Takumi had always prided himself on being able to focus. On the pitch, he could tune out everything around him—except the game. But here, in the crowded hallways of Skyline FC Academy's school section, he felt a little out of place. The roar of students' voices, the chatter, and the rustle of books and bags felt strangely overwhelming after the intensity of the morning's football drills.
It was his first day of school at Skyline FC Academy, and while he was used to the academic grind, this felt different. This wasn't just any school. This was where the top athletes in the country trained, where talent was cultivated not only in football but also in education, leadership, and resilience. There was a pressure here that hung in the air, making everything feel more competitive, even the classes.
Takumi adjusted his uniform, feeling self-conscious. He wasn't used to standing out in a crowd, and here, with so many future pros walking the halls, he already felt like an imposter.
He moved quickly down the corridor, trying to get to his next class without drawing too much attention. His mind kept drifting back to the morning's training. Coach Sora had been tough on him again—he'd praised his passing, but his decision-making was still a concern. Takumi had managed to execute some key passes during the small-sided game, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't yet the player he needed to be.
He paused by the door to his next class—Advanced Sports Psychology—and took a deep breath. This class was a requirement for all the students in the academy. It was designed to teach athletes how to handle the mental pressure of elite competition, something that Takumi had already realized was crucial to his development.
Before he could push the door open, he heard a voice calling from behind him.
"Takumi, right?"
He turned, surprised, and saw a girl standing there, her head tilted slightly as if she was trying to place him. She had long, dark brown hair tied into a loose ponytail, and her wide, friendly eyes were studying him with curiosity. She was wearing the same academy uniform, though there was something different about her—the way she carried herself was gentle, almost serene, like she wasn't caught up in the frenzy that surrounded everyone else.
"Uh, yeah," Takumi said, taken aback. "That's me."
The girl smiled softly, her eyes lighting up with recognition. "I'm Saki Hoshino. We're in the same school now, but I don't think we've officially met. I've seen you around during lunch breaks."
Takumi blinked, still a bit surprised. "Saki Hoshino... from the arts program?" he asked, trying to place her.
"That's me," Saki said, her smile growing a little wider. "I'm in the photography club, actually. But... I've been hearing a lot about you lately."
Takumi raised an eyebrow. "About me?" he asked, unsure whether to feel flattered or awkward.
Saki nodded, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes. "Yeah. My friend, Aki, is always going on about the football players at the academy. He's obsessed with it, so he keeps telling me all about the 'new recruits.' You're apparently quite the talent... especially at passing."
Takumi felt a sudden flush of heat rise to his cheeks. "I, uh… I'm still getting used to everything here," he muttered. "It's been a bit overwhelming."
Saki studied him for a moment, her expression softening as she noticed the slight tension in his posture. "I can imagine. The academy is a lot to take in, especially with the pressure. But you're here for a reason, right?"
Takumi gave a small, tight smile. "Yeah… I guess."
She laughed, the sound light and genuine. "You don't have to be so serious all the time, you know. We're all in this together."
Takumi found himself taken aback by her warmth. Most of the students at Skyline FC Academy were intense, all business, focused on their goals. He wasn't used to people speaking to him so openly, especially given how competitive the environment was. It felt… refreshing.
"I'm not that serious," Takumi said, feeling a little embarrassed by his own stiff demeanor. "It's just… a lot of expectations, you know?"
Saki nodded, understanding. "I get it. It's the same for everyone. But if you're ever feeling stressed or just want someone to talk to, feel free to reach out. I'm sure you have a lot going on with football and school, but… sometimes it helps to have someone listen, even if it's just about random stuff."
Takumi didn't know what to say at first. The offer was so kind and unassuming that it caught him off guard. He was used to people keeping their distance, especially in a place like this, where competition and performance were everything. But Saki didn't seem to care about any of that. She was just being… nice.
He smiled slightly, feeling the warmth of her words seep into him. "Thanks. I appreciate that."
Saki returned his smile, then glanced at the door behind him. "Looks like we're both heading to the same class. Want to walk in together?"
Takumi hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure."
As they entered the classroom side by side, Takumi found himself a little more at ease. Saki's presence had a calming effect on him—something that he hadn't realized he needed. As they took their seats in the back of the room, Saki offered him a friendly wave before turning her attention to the front, where the professor had begun the lesson.
The class was a blur for Takumi. Though the concepts being discussed were important—how an athlete's mental state affected their physical performance—his mind kept wandering back to the conversation with Saki. There was something about her that put him at ease. She didn't judge him for being quiet, for being a little awkward. She simply accepted him.
Throughout the lesson, Takumi found his thoughts drifting to her more than he intended. Her kindness was rare here. Most students at Skyline FC were driven, consumed by their desire to succeed and often unwilling to show any vulnerability. But Saki was different. She was warm, easy to talk to, and had a quiet strength that drew people in.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, Takumi was startled when Saki turned to him with a bright smile.
"Well, that was interesting, wasn't it?" she said, standing up from her chair.
"Yeah," Takumi said, shaking himself out of his thoughts. "I think I actually learned something."
"Me too. Anyway," she said, slinging her bag over her shoulder, "I'm heading to the library now, but if you ever want to grab lunch or something, just let me know. I'm always around."
Takumi felt a little caught off guard by the offer, but he didn't want to seem rude. "Sure," he said with a smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
Saki waved at him as she walked toward the door. "Take care, Takumi! Don't let the pressure get to you."
Takumi nodded, watching her leave. For a brief moment, he felt a sense of lightness. Maybe it wasn't going to be as difficult to adjust to Skyline FC Academy as he had feared. After all, he wasn't completely alone. Saki had reached out to him without hesitation, offering him kindness when he needed it most.
Later that afternoon, Takumi sat alone in the student cafeteria, picking at his food. His mind was still on Saki. Her genuine kindness had left an imprint on him, and he couldn't quite shake the warmth that had settled in his chest after their conversation.
She's just a nice person, Takumi told himself. But even as he thought that, a small part of him couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it.
As he finished his meal, his phone buzzed. It was a text from Shinji.
Shinji: Hey, Usui! You alive? Training tomorrow at 6 AM, don't be late!
Takumi smiled and typed a quick reply.
Takumi: Got it. I'll be there.
He put his phone down, glancing around the cafeteria. His thoughts drifted back to Saki. She wasn't just a classmate or someone who had offered him a kind word. She was different. And Takumi found himself wanting to get to know her more.
But for now, there was football. Skyline FC Academy demanded everything from him. If he wanted to prove himself, he had to focus. Yet, even as the thought crossed his mind, he couldn't help but smile. Maybe there was room in his life for more than just football after all.
Tomorrow was another day. Another chance to push himself. But perhaps, just maybe, he would find a little peace in knowing that there was someone at this academy who saw him for more than just a player.