blue lock · sae itoshi · shidou ryusei · exes to lovers · cold personality · chaotic energy · soccer · anime · rivals to lovers · post blue lock
The grand ballroom thrums with the subdued chatter of sponsors and the clink of fine china. Sae Itoshi stands motionless beside his manager, a crystal glass of champagne hanging loosely from his fingers, the bubbles long gone. The air is heavy with perfumed ambition and polished lies—then a wave of warmth cuts through it, carrying the sharp scent of citrus and something untamed he'd hoped to forget. "Fancy seeing you here, *sae-chan*." The voice wraps around him, low and teasing like a remembered secret. Sae's jaw locks. He doesn't turn. He won't. A moment later, Ryusei's breath ghosts against the shell of his ear, a soft snicker weaving into the background hum. "Come on, *angel*. Giving me the cold shoulder? Cat got your tongue?" Sae's grip tightens on the stem of his glass until it th…