Aiko Tachibana could hardly keep her eyes on her textbooks as the school day began. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the disastrous game against Tsubasa High. The memory of the final score—115-0—was like a lead weight pressing down on her chest. She could still hear the jeers from the opposing team, the disappointed murmurs from the stands, and, worst of all, the demoralized expressions on her own team's faces.
Aiko was used to challenges; being the manager of a struggling flag football team wasn't exactly a walk in the park. But this was something different. This wasn't just a setback; it was a catastrophe. The loss had hit everyone hard, but Aiko knew deep down that there was one person who could have made all the difference—Sota Kazemachi.
She had seen it in his eyes during their match against Kogane High. Despite his reluctance, Sota had stepped onto the field and played like the star quarterback he was. His talent, his instinct, his sheer presence had nearly turned the tide of that game. But now, Sota was retreating back into the shadows, and Aiko was left trying to hold the team together on her own.
As she walked through the hallways between classes, Aiko's mind raced with plans on how to approach Sota. She needed to talk to him, to convince him to come back to the team. But it wasn't just about the team—it was about him, too. She could see how the weight of the past was holding him back, and she wanted to help him let go of that burden.
But finding Sota today was proving to be more difficult than she expected. It was as if he was deliberately avoiding her, slipping away whenever she came close. She caught glimpses of him in the distance, but by the time she reached where he had been, he was already gone.
At lunch, Aiko headed to the cafeteria, hoping to find Sota at their usual table. But when she arrived, the spot where he usually sat was empty. She scanned the room, her heart sinking when she realized he wasn't there. She grabbed a quick lunch and headed up to the rooftop, thinking that maybe he was avoiding the crowd. But the rooftop was empty too, save for the wind that rustled her hair as she stood there, alone.
Aiko leaned against the railing, staring out at the city skyline. The breeze felt cool against her skin, but it did little to ease the frustration building inside her. She knew she couldn't force Sota to rejoin the team, but she had to try. There was too much at stake—not just for the team, but for Sota himself. He was so much more than the fear that was holding him back.
The bell signaling the end of lunch snapped her out of her thoughts. Aiko sighed, grabbing her bento box and heading back inside. She would just have to try again after school.
The rest of the day dragged on, her mind only half-engaged in her classes. She tried to focus on the lessons, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Sota. She replayed their conversations over and over in her head, searching for the right words to say to him, the right way to convince him that he was needed—not just by the team, but by her, too.
When the final bell rang, Aiko wasted no time in gathering her things. She was determined to find Sota before he slipped away again. She hurried through the hallways, her eyes scanning the faces of the students heading home, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
She caught sight of him near the gym, and her heart leaped in her chest. This was her chance. She quickened her pace, weaving through the crowd of students, but just as she was about to call out to him, something made her stop.
Sota had paused near the gym entrance, his attention drawn to a group of students standing nearby. Aiko followed his gaze and saw that they were surrounding someone—a pale-haired boy who looked unfamiliar. As she got closer, she realized it was the new exchange student, Yukishiro Ouji.
Aiko's brow furrowed in concern as she saw the situation unfold. The group of boys looked like they were bullying Ouji, and Sota had noticed it too. She could see the tension in his posture, the way his fists clenched at his sides.
Before she could react, Sota stepped forward, his voice cutting through the air as he told the bullies to back off. Aiko's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him standing up for Ouji. It was the kind of bravery she had always admired in him, the kind of courage she knew he still had, even if he tried to hide it.
The leader of the bullies, a tall, muscular boy, turned to face Sota, sneering as he challenged him. Aiko held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the scene unfold. She wanted to rush in and help, but something told her to stay back, to let Sota handle this on his own.
Sota didn't back down. He stood his ground, his gaze steady as he faced off against the bully. The tension in the air was palpable as the two sized each other up. And then, in an instant, the bully lunged at Sota, throwing a wild punch.
Aiko's breath caught in her throat, but Sota was quick. He dodged the punch and countered with a swift jab to the bully's ribs. The bully staggered back, clearly not expecting Sota to fight back so effectively. Aiko's hands tightened around her bag, her eyes wide with both fear and admiration.
The bully recovered quickly, charging at Sota again, but Sota was ready. He moved with precision, using the bully's own momentum against him, throwing him off balance and pinning him to the ground. The other bullies hesitated, clearly unsure of what to do next.
Aiko's heart raced as she watched Sota in action. He was strong, confident—everything she knew him to be. But seeing him like this also reminded her of the pain he carried, the burden of the injury that had changed everything for him.
Before the situation could escalate further, a calm but firm voice rang out, commanding everyone's attention. Aiko turned to see an old man, dressed in traditional Japanese attire, standing at the entrance to the gym. His presence was imposing, and the bullies immediately froze in place.
The old man ordered the bullies to leave, and they obeyed without question. Aiko watched as they hurried away, casting wary glances back at the old man. Once they were gone, she let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.
The old man approached Sota and Ouji, his sharp eyes taking in the scene. Aiko stayed back, not wanting to intrude, but she listened closely as the old man spoke to Sota, commending him for standing up for his friend but reminding him that violence should always be a last resort.
Sota bowed in respect, thanking the old man for stepping in. Aiko felt a swell of pride as she watched him, but it was tempered by the sadness that lingered in her heart. She knew how much Sota was struggling, how much he was trying to keep his distance from everything he once loved.
After the old man left, Sota and Ouji began walking towards the school gates. Aiko followed at a distance, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. She watched as Sota spoke gently to Ouji, offering his help if Ouji ever needed it. Ouji's reply was soft, his gratitude clear even through his rough Japanese.
As they reached the crossroads where they would part ways, Aiko saw Sota smile at Ouji, a small but genuine smile that made her heart ache. She wanted to see that smile more often, to see him find joy in life again, to see him back on the field where he belonged.
But she knew she couldn't rush him. Sota needed to find his own way, to come to terms with his past before he could move forward. Aiko sighed, her shoulders slumping as she watched Sota walk away, disappearing into the distance.
She stood there for a long moment, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her—frustration, sadness, hope. She wanted to help Sota, but she also knew she couldn't do it alone. The team needed him, and he needed the team, whether he realized it or not.
As she turned to head back home, Aiko made a silent vow. She would do whatever it took to bring Sota back, not just to the team, but to himself. She wasn't going to give up on him, no matter how long it took.
And maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to help him heal the wounds of the past. "Then I can convince him to join the flag football club?"
And yes, Aiko is still going on about it.