Chapter Four |An Unexpected   Showdown

♢♢♢

Late at night, Ayane and I returned to my Tokyo apartment and found a letter in the mailbox.

Come to think of it, Azaki mentioned he had something to pass on to me.

Opening the plain white envelope, I found a matching white letter inside.

This letter’s shape… I’ve seen it before.

“…As expected, it’s from Coach Kishihara.”

“What!? At this timing!?”

I scanned the letter.

 

Dear Yutarou Makijima,

Your performance in the last match, flipping the stadium’s atmosphere, truly moved me. On a different note, I’ve had a job offer for a while now. It’s a big deal, and I was on the fence about taking it, but your play convinced me to go for it. I won’t be able to watch your games for a bit, but next time, I think we’ll be watching from the same level. I’m leaving this letter with your coach. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Kishihara

 

Leaving it with Coach Murasaki… Guess since I skipped extra practice the other day, Murasaki couldn’t give it to me.

So he passed it to Azaki…

“What does it say? A pro offer!?”

“Nah, not quite. It just says he’s becoming a coach.”

“Hmm. A letter these days feels kinda stylish, doesn’t it?”

To think that Coach Kishihara, always in that ratty coat since our Seijin days, would be called stylish by Kiraboshi Ayane…

Right then, my phone rang—it was Azaki.

“It’s Azaki. Gonna take this.”

“Got it. I’ll hop in the bath first.”

I nodded, stepped out to the balcony, and hit the call button.

“Yo, Makijima! How was your lovey-dovey trip with Sasamoto-san?”

“It wasn’t a lovey-dovey trip. Just a homecoming.”

“Sure, sure. Bet you got up to some not-so-innocent stuff in your childhood bedroom, huh?”

“No way! Keep up the nonsense, and I’m hanging up.”

“Hey, hey! I went out of my way to drop that letter at your place, and no thanks!?”

“…Thanks for that.”

“The letter’s from Coach Kishihara, right? What’s in it?”

Azaki’s tone was unusually serious.

“Just that he’s taking a coaching job with Tokyo Frontier. Not like I got scouted.”

“Got it. Good. If you got poached by pros now, I’d lose my partner.”

“…Azaki.”

“Hey, partner, between us—I’m planning to go overseas after college. Wanna come with?”

Azaki’s invite felt almost like a confession.

I’m honored my partner would say that, but my answer was clear.

“Sorry, Azaki. I’ve got a role just as important as soccer—protecting Ayane. Going overseas unknown takes money, so I’m only thinking about going pro in Japan or getting a stable job.”

“…Yeah, figures.”

“Sorry.”

“…Ugh, rejected again! First Aihara-san, now you!?”

Azaki slipped back into his goofy tone.

“Go overseas first. I’ll make my mark in the N League and catch up to you.”

“…You said it, huh?”

“Yeah. It’s a promise.”

We chatted about nothing much, made plans for tomorrow’s extra practice, and hung up.

 

Returning from the balcony, I saw Ayane standing by the window.

“Whoa! Ayane!? Weren’t you in the bath?”

“S-Sorry, I overheard everything.”

Ayane blushed, fidgeting her index fingers together.

♣♣♣

Ayane blushed, fidgeting with her index fingers, poking them together as she spoke.

“So, um, about what I overheard earlier…”

“…Ehehe.”

“Sigh… I keep telling you not to eavesdrop.”

“S-Sorry. I thought maybe you were talking to a fling instead of Azaki.”

“No way I’d do that.”

“Y-Yeah, right? Haha.”

Ayane’s such a worrier about the weirdest things. Looks like I’ll have plenty to stress about in the future… but, well, I kinda love that about her.

“I’m doing extra practice with Azaki at the university tomorrow. Wanna come watch?”

“Can I really come!?”

“I was planning to spend tomorrow with you anyway. How about a picnic vibe?”

“I’m in! I’ll help with practice!”

“Thanks.”

Ayane rubbed her head against me like she was begging for a pat, so I reluctantly stroked her hair.

☆☆

The next day.

Unusually, Ayane woke me up. After getting ready, we headed to the university field.

Today, Ayane was in a casual top, shorts, and sneakers—a sporty, easy-to-move-in look. With the humid, rainy season approaching, she’d ditched the mask for just glasses as her disguise.

“I’ll help with anything—passing balls, whatever! Oh, and I made bentos!”

Ayane was more pumped than I was.

“Thanks,” I said, patting her head. She squinted like a cat, grinning.

This girl’s too cute for her own good.

As we flirted our way onto the field, I heard the dull thud of a ball being kicked.

“…That heavy sound.”

There was Azaki, kicking a ball alone, radiating a serious aura that practically screamed “don’t talk to me.”

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Azaki.”

“…Yo, Makishima. You’re late.”

Breathing slightly heavily, Azaki balanced the ball on his shoulder with a dribble and walked over.

“Bet you were all lovey-dovey with Shinohara-san this morning, huh?”

“I’m Sasaki, not Shinohara. Can’t even remember names? Are you an idiot?”

“…Hmph, talking back to me?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Wouldn’t mind stealing Makishima from Shinohara-san, you know.”

What’s with this creep saying normal creepy stuff?

“No way! Keep your hands off Yutarou, baldy!”

“Don’t fall for Azaki’s cheap provocations, Ayane. And Azaki… stop being creepy.”

“Hey! Calling your partner creepy? Rude!”

“If you’re my partner, stop hitting on my girlfriend.”

Ayane hid behind me and stuck her tongue out at Azaki.

Still, it’s surprising how well glasses work as a disguise. Though maybe it’s just because Azaki only looks at chests and is only into gravure idols.

“Tch, you’re the only one getting all the happiness… Bringing your girl to the field to get her cheers? Not fair! Fine, I’ll summon a top-tier beauty too.”

Getting worked up over nothing, Azaki started messing with his phone.

“Whatever, let’s practice. Ayane, can you help out right away?”

“Yup!”

We finished stretching and running, then moved to ball drills.

I wanted to work on my dribbling, my weak point. Starting from the halfway line, Ayane passed the ball. Whoever got it first attacked; the other defended. We repeated this 1-on-1 drill.

As always, Azaki got serious the moment soccer started.

Even in 1-on-1, he didn’t hold back. After about 30 rounds, I couldn’t get past him once.

“What’s wrong, Makishima? Can’t look cool in front of Sasaki-san?”

“…Huff, huff.”

“Don’t get winded. One more!”

Azaki’s probably got stress to burn, but he’s seriously beating me up.

“Sorry, Ayane, for looking lame.”

But right now, I’m embracing my lame self to get better.

I’ve got to work hard. Crawl through the mud to climb up…

“Ayane! One more!”

“Okay!”

Ayane tossed the ball from the halfway line toward the center circle.

Keeping the ball in sight, I charged at Azaki in the center, slamming my body into him.

“…Tch.”

Seeing Azaki’s stance falter, I used the outside of my right foot to flick the ball right.

Azaki, leaning left, reacted late.

Now, just shoot it into the goal.

Wait—Azaki’s awfully quiet behind me.

Here it comes!

I heard the sound of grass being scraped.

Knew it.

“What?!”

Anticipating Azaki’s scythe-like slide tackle, I scooped the ball with my toes, dodging it effortlessly, and blasted a shot into the open goal.

“A no-foul slide aiming for the ball. I read you, Azaki.”

“Don’t get cocky over one goal, Makishima!”

As we glared at each other, a voice called from afar.

“Sorry for the wait!”

“Aihara!?”

Aihara appeared on the field in the soccer club’s red tracksuit.

“Whoops, gotta stay cool.”

Azaki’s serious soccer face switched back to his usual annoying one.

“No way… The ‘top-tier beauty’ you meant was—”

“Who else but Aihara-san?”

Didn’t he say he gave up on her? This guy never learns.

“Sorry, Aihara. Seems he called you out on a whim.”

“No, it’s fine! I was free, and I heard Ayane-chan was here too.”

Ayane and Aihara exchanged smiles.

They seem closer than last time… Oh well.

“Alright, Aihara-san’s here, so let’s grab an early lunch. I came straight from the hotel and haven’t eaten breakfast.”

“Then let’s eat the bentos Ayane made. That okay, Ayane?”

“Yup! Oh, but there might not be enough for baldy.”

“Why not?! Stop the bald discrimination!”

As Ayane and Azaki bickered, Aihara poked my shoulder with a troubled look.

“Makishima-kun, I might’ve caused a bento shortage by coming.”

“Don’t worry, Aihara. Ayane’s three-person portion is like seven people’s worth.”

“Huh?”

☆☆

We took a lunch break at a bench near the field.

“Whoa…”

Azaki and Aihara’s voices overlapped for once.

Ayane pulled seven palm-sized rectangular bento boxes from her backpack.

Better than seven tiered boxes, I guess…

“Yutarou gets three, baldy gets two, and Yuzu-chan and I get one each.”

“So that’s why Makishima’s so built…”

Azaki said, eating.

“Wow, Ayane-chan, this is amazing… So good!”

“Really? Thanks!”

Azaki and Aihara loved it, and Ayane beamed.

…And I ended up eating three.

“Azaki could’ve had three. You’re skinnier.”

“It’s fine. I train every night with that.”

Everyone froze.

“Uh, anyway! What practice are you two doing next?” Aihara changed the subject.

“Didn’t think that far. Azaki?”

“I’m good as long as I can beat Makishima.”

Azaki’s really out to vent on me today…

“If you want, I can come up with a training menu.”

“Yuzu-chan, that’s so cool! Like a coach!”

“I’ll need your help too, Ayane-chan.”

“Got it!”

The girls created a fluffy vibe.

“I’m game for Aihara-san’s menu, right, Makishima?”

“Uh, yeah.”

It was fluffy… until it wasn’t.

One hour later.

“Azaki-kun, your course is sloppy! Makishima-kun, you can’t be useful if you’re tired from this!”

I thought Aihara’s menu would be light, but it was hardcore sprint training.

Sprint from the halfway line to the goal, back, and shoot a pass from the opposite goal. Over and over.

It’s great training for completing a sprint-and-shot, but with two people, there’s no rest.

“Makishima-kun, you missed a shot—push-ups!”

She’s a demon…

Even Azaki, who was cool earlier, was sweating now.

Passing him, he muttered, “Aihara-san’s a demon.”

“Makishima-kun, no resting!”

“Y-Yes, ma’am!”

I’m using honorifics now?

☆☆

Aihara’s boot camp lasted until evening. By the end, I was lying on the grass, staring at the sunset.

“Yutarou, you okay?”

“Does this look okay?”

“Haha! Yuzu-chan’s training was tough, huh?”

“Yeah…”

The demon coach was chatting soccer with Azaki nearby.

Azaki’s insane—still has energy to talk after that.

Done with Azaki, Aihara came over.

“Good work, Makishima-kun.”

“You’re a demon…”

“I figured you wouldn’t feel the pressure without this.”

“Pressure? And calling me lovey-dovey?”

“Aihara’s got a mean streak, huh?”

“But you get it now, right, Makishima-kun?”

“Get what?”

“You don’t have the focus or stamina for a full first-team match yet.”

Aihara said it in a deliberately harsh tone.

“Wouldn’t usually praise Azaki-kun, but he didn’t miss a single shot, right? First-team players need more than running—they need to maintain over 90% shot quality after running.”

“Yuzu-chan… But Yutarou—”

“No, Aihara’s right.”

I stood and faced Ayane.

“Sorry, Ayane, for showing you my lame side today. This is where I’m at.”

“Yutarou…”

“The pro world’s insanely far… but that’s obvious. The Emperor’s Cup isn’t won by guys with pro-level skills. It’s called a giant-killing because guys like me take down pros.”

The old me might’ve broken here.

But not now.

“I might show more lame sides in matches, but cheer for me, okay?”

“Yutarou…!”

Ayane hugged me, heedless of others.

“That’s what makes you cool!”

“Ayane, not in front of Aihara!”

“Nope~”

As we messed around, Azaki came over.

“Jeez, you hot couple make my eyes rot, huh, Aihara-san?”

“Y-Yeah.”

“…Sigh. Hey, harem loser Makishima! Clean up the goals, and let’s eat! My treat today.”

“Seriously, Azaki?”

“Got a coupon for a great yakiniku place yesterday. Sasaki-san and Aihara-san, you’re coming, right?”

“Yup! Let’s go, Yuzu-chan!”

“Uh, sure!”

After cleaning up, we filled our bellies with meat, soothing our post-boot-camp bodies.

☆☆

On the way back from Azaki’s yakiniku treat, Yutarou and Azaki wanted to stop at a sports store, so Yuzu-chan and I tagged along.

“Look, Ayane-chan! They’ve got a good selection of women’s cleats!”

“Y-Yeah.”

While Yuzu-chan’s eyes sparkled, I gave a wry smile and browsed with her.

It’s been a while since we were alone like this.

During the Emperor’s Cup, the Kishiharas were there, and in seminars, we’re usually in groups, so we rarely talk one-on-one.

Since dating Yutarou, I’ve felt a bit awkward around her…

But today, we talked normally. Maybe I was overthinking it.

“Ayane-chan?”

“Huh?”

Lost in thought, I didn’t notice Yuzu-chan calling me.

“You’ve been sulking. Was my soccer talk annoying?”

“No way!”

“Really?”

I nodded vigorously, and Yuzu-chan sighed with relief, patting her (large) chest.

“Good. I get carried away with soccer talk. Haha.”

She laughed shyly, picking up a pair of women’s cleats.

“I should find a more girly hobby, like your pancakes.”

“But soccer’s a great hobby!”

“You think?”

“Yeah! I’m kinda jealous of you.”

“Jealous?”

“I don’t know much about soccer, and studying it is overwhelming. I can’t talk about it with Yutarou much… I feel bad.”

“…Wanna sit and talk, Ayane-chan?”

We sat on a bench for trying on shoes. As she tested cleats, Yuzu-chan said, “If you’ve got worries, spill.”

“Makishima-kun doesn’t expect you to share his hobbies, you know.”

“But Yutarou always goes along with mine, so I should try too.”

Yuzu-chan sighed and smiled.

“You’re surprisingly a worrier, Ayane-chan.”

“B-Because… I don’t want him to hate me.”

“No way Makishima-kun would hate you.”

“B-But—”

“He doesn’t do things for payback. He joins you for pancakes because he loves seeing you happy.”

“Really?”

“And he’s working hard at soccer partly for you. You’re his biggest motivation.”

Yuzu-chan’s words lifted my spirits.

“So, no more lovey-dovey stuff!”

She made an X with her fingers in front of me.

“Sorry, Yuzu-chan.”

“But I get worrying. Makishima-kun’s not selfish for a striker. He follows Azaki-kun’s lead, and at home, he’s probably wrapped around your finger, right?”

“…Well.”

Too true to deny.

“Yup. His partner needs to be strong-willed. You and Azaki-kun are kinda alike.”

“Hey! Don’t lump me with him!”

Yuzu-chan laughed teasingly as I got mad.

“Oh, right.”

She stopped tying the cleats and looked at me.

“What’s up, Yuzu-chan?”

“There’s something I wanted to tell you alone.”

“With me?”

“Yeah.”

Yuzu-chan glanced around and faced me.

“I ran into MIZUKI-san again yesterday.”

“What… Mizuki-san?”

“I saw her wandering the university in the same outfit as before, so I called out. She was looking for you.”

Mizuki-san… looking for me again?

“But she said she wouldn’t show up in front of me anymore.”

“I thought so too, but I asked anyway… Remember that business card?”

The card…

I recalled receiving Sakaki Mayumi’s card, tucking it into a photo book on my shelf.

“She said she wants you to contact the person on the card. Since you haven’t, I guess you don’t want to deal with them?”

“…It’s not that.”

Sakaki Mayumi, from Peace Lovers, the idol I admired, gave me that red headband.

Now the president of Sakaki Productions, she sent the card through Mizuki-san, clearly trying to recruit me.

“Thanks for telling me, Yuzu-chan.”

“Ayane-chan… I don’t know if I should ask, but what’ll you do?”

I wished I could just ignore it…

“I’m not returning to the entertainment world. That should’ve been passed on through Mizuki-san. But if it’s an offer in another form, I might consider it.”

“Another form?”

“I’ve been wanting to try something new.”

☆☆

Sakaki-san’s waiting for my call…

After parting with Azaki and Yuzu-chan, I told Yutarou something.

“Hey, Yutarou. Can I go back to my place tonight?”

“Grabbing some stuff?”

“S-Something like that! I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

We parted at the subway station, and I headed to my apartment.

I wanted to tell Yutarou about the card, but it’s my issue, and I haven’t mentioned meeting Mizuki-san, so this is fine.

At my apartment, I dug out the card from the closet.

“…Sakaki Mayumi.”

A former idol from Peace Lovers, my inspiration.

Meeting her and getting that photo sparked my idol dreams.

But I chose my life with Yutarou and tucked the card away.

“…I’ll call.”

I won’t return to the entertainment world.

I need to make that clear, but if she’ll accept what I want, I’ll ask.

Entering the number, I steadied my shaking hand and brought the phone to my ear.

Talking to the Sakaki Mayumi…

“Yes, Sakaki Mayumi from Sakaki Productions.”

Her voice, deeper than her idol days, came through.

I was thrilled just hearing it, but I had to decline her offer.

Steeling myself, I spoke calmly.

“I’m Kiraboshi Ayane. I got your card from Mizuki-san.”

“Kiraboshi Ayane! Really!?”

“Y-Yes.”

“I didn’t think you’d actually call. Mizuki’s quiet but gets things done.”

Her voice shifted to the lively tone of her idol days.

She got excited first.

“Thank you for calling, Kiraboshi Ayane-san. I’m Sakaki Mayumi from Sakaki Productions. Nice to meet you.”

Nice to meet… huh.

She doesn’t remember, does she?

“…Sakaki-san, it’s not actually our first meeting.”

“Huh? Did we work together?”

“When you were still an idol, I saw you in Tokyo and called out. You gave me a red headband.”

“What!? That girl was Kiraboshi Ayane!?”

A clatter came through, like she dropped her phone.

No need to be that shocked…

“Sorry, sorry, too shocking. So that girl was Kiraboshi Ayane. This industry’s wild.”

Her voice matured, but her personality’s still the same.

“We’ve got lots to catch up on, but let’s get to the point.”

“The… point…”

I braced myself for her explanation.

“Sakaki Productions wants to offer you a return to the entertainment world.”

As expected…

“But I heard you’re not considering a comeback?”

“Y-Yes. Did Mizuki-san tell you?”

“Something like that. We wanted to pair you with Mizuki for a Genesistars reunion, but is that a no-go?”

“…Yes.”

Sakaki-san said, “Got it,” and went silent.

“Burned out on the industry?”

“It’s not that… I’ve found something important to me.”

“Something important?”

“…T-That’s a secret.”

“Hmm, I see.”

She seemed to understand on her own.

Did she get it?

“Sorry for contacting you through Mizuki, Kiraboshi-chan. We’re struggling without new stars besides her.”

“No, please don’t apologize. You’re still my idol, and I’m honored you reached out… But I have one request!”

I made my request.

It’s selfish after declining, but I asked anyway.

And…

“…Sure, okay.”

“Really!?”

“But… if we’re doing this, I won’t give you special treatment just because you’re Kiraboshi Ayane. That okay?”

She said it in a deliberately cold tone.

“That’s fine. I expected that.”

Thus began my new challenge.

☆☆

Lately, Ayane’s been acting strange.

She’s always tired, often asleep in bed when I get back from practice.

With the Emperor’s Cup second round this weekend, I’ve been stuck in tough practices, leaving housework to Ayane. That might be why.

“Hey, Ayane.”

“Hm? What’s up?”

After dinner, while drinking tea and watching TV, I decided to ask.

“You’ve looked tired lately. I’m worried.”

Ayane smiled softly and sat on my lap.

Her short hair brushed my chin, tickling me.

“Then hug me tight, and my fatigue might vanish~”

“N-No, I’m serious.”

“So am I. Come on, do it.”

She grabbed my arm and pulled.

Fine, I’ll do it…

“Yutarou’s working hard, so I want to work hard too.”

“Ayane…”

What am I doing?

Leaning on Ayane’s kindness, relying on her too much—it’s pathetic.

“Sorry.”

“Huh? For what?”

“For leaving all the housework to you.”

“It’s not like that. I do it because I want to. Don’t worry.”

“No way. I’ll go clean the bathroom. Wait here.”

As I moved Ayane off my lap to head to the bathroom, she grabbed my hand.

I wondered what was up, but she squeezed my hand three times—tight, tight, tight.

“Instead of the bathroom… tonight, too… okay?”

“…Yeah.”

That squeeze was our signal.

That night, we healed each other’s fatigue.

☆☆

Late at night.

Exhausted from practice, Yutarou fell asleep first. I watched his face, changed into pajamas, and lay beside him.

Did I worry him?

Since then, I’ve been going to Sakaki-san’s company, getting tons of inspiration.

It’s fun but tough, so maybe it’s showing on my face.

When Yutarou was talking to Azaki on the balcony, he said he’d focus on Japan before going overseas.

So while he’s here, I’ve got to work hard too…

“…Yutarou.”

Muttering his name, I stole a quick kiss and closed my eyes.