

Nao startled as warmth enveloped her hand, dangling below the table. This time, Takashi interlocked their fingers and gently stroked her hand with his thumb.

"Don't be upset, please," Takashi hoped silently. Nao met his gaze, uncertainty in her eyes. Eventually, she responded by firmly squeezing his hand, not at all annoyed.

"Fine," she beamed. "Follow me."

Everyone placed their hands together in a prayer gesture, as Nao spoke. "With our hands united in devotion, we lift our prayers to Inari, seeking her guidance and protection through every step of our journey."

Brief yet meaningful, the prayer was offered to the goddess, and the meal resumed.

"And if we win the tournament, we'll visit the shrine on the final night, together," Shiraito proposed.

"Oh, that's a clever notion," Yoshida, ever eager to contribute, chimed in. "It could be our lucky charm."

"Absolutely! Now let's dig in!"

"Speaking of places, what are we going to do tomorrow?” Shiraito started relishing the food, yet another voice echoed in the room—Kenjiro's. “We have the day off, after all."

"We could attend the festival," Yoshida, once more interjecting, proposed.

"You're just interested in checking out girls, aren't you?" Ito playfully inserted.

"What if I am?" the young right back chuckled.

"No, absolutely not," Kenjiro chimed in. "We're here to train and compete, not for fun. Isn't that so, coach?"

"Kenjiro's correct. We'll have a double training session tomorrow."

"Eh?!"

The boys appeared disheartened, save for Kenjiro, who sported a smug grin. Yet, everything transformed as Shiraito swapped his sternness for an nurturing smile.

"That's what an old grump would say. And I'm not one!" He beamed a winning smile at his assistants, who often poked fun at his age. "You are youngsters, and it's alright for you to unwind."

"Fantastic!" the boys cheered, while Kenjiro remained frozen, astounded by the unexpected twist.

"You guys are hopeless," the captain sighed.

"Come on, Kenji. Embrace the evening. We're in for some fun. We'll even help you find a girl," Sasaki egged him on amidst his teammates' laughter.

With the relaxed atmosphere, dinner continued. Exquisite dishes followed one another, pleasing the diners' palates. Spices and herbs filled the air, crafting a culinary symphony that harmonized with the lively discussions at the table.

Still blushing, Nao savored each bite, relishing the exotic flavors and intriguing textures offered by the feast. She appeared more at ease, shedding her anxiety once more. In contrast, Takashi stole glances at Nao, captivated by her wonder and enthusiasm. Evidently, she delighted in every moment, and her delight proved infectious. He felt thankful to share this moment amidst the enchanting ambiance. They enjoyed themselves until, as the dinner drew to a close, fatigue began to overtake Nao.

"Are you alright?" Takashi inquired.

"Yes," she replied before stifling a yawn and covering her mouth. "But I should head home."

"Understood. Coach, I'll walk her back."

"Thank you, Nao!" the boys chorused their farewells as she departed.

"Shiraito, hand over the bottle!" Amid a playful pursuit, Shiraito managed to retrieve the sake once more and took a sip.

"Hop in, kid. Today we're running the Takachiho-Tokyo express!" Train sounds, mimicked with flair, added a dash of humor to the scene.

~~~🌟~~~

After a moonlit walk, they reached Nao's doorstep.

"Thank you for accompanying me, Takashi."

"Oh, you're welcome. Um..."

As Nao began ascending the stairs, Takashi's gaze dropped to the ground. He needed to convey his thoughts. He visualized the stream, breathed deeply, and mustered the words.

"Tomorrow... would you like to go to the festival together in the afternoon?"

Nao experienced a sudden rush of nerves, taken aback by the impromptu offer. But apart from that, she couldn't be happier.

"I'd love to, Takashi. See you tomorrow!"

Weighed down by drowsiness, Nao entered her home, her heart dancing with joy. Still, perhaps Takashi's heart danced even more, until he lay down on his futon and slept peacefully at the inn.

~~~⛩️~~~

Then, he woke up again in the early morning.

"Don't tell me..."

Gazing towards the window, he saw her. On the balcony, Takashi was being observed by Inari.