Post-Match – Locker Room
The moment the final whistle blew, Rika's teammates rushed her, screaming her name and lifting her off the ground.
"Rikaaaaaaa! That last goal was INSANE!"
"You cooked Sayaka!"
Her heart was still pounding—not from exhaustion, but from something deeper.
It was over.And she had won.
Not just the game.She'd won against herself.
She let her body sink onto the bench as her teammates chattered around her. The sound blurred into background noise as she looked down at her cleats, still caked in dirt.
Sayaka's words from last year echoed faintly in her mind:
"You're not built for this game, Rika. You're all pride and no control."
Today, Rika had proved her wrong.
And it felt... terrifyingly good.
Later – Shower Room Mirror
Steam clung to the mirror as Rika wiped it clean, staring at her reflection.
Her hair clung to her cheeks, face flushed—but not just from the match.
She saw something in her eyes she hadn't seen in a long time.
Certainty.
She wasn't chasing respect anymore.
She was earning it.
Evening – Team Lounge
The squad had ordered pizza. Music played softly. A few girls were playfully arguing over who had the best assist of the day.
Mika, sprawled on a beanbag, looked at Rika. "Sayaka's ego must be in critical condition right now."
Rika smirked. "She needed a lesson in humility."
"More like a crash course."
The group burst out laughing.
Coach stepped in, nodding at Rika. "You didn't just outplay them today. You led. That's what makes a real midfielder."
Rika blinked.
Her chest tightened—not in fear this time.In pride.
Later That Night – Courtyard
The lights were dim. Most of the team had gone to sleep.
Rika sat on the edge of the fountain, tossing small pebbles into the water.
Footsteps.
She didn't have to turn around.
Shun.
He walked past her without a word, hands in his jacket pockets, eyes set on the path ahead.
Then he paused.
Looked back at her.
"…You did good today."
Rika blinked. "You actually watched?"
He nodded once. "Every second."
A beat of silence.
Then he kept walking.
Rika stared after him, cheeks slightly warm.
Her fingers brushed the edge of her moon-shaped earring.
For the first time in a long time—She felt light.
And she wasn't alone anymore.