The Loner's Game

Chapter 1

It was a nice afternoon.

I was in the clubroom, reading my light novel while enjoying the silence.

Yuigahama was surprisingly absent, leaving me alone with a certain Ice Queen.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see her busy with her own book. Occasionally sipping her tea elegantly. The wind from outside would sometimes blow her luscious hair, giving a somewhat divine image, like a renaissance painting.

My eyes traced the movement of her hand as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Hikigaya-kun?"

Her sudden question startled me, "Wha-what?

"Is there something on my face?" she tilted her head.

Oh, she caught me red handed! Or in this case, red faced!

I waved my hand in front of my face.

"Ah, no, no!"

She looked at me unsure, before the situation got awkward I decided to change the subject.

"By the way, where is Yuigahama?"

"She is watching soccer [1] club practice match with Miura-san."

Wait, practice match? As in friendly match?

So, that was why the corridor was almost empty when I was on my way here.

"…We have a friendly? Against whom?"

While I don't really follow our school club activities, I'm pretty sure if it was soccer related, I'd know.

Apparently not.

"I believe the opponent is Seiseki High School from Tokyo."

Say what?

Seiseki?

As in that Seiseki?

"Say, Yukinoshita. Since it looks like everyone is watching it, can we closed the club early?"

"Ara, is spending time with me alone such a bad thing, Hikigaya-kun?"

She sent me a mischievous smile that made my heart flutter.

"No! I was just curious." I answered too quickly to my liking.

She covered her mouth with the back of her hand as she giggled.

"Oh? I didn't know that Hikilazy-kun is interested in sport," she closed her book and downed her tea, "Sure, it's not like anyone will come today as well."

"Then, you want to come with me?"

She pondered for a few seconds and nodded.

"Let's go then, Hikigaya-kun."

"Yo."

"Hikki!"

Yuigahama shrieked and pointed her finger at me.

"Hey, that's rude."

"What are you doing here? What about the club?"

"Well, I wanna watch the match too, and I bring Yukinoshita with me as well."

It seemed the match was already in 30th minute, the score was 0 – 1 in Seiseki's favor. Looking at the display machine, the goal scorer was Mizuki Hisahito, Seiseki's captain.

He certainly lived up to his reputation.

"Are these seats taken, Yuigahama-san?"

"Yukinon! No, here, you can sit beside me." Yuigahama beamed at her.

With a sigh, I plopped down and opened my Max coffee that I bought on my way here.

"Soubu is losing, huh."

"Hey, don't say something like that, Hikio!"

I glanced at Miura who glared at me, her eyes full of fiery wrath fitting to a Fire Queen like her.

The past me would be intimidated, but now, I just shrugged and continued to watch the match closely.

The ball was in Seiseki's possession with our school trying to steal ball helplessly.

Unfortunately, Seiseki was too strong as they managed to dribble past Sobu's midfield and passed the ball to player number 7—their captain—leading to a shot.

"Oooh! Kitagawa-senpai managed to stop the ball! Seiseki is still pressing hard Soubu's defense!"

Why do we even have commentator anyway? This is just a friendly match between two high schools.

No need to go overboard.

"See? Seiseki is pressing hard, and our defense is overwhelmed. Their captain is just too strong for a team like us."

My eyes keep following the game, this time, Soubu is trying to push forward, clashing forces with Seiseki's defense.

Hayama managed to dance around their central defender with a little trick, but before he could shoot the ball, he was tackled from behind by Seiseki's number 3.

That was a clean tackle by the way.

"What do you mean, Hikigaya-kun?" Yukinoshita asked me, her eyes gleamed in curiosity.

"You may not know him, but he is quite famous in high school soccer. His name is Mizuki Hisahito, a third year. He is considered as one of the top ten high school players skilled enough to play in a professional soccer league after graduating high school. For your information, that list also included several youth national team players."

I pointed at player number 7, he was standing there in Soubu's defense area. He didn't do anything other than staring at his own field, his eyes following the ball movement. He might look relaxed, but I knew he was also looking for opportunity, his presence alone was enough to frighten Soubu's defenders.

"He is kinda intimidating, isn't he?"

"Why is he not doing anything?" Yuigahama pondered.

I sent a glance at her, she was focusing on the match, surprisingly.

I never took her as someone who was interested in sport, especially soccer.

Then again, a lot of women watch it because of 'handsome' players.

"Not really, he is waiting for his chance. Also, by standing there doing nothing as you call it, he forces our defenses to focus on him. They know that he is Seiseki's most dangerous player, so they are trying to contain him, limiting his movement, and because of that they can't help attacking or risk letting him roaming free."

A single mistake is enough for him to capitalize and score a goal.

"Seiseki's Kimishita did a one-two with Saitou as he run past Soubu's Hasegawa!"

The situation seemed bad, Seiseki managed to take control of the ball and Mizuki is starting to move too.

Two players noticed and run towards him.

A fatal mistake.

Idiot! You should have go after Kimishita!

Instead of passing to their captain, Kimishita kick the ball towards their free number nine. He quickly danced around our central defender, shook him off easily and take aim.

Without further ado, he kicked the ball.

"A wasted opportunity!"

Luckily, his shot went just a little wide.

Is he injured?

"If you look closely, our midfield is in disarray, we already lost in this area. You see that player? He is Kimishita Atsushi, their playmaker, his passes are superb, his set pieces are phenomenal, he has the intelligent to control their playstyle, he can easily pass the ball to anywhere. His only downside is his weak body, well not exactly weak, but compared to midfielders in the top ten, he certainly is. That is also the reason why he is not in the top ten list.

"Then, their offensive capability. Their main weapon is called the three arrows consisting of their captain as the left winger, Ooshiba Kiichi as their centre forward, and Kazama Jin, a right winger. Mizuki is famous for his stamina, speed, and strength, he is not a dribbler like Kazama, but his instinct as a goal scorer is top notch. Then, they have Ooshiba, he is quite tall for a Japanese, that makes him dangerous in aerial battle since he can just head the ball into the net and his scoring desire is even bigger than Mizuki's and his body size also helps. And Kazama is called a genius first year, a skilled dribbler who can use fancy tricks like a pro. Three of them make a dangerous combination.

"And don't forget about their defense too, led by the third year centre back Usui Yuuta and their goalkeeper Inohara Susumu, they managed to go up all the way into Inter-High Tokyo preliminaries final only to lose to Sakuragi 1 – 2."

Oh, a goal.

Mizuki scored again, this time he scored with his most dangerous weapon, his left leg.

After shaking his marks, he dribbled the ball and take a swing, hitting the ball square in the middle.

The ball rocketed into the upper right of the goal, far from the goalkeeper's reach.

A few minutes later, the whistle blew, signaling the end of the first half. The score was 0 – 2 for Seiseki.

I leaned back on my seats as I looked to Yuigahama and Miura on my left.

"See? We are down two goals in the first half already."

Miura grumbled as she crossed her arms and pouted, she was glaring dagger at the field.

That was a strong display from Seiseki, by the way. Even though they only scored two goals, but that was partly because Soubu's playing defensive. Their shots were a whopping 13, 7 of which were on target. By contrast, Soubu only managed 5 shots, 3 on target all by Hayama.

At least, we can defend, even if it was by grouping in front of the goal.

"So, that was the strength of one of Tokyo top 4 teams." I mused as took a sip of my Max.

Well, they need to be more clinical, but still…

The national championship is going to be interesting.

"Umm… Hikki, is that boy coming here?"

I followed Yuigahama's line of sight and found a tall boy with a scowl on his face walked towards us.

He was clad in a yellow jersey.

Seiseki's jersey.

Then, he stopped in front of us.

"Hikigaya."

The surrounding chatters faded out after that boy said my name.

Everyone's focus turned on him and me.

"…Ooshiba," I mused, "I'm pretty sure Seiseki's bench is over there."

"Why are not you playing?"

I sighed, "In case you had not noticed, I'm not in the soccer club."

"What!?"

He really is slow, how the heck did he managed to attend Seiseki!?

Oh right, soccer.

"We haven't seen each other for a year and that is the first thing you said to me?" I chuckled.

He leaned down and reached out his hand, but before he could catch my collar, someone grabbed his hand.

"Stop it, you idiot."

It was Seiseki's playmaker, and he looked pissed.

"We have a strategy meeting and you decided to wander off like an idiot!"

"Hey! I just wanna talk to Hikigaya here!"

Don't you know it's rude to point at someone, Ooshiba?

The other boy blinked as he heard my name, then he looked at me. His eyes narrowed as he studied my face, scrutinizing me.

I sighed pondering whether it was worth it or not to remind him of myself.

Then, I brushed up my hair, revealing my rotten eyes to him.

"Don't tell me you forgot about me, Atsushi?" I asked.

He was taken aback, "Those eyes… Hachiman."

"Even Ooshiba recognized me, and you know his brain capacity. And, why do you only remember me from my eyes!"

Are my facial features that forgettable!?

"Sorry," He grinned, "It's been a while, so I didn't recognize you. You look different, now. You had short hair back then. Though, your eyes are still the same."

I ignored him and turned to his teammate.

"By the way, Ooshiba. What was with that stupid miss earlier, you had one job! And it was easy too, you could have bagged two goals!"

"Grr," he growled and rustled his hair in frustration, "I don't know, okay!? I'm still not fit enough… I think?"

You think?

Wait, so I was right, he was injured before.

"By the way, what were you talking about earlier?" Kimishita turned Ooshiba.

"Ah, I was asking him why he is not playing. Now, that I know he is here, I'd like to play against him."

"…that would be interesting."

Oi, oi, don't bicker in front of me and ignore me like I don't exist.

"Hikigaya-kun, you know each other?"

Ah, right, I was sitting in Soubu's side.

I looked around and noticed that everyone was giving me a weird look, probably didn't expect the most hated guy know their opponents.

"Well…"

"He was my teammate in middle school and in Tokyo selection."

I gave Kimishita the stink eye, "I can speak for myself."

"That's typical of you to never mention us, Hachiman. You still haven't changed in certain aspects."

"Hah… Like I told you before, Yukinoshita. This is Kimishita Atsushi, my classmate in middle school, and that buffoon is Ooshiba Kiichi, he was from different school. The three of us played in Tokyo selection for several times before I moved back to Chiba."

"Wow, so you are like a pro, Hikki?"

I shrugged at Yuigahama's question, "Not really, there are someone better than me out there, I'm sure."

"That's rich coming from the General."

"The General?" Yukinoshita asked.

I just snorted, "Forget about it."

"So, why aren't you playing soccer? I thought I will hear of you last year." Ooshiba asked.

"I was hospitalized last year, a broken leg, when I recovered, it was too late, the selection is over, the club recruitment is closed and the preparation is already in motion."

"I see. Well, no matter what, I still think it will be interested to play against you. If nothing changes, your school team will lose as it is, but if you play…"

Kimishita let his words hang as he grabbed Ooshiba and dragged him to their side of the field, "I'll see you later."

I nodded.

Play, huh?

It's been a while since I last played in a match, I still play futsal occasionally though and my stamina is okay since I bike every day.

I'm confident I can play for half a match without exhausting myself.

The question is how?

I don't even have soccer shoes, let alone jersey.

Heck! I'm not even in the soccer club!

Then, I noticed someone sitting beside Miura.

"Tobe? What are you doing here?"

He looked up at me, taking his gaze from his phone.

"Ah, Hikitani-kun. Well, I bruised my ankle in the training yesterday, so I can't play, hehe."

Maybe…

"Hey, you owe me one, remember? I'll cash in your favor today, help me convince your coach to let me play, and also lend me your shoes and jersey."

"But…"

"Come on, it is just a friendly, an exhibition, not exactly a formal match. Just recommend me to your coach, and if he agree I'll not disappoint you guys, I swear."

"…ah, okay."

The coach let me play.

He was reluctant at first, of course. But, after a lengthy negotiation, he finally gave in when I mentioned I played for Tokyo selection before.

Tobe also helped me convincing the club member to let me play, saying that I knew two of Seiseki's players.

Suprisingly, Hayama gave me an okay. And so, because he was the captain, the others were forced to agree, whether they like it or not.

Now, I was standing in front of our defensive line, clad in Soubu's light blue jersey with white accent and a number 8 on my back.

I don't really like the color scheme. It just doesn't match with my character; I prefer darker colour. But then, I remember Touin's purple uniform and shivered.

Their jersey was awful in my opinion.

This is better.

The whistle blew as the second half started with Seiseki doing the kick off.

I sat back patiently and quietly observing the situation.

Hayama intercepted the ball and currently holding it, trying to find someone to pass the ball to.

"I thought you said you are not a member?"

I glanced at Kimishita who was two meter away from me—more or less, he gave me his usual glare before resuming his observation.

"Ah, I managed to convince the coach to let me join temporarily."

We are kinda similar, both of us are playmaker.

The difference is he favored offensive while I prioritize defense.

Nah, actually I was just lazy and don't like running forward to help attacking.

You are a lazybum, Hachiman.

Oi, my position is important, you know?!

In fact, I have to run a lot!

Well, let me explain my role then.

Nowadays, I play as a deep-lying playmaker, situated in front of the defensive line, a regista if you want to call it in Italian term, though I'm not sure if the two terms were interchangeable. I was playing as a second striker before my coach in Tokyo selection pulled me back deeper and placed me in my current position.

My job is to help defend the team and transitioning from defense to offense by sending the ball forward.

I usually do a long pass to either the winger or directly to the forward.

And in some cases, if I see a chance, I'll even run towards the goal in an attempt to score.

But, that is rare.

"So, how was it? Playing in Seiseki?"

"Do you think you have time to talk?"

"The ball is still in my team's possession, Hayama's doing a good job."

I hate that guy, but even I can't help but to acknowledge his skill.

Damn Riajuu.

"…that Hayama's good, he probably could go professional in a few years."

I could see the underlying question, if Hayama is good why is he unknown?

"Even in Chiba, Soubu is a small team. We lost to Bousou in both ranking and achievement in national. That is why, you never heard of him before. If he played in a better team and regularly play in national tournament, I'm sure he will be well known."

Oh, Seiseki stole the ball.

I closed my distance to Kimishita quickly, marking him.

"Sorry, but I won't let you get the ball, Atsushi."

I know firsthand how deadly his pass is.

"Keh."

The ball was carried by my counterpart, their own number 8, if I recall correctly his name is Hayate or something.

He looked at my direction, judging whether he should risk it and pass at Kimishita or not.

It didn't take a long time for him to pick his options, he chose a long pass to my left.

I don't need to see to know who his target is.

The genius first year, Kazama.

Fortunately, our left back succeeded in heading the ball forward, right into my leg.

It took me two seconds to control the ball, somewhat clumsily as the last time I played a formal match was two years ago.

I look forward and found two possible targets in our right flank.

And before Kimishita could steal the ball, I already delivered it to Soubu's right wing whose name escaped me.

I could have passed it to Hayama, but he was tightly marked by Usui.

The right wing—let's just called him 12-san—dribbled the ball and he almost went past the defense, but at the last second he stopped and turn back, choosing to bring the ball back into the middle area.

He was unsure challenging their left back head on.

He could have evaded him, maybe, but at the end was Usui—who still marked Hayama—who was more than ready to intercept and their goalkeeper who had positioned himself so his shooting options were limited.

A good judgement on his part but a bad decision on what to do.

Dude, if you can't break in from the side, what made you think you can do it from the middle?

We don't have a good dribbler other than Hayama, and Seiseki's middle was stacked with strong players.

His pass went weak since he was unprepared, the ball was intercepted by Seiseki's midfielder.

Currently, we are in the middle of tug of war.

Soubu is trying to get the ball back.

The situation stalled for a few minutes, then Seiseki kicked the ball into their already running right back.

Damn!

That midget defender run fast!

In just a few seconds, he had overlapped Kazama.

"Hey! Don't let him get away!" someone shouted behind me, probably the goalkeeper.

I looked back, reading the situation.

Our left back is on 1v1 with their right back, he was quite close in our goal area, close enough to attempt a cross.

In front of goal, our 3 defenders and a midfielder—who pulled back to help—had chosen their mark, two on Mizuki, and one each for Ooshiba and Kazama.

I glanced at Kimishita, he was calm, too calm in fact.

Wonder what is he thinking right now…

"It's a cross!"

The commentator boomed.

"Seiseki's Mizuki managed to get out of his marks!"

Two people are not enough!

Mizuki tried to head the ball in, it hit the goalkeeper, flew outward into Kazama who quickly shot into far corner.

It hit the woodwork.

Clang!

The ball ricocheted into the waiting Kimishita.

With a single glance at his leg I knew what he could do, he had a clear chance to score at that distance.

When I tried to pluck the ball out of his feet with my right foot, he turned around, back facing the goal and kicked it into the middle.

Someone was there waiting with a clear path to score.

Dammit, he managed to fool me! I was careless.

The receiver yelled as he swung his leg, ready to kick the ball.

As if I'll let you do that!

It all happened so fast, me trying to steal the ball and Kimishita evading me with a turn and setting in a chance for his teammate to capitalize.

My body position was awkward, but not something I can't manage as I quickly change my pace by stomping my right foot.

Springing right into his shot line, I stretched out my left leg to block his shot.

The ball bounced off into the field with no one there to receive it, I was ready to sprint to get the ball back, but number 4—our other centre back—had cleared it.

"…a corner."

What a drag.

With a sigh, I dragged my legs to my position.

…

Seiseki failed to make the most of their corner, I got the rebound and passed it to the front.

The one in front of me quickly run forward and passed it to the right, a winger received it and cut in into the middle directly in front of the goal, but instead of shooting he passed the ball to Hayama.

He did a quick Marseille turn and scored.

"…Hmm, I see."

Looks like Seiseki's defense isn't invincible.

We managed to cut off their lead, the score now was 1 – 2 at the 17th minute of second half.

…

8 minutes after Hayama's goal, we were in quite the predicament.

Using their high pressing, Seiseki almost scored a goal, and now…

"Kazama Jin."

I said facing him in a 1v1 situation, the spectator was eerily silent.

They were probably wondering who will win in this face off, the genius of Seiseki or the most hated guy in Soubu.

Lol.

The other players just watched us, even Seiseki's.

So, they are confident in their star player to pocket me in this showdown, huh.

How disrespectful! I'll sue you guys if I can, okay!

"Kiichiman said you are dangerous." His mouth turned into a grin.

Kiichiman? …oh, Ooshiba.

"That so? Well, as your senior, a little advice, always look at your surroundings."

I went pass him, without even trying to get the ball from him.

I can feel his eyes following me wondering why I didn't bother challenging him.

"Kazama! The ball!"

I glanced back and saw Kazama gaping like a goldfish, the ball already stolen by Soubu's defender when he was distracted.

Facing him head on would result in my loss, whether it would be him embarrassing me with his fancy trick or me fouling him and conceded a free kick.

That is if I was alone.

The plan was for me to distract him while someone else get the ball before Kazama realizes it.

Me talking to him was to get his attention while the player that would take the ball hid behind my back.

Good thing that Kazama kid can get too excited that he didn't even notice his surroundings.

Even if the plan failed, I trusted that the other can capitalize that split second when he kicked the ball forward, there would be a gap between the ball and him.

A good chance to steal the ball.

I received the ball while still running towards Seiseki's field.

"Don't let him pass! Pull back!"

It's too late Atsushi!

I sprinted as fast as I can without losing possession.

I'm not a flamboyant player, I do not like such flashy technique like that Kazama dude, my dribbles are always simple but they do their jobs.

It may look boring, but it's effective.

And most importantly, I like it.

You don't really need fancy tricks to win in soccer, all you need are speed, acceleration, feint, and the ability to change pace quickly.

At least, they are enough for me.

Someone run towards me trying to stop me from coming any closer.

He looked like a first years, inexperience, uncertain, he was nervous.

Easy.

I slowed down my pace and hit the ball lightly with my outside right foot then tap it once more using my inside, the ball went between his legs.

"A nutmeg! Soubu's number 8 did a wonderful nutmeg on Seiseki's Kurusu!"

I received the ball again and glanced forward. My eyes did a quick survey in front of me, the area was clear bar a few defenders.

Even a team like Seiseki can be flashed with a quick counter attack. My trap against Kazama earlier broke their offensive momentum, and because they honestly—in my opinion—didn't think I could steal the ball from their star or be a decoy, they lagged.

In soccer, transition from attacking to defending is important.

And so when Seiseki faltered and reacted too late.

It created an opportunity for me.

Their defender, Usui, was already coming towards me.

He probably was going to foul me here.

Since we don't have a set-piece specialist like Kimishita, a free kick from here is not a threat for them.

I let out a smirk as I chipped the ball upward left.

It curved beautifully over a flabbergasted Usui, right into the path of running Hayama.

His first touch was superb, as he flicked it down and controlled it into a dribble, in just a second he was in a 1 on 1 with Seiseki's goalkeeper.

Hayama swung his left leg.

"Inohara!"

Their goalkeeper was already in motion, his hands reached out to catch Hayama's shot.

Unfortunately, that was not a shot.

"Usui, behind you!"

"It's not a shot! Hayama-senpai pass it to the side!"

The ball rolled in front of an open goal, a few steps in front of me.

The other defender was running towards it, but I was already in position.

No one was there to stop the ball.

…

…

…

"GOAAAAAAL! Soubu equalizes! It's 2 – 2 in 26th minutes in the second half! Started with a solo run, then a pass to Hayama who put the ball back in front of free Hikitani! A great teamwork!"

Oi, oi! It's Hikigaya dammit! I curse you Tobe, I know it's your fault!

"Kyaa! You can do it, Senpai!"

Wait, that voice sounds familiar.

Looking at the commentator booth, I found a certain foxy kouhai of mine waving her hand at me with a big grin on her face.

Good grief…

"Hikigaya-kun, good job."

I turned my head and found a smiling Hayama with his hand out.

I looked at his hand for a few seconds then snorted, slapping it with my own hand.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just go back to your position."

We have a game to win.

We lost.

The match ended 2 – 4 in Seiseki's favor.

Mizuki scored a hattrick with a long shot 30 meters from the goal, more or less.

Then, we conceded a free kick goal in the last minute.

Obviously, it was Kimishita's.

That bastard.

Actually, we could have scored another goal, unfortunately, Hayama last shot was blocked.

I flinched as I felt a cold sensation on my cheek.

"Hikigaya-kun."

I glanced upwards from my position on the ground.

Yukinoshita smiled at me, holding a bottle of mineral water.

I thanked her as I opened the bottle and pour a little bit on my face to wash my sweat off. After that, I tipped the bottle to my mouth, taking a little sip of water to rinse my mouth and spit it out afterward.

"Haaah, I'm beat."

"Are you okay?"

Is that a concern in your voice?

I chuckled lightly at her question.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Can't believe a 40 minutes' [2] game is tiring me, I really need to train again."

I let out a pathetic whimper as I laid down on the dirt field, my hand beneath my head.

The field was almost empty, the supporter had already gone home, leaving the players and their respective coach on the side.

They were discussing about the result before going home.

I was left alone since I'm not a member. Well, the coach had already congratulated me for my goal and stated that he'd like to have me on the team.

I raised my free hand towards the sky as if I try to reach something.

"…"

I heard a rustling sound from beside me.

Yukinoshita had made herself comfortable, she tucked her legs in front of her chest with her arms circling around them, she rested her chin on her knees as she stared at the orange sky.

"You know, Hikigaya-kun. That was the first time I ever saw you so lively, your expression was so intense, quite a contrast from your usual bored face."

"…Ah, is that so? Well, soccer is… a part of me, I guess? It's been a while since I last played in a soccer field like this, so I was quite happy."

I closed my fist and sighed.

"…"

"…I like that."

"Excuse me?"

"…When you smiled triumphantly after that goal."

Wait? I… smiled?

"Oh gosh! I didn't look gross, did I?"

"No," Yukinoshite giggled, "You look quite handsome, in fact."

I froze as she looked at me bashfully, her cheeks red.

Gah! Don't blush, woman! It's contagious!

We stared at each other for God knew how long.

I feel like I can gaze into her eyes forever.

Unfortunately, she broke her gaze as she hid her embarrassed face.

"We-well, sorry to disappoint you, even if I did join the soccer club, I won't score frequently, unfortunately. My job is to sit back deep in our field, so, me coming out to score is a rare occurrence."

"Uh-hum." Yukinoshita hummed in response.

"Hey, I really feel blessed having you by my side, you know."

Our relationship blossomed into something more after the mishap that was the cultural festival.

I still can't believe what I said to her back then.

Saying how it bothered me that she didn't asked me for help even thought she clearly needed it.

Telling her how I cared about her.

Admitting how she made me worried when she fell ill.

And you know what?

She actually admitted that she felt the same way, somewhat.

She said something that she didn't know what that feelings were.

She hated it when I sacrificed myself to solve problem, that it hurt her.

Slowly, she started to think of me as a friend, and perhaps more.

Funny, how a single turn of event can make a big effect on our lives.

I started to be more confident in myself, and Yukinoshita started to be more open, especially to me, if she had problems.

She is not afraid to ask for help anymore.

The me from a year before probably won't even think of butting into the team and content just watching the game.

Now, that I think about it, I don't know what will happen if I didn't confess to her, probably our relationship will stagnate and hurt ourselves as we will be too afraid to admit our feelings.

And, prolonging it will probably hurt Yuigahama too.

Yeah, I think that was indeed the right thing to do.

"You should do."

She answered back while looking away, hiding the smile on her face and the blush on her cheeks.

Heh, tsundere.

- tbc –

[1] In Japan, this sport is known as Soccer rather than Football like in Europe.

[2] In Japan, high school level football match is done in 2x40 format instead of the usual 45 minutes. Don't know about other nation, tho.

A/N

Well, this is my first English story, do tell me if I did something wrong or if you guys have any pointers for me.

This is just a practice writing for me, so a one-shot, it's supposed to be a crossover with DAYS, a soccer manga that I think is quite realistic. The main character is a total newbie, I didn't mention him in this fic since he usually come in as a substitute, but his name is Tsukamoto Tsukushi.

I made Hachiman as a deep-lying playmaker since he has a keen insight and analytical mind, he is quite athletic, and because he is somewhat lazy that if he had to run he preferred to run in his own box.

And also, I think that passing the ball suits his personality, Hachiman is a little bit altruistic, so he is okay playing under the radar and just moving the ball instead of playing more aggressive as an AMF.

By having him playing deeper I can also describe the match easier from Hachiman's perspective since he has a wide point of view from the back.

He will watch the match from his position quietly and analyzing it, creating many plans to counter every situation. Then, he will manipulate the tempo by distributing the ball to his teammates according to each situation. Just like a general.

Hachiman isn't exactly a prodigy, just a hard worker like one of his mottos.

If I recall correctly, in the drama cd, Hachiman swam more or less 2 km just because he was bored, so, in this universe he took football because he didn't have anything better to do and decided to stick with it until he got hooked.

So he is above average in ability, but not too OP.

He has several weaknesses, such as a weaker body, if he challenged a strong forward head on, he can get brushed aside. A skilled dribbler can also run pass him. He is not that strong in aerial combat too.

And if he relaxed too much, he can get his timing off and run too late, even though his acceleration is quick.

When defending, Hachiman utilizes positioning and timing to steal the ball, intercept, or tackling.

Thanks for reading.