The long road towards the National Stadium

After meeting Yume-chan for a short time, Hana-chan came back in high spirits, as if something had clicked inside her.

At school, she actively asked the teachers questions about things she didn’t understand and even studied Italian during break time. By the time Yume-chan celebrates her twelfth birthday, Hana-chan will probably be able to speak fluent Italian without using magic.

At MAHO-do, Hana-chan works energetically as Momo-chan’s right-hand woman in making sweets.

Ai-chan also continued studying to become a trainer after returning from Copenhagen, but in the club activity, she restarted as a 400-meter runner rather than working behind the scenes.

She also keeps in touch with Kosugi Ikumi-san, a Japanese 100-meter representative who unfortunately had a disappointing result at the Beijing Olympics, and receives various advice from her.

In the world of Japanese track and field, the player pool for the women’s 400-meter is thin, and Kosugi-senshu says that she has a good chance of becoming a representative at the next Olympics.

Her Achilles tendon injury has healed, and with the effect of rehabilitation, her records are improving day by day. Although she is still at the level of a middle school track and field athlete, with her sincere attitude towards running and her Osaka spirit, she may even have a chance to become an Olympic representative in four years.

On the other hand, as for me… Usually, I feel like complaining, but I’m too busy now to even have time to do so.

It’s because the biggest game of the year for the Misora High School soccer team is approaching on a mid-November Sunday.

They will be facing off against the private school Momoe Academy in the prefectural qualifier for the National High School Soccer Championship, which will be held at the Mitsuzawa Stadium. Momoe Academy won their third national championship last year at the National Stadium and have already won the National High School Comprehensive Athletic Meet (inter-high school competition) this year, as well as easily making it through the qualifiers.

A fun fact about high school soccer is that there are three major tournaments known as the “Triple Crown” in the high school soccer world. The first is the Inter-High held at the end of August, followed by the All Japan Youth (U-18) Championship held in October, and finally the National High School Soccer Championship, which has become a New Year’s tradition.

In addition to these, there are also the Kanto High School Soccer Tournament and the prefectural rookie tournament, but high schools like Momoe Academy at the national level sometimes opt out of these tournaments and participate in the district league of the All Japan Youth Championship instead.

Our soccer team, on the other hand, does not participate in the All Japan Youth Championship, but instead participates in the Kanto tournament and the rookie tournament. Therefore, including the prefectural qualifiers for the Inter-High and the National High School Soccer Championship, we play in two to three official matches every month, so it’s definitely a hard schedule.

In the semifinals of the prefectural qualifying tournament for the Inter-High in June of this year, Misora High School lost by a close score of 3-4 to Momoe Academy. Many invitation match requests have been received from soccer powerhouse schools in Kanto and neighboring prefectures, as well as from Shizuoka. However, considering the fatigue of the players, the team accepted only a few invitations.

Since the invitations cover expenses, it is a huge relief for the team, which has a small budget for a public high school club.

However, the team members who are fired up to overthrow Momoe Academy, have been concentrating on the prefectural qualifier for the National High School Soccer Championship since October, rejecting all invitation and practice matches and pushing themselves through intense training.

Their efforts paid off, and they advanced to the semifinals without any danger.

The semifinals were held last Sunday when I was in Copenhagen and Venice with everyone. The opponent was Konan High School, who lost in last year’s finals to Momoe Academy, but they won with a score of 3-0 thanks to Kotake’s hat trick and secured their spot in the finals, which is amazing.

I heard from Dodo, the fairy who transformed into me while I was overseas, about Kotake’s performance to the point where I got sick of hearing about it. This week, it was the topic of discussion at school and in the MAHO-do. The whole school was scheduled to come to cheer for them in the final game on Sunday. Of course, the MAHO-do crew and my family will also come to support them.

Even Onpu-chan adjusted her schedule to move up her magazine work on Saturday night, which was scheduled for Sunday, so I’m happy.

Chinami-chan and I are the only managers, so we accompany the team to morning practice every day, but it’s quite tough. Lack of sleep is said to be the enemy of beautiful skin.

Morning practice is only two hours from 6:30 to 8:30, but Kotake arrives at school earlier than anyone else and finishes warming up before practice starts. While the other members are warming up, he silently continues his shooting practice.

Even though he must have been exhausted from yesterday’s voluntary practice with the other members until the lights in the schoolyard were turned off at 8 o’clock after the afternoon practice, he was practicing with a relaxed expression this morning.

As a manager, I’m worried about him overdoing it and getting sick, so I tried to caution him,

“It doesn’t matter to me. I get a good night’s sleep.”

But he didn’t listen. He sometimes dozes off during class, and I think it’s probably his way of managing his health, so I stop interfering.

Even though I sometimes get sleepy during class, Kotake is fast asleep. He’s either a big shot or just crazy about soccer…

Before the summer vacation, teachers used to warn Kotake about his sleeping during class, but since the qualifier for the National High School Soccer Championship began, they’ve been more lenient. Even Leon, our homeroom teacher, woke Kotake up from his class because he was snoring and sleeping and said to him,

“Kotake, you look pale. Rest in the health room.”

He was showing adult consideration and support.

Well, for us, it’s better to deal with snoring than not being able to concentrate in class. Ah~, I want to sleep soundly in the health room too.

I took a week off from my part-time job at MAHO-do this week.

But, I always show up at closing time. Because I want to see the faces of Hazuki-chan and Onpu-chan, whom I can’t meet at school.

Hazuki-chan and Onpu-chan help out after their lessons and work instead of me.

Although they say I don’t have to come because I’m tired, I feel like the day won’t end if I don’t eat Momo-chan’s sweets after the club activities, so I end up stopping by MAHO-do.

On the Saturday before the final match, the members of the Misora High School soccer team visited Leon’s home after a light afternoon practice and meeting to prepare for tomorrow’s game.

For tomorrow’s match, Leon and his wife Minako-san held a yakiniku (grilled meat) party for over 50 members and managers to eat their fill, which was very generous of them.

It’s probably impossible on Leon’s salary alone, so it must be thanks to his wife Minako-san, who earns well. I wanted steak, but I can’t complain since I’m being treated.

After we ate all the prepared meat and pledged to win tomorrow’s match, we left Leon’s house.

On the way back, as the members dispersed in groups of three or five, I ended up being alone with Kotake when we arrived at the nearby Misora Park in the same direction home.

Kotake, who was walking ahead of me, suddenly stopped and said with his back to me,

“Hey, Harukaze. Would you come with me for a bit?”

My heart beat faster.

What? I had just eaten yakiniku and was full of energy, and my spirits were high before tomorrow’s match. Could it be… a sudden romantic advance!?

As I was getting flustered, Kotake started walking again without waiting for my answer.

Reluctantly, I followed behind him in silence, and it turned out to be a shrine.

“Oh, it’s a shrine.”

“Where did you think we were going?”

“Uh, well…”

“I really want to win tomorrow’s match and make it to the national tournament. I’ve never believed in God or anything, but right now, I’m in a state of mind where I’ll cling to anything that I can.”

I was partly relieved and partly disappointed. It was silly of me to think it was a sudden romantic advance. I chuckled, and Kotake turned around looking annoyed.

“What’s so funny?”

“I wasn’t laughing at you, Kotake. It’s nothing, really. Let’s go.”

I pushed Kotake’s back and walked through the torii gate and up the stairs that led to the shrine’s precincts.

As it was night, the shrine was quiet and still.

We approached the offering box in front of the temple, rang the bell first, and then I threw a 10 yen coin while Kotake threw a 100 yen coin into the box.

“Only 10 yen?”

Kotake immediately retorted.

“But you threw in a 100 yen coin, so it’s not that different.”

“It’s a huge difference! You know the saying, ‘the first step is half the journey’? Well, in this case, it’s only one-tenth!”

Suddenly, I burst out laughing.

“W-What’s so funny!?”

“You remind me of our elementary school days when you always used to tease me like that.”

“R-Really?”

Kotake scratched his head, then quickly composed himself and bowed twice, clapped twice, and put his hands together.

I followed suit and put my hands together in prayer.

I bowed once, wishing for nothing but victory in tomorrow’s match, but Kotake continued to pray for over a minute.

“You have a lot to ask God for.”

When I teased him this time, Kotake blushed, scratched his head again, and said,

“I’m not just praying for tomorrow’s game. I’m also praying for the future.”

“The future? What do you mean?”

“Well… I want to make it to the national tournament, make it to the top four, play at the National Stadium, and then…”

“And then what?”

“Why do you want me to say it all out loud? You idiot!”

Kotake suddenly got angry and started walking away.

“What’s with the attitude?”

I started to say, but then I remembered that Kotake had promised to confess his feelings to me if he could take me to the National Stadium.

Watching Kotake walk away, I turned back to the shrine and prayed to the gods once again.

──Please, grant Kotake’s wish.

I whispered in my heart and followed after him.

Kotake had offered to escort me home, but I politely declined, wanting him to rest for tomorrow’s match. We parted ways in front of the Torii gate.

On my way home, as I passed by MAHO-do, a store that should have been closed, I noticed that the lights were still on.

I quietly approached the window and peered inside, and there was Hazuki-chan, Ai-chan, Momo-chan, Majorika, Lala and the other fairies, all centered around Hana-chan, making a banner together.

On the banner, it read “Victory! Misora High School Soccer Team”. They must have made it as a surprise for me and the soccer team. I hadn’t heard about it before. I really wanted to jump in and express my gratitude to each and every one of them, but I held back and left the store.

Thank you, everyone. We will definitely win tomorrow!

On the day of the match, the soccer team members had an early lunch and gathered at Misora High School before taking the bus provided by the school to the final venue, Mitsuzawa Stadium.

The bus ride to the venue felt like a funeral.

No one spoke a word. It’s good to feel some tension before the match, but everyone was too nervous. It would be impossible to show our full potential if we were that tense.

I lightly nudged Leon’s arm with my elbow from the same row across the aisle where we were both sitting.

Leon seemed to share the same feeling as me and nodded, then suddenly stood up and tried to ease the tension by making jokes or talking about his wife, just like he did during the world history class, but everyone quickly fell silent with half-smiles.

“Oh no, here comes the Harukaze (spring breeze) touch!”

Leon suddenly made an unreasonable request to me.

“M-Me~!?”

I involuntarily raised my voice, but I had no choice but to do it. I stood up in Leon’s place.

Everyone focused their attention on me.

Everyone’s eyes seemed to be pleading with me to relieve the tension quickly.

“Seriously…”

Under tremendous pressure, I staggered, but I couldn’t back down here.

However, my mind went blank. I was really in trouble.

At that moment, I remembered what happened last night when I went to the shrine with Kotake.

I told them about how Kotake prayed to the gods in a trembling voice and the story of the “10 and 100 yen coins”, and everyone burst into laughter.

Some of the members even pointed at Kotake and whistled.

“Hey, don’t say unnecessary things!”

Kotake shouted loudly, and the atmosphere around us suddenly eased.

When it came to this, it’d be my turn. I started to unleash the stupid jokes of the SOS Trio, my classmates from elementary school, and for some reason, everyone found them hilarious. By the time we arrived at the venue, everyone was laughing so hard they were holding their stomachs.

Even Leon was doubled over with laughter and said,

“Harukaze, don’t make us laugh anymore. Everyone’s gonna get stomachaches before the game even starts!”

“Sorry ‘bout that~~.”

When I put both hands on my head and bowed, applause broke out.

“As expected of Doremi-senpai! That was amazing!”

Even Chinami-chan praised me, and I couldn’t help but smile naturally.

When the bus stopped in the parking lot of the venue and everyone got off, Kotake patted my shoulder. I wasn’t laughing anymore, but I had a good look on my face with just the right amount of tension.

Up until the start of the match at 2 PM, the players did light stretching and running at a practice field near the stadium.

Then, at 1 PM, when they entered the pitch at Mitsuzawa Stadium, which can accommodate 15,000 people, about half of the stands were already filled with spectators.

The players from Momoe Academy had already started passing practice on the pitch.

The Misora High School soccer team, centered around Captain Kurita of the third year, formed a circle and pumped themselves up, then immediately began passing and shooting practice.

Chinami-chan and I helped the first-year team members by bringing drinks and lemon slices to the bench for the participating players.

The advisor, Leon, sprinkled salt¹ on both sides of the bench as he did in every game. Despite having no soccer experience and being unable to coach the students, he carefully made a mound of salt that he brought himself to at least prevent the players from getting injured.

After practice, the players went to the locker room and changed from their practice clothes to their uniforms. Once everyone finished changing, Chinami-chan and I, who were waiting in the hallway, were called to form a large circle with everyone.

Coach Nojima, who was an alumni of the Misora High School soccer team and had experience playing in the J-League, said,

“Let’s look back on a year of rigorous training and play a game without any regrets.”

Everyone shouted for victory together.

First-year members and second and third-year substitute members moved to the Misora High School cheering section, while the participating players, coaches, advisors, and managers moved to the aisle in front of the pitch.

Since we had played against Momoe Academy many times before, there were many familiar faces, and the players from both teams chatted while waiting for the staff to call them.

When the referee team, who would be making the decisions for today’s game, gathered in front of the players, the staff signaled for the entrance.

To the sound of music, the players from both teams entered the field. The coach, reserve players, and supporting staff like us also headed towards the bench.

At that moment, the spectators who had filled the entire stand erupted in cheers.

In their education system where students attend from middle to high school, there were more people who supported Momoe Academy, a private school with a large enrollment, and they occupied about two-thirds of the stands.

However, the supporters of Misora High School were not to be outdone. In the battle of cheers between the brass band club and the cheerleading team, it was a completely even match. The banner made by everyone at MAHO-do was raised at the very top of the backstand, and in front of it, the faces of friends, Hana-chan, and Majorika could be clearly seen from the bench.

I think the fairies are probably watching from a high place around the lighting equipment, but I couldn’t confirm it with my naked eye.

At exactly 2 PM, the referee’s whistle echoed loudly, and the game began with Misora High School kicking off.

The ball, lightly kicked by the lone striker Kotake, was passed back to our team by the top midfielder and captain, Kurita-senpai. They carefully passed the ball and our players attacked Momoe’s territory. It was a good start.

Our formation was 4-2-3-1, except for the goalkeeper, with four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and one forward. Momoe had a super attacking 3-5-2… no!?

“Same as us, 4-2-3-1!”

Chinami-chan exclaimed in surprise.

“I guess the three points they lost in the semifinals of the Inter-High had an impact. They’re being cautious at the start.”

Leon murmured.

“I’m a complete novice when it comes to soccer. My job is to create an environment that allows the coach and players to concentrate on their play.”

Although he always says that, Leon was talking like a commentator. He might know more about soccer than me. He’s such an elusive teacher.

For about the first 10 minutes of the first half, we mostly attacked the Momoe’s side, but we couldn’t score. There were many scenes where Kotake struggled with the enemy defenders’ man-to-man marking, and sometimes he was sandwiched by two defenders and lost the ball.

After the 10-minute mark, Momoe gradually increased their ball possession and changed their formation to their usual 3-5-2, launching a fierce and violent attack.

We thought we could reach halftime with a 0-0 score thanks to the goalkeeper’s fine saves and the efforts of our defense.

Just before we could reach halftime, Kotake attempted to dribble a breakthrough into the enemy’s goal area, but he was tackled one after another by two defenders and lost the ball. From there, we were hit by a perfect counterattack, and our tired defense could not keep up, and in the end, the enemy forward was left one-on-one with our goalkeeper, and he easily slipped the ball past the goalkeeper’s legs and scored the opening goal. It is said that in soccer games, goals are more likely to be scored in the first five and last five minutes, and it happened exactly as expected.

It was unfortunate, but we ended the first half 0-1.

Chinami-chan and I handed out towels and drinks to the players.

As expected, the players’ faces showed signs of fatigue. It was understandable though. We were kept on the defensive for over 10 minutes, and just as we thought we could end the first half with a 0-0 score, we were scored against.

The coach told us to remember the Inter-High game,

“At that time, didn’t we concede two goals in the first half? But we caught up in the second half. Well, we were pushing harder in the second half, although in the end, they scored the winning goal in extra time. If it’s you guys, you can definitely turn it around. Believe in your own strength!”

“Yes, sir!”

The players nodded vigorously.

Huh? Is that all, coach? The coach usually gives more specific advice…

Even I, a novice, had something to say to Kotake. Every time he got the ball in front of the goal, he forced a shot that was blocked by the defenders, and he kept losing the ball.

Um… what was it I wanted to say? Oh yes, the hold-up play. Instead of trying to shoot himself, he should keep possession of the ball or pass it to an open teammate.

Just as I was about to say it out loud to him,

“Kotake, play in the second half like you did in the first half.”

Leon spoke up, not the coach, not the captain.

“Hold on, Yamaki-sensei, that’s not it! Kotake needs to play more of a hold-up game because the mark is too tight…” I objected.

“Shut up!”

Kotake snapped at me angrily.

“Uh, wait a minute…”

I was about to argue back, but Chinami-chan stopped me.

“I think Kotake-senpai should stay the way he was in the first half.”

“Huh?”

I was surprised.

“Momoe is afraid of Kotake-senpai and our team.”

Afraid of us? The national champion, Momoe? Come on, Chinami-chan, that’s not true, is it?

I didn’t say it out loud, but I looked at Chinami-chan dissatisfiedly.

“After the 10th minute, we were definitely under pressure, but even before that, with the formation and Kotake-senpai’s man-marking, it wasn’t the usual Momoe, I think.”

“Oh, well said. I think the same.”

Leon chuckled and continued,

“I understand what Harukaze is saying, but does Kotake look like the type to do hold-up play?”

“Huh?”

I was surprised and recalled the games I had watched since becoming the manager in April this year. I had never seen Kotake do hold-up play.

“Sure, but…”

Kotake suddenly spoke up,

“I’m not very skilled. I can’t do hold-up play.”

Captain Kurita immediately burst out laughing.

“That’s right. Kotake only thinks about shooting in front of the goal.”

The faces of the other players also showed a smile.

“Come to think of it, I’ve never told Kotake to do hold-up play.”

The coach also chuckled and said,

“Kotake, the defender marking you on the other side is the captain. I think the game will change if you can get past him. Play harder than in the first half.”

“Yes!”

Kotake nodded vigorously. Then the coach said,

“The more Kotake is marked, the more space Kurita and the others will have. Be bold and take middle shots.”

Captain Kurita and the two attacking midfielders nodded silently.

And finally, Leon said,

“You’re looking good. In the first half, you were hesitant because of Momoe’s name. In the second half, enjoy your soccer without fear!”

“Yes!”

The players’ exhaustion disappeared and their faces were filled with fighting spirit.

Led by Captain Kurita, they formed a circle and regained their focus, and Kotake and the others headed onto the pitch.

The coach watched them with a smile and stepped in front of Leon,

“Yamaki-sensei, you’re certainly a former leader of a biker gang. Your control over the players was greatly inspiring.”

Indeed, with just a few words from Leon, the team was filled with vitality.

Although I called him a complete amateur, there was something charismatic about Leon…

While I was thinking about that, the whistle blew for the second half.

Kotake fiercely pressed forward towards Momoe’s kickoff ball. The flustered Momoe midfielder passed the ball back to the goalkeeper.

Kotake continued to charge towards the goalkeeper. When the panicked goalkeeper kicked the ball, it went far over the sideline, and it became our throw-in.

At the instruction of Momoe’s coach, their formation changed back to 4-2-3-1.

As Chinami-chan suggested, maybe Momoe was afraid of our team. Or perhaps, they were letting us attack and tire ourselves out before going for a counter-attack.

During the first 10 minutes of the second half, our team continued to attack like we did in the first half.

Kotake repeatedly tried to challenge the enemy captain’s defense, but he was blocked every time.

However, unlike in the first half, Kotake’s movements created space in front of the goal, and the attacking midfielders, including Captain Kurita, took several middle shots that made the enemy goalkeeper panic.

Thanks to that, Momoe’s counterattacks were delayed, and our defense had an easier time getting back.

Until the 20th minute of the second half, the attacking and defending continued in a back-and-forth manner like this. I thought we were completely in control, but Momoe scored the first goal.

One of our defenders tried to make a head save on an enemy corner kick in front of our goal, but his elbow hit the face of the enemy forward, resulting in a penalty kick for the enemy.

They scored the penalty kick easily, and we fell two points behind. Ughhh~~, it was frustrating.

However, this goal became the turning point for our comeback. Soccer is truly a profound sport.

After taking a two-point lead, Momoe stopped forcing their attacks and focused on defending.

There were still 20 minutes left in the game.

Finally, Kotake feinted the enemy captain’s defense, dodging another defender’s tackle before taking a shot. Although the ball bounced off the goalpost and didn’t score, it clearly rattled the Momoe players.

Momoe’s defenders, as well as the captain, were so concerned about marking Kotake that it started to leave space in front of the goal.

Captain Kurita ran into that space and pretended to shoot, but instead he sent a slightly backward pass to Kotake who had just run up behind him. Kotake’s right foot whipped.

His brilliant volley shook the enemy’s goal net.

The cheering team of Misora High School, who had been sending cheers, became ecstatic.

The game quickly intensified and we took complete control.

Kotake forcefully broke through two defenders again and swung his right foot grandly, but the goalkeeper leaped to the side and deflected the ball with his glove.

Although the ball hit the goal post, it luckily rolled in front of Captain Kurita.

Seeing the panicked movements of the goalkeeper, Captain Kurita calmly kicked the ball in the opposite direction and finally tied the score.

We continued to attack multiple times but were unable to score the winning goal, and the second half ended with a tie, leading to an extra time.

During the break time, Chinami-chan, the coach, Leon, the reserve players and I massaged the muscles of the players whose legs were tightly stretched.

It was when I was massaging Kotake’s thigh.

“I’ll definitely take you to the National Stadium.”

Kotake whispered to me.

Honestly, I was happy and thought it looked cool, and my face almost smiled involuntarily, but I held back and nodded silently.

The five-minute break ended, and the overtime began.

Momoe substituted one defender and one midfielder.

This proved to be effective as they took advantage of the fatigue of our players and scored a third goal with a counter-attack just before the end of the first half of the overtime. Then the whistle for the end of the first half of the overtime was blown.

As there is no break in the overtime, both teams switched sides, and the second half of the overtime started immediately.

Chinami-chan and I cheered from the bench until our voices went hoarse.

Our team also made two substitutions: one for a defender who was moving poorly and another for a defensive midfielder who injured his foot during a set play in the first half of the overtime.

Our players showed no signs of panic and continued to approach the enemy’s goal with fighting spirit.

Once again, Kotake left the enemy captain behind with a feint.

However, the enemy goalkeeper came out at an exquisite timing. Nonetheless, Kotake tried to shoot forcefully and received a yellow card. Furthermore, he suffered an accident and twisted his right foot.

A stretcher was immediately brought onto the pitch, and Kotake was carried off outside the touchline. The coach, Chinami-chan, and I ran to Kotake’s side.

“Kotake, are you okay!?”

To my question, he replied,

“Nothing to worry about.”

Despite his words, his face looked a little pale.

“Alright, show me what you’ve got.”

The coach tried to take off Kotake’s right stocking, but Kotake stood up and jumped, enduring the pain.

“As you can see, I’m fine! I’ll definitely score a goal!”

With that, he went back onto the pitch.

The back-and-forth struggle continued, and time passed.

Kotake’s movements had lost their sharpness. Even I could tell that his right leg wasn’t moving as he wanted it to.

It was just when the unpleasant thought of “Are we going to lose again like this?” crossed my mind.

Our midfielder dribbled up the left sideline and delivered a perfect cross in front of the goal.

Kotake, who had been lackluster until just before, suddenly jumped.

When he soared over the head of the defending opponent and the ball flew towards him, he put all his strength into a header and knocked it down.

The ball bounced off the goalkeeper’s feet, hit the inside of the goal post, and was sucked into the goal.

“We did it──!!”

Captain Kurita and several of our players rushed over to congratulate Kotake.

Chinami-chan and I hugged each other with joy.

I could see Hana-chan and the others in the stands cheering as well.

Nevertheless, Kotake stood up without even a smile, picked up the ball that had rolled into the goal, and dragged his right leg as he moved towards the center circle.

At that moment, however, the whistle blew for a long time, signaling the end of the second half of overtime.

The score was tied at 3-3, and the game would be decided by penalty kicks.

As the players returned to the bench, drinks and towels were distributed, and the coach decided the order of the penalty kickers. Captain Kurita would take the first kick, and the third-year players would take kicks two through five.

Kotake looked dissatisfied,

“I can take a kick!”

He said to the coach,

“If that’s really true, take off your stocking and show me.”

Reluctantly, Kotake lowered his right stocking, revealing a bruised and swollen ankle.

“You endured it until it got this bad…”

Captain Kurita grabbed Kotake’s shoulder.

“Leave it to us. We’ll definitely make it.”

Kotake nodded firmly while biting his lip.

After the coin toss, the penalty shootout began with Momoe taking the first kick. The players embraced each other on the pitch, and we watched from the bench, praying for victory.

Momoe’s third player and our fourth player missed their kicks, but when the fifth player finished, the score was tied at 4-4, and it became a sudden death penalty shootout.

If someone failed at this point, the game would be decided. It was a harsh way to decide the winner. The order of kicks from the sudden death shootout was left to Captain Kurita.

The captain’s first priority was to reduce Kotake’s burden. Although I could see Kotake’s discontented face from the bench, I thought it was the best choice.

──Please win by settling before Kotake kicks!

I prayed in my heart, but the goddess of victory was cruel.

In the end, all the kickers of both teams who entered sudden death scored their penalty kicks, and Momoe’s 11th player placed the ball on the penalty mark.

Our goalkeeper opened his arms widely and was filled with determination to stop the ball.

Momoe’s 11th player slowly approached the ball and kicked it towards the upper right corner of the goal post.

Our goalkeeper read it perfectly and reached out his glove while jumping. However, cruelly, the ball hit the inside of the goalpost and bar, and the penalty kick was scored.

Finally, Kotake had to take the penalty kick.

Kotake received the ball from the referee, placed it on the penalty mark, and took a few steps back.

Both the bench and stands were silent.

My chest felt like it was about to burst, and I couldn’t bear to watch Kotake’s penalty kick.

Kotake kicked with all his might, trying to endure the pain in his foot.

But unfortunately, the ball passed over the goal post.

The stadium echoed with both disappointment and joy.

Sitting on the pitch, Kotake was crying.

Among the players looking up at the sky, Captain Kurita approached Kotake quickly and lifted him up, embracing him. Kotake kept apologizing while crying, but no one blamed him for it.

The players gathered around Kotake, offered him words of consolation, and then headed towards the center line.

Even the players from Momoe had come over to the center line after celebrating their victory, and both teams congratulated each other.

Meanwhile, Kotake continued to cry.

As Kotake was carried back to the bench by the players, the coach, Leon, the reserve players, Chinami-chan, and I all applauded.

Chinami-chan and I had tears and runny noses, making our faces a mess.

With this, Kotake and my second challenge to the National Stadium had come to an end.

Three days have passed since the final match.

Kotake has been absent from school until today. It’s understandable considering his disappointment.

At school and at MAHO-do, everyone sympathized with me. No one blamed Kotake for his missed penalty kick.

Later, I heard from Hana-chan that Tamaki Reika also came to cheer with her boyfriend Tachibana Kyouhei-san, and Seki-sensei also came and cheered with Hana-chan and the others until they lost their voices.

Yesterday, Shimakura Kaori-chan came to MAHO-do and left about 20 pictures of Kotake that she took from the stands of Mitsuzawa Stadium.

In each of the pictures, Kotake has a sharp expression like a hunter aiming for prey, and honestly, it’s cool.

Kotake, no one is blaming you. I hope your ankle injury and emotional wounds heal soon…

──Please show your face soon.

While I was filling a bag with candy just made from the candy machine in the tower behind MAHO-do, Majorika came and said,

“If you’re so worried, why don’t you go check on him?”

“Huh?”

I thought I said it in my head, but it seemed like I was talking to myself.

Then, Hana-chan popped her head out from behind Majorika.

“Don’t be depressed forever. Doremi should tell him to go to school and club activities with his head held high.”

“I think so too… But it’s hard for me to see Kotake’s face.”

At that moment, Ai-chan came back from the club activities.

“The soccer team was really worried too. Doremi-chan, the manager, should do something.”

“That’s right. Kotake still has one more challenge left for the National Stadium. Thank you, everyone. I’m going to Kotake’s house!”

“That’s the Doremi we know!”

Everyone nodded with a smile.

Taking advantage of everyone’s kindness, when I left MAHO-do, Hana-chan chased after me.

“What’s wrong, Hana-chan? I’m fine on my own.”

“It’s not that. The other day during the match, I forgot to mention that Kimura-kun came to cheer as well.”

“Oh, really? Is Kimura-kun… maybe with Marina-chan?”

“It wasn’t Marina-chan, but rather a tough-looking man.”

“A tough-looking man… maybe his father?”

“I don’t know.”

“Anyway, I’ll go see and encourage Kotake. Hana-chan, please help out at the store for me.”

Hana-chan nodded and I hurried to Kotake’s house.

I knew that the apartment where Kotake lived was on the west side of Misora Park, but it was my first time visiting his place.

As I approached the apartment, I thought about how to comfort Kotake, but I couldn’t come up with any good words.

I didn’t necessarily have to say anything; just seeing Kotake’s face would be enough to make me feel at ease.

Oh well, I’d just have to try my best. With determination, I entered the front entrance of the apartment, and as the elevator doors opened in front of me, Kimura Takao-kun and an estimated 45-year-old man with a crew cut and a tough face walked out.

As soon as Kimura-kun saw my face, he approached me and said,

“Hey, Harukaze! Did you come to see Kotake because you were worried about him?”

“Well, yeah…”

Glancing briefly at the face of the man next to him who looked about 45 years old, Kimura-kun said,

“That’s right. Let me introduce you. This is Nakagomi-san, the youth team coach of the club I belong to.”

“Nice to meet you.”

I bowed my head, and the coach nodded slightly in return.

I wondered if the tough-looking man Hana-chan mentioned was actually Coach Nakagomi.

“Coach, Harukaze is the manager of the soccer team at Misora High School and has been with Kotake since elementary school. You’re in the same class, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I see… in that case, can you persuade Kotake-kun to join our team?”

“Persuade him? What do you mean?”

“Well, the coach here wants to recruit Kotake to our team. So we came to persuade Kotake, but… he said he needs some time to think about it.”

W-What!? Kotake is the ace striker on our team. It’s not a joke! I almost blurted out, but I swallowed my words.

“I think it’s a great opportunity. Kotake and I vowed to become members of the Japanese national team together and play in the World Cup, so I want to play with him too. Please, Harukaze.”

“Even if you say that suddenly…”

“The coach believes that Kotake has the potential to become the ace striker of the Japanese national team.”

“Really?”

Coach Nakagomi smiled, unlike his tough appearance earlier.

“I’m serious. Kotake-kun, who always tries his hardest to score a goal no matter what, is the type of striker who isn’t on the national team. I believe he can definitely become a member of the national team if he plays under me.”

Coach Nakagomi’s words made me feel happy, as if he was talking about me, but as the manager of the soccer team, I couldn’t just agree to this.

“Harukaze, being on our team would be better for Kotake’s future than being on your current team.”

“But… Kotake is our ace striker.”

“I’m saying this for his sake. Our team won the All Japan Youth Championship, beating Momoe 3-0. That’s the team your team lost to, remember? If Kotake joins our team, we will become even stronger. Then he will be invited to the youth training camp for the Japanese national team, and maybe even realize his dream of being on the Japanese national team!”

Come to think of it, Kotake has been saying since elementary school that his dream is to play for the Japanese national team in the World Cup.

For Kotake’s future, it might be better for him to join Kimura-kun’s team. But if he leaves, it would be a big blow to our team. Oh, what should I do?

At that time, Coach Nakagomi bowed his head and said,

“This is it. Please help us get Kotake-kun to join our team.”

“I’m counting on you too!”

“For now, I’ll go meet with Kotake.”

“Okay, I’m counting on you.”

Without affirming or denying anything, I got into the elevator.

When I pressed the doorbell at Kotake’s house, his mother came out, not Kotake.

“Oh, Doremi-chan! It’s been a while. Since graduation from elementary school, right? Come in, come in.”

Guided by his mother, I entered Kotake’s room for the first time.

“Would you like some coffee or tea?”

“Don’t worry about it! I just came to talk with Kotake.”

“Don’t be shy. There are delicious cookies too.”

Saying so, Kotake’s mother left the room.

Kotake was standing by the window with his back to me.

“Kotake… everyone is worried about you. It must have been a shock, but you should come to school.”

“Oh… I was thinking of going starting tomorrow. Sorry for worrying you.”

With that, Kotake finally turned around. His face looked more energetic than I had expected.

“Kotake, I ran into Kimura-kun in front of the elevator eariler.”

Kotake’s expression momentarily showed surprise, but he quickly returned to his original expression and offered me a chair.

“Thank you.”

As I sat down, Kotake sat on the bed.

Then, Kotake’s mother brought us tea and cookies.

“Thanks. That’s enough.”

Kotake’s mother had a look on her face as if she wanted to talk to me, but Kotake brusquely said that and sent her away.

When Kotake sat back down on the bed, he asked me,

“Did Kimura say anything?”

“Yeah… I talked to Coach Nakagomi too.”

“I see. So you heard that I’ve been invited to Kimura’s youth team?”

I nodded.

“So, what do you think?”

“Well… I mean, it makes me happy…”

“Happy?”

Kotake looked surprised and looked at my face.

“Well, I mean, Kimura-kun’s youth team at the club he’s in is really strong, right?”

“Well, that’s true…”

“Kimura-kun and you have been playing soccer together since elementary school, and you want to become members of the Japanese national team and go to the World Cup together…”

Kotake suddenly became agitated and said,

“Are you telling me it’s okay for me to quit the soccer team at Misora High School!?”

“W-Why are you so angry? Of course, I want you to stay with me, Kotake. But when I think about your future…”

I stopped speaking and was startled.

Could it be that Kotake wanted me to tell him not to join Kimura-kun’s team?

Why was he trying to make me choose the path he should take?

I was confused.

If I told Kotake that it would be better for him to join Kimura-kun’s team, would he go?

In my head, the faces of two couples, Kimura-kun and Marina-chan, Hazuki-chan and Yada-kun, came to mind.

Marina-chan and Hazuki-chan are both dating their boyfriends while looking towards their future. They are different from me who can’t see anything about my future. Moreover, Kotake and I have not even reached the level of having a relationship. So why did Kotake ask my opinion at this critical juncture?

A long silence followed.

Kotake was still looking down at the floor with an angry expression.

Only the ticking of the second hand of the alarm clock on the desk dominates the room.

My chest felt like it was about to burst. This was the first time I had ever experienced something like this.

When I thought about Kotake going to another team… tears inexplicably began to well up in my eyes. What was the point of me becoming the soccer team manager? Wasn’t it because I wanted to see Kotake standing on the pitch at the National Stadium? I should stop thinking about Kotake’s future.

When I started to think that way, Celeste-san’s face suddenly crossed my mind. If only I could be like her, honest with my feelings and jump straight into Ran-san’s arms… My emotions began to boil. I thought my blood was flowing backward throughout my body.

I stood up and shouted without thinking.

“Why don’t you just firmly refuse!? Was it a lie when you said you would take me to the National Stadium and confess to me!?”

Tears flowed down my cheeks one after another.

“Harukaze…!”

“Everyone… no, I mean, I want to see you score a goal at the National Stadium! And yet… and yet…”

Suddenly, Kotake stood up and grabbed my shoulder with both hands.

“I’m sorry, Harukaze… I was expecting you to say that to me from the beginning.”

Kotake gently wiped away the tears streaming down my cheek with the back of his hand.

“Kotake…?”

“I’m really sorry. I knew from the start what path I needed to take. I asked Kimura and the coach to give me some time to think, but there are still things I need to accomplish at Misora High School. It might be a bit of a detour, but if I do my best in the Misora High School soccer team, I might even be chosen for the Japanese national youth team… No, that doesn’t matter. I… want to date Harukaze Doremi in a straightforward and honest manner!”

As Kotake said that, he pulled me close and hugged me tightly.

It was a powerful embrace. I was happy, but it was also painful.

“I-I can’t breathe… Kotake…”

Kotake was taken aback and said,

“S-Sorry…”

He let go of my body. His face was bright red.

“The ace striker shouldn’t blush over something like this.”

“S-Shut up! It’s because you were crying!”

“There you go blaming others again. Even though you were the one who wanted to hug a pretty girl.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Kotake lightly poked my forehead.

Suddenly, we both burst out laughing.

After that, I gave him the photo Kaori-chan had taken and left Kotake’s house.

When I returned to MAHO-do, Hazuki-chan and Onpu-chan were there too.

“Doremi-chan, how was it for Kotake-kun?”

Hazuki-chan asked with a worried expression after apparently hearing about the situation from Hana-chan and Ai-chan.

“He’s coming to school starting tomorrow.”

“That’s good news.”

Momo-chan also came out of the kitchen.

Then I told them the story of how Kotake was scouted by the team Kimura-kun belongs to. Of course, I kept the fact that Kotake hugged me a secret.

“So, what happened then?”

Hana-chan asked.

“Hana-chan, can’t you tell just by looking at Doremi-chan’s face?” Ai-chan asked.

“Ah, she’s been smiling since earlier… so Kotake turned down the offer,” Hana-chan said.

“Of course! After all, I’m the manager, there’s no way he’ll quit.”

I said, feeling a little bit proud of myself.

“You’re going to aim for the National Stadium together. That’s great news!”

Hazuki-chan said happily, as if it were her own success.

“That should make Doremi smile too.”

Hana-chan said with a smile.

“Is that all?”

Onpu-chan, who had been listening quietly, suddenly put on a mischievous smile.

“Huh? Was there anything else good?” Ai-chan asked.

“N-Nothing!”

Despite my denial, Onpu-chan continued to dig deeper.

“It’s written all over your face. Your first kiss.”

I panicked and rubbed my face with both hands and said,

“He wouldn’t do such a thing! Kotake just hugged me… Oh no!”

I was caught. I had completely fallen for Onpu-chan’s leading question~~!

“For someone as clumsy as Kotake-kun, that’s pretty good.”

“Yes, yes.”

Everyone except Hana-chan nodded and grinned as they listened to Onpu-chan’s words, and looked at me.

“It was only for a moment!”

I wondered how my face looked like now. Probably as red as a boiled octopus.

“Hmmm~~.”

Furthermore, everyone leaned forward.

Hazuki-chan, for instance, pushed her glasses forward and stared intently. Her eyes looked bigger and it was a bit creepy…

“Hey, hey, when a boy hugs you, do you turn as red as a boiled octopus?”

Hana-chan asked with great interest.

“Hana-chan you don’t need to know! Geez! It’s because Onpu-chan asked such a thing!”

As I ran away from Hana-chan, everyone laughed.

The next day, Kotake came to school.

He interacted with his classmates as if nothing had happened.

In the afternoon, he also came to the club activities. Captain Kurita and other third-year members, who had been focusing on studying for their exams since the last game, came to see him upon hearing that Kotake had returned. They were still concerned about Kotake, after all.

In front of all the members, Kotake emphatically declared that they would beat Momoe Academy next year, make it to the main round of the National High School Soccer Championship, and stand on the field of the National Stadium.

Captain Kurita patted Kotake lightly on the shoulder, appointed him as the next captain, and handed over the No. 10 uniform he had been wearing to Kotake.

Everyone applauded and congratulated the new captain.

Chinami-chan also grabbed my hand tightly and smiled happily.

Although the road ahead might be long and difficult, I imagined Kotake wearing his No. 10 uniform and scoring an impressive goal at the National Stadium, for everyone and for me.

Good luck, Kotake! For everyone’s sake, and for mine!