Tsutomu Goshiki threw an arm around Ryosuke's neck and howled, "Did you see that?! Did you see that?! That super-awesome, lightning-blasting, explosive shot was mine!"
Ryosuke's head spun from the shaking. "I—I saw it! Tsutomu Goshiki, let go! If you don't, I'm going to throw up!"
Startled, Tsutomu Goshiki quickly released him.
Ryosuke shot him a resentful look. Tsutomu Goshiki laughed awkwardly, scratched his head, and bolted.
Although Date Tech had lost, they accepted the defeat wholeheartedly.
Kamasaki stepped over the net and slung an arm around Reon's shoulders. "Not bad. This year's freshmen are seriously impressive."
Reon smiled modestly. "Not really." In truth, he was thrilled—this brought honor to Shiratorizawa.
Aone stood at the net, watching Ryosuke intently until Ryosuke felt the stare and turned his head stiffly.
Their eyes met for a few seconds. Once Aone confirmed he had his attention, he raised his phone in front of him with a serious expression.
"LINE."
Clear and straightforward.
"Add you on LINE?" Ryosuke asked.
Aone nodded. While Ryosuke lowered his head to enter the contact, Aone gave him a brief, firm pat on the head—an awkward but well-meant gesture of approval.
When Ryosuke looked up, Aone's usually stoic face showed a faint look of satisfaction, like someone relieved that he had successfully made a new teammate connection.
Ryosuke: "?"
Aone turned and walked back calmly, expression returning to normal.
Takehito watched the scene with watery eyes. "Aone finally made a friend besides Futakuchi. Things are looking up."
"Hey! Takehito-senpai, I heard that! What do you mean 'looking up'?!" Futakuchi snapped, face twisting.
Coach Takurō Oiwake stood beside Coach Washijō, smiling warmly. "The younger generation is formidable. These kids don't really have rivals left in Miyagi High anymore."
Coach Washijō pretended not to care, though the pride in his voice was obvious. "It can't be helped. They're improving too quickly. Next time, let the university students scrimmage them."
Coach Takurō Oiwake smiled helplessly. Why couldn't Miyagi have one more qualifying slot? For years, Shiratorizawa had taken them all. It left no room for anyone else. Who knew if a dark horse might appear someday?
Only after Date Tech left did everyone start stretching their sore muscles and cleaning up the gym.
They chatted while they worked.
Yamagata grinned at Kawanishi. "Two more weeks until the prefectural qualifiers. Feels like the qualifying spot is ours again this year."
Ryosuke's ears twitched. "That soon? After the prefectural qualifiers, it's the IH, right?"
Tendo ruffled Ryosuke's hair. "Of course. So if there's anything you need to do, do it now. Once the qualifiers start, there won't be time."
Tsutomu Goshiki bounced over. "Ryosuke! Yunohama! Let's go to a haunted house!"
Yunohama and Ryosuke shuddered at the same time and answered in unison.
"No. You go."
They had both suffered through Tsutomu Goshiki's ear-piercing screams before. One visit had been more than enough.
Seeing him deflate, Ryosuke scratched his cheek, pulled him closer, and whispered something rapidly.
By the time he finished, Tsutomu Goshiki's eyes were shining.
"Ryosuke! You're my best bro!"
Yunohama leaned in curiously. "What did you say?"
Ryosuke grinned. "Don't worry. Tsutomu Goshiki won't be bothering us."
He refused to explain further.
Yunohama clicked his tongue and turned away.
"So what are you doing on your day off, Ryosuke~?" Tendo latched onto him, peppering him with questions until Ryosuke's head buzzed.
Ryosuke peeled him off. "Hey! Tendo-senpai, you're too hot! Stop sticking to me! I told you already—I'm going to visit a friend's school. I've said it three times. Get down!"
His face was flushed from the heat, sweat sliding down along his hairline as he stomped in frustration.
Seeing this, Ushijima grabbed Tendo under the arms and lifted him straight up. "Tendo. Don't."
Dangling in midair, Tendo froze. "Wakatoshi! Put me down! This is humiliating!"
Ryosuke had already slipped away.
...
By the time the gym was mostly cleaned, everyone gradually headed back to the dorms.
Ryosuke, however, walked home at an easy pace, head down as he texted Hinata.
Hinata had invited him to visit their school tomorrow. Ryosuke agreed without hesitation. Ever since they added each other on LINE, Hinata's social skills had skyrocketed. He was practically unstoppable.
He could probably befriend a stray dog on the side of the road.
Even through the phone, Ryosuke could feel his enthusiasm. Within days, the two of them had become close friends.
[Yaku: Ryosuke! Do you still remember Morisuke Yaku from the Nekoma lakeside?! (shouting) (hoarse) (furious)]
Ryosuke had planned his day off perfectly—one day to visit Hinata and tour their school.
And another day to go to Tokyo and see Sakusa compete.
He hummed as he jogged home, suddenly frowning.
Strange. Where did his bike go this time? Why could he never find it?
...
The next morning, Ryosuke woke up early and washed up slowly.
Hinata had said he would come pick him up at Shiratorizawa. Ryosuke had told him not to bother, but Hinata insisted.
Ryosuke switched phones and calculated the timing. If Hinata got lost on the way to Shiratorizawa—as he very likely would—leaving at this time would be perfect.
He nodded to himself.
The weather was getting hotter. Before heading out, he pulled a short-sleeved Shiratorizawa uniform from his closet.
He quickly shed his fluffy pajamas. His body was already starting to change—what had once been a soft belly was now layered with muscle, lean lines hiding youthful strength.
After pulling on his pants, he noticed they were a little short.
He rummaged through the closet and dug out clothes he had bought a size too big before.
While getting dressed, he shouted downstairs, "Grandma! I don't have summer clothes anymore!"
Mrs. Washijō rolled her eyes elegantly. When she saw him come down, she said, "Aren't you going to Tokyo the day after tomorrow? Have Komori accompany you to buy some. Stop yelling for me all the time."
She walked off, clearly unimpressed.
Ryosuke froze on the stool, then hurried after her, circling behind her like a clingy cat.
"So you're tired of me already?! That's not what you said when I first came back!"
His big cat-like eyes turned watery.
Mrs. Washijō laughed and flicked his forehead. "Enough acting. If Washijō sees you like this, he'll scold you again."
Ryosuke switched expressions instantly. "Fine, fine. I'm heading out."
"Wait! You haven't eaten breakfast yet! You brat!"
Mrs. Washijō watched him slip away like a slick eel, tray in hand, scolding as she went.
Ryosuke bounced out the door.
Good thing I ran fast. Don't think I didn't see the natto on that tray. Hmph. I'm not eating that.
He ran toward Shiratorizawa's gates, the sun blazing overhead.
Reaching the shade of a lush tree, Ryosuke squatted down with an ice pop in hand, licking it while checking the time.
He was almost certain Hinata had gotten lost again.
...
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