Chapter Two|Resolve

☆☆

After everything that happened, I dropped Mizuki-san off and took a taxi back to my apartment, where I immediately opened my laptop.

Launching the web browser, I jotted down notes about the work Ayane Kiraboshi was doing three years ago.

“Dramas, movies, regular shows like Ayane Kiraboshi’s Pancake Journey and Kiraboshi’s Sweet Shop, among others.”

Sasaki was on a ton of shows, huh. (Though, it feels like there’s a lot of dessert-themed stuff…)

With this many programs, there’s no way to narrow it down.

“And at the end of that year, she was the official manager for the National High School Soccer Championship…”

…Hold on.

Sasaki said something about going from “being cheered for to cheering for someone else,” didn’t she?

If that’s the case, could the guy she liked be a soccer player, maybe?

And according to Mizuki-san, Sasaki went overseas for a guy after retiring… or something like that.

“It’s just a theory, but if the guy she was into was part of that year’s championship team, it could be someone who went overseas right after high school graduation.”

Three years ago—when I was a first-year in high school—there was only one player who went straight overseas…

“The hero of Inaba Sogo High School from Tottori Prefecture, who dominated that year’s championship: Ryushin Kanagawa…”

Ryushin Kanagawa. A 192cm-tall, versatile striker who could score with his head or either foot.

Hailed as a future star, he joined one of England’s top six Premier League clubs after high school, nicknamed the “Post-Mishiro Takato.” But struggles with language and mental health led to his contract being terminated after just one year.

“After returning to Japan, he joined N1 League’s Legend Kawasaki… and now he’s playing on loan for N3 League’s Odawara United.”

Talk about hitting rock bottom… Not that I’m one to talk.

But here’s the thing: Ryushin Kanagawa went overseas at the same time as Sasaki and returned to Japan at the same time!

If Sasaki went overseas three years ago to chase after Ryushin Kanagawa, whom she saw at the championship final, it all adds up.

Master detective work. Maybe I should become a PI?

“And speaking of Odawara United, aren’t they our university’s opponent in the first round of the Emperor’s Cup?”

If I can play in the Emperor’s Cup, I might get a chance to talk to Ryushin Kanagawa.

But for that to happen, I’d need to make the first team by mid-May, when the first round takes place.

Which means I have to break into the starting lineup by early May.

My biggest chance to shine is the Golden Week training camp starting next week.

If I can make contact with Ryushin Kanagawa at the Emperor’s Cup, I could introduce him to Sasaki.

If Sasaki’s first love is Kanagawa, that means she’s been chasing after him for years.

As the only friend who knows about Sasaki’s situation, I want to help her out.

But… is that really okay with me?

If Sasaki meets Kanagawa, the two of them might…

“N-No, even so… if it means Sasaki will be happy… then I…”

With the goal of bringing Sasaki and Kanagawa together burning in my chest, I steeled myself to earn a spot on the first team.

♡♡♡

Back home from the date, while filling the bathtub, I kept staring at the headband.

My image color as an idol was always something reddish, but today, I boldly went for a headband in a completely opposite bluish hue.

A precious gift Makijima bought for me… I’m so happy I can hardly stand it.

All day today, I was holding hands with Makijima, getting this headband from him, visiting cafés… It was a totally satisfying day.

Still, Makijima surprised me today, suddenly saying he wanted to hold hands.

Maybe because we spent that night together, we’ve gotten a lot closer, haven’t we…?

“That guy’s totally into me, isn’t he?!”

Sitting on the bed, I hugged my dolphin plushie tightly.

♣♣♣

“Mmmph!” I rub my grinning face against my dolphin plushie, squirming with glee.

Looking back, it’s been a long road. After quitting as an idol, I thought I couldn’t live in Japan until the buzz died down. So, I left for Paris, living like a ronin for a year. That “study abroad” was partly to vanish and brush up on languages, but there was another reason.

To meet Makijima.

Three years ago, during the high school soccer championship finals, I was invited to the studio as the official manager. I couldn’t wait for Seijin Academy High School to show up at the packed National Stadium. Before the tournament, I went to Toyama to cover Seijin Academy, a top contender. It was a grimy boys’ school with a drunkard coach—awful vibes. But one player stood out, radiating an aura unlike the rest.

Seijin Academy’s first-year, Number 9—Makijima Yusaku.

He appeared out of nowhere, scoring with one-touch precision, his agile movements shaking the net. His sleek frame, unlike the bulky guys, and his cool, princely face… He was like a prince. Coach Kishihara called him a “once-in-a-generation one-touch goaler,” stretching his leg to score from any angle. Serious during the game, but flashing a radiant smile after every goal—a gap that melted me. My heart warmed, and I couldn’t look away. Without thinking, I aimed my phone’s camera at him.

During the winter championship, I vowed to confess my feelings if I could interview him. Forgetting my job as an idol, I was just a high school girl with a crush. Ignorant about soccer, I assumed Seijin Academy and Makijima would make it to the finals, where I’d interview him as the MVP and talk one-on-one.

But Makijima never showed up. Seijin Academy crashed out in the Toyama prefectural qualifiers.

Since then, I’ve wanted to talk to him, even just once. That small wish grew, until… “I want to cheer for him up close. For Makijima.”

Beep-beep-beep. The bathtub’s alarm snaps me out of it.

☆☆

A week after my concussion sidelined me, I’m finally back at practice. Slipping into my training gear, lacing up my warm-up shoes, stepping onto the field—it feels amazing.

“Makijima, come here a sec,” Coach calls before practice.

“Have you rested properly this week?” He strokes his white beard, then ruffles my hair.

Ugh, his white hairs are on me…

“What’s up?”

“N-Nothing…”

“You didn’t sneak in any practice, right?”

“Nope!”

“Good. Don’t overdo it. You know how much flak I got from the A-team staff?”

“S-Sorry for causing trouble.”

“It’s not that. They’re banking on you—never mind. Just get your condition back for next week’s camp.”

After the talk, I join the stretching circle next to Azaki (阿崎清一).

“Azaki.”

“Welcome back, man.”

“So, uh…”

“What? Hurt already?”

“No, it’s…” I hesitate. “Weird question, but if I make an impact at the Golden Week camp, think I can make the A-team?”

“The A-team? Mr. Negative’s asking that? What’s gotten into you?”

“Well…” I spill my goal to Azaki. It’s too heavy to carry alone. As the B-team’s core player, his help is crucial.

“Huh. So, the girl you’re into likes Kinugawa Ryushin from Odawara United, and you wanna get close enough to introduce them?”

“Y-Yeah, basically.”

“And you need the A-team for that.”

“Yep.”

“Dude…” Azaki glares.

“What?”

“Why so spineless?!” He decks me in the face.

I clutch my cheek, collapsing. This jerk just hit a guy fresh off a concussion! Even Sasaki hasn’t punched me lately!

“What the hell, man?!”

“You like her, right? Then crush Kinugawa and tell her, ‘Forget that loser, date me!’”

“Date?! Easy for you to say—Kinugawa’s a pro!”

“Even if you lose, say, ‘I’m hotter than Kinugawa, so pick me.’”

“That’s lame!”

Azaki grabs a cold water bottle and presses it to my cheek. “Sorry for the punch. It’s for your own good.”

“You sound like an abusive boyfriend.”

“Just beat Kinugawa, score in the Emperor’s Cup, and get the girl. Simple.”

Is he an idiot? Nothing’s simple about that. He stands, offering a hand. I want to do it, but…

“You like her, don’t you?” Azaki asks.

Like Sasaki? I’ve never thought about it. She’s a former idol, a national treasure-level beauty. I’m just a soccer-obsessed nobody. No way we match. But hearing her first love story, I genuinely want to support her. So…

I take his hand and stand. “I don’t know if I like her yet. But you’re right—I’ve been wrong. Whatever I do, I’ll do it to win. I’ll crush Kinugawa, the generation’s best striker, to prove myself.”

“You’re serious? He’s a pro.”

“You’re the one who fired me up.”

“True!” Azaki smacks my butt.

“Let’s make the A-team with some results,” he says.

“Yeah.”

With resolve, we start running. I can do this—no, I have to.

“Oh, one more thing, slacker Makijima.”

“What, Azaki?”

“Get ready for agility training.”

“Huh?”

☆☆

After warm-ups, we head to the indoor facility for agility training. “Get ready,” Azaki said, but it’s just ladder drills and lateral hops, right? Did they get new equipment while I was out? Azaki hating practice makes that unlikely…

We arrive, and there’s— “Makijima-kun! Good to see you looking healthy!” Aihara (藍原ゆず) is setting up a ladder in the center, wearing Koto University’s red soccer club jersey.

“Why’s Aihara here?”

“Azaki invited me to be the team manager after we left the hospital. I wasn’t in any clubs, so I had time. Never thought I’d get to, since the team didn’t recruit managers before.”

Got it. Aihara mentioned wanting to be involved in soccer, even off the field. She looks thrilled. Her hair’s in a side-up style, different from usual, and her oversized jersey—picked for her chest—hangs loosely.

“Makijima-kun, you okay?”

“N-Nothing! Looking forward to working with you, Aihara.”

“Yep!” Azaki, you did something good for once.

“I set up the ladder. Good luck with agility training!” Aihara moves efficiently, clearly comfortable.

“Aihara’s oversized jersey vibe—pretty cute, right?” Azaki whispers during ladder drills.

“Oversized vibe? Who says that anymore?”

“Thought you only cared about mixers and hookups, but you can make decent moves.”

“Not a compliment.”

“Maybe? For a scumbag like you, it’s solid.”

“Stop acting superior. Aihara’s mine, got it? Focus on your girl.”

“Yeah, yeah. Weren’t you cozying up to those Aristo girls at the mixer?”

Azaki flashes a thumbs-up. “Best time ever, in every way.”

What a creep. I kick his butt and head back to the field.

After a week banned from practice, I’m back. Switching from warm-up shoes to cleats, I feel the turf underfoot and roll the ball with my sole. God, this is the best.

“What’s up? Emotional over a ball?” Azaki teases.

“Obviously. The ball, the grass’s smell, the wind’s sound—I’m emotional about it all.”

“Always with the cheesy lines, Makijima.”

As I savor the moment, Coach stands and walks over. “Gather up!”

He outlines today’s menu and adds, “Camp’s set for next week. Three days, all matches. A-team staff will be there—make an impression.”

Rookies murmur nervously, but veterans—and Azaki and I, who just vowed to hit the A-team—look ready. Azaki’s a sleaze, but his soccer’s pro-level. If he gets me the ball, I can shine.

“Azaki, let’s work on new patterns before camp.”

“Just back from injury and you’re going all-out?”

“No choice. We’re making the A-team together.”

“…Right.”

And so, camp prep begins. Azaki’s a jerk, but he’s always trusted me with passes. I’ve got to trust him back. His passes lead to the A-team—it’s up to me to finish.

☆☆

The day before camp, I pack my shoulder bag, checking three days’ worth of socks, training gear, and uniforms. “Crap, forgot to buy a travel toothbrush.”

I reach for a new one in the bathroom cabinet, but it’s empty. “Right, I opened one for Sasaki…” Her toothbrush sits next to mine.

Sasaki…

Camp means no contact. Should I call? I send a Lime message: Can you talk? She calls instantly.

“H-Hello?”

“Makijima! Missing me already?”

“Nah, just… camp starts tomorrow, so I won’t be able to call.”

“Camp, huh? So you are lonely.”

“I’m not!”

“Then why call?”

“Well… I’m gonna give it my all, so if I make the A-team… maybe praise me?”

What am I saying?! I sound like a needy kid!

“That’s—” Oh no, she’s weirded out.

“—obviously I’ll praise you! You’ll totally make it! I’m booking a place to celebrate!”

“Whoa, slow down. What if I don’t make it?”

“Then we’ll have a pity party together.”

“Together…”

“I’ll book it! Which café next?”

“More sweets?!”

But it’s classic Sasaki—calming. We’ll talk again in four days. For her, I’m making the A-team and beating Kinugawa.

“Where’s the camp?” she asks.

“Chiba.”

“Matches?”

“Yeah.”

“Where?!”

“…You’re not coming to watch, are you?”

“Duh, I wanna see! Maybe I’ll stay two nights in Chiba for a mini-trip.”

“Sounds relaxing.”

I glance at the wall clock. It’s early, but… “I’m heading to bed.”

“Okay! Tell me the match venue.”

“Got it. Night.”

“Night~”

I hang up, plug in my phone, and think. Sasaki’s coming to watch, and I can’t show her another pathetic performance. “No more losses.”

The camp—a survival game—starts tomorrow.