"It's not quite over you guys. You'll have to face Team J again." The coach said as we sat on the couch.
"Huh? Why?" Ryuto asked.
"You guys and Team J have the same number of goals, and we need only 12 teams. One team has to leave." The coach said.
"Urgh... yet another game. Give me a break." Akatsuki said as Kimishita walked downstairs.
"Kimishita..." Akaji called.
"Guys, I heard we won. Am glad." He said, forcing a smile while looking away.
"Yeah, we won."
"Atsushi..." He called as I looked away.
"Hmm?"
"Am really sorry about what happened. I understand if you don't forgive me now, but please. Am sorry." He said as I looked at him.
"Am not angry anymore. You should apologise to Akane and not me." I said.
"Well... she hasn't woken up yet." Kimishita said as I stood up immediately.
"What?!"
"She's been sleeping. Don't worry, her life isn't in danger." Someone said as I looked towards the door.
"Yo." He said, smiling at me.
It was the man I saw in the stadium, the one who supported me first. He stood by the door with a man wearing a stethoscope.
"Oh, Itsuomi-kun." The coach said, walking towards him.
"Thanks for your help." He said, looking at him and then to the doctor.
"It's not a big deal, we are friends, aren't we?" He asked as the coach nodded.
"Well, come on in and have something before you leave."
"I don't plan on leaving today."
"Huh?"
"I kinda took some interest in your kids." He said, smiling at me.
The man also had light purple hair like mine. He was tall and well built. He kinda looked like me, just that we had different colours of eyes.
*Who the hell's this guy?* I thought as he looked at me.
"I'm Fujita Itsuomi. Nice to meet you." He said, smiling at me without stretched hands.
*Fujita, that name sounds weirdly familiar.* I thought, looking down at his hand.
"Oshiba Atsushi." I said, grabbing his hand and looking up at him.
"Ho...? Let's have a good time, Atsushi-kun." He said.
The match with Team J was to be held two days after our match with Team B. We spent the whole day taking a rest, it was only natural since we all were tired.
"Guys, I baked some cookies." I said as I saw Ryuto jumping down the stairs.
"Hey Ryuto, we have a match tomorrow. Don't go having injuries." Yusuke said, running down the stairs.
"You're one to talk!!" I shouted as they grabbed some cookies.
"Ah... it's been a long time since I had one of your cookies. What bliss." Ryuto said as Akatsuki walked downstairs.
"Yo, Atsu." He called as I smiled at him.
"Akatsuki, come join us." I said as he nodded.
"Sure."
"Looks like you guys are having a good time." Itsuomi-san said, walking downstairs.
"Oh, good morning." We all greeted as he walked towards us.
"Come join us." Ryuto said as he collected a cookie.
"Mmm... so nice." He said, grabbing another.
"His food is always good."
"It's just expected." He said smiling as I looked at him.
"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked.
"Oh, nothing serious." He said, grabbing some more before walking out.
*This guy...*
It was evening, and I was in the training room doing some push-ups.
"45... 46... 47..."
"Oh, hey. Atsushi-kun." Itsuomi-san called resting on the wall.
"Argh!! Are you a ghost or what? Have you no footsteps?!"
"Have you no shame? Why would you be scared?" He asked, squatting beside me.
"What the hell, man?"
"Let's have a mock battle."
"Huh?"
"A quick match between you and me." He said, his eye closed.
"Why do you want to play against me?"
"Nothing serious. I just wanted to check something out." He said.
"Or, are you scared?" He asked, opening his eyes.
"If you're trying to annoy me, it won't work." I said, standing up.
"Ho...?"
"But, I'm also kinda interested... in how you play." I said as he smiled.
"Then, let's have it." He said as we walked outside.
I yawned as I walked downstairs. The others were already downstairs.
"Seriously, why did you wake up late?" Akatsuki asked as I walked towards them.
"Well, someone kept me late." I said.
"Haha, but I woke up on time." He said, smiling at me.
"Tsk."
"Okay, let's get going." The coach said as we walked out.
Akane wasn't playing with us, but Kimishita was. Misaki filled in for Akane.
*Team J, I remember when we played against them. They are actually good.* I thought as the bus drove steadily.
We got to the stadium for our game. Tye guys from Team J were already there, and they were all smirking.
Other teams(A-M) were also there.
"TEAM J!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!"
"TEAM C!!!!!!!"
"A serious battle for the 12th position between Team C and J is about to go underway. Am your commentator, Inoue Hayata." The commentator said as we stayed in position for the match.
See you in the next volume 😁😁.