prince of tennis one shots 💘

Jackal Kuwahara x Reader - Unshaken Love

It's hard to enjoy lunch on the rooftop when your phone's blowing up with messages from your parents. Again.

You sigh and tilt your head back, letting the breeze cool your cheeks. Jackal's sitting beside you, cross-legged, munching on the sandwich you made him that morning. He glances at your screen and frowns.

"Still mad?"

"They won't stop," you mutter, locking your phone and tossing it into your bag. "My mom literally said, 'You're throwing away your future over a boy who looks like a delinquent.' And my dad asked if you even speak fluent Japanese."

Jackal stiffens but tries to laugh it off. "I was born in Japan. They know that, right?"

"They don't care, Jackal! They see your shaved head, your muscles, your heritage—and they make up this whole image of you without even knowing who you are."

He doesn't say anything at first, just stares out over the school courtyard. After a beat, he says quietly, "You could walk away, you know. This is putting stress on you. You don't deserve that."

You whip your head toward him. "No. Don't even say that."

"(Y/N)..."

"I'm not breaking up with you just because they're being racist and judgmental." You reach out and take his hand, gripping it tightly. "I love you. They'll just have to deal with it."

He turns to you then, the frown gone, replaced by something softer. "You're seriously amazing."

"You make me brave," you admit with a small smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~

That night, the arguing gets worse.

"We raised you better than this," your dad says sharply. "You think this is love? You're a teenager. You don't know anything."

"You don't know him!" you yell back, tears stinging your eyes. "You've never even talked to him!"

Your mom scoffs, arms crossed. "We've seen him outside of school. Do you know how he looks? People talk, (Y/N). What if someone thinks he's in a gang?"

"He's the kindest, most respectful person I've ever met! He takes care of me. He listens to me. He's good to me! Isn't that what matters?!"

Your father slams his hand on the table. "You're forbidden from seeing him."

But you storm out before they can say another word.

~~~~~~~~~

You're not sure how long you've been walking, but the streets are getting darker. You just needed air—needed space—but now, alone near the train station, you realize your phone's dead. Of course.

A group of older guys hanging around the alley near the vending machines notice you. One of them whistles. "Hey, girlie, you lost?"

You turn to leave, heart racing, but one of them blocks your path.

"C'mon, don't be like that. We're just being friendly."

You flinch back, trembling, just as a voice rings out behind you.

"Get away from her."

You whip your head around. It's Jackal.

His jaw is clenched, and though he doesn't raise his voice, the way he steps between you and the guy sends chills down your spine.

"Who the hell are you?" one of them scoffs.

Jackal doesn't answer. He just moves, fast—grabbing the guy's wrist mid-reach and twisting it just enough to make him yelp and back off. The others hesitate, but something about Jackal's steady glare makes them think twice.

"Tch. Whatever. Crazy couple," one mutters as they retreat.

As soon as they're gone, Jackal turns to you. "Are you okay?"

You nod quickly, but the tears spill anyway. "I was just walking and my phone died and they—"

He hugs you tightly. "You scared me half to death."

"I didn't know what else to do. I just needed to breathe."

"I know," he says softly. "Let's get you home."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Your parents are waiting at the door. You brace yourself for more yelling, but your mom rushes to you, eyes wide.

"Oh my god, where were you?!"

"I'm fine, I—"

"She was almost in trouble," Jackal interrupts, his tone calm but firm. "There were some older guys following her. I stepped in. I wouldn't have let anything happen."

Your dad looks him up and down, arms still crossed—but something shifts in his eyes.

"You protected her?"

Jackal nods. "Always. I care about her more than anything."

Silence stretches for a moment before your dad finally sighs. "Come inside. We should talk."

Dinner is...awkward at first. But your mom brings out extra dishes, and your dad actually listens as Jackal talks about tennis practice, school, and his dreams of playing overseas someday.

"He's not what we thought," your mom whispers to your dad when she thinks you can't hear.

Later, as you walk Jackal to the door, your father speaks up.

"Kuwahara."

Jackal turns. "Yes, sir?"

"I...appreciate what you did for our daughter tonight. I was wrong to judge you so quickly."

Jackal blinks in surprise. "Thank you, sir."

"And if you ever hurt her, I'll still break your nose."

Jackal laughs, rubbing the back of his head. "Fair enough."

You walk him out, the night air cool on your skin.

"They actually thanked you," you whisper, still stunned.

"Yeah," Jackal says, grinning. "Guess saving your life paid off."

You smack his arm lightly. "Don't joke!"

"I'm serious though." He cups your face in his hands. "You're everything to me, (Y/N). Nothing's ever gonna change that."

Your cheeks flush as he leans in, lips brushing yours in a kiss that's warm and full of promise. Your heart races—but this time, it's not from fear.

It's from knowing that, somehow, you two made it.

Together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

(UPDATED!!)