Epilogue

♡♡♡

Four years have passed since the fierce Emperor’s Cup battle.

At the university graduation ceremony held at Budokan, the usual crew was gathered—except for Azaki.

Azaki dropped out of university in his second year’s summer and joined Mallorca in Spain’s top league.

He was a cocky guy to the end, but as my partner, he delivered countless killer passes to me.

He said we’d meet next on the Japan national team pitch, but we’ll see how that goes.

As for Aihara, the one Azaki always had a crush on, she somehow caught Kishihara-san’s eye and started working as a student part-timer in Tokyo Frontier’s PR department from her first winter at university.

Being a soccer buff, it’s a perfect fit for her, and she’s well-liked by her superiors. Apparently, she’ll join Tokyo Frontier’s PR full-time after graduation.

I’m glad Aihara, who once stepped away from soccer, found a job facing it again.

And let’s talk about MIZUKI-san, the singer-songwriter who once asked for my help with song production.

MIZUKI-san, aka Tsukino Mizuki, made a comeback a few years ago with a song inspired by my date with Ayane and is now a massively successful artist.

And… the biggest surprise is who’s managing her.

But before that, let me update you on Ayane.

After that, Ayane was scouted by her idol role model, Mayumi Sakaki, and joined Sakaki Production, an entertainment agency.

Of course, “joining” doesn’t mean a return to showbiz.

Ayane became an idol manager.

And her first assignment was none other than Mizuki-san, also under Sakaki Production…

I’m pretty sure they assigned her intentionally.

Thanks to Ayane, Mizuki-san’s songs now feature brighter melodies and lyrics, earning her support from a wider audience.

The past rivalry from their idol days seems to be fading… maybe. Probably.

Now, finally, let me share my own update.

It’s the university graduation ceremony today, but I have a big event this afternoon.

I’m taking the shinkansen from Tokyo to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture, then heading to the neighboring city of Iwata.

Yes, today is… my professional debut ceremony.

[N1 League – Forza Iwata New Team Announcement Press Conference]

“Now, we will begin the press conference for Forza Iwata’s new coach and incoming players.”

After graduating university, I was set to join Tokyo Frontier, but due to various twists and turns, I ended up signing with Forza Iwata, a prestigious N1 League club in Shizuoka with three championship titles, for my first professional season.

The truth is, Shiro Takato is returning to Tokyo Frontier this year, making it extremely tough to secure a regular spot as a forward.

For a fresh graduate like me, eager for playing time from year one, that was a challenging situation. That’s when the new coach, appointed at Iwata, pleaded to have me on loan, leading to this transfer.

And that new coach who wanted me is none other than…

“Yes, I am the new coach of Forza Iwata. It’s Kishihara.”

After serving as interim coach for Tokyo Frontier, Kishihara-san coached Japan’s youth national teams for a while before returning to a head coaching role.

But now, I get to work with Kishihara-san again.

“Next, please welcome number 9, Yutaro Makijima.”

“Yes, I’ve joined on loan from Tokyo Frontier. I’m Yutaro Makijima, a graduate of Koto University.”

From here, I’ll start my professional career.

“My strengths are… my runs behind the defense and, well, sheer determination.”

“Hey, Maki. ‘Determination’?”

“No, but… I’ve scored goals with sheer determination so far. I’ve had a target, and I’ve gone straight for it. There were times I nearly gave up, but… I’ve made it this far thanks to the support of someone always cheering me on from close by.”

Of course, that’s Ayane.

“I’ll keep pushing forward as a pro soccer player with a heart full of gratitude.”

And with that, my first day’s joining press conference came to an end.

♣♣♣

After the joining press conference, I returned to Tokyo and started moving in with Ayane.

“Hey, Ayane, are you really going to commute from Hamamatsu to Tokyo?”

“Of course! Sakaki-san gave me permission to use the shinkansen, and more than that, if I left you alone, Yutaro, you’d probably sneak some girl in without me knowing!”

“N-No way! I’m not Azaki. I-I’m loyal to you, Ayane, and only you!”

“Hehe, I know, right? I get it. Really… I just want to be with Yutaro all the time, you know?”

“Ayane…”

This is how we’ve been flirting with each other daily for the past four years.

“Still, it’s been four years since that mixer…”

“It’s crazy how fast graduation came, huh?”

Our meeting with Ayane felt like a miracle, yet it was somehow inevitable.

That mixer changed my life.

“Okay, the movers should be here soon!”

“Y-Yeah.”

From now on, I have the duty to protect Ayane—a former popular idol and a national-treasure-level beauty.

It’ll be tough, with plenty of troubles along the way, no doubt.

Even so, I…

“What’s wrong, Yutaro?”

“…Oh, nothing. I just thought to myself how happy I am right now.”

I’ve decided to walk through life with Ayane forever.

“Ayane, will you stay by my side from now on?”

“Of course! I’ll always be right next to you, Yutaro!”

Ayane’s smile puts my heart at ease more than anything.

I’m happier than ever now, but this isn’t the finish line.

It’s the kickoff to a future we’ll walk together.