chatoyant (1)

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" -chan, pass!"

A pair of little legs ran as fast as it could towards the makeshift goal made from pipes and nets - ready to shoot.

"Here! Shoot, -chan!"

Another pair of equally small legs stopped dribbling and kicked a pass towards the other - it didn't land perfectly in place, but the other immediately slid to the right to catch it, and shot confidently towards the goal.

"GOAAAL!"

The two children high-fived each other and rushed towards their parents who were watching from the side of the backyard, with eyes filled with anticipation.

"That's my children!"

Their father, a cheerful middle aged man, gave them a big hug.

" and might become the next Noel Noah at this rate!" He added, shuffling the two's head.

"Ehehe!"

"Fufu," Their mother chuckled at the trio's back-and-forth, "You're all amazing, now who's up for some snacks?"

The two little children immediately struggled out of their father's hold and dashed towards their mother.

"ME! ME!"

"...Honey, that's unfair..."

He looked yearningly at his children who were happily flocking to his wife.

"All is fair in love and war, darling!"

The two of them laughed together as they watched their small children enjoy the home-made chocolate pudding she made with love and care.

***

Years passed since then, and I, , is now 16 years old.

Nothing much really changed since then. Mom and Dad is still healthy and very lovey-dovey, my twin, , is also alive and enjoying his high school life. In fact, he's a bit too healthy that heー

" ~! Wake up~!"

"I'm awaaaakeeee..."

I felt my body shaking as a hand mercilessly grabbed my shoulders and moved me around - with no regards for my wellbeing, I tell you! - from outside my comfortable blanket. Can I not ever get a peaceful awakening in this house? 's way of waking me up is always so violent!

" ~!"

"I saaaiiid, I'm awaaaake, ..."

"Well I don't see your eyes opening or your back off the bed orー"

"Yeah, yeah, okay, give me a second..."

I groggily opened my eyes and slowly sat up. The first thing that greeted me was 's mischievous smile, and a gentle brush on my head.

"Good morning, ."

I closed my eyes, enjoying 's gentle pats.

"...Morning, ."

"Breakfast's ready, let's go down?"

"...Mm."

reached for my hand and I stood up as we walk down to the first floor together, hand-in-hand. It's a habit we had since childhood and couldn't seem to ever outgrow, even after we have separate rooms - but I don't really mind the warmth, and seems to not mind either.

***

"Isagi-kun, morning~"

As I sit down on my chair, I greet my desk neighbor, Isagi Yoichi. He's a nice guy, fun to talk with, and a really, really good player from our school's soccer team - not to mention our favorite player is the same! He's a huge fan of Noel Noah too! - so I talk to him often in class.

" -san! Morning!"

He beams, with his usual sunshine-like smile.

Ah, how bright... it's still so early in the morning and I'm already healed. Thank you God, thank you world, thank you Isagi Mama and Isagi Papa for Isagi Yoichi's existence...

" -san...?"

Isagi's worried expression and voice snaps me back to reality. Shoot, I was in the middle of Isagi Thanksgiving Festival...!

"Oh!" I reply, "Sorry, was daydreaming."

"Ahaha, you do that often, don't you?"

Uuuu... what a cute smile...

I clear my throat, "Anyway, tomorrow is prefectural finals, right?"

Isagi nods enthusiastically, "Yeah!" He says, "If we win, we'll get a ticket to the nationals."

"Ichinan is strong, so I'm sure you'll do well," I reply. And in reality, our school's soccer club is strong - their brand of soccer is exactly what Japan's ideal soccer is like, and it works well. Come to think of it, though, said he didn't want to join the club exactly because of that - he probably finds that motto of One for All boring. He was always like that since our soccer school days... though, it's not that I don't understand how he feels. When we play together, it feels like there's only , me, and nine other side characters, after all.

It's a shame Ichinan doesn't have a female team, though... Now, I do feel content with only playing with on our free time, but I did think of moving schools before.

"Hey, Isagi-kun?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I watch, tomorrow?"

Isagi looks at me in surprise, "You want to?"

"Of course!" I say, "I'm gonna sear our Ace-sama Isagi-sama's plays in my eyes, brain, and heart!"

Isagi laughs sheepishly, "Geez... sure you can," he says, "Cheer for me, okay?"

I grin in return, "Anything for you and only you, Isagi-sama."

Before we could continue with our conversation, the classroom door slides open as our homeroom teacher walks in. I smile at Isagi one last time before moving my gaze and attention forward.

***

The day of the prefecturals final match. Adoring the scoreboard are two schools, Ichinan and Matsukaze Kokuou, a match between two powerhouses.

From the tribune, I focus my sight on Isagi. Last play, score is 0-0. It is, quite literally, the last chance of winning.

I hold my breath as I see Isagi dribbling the ball forward towards the goal. I knew he's a really good player, but this time, he really gave it his all. Running past the defenders, now he has two choices: to shoot, or to pass.

Isagi passes.

They fail to score.

A counter attack, high-pitched screams and a goal, and then the whistle ruthlessly resounds, all in the span of a minute.

1-0. Ichinan lost.

***

If it were me, I would've taken the shot myself on that last play.

I couldn't help but to think - and then feel bad. I know Isagi himself must be feeling most regretful about that.

And now I'm on my way home, with Isagi walking his bicycle... three meters in front of me.

Look, I don't know how to approach him, okay!? Like, I waited until he came out, but the aura around him is (understandably) dark and I couldn't find the words to throw at him, so I ended up following him from afar... I am most definitely not stalking!

Oh, he stopped.

...He must be crying.

"FUUUUUUUUCK!!!"

I jump a little in surprise.

Isagi's scream makes everyone in the area turns towards him, but he doesn't seem to realise that.

I wonder if there's even anything I can say to him. A loss is a loss, and nothing anyone says can make you feel better about a loss.

After a while, Isagi starts moving again.

I steel myself and ran towards him. I might not have any words, but at least I can offer my company.

I reach for Isagi's shoulder and touch it softly.

Startled, he turns his head to look at me.

" -san..."

I say nothing, as I reach my arm out to pat his head.

Isagi's eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn't seem to mind. I give him a small smile, and he averts his gaze.

After a while, he turns his head to look at me, and whispers a low "thank you." Following that, we continue our walk home - he did end up walking me to the station, though. What a gentleman, Isagi Yoichi! How are you not popular in school!?

***

"Player Improvement Project?"

and I say in unison. A moment ago, Mom brought us a letter addressed to , and now we are reading it together in 's room. Both of us sit on 's bed, heads touching, eyes on the same piece of paper.

"It's a training camp for chosen high school soccer players, seems like," says.

"And you got chosen!?" I yell, "You don't even play in high school!"

shrugs, "Dunno."

I look at him, "Are you going?"

I ask, but I already knew the answer. didn't even spend a moment pondering.

"No."

"...Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'm not that into soccer anymore," says, "I just want to enjoy my high school life."

I know.

I know so well that isn't interested in soccer anymore. I did say he wasn't interested in Ichinan's brand of soccer, but it's also true that unlike me, who's always fixated in one particular thing, is the type to explore and try new things. still plays with me from time to time, but that's only for me.

He's good at anything he does, and he always enjoys what he does, so I can't really fault him, nor do I want to. It's simply that his interests lies somewhere else.

I look at the letter in my hand.

I...

I'm so jealous.

I want to go. I want to play soccer. I want to kick the ball in a match. I want to score goals.

" , you want to go, right?"

's soft voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I avert my gaze - I know my expression right now looks pathetic. I can barely contain my tears. Aah, why am I always such a crybaby in front of ?

"..."

pulls me into a hug, so I, too, reach out my arms to hug him back. Ever since we were children, 's warmth never fails to comfort me. I'm always spoiled by the way he always knows what's on my mind and if I needed someone to cheer me up. I hope, for him, I'm at least half as good a twin as he is for me.

After a while, we separate.

I take a long look at 's troubled face. His eyes, his hair color, his facial features, all of it - they're just like mine. We really do look similar... if I cut my hair and none of us speak a word, I think even our acquaintances will have a hard time differentiating us. Twins are amazing.

...Wait.

Wait...

We look similar...?

"That's it!"

jolts in surprise, "What!?"

" , I got an idea!"

I say, my eyes sparkling. No way, I'm such a genius!

's expression twists into that of horror, "You're thinking of something stupid, aren't you?"

"Definitely not!"

***

" wants to join instead of !?"

Mom and Dad yelled in surprise. I mean, of course - what I proposed was that I join the camp as Ayu, crossdressing and all.

"But... won't that be dangerous?" Mom asks, "You'll have to fight against boys!"

"Yeah, and all men are wolves!" Dad chimes in.

"I wont lose to boys," I say confidently, "Dad, you know me."

Mom doesn't look convinced. Dad, on the other hand, knew well of my soccer skills as he's an avid soccer fan, so he seems to be taking his time to ponder.

"But..." Mom looks at Dad.

"Mom, Dad, please," I plead, "I want to go. I have to go."

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Dad sighs.

"...Fine. You can go."

"Really!?" Both and I shout in unison - although 's expression and voice seems dissatisfied instead of surprised.

Mom, too, looks at Dad in surprise.

"Coincidentally, I was about to tell you we're moving away too, after all," Dad says, and now it's me and 's turn to look at him in surprise - again.

"Dad got relocated to Tokyo," He says, "It'll be easier for you to be absent if nobody knows you in school too, right?"

"Dad...!"

I reach out my arms to hug him.

"BUT!"

I stop midway.

"Promise Mom, Dad, and you'll immediately go home if it's too rough, alright, ? And make sure to always, always keep in touch."

I look at the three of them one by one. Mom looks worried, looks unconvinced, and Dad seems to be conflicted still, but I have to push forward. This is a once in a lifetime chance, after all.

"I promise."

I nod firmly.

***

"So this is the Japanese Football Association building..."

I wonder what they'd make us do here... I talked so big when I was trying to convince Dad, Mom, and , but now that I'm here, I feel kind of small. Can I really hide my being a girl the entire camp...? I mean, I'm not bragging, but my chest is on the small side so I don't have to put so much effort in binding it. I also cut my hair prior to coming here so it's short like 's. And as for my voice, I don't think it's that feminine that I have to try hard to sound lower. But still...

I shake my head.

I'm the one who decided to go, so I have to take responsibility and do the best I can.

I slap both of my cheeks to cheer myself up. You can do it, !

...But, oww, that hurt more than I thought it'd be...

"Woah! That's a big slap there."

I turn around in surprise.

A boy with long, red hair grinned at me. So... so pretty! His hair is so silky - and look at that sparkling, big eyes! Long eyelashes! I think he's way cuter than most of my female classmates. Of course, I think he looks cuter than me, too.

"Thanks, but I'm not sure if I should feel flattered or what, being called cute and all," the boy says.

"...!?" I look at him in horror, "Mind reader!?"

"Ahaha! What's with that?" He laughs, "You were kinda loud."

"..." Blushing, I apologize to him.

"No, it's fine. I get that a lot. By the way, I'm Chigiri Hyouma, what's your name?"

The boy - Chigiri - holds out his hand. Without thinking, I take it for a short handshake.

"I'm ... ," I say, "Nice to meet you, Chigiri-kun."

"...!"

"...?"

As Chigiri's eyes widen in surprise, cold sweat runs down my back. What? Did I make a mistake? Is this the end? I haven't even stepped into the building yet!

"Oh, no, I just thought your hand's really small," He says, eyes on my hand.

"...! I see..." I reply, breathing a sigh of relief inwardly, "Uh, yeah... I get that a lot. It's, um, one of my complexes, you know."

"Sorry about that," Chigiri immediately says, with an apologetic face.

I smile, "It's okay! Anyway, let's go in?"

"Sure."

***

A sea of people greets our sight as we walk in. It's all boys, of course, but there must be at least a hundred people here.

"That's a lot of people..."

I say in a low volume. Chigiri nods in agreement.

"And they're all high school star players, too," he adds, "They look familiar."

We find an empty space and stop there as we wait for the event... or whatever it is, to start.

I look around. So many huge men... and some of them look really, really scary too... I mean, look at that one with the spiky black hair...! His eyes are so scaryー oh my god, did he realize I was looking at him!? Oh no, he's glaring at me now!

I immediately avert my gaze. He's not coming here, is he!? God please saveーー

"Oi, look, it's Kira Ryousuke!"

"Seriously!?"

Whispers... very loud whispers, actually, cuts my thought short. Kira Ryousuke... he's the one who defeated Ichinan in the prefecturals, right?

I follow everyone's gazes... only to turn pale as I see a very, very familiar figure following behind him. I-Isagi!?

My soul left my body right there and then. Oh God, oh Buddha, there's no way I can fake being my twin to a classmate who knows both of us and sits next to me!

Wait, but... there's hundreds of people here (it seems like), so if I try hard enough, I might be able to not interact with him at all. Plus, everyone here is so big, I can probably use them as a hiding spot.

I subtly move away from Isagi's direction, and hide behind Chigiri.

"What's up, ?"

"N-nothing!" I squeak, "I, uhーー"

However, before I manage to finish my sentence, the lamps turn on, as a man appears on the stage.

"Congratulations, unpolished gems,"

His voice rings clearly through the entire hall.

"All you under 18 strikers have been chosen solely based on my criteria and biases to be here today," he says, "All 300 of you."

Without a pause, he continues: "I am Jinpachi Ego - my job is to make Japan a team capable of winning the World Cup."

***

Ego Jinpachi, the very suspicious looking, black haired man with crazy eyebags and glasses, starts explaining the facility, Blue Lock. Everything he says sounds like the fantasies I daydream frequently (like, an entire facility for soccer training!? I want one!), but the way he speaks doesn't strike me as someone who's joking.

The system sounds really wild... an experiment to produce world's No. 1 Striker... he must be crazy.

But, for some reason, my heart only beats faster and faster. My mind feels like it's going on an overdrive. This brand of soccer, I've never heard of before. It's so outlandish, yet so appealing.

"ーーI can't agree with that you said just now."

I hear someone say. It seems like things are progressing as I was lost in my own thoughts...

I look for the source of the complaint. Ah, it's Kira Ryousuke!

"What do you think, Chigiri-kun?" I whisper to Chigiri.

"He's insane," Chigiri replies, "But... that's just perfect."

I look up towards Chigiri in surprise. Chigiri's voice sounds so melancholic, so hopeless - a tone so heavy it makes me feel as if I'm consumed by the darkness he is in, too. Taking a good look at his expression, my breath hitched on my throat. His expression didn't betray his voice: his eyes dark, his lips tightened.

I wonder what's going on with Chigiri... but it's not like I know him that well to pry into his business.

"...I see," I say, as I stop talking.

Suddenly, the door behind Ego opens.

"ーーIf you desire that rebellious 'egoism,' then step through the gate," Ego says, "Throw away your common sense. When you're on the field, you are the star."

His voice rings clear, challenging everyone in the room.

I could feel my heart beating faster and faster again.

Throw away my common sense... I'm the star...

"Your greatest joy is scoring points, and nothing else - you live for the excitement of that very moment," he says, "Now that's... a 'striker,' don't you think?"

Isagi runs towards the door, faster than anyone could react.

I couldn't help but to smile, "I knew it, Isagi is a true blue forward," I whisper.

Following the stampede of the other participants, Chigiri moves forward, "Alright then, , I'm going first."

"Chigiri-kun... Yeah, see you there."

"See ya."

***

Um... what am I looking at?

I was about to move towards the door when the last two people on the room starts to... what, can you even call this an argument? The white haired big guy seems like he wants to go home, but the purple haired one isn't letting him go.

I quietly listen to their conversation - I mean, it feels like I'm not reading the room if I suddenly cuts through them, after all... Oh, but now that I take a good look at the white hair, he looks really young! What do you call that, baby face? He's like, so tall but have biiig eyes, so cute...! And the purple hair looks so handsome, too. I bet he's popular in school. I wonder if we have someone as handsome as him in school? Also, this has nothing to do with anything, but their school uniform looks so cool... I wish our school's uniform isーー

"...Until how long are you going to stay here?"

Ego asks. It seems that while I was daydreaming, their conversation ended with the two guys participating.

"...Huh!? Oh! S-sorry, Ego-san!" I say, as I scrambled forward, "I-I'm going!"

After I walked past him, he says, "Wait," as he stops me by the collar.

"Uegh!"

I stop in my tracks. Ego forcefully turns me around, and then he looks at my face, seemingly scrutinizing it.

"Uh... umm...?"

"You..."

"Yes...?"

Ego then corrects the position of his glasses as he lets me go. What...? Don't tell me, he realized I'm not ...? Cold sweat runs through my back once again. I don't want to go home!

"...Nevermind."

"Huh?"

I blinked once. Twice.

"Go now or lock off," he says.

"Y-yes sir!!" I shout in reply, as I run towards the door.

***

The entire time, Teieri was eyeing a certain person she personally handpicked for Blue Lock, with Ego's agreement. - a boy whom she coincidentally saw playing with his twin sister on an empty field by the river.

This was information she'd only gained after going home from watching them play, but the person it seems that although didn't play at all in high school, up until middle school, he was the star player of his school - the same applies to his twin sister, . Both of them were forwards, with the same amount of talent and skill, plus similar play styles - perhaps because they always train together.

Back then, Teieri immediately turned on her video camera to record 's movements. However, as she did so, she couldn't help but to notice the person whom he was playing with: someone with the exact same face and similar height as him. Twin sister? Teieri mused.

But what she saw blew her away. Their level of 1-on-1 is so high - Teieri could immediately see that both of them were insanely talented at soccer, high level players Teieri barely see in high school soccer.

"If only the twin was a boy, too," Teieri thought, "We could've invited the both of them."

Teieri recalled fondly - and exactly because she watched the twins properly that day, that a certain question... doubt - uncertainty, one could say, appeared in her mind.

Moments after all 300 players walked through the door, Teieri Anri raised her voice to speak to Ego Jinpachi, who was still sitting on the stage.

"Ego-san, that was..." She started, "If I'm not wrong, that's..."

"It's as you think, Anri-chan," Ego replied. He looked unusually conflicted, "Bring her to the monitor room after the game of tag... if she survived, that is."

Teieri looked at Ego in suprise, but nodded nonetheless.

"Understood, Ego-san."

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