The hallway buzzed with the energy of a team still riding the high of their victory. Sota trailed behind the others, his mind replaying the final moments of the game. The adrenaline hadn't quite left his system, and his heart still pounded in his chest. As they approached the exit leading to the outdoor break area, he caught sight of a familiar figure standing near the entrance, waiting with an eager smile.
"Sota!" The voice was bright, clear, and unmistakable.
He stopped dead in his tracks, eyes widening in disbelief. "Haruka?"
His older sister, Haruka, stood there, hands on her hips, looking every bit the confident and supportive sibling she had always been. She hadn't mentioned coming to the game, and seeing her here was like a jolt of warmth straight to his heart.
"What are you doing here?" Sota asked, his voice tinged with surprise and excitement. He walked briskly towards her, the fatigue from the game momentarily forgotten.
