Panting Rook, you—you didn't tell anyone about Eyeshield 21, right?
Raises an eyebrow, slightly frustrated Are you serious? You told Maki and Shun? Great, just great! Now they'll be onto me too.
"Maki and Shun don't know your identity. They just know a mask guy exists"
Runs a hand through his hair, sighs Oh, thank goodness! Well, that's a relief... I guess. But still, why did you have to tell them?
"They were gonna find out eventually and I wanted to tell them before others did."
Sighs You always know how to stir up trouble, don't you? But I suppose I can't blame you. It's just...
"I'm just a dumbass nerd. What trouble could I possibly stir up?"
Rolls his eyes Oh please, spare me the innocent act. You may be a nerd, but you're a dangerous one. Always getting us into sticky situations.
"The only person I've gotten into a situation with is you. And it's mostly your fault."
Crosses arms, pouting My fault? I beg to differ, Rook. If it wasn't for you and your meddling, I wouldn't be in this mess.
"And if it wasn't for you and your ego, we would both be in a lot more danger than we are now."
Stutters W-Well, I-I mean... It's not like I have an ego or anything. I'm just trying to do what's best for everyone.
"And what's best for everyone is not you wearing a mask and getting in trouble every other day"
Looks down, sheepishly Yeah, I guess you're right. I... I just... I want to protect the people I care about. It's just...
"If you want to protect people, you should stop wearing that stupid mask and get to know the people you're protecting instead of hiding behind a mask."
Bites his lip, looking conflicted You're right, Rook. I need to start trusting people more. But... but it's hard.
"Life is hard. That's why we're here"
<Despite LetterPapa's words of wisdom, Sena continues to struggle with trust issues and the pressure of maintaining his secret identity.>
A few days later, Sena finally sees a girl in school that he really likes, but when he goes to talk to her, he's surprised to see that Maki and Shun are already talking to her
Sena's heart sinks as he sees Maki and Shun chatting with the girl he likes. He quickly approaches them, trying to hide his disappointment.
"Deimon's most popular hero is here!" She turns around and smiles at Sena
Forcing a smile, Sena greets the girl H-Hey there. Didn't expect to see you here. How's it going? Girl: Blushing Oh, Sena! I've been dying to meet you. I'm Ayako.
Sena feels his heart skip a beat as he stares at Ayako's beautiful face
Sena's eyes widen, his mind racing Ayako... Nice to meet you too. Uh, so, um, how did you guys meet? Maki: Oh, Sena's lucky day, right Shun? Shun: Yeah, we bumped into each other in the hallway. Just fate bringing us together, you know? Ayako: Laughs It definitely feels like fate. Ayako: So, Sena, tell me, what's your favorite hobby?
"Well Ayako, My favorite hobby is..." Before he could finish his sentence, Shun cuts him off "Reading!"
Sena's eyes widen in surprise Wait, Shun, did you just say reading? That's... that's not what I was going to say.
"Yeah, yeah. Reading is my favorite hobby too" Shun replies
Sena's face turns bright red with embarrassment Uh, well, um, yeah, reading is cool too. But, uh, that's not really my thing.
"So what's your favorite hobby?" Ayako asks again
Sena takes a deep breath, mustering up his courage Well, um, my favorite hobby is actually playing football.
"That's awesome! You guys should totally hangout sometime" Ayako says
Sena's eyes light up with excitement Really? That would be amazing! Maybe we could go watch a game together? Ayako: Smiling Sure, that sounds great! I'd love to see you in action on the field.
"But first, let's talk to the coach and see if you can play on the team" Maki says
Sena's heart races with excitement as he nods eagerly Yeah, yeah, let's go talk to the coach right now! I've been working so hard for this. Maki: Laughs That's the spirit, Sena! Shun: Smirks Just don't forget to bring your A-game. Ayako: Giggles Good luck, Sena!
"Coach, Do you think Sena could play on the team?" Maki asks
Sena stands nervously in front of Coach, clutching his football tightly Uh, Coach, I-I've been practicing really hard, and I believe I can contribute to the team. Coach: Raises an eyebrow, sizing Sena up Is that so? Well, show me what you got. Let's see if you can impress me with your skills.
Sena successfully impressed the coach and made it onto the team. The next day, Sena walked down the hallway, excited to see Ayako waiting for him outside of class
Sena's heart skips a beat as he spots Ayako waiting for him outside of class, a big smile on her face Hey, Sena! Good job on making the team! I knew you had it in you.
"You were so nervous earlier, it was adorable" Ayako giggles
Sena's face turns bright red as he stammers Nervous? Me? Oh, uh, yeah, I guess I was a little nervous. But hey, it all paid off in the end, right? Ayako: Laughs Absolutely! I knew you could do it. You're so talented, Sena.
Maki and Shun walk up to them "So Sena, Are you gonna ask her out?" Shun asks
Sena's heart races as he looks at Maki and Shun, then back at Ayako W-Well, uh, I... I don't know. I mean, I've never really been good at asking people out before. Maki: Laughs Come on, Sena! It's not rocket science. Just be yourself and tell her how you feel. Shun: Smirks Yeah, and if she says no, we'll always have your back. Ayako: Giggles Don't worry, Sena. I'll be waiting for your answer.
Sena takes a deep breath and walks over to Ayako "Ayako, Will you be my girlfriend?"
Ayako's eyes widen in surprise, a blush creeping up on her cheeks Sena... I... umm... takes a moment to collect her thoughts Yes! Yes, Sena, I would love to be your girlfriend! throws her arms around Sena in a tight hug
Sena's heart skips a beat as he smiles at Ayako. Maki and Shun start cheering
Sena's heart leaps with joy as he grins from ear to ear Really? You mean it? This is... amazing! Thank you, Ayako! pulls Ayako closer into a tight embrace Maki: Whispering Congratulations, Sena! You did it! Shun: Smiling You deserve it, man! Ayako: Laughing You're welcome, Sena! I'm so happy to be your girlfriend!