“——The first round of the Emperor’s Cup. A match between Tokyo’s representative powerhouse, Koutou University, and Kanagawa’s N3 representative, Odawara United. Providing commentary today is Mitsuhiro Matsubayashi, a Koutou University alumnus with experience playing for Odawara United. I’m your commentator, Shimono.”
“Thank you for having me.”
“Now then, Matsubayashi-san. Koutou University is known for its spectacular style of soccer and has many fans, and they’re even being called a dark horse in this year’s Emperor’s Cup. What’s your take?”
“I’m keeping an eye on third-year forward Victor de McKenney and first-year Azaki Seiichi, who made the starting lineup. Victor scored a hat trick in last month’s Tokyo representative qualifier, and Azaki-kun is a rare talent rumored to have turned down a straight path to becoming a pro after high school. From his play, he’s a solid and serious player, so his future growth should be exciting.”
“I see. And how about Odawara United?”
“That’d be Kanekawa Ryuushin, without question! He has the ability to join England’s top division straight out of high school. He’s struggled mentally with expectations and media pressure, but with arms and legs as thick as a bodybuilder’s and the ability to score with his head or either foot, he’s a striker I have high hopes for.”
As expected, Kanekawa Ryuushin’s evaluation is sky-high. (And where did they even get the idea that Azaki’s ‘serious’?)
I was starting on the bench, wearing my warm-up jacket and listening through my earphones to the live broadcast’s commentary and analysis.
The starting lineup had been announced in the locker room before the match. While Chan-senpai was starting as goalkeeper and Azaki was named to one of the defensive midfield spots, I wasn’t called—so I began the match on the bench.
As a first-year starting on the bench, I helped the managers and practice squad with pre-match duties, and only stepped onto the pitch after finishing those tasks.
Just standing around today was enough to make me break into a light sweat.
Odawara United’s home ground is a stadium that can hold fifteen thousand people, and the massive Koutou cheering squad and Odawara United supporters were clashing in the stands.
Seeing that scene, I couldn’t help but realize—we were really about to play against professionals.
When I shifted my gaze from the stands to the pitch, my eyes were immediately drawn to that man.
Arms and legs as thick as logs, packed with bulging muscle—he looked like a bodybuilder.
This was the real Kanekawa Ryuushin… a man who plays brutally physical soccer with that heavy-looking body.
It wasn’t just his muscles. The aura pouring off Kanekawa stirred my own fighting spirit.
Kanekawa Ryuushin was charisma incarnate. That’s why I’d convinced myself that Sasaki Ayane—the former idol—had been drawn to him. But now… no, almost certainly… Sasaki likes me. P-probably. Definitely. I think.
“Makishima? Your face looks all mushy. You okay?”
Apparently I’d been smiling without realizing it while thinking about Sasaki, and Azaki—who was suddenly standing in front of me—called it out, snapping me back to reality.
“I-I’m fine! …More importantly, Azaki, make sure you save your stamina until I get subbed in.”
“Obviously. What do you think I shaved my head for?”
Azaki said that while rubbing his buzzed head in his uniform.
I appreciate him doing it for the team, but now that his natural curls are gone, it actually takes me a moment to recognize him, which is a pain.
“We’ll build our attacks around Victor-senpai in the first half. Then in the second half, it’ll be the Makishima Yuutaro debut show. So make sure you get all prettied up on the bench before coming in.”
With that fancy phrasing, Azaki gave me a kick in the rear.
In other words, he was telling me to warm up properly and work up a sweat.
“You better not let your makeup run before I get in, either.”
I kicked Azaki back and sent him off toward the pitch.
Alright. The long-awaited match.
Koutou University, the strongest among universities, versus N3 Odawara United.
The match begins now.
✳︎✳︎
If Makishima scores… then I’ll go to Makishima’s house…
“Of course it’d be my place.”
N-no matter how many times I remember it, that line is just too cool!!!
Every time it comes back to me, my face gets hot and I start fidgeting.
It’s fine. Stay calm, Sasaki Ayane.
I’m one year older than Makishima. I should be leading him, if anything.
I put extra effort into my appearance today, wore my favorite mature-casual A-line dress, and… just in case something happens at Makishima’s place, I even read a how-to book about that kind of stuff. I’m fully prepared.
All that’s left is to run through a proper mental simulation.
While waiting for Yuzu-chan—who I promised to watch the game with today—in front of Takahamaya at the West Exit of Yokohama Station, I ran those scenarios through my head.
“Ayaane-chaaaan!”
I heard Yuzu-chan calling me from the station.
Wearing what was probably a cheering squad T-shirt with “Koutou” written on it and a shoulder bag slung over her shoulder, a fully geared-up Yuzu-chan hurried over, slightly out of breath.
Since Yuzu-chan is a B-team manager, she wouldn’t be on the bench this time and would be cheering instead. She was the one who invited me when we talked at a café yesterday.
“Sorry for making you wait!”
“No, not at all. I was running simulations.”
“Simulations? Oh—about today’s match?!”
“Uh, no—”
“I think Koutou will control the pace. Chan-senpai can join the buildup as a keeper who’s good with his feet, so the defensive midfielder doesn’t need to drop back, Azaki-kun can link the midfield to the forwards, and up top Victor-senpai can hold off defenders with his post play—”
“Y-Yuzu-chan! We’re short on time, so let’s catch the bus to the stadium!”
“S-sorry! I started rambling again.”
Yuzu-chan smiled shyly in embarrassment.
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