Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093087122434729/episodes/16818792436390547377
Ah, this is fun after all.
That was my honest impression.
The things I gave up, the things I let go of. I still loved them all.
The feel of kicking the ball, the sense of unity that comes from sharing a common goal with my teammates—everything felt good.
“Hayami! Nice shot! You’re amazing!”
“Guh! Don’t cling to me! I’m not happy being hugged by a guy!!”
There were only about five minutes left.
As for Amagami and Tokai.
“Damn! That’s it, the delay wasn’t enough. Block instead of surrounding, steal the ball after it breaks through. That would have been fine in this situation.”
“Yeah, that’s the only way! Whether that person shoots or passes, it’s over. We’ll stop them even if we have to give up the counterattack!”
Their spirits are unbroken. They’re truly admirable.
Noticing my gaze, Amagami and Tokai turned toward me.
“Hayami-san. Will you stick with us until the end?”
“Yeah. I get it.”
3-0. No goals conceded, a clean sheet. I’d like to end it there, but considering how much the two of them have grown, it feels like that might be difficult.
“Well, let’s enjoy it.”
I wanted to give in to this familiar feeling. That’s what was smoldering in my chest.
It was a long time.
The offense and defense switched in an instant.
The intense battle continued, leaving no time to catch my breath.
And then, five minutes.
The whistle sounded loudly.
“The game is over. The green team’s second-year students win 3-1.”
We lined up in the middle of the court to commend each other’s efforts.
“Thank you… Hayami-san.”
“Yeah, thank you. Amagami.”
Everyone gave it their all. Both our teammates and the opposing team, everyone.
“Next is Aota-san, right? …I think it’s pretty disadvantageous, but do you think we have a chance?”
“Disadvantageous, huh. That’s true. Hmm… Why does his team have five soccer club members?
Honestly, that’s more of a problem than Aota.
“Then why doesn’t Amagami join the Green Team and play in the match?”
“Tokai… Are you that stupid?”
Tokai said, still looking dumbfounded.
Sure, that would greatly increase our chances of winning, but it’s not realistic.
“Well, let’s just hydrate for now.”
After a brief conversation, I headed for the nearby water fountain.
It was the type of handwashing station commonly seen on school grounds, with five faucets lined up.
“…Phew.”
I was a little tired. I had been taking breaks, but the high level of physical activity was starting to take its toll on my legs.
“Senpai. Here’s a drink.”
While washing my face, I felt a cold plastic bottle pressed against my neck.
“Huh!”
“Fufufu, don’t make such a strange sound.”
It was the work of the mischievous little devil, Shiramine.
I wiped my face with a towel and took the bottle.
“Thank you, Shiramine-san.”
“A drink is cheap. I’m a thoughtful and cute junior.”
Shiramine winked and smiled, looking extremely cute. It was the kind of smile that naturally made me smile too.
“…Not just the drink, but also for telling me to do my best that day. I’m really grateful.”
“Really?”
“Yes, from the bottom of my heart.”
To be honest, I was scared at first. I, who had given up, was standing in that dazzling place again.
However, I think it is definitely because Shiramine pushed me that I am standing here now, able to put strength into my trembling legs.
“When you say it to my face, it’s a little… embarrassing.”
Oh, that’s unusual… or maybe not. Seeing Shiramine’s embarrassed face.
“Ahem. How are your knees?”
Shiramine cleared her throat as if to cover up her embarrassment, then asked.
“Hmm, they’re neither good nor bad. I thought they might hurt since it’s been a while since I’ve done any intense exercise, but…”
I lifted my leg and put it down. I repeated that movement several times.
“I feel a little discomfort sometimes, but they’re surprisingly fine.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Well, my knee has felt weird since I started rehab, so this is just how it is.”
“I see. Please don’t push yourself too hard. As someone who encouraged you, I wouldn’t want you to get injured…”
Her worried expression. I didn’t want to see that. I smiled awkwardly and stretched my body.
“Today is my last day as a player. So I’m going to beat him and end my career. I’ve made up my mind.”
“Please don’t say such sad things…”
“I’m sorry.”
But I am prepared for that. I think it’s necessary in order to win.
“Hey, Hayami. Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure, I’ll be right back. Shiramine, thank you for your support. Your cheering really energizes me.”
“…Yes, senpai. Good luck.”
Shiramine’s anxious expression remained in my mind. I seemed to regret making her look that way.
When I returned to the field, everyone from the green team and the red team were there.
But for some reason, there was also…
“…Amagami? What are you doing here?”
“Hayami-san. I went straight to the organizers and talked to them. This match isn’t fair.”
“Well… but did you really have to go that far?”
“Yes, I haven’t teamed up with Hayami-san yet. Tokai wanted to come too, but he had to go to club practice soon.”
That’s not a good reason… and how did the organizers even allow that?
“It’s not so much that the organizers allowed it, but the opposing team. They’re the ones who let me join this team.”
Oh, I see… I held back a sigh and turned around.
“I feel bad, Aota.”
“No, no, I wouldn’t be happy winning with this power difference.”
Damn, what a refreshing protagonist. He’s so confident, like he never even thinks about losing.
“Hah! Hahahaha! They’re underestimating me! Really! They’re treating me like an idiot! Me!”
I couldn’t stop laughing. I realized that they must think I’m weak to make such a face at me.
“Um, Hayami-san?”
“Amagami. Your position is right top-down.”
“What?! Are you serious?!”
“Yeah, since you’re right-handed, that’s better for you, right?”
“Hayami-san… well, I guess this could work, maybe.”
As expected of a soccer elite. He seemed to immediately understand what I wanted to do.
“—I’ll take the left. Let’s control this game together, you and me.”
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